Editing Announcements - 2000/10 - Hollow Victory (section)

== Rollout Article ==

{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://classic.zone.msn.com/asheronscall/news/octrollout.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date = October 10, 2000
 | Title = Hollow Victory
 |  Text =

[[Image:img_daggerknife.jpg|left]]
<br><br>As fall colors arrive in Dereth, so too do other startling changes. Many autumnal additions have been more than welcome -- consider the pumpkin pie, the new dresses, and smiling jack-o-lanterns.
<br><br><br><br><br>Other changes bode far less than well. Scarecrows have been seen in Dereth, yet ones far more lifelike than any farmer has ever managed to construct. These scarecrows, like the snowmen before them, seem to have taken on a life all their own. What's even worse is that the Virindi puppeteers express a certain interest in the craft, and once the Virindi are involved, no season can be celebrated freely. . .
<br><br>Continuing with the next of our massive monthly events, the lands of Dereth have changed with the seasonal opening of October's Hollow Victory. After the fall of Arwic and Tufa to the devastating attacks of the Shadow Spires, many a hero rallied to raid the ancient Empyrean storehouses, destroying three more pieces of Bael'Zharon's crystal prison. As if in appreciation, vendors of all remaining towns have begun selling festive steins, for use at celebratory kegs of beer. In addition, and in accordance with an old Isparian holiday, other vendors have begun to craft previously discarded monster heads into truly horrifying masks. Yet even with the loss of two towns, few have succumbed to lengthy mourning. Many have, in fact, put their energies into the resettlement of a previously abandoned town. . . yet resettled in such a way so as not to attract the high-level magic as might have caused the destruction of Arwic. Xarabydun prospers again, promising an oasis for travelers crossing the desert sands, as well as further mystery for those exploring the secrets lying beneath.
<br><br>Still, can it be said that the season is truly joyous? One brave party claimed to have discerned the location of a mosswart hideout needing to be cleansed from the land. And yet, however prepared these adventurers seemed, with their maps and gear and careful provisioning, none have managed as of yet to find their way back to town.
<br><br>After the defeat of the Vestibule crystals, the Shadow Spires continue their mercurial shifting, sinking slowly to the ground. Adding true danger to the rampant speculations, fearsome creatures have been spotted, and certain areas have gained an almost feverish increase in the rate of monsters spawning there. Even the mighty tuskers have begun sporting a new fall look. Heroes are advised to grab a beer, craft a mask -- and prepare for the dangers of Dereth this autumn!
<br><br>Following is a list of the most interesting additions made to the game this update. However, please note that not all changes have been included -- that would spoil the fun of finding out everything that's been added or changed! Also, some changes provide ways for players to drive our evolving story forward, and thus we won't entirely reveal them here. As usual, though, the town criers, barkeeps, and scribes may know the latest news. Also, the trades of crafting and selling are always in flux, so changes to prices and abilities of items are not always listed here in their entirety.

<br><font color=#FFFFFF>'''Highlights include:</font>

* Tuskers now look fiercer thanks to new art models.
* New monsters have been introduced, including scarecrows.
* An exciting new underground city has been discovered for those who are level 25 and under. Look for its location on the map in the desert of Southern Osteth near the Yushad Ridge. What lies below this city?
* Try carving a jack-o-lantern. They can also be wielded as fun weapons!
* There are now beautiful dresses available for each heritage group.
* New dungeons and quests have been introduced.
* Fear the white rabbit!
* Spell components now weigh less. Mages rejoice. Also, a revolution in component craft makes them easier to carry than ever before.
* Some monsters on the landscape seem to be gathering into little camps. Good hunting has become available to outdoor adventurers.
* Beer kegs and beer steins can now be found at your local taverns.
* There are now more ambient sounds for those running across the lands.
* Arrow and quarrel shafts have been greatly reduced in weight!
* There's more fun food to fit the season.
* More trees have turned to fall colors.
<br>In order to learn the full scope of October's update, be sure to read the [[Announcements - 2000/10 - Hollow Victory#State of the Code|<font color=#FFFFCC>State of the Code</font>]] and [[Announcements - 2000/10 - Hollow Victory#Release Notes|<font color=#FFFFCC>Developer's Notes, October</font>]]. With the one-year anniversary of Asheron's Call soon approaching, take part in this incredible on-going story -- and we'll see you in Dereth!
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