Editing Announcements - Asheron's Call Beta (section)

== June 1999 ==

=== Apocalypse Party on 6/2/99 ===

{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/news/ASHEnewsapocalypse.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date =
 | Title = Apocalypse Party on 6/2/99
 |  Text =
To do a recent game upgrade, we needed to wipe all the characters from the database on the evening of June 2nd, forcing everyone to start over the next day. The wipe was well predicted and advertised. What we hadn't foreseen was the poignancy of creating a virtual-reality apocalypse. Players had invested a great deal of energy into their characters, led them through many stirring adventures, and come to identify with them, and when an announcement was broadcast that an 11th-hour party was being held in Glenden Wood, a large number turned out. A handful of players organized the event themselves on the spur of the moment, quickly attracting over 40 participants. Game admins then showed up and assisted by teleporting interested adventurers to the site from all over the continent.
<br><br>
Afterward, Fracas@Zone submitted an account of the last hour of his character, Shreck; +Mr_Quazarr provided a transcript of the chat that took place as players exercised their wit while displaying their hard-earned powers and possessions; and several players sent in screenshots. Though not exactly a somber, contemplative occasion, the gathering did celebrate players' attachment to their characters. It also prompted them to look beyond all the accumulated statistics and virtual-reality possessions to the more enduring community of real people. A psychologist would probably have a heyday examining the spontaneous rituals of the apocalypse party -- the symbolic shedding of the personas in the removal of clothes and armor, the benediction of a priest created especially for the occasion -- but we'll let you draw your own conclusions.
<br><br>
[[Announcements - Asheron's Call Beta#Shreck's Final Hour|<font color=#FFFFCC><u>Shreck's Final Hour</u></font>]]
<br><br>
[[Announcements - Asheron's Call Beta#Screenshots of the Apocalypse Party|<font color=#FFFFCC><u>Screenshots of the Apocalypse</u></font>]]
<br><br>
[[Announcements - Asheron's Call Beta#Apocalypse Party Chat Log, Just Prior to Server Wipe|<font color=#FFFFCC><u>Event Chat Log </u></font>]]
}}

=== Shreck's Final Hour ===

{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/news/ASHEnewsshreck.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date =
 | Title = Shreck's Final Hour
 |  Text =
''By Shreck, aka Fracas@Zone''
<br><br>
The world was about to end. Dereth was set to fade out within the hour. It pained me that Shreck, my Sho warrior whom I'd meticulously built up through weeks of blood (his blood), sweat (my sweat), and tears (don't ask), was going to disappear forever. There were to be no statues of Shreck in Arwic's town square, no mention of him in the history books -- just "poof," and he would be gone.
<br><br>
I had to bid farewell and get one last screenshot of the powerful warrior whom I'd brought up from a mere pup. I felt silly -- how could I actually care for this video-game character? After all, I figured I was done with Asheron's Call after this initial beta period. I'd spent too much time building Shreck into a man who could stand on his own, and his death seemed like a good excuse to avoid spending even more.
<br><br>
I found Shreck standing in Arwic where I'd left him. There was no one else around, and it was strangely silent. I set up and snapped the screenshot beside the levitating blue gem that had delivered him so often to this peaceful town, then, like any good warrior, turned to the blacksmith shop for one last inspection to see if anyone had left some cool weapons behind.
<br><br>
As I bellied up to the window, someone suddenly called to me. A character by the name of Epsilon was asking if I knew where to find an Olthoi. He had never seen one before and wanted to take one on before his character was wiped. I told him there was one in the Arwic mines just a few steps away through the portal. He asked if I could show him. I couldn't pass up one last adventure, so off we went.
<br><br>
His character was the same level as mine, and we had no problem dispatching the pathetic drudges and zombies we found along the way through the labyrinth. In no time at all, we'd come to the mist-filled hallways that had earlier made me pause for fear of what was beyond. But Shreck was a well-traveled warrior by now, and the Arwic mines were familiar, even comfortable. Epsilon and I first took on a granite golem. In no time it was pile of rocks -- we were invincible! Around the next turn we found the Olthoi. Epsilon said he was impressed -- who wouldn't be? An Olthoi cuts an imposing figure. Fortunately the Olthoi in the Arwic mines is a wounded one, and with a few deft strokes from our swords we quickly put it out of its misery.
<br><br>
Apparently somewhat deflated by the ease with which we had put down this otherwise impressive creature, Epsilon offered up another adventure. He knew of a place on the coast where rumor had it an entire troop of Olthoi hung out. The only Olthoi I had ever seen was the one we'd just carved up (and its previous incarnations); I was eager to take on a fully charged soldier.
<br><br>
We sailed across the countryside, passing all sorts of targets that, on a normal day, I would've fought for experience points and treasures. But accumulating experience was not our goal on this day. Epsilon and I were out for pure, reckless fun. As we were dashing over hills and valleys on our way to certain death, I was struck by how fun this game really is. I'd been a solo adventurer for most of Shreck's development. Later I'd joined up with friends and we traveled all over and fought hundreds of creatures. But this was the first time I'd hooked up with a complete stranger. The spontaneity of the adventure was the best part, and I realized then that Shreck had to return to Asheron's Call, and this time he'd be much more sociable.
<br><br>
Epsilon and I reached the Olthoi pack. They were a nasty bunch, none under level 21. I drew off one officer and led him into our kill zone away from the other baddies. It turned out to be the Olthoi's kill zone, however, because in seven strikes of its claws I was rewarded with a free trip back to Arwic. Epsilon was sent back to his lifestone soon after. We'd both died in a matter of seconds, but we put some hurt on the officer. That was good enough for both of us.
<br><br>
We met up again and ventured on, but time was running out. The server wipe was just 15 minutes away. I thought we'd end up saying good-bye to each other, the servers would be shut down, and that'd be it. But we got a message from the administrator telling us there was some sort of a meeting in Glenden Wood. Epsilon and I decided to check it out. We contacted the administrator asking for a shortcut to the gathering and in the blink of an eye, he transported us both to the Glenden Wood common, where we were met by a strange sight. There had to have been 50 or more characters standing about one little area. Many of them were stripped practically naked. Weapons, armor, and objects of all sorts were strewn about on the ground. At first I thought everyone was gathered to ready themselves for a massive player-killer battle. To my surprise and amusement, it turned out people had stripped off their armor and possessions not to gear up with better accoutrements for the big battle, but as an offering to the Asheron's Call gods. This was a death party. I noticed there was a character in the center of it all, a first-level priest created for this moment to give us all our "last rites."
<br><br>
There was a tremendous amount of chatter. Keeping track of it all was almost too much. Epsilon and I had to communicate with the "@tell" code just to be able to pick each other out from the din. Everyone was taking screenshots of this moment and asking all of us to pose -- straightforward shots of characters in attack mode, and sillier staging with the emote codes like "YMCA." There was a lot of good humor in the group. I noticed one character had stripped off all of his armor, then had set down all of his mana stones and parchment in a perfect circle. He sat in the center of this shrine till the end.
<br><br>
In the last minutes, we were all watching our clocks and there were a lot of good-byes as well as a lot of wisecracks. One guy yelled out "Hey, who stole my wallet!" while some Stanley Kubrick fan called out "My God, it's full of stars!" The priest had us all gather around and he gave us our last rites, mixing passages from the Bible with lines from Star Trek.
<br><br>
It was great to see all of these people in one place. I know it's just a video game, but there was something very human in this final gathering in which we were all about to watch our characters pass into oblivion. As the final seconds ticked away, people were jumping, running, casting spells, waving good-bye -- and the chatter reached a fever pitch. There were dozens of farewell wishes and promises to meet again in the next life. Epsilon and I will certainly meet up again and fight on in the new Dereth.
<br>
I glanced up from the chat window for one final look around. No one was moving. Everyone must have been busy typing in their messages, or so I thought. I looked back down at the chat window -- nothing. The once-frantic scrolling of messages had completely stopped. Yet all of the characters were still gathered around the priest. Magical swords still sparkled, and I had complete freedom of movement. It must have been server lag, I thought. I walked around surveying the scene and suddenly felt like I was in an episode of the Twilight Zone. Every character was frozen in place. It was eerie. I called out, hoping someone could answer my question, "Why is everyone so quiet?" The message registered in the chat window. Surely someone would answer. No one did. It seemed Shreck had somehow been missed in the wipe and was going to live on forever. I decided to turn away from this spooky scene. I picked up a powerful sword someone had left behind, set Shreck on auto-run, and headed off for another adventure. Ten paces out, the gods of Asheron's Call caught up to me and sent me a final message: "Server Connection Lost." Dereth had disappeared and, "poof," Shreck was gone.
}}

=== Screenshots of the Apocalypse Party ===

{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/news/ASHEnewsapocshots.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date =
 | Title = Screenshots of the Apocalypse Party
 |  Text =
<font color=#FFFFFF>'''Asheron's Call Beta: June 2, 1999'''</font><br>
'''11th-Hour Gathering in Glenden Wood Just Before the Server Wipe'''

{{{!}}border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=15
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}[[Image:glenden02thumb.jpg|100px]]
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}[[Image:glenden03.jpg|100px]]
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}[[Image:glenden05.jpg|100px]]
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}[[Image:glenden06.jpg|100px]]
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}[[Image:glenden07.jpg|100px]]
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}
{{!}}}
}}

=== Apocalypse Party Chat Log, Just Prior to Server Wipe ===

{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/news/ASHEnewsapoclog.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date =
 | Title = Apocalypse Party Chat Log, Just Prior to Server Wipe
 |  Text =
<font color=#FFFFFF>'''Asheron's Call Beta, June 2, 1999'''</font><br>
<font color=#FFFFFF>'''Glenden Woods'''</font><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Like the phoenix that rises in the east at daybreak, we will rise again!"'''
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "We must go to the olthoi's hive and destroy their queen. If not and we fail, our names will be written in the dirt for the next race to come."
<br><br>
Mortanius says, "EVERYONE BE QUIET FOR THE REVEREND"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "The Olthoi will not win quiet so easily"'''
<br><br>
Warhawk says, "ok... LOL you should see it here.. everyone has dumped all their stuff in a huge pile :)"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "We will have our time and we be triumphant"'''
<br><br>
Wizzy says, "Ah....my vision's restored!"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "We shall defeat the Olthoi so our independence is not torn from us."
<br><br>
Wizzy says, "Uh...why is everyone naked? :)"
<br><br>
Parsnip mama says, "MY GOD LOOK AT ALL THESE NAKED PEOPLE!!!!"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "hip hip horrah"'''
<br><br>
Washizu says, "aren't you guys cold?"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Brother '''Prophet, speak those words to us!"'''
<br><br>
Gristleeater says, "offering our stuff up"
<br><br>
Wizzy says, "heheh :)"
<br><br>
Black says, "What's why everyone's here? To put the stuff in a pile?"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "We come before Asheron today my brethren"'''
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Asheron's love will keep us warm on this dark evening."'''
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "We shall not be slaves. We shall not be exterminated. We shall rise above the evil of this land and say to it "This is for our freedom!""
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "And we must face the eternal darkness that is erasure"'''
<br><br>
Wizzy says, "LOOK AT THE CLOTHED GROUND :)"
<br><br>
Moebius says, "Praise be to Asheron"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "But stand fast knowing that we will triumph"'''
<br><br>
Galadrielle says, "Just why is Asheron calling? Did he lose his glasses again?"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "We will not go quietly into the night!"'''
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "For we will overcome the darkness Can I hear a amen?"'''
<br><br>
Washizu says, "amen"
<br><br>
Tex says, "Amen."
<br><br>
Raoh says, "amen"
<br><br>
Moebius says, "Amen"
<br><br>
Sly'er says, "Amen"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "We will not be extinguished!"'''
<br><br>
Seyton says, "amen"
<br><br>
Yoshi-san says, "Ay-MEN!"
<br><br>
Shreck says, "amen"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Praise be unto Asheron"'''
<br><br>
Wizzy says, "WOOP :)"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "So brothers"'''
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Stand firm"'''
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "I say, Amen!"'''
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "We will not fall easily. We will save our lives and keep our FREEDOM!!!"
<br><br>
Wizzy says, "AMEN! :)"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Turn your chins up to the sky"'''
<br><br>
Kyrten tells you, "I just got to Glenden and portal storm teleported me. I seem to be stuck in the portal now."
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Yes, look to the sky"'''
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "And realize that we are the future, we will over come the silver rat"'''
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "The monouga"'''
<br><br>
Galadrielle says, "Rage, rage against the dying of the light..."
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "The skulker"'''
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "The light will return, my children"'''
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "As I stand here in the knowledge that we shall be one"'''
<br><br>
Galadrielle says, "For I have promises to keep."
<br><br>
Jon says, "aye, many days of quest behind"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Amen, brother polecat"'''
<br><br>
Galadrielle says, "And miles to go before I sleep."
<br><br>
Black says, "Hey aren't there any dress codes? ;-)"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "So look to the future"'''
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Of better days"'''
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "We offer these artifacts from across the land as far from Shoushi to the very depths of the olthoi's lair to Asheron to protect us."
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "We will be brought in to light once more."'''
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Of glorious battles of days gone by"'''
<br><br>
Washizu says, "i got some nice screens"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "For we shall persevere"'''
<br><br>
Jon says, "it twas a grand life"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Asheron, favor us in these dark times"'''
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Lets hear another amen from the crowd"'''
<br><br>
Tex says, "How do you stay kneeling?"
<br><br>
Sly'er says, "Amen"
<br><br>
Washizu says, "hey man"
<br><br>
Jon says, "amen"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Walk into the light children"'''
<br><br>
Black says, "Hit J"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "Asheron, aid us in our fear and lead us to victory"
<br><br>
Mortanius says, "Avus nethrolis."
<br><br>
Wizzy tells you, "do you know mortanius? He's threatening to have you boot me :)"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Fear not the dark one who seeks our destruction"'''
<br><br>
Bungalo says, "Equin Zhapaj"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "For we will be reborn"'''
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Help us to us to reclaim Dereth for our children's children."'''
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Better than we were"'''
<br><br>
Bungalo says, "Equin Zhapaj"
<br><br>
Yoshi-san says, "Ai-Mayen"
<br><br>
Fidget says, "come on rofl"
<br><br>
Washizu says, "I'm not allowed to kill people here"
<br><br>
Gristleeater says, "j=kkneel"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "For I am the '''Prophet, and I know these words are just and true"'''
<br><br>
Bungalo says, "Equin Zhapaj"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Kneel with me, my children"'''
<br><br>
Wizzy says, "Seyton...back off"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "Your fighting amongst ourselves will bring us downfall"
<br><br>
Gristleeater says, "*fart"
<br><br>
Seyton says, "I can't kill people"
<br><br>
Jo tells you, "ok, portal me there please."
<br><br>
Wizzy says, "No DUH"
<br><br>
Tex says, "This is not a time for fighting... It is a tyime for dying."
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "Be prepared for now we will be facing our greatest advesary"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Time know is for peace"'''
<br><br>
Wizzy says, "Can you kindly pill yer hand outta my back ?"
<br><br>
Washizu says, "no, some dude is asking me to PK people"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Look to our rewards, brethren"'''
<br><br>
Kendril dies!
<br><br>
Galadrielle says, "*poke* We are supposed to kneel"
<br><br>
Jo tells you, "thanks.."
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Through death we will achieve life"'''
<br><br>
Black says, "Black I came into this world and Black I shall exit."
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "I shall sacrifice my life for dereth"
<br><br>
Jon says, "this is a non combat area , just had enough of that in that sho town"
<br><br>
Calysto says, "they are not followers of asheron, they have forsaken asheron to follow another."
<br><br>
Black says, "I was not aware Asheron and the Empyrean Alliance would be pleased with my black clothing ;-)"
<br><br>
Jon says, "pls let us depart in peace"
<br><br>
Yasmin al Dara dies!
<br><br>
Greyson dies!
<br><br>
Wizzy says, "Right on Calysto :)"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Go in peace, return with a vengeance"'''
<br><br>
Washizu says, "wow ashtest is female :)"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "The '''Reverend performs his ritual. Prepare for his wisdom"
<br><br>
Hell Maker says, "Malar Eaja"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Dereth will be ours, my children"'''
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Death is coming, my friends"'''
<br><br>
Wizzy says, "hehe :)"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Embrace it"'''
<br><br>
Wizzy says, "I got a vengeance for ya :)"
<br><br>
Galadrielle says, "10"
<br><br>
Mortanius says, "Wizzy, grow up and don't be fool while they speak."
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Ahem, Wizzy!"'''
<br><br>
Jon says, "aye, polecat, losing a lvl 20 self not be an easy thing"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "The song of the sirens grows louder in my ears, death is upon us"'''
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "This time is only temporal [?] in nature and all things must change"'''
<br><br>
Jon says, "*sigh*"
<br><br>
Sly'er says, "Whoa Momma, nice legs :)"
<br><br>
Gristleeater says, "what a collection of loot"
<br><br>
Galadrielle says, "It says a portal storm is imminent. There are too many people in this area."
<br><br>
Tex says, "I feel the storm swirling about us..."
<br><br>
Washizu says, "there once... was a house? in New Orleans"
<br><br>
Washizu says, "they called the rising sun!!"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "The river streams and we shall be part of the waves"
<br><br>
Parsnip mama says, "lol from all the running i do lol"
<br><br>
Wizzy says, "=)"
<br><br>
Gristleeater says, "how do you zoom out?"
<br><br>
Jo tells you, "portal storm keep throwing me out of town."
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Embrace the storms, my children"'''
<br><br>
Tex says, "It's been the ruin of many a poor boy."
<br><br>
Moebius says, "Fear not, for while we may be dispersed by the fickle winds, we shall once again be reunited"
<br><br>
Raoh says, "F10"
<br><br>
Jon says, "we shall all soon be gone"
<br><br>
Parsnip mama says, "F10"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "For out of chaos, breeds life"'''
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "Honor the sun for it may be our last sight upon this realm of Dereth"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "In the beginning there was nothing"'''
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "And Asheron said, 'Let there be portals'"'''
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "And there was"'''
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "He looked upon this and knew it was good"'''
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "um, '''Prophet. stop reading the bible ;p"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "So shall it be with us"'''
<br><br>
Washizu says, "I feel like one of those Heaven's Gate guys minus the Nikes"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "hehe"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Eat the pudding, people"'''
<br><br>
Mortanius says, "Yrth was here my friends... I shall not get into that though."
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "The starship is on the way."'''
<br><br>
Titoburrus says, "If I do not speak again.... Farewell everyone, I shall see you on the other side."
<br><br>
Yoshi-san says, "So mote it be!"
<br><br>
Jon says, "n as the new day dawns so shall a new life for us all"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Fear not, for we are one"'''
<br><br>
Moebius says, "The ring came off my pudding can"
<br><br>
Wizzy tells you, "Hey, do you know mortanius?"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "So mote it be"'''
<br><br>
Tinman says, "bye all"
<br><br>
Kam Ben Kauw tells you, "What's the fastest way to get to Glenden Wood?"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "Let us make peace with our souls. "
<br><br>
Sly'er says, "*weep*"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "The end is calling us to void and we shall return stronger"'''
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "They shall honor us for our sacrifice."
<br><br>
Driscol the Wary says, "The night of cleansing is upon us..our souls shall not leave thier true course tho"
<br><br>
Parsnip mama says, "I am waiting to die"
<br><br>
Jon says, "farewell my friends for i must go to my favorite spot for these last moments"
<br><br>
Jo tells you, "portal storm keep throwing me out of town."
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Not die, Parsnip, transcend."'''
<br><br>
Gristleeater says, "<--- gives parsnip the last rights.."
<br><br>
Raoh says, "how much longer? ;p"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Minutes, my friend"'''
<br><br>
Gristleeater says, "what happens if we all do at once?"
<br><br>
Washizu says, "strike me down and I become more powerful than you can imagine!""
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "We shall meet Asheron in the halls of the dead and he shall give us the wisdom and peace we all have dreamed for"
<br><br>
Tex says, "Could well take +ashtest now?"
<br><br>
Gristleeater says, "what happens if we all do at once?"
<br><br>
Jon says, "ah dern town of Glenden Woods ye have always been a comfort to this poor one"
<br><br>
Tex says, "If we all ganged up :-)"
<br><br>
Gristleeater says, "what happens if we all do "" at once?"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat tells you, "Anyone logging this chat?"'''
<br><br>
Hell Maker says, "lol do we have to log out this time to save our characters? ;) lol"
<br><br>
Sly'er says, "Fairwell thee friends"
<br><br>
+Ashtest has been saved.
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "My god, it's full of stars"'''
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "Fair thee well, my children, we shall meet again."'''
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "Let the world of Dereth acceept our souls"
<br><br>
Yoshi-san says, "haha '''Prophet!"
<br><br>
Mortanius says, "Whoever is casting on me, stop."
<br><br>
Washizu says, "hey I feel myself slipping away"
<br><br>
Washizu says, "I see a tunnel"
<br><br>
Wildfire says, "it's a portal storm, hun"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "This should be a peaceful time"'''
<br><br>
Washizu says, "and I see a magical place"
<br><br>
Vakkar dies!
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "I should have taken the blue pill"'''
<br><br>
Titoburrus says, "The last remaining person... take a screenshot for Turbine :)"
<br><br>
Washizu says, "I see a guy with horns poking me with a pitchfork"
<br><br>
Sly'er says, "Whoa, Elvis is in the trees waving for me to come forth"
<br><br>
Messenger says, "later everyone :)"
<br><br>
Raoh says, "later"
<br><br>
Epsilon says, "just saying hey, nice knowing ya"
<br><br>
Broadcast from +Ashtest> Brace yourself, my followers.. .for the evil clouds of change are above us... the time is nearing (3 minutes)
<br><br>
Epsilon says, "goodbye, everyone"
<br><br>
Driscol the Wary says, "I thank all of ye who have guided my soul and treated me kind"
<br><br>
Hell Maker says, "never thought id take off that chainmail shirt"
<br><br>
Washizu says, "will we all die together?"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "The Reverend shall lead us into the halls of the dead. We will always be here amount Dereth. If not in body then in soul"
<br><br>
Raoh tells you, "can you put some olthois in glenden real fast? hehe"
<br><br>
Galadrielle says, "****Farewell, people****"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "gotta fix that"
<br><br>
'''Reverend Polecat says, "We may die, but we will not perish."
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "hehe"
<br><br>
Sly'er says, "you first Washizu"
<br><br>
Tyche says, "Fair well, asheron, as I know it to be"
<br><br>
Raoh tells you, "would be a good way to go out ;p"
<br><br>
Raoh tells you, "hehe.. ok"
<br><br>
Fishman tells you, "what evil cloud LOL"
<br><br>
Washizu says, "we should jump off a mountain"
<br><br>
Gristleeater says, "everyone back up a step or two"
<br><br>
Woof says, "I hope this is good"
<br><br>
Raoh says, "oops"
<br><br>
Parsnip mama says, "We can only hope that the examine monster bug dies with us tonight....."
<br><br>
Raoh says, "was trying to drop"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "Dereth- oh dereth. Land of the Free races."
<br><br>
Kendril dies!
<br><br>
Laine Myer tells you, "Whew! Almost there! (I'm running to Glendenwood!) I MADE IT!"
<br><br>
Broadcast from +Ashtest> It has been wonderful knowing you all... you have served Lord Asheron with pride. Your travels shall not be forgotten
<br><br>
Washizu says, "good-bye"
<br><br>
Mortanius says, "Until tomorrow :)"
<br><br>
Gristleeater says, "but will the COORDS remain the same??"
<br><br>
Woof says, "see ya all"
<br><br>
Sly'er says, "bet the rats would run from me if they saw my hairy legs"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "Accept our bodies and make the land fertile"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "Whoa, who snagged my wallet?"'''
<br><br>
Titoburrus says, "farewell"
<br><br>
Bungalo says, "Weeeeeeee are the world!"
<br><br>
Gristleeater tells you, "but will the coords become the same?"
<br><br>
Mortanius says, "May you tread lightly.."
<br><br>
Washizu says, "we are the children"
<br><br>
Driscol the Wary says, "Here I come white rats!!"
<br><br>
Mortanius says, "May Yrth spare your souls."
<br><br>
Raoh says, "cya all tomorrow ;p"
<br><br>
Jo tells you, "when will it be up again?"
<br><br>
Tex says, "Farewell. Go unto the great wipe in peace!"
<br><br>
Warhawk tells you, "what's with the portal storms?"
<br><br>
Mortanius says, "He is more forgiving that you might think."
<br><br>
Shreck says, "I'm goin' with my boots on."
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "May your sword kill many Olthoi"
<br><br>
Gristleeater tells you, "the song remains the same....."
<br><br>
Washizu says, "here comes the asteroid"
<br><br>
Fidget says, "* Was a Blast, All , Farewell , and see ya when we fight over the rats tomorrow, rofl *"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "time to lay down"'''
<br><br>
Bungalo says, "Bye bye Miss American Pie"
<br><br>
Qimdaq says, "Has anyone seen my toothbrush?"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "uh oh"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "portal a brewing"
<br><br>
Shreck says, "no but i have your credit card"
<br><br>
Moebius says, "Goodbye all"
<br><br>
Wildfire says, "rats and rabbits again *sigh* oh brother"
<br><br>
Jon says, "*"
<br><br>
Washizu says, "hey, I think we are going to live"
<br><br>
Khaanuh Badosh says, "Thanks +Ashtest!"
<br><br>
Raoh says, "gotta finish off my beers hehe"
<br><br>
Tex says, "I hiding in my pile of loot. May the wipers pass over me..."
<br><br>
Jon says, "*bow deeply*"
<br><br>
Driscol the Wary says, "I feel happy"
<br><br>
Shreck says, "sounds like someone's trying to get drunk"
<br><br>
Broadcast from +Ashtest> Brace yourselves... Grab on to something tight... the tides are coming?
<br><br>
Wildfire says, "wish i had a beer"
<br><br>
Titoburrus says, "This will be a letdown if all that happens is it says server connection lost :)"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "I shall not leave until my life is take. Oh the gods shall be pleased"
<br><br>
Mortanius says, "Thank you for putting up with these people, '''Reverend Polecat."
<br><br>
Epsilon says, "Zojak Eazael"
<br><br>
Woof says, "I'm feeling light-headed"
<br><br>
Galadrielle says, "someone is drinking all the beer"
<br><br>
Jon says, "hmmmm"
<br><br>
Bungalo says, "hehe"
<br><br>
Raoh says, "whew, a case in 20 seconds ;p"
<br><br>
'''Prophet says, "It feels all tingly"'''
<br><br>
Washizu says, "that sound is.."
<br><br>
Bungalo says, "Malar Easith"
<br><br>
Kyrten says, "*sips the kool-aid*"
<br><br>
Washizu says, "driving me nuts"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "Guess who's drinking it ;p GROG"
<br><br>
Magika the Etherian says, "rofl"
<br>
Shreck says, "Uh, why's everyone so quiet??"
}}

=== Scavenger Hunt ===

{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://zone.com/asheronscall/news/ASHEnewsscavenge.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date = By +Larn Margot
 | Title = Scavenger Hunt
 |  Text = [[Image:Team4.jpg|100px]]

It had been rumored that there would be a mysterious contest of skill and bravery across the land of Dereth, and I, being a scribe, was naturally interested. Bands of 10 to 20 brave men and women were meeting and forming teams at towns all over the continent. I caught up with "Team Three" in the swamps of Sawato.
<br><br>As the adventurers easily overwhelmed a red phyntos wasp, the rumbling of thunder could be heard across the swamp. Ichi jin-rai searched the corpse and found a pair of intact wings. "I got a wasp wing. That's worth another point . . ." Ichi jin-rai said, when a mud golem crashed through the bushes, running surprisingly fast for such a large monster. Two more of the creatures soon followed. The rest of Team Three -- Elorian, Aslan the Lionheart, and Jane the Brave -- easily slaughtered the golems, their bodies crumbling to a thousand pieces. Following the battle, the relatively green Aslan jumped with excitement, exclaiming, "I've never seen a golem before!" However, after inspecting the remains of the creatures, the adventurers seemed crestfallen. What were they hoping to find?
<br><br>During a brief respite from the fighting, I asked the nature of this contest. It happened that Team Three was one of the eight registered bands participating in a six-hour scavenger hunt. The objective was simple, if a bit odd: collect monster body parts, medallions, and armor specified on a public list and turn them over to an advocate for points before time ran out. Of course, different items had different point values, ranging from the one-point Auroch Horn to the thousand-point (not a misprint!) Olthoi Cuirass. Perhaps the advocates needed these ingredients for a special spell. Or perhaps this strange hunt was intended to encourage adventurers to eliminate the evil creatures of Dereth. I do not know. Team Three was trying hard not to get ambushed by golems in the process of collecting one-point wasp wings.
<br><br>After the event, I discovered from an advocate that Team Four, consisting of Vidorian (the leader), Jon, Draco, Blackthorn, Doremon, Kewlbreeze, and Tobias, had achieved victory with a staggering 171 points. I sought them out and discussed strategy with them. Kewlbreeze originally set his sights high. "I wanted to go for the Olthoi Cuirass at first =)" he told me. However, Jon convinced the team to "stay with the easy stuff." Obviously the strategy worked for Team Four, whose most valuable item was a swamp stone, worth a lowly three points. Slow and steady seemed to be the key to the scavenger hunt. No team brought in an item worth more than four points.
<br><br>Team Three, the team I was following, finished second. Perhaps their choice of hunting ground had cost them victory. Soon after being attacked by the golems, Ichi jin-rai was ambushed by two swamp gromnies. Jane the Brave summed up the situation best when she exclaimed, "RUN!" This scribe was glad he was not noticed by the gromnies (I bravely hid in the bushes).
<br><br>Congratulations to Team Four for their astounding success!
<br><br><font color=#FFFFFF>'''Final Team Scores'''</font>
<br>''Supplied by Dave@Turbine''

(Team 1 and 5 results not available)

'''''TEAM CRYSLIS'''''

No list of items obtained.

TOTAL 9 POINTS


'''''TEAM #2'''''

No list of items obtained.

TOTAL 7 POINTS

'''''TEAM #3'''''
{{{!}}border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=300px
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>18 White Rat Tails</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>18 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 Black Rat Tails</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>4 Brown Rat Tails</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>4 point</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 Swamp Stone</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>3 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>8 Drudge Charms</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>8 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>6 Banderling Scalps</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>6 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>3 Red Phyntos Wasp Wings</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>3 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>8 Blue Phyntos Wasp Wings</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>8 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>3 Green Phyntos Wasp Wings</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>3 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>3 Wood Hearts</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>6 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 Gold Tumerok Insignia</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>8 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}}
TOTAL 69 POINTS


'''''TEAM #4'''''
{{{!}}border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=300px
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 Blue Phyntos Wasp Wing</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 point</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 Red Phyntos Wasp Wing</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 point</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>5 Green Phyntos Wasp Wings</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>5 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 Wood Heart</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>39 Auroch Horn Spears</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>78 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>16 Swamp Stones</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>48 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>12 White Rat Tails</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>12 point</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 Grey Rat Tail</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 point</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>5 Drudge Charms</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>5 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>15 Banderling Scalps</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>15 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 Skeleton Skull</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>3 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}}
TOTAL 171 POINTS


'''''TEAM #6'''''
{{{!}}border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=300px
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>12 White Rat Tails</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>12 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>3 Grey Rat Tails</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>3 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 Red Rat Tails</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>9 Black Rat Tails</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>9 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>30 Banderling Scalps</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>30 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 Green Phyntos Wasp Wings</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 point</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 Red Phyntos Wasp Wing</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 point</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>7 Drudge Charms</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>7 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>3 Wood Hearts</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>6 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 Auroch Horns</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 Auroch Horn Spear</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 Swamp Stones</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>6 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>3 Skeleton Skulls</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>9 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}}
TOTAL 91 POINTS


'''''TEAM #7'''''
{{{!}}border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=300px
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 Skeleton Skull</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>3 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>6 Swamp Stones</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>18 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}}
TOTAL 21 POINTS


'''''TEAM #8'''''
{{{!}}border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=300px
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>4 White Rat Tails</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>4 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 Banderling Scalps</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 Drudge Charm</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 point</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 Green Phyntos Wasp Wings</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 Grey Rat Tail</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 point</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 Wood Hearts</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>1 Auroch Horn Spear</font>
{{!}}align=left bgcolor=#000033{{!}}<font color=#CC9900>2 points</font>
{{!}}-
{{!}}}
TOTAL 14 POINTS
}}