{"id":2001,"date":"2024-03-21T15:43:07","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T15:43:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=2001"},"modified":"2024-03-21T15:43:08","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T15:43:08","slug":"cry-of-despair-149","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/cry-of-despair-149\/","title":{"rendered":"Cry of Despair #149"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color\">Dichotomy: a Troglodyte Augerer Limner, Gonnil on Deities and Clerics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"cryofdespair\">\n               _____\n   *          ( ____)           .    +          .\n        +     ( ____)\n   .          ( ____)                               *\n              ( ____)      +\n              ( ____)                      \n          .   ( ____)    +            .\n  +           ( ____)             ______ ______ ______   ______ ______\n    \/\\______\/|:_____:|\\______\/\\  |   (__   () |    | | |    ) |    __|\n   (( ======= ------- ======= )) |______)___|\\_\\___   | |______;___|\n    \\_________________________\/                |______|\n              |::|  |  ______ ______ _______ ______ ______ ___ ______\n Number 149   |::|  | |   _) \\  \\___|(_   (_   () |    . |   |   () |\n              |::|  | |______\/______|__)____)    __|____|_;___;___|\\_\\\n ------------ |::|  | --------------------- |___| --------------------\n [Editor]     |::|  | [This Issue's Writers]\n Falennt      |::|  |  Annale, Leala, Klaatu, Excane, Israfel, Aranvar\n              |::|  |  Kosaim\n [Printer]    |::|  | \n Falennt      |::|  | [Imm Contributors]\n              |::|  |  Romani, Gonnil, Loril, Stoneheft, Falennt\n              |::|  | \n              |::|  |  February\/March - April Issue\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 From The Editor's Desk\t\t - Falennt      CRY3\n\n This Month's Special:\n   Interview with Bodschek             - Loril\tCRY2-7\n   Interview with Gonnil               - Annale       CRY8-12\n\n Monthly Articles     \n   Thoughts at Tea-Time        \t - Falennt      CRY13-17\n   Helpfile of the Month            \t - Annale       CRY18\n      \n Nation News\n   Elohai (Half-Elves)\t\t - Aranvar      CRY19\n   Quendi (Elf)                        - Annale       CRY20\n   Olog'hai (Half-Troll)\t\t - Leala        CRY21\n   Uruk'hai (Half-Ogre)                - Klaatu       CRY22\n   Khazad (Dwarf)                      - Stoneheft    CRY23\n   Gith                                - Excane       CRY24\n   Pixie                               - Kosaim       CRY25\n\n Realms Living\n   Realms Awards 2011 Results          - Romani       CRY28-32\n   Valentine Matchmaker 2011           - Romani       CRY33-34\n\n Orders, Guilds and Clans News\n   Arcanes                             - Klessenia    CRY\n   Baali                               - Meddon       CRY\n   Guild of Augurers                   - Excane       CRY\n   Guild of Clerics\t\t\t - Annale\tCRY\n   Guild of Mages  \t\t\t - Bellasarah   CRY\n   Catarhh                             - Gangrel      CRY\n\n Quest News\n   December\/January CoD Quest Results  - Falennt      CRY\n   February\/March CoD Quest            - Falennt      CRY\n\n Funny Bones\n   Funnies                             - Various      CRY\n   Stereotypes of the Month\t\t - Falennt\tCRY\n\n Announcements and Advertisements\n   Shop with Guts'n'Glory!                            CRY\n   Advertise with the Cry!                            CRY\n   CoD Readers Reward                                 CRY\n   Roleplay Wiki:http:\/\/realmsroleplay.wikidot.com\/   CRY\n\n  Cry of Despair Staff\n   Write for the Cry                                  CRY\n\n\n3\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 3    \\\/    From The Editor's Desk - Falennt\n\n Dear Readers\n \n            Welcome to another bi-monthly edition of the Cry. Due to RL\n committments recently, I apologize for the late updating of this issue.\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Continued... help CRY4\n\n4\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 4    \\\/    Interview with Bodschek [1] - Loril\n\nLoril found this report trampled on the floor of the Cry of Despair's Front\nOffice. Tiny rips on the parchment suggest it was once tacked to a board.\nNo one seems to know who the reporter was but we thought it worth inclusion\nin this issue.\n\nBodschek is a Troglodyte Augerer. A duality that seems to permeate every\naspect of this painter\/adventurer's life. I think you'll see what I mean ...\n\n\nCoD: Thank you, sir, for consenting to spend some time with us today.\n\nBodschek: Well, just watch the paintings, young scribe.\nCoD: I'll try to be careful. Thank you for the reminder. I must say, your\nwork is breathtaking.\n \nBodschek: Yes, well. There is much inspiration to be found in these realms.\n\n\n Continued... help CRY5\n\n5\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 5    \\\/    Interview with Bodschek [3] - Loril\n\nCoD: I'll try to be careful. Thank you for the reminder. I must say, your\nwork is breathtaking.\n \nBodschek: Yes, well. There is much inspiration to be found in these realms.\n\n\nCoD: What inspires you?\n \nBodschek: There is beauty in all things, young scribbler. If my travels \nhave taught me naught else, it is that. Inspiration is found in the still \nmoments between beholding and perception. Between steel flash and cold peirce.\nBetween this breath and the last. The key is not to -find- inspiration. Rather,\nit is to be truly present when it occurs.\nBodschek appears slightly dazed.\n\nContinued... help CRY6\n\n6\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 6    \\\/    Interview with Bodschek [4] - Loril\nCoD: You're a philosopher as well!\n \nBodschek: Don't be daft, scrivener. I travel and I paint what I see.\n\n\nCoD: You write directions on your paintings. Why is that? \n \nBodschek: A painting captures a moment in the artist's perception. I hope my\npaintings motivate young adventurers to get out, to see, to behold for\nthemselves. \n\n\nCoD: I met another traveler, a tourist, recently. Do you know him?\n \nBodschek pauses as if awaiting the next tick.\nBodschek: I met him a time or three, I think. Bit dapper for my taste, a\nbit \"urbane\", you might say. He seems to favour the paved road. I prefer the\nopen sky, the unblazed trail. Good enough chap, if a bit scattered.\n\nContinued... help CRY7\n\n7\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 7    \\\/    Interview with Bodschek [5] - Loril\nCoD: Does Luther really pay you for doing this?\n \nBodschek: No comment.\nBodschek mutters something about having -seen- that prison.\n\n\nA stray dog arrives from the southwest.\nBodshek reaches out an enourmous hand and, smiling, gently picks up the \nmongrel. He daintily bites off the dog's head then thoughtfully munches his\nway through the rest of the dog.\n\n\nCoD: Is there anything further you'd like to say to our faithful readers?\n \nBodschek: Tell me the name of an area. If I have anything to say on the \nmatter, I will tell you.\n\n\nAnd there you have it, faithful readers. If ever there were a man who is the\nvery definition of dichotomy, Darkhaven's limner Bodschek is that.\n\n                        - The End.\n\n8\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 8    \\\/    Interview with Gonnil [1] - Annale\n\nGonnil graciously offered to answer some questions about the Deity changes,\nand even hint a bit about the upcoming and greatly anticipated Cleric upgrade!\n \n1. Why now? The deities have been imbalanced for a very long time, ever since\nthe introduction of 'quick favour' so why fix it now?\n\nThe deity system has been ripe for some rebalancing. We feel it's pretty \nobvious that the deity system was meant to be a little more robust when it was \noriginally conceived. Asgard Nexus has an interesting history, and there's \nsome really nice rooms and secrets to be found there, and a whole system set \nup of deity bonuses and favor-gaining methods, but... unfortunately, due to an \nerrant prog on Vl'aresch that added instant favor simply for visiting, the \ngameplay balance virtually disappeared. So our hope is that this allows \npeople to consider other deities besides the 'quick favor' deities as options.\n \nAt the same time, we realize that the ability to easily supplicate one's \ncorpse has become an integral part of the game. So we're keeping Vl'aresch \nand A'enari able to do that easily for players who don't wish to change their \nhabits, but we also added some favor gaining methods for some of the other \ndeities, while also giving some new in-game benefits for devoting to them.\n \nAdditionally, Clerics will soon get the ability to \"resurrect\" a character, \nwhich will have an effect very similar to supplicating one's corpse. I think, \nover time, this will lessen the usage of supplicate corpse, and players will \nthen feel more able to make a little more strategic choice of deity.\n\nContinued... help CRY9\n\n9\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 9    \\\/    Interview with Gonnil [2] - Annale\n\n2. Do you think these changes will favour one class more than others?\n\nThat remains to be seen. Since some deities are only willing to accept \ncertain types of followers (Cawyn and elves, Tempus and barbarians, etc), in \nsome cases certain types of characters will be able to benefit in ways that \nothers can't.\n \n3. Can we expect any more changes to deities and devotion or are they all\nfully implemented?\n\nThis will be an ongoing project, at least until all deities have been affected \nin some way. Players can revisit Murdock over time and ask him for the latest \nnews in order to see if any new changes have appeared. Additionally, there \nmay be balance adjustments in the future.\n\n4. Will all the deities be changed in some way?\n\nYes, eventually.\n\n5. Do you see this change in deities as a progression to the shattering story\nor a disjointed addition to the game?\n\nThere is some tie-in to the Shattering story, but it's been left mostly \nopen-ended. I'd like to think it adds a little piece to the overall history \nof the Realms over its lifetime.\n\nContinued... help CRY10\n\n10\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 10   \\\/    Interview with Gonnil [3] - Annale\n\n6. Are these changes at all indicative of what to expect with the Cleric\nupgrade?\n\nThe Cleric changes and the deity changes are intertwined, but separate. Most \nof the additions for the deities are usable for all classes. One of the \nbiggest differences is that Clerics will be able to \"resurrect\" players which \nwill in theory lessen the need to always have maximum favor for corpse \nsupplication purposes.\n\n7. Will the pantheons play a larger role in deity selection now?\n\nThe pantheons mainly affect which spells Clerics will get once their upgrade \narrives. Otherwise, it is mostly a thematic issue.\n \n8. Is the goal of these changes to make all deities equal? It's obvious from\nlooking at the 'deities' list that there are some player favourites (A'enari\nwith more than 6000 devotees) while others are clearly disliked (Shivvan with\n(Shivvan with less than 60 devotees).\n\nIt's really hard to make anything \"equal\", but yes, our hope is that this \ngives players a little more ability to customize their characters (both in a \nthematic sense and in a gameplay sense).\n\nContinued... help CRY11\n\n11\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 11   \\\/    Interview with Gonnil [4] - Annale\n\n9. Have you noticed a shift in popularity in the deities because of these\nchanges? Do you expect there to be a shift?\n\nIt's been slow, and mainly dependent on player exploration, but I expect there \nwill be a shift over time. Since we've added a new way for players to choose \na new deity without waiting 100 years, I think this will spur some shift.\n \n10. I know this is one of the most asked (and possibly the most annoying)\nquestions, but is there a timeline on the rollout for the Cleric upgrade?\n\nWe're hoping for first quarter of 2011.\n\n11. Is there a reason why some of the deity items are the level that they are?\nIE - Kardis potions cast level 6 spells instead of level 50?\n\nWe've tried not to ignore low level characters when implementing some of the \nnew changes. In the case of the Kardis healing potions, they load at level \n20, so any character level 20 and above can use them. But the potions cast \nlevel 6 spells of 'heal' and 'cure light'. Heal will always heal 100 hp, but \ncure light heals an amount that depends in part on the level of the spell, so \nit was set at 6 for balancing reasons (so the potions heal 100 + the level 6 \ncure light, which winds up being in the 105-110 range.)\n\nContinued... help CRY12\n\n12\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 12   \\\/    Interview with Gonnil [5] - Annale\n\n12. Is slay\/death the worst that can be expected from renouncing a deity? Or\ndo players need to worry about corpses being purged, items being etched, or\ncorpses being thrown into 'no supp, need a team of people to get to type'\nareas (or anything silly like that)?\n\nNo corpses or items will be purged. The biggest risk is that the deity will \nfling you to some dangerous area when you renounce, and you'll die, and you'll \nbe unable to supplicate corpse as you have no deity or favor. It might be \nbest to have a friend standing by to rescue you from trouble (or perhaps a \nCleric once they are able to resurrect).\n \n13. Some people have asked why A'enari and Vl'aresch only favour to \"favoured\"\nnow. Why not honored or praised?\n\nThe 'favored' level is enough to supplicate corpse. In some cases they will \ntake you to a higher level (because the favor bonus when visiting them will \nboost you more than one level). Favor does give some other minor combat \nbonuses as per the 'help favor' helpfile, so players will have to work toward \nfavoring if they want these bonuses (or perhaps find another deity that is \neasier to favor). But I think players in most situations will see little \ndifference.\n \n14. Which deity is your favourite? Why?\nProbably LaChte or Mak'kor. Go visit LaChte sometime if you haven't ever done \nso... he's pretty crazy.\n\nContinued... help CRY13\n\n13\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 13   \\\/    Thoughts at Tea-Time [1] - Falennt\n\n\n14\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 14   \\\/    Thoughts at Tea-Time [2] - Falennt\n\nContinued... help CRY15\n\n15\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 15   \\\/    Thoughts at Tea-Time [3] - Falennt\n\nContinued... help CRY16\n\n16\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 16   \\\/    Thoughts at Tea-Time [4] - Falennt\n\nContinued... help CRY17\n\n17\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 17   \\\/    Thoughts at Tea-Time [5] - Falennt\n\n\n                                   - The End.\n\n18\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 18   \\\/    Helpfile of the Month - Annale\n\n\n\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\\n\\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/\n\/\\                                                                         \/\\\n\\\/  Charisma, CHA in your 'score', represents your  character's physical   \\\/\n\/\\  beauty and charm.                                                      \/\\\n\\\/                                                                         \\\/\n\/\\  A character's ability to lead, reflection upon others, and general     \/\\\n\\\/  persuasiveness are all measured by charisma.                           \\\/\n\/\\                                                                         \/\\\n\\\/  Among other things, charisma affects:                                  \\\/\n\/\\                                                                         \/\\\n\\\/    > Prices charged to a character by shopkeepers                       \\\/\n\/\\    > Appearance of a character to other mobiles and players             \/\\\n\\\/                                                                         \\\/\n\/\\  No class receives charisma as a prime attribute.                       \/\\\n\\\/                                                                         \\\/\n\/\\                                                                         \/\\\n\\\/  Charisma is the secondary attribute of the Thief.                      \\\/\n\/\\                                                                         \/\\\n\\\/                                                                         \\\/\n\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\_\/\\\n\\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/ \\\/\n\n\n19\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 19   \\\/    Elohai Nation News - Aranvar\n\nMarriage Festivities and Rumors.\n\nThe Elohai Nation celebrates the coming spring with a blessed marriage \nbetween the Elohai Lady Erisande Gellar, first cousin of our Speaker and \nthe Lord Benedict, a holy knight of the human lands. Sir Benedict had \npledged his aid and allegiance to the Elohai Nation, as well as promising\nemployment to many Elohai on the expansive farmlands of his family east\nof Lomar. \n\nSupporters of a democratic Elohai Nation however, are unhappy of the\nfeudalistic arrangements apparently set by Speaker Aranvar; who they \nbelieve to be still youthful and inexperienced in running a Nation - \nthat a human landlord is in charge of elohai farmhands, reminiscent of\nthe subjugation and prejudice the Elohai race once received. Talk of\nrevolution seems heavy in the air despite the gaiety of the marriage \ncelebrations.\n \n\n20\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 20   \\\/    Quendi Nation News - Annale\n\nScintillating Snow\n \nThe vibrant hues of fall have been replaced with the serene blues, silvers,\nand whites of winter.  Tree boughs are heavy with canopies of snow, glistening\nin the weaker winter sunlight.  All is calm as the Elves turn indoors,\nenjoying the peace upon the Island.\n \nBelated Seasonal Greetings\n \nThe Elves would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season!  May you find\nyourself among friends and family, filled with good food and much laughter. \nHappy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!\n\n\n21\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 21   \\\/    Olog'hai Nation News - Leala\n\nBelated Seasons' Greetings\n\nThe Olog'hai nation would like to wish everyone a very Blessed\nholiday season. May you have the things you need this season, may\nyou count the blessings given to you and maybe even not notice\na few, may your troubles be few and your solutions plentiful, may\nyour family be gathered close and be thankful for the little things.\n \nBlessed Yule\n\n\n22\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 22   \\\/    Uruk'hai Nation News - Klaatu\n\nFrom the Opallinoc News Bureau -\n\nDateline Opallinoc: Seasonal Fests\n\nDue to the numnber of seasonal festivities, Solstice, Festivus, etc., your\nNews Bureau editor is too partied out, hung over, waste-o blast-o to write\na coherent column this month. Fortunately Meeka's enriching foods, Hakupa's\nhealing powers and support of other Opallinoc residents will remedy this\nmalady. \n \nDateline New Darkhaven: Deity Changes\n\nNumerous additions and changes have occurred to some of the Deities.\nMurdock, Emissary of Asgard has further details. \nWhen choosing a new deity remember to choose wisely.\n\n\n23\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 23   \\\/    Khazad Nation News - Stoneheft\n\nThe rise in prices of building stone may be benefiting our cousins in\ndistant quarries, but has driven up the prices of housing and is tough\non local labourers. Through market control, the rich aren't just staying\nrich, but growing richer exponentially off of the hard work of good people.\nThe mining operations at Dra'Korrin are still at a near stand-still due\nto the centurys long war that has been waging there throughout our lifetimes.\nOur cousins around the world are being kept down by the greedy nations that\nwould profit from working us to death if they thought they could.\n\nI remind you to remember who you are, where we came from, where we are\nnow and what we may become. We are the true builders of everything great\nin this world and we must remind ourselves and each other of the pride\nthat we should share for this.\n \nI will be visiting Darkhaven's Duke Luther with a message and a single\nstone torn from Darkhaven's walls. Our people built the safe, dark haven\nfrom within which they tax us. Our people can dig just as well as they build.\n\n    *Signed in purple wax with the Gemstone royal crest*\n\n\n24\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 24   \\\/    Gith Nation News - Excane\n\nA Glorious Announcement from the Sands!\n \n   Our rrakkma have captured key posts in the city, breaking the back of the\ngithyanki resistance. Our forces have taken the royal castle and established\na provisional government to govern while we stamp out the remaining pockets\nof githyanki. The process will be a long one, but our captains are brutal and\nthorough, and we are confident they will succeed.\n \n   We are in need of the motivated and the talented to fill our ranks. Join us.\n \n-Excane Azralon Vancour, the Zombie King, Overlord of Teracchei\n\n\n25\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 25   \\\/    Pixie Nation News - Kosaim\n\nThis is PNN, You source for Pixie News\n \nThe is a report of a food shortage in Reomyr.  Inside sources report that due\nthe loss of the Oakwood, food supply has dwindled. To make matters worst, \nthe Half-ogres have plundered the harvest, further deteriorating the fragile\nrelations. \n \nNo word on what action the King will take, but he may activate the Black Rose\ntreaty to obtain food from the Elves.\n \nThere is no word on what actions the King will take with the Half-Ogres still\noccupying Pixie lands. The Pixies are growing frustrated with the lack of\naction on the half-ogre problem. \n \nIn a related story, famous lute player Boots Springwing is going to hold a\nconcert called , \"Sugar for Sprites' to raise money starving pixies. \n\n26\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 26   \\\/    Uruk'hai Nation News - Klaatu\n\nFrom the Opallinoc News Bureau:\n \nDateline Opallinoc - News Restrictions Continue\nNews releases are still needing approval of the Tribal Council before being\nmade available to the general populace.\n \nDateline Vast Horizon - Something for everyone\nSeek out the various Totems of your race. For those half-ogres lucky enough\nto find the spirit of the cave bear, you be rewarded with something special.\n \nDateline Opallinoc - Spring Equinox Fest\nThis year's Spring Equinox Fest was somewhat a failure. This was due to the\nmobilization of the troops, leaving only the elderly and very young to gather\naround the Great Bonfire and partake in the celebration. For some of the\nyounger tribe members, sent to represent theoir Septs, it was their first\ntasting of Meeka's swill. The senior tribe members were much entertained by\nthis age old rite of passage.\n \nDateline Tribal Swamplands - Please Sell or Donate Your Unused Lizardman\n \nThis project is to keep lizardmen alive for roleplay and end their autodeleting\nDo you have a Lizardman character you don't use or use just for storage?\nAre you willing to trade the lizard for some other storage? Want to sell\nyour lizard for gold? Some kind of negotiated deal? Contact Klaatu or Dazamo\n\n27\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 27   \\\/    Khazah Nation News - Stoneheft\n\nIt seems that the uneventful declaration of war by the fruitfly people upon\nus actually has had an effect. Despite there being no evidence of any actual\nskirmishes, invasions terrorism or even fly by peeing by the creepy crawlers,\nthe rumours of potential trouble in our kingdom has lessened our support of the\nreal wars abroad. News from Juargan's kingdom now has the dwarves outnumbered\nin their own mines by the duergar whilst good dwarven warriors scan the sky\nfor the frivolous rumours of an enemy.\nIn the good news section, quarries are apparently operating at high volume and\nthe construction industry is booming. New housing is being built in far-flung\nregions and our economy is reaping the rewards.\n\n28\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 28   \\\/    Realms Awards 2011 [1] - Romani\n\n\n29\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 29   \\\/    Realms Awards 2011 [2] - Romani\n\n\nContinued... help CRY30\n\n30\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 30   \\\/    Realms Awards 2011 [3] - Romani \n\n\nContinued... help CRY31\n\n31\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 31   \\\/    Realms Awards 2011 [4] - Romani \n\nContinued... help CRY32\n\n32\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 32   \\\/    Realms Awards 2011 [5] - Romani \n\n\n33\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 33   \\\/    Valentine Matchmaker [1] - Romani\n\nContinued... help CRY34\n\n34\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 34   \\\/    Valentine Matchmaker [2] - Romani\n\n\n35\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 35   \\\/    Order of Sanctus Irae - Jurevicus\n\n The Sanctus Irae                                                 \n   ***   *** *********  ********    *******  ***       *******    \n   ***   *** *********  *********  ********  ***       ********   \n   ***   *** ***        ***   ***  ***  ***  ***       ***   ***  \n   ********* ******     ***  ***   ***  ***  ***       ***    **  \n   ********* ******     *******    ********  ***       ***    **  \n   ***   *** ***        ***  ***   ********  ***       ***   ***  \n   ***   *** *********  ***   ***  ***  ***  ********  ********   \n   ***   *** *********  ***   ***  ***  ***  ********  *******&D    \n================================================================\n      First Edition             -----             Volume One\n  ================================================================&D\n \n                    Blood in the Streets of Irae!&D\n    The Usurper of Irae, Jurevicus Galilee, was brought to his\n   proper justice last month, following a bloody battle between the\n   Iraenian guard and his loyalist Crimson Hand forces.\n      The conflict started in the Dock Faire, where a number of\n   guards under the command of a new captain engaged ten Crimson Hand\n   soldiers who were attempting to use their newfound authority for\n   less-than-benevolent ends.\n      The guard, enraged by Jurevicus's continued disobedience of\n   Iraenian law and his willingness to employ vagabonds and brigands\n   as his personal bodyguards, carried the fight through the streets\n\nContinued... help CRY36\n\n36\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 36   \\\/    Order of Sanctus Irae - Jurevicus\n\n   to the Galilee Estate -- formerly the Villa di Cameratti -- and\n   launched what could best be described as a seige against the\n   home of Jurevicus.\n      Carnage ensued, leaving many men -- Crimson Hand and Iraenian\n   guard alike -- dead in the Estate's magnificent courtyard. And,\n   though it is unclear precisely how it happened, a blaze had started\n   during the fight and quickly rose to consume the entirety of the\n   Villa, leaving it in smoking ruins.\n      Most, if not all, of the Crimson Hand were executed, and the\n   Usurper was captured and brought before Alessio di Rossetti, the\n   rightful Marquis of Sanctus Irae, for justice. &D\n  ================================================================&D\n                Grisly Discovery in the Poor Quarters&D\n      An unidentifiable corpse was discovered near the Moon Raven in\n   the Poor Quarters recently, maimed and butchered in what must have\n   been a deliberate assault against the individual.\n      Given the unrecognizable condition of the body, it is impossible\n   at this time to tell what the motive for the killing was, let alone\n   anything else.\n      Anyone who may have information pertinent to the case is asked\n   to contact the city guard as soon as possible.\n  ================================================================&D\n                  High Chieftain Drah'zi Visits Irae&D\n      High Chieftain Vokith Drah'zi of the Rukhas'dul people has\n\nContinued... help CRY37\n\n37\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 37   \\\/    Order of Sanctus Irae - Jurevicus\n\n   recently returned to the City of Irae to pay a visit while on\n   vacation from Mount Krozloy.\n      Allegedly weary after his encounter with Kragash Bonehewer and\n   the subsequent Pixie invasion of Krozloy, the High Chieftain was\n   seen wandering across the Realms, visiting many places on his path.\n      One of these places was Irae. Originally arriving with a net\n   filled with fish, he traded those fish for a strange device which\n   had been designed many years prior by the Professor of Illusory\n   Magics in Valdislav Conservatory, Montesquieu. The device caused\n   much havoc and amusement in the Inn.\n      It is rumored that the High Chieftain has since commissioned\n   a small privateer vessel which commonly sails from Irae to ports\n   unknown, to ferry him back to Darkhaven.\n  ================================================================&D\n                   Bishop Kondeh Promises Salvation&D\n      In light of all the death and chaos of the past several\n   months, Irae's newest religious representative, Bishop Abner Kondeh,\n   has been giving a number of sermons and speeches to the people of\n   Irae.\n      Promising salvation to all who see the error in their ways and\n   convert to the Common Faith, Bishop Kondeh preaches that those who\n   do not will find only death and damnation in life.\n      It is a radical stance which, judging by the number of individuals\n   have since converted to the faith, is working.\n      Though the exact number of converts is unknowable, the\n   prominence of the faith on the streets of Irae is becoming evident.\n  ==============================FINIS=============================&D\n\n38\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 38   \\\/    February\/March COD Quest Results - Falennt\n\n Answers for February\/March COD Quest\n AURORA\n BARTOK\n CRYSTALMIR\n DAICHAAL\n DARKHAVEN\n MAHNTOR\n MORGUL\n NIDAROS\n OLYMPUS\n REDFERNE\n SAVRATHI\n TARPACITHM\n TULLFUHRZKY\n UMBRAGEOUS\n ZIGGURAT\n\n(There is no Edo. Almost everyone missed out either Olympus or Umbrageous)\n\nThe winners in order of correct answers, and earliest timing are :\nGraet, Jethren and Loijinn. Congratulations!\n\nConsolation prizes go to Vukodlak, Smee and Jaxxon.\n\n Please contact Falennt for your prizes at your earliest convenience.\n\n39\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 39   \\\/    April COD Quest - Annale\n\ntararrrtrerere   How many times can you find the word Easter \neastereeeeeeee   In the word find on the left?\naarttatatatata\nsesastssssssss   Mudmail your findings to Annale by April 28th.\ntastatatatatat   \neastereeeeeeee   The three people with the closest number found win!\nrarrarrrarerar   \natseseastersee   Good luck!!\naaetteteastera\nrrrseeastertes\neraarrtsretsae   \nrereeerrtttart\nreetretsaeaeee\nresreeasterrta\nraeeretsaeeree\neeeeretsaeaaat   \n\n40\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 40   \\\/    Gladiator II Results - Gonnil\n\nGladiator II was held April 4th, and there was much death and slaughter, as well\nas fun had by all.\n \nResults of the Gladiator II event were as follows:\n \nTaqqiya Maliss: 5 wins, 0 losses\nWismar Kapit: 4 wins, 1 loss\nVarokk Drukk: 3 wins, 2 losses\nLonsmamaivuh Stokes: 2 wins, 3 losses\nKasel Bratac: 1 win, 4 losses\nEllen Nazario:  0 wins, 5 losses (Nazario was a no-show)\n \nCongratulations to Taqqiya and Maliss, our new Gladiator champions!  They\nreceived a custom piece of equipment for their efforts.\n \nWatch for more Gladiator style events in the future.\n\n41\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 41   \\\/    Destop Wallpaper Contest - Romani\n\nMinimum requirements: \n1.  Is your original work\n2.  Contains the following information\n     \"Realms of Despair\"\n     \"http:\/\/www.realmsofdespair.com\/\"\n3.  Either bmp or jpg format.\n4.  The Realms Motto: \"Endless Medieval Enjoyment\"\n5.  Use either (or both) sizes: 1024 by 768, 800 by 600\n6.  Images may use any other elements from the game to aid in your\n    creativity. \n7.  Images will be judged on the above elements and voted on by the \n    immortal community. \n8.  Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, place and be posted on\n    the website for download. All entries become the property of RoD\n    and may be used for advertising and distribution purposes. \n9.  Images are to be emailed to Herald@RealmsOfDespair.com\n10. Images will not be returned. Please keep this in mind when \n    sending in submissions.\nEmail entries to: Herald@RealmsOfDespair.com no later than April 31, 2009.\n \nFor an example of previous works submitted, look under \"wallpapers\" on the\nRealms of Despair website.\n\n42\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 42   \\\/    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\n43\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 43   \\\/    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\n44\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 44   \\\/    Reminders for Writers  - Falennt\n\nWriters for the Cry of Despair Issue 135, Feb\/March, please contact Falennt\nat your latest convenience for your payments.\n\n45\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 45   \\\/    Ask CoE\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  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\n46\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 46   \\\/    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   |    |       :     ___  '       |      |     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\n47\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 47   \\\/    Letter from the Editor\n\nGreetings Readers!\n\nWith the Cry's snazzy new look has come a couple of new editors! We're \nhoping to get the Cry out on time and to bring some new and fun stories!  \nOn that note, I do apologize for the tardiness of this issue.  I'd like to ask \nall writers, both staff and freelance, to please have their submissions posted \non time.\n\nRemember, the deadline for submissions is the 25th of each month.  Thank-you!\n\nWith that, if you have any ideas or want to write for the Cry, feel free to \nsend us a mudmail, tell, or post on the CoD's Public board in Town Hall!\n\nThanks for reading!\n\nAnnale Firestorm\n\n48\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 48   \\\/    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 for more information.\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\n49\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 49   \\\/    From Falennt's Inkwell - Falennt\n\nDear Readers\n\nI would like to welcome our new Editor, Annale, for bravely taking up the \nreins to diligently work on the monstrosity we affectionately call the Cry \nof Despair.\n\nAs some of you may have noticed, the Cry is now a bi-monthly publication \nand this move is made so that we are able to bring you reports with more \nquality and information. Any feedback or suggestions regarding our change can \nbe mudmailed to either Falennt or Annale.\n\nAnd as always, enjoy the read. :)\n<\/pre>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dichotomy: a Troglodyte Augerer Limner, Gonnil on Deities and Clerics _____ * ( ____) . + . + ( ____) . ( ____) * ( ____) + ( ____) . ( ____) + . + ( ____) ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ \/\\______\/|:_____:|\\______\/\\ | (__ () | | | | ) | __| (( =======&#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-2001","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2001","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=2001"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2001\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2018,"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2001\/revisions\/2018"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2001"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}