Editing Announcements - 2001/03 - Spring's Sorrows (section)

== Rollout Article ==

{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://zone.msn.com/asheronscall/news/marchrollout.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date = March 21, 2001
 | Title = Spring's Sorrows
 |  Text =
[[Image:pic_lockpick2.jpg|left]]
<div style="margin-left:11%">
The first month of springtime has come at last, marking the launch of our ''"Spring's Sorrows"'' event! The Hopeslayer has fallen and, as with the former winter snows, the Undead wane in strength and power. Even the Shadows, once dire invaders of the land, no longer bother to curse those adventurers who slay them. Yet despite all sense of victory, a suspicious pallor still haunts the season.
<br><br>For into this scene moves a new enemy.
<br><br>Virindi have been encountered, in forces never before met in such aggression. This month marks the arrival of the Virindi Executor, as well as two entirely new creatures added to Dereth's already full and deadly bestiary: Dolls and Marionettes, both corrupt results of Virindi experiments gone fantastically awry.
<br><br>However, far more has entered the world this month than mere Virindi-induced calamity. For those skilled in the lockpicking arts, strange puzzles present themselves. The solutions? Whether in the Virindis' carried keys or the Mnemosyne pyramids remains to be seen. For those of a more scholarly bent, archaeologists are said to be searching out inspiring Undead lore. And, for collectors and hunters, new springtime trophies can be gained, able to be crafted into unique and useful items. At least, such has been rumored by certain poachers, themselves bedecked in cured trophies of the land.
<br><br>Truly, Dereth has awoken from its winter hibernation. And whatever forces have been set in motion this spring, surely the Virindi control the strings. The ultimate goal of these floating puppet masters? A force of mystery, as of yet unknown.
[[Image:img_virindipure.jpg|right]]
<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! 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><br><br><font color=#FFFFFF>'''Highlights include:'''</font>

* Further adventures and quests have been introduced, to challenge even the bravest of souls.
* As if the land wasn't already filled with danger, hideous new invaders stalk Dereth.
* Springtime fashion has arrived, with craftsmen able to turn certain hides into prized trophies.
* The winter snows have receded, heralding the arrival of spring. And yet, a mysterious purplish glow still haunts the nighttime skies.
* Aerfalle's Keep has been updated with some exciting changes. Be careful in there (and make sure you stay by your keyboard at all times).
* A few old monsters now play nicer. . . . Some Wasps and Zefirs have been told to act more like their level. They have promised to obey.
<br>In order to learn the full scope of March's event, ''"Spring's Sorrows,"'' be sure to read the [[Announcements - 2001/03 - Spring's Sorrows#Release Notes|<font color=#FFFFCC>Developer's Notes, March</font>]]. Continue your part in this incredible ongoing story, and we'll see you in Dereth!
</div>
}}