{"id":1965,"date":"2024-03-20T20:04:08","date_gmt":"2024-03-20T20:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=1965"},"modified":"2024-03-20T20:04:09","modified_gmt":"2024-03-20T20:04:09","slug":"cry-of-despair-138","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/cry-of-despair-138\/","title":{"rendered":"Cry of Despair #138"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Interview with Thoric: 15-year Reunion, Elven call to arms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n               _____\n   *          ( ____)           .    +          .\n        +     ( ____)\n   .          ( ____)                               *\n              ( ____)      +\n              ( ____)                      \n          .   ( ____)    +            .\n  +           ( ____)             ______ ______ ______   ______ ______\n    \/\\______\/|:_____:|\\______\/\\  |   (__   () |    | | |    ) |    __|\n   (( ======= ------- ======= )) |______)___|\\_\\___   | |______;___|\n    \\_________________________\/                |______|\n              |::|  |  ______ ______ _______ ______ ______ ___ ______\n Number 138   |::|  | |   _) \\  \\___|(_   (_   () |    . |   |   () |\n              |::|  | |______\/______|__)____)    __|____|_;___;___|\\_\\\n ------------ |::|  | --------------------- |___| --------------------\n [Editor]     |::|  | [Staff]\n Annale       |::|  |  Vache, Beleth, Malkatov, Annale, Vortok, Alessio\n              |::|  | \n [Printer]    |::|  | [Contributors]\n Falennt      |::|  |  \n              |::|  | \n              |::|  | [Imm Contributors]\n              |::|  | Romani, Thoric,\n ------------ |::|  | ------------------------------------------------\n\n See HELP CRY2 for the table of contents.\n\n2 \n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 2    \\\/    Table of Contents\n\n This Month's Special:\n   Interview with Thoric            - Annale          CRY3-6\n   Reunion Memories                 - Annale          CRY7\n\n Monthly Article     \n   Roleplaying with Fire\n      Character Archetypes          - Alessio         CRY8-13\n   Helpfile of the Month            - Annale          CRY14\n\n Nation News\n   Quendi (Elf)                     - Annale          CRY15       \n   Uruk'hai (Half-Ogre)             - Klaatu          CRY16-17\n   Khazad (Dwarves)                 - Stonheft        CRY18\n   Human                            - Yoshio          CRY19\n   Hobbit (Halfling)                -                 CRY20\n   Tyrrhenu (Gnome)                 -                 CRY21\n   Gralthai (Gith)                  -                 CRY22\n   Aerandiri (Sea-Elf)              - Ashanda         CRY23-24\n\n Order News\n   Order of Sanctus Irae            - Alessio         CRY25-27\n\n TS News                            - Akael           CRY28\n\n Quest News\n   May CoD Quest Results            - Annale          CRY29\n   July CoD Quest                   - Annale          CRY30\n\n Funny Bones\n   Funny Titles                     - Romani          CRY31\n   Funny Quotes                     - Romani          CRY32\n\n Announcements and Advertisements\n   Reunion 2009                       \n     RoD's 15th Year Reunion        - Thoric          CRY33-34\n   Happy canada Day!                                  CRY35\n   Happy Independence Day!                            CRY36\n\n  Cry of Despair Staff\n  Ask COE                                             CRY37\n  Wanted - DEAD!                                      CRY38\n  Letter from the Editor                              CRY39\n  Write for the Cry                                   CRY40\n  From Falennt's Inkwell                              CRY41\n\n\n3 \n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 3    \\\/    Interview with Thoric - Annale\n\nSo I managed to squeeze myself into Thoric's busy schedule to ask him a few\nquestions about the upcoming reunion.  Reminder: The reunion is July 30th to\nAugust 3rd, 2009.\n\nThoric> hi there :)\n\nAnnale> How are you :)\n\nThoric wonders 'good thanks :) and you?\n\nAnnale> 'Great!  Getting excited for this year's reunion\n\nThoric> Indeed :)\n Annale> Just to remind everyone, when and where is it being held this year?\n\nThoric> Trying to get some buzz going ;)\n Annale nods eagerly.\n Thoric> It's back at Bingeman's campground, as I was hoping to get a decent sized \ncrowd.  It is the fifteenth anniversary, which is quite an achievement I think.  \nIt's amazing how quickly the years go by.\n\nAnnale> I noticed this morning that RSVP's are open again on the website\n Thoric> That's right :)  A little later than I had hoped, but I really just need \nto get some solid numbers to plan accordingly.\n Annale nods solemnly.\n\nContinued... help CRY4\n\n4\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 4    \\\/    Interview with Thoric - Annale\n\nAnnale> The theme for the reunion this year is one of reflection.  What inspired \nthat theme, and what does it mean to the reunion?\n Thoric> Well, it goes hand in hand with the 15th anniversary theme -- crystal -- \nwhich represents clarity and reflection.  The lifespan of such a game of this may \nseem timeless, but it is almost becoming a historical relic technology-wise, and \nsuch I would like to reflect back and try to \"crystalize\" the good memories and \nexperiences everyone has before they all move away to MMORPGs, or just move on \nwith their lives and families.\n\nAnnale purses her lips and goes 'pffffffth!!!!!\n Annale> MMORPS... bah!\n There is only RoD. [Romani]\n Annale> There is so much more to RoD too.. the people, the diversity, stuff those \n'other' games just can't offer!\n Annale does her best to look utterly innocent.\n\nThoric> I suppose some people are holding out for the big 2-0 twentieth reunion, \nbut I really don't know how many of us old die-hards will be hanging around here \nin five years ;)\n Thoric grins evilly.\n Annale gasps as she realizes what Thoric did.\n Annale> You old die-hards aren't allowed to go anywhere :P\n Thoric grins evilly.\n Romani> We are heading into a new generation of people that are playing\n Thoric> I'm not planning to go to the dark side (WoW), I just know that many \nothers have ;)\n Romani> And with the economy some simply can't afford to play the pay\/play sites\n Romani> And many come back\n Annale agrees with Romani.\n Romani will shut up now.\n\nContinued... help CRY5\n\n5\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 5    \\\/    Interview with Thoric - Annale\n\nAnnale> So I was wondering if we could get a sneak peek into any activities that \nwe might be seeing at this year's reunion?\n\nThoric> Well, the quest council is supposed to be planning some exceptional \nreal-life quests this year (well beyond the scavenger hunts from previous years), \nbut I can't really release too many spoilers\n Annale goes ooOOooOOooOOoo.\n Annale> What about the auction? Might that be making a reappearance? (And will \nthe imms be up on the block again?)\n Thoric> I also heard rumours about special reunion eq\n Annale swoons in ecstasy.\n Thoric> We will most definately have a slave auction\n\nAnnale> Awesome!\n Annale> What about those of us who can't make it to the reunion this year? Will \nanything special be happening in the game as well?\n Thoric> the midway always coincides with reunion, so I certainly expect there to \nbe something special to honour our 15th anniversary\n Annale grins.\n Annale> Just going back to the theme for a moment.  I'm curious - what's one of \nyour favourite memories from past reunions?\n Thoric> (thinking)\n\nAnnale laughs.\n Annale nods solemnly.\n\nContinued... Help CRY6\n\n6\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 6    \\\/    Interview with Thoric - Annale\n\nThoric> I would have to say that the 10th Reunion Roddies were quite exceptional.  \nI hope that this year's reunion will at least be a reflection of the 10th.\n Annale> The 10th reunion was a lot of fun all around\n Annale> (also the first reunion I ever went to!)\n\nThoric> See, people who had a lot of fun at past reunions need to tell others of \nhow much fun they are ;)\n Annale> They really are a lot of fun.. It's really something else getting to meet \npeople face to face and hang out.  People I never would have spoken to in the game, \nI met at the reunion, and am still really close friends with\n Annale> I'm running short on time, so is there anything else you'd like to pass on?\n\nThoric> This reunion is particularly special.  I know that many of those who come, \nwill inevitably play a role (large or small) in forming a new era for Realms of \nDespair.  Once the old memories are crystalized,it will most certainly be time to \nform new ones, and new hopes and dreams for the future\n Annale> I just want to say thank you Thoric, for taking some time to discuss the \nupcoming reunion.  It'll be great!\n Thoric> My pleasure :)\n\n7\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 7    \\\/    Reunion Memories - Annale\n\nThe theme of this year's reunion is one of reflection and reminiscing upon\ndays of old.  With that thought in mind, the Cry of Despair would like you to\nsubmit to us your stories from days of old.\n \nWhat fond memories do you have of the game? What about a funny story or two? \nEver been to a reunion? Tell us about it!  We want your stories!  \n \nMudmail your memories to Annale, or post them on the CoD's public board located\ne, s, 3u, w from DH[] by July 25th, 2009.\n\n8\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 8    \\\/    Roleplaying with Fire - Alessio\n\n                               Roleplaying With\n                     :::::::::: ::::::::::: :::::::::  :::::::::: :::\n                    :+:            :+:     :+:    :+: :+:        :+:\n                   +:+            +:+     +:+    +:+ +:+        +:+\n                  :#::+::#       +#+     +#++:++#:  +#++:++#   +#+\n                 +#+            +#+     +#+    +#+ +#+        +#+\n                #+#            #+#     #+#    #+# #+#\n               ###        ########### ###    ### ########## ###\n                                +-+-+-+-+-+-+&D\n\n          Investigating Player Archetypes, Part Two: The Villains&D\n    In the last edition of Roleplaying With Fire, I suggested that every\n  great story requires a number of elements, and that one of those elements\n  must always be an engaging, exciting, or relatable hero. I walked all of\n  you, my readers, through a number of heroic archetypes commonly used in\n  fiction and roleplay.\n    This month, we are going to explore another important ingredient to all\n  of the finest stories ever written: the villain. Throughout the body of\n  this article, I will dissect a number of villainous archetypes, offer\n  advice about how you could play one of those archetypes in the context\n  of the Realms of Despair, and sum-up each archetype with a brief list\n  of suggestions about how you can mix things up with each of the given\n  archetypes.\n    While this guide may not be informative to the more well-read or\n\nContinued... Help CRY9\n\n9\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 9    \\\/    Roleplaying with Fire - Alessio\n\n  experienced players amongst my readership, it could serve as a\n  powerful reference for newcomers to RoD RP, and a good refresher\n  for the rest of you.\n    Let's begin.\n \n                                 The Tyrant&D\n    The ruthless King, the crooked sergeant-at-arms, the malevolent\n  priest: these are all examples of the tyrant archetype.\n    Traditionally an individual with a great degree of either wealth\n  or power, the tyrant is an evil man with the authority to enslave,\n  abuse, or otherwise mistreat a large number of presumably helpless\n  or, in the very least, hapless individuals.\n    The trademarks of this archetype are a noble appearance, an\n  overwhelming ego, and a blatant disrespect for life. Tyrants commonly\n  regard peasants (or other lower-class citizens) as tools to be used\n  and cast away.\n    A tyrant will do anything within his power to assure that he\n  or she is not overthrown. This commonly translates into the tyrant\n  having a large fortress in which to dwell, and often a large body of\n  guards whose loyalty may or may not be questionable.\n    In the Realms of Despair, tyrants most commonly emerge as the\n  leader of a powerful group; Nations are a great platform from which\n  the archetype could be launched.\n    Perhaps the finest way to mix the archetype up a little and to&D\n\nContinued... Help CRY10\n\n10\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 10   \\\/    Roleplaying with Fire - Alessio\n\n  keep it fresh would be to explore the background of the tyrant.\n    What motivates the character? What happened in his or her past\n  that encourages their behaviour? Sometimes the only way to add a\n  unique touch to an archetype is to explore the history of the\n  individual character which embodies it; this, most likely, is one\n  of those times.&D\n \n                                The Vagabond&D\n    Though not every vagabond is a villain (heroic examples could\n  include Robin Locksley), many of them are seen as such. Keep in mind\n  that what is heroic and what is not is all a matter of perception;\n  therefore, it lies on the shoulders of the individual player to\n  establish, through character interaction, which side of the coin\n  he or she resides upon.\n    The Vagabond most commonly takes the form of a simple thief,\n  pickpocket, or other such individual. On rare occasions the player\n  may take the route of the assassin, though this results in a\n  greater degree of difficulty -- especially in non-urban settings\n  -- to explain the reason why the character makes any sort of\n  appearance whatsoever (aside from, obviously, delivering on or\n  arranging a new contract).\n    The trademarks of this personality are abruptness, quick-thinking,\n  and a lack of civilized manners. As Vagabonds are commonly seen by\n  many as outcasts, they have little need to be polite; this makes them\n\nContinued... Help CRY11\n\n11\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 11   \\\/    Roleplaying with Fire - Alessio\n\n  gruff at the best of times, and outright crude at the worst.\n    To mix up your vagabond, perhaps consider one of two commonly\n  explored options: add some sympathetic traits or reasons to\n  empathize with the vagabond, or put him (or her) at the head of\n  a group of likeminded individuals and explore the character\n  dynamic.\n    Another option would be to explore your vagabond's morality.\n  Perhaps have him (or her) commit a number of atrocious acts and\n  then indulge your fellow players with an exploration into why\n  he (or she) does these things. Alternatively, a code of honor\n  could make for a very intriguing feature for a vagabond; consider\n  the 'honor amongst thieves' angle.\n \n                                  The Thug&D\n    A dullard with a large weapon, a big build, or simply a higher\n  degree of ability than the common citizen, the thug uses his own,\n  personal strengths for evil. He is commonly seen harassing the citizens\n  of a small town, the clergy of a local temple, or the hapless\n  owners of a large family farm. He may also be found in the employ\n  of a ruthless tyrant or vagabond (see the above profiles).\n    In general, thugs steer clear of large urban centers unless in the\n  company of other villains. This is because their type of villainy\n  is not effective against large groups of heavily-armored foes (the\n  city guard, for example).\n\nContinued... Help CRY12\n\n12\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 12   \\\/    Roleplaying with Fire - Alessio\n\n    Trademarks of the persona: brute strength, crude demeanour,\n  and a willingness to carry out the orders of another, often bigger,\n  bad guy. The Thug's personal appearance is variable, but commonly\n  they have some sort of physical defect; a scar, for instance.\n    To intrigue other players, perhaps explore the origin of that\n  scar. How did your particular thug get it? The thug could also\n  be used for comic relief. For an example, see Jayne Cobb in the\n  science-fiction television series Firefly.\n\n                               The Anarchist&D\n    Because government establishments are commonly associated\n  with law and order, anarchists are commonly seen as bad guys. These\n  are the most relentless of rebels, who would willingly sacrifice not\n  only themselves, but everybody else in their way, to achieve their\n  ultimate goal: the deposition of the ruling power, and the creation\n  of utter chaos.\n    Nephandi make great anarchists, as anarchy is in their very nature.\n  They seek to undo existence at its very core, and they have the power\n  to do so. \n    To further diversify your anarchist from others, perhaps explore his\n  or her sanity or lack thereof. Exploring what motivates your character\n  is a great way to add your own signature touch to it. Just take care to\n  avoid overdoing it or falling completely into the realm of cliche and\n  you should do okay.\n\nContinued... Help CRY13\n\n13\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 13   \\\/    Roleplaying with Fire - Alessio\n\n                                 Conclusion&D\n    Remember that we are in control of our characters; as such, you should\n  only ever take your character where you are comfortable taking it. That\n  said, introspection often makes for a good roleplay sequence, and with\n  the right players you could start a small story arc to explore your\n  character's past.\n    Also remember that, while villains should always be interesting, the\n  goal is to keep them realistic and keep the bulk of the attention on the\n  hero. It doesn't hurt to have relatable villains (television executives\n  have been doing that for some time), but to make every villain a shade of\n  grey could get annoying. Sometimes a villain with a soul as dark as night\n  is exactly what the doctor orders.\n    Until next month, thanks for reading. I hope you've enjoyed it as much\n  as I enjoyed writing it.                                   \n                                                               --Jun. 2009\n\n                             +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+\n  Alessio di Rossetti is the leader of Sanctus Irae and has led the Nation\n  of the Rukhas'dul for over a half-decade under various names. He is an\n  avid fan and supporter of Realms of Despair roleplay, and is constantly\n  seeking new and old faces with which to play. If you've an interest in\n  roleplaying on RoD, or have any questions or comments about this or other\n  Roleplaying With Fire articles, feel free to contact him by tell or\n  by MUDmail!\n\n14\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 14   \\\/    Helpfile of the Month - Annale\n\nhelp central processing\n\nThis bureaucratic organization handles the filing and processing of all forms\nand bureaucratic queries.  Once you have been placed in the queue, any tells\nsent will remove you from the queue until an immortal puts you back in line.\n\n\n15\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 15   \\\/    Quendi Nation News - Annale\n\nCalled to Arms!\n\nWhile no official word has been released, it is fairly easy to see that the \nElven army has been called to arms.  Several mages from the Circle of Magi have\nalso accompanied the army.  Where the army is going is unclear, although they last\nmade camp with the Pixie Army somewhere in the Green Forest.\n\nPause in Construction\n\nWith much of Arborlon's resources dedicated elsewhere for the Free Peoples, the\nconstruction of their naval fleet has slowed.  The patrols of the waters have not\nceased, although no new vessels have been seen around the Island.\n\nOOC - Elf-only Quest!\n\nThe date for the next Elf-Only quest has not yet been set, because of busy summer\nschedules.  Keep an eye on the noteboards in the Archive Hall, at Tagetarle, and in\nthe Elf hometown of Arborlon for more information about when the next quest will be\nheld.  Thanks!\n\n16\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 16   \\\/    Uruk'hai Nation News - Klaatu\n\nFrom the Opallinoc News Bureau:\n \nDateline Opallinoc - Gripes and Groans of the Free Peoples\nThe Uruk'hai High Council has been meeting continually for weeks. Testimony\nhas been heard from a number of notable leaders and that of the common citizen.\nThe High Council has tried to appease the populace and has eased back on some\nof the restritive measures taken in support of the Pixie Free Peoples. The\nfact remains that there has been no word from Vermicio or any other emmissary\nof the Free Peoples. \n \nDateline Dunhill Demesnes - The Pixie Colony\nA group of traders reports that the Pixie Colony in Dunhill Demesnes is\nsparsely supplied and many of the colonist have left. Many of the shops are\nabandoned and stripped of everything, even the tacks on the walls. Traders are \nare now heading to Solace to acquire their goods and supplies\n \nDateline Opallinoc - Summer Solstice Fest\nEven under the strains of the Free Peoples, the Uruk'hai take time to celebrate\nthe Summer Solstice. Food, drink, tales of glorious Uruk'hai deeds and doing\ntime honored rituals of passage took place around the Great Bonfire. The usual\nlost and found of weapons, jewelry and teeth is with Recksne. Please be sure\nto recover your property or it will be sold to benefit the widows and orphans.\n\n17\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 17   \\\/    Uruk'hai Nation News - Klaatu\n\nSpecial Reports from the Opallinoc News Bureau:\n \nDateline Opallinoc - Uruk'hai High Council Acts\nThe High Council of the Uruk'hai has sent formal word to the Free Peoples that\nit can no longer maintain it armies in readiness for long periods. The Council\nwants a personal visit from Vermcio to discuss the issues and questions it has.\n \nDateline Opallinoc - Klaatu Speaks Out\nKlaatu the Benevolent, chieftain of the Uruk'hai, stood before the High Council\nand told of his dissatisfaction with Vermicio and the Free Peoples. He ended\nwith, \"Through strength and courage we stand victorious over our enemies.\"\n \nDateline Dunhill Demesnes - Pixie Colony Overrun\nOn direct orders from Klaatu the Benevolent, Volstagg the Catacomb Dweller,\nled the Bear, Wolf and Eagle septs into the Dunhill Pixie Colony. The fight\nwas swiftly over with minimal losses to the Uruk'hai force. Defensive works\nare being hastily constructed. The Uruk'hai mean to stay at all costs.\n \nDateline Opallinoc - a Message to Vermicio from  Klaatu\nA note has been sent to Vermicio, leader of the Free Peoples via courier.\nThe note concerns the status of the Uruk'hai and the Free Peoples.\nTo Vermicio, Pixie King, leader of the Free Peoples\nNuts\nKlaatu the Benevolent, Chieftain of the Uruk'hai\n\n18\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 18   \\\/    Khazad Nation News - Stoneheft\n\nSome say \"No news is good news\", but not I.\n\nI believe that \"No good news\" is definitely \"bad news\" and that \"no bad \nnews\" just indicates a break in the communication structure. Everything's\nbeen a little too quiet. The only news to report is that there is more\ngoing on than meets the eye.\n\nI have not heard reports from our soldiers abroad fighting in Juargan's\nKingdom. I can only fear that \"no news\" from foreign wars can only mean\nbad news.\n\nI will be visiting the king of our brother kingdom in the coming weeks\nto determine if and how I might offer assistance.\n \nStoneheft Gemstone\n\n19\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 19   \\\/    Human Nation News - Yoshio\n\nMore rumors circle through the Keep about the Regent taking many mistresses\nand doing a poor job with ruling. Large numbers of soldiers still patrol the\ngrounds while the citizens still sit in their homes.  And still there was no \nbattle against the pixies.\n \nSomething foul hung in the air. Everyone could feel it, smell it, taste it.\nRegent Yoshio isn't the man he used to be. Most recently a heavily armed woman \noften seen entering and exiting the Regent's chambers, rumored by the chambermaids \nto be the Regent's new toy. Those rumors, however, have not been confirmed and \nshould be dismissed - the chambermaids aren't known for the most reliable\ninformation.\n \nMore and more humans about the keep have been praying to a little known\ngoddess. Some humans, however, still refuse to convert to the new religion,\nviewing it as nothing more than a cult devoted to a false deity.\n\n20\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 20   \\\/    Hobbit News - \n\n\n21\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 21   \\\/    Tyrrhenu News -  \n\n\n\n22\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 22   \\\/    Gralthai News - \n\n\n23\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 23   \\\/    Aerandiri News - Ashandra\n\nThe Aerandiri have been busy since our last article.\n \nFirst let me send a formal greetings and congratulations to our new council\nmembers. Our new General, Galetore has been playing from a distance for some\ntime now, and we look foreward to having him as an active part of our\ncommunity.\n \nI would also like to welcome back an old friend. A very very old friend, so\nold his blood is solid. Welcome back Gendalf as our Ambassador. He had the job\nsince before I was even playing, and even has some experience as Speaker from\nwhat I hear. It will be good to have someone to learn from in the future.\n \nAlso, we have a new mysterious stranger in our waters, recently pulled from\nthe depths after being savagely beaten. Dyson remains engimatic, but I'm sure\nwith the tender ministrations of our finest healers he will recover soon. Make\nsure you visit him and offer him your good intentions. I'm sure he could use a\nfriend.\n \nWe also have anew little rascal swimming about the town, making a nuisance of\nherself. If you happen to meet a young girl by the name of Valendra, steer\nclear. The Deamon Child wants your soul.\n\nContinued...help CRY24\n\n24\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 24   \\\/    Aerandiri News - Ashandra\n\nThe Aerandiri are in short supply of trading partners on the surface,\nunwilling to trade with the Free People until a meeting can be arranged that\nwill not involve bloodshed. Despite this, Mathlaan has sent a large fleet to\nits only major trading partner on the surface, Irae. The purpose of the ships\nis unknown, the speaker only stating that the ships, and the large army\ncontained within were to deal with a threat that \"the locals have proved to be\nincapable of dealing with properly.\" With the ships went the Ulema and the\nTreste. How Mathlaan will fare without any of its leaders around remains to be\nseen.\n \nTo add yet more strange behavior abord the ship, the Speaker seems to have\nvanished after a young stow away was found aboard. The stowaway herself seems\nto have fled the ship, leaving no one with any idea of what is happening, and\nfew enlightened as to what to do once the ships reach harbor.\n \n \nAlso, starting soon is a series of short one time adventures called \"The\nExpendables\" a sometimes dark, sometimes comic, and hopefully always\nentertaining monthly session modeled after table top games, taking place in\nthe sometimes dangerous world of Aerandiri discreet operations. More info can\nbe found by Tage. Spots are limitted, so please MUDmail to get your positions\nearly.\n\n25\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 25   \\\/    Order of Sanctus Irae - Alessio\n\n The Sanctus Irae                                                 \n   ***   *** *********  ********    *******  ***       *******    \n   ***   *** *********  *********  ********  ***       ********   \n   ***   *** ***        ***   ***  ***  ***  ***       ***   ***  \n   ********* ******     ***  ***   ***  ***  ***       ***    **  \n   ********* ******     *******    ********  ***       ***    **  \n   ***   *** ***        ***  ***   ********  ***       ***   ***  \n   ***   *** *********  ***   ***  ***  ***  ********  ********   \n   ***   *** *********  ***   ***  ***  ***  ********  *******&D    \n================================================================\n      First Edition             -------            Volume Two\n  ================================================================&D\n \n  Shipwright Completes Irae's New Flagship \n    In an enterprising bid to seize control of trade ways along the\n  Azure Sea between the City of Lions and the Ocean Keep, Marquis\n  Alessio di Rossetti and Harbormaster Eashavir Sidhe commissioned\n  the construction of a new fleet.\n    Latest reports have confirmed that the first of the new fleet,\n  recognized by size as Sanctus Irae's flagship and tentatively\n  named \"The Lion's Maw\" has been completed and is sailing patrols\n  in the waters immediately outside of the Iraenian Harbor.\n    Though it is hard to say when the rest of the ten-ship fleet\n  will be completed, at least half of the ships are expected to be\n  complete within six months.\n\nContinued... help CRY26\n\n26\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 26   \\\/    Order of Sanctus Irae - Alessio\n\n  Sea-elven Fleet Enters Iraenian Waters&D\n    Pursuing the story first explored in the Herald's first volume,\n  this reporter has discovered that the assault on an Aerandir diplomat\n  may not go unanswered.\n    The arrival of five sea-elven vessels, the size and shape of which\n  suggests their true purpose as warships, has set a number of citizens\n  on high alert.\n    Though the crew of these vessels contends that this is a mission of\n  peace and that no attack is intended, tensions are expected to run high\n  as the nation seeks to find the man accountable for the near-murder of\n  one of their representatives.\n \n  Newly Arrived Bishop Recalled from Irae&D\n    Bishop Abner Kondeh, arrived in the City of Lions fewer than three\n  months ago, has been recalled already. Rumor on the streets of Irae\n  suggest that he had been involved in some questionable dealings with\n  a number of individuals in New Darkhaven prior to his departure for\n  the city, though this has not been confirmed.\n \n  Newcomers Welcomed&D\n    The City of Lions wishes to express our welcome to our newest citizens,\n  Bertushanon Dublas and Krysteva Monroe! May you find many opportunities,\n  friends, and rivalries within the city's gates!\n\n27\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 27   \\\/    Order of Sanctus Irae - Alessio \n\n  OOC: Want to Join Irae?&D\n    The Order of Sanctus Irae is the only hardcoded organization on the\n  Realms of Despair with a strictly RP-oriented mandate. Comprised of many\n  different players and their character creations, the Iraenian cityscape\n  is an excellent venue in which to let your imagination run wild. If you\n  wish to explore the world of roleplay on the Realms of Despair, and are\n  looking for a friendly and experienced group of individuals with whom to\n  explore that world, look no further! Contact any member of the Weavers of\n  Illusion (look for WoI in any member's title) or an Order Leader and\n  apply today!\n\n28\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 28   \\\/    TS News - Akael\n\nFAILED by CoE \n- Remake Character - Conflicts with other plans in works\n- Elemental Enhancement - Conflicts with other potential plans in works, \n           potentially very overpowered and difficult to track\n- Ranger Snare Modification - I think this would be far too lethal in pkill.  \n           Even if it's just no fleeing for two rounds.  I also don't \n           understand how you \"target\" a snare in pvp.  Does any pkill PC \n           who enters set off the snare?  Would you be nailing allies?  I \n           see this as problematic.\n \nPASSED by CoE\n- Druids \"Elemental Affinity\" (part one only).\n           We may consider part 2 in the future, but not at this juncture\n           due to other projects.\n\n29\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 29   \\\/    May Quest Results - Annale\n\nThanks to those who participated in last month's quest!\n\nOur winner, with all the correct answers is: Iohannis!\nCongratulations on being the only person to submit all 15 correct answers!\n\nOur Runner up, with 13 correct answers is: Petrograd!\n\nPlease contact Falennt for your prizes.\n\nAnd for those who are intereted, the correct answers were:\n1. a vine of morning glory\n2. a pink begonia\n3. a bouquet of pink and white roses\n4. a sprig of lily-of-the-valley\n5. a yellow water lily\n6. babies breath\n7. a couple lady slippers\n8. a prairie feather flower\n9. a marsh marigold flower\n10. a purple eye flower\n11. a purple crocus\n12. a cluster of buttercups\n13.a few blue asters\n14. a handful of daisies\n15. a dew covered rose\n\n30\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 30   \\\/    July CoD - Annale\n\nThis month's quest is brought to you by the letter C! Literally.\n\nSearch the realms for mobs whose names begin with the letter C.  List them in\na mudmail and mudmail them to Annale by July 25th!  The 3 people with the most\nmobs listed win!\n\nGood luck!\n\nPlease note: Duplicate mobs will not count.\n\n31\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 31   \\\/    Funny Titles - Romani\n\nPerky!          Gonnil the Perky perks right up! (Deity of Catarrh)\n\nFalennt Sarien has a prosthetic tongue and knows how to use it. (Arcanes) \n[Quest Council]\n\nKloey wonders, 'Did you forget your helmet again?'[IT-L] \n\nMemphisto. Diviner of Catastrophe. (Ringbearers)\n\nMatanza isn't afraid of shoes anymore. \n\nAylinds: Side FX may include eyesplosion and brainwhistle.\n\nPrincess        Akael takes a Canadian nap on your soul. [Advisor to Guilds] \n(Deity of Arcanes) [Head of The Symposium]\n\n32\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 32   \\\/    Funny Quotes - Romani \n\nThesius: I duped my thief's eq pretty good about 6 months ago.. supp'd\ncorpse, looted and the mud crashed during loot.. Kali ate it all except my \n'Fuzzy Pink Underwear' which he sac'd instead :(\n\n\n33\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 33   \\\/    15th Annual Reunion - Thoric\n\nMerry tidings to all of the Realms!\n \nThe time of our annual Faire approaches, and this year we shall be celebrating\nfifteen years since the Realms of Despair first opened its gates to everyone!\n \nThis is to be a very special celebration -- one which we hope that everyone\nwho has always wanted to come to a reunion will be able to join us along with\neveryone who has ever attended in years past.\n \nThe theme of this year's reunion will be one of reflection... reminiscing back\non all the days of old and the history of the Realms of Despair, as well as\npast reunions.  We encourage each and everyone to submit their favourite tales\nand personal accounts of yesteryear.\n \nAs always, but especially this year, we need to assemble a committee to assist\nwith planning this year's festivities.  Please don't hesitate to contact me:\n \n-Thoric (thoric@realmsofdespair.com)\n\nThe Reunion note board is located in Darkhaven (3w of DH[])\n\n\n34\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 34   \\\/    15th Annual Reunion - Thoric \n\n         R  E  A  L  M  S     O F     D  E  S  P  A  I  R\n             F I F T E E N T H   A N N I V E R S A R Y\n                      ____   ______ __   __    \n                     |_   | |    __|  |_|  |--.\n                      _|  |_|__    |   _|     |\n                     |______|______|____|__|__|\n      ______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ \n     |   __ \\    ___|   |   |    |  |_     _|       |    |  |\n     |      <    ___|   |   |       |_|   |_|   -   |       |\n     |___|__|_______|_______|__|____|_______|_______|__|____|\n\n                           Reunion 2009\n        FIFTEEN YEARS OF ROD == FIFTEEN YEARS OF ROD\n\nJoin us on the weekend of July 30th through August 3rd at Bingeman's\nin Kitchener, Ontario, Canada to celebrate the history, the fun and\nthe merriment of Fifteen Years of the Realms of Despair!  There will\nbe good times to be had by one and all!  Try not to miss it!\n\nThe _one_ to come to!  This party will be like no other!  Save your\npennies and book off a day or two.  This event is not to be missed!\n \nFeel free to read the Reunion Note Board located 3 west, south of DH[]\n\nIf you know you are coming, please RSVP!  http:\/\/www.realmsreunion.com\/rsvp.php\nAlso see the Facebook event: http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/event.php?eid=119771800572\n\nSee also: Help Reunion Hotels, Help Reunion Committee\n          Help Reunion Directions, Help Reunion Events, Help Reunion Travel,\n          Help Reunion Camping, Help Reunion Auction, Help Reunion Donations.\n\n35\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 35   \\\/    Happy Canada Day! \n\n _              July 1st                                                   \n(_)                                                              \n |______________________________________                         \n |&&&&&&&                        &&&&&&&|                \n |&&&&&&&                        &&&&&&&|                     \n |&&&&&&&                        &&&&&&&|                  __               \n |&&&&&&&         .\\^\/.          &&&&&&&||__| _  _  _     \/   _  _  _  _| _ \n |&&&&&&&       . |&&&| .        &&&&&&&||  |(_||_)|_)\\\/  \\__(_|| )(_|(_|(_|\n |&&&&&&&       |\\|&&&|\/|        &&&&&&&|       |  |  \/                     \n |&&&&&&&    .--'&&&&&&&'--.     &&&&&&&|              __                                                    \n |&&&&&&&     \\&&&&&&&&&&&\/      &&&&&&&|             |  \\ _                                                 \n |&&&&&&&      >&&&&&&&&&<       &&&&&&&|             |__\/(_|\\\/                                              \n |&&&&&&&     '~|\/~~|~~\\|~'      &&&&&&&|                    \/                                              \n |&&&&&&&           |            &&&&&&&|                        \n |&&&&&&&                        &&&&&&&|                        \n |&&&&&&&                        &&&&&&&|                        \n |&&&&&&&________________________&&JGS&&|                        \n |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  \n\n\n36\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 36   \\\/    Happy Independence Day! \n\n\n _\n(_)\n |_________________________________________\n |*  *  *  *  * |##########################|\n | *  *  *  *  *|##########################|\n |*  *  *  *  * |##########################|\n | *  *  *  *  *|##########################|\n |*  *  *  *  * |##########################|\n | *  *  *  *  *|##########################|\n |*  *  *  *  * |##########################|\n |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~##########################|\n |#########################################|\n |#########################################|\n |#########################################|\n |#########################################|\n |###################################JGS###|\n |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\n |\n |                                                 __       \n ||__| _  _  _     | _  _| _ _  _ _  _| _ _  _ _  |  \\ _    \n ||  |(_||_)|_)\\\/  || )(_|(-|_)(-| )(_|(-| )(_(-  |__\/(_|\\\/ \n |       |  |  \/            |                            \/  \n |\n |\n\n37\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 37   \\\/    Ask CoE! \n\nTHE CRY OF DESPAIR IS PROUD TO HOST\n           ###     ######  ##    ##     ######   #######  ########\n          ## ##   ##    ## ##   ##     ##    ## ##     ## ##\n         ##   ##  ##       ##  ##      ##       ##     ## ##\n        ##     ## ######   #####       ##       ##     ## ######\n        #########       ## ##  ##      ##       ##     ## ##\n        ##     ## ##    ## ##   ##     ##    ## ##     ## ##\n        ##     ##  ######  ##    ##     ######   #######  ######## \n\n  If you had a chance to ask the Council of Elders something about\n  gameplay, what would you ask?\n  Do you want to know when we are going to have pasta somewhere?\n  Do you want to know why thief mobs only keep a percentage of what\n  they steal?\n  Or do you want to know something else?! If so, mudmail Falennt or Linda with\n  your questions today! \n\n See HELP MUDMAIL for information on how to write a note and mail it.\n\n38\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 38   \\\/    Wanted - DEAD \n   _________________________________________\n0=(_________________________________________)=0\n  |                      ___  __  _        \/\n   |    |   |  \/\\  |\\  |  |  |   | \\      |    \n   |    | x | :__: | \\ |  |  |-  |  ;     |     The CoD Staff\n   |    |\/ \\| |  | |  \\|  |  |__ |_\/      |     invites any deadly\n   |                                      |     to post a bounty on\n   |    \/\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\\      |     another deadly.\n   |    |     :   ,''\"((\") |       |      |    \n   |    |     |  \/         |       |      |     You set the bounty\n   |    |     ,-: .*\"    \"*;       |      |     and the number of \n   |    |     ;    (o)  (o)|       |      |     bounties you are\n   |    |     `-.      ,   |       |      |     prepared to pay and\n   |    |       :     ___  '       |      |     Falennt    \n   |    |       |`.   -   \/        |      |     can collect the  \n   |    |     _.:  `-.__.'         |      |     skived skin of your \n   |    | ,-\"'\"  `-.__.-''*-._     |      |     target from bounty \n   |    .-----------DEAD-----------.      |     hunters. You may also\n   |    _   __              _   _         |     share your reasons\n   |   | \\ |   |   |   \/\\  | \\ | \\        |     for wanting the target\n   |   |_\/ |-  | x |  :__: |_\/ |  ;       |     dead.\n   |   | \\ |__ |\/ \\|  |  | | \\ |_\/        |     The cost of this\n   |______________________________________|     service is 1 million\n0=(________________________________________)=0  gold coins. The Cry of\n                                                Despair may also award\n                                                successful bounty hunters\n                                                with additional gold!\n(Thank you Romani for the Ascii art) \n\n39\n\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 39   \\\/    Letter from the Editor \n\nHappy Canada Day!!\n\nAnd for all you Americans....\nHappy Independence Day!!\n\nAnd for everyone else!\nHappy Day!\n\nAs you can see, lots of celebrating going on.  And RoD is among the celebrants!\nDon't forget that the reunion is coming up at the end of this month and it looks\nlike it is going to be phenomenal!  If you haven't already, take a read of Cry 3-6,\nThoric gave the Cry of Despair a little sneak peek into what we might be seeing\nat the upcoming reunion!\n\nWell, thanks for reading!  And if you're interested in writing for the CoD, or if\nyou have some article suggestions, stories, anything, please, feel free to send me a\ntell!\n\nThanks for reading,\nAnnale Firestorm  \n\n40\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 40   \\\/    Write for the Cry! \n\nWrite for the Cry!\n\nCurrently the Immortal Sponsors are looking for more and more writers.\nIf you are interested then please write a short note saying why you would like \nthe position.  Please include your normal online times so that the immortals \ncan interview you. \n\nWe also welcome freelance editors. Do contact Falennt or Annale for more \ninformation.\n\nWe are also looking for more staff writers and freelancers. If you would \nlike to earn some income through writing just about anything, feel free to \nspeak with Falennt regarding your interest.\n\nOur Current Payment Rates\n\nEditor-in-Chief : 60 million gold per issue edited\nStaff Writers   : 4 million gold per page submitted.\n\nRegular freelancers  : 3 million gold per page submitted.\nOrganization Writers : 2 million gold per page submitted.\n\nThe Cry of Despair welcome all newbie and avatar writers alike. If your passion\nis writing, do contact Falennt through mudmail or a tell.\n\nThank you in advance for your interest. \n\n<\/pre>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Interview with Thoric: 15-year Reunion, Elven call to arms _____ * ( ____) . + . + ( ____) . ( ____) * ( ____) + ( ____) . ( ____) + . + ( ____) ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ \/\\______\/|:_____:|\\______\/\\ | (__ () | | | | ) | __| (( ======= ——-…<\/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-1965","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1965","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=1965"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1965\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1992,"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1965\/revisions\/1992"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1965"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}