Editing Announcements - 2002/05 - Hidden Vein (section)

== Rollout Article ==

{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/news/ASHEeventrollout.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date = May 15, 2002
 | Title = Hidden Vein
 |  Text =
Spring is in full bloom across the land now, the snows have retreated like rabbits before a raging archmage. Dark clouds boil, thunder booms, and like thunder the bronze statues have suddenly come to life, cutting a swath of destruction through the towns. Rain soaks the ground, the mud soiling the armor of Isparian fighters as they desperately try to defend their towns from the rampaging bronze giants. The defenders' bodies lie scattered like so many trampled flowers. Madness reigns. The bestower's evil intent is clear now but who this may be is still unknown. It is apparent that the Arcanum is not responsible for these treacherous gifts as they themselves scramble to solve the mystery. How may the statues be turned off? The need is ever greater, the answer still elusive. The Arcanum has asked High Queen Elysa Strathelar for help.
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Valiant adventurers have wound their way through a dark labyrinth to find a chamber of suffering and pain. And a choice. Nuhmudira has been found! But she could not be freed, not directly. The pull of a lever determines her fate. Pull the plain lever or the lever with the polished skull? The people run their fingers along the surface of the skull, tracing its contours. . . Perhaps Isparians have become too familiar with the cycle of death and life. Does the smooth surface of the skull beckon them overmuch? Or will mercy compel their hand? Nuhmudira's sobs are incessant, trickling down from the top of the chamber like rain from a roof's eaves. Which lever, which lever, which lever?
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Though the spring has brought rain and some ill tidings, the sun has shone through in some matters--to their delight, Isparians have found their appraisal of most items and creatures no longer obstructed. Better yet, many Isparians have found that upon arriving at a Lifestone after an unhappy encounter with a savage denizen, their purses are heavier and their weapon was not ripped from their hand. If they prevailed in the encounter, people are finding they are a bit more skilled for their efforts. Such positive circumstances are widely discussed, as well as a rumor of a method to enhance weapons made with pyreal.
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In the light of the sun, entrepreneurship is yet whole and hale in Dereth. Isparians may purchase the means to a device touted to drive away Olthoi and other undesirable creatures, only available in Zaikhal, for a short time only! Can such a thing be too good to be true? A leather crafter at Bandit Castle proffers Ursuin hide rugs as a new ware, for those purchasers who enjoy simpler goods.
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The storm clouds seethe, hiding the sun. The bronze statues rage. Martine is sure to be watching the rain.
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''Be sure to check the [[Announcements - 2002/05 - Hidden Vein#Release Notes | <font color=#FFFFCC>Developer's Notes for May</font>]], the [[Announcements - 2002/05 - Hidden Vein#State of the Code|<font color=#FFFFCC>State of the Code</font>]], and the [[Announcements - 2002/05 - Hidden Vein#Letter to the Players | <font color=#FFFFCC>Letter to the Players</font>]], to learn more details of the Hidden Vein event. Join us as we continue the ongoing saga of Asheron's Call, and we'll see you in Dereth!
}}