{"id":1970,"date":"2024-03-20T19:38:02","date_gmt":"2024-03-20T19:38:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=1970"},"modified":"2024-03-20T19:38:02","modified_gmt":"2024-03-20T19:38:02","slug":"cry-of-despair-131","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/cry-of-despair-131\/","title":{"rendered":"Cry of Despair #131"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color\">Anatomy of a Roleplay Scene and Realms 101 &#8211; Mapping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"cryofdespair\">\n _________________________\n\/ Issue 131 - October 2008   \\________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\n   Roleplaying with Fire - Oct 2008  - Alessio          Help CRY2  to CRY8 \n   Realms of Despair 101 - Mapping   - Juliana          Help CRY9  to CRY12\n   Ask Imm Responses                                    Help CRY13\n\n   Guild News\n     Guild of Clerics                - Indira           Help CRY14 to CRY15\n\n   Clan News\n     Maleficae                       - Menta            Help CRY16\n\n   Nation News\n     Quendi                          - Annale           Help CRY17\n     Uruk'hai                        - Klaatu           Help CRY18\n     Elohai                          - Stela            Help CRY19\n     Ilythiiri                       - Alzeria          Help CRY20\n     Tyrrhenu                        - Farlina          Help CRY21\n\n   TS News                           - Akael            Help CRY22\n\n   Quest News\n     September CoD Quest Results     - Linda            Help CRY23\n     November  CoD Quest             - Siporta          Help CRY24\n\n   Fun and Games\n     Funnies                         - Romani           Help CRY25\n\n   Announcements and Advertisements\n     Org Website Contest             - Romani           Help CRY26\n     13 Days of Hallowe'en           - Annale           Help CRY27\n     Cry of Despair                                     Help CRY28\n     Ask COE                                            Help CRY29\n     Wanted - DEAD                                      Help CRY30\n\n   Letter from the Editor                               Help CRY31\n   A Note from Linda                                    Help CRY32\n   From Falennt's Inkwell                               Help CRY33\n                                                                      Page: 001\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n********************************************************************************************\n2\n\n _________________\n\/ Roleplaying with Fire  Oct. 2008 - Alessio \\________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n[ 18] Alessio: Roleplaying With Fire, October Edition (I)\n                              Roleplaying With\n                    @@@@@@@@ @@@ @@@@@@@  @@@@@@@@  @@@\n                    @@!      @@! @@!  @@@ @@!       @@@\n                    @!!!:!   !!@ @!@!!@!  @!!!:!    !@!\n                    !!:      !!: !!: :!!  !!: \n                     :       :    :   : : : :: :::  :.: \n                |=========================================|\n \n                Volume Two: The Anatomy of a Roleplay Scene\n \n  If one were to list the greatest complications for any newcomer to the\nRealms of Despair roleplaying community, it is highly likely that 'completing\nmy first session' would easily break the top five.\n  Reasoning for such a response would vary, no doubt. For some players,\nthe greatest challenge to overcome with regards to the first 'scene' is\nfinding his or her scene partner(s). Others may contend that getting\naccustomed to the actual playing of their character was the hardest part.\n  In this edition of Roleplaying With Fire, I intend to address these\nchallenges (in the very least, the most prominent of them), by explaining\nin detail the definition, purpose, and structure of a scene, as well as\nthe generally accepted guidelines (or rules, if you will) which are held\nas law by the community at large.\n  Perhaps more so than the first issue, older players may find that this\narticle is filled with information that they already knew and understood.\nI would encourage all to read, nonetheless, as there could very well be\na rule that is commonly forgotten, or a technique that has slipped the\nmind of our most seasoned players over time.\n  In advance, thank you for your time, and I hope you find some use in\nwhat is contained within!\n(Cont)                                                                Page: 002\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n3\n\n _________________\n\/ Roleplaying with Fire  Oct. 2008 - Alessio \\________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n \n                       Section I: Definition and Purpose\n \n  A roleplaying 'scene' could be described as any segment of roleplay\nwhich has occured between two or more players, and which has a clear\nbeginning and end.\n  Some players would argue that the definition of a scene is far more\nexpansive than this, but in the end, this is essentially what lies at\nthe heart of one.\n  The purpose of any given scene is variable. While some scenes are\nintended to further a character's development (these are most frequent\namong newer players), there are also those which are intended to\nadvance a running storyline, or 'plot'.\n  Whatever the reason for a scene to be played, it is considered\ncommon courtesy to involve all players whoare willing to participate,\nin a manner which is engaging and entertaining for everybody involved.\nObviously, this is not always possible. Large scenes are frequently\nchaotic and, at the best of times, difficult to complete. In addition,\nnot all characters have a narrative purpose for being involved in any\ngiven scene. To prevent any sort of conflict over the matter, players\nare encouraged to exercise good manners and common sense.\n(Cont)                                                                Page: 003\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n4\n\n _________________\n\/ Roleplaying with Fire  Oct. 2008 - Alessio \\________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n \n                   Section II: A Glimpse into Scene Structure\n \n  Structure of a roleplay scene, like purpose, is often variable,\nand the two are not entirely separate from one-another. Often, the\nreason for a scene (character development, or plot advancement, or\nplayer introduction) sets the format through which the scene occurs.\n  What follows is a description of the four most common scene\nstructures.\n \n  1) Spontaneous, standalone:\n        A spontaneous and standalone scene is one which occurs with\n     no initial planning or forethought. These scenes quite often\n     consist of two or three characters at the most, owing to the\n     difficulties which arise in trying to find more players at\n     short notice.\n       This format is most frequently used for new character\n     development and\/or introduction, which has given rise to an\n     alternative title ('character driven') among some circles. On\n     occasion, roleplay plots have been launched through such\n     scenes.\n\n  2) Spontaneous, plot-driven:\n       Any scene which itself has not been planned beforehand, but\n     which contributes to a running storyline within the roleplay\n     community, can be defined as spontaneous and plot-driven.\n       Due to their relatively open nature (in the context of the\n     storyline, of course), scenes such as these are most often\n     played when a new character is joining an existing plotline,\n     or when an existing plot is changing narrative direction.\n(Cont)                                                                Page: 004\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n5\n\n _________________\n\/ Roleplaying with Fire  Oct. 2008 - Alessio \\________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n \n  3) Planned, standalone:\n       When a character is trapped in a narrative jam, or needs\n     further development, the player may resort to a planned and\n     standalone scene to resolve the issue.\n       These scenes are usually small, consisting of at most\n     three players. Common issues that are addressed through the\n     use of such a scene include the closing of a plot hole or\n     extraction of a character from a running storyline (usually\n     when said character has been written into a corner).\n       While this kind of scene is not typically used to further\n     a particular plot, elements of such a scene are commonly\n     used in launching a new one.\n \n  4) Planned, plot-driven:\n       A scene of this type is one which has involved a great deal\n     of plotting and OOC discussion long before it has even begun.\n       The most common example of a scene such as this would be\n     one which contains a major plot-point, or the resolution of\n     a running storyline.\n       The scene itself can vary in size and length. Some, such\n     as those depicting key conflicts, or the rise to power of a\n     new ruler, typically involve many players and, as a result,\n     are quite lengthy. Others, such as the negotiation of a truce,\n     rarely consist of more than a few characters and typically\n     run under an hour.\n \n  These, as promised, are the four most common scene structures\nwhich have been employed within the Realms roleplaying community.\nThough there are certainly others, they usually take aspects of\none or two of those detailed here, and as such they have not been\ndetailed.\n(Cont)                                                                Page: 005\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n6\n\n _________________\n\/ Roleplaying with Fire  Oct. 2008 - Alessio \\________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n \n                            Section III: Guidelines\n \n  When asked what they would appreciate most in a potential scene\n partner, it is likely that a majority of roleplayers would claim\n'courteousness' or 'good manners' as their top priority. And just\nwhat, exactly, do they mean?\n  In the Realms of Despair roleplaying community, much like any\nother large group, there can be found a number of commonly accepted\nand upheld standards to which all roleplayers are expected to\nadhere.\n  These guidelines exist for one purpose alone: to promote an\nRP environment and experience that is fun and engaging for all who\nhave been involved.\n  They are as follows:\n \n  1a) Do not force another player's actions during a scene.\n      \"Forcing\" can be defined as the playing of another character\n      which is not your own, without the consent of its original\n      player.\n  1b) Do not godplay. \n      Believable characters, like real people, have flaws and\n      weaknesses, as well as strengths.\n  2a) What happens while out of character (OOC) should stay OOC.\n  2b) Likewise for in character (IC) happenings.\n  3a) Roleplay is equal parts creativity and patience.\n      It is considered impolite to rush your scene partner(s), so\n      don't.\n  3b) It is equally impolite to make your scene partner(s) wait.\n      Don't take a half-hour between their last emote and your own.\n  4)  If you are going to start a roleplay, always make sure you\n      have the focus and the time to finish it. If you don't, it\n      is considered polite to explain this before you begin.\n  5)  If you are mid-plot and discover that you can't finish, for\n      whatever reason, always try to resolve any loose ends with\n      regards to your character before you withdraw.\n(Cont)                                                                Page: 006\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n7\n\n _________________\n\/ Roleplaying with Fire  Oct. 2008 - Alessio \\________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\n  6)  Practice common sense and courtesy at all times, and without\n      exception. It doesn't hurt you to be polite.\n \n  As storytellers, we all have a penchant for the dramatic. It is\nprecisely this quality that makes roleplaying as fun as it can be.\nBut, if we let this trait run unchecked, it can also cause bitter,\npersonal tension between players within the community.\n  As a general rule, it is almost always better to log off and stay\noff if you're in a miserable mood, since such a state of mind can\neasily lead to misinterpretation of another player, or worse.\n  Please remember these guidelines, and exercise them at all times\nand in all of your dealings with other members of the community.\n \n                              Conclusion\n \n  In this article, I have endeavoured to impart upon you, the\nreader, some of my understanding of the roleplay scene, including:\n \na) The purpose and definition of a scene ('What is it?' and\n   'Why are scenes important')\nb) The general structure of a scene, and,\nc) Commonly followed guidelines of the community.\n \n(Cont)                                                                Page: 007\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n8\n\n _________________\n\/ Roleplaying with Fire  Oct. 2008 - Alessio \\________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\n  While I can't guarantee that this information is relevant for\nall sections of RoD's large roleplaying community, I can say that\nit is, in a general sense, in every corner of the community to\nwhich I've belonged during my stay here.\n  Next month, I will address plotting and roleplay storylines. Have\na safe and fun Hallowe'en (or Samhain, or what have you), and\nstay tuned in November!\n \n                                                     --October 2008\n \n[========================================================================]\n \n   Alessio di Rossetti is the current leader of the Order of Sanctus Irae\n and has led the half-orc nation on several characters for the past half-\n decade. If you have any questions, comments or compliments regarding\n this or any roleplay issue, feel free to MUDmail him or send him a tell.\n Perhaps it will be featured in a future edition of 'Roleplaying With\n Fire'!\nW\n(End)                                                                 Page: 008\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n9\n\n _________________\n\/ Realms 101: Mapping - Juliana \\____________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nTRICKS OF MAZE CONSTRUCTION \n\nThis section may become get a bit technical. In order to immerse oneself \ncompletely in the atmosphere of an area, it goes without saying that it \nis also possible to become hopelessly immersed and lost in mazes.\n \nAppreciating maze construction is different from enjoying the theme of \nan area. To understand a maze, it is necessary to examine a maze from \na bird's eye view.\n \nWays That Builders Complicate Mazes\n \n1) Identical Room Descriptions \nThe standard uniform of rooms typical found in a \"maze\" depict room \ndescriptions all the same. Give each room a unique description and \nplayers can easily where they are going. This is true even if the \nexits are one-way or do not quite link in logical ways. Give each \nroom the same description, and people tend to become confused and\ndisoriented.\n\nNote that there are pseudo-mazes in the Realms where two-way exits \nare completely static and line up in perfect Euclidean geometry. \nEuclidean geometry means that only one line can be drawn through a \npoint parallel to anotherline. However, people do get lost in these \nmazes, because the descriptions are all the same. Try to name a few of\nthese types of mazes.\n \n2) One-Way Exits\nThe next easiest way to confuse wanderers involves one-way exits. \nPlayers are accustomed to a consistent grid of rooms that allow \nwalking in straight lines and back Upon moving north and finding no \nsouth exit, one's spatial direction is lost. These confusing exits \nmay be linked to another room, or even back to the same room.\n(Cont)                                                                Page: 009\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n10\n\n _________________\n\/ Realms 101: Mapping - Juliana \\_____________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\n3) Shifting Exits\nOn top of the mayhem that one-way exits may cause,certain mazes are \nset to shift. This means that the north exit that once lead to room \nB is now a southeast exit that leads to room B. The north exit now \nleads to room C. Generally, exits only complete this merry-go-round \nimitation just after the repop message when the area resets.\n\n4) Transferring\nTo make matters worse, sometimes it is not possible to see the \nintended destination because it is a \"trans\" room. These rooms look \njust like any other maze room, except That they will magically transfer \nyou to another room if you stand about long enough.\n \n5) Opening and Closing Exits\nOn occasion, room exits open and close causing confusion. As to which \nways one can and cannot go.\n \n6) Basic Maze Strategies\nSome maze rooms that are nodrop and\/or nomagic. They prevent easy mapping \nof the maze with simple marking techniques, and norecall rooms create \npanic when people give up solving the maze.  They player wants to get \nout the \"easy way,\" but cannot.\n \nLil' Secret: At the present moment, there are no dynamically generated \nmazes in Smaug. In simpler terms, the code (the computer) does -not- \nmake mazes, human builders do. Builders may program the computer to help \ncomplicate matters a bit, but mazes are made by people.\n\nThis very significant fact means that all mazes are quite finite. A \ncomputer may string 10,000 rooms together without qualms, but a human \nwould have a headache after a few hundred. As long as the builders intend \nfor there to be a start and an end to the maze, explorers may find them. \nIt may take persistence, but it -is- possible.\n(Cont)                                                                Page: 010\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n11\n\n _________________\n\/ Realms 101: Mapping - Juliana \\_____________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nBASIC STRATEGIES TO SOLVE MAZES\n \nAt least 90-95% of the mazes in the Realms of Despair are solvable with \ntwo basic strategies. If it is a big maze,it may take patience, \npersistence and determination.\n \n1) Track\nIf a trackable mob or player is available beyond the maze, track will \nnormally create a path straight to the target. Only in complicated mazes \nthat are constructed differently will this not help.\n \n2) Room Markings + SCRY\nThese two concepts are the basic foundation of nearly all maze solution \ntechniques. The idea is to place different \"entities\" in each room. \nThis allows for recognition that the explorer has visited a room and \ncan tell the individual rooms apart.\n\nThe most commonly used ways of marking rooms:\n- drop coins\n- create and drop balls of light\/food\n- create firepring\n- drop other items \n- etc.\n \nThe scry spell is the easiest way to determine which rooms are linked to \nthe one explorer is currently standing in. Variations on this include \nscan and actually walking into the next room to see.\n(Cont)                                                                Page: 011\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n12\n\n _________________\n\/ Realms 101: Mapping - Juliana \\_____________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nMAZE MAPPING TECHNIQUES\n \n+ Minimum Effort\n=> Mark Unmarked Rooms and Scry for the Exit\n \nWhen not planning to walk through the maze more than once and others \n(grouped players) do not need to follow the trail, the quickest way to \nget to point B is the mark and scry method.\n\nDrop a mark in the first room and scry for the intended destination. If \nit is not there, step into an unmarked room, mark it (i.e., drop a coin), \nand scry for the destination again. Continue to mark rooms and scry until\nthe destination is finally located.\n \nWith all of the room links on paper, the quickest route from point A to B \nshould be evident.\n \n2  3  4            3      3            1           end\n \\-|-\/       ----\/         \\----     --|--        --|--\n | 1 |- 5    | 2 |- 2   5 -| 3 |     | 4 |        | 5 |\n --|--       -----         -----     ----\\        --|--\n start                                    2         3\n \n(End)                                                                 Page: 012\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n13\n\n _________________\n\/ Ask the Imms - Linda    \\___________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\nFor the next couple of months we are going to be doing something different.\nInstead of the normal \"Ask CoE\" segment.  We are going with \"Ask the Imms\".\nFor this month, we have responses from Romani and Matanza.\n\n\nQuestion: As an imm, what do you do to keep yourself having fun in the realms?\n\nRomani: I enjoy questing, running with friends, exploring and of course RP with\nseveral different characters in nations and in Sanctus Irae.\n\nMatanza: When I get bored I'll sit at DH Square and chat with whoever stops\nto chat.\n\nQuestion: What do you like to do in your free time?\n\nRomani: Off of Realms I play my string instruments: violin, viola, 'cello. I\nespecially enjoy gypsy, russian, and romanian music in addition to more well\nknown fiddle styles. I also paint, bellydance, and love a bicycle ride when\nthe weather is good.\n\nMatanza: For free time I mostly play Team Fortress 2 or explore my city in China.\n(End)                                                                 Page: 013\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n14\n\n _________________\n\/ Guild of Clerics - Indira \\_________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\n                             Greetings everyone!\n \nThe Guild of Clerics is quietly enjoying the coming Autumn and looks forward\nto HALLOWEEN!!!! We're sure that the immortals will come up with great\nquests and the like to celebrate this spooky event!\n \n \nAll the clerics of our fine guild, wish you a fantastic  Hallow's Eve!\n \n\n                                          )\\\n                                       .'`--`'.\n                                      \/  ^  ^  \\\n                                      \\ \\\/\\\/\\\/ \/\n                                       '------' \n(End)                                                                 Page: 014\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n15\n\n _________________\n\/ Guild of Clerics - Indira \\_________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n                             Get married with us!\n\nAre you getting married and still looking for that perfect location?\nWell look no more for we can provide just that! We'd be happy to host your\nspecial day in our blissful chapel! Need to know how it looks? Here it is:\n \n \n                             A Blissful Chapel\n\nMmm! The lavish scents of dehydrated roses and lavender permeate this\nchapel with a blissful fragrance. Golden pews are lined perfectly to\nthe left and right, reflecting the sun and all the colours it produces\nthrough a stained glass ceiling. Framed prayer scrolls are neatly placed\non the brassy walls, and between each is a glass case containing various\ntrinkets of love, beauty, and devotion. A casual array of freshly-cut\nflowers sits comfortably upon a large altar of stone, engraved with words\nof wisdom and joy.\n\nOur own Haviland would be happy to officiate but you can of course \nchoose a person to your own liking to preside over your ceremony!\nFeel free to send a tell to any of the leaders if you have any further\nquestions, we'd be happy to answer them! <3\n\n                                 Join us!\n \nIf you would like to join the Guild of Clerics, just jot down the following:\n \nRequirements: Level 15+\nDirections:   NW, 2W, 2N, E from [] \nWebpage:      perdaea.com\/dirtycarrot.html\nOnce you read the guide (retrieved in \"The Clock Chamber\" by saying \"guide\",\nyou can contact anyone with \"CoC or CoC-T\" in their title or a leader to \nrequest an interview! \n \nWe hope you have a joyous October, feel free to come by or send us a tell\nif you have any questions, concerns or just would like to chat!\n \nRegards, Haviland (Guild Master), Indira (First) Torianne (Second)\n\n(End)                                                                 Page: 015\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n16\n\n _________________\n\/ Maleficae News - Menta  \\___________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\nInsert ascii here\n\nThe clan of Maleficae would like to inform everyone of our new webpage.  We\nhope everyone enjoys it and hope to see many players trying out pkill.  The\nlink to the new webpage is\n \nhttp:\/\/maleficae.awardspace.com\/\n\n(End)                                                                 Page: 016\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n*********************************************************************************************\n17\n\n _________________\n\/ Elf Nation - Annale     \\___________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nGathering of Magical Minds\n \nElear Israfel has proposed a gathering of magical minds to discuss recent\nmagical discoveries and innovations since the Shattering.  The time and venue\nhave yet to be determined, but all those who are interested are encouraged to\nmake themselves known at National Visions or direct to Elear Israfel.\n \nAutumn has arrived\n \nAnd with it, some of the best Elven wines.  Head on over to the Fox and Fiddle\nlocated south, south, southeast from the note board, for a refreshing glass\nof the rare Elverquisst.  Or, if you prefer something a little strong, speak\nto Shirl about a glass of the potent Berdruskan Dark.\n \n    __   __                               )\\\n   |  |_|  |______ _,___ _,___ _   _   .'`--`'.\n   |   _   |__    |  __ |  __ | |_| | \/  ^  ^  \\\n   |__| |__|__-_,_| ,___| ,___|___, | \\ \\\/\\\/\\\/ \/\n                  |_|   |_|       |_|  '------' \n __   __        _ _                  \n|  |_|  |______| | |______ __ _ __ ______ ______ _,____\n|   _   |__    | | |  __  |  | |  |  --__|  --__|  __  \\\n|__| |__|__-_,_|_|_|______|_______|______|______|_|  |_|\n(End)                                                                 Page: 017\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n18\n\n _________________\n\/ Uruk'hai News - Klaatu  \\___________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nFrom the Opallinoc News Bureau:\n \nDateline Opallinoc - Equinox brings trade talks\nThe Equinox has occured and the associated festivities were less than usual.\nApparently the Uruk'hai have been ill at ease over the change in leadership\nof the Pixie nation. Increase of prices of goods and supplies from the Pixie\ncolony in Dunhill have caused many complaints to be lodged. A parlay with the\nPixie colony leaders was frustrating and fruitless. \"Just following orders\"\nis not an acceptable reason in the mind of the Uruk'hai. Open discussions\nwith both Uruk'hai merchants and Inahir traders are taking place.\nruk'hai merchants and the Inahir traders are taking place.\n \nDateline Darkhaven - Isle of the Monkeys\nDuke Luther has granted access to the hidden Isle of the Monkeys. This ia a\nfascinating area with a large variety of primates. Treasures and unique items\nare found throughout the area. Beware of head hunting cannibals.\n \nDateline Opallinoc - Harvest\nThe harvest is underway and this year is looking to a good one. The crops of\ncorn , rice and various vegetables has given a good return on the effort put\ninto cultivation and irrigation projects. The Inahir tribesman report many\nnew eltor kids romping the Northern Plains now. All seems well for winter.\nSurplus could be traded with other nations for some of the more exotic items\nthat come from the furthest coners of the Realms.\n(End)                                                                 Page: 018\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n19\n\n _________________\n\/ Elohai News - Stela     \\___________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nIt has been two days now since the return of the newly appointed Mirtoa of\nMallen Edaib, the House of Commerce, Aranvar Mithendair.  With him comes his\ntrade ships like an angel upon the waters, the silver sails and white oars a\nreminder of his family's longstanding wealth and experience with trade.\n \nMere hours after his arrival and slow drift towards Eldestra upon the River\nNenda came another, less expected...person.  The red and golds of the\nLizardman ship have caused a bit of shock among those of the nation who\nhave come from the city to stare in wonder at its strange markings and even\nstranger passengers.  The Speaker has recently asked all citizens to stay\noff the shores of the river as she attempts to discover why the Lizardmen\nhave appeared in Eldestra without notice or invitation.\n \nAs the hours have ticked by, they have stayed holed up in their ship, perhaps\nwaiting for Aranvar to move his ship further inward.  The Elohai shall wait\nhowever.  As for now no obvious threat can be discerned by the ship's\nappearance, and its relative distance from Eldestra proper makes it less\nthreatening than it would be had it been closer.\n \nWhat do the Lizardmen want and why have they arrived in Eldestra?\n\n(End)                                                                 Page: 019\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n20\n\n _________________\n\/ Drow Nation - Alzeria   \\___________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nA Cry in the (Under)Dark\nUtter silence reigned for so long these past months that recent developments\nseem to scream in comparison. The silence of course had been caused by the\nValsharess's rebuke of those who thought her young age and inexperience made\nher unfit to rule...a rebuke which thoroughly dealt with any challenges to her\npower. And left thousands dead.\n \nBe that as it may, there is life yet down here and I doubt more will be so\nfoolish as to attempt to wrest the reigns from Valsharess Alzeria's hands. And\nnow a new Matron has been declared. Matron Ilandra of the house Ul'Ilindith. A\nfrightening woman who's only equals would perhaps be the Valsharess...that is\nof course except for Goddess Lloth herself. A word to the wise...treachery is\ndealt with swiftly in this city of Iniquity. Do so at your own risk.\n\n(End)                                                                 Page: 020\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n21\n\n _________________\n\/ Gnome News - Farlina    \\___________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nWith the drought broken and the harvest now underway, it remains to be seen if\nwe will have enough stores to see us through the winter.  Preliminary numbers\nseem fair though and we should be able to make it through on our stores. \nStill,  a missive will be sent to the pixies in hopes that new lines of trade\nmay be opened.    They seemed the safest race for us to contact as they are\nour closest cousins.\n \nThe Vale has been quiet for some time which suits us fine considering  our\ndesire to keep to ourselves.  Perhaps, all things considered in this time of\nwars, this is not the best of practices and we should considering aligning\nourselves with at least one group of the tall-walkers.  Which is best though\nwe are not sure.  Perhaps the pixies can suggest a group for us.\n \nAll in all, nothing new to report from the Vale.  Life moves on as usual but\nof course, this being October and all Hallows Eve upon us, the pranksters have\nbeen very busy.   Seems one was very creative and this parchment was magically\npinned to the gates of the Vale.\n \n                     On the mists of night-falls yearning,\n                     Echoes through the leaves are forming,\n                     Warning those who travel here to hold\n                           Closely to all thats dear.\n                     Tread softly over hill and dale as you\n                         Approach this now cursed Vale,\n                          A rider upon a vicious beast\n                          Running down all that seek,\n                       Safety among those small and meek,\n                 Death to you who dare this road, turn ye back\n                              To whence you came!\n                          Enter not this Vale of woe,\n                        Unless you would willingly seek\n                         A death upon this very street!\n \n \nWe arent sure what this means really, seems a joke, but who can say?  I do\nadvise travelers to use caution but nothing has been seen of any beast or\nriders near the Vale.\n \nA very merry All Hallows Eve to you all.\n(End)                                                                 Page: 021\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***************************************************************************************\n22\n\n _________________\n\/ TS News - Akael         \\___________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nTS news from September 2008\nPassed by TS\n- Thief Professions\n- Warrior skill \"Reciprocate\"\n- Modification to Nephandi \"Reveal\"\nPassed by Liaisons\n- Succumb\n- Benches with Benefits\n- Pet Word of Recall\n- Drink Command to Skip Blood if NonVamp\n- Lastname command\nFailed by Liaisons\n- Hive Mind\n- Label Layer EQ Tiers\n- Paladin skill \"Guard\"\n------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n         For older TS news, visit http:\/\/ts.silverwolf-den.com\n------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n(End)                                                                 Page: 022\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n23\n\n _________________\n\/ September Quest Results \\___________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\nWe had three entries for September's Quest.\nIllidias found 17.\nRikkath  found 15.\nCiska    found  9.\n\nThanks for participating.\n(End)                                                                 Page: 023\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n24\n\n _________________\n\/ November Quest - Siporta \\__________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nThis month's quest is to write a short essay about your favorite item.  Limit\nit to one note.  The imms will judge them.  The top three will be printed in\nthe November issue.  Others may be posted in coming months.\n\nThanks for your intrest and time.\n(End)                                                                 Page: 024\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n25\n\n _________________\n\/ Funnies - Romani        \\___________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nJessel needs your discipline. \nTobi says fer a shilling I'll sell ye a treasure map! (Ringbearers)\nRuaidhri tries to pronounce his own name, but fails. \n---\nI saw another one but lost it somewhere in the spam. \n\n(End)                                                                 Page: 025\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n26\n\n _________________\n\/ Org Website Contest - Romani \\______________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nThe contest will open this week and remain open until the 31st of October.\nLimit of one entry (complete website) per organization, open to all guilds, \norders, clans, and bands (prizes vary depending on the organization type).\n* Websites must follow the following guidelines:\n \n      - Appropriate use of images (Images will not be graded on their quality\n        however they must either be original or taken from a free website)\n      - Colors must be complimentary and appealing\n      - Text must be easy to read and in a widely used font\n      - Homepage information must be relevant to both the organization and\n        Realms of Despair\n      - Links must be easy to navigate\n      - Websites must be compatible with multiple browsers (eg. IE, Firefox,\n        Opera, etc)\n      - META tags must include \"Realms of Despair\"\n      - All pages must be the same style\n      - All pages must be neat and well presented\n      - Realms of Despair and Endless Medieval Enjoyment are visible on the\n          opening page.\n  \nPlease also take note, we do not want you to purchase your website from a\nprofessional designer\/template. You can however use any means of creating a\nsite as you wish, eg. Frontpage, straight HTML, Java, etc as long as it\ncomplies with the above guidelines.\n\nNote : This note was given to us on Sept 21, 2008 so it is already underway. - Linda\n\n(End)                                                                 Page: 026\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n27\n\n _________________\n\/ 13 Days of Hallowe'en - Annale \\____________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nI found this on the internet and thought it would be cute in the Cry.. it is\nnot mine, but the creator gives permission for others to use it for non\n-commercial purposes, as long as the initials in the images are left as they\nare.\n \nhttp:\/\/www.geocities.comoHo\/7373\/halowen2.htm\n \nhttp:\/\/www.geocities.comoHo\/7373\/please.htm\n \nThe first link is the 13 days of Hallowe'en, the second link is the copyright.\n \n-Annale Firestorm\n(End)                                                                 Page: 027\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n28\n\n ________________________\n\/ Calling for Writers \\____________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\n  _____ _______     __         __   _____                        _      \n \/ ____|  __ \\ \\   \/ \/        \/ _| |  __ \\                      (_)     \n| |    | |__) \\ \\_\/ \/    ___ | |_  | |  | | ___  ___ _ __   __ _ _ _ __ \n| |    |  _  \/ \\   \/    \/ _ \\|  _| | |  | |\/ _ \\\/ __| '_ \\ \/ _` | | '__|\n| |____| | \\ \\  | |    | (_) | |   | |__| |  __\/\\__ \\ |_) | (_| | | |   \n \\_____|_|  \\_\\ |_|     \\___\/|_|   |_____\/ \\___||___\/ .__\/ \\__,_|_|_|   \n                                                    | |                 \n                                                    |_|  \n _       _             _    _                __           \n(_)     | |           | |  (_)              \/ _|          \n _ ___  | | ___   ___ | | ___ _ __   __ _  | |_ ___  _ __ \n| \/ __| | |\/ _ \\ \/ _ \\| |\/ \/ | '_ \\ \/ _` | |  _\/ _ \\| '__|\n| \\__ \\ | | (_) | (_) |   <| | | | | (_| | | || (_) | |   \n|_|___\/ |_|\\___\/ \\___\/|_|\\_\\_|_| |_|\\__, | |_| \\___\/|_|   \n                                     __\/ |                \n                                    |___\/                 \n                                     _ _                \n                                    (_) |               \n _ __   _____      __ __      ___ __ _| |_ ___ _ __ ___ \n| '_ \\ \/ _ \\ \\ \/\\ \/ \/ \\ \\ \/\\ \/ \/ '__| | __\/ _ \\ '__\/ __|\n| | | |  __\/\\ V  V \/   \\ V  V \/| |  | | ||  __\/ |  \\__ \\\n|_| |_|\\___| \\_\/\\_\/     \\_\/\\_\/ |_|  |_|\\__\\___|_|  |___\/\n\nFor more information, seek out the Cry of Despair board in the Darkhaven\nTownhall, Fourth Floor, West exit from the stairs. (look map if you get lost)\n\n(End)                                                             Page: 28 \n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n*************************************************************************************************\n29\n\n _____________________\n\/ Ask COE Announcement\\_______________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nTHE CRY OF DESPAIR IS PROUD TO HOST\n \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 \n  Do you want to know when we are going to have pasta somewhere?\n \n  Do you want to know why thief mobs only keep a percentage of what\n  they steal?\n \n  Or do you want to know something else?! If so, mudmail Falennt or Linda with\n  your questions today!\n\n\n(End)                                                                 Page: 29 \n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n*************************************************************************************************\n30\n\n _______________\n\/ WANTED - Dead \\_____________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\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   |    |       :     ___  '       |      |     Linda and 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\n(End)                                                                 Page: 030 \n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n*************************************************************************************************\n31\n\n _________________\n\/ Letter from the Editor  \\___________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\nCurrently the Immortal Sponsors are looking for a new editor.  If you are\ninterested then please write a short note saying why you would like the\nposition.  Please include your normal online times so that the immortals can\ninterview you.\n\nThanks in advance for your interest.\n(End)                                                                 Page: 031\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n32\n\n _________________\n\/ A note from Linda       \\___________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\n\n                                                        .     .\n                                                   ...  :``..':\n                                                      : ````.'   :''::'\n                                                  ..:..  :     .'' :\n                                               ``.    `:    .'     :\n                                               :    :   :        :\n                                              :   :   :         :\n  I really don't have much to add                   :    :   :        :\n  to what others have already said.                :    :   :..''''``::.\n  So I will just leave you with a               : ...:..'     .''\n  rose.                                             .'   .'  .::::'\n                                                   :..'''``:::::::\n                                                   '         `::::\n                                                               `::.\n                                                                   `::\n                                                                 :::.\n                                                      ..:.:.::'`. ::'`.  . : : .\n       Linda Silverwolf                             ..'      `:.: ::   :'       .:\n                                                   .:        .:``:::  :       .: ::\n                                                   .:    ..''     :::.'    :':    :\n                                                    : .''         .:: : : '\n                                                 :          .'`::\n                                                               ::\n                                                               ::\n\n(End)                                                                 Page: 032\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n***********************************************************************************************\n33\n\n _________________\n\/ From Falennt's Inkwell  \\___________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\\\nAnd yet another Issue of the Cry launches. This month, we have a lot\nof interesting advice on roleplay, from Alessio, our staff-writer \nand Leader of Sanctus Irae. Juliana's republished article would\nbe a great refresher for runners and newcomers to the world of\nrunning alike too.\n \nWe -are- always looking for people who are interested to write\nfor the Cry on any topic under the sun, and related to the\nRealms of course. Articles are paid by pages and interest; and if\nyou're a budding writer, do contact either myself or Linda \nabout topics and payment.\n \nFinally, the 3 winners of the Heroes Quiz last month with correct\nanswers and as well, the first three to mudmail myself.\n \n1) Nariel\n2) Smee\n3) Alessio\n \nCongratulations!\nI will be visiting you at any time next week, when you be active\nonline, with your gift. :)\n \nAnd till then, do have a great read.\n(End)                                                                 Page: 033\n_______________________________________________________________________________\n|_____________________________________________________________________________\/\n\n**********************************************************************************************\n<\/pre>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Anatomy of a Roleplay Scene and Realms 101 &#8211; Mapping _________________________ \/ Issue 131 &#8211; October 2008 \\________________________________________________ |_____________________________________________________________________________\\ Roleplaying with Fire &#8211; Oct 2008 &#8211; Alessio Help CRY2 to CRY8 Realms of Despair 101 &#8211; Mapping &#8211; Juliana Help CRY9 to CRY12 Ask Imm Responses Help CRY13 Guild News Guild of Clerics &#8211; Indira&#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-1970","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1970","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=1970"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1970\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1984,"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1970\/revisions\/1984"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1970"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}