{"id":1840,"date":"2024-03-15T17:58:55","date_gmt":"2024-03-15T17:58:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=1840"},"modified":"2024-03-15T17:58:55","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T17:58:55","slug":"cry-of-despair-56","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/cry-of-despair-56\/","title":{"rendered":"Cry of Despair #56"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color\">What would you do\/change if you were immortal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"cryofdespair\">\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Cry of Despair                                   Issue 56, 02\/02\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n                                 | \n     .JNNNN` .JNNNNNL   NNNNNN.  |  In this month's issue:\n    JNNNNN) JNNNNNNNNL (NNNNNNN. |    * Exclusive interviews, as\n   JNN`    JNN`    NNN (NN.  (NN)|      Vladith catches up with\n  (NN`    (NN`     NNF (NN`  (NN`|      the newest imm, Conran,\n  (NN.    (NN.    JNN` NNF  JNN) |      and Tinani quizzes Tiki\n  (NNNNNN (NNNNNNNNN' (NNNNNNNF  |      on her Matchmaker service.\n   4NNNN`  \"NNNNNN`   NNNNNNF    |    * More quests.. this time\n                                 |      with a Valentine's theme!\n      The Cry of Despair!        |    * Return of Ask the CoE\n      ===================        |    * Updates on Nations, IGPK,\n   *       *                 *   |      plus the Funny Bones,\n                      *          |      Poems, and more!\n     *           *               |\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Editor: Khaimran                      Immortal Sponsor: Elisabet\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Staff:  Maray, Indalecio, Kuah, Begaria, Naithalia, Ilsensine,\n  Myra, Shingo, Vladith, Juliana, Tinani, Mauro, Mandasa,\n  Silverwind.\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Contents\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n  Desk of the Editor\n\n  Interview with Conran\n\n  Tiki and her Matchmaker Quest\n\n  The 3rd Annual RoD Awards\n\n  Juliana's RoD 101.. This issue: Hitting\n5\n  IGPK and other news\n\n  Quest Central.. Results, new quests and ads\n\n  A report on the Nations of the Realms\n\n  The return of Ask the CoE\n\n  Funny Bones!\n\n  Poems, cookbooks.. just Words\n\n  Elisabet's Corner\n\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Desk of the Editor - by Khaimran                          Editor\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  \n  Hi there.\n    Another month, another Cry. We're back to our usual length\n  this month, with reporters eagerly scouring the Realms for news\n  and stories in an attempt to burn off that weight gained over\n  the festive period. So I'd like to thank them, and you, for\n  making the Cry what it is.\n    Although I previously edited the December issue of the Cry,\n  this month is my first time as the permanent Editor. I don't\n  expect to be perfect, so I'm appealing for your help ;) The\n  general populace of the Realms are -always- welcome to submit\n  articles, one-liners, praise and critisicms. The submissions\n  board is located both 2s, w, 2s of DH [], and e, s, 2u, s, w, s\n  of DH []. Give us your views on class balance, the quality of\n  RP, send us your poems or stories, or give us a log of the funny\n  thing that happened to you the other day.\n    Well, I'll stop babbling now and let you get on with reading\n  the 56th issue of the Cry of Despair.\n\n     - Khaimran Quena Tar'Yenea\n\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Conran Interview - by Vladith                          *FEATURE*\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n  Last month, one of the Cry of Despair's own journalists ascended\n  to Immortality. Conran, certainly not just another Treves,\n  brings up the total number of imms up to 38. Vladith, one of the\n  Cry's newer members, caught up with Conran a few weeks after he\n  immed for a quick chat. Take it away, Vladith...  -Ed.\n\n\n  He isn't much to look at...\n  Conran is 5'9\" and weighs 108 pounds.\n  Conran is in perfect health.\n\n  Conran is using:\n  <worn about waist>  some smashing tights\n\n  Conran grins.\n  Conran> Uhh yes, don't mention anything about Iliana's dress\n  sense... I can't make my own stuff...\n\n  Vladith> Ok, you've had some time to adjust to immortality. \n  What are your impressions?\n\n  Conran> I think the biggest thing I've noticed is how much \n  people actually do around here... I always thought that imms \n  would take up a job in a council and deal with that, but I've \n  found that people are actually doing a wide range of things, \n  much more than I'd expected.\n\n  Vladith> How have you found your fellow immortals, maybe \n  some of those we mortals have less contact with?\n\n  Conran> A lot more friendly and sociable than I'd given \n  them credit for when I was a mortal, for sure.\n\n  Vladith> What were your first thoughts when you learned you \n  were being considered for immortalality?\n\n  Conran> Shocked, obviously, but after giving it some thought\n  I was pretty excited at the prospect that I might actually make \n  it.\n\n  Vladith> What kind of things did you consider before you \n  agreed?\n\n  Conran> Well I knew that I'd need to outcast from Ascendere\n  and from The Symposium, so this took a bit of thought, because \n  I have a lot of friends in both places. In the end I guess the \n  thought of seeing a new side to the game made me want to give it\n  a shot.\n\n  Vladith> How did your experiences as a mortal, such as in TS\n  prepare you for this new position?\n\n  Conran> I don't think TS really prepared me much for life as\n  an imm, because the two jobs are really quite different, at \n  least at my stage of immortality.  I'm not being asked to make \n  big decisions or anything yet. My time in NC was really helpful, \n  though, I learned to deal with spam, helping people out, how to \n  deal with newer players and so on.\n\n  Vladith> Is there anything you find really surprising about \n  being an immortal that you didn't expect other than the level of\n  activity?\n\n  Conran> No, not really, I think I was fairly prepared and \n  knew what I should expect for the most part.\n\n  Vladith> Do you have a specific area in which you would like \n  to work as an immortal?\n\n  Conran> I'd really like to get back into TS, and eventually\n  move on to VC.  I want to be part of overseeing changes and \n  modifications to the game, have some input in it, and so on.\n\n  Vladith> Is there anything in particular you'd like to \n  change about the way the game is played?\n\n  Conran> Nothing specific comes to mind, really. I like the\n  game as it is, but there's always some really great ideas put \n  forth by other players that are really interesting to look into.\n\n  Vladith> Is there anything you'd like to say for the \n  faithful readers of the Cry of Despair?\n\n  Conran grins.\n  Conran> No, not really :P  I'm not creative on demand :(\n\n  Vladith> I'd like to thank you for the hours you put into \n  the Cry as a mortal (as well as your other endeavors) and wish\n  you the best of luck!\n\n  Conran> Thanks =)\n\n    - Vladith\n\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Tiki Sneaki, Ms Matchmaker - by Tinani                 *FEATURE*\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n  Ms Tiki Sneaki, pixie frolicker extraordinare has once again\n  come up with a quest for Valentine's. In this one-time special,\n  our intrepid reporter Tinani managed to lure Tiki with a trail\n  of sugar into his studio (mud hut). He might not be as\n  obnoxious as Jerry Springer, but we'll give him a chance.\n  Take it away, Tinani... - Ed.\n\n  Tinani> If dogs were made of chocolate how much red tinfoil \n  will we need to wrap them up?\n\n  Tiki> You would wrap them???\n  Tiki tsks.\n\n  Tinani> We wouldn't want them to melt.\n\n  Tiki> They wouldn't have a chance. \n  Tiki gives you a grin that makes you reach for your coin purse \n  to see if it's there.\n  Tiki licks her lips and smiles.\n \n  Tinani> Oh, hello there. Today we will be talking to Tiki \n  everyones favorite immortal.\n\n  Tinani> Why did you come up with such a unique Valentine's \n  quest?\n \n  Tiki> Well, I ran it last year for the first time after a \n  friend of mine mentioned something in jest about having a \n  'personals' section of the Cry. The more I thought about it, the\n  more I thought about how this game just wouldn't be the same \n  without the friendships I've developed over the years. After you\n  AV, there are only so many mobs you can take on alone without \n  the help of friends. :)\n\n  Tinani> How important is a good relationship when it comes \n  to close running?\n \n  Tiki> I think there is a lot of trust involved in running. \n  Although you don't see it very often, there are times when \n  someone can really do a number on a running mate. Logging off in\n  the middle of a fight, abandoning the group, stealing EQ, etc.\n \n  Tinani> Can you give a ballpark figure of how many have \n  entered so far?\n\n  Tiki> So far, I have about 40 people... I'm aiming for 100.\n  That's about 20 over last year.\n \n  Tinani> How will you match up the applications when they are\n  all handed in?\n \n  Tiki> Using the magic of the mundane called 'Excel', I take \n  all the parchments and throw them into it, and shaking it up, \n  find for each person the three people they share the most traits \n  with. It's not foolproof magic... sometimes it is opposites that \n  attract. But I try to ask questions that I think are the kind \n  that the answers should be similar. :)\n \n  Tinani> How will you announce the final findings?\n  \n  Tiki> What I do is send to each person a list of their top \n  three matches, and the match's 'notes about themselves'. That \n  way each person can decide if they want to contact their match.\n  So while you might have a list of three names, those three \n  people might not have you on their lists. The answers are \n  discussed with no one else. Only myself.\n\n  Tinani> Will this quest be a repeating theme in coming \n  years?\n\n  Tiki> WI hope... Although if it gets too popular, I'll need \n  help with the note writing.\n \n  Tinani> Anything else you'd like to add about Valentine's or\n  your quest?\n \n  Tiki> There are no limits to who can enter... Mortal or \n  immortal, someone seeking a mate or just a friend, even if you \n  have friends... It's fun to see if you end up with some of your \n  current friends for matches as well. I encourage everyone to try\n  it out. :) And don't be afraid to say you are a male seeking a \n  male friend, or female seeking a female. That's not uncommon.\n\n  Tinani> If you were a flavor of Jello what flavor would you\n  be?\n \n  Tiki> Rainbow! With sparkles. :)\n \n  Tinani> It suites you:)\n \n  Tiki giggles at you.  Hope it's not contagious!\n  Tiki> It's my favorite colour too. :)'\n \n  Tinani> Well, thats all the time we have for tonight, I \n  would like to thank Tiki, our lovely director Elisabet and the \n  voices in my head. Goodnight,\n    - Tinani\n\n    Remember, you still have time to enter yourself into Tiki's\n    Matchmaker Quest! The closing date for entries is February\n    12th.   -Ed.\n\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  The Realms of Despair Awards! - by Shingo             RoD Awards\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n  The Cry of Despair is hosting the 3rd Annual RoD awards. Many of\n  the old categories have gone out the window, and brand new ones\n  now replace them. \n  \n  There are 24 categories to cast your vote. In order to vote, \n  take a note, and with a subject line of My Votes, cast your\n  ballot for each of the 24 categories. A sample ballot sheet \n  should look like this (using note show):\n  \n  Mynamehere: My Votes\n  To: Shingo\n  1) My first vote\n  2) My second vote\n  3) My third vote\n   \n  Entries must be mudmailed to Shingo before February 24th. \n  Winners will be announced in the 57th issue of the Cry of \n  Despair.\n \n  Rules:\n  You may only have one ballot sheet per real life player. If it \n  is known that you have used more than one character to vote, \n  both players votes are nulled. A full ballot sheet is not \n  necessary. If you choose not to vote in a category, that is up \n  to you. Entries handed in after the 24th are not valid. Keep \n  your nominations within reason.\n \n  Categories:\n  1. Best Male Immortal\n  Which male immortal has given their all to the mud.\n \n  2. Best Female Immortal\n  Which female immortal have you felt done their best.\n   \n  3. Best Male Roleplayer\n  Who best exemplifies their role and yet, makes it seem natural?\n   \n  4. Best Female Roleplayer\n  A queen, maiden, or wench? Whoever roleplays the fairest is \n  deserving.\n   \n  5. Best RoD Couple\n  A new year has seen a new wave of marriages. Whose love is \n  greatest?\n\n  6. Best \"New change\" to Realms\n  Many things have been implemented for our benefit. What is the\n  best so far?\n   \n  7. Worst \"New change\" to Realms\n  There is no sweet without the sour. What change was the worst\n  so far?\n   \n  8. Most memorable Quest\n  Which quest were you proudest to be a part of?\n  \n  9. Best Guild\n  Which Guild has been the greatest in all aspects of the game?\n   \n  10. Best Order\n  Which Order has proven itself worthy?\n   \n  11. Best Clan\n  Which Clan has the most feared reputation?\n\n  12. Best Area\n  Which area has you exploring for more?\n   \n  13. Best Hometown\n  Now that all the hometowns are in, which one is livliest?\n   \n  14. Best Food Item\n  Which food leaves a lasting impression?\n   \n  15. Best Drink Item\n  Which drink quenches your thirst the best?\n   \n  16. Best \"Treasure\" Item\n  Which treasure do you most wish to own?\n  \n  17. Most Likely to DT\n  Which player do you know to be the clumsiest?\n\n  18. Best Dressed\n  Which player just leaves you in awe when they enter the room?\n   \n  19. Most Wanted to be Balzhured\n  The one award you DON'T want the pleasure of winning...\n\n  20. Best Rename\n  Which player has the greatest rename, in your opinion?\n   \n  21. The \"Fruit\" Award\n  Which player is just nonsensical, goofy and overall least \n  likely to score?\n   \n  22. Best Social\n  Which social do you find a use for in EVERY situation?\n   \n  23. Best Male Player\n  Which male player has inspired you?\n   \n  24. Best Female Player\n  Which female player leaves you with a good impression about \n  herself?\n\n    - Shingo Solstice\n\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Realms of Despair  101 - by Juliana                      RoD 101\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n  Realms of Despair 101 - Basic Run Tactics => Hitting\n\n  Just to review, last month we talked about how to tank well (at \n  least, well enough to improve the chances of your survival). \n  Lasting for 15 minutes against a mob isn't going to help any if \n  you can't hurt him enough. It just prolongs the inevitable when \n  you finally run out of heals.\n\n  So this month, we're going to discuss ways to hit mobs. With \n  ten classes in this mud, players have a large variety of \n  options, some that hurt a lot, and some...Well, the damage \n  inflicted could be compared to carving an iceberg with a \n  dentist's pick.\n \n  (Disclaimer: This article is not intended to insult anyone's \n  sensibilities, let alone diss anybody's favored class. The fact\n  is that currently certain classes are better at some tasks \n  than others. Whether they are superpowered, or imbalanced, or \n  lack unique skills, is not within the scope of this article to \n  address. I'm just describing the present situation -as is-. If \n  every class was equally good at fighting, healing, magic, \n  exploring, etc. - in my opinion, it kinda invalidates the point\n  of having classes. RoD doesn't limit you to one class, go play\n  with them all.)\n\n  The Basic Foundations:\n  With that said, the most -efficient- way to mkill is to hit the\n  mob as hard as you can, as fast as you can, until it dies. It's \n  naturally understood that you have to live\/tank long enough to \n  do so.\n\n  Below, we'll discuss hitting in terms of more and less \n  effective, simply because this article is meant to be as \n  factually helpful as I can write it. It does not naturally mean \n  that all runs must strive to be 100% efficient. Not only does it\n  place the runners under a lot of stress to perform well, you \n  tend to miss out on the more fun aspects of running. Take more \n  people along for the company (they're your friends, hopefully, \n  and will stay that way after), or take less people for a \n  challenge to test your skills.\n\n  And I have to say that I don't for one second condone massive \n  overkill. Yes, if one character hurts x amount, ten characters \n  will hurt 10x amount. But if you only need 2x to kill the mob,\n  10x is overkill. The cheap thrill wears off fast, you stop \n  challenging yourself and start looking for exploits instead of \n  being proud of your skills in killing a mob the way it was meant\n  to be run. \n\n  It cheapens your own abilities and makes them dull. It rings the\n  bell for mob abuse and encourages mysterious \"uppings,\" tunnels \n  in rooms and other multi-guards. It's anti-social, bad for your \n  mud reputation, and in the long run, hurts everyone, including \n  yourself. Turning a quick and lazy profit eventually leads to \n  the loss of one more fun to run mob.\n\n  The ideal run is one with just enough characters for a \n  challenging, but manageable fight. I trust ya to exercise proper\n  judgement, otherwise there's always learning the hard way. :\/\n\n  Primary Attacks - Hitting With a Weapon:\n  Remember when you were a little level 1? You found that nifty \n  weapon in a tree, and hit a snake with it! Your pierce\/slash\/\n  pound decimates a serpent! \n\n  That's what I mean when I say primary attack. Usually with a \n  weapon, though you can attempt to kill barehanded if you're \n  feeling buff. Also used to a great extent at lower levels, but \n  it drops in importance killing avatar-level mobs and is \n  customarily near-utterly useless on quest mobs. Why? Just from \n  personal observation alone, the higher leveled mobs tend to \n  dodge\/parry and somehow avoid more of them.\n\n  As the RoD PK website (http:\/\/home.mmcable.com\/iliana\/frames.htm)\n  explains, the actual damage caused by each hit is a combination of\n  many factors - how much damage your weapon is capable of, the \n  character's damroll, weaponskills, resistances, styles, etc.\n\n  None of the final damage is going to help if that primary attack\n  never hits in the first place. Adding hitroll helps at the low \n  character levels, but again, standard av equipment tends to \n  provide more than enough. 0-2 hits per round on an av mob is \n  fairly normal and nothing to worry about.\n\n  The time to start wondering is if your attacks consistently \n  miss, and as covered in an earlier article, check nonmagic\/magic\n  weapons and different weapon types. Some mobs are just immune.\n\n  If we were just going to kill a mob with primary attacks alone, \n  your first choice of character should always be something like \n  warrior-types or vampires. Those have second up to fourth or \n  fifth attack at high percentages, increasing the chances that \n  more of them will hit. Augurers are not too efficient here, \n  because if their second attack at max 33% misses, the third and \n  fourth attacks won't kick in.\n \n  Secondary Attacks:\n  Thankfully, we have secondary attacks to make fighting more \n  interesting. I'm going to lump most offensive skills and spells \n  under this category. It's basically anything you can hit a mob \n  with, per round or two, that isn't a primary attack.\n\n  Some experimentation and comparison of damage inflicted should \n  let on which skills and spells hurt the most for each class. And\n  if you don't know that circle (thieves), grasp (vampires), \n  quantum spike and acetum primus (mages) are the most commonly \n  used skills\/spells to kill av mobs with, that's one large \n  electronic hermit cave you've been living in for a while. :)\n\n  Tried and true, those skills inflict the most efficient damage, \n  providing your mob isn't immune to the damage, or has some sort \n  of nasty prog that heals it up again. Only way to find out is to\n  try.\n\n  Physicals (Secondaries that oughta be \"Tertiaries\"):\n  This is that group that have swamped mostly warrior-types with a\n  wide range of interestingly named skills, along with a few like \n  cuff and swat given to the spellcasters. Unless you're interested\n  in roleplaying (read: imagining) your character being someone \n  like Bruce Lee, this is the very last resort of potentially \n  damaging skills.\n\n  The sad fact is that the damage on these skills goes up a minute\n  amount based on the character's level, and maxes out at about \n  15-25hp per blow (depends on which skill you use) and is further\n  modified by sanctuary and protection. Yes, over time it does add\n  up, but it's pinpricks compared to the force of an effective \n  circle\/grasp\/quantum rating somewhere in the few hundreds of hp.\n\n  Effect of Alignment on Hitting:\n  Another sad fact: I'm really not that biased against evil \n  characters, but some av mobs are affected by protection. 75% of \n  damage is considerably noticable compared to 100%. I was pretty \n  much converted after watching an evil and devout mage quantum \n  spike something for one damage level of difference consistently. \n\n  It could just be in my imagination, but runs do seem more \n  challenging and drag on slightly longer. Again, you don't -have-\n  to be 100% efficient when you run something, but please make \n  sure the rest of the run members don't mind. \n\n  Brief Conclusion on Damage:\n  It's going to be brief because I think hitting stuff is rather \n  obvious and instinctual to anyone. To maximize damage, you \n  arrange your character so that as many of his primary attacks \n  will hit, you give him as high a damroll as you can so that he \n  hurts, you use a character with a secondary attack that injures\n  the mob the most, and you only use physicals to add damage when \n  you can't use anything else.\n \n \n  Next month, the four general run strategies used in RoD. In the \n  future, I'm thinking towards things like run etiquette, tips for\n  followers and leaders alike, how to lead a run, or possibly \n  something else. Feel free to let me know what you would find \n  most helpful!\n\n     - Juliana Shadowfyre\n\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  IGPK Report - by Mandasa                      Guild\/Order Corner\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n  In this issue of the Cry I will report about the ongoing guild \n  pkills and news from guilds and orders. Additional information \n  about the guild pkills can be found online at \n  http:\/\/www.realmsofdespair.com\/rpl\/ \n               - Mandasa\n \n  Guild pkills:\n  Battles are fought two guilds versus two guilds. There are 5\n  members from each guild making up a total of 10 per team. If\n  fewer than 5 show from one guild then the team is short, they\n  cannot use extra players from their pairing guild to fill the\n  vacant slot(s). So make sure you come on out and support your\n  guild!\n \n  The winning guilds receive 3 points, losing guild 2 points, \n  and a draw awards all guilds 1 point. Should a tie occur, \n  sudden death matches will be scheduled. The wars started in \n  November and are scheduled to end in February.\n\n  Guild wars is brought to you with the hard work and effort of\n  Darshanin, Bravadan, Tical, and Selina.\n\n  -= Rules =-\n  * 5 members of your guild may participate at one time.\n  * 115 DR Cap.\n  * 100 single shot heals.\n  * 75 Manas.\n  * Slist plus fly\/sanc\/springs.\n  * No Looting.\n  * No disarming.\n  * No Poison Weapons.\n  * No attack scrolls.\n  * No handing off containers.\n  * No Picking up or sac'ing items that do not belong to you.\n  * No funny stuff.\n\n  -= Previous Battles =-\n  \n  Date      Guild        vs    Guild            Who won? \n  ------------------------------------------------------------\n  Nov 21  Druid\/Vamp     vs  Cleric\/Thief     Cleric\/Thief  \n  Nov 24  Neph\/Warrior   vs  Mage\/Paladin     Mage\/Paladin  \n  Nov 28  Ranger\/Pally   vs  Auggie\/Thief     Auggie\/Thief \n  Dec  1  Neph\/Vamp      vs  Mage\/Warrior     Mage\/Warrior   \n  Dec  5  Mage\/Vamp      vs  Cleric\/Paladin   Mage\/Vampire \n  Dec  8  Ranger\/Warrior vs  Thief\/Druid      Thief\/Druid \n  Dec 12  Cleric\/Mage    vs  Neph\/Auggie      Cleric\/Mage  \n  Dec 15  Mage\/Ranger    vs  Druid\/Auggie     Druid\/Auggie \n  Dec 19  Warrior\/Vamp   vs  Thief\/Pally      Thief\/Pally \n  Dec 22  Neph\/Pally     vs  Druid\/Ranger     Neph\/Pally \n  Dec 29  Augurer\/Vamp   vs  Warrior\/Pally    Warrior\/Pally  \n  Jan  5  Neph\/Thief     vs  Cleric\/Ranger    Neph\/Thief\n  Jan  9  Cleric\/Vamp    vs  Neph\/Ranger      Cleric\/Vamp\n  Jan 12  Mage\/Thief     vs  Druid\/Pally      Mage\/Thief\n  Jan 16  Druid\/Warrior  vs  Cleric\/Auggie    Druid\/Warrior\n  Jan 19  Auggie\/Warrior vs  Pally\/Vamp       Pally\/Vamp\n  Jan 23  Cleric\/Warrior vs  Ranger\/Auggie    Ranger\/Auggie\n  Jan 26  Vamp\/Ranger    vs  Warrior\/Thief    Warrior\/Thief\n\n  -= Next Month's events =-\n  \n  Date     Time         Guild       vs    Guild \n  ------------------------------------------------------------\n  Jan 30   8:00pm   Neph\/Cleric     vs  Auggie\/Mage  \n  Feb  2   2:00pm   Mage\/Neph       vs  Druid\/Cleric  \n  Feb  6   8:00pm   Auggie\/Pally    vs  Druid-Mage  \n  Feb  9   2:00pm   Druid\/Neph      vs  Thief\/Ranger  \n  Feb 13   8:00pm   Vampire         vs  Thief  \n\n\n  Congratulations to everyone who's taken part in Guild Wars so\n  far. Its been a blast! It's only with your help that the IGPKs\n  have been so successful. \n\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Guild\/Order News - by Mandasa                 Guild\/Order Corner\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n  News from the Dragonslayers:\n  Dragonslayers teamed up with Ascendere to defeat Hastur the \n  Unspeakable in a glorious battle.\n\n  News from the Guild of Clerics:\n  We'd like to gratz our guildies Faradhi for his marriage to \n  Joanne and Nichollas for his marriage to Aylsira :) Also gratz\n  our new members Glander, Shaelkire, and Mnenarchment, and gratz \n  to Tinqa for becoming a full member of the guild with all the \n  kumquats and dirty carrots deserving of a full guildie :)\n \n  News from the Guild of Vampires:\n  We'd like to congratulate and welcome the new leadership staff \n  of Wiglaff, Onteria, and Wadrol. Also welcoming Alsan and \n  Pardalis into full membership.\n\n  IT was the time of the Black Sabbat and we spake unto our lord \n  and master of things evil and destruction, of seduction and \n  pain. And Lord Baal spoke, \"The Dread Lord, Seth, a true power \n  in Despair, he I would have serve me in these Realms. Seek him \n  out my children, learn his power and his weaknesses, and return \n  to me.\"\n\n  So did one of our greatest Justiciars, one of the Dark Lords \n  of Dis, gather forth the Swarm and invade the black marble \n  fortress. The Childer were much amused by the meager defenses\n  this so-called Dread Lord had erected until they came upon the \n  monstrosity that is, The Chaos Maze. Crafty this Dread Lord was, \n  but that came not close to matching the true powers of deception \n  that are Baal. They saw through the swirling chaos to the center\n  of the maze and stepped into the inner halls of Seth's Fortress.\n\n  Cloaked in shadows, they watched the Magus in his insanity and \n  contemplated the turning of Jade upon her forefather. Then they\n  came upon a dread creation. A golem made from the dark arts, the\n  Justiciari decided not to encounter this dread being but created\n  a portal into the Nether Planes, but not even this passage was \n  safe. Odd creatures in casings of metal and magic, walked half \n  in and half out of the planes. Mighty they were, but still they\n  fell before the might of Baali. An odd wastrel, called \n  Maximillian fell beneath Baali's notice, but the Goddess of \n  Pleasure and Pain, they took as their own, destroying her mind, \n  body and soul.\n\n  Then stood they before a black abyss, without shape or form, \n  it enveloped them, but the dark is a second home to the Childer\n  and they came open the gateway to the Throne Room itself. Even \n  here could the flow of evil eddy out in waves to be felt by even \n  the blackest of hearts.\n\n  And so did they enter, and gazed upon the Dread Lord himself, \n  sitting on his twisted throne of metal. Eyes of blood red fixed\n  their gaze upon the Swarm, and a hollow booming laugh echoed\n  throughout the room, for the melee had begun.\n\n  Long and hard was the battle, but the Childer were successful.\n  They had discovered something, something not heard of for quite\n  some time upon Despair, and they returned to their lord and \n  master.\n    \"What is it my Servitors, what have you learned of this Seth?\" \n  he commanded.\n   \"Master, there is more then we thought. There is... a pact...\"\n\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  January Quest Answers - by Elisabet                Quest Central\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n  The following are the 3 random winners from last month's quest.\n  Congratulations to:  Zwanth, Turalyon and Garnolkum.  Please see\n  Elisabet for your prizes.\n \n  Below are the answers to last months quest, there was only one \n  incorrect entry.. so good job!\n\n  1.  Sentinel\n  2.  http:\/\/druids.leepard.org\/\n  3.  Nelkum\n  4.  Aurora\n  5.  Daemon Claw\n  6.  Transylvania\n  7.  A bag of semi-sweet charcoal\n  8.  Set\n  9.  %hhp %mm %vmv\n  10. Froghemoth\n  11. Sour Candy\n  12. Dalach\n\n  Secret word - Tinani is Cool\n\n\n  (`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')           \n   \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/\n \n  Spring is near, love is in the air! And our quest this month \n  ties it all together. We again have a crossword puzzle quest.\n  Answer must be mudmailed to Elisabet by Midnight on February 20,\n  2002. No late answers will be accepted. 3 random winners will be\n  chosen from all correct entries. You may not submit with alts, \n  doing so will cause you to be banned from all further quests run\n  by Elisabet. As always, if you have any questions, ASK - don't \n  assume.\n \n  (`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')(`')            \n   \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/  \\\/\n\n                        1\n            2          [ ]\n          1[ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]\n           [ ]         [ ]          3\n           [ ]         [ ]         [ ]    5     6\n           [ ]        2[ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]\n    3[ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]   [ ]         [ ]   [ ]  4[ ][ ][ ]\n           [ ]         [ ]         [ ]   [ ]   [ ]\n           [ ]     5[ ][ ][ ][ ]   [ ]   [ ]   [ ]\n    6[ ][ ][ ][ ]      [ ]               [ ]\n                                         [ ]\n                                         [ ]\n                              7          [ ]\n                            7[ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]\n                             [ ]         [ ] 8\n                   8[ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]\n                             [ ]            [ ]\n    9[ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]         [ ]\n                             [ ]            [ ]\n                                            [ ]\n                                            [ ]\n                                            [ ]\n                                            [ ]\n                                            [ ]\n\n  Down -\n  1- I ____________ You.\n  2- The spice of love.\n  3- Thorny and sent to you by that special someone.\n  4- *Isn't on the puzzle HA, HA screwed you up :P*\n  5- To inspire with a foolish or extravagant love or \n     admiration.\n  6- Greek god of love and former GoV Guild master.\n  7- Spoken aloud to that person you love.\n  8- That what awaits a Drow male after a matron is done with\n     him.\n \n  Across -\n  1- A Greek God, this winged cherub shoots people with \n     arrows.\n  2- Greek Goddess of love.\n  3- The Muscle of love.\n  4- A colour associated with valentines day.\n  5- The \"theme\" of valentines day.\n  6- Another colour associated with Valentine's day.\n  7- What many get caught up in when they are with that \n     special someone.\n  8- A type of card sent to people who you love.\n  9- Name of a candy and pet name of that special someone.\n\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Nation Reports - by Khaimran + submissions          Introduction\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n    So!  You want to get involed in Roleplay within the Realms,\n  but have no clue where to start. Hell, you're not even sure what\n  Roleplay is exactly. \n\n    Putting it simply, role play is the art of using your \n  imagination to pretend to be someone or something else, within\n  the context of Realms of Despair. You can be an ambassador, a\n  dark sorceror, a peasant, or anything that takes your fancy.\n  Still interested?\n\n    For a start, you can turn on racetalk. That's the green \n  channel which you probably switched off as a level 3 character,\n  and never bothered to turn on again. Active RPers within your\n  race will generally use the channel, so hopefully queries will\n  be answered over it.\n\n    Next, read the relevant pages in the following article. You'll\n  find out who your Nation Leader is, where your hometown is, and\n  perhaps something to grab your attention. A mini-contents page\n  for this section of the Cry is on HELP CRY\n  A number of nations are not covered, due to their Nation Leaders\n  not being available.\n\n    Thirdly, if you're feeling adventurous, take a trip ne, ne, n\n  from DH []. National Visions is the focal point for Roleplay\n  within the Realms, and many recent plotlines are posted on the\n  board there. There might even be RPers there who will be glad\n  to act out a small scene or help you out with RP issues.\n\n  For more information on Roleplay, visit http:\/\/www.rpcrafts.org\n\n  The Sea Elf Nation, Aerandir    - HELP CRY43\n  The Human Nation, Dunedain      - HELP CRY44\n  The Half-troll Nation, Olog-Hai - HELP CRY45-46\n  The inbred Lizardman Nation     - HELP CRY47\n  The Dwarven Nation, Khazad      - HELP CRY48\n  The Elven Nation, Quendi        - HELP CRY49-50\n  The Drow Nation, Ilythiiri      - HELP CRY51-52   \n\n  Enclosed in a lagoon of beautiful proportions is the Nation of \n  the Aerandiri, the sea-elves of the Realms. We are the elves of \n  the oceans, the sapphires and emeralds of elvenkind, the \n  wanderers from the tides beyond. Join us in our wild rides \n  across the seas upon silvery dolphins or taste the delicacies of\n  The Lagoon's Call. Younger sea-elves are encouraged to take up \n  the Lien'eiaur elchuui to prove their worthiness and strength. \n  For those who came of age, the Alata ien'Einiurea is the next \n  step to achieving greater heights. \n \n  Throughout the centuries of history, the Aerandiri has remained \n  at peace with the various nations, taking a neutral stance \n  towards all cries of war and battle. However, recently, we \n  cannot, but heed the call of help from our own. An artifact of \n  great value is lost, and the Coral Throne herself seek desperate\n  help to have it returned. Interested beings may contact the \n  Nation Leader Faya for more information or visit the Aerandiri \n  Nation website at  \n  http:\/\/www.rpcrafts.org\/sen\/index.html\n     - Faya Umbramnia\n\n  The directions to the sea-elf hometown are:\n  6w, 6n, nw, 2w, 2d, all w, se from Darkhaven Square.\n\n  The Dunedain Nation, also known as the Human nation is one of \n  the largest races avaiable in the Realms of Despair. The \n  Dunedain are currently leaded by Noplex Darken, and have had a \n  long line of previous leaders.\n\n  The Dunedain are governed by the Dunedain council and the Nation\n  Leader. The council was chosen from Roleplayers in the Dunedain\n  nation, by the Nation Leader, and other council members. \n\n  The Dunedain Nation is always looking for new talent to help \n  fill the ranks of it's Council, and all you need to know is how \n  to type, and have a passion for roleplaying! Just contact Noplex\n  via Mudmail, or directly. \n \n    -Noplex Darken, Dunedain Nation Leader, Thain\n\n  The Keep of Lomar is located 11n, 4e, n, nw from DH [].\n\n  The half-troll nation has gone through major restructuration \n  since the last change in leader. Now it is ready to accept all \n  those who wish to be involved. A new council system, more \n  adapted to the race and RP styles of the realm, as many plots as\n  there are members because of the \"trainings\" within those \n  councils, a finaly (relatively) active racetalk and new members \n  have blessed us in the recent past. To those who truly wish to \n  be active, many leadership positions are open to those who wish\n  for more responsabilities. As with the other nations, some \n  recent changes in the hometown makes for a more refreshing \n  experience among us.\n\n  To all those half-trolls who are bored of running Seth, many \n  plots have been started and are begging to be finished. A simple\n  note in the hometown, or a quick e-mail to me, and everything \n  will be arranged.\n \n  We are also looking at the possibilities of going farther than \n  role play, considering the more \"elitist\" side of our race, \n  with a great ammount of runner and pkillers. For more \n  information, contact Sareko through the usual mudmail or tells.\n\n  Until then, Decomor, Olog'hai...\n  Francois Ward, Sareko's player\n\n  The Ruins of T'Man are located all s, 2e, ne from DH [].\n\n   (A note from an unknown lizard was left here,\n    King Dekkath scratched out of the top of the\n    birch bark they call \"stationary\"...)\n \n   +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+\n   | Come on down to a place far from home....   |\n   |  A land unknown, where lizards roam(ed)!    |\n   |               +   -   +                     |\n   |Have a bowl of soup or some fine berry wine  |\n   | We guarantee you'll have a wonderful time   |\n   |   Its just a shame that we're extinct       |\n   |  It all started when my sister winked....   |\n   |               -   +   -                     |\n   |The shop in Tribal Swamplands will sell you  |\n   |alcohol but they only take Darkhaven Express |-=+\n   +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+  |\n                           | Drop in Today!*        |\n                           +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+    \n                              *At your own risk!\n\n  For those 'adventurous' enough, the Lizardman Hometown, Tribal\n  Swamplands, is located all w, 2s, e, s, w, s, 2w, s, w, d, e\n  from Darkhaven Square.\n\n  The Khazad Nation's long period of isolation within the \n  protective Canyons of the Reach is falling away once more, \n  giving rise to something entirely different.\n \n  The beloved Athane Poli, newly come into authority, cares for \n  all life within these Realms without prejudice or judgement.  \n  She is a refreshing wind of change sweeing through the Canyons, \n  as rare and remarkable as the Gardens of Qetag.\n \n  The Ezbad Mbwana LifeWind fills the post of ambassador with \n  honor and distinction, and is always available to receive \n  delegates from the other peaceful nations of the Realms.\n \n  Dwarves who would like to help make the Nation great should \n  speak with the Athane Poli, Dashiva Silverlode who now Captains\n  the Royal Guard, the Head Scout Ryals Darkstone, or myself.\n \n  Dwarves wishing to share in the camaraderie of the Reach need \n  only go there.\n     Respectfully, \n        Yeroc DeLeis StarProfit, First of the Khazad Nation\n\n  Qetag's Reach is located all w, 2n, 2nw, d, e from DH []\n\n  The Elf Nation is one of the more active of the Nations in the \n  Realm. Right now we have one small plot and one major plot going \n  on. Both allow plenty of room for players that want to develop \n  strong character backgrounds to do what they wish in either. \n\n  For now the High Council positions are full, but there are some \n  Lower Council positions open plus the chance for any that wish \n  to join in the role playing. Right now the Elven Army is being\n  gathered, as is the Home Guard. There are a few other things I \n  am working on getting together for the Quendi Nation. \n\n  Other than the Army and Home Guard I will implement a branch for \n  magic users and seperate smaller branches of the Home Guard and\n  Army for rangers\/scouts. Each one has or will have its own High\n  Council member to go to for guidance or questions concerning \n  anything in character or out of character. It is also encouraged\n  for players to feel free to make their own plots. They can be\n  totally new or a subplot off of a current one. \n\n  For those wishing to get involved in the EN mudmail Asurmen\n  for a CoAQ (Coming of Age Quest). \n\n   - Vernese Elessendil, Tari of the Elven Nation\n\n  The Isle of Irrybis is located:\n  7n, w, 6n, w, n, w, 2nw, ne, d, s, all w from DH []\n\n  The Drow nation:\n  Our history is one filled with an endless cycle of destruction, \n  death, and rebirth. Our ways are simple - Abide by the \n  Quarvalsharess and you may live long enough to serve Her. We are \n  a matriarchal society because our females tend to be strongest \n  and because Lloth deems it so.  There are other religions to \n  follow but to do so is to bring about your own demise.\n\n  At this point in time the only thing needed to become involved \n  with the  Ilythiiri is an interest to do so. Becoming a member of\n  a house in another matter. There are eight noble houses in the \n  Drow nation: Ss'jelda, Char'us, Be'lal, Ri'phlith, Orthae Waess,\n  Usst'golhyrr, Veldrin'velve, and Ul'Ilindith. To join a noble \n  house you must speak directly with that houses Matron or in some \n  cases Patron. You can also join the army by speaking with General\n  Desidio. You may want become a merchant or rogue, both of which \n  require no authorization. This process is subject to change at \n  any time. \n\n  There are very few plots in motion right now but all \n  ideas are welcome. You may want to post a note about your idea \n  on   the Drow Nation note board located in the City of \n  Iniquity and have people vote on it as a way to sign up or show \n  interest.\n\n   May Shadows protect and guide you,\n     L'elamshin d'lil Ilythiiri zhah ulu har'luth jal\n \n  *sealed in midnight blue wax, stamped with the crest of the \n   Royal House*\n\n  The current leader of the Drow is Zyandra, and their hometown is\n  the City of Iniquity, located:\n  11n, w, 2n, w, n, w, 2nw, ne, d, n, open thicket, d, from DH [].\n\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Ask the CoE - by Kali, and Khaimran                      Classes\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n  Classes...\n  There will be a number of modfications to slists of the current \n  classes. I will leave the nature and specificity secret until \n  the port, though I imagine most classes will be pleased with the\n  changes.\n   \n  There will be one totally new class at the time of the port.  \n  The modifications to the Nephandi class are so total that I \n  would be tempted to mention them as a new class.  Any old spells\n  which did not function have been repaired or altered and new \n  spells\/skills have been added to give them a bit of a boost.\n  They have slightly better skills with weapons and at least one \n  means to compensate for their poor defensive skills.\n \n  The new class being added will not be Pirate, despite what a \n  number of people seem to think.  Arrrr.\n\n  Statrep and Score for Unauthed Chars...\n  The removal of score from Spectral Gates is not an issue of\n  advantage or disadvantage.  We are aware that people want good \n  base attributes for their characters and they will move heaven \n  and earth to get them.  However, having eighty clones running \n  around with names like Dannoandaxokononaka, Jizaziemen and \n  Jannoandaxokononakajizaziemen does something to spoil the\n  atmosphere of the Realms (Apologies to anyone who happens to \n  have those names, no personal offense intended).  While Realms \n  of Despair might not be as roleplay intense as some other muds, \n  we are also not as numerically fixated as some other muds.  We \n  strive to maintain a medium between the sheer enjoyment of hack\n  and slash while not forcing players to engage in roleplay, if \n  they do not find activity of that sort to their taste.  The \n  easiest way to maintain that medium is subtle manipulation of \n  the atmosphere.  Names which give goo attributes are only \n  minimally more difficult to get.  If you truly want them, it \n  just takes more time.\n\n  Oh, it also cuts down on the immortals seeing a ten letter name \n  twenty-six times with every letter of the alphabet tacked on to\n  the front in a ten second time span.\n\n  Orders..?\n  There have been two requests for new Orders raised in the past \n  few months, but we are not actively looking to add any new \n  Orders at the present time. This does not rule out these ]\n  applicants or any future ones, but we have not seen a \n  demonstrated need for any new Orders at this juncture.\n\n  The Shadowy Path...\n  The Pkill Conclave has recently had a few items passed involving\n  stock equipment and deadly only areas, but these goals will take\n  some time to implement.  New clans and clan equipment is likely\n  to accompany these additions.\n\n  RPing...\n  Role-play has always been, for lack of a better term, a \n  grassroots organization within Realms.  We have an active \n  roleplay community but our stance has always been very much that\n  roleplay is dependent on player initiative and receives only \n  minimal immortal support.  Having said that, I will contradict\n  myself and now mention that the hometowns have all received the\n  offer of cosmetic overhauls, as well as donation addition, which\n  is currently in the process of being completed by Moonbeam.  \n  Raltaris also does an excellent job of coordinating activities\n  for the Nations and being a liason between the mortal and \n  immortal communities.\n\n  Immortalicious!\n  Realms of Despair has a fantastic crew of immortals.  The number\n  of immortals we currently have is satisfactory for a mud of our \n  size.  Too many results in a lack of projects and immortals \n  becoming bored, idle or combative.  Too few results in a lack of\n  hands to deal with the day to day tasks of keeping the Realms \n  running in an orderly fashion.  As far as distribution goes, our \n  only concern would be that the rewards for immortals are few. \n  As much as we would like to promote deserving immortals, \n  sometimes we are unable to because we would end up with ten level\n  65 immortals.\n\n    The Cry of Despair would like to thank Kali for the time he\n    gave for this article, and that which he contributes to the\n    running of the MUD.\n\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Funny Bones - collected by Khaimran + Silverwind Who's + Where's\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n  Brewcrews have feelings too...\n  who ds\n  Betheny.                              I owe, I owe, it's. \n  Fredrico.        Brew you dogs!     (  off to brew I go . \n  Justtin.        \/                  )                \\   . \n  Leilani.       0  \/\\   0   o   O    (    O   o   0   0  . \n  Lizleani.     -+-\/  ) \/-  \/-  \/-         -\\  -\\  -\\  -\\ . \n  Wenalamik.     |      |   |   |     *     |   |   |   | . \n  Yardan.       \/ \\    \/ \\ \/ \\ \/ \\  \/***\\  \/ \\ \/ \\ \/ \\ \/ \\. \n  Zursanpikkis. _______________[Dawnbreaker]______________. \n\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n  The cast of The Princess Bride decided to make an appearance...\n  Players near you in Spectral Gate:\n  | Buttercup                    | Descending the Hillside\n  | Westley                      | Descending the Hillside\n  | Humpnerdink                  | A View of the Realms\n  | Vizzini                      | Through the Field\n  | Fezig                        | Through the Field\n  | Inigo                        | Descending the Hillside\n\n\n  Ienna: Bots can do it 24\/7 [BOT]. \n  Kirlett. A weekend not wasted is a wasted weekend. \n  Faradhi Sobriet-Treves, lord of the trance. \n  Shingo Your crops will be harvested. Pestilence is futile. \n  Llamvak screams his war cry... 'Snootchy nootchies'.\n  Tearn, stranger than a gang of drunken mimes. (\n  Nebka LifeBringer, \"Lag sucks, Then you die\" [AA]. \n  Einik isn't a slut, he's benevolent...\n  Wodko LifeBringer, professionally licensed hypocrite. \n \n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Poems - submitted by Faradhi                               Words\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n  Neglect, Part One\n \n  The thing began to whimper\n  It knew not where it lay\n  Made some noise but no one heard\n  Grew darker did the day\n \n  The thing began to shiver\n  So cold down on the floor\n  Made a move but no one watched\n  Grew darker than before\n   \n  The thing began to ponder\n  Out of sight, out of mind\n  Made a thought but no one knew\n  The darkness was a bind\n   \n  The thing began to struggle\n  In despair it cried\n  Made a try but no one helped\n  In the dark lay down and died\n\n\n  Neglect, Part Two\n \n  Another day was dawning\n  But the thing had changed\n  Died the death that wasn't\n  Free by day it ranged\n   \n  Made a noise and it was heard\n  Then moved and it was seen\n  Thought and it was known\n  Knew not what this could mean\n   \n  Tried to understand it\n  Could not really see\n  Someone came and helped it\n  Together they would be\n   \n  The thing no longer saddened\n  Knew now where it lay\n  And knew who lay beside it\n  Grew brighter did the day\n\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Drow Cookbook - by Tinani                                  Words\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n  Welcome to Cooking With The Drow an in-depth look at cool food \n  items that are fun to eat and taste great. The recipe below has \n  been translated from the common mud language to be of use in the\n  \"other\" place (shudder). Anyway, here is the ultimate recipe for\n  the original Peppermint Ambrosia (Milkshake).\n \n  What do you need?\n  1         Canopy Special          (Banana)\n  1\/2 cup   Moo Juice               (Milk)\n  2         Treasure Box            (Eggs)\n  4 scoops  Elisabet Melters        (Vanilla Ice-cream)\n  1 tsp     Imm Blossom Extract     (Vanilla Extract)\n  1\/2 tsp   Root Juice              (Peppermint Extract)\n  1         Wild Boar               (Blender)\n  1 to 4    Drinkcons               (Mugs)\n\n  * Add in your milk eggs and bananas into the blender and \n    liquefy them together.\n  * Add in the ice-cream (More ice-cream = thicker).\n  * Blend all lumps out.\n  * Add in the vanilla extract.\n  * To create the wonderful peppermint flavor add in the\n    peppermint extract (available at most bulk food stores,\n    and artificial extract will work just as well) and serve.\n  * This recipe is not unlike a candy cane and if desired \n    different extract flavors can be added instead of the \n    peppermint extract for a different flavor. To make this a \n    vanilla milkshake leave out the peppermint extract. This is\n    a wonderful drink that helps one relax.\n \n      - Tinani Blood'Drake, Killer of Small Bunnies\n\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n  Elisabet's Corner - by Elisabet                    E's Corner\n  ----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n  Greetings to all our of our faithful Cry of Despair readers!\n  I hope you are happy to see a large issue again, chock full of\n  exciting news and stories.  We will be having our bi-yearly\n  staff meeting soon and just wait and see what we come up with\n  then!! \n\n  Khaimran and all the staff have done a fabulous job this month,\n  and we truly hope you have enjoyed it. If you have any questions,\n  comments, concerns, suggestions, or anything you'd like to see\n  published in the upcoming issues of the Cry of Despair - please\n  post it on our public board located at e, s, 2u, s, w, s of \n  Darkhaven Square, or you may mudmail me personally.\n \n    Thanks and Merry Valentine's Day,\n          - Elisabet Evenstar-Atal\n<\/pre>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What would you do\/change if you were immortal? &#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;- Cry of Despair Issue 56, 02\/02 &#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;- | .JNNNN` .JNNNNNL NNNNNN. | In this month&#8217;s issue: JNNNNN) JNNNNNNNNL (NNNNNNN. | * Exclusive interviews, as JNN` JNN` NNN (NN. (NN)| Vladith catches up with (NN` (NN` NNF (NN` (NN`| the newest imm, Conran, (NN. (NN. JNN` NNF&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/full-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"class_list":["post-1840","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1840","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1840"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1840\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1851,"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1840\/revisions\/1851"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1840"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}