Editing Announcements - 2002/04 - Betrayal (section)

== Rollout Article ==

{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/news/ASHEeventrollout0402.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date = April 9, 2002
 | Title = Betrayal
 |  Text =
[[Image:Img_swords.jpg|left]]
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Spring is arriving in Dereth, the snow steadily retreating from its warm embrace. It is said that one may find sunflowers in certain meadows. And other places report the appearance of plants that have not been seen in Dereth in many months. Yet, the warm sunshine and mild weather cannot completely dispel an uneasy chill of anticipation.
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''A brother searches for his older sister, seeking clues in a written trail of loss and grief.
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The skies are clear of winter snow, the air gentle. The sun glints off the bronze statues that grace the towns, warming the rich metal. But for one errant day, the statues have been faithful in gifting protections to the people. The Arcanum will still not admit to providing the statues to the towns but the value of such gifts cannot be disputed.
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''Somewhere, Martine writhes in incandescent madness, muttering words of vengeance and machination.
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The Arcanum, which has been striving steadily to provide more settlement housing, has added more Cottages and Villas and portals to most of those placed in the previous month. They have also taken a new and ambitious approach--they have constructed and opened Residential Quarters, which provide communal defense for large numbers of Isparians. "Safety in numbers," is an ancient, oft-recited saying that all Isparians know, from the smallest child to the highest king. Its truth cannot be disputed. Within these quarters Isparians may live, laugh, make plans, all the while secure from the denizens that roam the land.
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''Nuhmudira had disappeared. Her whereabouts are still unknown.
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Spring is a season of hope and as a symbol of this High Queen Elysa has declared that Weddings may once again take place in the land. All citizens of Dereth who wish to show their commitment to a beloved one through the vows of marriage may do so, be it in a sunrise-lit outdoor chapel or the faithful old Wedding Hall.
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Mages skilled in Item Magic are finding they now have two additional Tie spells to add to their art. All Isparians have been granted a means to travel to a selected Lifestone without first paying the penalty of death, albeit with a loss of mana.
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The mild weather softens the land. The sunshine warms upturned faces. And everyone tries to ignore the shadows looming in the distance.
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<font color=#FFFFFF>'''Highlights include:'''</font>

:* Endurance is now a useful attribute for almost all adventurers, be they warrior, archer, or mage. Benefits include faster regeneration rates, resistance to drains and damage, and more!
:* New portal spells allow players to travel farther and wider in their search for adventure! And once the province of only a select few, now all players with Item Magic can recall through their last visited portal. Also, all players, regardless of whether they have Item Magic or not, can recall to a Lifestone at any time.
:* Residential Quarters have opened! Now you have an opportunity to find a space to call your own. Recall to your home, store your items, and even display a few choice possessions! With thousands of rooms opening up each month, soon every player will have access to these great features!
:* Celebrate the spring with a wedding! Now you and your loved one can be joined in matrimonial bliss. Conquer Jealousy, Greed, and Anger, and you and your potential mate can live happily ever after.
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Be sure to check the [[Announcements - 2002/04 - Betrayal#Release Notes | <font color=#FFFFCC>Developer's Notes for April</font>]], the [[Announcements - 2002/04 - Betrayal#State of the Code|<font color=#FFFFCC>State of the Code</font>]], and the [[Announcements - 2002/04 - Betrayal#Letter to the Players | <font color=#FFFFCC>Letter to the Players</font>]], to learn more details of the Betrayal event. Join us as we continue the ongoing saga of Asheron's Call, and we'll see you in Dereth!
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