Editing Announcements - 2002/03 - Persuasion (section)

== Rollout Article ==

{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/news/ASHEeventrollout.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date = March 13, 2002
 | Title = Persuasion
 |  Text =
[[Image:Img swords.jpg|left]]
<div style="margin-left:15%">
Winter begins to give way to spring, the ground swells with fresh drops of rain, and the first signs of rebirth begin to spread across the land. But darkness ever looms over Dereth, a dark shadow cast by a man with revenge foremost in his mind. He will stop at nothing to see his vengeance complete.
<br><br>
Yet there are beacons of hope.
<br><br>
The Arcanum, under guidance of Nuhmudira, has constructed towering structures to represent the heroes and foes deserving of respect in towns throughout Dereth. They act as a reminder of the efforts that all Isparians put forth in the defense of Dereth their home. They assist those adventurers as well, another gift given over by the good graces of Nuhmudira and the Arcanum.
<br><br>
Rumors persist that the High Queen is planning a new festival when the snows are clear and the spring rains cease. Her guards continue to patrol the fringes of the outposts and defend hapless towns from incursion. She has remained undaunted by Martine's attempted assault upon her and her son.
<br><br>
Despite these beacons the darkness grows. In the desert Nuhmudira's mansion lies barren and empty. The Aracanum does not speak on the matter at great length and the presence of the Zharalim defending her home make investigation difficult. Some have entered the place and not returned and others are so aghast at the things that they have seen they cannot speak.
<br><br>
The Isparians have proven to be a formidable foe to any who stand against them in the past, and so it remains even now. Martine's forces have yet to penetrate and create any type of fortified position on the mainland of Dereth. His efforts having been rebuffed by contingents of warriors intent on seeing his evil thwarted, and the peace that had comforted the land, returned. But now in the Direlands, Martine, after months of failure and frustration, has placed his sword into the earth and created a foothold for his forces. Terrifying new creatures roam the hallways of these strongholds, defending a prize worthy of only the strongest warriors.
<br><br>
There are precious few lights of resistance that waver and tremble in the encroaching darkness. The Isparians struggle against this new spreading shadow. Shall they prove triumphant before the last ray of hope is snuffed?
<br><br>
Following is a list of the most interesting additions made to the game this update. However, please note that not everything has been included--that would spoil the fun of finding out all manner of things 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 features are not always listed here in their entirety.
<br><br>
<font color=#FFFFFF>'''Highlights include:'''</font>

:* Statues of creatures of Dereth and heroes of the Isparian people have been added to the center of all towns. These new gifts make the hunting and crafting process easier.
:* Three new dungeons link together in a new quest with a highly coveted reward for upper mid-level players and beyond.
:* New housing is opened across Dereth.
:* New weapons provide devastating damage.
:* Fletchers and archers now have the capability to make arrows that are more useful at higher levels.
:* Items found by way of the treasure system now have a greater chance of being better quality overall.
<br>
''Be sure to check the [[Announcements - 2002/03 - Persuasion#Release Notes | <font color=#FFFFCC>Developer's Notes for March</font>]], the State of the Code, and the [[Announcements - 2002/03 - Persuasion#Letter to the Players 1 | <font color=#FFFFCC>Letter to the Players</font>]], to learn more details of the ''Persuasion event''. Join us as we continue the ongoing saga of Asheron's Call, and we'll see you in Dereth!
</div>
}}