Editing Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events

{{Related|Template:News#News{{!}}Current AC & ACCWiki News}}

{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://zone.msn.com/asheronscall/News.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date = 
 | Title = News & Events
 |  Text =
[[File:image_03.jpg|left]]

[[#News|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>News</b></u></font>]]<br>
Read the latest news about AC and the world of Dereth.

[[#Events|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Events</b></u></font>]]<br>
Check this page frequently for an overview of past events and an updated schedule of great new ones to come.

<font color=#FFFFFF><b>Featured Articles</b></font>
<hr style="background-color:#CC9900;"/>
* [[Top 10 Lists|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Top 10 Lists</b></u></font>]]<br>
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Welcome from the Design Team - Nov 1999|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Welcome from the Design Team</b></u></font>]]
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Asheron's Call Wins Gaming's Equivalent of the Oscar|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Asheron's Call Wins Gaming's Equivalent of the Oscar</b></u></font>]]
<br><br>
}}

== News ==
{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://zone.msn.com/asheronscall/ASHEnewsnews1.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date = 
 | Title = News
 |  Text =
<font color=#FFFFFF><b>News in Dereth</b></font>
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Top 10 Lists|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Top 10 Lists</b></u></font>]]
Who has the strongest arm in Dereth? The heartiest soul? Plus, an update on the highest level heroes. Find the lists players have been asking for!
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/A Gathering of Monsters|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>A Gathering of Monsters</b></u></font>]]
The lands of Dereth have become even more dangerous. Find out what new hazard threatens the world. . . and what must be done to stop its spread.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/Asheron's Lore/The Gromnies|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Discovered Lore</b></u></font>]]
The scholars and scribes of Dereth have composed their next work of sacred lore. This latest chapter unravels the mystery of the Gromnies.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/The Vestibule Quests|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Secrets of the Quests</b></u></font>]]
While heroes did manage to shatter the original Soul Crystals within each dungeon, duplicates have reformed in their places.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Cooking Contest|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Cooking Contest</b></u></font>]]
Read the rules and regulations for your chance to become the famous discoverer of Dereth's chocolate treats!
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Cooking Contest Results|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Cooking Contest Results</b></u></font>]]
The Quest for Chocolate has concluded, with the following cooks discovering everything from bars of dark chocolate to rich iced mocha!
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Writing Contest|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Writing Contest</b></u></font>]]
Official stories for each heritage group are being collected. Find out how you can contribute -- and see your work for sale in the game!
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Writing Contest Results|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Writing Contest Results</b></u></font>]]
While town criers have announced the results of August's contest, find out more on how these winners were chosen.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Microsoft Announces Success of Asheron's Call|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Microsoft Announces Success of Asheron's Call</b></u></font>]]
On November 24th, 1999, Microsoft sent out a press release with some early info on the success of AC. 
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Spring Brings New Expressions of Love|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Spring Brings New Expressions of Love</b></u></font>]]
This March, heroic couples will have an opportunity to formalize their bonds of affection in both mass and private wedding ceremonies.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Mass Weddings, March 10|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>The Wedding Album: Recap of Mass Weddings on March 10</b></u></font>]]
Our mass weddings featured both heartfelt declarations of love and amusing banter. 
* [[Asheron's Call Launches in the United Kingdom on April 14th!|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Asheron's Call Launches in the United Kingdom on April 14th!</b></u></font>]]
Prepare to join forces with our UK neighbors in defending the Isle of Dereth.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/A New World Soon to Open in Asheron's Call|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>A New World Soon to Open</b></u></font>]]
Create a new character to greet the first rising of the sun in "Solclaim."
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Dream Event Contest Winners|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Dream Event Results</b></u></font>]]
Challenging players to share their ideas for the game, the final results of the AC Dream Event contest have been chosen. Here are the names of the winning scribes!
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/For the Love of Dereth|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>For the Love of Dereth</b></u></font>]]
In honor of this lovers' holiday, we asked our players to send in their tales of true love (or true woe) in the course of Asheron's Call. To celebrate the day, we'd like to share some of our favorite tales we received!
* [[Microsoft Games Archive/Dark Majesty|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Microsoft Announces the Asheron's Call Expansion Pack</b></u></font>]]
Including new features such as housing and storage, as well as an intriguing new island.
* [[Microsoft Games Archive/Dark Majesty/Expansion Pack FAQ|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty FAQ Released</b></u></font>]]
Housing and New Landmass, Item storage and visitation rights --Find the answers to your questions here.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Her Majesty Awaits!|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Her Majesty Awaits</b></u></font>]]
Microsoft has announced that Asheron's Call Dark Majesty is shipping to retail locations throughout North America, and should start appearing on store shelves as early as Friday, October 26.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Marae Lassel Writing Contest|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Marae Lassel Writing Contest Winners</b></u></font>]]
The winners of the writing contest have now been chosen. Our congratulations to Neb, who comes away with a free year's subscription to AC Dark Majesty and 300 fanStory.com credits!
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Changes to the Code of Conduct|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Changes to the Code of Conduct</b></u></font>]]
Enforcement Effective immediately, there will be a slight change to the <i>Asheron's Call</i> Code of Conduct enforcement. Find out all the details here.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Upcoming Changes to Aerlinthe|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Upcoming Changes to Aerlinthe</b></u></font>]]
In Asheron's Call, we always like to keep an open mind to suggestions from the players--this is the driving factor behind a set of changes going into effect with the May prop next week.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Wintersebb Opens!|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Wintersebb's Arrival</b></u></font>]]
To accommodate the burgeoning population of Asheron's Call, the doors to the new server world, Wintersebb, have opened wide!
* [[Asheron's Call Merchandise|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Turbine Store Opens</b></u></font>]]
Fans looking for Asheron's Call merchandise can now find everything from T-shirts, jerseys and mugs, to Sturdy Iron Keys and sterling silver Olthoi at the Turbine Store.
<br><br>
<font color=#FFFFFF><b>News from the Tech Side</b></font>
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Welcome from the Design Team|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Welcome from the Design Team</b></u></font>]]
Turbine Entertainment Software reflects on the long process of creating Asheron's Call and expresses their excitement at the arrival of the community.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Backstage at Asheron's Call|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Backstage at Asheron's Call</b></u></font>]]
From the entire AC Team -- a revealing look at the inner workings of the game. It's time to open the backstage door a bit and let players see some of the "what, how, and why.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Team Profiles|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>AC Team Profiles</b></u></font>]]
Ever wonder who are the architects of Dereth? About their histories and in-game characters? Here's your chance to unmask the AC team!
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Turbine Opens Asheron's Call Dark Majesty Site|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Turbine Opens ACDM Site</b></u></font>]]
In conjunction with the December event, Turbine has opened the doors to acdm.turbinegames.com, a haven for all players of Asheron's Call to keep abreast of the latest news, lore, and a complete compendium database.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Macros, 3rd-Party Apps and XP|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Macros, 3rd-Party Apps and XP</b></u></font>]]
We have studied the results of our recent survey and weighed them along with other forms of feedback to determine what our policies will be. Further word on this matter can be found here.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Interview with Turbine's Les Nelken|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Interview with Turbine's Les Nelken</b></u></font>]]
Turbine designer, Les Nelken, took time to answer a few questions about June's Castling Event and content design in general.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Sign In to Asheron's Call|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>New Zone Log In Information</b></u></font>]]
Forget about pop-up windows and task bar icons; as of this October, the Zone has a new way to log in and play!
<br><br>
<font color=#FFFFFF><b>Reviews, Etc</b></font>
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Asheron's Call Wins Gaming's Equivalent of the Oscar|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Asheron's Call Wins Gaming's Equivalent of the Oscar</b></u></font>]]
At this year's E3 convention, the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences dubbed Asheron's Call the Adventure/Role-Playing Game of the Year. Awards from the AIAS are among the highest honors bestowed in the gaming industry.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Best-of-the-Year Awards|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Best-of-the-Year Awards</b></u></font>]]
Gamezilla joins Gamecenter and Gameindustry.com in giving AC top honors.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/More Rave Reviews for Asheron's Call|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>More Rave Reviews for Asheron's Call</b></u></font>]]
Gameindustry.com gave AC their 1999 Best Overall Game of the Year award, and several other sites have recently queued up with accolades, too.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/Stellar Review from Computer Games Online|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>Stellar Review from Computer Games Online</b></u></font>]]
Cindy Vanous gives Asheron's Call 4 ½ out of 5 stars and a detailed critique.
* [[Microsoft Zone Archive/News & Events/2001 AIAS Awards|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2001 AIAS Awards</b></u></font>]]
Asheron's Call scores two nominations -- including "PC Game of the Year"!
}}

== Events ==
{{Microsoft Zone
 |  Link = <nowiki>http://zone.msn.com/asheronscall/ASHEnews2.asp</nowiki>
 |  Date = 
 | Title = Events
 |  Text =
[[File:glenden02thumb.jpg]]

The Zone is committed to running the smoothest, most engaging events in the online world. We recognize that Asheron's Call depends upon the long-term loyalty of each player for its success, and we believe that a major avenue for building that loyalty is maintaining a robust schedule of innovative events.

Check this page frequently for an overview of past events and an updated schedule of great new ones to come.

<font color=#FFFFFF><b>Coverage of Past Events</b></font><br>
[[Announcements - Asheron's Call Beta#Fire in the Sky Recap|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>October 22 - 24, 1999 -- The Fire in the Sky</b></u></font>]]<br>
The final beta test incarnation of Dereth came to an end under the baleful glare of a comet, as meteors impacted major towns, scraps of ancient prophecy blew across the land, and terrible fire elementals rained from the sky.

[[Announcements - Asheron's Call Beta#Wardiel's Deception|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>July 24, 1999 -- The Campaign Against Wardiel</b></u></font>]]

The evil captain of Bael'Zharon tried to subject Dereth to his will. Despite assistance from foul banderlings and even fouler traitors, Wardiel eventually succumbed to the valiant defense.

[[Announcements - Asheron's Call Beta#Call to Arms Recap|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>July 7, 1999 -- Call to Arms Event</b></u></font>]]

An evil host descended on the major towns of Dereth. Auberon of Turbine Entertainment reports on the heroic defense that repelled, among other creatures, the towering tremendous monougas.

[[Announcements - Asheron's Call Beta#Scavenger Hunt|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>June 14, 1999 -- Scavenger Hunt</b></u></font>]]

A strange agitation recently gripped the advocates of Dereth, who arranged a contest to recognize adventurers bringing them the most valuable collection of specified monster trophies within a six-hour span. Why they needed these items gathered so hastily, the advocates would not say, but many answered the challenge nonetheless.

[[Announcements - Asheron's Call Beta#Apocalypse Party on 6/2/99|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>June 2, 1999 -- Apocalypse Party for End of First Phase of Beta </b></u></font>]]

What would you do if you were a character in a virtual-reality world and knew the Server Wipe of the Apocalypse was about to erase your hard-earned stats? Would you run amuck, or would you hold a party to celebrate the time you'd had, the things you'd managed to do, and the friendships you'd formed along the way? Maybe a little of both.

* [[Announcements - 1999/11 - Release|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>1999/11 - Release</b></u></font>]]

* [[Announcements - 1999/12 - Sudden Season|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>1999/12 - Sudden Season</b></u></font>]]

In December, players entered Asheron's Call to discover the world had plunged into deep winter. While some celebrated the change of season by entering cooking contests and observing ancient holiday traditions, a few adventurers followed a missing expedition and hints of dark magic in a quest to forestall a killing freeze.

* [[Announcements - 2000/01 - Dark Thaw|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2000/01 - Dark Thaw</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2000/02 - Shadows of the Past|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2000/02 - Shadows of the Past</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2000/03 - Darkness Ascendant|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2000/03 - Darkness Ascendant</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2000/04 - Thorns of the Hopeslayer|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2000/04 - Thorns of the Hopeslayer</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2000/05 - Heroes' Respite|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2000/05 - Heroes' Respite</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2000/06 - The Paths of Destruction|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2000/06 - The Paths of Destruction</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2000/07 - To Raise a Banner of Flame|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2000/07 - To Raise a Banner of Flame</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2000/08 - Taste of Twilight|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2000/08 - Taste of Twilight</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2000/09 - Twilight's Gleaming|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2000/09 - Twilight's Gleaming</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2000/10 - Hollow Victory|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2000/10 - Hollow Victory</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2000/11 - Should the Stars Fall|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2000/11 - Should the Stars Fall</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2000/12 - The Child of Daralet|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2000/12 - The Child of Daralet</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2001/01 - Now In This Hush|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2001/01 - Now In This Hush</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2001/02 - Lonely In The World|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2001/02 - Lonely In The World</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2001/03 - Spring's Sorrows|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2001/03 - Spring's Sorrows</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2001/04 - A Reign of Stone|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2001/04 - A Reign of Stone</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2001/05 - The Changing of the Ways|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2001/05 - The Changing of the Ways</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2001/06 - Chains of Command|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2001/06 - Chains of Command</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2001/07 - Lost in the New Horizon|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2001/07 - Lost in the New Horizon</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2001/08 - Crests of a Turbulent Sea|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2001/08 - Crests of a Turbulent Sea</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2001/09 - Keep Your Enemies Closer|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2001/09 - Keep Your Enemies Closer</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2001/10 - The Widening Gyre|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2001/10 - The Widening Gyre</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2001/11 - The Gathering Storm|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2001/11 - The Gathering Storm</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2001/12 - The First Strike|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2001/12 - The First Strike</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2002/01 - Flesh and Blood|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2002/01 - Flesh and Blood</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2002/02 - Fever Dreams|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2002/02 - Fever Dreams</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2002/03 - Persuasion|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2002/03 - Persuasion</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2002/04 - Betrayal|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2002/04 - Betrayal</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2002/05 - Hidden Vein|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2002/05 - Hidden Vein</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2002/06 - Castling|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2002/06 - Castling</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2002/07 - Repercussions|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2002/07 - Repercussions</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2002/08 - Atonement|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2002/08 - Atonement</b></u></font>]]
* [[Announcements - 2002/09 - Verdict|<font color=#FFFFCC><u><b>2002/09 - Verdict</b></u></font>]]
}}