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Interview: Cappadocius; CoE answers; Perspective on Paths

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  CoD Issue 78                          ||                      Dec 2003
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Table of Contents |
                  |
                  | Desk Of The Editor
                  | Ask CoE - Scams, Corsterix and Bladesingers
                  | Deadly Stereotypes                         
                  | Interview With A Vampire - Cappadocius
                  | A Perspective on Paths                          
                  | Uncle Sarakin's Storytime
                  | News From Around The Realms   - Oct/Nov IGQC Report
                  |                               - Sep/Oct/Nov TS News
                  |                               - Guild/Order News
                  |                               - Nation News         
                  | (O)Emote The World                                  
                  | Public Relations Poll #2: Equipment Wearlocs
                  | Funny Bones: Player Titles                         
                  |            : Have You Ever...                     
                  | The 'Who' Contest
                  | The Wonderful World of Home Decoration (Contest)
                  | The CoD Quest: November Quest Results
                  |                December Quest
                  | From the Quill of Alysira
                  | Public Announcements
                  |
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  Editor: Juliana                             Immortal Sponsor: Alysira 
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  Staff: Angelea, Gawen, Kentamya, Khaimran, Qaulorn, Redric, Sarakin,
         Simone, Wiglaff

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  Desk of the Editor                                       by Juliana

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 Hi folks,

 Cry's a little late this month, but we took the time to make it last just a 
 little longer as reading material! And you can tell my penchant for 
 understatement too. This is one of those record breaker huge issues, so do 
 enjoy the bonus pages this holiday season. *beams*

 A couple people have left our staff again: We say our fond goodbyes to 
 Amante, Ganemanoimu, Morgane, and Tatyana. Thanks for all your contributions 
 while on staff. Good luck in your future ventures, and we'll remember how 
 much you did for Cry. :)

 On brighter news, we bid Gawen and Kentamya a hearty welcome to the staff. 
 Gawen will be handling the collection of Nation News from now on, so please 
 send notes his way. He might even treat us to some roleplaying articles if 
 we've been nice! Kentamya's written us a focus on Mage Paths this month, and 
 he hopes to start an Agony Uncle column for those of us who've been naughty! 
 So send notes his way as well!

 Send notes every which way...don't forget Alysira's polls, Wiglaff's home 
 decoration contest, and our regular CoD quest.

 Enjoy. Happy Holidays, Realms of Despair!
 
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  Ask CoE                                                  by Sarakin

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 Hi again folks,

 It's time for another edition of Ask CoE. Again, Kali has fielded some 
 questions from all over the realms, and I thank him very much for taking the 
 time to allow us the CoE's insight into current issues. If you have a 
 question you want to see answered, please mudmail it to me.

 Sarakin

 1. As a mud admin, you should be no stranger to dodgy traders, scam artists 
    and bad deals gone wrong. What are some of the more interesting scams 
    you've encountered, and what advice do you have for players who want to 
    avoid being taken in?

 One of the more classic scam events happened about three years ago.  A fellow 
 posted a note to the Oracle with the contents of a corpse he lost in a crash 
 and tacked a Demonic Influence on to the list. 

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  Ask CoE                                                  by Sarakin

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 Besides the obvious discrepancy in the value of the other items he had 
 compared to the Demonic Influence, and the fact that he had other headwear in 
 his list, I took the time to check it out and found the claim to be bogus.  

 When confronted about the source of his Demonic Influence, he claimed he had 
 been given the Demonic Influence.  By a girl he met over the mud.  Who worked 
 at Pizza Hut.  Who gave him the Demonic Influence in exchange for going on a 
 date with her. He couldn't remember the character's name, didn't know the 
 girl's phone number because he had only met her at Pizza Hut and couldn't 
 provide the location of the Pizza Hut. (No, we really didn't need to find out 
 this information but it was so comical I couldn't resist hearing more of the 
 story).  

 Finally, the attempted scammer cut link after a few requests for him to 
 provide the number of her Pizza Hut so I could call her and talk to her. His
 character was killed and destroyed and the body was displayed in effigy in 
 Darkhaven Square warning people of the perils of making up stories about 
 girls who work at Pizza Hut and Demonic Influences.

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  Ask CoE                                                  by Sarakin

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 The best advice I can give to avoid being scammed is: If it sounds too good 
 to be true, it probably is.  Some other common sense tactics are:

 * Try to establish familiarity with, or discern the reputation of, people 
   with whom you are trying to trade.

 * Try to avoid handing the item to someone to 'identify'.  Be especially 
   wary if this person is deadly.  You never know when one of their 'enemies'
   may show up, kill them and loot your item they were looking at.  And before
   someone cries 'deadly discrimination', I've seen the trick too many times 
   not to point it out.

 * Be sure the person actually has the item they are trying to trade.

 * If you really and truly love a new character you have, think twice before
   letting a stranger have it to level.  On the same note, if you have a level
   40 character and just don't feel like doing those last 10 levels, don't be 
   surprised if when you give it to someone to level you have just lost a 
   character.

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  Ask CoE                                                  by Sarakin

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 2. With Nasr being put on Corsterix, and his subsequent upping, the Realms 
    loses another run mob for newbie avatars to hone their skills. Now they 
    are forced to buy the equipment instead of run for it. Was this a wise 
    decision? Could it have been put on a new mob or another mob such as the
    vault guardian in the same area?

 The equipment gap between the items on Corsterix and comparable equipment is 
 minimal.  The difference between the Cloak of Light and Cloak of Royalty is 
 slim, except for the fact that devout thieves and vampires can not wear them. 
 On the whole I find devout thieves to be the tools of more established 
 runners who eschew stats for skill and devout vampires to be show pieces or 
 pet projects.  The Helm of Light, while a step down from the Crown of Ages, 
 is not so far below it that a new avatar will be drastically affected (though 
 the wisdom loss may be difficult for some classes).  This of course pre-
 supposes that the wealth of Corsterix equipment in the Realms becomes scarce 
 in the future, which I don't see as terribly likely.

 Was the decision to use Corsterix over someone like the vault guardian a 
 thematic one?  Yes.  Were the economic implications considered before that 
 change?  Yes.  It strikes me as quite odd that the King of a large area was 
 regularly poisoned and killed with no change or retribution.  Though he was 
 not as bad as the frightfully inept Duke Luther who could not defend himself 
 against an assault by an imp wielding a bag of fresh black walnuts. All 
 things considered, Corsterix was judged the best choice to be the herald of 
 this powerful new weapon.

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  Ask CoE                                                  by Sarakin

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 3. Bladesingers. The PK-only class. What are the advantages and disadvantages
    of this class? What niches was it supposed to fill? What was the reasoning
    behind its introduction? And has it been successful in fulfulling its 
    purpose/function?

 The creation of Bladesingers was an initiative by the Pkill Conclave and not 
 the Council of Elders.  The basic idea is that the skills are mostly 
 restricted to player vs player use, which gives more freedom to adjust and 
 modify as needed without unbalancing the same skills in the peaceful world. 
 For example, PKC proposing a change to grasp suspiria is near impossible due 
 to the ramifications it may have in the peaceful world.  Proposals to change 
 Bladesinger skills are easier to cope with because the change is only 
 relevant to pkill.

 I imagine the vote is still out on the success of the class.  There was a 
 rocky start, mainly because a number of the ideas intended for the proposal 
 were either left out or confused in translation.  There were quite a few 
 changes to repair this and Bladesingers have seen a resurgence since that 
 time.

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  Deadly Stereotypes                                      by Redric 

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 I decided to go and get some thoughts from random Realms players on deadly 
 stereotypes. I noticed many people, mainly peacefuls, have bad impressions of
 deadlies. Me being a deadly myself, I tend to notice it more. So I decided 
 to get some thoughts from some peacefuls and some deadlies on what they think
 of deadlies.
 
 Rebeca:   I dated a deadly, so I had the opportunity to be around a lot 
           of them. Mostly what I have noticed is that people like using their
           deadlies to be their "bad self", kinda like a cover to be rude and 
           get away with it. Having known some deadlies on their peaceful 
           characters, I know they aren't always like that. But I also know 
           some deadlies that are truly nice, some are even helpful and fun.

 Xynthia:  I think - and this is only my opinion - to enjoy playing a deadly 
           you need to be very smart and very fast and know a good knowledge 
           of triggers. Lot about deadlies I don't know. I consider deadlies 
           advanced game playing, and that's above my level at this time. It 
           must be fun - so many do it especially on weekends.

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  Deadly Stereotypes                                      by Redric 

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 Gildeth:  Well, my view of deadlies are that they are just like everybody 
           else really, all the deadlies I've known have been interesting good
           people who are just trying to spice up the game a little by trying 
           something new.

 Soerceve: Deadlies aren't mean, deadlies are just focused on the 
           technicalities and pk side of the game. It's not about rp, it's not 
           about being friendly and likeable.
           
           Pk itself isn't exactly the nicest activity, it involves flaring 
           tensions because of looting and all sorts of controversy about 
           deaths. So a lot of ill feelings might be harbored, but that's 
           part of the game. If you can't deal with it, don't pk or join 
           Vodikem.
           
           As for newbies to pk, everyone started out there at one point, the
           test of whether you'll make a good pkiller isn't about how many 
           times you die when you're still adjusting. It's about how well you
           put up with it. If you're trashtalking while you're an 87 year old
           level 9 bladesinger, you probably won't be getting respect anytime 
           soon. Just die and take it, join Vodikem so that you can learn 
           without having to suffer losses. IT'S NOT THAT DIFFICULT.

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  Interview with A Vampire - Cappadocius                      by Sarakin

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 Hi folks. In case you haven't noticed already, Cappadocius is one of our 
 newer immortals in the realms. A lot of you probably don't know much about 
 this player, so I did an interview in order to reveal some of the mystery 
 behind this vampire who rose through the ranks of Inconnu to become immortal.
 
 Sarakin:     First of all, thanks very much for agreeing to this interview.

 Cappadocius: Not a problem. My pleasure.

 Sarakin:     How did you first get into MUDs?

 Cappadocius: Well, I visited a friend of mine a long time ago and he seemed 
              to be distracted by some text scrolling on his computer screen 
              faster than I could read it. I asked him what it was. The rest 
              is history.

 Sarakin:     Is Realms of Despair your first MUD?

 Cappadocius: It is indeed. I've tried others but this is the only one that 
              feels like home.

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  Interview with A Vampire - Cappadocius                      by Sarakin

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 Sarakin:     About when did you start playing?

 Cappadocius: About 4 years ago seriously. Off and on before that.

 Sarakin:     What was the first guild/order you joined?

 Cappadocius: Long ago I started off in the Guild of Vampires. I couldn't 
              resist. Vampires have always been close to my heart.

 Sarakin:     Can you give a brief history of your time on the realms before 
              you joined the GoV?

 Cappadocius: Well, I was a very reclusive player you might say. I wasn't very
              vocal and just did my best to learn how the game worked and what
              I was capable of. Pretty much the same experience that most new 
              players have.

 Sarakin:     How long did you stay in the GoV, and what did you learn from 
              being a member?

 Cappadocius: GoV was the next step in helping me to socialize a little more 
              and to learn how the game was played from an avatar perspective 
              instead of levelling.

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  Interview with A Vampire - Cappadocius                      by Sarakin

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 Sarakin:     Do any of your old GoV friends still play?

 Cappadocius: They do indeed.

 Sarakin:     What made you leave the guild?

 Cappadocius: Well, it was time to move on. I befriended some people from 
              Inconnu and I assume that I made a good impression because I was 
              asked to join them.

 Sarakin:     About when did you join inconnu?

 Cappadocius: A couple of years ago? You have to forgive me. I don't really 
              count my time here that closely. I judge my time from my 
              experiences not necessarily the marks of my age.

 Sarakin:     What was the transition from GoV to Inconnu like?

 Cappadocius: It was intimidating at first yet quickly proved to be a very 
              positive change for me.


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  Interview with A Vampire - Cappadocius                      by Sarakin

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 Sarakin:     A lot of people don't quite understand what Inconnu is about, 
              and why it is so exclusive, can you elaborate on that?

 Cappadocius: Inconnu is reclusive by choice. I will continue to uphold their
              wishes to remain so and not speak of what goes on within their 
              walls.

 Sarakin:     How did the Shattering affect you?

 Cappadocius: I absolutely loved it. It brought new challenges, new abilities 
              and a means of furthering the history that we as players have 
              given the Realms.

 Sarakin:     Can you give a history of your time in Inconnu before you became
              a leader?

 Cappadocius: Again, the path I chose within Inconnu is known to them alone. 
              My respect for them does not allow me to indulge many questions, 
              although I can say that it was a great time of learning for me.

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  Interview with A Vampire - Cappadocius                      by Sarakin

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 Sarakin:     How did you feel becoming a leader?

 Cappadocius: The experience that I gained from my brethren was immeasurable. 
              I was very honoured to be in a position of leadership in 
              Inconnu. It was a true pleasure to represent them in any way 
              that I possibly could.

 Sarakin:     Were you surprised to be approached about becoming an immortal?

 Cappadocius: I was. It came as quite a surprise but a welcome one. Being so 
              removed from the public eye, I was unaware that I had raised the 
              interest of the Immortals.

 Sarakin:     What made you accept?

 Cappadocius: It was a move that felt right for me. I have had an interest in 
              the behind the scenes aspects of Realms for quite some time and 
              this allowed me to explore that interest. I have been very 
              thankful for what the Immortal community has provided for me and 
              was very happy at the prospect of helping to provide that for 
              others.

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  Interview with A Vampire - Cappadocius                      by Sarakin

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 Sarakin:     Is being an immortal different to how you thought it would be?

 Cappadocius: Of course. You cannot truly understand what it is without the 
              experience itself. It has been a very positive change though and 
              I am enjoying it immensely.

 Sarakin:     Lastly, do you have any specific councils/orders you want to 
              join as an immortal or do you plan to go wherever the Realms 
              take you?

 Cappadocius: I am very much of the opinion that I am best suited to go where 
              I feel I am needed and where my skills will be most useful. 
              Where that takes me is unknown at the moment but the 
              possibilities are very exciting to me.

 Sarakin:     Thanks again for participating.

 Cappadocius: My pleasure. I'm glad I had the chance to let everyone know a 
              little bit about me.

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  A Perspective on Paths                                  by Kentamya

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 Hi to all you Cry of Despair readers out there! This is the first article 
 from your new Cry journalist, Kentamya!

 This article will try to make you informed about one of the realm's newest 
 inovations, Mages Paths! Paths provide avatar mages with a variety of new 
 spells, from the devastating "Paradox Flux" to the energising "Exsurgo". 

 However, you may find it hard to decide which path to choose, afterall, they 
 ALL look useful, well, wonder no more, as here is some essential info on the 
 paths, including spells, spell info, mana usange, and thoughts from the 
 people have first hand experience, the very mages who use these paths:

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  A Perspective on Paths                                  by Kentamya

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 Path of Destruction
 
 Spell Name: Paradox Flux
 Spell Info: This spell is a mage's most powerful offensive spell, 
             therefore it is great for runs and PKing.
 Mana usage: 45
 
 Spell Name: Abolition
 Spell Info: A mage's most powerful area spell, especially useful for 
             regaining favour and attacking mobs such as Justice, when 
             direct magic does not affect them. 
 Mana usage: 35
 
 Spell Name: Acidmist
 Spell Info: A good defensive spell that damages the attacker when he 
             attacks the caster of the spell.
 Mana usage: 100
 
 Users' Opinions:

 Rafa -  I was on the path of the elder school but I switched to the Path 
         of Destruction beacuse of the spells, since I found them more useful.
         Being able to obliterate a mob in a singe shot while doing a CR is 
         quite useful.
 
 Mumra - I use it to kill deadlies when they attack me :-)

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  A Perspective on Paths                                  by Kentamya

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 Path of the Elder School
 
 Spell Name: Exsurgo
 Spell Info: This is the perfect spell for people who believe that the 
             18str restriction on mages has ruined the mage class, as this
             spell increases a mage's str to 20, for a moderate period of 
             time, which means that instead of having a weight limit for 350,
             the mage now has a weight limit of 500. Also this means that you
             can sucessfully wield a Dragon Claw Of Legend.
 Mana usage: 75
 
 Spell Name: Beacon
 Spell Info: This spell places a mental beacon anywhere in realms 
             excluding non-astralable places such as Coral Depths.
 Mana usage: 99
 
 Spell Name: Traverse
 Spell Info: This spell will instantly transport you to where you last 
             placed your "Beacon". This excludes non-astralable areas.
 Mana usage: 75
 
 Spell Name: Lightning Breath
 Spell Info: There's not much to say on this spell except that it is a 
             moderate offensive spell, nothing particularly special.
 Mana usage: 20
 
 Users' Opinions:
 
 Mazzy - I use this path just so I can carry more weight.
 
 Rafa  - I found this path lacking so I changed to the Path of Destruction.

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  A Perspective on Paths                                  by Kentamya

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 Path of Prowess
 
 Spell Name: Deflect
 Spell Info: Like a warrior's dodge, this decreases the chance of your 
             opponent actually hitting you with their weapon.
             [Editor's Note: This gives the mage + 95% skill in parry.
             To parry successfully, one must wield a weapon.]
 Mana usage: 26
 
 Spell Name: Avoid
 Spell Info: Does the same as deflect but defends agains physical 
             attacks.
             [Editor's Note: This gives the mage + 95% skill in dodge.
             Dodging occurs automatically, wielded weapon or no.]
 Mana usage: 21
 
 Spell Name: Skirmish
 Spell Info: Makes it more likely for you to get a second and third 
             attack against your opponent.
 Mana usage: 35
 
 Users' Opinions:
 
 Nerrick - Prowess is meant for the mage who wants to take on more 
           of the fighter attributes. I use it because a lot of Av mobs are
           immune to magic, therefore, in order to get in optimum hits and 
           power, prowess is the way to go.

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  A Perspective on Paths                                  by Kentamya

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 Path of the Quill
 
 Spell Name: Transfixion
 Spell Info: This spell allows the user to gain mana quicker than that 
             of trance, great for spell bots.
 Mana usage: N/A (gains double the speed of trance)
 
 Spell Name: Spell Bind
 Spell Info: This lets you use a spell book to scribe multiple spells per 
             book, instead of one, you need a quill to use this and any more
             than 2 spells may result in the destruction of the book.
 Mana usage: N/A (varies from spell to spell)
 
 Spell Name: Flow of Ink
 Spell Info: This spell creates a quill out of thin air.
 Mana usage: 15

 Users' Opinions:
 
 Mauzait - I use this path because it allows my spellbot (Nelkum) to 
           regain mana quicker than trance.
 
 Fyndra  - I use the path for mana regen, brewing spell casting, and 
           flow of ink for giving a pen. When I ask a person to write 
           something to me, I provide the quill for them. Also good for
           regenerating mana after midasing and between runs.

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  A Perspective on Paths                                  by Kentamya

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 Path of Balance
 
 Spell Name: Focus
 Spell Info: This is a great way to restore your mentalstate quickly and 
             easily.
 Mana usage: 25
 
 Spell Name: Inner Balance
 Spell Info: This simply increases your chance of hitting your enemy in 
             combat.
 Mana usage: 40
 
 Spell Name: Immobilise
 Spell Info: This spell stops the target from moving or attacking for a 
             short period of time.
 Mana usage: 50
 
 Spell Name: Voice of Reason
 Spell Info: This spell stops mages being affected by good or evil.
 Mana usage: 35

 Users' Opinions:
 
 Drannor - To be honest, to use the path you need to be neutral, I
           just chose the path because I was neutral and it was the 
           least used path.

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  A Perspective on Paths                                  by Kentamya

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 Path of Countermagick
 
 Spell Name: Mute
 Spell Info: This spell stops the target from speaking or casting spells 
             for a short period of time.
 Mana usage: 25
 
 Spell Name: Inviola Magicka
 Spell Info: For a short while magic will not affect the caster.
 Mana usage: 50
 
 Spell Name: Runebind
 Spell Info: This spell allows you to bind an offensive and defensive 
             scroll to yourself, that then activates in battle. Great if you
             usually forget to cast spells such as True Sight before battles.
 Mana usage: N/A (uses no mana)
 
 Users' Opinions:
 
 Istolibon - I use my path to kill certain mobs, which mobs are secret. 
             If a mob casts magic then it is great to stop them.

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  A Perspective on Paths                                  by Kentamya

========================================================================

 Path of Defense
 
 Spell Name: Elemental Supremacy
 Spell Info: This spell casts Fire, Ice and Shock shield all in one spell.
 Mana usage: 175
 
 Spell Name: Prismatic Shield
 Spell Info: Helps defend against elemental attacks.
 Mana usage: 55
 
 Spell Name: Confidence
 Spell Info: This increases your resistance to most weapon types.
 Mana usage: 45
 
 Users' Opinions:
 
 Rebeca - I mostly use it to spell up random lowbies and friends, 
          although they are useful for running as well.

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  A Perspective on Paths                                  by Kentamya

========================================================================

 I hope this article has helped you to make up your mind on which path you 
 wish to choose, and if not, why not try one out for a while, as they are all 
 special in their own way :-)

 Lastly, I am thinking of creating an agony uncle column called "Kenty Kares", 
 where I will try to help you out with any problems/advice you need, real life 
 or M.U.D. If you wish to write to me then simple mudmail me with your problem 
 and I will try to fit it into my section. Chow for now! :-)

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  Uncle Sarakin's Storytime                               by Sarakin

========================================================================

 Gather round all you young'uns, its storytime!

 I hope everyone's been out and about exploring all the wonderful places in 
 the realms this week. I myself walked the whole 3 steps to the bathroom, it 
 was quite an adventure. You .. the dirty kid .. you look like you've had some
 fun. 

 Remember those magical tablets? Let's test one out..

 Object 'a gold Xvart idol' is infused with your magic...
 It is a level 6 armor, weight 22.
 Locations it can be worn:  hold
 Special properties:  evil magic metal
 This armor has a gold value of 2200.
 Armor class is 6.
 Affects hp by 10.
 Affects mana by 10.
 Affects moves by 10.
 Affects hit roll by 1.
 Affects damage roll by 1.
 
 That's right, you ALL need go bug your parents to buy you one of these for 
 christmas, or if you're a tough kid like the one over there, you can walk to 
 sentinel and kill the caterwaul for one!

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  Uncle Sarakin's Storytime                               by Sarakin

========================================================================

 You .. the foreign looking kid .. where are you from? Oh? That's where they 
 make my mush in a can. Anyway! I know all you rascals like to hear what your 
 friends are up to, so I decided to hunt down Jujhaar, the lvl 9 paladin of 
 DOOM and see what he had to say.

 Sarakin: Hi there, is Jujhaar your first character?

 Jujhaar: Yes, I am 3 days old, realms time.

 Sarakin: How are you finding the game so far?

 Jujhaar: Challenging and fun on the positive side, lots to learn, and a bit 
          overwhelming at first. People have been helpful so far.

 Sarakin: Why'd you choose a paladin?

 Jujhaar: I chose a paladin because I like to help/heal, and since it can 
          fight, I did not have to depend on help which I did not know 
          existed.

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  Uncle Sarakin's Storytime                               by Sarakin

========================================================================

 Sarakin: Are you gonna join the GoP once you level up?

 Jujhaar: Yes, I do hope to.
 
 Jujhaar is always looking for friends to group with, so send him a tell if 
 you're interested.

 An old friend of mine was telling me about this area with lots of 
 beeeeeeeeautiful ladies, he called it Shattered Refuge. I wheeled myself on 
 down there but when I arrived everyone was short and hairy! I got him back 
 though. What I did find out is that this area is GREAT for levelling if 
 you're under level 12! Lots of gnomes are walking around just begging for you 
 to kill them and level up, what with their happy faces and pleasing tunes. I 
 got a bit lost and stumbled upon some even darker folks who were called 
 hobgoblins. They like to attack first and ask questions later. Everyone go 
 check it out!

 Until the next story, have some fun and go exploring!

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  IGQC Report - October                                   by Wiglaff

========================================================================

 It was GoP's turn to be creative for the inter-guild quest this month, and 
 they took the opportunity of holding it on Halloween to come up trumps. 

 Trick or treat was the order of the day, Guilds set out in teams to search 
 out certain unusual characters, and armed with their pillowcases; their aim 
 to collect candy; but is life ever that easy? 

 ... not if the quest council has anything to do with it :P

 Everyone spoken to 'had a hoot'  :)

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  IGQC Report - November                                  by Wiglaff

========================================================================

 November's IGQ took place on the 21st was written by GoN, there was a large 
 turnout, resulting in five teams of nine players.

 The Sultan of Thul Ab'hara's Grand High Vizier had got into an unfortunate 
 trade dispute with some disreputable merchants, the results of which would 
 result in big (fatal) trouble for the denizens of Thul.

 The questers were called upon to find the merchants in question and then 
 conduct the persuasive negotiations required with the merchants, and more 
 particularly with the merchant's bodyguards. The more powerful merchants 
 having more objects of value and also more than one bodyguard.

 The quest looked in doubt at one point, due to an unplanned for LagMonster, 
 but everyone hung in there and after a short respite all the teams finished 
 having achieved varying levels of success.

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  The Symposium - September                               by Wiglaff

========================================================================

 In September the following proposals were placed before TS,
 and after consideration, voted on as follows -

 Passed by TS :
 Newbieset command for NCers to be raised.
 Brew/scribe helpfile change to include quills required for scribe.
 Experience bonus for killing the mob which last killed you.
 Pfile save on autoloot.
 Experience bonuses for ip1 groups.
 Facial feature modifications - on hold, already in the works.
 Low AC equipment colored red in garb/eq.
 Pkill statistics in peaceful score.
 Buying blood fountains for housing with glory.
 Adding layerable flag to auction info.
 Buying practices for gold.
 Various practice list displays.
 New avatar channel for game discussion.
 Authstatus info added to help start and in reroll prompt.
 Adding new affects to herbs.
 Container sorting commands.
 Mudmail change to show non-existant characters.
 Extended emote buffers while IC.

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  The Symposium - September                               by Wiglaff

========================================================================

 Removing mudsigned notes from locate.
 Level prompt token.
 Lowering of Nephandi levitate to level 5.
 Lowering of Ranger float to level 5.
 Not allowing direction commands to be followed by anything else.
 Bonuses for being grouped with certain classes in certain areas.
 Modification to damage, Captain Lodd.
 Lowering the cost of hometown tokens.

 Placed on hold :
 Drinkcon fluid code changes - awaiting clarification.
 Trance for paladins - class proposals are closed.
 Runnable gold mobs and specific golding areas - awaiting QC input.
 Guild roster changes - changes already in the works.

 Failed by TS :
 Config +honor echo for people entering an arena.
 Guild/order bank.
 Joint bank accounts between players.
 Group gohome command for home owners.
 Getting a new set of keys for housing.
 Brew shrine in Darkhaven.

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  The Symposium - September                               by Wiglaff

========================================================================

 'Buy It Now' price for auctioned items.
 Setting the bid increment on an auction.
 Permanent glory changes to supplicated sigils.
 Ability to remove abstain option on a vote note.
 Reward for adepting all.
 'Loot' command to auto-loot/save/wear at once.
 A command to show the buffer of kills for an area.

 During the month the following feedback was received 
 concerning proposals previously passed by TS -

 Passed :
 Nations Command.
 New Dh Potion.
 Travelling potion seller.
 Shields.
 Running.

 Denied :
 Flee buffer to affect exp loss based on number of flees from a mob.
 Change colour of org tags on where.
 Shop list changes are put on hold for a while.
 Chest of Gold.

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  The Symposium - September                               by Wiglaff

========================================================================

 Containers show amount of items in them on get/drop.
 Raising ip1 experience bonus.
 Newbieset Review.
 Pfile autosave on loot.
 Priority list for mob exp.
 AVdiscussion channel.
 Practices for gold.
 Labeled containers.
 Current level prompt token.
 Extended buffers while IC.
 Container sorting.
 Newbiechat revision. 
 Increasing gold in economies.

 An open meeting of TS was held on 8th September, and was well attended.

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  The Symposium - October                                 by Wiglaff

========================================================================

 In October the following proposals were placed before TS,
 and after consideration, voted on as follows -

 Passed by TS :
 Boannaich nadur rounds calculated by Druid's wisdom.
 Toggle command for passdoor.
 Rptalk channel only for those who are config +rp.
 Adding a local echo for dominate.
 Adding who the note is addressed to on mail list.
 Wine invocation to change fluid, not container.
 Dual hold (with no weapon and shield).
 Being able to skin peacefuls.
 Players to detect sneaking mobs.

 Failed by TS :
 Changing stats on Cloak of Royalty.
 Recharge mana and ball of light prog added to Sonoria.
 Altering academy wristwear.
 Changing two handed from a skill to a weapon type. 
 Adding a back wear location to silken scarves.
 Not allowing bids for homebuy in the last 5 minutes.
 Changing the messages on drinkcons.
 Changes to sneak.

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  The Symposium - October                                 by Wiglaff

========================================================================

 During the month the following feedback was received 
 concerning proposals previously passed by TS -
 
 Denied :
 Ranger float to 5 - Has been moved to level 19. 
 Nephandi's getting levitate at 5.
 EQ Status.
 Unscrappable notes.
 Change to prac list.
 Group class bonus.
 Boannaich Nadur Rounds.
 Fadein/Fadeout.
 Rptalk.
 Yelling in Arenas.

 Passed :
 Help brew/scribe addition (implemented).
 Vengeance code for experience.
 Authstatus added to help start (implemented).
 Pkill score for peacefuls (implemented).
 Mudmail change.

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  The Symposium - November (up to the 10th)               by Wiglaff

========================================================================

 This month the following proposals were placed before TS,
 and after consideration, voted on as follows -

 Passed by TS :
 static lot numbers for residence auctions.
 Help Commerce to become Laws Commerce.
 Gag read spam at TS noteboard.
 make mail boards show "Type 'mail list' to list them.
 To not allow any bids once the time reaches 0 on homebuy.
 Each deity sigil renamed to a theme based on the deity.
 A red "Sold" tag to appear in homebuy.
 food and drink command in apts. and houses.
 Adding Starsigns.
 Changing the max amount that shop bags can hold to 50.
 Removing the nodrop room flag at the elf town shopkeeper.
 Having the deity helpfiles refer to one another.
 A change to list to show what items are wands, scrolls, etc. 
 A helpfile to further explain blood points.
 A helpfile for date.
 sector types helpfile for houses.
 Druid Meditate, success rate to be affected by wisdom
 Helpfile for glow and hum.
 "Charm" flag for mobs.   

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  The Symposium - November (up to the 10th)               by Wiglaff

========================================================================

 TS passed proposals (continued)

 Rename curse social to swear.
 Auction ip check (bidding up prices).
 Leveling, change to exp gains/losses vs wisdom.

 Failed by TS :
 Being able to dispel one spell at a time.
 Pass to allow nonmembers into guilds and orders.
 Allowing people to enter lizardman ht at will.
 Making all noterooms nodrop.
 Adding a pkill flags to houses.
 Arena spectate.
 Victories/defeats shown for Guilds and Orders.
 Buying housing with glory.
 Disarm lag amendmant.

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  The Symposium - November (up to the 10th)               by Wiglaff

========================================================================

 During the month the following feedback was received 
 concerning proposals previously passed by TS -

 Denied :
 Skinning peacefuls.
 Wine Invocation.
 Two hold items.
 config +/- shields change.
 Affect detect_sneak.
 Homebuy bidding.
 Deity Sigil proposal.
 Food/Drink in houses.
 Socials Denied: Twostep, Chacha, Swing
 Reliquary of the Ancients. 
 Lodd fix.
 Housekeys noloot.

 Passed :
 Hometown token cost.
 Help Talk.
 Mail list.
 Local echo for dominate.
 Laws commerce.
 noteboards and mailrooms. 
 Housekeys noauction

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  Guild/Order News - GoC                                 via Angelea

========================================================================

 Well another month of Kumquat parties and boogie train fun has passed in GoC 
 and it brings us wonderful news and new faces.

 First up new inductions; Joining the madness and pure unashamed fun in the 
 guild is Caelle, Uwin, Aleanna and Bregan. We all greeted them warmly with 
 boogie trains and had them sing hundreds of verses of '100 dirty carrots on 
 the wall' resulting in amusement for us and confusion for the rest of the 
 realms!

 In other news, the Clerics fought through hellfire and brimstone to come 
 second to the guild of Fathomers in the Inter Guild Quest, congratulations 
 Kleriks! 

 Sounds like fun to you? I agree, The guild is always looking for new members 
 to join the fun, so if you're level 20 or above then come along and contact 
 one of our CoC members, if you aren't then level up and then come and join!

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  Guild/Order News - GoT                                 via Angelea

========================================================================

 Well well, alot has happened in the Guild of (almighty) Thieves. As some of 
 you may know we had our elections, Gilaeformo was voted guild 1st and Silet 
 guild 2nd. Congratulations to both of you from all the thieves.

 One of our old members, the old man himself, Kirg had a birthday this month. 
 Happy birthday to the dirty old man from the thieves.

 GoT would like to welcome Vrushnak, Fevrier, Dejan, Prehknar and Taonmyk to 
 the ranks of the guild and welcomes them to enjoy our very exclusive xchans.

 As always, GoT has been active, running around killing different mobs all 
 around the realms, big and small, as long as they end up dead.  From Shade 
 the (not so) Dark (Anymore ;)) to Kahl the now (once again) ghost, fit a bit 
 of Mandor, s/o, Set, Lodd etc. may they all rise again so we can kill them 
 again in the future. *inno*

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  Guild/Order News - GoT                                 via Angelea

========================================================================

 In IGQ our representatives had a fun Halloween quest, running around the 
 realms trick or treating... Being the charismatic that we thieves are ( 
 *flutter*) they got more treats than tricks and made it to 2nd place, 
 Congratulations and good job thieves! ;)

 SoS have been working hard as usual, figuring more and more out all the time. 
 Learning some new tricks from one another, there's always more to find, of 
 course, but that's what keeps SoS alive and running, the challenge... And we 
 shall accept it, and win, as we never give up.

 That is all from GoT for now, any level 20+ thieves looking for friends, fun 
 or partners in crime, feel free to come 3s 2w n w of DH[], read the board and 
 contact an IT regarding an interview and a quest. See you around :)

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  Guild/Order News - GoM                                 via Angelea

========================================================================

 Greetings! This month has seen much change within our guild, primarily due to 
 our dearest Meade retiring from leadership. Meade has been an outstanding 
 leader for the last couple of years, one of the best we've ever had, and all 
 of the guild would like to thank him for all his troubles, his ups and his 
 ever-so-amusing downs :) We've also had to say farewell to our lovely Reatha, 
 who did a marvellous job of helping to keep the guild together through our 
 darker times, and she is wished well in all her persuances. So! With these 
 events comes the exciting leadership contest! Nominees currently include 
 Gisselle, Lyvelias and Raususken. Best of luck to them all!

 Aside from leadership, our fine mages have been battling in lands as distant 
 as Solace to those as irritatingly difficult as Seth's Fortress with great 
 success! And as if that weren't enough, we have an army of new inductees upon 
 whom we can bestow our endearing charms, namely Dynvan, Tsaeyl, Androclus, 
 Bolgavus, Daglen, Kopiais, Maklan, Qez, Rygar, Tasicus, Thilander and 
 Zymphoc. God help them all!

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  Guild/Order News - GoM                                 via Angelea

========================================================================

 The guild website has been receiving a rather impressive content-lift with 
 the aid of our wonderful council members, and primarily our beloved Gisselle, 
 aptly dubbed the "GoM-wonderwoman". All in all, times are changing, but the 
 spirit of our fine organisation endures, and with the departure of old 
 usually comes the arrival of new. We think it's safe to say that the future 
 looks bright for the floating fortress!

 If you fancy your chances against the quest-writing skills of our fine IT 
 personnel, drop by the guild recruiting office, located 2e, s, se of the 
 square.  You can also check out the guild website at:

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

 Until next month!

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  Guild/Order News - GoV                                 via Angelea

========================================================================

 The Guild of Vampires greets you!

 Without a doubt, the biggest news in GoV this month is the election of our 
 new guild second.  Congratulations, Onteria!  Onteria is an outstanding 
 runner, an extremely active player and has been a leader in the guild 
 (whether in an official capacity or otherwise) longer than many of us have 
 played the game.

 Gracing the halls of our beloved mansion for the first time this month are 
 Belecith, Brandubh, Gimax, Glinmoran, Holister, Isadia, Lanelyx, Nasya, 
 Niklas, Orugan, Telemari and Yilansi.  May Aalakab have mercy on their souls.

 This month we have run mobs, guessed (badly) at trivia, explored places and 
 practiced pkill.

 If you are a vampire level 20 or higher and are looking for a home, why not 
 stop by our recruiting board (help map) and fill out an application today? 
 Visit our web site at:

                        www.guildofvampires.com

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  Guild/Order News - GoR                                 via Angelea

========================================================================

 More new pledges have found their way to the Vallenwood tree this past month. 
 They include: Glithoniel, Illuvatar, Raynor, Rosewen and Synnovea. A couple 
 of them have returned from the land of AutoDelete to rejoin their old guild. 
 A warm welcome to all of you.

 Those pledges that have passed their review, and become full members once 
 more are Calira and Gabrialla. Congratulations to the two of you.

 We'd also like to extend congratulations to those that made it to avatar: 
 Calira, Raynor, Synnovea and Xazic. Break out the nuts and pick a comfy spot 
 at recall.

 GoR has also seen several rangers toting around birthday cakes. Happy 
 birthday to Aldridge, Aromiss, Coyle, Zarz and Zhanoran. Hope your day was 
 great and those birthday spankings didn't hurt too much.

 Remember, if you are at least level 20 and would like to join the guild, stop 
 by the tree to pick up a guide and talk to an RQC member.

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  Guild/Order News - GoN                                 via Angelea

========================================================================

 Over the last month, the Guild of Nephandi have seen the arrival of Saul and 
 Binilyn, two who are greatly committed to spreading our trademark brand of 
 evil throughout the realms.

 Guild members have enjoyed various bouts of trivia, in between getting ready 
 to clean house in this years upcoming IGPK and saying hello to some of the 
 friendlier mobs in the realms. 

 If you're a level 18 or higher Nephandi looking for a fun place to come and 
 meet some people, come by the guild and speak to a member of the induction 
 team, or a leader and we'll get you on your way :)

 You can visit our website at:

                          www.guildofnephandi.org

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  Guild/Order News - GoP                                 via Angelea

========================================================================

 This month brought us new pledges: Corbett and Palinta. May you find a home 
 amongst us.

 Lots of runs this month: Bahamut, Lord Xyranthus, Corsterix the Blessed among 
 many, many others met their demise at the hands of the Paladins.

 A Halloween quest sponsored by the Quest Council and supported by the 
 Donation and Run Councils for prizes which included a Nasr, an essence of 
 kundalini, rings of the ancient gods and a hammer of curdardh was enjoyed by 
 many.

 If you are a Paladin, level 20 or higher. Come see us, we always have room 
 for more in our home.

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  Guild/Order News - Baali                               via Angelea

========================================================================

 Baali has been a hub of activity these last few months. First of all, we 
 would like to extend our thanks and good wishes to Zenobia as she steps down 
 from Baali leadership to face the demons of real life. Mbwana has risen to 
 take her place as the supreme ruler evil, with Typh being promoted to First 
 and Azhdeen as Second. Congratulations!

 The Childer Di Sciame sect has seen some rather big changes in the past 
 month. Our induction system has been overhauled to be more effective and 
 efficient and a new probation system has been added. General applications to 
 Baali are currently closed, but they should be opening soon. Check The 
 Archives for details. Questions about inductions can be directed to Azhdeen 
 or anyone with CDS in their title.

 Under the new system, new members have been added to the Swarm. Baali 
 welcomes Grimlock, Zyandra, Kacy, Phalar, Poromenos, Ahtu, and Ein to further 
 our goals.

 Baali also warmly welcomes a member, that had been lost, back into our 
 Embrace. Capercaillie has been returned to us. With her arrival back to 
 Baali, she has taken it upon herself to revitalize Baali's roleplaying, and 
 as such has been placed as leader of the Servitors of Tragedy.

 The months of October and November have been months of huge activity in 
 Baali.

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  Nation News - Half-Orc                Submitted by Carnak via Romani

========================================================================

                          The Word from Mount Krozloy!
                              ____________________
 
 It has once again been a slow month both IC and OOCly for the Il'Khan nation.
 It is with this opening statement that I would like to ask any and all 
 willing Roleplayers to assist the half-orc nation in returning to RP 
 activity.

 ICly over the past month very little has happened, but the few highlights 
 there are follow: 

 - The Il'Khan razed a half-elf village and entered an open war with the 
   Elohai nation. 
   
 - Carnak Stryfeblayde, Chieftan of the Il'Khan tribes, was injured and 
   captured at the hands of the Elohai.

 OOCly, there have been very few willing half-orc RPers. Any and all who wish 
 to RP as a half-orc, approach Carnak Stryfeblayde OOCly or post on the 
 National Visions board to introduce your character.
 
 "For pride, for honor, for KROZLOY!"
 -High Chieftan Carnak Stryfeblayde's warcry.

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  Nation News - Lizardman                                   via Romani

========================================================================

 The voices of the ancient language now floats through the Tribal Swamps, as 
 Roo comes back with the scriptures of the Lizardman Language hidden in the 
 hands of time.

 Now with part of the ancients' way, the O'kwyl begin to rebuild their homes. 
 The homes that where ruined by the spiders of Zoes when he loomed among the 
 lands.  Plans are underway, and now the preparations are being done.

 The nation is starting to come together, the strength of numbers are starting 
 to grow.  Tribes are begining to talks.  Now is the time for the rest of you 
 to come out of hibernation, come out to the Swamplands, visit your home.
 *****************************************************************************
 
 In an OOC point, the nation is getting active in getting the nation more 
 structure, and a more cultural background. We ask again for those who wish 
 to RP their lizardman. Please contact Roo or Dazamo ASAP.  Soon, we will try 
 to get Lizardman only quests. 

 From all the O'kwyl, Have Happy Holidays!

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  Nation News - Half-Ogre                                   via Romani

========================================================================

 From the Opallinoc News Bureau:

 Dateline - The Northern Plains. An unheard of miracle has occurred. Our 
 nations First Scout, Thirran has gained TEN, yes TEN levels!!!! This is more 
 than his total gain of the whole last year!!

 Dateline - DarkHaven. An Uruk'hai, who shall remain nameless, discovered how 
 to DT. Any donations can be left in Opallinoc's Hut of Reparations.

 Dateline - Opallinoc. Vistors to Opallinoc are alerted to 'off-limits' areas. 
 This is for security of the new, advanced weaponry Ballista emplacements.

 Dateline - Opallinoc. There is a reduction in the cost of 'pass tokens'. 
 Please use care in their distribution. Contact Klaatu, your beloved leader, 
 about more

 Local News Items 
 Very old Half-Ogres needed that can provide information on former Uruk'hai 
 leaders between Vishnu and Mulum. Contact Klaatu if you remember that far 
 back.

 Look before you sacrifice. Check that you were NOT disarmed if combat before 
 sacrificing the corpses. It is embarrassing to discover a treasured weapon 
 was redeemed for one gold coin by your deity.

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  Nation News - Pixie                                       via Romani

========================================================================

 The former Minister of Intellegence Wezie was murdered near the pixie forest. 
 two drows attacked Kosaim and Azhdeen in the Pixie Forest. On of the 
 attackers was apprehended.

 A warrant for the arrest of Ceryshen is issued. This pixie has been declared 
 a lunatic by the Ministry of Divinity. If you spot this pixie, do not 
 approach him. He may be armed and dangerous

 There is a drought in the Pixie Forest Area. Crops are expected to be down, 
 but we expect a good crop from our colonies in the Northern Plain.

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  Nation News - Elf                                         via Romani

========================================================================

 The Elves of Irrybis remain aloof of most of the Realm's difficulties, but 
 keep an ever watchful eye upon other nations as tensions grow.  However, the 
 Quendi suffer internally.

 Gwaith en' Tel'Arda, one of the renowned Elven Fellowships, has made a 
 paramount discovery in the investigation of Fealithyrn's root structures. 
 Dark shards of obsidian have been found scattered throughout the holy Ash, 
 magically embedded and continuing to spread the dark poisons of an as yet 
 unkown enemy.  Damage to the Island and Fealithyrn have begun to form 
 physically and magically.  The government in Arborlon has released no 
 information regarding the incident, but some say that the attack comes from 
 their millenia old enemy, the Ilythiiri.

 As internal conflicts and problems arise, so to do the needs of the Elven 
 Nation.  Any elves seeking refuge upon the Island are welcome, and if you 
 wish to become a citizen of the forested city, please do not hesitate to 
 speak with a nation representative as soon as possible.

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  Nation News - Half-Elf                                    via Romani

========================================================================

 Within Eldestra, a great deal of events has come upon the Elohai people 
 leaving mixed feelings on the future of the nation. The victory over the 
 Ilkhan, after a long battle and the loss of many men from both sides raised 
 confidence of many Elohai. Carnak, leader of the Ilkhan was taken captive 
 during the fighting and is being kept in a cell within Eldestra until he can 
 be questioned further. Ilythiiri are suspected of being among the orcs in 
 disguise as Ilkhan themselves.

 On sadder news, the Elohai Pathmaster, Norelle, has recently been reported 
 missing. She was last seen on one of her patrols, her whereabouts afterward 
 are still unknown. There have also been suspicious sittings of dark figures 
 within the woods around the borders of Eldestra.

 After conflicting stories from Ilythiiri on the whereabouts of the Elohai 
 Speaker, she remains missing as well. As told from them, she is being taken 
 care of after 'rescuing' her from the hands of the pirate Rastan. On meeting 
 with this man however, several Elohai found there could be foul play.

 Rebeca Umbrania still remains strong in her role during the Speaker's absence
 and is doing everything in her power to restore the peace throughout 
 Eldestra.

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  Nation News - Sea-Elf               Submitted by Lyvelias via Romani

========================================================================

 Another set of moons pass over our Lagoon and the tides are fairly calm. Our 
 Uelm Wren keeps our waters safe from the outside world, negotiating with 
 Gendalf with the other nations to enforce peace.

 Our young sea-elves are learning quickly and swiflty to defend themselves. My 
 training of them has become harder as dark clouds arise upon the Sea. We 
 shall be ready for anything...

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  Nation News - Gith                     Submitted by Aslan via Romani

========================================================================

 The Battle of Doom Mountain

 On the morning of the Day of the Bull, the allied army marched towards the 
 base of the Southern Mountains. It is said that the Elven Nation had appealed 
 to the Gods for a divine hand to distract the Godslayers, although time was 
 running out and no such help had manifested. 

 The Elves decided that the best way up Mount Courage would be to travel 
 around the sides of the Old Marsh and possibly use Redfernes as a fortress 
 for the army and casualties. The Gralthai decided to attack Mount Doom and 
 attempt to destroy Black Rose and her army of the damned. 

 This is where our legend becomes a myth for the events of that day are 
 clouded forever in mystery and it is not known yet what really happened. 

 The Gralthai were at the base of Mount Doom gathering supplies and preparing 
 to start the full scale offensive. Large homemade cannons and heavy mortar 
 cannons were placed facing upwards to Doom Peak. 

 As dawn approached, the plan was set and the first mortar fire was prepared 
 to fire. It was then that a strange storm seemed to sweep over Doom Peak, 
 suddenly thousands of bolts of hellstones rained down. The Gralthai were 
 under the impression that the Elves had finally been granted a miracle by the 
 God, Kali. 

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  Nation News - Gith                     Submitted by Aslan via Romani

========================================================================

 The Gralthai began to shower the peak under torrents of mortar and cannon 
 fire which lasted for what some remember as hours. The Elves began to storm 
 up the southern face of Doom Mountain as the Gralthai began to storm up the 
 Northern face. 

 It was here that our true miracle takes place. The Godslayers had forseen 
 the first attack and miracle of the heavens, and so re-grouped on the eastern 
 face of Doom Mountain. 

 One Elven commander wrote of seeing a 'A golden knight, floating above the 
 ground and fighting the Three single handed.' There are others who say that 
 this Golden Knight was none other than Kali distracting the Allied Army, in a 
 final bid to save the world. 

 As the Allied army reached the sumit of Doom Mountain they noticed the same 
 golden being fighting Black Rose. This was by far not a normal being, as 
 lightning streaked from his swords, hellfire spewing from his eyes. The 
 battle had been won, but the being vanished as Black Rose fell beneath his 
 blades...but had the Realms truly been saved?

 To be concluded...

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  (O)Emote the World                                          by Gawen

========================================================================

 Since the days of infamous characters such as Gwvyrn, Rhyl, Dalamar, and 
 assuredly long before, Realms roleplay has been extremely limited by the 
 abilities of the emote command.

 In the past several months roleplayers have seen huge changes that are, for 
 the most part, changes that have bettered roleplay.  One of the most profound 
 of these changes was the introduction of the revolutionary command, oemote. 
 Years had passed in which such a command was not available, and all 
 roleplayers were restricted to playing their actions through standard emotes 
 which prefixed the beginning of every line with the character's name.  Oemote 
 completely blew the lid off of that problem, giving roleplayers the ability 
 to use more varied sentence structure, greatly helping the flow of all 
 roleplayed scenes.

 However, this new "oemote" shared a fatal flaw with its cousin, the standard 
 emote.  That flaw was the buffer limit that the command supported.  That is, 
 the length of a standard emote, as well as an oemote were both limited to 256 
 characters.  Obviously it can be very trying for any writer to include much 
 detail within the limits of 256 characters.

 The answer for some of the more advanced and experienced roleplayers was to 
 stack the emotes, increasing the amount of words that can be used.  The only 
 problem with this rather crude technique was that it caused scenes to look 
 tacky, and unevenly paced.

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  (O)Emote the World                                          by Gawen

========================================================================

 As of November 1, the immortals have tweaked oemote in a way that will have 
 undeniably profound impacts upon roleplay for the remainder of this MUD's 
 existence.  Quoting directly from the news post made by the Ascendant God 
 Edmond, "without specifying an argument [oemote] will now place you in a six 
 line buffer for those roleplayers who feel constricted by the previous 256 
 character length."  

 Finally!  The chains of limitation and the bonds of conciseness have been 
 removed from the much oppressed roleplayers of the Realms of Despair.  We may 
 all now create emotes up to _six_ lines long.  I'm sure most roleplayers were 
 ecstatic to see this change, as I was.  For older players who are used to the 
 days of having only the standard, limited emote at their disposal may even 
 find this change almost unbelievable.  

 The MUD, as a whole, has slowly been moving to a more roleplay-friendly 
 stance over the past year or so, and I for one hope that it continues in this 
 direction.

 As a roleplayer, writer, and mudder, and on behalf of the roleplay community 
 I thank the immortals for all of their help.

 The Roleplay Revolution is here!

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  Public Relations Poll #1 - Levelling Areas (Results)    by Alysira

========================================================================

 Greetings all!
 
 As many of you know, last month I presented you with the first of many polls
 which will hopefully help with knowing how you all feel about the game, and
 what needs improving. Here's the results from last month's poll:
 
 Poll #1- Levelling Areas
 Which level range do you think we need more levelling areas for?
  1) Levels 2-10     0%
  2) Levels 10-20    0%
  3) Levels 20-30   11%
  4) Levels 30-40   11%
  5) Levels 40-50   78%

 Thank you very much to the people who participated in this poll. We got 
 a good response to it, hopefully this month we'll see an even bigger 
 response =)

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  Public Relations Poll #2 - Equipment Wearlocs           by Alysira

========================================================================

 Poll #2- Equipment Wearlocs

 Which equipment slots do we need more equipment for?
  1) Light, fingers, neck, head
  2) Body, about body, about waist
  3) Arms, hands, legs, feet
  4) Hold/shield, weapons (includes two-handed)
  5) Ears, eyes, wrists
  6) Back/face/ankle

 To participate in this poll, send a MUDmail to Alysira by the 20th of 
 December in the following format-
   To      : Alysira
   Subject : Poll #2- Option 3
 And in the body of the note;
  My vote is for option 2) Body, about body, about waist

 You MUST include the option you are voting for in the subject of your note.
 Thank you, remember your information will be kept private, and the results of
 this poll will be used by the Herald Assembly.

 Thank you all =)

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  Player Titles                        Compiled by Angelea && Wiglaff

========================================================================

 Alairic SAVEMECOFFEE 
 Aslan LifeWind Bloodthorne, Objects in title are closer than they appear
 Eucail is the bad smell you just cant figure out 
 Fratan is BeingFangoriouslyDevouredByAGelatinousMonster.
 Hobbs, Homicidal Psycho Jungle Kitty.
 Kyrstal Ravenyze, Siren of the Damned. 
 Larson: Luck can't last a lifetime unless you die young.
 Lermontow has strange monkey magic.
 Lyreth glows with afterglowy glow. 
 Milani"Good girls go to heaven. Bad girls go everywhere.
 Pardalis Bloodthorne, Queen of Freudian Slips 
 Roo can't wait for stuffed mammal..er turkey.
 Taokor's hands are nailed to the Bounty Chamber's walls. 
 Tetilaro alias TetiBuff est l'ultime Voleur de Baali
 Uizug Belforte - currently attending Thief School.
 Volitanern has the record of the Night Baali Stole Christmas.
 Zafasii wears crotchless panties! (oo-la-la) 

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  Have You Ever...                                           by Simone             

========================================================================

 * Wondered why there's no enforced drinking age in Darkhaven?

 * Lost something in your home and cursed the fact you can't 
   'locate object' it?

 * Cursed the fact that some people have attained more glory than years
   of age.
 
 * Wondered if the common style was to WRITE IN CAPS, that someone writing in
   lower case would cause your eyes to hurt?
 
 * Noticed that most people in realms have experienced a traumatic childhood.
 
 * Felt like a geezer because you remember when most of the immortals on the
   retiredlist imm'd in the first place?
 
 * Had a great idea for a title, only to find it's already been done.
 
 * Wondered where your typing ability would be at without realms?
 
 * Had people look at you weird because you could name like 20 different
   words which mean the infliction of suffering on another? (bludgeon, 
   lacerate etc...)

 * Noticed you're an expert at telling your norths, souths, easts and wests?

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  The 'Who' Contest Results                               by Sarakin

========================================================================

 Hi folks,

 You might remember last issue I held a contest to see who could come up with 
 the longest who string. There was a great response and I thank everyone who 
 mailed me. Poromenos ended up creating the longest string:

 who 40 50 elf thief baali rp cawyn human half-orc pixie half-troll gnome 
 lizardman ranger fathomer halfling mage cleric thief warrior Vampire Druid 
 Augurer Paladin Nephandi Bladesinger Gnome gith Dwarf sea-elf half-ogre

 Yes, this is actually possible! However the person to create the longest 
 string with things they actually are was Mumra:

 who deadly mage imm drow leader honor rp maleficae ic group group pk 
 vl'aresch 51 54 'path of destruction' 'the symposium'

 So congrats go to both of these players. Thanks again for your participation 
 everyone.

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  The Wonderful World of Home Decoration                  by Wiglaff

========================================================================

 Home ownership has suddenly become more accessible, now it can cost less than 
 some common pieces of in game equipment. So as the number of people owning 
 houses or apartments grows so more people get a free hand to write their own 
 room description.

 So over the next few months I will be inviting you to send in your home 
 description, if they are not offensive the cry will publish a selection of 
 room descriptions, and possibly a commentary from the owner to explain any 
 salient features.

 We would like to see your ascii or text rooms, or if you don't yet own a home
 what you would have if you had one.

 If there is a big response, we will ask a panel of judges to select the best, 
 and see if we can hand out some prizes for the winners.

 To put my money where my mouth is I will show my apartment to start the ball 
 rolling.

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  The Wonderful World of Home Decoration                  by Wiglaff

========================================================================

 My apartment was meant to be over the top, I thought if I had a small 
 apartment why not remove a few walls and annex next door, I could not decide 
 on a ascii picture, so I went for 2 heraldic side panels.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
            |                                                     |     
    OOO     |What was once a small room has now been enlarged,    |     OOO
   OO OO    |partition walls, which must once have seperated      |    OO OO
   OO OO    |adjacent rooms have been removed and the area to the |    OO OO
    OOO     |west, furthest from the door has been excavated to   |     OOO
    OOO     |give a lower tier accessed by steps cut into the rock|     OOO
    OOO     |that makes up the floor.                             |     OOO
 OOOOOOOOO  |                                                     |  OOOOOOOOO
O   O|O   O |Tables and benches are positioned around the upper   | O   O|O   O
   (O|O)    |part of the room covered in maps and assorted pieces |    (O|O)
    O|O     |of equipment and armour.                             |     O|O
    O|O     |                                                     |     O|O
    O|O     |The sunken area is more elaborately decorated, with  |     O|O
    O|O     |arcane symbols and runes beautifully set in a mozaic |     O|O
 XX O|O XX  |of polished gemstones inlaid in nacre. This is the   |  XX O|O XX
XXXXXXXXXXX |area where the Stormcrows meditate on the world:     | XXXXXXXXXXX
 XXXXXXXXX  |If they should react to the unfolding events and     |  XXXXXXXXX
  XXXXXXX   |how they should best influence them.                 |   XXXXXXX
   XXXXX    |                                                     |    XXXXX
    XXX     | It is better to fight and suffer in hell...         |     XXX
            |            ...than lose your will in heaven         |
            |                                                     |     
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

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  November Quest Results                                   by Alysira

========================================================================

 Last month's quest was to write an imaginary interview between you and any 
 mob in this game. Some people went for a few well-known mobs, others went for 
 some of the lesser-known mobs. All that we received were very imaginative and 
 well written, well done everyone! These two entries were selected as the 
 winners due to their great amount of originality and creativity. 
 Congratulations to...

                             Geanma and Jexia!

 Please see me for your prizes ASAP =) Their entries are posted on the next 
 two pages. Thanks to everyone who submitted an entry!

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  November Quest Results                                   by Alysira

========================================================================

 You say 'Thank you for taking the time to allow me to interview you.'
 An annoying little whiner says 'I have time, an NCer's looking for my corpse.'
 You say 'Well, where did you die and shouldn't you be looking too?'
 An annoying little whiner says 'And DIE AGAIN??!!??? And I don't know where.'
 You say 'Ok then.. on to the interview. You've been around for some time, what
 do you think of the Shattering?'
 An annoying little whiner says 'This mud sucks.'
 You say 'Why do you say that?'
 An annoying little whiner says 'We should go back to the old version of the MUD
 You say 'But don't you think there are alot of better things now? For instance,
 you're a warrior and they have 22 dex now.'
 An annoying little whiner says 'This class sucks, my whole character sucks.'
 You say 'But you're human, you can wear a gnarled ring wood when you get older.
 An annoying little whiner says 'This race sucks, and that ring sucks.'
 An annoying little whiner says 'It's too HARD to level!! I'll never AV!!'
 You say 'I'm sorry you feel that way'
 An annoying little whiner says 'I'm in levelling hell! I should be given
 free seth sets.'
 Rafa appears and floats toward you.
 Rafa says to An annoying little whiner, 'Your corpse doesn't show on locate,
 I believe it decayed.'
 An annoying little whiner says 'It DID????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 An annoying little whiner screams 'I NEED TO BE REIMBURSED BY THE GODS
 NOWWW!!!'
 An annoying little whiner leaves north.

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  November Quest Results                                   by Alysira

========================================================================

 Jexia, roaming investigative reporter, interviews Sebastian, the crab guard.
 
 J: Sebastian.  You've served the family of Neptune for many years as a loyal
    and valiant guard.  How has this life treated you?
 S: Well, there's a lot of standing around.  And I seem to have some sort of
    affliction whereby I'll be fighting someone, which happens a lot, and then
    I see this bright light.  Eventually, I find myself back in my room.  I
    don't understand it really.
 J: Really.  This doesn't seem odd to you at all?
 S: I see a lot of odd things in this job.
 J: Like?
 S: Well, the other day, I was standing around, and this tiny wee pixie comes
    up to me and starts poking me with some sort of chisel.  Kind of sweet, in
    an irritating sort of way.  So I bit her.
 J: Right.  What's the hardest thing about your job?
 S: Retaining staff.  I swear, you hire some guards, and they're gone within
    five minutes!  I don't understand it, there's really good dental coverage.
 J: That would explain your pearly whites.
 S: A crab has to look his best.  Especially for his nearest and dearest.
 J: Yes, understandable.  Is there anything else you'd like to say?
 S: I'd just like to say a big hello to Kialel.  Hello!
 J: Thanks, Sebastian.  This is Jexia, signing out!  Goodnight.
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                |    |  | |  \    |  | |  | |___ [__   |
================|___ |__| |__/    |_\| |__| |___ ___]  |================

  December "Mob Descriptions" Quest                         by Alysira

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 This month's quest is a little something to make you explore, I hope! I have 
 listed a number of mobs' descriptions (what you see when you type 'look') 
 which you must match to a mob name, and the area it is located in. 

 For example:
     Clue- Justice stands here, balancing the cosmos.
 The answer would be:
     Mob - Justice
     Area- Tower of Enlightenment

 Get the idea? Just mudmail your answers (one entry per IP) to Alysira by 
 December 15th, and the two people with the most correct answers will be the 
 winners =)

 1. A sharp-looking man in fancy colors sits behind the barred window.
 2. A foul-tempered man is ready to make you a deal.
 3. A dragon of the deepest black lies here at rest, which you have just
    disturbed.
 4. An old woman with floor length gray hair shuffles about the cabin.
 5. A huge squid-like beast reaches for you with a long tentacle! 
 6. The captain of the Lady Meredith looks ready for bed.
 7. The King of the Sea is here, sitting upon his throne.
 8. An enormous lion, roaring angrily at your intrusion, wants nothing more than
    your death!
 9. A large man, scarred in battle, strides boldly and hefts a large axe.
 10. A mighty dragon, powerful beyond belief, looks at you with interest.
 
 Good luck and have fun =)

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                    ____ ___  _ ___ ____ ____ _ ____ _
                    |___ |  \ |  |  |  | |__/ | |__| |
====================|___ |__/ |  |  |__| |  \ | |  | |___===============

  From the Quill of Alysira                                 by Alysira 

========================================================================

 Greetings =)

 Well, what can I say. It's a huge issue, and a bit late, apologies there,
 but I hope you will like this month's issue regardless.

 I know there's no Christmas themed quest, and I'm sorry, to be honest
 I forgot about Christmas when writing it. But have fun when you're doing
 this month's quest anyway!

 Oh, don't forget to participate in the Polls. Have a happy holiday, and
 keep safe everyone =)

 -Alys

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    ____ _  _ _  _ ____ _  _ _  _ ____ ____ _  _ ____ _  _ ___ ____
    |__| |\ | |\ | |  | |  | |\ | |    |___ |\/| |___ |\ |  |  [__
====|  | | \| | \| |__| |__| | \| |___ |___ |  | |___ | \|  |  ___]=====

  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!   | |
          | |                                               | |
          | | Organization leaders, wedding planners,       | |
          | | anything and everything appropriate will be   | |
          | | considered, formatted to your liking, and     | |
          | | posted here free of charge!                   | |
          | |                                               | |
          | | Just MUDmail your annoucement to Alysira, and | |
          | | you'll receive it back just as it will appear | |
          | | in the CoD, open to changes if neccessary.    | |
          | |                                               | |
          | \-----------------------------------------------/ |
          \---------------------------------------------------/

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    ____ _  _ _  _ ____ _  _ _  _ ____ ____ _  _ ____ _  _ ___ ____
    |__| |\ | |\ | |  | |  | |\ | |    |___ |\/| |___ |\ |  |  [__
====|  | | \| | \| |__| |__| | \| |___ |___ |  | |___ | \|  |  ___]=====

  Cry of Despair is Hiring!

========================================================================

            /---------------------------------------------------\
            | /-----------------------------------------------\ |
            | |                                               | |
            | | Are you looking for a new challenge in life?  | |
            | |                                               | |
            | | Want to meet interesting, and even not-so-    | |
            | | interesting people?                           | |
            | |                                               | |
            | | Want to discover new aspects of the game?     | |
            | |                                               | |
            | | Want your voice to be heard by the whole MUD? | |
            | |                                               | |
            | | And... Want to get paid for it all?           | |
            | |                                               | |
            | | Then look at a career in journalism! Send a   | |
            | | short application and sample article via      | |
            | | MUDmail to both Juliana and Alysira if you're | |
            | | interested in joining the Cry of Despair      | |
            | | staff.                                        | |
            | |                                               | |
            | | Hope to hear from you soon!                   | |
            | |                                               | |
            | \-----------------------------------------------/ |
            \---------------------------------------------------/

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    ____ _  _ _  _ ____ _  _ _  _ ____ ____ _  _ ____ _  _ ___ ____
    |__| |\ | |\ | |  | |  | |\ | |    |___ |\/| |___ |\ |  |  [__
====|  | | \| | \| |__| |__| | \| |___ |___ |  | |___ | \|  |  ___]=====

  From The Cry of Despair...

========================================================================

                            |                         _...._
                         \  _  /                    .::o:::::.
                          (\o/)                    .:::'''':o:.
                      ---  / \  ---                :o:_    _:::
                           >*<                     ':}_>()<_{:'
                          >0<@<                 @    ''//\\''    @
                         >>>@<<*              @ #     //  \\     # @
                        >@>*<0<<<           __#_#____/'____'\____#_#__
                       >*>>@<<<@<<         [__________________________]
                      >@>>0<<<*<<@<         |=_- .-/\ /\ /\ /\--. =_-|
                     >*>>0<<@<<<@<<<        |-_= | \ \\ \\ \\ \ |-_=-|
                    >@>>*<<@<>*<<0<*<       |_=-=| / // // // / |_=-_|
      \*/          >0>>*<<@<>0><<*<@<<      |=_- |'-''-''-''-'  |=_=-|
  ___\\U//___     >*>>@><0<<*>>@><*<0<<     | =_-| o          o |_==_|
  |\\ | | \\|    >@>>0<*<<0>>@<<0<<<*<@<    |=_- | !     (    ! |=-_=|
  | \\| | _(UU)_ >((*))_>0><*<0><@<<<0<*<  _|-,-=| !    ).    ! |-_-=|_
  |\ \| || / //||.*.*.*.|>>@<<*<<@>><0<<@>>>>>|  ( ~~~ )/   (((((((())))))))
      ~~~~~~~~         '""""'------'  'w---w'     '------------'
    ____  ___)                  ____  ___)                          /
     (, /   /                    (, /   /     /) ,   /)              /
       /---/  _  __  __            /---/  ___//    _(/ _       _    /
    ) /   (__(_(_/_)_/_)_(_/_   ) /   (__(_)(/__(_(_(_(_(_(_/_/_)_ o
   (_/        .-/ .-/   .-/    (_/                       .-/
             (_/ (_/   (_/                              (_/

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