Editing Announcements - 2002/07 - Repercussions (section)

== Rollout Article ==

{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://zone.msn.com/asheronscall/news/ASHEeventrollout.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date = July 18, 2002
 | Title = Repercussions
 |  Text =
[[Image:img_swords.jpg|left]]
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<font color=#FFFFFF>'''(The final transcript of the preceding month's chronicles may be found [[Chronicles of the June Event | <font color=#FFFFCC>here</font>]]. Also, view the preview movie for the July Event [[Announcements - 2002/07 - Repercussions#Video|<font color=#FFFFCC>here</font>]] : 16.5 MBs.)'''</font>
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A world without Asheron. Even those Isparians who had spoken the loudest against him now have a difficult time imagining a world without him. He had been with the Isparian people since their arrival through the release of the Hopeslayer and the formation of the New Singularity. For some, Asheron has seemed as constant as the two moons circling in the night sky. Now he lies mortally wounded in his castle, the life slowly draining out of him. What will become of the world if Asheron falls? Even the insane Martine, a man those on the fringes of society proclaimed to be a hero of the Isparian people, has been driven into catatonia once it was revealed he had been Gaerlan's pawn. And this Gaerlan, an Empyrean bent on Asheron's destruction, how has he returned to Dereth and why does he hate Asheron? Yet in the minds of the Isparians, one question rises above all others: can High Queen Elysa and her people resist Gaerlan and his Elemental army?
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There are still glimmers of hope. With the knowledge Asheron shared with them, Arcanum researchers have rediscovered primitive Empyrean transmutation techniques, which the Isparians label "Tinkering." Those skilled in assessing the value and workmanship of weapons and armor rapidly have begun salvaging and enhancing their wares with these techniques. Moreover, all are able to benefit from these discoveries, not just those skilled in tinkering. With an Ust in hand, even the dimmest warrior can salvage materials from items in the field, thus lightening his pack and allowing him to stay in the fray longer!
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In Zaikhal, those members of the Arcanum who had never despaired of releasing Nuhmudira from her imprisonment have brought back a disturbing report. Nuhmudira is once more missing. Hearing this, her most zealous followers proclaim that she has escaped her imprisonment and is now working to atone for her sins. As proof that she is aiding them in their battles, these zealots point to the fact that even more powerful weapons are being found in the land. More rational minds remain skeptical, yet they are grateful nonetheless for these new tools in their fight against Gaerlan.
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The disturbances that Gaerlan has caused in the forces of magic continue to destabilize the world's magical fields. In the previous month, these disturbances appeared as a reduction in the power of various spells. Now, those dependent upon Life Magic find their ability to harm other creatures through their magics changed and in many ways hampered. Fortunately, to help them overcome these new restrictions on their abilities and develop new techniques, the master archmages have researched new spells. Given the name "Life Bolts," these spells involve taking a portion of a mage's life force and hurling it at a target to inflict damage. The thought of intentionally hurting themselves through their magics puts more than a few mages off, but the majority vow to try these new magics and learn to be effective in the field once more.
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With Gaerlan revealed and his elemental army forming, a scheme started long ago now reaches fruition. The world may be forever changed.
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Following is a list of the most interesting additions made to the game with 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.
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<font color=#FFFFFF>'''Highlights Include:'''</font>

* Gaerlan steps from the shadows--the Isparians' true enemy is finally known.
* Tinkering!
* More powerful weapons and armor may be found.
* New housing and Residential Quarters are available for purchase!
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Be sure to check the [[Announcements - 2002/07 - Repercussions#Release Notes|<font color=#FFFFCC>Developer's Notes for July</font>]] and the [[Announcements - 2002/07 - Repercussions#Letter to the Players|<font color=#FFFFCC>Letter to the Players</font>]] to learn more details of the ''Repercussions'' event. Join us as we continue the ongoing saga of Asheron's Call, and we'll see you in Dereth!
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