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Questmaster Pheayre reviews the 10th Anniversary Realms of Despair Reunion

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   Cry of Despair, Issue 86
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Editor: Qaulorn                                      Immortal Sponsor: Alysira
Staff : Babui, Sarakin, Stozzter, Redric

                - From The Desk Of The Editor          - by Qaulorn
                - 10th Anniversary Reunion             - by Pheayre
                - Why The Lounge Is Better Than You    - by Sarakin
                - Mudding Basics: Prompts              - by Kavenrofir
                - Gisselle Interview                   - by Sarakin
                - Babui's Babble Bubble                - by Babui
                - Quiz- What Kind Of Player Are You?   - by Babui
                - News From Around The Realms
                  -  Nations News
                  -  Guilds News
                  -  Orders News
                - Wedding Congratulations              - by Babui
                - FunnyBones
                - Cry of Despair Quest                 - by Alysira
                  -  July's Quest Results
                  -  August's Quest
                - From The Quill Of Alysira            - by Alysira
                - Public Outcry
                       Weekend to End Breast Cancer      - by Moonbeam
                       Cracked Cask Casino               - by Cyril
                       Advertise in the Cry of Despair
                       Join the Cry of Despair
                       Wedding Celebrants

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    From the Desk of the Editor
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 This months issue is packed full of stuff. Many thanks to both the staff and
 those who contributed from various orgs and nations.
  
 Pay special attention to the Quiz in this months issue. It is sure to
 entertain.
  
 As always, if you have an idea or question feel free to mudmail Alysira and/
 or I. The same applies if you would be interested in joining the Cry staff.
  
 Have a great August,
                Qaulorn
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion                           By: Pheayre
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It started with an idea. Ten years later, it still remains one of the most 
successful and longest-running MUDs in existence. As of the beginning of 
August 2004, the "Realms of Despair" celebrated its 10th birthday; no small 
feat given that many MUDs do not survive their first few years of operation.

A Brief History of the Reunion
------------------------------

In 1994, Derek Snider a.k.a. Thoric put his new SMAUG code base to use as the 
Realms of Despair went live on Compuserve’s BBS. For the first few years, 
the small RoD community gathered during the annual IDirect* picnic (*Note: 
Compuserve became IDirect). An additional collection of smaller meets took 
place, and steadily grew larger as time progressed. By the time the Realms 
of Despair" had its 4th birthday, the Ontario Renaissance Festival and 
Canada’s Wonderland were part of the events at the various meets.

In 1999, the first major reunion celebrating the 5th anniversary of the 
Realms of Despair took place on the August Civic Day Canadian holiday 
weekend. A bar known as the Fox and the Fiddle in Oakville was the evening 
venue, and it provided a home base of sorts for organizing out-of-town 
guests. Players from more parts of the North America and even the world 
started to come to Toronto at least once a year. Realms of Despair souvenirs 
appeared en masse. The annual reunion had become an event everyone looked 
forward to, and allowed a meshing of players from different walks of life 
and mud-life.
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion(cont.)                    By: Pheayre
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During the 7th Anniversary Reunion, Sunday’s main event changed from Canada’s 
Wonderland to a picnic barbeque at Kelso Park in Milton. Here the foundations 
for the "Games of Despair" and "Hunt of Despair" real-life quests were built. 
Thorpe hosted the first annual Games of Despair during the 8th Anniversary 
Reunion with a variety of picnic game events and an epic scavenger hunt deep 
into the forests of Kelso Park. The scavenger hunt then split off to become 
the Hunt of Despair, first hosted by Dria during the Saturday of the 9th 
Anniversary Reunion at the Ontario Renaissance Festival. This format for the 
real-life quests during the Reunion continues to this day.

The picnic event on Sundays of the Reunion garnered much attention and 
success that Thoric decided to attempt an entire Reunion based around camping,
complete with bbq meals and activities. That came to fruition with the 10th 
Anniversary at Bingemans Park in Kitchener.

The 10th Anniversary Reunion
----------------------------

Wednesday, July 28th -- Pre-Reunion Meet and Greet

* Here Thoric and a small number of other Greater Toronto Area committee 
  members met with the out-of-town players who had already arrived at the 
  campgrounds.
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion(cont.)                    By: Pheayre
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Thursday, July 29th -- Reunion Meet and Greet

* Many Reunion-goers arrived during this evening and the festivities 
  commenced. No officially planned events were held this evening, as it was 
  set aside for traveling players to rest up and get used to their new 
  surroundings.

Friday, July 30th -- Reunion Meet and Greet

* A full complement of meals was planned out for this day, and the only 
  organized event scheduled to occur (Riddles in the Dark) was postponed to 
  Sunday due to many participants already having plans for the evening. By 
  the end of Friday evening, most out-of-town travelers had arrived and 
  settled into the campgrounds. This was the best day to take advantage of 
  the various in-park activities Bingemans Park had to offer, including 
  mini-golf, go-karts, and a water park.

Saturday, July 31st -- Ontario Renaissance Festival

* Dria’s 2nd Annual Hunt of Despair, Moonbeam’s "Slave for a Cure" Auction, 
  RoDdies Awards Dinner
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion(cont.)                    By: Pheayre
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The Saturday of the Reunion is always by far the busiest day of the weekend. 
The Ontario Renaissance Festival provided the backdrop for main event of the 
day, entertaining Reunion-goers with its various stage acts and wandering 
minstrels throughout the festival grounds. From the ever-popular "MUD Show"
to Zoltan the Adequate, the Ontario Renaissance Festival has been a mainstay 
for the Reunion for many years, and due to its popularity, will likely remain
so for years to come. For more information regarding the Ontario Renaissance 
Festival, visit: http://www.rennfest.com/orf

The 2nd annual Hunt of Despair was hosted by Dria, with the assistance of 
Kali. A tad bit different in format from last year’s event, the participants 
provided some creative and entertaining answers. For full results and 
standings, please see Dria once they have been completed.

Moonbeam’s "Slave for a Cure" was held prior to the RoDdies Awards Dinner on 
Saturday evening. An amazing total of $1,685 CDN was amassed over 18 slaves 
(or groups of slaves) auctioned, in addition to a rare --Kali hug--. New 
this year was a group of immortals who bravely volunteered to be bought by 
a single bidder, which led to the largest single auction amount ($230 CDN). 
For more information regarding the auction results and how much money has so 
far been raised, please see Moonbeam.
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion(cont.)                    By: Pheayre
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The RoDdies Awards Dinner was the highlight of the evening. Bingemans Park 
has several banquet hall facilities and provided a three-course catered meal 
for the evening. An immortal was kind enough to provide pre-dinner classical 
music while players mingled in a semi-formal setting. The creator of the 
RoDdies, Grishnakh, hosted the awards night and gathered many "mudcelebrity" 
players to help present the awards. The final results and the eventual 
winners are tallied below:

A. Sassy
Nominees:
1. Amante
2. Gordita (Jarrok)
3. Kate
4. Poromenos *winner
5. Vir

B. All-In-The-Family (Most likely to have many last names)
Nominees:
1. Amorthan
2. Order of Ascendere *winner
3. Korith
4. The pixie race
5. The Starprofit family
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion(cont.)                    By: Pheayre
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C. Quotable
Nominees:
1. Kate
2. Mumra
3. Pudge
4. Someone *winner
5. Stoneheft

D. Bloodthirsty
Nominees:
1. Aylssa
2. Azvacar
3. Bacara
4. Dobby
5. Faceripper *winner

E. Whiner
Nominees:
1. Daskor
2. Genge
3. Greetmir
4. Kate *winner
5. Qaulorn
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion(cont.)                    By: Pheayre
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F. Boomerang (Most likely to quit and return multiple times)
Nominees:
1. Amante
2. Bacara
3. Goomra
4. Jarrok
5. Shaolong *winner

G. Yellow Spam (Most likely to fill up avatar channel)
Nominees:
1. Dekkath
2. Gallant *winner
3. Greetmir
4. Kate
5. Sealom

H. Outcast (Most likely to be voted off the MUD)
Nominees:
1. Aslan
2. Greetmir
3. Kate
4. Loungers *winner
5. Shaolong
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion(cont.)                    By: Pheayre
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I. Best Mortal
Nominees:
1. Akael
2. Aylssa *winner
3. Mephie
4. Muiren
5. Rikkath

J. Best Immortal
Nominees:
1. Conran
2. Kali
3. Kinux
4. Moonbeam *winner
5. Mumra

In addition, several categories were created and voted on by a group of 
immortals at the Reunion, thus comprising the RoDdies’ Appreciation Awards:

1. Traveled most distance by land
* Siporta and Linda

2. Traveled most distance overseas
* KaVir
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion(cont.)                    By: Pheayre
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3. Best Costume (Male and Female)
* Kokelei and Kitya

4. Tent most likely to have the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch tossed in
* The Lounge

5. Adolescent entry award
* Josie (Zanzidor's daughter; celebrated her 13th birthday the following 
  Sunday)

6. Most likely to become extinct
* Roo (Lizardman)

7. Person who has dedicated the most time to a game they don't play
* Jane Who-does-not-MUD

8. Most ill-prepared to camp
* Tie!
* Shimus and Tae, who arrived at 3 am and forgot their tent
* Hubris, who booked a cabin and forgot to bring a sleeping bag

9. Reunion Committee Appreciation Award
* Tical
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion(cont.)                    By: Pheayre
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The final award of the evening was the RoDdies’ MUDtime Achievement Award, 
which went to the man who started the Realms of Despair ten years ago, 
Thoric. The evening ended off with Reunion-goers dancing until 1 am, and then
moving back to the campgrounds to continue their merriment.

Sunday August 1st -- 3rd Annual "Games of Despair"

The 3rd Annual "Games of Despair" were a series of events spread throughout 
the day. The descriptions that follow may be a bit difficult to follow, but 
referring to pictures from the Reunion website photo gallery will assist in 
understanding what truly transpired. (http://www.realmsreunion.com)

The first event took place roughly at 11 am in the morning with a game called
"Auth!". A list of names is written down, one for each participant. The "Auth 
Nazi" then randomly selects a name from that list, and proceeds to throw a 
ball up and behind them. The person who’s name was called must quickly get 
the thrown ball, and then call "Authed!". At the same time, the remaining 
players must run as far as possible from the ball. Once the ball is retrieved,
the "Authed!" player must take a pre-determined number of steps before 
attempting to hit another player with the ball. If successful in hitting 
another player, the "Authed!" player remains in game and the hit player 
leaves the game. If not successful, the "Authed!" player becomes "Un-Authed"
and leaves the game. This process is repeated until there is one player 
remaining.
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion(cont.)                    By: Pheayre
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The next event was called "Wyrm Hunt". Last year’s Gummy Worm Eating Contest 
was revised this year to make it more challenging. In teams of two, players 
must find and retrieve a single gummy worm hidden within a plate of whipped 
cream. However, the teams had to do so on their knees and with their backs 
to each other. Their hands were also linked to one another, allowing only 
one team member to search for their worm at one time. The team that obtained 
their worms first won.

Dria’s "Riddles in the Dark", initially slated for Friday evening, became the
third event of the day. A series of five riddle-masters set a challenge 
towards all players to see who could advance through all five of them in a 
series of increasingly difficult riddles. Very few individuals made it past 
the first riddle-master, and only one player managed to challenge the last 
riddle-master.

The most popular event from last year was the Waterballoon Pkill, and it was 
reincarnated this year with a surprise twist. Players were initially told to 
find a partner for a tag-team pk event. What they were not told until after 
the first match had gotten underway was that once one team had claimed 
victory, the two team members must then pk amongst themselves to decide who 
would advance to the next round. Once the first round was over and the 
surviving players had chosen a new teammate from the remaining players, the 
process repeated itself until a winner was determined.
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion(cont.)                    By: Pheayre
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The final event was more or less a celebratory symbol. What 10th Anniversary 
RoD party would be complete without a bit of Dragonslaying? A dragon pinata 
was made available for people to inflict damage upon, courtesy of Shimus’ 
"Magic Stick". Unfortunately, on the first swing, the "Magic Stick" was 
splintered. Doubly unfortunate, the second person to attempt to hit the 
dragon actually smashed the hanger off the back of the pinata, leaving the 
dragon intact but useless as a pinata. The candy was distributed, and the 
pinata was adopted as the Guild of Cleric’s unofficial beer holder mascot, 
known as "Dirty Carrot the Beer Dragon".

In addition to the Games of Despair, I held a day-long epic quest, known as 
"The Fathomer’s Treasure", to keep people thinking throughout the day in 
between the Games of Despair events. In the interest of not boring the 
reader too much, I’ve left out the details for this quest, but will make 
available the handout explaining the quest itself to those of you interested 
in perhaps trying to figure out the quest yourself. Please see me if you wish
to obtain a copy of this handout.
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion(cont.)                    By: Pheayre
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Monday, August 2nd -- Reunion Farewell

This day was reserved for nothing more than rest and recovery before 
embarking on the return trip. Some made use of Bingemans water park 
facilities while others sat back and enjoyed some quiet conversation before 
heading home.

Aftermath
---------

If you ask any player who’s attended at least one reunion in the past several
years, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who did not enjoy themselves. 
Here are some thoughts from some players who attended this year’s Reunion:

* My most memorable moment was by far the on-going game of truth or dare. It
  was beyond what I expected, and in the course I ended up getting a lap 
  dance from Moonbeam and (Cappadocius) getting security called. But the 
  former takes the cake, because if I say anymore  
  then it might not be good!
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion(cont.)                    By: Pheayre
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* Haha, mine was waking up at 9AM Monday morning on a picnic table wondering
  what happened, and everyone telling me I passed out every night on some 
  object. Another would be Hubris and his stories, mainly he was telling a 
  story and a hawk flew by and he said, "Hey look it's my spirit guide" and
  there was silence for a few seconds and then Wysper said CLICK CLICK BOOM 
  and everyone at the fire started laughing for so, so long.

* Playing with (Draginox)'s 'glowsticks', dancing with (Draginox), I'll dice
  you for that, drunken (Draginox), Lech/Wench, DAMN IRON RING, Saturday 
  night - drunk on air RRN recording!

Personal Thoughts
-----------------

Having been involved with the Reunion Planning Committee since 2001, I’ve had
the opportunity to see this annual event evolve into this massive planning 
and implementation exercise over the last 3 years. From venue reservation to 
food preparation to event planning and supervision, the preparing for RoD 
Reunion can be as difficult and time-consuming as running the MUD itself.
 
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    10th Anniversary Reunion(cont.)                    By: Pheayre
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The efforts of many individuals must be recognized. Some contributed loads of
time, some contributed money, and yet others helped out when the help was 
needed most:

Alinaryth, Cappadocius, Darshanin, Dria, Grishnakh, Hubris, Leanq, Maiya, 
Moonbeam, Pheayre, Thoric, Tical, Zya, Calin, Jane Who-does-not-MUD, Lopuis 
(master chef), Siporta, Linda, Draginox ("monkeyboy" extraordinaire), 
Gildeth (and the rest of the tent/tarp crew), KaVir, Jexia

I’m sure I’m missing names, but the thanks goes to you just the same. Every 
bit of help counts, and that’s exactly what makes every Reunion as successful
as they are.

A bit of advice to you, the reader: The Reunion is worth attending at least 
once. Doing so will likely change your outlook on the game as a whole, and 
will more than likely reinforce the fact that the MUD is just a bunch of 
people trying to enjoy the company of their friends and have fun. And that, 
in essence, is exactly what the Reunion is about. So start making plans for 
the 11th Anniversary... July 28th to August 1st/2nd, 2005.

Hope to see you there!

~Pheayre
 
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    Why the Lounge is Better than You                       By: Sarakin       
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 Being continually captivated by their wacky antics, I set out to explore the 
 legend that is the lounge crew. Gallant, Kate and Genge were good enough to 
 take some time to talk to me about what the lounge is and what it means to 
 them.
  
 Gallant
 -------
  
 Sarakin: Can you remember how the lounge first started?
 
 Gallant: What you need to understand about the lounge is that it runs in 
  cycles. I become part of the lounge as a regular in the Summer of '98. 
  I personally don't know how it started, but it's always attracted a certain
  type of player, people who are done with their actual playing, and use this
  game more to sit and talk than they do to hack and slash.

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    Why the Lounge is Better than You(cont.)                By: Sarakin       
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 Sarakin: Are you able to list the current members of the lounge group?
 
Gallant: There is a world of difference between "being in the lounge" and 
  "being a lounger"... think of it as the relationship between being a German
  and being a nazi; one is not required for the other. The current group of
  loungers includes myself, Alihan, Pudge, Luna, Gordita, Kate, Genge, 
  Venita, Tabitha, Xenapolin, Dekkath, and Irad as far as in-lounge folks go.

Sarakin: The group seems to often run into problems with other players in the
  game, be they administrative or otherwise, do the group deliberately
  attempt to do this?
 
Gallant: Like I said before, the lounge attracts a certain type of character.
  We've all had our share of experiences that really make us wary of others,
  especially with our proximity to DH square. I get the feeling that the 
  lounge has a bad rep because most of us develop reputations coming in. 
  We're not willing to put up with what a younger player would have to worry
  about (characters, equipment, money etc), and we're also well connected.
  We're confident, maybe overly so, and we don't need to make any new 
  friends.

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    Why the Lounge is Better than You(cont.)                By: Sarakin       
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Sarakin: Is there one particular experience you've had in the lounge that
  stands out from any other?
 
Gallant: I guess the quintessential lounge moment is a log of Dekkath and
  Gordita abusing avchat hard, like really gross obscene stuff, and the imms
  didn't do a thing about it. I talked to an immortal about it a few months
  later and they said that they were waiting for us to stop ourselves. We 
  finally did, but that run on avchat was the most amazing i've ever seen 
  because nobody ever got punished for it.

Sarakin: You don't feel the group has any limits in their topics of 
  discussion or activities on public channels?
 
Gallant: Well, there was a long time where they sort of let us be ourselves.
  I've always considered there to be a certain arrangement. We'll talk about
  anything and everything over say, but there is a certain sense of self
  -restraint when it comes to av. I won't deny that certain loungers 
  continually test the boundaries, but generally we can rein ourselves in. 
  You don't know where the limits are until/unless you pass them.
 
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    Why the Lounge is Better than You(cont.)                By: Sarakin       
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Sarakin: Where do you see the lounge community being in a few years time?
 
Gallant: The lounge will always be a gathering place for a certain type of
  player. There are links between generations of loungers, and we still get 
  old loungers coming in occasionally, so I'd like to think I'll still be 
  here. I guess the idea of THE LOUNGE really is just an idea, the fact that 
  it happens to be in a room called 'The Lounge' is sort of secondary. No 
  matter what happens to the mud, there always will be a lounge.

Kate
----
 
Sarakin: When did you first start coming to the lounge regularly?
 
Kate: Around last November. I was friends with Genge, and I came with him 
  here. Gradually, I became friends with the rest of the people here.
 
Sarakin: What were you involved with prior to joining the lounge group?
 
Kate: I was a pker. I pked in Ophanim, then Surreptus, then when new clans
  came in, I pked in Excordis. Eventually, I decided it was time for a 
  break, so I started spending more time here hanging out and talking, and 
  less time pking.

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    Why the Lounge is Better than You(cont.)                By: Sarakin       
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Sarakin: Do you think there is a certain type of person that is attracted to
  the lounge?
 
Kate: I think that outspoken people are drawn to the lounge. Quirky people
  who aren't afraid to be themselves, people who value individuality more 
  than conformity or participation.

Sarakin: Where did the idea to start a log webpage come from?
 
Kate: We realized that far too many hysterical lounge-related events were
  occurring, and decided that they should be forever memorialized. 
  Everything that happens here is funny. Everything.
 
Sarakin: Do you feel the group has a bad reputation amongst others?
 
Kate: I know that it does. The great thing about loungers though, is that 
  none of us give a damn. We don't care about our "text-reputation." This is
  a game to us. We come here to have fun with our group of friends. That's 
  all any of us cares about.

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    Why the Lounge is Better than You(cont.)                By: Sarakin       
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Sarakin: Do you think you will ever go back to being a regular part of pk/
  guild/order activity etc?
 
Kate: I have considered it before, I used to love running. I would not be
  wanted anywhere. But that's my choice. I choose to be myself, and the
  sacrifice is, I don't belong anywhere but here. I wouldn't be happy 
  anywhere but with people who like you for who you are. I choose my friends,
  I don't need people trying to enforce friendship on me.

Sarakin: Is there one particular moment you experienced with the group that
  stands out?
 
Kate: Every moment here is awesome, the people here are hilarious and know
  what to do to cheer you up. To me, this is as real as a text game can get.
  Forming friendships with people like these. There is a loyalty amongst us
  unrivaled by any other text organization.

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    Why the Lounge is Better than You(cont.)                By: Sarakin       
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Genge
-----
 
Sarakin: How long have you been a part of the lounge?
 
Genge: I actually joined the Lounge before I joined RB, so... a damned long
  time ago. 2001? 2000? Haven't a clue which month.
 
Sarakin: Can you remember why you were drawn to the group?
 
Genge: Alihan asked me to hang out here, back when Alihan still logged.
  Seeing as there wasn't anywhere more compelling to go, I did.

Sarakin: Do you feel the group has a bad reputation?
 
Genge: Of course I do, for the simple fact that it does - and the first 
  person to make a joke about "Hurr, Genge doesn't feel at all" gets a punch
  in the face. People see that we're mean to stupid people and assume that 
  as such we're either awful people or that we have nothing better to do 
  than make fun of fat kids, while in reality, we're awful people who do 
  have better things to do than make fun of fat kids, but often choose to 
  make fun of fat kids anyway because it's fun. When the other mudders leave
  the game all they'll have is bad memories and years of their life wasted 
  gathering text wealth. When a lounger leaves, they can be smug in the fact
  that they made ugly people feel bad. Not to say that all Loungers are good
  looking, or that all non-Loungers are ugly.. it's just that I've yet to be
  cruel to someone here that I later discovered to be good looking.
 
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    Why the Lounge is Better than You(cont.)                By: Sarakin       
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Sarakin: Is there a sense of loyalty among loungers?
 
Genge: There is among actual Loungers, yeah. Real Loungers are an actual
  community. A community of people who are better than other people because 
  we are us and you are not.

Sarakin: Is there any one experience you've had with the lounge that stands
  out?
 
Genge: There is a outstandingly memorable event in the Lounge almost every
  week. Whether it be the entire room sealed off and set to mute because 
  'someone' leaps to conclusions, or just a truly hilarious conversation.
  
Sarakin: Has there ever been any times you personally have thought the group
  has gone too far?
 
Genge: There have been plenty of times I think we haven't gone far enough.
  But, "too far"? I don't think we'll have reached the point of having gone 
  too far until someone ends up dead. Actually dead, not illegally pkilled. 
  That happens too often to be memorable.
 
In search of some opinion, I turned to the immortal community who seem to
deal with these guys on a regular basis, and while most declined to leave
an opinion, I believe Mumra has managed to sum it up quite concisely:
 
                           "They sure are something."

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    Mudding Basics: Prompts                                 By: Kavenrofir    
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+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                  Prompts                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|   Prompts are the single most important source of information available to  |
| a character. They're always there and you can pick and choose exactly what  |
| goes into them. Other sources scroll by too fast to be practical in battle, |
| and RoD has literally dozens of tokens you can use.                         |
|   Despite this, I am constantly shocked to learn that there are scores of   |
| people on this mud who can't write a prompt to save their damned life -     |
| and it shows, because they drop. Now, while everyone ends up with their own |
| customized (and, typically, horribly ugly) prompt, there are some tokens    |
| which you simply should not be running without unless you are:              |
|  A.) Extremely brave                                                        |
|  B.) Extremely competent                                                    |
|  C.) Extremely stupid, in which case I'd prefer if you just quit the game.  |
|   Now, most of this article is going to cover things which might sound      |
| pretty obvious - perhaps even downright condescending - but considering the |
| number of people who have painfully bad prompts, I think it's justified.    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                            Next Page: Tokens|
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
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    Mudding Basics: Prompts(cont.)                          By: Kavenrofir    
==============================================================================
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                              Prompts: Tokens                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|   While clearly current hitpoints is important to the prompt of anyone who  |
| plans on fighting, unless you plan on memorizing the max hp of every single |
| character you have, you had better have max hp in there as well. Same with  |
| mana for mana users. Blood is an exception, of course, as it caps at 60 for |
| all avatars. While some might think only fathomers should care about moves, |
| there are still mobs that cast energy drain, which drops your current moves |
| drastically. While you might not consider that important, you should try to |
| keep in mind that you cannot escape a pkill situation if you have no moves, |
| and your ability to fight is hampered on many muds if you have under 10.    |
|   Another nearly indispensable token is the 'combat style' token, "%S". The |
| ability to see your style at all times is wonderful when you're in a battle |
| with extremely high spam - it is possible you'll miss the style change      |
| message in the mass of incoming text. The multipliers styles account for    |
| might not sound like much, but a multiplier of 1.1 is a damned lot more in  |
| a long battle than 1.0.                                                     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                     Next Page: Tokens, cont.|
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 27
==============================================================================


==============================================================================
    Mudding Basics: Prompts(cont.)                          By: Kavenrofir    
==============================================================================
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                         Prompts: Tokens, continued                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|   Command/attack waitstate is RoD's fancy name for the token that shows a   |
| graphical representation of how many beats of lag you are waiting to run    |
| their course. This is second most important token next to your current hp.  |
| It is not an exact representation, it is a generalization that is useful    |
| for estimates and some skills with which it aligns with - but if more       |
| people used this token then deaths due to spamming would be a thing of the  |
| past. It's also useful for showing if you've been bashed or grappled and    |
| happened to miss the message in the spam. If %L is not on your prompt, I    |
| wish you luck.                                                              |
|   Some people like the fly token in their combat prompt - which might be    |
| useful against mobs with dispel, but it seems to me that most of the time   |
| it would just be horizontal spam as you should check your key spells        |
| regularly anyway. Some people like the name and health of their opponent in |
| their prompts... and by all means, if you have trouble figuring out who you |
| are fighting or how much health they have left and are using a peaceful, go |
| ahead and use the tokens.                                                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                Next Page: Non-fprompt tokens|
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 28
==============================================================================


==============================================================================
    Mudding Basics: Prompts(cont.)                          By: Kavenrofir    
==============================================================================
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                        Prompts: Tokens, non-fprompt                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|   %A is useful - it combines indicators for invis, hide, sneak, fade, and   |
| translucency. Current gold is also useful, as are some of the tokens used   |
| for combat... but what I really want to call attention to here is the pkill |
| token for adrenaline. This tag is nearly necessary if you're ever going to  |
| get into a situation where you need to flee out, such as to buy more heals. |
| Since nearly every pkiller has to do this at some point, you should really  |
| put this token in your pkillers prompt. Speaking of which, make a deadly.   |
|   Yes, there are many, many more tokens that are useful, such as alignment  |
| and geo, as well as time of day for vampires and clerics, but they are not  |
| nearly as critical as the ones listed above.                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                          Next Page: Coloring|
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 29
==============================================================================


==============================================================================
    Mudding Basics: Prompts(cont.)                          By: Kavenrofir    
==============================================================================
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                              Prompts: Coloring                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|   Honour has a 'u' and color does not - yay for consistency. Anyway, since  |
| you've got a bunch of information crammed on your prompt now, chances are   |
| you're going to want to make it easier to read. The only two real ways that |
| RoD provides for you to do this with are coloring and splitting it into     |
| multiple lines. I'll just assume you can figure out how to split it into    |
| different lines by yourself and talk about color.                           |
|   Take a look at help pcolors. The inline coloring scheme used there is the |
| same used for notes and helpfiles, so if you haven't gotten used to it yet  |
| you might as well. Now, clearly you want to pick colors that are fairly     |
| easy to read.. so forget dark blue unless you plan on specifying a separate |
| background color for it. Speaking of which, note that the character in      |
| parenthesis in the background color list makes the text blink - which is as |
| annoying as hell, so almost no-one uses them.                               |
|   That's about it. Prompts aren't a terribly complicated matter, it's just  |
| that so many people get either horribly lazy with them or don't realize how |
| useful some of the tokens are. So, go out and take a second glance at your  |
| own prompt before snorting and writing this whole article off as a waste of |
| three minutes of your life that you'll never get back.                      |
|                                                                 -Kavenrofir |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 30
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
    Gisselle Interview                                      By: Sarakin
==============================================================================

Unless you've been living under some kind of super sized rock, you'd know 
that Gisselle has recently entered the ranks of the immortals. We are all
really proud of her, especially her friends that served alongside her in the
NC, and so I decided to take some time out and have a chat to this remarkable
person.

Sarakin: So let's start from the beginning, how did you begin playing here?

Gisselle: I started playing in 1998ish when a friend I mudded elsewhere 
  with sent me a copy of the realms client. I played sporadically then, once 
  I became guilded, I began playing on a regular basis.

Sarakin: Was the GoM your first guild?

Gisselle: Yes... first and only :)

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 31
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Gisselle Interview(cont.)                               By: Sarakin
==============================================================================

Sarakin: What made you choose the mage class?

Gisselle: The friend that introduced me to the game played a mage, and in 
  all honesty, it was just the cool way he could disappear and reappear in a
  flash. Astral walk was impressive to a newbie ;)

Sarakin: Did you warm to the GoM right from the start or did it take you a
  while to get accustomed to everyone there?

Gisselle: The Guild turned immediately into family, every one was 
  extremely helpful and friendly, and there was some good camaraderie 
  between myself and several others who joined together at the same time.  
  They were the reason I started playing on a regular basis.

Sarakin: When did you set your sights on the Newbie Council?

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 32
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Gisselle Interview(cont.)                               By: Sarakin
==============================================================================

Gisselle: I had never really set my sights on it. I enjoyed helping others 
  and answering questions, and was approached by a member of the Council. I 
  decided to apply even though I doubted I'd make the cut. ;)

Sarakin: Did you find it hard to balance between both your commitments?

Gisselle: It took some juggling, but I learned to take advantage of the 
  times when channels were quiet and lowbies weren't dying to take care of
  Guild stuff. There's a great team at NC - there's always someone calling 
  dibs on helping a player. ;)

Sarakin: When did you first join the leadership team of the GoM?

Gisselle: The first time I was elected to GoM Leadership was about June of
  2000.

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 33
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Gisselle Interview(cont.)                               By: Sarakin
==============================================================================

Sarakin: How did you find the transition into leadership, and was it your
  first leadership role?

Gisselle: I was fortunate to be working with a great team. They really 
  showed me the ropes and helped the transition to be as smooth as possible 
  as it was my first leadership position in the game.

Sarakin: Did you anticipate being invited into the immortal community?

Gisselle: Not at all. I was so wrapped up in the Guild and NC that I 
  didn't think of much else, Realms related.

Sarakin: How are you finding being an immortal, and where do you see 
  yourself in the future?

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 34
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Gisselle Interview(cont.)                               By: Sarakin
==============================================================================

Gisselle: It's been fun and exciting, I'm enjoying the new opportunities to
  try something new. It's hard to say because there's so many things to try 
  in order to find my niche.

Sarakin: Thanks again for your time. :)

Gisselle: :)

I think we can all look up to Gisselle as she inspires us in her new role in 
the realms. Gisselle, being used to spam attacks in the NC, would love to 
hear your simultaneous tells about how much she rocks and how much money 
you're going to donate to the Gisselle rocks fund - all donations payable to
me. :D

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 35
==============================================================================


==============================================================================
    Babui's Babble Bubble                                   By: Babui
==============================================================================

Tired of eating the same old magic mushrooms, rabbit meat and cooked turkey
every... single... day?!

Wouldn't it be great if there were nice mouth-watering foods for once?
*drools** Ew! You! Stop drooling for a second and take a look at the variety
of food you can eat!

  Breakfast!
- a jelly donut                        
- a blueberry pancake                  
- a fruit covered waffle               
- a platter of eggs                    
- a cup of coffee                      
- a bottle of milk                     

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 36
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Babui's Babble Bubble(cont.)                            By: Babui
==============================================================================

  Lunch!
- a steaming cherry pie                
- a glazed donut                       
- Mcbagel                              
- a ginger scone                       
- a hot apple pie                      
- a tall glass of cool lemonade        

  Tea!
- a slice of prune bread               
- sugar cookie                         
- an earthen cup of sweetened tea      
- a burned Cadbury chocolate bar       
- several slices of cheddar cheese     

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 37
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Babui's Babble Bubble(cont.)                            By: Babui
==============================================================================

  Dinner!
- a very large shrimp                  
- a fish-ka-bob                        
- meat on a stick                      
- juicy pork chop                      
- a bowl of warm mehtai                
- spicy bbq chicken wings              
- roast beef with potatoes and gravy   
- a honeybaked ham                     
- a huge steak                         


  Dessert!
- a juicy peach                        
- a bowl of chocolate ice cream        
- a huge piece of chocolate cake       
- a piece of cheesecake                
- a delectable mud pie                 

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 38
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Babui's Babble Bubble(cont.)                            By: Babui
==============================================================================

  After dinner drinks! 
- a flaming scorpion                   
- a tall mug of frothy beer            
- a drink called, "bloody heads"       
- a jello shot                         
- a flask of blackberry wine           
- a glass of sparkling white wine      
- an ice cold glass of lemonade        
- a cup of tea                         
- a shot of whiskey                    

  Supper! 
- a huge half watermelon               
- a crumpet                            

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 39
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Babui's Babble Bubble(cont.)                            By: Babui
==============================================================================

  Sleep!
- I think you've had enough food for a day!

And ....SHHHH!!! I don't eat too much!

Note: The lists above are CHOICES. If you eat every single item, you 
      _WILL_ feel sick, collapse onto the floor, squirming like a dragonfly 
      and may eventually die.

*Gives a cheesy smile*** Enjoy!

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 40
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Quiz: What Kind Of Player Are You?                      By: Alysira
==============================================================================

Welcome to the first edition of the Cry of Despair Quizzes! Each month, I'll
be bringing you a new quiz, all about different topics plaguing the human 
mind. Just what kind of player AM I? Find out on the next few pages!
Remember to write down all the letters you pick as you go.

Disclaimer: This quiz is all in good fun. The results are completely made-up,
  and although your results will say different, you may actually NOT be stable.
  It's most likely that you are indeed unstable, as we all are. So sit back and
  enjoy! Please do not take offense to this or send rabid zombie monkeys after
  me. Thanks!

1. When someone asks for help on chat, I'll:
A) Disregard it completely.
B) Make fun of them for not knowing anything. Even though I really couldn't
   answer them myself.
C) Help them out right away!
D) Give them a long and well thought-out answer, which they probably won't
   understand anyway.
E) Answer them, but only if I know the answer for sure.

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 41
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Quiz: What Kind Of Player Are You?(cont.)               By: Alysira       
==============================================================================

2. If I was rejected to a Guild/Order/Clan/Council I REALLY wanted to join,
   I'd:
A) Bite the bullet, and get on with life.
B) Plot sweet revenge in any and every way possible.
C) Smile sweetly, say "That's ok!" and try to better myself to what they want.
D) Argue as to why I deserve to be a part of the organization, and not quit
   until I win.
E) Accept it, and apply to another organization.

3. Whenever a quest is announced, I'll:
A) Ignore it.
B) Not play, and ridicule those who are.
C) Play, and tell the person running it how wonderful it is!
D) Play, but tell the person running it EXACTLY how it could be better.
E) Play, and enjoy.

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 42
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Quiz: What Kind Of Player Are You?(cont.)               By: Alysira
==============================================================================

4. Whenever a new person is Immortalized, I'll:
A) Not be affected whatsoever.
B) Try to figure out who on earth this person is.
C) Be the first person to say congratulations, and talk to them again, and
   again, and again...
D) Act polite, but quietly scoff "I would have made a better Imm."
E) Congratulate them sincerely, and move on with life.

5. Whenever someone swears on chat, I'll:
A) Not notice, I usually have chat turned off.
B) Congratulate them!
C) Be the first person to shout LANGUAGE on chat.
D) Politely ask them to watch their language and to read the laws.
E) Send them a tell letting them know that profanity isn't allowed.

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 43
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Quiz: What Kind Of Player Are You?(cont.)               By: Alysira
==============================================================================

6. Whenever a new area is introduced, I'll:
A) Not care, I wouldn't know how to get there even if the directions were
   printed on my arm.
B) Explore, but after I get sick of it, try to annoy other people exploring
   it.
C) Explore it, back to front, front to back.
D) Explore it, and make note of every typo and bug in every single room.
E) Explore it a little, then quit after I get bored of it.

7. If an Immortal speaks to me, I:
A) Take little notice and talk to them like any other player.
B) Meh, don't care, I'm always getting into trouble for this or that.
C) Think "YAY! They're finally talking to me!!"
D) Try to impress them with my dazzling knowledge and wit.
E) Wonder what I could have done.

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 44
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Quiz: What Kind Of Player Are You?(cont.)               By: Alysira
==============================================================================

8. If someone insults me over chat, I'll:
A) Disregard it entirely and ignore them.
B) Kill them or insult them back, and screw the consequences!!
C) Not worry about it, one of my Immortal friends will take care of it for me!
D) Retaliate with a confident comment, proving how they are wrong about you.
E) Retaliate with a witty comment, and ignore them.

Results on the next page!

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 45
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Quiz: What Kind Of Player Are You?(cont.)               By: Alysira
==============================================================================

Results: Remember these are all in good fun and not to be taken seriously!

MOSTLY A's: LOUNGER
  Or just apathetic. You basically have little to no interest in the actual
  playing of the game, and are quite content to sit around in your group of
  peers, discussing current events or annoying people. New area? New mob?
  New Shattering? You don't care, as long as your friends are around.

MOSTLY B's: PROBLEM PLAYER
  You'll do whatever you can to get your way, no matter what the consequences
  are, no matter who's standing in your way! Your friends are those who find
  your annoying antics funny, or those that you find funny. You're always
  getting into trouble from somebody for something, and thanks to your
  bubbly attitude, people have you on Ignore before they even know you!
  
MOSTLY C's: SUCKUP
  You may not want power and glory, but you definitely want to bathe in what
  shines off of your friend's backs. You LOVE to have friends in high places,
  and look impressive to those you aren't friends with, always hoping that
  they'll notice you. You also love to look good to other people, and are
  constantly looking to impress those that you don't know. Work that public
  image!
  
==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 46
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Quiz: What Kind Of Player Are You?(cont.)               By: Alysira
==============================================================================
  
MOSTLY D's: WANNABE
  You're a showoff, a wannabe Imm/Leader. You'll do anything to look like you
  know your stuff, and want to prove how valuable you really are, even if that
  means making other people look bad for your benefit. You'll always make sure
  that your path to success is clear, and definitely visible for all others
  to see.
  
MOSTLY E's: STABLE
  Congratulations, you're a perfectly stable player! You may have your ups
  and downs sometimes, but most of the time, you're happy to live and let
  live, help out where you can, and play the game for yourself where ever
  possible. You don't interfere with other people's gaming, and don't 
  appreciate them interfering with yours. You enjoy new things, but forget 
  them when they begin to bore you. You're rarely in trouble, and don't take
  public image into account for yourself or the people you know. Well done!
  
Next Month: Currently taking suggestions for quizzes. Please MUDmail
  all suggestions to Alysira.
==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 47
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
    Nations News: Dwarf
==============================================================================

Vemu Realms, this is Krun Edelstone, present Thane of the Khazadian nation. 
Hoping to leave a good impression on the nations. Anywho here's a peek into a
plot I'm getting together, Enjoy!
 
  This month the Dwarven Nation is gearing up for some major changes. In a 
time where there are more Dwarven merchants and tradesmen than in earlier 
times, the best path for his people seems

  Ambassadors have been sent out, and Thane Krun has been arranging meetings 
with the other nations to discuss his plans in private with each of them. 
Times are changing, what does the future hold in store for the Dwarven people?

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 48
==============================================================================


==============================================================================
    Nations News: Half-Ogre
==============================================================================

From the Opallinoc News Bureau:

Dateline Opallinoc: Doldrums Strike!!
The members of the Uruk'hai have been recently stricken with a severe case of
the Doldrums. Listless, slothful attitudes toward adventure and thrills have 
beset the Nation. The shaman, Hakupa, has been called into advisement as to 
the cause of this malaise.

Dateline Opallinoc: News Bureau Shuts!
As the Doldrums spread through Opallinoc and the Uruk'hai Nation, there is no
news. Nothing. Nada. Zip. The News Bureau is closed for now, until the cure 
for this dreaded malady is discovered.

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 49
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Nations News: Half-Elf
==============================================================================

Elohai Nation News

As the rebuilding and repair of the half-elven city of Eldestra progresses
more towards its final point, the new shapes of grand projects begin to
emerge, maybe shaping the city better then it was before. After a small
mishap with the inmate Jhethen, involving a wrestling match and a few guards,
everything has returned to running normally. As of late, however, the Nations
Leader has been mysteriously absent for periods of time, and although no one
really knows why, sources say they have seen her wandering through the woods,
alone and silent.

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 50
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Nations News: Gith                                      Via: Aslan
==============================================================================

The Gralthai Kingdom have begun to work with the elves and their wish for
universal peace and friendship. We are also interested in their plans for a
commonwealth of nations. The nations has had a busy month also with sand
storms and other events.

Regards,
  King Aslan Bloodthorne, Gralthai King

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 51
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Nations News: Half-Orc                                  Via: Carnak
==============================================================================

The Il'Khan nation has been experiencing some activity as of late...

  Recently, Carnak has posted up some new plots, and made a new website for 
the soon-to-be blooming nation. The Government structure has also had a 
complete overhaul.

  Also, an alliance has been made with the Olog'Hai nation, and two others 
are in negotiations.

The new website URL is: www.freewebs.com/mtkrozloy

  See the board (go to tage's ghost 2ne, 2n, and then tell him 'I seek
the solace of the caves' if you are half-orc) for all information you may
need.

Hopefully we will get some fresh talent in Krozloy!

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 52
==============================================================================


==============================================================================
    Nations News: Half-Orc(cont.)                           Via: Carnak
==============================================================================

We here at the half-orc nation would like to wish all whom celebrate the 
holidays of the 4th of July/Canada Day a late happy day!

  Anyways, there has been a little bit of event for the month of July, as 
Carnak has finally completed the new Il'Khan Website!!!

  The address(es) are as follows: www.freewebs.com/mtkrozloy (for a
title) or www.rodilkhan.tk (titleless). Please, if you want to send a
MUDmail for comments send it to Carnak, but do not send any trash talk as it
will just be falling on deaf ears.

  In other news, the Il'Khan are _still_ looking for any readily available 
RPers with a half-orc (of any level, any class, we care not!) for RPing. If 
you have never RPed but are interested in doing so, read the notes posted on 
the HT board.

  Thanks for taking your time to read this article, and we hope to see more 
activity for the Il'Khan in the months to come!

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 53
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Nations News: Pixie
==============================================================================

This is PNN, your source for Pixie News:

The Pixie Council held an important meeting. The council decided to proceed
with the commonwealth with the Elves. We hope this will bring prosperity to
the pixies.

The council also decided to dissolve itself. Kosaim Arcannis signed the
proclamation declaring the government disbanded. General Elections will be
held next month. It seem that the position of First Pixie might be quite the 
battle. Kosaim said about the position: 'Let the best pixie win'

Our King Kosaim is to wed soon. He and Bride Mirabel have yet to set of date.
Sources say that they have been seen at a ring shop in Reomyr. In addition
his daughter Aristacia is to wed soon. Bakers and Candymakers are ecstatic.

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 54
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Guilds News: Guild Of Mages
==============================================================================

  It's been a fun month in the big portal of GoM.
  I'd like to extend a warm welcome to our newest members: Hikedha, Saph and
Malkatov. We are glad you've decided to join our ranks and hope you have many
years of enjoyment while in the guild.
  We had some changes in the ranks this month. Murren made a big decision and
stepped down to the Number Two position. It takes a lot of courage and 
devotion to the guild to acknowledge that you are not giving as much as you
can due to unforeseen circumstances outside of the realms. Ellbelymar has 
moved up to become our Guildmaster and Gilliam is now our Number One. All the
leaders have been doing an excellent job and we are very grateful.
  There's been a lot of activity in the guild this month. Many faithful mages
are leveling alts to be used on runs. And those alts have been coming in 
handy, as we've been busy running and learning mobs.
  As always, any mage level 10 or higher can check out our MAP program and 
any level 20 or higher mage can inquire about induction to the guild. 
  For more information, visit our Darkened Domicile at [] 2e, s, sw.
  You can also visit the guild website at http://www.guildofmages.com

We look forward to seeing you within the portal known as Guild of Mages.  =)

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 55
==============================================================================







==============================================================================
    Guilds News: Guild Of Clerics
==============================================================================

  It's been a couple months since I've reported from our crazy li'l guild...
but until recently, we've just been laying back enjoying the summer! Now
activity is starting to pick back up in the great GoC, and I'd like to welcome
some of our newest members.... Milo, Yugal, Yanick, and Bijoux!

  After our recent flurry of inactivity, we're getting back into trying some
runs, and the occasional Monster Mash (us Clerics just love bludgeoning
Monsters, after all). New weekly scavenger quests and rumors of an upcoming
Guild Quest fill out the time we have between uplifting the masses and eating
dirty carrots!

  If you're a cleric interested in joining a slightly off-kilter group of fun
-loving comrades, check out our noteboard nw-w-w-n-n-e-u from DH Square!

******The GoC...making the Realms less Despairing, one uplift at a time!******

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 56
==============================================================================




==============================================================================
    Guilds News: Guild Of Rangers
==============================================================================

  The Guild of Rangers would like to welcome the following new pledges this
month: Dilynrae, Eldaric, Glaenna, Sparra, Tola and Umbar. Welcome to the
guild, I hope you'll enjoy your stay.

  Threlith and Raevyn are the guild's birthday rangers this month. Hope you
had a wonderful birthday.

  In other news, Junhi's trivia quest went over quite well. Great fun for the
participants and especially the winners: Calafire, Aralos and Ranstlin. They
got some nice duds for their hard work. Congratulations you three.

  If you are a peaceful level 20 or over ranger looking to join, follow the
northeast path from Darkhaven Square and stop by the recruiting office to
pick up a guide or speak to an RQC member. You can also look up the website:

                       http://rangers.silverwolf-den.com/

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 57
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
    Order News: Ringbearers                                 Via: Wren
==============================================================================

Welcome to the Ringbearers section of the Cry. Hope you like this edition of
crazy things Ringbearers say.

Mirra tells the group 'damn.. even with no pants, selina still has more HPs
than me :('

[57  A War]  Selina       60000/60000

Micael tells the group 'you're not wearing any pants?'

Selina tells the group 'it's a really long shirt!'

Mirra tells the group 'and she's got that sexi bellybutton ring'

Osgiliath tells the group 'just watch out for those sudden gushes of wind'

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 58
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Order News: Ringbearers(cont.)                          Via: Wren
==============================================================================

Mirra tells the group 'she's got the wet t-shirt that she took home after
my last GoW wet t-shirt contest'

Mirra says 'even when folks meet me, they tend to forget... I'm just good
enough to put most folks to sleep :('

Genge says 'Alright, I'm getting out of here before I'm bitched at for
something generic.'

Genge says 'I.E.: Being Genge.'

Mirra tells the group 'murdering (edited out name), good, murdering
(Edited out name) with a rename called the rusty spoon, even better!'

Micael tells the group 'I'm thinking I want that rename actually :P'

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 59
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Order News: Ringbearers(cont.)                          Via: Wren
==============================================================================

Micael tells the group 'You dual-wield a rusty spoon.'

Wren tells the group 'I would prolly get my Justices done as rusty spoon and
Pitchfork of Revenge *inno* I die alot'

Mirra tells the group 'I wanna get a justice to rename it  'The blunt
butterknife of defense!''

Osgiliath says 'nude is a good way to stun mobs'

Osgiliath says 'xchan'

Mirra tells the group 'nude is a great way to explore Cald'

Caldric tells the group 'you mean explore the realms? :P'

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 60
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Order News: Ringbearers(cont.)                          Via: Wren         
==============================================================================

Mirra hugs Selina.

Mirra says to Caldric, 'I hug Selina whenever I can, just to cop a feel of
the bare butt'

Selina tsks.

Relark tells the group 'either of the chicks, since I don't swing the other
way :p'

Just remember that if you want to see all the antics and other things that
happen in RB you must join us. Just get ahold of you friendly neighborhood
IT member for further details or check out help RB and help RB inductions.
Other news we would like to welcome Oloe, and Benibyle to the Order. They
Are the newest addition to the group we call family and place we all call
home.

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 61
==============================================================================


==============================================================================
    Wedding Congratulations                                 By: Babui         
==============================================================================

On the 20th of June..
                            Kirikanen
                               +
                             Soke
Joined in wedded bliss in a beautiful ceremony performed by Marissa.

Kirikanen: I'm yours for all eternity....and NO, you cannot sell me or trade
           me for eq

                            88888       88888       CONGRATULATIONS!
                          888888888   888888888
         *               88888888888 88888888888    May you have lots and lots
                         88888888888888888888888    of kids!
                          888888888888888888888
                  *         88888888888888888     (The wedding shout says so!)
                              8888888888888                        *
                                 8888888
                                   888
           *                        8
                              ****      """"        *
                            /( ^^ )\   ( ^^ )
                    *      /        \
                          /  /----\_\oo_|   |
                           /________\    | |

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 62
==============================================================================




==============================================================================
    Wedding Congratulations                                 By: Babui         
==============================================================================

A friend just got married? Want to congratulate them along with the whole of
realms?

You just got married? Want to announce to the whole of realms your love for
each other?

Well, here's the place!

Send Babui a mudmail with the couples' name, the date of the wedding, and any
comments you would like to make =)

Start NOW by showing you care! Start NOW by showing you are truely happy for
them/yourself! Start NOW by announcing to the world!

_____________________,88888e
______________,a888b.9888888i
______________888888888888888
______________88888888888888Y
______________'8888888888888
________________"S888888888"
__________________"7888888Y
_____________________"e88j
______________________-> HaPpY WeDdInG!

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 63
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
    Trendy Titles                                           Via: Ardraken
==============================================================================

Angellis Ater   Gibimcri.                 :ittttGLttti,.            (Baali)
Avatar          Azhdeen.               ijji:.  ,jE.  :,jjt:         (Baali)
Avatar          Meroido.            .jj,      .G ;f      .tj;       (Baali)
Avatar          Rahl.             .jj         L,  Gj        ;f:     (Baali)
Avatar          Baeal.           .G,         ,j   .E.        .Li    (Baali)
Avatar          Volitanern.     .D.          G     ;f          f,   (Baali)
Avatar          Artirio.        LGjtttttttttGLtti;;;Ej;;;;;;;;;jW   (Baali)
Avatar          Netter.        ,E:tti      ;G       .E.     .jfjf#  (Baali)
Avatar          Nedder.       .tL   ,tt;   G:        ff  .ifj,  ,#  (Baali)
Avatar          Shrie.         tL      :ttG;          Gffj:     ,#  (Baali)
Avatar          Shren.         .E        :Dtt;      ifjE        f#  (Baali)
Avatar          Ardraken.       it      .D.  :ttiijj:  jj      :G   (Baali)
Avatar          Cyn.             L,     ff    ;jfjt;    E,    .L.   (Baali)
Avatar          Khiyara.          ft   :G  ,jj;    ,tt, ,E   ,L:    (Baali)
Avatar          Loremanonvu.       :L; Dtjt,          :ttGj,Li      (Baali)
Avatar          Cassidy.             if#f.              :LEt.       (Baali)
Avatar          Frank.                 .ittt;:.   .:,ittt,          (Baali)
Avatar          Arcana.                    ###########              (Baali)
 46 Warrior     Loblo.            Your souls belong to Ba'al.       (Baali)

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 64
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
    FunnyBones
==============================================================================

Kali goes to a wedding

Kali drops The Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch.
A voice booms 'Right! One...'

A voice booms 'Two...'

A voice booms 'FIVE!'

A small voice says 'Three, sir.'

A voice booms 'THREE!'
<******************BOOM!!!!******************>
Petrograd is DEAD!!
Petrograd catches his guts in his hands as they pour through his fatal wound!
Babui is DEAD!!
Babui screams furiously as she falls to the ground in a heap!
Dexamph is DEAD!!
Dexamph screams furiously as he falls to the ground in a heap!
Shimus is DEAD!!
Shimus catches his guts in his hands as they pour through his fatal wound!
Gromnir is DEAD!!
Gromnir splatters blood on your armor.

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 65
==============================================================================


==============================================================================
    FunnyBones
==============================================================================

Donatello is DEAD!!
Donatello splatters blood on your armor.
Nariel is DEAD!!
You hear Nariel's death cry.
Futhark is DEAD!!
Futhark gasps his last breath and blood spurts out of his mouth and ears.
Doyle is DEAD!!
You hear Doyle's death cry.
Braener is DEAD!!
You hear Braener's death cry.
Braener stops wielding Nasr, Claymore of Sovereignty.
Yelisa is DEAD!!
Yelisa screams furiously as she falls to the ground in a heap!
Mari is DEAD!!
Mari catches her guts in her hands as they pour through her fatal wound!
Pardalis is DEAD!!
Pardalis catches her guts in her hands as they pour through her fatal wound!
Tengar is DEAD!!
Tengar gasps his last breath and blood spurts out of his mouth and ears.
Tengar stops wielding Black Dragonskull Ax.

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 66
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
    FunnyBones
==============================================================================

Kyla is DEAD!!
Kyla catches her guts in her hands as they pour through her fatal wound!
Veltheera is DEAD!!
Veltheera gasps her last breath and blood spurts out of her mouth and ears.
Aloca is DEAD!!
Aloca hits the ground ... DEAD.
Xazic is DEAD!!
Xazic screams furiously as it falls to the ground in a heap!
Xazic stops wielding Nasr, Claymore of Sovereignty.
Raidokas is DEAD!!
Raidokas catches his guts in his hands as they pour through his fatal wound!
Raidokas stops wielding Nasr, Claymore of Sovereignty.
Myceran is DEAD!!
You hear Myceran's death cry.
Malu is DEAD!!
Malu splatters blood on your armor.
Groll is DEAD!!
Groll screams furiously as he falls to the ground in a heap!
Zendroax is DEAD!!
You hear Zendroax's death cry.

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 67
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
    FunnyBones
==============================================================================

Ordem is DEAD!!
Ordem catches his guts in his hands as they pour through his fatal wound!
Ordem stops wielding Nasr, Claymore of Sovereignty.
Jeskel is DEAD!!
Jeskel gasps his last breath and blood spurts out of his mouth and ears.
Lunete is DEAD!!
Lunete catches her guts in her hands as they pour through her fatal wound!
Gildeth is DEAD!!
Gildeth catches his guts in his hands as they pour through his fatal wound!
Gildeth stops wielding Nasr, Claymore of Sovereignty.
Cristobal is DEAD!!
Cristobal screams furiously as he falls to the ground in a heap!
Kinvel is DEAD!!
Kinvel splatters blood on your armor.
Theodore is DEAD!!
Theodore hits the ground ... DEAD.
Theodore stops wielding The Dragon Claw of Legend.
Maraj is DEAD!!
Maraj splatters blood on your armor.
Fratan is DEAD!!
Fratan splatters blood on your armor.
==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 68
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
    FunnyBones
==============================================================================

Gilraen is DEAD!!
Gilraen catches her guts in her hands as they pour through her fatal wound!
Berrick is DEAD!!
Berrick hits the ground ... DEAD.
Artus is DEAD!!
Artus hits the ground ... DEAD.
Ryals is DEAD!!
Ryals gasps his last breath and blood spurts out of his mouth and ears.
Voormal is DEAD!!
Voormal catches his guts in his hands as they pour through his fatal wound!
Brakkor is DEAD!!
Brakkor gasps his last breath and blood spurts out of his mouth and ears.
Saph is DEAD!!
Saph gasps his last breath and blood spurts out of his mouth and ears.
Valentia is DEAD!!
Valentia hits the ground ... DEAD.
Malkatov is DEAD!!
Malkatov screams furiously as he falls to the ground in a heap!
Zyll is DEAD!!
Zyll screams furiously as he falls to the ground in a heap!
Excane is DEAD!!
Excane screams furiously as he falls to the ground in a heap!
 
==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 69
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
    FunnyBones
==============================================================================

Rialian is DEAD!!
Rialian hits the ground ... DEAD.
Rialian stops wielding Nasr, Claymore of Sovereignty.
Sanrio is DEAD!!
Sanrio hits the ground ... DEAD.
Iohannis is DEAD!!
You hear Iohannis's death cry.
Annale is DEAD!!
You hear Annale's death cry.
Nim is DEAD!!
Nim hits the ground ... DEAD.
Benibyle is DEAD!!
Benibyle screams furiously as he falls to the ground in a heap!
Zabinillo is DEAD!!
Zabinillo splatters blood on your armor.
Abelia is DEAD!!
Abelia splatters blood on your armor.
Lexu is DEAD!!
Lexu screams furiously as he falls to the ground in a heap!
Miguel is DEAD!!
Miguel gasps his last breath and blood spurts out of his mouth and ears.

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 70
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
    FunnyBones
==============================================================================

Myra: our intelligence pointed to a possible attack

Cyril: Now we need t-shirts that say "I got bombed at Petrograd's wedding"

Excane: Tengar is responsible for the failure to bring this information 
forward.

Sumitra: Tengar tells the group 'scared now omg kali should drop a holy hand 
grenade''

Jinetha chats '*moves the terror alert bar to pink*'

Korith chats 'yes, bush has declared war on it'

Ilsensine chats 'Yes, I have bombved Crystalmir lake and taken their oil 
reserves with a SHOCK and AWE campaign.'

Ilsensine chats 'Since, quite clearly, Crysytalmir was harbouring Antioch 
terrorists'

May the blood of a hundred mortals bring new life to the wedding of 
Petrograd and Babui! Now is when we dance the chuppah!

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 71
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
    Cry Quest- July's Quest Results                         By: Alysira
==============================================================================

Last month, your quest was to think up a holiday that the Realms of Depsair
might celebrate annualy. As all entries were based on the idea of a
Shattering Day, these two entries were selected based on their sheer
cleverness and detail. Congratulations to:
                        Dynvan and Petrograd!

Please see me soon for your prizes! Their entries are posted on the next two
pages.

This month's quest follows after their entries. Good luck!

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 72
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
    Cry Quest- July's Quest Results                         By: Alysira
==============================================================================

Petrograd's Entry-

I doubt I'm alone with this idea, but I really think we should have some kind
of celebration of the shattering. The shattering itself happened the 17'th of
August, but few are online during weekdays, so I'd recommend the celebration
to be during the week the 17:th falls in. (That means, the Saturday/Sunday
coming somewhere during the 16th/17th to 22nd/23rd.)
 
Instead of feeling sad over what we lost, it should be a day of celebration.
Dwarves generally consider fights fought valiantly something positive, even
if many died in the battles, so people should eat and drink in a feast to
celebrate the deeds our heroes did.

How in game could vary, but I think roleplayers would appreciate plays about
it, but the mass would probably prefer to go slay some bigger mob to show
they still have it in them (quest mobs would be very suiting, but not a need.)

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 73
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
    Cry Quest- July's Quest Results                         By: Alysira
==============================================================================

Dynvan's Entry-

     A day picked by the immortals (when ever the Shattering occurred) 
for the Realms to celebrate the rebirth of the Realms of Despair. The event 
will host many events and celebrations through out the realms but mainly 
centered in Darkhaven.
     The main event will be one hour of Helter Skelter. Since this will be a 
yearly event, everyone will know about it and can participate or not 
participate.
     Each Guild, Order and Nation will be asked to sponsor some type of 
quest that will be open to all. The organizations will be given an assigned 
time slot to hold their quest. The organizations will be responsible for 
coming up with the quest and prizes.
     In Darkhaven Square, a special cake will be available to everyone to 
celebrate the rebirth of the realms. Also, on occasion, immortals will drop 
"presents" that can be used by anyone. Presents can be items such as 
equipment either of value orsomething fun and creative or fun items like 
rubber bouncing balls and such.
     The final event that will draw the Shattering celebration to an end 
will be a realms wide quest sponsored by the immortals. As with the 
organization's quests, the immortal will be responsible to the prizes or 
glory. This event will be restricted to avatar level only.
     The entire day will be fill with different events that people can take 
part in so all can take part no matter what time of day they happen to 
be on.

==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 74
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
    Cry Quest- August's Quest                               By: Alysira
==============================================================================

This month's quest is a game of anagrams. I have taken the names of some of
the current immortals, mixed up the letters, and made this sentence:

I bring a noon cream pie ma, she sells a con near a code cup.

Yes, it's nonsensical, but rearranging the name of six immortals isn't easy!
Here's a few clues for three of the immortals in there:

1. Tree-Hugger
2. A pixie with bite
3. A very very dead guy

Your task for this month is to work out the names of all six immortals, and
MUDmail them to me. Two winners will be chosen at random out of all the
correct entries. You have until the 18th of August to MUDmail your answers
to me. Good luck and have fun!

-Alysira
==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 75
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
    From The Quill Of Alysira
==============================================================================


It's big.



It's very big.


==============================================================================
                                                               Page: 76
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
   Advertisement: Weekend to End Breast Cancer              By: Moonbeam
==============================================================================

On September 10-12, 2004 I'll be participating again in the Weekend to End 
Breast Cancer.
 
I'll walk 60 kilometres over the course of one weekend with thousands of
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==============================================================================
                                                                 Page: 77
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
   Advertisement: The Cracked Cask Casino                   By: Cyril
==============================================================================

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"Set For Life" slot machine, featuring a minimum jackpot of 25 billion coins, 
located in the east room (An Ale Room), and Magdeline hosts the 5 billion 
jackpot game in the north room (The Upper Bar). In the south room, Vitarla 
hosts multiplayer blackjack.
 
For those who wish to sell or buy equipment, there is Orestes the Auctioneer
and now banker. Items with a * can be bought, and the prospective seller can
put their item up for sale or for auction for as little as 1 hour or as long
as 14 days. There is a listing fee of 10K per item per day, with a 1% sellers
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preceeding month.

==============================================================================
                                                                 Page: 78
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
   Advertisement: Advertise in the Cry of Despair
==============================================================================

              /---------------------------------------------------\
              | /-----------------------------------------------\ |
              | |                                               | |
              | | Have something important to say, but don't    | |
              | | have anywhere to say it?                      | |
              | |                                               | |
              | | Consider advertising in the Cry of Despair!   | |
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==============================================================================
                                                                 Page: 79
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
   Advertisement: Join the Cry of Despair
==============================================================================

              /---------------------------------------------------\
              | /-----------------------------------------------\ |
              | |                                               | |
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==============================================================================
                                                                 Page: 80
==============================================================================



==============================================================================
   Advertisement: Weddings
==============================================================================

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==============================================================================
                                                                 Page: 81
==============================================================================