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Interviews with Heroes and Linda

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/ Issue 119 - October 2007 \__________________________________________________
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   Interview with the Heroes       - by Fiebin        HELP CRY2 to CRY10
   Interview with Linda            - by Kadgeon       HELP CRY11 to CRY14

   Nation News
     Hobbit                                             HELP CRY15
     Uruk'hai                                           HELP CRY16
     Tyrrhenu                                           HELP CRY17
     Pixie                                              HELP CRY18

   Fun and Games
     Funny Titles                  - Contributions      HELP CRY19
     Funny Quotes                  - by Romani          HELP CRY20

   September Quest Results                              HELP CRY21
   Desk of the Editor - by Alysira                      HELP CRY22

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/ Interview with the Heroes - by Fiebin\______________________________________
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Interview with the Heroes
 
The Heroes of 2007 have recently been announced. I managed to track them down
to find out more about them and their views on Realms. Thanks once again for
the interview.
 
Interview with Qaulorn
 
Q: Alot of players get really bored of Realms sometimes, what do you do when
you get really bored and what helps you get back into Realms?
 
Qaulorn: I can't give more than a "romantic" perspective I guess. I fill my 

down times by helping new players become accustomed to the game, or tinkering
a round on the mort buildport. In the end, I appreciate the game in all its 
aspects... I am rarely bored.
 
Q: Which is your favourite area on Realms and why?
 
Qaulorn: I have many favorites, but if I had to pick one it would be The 
City of Salburg. I find the authors of the area had a unique and fascinating
approach in both the storyline and actual quest/combat. I enjoy it thoroughly.

Continued...                                                          Page: 002
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/ Interview with the Heroes - by Fiebin\______________________________________
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Q: What's the biggest mistake you've ever made on Realms?
 
Qaulorn: There are so many. I think the biggest mistake I ever made was 
parting with Arcanes on less-than friendly terms. I let my anger get the best
of me. Of course, I don't feel like I was unjustified... but still, it could 
have been handled better.
 
Q: Alot of people are saying that the player base is declining, what do you 
think about the current trend of the Realms' player base, and what can be done
to improve it?
 
Qaulorn: I would agree the playerbase has declined some over the last few 
years, but there is still a vibrant and interconnected community available to
those willing to pursue play here. In addition, I have personally witnessed a
recent increase in new players... mostly by CR'ing them. =p. I don't think that
there is any real way to judge the HEALTH of the game by pbase, but it would 
seem prudent for the administration to undertake new ways to entice players.
I've personally brainstormed a few things, but I can't claim to have the 
_answer_. The obvious choices would include advertisement on the web... through
multiple avenues. It's important to note that such things cost money. Sometimes
services can be exchanged though... and I personally would be willing to
donate some minor funds.

Continued...                                                          Page: 003
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/ Interview with the Heroes - by Fiebin\______________________________________
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Q: Each of the Heroes has contributed enormously to Realms, of the other 
Heroes, which Hero have you found to be particularly impressive?
 
Qaulorn: Many of them have earned my respect, both on a personal and 
"professional" level. If I had to pick one, I suppose Petrograd has impressed 
me the most. A tough choice though. He is an extremely adept explorer, and his
skills in mkill are substantial. Beyond that, he has always treated me with 
respect. A consideration I have attempted to return.

Q: How has Realms changed for you since becoming a Hero?
 
Qaulorn: Very little I am glad to say. Other than the occasional question 
from a new player regarding the meaning of my Rank... all stays the same. I am
honored by the acknowledgement.
  
Q: No autograph requests?
 
Qaulorn chuckles politely.
Qaulorn: No, nothing like that.

Continued...                                                          Page: 004
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/ Interview with the Heroes - by Fiebin\______________________________________
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Q: What tips have you got for players out there who are either new or 
relatively new to Realms?
 
Qaulorn: Persistence is the key. Sometimes there are hurdles to overcome...
and the only way to do so is keep trying. Also, most importantly, do everything
you can to be self-sufficient. Rely on yourself, not others. Be the initiator, 
the leader, the one that others look too for help. It's a game after all. If 
it didn't present some challenges, what would be the point? =p
 
Interview with Alex
 
 
Q: Alot of players on Realms have had times when they get bored or fed
up with the game, many of them do eventually return though. Have you 
encountered this sort of situation before, and what made you return?
 
Alex: Hah, I've had two such episodes in my time here, the cirumstances
surrounding both of which were a bit mad. Sadly, the lust for Realms never 
dies, the insatiable desire to log on overwhelms the devoted. I am addicted! 

Continued...                                                          Page: 005
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/ Interview with the Heroes - by Fiebin\______________________________________
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Q: Have you ever been punished by the Immortals? What was the most 
serious sentence you have received?
 
Alex: I suppose that depends on your perspective. I managed to get 
Grontak denied 'until the return of daylight savings' after rubbing up our 
dear Kali the wrong way. I also managed to get helled for three weeks in my 
younger days as a result of having a naked PK tournament with some mages in 
Darkhaven... then there was the incident involving killing irritating lowbie 
ma.....Without going into too much detail, I think it's fair to say I've lead
a ...colourful life on RoD.

Q: What has been the kindest single act you have seen anyone do for 
someone else and what was the kindest thing anyone has done for you on Realms?
 
Alex: I'm trying to think of a time when one person has been very kind to 
another but it's not coming to me...i know someone has been very kind to me.
(13 minutes later...) The nicest thing anyone ever did for me, was Kali.
He reset Grontak's password for me. Didn't have to do that.

Continued...                                                          Page: 006
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/ Interview with the Heroes - by Fiebin\______________________________________
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Q: Each of the Heroes has contributed enormously to Realms, of the other 
Heroes, which Hero have you found to be particularly impressive?
 
Alex: Aleq, always seems to have commanded respect from his peers.
 
Q: What tips have you got for players out there who are either new or 
relatively new to Realms?
 
Alex: Type QUIT as soon as possible. Hah, not so much. My recommendation 
would be to find your own fun, and not to be disheartened by the hostile 
ambience engendered by some of the folk that have been around for many years.
It's a great game, and if you can find some people to enjoy it with, you'll
have a good time.
 
Q: What's your favourite and least favourite run and why?
 
Alex: My favourite run is Ammit, because of his wonderful fighting progs.
My least favourite run is Rez, because the god damn thing always kills me.

Continued...                                                          Page: 007
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/ Interview with the Heroes - by Fiebin\______________________________________
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Interview with Aleq
  
 
Q: How long have you been playing realms for and what got you hooked to the
game?
  
Aleq: been playing for about 6 years. the game is interesting in that it 
does not use fancy graphics but it lets you use more of your imagination. 
generally what hooks you are the people you meet.
 
Q: Which DTs have you hit and how did it occur?
 
Aleq: been a long time. i have hit the one in lachute climbing up the trial
 
Q: I noticed that you have alot of glory on Aleq, which sorts of quests do 
you excel at, and which do you enjoy the most?
 
Aleq: alot of glory, been here a long time. i love to catch the solo mkill 
quests. the super mkills are fun too but can get a bit fustrating.
 
Q: What tips have you got for players out there who are either new or 
relatively new to Realms?
 
Aleq: patience and there are people here to help.

Continued...                                                          Page: 008
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/ Interview with the Heroes - by Fiebin\______________________________________
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Q: Each of the Heroes has contributed enormously to Realms, of the other 
Heroes, which Hero have you found to be particularly impressive?
 
Aleq: Qaulorn, Petrograd , Dargolith. Qaulorn has been involved in alot of
aspects of the game , creating quests , providing ideas , all to make the game
more enjoyable. can not comment specifically on petro and dargo but they are 
players i view as peers.
 
Q: What's your favourite run and least favourite run?
 
Aleq: seth is a favorite, however when dragonslayer is out in new areas the
new mobs are fun to figure out. runs that are located in places that take a 
long travel time to get to are my least favorite. do not mind a puzzle or maze 
but long transfers and walks kill it for me.
 
Q: Do you have any suggestions on how to further improve Realms?
 
Aleq: just keep building interesting and challenging areas. perhaps...have 
quests like the mini quest in edo elsewhere instead of having to rely on 
immortals hosting quests.

Continued...                                                          Page: 009
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 ______________________________________
/ Interview with the Heroes - by Fiebin\______________________________________
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Q: There are still alot of secrets hidden around Realms which are either 
undiscovered or only known by a very few. Do you think that immortals should 
give hints on discovering those secrets which no one has/can figure out, but 
which have existed for quite some time?
 
Aleq: nope, they are there for someone to discover.
 
Q: What do you think of trend for newer EQ to have more restriction tags 
such as owner/class/race/align/sex?'
 
Aleq: the restrictions are fine, one thing i do not get is making a piece
of equipment/weapon that does not match the class at all (i.e. a whip for 
paladins).
 
Q: Do you believe that Orcus is still alive and accessible?
 
Aleq: alot of rumors , not sure. would like to believe that the mob is 
still in the game. there are alot of rumors. orcus, jagr, etc.
 
    + Fiebin R'aw + 
  Order of Ringbearers 

(End)                                                                 Page: 010
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/ Interview with Linda - by Kadgeon\__________________________________________
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                   Interview with the Deadly Angel of Realms
                            By: Kadgeon Silverblood

I was sitting around thinking about what sort of article to write for the
upcoming CRY and I had already decided to interview someone, but the problem
was thinking of someone to interview! But then it hit me! Everyone always
interviews leaders and deities of guilds and orders, but how often does a
Deadly leader or deity get interviewed? We never really hear the 'darker side'
of Realms. So then I decided I wanted to interview one of the higher ups in
the Deadly world. And what better person than the Deadly Angel herself, Linda! 
                                      ****

Kadgeon - Well first I would like to thank you for taking time out and doing
this.
Linda - Easy enough :)
Linda - I am glad to help in ways that I can, especially when they are
easy.
Kadgeon - Usually when someone does an interview with a leader or deity of an
organization it's a peaceful organization. It isn't very often that we get to
hear from the darker side of Realms, and when I say darker I mean the player
killer side. So my first question is how much of a difference is there
between a guild/order and a clan?'

Continued...                                                          Page: 011
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 __________________________________
/ Interview with Linda - by Kadgeon\__________________________________________
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Linda - Do you mean as a deity, or in general?
Kadgeon - Both.
Linda - Well as a deity, there isn't much difference between deities and
overseer, except that we focus on one clan, the organization is really run by
the leader, deities are there for backup. As for clans themselves, it is kind
of hard to say. Most guilds are a close knit family, clan members usually
just go to whatever clan needs them, usually to keep the clans balanced and
such. Granted my online times are a little off of the peek times of pkill,
so I may be getting a slightly skewed view. Not sure that really answers
your question, but anyway...
Kadgeon - Ah so the only real difference is that guilds and orders tend to
be a little closer?
Linda - I really can't say for sure on orders, but the only guild I know
is the ranger guild, and they seem to be closer
Kadgeon - Well speaking from someone's point of view who is in an order we're
pretty close.
Kadgeon grins.
Kadgeon - Ok, starting out as a Deadly is it harder than starting out as a
peaceful?
Linda - Yes, for two reasons that I can see. One, most peacefuls refuse to
help you for any reason. They state laws assist as the reason, but I sometimes
wonder. Two, they are open to attack all the time, (which) can make it 
difficult to learn things while trying to survive. It can be very depressing
for those not expecting it.

Continued...                                                          Page: 012
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 __________________________________
/ Interview with Linda - by Kadgeon\__________________________________________
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Kadgeon - So even if you were just idling somewhere in Realms and another
Deadly came along without warning they could attack you?
Linda - Yes, they can, with minor restrictions, like safe rooms, and the
level restrictions. So I guess a third problem would be the IP limit, but that
isn't as bad as the other two.
Kadgeon - Are there any pointers you could give someone thinking of making a
deadly character?
Linda - Well it is always changing, but the things that seem to work the
best that I have seen are; 1. Expect to die, 2. Expect a lot of trash talk,
plus foul language (as not all immortals see wartalk), and spam from players
attacking each other, 3. When you die, get verbally abused, etc, don't whine,
either banter back, or ask for pointers on how to improve. Pretty much that
will let you at least get to know the players. Not everyone is cut out for 
deadly life though.
Kadgeon - That can be expected. So in your opinion are Deadlies more likely
to help out a newb than Peacefuls?
Linda - Yes and no, they will want to see how the player reacts, plus I
think they would be more willing to help out someone who has never played here,
about a peaceful that is trying out deadlies. There are all kinds, some will
help no matter what, and some won't no matter what, and then you have 
everything in between. Again this is really just my opinion/observations, they
could be off for all I know :)

Continued...                                                          Page: 013
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 __________________________________
/ Interview with Linda - by Kadgeon\__________________________________________
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Kadgeon - Hey that's what an interview is all about :) Any tips you can think
of to give the readers about PKing?
Linda - If you want to do it, do it for the fun, don't stress out about
anything that happens to you, banter back, as for pking itself, always have
sanc and heals, and learn to flee. Maybe ask questions of others you see on,
most are willing to give advice, granted it could be after they find you and
kill you, but the risk is usually worth it.
Kadgeon - Ok and I think this is my last question, you're an Immie and a
deadly, what's that experience been like?
Linda - I am not sure how to answer that :) I think I have more tolerance for
the little things on channels and such because I have seen wartalk on a
regular basis. I enjoy being an imm, and I enjoy being deadly. Whenever 
I am on my peacefuls, I miss seeing the banter on wartalk.
Kadgeon - I'm sure that can get pretty interesting :)

                                    *******
And so there you have it! 

(End)                                                                 Page: 014
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/ Nation News - Hobbit \______________________________________________________
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**An Excerpt from the Thain's monthly letter to her people** 
It turns out my friends that there really were tunnels beneath our homes!
There was also refugee pixie's living there! Now how they got there I have no
idea, but they aren't there anymore. Their king said that it was time for them
to go home. The war that did not touch us here in the Burrows is now over. Let
your thoughts and prayers go out to everyone, and I mean everyone whether they
were on the other side or not, who lost someone. I will be holding a
candlelight vigil within the week in remembrance of the people whose lives
were lost. I extend the invitation out to everyone
Race will not keep you from being allowed there. Although I will have to take
the necessary precaution of posting guards and taking the weapons of all those
inside the building where we will hold the vigil. 
 On a brighter note, our most festive season is about to begin. I have already
attended the coronation ceremony of Irae's new Marquis, Signor Alessio di
Rossetti! And what an honor it was to be invited! I will not go into full
detail as to what all happened for I am not sure as to how much I should
reveal, but let me tell you it was very exciting indeed! If nothing else it
was very interesting! I wish for more such events to take place!  So with the
war over, Irae with a new Marquis, and Halloween coming upon us let me say
that I wish you all well may you be safe and enjoy the festivities!           
                     Forever in the Service of her people,
                           Thain Kadgeon Silverblood

(End)                                                                 Page: 015
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/ Nation News - Uruk'hai \____________________________________________________
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From the Opallinoc News Bureau:
 
Dateline the Coast of the Northern Plains -
Reports have been received of the defeat of the Rukhas'dul naval forces.
Among the debris washed ashore are signs of fleets belonging to the Quendi,
O'kwyl and Pixies. Thousands of charred and water logged bodies have washed up
on the Grey Beaches. Most are unrecognizable other than for their race. Pyres
are continually disposing of the remains as soon as they are found. Great
clouds of smoke from the pyres can be seen as far away as Solace. No reports
have been heard of what happened to Kragash, the half-orc leader. There is
hearsay that he may have gone down with his ship.
 
Dateline Forgotten Woods -
Dobra has steadfastly remained silent, refusing to give any information what
so ever. New rumors about mole beans and lanatana berries have surfaced. A
reward of a fair sum is being offered for verifiable knowledge on the 'small
strip of tiger hide', mole beans and lanatana berries. Contact Klaatu
Dateline the Southern Mountain Range -
Vague reports have been heard of scorpions wandering some of the canyons in
the Southern Mountain Range. An alledged king scorpion is said to rule over
these nasty looking creatures. Explore with caution.

Dateline Darkhaven -
Halloween is near. Beware of merry pranksters. Stock up on treats now or else.

(End)                                                                 Page: 016
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/ Nation News - Tyrrhenu \____________________________________________________
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       - A poem, a warning, written in a scrawled hand on aged parchment-

                        A Warning Hence To One and All

                       Waiting, watching, along the road.
                      Hapless, brainless, spineless toad.
                    Watching, waiting for a single mistake,
                       Then his life they'll surely take.
            Weary traveler, lost, alone, he will never make it home.
       Darkness deep and unrelenting, shadows drifting and then shifting.
         Looming up out of the night, a harrowing and frightful sight!
  So any late night travelers beware! Lest you fall into despair, stay off the
          path toward the Vale, western trade routes and river dales.
        Wait until the light of day which keeps the shadows well at bay.
                         Heed this warning one and all!
       Or parish in the shadows grip, your midnight walk, your final trip.

(End)                                                                 Page: 017
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/ Nation News - Pixie \_______________________________________________________
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The is PNN Your Source for Pixie News
 
This Just in, The Pixie fleet has just defeated the Orcish Galleon
The Galleon was set ablaze by the combination of spellstrikers
and a collection of looking-glasses to concentrate the light
of the sun on the ship.
 
Several Pixies were injured and the Following Pixies were lost:
 
Flying Officer First Class Wilbly Treehollow
Flying Officer First Class Feeny 'Sweetie' Osidhe
Flying Officer Second Class Stonloo 'Speck' Keewee
Fight Seargent Maratona 'Strawberry' Frapfree
Private Aguiy 'Lucky' Redvest
 
The Orcish Leader Kradesh has disappeared and is presumed drowned
A diplomatic mission to Mt Krozloy will be sent if safety is guaranteed.
If this is not possible, intermediaries will be used to negotiate a
end of hostilities

(End)                                                                 Page: 018
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/ Funny Titles - Submitted by Kadgeon and Romani \____________________________
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Princess        Zakael Windsinger thinks the wizlist would look nice Alphabetic
Alphabetical... (Arcanes) [The Symposium]

Princess        Zakael Windsinger thinks the wizlist would look nice
Alphabetical... (Arcanes) [The Symposium]
 (What happens when you get your wish)

Dano says, "Book 'em yourself, McGarret."
Formalhaut is killing for Recreational Purposes!
Nariel Azralon is crazy in the head.
Tialyn is the Baby Girl of GoM.
Gwydion says, "My way's not very sportsman-like."
Miszy Brawlmoor, the Apprentice Cleric.  (Mental: Case)
Zac: Wishes everyone was as awesome and cool and seksi and lolz as he is.
Dorphac Free kisses for 1 gold.
Lilmira: Humperdinck! Humperdinck! Humperdinck!
Romani de Carpathia-Umbramnia dual-wields spot shot. 
Hokuten is -almost- dead is hovering here.
Klessenia You seem a decent fellow...I hate to die {Pledge}
Giftara thinks AVspam kills brain cells!! {Pledge}
Akael. Evil Overlord Tip #34 - Do not turn into a snake. It never helps. 
Adare is being random!!!
Syrix says look, nudge, buy or nosoupforyou! [BOT]
Gauther Silverwolf, Gene Police: You!! Out Of The Pool!

(End)                                                                 Page: 019
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/ Funny Quotes - Submitted by Romani \________________________________________
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Malkatov chats 'On another note, a demonic quasit imp and a water sprite are
in a private room together.'

Ithil openly traffics:  im drunk if anyone wants to know
Ithil openly traffics:  im sleeping in puke
Ithil openly traffics:  this game is awesome 

(End)                                                                 Page: 020
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 ___________________________________
/ September Quest Results - Alysira \_________________________________________
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Last month's word search was pretty big, and as such we have only one winner!
Congratulations to...

                                  Ghostridah!

You, my oddly named friend, are this month's winner for completing the word
search challenge kindly provided by Romani. Please see me (Alysira) for
your prize!

There will be a nice big quest next month, my apologies, I didn't get a
chance to prepare one this month due to heinous amounts of University work.

-Alysira

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 ______________________________
/ Desk of the Editor - Alysira \______________________________________________
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I'd like to warmly welcome Fiebin as the new editor of the Cry of Despair, and
Kadgeon as our new writer!

Keep an eye on this space - they'll be making some great changes over the
coming months. I have no doubt that the Cry will do well with them in charge.
 
There will be a big quest next month to make up for no quest this month,
sorry about that, my bad :(

-Alysira

(End)                                                                 Page: 022
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