Editing Announcements - 2007/07 - Intelligent Designs (section)

== Rollout Article ==

{{Turbine 2005
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://ac.turbine.com/?page_id=543</nowiki>
 | Title = July 2007 Rollout Article
 |  Text =
Borelean, prince of New Aluvia and leader of the Whispering Blade, turned back to view the tactical map which had caused such consternation of late.
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A map of the island of Dereth had been unrolled upon the table, depicting the land from the rain forests of the Vesayens to the cold Viamontian strongholds of Marae Lassel and the Halaetans, and from the tainted wildernesses of Vissidalthe Dark Isle to the strange formation known as the Singularity Caul.  Borelean pointed at markers that had been placed at various points upon the map.
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"Cragstone… the Vesayens… the Direlands… Tusker Island… and the Olthoi infestation in the northeast.  What in the name of all that is good is the connection?" he asked  the room at large, frustration in his voice.
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"I do not know, but perhaps the more compelling question is how our enemy has the resources and power to undertake actions in all of these different places," responded a slender, black-haired young Sho woman clad in white robes.
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Borelean ran his hand through his sandy brown hair.  While it was held back by a circlet, his hair's natural inclination was to flop forward towards his eyes, further irritating him.  Still, he had learned enough about leadership to refrain from unleashing his impatience and impetuosity upon those who sat in attendance to advise him.
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The first of his companions was Hoshino Kei, whom he knew primarily from studying with Harlune and from the subsequent creation of the portal to Bur.  Kei's eyes were careful to obscure any emotions she felt about the situation, and her motions guarded.  Borelean had asked her to be present as a second opinion should higher magics be involved… and because he did not wish to involve any of his mother Queen Elysa's own magical advisors.
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The second was his colleague and occasional rival, Adso.  HWhile he was never certain that he could fully trust this shadowy blondfair-haired man with the shadowy reputation, knowing precisely who his master was.  However, he also respected Adso's insight, and he could not see a way that their master would benefit from this new enemy gaining influence over Dereth. Adso had seen much of the activity within Dereth, and he could be trusted to be discreet.
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The last was a pessimistic scout by the name of Ardry the Dubious.  It was said that he ended up at his lifestone more often than one normally should, and yet still managed to be as well-informed as anyone about the goings-on in Dereth. While normally reports came through Aliester the Loquacious, in this case Borelean desired a personal appearance by the one who had seemed to suffer so much in the name of New Aluvia.  Ardry and Adso had exchanged pointed looks, and Borelean could sense the rivalry in the air, but he had no time for such foolishness at this meeting.
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"You're right, Kei," Borelean acknowledged, allowing a small amount of praise to overcome his grudging acceptance of her superior analysis.  In the time they had spent studying together, the prince had grown to admire the sorceress's ability to assess a situation and efficiently work towards a solution.  Borelean glanced toward Adso and Ardry and continued, "Tell me more about the resources and power of our enemy."
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"Those whom I've encountered have proven more organized and more strategically savvy than before," Ardry contributed, "It's as if the traditionally disorganized monsters of the land all decided that they would be more effective unifying under strong leaders…well, all but the Banderlings.  The leaders are exhibiting increased intelligence and skill beyond their previously known capabilities.  The sorts of modification alteration exhibited so far, and the experimental logs that have been retrieved, resemble what the Virindi have done in the past."
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Adso coolly nodded, then added, "My encounter with the Tanada also implies Virindi involvement.  I think that the answer may lie in portal space."
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"Portal space?" Ardry asked,  "That's an awfully large place to look."
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Borelean tapped his finger pensively upon the map.  The others in the room remained silent for a moment, awaiting the prince's forthcoming comment.  Finally, Borelean spoke in a quiet, assured tone.
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"The opening of the portal to Bur taught me something about the intricacies of portal space.  It is a difficult place to understand – its spatial presence does not work in the same way as the world we know.  It cannot be navigated easily, except in certain very stable pocketss, generally created by the Virindi or some other powerful portal mage.  I wouldn't know how to find anything without some clear anchor to start from," Borelean quietly said, sounding defeated.
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"We may have an anchor," Hoshino Kei answered, "Do you recall the reports about the Monougas being held in the cavern in the Direlands?"
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"Yes, but I do not see how you mean it."
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"I do, Borelean," Adso commented, "The Monougas in that cavern are not always there.  They are portalled in from some other location."
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Comprehension dawned in Borelean's eyes.  "So, then, you ask if I can trace this portal back?  I can try," he said, punctuating his statement with an emphatic gesture towards the Direlands on the map.  He looked at the three gathered with him in the room.
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"What is your command, your Highness?" Ardry asked.  Adso smirked at the formal address, while Kei looked at Borelean with expectation… and perhaps a touch of admiration.
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"I don't command…I ask.  Will you help me?" Borelean spoke in a quiet voice.  He placed his hand, palm up, on the map table.
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Hoshino Kei was first.  She placed her delicate hand upon his, and nodded imperceptibly.  "Yes, your Highness," she said.
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Adso followed suit.  "I'm not doing anything this afternoon… why not raid a cavern of murderous Drudges?" he slyly quipped.
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Ardry murmured thoughtfully, "And perhaps with some skilled companions by my side, I'll actually not visit my lifestone today."  He placed his hand upon the others' and nodded.
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Borelean allowed himself to smile slightly. "Then it's settled.  Let's prepare our gear."
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