{"id":2007,"date":"2024-03-21T12:37:55","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T12:37:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=2007"},"modified":"2024-03-21T12:37:56","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T12:37:56","slug":"cry-of-despair-142","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/cry-of-despair-142\/","title":{"rendered":"Cry of Despair #142"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color\">In which Stoneheft muses on the Deep Lode Forge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"cryofdespair\">\n               _____\n   *          ( ____)           .    +          .\n        +     ( ____)\n   .          ( ____)                               *\n              ( ____)      +\n              ( ____)                      \n          .   ( ____)    +            .\n  +           ( ____)             ______ ______ ______   ______ ______\n    \/\\______\/|:_____:|\\______\/\\  |   (__   () |    | | |    ) |    __|\n   (( ======= ------- ======= )) |______)___|\\_\\___   | |______;___|\n    \\_________________________\/                |______|\n              |::|  |  ______ ______ _______ ______ ______ ___ ______\n Number 142   |::|  | |   _) \\  \\___|(_   (_   () |    . |   |   () |\n              |::|  | |______\/______|__)____)    __|____|_;___;___|\\_\\\n ------------ |::|  | --------------------- |___| --------------------\n [Editor]     |::|  | [Staff]\n Annale       |::|  |  Alessio, Alexandra, Annale, Beleth, Clemens, \n              |::|  |  Israfel\n              |::|  | \n [Sponsor]    |::|  | [Contributors]\n Falennt      |::|  |  Versetch, Klaatu, Ashandra, Leala, Kosaim\n              |::|  |  \n              |::|  | \n              |::|  | [Imm Contributors]\n              |::|  |  Gonnil, Romani, Stoneheft, Kinux\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   RoD Cry Awards                      - Romani          CRY3-9\n\n Monthly Article     \n   Helpfile of the Month               - Annale          CRY10\n\n Nation News\n   Quendi (Elf)                        - Annale          CRY11\n   Uruk'hai (Half-Ogre)                - Klaatu          CRY12\n   Hobbit (Halfling)                   -                 CRY13\n   Elohai (Half-elf)                   -                 CRY14\n   Khazad (Dwarf)                      - Stoneheft       CRY15-16\n   Olog'hai (Half-Troll)               - Leala           CRY17\n   Aerandir (Sea-Elf)                  - Ashandra        CRY18-19\n\n Order News                            \n   Baali                               - Romani          CRY20\n\n Quest News\n   December CoD Quest Results          - Annale          CRY21\n   January CoD Quest                   - Annale          CRY22\n   Festivus Raffle Results             - Gonnil          CRY23   \n\n Realms Living\n   Ask CoE Questions                                     CRY24\n   Loril Got Run Over by a Newbie      - Romani          CRY25\n   Festivus for the Rest of Us         - Kinux           CRY26\n   Top 10 RoD New Year's Resolutions   - Annale          CRY27\n\n Funny Bones\n   New Year's Humour                   - Romani          CRY28-30\n   Christmas Fun                       - Annale          CRY31\n   Christmas Titles                    - Annale          CRY32\n   Amusing and Odd Titles              - Romani & Annale CRY33\n   Quotes out of Context               - Annale          CRY34\n   Medieval Jokes                                        CRY35\n\n Announcements and Advertisements\n   Wedding Announcement                                  CRY36\n   Join the Pkill League               - Versetch        CRY37\n   Shop with Guts'n'Glory!                               CRY38\n   Advertise with the Cry!                               CRY39\n   CoD Readers Reward                                    CRY40\n      Readers Reward Topic                               CRY41\n   Happy New Year from the CoD!                          CRY42\n\n  Cry of Despair Staff\n   Suggestion Box                                        CRY43\n   Letter from the Editor                                CRY44\n   Write for the Cry                                     CRY45\n   From Falennt's Inkwell                                CRY46\n\n\n3 \n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 3    \\\/    Realms of Despair Annual CRY Awards - Romani \n\nThe 10th annual Realms of Despair Awards are coming up, and we\nneed your help to determine this year's winners. In keeping with\nthe RoD tradition please take a moment to fill in your answers\nand send them via mudmail to Romani by January 25th.\n \nHOW TO VOTE:\nPurchase a blank note in DH and a quill. (See: HELP MUDMAIL, NOTE, \nEDITOR or NC if this is your first time writing a note).\n \nNote to: Romani\nNote subject: CRY Awards - (Your Name Here)'s Picks\n1. Whoever  2. Whatever  3. Et cetera\n \nSo on and so forth. Use up the 24 lines to vote once per\ncategory. Each vote should fit on one line. Failure to submit\na proper voting form will have all votes nullified and not\ncounted for.\n \nOne vote per category, one form per player. Please do not\n\"stuff the ballot box\" by using alternates. If we find out,\nall votes from you and your alt(s) will be nullified and\nperhaps further action will be taken.\n\nContinued... help CRY4\n\n4\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 4    \\\/    Realms of Despair Annual CRY Awards - Romani\n\nTHE CATEGORIES:\n \n1. Best Male Immortal\nThis category is to vote for the Male Immortal who worked the\nhardest, has shown himself vis quite often to answer many\nquestions, and has generally had a positive influence on the\nplayers and the development of the MUD.\n \n2. Best Female Immortal\nThis category follows the same guideline as the Best Male\nImmortal.\n \n3. Best Male Roleplayer\nThis category is for all the vagrants, vagabonds, knights and\nkings out there who have shown themselves as worthy RP heroes or\nRP villains, and best exemplify what it is to be a great\nRoleplayer.\n \n4. Best Female Roleplayer\nThe same as Best Male but for the witches, good or bad,\nvalkyries and queens.\n\nContinued... help CRY5\n\n5\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 5    \\\/    Realms of Despair Annual CRY Awards - Romani\n\n5. Best Rename\nThis is for the best rename, be it funny, serious, or just\nplain original. When casting your ballot for this category,\ninclude the rename and to whom the rename belongs to.\n \n6. Best Couple\nVote for who you believe is the best married couple of the\nRealms. Casting for this category will depend on just how public\ntheir private love life is...\n \n7. Best Area\nVote for the area that you believe has the most challenge,\nprime equipment, or just fun. This category is not limited to\njust \"Avatar\" areas.\n \n8. Best Quest Mobile\nWhich mobile had you running scared or charged up to do battle?\nVote for who you believe was the best Quest Mobile, and don't\nforget to include which immortal ran the Quest.\n \n9. Best Mobile\nDifferent from the Quest mobile, which current mobile has you\nwishing you had it's equipment? You can decide based on\nEquipment, challenge or description.\n\nContinued... help CRY6\n\n6\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 6   \\\/    Realms of Despair Annual CRY Awards - Romani\n\n10. Best (Worst?) Death Trap\nVote for the Death Trap that best describes your agonizing\ndeath...\n \n11. Most likely to DT\nThey never scry, they never look! They just plunder through \nthe world and hit what they hit, which includes DT diving!\nHint: They are usually after you to help them re-equip.\n \n12. Best Guild\nWhile the winner will likely be decided by which Guild has the\nmost members, decision should be based on which Guild has run\nthe better quests, and a great reputation amongst players.\n \n13. Best Order\nWhile the winner will likely be decided by which Order has the\nmost members, decision should be based on which Order has run\nthe better quests, and a great reputation amongst players.\n \n14. Best Clan\nWhile the winner will likely be decided by which Clan has the\nmost members, decision should be based on which Clan instills\nfear in the heart of the pkillers world-wide.\n\nContinued... help CRY7\n\n7\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 7    \\\/    Realms of Despair Annual CRY Awards - Romani\n   \n15. Best Sect\nWhich is the most unique and stable sect in the lands?\n \n16. Best Weapon\nPlenty of new weapons have been discovered since last year's\nAwards. Is one better than the others overall?\n \n17. Best Piece of Armour\nSame guideline as Best Weapon, but this includes any and all\npieces of armour (wrist, head, waist, body, etc.)\n \n18. Best Biography (Bio)\nIs there a bio out there that is better than all the rest? It\ncan be funny, serious, lame, poem, or ascii art. Please include\nthe player's name when voting for their bio. ;)\n \n19. BALZHUR Food Award\nThis is the award for that special someone who gets on your\nnerves in any and every way possible. No discrimination here,\nall sexes are up for it. \n \n20. Court Jester\nThis award goes to the person (male or female, mortal or\nimmortal) who makes you laugh the most.\n\nContinued...help CRY8\n\n8\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 8    \\\/    Realms of Despair Annual CRY Awards - Romani\n                 \n21. Best Name\nWho do you think has the coolest name? It can be funny, or\nserious, or a statname. Any sex applies.\n \n22. Best Food\nWhich food moistens your mouth the most?\n \n23. Best Drink\nAfter eating that Best Food, which drink makes you feel like\nyou had a full meal?\n \n24. Best Social\nThis is the award for the social that best captures the essence\nof human (and all other races) emulation in a single line of\ntext. There's plenty to choose from!\n \n25. Most Needed Social\nYou keep typing it but it simply does not exist yet! What is this\nsocial that you keep thinking we have or should have?\n \n26. Best Change in 2009\nWhat stands out as the best change to the game in 2009?\n\nContinued...help CRY9\n\n9\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 9    \\\/    Realms of Despair Annual CRY Awards - Romani\n\n27. Worst Change in 2009\nWoops! What needs fixing after a change in 2009?\n \n28. Strangest in-game mobile\nEvery time you see this mob you just shake your head, laugh\nor fear RL tears welling up at this strange sight.\n \n29. Most exciting run\nCold chills run down your spine and sweat forms on your brow as\nyou dive into the game and face this mobile! Who is it?\n \n30. Next Immortal\nThey are above reproach. They fit the criteria for \"howtoimm\" and\nyet they are unsung, quietly doing all they can to help make our\nworld a better place. They are the one you turn to when you need\nto know how to do something or need help. \n \nPlease remember to follow the voting guidelines. And know that all\nvotes will be kept confidential to the Staff of the HA and CoD \nstaff, so feel comfortable voting and do not ask who voted for what.\nHave fun!\n\n10\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 10   \\\/    Helpfile of the Month - Annale\n\nTHE SHATTERING' SHATTERING\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nA conspiracy of forces, both martial and magic, joined together through the\norchestrations of an unknown entity. A horde of creatures were unleashed from\nthe Tower of Despair while a Nephandi cabal breached the umbral planes.\nGodslayers fought Harakiem as the Black Monk muttered prophecies of doom. An\nempty voice spoke and the world was rent asunder.\n\nOnly the intervention of a host of Immortals saved the world from total ruin.\nThe entity was denied entry to the Realms and the earth, though damaged,\nremained. Acting as one, lead by the Infinite, the world was healed, though not\nthe same as before.\n\nThose who survived have dubbed the event 'The Shattering'. In this alien, yet\nfamiliar, land, the survivors struggle to cope with the uncertainty of magicks\nand damage to the astral plane. Through adversity, progress is made and many\nsurvivors are rapidly advancing in skill and knowledge, rebuilding the world\nin a greater image.\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nSee also: HELP ASTRAL DISRUPTION, HELP MAGICKS\n\n11\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 11   \\\/    Quendi Nation News - Annale\n\nWinter Sleeps?\n\nWith all the buzz about the Abyssal creature, the halfling refugees, and the\nPixie aftermath, Arborlon welcomes the peaceful winter.  Life on Arborlon has\nentered a constant state of 'normality'.  Many Elves celebrated Yenearsira,\nthe Yeartide, with much revelry and companionship, with wishes of a peaceful,\nprosperous New Year.\n \nHappy New Year from the Quendi!\n\nThe Elves would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! Any nations\nlooking for Allies are encouraged to seek out the Elves.\n \nOOC: Elf-Only Quest!\nKeep an eye on the Archives board, Elf HT board, and the NV board for\ndetails about the next Elf-only quest!  Any suggestions, ideas, or donations\nare welcome! Contact Creemore or Annale!\n\n12\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 12   \\\/    Uruk'Hai Nation News - Klaatu - \n\nFrom the Opallinoc News Bureau:\n \nDateline Opallinoc - Winter Solstice Fest\nThe Winter Solstice Fest set  a new attendance record. Seems enough of the\nUruk'hai Armed Forces lingered in Opallinoc after being demobilized. Throngs\ngathered at the Great Bonfire to hear stories of conquest, adventure and\nsome of the best outrageous bragging told in years. Zontar's story of the\npursuit of the Alpha Wolf in Vast Horizon brought roars of approval. Meeka's\nswill was one of the better batches ever made and the oregano was a new twist.\n \nDateline Green Forest - in Pursuit of the Dog\nRumors abound of a dog like animal wandering the green forest. This animal is\nsaid to be a cherished pet of the Green Forest residents. Is this just another\ntale or fable? Rumors about the myna bird, gorilla and tri-flower have been\nproved to be true. Young Uruk'hai are being \"encouraged\" to hone their\nexploration skill and seek out new discoveries.\n \nDateline Edel - Rats and more rats\nEdel is still plagued by rats. These vermin are Spreading out of the sewers\nand into all parts of the town. No exterminator has yet come forward and\nvolunteer their services. Apparently the rat's hoard is not worth the effort.\n \nDateline Opallinoc - Rumors and Things\nInformation is being sought about a blue metal chain. Contact the News Bureau\n\n13\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 13   \\\/    Halfling Nation News - \n\n\n&D\n\n14\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 14   \\\/    Elohai Nation News - \n\n\n\n15\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 15   \\\/    Khazad Nation News - Stoneheft - \n\nWell, I guess it is time to solidify old myths and bedtime stories of our\nyouth into potential historical accounts. There appears to be more than a\nlittle bit of truth to the old legends of the Deep Lode Forge and the armor\nthat was made.\n\nFor those that don't know...  Legend has it that in the Time Of The Treaty,\nwhen the dwarves were the only modern peoples with the sophistication and good\nsense to make steel, all other nations came to us in peace to buy our perfect\nmetals. But, as with any great nation, our neighbors grew jealous. Most simple\ncultures are prone to covet the success their superiors...\n\nAnyway... The way my grandparents told it, the trolls initiated the attack. I\nhear that the trolls say that humans started it. It doesn't matter, now. All\nthat matters is the fact that the good, hard working dwarves were slaughtered\nfor no more reason than they were trying to provide exceptional steel for all\nand that the greedy \"all\" still had to take advantage of us. But I digress. The\nstory ends with the great steel foundry being run by the humans and trolls with\nenslaved gnomes doing the actual labour. (Obviously... Like a human or a troll\ncould smelt steel without catching their greasiness on fire).\n\nSo, of course, like in all legends... The great Deep Lode Forge was built with\nthe help of sympathetic gods. Right in the center of the most magnetic deposits\nof iron below... Some mountain range... I don't remember what my grandmother\nsaid, I knew it was only a myth back then... And the valiant dwarves hammered\nout hundreds of thousands of sets of armor so magnetically charged that it was\nable to discharge lightning. The armies of dwarves then had no trouble taking\nback their steel foundry and, of course, are still the cleverest people.\n\nContinued...help CRY16\n\n16\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 16   \\\/    Khazad Nation News - Stoneheft  \n\nNot much is said about what happened to the Deep Lode forge. I guess once the\nfoundry was back in production, the forge was forgotten and eventually assumed\nto be the sort of story that grandmothers tell.\n\nAnyway. I am convinced that it is true. The circulating rumours have the forge\nbeing discovered by gnomes that looted it and tried to sell their plunder to\ndwarves. Apparently they some how lost the sets of armour when a dwarven gang\ntried to rob them.\n\nNow, the gnomes that did have it haven't been seen in weeks, and the dwarven\ngang that I suspect, Kurt's hooligans in Edel, won't deny being involved in the\nroughing up of a bunch of gnomes but Kurt doesn't seem to have it on him.\n\nAll I can get out of older dwarves (That don't insist the whole story is a\nmyth) is that the Deep Lode armor used the magnetism of the whole world to\ngenerate the lightning and strike down enemies. They say that this magnetism\nof the armor makes it nearly impossible to wear without the right system of\nhooks and clips to hold it together. One old soldier from Juargan's who claims\nto have had ancestry that worked in the Deep Forge insists that it is nearly\ncrippling to wear an odd number of Deep Lode pieces because it was engineered\nto be worn properly balanced.\n\n17\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 17   \\\/    Olog'Hai Nation News - Leala  \n\nOur Chieftess, Leala, welcomes our new nation First, Grontarr. It is well\nthat we have another to help within the ranks. \n\nThough it makes both Lealaand Grontarr heavy of heart to see their nations \nnumbers so diminished it is their firmly held belief that the ranks can be \nrebuilt. T'Man has long been without the cries of the young learning mastery \nof their skills. Those cries can still be heard of course, just very \ninfrequently. Leala and her kin are searching the lands as this is written \nlooking for young and old to gather home.\n\n18\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 18   \\\/    Aerandir Nation News - Ashandra \n\nIn this time of rebuilding, the Aerandiri are seeking new trade partners. If\nyou need anything at all we can find it! Wan some new DrowSpice Wine, but\ndon't want to risk ending up in a cell? Come to us, we'll give you a fair\nprice and well lit safe environment as a bonus!\n \nIf you have any questions ask your nearest friendly Aerandiri merchant.\n \nWe offer speedy delivery, wide veriety of goods and most of all we will not\nask questions. If you need a rod of firebal for home defence, that's none of\nour business. Need a pet triffid to deal with the neighbor's dog? We're glad\nto be rid of it.\n \nAny national leaders or diplomats interested in formal agreements feel free to\nmail Ashandra, even if you don't someone will be comming to see you soon!\n \nThe Trade Comission of Mathlaan\n\n19\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 19   \\\/    Aerandir Nation News - Ashandra \n\nIn March the Sea-elves will be attempting an experimental system to encourage\nplayers. We will be doing a role playing session using an altered version of a\ntable top system known as paranoia.\n \nObviously there will not be robots and lasers. Instead we have kobolds and\nbows. Friend Computer has several thousand years before he is invented, but\nFriend Speaker is more than happy to send you into pointlessly dangerous\nmissions until someone can get around to building the first silicon chip.\n \nAnyone interested in this little experiment is asked to send a mudmail to\nAshandra, or post a note of interest on the sea-elf board, or the board north\nof National Visions. I am aiming for the second week of March with this as I\nam testing out the system a few times with a few friends offline. Once the\nbugs in the system are fixed I will be glad to unleash this system on the\nrealms.\n\n20\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 20   \\\/    Sanctus Irae News - Averis- \n.   )     (                                                  )     (\n   \/(_   _)\\               Baali Applications               \/(_   _)\\\n)`\\\\_\\-=-\/_\/\/`(                                          )`\\\\_\\-=-\/_\/\/`(   \n\/o (@)\/.\\(@) o\\ Only the first three applicants of an    \/o (@)\/.\\(@) o\\\n\\\/ `__ * __` \\\/ open period will be scouted. Of these    \\\/ `__ * __` \\\/\n   \\|\\VVV\/|\/    three, only one candidate will be           \\|\\VVV\/|\/\n    \\\\AAA\/\/     interviewed. To be eligible to apply to      \\\\AAA\/\/\n     \\---\/      Baali, you must meet the following criteria:  \\---\/\n     ))|((                                                    ))|((\n    ( ___ )     <> Be an evil aligned avatar                 ( ___ )\n     | \/ |      <> Be applying with your main character       | \\ |\n     | \/ |                                                    | \\ |\n     | \/ | If you meet the criteria, seek out the Bukken and  | \\ |\n     | \/ | post your application there. The note of           | \\ |\n     | \/ | application must include:                          | \\ |\n     | \/ |                                                    | \\ |\n     | \/ | <> A brief introduction of yourself                | \\ |\n     | \/ | <> Reason(s) you wish to join Baali                | \\ |\n     | \/ | <> Why we should grant you audience                | \\ |\n     | \/ | <> Estimated online time and time of day you are   | \\ |\n     | \/ |    on the most                                     | \\ |\n     | \/ | <> Names of alts you may be known by               | \\ |\n     | \/ | <> Organizations you currently have or have had    | \\ |\n     | \/ |    membership in (including alts)                  | \\ |\n     | \/ | <> Names of players you associate with             | \\ |\n     | \/ | <> Which of Baali's sects you are most interested  | \\ |\n     | \/ |    in, and why (See the Baali website.)            | \\ |\n     | \/ |                                                    | \\ |\n     | \/ | During your application period, it would be wise   | \\ |\n     | \/ | to be available to answer any questions that CDS   | \\ |\n     | \/ | or any Baali may have. Feel free to socialize and  | \\ |\n     | \/ | get to know us better, but keep in mind that spam- | \\ |\n     | \/ | ming with questions about your application status  | \\ |\n     | \/ | is heavily frowned upon and will not reflect well  | \\ |\n     | \/ | on your application.                               | \\ |\n     | \/ |                                                    | \\ |\n     | \/ | Please contact any member with CDS in their title  | \\ |\n     | \/ | if you have any questions.                         | \\ |\n     | \/ |                                                    | \\ |\n     | \/ | It is advisable to review the Baali website at:    | \\ |\n     |___|           http:\/\/thebaali.tripod.com               |___|\n    (_____)                                                  (_____)\n\n21\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 21   \\\/    December Quest Results - Annale \n\nIt seems as though everyone had a little bit too much fun over the holidays\nand forgot to submit to December's quest!  Therefore, this month, there are\nno winners.\n\nFrown!\n\nJust think, if you had submitted, you might have been the only winner!\n \n\n22\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 22   \\\/    January Quest - Annale \n\nThis month's quest is inspired by a humourous helpfile and some words of\ninspiration found within it!  Solve the Cryptogram below to be enlightened!\n\nSubmit your solution by mudmail to Annale by January 30th!  Three winners \nwill be picked at random from all those who submit.\n\nGood luck!\n\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n| A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z|\n|          16             12                         6                        |\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nD                 I                    D                 R  I             .\n__ __ __ __ __    __ __    __    __ __ __    __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ \n16 4  20 8  13    12 15    20    23 20 16    4  3  19 4  6  12 4  10 21 4\n\n                  R                          I  D     I    .\n               __ __ __    __ __    __ __ __ __ __    __ __\n               8  6  17    8  1     20 7  1  12 16    12 8\n\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 23   \\\/    Festivus Raffle Results - Gonnil \n\nGold prizes, 2,235,400,000 gold each\n\nWinner #1:  Charlene\nWinner #2:  Enosh\nWinner #3:  Uri\n \nGrand prize, level 2 character of any racelass combination\nWinner:  Enosh\n \nA total of 11,177,000,000 gold was spent on the raffle by 65 characters.\n \nThanks to everyone who participated.\n\n24\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 24   \\\/    Ask CoE Questions\n\nThis month, the CoD asked some players for a few questions to ask CoE.  We \nare still waiting for some answers, but here is what people are asking:\n\n1. The Guilds are in a serious state of degradation. Is this something on your\nradar, and if so, is there something they are proposing\/thinking about to \npossibly create a more active Guild community?\n\n2. Sects are on the rise, and as personal organizations, most of them serve \nonly 1 or 2 characters. Are they working as intended? Is there a possibility \nfor fleshing these organizations out more fully with commands\/noteboards\/etc.?\n\n3. Would it be possible\/feasible to have a Sect Imm who could\/would work with \nSect owners about possible additions\/addendums?\n\nStay tuned to the Cry for answers to these questions!! And if you have a \nquestion that you would like answered, please mudmail it to Annale or Falennt!\n\n25\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 25   \\\/    Loril Got Run Over by a Newbie - Romani\n\nCHORUS: Loril got run over by a newbie logging out from mudding Christmas \neve. You can say there's no such thing as Thoric, But as for me and Stoneheft,\nwe believe.\n\n-*-She'd been drinkin' too much egg nog, And we'd begged her not to go. But \nshe'd left her medication, So she stumbled out the door into the snow. When \nwe found her Christmas mornin', At the scene of the attack. There were tiny \nhoof prints on her forehead, And incriminatin' newbie marks on her back. \n\n(CHORUS)\n\n-*-Now were all so proud of Stoneheft, He's been takin' this so well. See him \nin there watchin' football, Drinkin' Guinness and playin' cards with cousin \nIt (Yeroc).\n\n-*-It's not Christmas without Loril. All the imm's dressed in black. And we \njust can't help but wonder: Should we open up her gifts or send them back? \n\n(CHORUS)\n\n-*-Now the goose is on the table And the pudding made of fig. And a blue and\nsilver candle, That would just have matched the hair in Loril's wig.\n\n-*-I've warned all my friends and neighbours. Better watch out for yourselves.\n\"We should never give a license, to a man who creates a world to play with \nelves.\" \n\n(CHORUS)\n\n26\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 26   \\\/    Festivus for the Rest of Us - Kinux\n\nThere are 3 parts to the Festivus celebrations:\n \n1. Airing of Grievances\n \nShould you wish to air your grieveances about the game, we would welcome your\nthoughts posted to the Oracle. We will post the best grievances (this will be\navailable until December 26).\n \n2. Feats of Strength\n\nShould you wish to show off your feats of strength, you are welcome to utilize\nthe arena free of charge. Simply ask any visible level 52+ immortal if they\nhave time to watch over a festivus strength match, have a person (usually\nsomeone weaker than you) who you wish to fight, and have at it! (this will\nagain be available until December 26th).\n\n3. Festivus Pole\n\nAs always, don't lick the festivus pole in DH Square.\n \nThe Immortals of Realms of Despair wish you a happy Festivus, but are in no\nway responsible for any Festivus related mishaps. For those that do not wish\nto participate in Festivus, Happy (past) Chanukah, Merry Christmas, Seasons\nGreetings and a Happy New Year.\n\n27\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 27   \\\/    Top 10 RoD New Year's Resolutions - Annale\n\nIt is a long standing tradition for people to make resolutions on New Year's\nEve.  Most people don't keep their resolutions, but it's our way of trying\nto start the year off right. \n\nIf you haven't already made your resolution, the Cry of Despair has come up\nwith a couple to help you out!\n\n1.  Run seth!\n2.  Av that cleric\/vampire\/nephandi that you've had at level 25 since the\n    Shattering...\n3.  Equip that avatar cleric\/augurer\/nephandi\/vampire...\n4.  Find Thoric's missing boots.\n5.  Lose 20 lbs (aka - rewrite your desc!)\n6.  Quit smoking... Father Time's black bong of deliberation.\n7.  Spend more time with (mud) family.\n8.  Try something new.  PK and RP come to mind.\n9.  Finish cleaning\/organizing your storages.\n10. Help others.  Advise them to read \"Help me\"\n\n28\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 28   \\\/    New Year's Humour - Romani\n\nNew Year Traditions:\n\n1. New Clothes: Many people believe that if they wear new clothes on New \nYear day they will receive more new garments during the year. People wear red\ncolor clothes as they believe red is symbolic to happiness and bright future.\nSo run big mobs and find those interesting items that you always wanted to \ndeck your character out with.\n\n2. Newborn Babies are Lucky: Babies born on 1st January is considered to be \nthe luckiest persons throughout their lives. So start up a new character and\nlevel it yourself!\n\n3. Crying Should be Avoided: Many people believe that crying and wailing on \nNew Year day is a bad thing. On RoD this includes whining as it leads to \nxchans.\n\n4. Keeping the Doors Open: All the doors of the house should be kept open \nat midnight to let the old year escape unhindered. This is especially hard \naround GoT members or young thieves who are adepting their pick-lock skills. \n\n5. Kiss at Midnight:  It is believed that kissing at midnight increases the \naffections and attachments that will continue throughout the year. Just stand \nin DH [] and kiss anything that enters. Even a good mob or an old player need \nlove now and then.\n\nContinued..Help CRY29\n\n29\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 29   \\\/    New Year's Humour - Romani\n\n6. Dance: It is believed that dancing in open air, around a tree on New \nYear day brings luck in love and prosperity throughout the year. So go \nfrolic in Ashen Forest in your birthday suit! Or, if you are feeling really\nbrazen, streaking through Darkhaven might bring you luck in love!\n\n7. Drain the Bottle: People believe that draining the last remnants from \na bottle of drink on New Year day brings good fortune. Bars in DH and many \nother locations are open 24 hours a day! Stock up and share the drinking \nwith friends. \n\n8. Avoid Washing Dishes and Laundry:  Many people believe that washing \ndishes and doing laundry on New Year day will lead to a death in the family. \nAnd mostof them even do not wash their hair thinking it unlucky. This is \neasy, just MUD all day!\n\n9. Avoid Profanity:  Many people do not use foul language on New Year day \nand behave nicely. Shock the Imms! It will take them off guard and get them \nto let their guards down for when you are more  yourself. \n\n10. Do Not Let the Precious Things Leave the House: It is believed that if \nany precious things like money, jewelry etc leave the home on this day, luck\n will go out of home. In some countries people do not let the garbage out or \neven not dust their carpets on this day.  Fill those storages, houses, and \nhoard your goodies!\n\nContinued..Help CRY30\n\n30\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 30   \\\/    New Year's Humour - Romani \n\n11. Erase All Debts: People pay all their debts before the New Year day. \nForget to pay someone off? Do it fast!\n\n12. Make Noise:  People believe that loud noise scares devil; so New Year \nis celebrated with as much noise as possible. In many countries church bells \nrung at midnight for this reason. Find bells and ring them, or just wear them \non your ankles to ward off evil spirits. \n\n13. Load Wallets and Cupboards:  People believe that the overloaded cup \nboards and wallets full of money bring luck and prosperity throughout the year. \nYou can just stuff the bank with your money, but don't forget to save!\n\n14. Give Gifts:  It is believed that one should not leave the home before \nsomeone comes in first. The first person who comes in should bring gifts. \nStill have that fruitcake that someone gave you a few years back? Find it a \nnew home! Give away all your things so you can start fresh and run new things. \nMaybe even deprive a DT from taking your equipment. \n\n15. The Wind\u2019s Direction: It is believed that the direction of wind during \nthe sunrise on New Year day decides the luck for the coming year. Wind from \neast predicts natural calamities and wind from west predicts wealth but death \nof a person of great national importance. Wind from south predicts prosperity \nand wind from north predicts bad weather. No wind means prosperity and joy \nthroughout the year. It's called \"Realms of Despair\" for a reason!  Don't\nget too fooled by the wind!\n\n31\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 31   \\\/    Christmas Fun - Annale\n\nYou hold a sprig of mistletoe in your hands.\nYou bat your eyelashes, and hold the mistletoe over your head invitingly.\nYou glance around, looking for a smooch victim.\nAha! Romani!\nRomani backs away, obviously not filled with quite THAT much holiday spirit.\nYou sigh as you think of her.\n \nRomani wants you to show some interest and is flirting with you.\nBelkira laughs.\n \nTym holds a sprig of mistletoe in his hands.\nTym sticks out his chest, and holds the mistletoe over his head invitingly.\nTym scans the room looking for a smooch, his eyes finally settling on a victim.\nAha! Romani!\nRomani looks around for a second before apparently thinking 'Oh what the heck.\nTym gives Romani a small peck on the cheek.\nRomani beams brightly.  No doubt Tym has something to do with it\n\n32\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(    \n Page 32   \\\/    Christmas Titles - Annale\n\nthe snowball arena. It bugged some, but the basics worked. Destre. \n\nArlo is writing a book entitled '101 ways to stay Jolly this holiday season \nwithout overindulging in decadence' \n\nKloey says, 'Be naughty and save Santa a trip!'\n\nNes'tle Quik.\n\nCeirana It's not what you eat between Christmas and New Year's that matters. \nIt's what you eat between New Year's and Christmas.\n\nRomani de Carpathia-Umbramnia: Dear Santa, Leave me a Tiffany Diamond under \nthe tree and I will give you the antidote to the poison I put in your cookie \n\nKrakith utters the words, 'puinsean' on your peppermint bark.\n\n33\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 33   \\\/    Odd & Amusing Titles - Romani & Annale\n\nPurell cleaning the lands as best she can.\n\nMenta is Chief-Slap-A-Hoe From the Slapahoe nation!\n\nPexa floats like a butterfly, stings like a... moth.\n\nDrulialirica's going off the rails on the crazy train.\n\nGenvieve.    o888P   Y8o8Y   Y888o.     \nLiljim...  d88888    88888    88888b    \nLandi....,8888888b__d88888b__d8888888,  \nEnia.....88888888888888888888888888888  \nWoiere... Y8888P\"Y88P\"Y88PY88P\"Y88888'  \nLavitz...  Y888   '8' Y8P '8'   888Y    \nLeorcher.   '8o        v        o8'     \nSyndia.                                 \n\n34\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 34   \\\/    Quotes out of Context - Annale \n\nKaverin chats 'ash, you're either insane... or you read good books. either \nway its bringing a crooked smile to my face'\n\nAshandra chats 'A little from column A, a little from columbi... B! column B.'\n\nStoneheft chats 'Wanna jump on my couch?'\n\nBulgroth chats 'no one should want to be on any couch with you, Stoneheft...\nEw...'\n\nStoneheft chats 'I adepted life by failing tonnes of times.'\nStoneheft chats 'Now I mud.'\n\nApophis chats 'heh, I passed French by failing a lot...does that count?'\n\nStoneheft chats 'You can pass french without speaking a word of it so long as\nyou smell of body odor and stale cigarettes.'\n\nStoneheft chats 'Sorry, french people.  I know I'm offensive.  I apologize. \nDon't get angry and have to surrendur at me.'\n\nBolotomus chats 'star wars meets canada - travel to such exotic places as \nobi-van couver, endorton, calgarissian and manitoba fett !'\n\nBolotomus chats 'meet the citizens of newfoundlando, see the sites in bantha\nnational park, shop in torontoonie or dartmouth vader... fish in jar jar bay'\n\n35\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 35   \\\/    Medieval Jokes \n\nQ: Why did the king go to the dentist?\nA: To get his teeth crowned.\n\nQ: Have you ever seen a Duchess?\nA: Yes--it's the same as an English \"s\".\n\nQ: When a knight in armour was killed in battle, what sign did they put on his grave?\nA: Rust in peace!\n\nQ: What did the dragon say when he saw St. George?\nA: Oh no! Not more tinned food!\n\nQ: How do you send a message in the forest?\nA: By moss code.\n\nQ: What do you call a mosquito in a tin suit?\nA: A bite in shining armour.\n\nQ: There are many castles in the world, but who is strong enough to move one?\nA: Any chess player\n\nQ. What king of medieval England was famous because he spent so many nights at his Round Table writing books? \nA. King Author!\n\n36\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 36   \\\/    Wedding Announcement \n\n( :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: )\n( ::::::::::::            ::::::::::::            :::::::::::: )\n( :::::::::                   ::::                   ::::::::: )\n( :::::::         ********     ::     ********         ::::::: )\n\n( :::::      ****          ****  ****         ****       ::::: )\n( ::::     ****               ****               ****     :::: )\n( :::     ****                 **                 ****     ::: )\n( :::     ****        The Staff of the CoD        ****     ::: )\n\n( ::::     ****       would like to congr-       *****    :::: )\n( :::::     ****      adulate Hubris and        ****     ::::: )\n( :::::::     ****     Venita on their        ****     ::::::: )\n( :::::::::     ****       Marriage.        ****     ::::::::: )\n\n( :::::::::::     ****                    ****     ::::::::::: )\n( ::::::::::::::      ****            ****      :::::::::::::: )\n( :::::::::::::::::       ****    ****       ::::::::::::::::: )\n( ::::::::::::::::::::        ****        :::::::::::::::::::: )\n\n( :::::::::::::::::::::::      **      ::::::::::::::::::::::: )\n( :::::::::::::::::::::::::          ::::::::::::::::::::::::: )\n( :::::::::::::::::::::::::::      ::::::::::::::::::::::::::: )\n( :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::  ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: )\n\n( :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: )\n\n37\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 37   \\\/    Join the Pkill League - Versetch\n\n@---------------------------------------------------------------------------@\n|                                                                           |\n|                                                                           |\n|                                                                           |\n|          ALL ARE INVITED TO JOIN A NEWLY FORMED PKILL LEAGUE              |\n|                                                                           |\n|        WE ENCOURAGE ANY ORGANIZATION, GUILD, ORDER, CLAN, OR SECT         |\n|                                                                           |\n|       WISHING TO BE REPRESENTED IN THE LEAGUE TO MUDMAIL QEFEQUAMI.       |\n|                                                                           |\n|                                                                           |\n| INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS OF FRIENDS NOT WANTING TO REPRESENT AN ORGANIZATION |\n|                                                                           |\n| ARE ALSO WELCOME TO CREATE TEAMS FOR COMPETITION.                         |\n|                                                                           |\n|                                                                           |\n|  PKILL LEAGUE IS FOR FUN AND BRAGGING RIGHTS. QEFEQUAMI WILL POST DATES   |\n|                                                                           |\n| AND TIMES ONCE ENOUGH HAVE SUBMITTED ENTRY. HOPING TO SEE A LARGE TURNOUT.|\n|                                                                           |\n|                                                                           |\n@---------------------------------------------------------------------------@\n\n\n38\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 38   \\\/    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\n39\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 39   \\\/    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\n40\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 40   \\\/    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 The\nCry 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 and \nadded to the next issue's draw.  The entries will also be saved for the next \ndraw.  If, after ten issues there have not been enough submissions, the pot \nwill 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 permitted \nto 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: 30 Million Gold Coins!\n\n41\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 41   \\\/    Readers Reward Topic \n\nTo help generate some responses for the Readers' Reward, this month we have\ncome up with a topic, taken from Cry 1999.  \"Weird Things in RoD\"\n\nIn a mudmail, attempt to come up with some weird things around RoD.  Things\nthat don't necessarily make sense.  Submit your mudmail to Annale or Falennt\nby January 30th.\n\nIf 10 or more entries are received, the gold pool prize will be drawn!  This\nmonth the pool is worth 30million gold coins!!\n\nAnd to get everyone started, here are a few oddities that were noticed in\n1999, see if you can top them:\n\n1. Why do beggars beg for money, and yet throw steak to dogs?\n2. How do stray dogs get 10 coins, and beggars get none?\n3. Why is all the good equipment anti mage, or anti evil?\n4. Why do the av's always outbid me on the equipment I want on auction?\n5. How can pixies wear the same armor as a half-ogre, and still fit in it?\n\n42\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 42   \\\/    Happy New Year from the CoD \n\n                                                                _\n _   _                     _    _             _  _             | |\n\/|   |\\                    |\\   |\\            \/  |\\            |_|\n |___|  _   _    _         | \\  |  _         \/   |  _   _  ,_   _\n |   | \/ | | \\  | \\  \/ |   |  \\ | \/_\\ \/ \/ |  \\___|\/\/_\\ \/ | | ` \/ \\\n\\|   |\/\\_|\/|_\/_\/|_\/_\/\\_|  \\|   \\| \\__\/\\_\\_|     \/| \\__\/\\_|\/|   \\_\/\n     '     |    |     \/|        `              ( |\n           |    |     \\|                        \\|\n                                                 . `:\n                                                : : .\n                                                 : .\n                                                [\"\"]\n                                                |  |\n                                                |  |\n                                                |  |\n                                       :       .'--`.\n                   _..-~-.._         : .:     \/`.__.'\\\n                 .'         `.      :    .   \/        \\\n               .'  .-'''''-.  `.   ,-'``'-. ;          ;\n              \/  ,'   XII   `.  \\  |`-..-'| |   ,--.   |\n             \/  \/     \/|\\     \\  \\ | .   :| |_.','`.`._|\n             | ;       |       ; | | . :  | |--'2010`--|\n             | |IX     o    III| | |`-..-'| ||   | | | |\n             | ;               ; | \\::::::\/ ||)|\/|)|)|\\|\n             |  \\             \/  |  `::::'  |._ ~**~ _.|\n       ------|   `.   V I   ,'   |----)(----|  `-..-'  |-------\n        _____j     `-.....-'     |    )(    |          |,--.\n   ____\/ \/  \/\\\\ ,-._.--------.-.-' ,-')('-. |          |\\`;\/\n.-()___  :  |`.!,-'`'\/`-._  (___) (  '  `  )`-._    _.-'|;,|\n`-,    \\_\\__\\`,-'>-.,-._           `-....-'     ````    `--'  hjw\n  `-._       (`- `-._`-.`\n              \n\n43\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 43   \\\/    Suggestion Box \n\nWe Love to Hear from You!\n\nIf you have enjoyed this issue's articles and would like to provide \nfeedback to our writers, feel free to submit your feedback in mudmail-form, \nusing the format below :\n\nArticle \/ Column :\n\nWriter's Name :\n\nThe article was [ ] interesting (put an X in the chosen box)\n                [ ] alright\n                [ ] can be improved\n\nHow can this article be improved?\n\nOther suggestions for the Cry\n\n\n44\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 44   \\\/    Letter from the Editor \n\nLots going on this issue! Don't forget to get your votes in for the CoD \nawards! And take a look at the Reader's Reward Topic for your chance to win\n30 million coins!  And if you are still idling after all that, take a look\nat this month's quest! Lots for you to do!\n\nAs always, we looking for dedicated writers to submit articles each month.\nTopics can be anything from stories to examining areas to mob discussion to\ncomparison of classes to life!  Anything that tickles your fancy! Contact me\nif you are interested!\n\nAnd as always, I'd like to remind writers that the deadline for articles \nis the 25th of the month!  \n\nThanks for reading,\nAnnale Firestorm  \n\n45\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 45   \\\/    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 free \nto 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>In which Stoneheft muses on the Deep Lode Forge _____ * ( ____) . + . + ( ____) . ( ____) * ( ____) + ( ____) . 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