{"id":2004,"date":"2024-03-21T12:54:39","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T12:54:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=2004"},"modified":"2024-03-21T12:54:40","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T12:54:40","slug":"cry-of-despair-145","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/cry-of-despair-145\/","title":{"rendered":"Cry of Despair #145"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color\">Player killer: Blood, Gore, Loot plus rats in Edel! Much despair.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"cryofdespair\">\n               _____\n   *          ( ____)           .    +          .\n        +     ( ____)\n   .          ( ____)                               *\n              ( ____)      +\n              ( ____)                      \n          .   ( ____)    +            .\n  +           ( ____)             ______ ______ ______   ______ ______\n    \/\\______\/|:_____:|\\______\/\\  |   (__   () |    | | |    ) |    __|\n   (( ======= ------- ======= )) |______)___|\\_\\___   | |______;___|\n    \\_________________________\/                |______|\n              |::|  |  ______ ______ _______ ______ ______ ___ ______\n Number 145   |::|  | |   _) \\  \\___|(_   (_   () |    . |   |   () |\n              |::|  | |______\/______|__)____)    __|____|_;___;___|\\_\\\n ------------ |::|  | --------------------- |___| --------------------\n [Editor]     |::|  | [This Issue's Writers]\n Annale       |::|  |  Annale, Vokith, Ashandra, Matanza, Leala\n              |::|  |  \n              |::|  | \n [Sponsor]    |::|  | [Imm Contributors]\n Falennt      |::|  |  Romani, Stoneheft, Loril, Falennt\n              |::|  |  \n              |::|  | \n              |::|  | \n              |::|  | \n ------------ |::|  | ------------------------------------------------\n\n See HELP CRY2 for the table of contents.\n\n2 \n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 2    \\\/    Table of Contents\n\n This Month's Special:\n   The Umbrageous Ruins at a glance... - Gatersade       CRY3\n\n Monthly Article     \n   Helpfile of the Month               - Annale          CRY4\n   KB of the Month                     - Gatersade       CRY5-7\n\n Nation News\n   Quendi (Elf)                        - Annale          CRY8\n   Uruk'hai (Half-Ogre)                - Klaatu          CRY9-10\n   Khazad (Dwarf)                      - Stoneheft       CRY11\n   Rukhas'Dul (Half-Orc)               - Vokith          CRY12-13\n   Aerandir (Sea-Elf)                  - Ashandra        CRY14\n   Human                               - Trella          CRY15\n   Pixie                               - Kosaim          Cry16\n\n Clan News\n   Catarrh                             - Gatersade       CRY17\n\n Quest News\n   April CoD Quest Results             - Annale          CRY18-20\n   June CoD Quest                      - Annale          CRY21\n\n Realms Living\n   An ominous cloud of doubt darkens\n          the city of Edel               - Mouler          CRY22  \n\n Funny Bones\n   Quotes out of Context               - Romani & Annale CRY23\n   Odd and Amusing Titles              - Romani          CRY24\n   AV Antics                           - Falennt         CRY25\n\n Announcements and Advertisements\n   Shop with Guts'n'Glory!                               CRY26\n   Advertise with the Cry!                               CRY27\n   CoD Readers Reward                                    CRY28\n   Reunion                                               CRY29\n   2010 Olympics                                         CRY30\n   Deadly Advert                                         CRY31-32\n   Roleplay Wiki:http:\/\/realmsroleplay.wikidot.com\/      CRY33 \n\n  Cry of Despair Staff\n   Letter from the Editor                                CRY34\n   Write for the Cry                                     CRY35\n   From Falennt's Inkwell                                CRY36\n\n\n3 \n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 3    \\\/    The Umbrageous Ruins at a glance... - Gatersade \n\nThe Umbrageous Ruins at a glance...\nIt has been a thrilling month within the deadly fraternity. An ongoing feud\nbetween rival syndicates Feralis, Catarrh and Exile have seen both New \nDarkhaven and the Umbrageous Ruins taunted by bloodshed and crime. Whilst\neach cartel's success and influence has been widespread, the territory war\nis far from decided.\n \nThe uprising of the top three syndicates has sent the demons of the Maleficae\nclan into hiding. The once dominant clan is potentially at it's lowest point;\nwith the skins of it's new members hanging down from numerous donation rooms,\nand it's leadership no where to be seen.\n \nWhilst the deadly fraternity has been rife with conflict, there have also been\ntimes of peace and co-operation. The convoy of terrorists invading the deadly\nterritory of Badlands has meant that rival clans have had to join forces in\nattempt to fend off greedy, non-deadly treasure hunters. A frivolous pact \nbetween the magi of Feralis and prophets of Catarrh has also resulted in the\ndemise of Danbala Wedo, the Chimera, Llachette, Marcus, the Alluvrian Horror\nand Azazel.\n\n4\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 4    \\\/    Helpfile of the Month - Annale \n\n'PRIESTS OF SUMMER' 'SUMMER PRIESTS'\nThe Goddess of Summer, Kalerd, shows great favor on this small group of\npriests for their undying devotion to her. It is believed that their task is\nto seek out places where the warmth of Z'hyal and the blessing of Kalerd may\nbe lacking and report them to the Goddess. They have very limited powers in\nthe colder climates, which is to be expected, but they can and will travel\ninto the heart of winter to try and wrest the land free of Tirebaen's grasp.\n\n5\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 5    \\\/    KB of the Month - Gatersade\n\n grasp\nZhetakhas's blast hits Sandinastah!\nZhetakhas's blast hits Sandinastah!\nYour blast mauls Zhetakhas!\nYour blast thrashes Zhetakhas!\nYour blast thrashes Zhetakhas!\nZhetakhas parries your attack.\nYour blast mauls Zhetakhas!\nZhetakhas is DEAD!!\nBolts of blue energy rise from the corpse, seeping into you.\nZhetakhas gasps its last breath and blood spurts out of its mouth and ears.\nYou see nothing like that in the corpse of Zhetakhas.\nThe corpse of Zhetakhas holds:\n     a cure blindness scroll\n     (Red Aura) veil of Hecate\n     a Seal of the Chturhk (2)\n     (Magical) (Humming) the cloak of Death\n     sash of the destitute\n     (Red Aura) (Humming) Set's ring of Power (2)\n     a strip of green troll fur\n     (Red Aura) (Magical) (Humming) chains of imprisonment\n     (Glowing) the Ice Girth\n     the mask of unholy perversions\n\n6\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 6   \\\/    KB of the Month - Gatersade\n\n     Hoss's House Key\n     a white Gryphon Keep tabard\n     studded leather keshka hide\n     (Magical) the runecape\n     a black dragonscale hauberk\n     blood soaked bandages\n     the secrets within\n     (Red Aura) a strand of polished jade\n     Howls of Destiny\n     (Red Aura) Inescapable Grasp of Doom\n     a blue, glassy chain (2)\n     (Glowing) the inquisitor's beacon\n     a blood soaked sack\n     (Magical) a magical flying carpet\n     Mark of Darkness\n     (Magical) (Glowing) Nasr, Claymore of Sovereignty\n     soulfire circlet\n     (Red Aura) Collar of Abyssal Servitude (2)\n     shaded strides\n     (Red Aura) A shroud of darkness\n     (Magical) a Violent Death (2)\n     a create spring scroll (2)\n\n7\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 7    \\\/    KB of the Month - Gatersade\n\n\nYou get soulfire circlet from the corpse of Zhetakhas.\nYou get A shroud of darkness from the corpse of Zhetakhas.\nYou get shaded strides from the corpse of Zhetakhas.\n\n8\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 8   \\\/    Quendi Nation News - Annale \n\nFruit-and-cream trifles back in stock!\n\nThanks to some local farmers from the mainland, Shirl has found a source of\nvibrant and fresh fruits.  The fruit-and-cream trifles are better than ever!\n\nNation Olympics\n\nKeep in mind that the Nation Olympics are coming up soon!  Get your training\nin now! The Elves are hoping to put forth a full team and bring home a Gold!\n\nWarning from the Sea-Elves\n\nTari Annale would like to caution the Elves when dealing with any Sea-Elves.\nApparently something is happening to the Sea-Elves which is causing them to\nact stranger and more peculiar.  Are they dangerous?  It is unsure, but if\nany should appear upon our shores, be cautious and report to the guard.\n\n\n9\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 9   \\\/    Uruk'hai Nation News - Klaatu \n\nFrom the Opallinoc News Bureau:\n \nDateline Opallinoc - Vernal Equinox\nThe annual Vernal Equinox celebration this year was attended by an average\nnumber of the Uruk'hai. The mild winter had many of the citizens taking care of\nmatters normally left unattended. Roast eltor beast at the Great Bonfire was\namong the delicacies available, along with Meeka's \"spring swill\". Speeches\nand outright brags of coming adventures  were told by many. Volstagg's tales of\nexploration, as always, drew a large crowd of the younger Uruk'hai.\n\nDateline Sea of Sorrows - Winterlight Island\nVolstagg the Catacomb Dweller thought he would see for himself the stories of\nWinterlight Island. Traveling through the Sea of Sorrows he arrived and found\nice. Ice and more ice. Everything was either frozen with ice or locked shut.\nQuickly, he wass thankful for the thick piece of lizard hide  on his back. The\ncold was extremely bitter. Encountering strange creatures living in snow caves\nand a frozen river that stunned him at every step, Volstagg decided more\npreparations and funding for a team was needed before pressing further. The \nrumor of an Ice Palace full of treasure is the current lure for donations.\n \nDateline Keep of Lomar - New Human Leader\nThe Uruk'hai welcome Trella as the new leader of the Human Nation. Envoy's are\ntravelling to Lomar. Trella is an unknown to the Uruk'hai and the envoys are\ncreating a dossier of any information whether fact or fiction.\n\n10\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 10   \\\/    Uruk'hai Nation News - Klaatu \n\nFrom the Opallinoc News Bureau:\n \nDateline Opallinoc: Summer Solstice Fest\nThe time is near, Solstice is almost here. Get your tales of triumph ready.\nPut a shine on those trophies  of battle. A chance to show off your latest\nscars of battle. You know when. You know where. So be there !!!!\n \nDateline Opallinoc: Uruk'hai Olympic Team Tryouts\nKlaatu, your benevolent chieftain, has sworn to bring home one Gold medal from\nthis years Olympics. Being beaten by the Lizardmen, no less, is not sitting\nwell with the Tribal Council. The  bragging rights and tales  of glorious\nvictories, at the Great Bonfire, of the Uruk'hai prowess will be rewarded.\nThis is the chance to become immortalized in Uruk'hai lore. Those interested\nshould contact Klaatu for further details. \n \nDateline Northern Plains: Inahir Protectorate\nA report from the Hunt Leader of the Inahir has been received by the Uruk'hai\nCouncil. The report tells of plentiful grazing areas in the Protectorate and\nnumerous eltor kids being born. It is looking to be a bountiful and profitable\nyear for the Inahir peoples. \n \nDatline SMR: Gold Dragonscale Plate\nDetails of the fabled Gold Dragonscale Plate are few and far between.\nClues, rumors or specific knowledge will be rewarded.\n\n11\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 11   \\\/    Khazad Nation News - Stoneheft \n\nThe plague of rats is getting out of hand in Edel. Food storages are ruined,\nand supplies are running out. Ironkev has asked for my assistance, for the\nsake of Edel, so I ask for yours, in turn. Support Edel's economy when you\nare able, buy food from your brothers not foreign races.\n\nProji has quit selling bread since the rats have destroyed his flour. This has\nalready led to Beans on Toast being removed from the menu at the inn. One of\nour powerful surface cities may be heading toward disaster.\n\nThank you for helping your Edel brethren in any way you are able.\n\nIronkev had hired a rat piper but I fear he has taken the town's money and run.\nIf you know of any trustworthy pipers that can take care of the vermin problem,\nlet the townspeople know.\n \nSigned in purple wax with the crest of Stoneheft Gemstone\n\n12\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 12   \\\/    Rukhas'Dul Nation News - Vokith \n\nDestiny was never easy to satisfy. This was a lesson learned the hard way\nby the people of Krozloy's mountain. Told long ago that their ilk would rise\nup from the cliffs and hills of the world to reign supreme over lesser\ncreatures, the Rukhas'Dul once believed themselves the children of destiny.\nBut centuries of bitter conflict -- both external and internal -- left\nthem a ruined nation, seeking direction.\n \nNow, at last, a glimmer of hope. It came in the form of the remains of a\nlong lost prophet-king: Krozloy himself, dead for centuries, but found\nin an earthen casket hidden away in the deepest bowels of the Barren Peaks\nof Tahjliera. His casket was marked with dwarvish runes, the nature of\nwhich the nation's elders had been attempting to discern for many weeks.\nWere these dwarves who marked this casket friends, or enemies? Had the\nrunes been put in place as tribute, or ward against an evil spirit?\n \nVokith Drah'zi, High Chieftain of the Rukhas, knew that the answer could\nprove as vexatious as the very questions being asked. He was not sure if\nhe wanted it. But he also knew that his nation, long since made aware of\nthe existence of the bones, now wanted to know the very same things he\nsought to understand.\n \n\n13\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 13   \\\/    Rukhas'Dul Nation News - Vokith  \n\nIf the dwarves were friends, the very relationship between the Rukhas and\nKhazad could be on the verge of tremendous change. If they were foes, old\nfeuds could once again recapture the spirit of the people. Though neither\noption was particularly enjoyable, the former was far preferable given the\ncurrent situation.\n \nVokith sat alone at the council table in Krozloy's hall, pondering his course\nof action should either verdict be cast. If nothing else, the High Chief\nwould be prepared. There could be no doubt about that.\n\n14\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 14   \\\/    Aerandir Nation News - Ashandra  \n\nThe Sea-elves are quiet this month, they almost seem to have retreated from\nthe surface entirely. Aside from youths on their Lien'eiaur elchuui few are to\nbe found above the waves. Even fewer are found on the waves.\n\nA few adventurers travelling to small border towns have found mostly emtpy\nhouses. Those with inhabitants tend to be violently defended.\n\nThe kingdoms themselves have also closed their borders, allowing no one within\ntheir blockades, and no news without.\n\nIf cornered long enough some of the youths mention an enemy they were told not\nto speak of. This reporter, knowing full well youths never do what they are\ntold managed to get a few vague stories from the children after introducing\nthem to dwarven ale.\n\nSupposedly an ancient enemy has returned to the seas nearby, and is attacking\nnot only the Aerandiri, but any of their allies. This is an effort to protect\nthe surface world. They then often go into stories of bogeymen haunting the\ndark and taking Aerandiri children to turn them into horrible twisted monsters\nthat then torment their former loved ones. While incredibly entertaining, they\nlikely have little real information.\n\nWe'll keep you posted on more in the future. Also, try to avoid coastal waters,\nan odd green tide has been forming near sea-elven heavy land\n\n15\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 15   \\\/    Human Nation News - Trella  \n\nThe Regent is dead.  \nWith the sudden, although possibly not unexpected death of Yoshio Verdani, the \nKeep of Lomar is in chaos.  A successful invasion of the Keep by a band of \npirates has left little overturned, and a trail of bodies, blood, and booze in\ntheir wake. Coincidently, there are also reports of a strange, orange haired \nwoman stalking the streets -- bathed in crimson and whiskey, and giggling \nmadly.  Said woman has seemingly taken up residence at the tavern, although all\nattempts to converse with the stranger have been met with crazed giggles and \ndrunken ramblings.  \n \nThose of authority that still remain intact are recommending that all\nresidents of Lomar hold fast, and stay inside while this is all being 'handled'.  \nThis reporter, for one, will be taking that well-placed advice.  \n \nUntil next time, I ask you all to stay safe and free from harm.  \n                                             --Tristan Mabett, Lomar Press\n--OOC--\nLooking for RP?  Political intrigue, seedy underbellies, or grand heroism your \nthing? We are looking for people to round out our ramshackle community. New to \nRP?  No problem! We are welcoming and inviting, and more than willing to try \nand work your ideas into our little section of the Realms world.  \n \nQuestions? Please feel free to message\/mudmail Trella or Eisenbeard!\n\n16\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 16   \\\/    Pixie Nation News - Kosaim  \n\nThis is PNN your source for News:\n \nThe Negotiations are still going on between The Pixie Nation and the Half\nOgres over the control of Dunhill.  It is not known if this will lead to war\nwith the Half-Ogres\n \nThe remnants of Vermicio's band of ruffians have mostly been hunted down and\napprehended.  Some of them, including Vermicio are still on the loose.  Please\ndo not approach them. They are armed and extremely dangerous.  Inform your\nlocal Air Warden immediately.\n \nIn other news, the annual archery contest was held in Reomyr. This year the\ncontest was won by Sparrow Coif, for the second year in the row.\n&s\n17\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 17   \\\/    News from the Catarrh HQ - Gatersade  \nNews from the Catarrh HQ improvement committee\nIt has been a busy time for the committee. We recently\nreplaced one of our murals with a new piece by mystery\npainter, Cat R'De Best. The painting is titled \"Utopia\".\n           *                           |\n    *                                 -+-\n *        ,-,           *              |         *\n         \/.(     *                                  *\n         \\ {                           *\n    *     `-`             *        *\n             _               *                       *\n         ,__| |__.\n         |__.+,__|   *           *      |\n            | |                        -+-       *\n            | |                         |\n       ,____|_|____.   _              ,-|-.\n       |,_________,| _|M|_   ,-=-.   \/ RIP \\      _\n       || H e r e |||_ A _| \/  +  \\ (Forrest)   _|J|_\n       || L i e s ||  |R|   |Shawn|  ) and (   |_ O _|\n       ||Maleficae||  |L|   |R.I.P|  | Joe |     |S|\n.,jwv\/,||__N00bs__||\\v|E|V,,|_____|V,|_V,V.|Vv,v,|H|\/,,vhj,\n\n18\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 18   \\\/    April CoD Results - Annale  \n\nThank you so much to all who participated! I hope you enjoyed reading last\nmonth's entries! They sure had me laughing! And this month is no less funny!\n\nWith only 4 entries this month, I simply couldn't pick winners, so this\nmonth, everyone is a winner!  \n\nCongratulations to Qaulorn, Lilcal, Brandal And Madazanirt!\n\nPlease contact Falennt for your prizes!\n\n\n19\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 19   \\\/    April CoD Results - Annale \n\nQaulorn's Madlib Submission:\n\nToday we get to hunt for interesting eggs in Conran's yard.  The \nEaster jackass hid them for us to find! I am hoping that there will be a \nbasket full of cheesecakes and ladies of the night.  Since it's spring, \nthere's lots of ninjas on the ground.  When I grope through it, I hope \nit doesn't get on my pie.  I love that the Easter platypus hides things \nfor us.  It makes the absurd day so very frustrating!!\n\nLilcal's Madlib Submission:\n\nToday we get to hunt for hideous eggs in Ellen Degeneres's yard.  The \nEaster gopher hid them for us to find! I am hoping that there will be a \nbasket full of teachers and Buddhists.  Since it's spring, there's lots\nof televisions on the ground.  When I run through it, I hope \nit doesn't get on my library.  I love that the Easter elephant hides \nthings for us.  It makes the dark day so very yellow!!\n\n20\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 20   \\\/    February CoD Results - Annale\n\nBrandal's Madlib Submission:\n\nToday we get to hunt for innocent eggs in Gonnil's yard.  The \nEaster donkey hid them for us to find! I am hoping that there will be a \nbasket full of torpedoes and wind chimes.  Since it's spring, there's \nlots of septic systems on the ground.  When I suction through it, I \nhope  it doesn't get on my mackerel.  I love that the Easter gila \nmonster hides things for us.  It makes the disheveled day so very \nmalignant!!\n\nMadazanirt's Madlib Submission:\n\nToday we get to hunt for difficult eggs in Lindsay Lohan's yard.  The \nEaster walrus hid them for us to find! I am hoping that there will be a \nbasket full of fungi and children.  Since it's spring, there's lots\nof remote controlled cars on the ground.  When I wobble through it, I \nhope it doesn't get on my neighbour.  I love that the Easter platypus\nhides things for us.  It makes the enormous day so very red!!\n\n21\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 21   \\\/    June CoD Quest - Annale \n\nWell, I've got wedding fever. It seems everywhere I look, this summer is all\nabout weddings!  So, I would like you to put together the perfect wedding\noutfit using in game items!  \n\nFor the Bride:\nWorn on Finger:\nWorn on Head:\nWorn on Body:\nHeld:\n\nOptional:\nWorn on Legs: \nWorn on Neck:\nWorn About:\n\nFor the Groom:\nWorn on Finger:\nWorn on Body:\nWorn About:\nWorn on Legs:\nWorn on Feet:\n\nOptional:\nHeld:\nWielded:\n\nSubmit your choices on a mudmail to Annale (me!)  If you have a specific theme\nor racelass in mind, feel free to mention them on your note.  Winners will\nbe chose at random.  Good luck!\n\n22\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 22   \\\/   An ominous cloud of doubt darkens the city of Edel\n\nI write this letter to draw attention to the concerns I have about the changes\nI've noticed in Edel since the rat population exploded. The city was growing by\nleaps and bounds last year. The new road was extending around the wall, houses\nwere being built and bought up along it. Business within the town was great.\nThe blacksmith, always known for being one of the best in the world was able to\ndo very affordable work before the rats. Now, the rats have plundered, piddled\nand destroyed so much of the food stocks that the townsfolk are raising their\nprices to try to survive with less business. The higher prices will surely send\nbusiness away worsening the city's economic plight into a bad spiral until the\nstreets are no safer than the streets of Shadowport.  \n\nI am concerned about the looming potential of losing such a great city. The \ncitizens are unwilling to talk to strangers. Even those of us that they \nrecognize are treated a little less welcomed than usual. They seem untrusting \nof outsiders, and from what little they will say on the subject, it seems that \nthey have become defensive out of necessity.  I have family from the mining \ncommunity and am quite worried about the future of this good city. I implore \nall gnomes to visit and help to diminish this infestation of rodents.\n\n-Mouler\n\n23\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 23   \\\/   Quotes out of Context\n\nCivitatis quests 'Death by poodle. Not the proudest moment of my life :p'\n\nAragon ordertalks 'Me Tarzan, you Jane!'\n\nTrella wonders 'How dead was the last thing you ate, dude?'\n\nNakor asks 'why can halfers not be druids?'\nNakor asks 'or clerics'\nTehol answers 'They're just too short to reach the top of the altars and using\nphone books takes away the dignity of clerics and druids.'\n\nNerazzuri chats 'Nephandi almost rhymes with Ferengi - and both are evil'\n\nGatersade wars 'dictionaries ruin pk!'\n\nTrinexx chats 'Time to adept the teleport spell! This should be exciting.'\n\n24\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 24   \\\/   Odd and Amusing Titles\n\nMalkatov Dalu'sair repeatedly casts Nuadhaich after his rum bender.\n\nBelkira's title decided the atkins diet wasn't for it but meets \nat Dairy Queen once a week anyways.\n\nTilessa: People who think I have ADD are wro.. ooo,shiny!\nGravlocke really likes Tilessa's ti...Hey, what's that?\n\nLilcal the DT and corpse rot bot.\n\nKrakith: Snapith Krakith Poppith, Rice Krispies.\n\nIhl likes brown paper packages tied up with strings.\n\n25\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 25   \\\/   Av Antics - Falennt\n\nSkurje: Twilight and New Moon rawk\n\nGandalf: check for genitals\nGandalf: or the lackthereof\n\nSkurje: ya inbetween playing hockey, spackling, and drinking beer I'm\nscreeching like a teen chick\n\n26\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 26   \\\/    Shop with Guts'n'Glory! \n\nIf you are in need of some equipment at fair prices, look no further than\nNW of DH[]!  Kaleo and Lilkal are ready to help you with your equipment\nneeds!\n\nWith new items available on these bots, and constant restocking, Kaleo and\nLilkal can save you time and gold!  \n\nJust type whois kaleo or whois lilkal for a stock and price listing and\nfind them NW of DH[]!\n\n27\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 27   \\\/    Advertise with the Cry! \n\nAdvertise with the Cry of Despair!\n\nDo you own a bot?  \nAre you looking to sell a few things and make a little gold?\nThe Cry of Despair is a great place to advertise your wares!  \nLet people know where you park your sellbots, afterall, people need to know \nwhere you are in order for you to get their gold!\n\nAre you looking to buy something? Place an advertisement in the Cry! \nWho knows, maybe someone is looking to sell what you are looking to buy!\n\nJust write up a little advertisement and mudmail it to Annale, or post \nit on the CoD Public board located e,s,3u,w from Darkhaven Square and \nyour advertisement will be published in the next issue!\n\n28\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 28   \\\/    CoD Readers Reward \n\n           .=======================ooooooo\n   ___   ,'    \\_________________________________________\n  \/   \/-\/   dP  \/  Cry of Despair           \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/  ''--..._\n  \\___\\-\\  dP   \\    Readers Reward         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  __..--'\n         `-------------------------------------''''''''''''''\n\nThe staff at the CoD would like to thank you, the readers for your support,\ninput, and for reading each month!  For this reason, we have introduced \nThe Cry of Despair Readers Reward!.\n\nEach month, 10 million gold coins will be made available to one lucky \nreader!\n\nHow do you qualify?  Just write to us at the Cry of Despair!  Comprehensive\n'Letters to the Editor', well-written feedback letters to an article, or \ndetailed suggestion letters are all qualifying entries!\n\nA minimum of ten entries must be received in order for the draw to be \nopened that month.  If 10 entries are not received, the money is pooled \nand added to the next issue's draw.  The entries will also be saved for the \nnext draw.  If, after ten issues there have not been enough submissions, the \npot will be emptied and restarted.\n\nWho can submit? Why you, our loyal readers!  Only one submission per \ndraw. Any person caught submitting multiple entries on alts will be \ndisqualified from the draw. CoD Staff, Immortals, and alts are not \npermitted to enter the draw.\n\nHow do I submit? Mudmail your Letter to the Editor, feedback letter, or\nletter of suggestion to Annale or Falennt or post your letter on the CoD\npublic board at e,s,u,u,u,w from DH[].\n\nSubmissions will be published in the same issue as the draw.\n\nThis month's gold pool is worth: 60 Million Gold Coins!\n\n29\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 29   \\\/    Reunion \n\nThe reunion for 2010 is cancelled. It was a hard decision and one we did not \nwish to make. With the requirement of passports, the change from a party-\nscene to a family one (as our player base has matured) we felt it best to \ntake off a year or so to make the adjustment. It is the hopes that players \nwill once again be able to set aside resources\/funds to make the trek to \nToronto for the reunion to meet their fellow mudders and the immortals. \n \nIf there are players who are interested in just a simple bbq or meet for a \nday at the lake let Thoric and Jane know as they have extended their \nhospitality to RoDites.\n\n30\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 30   \\\/    2010 Nation Olympics \n\n        \/|,                 2010 Nation Olympics\n       )  (,                 Coming this summer!\n      ( (  )       \n_______\\__\/_______\n`--.._      _..--' The Olympics started as a need for greater\n      `\\  \/'       integration between the RP Nations. Each \n        ||  pb     citizen on RoD belongs to one of the 14 races\n        ||         on RoD and is encouraged to participate.\n        ||\n        ||         OPC - Olympic Planning Committee is made up\n        ||         of the Nation Leaders and appointed members\n        ||         which represent their race. If you are interested\n        ||         in assisting with the planning contact your \n        ||         Nation Leader for more information. \n        ||\nSee also: HELP NATION, HELP NATIONS2, HELP NATION COUNCILS\n\n31\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 31   \\\/    Deadly Advert - Gatersade \n \n __, __,  _, _,  _, _  _,    _, __,   __, __,  _, __,  _, _ __,\n |_) |_  \/_\\ |   |\\\/| (_    \/ \\ |_    | \\ |_  (_  |_) \/_\\ | |_)\n | \\ |   | | | , |  | , )   \\ \/ |     |_\/ |   , ) |   | | | | \\\n - - --- - - --- -  -  -     -  -     -   ---  -  -   - - - - -\n                   \/}\n                  \/\/\n                 \/{     \/>\n  ,_____________\/\/\/----\/{_____________________________________\n\/|=============|\/\\|-----\/_____________________________________\\\n\\|=============|\\\/|-----\\_____________________________________\/\n  '-------------\\\\\\----\\{\n                 \\{     \\>                  Come Play Today...\n                  \\\\\n                   \\}\n \n     __, __,  _, __, _,  , _   _,_ __, __,  _, _  _, _, _\n     | \\ |_  \/_\\ | \\ |   \\ |   | \/ |_  |_) (_  | \/ \\ |\\ |\n     |_\/ |   | | |_\/ | ,  \\|   |\/  |   | \\ , ) | \\ \/ | \\|\n     -   --- - - -   ---   )   -   --- - -  -  -  -  -  -\n                          -'\n\n32\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 32   \\\/    Deadly Advert - Gatersade \n \n \n                 _____________________________________________\n                |Adults Only 18+  | May Contain:              |\n                |-----------------|   Blood and Gore          |\n                |                 |   Drug and Alcohol Usage  |\n                |      #####      |   Intense Violence        |\n                |     ### ###@@@  |   Violent Sexual Content  |\n                |    ###   #@#  @ |   Nudity                  |\n                |   #########@@@  |   Real Gambling           |\n                |  ###       ###  |   Coarse Language         |\n                |                 |   Mature Humour           |\n                |_________________|___________________________|\n                |Content Rated by: Carebear Peacefuls Inc.    |\n                |_____________________________________________|\n\n33\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 33   \\\/    Roleplay Wiki - http:\/\/realmsroleplay.wikidot.com \n\nFor those seeking to feed their Inner RP Demons there is a new wiki site\navailable with many sections including (but not limited to) Nations, Roleplay\nculture, literature, arena, RP archives, order RP, Places to RP, player\norganized groups, diaries etc.\n \nWe encourage contributions to this mud-wide RP archive and history. If you\nrequire assistance in helping to set up a section in the wiki please contact\nFalennt or myself for information or follow the handy guide in the right hand\nside of the wiki.\n \nTake the time to become part of this RP rich world which lurks in virtually\nevery part of RoD. Visit http:\/\/realmsroleplay.wikidot.com!\n\nFalennt and Romani\n\n34\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 34   \\\/    Letter from the Editor \n\nI'd like to apologize for skipping a month with the Cry.  Unfortunately, \nlife has a tendency to rear its ugly head once in a while!  But we're back \non track again!  Enjoy the issue!\n\nDon't forget to vote for RoD on TMS: \nhttp:\/\/www.topmudsites.com\/vote-thoric.html \n\nAs always, I'd like to remind everyone that the deadline for article \nsubmissions is the 25th of the month.  The next CoD will be published\nin July. So the next deadline is June 25th!\n\nThanks for reading,\nAnnale Firestorm  \n\n35\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 35   \\\/    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 \nlike the position.  Please include your normal online times so that the \nimmortals can interview you. \n\nWe also welcome freelance editors. Do contact Falennt or Annale for \nmore information.\n\nWe are also looking for more staff writers and freelancers. If you \nwould like to earn some income through writing just about anything, feel \nfree to speak 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 \nyour passion is writing, do contact Falennt through mudmail or a tell.\n\nThank you in advance for your interest. \n\nN.B.: Staff Writer : Cry of Despair Staff, Regular Submissions required.\n      Freelancer   : Article submission not on regular basis, not required  \n                     to be on the Cry of Despair staff list.\n<\/pre>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Player killer: Blood, Gore, Loot plus rats in Edel! Much despair. _____ * ( ____) . + . + ( ____) . ( ____) * ( ____) + ( ____) . 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