Jack T. Lamplighter

[From a forum post by Starr “Darkstarr” Long]

Avatars,

Please read this entire message, as well as the linked instructions and known issues.

Thank you for being a loyal backer and follower of Shroud of the Avatar. Release 40 access for all Early Access backers begins this Thursday, March 30, at 10:30 AM US Central Standard Time (15:30 UTC).

Release 40 is full of so many important changes that it is hard to know where to begin! The Obsidian Cabalists are now spreading their vileness throughout New Britannia, weapons can now be placed as decorations, we have shifted more of our focus to improving the new user experience (NUE), there are tons of new patterns (both in-game and out), and we finally upgraded to Unity 5.5 (which should address some major AMD issues).

New User Experience (NUE): We are now shifting a large amount of our effort towards improving the New User Experience. For several years, our backers have been providing us with feedback about the NUE. For example, our backers have pointed out that having to open the journal to view their active tasks/quests feels cumbersome, and that we overload the player with too many options at the beginning of the game (too many skills, too many different hotbars, etc.). This feedback has been affirmed by metrics gathered during our recent Free Trial. In R40, we have implemented improvements for both these issues as well as other improvements to the NUE. There is now an on-screen task list, we start players with fewer skills, we now delay introducing the player to some more advanced features until later in the game, and we have begun integrating SotA Map into the game client to aid with navigation.

Unity 5.5: We have finally upgraded to the latest version of Unity. This should result in better overall performance and numerous fixes to longstanding issues including the longstanding AMD incompatibility!

Obsidian Cabalists: These vile beings who follow the Anti-Virtues will now be laying siege to towns throughout Novia, including Player Owned Towns that harbor devotionals to the Virtues! Each Cabalist dons a unique hood artifact bearing the symbol of their anti-virtue, and also wields a unique weapon artifact. These artifacts, along with Cabalist Robes and Cabalist Plate Boots, can be looted from Cabalists if you manage to defeat them. Players can then choose to either wield the Vile artifacts or salvage them for patterns that can be applied to other equipment.

Weapon Decorations and New Patterns: In Release 39, we started making equippable items placeable as decorations, using musical instruments as our first test. In R40, we have expanded upon this, and now almost all weapons are placeable in your home as decorations! Additionally, we have added quite a lot of new patterns to the game, including patterns for looted gear such as the Obsidian Cabalist artifacts (Hoods, Weapons, Boots, and Robes), Khopesh, Norgard Axe, and Imperial Heater Shield. We also added patterns to almost all of the Pledge items (Founder armor, Founder weapons, etc.), and we also added a lot of new items to the Add-On Store.

Yet again, I want to express a huge amount of gratitude to our Dev+ backers who tested all of the items below on the QA server and uncovered lots of bugs. They also provided editorial feedback on this post. They are a big reason that this post actually matches what is in the game, and that it is easy to read.

While we are getting closer to launch, we are still in a constant state of change. We do not yet have all of the in-game systems needed to inform players about these changes, and to help them to explore new content and systems. This means we rely mostly on this message, and the linked instructions and known issues to convey the current game state. We regularly have to answer questions or filter bug reports because some players elect not to read this valuable information.

By taking a few moments to read through this information, a great deal of our time and efforts can be redirected to focus on new “unanswered” questions, and addressing critical issues impacting each release. We greatly appreciate you taking the time to review this post, and for all the truly valuable feedback you continue to provide.

Also, remember that while we are providing new content with each release, our community is working overtime to make new events for you to enjoy. Be sure to check out a couple of the event calendars run by our community members (via in-game book or the player-run websites: Avatars Circle and Events of the Avatars). You can also get the latest official events on the Main Website.

Without further ado, here is a list of what you can expect to see in Release 40.

Key:

• Plain Text: The original plan for the Release deliverables. We intentionally preserve the original text so that our backers can compare plan versus actuals.
• Italics: Extra notes and new deliverables.
• Strikethrough: These are items that did not make the release (but are still planned).

RELEASE 40, March 30, 2017

• Story: We will be doing some final polish passes on the Path of Courage and beginning to polish the Path of Truth. Additionally, a vast dungeon will be opening underneath Blood Bay. We will also be un-cloning the Kas Ruins, Elysium Mines, and a few adventure scenes. We will also be refactoring the tutorial system to improve the new user experience.
  • Path of Love: SPOILER: There are now visual effects showing the crystal cage shattering when you free Sequanna in Malice. In addition, the quest itself has been edited for clarity and hints added through the new Current Tasks UI on how to progress through this section.
  • Estgard and Harvest: All NPCs living in Estgard and Harvest not directly related to the story and/or quests (guards, merchants, children) now have unique names and conversations. Note that they don’t yet have schedules or patrols. Some of these were created by players as part of their “Create an NPC” pledge reward.
  • New User Experience (NUE): We have begun refactoring and polishing the New User experience to make starting the game much less overwhelming and easier to understand. This includes multiple new features like an onscreen task list, fewer starting skills, blocking many features until later, auto defend, integration of SotA Navigator, and more. See the User Interface section below for more details.
  • Rhun Ruins: The Rhun Ruins are one of the six ruined cities found in Novia that date back to the period in Novian history in which the Obsidian Order rose to power. (As described in the Sword of Midras prequel novel by Tracy Hickman and Richard Garriott). The exact history of some of these cities has been lost to time, but it is rumored that some of them may have been abandoned even before the rise of the Obsidians. Rhun was a city devoted to Compassion but has since been overrun with the undead. It is located in the Drachvald region in the northeast of Novia. Rhun started as a clone of the Dysborg Ruins, but was completely rebuilt this release to have a unique layout and visuals. Since this is an Open PvP scene (as are all the Ruins) we expressly focused on being sure the map has interesting setups for PvP conflict, with plenty of space for hiding, escaping, ambushing, and skirmishing.
  • Serpent’s Spine Mines: The Serpent’s Spine Mines are located in the northern end of the Serpent’s Spine mountain range in the North Paladis region of Novia. Kobolds have ranged farther east than normal to exploit the rich ore veins and crystal deposits in this vast mine. This is one of our most vertically oriented mines to date with a large central chamber featuring deep vertical shafts, elevators, and mine carts. This scene started as a clone of Graff Gem Mines but was completely rebuilt in Release 40. We also relocated these slightly to the south so they are actually in the Serpent’s Spine Mountains!
  • Devotional Shrines: There are now devotional shrines to the three principles and 8 virtues in cities and villages across Novia. There are also NPCs who attend to these shrines. These shrines also now properly attract the attention of the Cabalist Town Sieges.
    • The Book of Truth: Aerie
    • The Candle of Love: Ardoris
    • The Bell of Courage: Resolute
    • The Hand of Honesty: Etceter
    • The Heart of Compassion: Brookside
    • The Sword of Valor: Point West
    • The Scale of Justice: Kiln
    • The Tear of Sacrifice: Northwood
    • The Chalice of Honor: Jaanaford
    • The Ankh of Spirituality: Fortus End
    • The Crook of Humility: Eastmarch
  • Skrekk: The capital of the Kobold empire is now populated with City Kobolds, and King Korabar now has his own unique art and animations!
  • Town Sieges: There is now much better messaging about stage completion (e.g. flags next to each catapult disappearing when the catapult has no engineers) and lifting the siege (namely, a UI messaging stating the current state of the siege). Additionally, placed Devotionals in NPC towns and Player Owned Towns now attract Sieges…so watch out!
  • Xenos: We have a new feature that allows interactive teleporters to offer a list of multiple destinations within the same scene and teleport the player to any of them without forcing a scene load. Our first use of this feature is an improved ferry boat network for Xenos.
  • Ardoris: Like Xenos mentioned above, the gondola boat network in Ardoris has received an overhaul, utilizing dropdown list teleporters to connect multiple locations within the scene.
  • Greater Brittany Boat Interconnections: Much like the wagons (and balloon in some cases) that we added in R39, the Brittany neighborhood scenes now have a dropdown list teleporter boat at the docks of each scene. These boats provide access to the docks of every other Brittany neighborhood scene as well as Novia, and can be identified by their orange sails.
  • The Rise: We fixed an exploit with Golems and Mages in this dungeon.
  • Sky: We did some reordering of the celestial objects in the sky to match the final names of the anti-virtues.
  • Scene Fixes: We went through tons of scenes in the game fixing major and minor bugs including stuck spots, floating assets, missing assets, bad NPC patrols, inaccessible ore nodes, missing collision, missing/misplaced Resurrection Ankhs, falling through the world, etc.
    • Aerie
    • Approach to the Shuttered Eye
    • Ardoris
    • Ardoris Sewers
    • Battle of Highvale
    • Battle of Solace Bridge
    • Blood Bay
    • Blood River Massacre
    • Braemar
    • Brittany Fields
    • Brookside: fixed various lots that had no road access
    • Central Brittany
    • Crypt of the Avatar
    • Deep Ravenswood
    • Desolis
    • East Perennial Trail
    • East Veiled Swamp
    • Eastmarch
    • Eastreach Gap
    • Elysium Mines
    • Etceter
    • Etceter Crag Mines
    • Forest Siege
    • Graff Island
    • Grannus Colossus
    • Hidden Vale Overworld
    • Hilt Fortress
    • Isle of Storms
    • Jaanaford
    • Kingsport
    • K’rawl
    • K’rull
    • Malice
    • Nightshade Pass
    • North Drachvald Spur
    • North Grunvald Barrens
    • North Brightbone Woods
    • North Naryad Pinelands
    • Owl’s Head
    • Resolute Sewers
    • Serpent’s Spine Foothills
    • Skrekk
    • Soltown Catacombs
    • South Shattered Hills
    • Southeast Blackblade Mountains
    • Southmarsh
    • Spectral Mines
    • Spectral Mountains
    • Upper Fortus
    • Valhold
    • Vauban Pass
    • Verdantis Mines
    • Vertas
    • West Perennial Trail
    • West Ravenswood
    • Xenos
  • Kas Ruins Delayed: While we finished the world building work of uncloning Kas Ruins we spent our creature and trap spawning schedule on Rhun Ruins (see above).
  • Elysium Mines Delayed: We chose to start with Serpent’s Spine Mines instead of Elysium Mines for our “unclone the mines” series (see above). Verdantis Mines will be next, with Elysium Mines to follow.
  • The Fall Delayed: We mentioned above that a “vast dungeon will be opening underneath Blood Bay”—that dungeon is The Fall. We finished all the world building for this dungeon but, since we already had Rhun Ruins going live in R40, we felt we did not need to push two Open PvP scenes live, so we are holding this one until R41.
  • Paths of Truth and Courage Delayed: While we made lots of progress internally on these paths, including lots of work on the dungeon of Artifice, none of that work is ready yet to publish.
• Character: We will begin creating Viking-inspired clothing for the NPCs in the Norgard and Verdantis areas of Novia to better define that region, including outfits for Royalty, Guards, Citizens, and Merchants. We will also be polishing the Troll visuals and creating more visual variations for our children NPCs.
  • Obsidian Cabalists: Representing the 8 anti-virtues, these horrible entities lay siege to the towns of Novia according to a celestial cycle. Below is the list of the Cabalists and their powers. Note that not all of these powers are finalized nor will all of them be working in R40.
    • Dolus: The Cabalist of Deceit who causes confusion in the ranks.
    • Temna: The Cabalist of Despite who turns allies against each other.
    • Nefario: The Cabalist of Dastard (Cowardice) who strikes terror into those who dare oppose him.
    • Nefas: The Cabalist of Injustice who causes enemies to beg for mercy.
    • Avara: The Cabalist of Punishment who inflicts huge amounts of damage that lingers for long amounts of time.
    • Indigno: The Cabalist of Dishonor who generates large clouds of poisonous gas.
    • Corpus: The Cabalist of Carnality who forces opponents to disrobe, therefore losing all their defensive protection.
    • Fastus: The Cabalist of Vanity who mesmerizes opponents.
  • Obsidian Cabalist Vile Weapons: Each Cabalist wields a unique artifact weapon made from Obsidian and bearing their anti-virtue symbol. We made sure that each weapon type (including shield) was represented so that players would have a chance to get a weapon of the type they favored.
    • Deceitful Vile Wand: Dolus’s wand, comprised of black branching twigs.
    • Despicable Vile Crossbow: Temna’s large repeating crossbow.  
    • Dastardly Vile Sword: Nefario’s long, thin 2-handed blade.
    • Oppressive Vile Hammer: Nefas’s oversized 2-handed Judge’s gavel is a mockery of Justice
    • Punishing Vile Flail: Avara’s wicked flail is made up of multiple blades all housed in a 1-handed sword.
    • Indignant Vile Halberd: Indigno’s horrific 2-handed polearm is covered in barbs.
    • Carnal Vile Shield: Corpus’s shield sport’s the anti-virtue symbol of Carnality
    • Gaudy Vile Spear: Fastus’s 1-handed spear has a metal mirror on it to distract opponents.
  • Obsidian Cabalist Wearables: If you are able to defeat the Cabalists you have a  chance to loot some of their wearable gear.
    
    • 8 Cabalist Hoods: Each Cabalist has a unique hood that is also a mask and helmet that completely covers their face and displays their anti-virtue symbol.
    • Cabalist Cloth Robes and Cabalist Plate Boots: The Cabalists also wear Cloth Robes and Plate Boots.
• • Elemental and Golem Ambush Animations: Elementals and Golems now lie in a dormant state that looks like part of the environment (pile of rocks, a bit of flame, etc.) until victims come near and then spring up to ambush unwary travelers.
  • Wood Duck: There is now a cute little Wood Duck pet in the Add-On Store. Starting in Release 41, there will also be wild Mallard ducks and a Domestic White Duck available through a quest.
  • New Longbow: We replaced the basic Longbow (the craftable one) with a new, better piece of art.
  • Hair Fixes: We made some fixes to hair so it now works in shadow (previously it would glow in shadow). We also fixed facial hair so it is not so “sparkly.”
  • Full Body Wearables: Items that cover the entire body (like the Elven Elder Mage Robes, Wedding Dress, Priestess Robes, etc.) previously took up two wearable slots (chest and legs). These now allow equipping leg items underneath the skirt section (which hides the leg item) so you do not have to forgo the protection of chest and leg armor when wearing these items.
  • New Guards: We felt that the old guard artwork was just not good enough, so we have replaced it with new art. Guards around Novia are now wearing new armor in a few variations which we will expand over the next couple of releases.
  • Wealthy Merchants, Take 2: When we first implemented the new wealthy merchant there were no variations and the existing version had a backpack built in. This did not make sense visually in many places and was too repetitive. We have now created more variations of the NPC, including several without backpacks, and have repopulated the world with these new variations.
  • NPC Ladder Interaction: A lot of work was done to ensure that all teleporters (ladders in particular) are usable by NPCs. Pets should now be capable of following players as they use ladders or teleporters of any type within player houses, NPC houses, and throughout the world.
  • Ballet Outfit and emotes: Dance your heart out in this lovely ballet outfit that includes a tutu, pointe shoes, and leotard. Of course, you will need the new ballet emotes: /jete, /releve, /jambe, and /pirouette. These are all available in the Add-On Store.
  • Floppy Hat: Players liked the hat on the scarecrow so we turned it into a wearable that can be crafted in game at the Tailoring station.
  • Dragon Flight Animations: We polished the flight animations of the dragon, especially takeoff and landing. We also fixed an issue where the wings were sorting into the ground.
  • Elven Mage Robe: Sleeves are now a separate equippable.
  • Epic Plate Armor: Increased resolution (was incorrectly set too low)
  • Cloaks: Went through most of the cloaks in the game to make sure the colors, materials, brightness, etc. match the original screenshots. Many of them had started to look dull and blurry due to shader changes and/or bad compression.
    • Combat Sigil
    • Crafting Sigil
    • Magic Sigil
    • Duke
    • Benefactor
    • Founder
    • Lord British
    • Darkstarr
    • Oracle
    • Obsidian
      
    • Blade of the Avatar
    • Ancestor
    • Baron
  • New Weapons:
    • Khopesh (a 1h sword modeled after an ancient egyptian weapon)
    • Norgard Axe
    • Kobold Electric Axe
    • Kobold Electric 2h Axe
    • Kobold 2h Steam Hammer
    • Ornate Norgard Axe (Viking Bundle Exclusive)
    • Ornate Chainsword (Add-On Store)
  • New Shields: The following shields can be purchased from merchants in game.
    • Imperial Heater Shield
    • Adorned Heater Shield
    • Norgard Heater Shield
    • Imperial Buckler Shield
    • Adorned Buckler Shield
    • Gilded Buckler Shield
  • Black Dyes: Fixed an issue that was making all black dyes appear grey.
  • Norgard Clothing Delayed: Work on the Vile Weapons and hair fixes delayed us starting this work.
  • Troll Polish and Children Variants Delayed: Work on the wealthy merchant variants, new guards, and Obsidian Cabalist wearables delayed this work.

• Crafting: Fishing will be polished and expanded and Alcohol recipes will be added to the game.
  • Rose Bushes: Rose bushes have been added to Agriculture and for now can be used for making a bouquet and flower arrangement. Starting in R41, we will be changing the dye recipes to use roses as a main ingredient.
  • Bundle of 144 Arrows: These larger bundles have been added to Merchants.
  • Reshaping Icons: There are now unique icons for all the Reshaping recipes.
  • Sheet Music: Weight now set to 0.1 per sheet (was formerly 1.0 per sheet).
  • New In-Game Patterns: We added lots of new patterns to in-game gear. As a reminder you can get these patterns by salvaging the items. In parentheses next to each item indicates where you can find each item as either loot or in the inventory of NPC merchants. Reminder that only items purchased from the Add On Store or Obsidian Crown Merchants have Eternal Patterns. All other items generate consumable patterns. You can read more about how the Pattern and Reshaping system works here.Cabalist Cloth Robe (loot) (Cloth Armor)
    • Cabalist Plate Boots (loot) (Plate Armor)
    • 8 Cabalist Hoods (loot) (Any Helm)
    • 8 Cabalist Vile Weapons (loot) (various, see list above)
    • Khopesh (loot) (1h Sword)
    • Kobold Steam Hammer (loot) (2h Bludgeon)
    • Kobold 1h Electric Axe (loot) (1h Bludgeon)
    • Kobold 2h Electric Axe (loot) (2h Bludgeon)
    • Norgard Axe (loot) (1h Bludgeon)
    • Imperial Heater Shield (merchant)
    • Adorned Heater Shield (merchant)
    • Norgard Heater Shield (merchant)
    • Imperial Buckler Shield (merchant)
    • Adorned Buckler Shield (merchant)
    • Gilded Buckler Shield (merchant)
    • Round Wooden Shield (merchant)
  • New Recipes:
    • Rose Bouquet
    • Rose Arrangement in Vase
    • Kettle Drum
    • Large Harp
    • Post & Rope Water Fence
    • Rough Stone Roadway Pavers
    • Floppy Hat
    • Floor Oil Lamp with Frosted Glass Shade
    • Table Oil Lamp with Frosted Glass Shade
    • Carved Oak Cabinet
    • Carved Figures Oak Cabinet
    • Carved Oak Sidetable
    • Carved Oak Weapon Rack
  • New Add-On Store Patterns: The following items now have Eternal Patterns and in some cases we are also selling Pattern Packs for these as well. As a reminder, Eternal Patterns can be gained by salvaging these items but you sacrifice their durability and PvP protection.
    • Black & Chrome Ornate Aeronaut Outfit (Leather Armor w/Cloth Legs)
      
    • Ornate Black Leather Aeronaut Helmet (Leather Helm)
    • Brown Tricorn Hat (Leather Helm)
    • Brown Top Hat (Cloth Helm)
    • Brown Plague Doctor Mask (Leather Helm)
    • Brown Highwayman hat (Leather Helm)
    • Brown Bycocket Hat (Leather Helm)
    • Brown Bowler Hat (Cloth Helm)
    • Brown Plague Doctor Hat (Leather Helm)
    • Satin Bodice Bundle (Cloth Armor)
    • Ornate Short Kilt (Cloth Armor)
    • Ornate Long Kilt (Cloth Armor)
    • Fancy Riding Outfit (Leather Armor)
    • Flechier Tapestry Formal Suit (Cloth Armor w/Leather Armor Boots)
    • Wedding Dress (Cloth Armor)
    • Wedding Tuxedo (Cloth Armor)
    • Ornate Marching Band Shirt & Hat  (Cloth Armor & Cloth Helm)
    • Ornate Kimono (Cloth Armor)
    • Ornate Floral Kimono (Cloth Armor)
    • Ornate Chainsword Pattern Pack (1h Sword)
    • Ornate Norgard Axe (1h Bludgeon)
  • New Eternal Patterns for Expired Content (Pledges, Stretch Goals, and Add-Ons): We have now added Eternal Patterns to the following items that are either expired Add-On items, expired Stretch Goal items, or were parts of expired Pledges. As a reminder, Eternal Patterns can be gained by salvaging these items but you sacrifice their durability and PvP protection.
    • Brown Nomad Hat (Leather Helm)
    • Brown Chaperon Hat (Cloth Helm)
    • Sword of Ba-heer (1H Sword)
    • Founder Cutlass (1H Sword)
    • Royal Founder Cutlass (1H Sword)
    • Founder 2-handed Axe (2H Axe)
    • Royal Founder 2-handed Axe (2H Axe)
    • Vanduul Polearm (2H Polearm)
    • Ancient Elven Bow (Longbow)
    • Founder Bow (Longbow)
    • Royal Founder Bow (Longbow)
    • Royal Founder Shield (Shield)
    • Founder Shield (Shield)
    • Royal Founder Tunic (Cloth Armor)
    • Founder Tunic (Cloth Armor)
    • Benefactor Tunic (Cloth Armor)
    • Royal Founder Cloth Armor (Cloth Armor)
    • Royal Founder Leather Armor (Leather Armor)
    • Royal Founder Chain Armor (Chain Armor)
    • Royal Founder Plate Armor (Plate Armor)
    • Founder Cloth Armor (Cloth Armor)
    • Founder Leather Armor (Leather Armor)
    • Founder Chain Armor (Chain Armor)
    • Founder Plate Armor (Plate Armor)
    • Admirals Hat (Cloth Helm)
    • Admirals Outfit (gentlemen) (Cloth Armor)
    • Admirals Outfit (lady’s) (Cloth Armor)
    • Elven Warrior Armor (Chain Armor)
    • Elven Archer Armor (Leather Armor)
    • Elven Mage Robes (Cloth Armor)
    • Riding Outfit (Gentlemen’s) (Leather Armor)
    • Riding Outfit (Lady’s) (Leather Armor)
    • Steampunk Hat (Leather Helm)
    • Knight Marshal’s Winged Helm (Plate Helm)
    • Lord Marshal’s Coronated Helm (Plate Helm)
    • Founder Baron Crown (Any Helm)
    • Duke Crown (Any Helm)
    • Lord of the Manor Crown (Any Helm)
  • New Patterns for Grand Tour Hats: We have added Eternal Patterns to all the Grand Tour Hats.
    • R10: Virtue Cavalier’s Hat (Cloth Helm)
    • R11: Virtue Tricorn Hat with Carnival Mask (Leather Helm)
    • R12: Virtue Pilgrim Hat (Leather Helm)
    • R13: Virtue Yule Hat (Cloth Helm)
    • R14: Virtue Hennin Hat (Cloth Helm)
    • R15: Virtue Silver Jester Carnival Mask (Leather Helm)
    • R16: Virtue Dark Lepus Mask (Leather Helm)
    • R17: Virtue Fez Hat (Cloth Helm)
    • R18: Virtue Bycocket Hat (Leather Helm)
    • R19: Virtue Kobold Commander Mask (Leather Helm)
    • R20: Virtue Chaperon Hat (Cloth Helm)
    • R21: Virtue Highwayman Hat (Leather Helm)
    • R22: Virtue SteamPunk Goggles (Leather Helm)
    • R23: Virtue Plague Doctor Mask (Leather Helm)
    • R24: Virtue Pilgrim Bonnet (Cloth Helm)
    • R25: Virtue Nomad Hat (Leather Helm)
    • R26: Virtue Bowler Hat (Cloth Helm)
  • Crown Merchants: These merchants are now discoverable as Points of Interest, so therefore will now appear on the compass.
  • Chicken Corpses: Fixed issue that made them very hard to Field Dress.
  • Fishing Polish and Alcohol Brewing Delayed: Work on the New User Experience, Cabalist setup and Patterns delayed this work.
• Guild Alliances: Guilds will now be able to form alliances with each other.
  • Guild Alliances Delayed: Work on the New User Experience delayed this work.
• Offline Combat Balance and Economy: A pass will be made through the game to adjust combat balance for play in offline mode with companions. Additionally, the economy in offline mode will be tuned to be better balanced for single-player. For instance, NPC merchants will buy player-crafted items at a profit to the player. Also, pledge and Add-On Store items will be available from NPC merchants for purchase with in-game gold.
  • Offline Combat Balance & Economy Delayed: Work on the New User Experience delayed this work.

• User Interface: A polish pass will be made to the user interface to improve general usability and visuals.
  • Combat Bar: Players are now able to assign locked glyphs to empty slots on the combat hotbar. They were previously only able to replace existing locked glyphs.
  • NPC Chat Window: Other UI windows are hidden when the NPC chat window is shown, and then restored when the NPC chat window is hidden. We also improved the “More” command functionality and significantly improved the display and sorting of keywords, including dimming used keywords in the list.
  • New Upper-Right Icons: The icons in the upper right that open inventory, options, etc. have been updated to be much more graphical and iconic like our spell/skill icons to make them more readable.
  • NUE: Journal Task List: Quests that generate tasks now display those tasks on screen and will mark their completion as you accomplish those tasks. We now use these at the beginning of the game to help guide new players through the introduction/tutorial. Tasks can be removed manually from the Task List via right-click, as well as restored from right-clicking the task’s title in the Journal.
  • NUE: Fewer Starting Skills: We are reducing the skills players start with to a single (or at most two) active skills so that new players are not overwhelmed.
  • NUE: Gated Combat UI Features: We are going to start everyone with a locked combat bar that is always visible and that uses auto-attack. More advanced combat features will come online for the player via quests from combat trainers as players advance. NOTE: Existing characters are not affected by this change.
    • Free Attack: The option to use free attack (instead of auto-attack) will be the first combat feature players can learn from a combat trainer.
    • Utility Bar: The second combat UI feature players can learn will be the ability to add a non-combat bar to their screen (like they have now).
    • Combat Decks: The third, and most complex, feature to be unlocked will be the ability to build and equip decks.
  • NUE: Auto-Defend: Players who are in auto-attack mode (which all new players default to) will now automatically unsheathe their weapon and begin auto-attacking their attacker when attacked if they are not already in combat mode.
  • NUE: Quest Navigation: NPCs will now animate with an “I have a quest for you!” gesture when they have a quest for you. The blue glow that indicates that an NPC has a quest is now an option and may eventually be removed entirely.
    
  • NUE: SotA Map Integration: We were so impressed with Jakub White’s implementation of SotA Map and the community’s contribution to the content of it that we have decided to begin fully integrating it into the game. Simply hit the “M” key to bring up this feature. NOTE: At this time it only works fully for the PC and the Mac versions. We hope to have a working Linux version in R41.
  • NUE: Players now start in traditional mouse mode (hold down mouse key to look) and the TAB key now defaults to switching targets instead of swapping you between “hold mouse” look and “free mouse” look modes.
  • Friends List Loading Issue: Fixed bug where the list was loading from the middle.
  • Unlearning Credit: We have built a new credit system for skills that we modify significantly in a release. We will flag those particular skills, and players who choose to unlearn them will regain 100% of the experience spent on it back to their pool. We will leave this effect in place for the duration of the release for skills that were modified in a negative way. This is in lieu of issuing everyone Books of Unlearning.

• Combat:
  • Polished Unarmed Combat and Idles: We polished the animations for these combat actions.
  • Decks Increased: The maximum number of decks has been increased to 12 (was previously only 6).
  • No Slugs in Locked Decks: If you have a locked deck with empty slots in your toolbar you will no longer see slugs appear there and you can freely move locked skills between slots.
  • Water Death: We created a custom death animation and corpse to handle dying in water.
  • Fixed “Nearby Players” Bug: When a PvP player first enters any scene you no longer see their name for 2-3 seconds in the PvP stats window. It now properly appears as a “?” immediately when they enter the scene.
  • Magic Visual Effects Polish: We have begun a major polish pass on the visual effects on all magical spells starting with the lowest level spells and working our way upwards. The following 6 spells were polished for Release 40:
    • Flame Fist
    • Fire Arrow
    • Stone Fist
    • Ice Fist
    • Ice Arrow
    • Searing Ray
  • Obsidian Arrow Renamed: This is now called Stone Arrow so as not to confuse it with the very specific material Obsidian.
  • Douse: Now properly adds to your Fire Resistance
  • Cooldown Timers: Now only displayed for Locked Skills.
  • Heavy Lifter: Updated description to better describe how the bonus works.
  • Sword Glued to Flute Bug: Fixed bug where you could enter combat while playing an instrument therefore gluing your instrument and weapon together.
  • Belts are no longer Rings: Fixed bugs where the Belts of the Patient Harvester and Slipshod would show as rings in tool tips.
  • DoTs and Cover bug: Fixed issue where Cover was affecting the damage applied from Damage over Time effects like Rend, Poison, Fire, etc.
  • Tharsis Vrul (Daemon Boss): Now provides more appropriate XP.
  • Ghost Corpion: Fixed poison debuff.
  • Healing Grace and Healing Ray: No longer require that you have your camera facing your target. These were using a fairly tight forward arc which was making players unintentionally cast on themselves instead of their target. This should greatly reduce the miscasting of heals at critical moments!
  • Fireproof: Fire resistance amount has been reduced to match other elemental resistance innate skills. For the duration of R40, players who choose to unlearn Fireproof will regain 100% of the experience spent on it back to their pool.
  • Chain Lightning: Now matches lightning and is dodgeable, blockable (shield), but not parryable. Chain lightning’s fizzle rate has also been changed to match the pattern used for all spells. This will make it more difficult for those in heavy armor to use in R40. For the duration of R40, players who choose to unlearn Chain Lightning will regain 100% of the experience spent on it back to their pool.
  • Nightstep: No longer breaks stealth when used but it will trigger combat mode.

• Player Housing:
  • Weapons as Decorations: We started in Release 39 with making equippable items decorations using the musical instruments as our first test. In R40, we are going bigger and now almost all weapons can now be placed in your home as decorations.
  • Property Manager Slot Purchase: Players can now purchase additional Property Manager slots to store decorated homes and/or basements with Gold Crowns. Also, the additional slots that come with Bundles will now begin appearing.  
  • Property Manager moving Between Scenes: Players can now use the Property Manager to move their fully decorated houses and/or basements between different scenes by spending Gold Crowns.
  • Lot Deed Renaming: Players can now rename lot deeds in their lot deed interface. This should help with identifying which lot deed you are using in a given location.
  • Bottom Floor Decoration Flag: We have a new flag that allows us to restrict items placed inside homes and basements to the bottom floor. This now allows us to keep items that only make visual sense on bottom floors constrained to those floors. Now a whole class of items that we either only allowed for placement outside or we allowed inside (but could be placed nonsensically) can be placed properly indoors. Types of items now flagged include:
    • Water Wells
    • Gravestones
    • Tombs
    • Crypts
    • Sarcophagi
    • Basement Hatches
  • Carved Oak Furniture: This set of furniture has elaborate figures carved into it depicting various scenes. They can be crafted in game at the Carpentry station.
    • Carved Oak Cabinet
    • Carved Figures Oak Cabinet
    • Carved Oak Sidetable
    • Carved Oak Weapon Rack
  • Post & Rope Water Fence: This fence can be crafted in game at the Carpentry station and then placed on water lots.
  • Oil Lamps with Frosted Glass Shades: These come in Floor and Tables sizes and can be crafted in the game.
  • Roadway Pavers: Our first attempt at these were at the wrong scale and we renamed these to be “Walkway Pavers.” These new pavers are based on the Giant Pavers so are at a base scale of 8 meters. Each set consists of 16 different pieces and we have built them in all styles.
    • Rough Stone (craftable)
    • Cobblestone
    • Maple Parquet
    • Umber Gray
    • Fallow Granite
    • Polished Midnight Black Marble
    • Bone White Marble
    • Beige Inlaid Marble
  • Kobold Steel & Stone Fence: This Kobold-style fence made of stone and steel is available in the Add-On Store and in the Kobold Town and Kobold City Bundles.
  • Geometric Stained Glass Oil Lamps: These oil lamps with stained glass shades come in floor and table sizes. They can be purchased in the Add On Store.
  • Oak & Glass Display Cabinet: This large display cabinet has working glass doors that open and shelves that items can be placed on as well as a storage area in the bottom. It can be purchased in the Add On Store.
  • Ornate Oak Panel Wardrobe: This large display cabinet has working wooden doors that open and shelves that items can be placed on as well as a storage area in the bottom. It can be purchased in the Add On Store.
  • Fine Oak Furniture Set: This 8-piece set of fine oak furniture is available for purchase in the Add On Store
    • Fine Oak Bed
    • Fine Oak Chair (2)
    • Fine Oak Desk
    • Fine Oak Dresser
    • Fine Oak Tall Dresser
    • Fine Oak Bookshelf
    • Fine Oak Vanity
  • Decoration Layer on Stairs: We have added decoration layers to the tops of stairs and decoration prevention layers to the front facing parts of stairs. This should allow players to place items on stairs while at the same time preventing the bug that was having people lose things that were falling through stairs when placed on them.
  • Former “POT Blessing” Items: The Titan statues, Dragon Bones, and Hooded Statue are now flagged as POT decorations instead of NPC buildings.
  • Neighbor Decorating: Fixed bug that was allowing neighbors to decorate walls of neighboring buildings that did not belong to them. Griefing through decorating!
  • Elven Row Homes Roofs: Fixed issue where the roof lines were extending into neighbors lots.
  • Fixes: Fixed various issues in homes including places where decorations could not be placed, stairs that could not be climbed without jumping, etc.
    • Shingle-Roof Two-Story w/ Balcony
    • Small Old Keep
    • Viking 2-Story Row
    • Ornate 4-Story Greenhouse
    • Kobold Great Hall City Home
    • Knight Lighthouse
    • Knight Marshal Benefactor Village Home
    • Twin Spires Manor
    • Lord Founder
    • Stucco Four Story w/Right Alcove Row House
  • R39 Lot Deed Raffle Tickets: The drawings for our Seventh Lot Deed Raffle will be held on March 30, 2017 and winners will be announced shortly thereafter. Deeds will be delivered in Release 40.
    • Place Anywhere Deeds (10):
      • Row: 5
      • Village: 3
      • Town: 1
      • City: 1
    • Player Owned Town Deeds (20):
      • Row: 10
      • Village: 6
      • Town: 2
      • City: 2
  • R40 Lot Deed Raffle Tickets: This will be the Eighth Lot Deed Raffle. For this raffle we again dropped the numbers lower to better match current demand and pace remaining stock. As always, Raffle tickets can be purchased with in game gold. As with R39 each person can only win a single deed of each type (maximum of one place anywhere and one POT). The drawing and winners will be in R41.
    • Place Anywhere Deeds (10):
      • Row: 5
      • Village: 3
      • Town: 1
      • City: 1
    • Player Owned Town Deeds (10):
      • Row: 5
      • Village: 3
      • Town: 1
      • City: 1
  • New and Updated Dynamic POTs:
    • Arx Draconis: Converted from Static to Dynamic. Converted to Island 01a.
    • Blue Rose Isle: Upgraded to Village. Changed location. Interconnections (with Etceter, Taenby Landing, Mara Mesta, Obsidian Ridge, and Hy-Brasil).
    • Brickceter: Converted to Mountains 01.
    • Celestial Gardens: Upgraded to Crossroads Village. Interconnections (with Elad’s Lighthouse and Bay Lunaire).
    • Clevedon: Renamed (formerly Pomerantz). Ownership changed. Changed location. Interconnections (removed Taenby Landing and Blackrock Cove; added Elad’s Lighthouse, Brittany Wharfs, and Formosa).
    • Copper Lake: Upgraded to Village.
    • Crystal Caves: Renamed (formerly Illusive Cavern). Ownership changed. Interconnections (changed nested interconnection to within Owl’s Nest; removed Finchfield). Removed PvP flag.
    • Diamond Fields: Upgraded to Metropolis. Interconnections (with Iron Gate, Phoenix Fields, En Nox, and The Drowned Mountains).
    • Granite Gardens: Renamed (formerly Dragon’s Fall). Converted to Mountains 01. Rotated to Right. Ownership changed. Changed location. Interconnections (removed Graff Island and Port Graff, added Serenite and Isle of Mists).
    • Isle of Xee: Renamed (formerly Brickfalls). Converted to Island 01. Ownership changed. Changed nested interconnection to within Soltown.
    • Knight’s Watch: Upgraded to Town.
    • New Fawn: Renamed (formerly SQiRLS DEN). Converted to Island 01. Rotated to Right. Ownership changed. Interconnections (nested interconnection changed to within Harvest, added Hollaim).
    • Novia Market: Renamed (formerly Bloodstone). Converted to Forest 01. Ownership changed. Changed location. Interconnections (with Brittany Fields and Brittany Alleys).
    • Reverie: Renamed (formerly Drakenhof). Converted to Tropical Island 01. Ownership changed. Changed location. Interconnections (removed Drachenfels, Dracheninsel, and Unterwelt; added Central Brittany, Brittany Wharfs, and Elad’s Lighthouse).
    • Serenite: Upgraded to City.
    • Shadow’s Rest: Changed location.
    • Soryn Fields: Renamed (formerly Forptycle). Converted to Grasslands 01a. Ownership changed. Changed location. Interconnection (with Resolute). Removed PvP flag.
    • The Severed Isle: New addition (nested in Soltown).
    • Tortuga: Renamed (formerly Morkradd). Converted to Tropical Island 01a. Ownership changed. Changed location. Interconnections (removed Harvest and Estgard, added Blood Bay).
    • Vastata Insula Innectis: Renamed (formerly Brickvale). Converted to Tropical Island 01. Rotated to Right. Ownership changed. Upgraded to Hamlet. Changed nested interconnection to within Soltown.

• Spring Telethon of the Avatar 2017 Content: Everyone who spent $5 or more during the telethon will get the first batch of rewards that we have built. The remaining rewards (Leaf and Thorn Weapons) should be ready in Release 41.
  
  • Wooden Duck
  • /flowerleap
  • Butterfly Mask
  • Stained Glass Hand Lantern
  • Floral Pattern Stained Glass Oil Table Lamp (3 Pack)
  • White Flowered Topiary Creature Statues (3 Pack of Dragon, Bear, Satyr)
  • Large Spring Themed Fountain with Floating Candles
• Easter Content
  • Confetti Eggs: We finally have confetti eggs working in the game! Much like snowballs, these can be thrown at other players, drenching them in a shower of confetti.
  • 2017 Easter Basket: This 2017 version has a big bow on it and replenishes each year with 50 confetti eggs. This item will only be available until the end of May this year.
  • 2017 Lepus Mask: The 2017 version has a woven leather texture and a white trim that can be dyed. This item will only be available until the end of May this year.
  • 2017 Rabbit Tailed Bodice Ensemble: This satin bodice ensemble has a cute little rabbit tail on it! This item will only be available until the end of May this year.
  • Dark Archlapin Of Death And Destruction: SPOILERS: There are rumors of a fell creature of the caves that requires an army to defeat. There is an enchanter, that some may call… Timothy. He can be found in Ardoris and will help guide you further along towards your inevitable doom, er, glory.
• Musical Instruments: We have added 2 new instrument types (2 variants each) and increased the audio range of all instruments.
  • Ornate Large Harp (store) & Large Harp (craftable): This is a placed musical instrument like the piano.
  • Ornate Kettle Drum (store) & Kettle Drum (craftable): This is a placed musical instrument like the piano.
  • Increased Audio Range: Previously the listening range for musical instruments was 10 meters but for large concerts some players found this too restrictive so we have increased the range to 15 meters for bards who really can pack them into ye olde stadiums.
• Bundle Additions: At the beginning of March we announced that after reviewing the bundles that we were adding a bunch of new content to all the bundles starting at the 2-story Row House level. Some of those additions went in immediately but some of them had to wait until Release 40 went live. You can read more about all the new additions on that original post or directly on the Bundle Store itself.

• Performance: One of the big priorities for Q2 will be performance but we started early!
  • Unity 5.5: We have finally upgraded to the latest version of Unity. This should result in better overall performance and numerous fixes to longstanding issues including the longstanding AMD incompatibility.
  • Memory:  Great efforts were made this release to reduce the memory footprint of the game. This is not only important for players with lower memory computers but also is important to help reduce hitching. This release the memory footprint was reduced by over 1 GB and the rate at which it grows should be reduced as well.
  • Load Times:  Load times should be improved slightly. Some scenes, like Novia, Central Brittany, and Ardoris, should show the largest improvements but there is still much work to be done!
  • Frame Rates: Frame rates through the game should be improved noticeably. Extra attention was given to Novia and it should be smooth for even older computers in R40.

So, now that it is clear what you can expect, we should also be as clear about what you should NOT expect:

• Stability: Stability should be much better than previous releases now that we have upgraded to Unity 5.5 which as finally hopefully resolved the longstanding AMD compatibility issues.
• Performance: We plan to make steady improvements each release until the game is running smoothly on minimum spec machines in big cities. While we did make some improvements in Release 40 we still have lots of work to do. We expect Q2 to include major advances in performance.
• Game Loop: Release 40 is a further iteration on our game loop, but is still missing a few key components and balance. Expect this to expand with each subsequent release.
• Visual Quality: Efforts to improve visual quality are ongoing. We will continue to iterate on these until we have highly competitive visuals.
• Pledge Rewards: Pledge Rewards that have been built and have tech to support them are in the game; all other rewards are awaiting either content creation or tech support. You can find an updated list of these items in known issues.
• Delayed Content and Features: As mentioned above some features scheduled for this release did not make it (and in each case we explained why). In some cases items from previous releases move into the next release but often they will move further out, either into the next quarter, or even farther. About once per year (around mid-year) we put out a Road Map that details all content built to date and all remaining content.

Here are links to instructions and known issues. Thank you again for your continued support. This is truly the most amazing community we have ever worked with, and we are proud to be on this journey with you.

Sincerely,
Starr Long
aka Darkstarr
Executive Producer

 

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Greetings Avatars,

Over the weekend we discovered we made an error listing an item in the Add On Store. The item listed as "Ornate Satyr Bardiche" (and pattern pack) was actually the Ornate Vile Halberd!

This is of course problematic because the Ornate Vile Halberd was supposed to be an exclusive to the Obsidian City Bundle.

We of course do not want to take away anything from anyone but we want everyone to feel like they maintain what they expected so we are doing the following:

1. ...

Ornate Satyr Bardiche actually Ornate Vile Halberd (oops!)

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Hello everyone! It’s still just me Lord Baldrith here all alone…patiently awaiting Ascelpius’ return from his wonderful trip soon! Here is the news of the week!

 

• The Vile Weapons of the Obsidian Cabalists
• The Making of Verdantis Mines
• The Making of Solace Bridge Outskirts
• The Making of Kas Ruins (update)
• 2017 Easter Content Weekend Flash Sale
• R39 Offline Data Format Change – Character Preservation Notice
• Supporting World Water Day – A Letter of Thanks
• Community Livestream: Boss Fight!
• Community Spotlight: Owl Sky City – Player Owned Town
• Upcoming Events
• Community Resources – Players Helping Players
• Recommended Projects to Back

The post Echoes From the Caverns 03-24-17 appeared first on Echoes from the Caverns.

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Greetings Fellow Avatars!

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

• The Vile Weapons of the Obsidian Cabalists
• The Making of Verdantis Mines
• The Making of Solace Bridge Outskirts
• The Making of Kas Ruins (update)
• 2017 Easter Content Weekend Flash Sale
• R39 Offline Data Format Change – Character Preservation Notice
• Supporting World Water Day – A Letter of Thanks
• Community Livestream: Boss Fight!
• Community Spotlight: Owl Sky City – Player Owned Town
• Upcoming Events
• Community Resources – Players Helping Players
• Recommended Projects to Back

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The Vile Weapons of the Obsidian Cabalists

The Obisidian Cabalists will begin appearing in Town Sieges in Release 40. Each Obsidian Cabalist wields a unique artifact weapon made from Obsidian and bearing their anti-virtue symbol. Players who defeat Cabalists have a chance to find these weapons on their corpses as loot (along with hoods, robes, and plate boots). We made sure that each weapon type (including a shield) was represented so that players would have a chance to get a weapon of the type they favored.

[A Dev+ Forum Post by Fletcher “SkullMuncher34” Kinnear]

Hello all! We have new weapons coming for the next release for the Obsidian Cabalists!

Deceitful Vile Wand: Dolus’s wand, comprised of black branching twigs (View image):

Dastardly Vile Sword: Nefario’s long, thin 2-handed blade (View image):

Gaudy Vile Spear: Fastus’s 1-handed spear has a mirror on it to distract opponents: (View image):

Oppressive Vile Hammer: Nefas’s 2-handed Judge’s gavel is a mockery of Justice (View image):

Indignant Vile Halberd: Indigno’s horrific 2-handed polearm is covered in barbs (View image):

Punishing Vile Flail: Avara’s flail is made up of multiple blades in a 1-handed sword (View image):

Despicable Vile Crossbow: Temna’s large repeating crossbow (View image):

Carnal Vile Shield: Corpus’s shield sports the Anti-virtue symbol of Carnality (View image):

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The Making of Verdantis Mines

Verdantis Mines are in the northern tip of the Mariah Mountains in the Verdantis region which can be found in the northwest of Novia. The elves of the region have been mining these mountains for many years and recently they broke through to an ancient underground city full of rich ore nodes and other treasures. Unfortunately it is also full of undead and in its deepest places Fire and Earth Elementals.

Verdantis Mines started as a clone of Graff Gem Mines but is being completely rebuilt and will hopefully go live in Release 41 or 42.

[A Dev+ Forum Post by Chris “Sea Wolf” Wolf]

Hey folks, today I’ll be sharing a sneak peak at the updated Verdantis Mines. The new look for the mines is inspired by the Waitomo Glowworm caves in new Zealand, The ancient city of Petra in Jordan, Pompeii, and The Bridge of Khazad Dum from The Lord of the Rings.

In this map, a group of elves have uncovered a hidden city while mining for ore. The Elves have taken the opportunity to loot the artifacts and precious ores that were left behind when the city was flooded with magma in a natural disaster. Their disruption has awoken the undead, who they now fight for control of the city.

Feel free to leave feedback, but keep in mind this is still a work in progress. You can expect a few updates to lighting and atmosphere, more rubble, an Elven camp, and more evidence of mining and looting. I’ll make further updates to the post as the map comes closer to completion. Enjoy!

The Ancient City Ruins
The Market RuinsThe Bridge to The Citadel The Ramparts The Keep

Chris Wolf
Level Designer

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The Making of Solace Bridge Outskirts

For several years now our backers have been providing us feedback that the first few hours of our game have several major issues. Those issues include too many loading screens, scenes that are too small, and starting towns that include player housing / vendors. As we shift our focus to improving the New User Experience (NUE) and as we are able to measure new player progress through events like our recent free trial we realize that we must address these issues sooner versus later.

As we announced during the Spring Telethon our solution to this is to add three new maps to the game that we are calling “Outskirts”. These scenes will be very close to the three starting scenes and players will go directly there after finishing those starting scenes. Outskirts will be very large scenes, similar in scope to some of our recent big scenes like Blood Bay. This will allow them to be large enough that players can base themselves in a single scene for adventuring and resupply for their first couple of hours without having to go through multiple scene loads or having to use the Overworld. Each scene will have a small outpost that will include some shopkeepers, trainers, crafting stations, and a few quest givers (and no player housing!). The scenes will also include plenty of adventuring areas (forests, ruins, bandit camps, etc.).

Our first Outskirts scene is Solace Bridge Outskirts. It is downriver from Solace Bridge where the Solace River meets the ocean. The small army that was defeated at Solace Bridge has retreated here and sent on the villager refugees to Soltown. They have made camp in a ruined tower overlooking the swampy shoreline. However they are not getting to rest in their retreat for a nearby bandit camp is preying on them, stealing supplies. Plus across the river lie the ruins of an ancient village infested with the very undead they just retreated from! We hope to have this scene live in Release 41 or 42.

[A Dev+ Forum Post by Travis “Vas Corp Por” Koleski]

Some early shots of progress on Solace Bridge Outskirts.

This is a new zone designed to come after the Solace Bridge starting map, to give starting players a better, more cohesive/informative beginning in the game (where previously they’d load straight to Soltown).

Wide shot of the camp area

Road out of the Camp (heading towards bandit country!)

Bandit Swamp Camp

Thanks for following the post!
More to come soon (Farmland, Graveyards, Ruined Town etc.)

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The Making of Kas Ruins (update)

The Kas Ruins are one of the six ruined cities found in Novia that date back to the period in Novian history in which the Obsidian Order rose to power. (As described in the Sword of Midras prequel novel by Tracy Hickman and Richard Garriott). The exact history of some of these cities has been lost to time, but it is rumored that some of them may have been abandoned even before the rise of the Obsidians. Kas is the site of the ruins of an ancient Paladin fort high atop a mountainside. At the foot of the mountain is an abandoned village with a small graveyard. The entire area has become overrun by the undead.

Kas started as a clone of the Opalis Ruins, but is getting completely rebuilt this release to have a unique layout and visuals. Like all the other Ruins and Shardfalls, this is an Open PVP area so we are expressly focusing on being sure the map has interesting setups for PVP conflict, with plenty of space for hiding, escaping, ambushing, and skirmishing. Our goal is to have Kas Ruins go live in Release 41 or 42.

[From a Dev+ Forum Post by Esteben “SorcerousSteve” Zaldivar]

Hey guys! SorcerousSteve here with an update on the Kas Ruins!

Wide shot of the Kas Ruins with the Tears River on the foreground.

The ruins of the old Paladin Fort located along the steep cliffs of the mountains.

Sunset along the Kas Ruins.

Plenty of traps and dangers await so you can rain damage onto your opponents!

Entering the Kas Ruins from the South.

An elevator can be spotted along this mountainside offering another point of access in to the ruined Paladin Fort.

Stay tuned for more soon!

Esteben Zaldivar
Level Designer

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2017 Easter Content Flash Sale

It is that time of year again where the infamous Death Bunny haunts the caves of Novia. To celebrate we are putting our 2017 Easter items (available in-game in Release 40) on sale this weekend for 20% off. NOTE: These items will only be available in the store until May 31, 2017.

Here is a complete list of the 2017 Easter items that you will find on sale this weekend:

• 2017 Easter Basket
• 2017 Lepus Mask
• 2017 Rabbit Tailed Bodice Ensemble

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R39 Offline Data Format Change – Character Preservation Notice

Greetings Avatars,

Just like in Release 38 during Release 39, the Offline Mode save game format is changing to support new and upcoming gameplay features.

Here’s what you need to do in order to preserve your Offline Mode save games and characters:

• Patch your game client to Release 39.
• Load each saved game and then re-save. This will convert your save file into the latest format.

If you do not convert your saved games during Release 39, your saved games (from releases prior to R39) may not load in releases after Release 39. In other words we cannot guarantee the ability to load pre-R39 saves after R39.

Our sincere apologies if this change causes any disruption in your gameplay. We always make every attempt to avoid having to make these kinds of requirements of our players when we make changes like this. After very careful consideration, we’ve deemed this change, and the accompanying requirement, as necessary. Please note that this change will not affect the online game or characters in any way.

As a reminder, Release 39 starts on February 23 and runs through March 29.

Please let us know if you have any questions on this update!

Thanks,
Darkstarr

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Supporting World Water Day – A Letter of Thanks

This past Wednesday was World Water Day. We supported Water.org’s charity efforts through new Make a Difference store items. We have been participating in their charity for two years now, and since 2015 have raised for Water.org over $27,000 with your support.

This morning we received the following kind letter from someone who was able to receive help from the charity and your donations:

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Community Livestream: Boss Fight!

We take on several of the meanest, scariest, and massive bosses in the game with the community! Watch how each fight played out in this recording of last week’s livestream.

More videos and livestream recordings at: wwww.youtube.com/portalarium

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Community Spotlight: Owl Sky City – Player Owned Town

Owl Sky City is a player owned metropolis located right next door to Owl’s Head. It is a non-PvP city with a variety of arenas for high skilled duelers of many sorts! Owl Sky City is great for both new players and veterans, and has some great scenic spots for visitors.

Owl Sky City is well-known for having the cheapest prices for spell, crafting, and repair kits. There are vendors selling the most rare and unique of items in all of the Hidden Vale. The local folk are currently expanding player vending at strategic locations.

The OWL guild also resides here, where they have been active since 2014. The guild is friendly to new players, but are known to hunt mid and high level players as well… those wearing PVP flag of course :).

[Read More…]

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Upcoming Events

Mar 30, 2017 – Release 40
Apr 6 – 10, 2017 – R40 Free Trial
Apr 11, 2017 – R40 Postmortem
Apr 27, 2017 – Release 41
May 25, 2017 – Release 42
June 29, 2017 – Release 43
July 27, 2017 – Release 44
Aug 10 – 14, 2017 – Syndcon (Austin)
Aug 31, 2017 – Release 45
Sept 1 – 4, 2017 – Dragon Con
Sept 22 – 23, 2017 – Ultima Online 20th Anniversary Party
Sept 28, 2017 – Release 46
Oct 13 – 15, 2017 – SotA Con 2017 (Austin)
Oct 26, 2017 – Release 47

Visit the official Community Calendar to see the great lineup of activities our amazing community has planned for this weekend! And be sure to check out this month’s Release Events thread in the SotA forums for additional events.

Event of the Week – EVL Spring Fashion Show

It is with great pleasure that Every Virtue is Lasting [EVL] cordially invites everyone to our quarterly community fashion show on Sunday March 26th at 4:00PM NBT (CT) in the picturesque village of Cottage Grove. Put on your finest attire!

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Community Resources – Players Helping Players

The official SotA New Player Welcome Forum and the Player Created Resources Forum have the best player created resources for Shroud of the Avatar, whether it’s a Player Written Guide, a Video Walk-through, or a Wiki-type Website.

Visit the official Community Resources page for a complete listing of all things community.

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Recommended Projects to Back – Underworld: Ascendant

Far more than a dungeon crawl, Underworld Ascendant is a next-generation sequel to the legendary fantasy RPG’s Ultima Underworld & Ultima Underworld 2. It not only modernizes the series’ visuals and user interface to take full advantage of the today’s powerful PC’s, it innovates in bold new ways.

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Backer Shipping Addresses

In preparation for shipping backers’ physical pledge rewards later this year, we have added Shipping Address fields to your Account Profile page. To enter your shipping address, log in to the SotA website, select “Account” in top right corner, then select “Edit Profile” located in top left corner, beneath your Avatar image.

A reminder to be sure that support@portalarium.com is unblocked from your e-mail account!

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Join us this Friday at 4pm CT for another Community of the Avatar livestream!

Esteben “SorcerousSteve” Zaldivar (World Builder/Level Designer on the team) is back to show you Kas Ruins, another scene he’s working on. Kas Ruins started out as a clone of Opalis Ruins, an open PvP scene.

The Kas Ruins are one of the six ruined cities found in Novia that date back to the period in Novian history in which the Obsidian Order rose to power. (As described in the Sword of Midras prequel novel by Tracy Hickman and Richard Garriott). The exact history of some of these cities has been lost to time, but it is rumored that some of them may have been abandoned even before the rise of the Obsidians. Kas is the site of the ruins of an ancient Paladin fort high atop a mountainside. At the foot of the mountain is an abandoned village with a small graveyard. The entire area has become overrun by the undead.

Ask your questions (up to 3 in one post please) in the Comments section below for Esteben! During the livestream, also join us on Discord chat to win prizes and ask any other questions you have.

The fun begins live on Twitch this Friday!

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Owl Sky City is a player owned metropolis located right next door to Owl’s Head. It is a non-PvP city with a variety of arenas for high skilled duelers of many sorts! Owl Sky City is great for both new players and veterans, and has some great scenic spots for visitors.

Owl Sky City is well-known for having the cheapest prices for spell, crafting, and repair kits. There are vendors selling the most rare and unique of items in all of the Hidden Vale. The local folk are currently expanding player vending at strategic locations.

The OWL guild also resides here, where they have been active since 2014. The guild is friendly to new players, but are known to hunt mid and high level players as well… those wearing PVP flag of course :).

From resident Parallelogram: All of those who consider themselves worthy to live in the Olympus of Owl’s Head are welcome! While our place is non-pvp, all players are still encouraged to take up residence and share their stories.

Here is a rare dragon spawned and was swiftly slain by our brave residents not just two days ago!

The ever friendly Jack Pirate hanging out at the docks, overlooking the main city and statues as a storm approaches from behind the deep forest.

Here are the many prominent statues in the center of the city. There is also a lineup of devotionals to the south of the statues that visitors should definitely not miss!

This is the new and improved main Sky Arena suspended over the lake to the east of the docks. You can find a similar second arena by hiking up to the highest location in the area. For easy access, there is a boat located at the end of the docks that will bring you to the entrance.

The Sky Arena originated all the way back in the game’s Release 12. It has gone through several renovations since its inception. Only the most daring of avatars fight in the Sky Arena. The place is ancient and quite a famous arena nestled at the peak of Owl Sky City.

We encourage players to come test out their dueling skills anytime! To support daily activities here, we also plan on having a lot of arena options available for any resident guild to use to help them host their own PvP tournaments. While a fascinating place to visit, visitors are warned that the high location is dangerous. One misstep and you may fall hundreds of feet!

Sky Arena Tournament Night is one of the funnest events around! They are hosted at designated hours, posted prominently on the SotA forums in the Early Access Community Events section.

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Do you have a town, guild, or other group we can spotlight? Message Berek in the forums!

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Today is World Water Day and through our partnership with Water.org, we are helping promote this day by discounting all our Water.org Make a Difference items by 20% until end of the day.

As a reminder, Portalarium will donate 50% of its share of the purchase price of these items to Water.org on a bi-annual basis. We have been participating in this charity for two years now, and since 2015 have raised for Water.org over $27,000 with your support.

To learn more about World Water Day and how you can help, please visit the Water.org website.

Here is a complete list of all the Water.org Make a Difference items you will find on sale:

• Ornate Outhouse – Water.org Charity (digital)
• Wishing Well – Water.org Charity (digital)
• Water Magic Cloak – Water.org Charity (digital)
• Rain Emote – Water.org Charity (digital)
• Water Package – Water.org Charity (digital)

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Hello everyone! Asclepius is still on vacation, so I’ll try to keep you entertained. A bit of a short newscast today. Here is the news of the week. :

 

• The Making of Kas Ruins
• NPC submissions requested for Harvest
• Spring Telethon Updates: Missed Questions Answered, Rewards Update, YouTube Upload
• R39 Decorations Weekend Flash Sale
• World Water Day Make a Difference Sale
• R39 Offline Data Format Change – Character Preservation Notice
• Community Spotlight: Knightmare Falls – Player Owned Town
• Upcoming Events
• Community Resources – Players Helping Players
• Recommended Projects to Back

The post Echoes From the Caverns 03-17-17 appeared first on Echoes from the Caverns.

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Greetings Fellow Avatars!

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

• The Making of Kas Ruins
• NPC submissions requested for Harvest
• Spring Telethon Updates: Missed Questions Answered, Rewards Update, YouTube Upload
• R39 Decorations Weekend Flash Sale
• World Water Day Make a Difference Sale
• R39 Offline Data Format Change – Character Preservation Notice
• Community Spotlight: Knightmare Falls – Player Owned Town
• Upcoming Events
• Community Resources – Players Helping Players
• Recommended Projects to Back

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The Making of Kas Ruins

The Kas Ruins are one of the six ruined cities found in Novia that date back to the period in Novian history in which the Obsidian Order rose to power. (As described in the Sword of Midras prequel novel by Tracy Hickman and Richard Garriott). The exact history of some of these cities has been lost to time, but it is rumored that some of them may have been abandoned even before the rise of the Obsidians. Kas is the site of the ruins of an ancient Paladin fort high atop a mountainside. At the foot of the mountain is an abandoned village with a small graveyard. The entire area has become overrun by the undead.

Kas started as a clone of the Opalis Ruins, but is getting completely rebuilt this release to have a unique layout and visuals. Like all the other Ruins and Shardfalls, this is an Open PVP area so we are expressly focusing on being sure the map has interesting setups for PVP conflict, with plenty of space for hiding, escaping, ambushing, and skirmishing. Our goal is to have Kas Ruins go live in Release 41 or 42.

[From a Dev+ Forum Post by Esteben “SorcerousSteve” Zaldivar]

Hey guys! SorcerousSteve here to give you a peak at my latest work in progress, the Kas Ruins!

The Kas Ruins are located in North Paladis along the Tears River set against jagged mountains. It is on one of these peaks where the ruins of an ancient Paladin Fort lie. I obtained a lot of inspiration for our backdrop from the Grand Tetons and Rocky Mountains of the American West.

A Paladin Fort can be seen nested on the mountain. What secrets do these abandoned ruins hold?

The way up to the Paladin Fort is littered with traps utilized by the defenders in times of war!

Down below signs of ruined settlements.

A trap has gone off, setting a cliff side up in flames!

Stay tuned for more on the Kas Ruins!

Esteben Zaldivar
Level Designer

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NPC submissions requested for Harvest

For Developer+ Pledge holders who have the pledge reward to create NPCs please see this post from Scott “Lum” Jennings.

[From a Dev+ Forum Post by Scott “Lum” Jennings]

Thank you for your continuing support of Shroud of the Avatar! This month, in addition to Estgard, we’re seeking entries for inhabitants of the village of Harvest!

Harvest is the port of entry to the kingdom of Norgard, on the mainland side of the channel. It is primarily a farming community, but sees a good bit of traffic between the Knights of Norgard bastion of Resolute and Norgard proper.

If you do NOT want your backer NPC to be in Harvest, you may want to wait. I will update this thread if we are running low on submissions – generally we are OK on duplicate submissions for characters who don’t get adopted (such as guards) but if you absolutely have a character who should be in a given city (such as Brittany) you should wait until we advertise for that city.

First, some brief notes:

• Harvest is one of our “uncloning” scenes, where we go back post-final wipe and fill out unique content for each village and city. Thus, the NPCs are already in the game, but we can change appearance (to a degree, as seen below), gender, etc. to suit your request. If you want to pick a specific NPC (for example, one near your own house) we will do our best to accomodate you but may not be able to. Note that this process is just to make Harvest NPCs different – Harvest has already had a physical uncloning pass and its layout is basically final for release. We are backfilling NPCs that should have backstories at this point.
• NPC visual customization, as you may have noticed, is still at a very early stage in development. Right now for the backers who want to be added to Harvest, we cannot offer any visual customization options beyond our standard gallery of NPC models. If you would like to have input over the visual customization of your NPC, you can wait for further releases when we can offer this. We will also allow a one-time visual re-customization once customization has been added if you would like to add your NPC now. We have no ETA on when this will be available.
• Response to this will be on a first-come first-served basis for each call for responses. If your NPC doesn’t appear in Harvest, feel free to respond again in future posts. We have quite a few towns and cities to populate!
• We are allowing people who have already submitted NPCs to submit their ideas for Harvest as well if they like, but people who have not yet submitted an NPC will take priority over those who have.
• When responding, please list a first and second choice for profession.
• NPCs for Harvest must be human. No kobolds, please.

Still with us? Great! Here’s what we need this month:

(Counts updated 3/6 11:00a Central)

• 5 guards (Unlike Estgard, these are not Knights of Norgard, as Harvest is not technically within Norgard itself.)
• 1 innkeeper
• 1 waiter/waitress
• 1 crafting merchant
• 1 fishing merchant
• 1 cooking merchant
• 1 blacksmith
• 1 decorations merchant
• 1 housing deeds merchant
• 1 magical supplies merchant
• 1 Norgard (“viking”) crown merchant
• 1 crafting trainer
• 1 combat trainer
• 1 public vendor
• 1 banker
• 1 town crier

If you’d like to have your namesake be a resident of Harvest please respond via private message on this forum to me (Lum) using the following format:

• NPC name:
• NPC gender:
• NPC profession (first choice):
• NPC profession (second choice):
• NPC background (optional): A paragraph on whom your NPC is, how they would respond to nosy outlanders poking about their business, what brings them to Harvest (or keeps them there), or anything else you’d like to add. We reserve the right to edit and/or reject any background that does not fit the lore and setting of the game.

Please specify in your submission that this NPC is for Harvest.

We will respond if: your NPC is used; if it is rejected for whatever reason (such as an inappropriate name); if a supplied background is inappropriate, or if your NPC missed the cutoff for this release.

Thanks for your support, and see you in Harvest!

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Spring Telethon 2017 Updates: Missed Questions Answered, Rewards Update, YouTube Upload

Missed Questions Answered: For this year’s Spring Telethon we had assistance from our community in gathering questions from live chat on Twitch and Discord. This resulted in a record number of questions assembled, a full 20+ pages of them! Starr “Darkstarr” Long spent the week gathering answers to those questions, in between SXSW duties, running the project, etc. He posted them to the forums here. There were questions about all topics including housing, combat, and even the Obsidian Septagram of Dominion!

Rewards Update: If you spent $5 or more during the telethon your rewards should now be listed on your Account page under the Special Rewards tab. If they are not there and you believe they should be please contact us at support@portalarium.com. Speaking of the rewards, Fletcher “Skullmuncher” Kinnear has been busy working on the Vile Weapons for the Obsidian Cabalists but he took a few minutes to put the final touches on the Leaf Shield which you can see below.

YouTube Upload: Finally this week we have gotten the Telethon uploaded to YouTube for those of you who missed seeing it live or do not wish to view it on Twitch.

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R39 Decorations Flash Sale

In Release 39 we added over 50 new decorations to the Add On Store, including Tabletop versions of Trees and Statues, Greco/Roman Statuary, Epic Trees and a Shogun Castle Wall Set. To celebrate this incredible array of decorations, we are putting them all on sale this weekend for 20% off.

Here is a complete list of decorations we added in R39 that you will find on sale this weekend:

• Tabletop Creature Statue Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Bear Statue (digital)
• Tabletop Satyr Statue (digital)
• Tabletop Elemental Statue (digital)
• Tabletop Kobold Statue (digital)
• Tabletop Zombie Statue (digital)
• Tabletop Golem Statue (digital)
• Tabletop Lich Statue (digital)
• Tabletop Titan of Courage Statue (digital)
• Tabletop Titan of Love Statue (digital)
• Tabletop Titan of Truth Statue (digital)
• Ancient Wall Sculptures Set (digital)
• Ancients Set (digital)
• Corinthian Columns Set (digital)
• Ionic Columns Set (digital)
• Nobles Set (digital)
• Reclining Statues Set (digital)
• Smaller Ancients Set (digital)
• Carved Decoration Fountain (digital)
• Giant Horse Statue (digital)
• Horse Statue (digital)
• Tan Marble Bench (digital)
• Ancient Vase 3-Pack (digital)
• Sphinx Bookend Statues (digital)
• Ornate Post & Rope Water Fence Set (digital)
• Ornate Water Platform (digital)
• Cobblestone Walkway Pavers (digital)
• Epic Common Linden Tree (digital)
• Epic Yellow Cedar Tree (digital)
• Epic Common Aspen Tree (digital)
• Epic Fountain Palm Tree (digital)
• Epic Blue Spruce Tree (digital)
• Epic Juniper Tree (digital)
• Epic Juniper Topiary Tree (digital)
• Epic Dead Tree (digital)
• Epic Webbed Dead Tree (digital)
• Epic Bamboo Tree (digital)
• Epic Puzzle Tree – Autism Awareness Charity (digital)
• Tabletop Tree Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Azalea Bush 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Dead Tree 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Yellow Cedar Tree 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop White Oak Tree 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Saguaro Multi-Branch Cactus 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Saguaro Broken Branch Cactus 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Saguaro Cactus 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Juniper Tree 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Juniper Topiary Tree 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Fountain Palm Tree 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Common Linden Tree 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Common Aspen Tree 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Blue Spruce Tree 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Black Elder Bush 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Bamboo Tree 3-Pack (digital)
• Tabletop Puzzle Tree 3-Pack – Autism Awareness Charity (digital)

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World Water Day Make a Difference Sale

March 22nd is World Water Day and through our partnership with Water.org we are helping promote this day by discounting all our Water.org Make a Difference items by 20% from now until March 22nd. As a reminder Portalarium will donate 50% of its share of the purchase price of these items to Water.org on a bi-annual basis.

To learn more about World Water Day and how you can help please visit the Water.org website.

Here is a complete list of all the Water.org Make a Difference items you will find on sale starting today through March 22nd:

• Ornate Outhouse – Water.org Charity (digital)
• Wishing Well – Water.org Charity (digital)
• Water Magic Cloak – Water.org Charity (digital)
• Rain Emote – Water.org Charity (digital)
• Water Package – Water.org Charity (digital)

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R39 Offline Data Format Change – Character Preservation Notice

Greetings Avatars,

Just like in Release 38 during Release 39, the Offline Mode save game format is changing to support new and upcoming gameplay features.

Here’s what you need to do in order to preserve your Offline Mode save games and characters:

• Patch your game client to Release 39.
• Load each saved game and then re-save. This will convert your save file into the latest format.

If you do not convert your saved games during Release 39, your saved games (from releases prior to R39) may not load in releases after Release 39. In other words we cannot guarantee the ability to load pre-R39 saves after R39.

Our sincere apologies if this change causes any disruption in your gameplay. We always make every attempt to avoid having to make these kinds of requirements of our players when we make changes like this. After very careful consideration, we’ve deemed this change, and the accompanying requirement, as necessary. Please note that this change will not affect the online game or characters in any way.

As a reminder, Release 39 starts on February 23 and runs through March 29.

Please let us know if you have any questions on this update!

Thanks,
Darkstarr

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Community Spotlight: Knightmare Falls – Player Owned Town

This week’s Player Owned Town spotlight has community manager Berek exploring Knightmare Falls. Located just south of Serpent’s Spine Foothills, it is a welcome rest for those who wish to hunt kobolds and other regional creatures.

Berek: Making my way to the town, I heard a sharp whistle, followed by “Mal, we got company!” A tall man in blue greeted me before I had taken more than a few steps. “Welcome to the Falls! Name’s Vindorein.”

Vindorein, it turned out, was the steward of the main square. The town itself was broken into three parts. “You got the main square here, Knightmare Estates up the hill over there run by Daemoh,” He pointed to the West.

[Read More…]

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Upcoming Events

Mar 30, 2017 – Release 40
Apr 6 – 10, 2017 – R40 Free Trial
Apr 11, 2017 – R40 Postmortem
Apr 27, 2017 – Release 41
May 25, 2017 – Release 42
June 29, 2017 – Release 43

Visit the official Community Calendar to see the great lineup of activities our amazing community has planned for this weekend! And be sure to check out this month’s Release Events thread in the SotA forums for additional events.

Event of the Week – RPOTA Monthly $155 Writing Contest

Hear ye! Hear ye! Biographers, Historians, Diplomats, Journalists, Story Writers, Quest Designers, Videographers and Musicians! RPOTA.COM is in dire need of your amazing talents! Role-Players of the Avatar is hosting a monthly contest to award those most famous with their quill, camera, piano or lute! Simply have your creations submitted by midnight of the last day of every month to be eligible for that month’s contest! See Elgarion for (details)

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Community Resources – Players Helping Players

The official SotA New Player Welcome Forum and the Player Created Resources Forum have the best player created resources for Shroud of the Avatar, whether it’s a Player Written Guide, a Video Walk-through, or a Wiki-type Website.

Visit the official Community Resources page for a complete listing of all things community.

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Recommended Projects to Back – Unknown Realm: The Siege Perilous

Unknown Realm: The Siege Perilous is a new 8-bit fantasy role-playing game for PC and C64 inspired by the classic RPGs of the 80’s.

Why is it that anytime you ask an RPG fan what their favorite game is, they will almost inevitably name a game that was made 30 years ago? You know the games we’re talking about, games like Ultima, Legacy of the Ancients, Wasteland, SSI “Gold Box” titles, or some other game from the “Golden Age” of RPGs. Despite the high-end graphics and advances of modern RPGs, they still somehow fail to live up to the enjoyment found in these fan favorites of the past.

Let’s face it: those low-fidelity RPGs had something special. They had the perfect mix of presentation and gameplay that allowed your imagination to run free. Sadly, for some reason, game companies decided to stop making single player RPGs like this and thus abandoned a generation of RPG fans…until now.

We here at Stirring Dragon Games think it’s a shame no one is willing to make classic RPGs like this any more, and we’re just crazy enough to do something about it!

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Backer Shipping Addresses

In preparation for shipping backers’ physical pledge rewards later this year, we have added Shipping Address fields to your Account Profile page. To enter your shipping address, log in to the SotA website, select “Account” in top right corner, then select “Edit Profile” located in top left corner, beneath your Avatar image.

A reminder to be sure that support@portalarium.com is unblocked from your e-mail account!

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Here are the questions that we did not have time to get to. I tried my best to answer these but some we just don't have details yet to provide. I will try my best to follow up but please understand I probably won't have time to do any follow ups to these. The community did a great job assisting us this telethon to make sure we didn’t miss a single question. However this resulted in a record 22+ pages of questions! So please forgive both the brevity of some of my answers and...

Spring Telethon of the Avatar 2017 Missed Questions

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This week’s Player Owned Town spotlight has community manager Berek exploring Knightmare Falls. Located just south of Serpent’s Spine Foothills, it is a welcome rest for those who wish to hunt kobolds and other regional creatures.

Berek: Making my way to the town, I heard a sharp whistle, followed by “Mal, we got company!” A tall man in blue greeted me before I had taken more than a few steps. “Welcome to the Falls! Name’s Vindorein.”

Vindorein, it turned out, was the steward of the main square. The town itself was broken into three parts. “You got the main square here, Knightmare Estates up the hill over there run by Daemoh,” He pointed to the West.

“And the third part?” The steward quickly glanced to the East, then back. “That’s Sorrow Hill. We don’t talk about it much.”

We walked past the bank and into a large park, the centerpiece being an ancient stone ring. “Yeah, Mal… that is, Governor Graynight, likes to combine the old and the new together. Remembering the past, and all that.”

While making our way to the Governor’s office, we were met by another person. “Greetings Berek, I am Daemoh. Would you like a tour of the town?”

Yes, please do! What can you tell me about Knightmare Falls?

“As you know, we are Avatars and not from this world. Myself, Vindorein and Sebastian found the ruins of an old town some time ago. The locals tended to be wary of it, and the creatures of this land stayed far away. It seemed like a decent sanctuary for others like us. We started here in the main square, slowly reclaiming what nature had taken back. Many ruins were found along our ways. However, the one place that we couldn’t get to was Sorrow Hill.

Now, keep in mind that is the name the natives gave the mountains to the East. We didn’t know why at the time, because no one would talk about it, but we definitely found out later.

As we began building what we found was an old town, more people started showing up. Some of them were natives, and we learned quite a bit about the history of this place. The hills to the West were once for the aristocrats of the society. But Sorrow Hill to the East…”

At this point, a gruff voice spoke up from behind. “Sorrow Hill once held an obsidian tower.” The Governor bowed his head. “Greetings Berek! Thank you for visiting our little corner of Novia.” I bade him to continue his story.

“We spent several years fighting Sorrow Hill. At first we hired locals to do the cleanup for us, but they only made it about halfway before refusing to go farther. So we took up axes and started clearing it ourselves. What we found up there was the ruins of an ancient city. The natives are quite unnerved about it, so we try not to tread there much. Let’s not talk about that anymore, as I want to show you the rest of the town!”

“The Broken Chord is a recent addition. It is our music shop. Specializing in instruments and music from our world, we’re hoping to eventually bring bards from all corners of Novia to compete in a series of planned seasonal competitions.”

Stepping past the Music shop, I saw a beautiful garden. “What is this?” I asked.

“This is Gabriel’s Garden. It was placed in honor of a sweet, troublesome imp of a boy named Gabriel, who has autism. You’ll find poetry throughout the garden about him. It was made to be a quiet place of contemplation, and a safe place. An area to help close off the extra sensory input of the world.”

With the agitation of the stewards nearing too close to Sorrow Hill, we reversed course to the other side of the lake.

“Knightmare Estates is for the finer things in life, or so it has been said. It is a place for those who want to live around in the fancier sections of town. Less crowded, more room to breathe, and a beautiful view. And of course, we have all the amenities of the main square available up here as well.”

Who are the residents of Knightmare Falls?

“We are a varied bunch. We try not to exclude any Avatars. At the heart of this town are crafters, entrepreneurs, adventurers and farmers. There are few that don’t fit in here, all are welcome.”

What makes the town so unique?

“A lot of the towns we have visited are either exclusive or set aside for a certain type of folk. Towns claimed by guilds, towns claimed by miners, by this club or that. We say ‘find a plot of grass and build yourself a house.’ And really, we are happy to work with all our residents. You want your house moved a little to the left? No problem. That bare spot in the middle of nowhere? Sure. We have space, and with the exception of Sorrow Hill, there really are no restrictions. Well, don’t write your name in fish. The governor hates that!”

What is the future of Knightmare Falls?

“Well, there is the mystery of Sorrow Hill. We would very much like to expand the music store, start some music based competitions (if we can ever figure out how to amplify the sound of the instruments), and have a few events across the fields and squares. We even have a new tavern opening, the Lost Souls Tavern. The owner is very much looking forward to starting his own brewery, which should be quite attractive for travelers I suspect.”

There is so much more to explore in Knightmare Falls. If you are interested to become part of this community, to settle down and place a home on a lot somewhere, feel free to contact Sebastian Graynight, Daemoh Obscura, or Vindorein Dynear with any questions!

Do you have a town, guild, or other group we can spotlight? Message Berek in the forums!

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It’s back on! While we didn’t have the Berek Bloodbath, errr, the PvP Mashup during the last Community Livestream, and had to cancel at the last minute the Boss Fight event on last week’s telethon, we are rounding up the Portalarium troops for this Friday!

We have a group of cautiously brave developers ready to team up with the community to fight some of the nastiest of boss creatures in the game. After we charge through various scenes, we will end back at Blood Bay in a Community vs Developer mashup to see who is left standing!

During the battles we will be in Discord and Twitch chat looking for your combat related questions! If you haven’t been on Discord before, join us during the livestream to ask your questions and win some in-game prizes.

The fun begins live on Twitch this Friday at 4pm CT!

View the full article

For Developer+ Pledge holders who have the pledge reward to create NPCs please see this post from Scott “Lum” Jennings.

[From a Dev+ Forum Post by Scott “Lum” Jennings]

Thank you for your continuing support of Shroud of the Avatar! This month, in addition to Estgard, we’re seeking entries for inhabitants of the village of Harvest!

Harvest is the port of entry to the kingdom of Norgard, on the mainland side of the channel. It is primarily a farming community, but sees a good bit of traffic between the Knights of Norgard bastion of Resolute and Norgard proper.

If you do NOT want your backer NPC to be in Harvest, you may want to wait. I will update this thread if we are running low on submissions – generally we are OK on duplicate submissions for characters who don’t get adopted (such as guards) but if you absolutely have a character who should be in a given city (such as Brittany) you should wait until we advertise for that city.

First, some brief notes:

• Harvest is one of our “uncloning” scenes, where we go back post-final wipe and fill out unique content for each village and city. Thus, the NPCs are already in the game, but we can change appearance (to a degree, as seen below), gender, etc. to suit your request. If you want to pick a specific NPC (for example, one near your own house) we will do our best to accomodate you but may not be able to. Note that this process is just to make Harvest NPCs different – Harvest has already had a physical uncloning pass and its layout is basically final for release. We are backfilling NPCs that should have backstories at this point.
• NPC visual customization, as you may have noticed, is still at a very early stage in development. Right now for the backers who want to be added to Harvest, we cannot offer any visual customization options beyond our standard gallery of NPC models. If you would like to have input over the visual customization of your NPC, you can wait for further releases when we can offer this. We will also allow a one-time visual re-customization once customization has been added if you would like to add your NPC now. We have no ETA on when this will be available.
• Response to this will be on a first-come first-served basis for each call for responses. If your NPC doesn’t appear in Harvest, feel free to respond again in future posts. We have quite a few towns and cities to populate!
• We are allowing people who have already submitted NPCs to submit their ideas for Harvest as well if they like, but people who have not yet submitted an NPC will take priority over those who have.
• When responding, please list a first and second choice for profession.
• NPCs for Harvest must be human. No kobolds, please.

Still with us? Great! Here’s what we need this month:

(Counts updated 3/6 11:00a Central)

• 5 guards (Unlike Estgard, these are not Knights of Norgard, as Harvest is not technically within Norgard itself.)
• 1 innkeeper
• 1 waiter/waitress
• 1 crafting merchant
• 1 fishing merchant
• 1 cooking merchant
• 1 blacksmith
• 1 decorations merchant
• 1 housing deeds merchant
• 1 magical supplies merchant
• 1 Norgard (“viking”) crown merchant
• 1 crafting trainer
• 1 combat trainer
• 1 public vendor
• 1 banker
• 1 town crier

If you’d like to have your namesake be a resident of Harvest please respond via private message on this forum to me (Lum) using the following format:

• NPC name:
• NPC gender:
• NPC profession (first choice):
• NPC profession (second choice):
• NPC background (optional): A paragraph on whom your NPC is, how they would respond to nosy outlanders poking about their business, what brings them to Harvest (or keeps them there), or anything else you’d like to add. We reserve the right to edit and/or reject any background that does not fit the lore and setting of the game.

Please specify in your submission that this NPC is for Harvest.

We will respond if: your NPC is used; if it is rejected for whatever reason (such as an inappropriate name); if a supplied background is inappropriate, or if your NPC missed the cutoff for this release.

Thanks for your support, and see you in Harvest!

View the full article

From last week’s Update of the Avatar #218:

During the original Kickstarter for Shroud of the Avatar, artist Stephen Daniele drew the very first version of the map of Novia used in the demo. Richard “Lord British” Garriott then took that original drawing and using a piece of cloth and an iron-on kit he created a prototype of what the cloth map might look like.

This is that actual first Cloth Map Prototype Number 1 handmade by Lord British himself and now available for sale in our Make a Difference Store! As with the other Blood Charity items 10% of the proceeds will be donated to a not-for-profit Blood Bank that you can help select.

The digital rewards for this bundle are identical to the Lord British Blood Reliquary Bundles which include the following:

• Physical Items:
  • Original Shroud Cloth Map Prototype #1: 
    • 1 of 2 original cloth maps from artwork by Stephen Daniele
    • Approximate Dimensions: 8″ x 11″
    • Materials: Cloth
  • Studio Visit:
    • Come see our offices in Austin, Texas
    • Travel costs not included
    • Dates to be coordinated and approved by Portalarium

• Digital Items:
  • Early Access to Shroud of the Avatar: Forsaken Virtues Episode 1
  • Blood Themed Items:
    • Blood Fountain
    • Blood Reliquary Home Decoration
    • Option to have your Player Owned Town Water turn Blood Red
    • Blood Elemental Pet
    • /bloodrain emote
    • Blood Red Lord British Cloak
  • Viking Tax Free POT Castle Bundle:
    • Tax Free Player Owned Town Castle Lot Deed
    • Viking Great Hall City home
    • 2-Story City Stone Basement
    • 35 Gold Crowns of the Obsidians
    • Pick 12 Prosperity Tools
    • Viking Helm
    • Viking Fur Collared Cloak
    • Viking Tyr Shield
    • Viking Brynhildr Shield
    • Viking Guor Shield
    • Ornate Meerschaum Wolf Pipe
    • Pick 12 Obsidian Potions
    • Ornate Viking Chest
    • Aether Vibration Amplifier Console
    • 3 Pack Potted Blue Spruce Trees
    • Ornate Skull Candle
    • Ornate Metal Phonograph
    • 4 Viking Wooden Fence Kits
    • Small Longboat Dry Dock Decoration
    • 6 pack Blue Spruce Trees
    • Ornate Wooden Streetlamp 6 Pack
    • Ornate Wooden Four Poster Canopy Bed
    • Vintage Cordovan 5 Drawer Curved Dresser
    • Ornate Wooden Hot Tub
    • Stone Bear Statue
    • Pet: Winter Rottweiler
    • Pet: Winter Lynx
    • Pet: Bloodraven
    • Access to Dev+ Section of Forums
    • Commision Free Player Vendor
    • /meditate emote
    • /angry emote
    • /judgeyes & /judgeno emotes
    • 500 Bank Slots
    • Pick 4 Expert Crafting Stations
    • +7 Magic Mover Slots
    • Viking Helm Pattern Pack
    • Ornate Norgard Axe
    • Ornate Norgard Axe Pattern Pack
    • Pick 1: Ornate Short Kilt or Ornate Long Kilt
    • White Feather Wings
    • Ornate Circlet
    • Viking Guor Shield Pattern Pack
    • Dragon Handle Maplewood Cane
    • Viking Brynhildr Shield Pattern Pack
    • Viking Tyr Shield Pattern Pack
    • Ornate Umbrella
    • Ornate Brass Darklamp
    • Diagonal Muntin Wall Light 3-Pack
    • Large Ornate Stone & Wood Fireplace 9-Pack
    • Remote Bank Access Device
    • Epic Blue Spruce Tree
    • Pick 2 Smoke Emotes
    • Pick 2 Breathe Emotes
    • Pick 2 Juggle Emotes
    • Pick Any 8 Dye 12-Packs
    • Pick Any 3 Fireworks Assortments
    • Remote Bank Access Device

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Hello everyone! A note: Asclepius is on a well-deserved vacation and so I shall be going it alone for the next few weeks! Please bear with me as I try not to bore you too much! Here is the news of the week. :

 

• City Kobold Weapons
• Obsidian Cabalist Wearables
• The Making of Serpent’s Spine Mines
• The Making of The Fall
• NPC submissions requested for Harvest
• Spring Telethon 2017 Results
• Making the Bundles Bigger
• Music Weekend Flash Sale
• Lord British Original Shroud Cloth Map Prototype #1 Bundle
• R39 Offline Data Format Change – Character Preservation Notice
• Spring 2017 Crafter’s Competition Winners
• Upcoming Events
• Community Resources – Players Helping Players
• Recommended Projects to Back

The post Echoes From the Caverns 03-10-17 appeared first on Echoes from the Caverns.

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Greetings Fellow Avatars!

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

• City Kobold Weapons
• Obsidian Cabalist Wearables
• The Making of Serpent’s Spine Mines
• The Making of The Fall
• NPC submissions requested for Harvest
• Spring Telethon 2017 Results
• Making the Bundles Bigger
• Music Weekend Flash Sale
• Lord British Original Shroud Cloth Map Prototype #1 Bundle
• R39 Offline Data Format Change – Character Preservation Notice
• Spring 2017 Crafter’s Competition Winners
• Upcoming Events
• Community Resources – Players Helping Players
• Recommended Projects to Back

---

City Kobold Weapons

In Release 39, we began work on what we are calling our City Kobolds. These are the Kobolds that live in Skrekk and other places like K’rul. They are much more advanced than anyone else in Novia and the source of almost all of the technology that you see in the game, including clockwork creatures and aether vibration amplifiers. City Kobolds use advanced armor and weaponry including chainswords, electric axes, gas guns, electric blunderbusses, grenades, etc.

In Release 39 we introduced few new weapons for the City Kobolds including an Electric Blunderbuss and a Chainsword. The Chainsword can be looted from the Kobolds and wielded. It can even be salvaged for patterns. In Release 40 we will be introducing a handful of new bludgeon weapons for these Kobolds as well that players can loot from them and wield or try to salvage for patterns. In future releases players will also be able to loot the ranged weapons and use them as well. We are also adding the Ornate Chainsword to the Add On Store.

[A Dev+ Forum Post by Fletcher “SkullMuncher34” Kinnear]

New Kobold Weapons! The Kobold Arsenal is getting an upgrade as well. Here are some new items which include both one-handed and two-handed Electric Axes as well as a Steam-Powered Hammer!

1-Handed Electric Axe 

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The Spring Telethon is currently live! Let us know what you think of the dev discussion and Q&A sessions. If you have questions you want answered on the livestream, be on Discord to ask your questions!

https://www.twitch.tv/shroudoftheavatar

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The Spring Telethon of the Avatar started at 12pm CT (Noon) today! We will be streaming for 12 hours with deep dives into game systems and answering your questions. There will be lots of flash sales, items will be expiring, and tons of cool prizes will be given out!

** $87,500 **

Current Telethon Funds Raised
(Dev Team shots/songs/dance every $2500 increment)

Watch on Twitch from 12pm-Midnight CT:

Watch live video from shroudoftheavatar on www.twitch.tvTo win great prizes and participate in asking questions in chat, join the community on Discord chat!

As a special bonus, we are offering Telethon Funding Stretch Goal Rewards to any backer that pledges a minimum of $5 from the start of the telethon, until Midnight (Spending Store Credit to make $5 minimum purchase does not apply). The Spring Telethon of the Avatar 2017 Funding Stretch Goal Rewards are:

• Achieved!  $10,000: /flowerleap emote (leap into the air and throw flowers)
• Achieved!  $25,000: Butterfly Mask
• Achieved!  $35,000: Stained Glass Hand Lantern
• Achieved!  $50,000: Floral Pattern Stained Glass Oil Table Lamp (3 Pack)
• Achieved!  $65,000: White Flowered Topiary Creature Statues (3 Pack of Dragon, Bear, Satyr)
• Achieved!  $80,000: Leaf Shield and Leaf Spear
• $100,000: Large Spring Themed Fountain with Floating Candles
• $130,000: Thorn Bow and Thorn Sword

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Greetings Avatars,

Over the last week we have been reviewing the contents of the Bundles (Elven, Kobold, Obsidian, Shogun, Viking) and auditing them for value and relevance versus current feature sets. After careful analysis we have decided to add content to many of the bundles to both increase their overall value, make them more relevant to current features (Patterns, Magic Movers, and Remote Bank Access), and add any themed items that were not originally included. The additions begin with...

Making Bundles Bigger!

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Get a sneak peek of all the items that will be briefly on sale at various times during the upcoming telethon! When a yellow highlighted labelled category below is selected on the Wheel of Doom, all items within that category go on sale for a brief period (usually an hour or less)!

The wheel will be spun throughout the day, so be sure to stick around in case the category of items you want to go on sale are selected!...

Spring Telethon 2017 Flash Sale Sneak Peek...

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If the Player Owned Town you live in is going through any changes that require a wipe (like a template/biome change) then please remember to store your home and/or basement BEFORE the change occurs so you can restore your fully decorated home and/or basement with ease.

View the full article

(Insert music track.)

NARRATOR (ominous tone)
You pass by them every day as you go about your business, never giving a thought to what they do and say when you’re not around. Time for us to take a look at the other side of PaxLair…

The New Britannia Theater Troupe
Presents
Shadows of PaxLair

Directed and Produced by Asclepius

Writer: Gabriel Nightshadow
Based on characters created by Womby

Music Supervisor and Director of Public Relations:
Amber Raine

Technical Consultant:
Sir Stile Teckel

Voice Cast
Lord Baldrith as Fred and Guard Edward Peterson (Obsidian Soldier)
Doctor Shroud as Harry and Town Crier Ray Menderson (aka Oracle Agent Harkness)
Margaritte as Sarah (Oracle Agent)
Sophi as Alisha Zorell (Obsidian Assassin)
Lady Adnor as Guard Captain Robin Jenson (aka Oracle Agent Walker)
and Cooking Merchant Stephanie Thorenson (Obsidian Agent)
Cordelayne Valkaris as Pet Merchant John Robertson (aka Obsidian mage Camulus Dar) and Guard # 2
Majoria as Crafting Merchant Linda Leeson (Defense Attorney)
Celith as Guard Nathan Jenson (aka Oracle Agent McQuade) and Guard Harry Darkwolf
Stryker Sparhawk as Nash, assistant bartender at Wody’s, and Dagnar
Amber Raine as Marissa (Dagnar’s wife), and Guard Sergeant
Static Grazer as Han Becker (Cargo ship captain)
with
Jynx as the Oracle and Banker Marcia Woodson (Prosecutor)
Apollox Evenheart as the Magistrate Ian McMaster (aka Oracle Senior Agent, John Smith)
and
Asclepius as the Obsidian Mage, D’Var, and the Narrator
Special cameo appearance by Amber Raine as Herself and Young Chariya

(Insert music track.)

Scene I

NARRATOR
The following day after the events of A Conversation in PaxLair proves to be a hot one, and Fred, Harry, and Sarah have been busy hawking their wares…

FRED
Harry, what do you say we close up for an hour and head over to Wody’s to grab a bite for lunch?

HARRY
Sounds like an excellent idea, Fred!

SARAH (seductively)
Um…Harry, you were simply amazing last night! Care to have another go at it tonight after work?

HARRY (flustered)
Yes, Sarah, last night was fantastic, but tonight I am playing cards with the boys. Um…perhaps Thursday night?

NARRATOR
Sarah walks over and whispers in Harry’s ear. His face immediately turns bright red.

SARAH (purring seductively)
I am SO looking forward to it, lover…

FRED (excited)
Harry, you old dog! Talk about living dangerously! If Gertrude finds out what you have been up to, she is going to make sure you regret it. Come, let us discuss this over a few ales at Wody’s!

(Insert music track.)

NARRATOR
Magistrate Ian McMaster enters the marketplace and walks over to Sarah’s stall.

SARAH
Your honor, it is good to see you this fine summer day! Would you be interested in purchasing some of my sweet cinnamon buns?

NARRATOR
The magistrate examines Sarah’s buns with great interest.

MAGISTRATE (whispering)
What do you have to report, Agent Sarah?

SARAH (whispering)
Senior Agent Smith, as instructed I ran into the subject, Harry, at Wody’s last night, seduced him, and brought him to my place for questioning after lovemaking.

MAGISTRATE
What were you able to learn?

SARAH (whispering)
Harry and Fred appear to use their gift for gab to con others into giving them money, but I think they are more than simple con men. Harry seemed to know a lot more about the Obsidians than an average person would and even mentioned that one of his ancestors was a mid-level official in the Obsidian hierarchy…

MAGISTRATE (whispering)
That is very interesting news, agent Sarah. Continue to ply the subject for information.

NARRATOR
Sarah nods.

MAGISTRATE (normal volume)
Sarah, I love your soft, luscious buns! I think I will take these two.

NARRATOR
The Magistrate hands over twelve gold coins to Sarah, which is far more than the cost of the cinnamon buns.

SARAH
Thank you, Magistrate! Have a good day!

MAGISTRATE
A good day to you as well, Sarah!

NARRATOR
The Magistrate heads towards the courthouse.

SARAH (yelling)
Sweet cinnamon buns! Come and get them before they run out! Only one gold a piece!

END OF SCENE I

NARRATOR

SCENE II

Meanwhile, two strangers have arrived in PaxLair …

TOWN CRIER (cheerful)
Travelers, welcome to the metropolis of PaxLair, which is under the leadership of the honorable Governor Winfield. I am Raymond Menderson, the Town Crier, but everyone just calls me Ray. How can I be of assistance to you today?

ALISHA
Hello, Ray. My name is Salia Eramar and this is my elderly father, Boral. We are here in PaxLair to visit my cousin, Fred. I believe he operates a produce stand in the Market Square. I wonder if you could direct us there…

TOWN CRIER
Certainly! Walk straight ahead, then make a right turn at that water fountain. That is the Market Square.

NARRATOR
The travelers are intercepted by Guard Captain Robyn Jenson and Guard Nathan jenson.

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON (serious tone)
I don’t recognize you two. State the nature of your business here!

ALISHA
Yes, as I was explaining to Ray, my father and I are here in PaxLair to visit my cousin, Fred, who operates a produce stand in the Market Square.

GUARD NATHAN JENSON
Sis, I don’t remember Fred ever mention having a cousin or uncle before…

D’VAR
I am not surprised that he failed to mention us. The fact is, we have not seen Fred since he moved away from Greystone fifteen years ago after his parents died in that tragic barn fire…

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON
I see…Very well then, you may proceed. Enjoy your stay here in PaxLair!

ALISHA
Thank you! Have a nice day!

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON
So, Agent Harkness, do you think those two were telling the truth?

TOWN CRIER
They were lying through their teeth, Agent Walker! I know for a fact that Fred was raised in an orphanage in Kingsport after being abandoned on their doorstep thirty years ago. And those two travelers seemed strangely familiar. I think they may be Obsidian agents…

GUARD ROBIN JENSON
Hmm…why would two Obsidians be here to see Fred? Perhaps he and his friend Harry are indeed Obsidian spies sent here to PaxLair to stir up trouble! You never know who you can trust these days… Agent McQuade will continue to tail them while I confer with Senior Agent Smith. Good work, Agent Harkness!

TOWN CRIER (cheerful)
Thank you, Agent Walker!

NARRATOR
END OF SCENE II

(Insert music track.)

NARRATOR
SCENE III

A few moments later, just outside the barn located near the Town Crier…

ALISHA
Look father, over there in that barn…it’s a purple llama!

PET MERCHANT
Hello, my name is John Robertson, pet merchant for PaxLair. How can I be of assistance to you today, miss?

ALISHA
That purple llama looks so sad. I must have him! How much do you want for him?

PET MERCHANT
Well, as you know, a purple llama is a rare find indeed. I could not part with him for less than 50,000 gold!

ALISHA (pleading)
Please father…

D’VAR
Very well, my child. I will purchase the purple llama for you. Unfortunately, we can not take possession of the llama until we are ready to leave PaxLair in a couple of days. Is it possible to keep him boarded here until then?

PET MERCHANT
That can be arranged for an additional fee. Please come inside the barn and I will draw up the proper ownership papers.

NARRATOR
The PET MERCHANT, ALISHA, and D’VAR walk over to the barn and engage in conversation. GUARD NATHAN JENSON moves a bit closer in an attempt to eavesdrop on them. He does not notice GUARD EDWARD PETERSON sneak up behind him.

GUARD NATHAN JENSON
Hmm…this seems rather suspicious. I can’t imagine anyone spending that much money on a llama, even if it is a purple one. Perhaps the pet merchant is another Obsidian spy…

GUARD EDWARD PETERSON
Hey Nathan!

NARRATOR
GUARD NATHAN JENSON turns around.

GUARD NATHAN JENSON
What?

(Insert “Strong Punch” sound effect, followed by “Fall” sound effect).

PET MERCHANT
Good work, Brother Edward! That Oracle agent was getting a bit too nosy…

GUARD EDWARD PETERSON
Should I dispose of him?

NARRATOR

COOKING MERCHANT STEPHANIE THORENSEN walks over and stands next to PET MERCHANT JOHN ROBERTSON.

COOKING MERCHANT
No. Use the secret underground tunnel here in the barn and take him to the holding area underneath my store. He is unsuitable as a sacrifice for the ritual, but I can use him to make more shepherd’s pies for farmer Vincent to sell to Wody. Apparently, my special blend of herbs and spices have made them the most popular item on the menu. Even Lord British himself remarked how tasty they are on his last visit here! The assistant bartender, Nash, told me that they have had trouble keeping it in stock mainly because both the lich lord, Ravicus Domdred, and the High Priestess of Chaos, Amber Raine, eagerly consume several of the pies every day!

GUARD EDWARD PETERSON
Yes, Sister Stephanie! Uh…he’s kind of heavy…

NARRATOR
GUARD EDWARD PETERSON slings the unconscious GUARD NATHAN JENSON over his right shoulder and enters the barn.

PET MERCHANT
Now that we have some privacy, it is good to see you again, Master D’Var!

D’VAR
As it is good to see you, Camulus Dar, my former apprentice! How go the preparations for the ritual?

PET MERCHANT (apologetic)
All is ready, Master D’Var ! I regret that the animal sacrifices and my meager mystical skills have proven insufficient to cast the spell…

COOKING MERCHANT
Aye, Governor Winfield has grown suspicious of the number of animal carcasses that have been turning up in the river. A short while ago, I heard Sean Silverfoot ask Themo Lock and Gaelis Trajan to organize a search of the sewer system to try and determine who is responsible for the illegal dumping. Themo Lock said that the search will take place tomorrow morning.

PET MERCHANT
Sister Stephanie and Brother Edward have proven quite successful in disguising themselves and then seducing and drugging a dozen unsuspecting male and female travelers at both Wody’s Tavern and The Bear Tavern. They have been bringing them to the underground holding area where they have been kept alive until you are able to use them as sacrifices in the ritual.

D’VAR
You have done well, Camulus! According to my calculations, we should conduct the ritual this evening when the shattered fragments of Daedalus and the planets are aligned. Will that be a problem?

PET MERCHANT
No, Master D’Var. According to Sister Wind Silvermoon, Governor Winfield and his friends will be fishing at the waterfall at that hour. As I informed you, by casting suspicion on those two merchants, Fred and Harry, through the planting of evidence and that cover story regarding your visit, the agents of the Oracle have focused their efforts on them and are oblivious to our endeavor.

ALISHA
Hmm…will the dwarf, Lord Blake Blackstone, and the lich lord, Ravicus Domdred, be among those fishing with Winfield?

PET MERCHANT
Why yes, they most certainly will. Why do you ask, Alisha?

ALISHA (angry)
I seek to avenge my fallen sisters! When their forces attacked our secret base in Celestis, at least the dwarf fought with honor! Although gravely wounded, from my hiding place, I saw the lich lord eagerly consume the flesh of my dead sisters, leaving nothing for me to bury but gnawed bones…

D’VAR
Patience, my dear Alisha! Once the ritual is over, there will be an opportunity for you to get revenge against the dwarf and the lich lord for destroying the Dakari Sisterhood of Assassins…

ALISHA
Yes, Master…

D’VAR
The agents of the Oracle will not realize what we are up to until it is too late, and PaxLair will be ours!

NARRATOR
END OF SCENE III

(Insert music track.)

NARRATOR

SCENE IV

Meanwhile, in the secret Oracle confirmatory located beneath the recently constructed PaxLair Courthouse, Magistrate Ian McMaster is kneeling before an altar…
GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON enters from the left and approaches him.

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON
Sorry to disturb your meditation, Senior Agent Smith, but I have urgent news to report…

NARRATOR
The MAGISTRATE gets up and turns to face GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON. The two embrace and exchange a passionate kiss.

MAGISTRATE
No need to be so formal when we’re alone, my darling Robin…

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON
Ok, Ian. Two suspected Obsidian operatives have entered the city and are attempting to make contact with Fred and Harry…

NARRATOR
The wall behind the altar begins to shimmer and the image of the Oracle suddenly appears!
Both the MAGISTRATE and GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON immediately kneel before the altar.

MAGISTRATE and GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSEN
Mighty Oracle!

ORACLE (heard, but not seen)
This is most disturbing news. I know of the two of whom you speak. The elderly man is the mage D’Var, a high ranking member of the banned Obsidian group known as the Order of the Ebon Dawn. It is said he was an apprentice to the powerful mage Lorin Dar. The young female is his personal bodyguard, Alisha Zorrell, the last surviving member of the Dakari Sisterhood of Assassins…
Senior Agent John Smith, see to it that all four Obsidians are apprehended and brought in for interrogation. We must learn about the extent of their operations here on the mainland of Novia. The Obsidians must not be allowed to rise again and disrupt the order I have brought to the people…

MAGISTRATE and GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON
We will do as you ask, mighty Oracle! We exist to serve!

NARRATOR
The image of the Oracle vanishes from the wall.
Both the MAGISTRATE and GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON rise and turn to face each other.

MAGISTRATE
Assemble two teams and apprehend the four Obsidian operatives. Use discretion, as we don’t want Governor Winfield or his friends to become aware of our activities…

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON
Understood, sir.

NARRATOR
GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON nods and then turns to leave.

END OF SCENE IV

(Insert music track.)

NARRATOR

SCENE V

A short time later, at Wody’s Bar…

NASH, the assistant bartender at Wody’s is standing behind the tavern counter. The CRAFTING MERCHANT and BANKER are seated at one of the tables. FRED and HARRY are seated at another.

CRAFTING MERCHANT (whispering)
Umm… that produce vendor Fred is really good looking…Is he single?

BANKER (whispering)
Linda, you don’t want to get involved with him! He’s got a real reputation as a womanizer…

CRAFTING MERCHANT (whispering, disappointed)
Oh, what a pity…I was hoping to put my riding crop to good use tonight…

NARRATOR
The crafting merchant suddenly has a devilish smile on her face. The banker nods in agreement.

BANKER
Well, if it’s excitement you crave, I guess we could pay a midnight visit to the exclusive SHADOWFIRE CLUB in the basement of Gabriel’s home this evening. I hear that he has made some noticeable improvements to the décor in the Dungeon Room on the fifth level…

CRAFTING MERCHANT
That sounds like an excellent idea! So Marcia, what do you think of the new magistrate?

BANKER
Well, Linda, even I have to admit that he does seem pretty harsh. As you are well aware, he’s sent many of your clients to the guillotine…

CRAFTING MERCHANT
Yes, I’ve heard that the mysterious executioner has to sharpen the guillotine blade on a daily basis. I am beginning to regret accepting Governor Winfield’s request to fill the position of Defense Attorney.

BANKER
Well, Linda, the truth is, no one else was willing to accept the position, especially once they heard that “The Decapiter” was going to be the new presiding judge…

CRAFTING MERCHANT
Do they really call him that, Marcia? What is his background anyway?

BANKER
I am not sure, Linda. All I know is that he came highly recommended to Governor Winfield. I will be so glad when our permanent replacements arrive from Brittany next week. Even doing this part-time has really made it difficult to run my business.

CRAFTING MERCHANT
I know what you mean, Marcia. I’ve had to hire two assistants to cover for me at the shop when I am facing off against you in court. It’s costing me a fortune…

BANKER
Well, if we are lucky, there won’t be any major trials for the rest of the week!

CRAFTING MERCHANT
I will most definitely drink to that!

NARRATOR
As the CRAFTING MERCHANT and BANKER have a drink, NASH steps out from behind the counter and walks over to FRED and HARRY’s table.

NASH (apologetic)
Fred, Harry, sorry it took me so long to get to you. As you know, Wody is still away on vacation, and Chun Li is tending to her and Ryu’s sick son. It’s just me covering the floor until Cammy comes in to start her shift in four hours…
So what can I get for you two today?

FRED
I think I will have the fish and chips and a mug of Fire Mountain ale.

HARRY
I will have the shepherd’s pie and a mug of Fire Mountain ale.

NASH
Harry, you don’t realize how lucky you are! I have one shepherd’s pie left. My supplier promises to have more for me tomorrow morning…
I’ll have Ryu start on those right away!

NARRATOR
NASH walks back behind the counter and turns his head toward the kitchen.

NASH (yelling)
One WINFIELD SPECIAL and one shepherd pie, Ryu!

NARRATOR
NASH turns back to the patrons sitting at the counter.

NASH
So, any of you guys need another drink?

FRED
So tell me, HARRY. How did an average looking, middle-aged guy like you get someone as young and beautiful like Sarah interested in you? Geez, she’s like half of your age!

HARRY
What can I say, Fred? Some women prefer someone with experience and stamina!

FRED
Yeah, right Harry! You know it is only a matter of time before the old ball and chain finds out…

HARRY
I only have to wait a couple more days. On Thursday, Gertrude is travelling to Braemar in the Hidden Vale to visit her ill cousin, Morgana. She will be gone at least three weeks…

FRED
You’re playing with fire, my old friend! Gertrude is not a fool like Dagnar is. She is probably already suspicious about all of these late nights you and I have been having with our old friend, Han, the cargo ship captain, and that fellow, Lando, these past few weeks…You know, for an Outlander, Lando seems like a pretty cool guy. I am really enjoying this Earth card game he introduced us to. What is it called again?

HARRY
I believe he called it “No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Poker”. Hmm…of course, you like it Fred, you been winning quite a bit in these semiweekly poker tournaments. I haven’t been so lucky…

FRED
Cheer up, buddy! I’m sure that you will have much better luck tonight.

NARRATOR
GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON and GUARDS HARRY DARKWOLF and # 2 enter the tavern and walk up to Fred and Harry’s table and surround it.

FRED
Is there something we can help you with, Guard Captain Jenson?

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON
Both of you will accompany us to the courthouse immediately for questioning with regard to a highly delicate matter. Come along quietly or there will be trouble…

FRED
May I ask what this in regard to?

NARRATOR
Shouting is heard from outside as the guards spot ALISHA and DVAR and begin pursuing them.

(Insert “Flashbang” sound effect)

NARRATOR
The guards are temporarily stunned by a flashbang grenade thrown by ALISHA. A GUARD SERGEANT enters the tavern. GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON turns to face her.

GUARD SERGEANT (apologetic)
Guard Captain Jenson, the other two Obsidians have managed to elude us! We think they may have escaped into the sewer system! Also, your brother seems to have disappeared…

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON (angry)
What?! This is totally unacceptable! Sergeant, take guards McDonnell, Simpson, Watkins, Reed, Fowler, Gunderson, and Coltrane and begin a search of the sewer system. Have guards Hill, Koch, Fury, Ross, Johnson, Caffrey, Scott, and Hays begin a discreet aboveground search. I will deal with these two suspected Obsidian agents personally…

GUARD SERGEANT
Yes, Guard Captain!

NARRATOR
The GUARD SERGEANT salutes CAPTAIN JENSON, then turns and exits the tavern.
GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON turns back towards FRED and HARRY and glares at them. Both FRED and HARRY exchange quick glances with each other as they realize the seriousness of the situation.

HARRY
Um…I’m sure we can discuss all of this at the courthouse, Guard Captain Jenson. Of course, neither one of us wants any trouble.

NARRATOR
Both FRED and HARRY get up and accompany the guards as they exit the tavern. The BANKER and CRAFTING MERCHANT get up from their table.

CRAFTING MERCHANT (sighing)
Oh well, so much for that…

BANKER
See you at the courthouse!

NARRATOR
END OF SCENE V

(Insert music track.)

SCENE VI
NARRATOR
After being separately questioned by Guard Captain Robin Jenson and her second in command, Guard Lieutenant Malcolm Daniels, for several hours, Fred and Harry continue to deny that they are Obsidian agents plotting against the Oracle. As night falls and Governor Winfield and his friends go fishing at the waterfall, Magistrate Ian McMaster calls for a bench trial (i.e., one in which no jury is involved) and closes it to the public. Both the prosecutor and defense attorney find this highly suspicious, but know better than to object.

Let us peek in on the trial…

PROSECUTOR
So, Captain Becker, how do you know the two defendants? I remind you that you are under oath. Failure to tell the truth will render your plea agreement null and void.

HAN BECKER
Well, I’ve been helping Fred and Harry smuggle Shamizar to the mainland from the Hidden Vale for the past five years….

PROSECUTOR
Shamizar? I have never heard of that substance. Could you please explain to the court what that is?

HAN BECKER
Certainly. It is a fine pink powder made up of a few substances, but primarily sheep intestines. When mixed with an alcoholic beverage, it causes a chemical reaction which transforms the beverage into a powerful aphrodisiac. Since it can be used for illicit purposes, plus the fact that it requires five sheep intestines to produce one ounce of Shamizar, it is a banned substance. The guards in Owls Head have been cracking down lately on those who slaughter their precious sheep for this purpose. The drug is manufactured in a secret underground laboratory located in Owls Head and then transported by land to Kingsport. I ferry the goods from there to PaxLair once a month. My partners Fred and Harry unload it late at night and then transport it through the underground sewer system to their secret storage room in order to avoid detection by the city guards.

PROSECUTOR
I see. Is there a great demand for this drug?

HAN BECKER
Oh yes! The drug is highly sought after by the rich and powerful here in PaxLair and goes for about 5,000 gold per ounce these days.

PROSECUTOR
So I imagine that you, Fred, and Harry have gotten quite wealthy from the sales of this banned substance?

HAN BECKER
Well, I have. Fred and Harry seem to blow most of their gold on wine, women, and gambling.

PROSECUTOR
I see. I guess this gives us some insight into their moral character, doesn’t it, Captain Becker?

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
I object! This calls for speculation on the part of the witness!

MAGISTRATE
Objection sustained. Do you have any further questions from this witness?

PROSECUTOR
No, your Honor!

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
I have no questions for this witness.

MAGISTRATE
Witness is dismissed!

MAGISTRATE
Bring in the next witness!

NARRATOR

GUARD HARRY DARKWOLF escorts DAGNAR to the witness stand.

PROSECUTOR
Please state your name for the record.

DAGNAR
My name is Dagnar Vykris.

PROSECUTOR
How do you know the two defendants?
DAGNAR
I’m an importer of fine clothing, art, and jewelry for the wealthy here in PaxLair.

PROSECUTOR
Hmm…and how would you be acquainted with two lowly Market Square vendors?

DAGNAR
Please…Fred and Harry are two of my best customers!

PROSECUTOR
Oh really? The guards did not find any such items in a search of either of their premises.

DAGNAR
That’s because they keep it all stashed away in their secret love nests where they entertain their “lady friends”.

PROSECUTOR
So didn’t you find it odd that the two defendants could afford to spend so lavishly?

DAGNAR
At first I did, but Fred explained to me that he and his friend Harry are both well-paid covert Oracle operatives. Recently, they had been directed to observe the activities of my neighbor, Robert Sebastian, the new night shift bartender at the Bear Tavern. Mr. Sebastian is suspected of being a member of a banned Obsidian group trying to gather support for an insurrection against the Oracle.

PROSECUTOR
I see. That is why he had to enter your apartment on a daily basis?

DAGNAR
Oh yes! Fred has been observing Mr. Sebastian’s activities at home though a small hole drilled in my bedroom wall, while his fellow operative Harry has been observing his activities when is out and about PaxLair. Fred has giving me frequent updates on the evil Obsidian plot.

PROSECUTOR
How interesting…Did Fred provide you with any official credentials to prove he was an Oracle operative?

DAGNAR
Well, no he didn’t, but I’ve known both Fred and Harry for years. They wouldn’t lie to me about something this serious!

PROSECUTOR
So you took Fred at his word. The truth is you don’t know for sure if Fred was making up the whole story and is, in fact, a clever liar!

DAGNAR
Uh…no, I can’t say that with 100% certainty…

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
I object! The prosecutor is besmirching the defendant’s reputation without any proof…

PROSECUTOR
I will be providing that proof very shortly with my next witness…

MAGISTRATE
Very well then. Objection is overruled! Please continue, prosecutor…

PROSECUTOR
Thank you, your Honor. I have no further questions for this witness.

MAGISTRATE
The witness is dismissed.

MAGISTRATE
Bring in the next witness.

NARRATOR
GUARD HARRY DARKWOLF escorts MARISSA to the witness stand.

PROSECUTOR
Please state your name for the record.

MARISSA
My name is Marissa Vykris, wife of Dagnar Vykris.

PROSECUTOR
Can you collaborate the testimony provided by your husband?

MARISSA
Yes, indeed! I would like to add that Fred did show me a golden medallion which indicated his authority as an agent of the Oracle.

NARRATOR
The PROSECUTOR pulls out a large golden coin out of his pocket and shows it to MARISSA.

PROSECUTOR
Is this the medallion which he showed you?

MARISSA
Why, yes it is…

PROSECUTOR
Well, I have been in contact with the Oracle’s new ambassador, who has provided me with a signed affidavit which states that this is not a badge of authority, but rather a commemorative golden Oracle coin which has been minted by Sir Frank for the upcoming Reaffirmation Celebration. I am not sure how Fred managed to obtain one of these ahead of time, but he clearly lied about being an agent of the Oracle…

MARISSA (in shock)
Oh my…

PROSECUTOR
How much time has Fred been spending observing your neighbor’s activities?

MARISSA
Fred stops by every morning and spends about three hours peering through the hole in our bedroom wall and recording my neighbor’s activities in his journal.

NARRATOR
The PROSECUTOR steps back a few steps and then points his finger at MARISSA.

PROSECUTOR (loud voice)
That is a lie! Isn’t it true that you and Fred are carrying on an illicit affair behind your husband’s back?

MARISSA (pleading)
No…that’s not true!

NARRATOR
The PROSECUTOR pulls out a piece of parchment and waves it in front of MARISSA’s face.

PROSECUTOR
I have a sworn statement here from night shift dockworker Richard Long, who lives in the row house directly across the street from yours. Using his spyglass, he has observed you and Fred having sex every day soon after your husband leaves for work in the morning. What do you have to say for yourself?

(MARISSA starts CRYING)

MARISSA
Yes, I admit I have been sleeping with Fred, but I had no choice! The first day after my husband left for work, Fred said that he had lusted after me for quite some time and then threatened to implicate Dagnar in the Obsidian plot if I didn’t start sleeping with him! I love my husband and would do anything to protect him! If Fred lied about being an agent of the Oracle, then it was all for nothing…I am so ashamed of myself…

(MARISSA starts CRYING again)

NARRATOR
FRED suddenly stands up and points at MARISSA.

FRED (yelling)
That’s a lie! She was the one who tried to seduce me!

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Sit down, Fred!

NARRATOR
DAGNAR rises from his seat in the audience.

DAGNAR (angry yelling)
You bastard! I treated you like a brother! How dare you blackmail my wife into having sex with you! Die!

NARRATOR
DAGNAR pulls out a dagger and charges toward the stage!

MAGISTRATE
Guards, stop him!

NARRATOR
GUARDS HARRY DARKWOLF and # 2 enter the gallery and block DAGNAR’s path.

GUARD HARRY DARKWOLF (growling)
Drop the dagger, Dagnar!

NARRATOR
Dagnar is the only one to notice that the guard’s eyes turn crimson red for an instant and he seems to have unusually sharp canine teeth. This triggers a memory from his youth in Ardoris…

(Note to Narrator: This flashback scene is pulled directly from The Avatar Chronicles I: Return of the Avatar, so you can reuse most of the audio. Slight changes in dialogue which need to be recorded are in italics.)

(Insert “Innocence” by Eliot Corley)

“Please give me back my ball!”, asked the young girl.

“I don’t think so!”, said one of the boys, passing it to one of his friends. The second boy taunted the girl by holding the ball in front of him. As the girl reached for the ball, he suddenly pulled it back beyond her reach and then tossed the ball to a third friend.
Young Dagnar held the ball out, just above the girl’s head. The little girl jumped up to get it, but the boy suddenly held it high above his head, beyond her reach! The little girl jumped up again, but to no avail. Dagnar and his two friends started laughing.

The little girl looked like she was about to cry, when the young High Priestess of Chaos, Amber Raine, and her pet wolf, Mori Tura, walked up.

Amber glared at the boys and said, “Give the little girl her ball back!”

Mori Tura started growling.

The three boys suddenly looked very nervous. Dagnar handed the ball back to the little girl.

“Now leave! And if I ever catch you bothering this little girl again, you will surely regret it!”, said Amber, as Mori Tura eyes suddenly turned bright red and he bared all of his sharp, pearly white teeth.

Dagnar cried out, “Ah, it’s some sort of …

(End of flashback sequence.)

DAGNAR (whispering)
…demon wolf!

NARRATOR
Guard Harry Darkwolf smiles upon hearing this. A very nervous Dagnar slowly begins to wet his pants.

GUARD # 2
We realize that you’re upset, Dagnar, but this is not the way to handle it. We don’t want to hurt you, but we will if necessary…

DAGNAR (whimpering, as he looks at Guard Harry Darkwolf)
Uh…OK…I don’t want any trouble…

GUARD HARRY DARKWOLF (low growling)
A wide decision on your part, Dagnar…

NARRATOR
GUARD HARRY DARKWOLF turns to face Guard # 2.

GUARD HARRY DARKWOLF
I can handle this.

NARRATOR
Guard # 2 nods and returns to his post. GUARD HARRY DARKWOLF escorts the frightened DAGNAR in between the bleachers while FRED sits back down.

DAGNAR (frightened)
Please don’t hurt me…

GUARD HARRY DARKWOLF (threatening)
I won’t…as long as you keep my little secret. I must remain close to my beloved Amber so I can protect her from her many enemies…Her fiance, that wimpy playwright Gabriel Nightshadow, is useless in a fight!

(GUARD HARRY DARKWOLF snorts in disgust.)

DAGNAR (frightened)
I promise to keep quiet…

GUARD HARRY DARKWOLF (threatening)
Good. Remember, I know where you live, Dagnar…

NARRATOR
A frightened DAGNAR quickly turns and leaves the area while GUARD HARRY DARKWOLF returns to his post.

HARRY (whispering to FRED)
This is not going well for us. The testimony provided by our friend, Han, proves that we are drug smugglers. Furthermore, the testimony which Sarah and the guards who searched my row house provided earlier was even more damning. The journals left to me by my late grandfather make it look like I carrying on his work as an Obsidian agent…and being painted as an adulterer doesn’t help either…

FRED (whispering to HARRY)
No kidding! I look even worse. Hey, lady, you’re supposed to be our defense attorney. Do something!

DEFENSE ATTORNEY (whispering)
Badgering a crying woman isn’t going to help your case, Fred. It’s her word against yours, and her credibility is a lot higher…

FRED (moaning)
This can’t get any worse…

PROSECUTOR
I have no further questions from this witness, your Honor…

MAGISTRATE
Does the defense attorney have any questions for the witness?

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
No, your Honor…

MAGISTRATE
Very well then. The witness is dismissed.

MAGISTRATE
Bring in the next witness.

NARRATOR
GUARD HARRY DARKWOLF escorts the TOWN CRIER to the witness stand and then returns to his post.

PROSECUTOR
Please state your name for the record.

TOWN CRIER
My name is Ray Menderson. I’m the town crier.

PROSECUTOR
Are you acquainted with the two defendants?

TOWN CRIER
I sure do! I have known both Fred and Harry for over fifteen years. They’re really great guys!

PROSECUTOR
I see… Is it not true that two strangers arrived in PaxLair earlier today looking for Fred?

TOWN CRIER
Yes, a very attractive young woman and an elderly fellow claiming to be Fred’s cousin and uncle, respectively. I found that to be rather suspicious because when I first met Fred, he told me that he was an orphan and had no living relatives…

NARRATOR
The PROSECUTOR pulls out two wanted posters and shows them to the TOWN CRIER.

PROSECUTOR
Were these the two people in question?

TOWN CRIER
Yes, I believe so. The resemblance is uncanny…

PROSECUTOR
The TOWN CRIER has just identified two wanted criminals – D’Var, a powerful mage and high ranking member of the banned Obsidian group known as the Order of the Ebon Dawn, and Alisha Zorell, his personal bodyguard and assassin. Now why would a high ranking Obsidian official be here in PaxLair to visit Fred, a lowly produce vendor? There can be only one possible explanation…

NARRATOR
The PROSECUTOR turns towards FRED and points at him.

Fred is the leader of a covert Obsidian cell operating here in PaxLair! He and his second in command, Harry, are trying to recruit people to their cause by spreading lies and rumors about the Oracle!

NARRATOR
Both FRED and HARRY stand up immediately.

FRED (protesting)
No, that is not true!

HARRY
I don’t know why those two travelers lied about us, but I swear that FRED and I are just two loyal, hard working citizens!

PROSECUTOR
I think not! I urge the court to find these two guilty of treason and sentence them to death by beheading!

NARRATOR

HARRY turns toward the DEFENSE ATTORNEY.

HARRY
Damn it, you’re our defense attorney! Say something! Our lives are on the line…

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Sit down, you two! This is not helping your case…

NARRATOR
Both FRED and HARRY reluctantly sit down as the DEFENSE ATTORNEY stands up.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
While I admit that the prosecutor has presented a very compelling case, the fact is that all of the evidence is circumstantial. None of the evidence directly links my two clients to the two Obsidian agents in question. While it is true that my clients may not be of the highest moral character, there is nothing in their past actions which suggests that they are guilty of treason. I urge the court to find them not guilty and let them return to being productive members of the PaxLair community…

MAGISTRATE
I will consider all of the evidence which has been presented and return shortly with my decision…

NARRATOR

Guard Captain Robin Jenson suddenly enters the courtroom and approaches the Magistrate. He turns to face her.

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON
Sorry to interrupt, your Honor, but I just wanted to update you on the search for the other two Obsidian agents. It seems that my men have been unable to locate them in the underground sewer system, although we have confirmed that they did indeed enter it after they escaped from the Market Square and have not resurfaced since then.

MAGISTRATE
Hmm…They must have some sort of hidden base down there, but we don’t have sufficient manpower to mount a more thorough search…

FRED
Perhaps Harry and I could be of assistance in this matter?

MAGISTRATE
How so? Do you know the precise location of the secret Obsidian base?

FRED
No, but Harry and I know the underground sewer system better than anybody else in PaxLair and could help narrow your search to a handful of probable locations…in exchange for having the charges against us dismissed.

MAGISTRATE (angry)
You are in position to bargain!

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON
Your Honor, we have nothing to lose…and time is of the essence.

MAGISTRATE
Very well then. I will suspend the proceedings pending the outcome of the search. Guards, you will accompany the two prisoners during the search. Is that clear?

GUARDS HARRY DARKWOLF & # 2
Yes, your Honor!

MAGISTRATE
Proceed!

NARRATOR
GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON bows, then turns around and exits the courtroom. GUARDS HARRY DARKWOLF & # 2 leave their posts and walk over to the defendants’ table.

GUARD HARRY DARKWOLF (growling)
Come with us! Don’t try to escape or you’ll end up dead! Understand?

NARRATOR
Both FRED and HARRY get up and nod. They exit the courtroom in single file, with GUARD HARRY DARKWOLF in the lead, followed by FRED, then HARRY, and finally GUARD # 2.

NARRATOR
No one notices the DEFENSE ATTORNEY briefly smile as her two clients are led away. I can’t believe I was actually paid to throw this case, she thinks to herself. Easiest 5,000 gold I ever made…

END OF SCENE VI

(Insert music track.)

NARRATOR
SCENE VII

Sometime later, at the secret underground base of the Order of the Ebon Dawn in the PaxLair sewer system, Alisha and D’Var plot their next move…

ALISHA
The rest of our members should be here in about half an hour, master.

D’VAR
Good. Have you checked on the human sacrifices?

ALISHA
Yes. They are still groggy from the drugs but appear to be in good health.
Camulus should be returning shortly with the twelve Naguri Blood Daggers needed for the ritual.

D’VAR
Excellent! Nothing can stop us now!

NARRATOR
The MAGISTRATE suddenly appears at the right doorway with spell components in hand, while GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON appears at the left doorway with her two handed flaming sword drawn.

MAGISTRATE
I wouldn’t count on that, D’VAR!

NARRATOR
D’VAR turns to face the MAGISTRATE while ALISHA turns to face GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON.

D’VAR (taunting)
Well, if it isn’t Oracle Senior Agent John Smith! So it seems that you’ve finally found me. Are you going to arrest me for what I did to your little brother?

MAGISTRATE (angry)
You bastard! Killing him wasn’t enough, was it? You had to turn him into a freaking zombie! I still remember that day I came home five years ago to find him munching on my wife’s brains. I had to choke back the tears as I decapitated poor Robert…

D’VAR (sneering)
I’m not going to apologize for my actions! Your brother deserved to be punished for leading that attack on my main base in Solania! I lost nearly half of my followers in that attack, including my only son, Kordesh. Afterwards, I was forced to set up several smaller bases, including the one here in PaxLair…

MAGISTRATE (angry)
No, I’m NOT going to arrest you, D’VAR! GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON and I are going to make sure that you and ALISHA pay for your crimes …with your lives!

NARRATOR
The MAGISTRATE casts Flame Arrow at D’VAR!

(Insert “Flame Arrow” sound effect.)

D’VAR
Argh!

NARRATOR
D’VAR casts DEATH RAY at the MAGISTRATE.

(Insert “Ghost Breath” sound effect.)

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON (bellowing)
Time to eliminate the Dakari Sisterhood of Assassins once and for all!

NARRATOR
CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON charges towards ALISHA!

(Insert “Rage of Blades” sound effect.)

ALISHA manages to dodge and deflect CAPTAIN JENSON’S attacks and manages to stab her in the stomach with one of her twin short swords!

(Insert “Stab” sound effect.)

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON
Uh…

ALISHA (taunting)
Ha! You’re going to have to do far better than that if expect to defeat me!

D’VAR (yelling)
Feel my power!

NARRATOR
D’VAR casts several LIGHTNING bolts at the MAGISTRATE!

(Insert “Thunder Sound FX” sound effect)

MAGISTRATE
Argh…

NARRATOR
ALISHA uses an OFFHAND ATTACK on GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON, who counters with a REND attack!

ALISHA
Uh….

NARRATOR
The MAGISTRATE runs up to D’VAR and hits him in the jaw with FLAME FIST!
(Insert “Torch” sound effect)

D’VAR
Ur..!

NARRATOR
D’VAR casts GUST!

(Insert first ten seconds of “Wind” Sound Effect.)

The MAGISTRATE is forced back!

Meanwhile, ALISHA unleashes a WHIRLING BLADES attack, but GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON counters with a COUP de GRACE attack!

The MAGISTRATE casts a large fireball at D’VAR!

(Insert “Large Fireball” sound effect)

D’VAR casts DOUSE, then runs up to MAGISTRATE and hits him with DEATH TOUCH!

(Insert “Ghost Breath” sound effect.)

D’VAR (surprised)
Prepare to die! What my SUMMON LICH spell fizzled?!

MAGISTRATE
Too bad for you! Burn foul sorcerer!

NARRATOR
The MAGISTRATE casts IMMOLATE on D’VAR!

(Insert “Fire Burning” sound effect.)

D’VAR
Argh…!

NARRATOR
D’VAR falls to the ground!

(Insert “Fall” sound effect.)

NARRATOR
MAGISTRATE approaches and examines the body. D’VAR suddenly springs to his feet and casts DEATH FIELD!
(Insert “Ghost 1” sound effect.)

D’VAR (snarling)
I’m taking you with me to the Underworld! My followers will carry on my work. The Obsidians will rise again!

MAGISTRATE
Uh…

NARRATOR
The MAGISTRATE fall to the ground – dead!

(Insert “Fall” sound effect.)

D’VAR
Oh damn…

NARRATOR
D’VAR dies too!

(Insert “Fall” sound effect.)

NARRATOR
Guard Captain Robin Jenson does not notice Alisha press a button on her sword hilts, which cause a thin green liquid to coat her blades.
ALISHA uses a REND attack on GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON. GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON staggers back and falls to her knees!

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON (gasping)
Poison? You fight without honor!

ALISHA (mocking)
Of course not! I am an assassin. I do whatever it takes to win!

ALISHA (gloating)
I am going to mount your head on my wall!

NARRATOR
ALISHA does not notice SARAH materialize behind with her dagger drawn after using Silent Movement.

SARAH (yelling)
I think not! Die, Obsidian witch!

NARRATOR
SARAH slashes ALISHA in the back. ALISHA falls to the ground dead.

(Insert “Fall” sound effect.)

SARAH approaches GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON and casts PURIFY and then HEALING RAY on her.

(Insert ‘Purify” and “Healing Ray” sound effects.)

NARRATOR
GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON breathes a sigh of relief as she stands up.

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON
I feel much better now. Thank you for saving me, Sarah!

SARAH
You’re welcome…big sister!

NARRATOR
GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON walks over to the MAGISTRATE’s body.

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON
My poor Ian…

SARAH
Ian died a hero, taking down a mighty foe of the Oracle. It is vital that we carry on his work, so his sacrifice will not have been in vain…

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON (angry)
Yes. I will make sure that all of the Obsidians operating here in PaxLair are rounded up tonight and sent to the guillotine tomorrow! It’s a good thing that our town crier and executioner Ray already has several spare guillotine blades sharpened and ready for use…

SARAH
I managed to free the drugged prisoners, including our dear brother. They are being escorted back to the surface by the Guard Sergeant and a couple of his men. The rest of the guards will remain in position and apprehend any Ebon Dawn cult members who approach the sacrificial chamber. Now, why don’t you say we get out of here, big sister?

GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON
Sounds good to me…

NARRATOR
Both SARAH and GUARD CAPTAIN ROBIN JENSON exit the chamber.

END OF SCENE VII

(Insert music track.)

SCENE VIII

NARRATOR
Sunset, the next day…

FRED
So, Harry, did you hear what happened to poor Nash?

HARRY
Yeah. I heard he was incinerated by a fireball cast by the cook, Ryu, right in front of the lunch time crowd! I’m not sure what drove him to do it though. Apparently, Ryu died in the ensuing melee with the city guards.

FRED
The word is that Ryu found out this morning that his son wasn’t really his! It seems that Nash and Chun-Li have been having an affair behind his back for the past 1 ½ years…

HARRY
Wow, I had no idea…

FRED
It was rather nice of Guard Captain Jenson to drop all charges and release us from custody…

HARRY
Yes, but the damage is done. That stupid guard from the courthouse, Harry Darkwolf, got drunk at Wody’s last night and blabbed about the trial to all those assembled there. One of the bar patrons told Gertrude about my affair with Sarah and she threw me out of the house…

FRED
Yeah, and now no one in town seems to want do business with us. It seems that even being named as a suspected Obsidian spy is enough to destroy one’s reputation…

HARRY
I think that we’ve outstayed our welcome in PaxLair. Time for us to move on. Any suggestions?

FRED
Well, I hear that the metropolis of Vengeance is looking for vendors…

HARRY
Isn’t that located at the northern end of the Grunvald desert? You know I can’t stand extreme heat! Besides, I’ve heard that Vengeance is a very dangerous place to live…

FRED
Look on the bright side, old friend! An isolated place like that presents plenty of opportunities for two clever guys like us…

HARRY
I guess so…

NARRATOR
Both FRED and HARRY walk off into the sunset…

SOUND EFFECT CREDITS

All sound effects used in this production are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

The following sound effects can be found at:
http://soundbible.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

“Strong Punch” – Recorded by Mike Koenig
“Flashbang” – Recorded by Kibblesbob
“Flame Arrow” – Recorded by Mike Koenig
“Stab” – Recorded by Mike Koenig
“Thunder Sound FX” – Recorded by Grant Evans
“Torch” – Recorded by Mike Koenig
“Wind” – Recorded by Mike Koenig
“Large Fireball” – Recorded by Mike Koenig
“Fire Burning” – Recorded by JaBa

The following sound effects can be found at:
http://opengameart.org?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

“Fall” – Recorded by remaxim
“Ghost Breath” – Recorded by qubodup
“Ghost 1” – Recorded by qubodup

MUSIC CREDITS

Topher Mohr and Alex Elena – Stalling
Bensound – Sexy http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss
Topher Mohr and Alex Elena – Golden Days
Orbital Music – https://goo.gl/NhQplR?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss
Danny Olson – If I lose Myself tonight – https://soundcloud.com/dannyolsonmusic?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss
Tobu – Dreams – http://7obu.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss
DasDeer – Dysfunctional, Flawed, and Free – https://soundcloud.com/simon_hjort/dysfunctional-flawed-and-free?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss
The Rite of Ashi – https://goo.gl/KOvxKj?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss
Peter Grundy – The One Who Dwells Within – https://www.facebook.com/PeterGundryOfficial?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss
Peter Grundy – When Darkness Shines Brightest – www.facebook.com/PeterGundryOfficial?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss
Michael Ghelfi – Of Fire and Steam – https://soundcloud.com/michael-ghelfi?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

The following tracks can be found at machinima sound – https://machinimasound.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss
Land of the Wizard
Escape from The Temple
Incursion
Rallying The Defense
Setting Sail
End Game
Resurrection
Damnation
Exigence
Battle of Kings
Digital Fortress
Hyperborean Menace
Olympos

THE END

The post Shadows of Paxlair – by the NBTT appeared first on Echoes from the Caverns.

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The New Britannia Theater Troupe Presents

Conversations in Paxlair

Written by Womby

Produced and directed by Asclepius

Music supervisor and director of Public Relations Amber Raine

Stage Manager and Technical Director Sir Stile Teckel

Voice Cast

Doctor Shroud as Harry
Lord Baldrith as Fred
Lady Adnor as Citizen 1
Asclepius as Citizen 2
Cordelayne Valkaris as Guard
Sophi as Christine
Jynx as Oracle Agent
Amber Raine as Sarah

And Asclepius as the narrator

Narrator
Every day, the market square in Paxlair is a bustling center of activity. Stallholders stand ready to sell their wares, trying to catch the attention of passersby. However, what seems to be a typical day at the market, with innocent and hard-working merchants, can be something quite different beneath the surface. Let us listen in for a moment to the adventures of three such merchants. Fred and Harry are at their stalls, chatting to each other in between selling priceless treasures to customers. Sarah, at an adjoining stall, is quietly going about her business.

Harry
Fresh fish, get yer fresh fish here. Caught this morning in Spindrift Bay. Look into their eyes and see how fresh they are!

Narrator
A well-dressed lady approaches Harry’s stall and catches his eye.

Harry
You Madam, one glance at your impressive attire tells me that you have exquisite taste. It is so refreshing to encounter a person of such refinement. Only one such as yourself could possibly have a palate sufficiently refined to appreciate the delicate flavours of my exclusive produce. Take these extremely rare Wobbegong fillets, for example. Caught fresh this morning.

Citizen 1
I’m not familiar with the Wobbegong. What breed of fish is that?

Harry
I’m not surprised that you have not heard of it madam, for it is an extremely rare delicacy, and dangerous to capture. This very catch took the lives of two fishermen. Naturally when I heard of this I immediately bought the catch and notified a certain gentleman who lives on a hill not far from here. Professional discretion of course prevents me from revealing his name, but he has a standing order for any items of exceptional rarity and taste that I secure. He will be serving Wobbegong as the main course at his banquet this evening. Fortunately for you I kept four fillets with the intention of surprising my wife. Sadly she was unexpectedly called away to tend to her sick mother. I am therefore prepared to part with them for a mere 500 gold apiece. That is considerably less than I received from a certain gentleman whose name I cannot mention, but you impress me, and I am prepared to let them go at cost.

Citizen 1
Well, I do feel like I deserve something a little special. All right, I’ll take your remaining fillets.

Narrator
As his customer departs, Harry turns to Fred

Fred
Where was I? Oh yes. So anyhow, there I was hiding in the wardrobe hurriedly putting on my pants when Dagnar comes racing up the stairs and bursts into the room, accusing his wife of infidelity. I can hear him noisily searching everywhere while he berates his wife, so I open the wardrobe door and wave to him. While he’s standing there looking half-furious, half-confused, I say, “Ah, thank goodness you’ve arrived. The Oracle has an important job for you.”.

Harry
You certainly like to live dangerously Fred. What happened next?

Fred
Well, fortunately Dagnar’s curiosity overcame his anger, and rather than attacking me he paused, saying “What is the meaning of this? You have five seconds to explain yourself before I turn you into sausage meat.”

Narrator
A man wanders through the market place and pauses in front of Fred’s stall.

Fred
Good morning sir, can I interest you in the freshest produce in the entire vale? Just this morning we received a rare, limited shipment of these incredible new dorick seeds, which are selling fast. I suggest you act quickly if you don’t want to miss out.

Citizen 2
What’s a dorick?

Fred
You haven’t heard? The plant they grow into produces incredible fruit. They are unlike anything you’ve ever tried before, and they keep for ages. An ideal snack at more refined parties, or they can be used as a nutritious lightweight provision on long journeys.

Citizen 2
Can you show me their fruit?

Fred
If only I could! Sadly the fruit are always sold out within minutes of obtaining a new supply. If someone were to plant and harvest these I would pay good money for a steady supply. I would do it myself, but sadly I do not own land.

Citizen 2
Hmm. How much for your entire collection of seeds?

Fred
The entire collection? Well, I guess I could let them go for 1000 gold, but I would be very reluctant to do so. I would need a guarantee that I would get first refusal on the purchase of any fruit that they produce.

Citizen 2
That seems fair. Agreed. Here you go.

Narrator
As the customer departs. Fred turns back to Harry

Harry
So what happened next?

Fred
Well, as you know, Dagnar is not the sharpest tool in the shed, so I turned to him and said, “What I am about to tell you is top secret information, and I can only reveal it if you agree to assist the Oracle in an operation of the utmost secrecy and importance.”

Naturally he wasn’t about to turn down what he thought was a direct request from the Oracle, so he nodded in acquiescence. I then asked if he agreed to serve the Oracle faithfully and without question, and never to reveal anything that he learned in her service.

Dagnar replied “I do,” at which point I told him that the occupant of the row house next door was a member of a banned Obsidian group, and was no doubt plotting an insurrection. I told him that I was one of two operatives that the Oracle intended to place in row houses on either side of the subject’s home, and that Dagnar’s wardrobe was ideally placed to enable me to observe him. Naturally I would need access to the wardrobe during the day so that I could observe the subject using a small hole drilled through the wall. I added that the Oracle would look favourably on him for providing assistance in this matter.

Harry
He bought it?

Fred
Hook, line and sinker. To this day I regularly visit his wife while he is away at work, and provide him with frequent updates on the progress of the evil Obsidian plot. Speaking of evil plots Harry, did you ever discover why the house next to yours is haunted?

Harry
Indeed, and a rather odd tale it is. As you know, the sounds from that house have been keeping me up for weeks. Since it is at the end of the street, and thus has no other neighbours, I have been the only one to suffer. Getting the local guard to take an interest proved fruitless, so I decided to investigate on my own.

Fred
And to think only a few minutes ago you accused me of living dangerously. Go on…

Harry
Well, since the house has been unoccupied for years, I figured the chances of the owner turning up were minimal, and forced a window to gain entry. The front room was pitch dark, and I dared not use a light spell for fear of attracting a passing guard. Fortunately, all these row houses share an identical layout, so I began to slowly feel my way up the stairs. It was at that moment that I heard the eerie sound that had woken me every night for weeks, coming from the top floor.

Narrator
At this point a guard enters walking purposefully to Harry’s stall. He is accompanied by a mature woman, who is dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.

Harry
Greetings citizens, how may I help you this fine day? I have only the freshest fish for sale, caught this morning in Spindrift Bay. Look into their eyes and see how fresh they are!

Guard
Is this the one?

Christine
Yes, that’s him. He used to have a stall in Owl’s Head, until he was chased out of town. This is the evil snake who promised to marry my daughter, and then skipped town with the dowry.

Guard
What do you have to say for yourself, citizen?

Harry
Ah, Roland. Roland, Roland Roland. I love my identical twin brother dearly, but he leads a troubled life. I have tried many times to place him on the right path, but I fear that we are destined to be complete opposites. Why only last week, as I was donating food to the poor, I thought of him. I wondered if there was not some way that I had overlooked, whereby I could have steered him towards a path of virtue.

Christine
Ha! What a preposterous tale! Only an idiot would believe you have an identical twin brother. There is no doubting that you are the despicably cad who broke the heart of my poor, weeping daughter. It is a tragedy that in this so-called enlightened metropolis, being the rear end of a Kobold is not a capital offence.

Guard
I have an identical twin brother. He is a great disappointment to the family.

Harry
Please believe me lady when I tell you how mortified I am that your poor daughter has been yet another victim of my despicable brother. Much as it pains me to say this, I really hope that he can be caught and punished before he brings more misery to the world.

Guard
Aye. I know how you feel. My brother Reginald has done untold damage to our family name. Please let me know if you hear of Roland’s whereabouts.

Narrator
The guard nods curtly at Harry and starts to walk away.

Christine
What? You believed that drivel? Come back and arrest the lying scoundrel!

Narrator
Christine wrings her hands in frustration and hurries off after the guard.

Fred
I believe you were ascending the stairs. Please continue…

Harry
Indeed. After cautiously inching my way up the stairs I eventually reached the top floor. With each step the sound had been growing louder, but as I reached the top of the stairs it suddenly stopped. The door to the front room was open, and a thin shaft of moonlight forced its way through a dirty, broken window, allowing me to barely discern some vague shapes. I tiptoed towards the room from whence I was certain the sound had come. Reaching the door I peered inside. In the far corner of the room I could see a dark, huddled shape with a single glowing eye. Gathering my courage I forced myself to approach the strange beast, and it was then that I discovered the true nature of my nightly tormentor.

Fred
Go on…

Harry
It was an aether vibration amplifier, sitting on a bedside table. A small rodent had taken up residence inside, and its nocturnal ventures occasionally switched the device on or off. Since it was not tuned to a station, the result was the strange hissing sound that had been waking me up at night.

Fred
[SARCASTIC] Great story Harry. Terrific climax. Now I know how your wife feels. Anyhow, there goes the sun. Shall we pack up and adjourn to Wody’s?

Harry
Of course. Why should today be any different from every other day?

Narrator
Harry and Fred pack up their wares and head off toward Wody’s Tavern, chuckling as they go.
Meanwhile, a mysterious person approaches Sarah’s stall.

Oracle Agent
The Oracle needs your report, agent Sarah.

Sarah
As directed, I have observed the behaviour of Fred and Harry. It appears that Fred has been spreading misinformation about the Oracle, and I overheard him mention an Obsidian plot. Harry has been breaking and entering houses in PaxLair.

Oracle Agent
Excellent work, agent Sarah. I think they both warrant closer scrutiny. They may very well be instigators of a serious plot against the Oracle. Commencing tomorrow, agents McQuade and Walker will begin around the clock surveillance. Rest assured that if these two turn out to be Obsidian agents, they will both be taken care of…

The post Conversations in Paxlair – by the NBTT appeared first on Echoes from the Caverns.

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Hello everyone! Here is the news of the week. :

 

• The Obsidian Cabalists (SPOILERS)
• Free Trial Test: March 3 – 9
• Storing and/or Moving a Decorated Lot
• King Korabar
• The Making of Underground Vaults
• The Making of Serpent’s Spine Mines
• The Making of The Fall
• Spring Telethon Next Week!
• Patterns Weekend Flash Sale
• Origin PC Steam Key Bundle
• R39 Offline Data Format Change – Character Preservation Notice
• Spring 2017 Crafter’s Competition
• Upcoming Events
• Community Resources – Players Helping Players
• Recommended Projects to Back

The post Echoes From the Caverns 03-03-17 appeared first on Echoes from the Caverns.

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We are excited to announce a test of our Free Trial system starting today, March 3, and running through the Spring Telethon next week on March 9. If you know anyone who would like to try the game for free, then send them to the download page.

Free Trial access allows you to play the entire game in any of the Online modes with a few key differences in game play.

• Free Trial Current Time Period: March 3 – March 9, 2017...

Free Trial Test: March 3 - 9

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