A Change in Tactics

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February 2006 - Announcements Page

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Town Crier Rumors

Viamontian Town Criers

Town Crier tells you, "You Bloodless have no idea how bad things are going to get for your Bloodless Queen very soon. Don't think allying yourselves with the cringing cowards of Silyun will help."

Town Crier tells you, "King Varicci is verty interested in these Essences of magic that have appeared recently. They could a source of great power."

Town Crier tells you, "I heard tell that the citizens of Shoushi are afraid of Rats!" Town Crier tells you, "I can't believe we haven't conquered that town yet."

Town Crier tells you, "Let it be known that the Viamontian army has made yet another bold advance onto Dereth. Where? That's a secret, I'm afraid." Town Crier tells you, "King Varicci is verty interested in these Essences of magic that have appeared recently. They could a source of great power."

Town Crier tells you, "It appears that another Sclavus has appeared, bearing bloody gifts from an ancient, murderous culture. If they weren't reptiles, I could come to admire these Sclavus."

Town Crier tells you, "I am not just a Herald, you know. I am also an Adept of Vivimancy and an accredited Pugilist."

Town Crier tells you, "King Varicci is verty interested in these Essences of magic that have appeared recently. They could a source of great power."

Town Crier tells you, "Someone by the name of Ciandra seems to have found more information on the ancient magics used to forge weapons in this world. Something to do with a thing called a Shadow Stone."

Town Crier tells you, "A member of the Bloodless Queen's Royal Guard has been sighted in Dryreach. This may be worth investigation."

Town Crier tells you, "I've been informed that a renowned researcher and alchemist, by the name of Ciandra, has found a way to fully empower something referred to as a Repaired Shadow Stone. She is asking those with these repaired stones to bring them to her. This should be investigated first-hand, as the information may be of great interest and use to His Majesty."

Town Crier tells you, "Royal heralds now will keep track of all the titles you earn. Just another example of the great changes our noble King has enacted in this benighted land."

Town Crier tells you, "So I have heard that yet another Sclavus has emerged from the muck of Blackmire Swamp, offering secrets of warfare. Bold adventurers should investigate."

Town Crier tells you, "We've heard of a possible contender to the Bloodless Queen's throne. Seems a Rat King has risen to power near Shoushi. Maybe they're relatives."

Town Crier tells you, "The bold advance the army made was to the northern land bridge between Northern Osteth and the Direlands. They've founded a new castle -- Castle Pietrus."

Town Crier tells you, "There is a Bloodless lieutenant in the town of Dryreach, asking for aid in the nearly eternal siege of that town. If all the Bloodless Queen can do to protect her kingdom is beg assistance from others, then this war will be a short one."

Town Crier tells you, "A brigade of Viamontian Knights was lost attempting to capture the Essence of Strife for His Majesty. We are very impressed with it strength."

Mainland Town Criers

Town Crier tells you, "A friend of mine at the Arcanum says the Essences have returned."

Town Crier tells you, "People in Xarabydun have noted that Ciandra seems to have been doing a lot of research lately. I wonder what she is up to?"

Town Crier tells you, "I hear there is a new Royal Guard in Dryreach. Is the Queen finally taking measures to protect the towns still under siege?"

Town Crier tells you, "Have you heard? Now that I can hold multiple titles, I am going to go and get myself certified as a Bunny Master."

Town Crier tells you, "I hear the rats in Shoushi have been giving the Rat Catcher there a difficult time."

Town Crier tells you, "Hey! I found a rare item! It's called the Grand Crier's Great Helm of Crying. It's so powerful, I can make announcements from the comfort of my own home. I don't dare wear it in public, though. Someone could kill me and take it!"

Town Crier tells you, "Word is that someone in Ayan Baqur is looking for help on a highly secret mission..."

Town Crier tells you, "Hear ye, hear ye! Her Majesty seeks volunteers to aid with a most important mission. Please see Lord Tyrell Marsan at Plateau Village for more information."

Town Crier tells you, "Word in Shoushi is that their Rat Catcher is afraid of some smart rat who has been organizing all the rats in town."

Town Crier tells you, "News! Heralds of the realm are now able to keep track of multiple titles for each person."

Town Crier tells you, "Ciandra the Arcanum Alchemist has asked for help in getting samples from the new Essences. She has a workshop on the surface side of Xarabydun."

Town Crier tells you, "I've heard that the Viamontians have a new laboratory in Bluespire. Rumor has it that Lord Marsan's mission is related to it somehow."

Town Crier tells you, "Lieutenant Rothe, of the Queen's Royal Guard, is seeking brave souls to assist in the protection of Dryreach. If you go to Dryreach to aid him, remember to get a key first."

Town Crier tells you, "Ciandra has asked that all who have a Repaired Shadow Stone, and wish to make a stone usable in an Isparian Weapon, bring the repaired stone to her in Xarabydun."

Town Crier tells you, "Finally -- Queen Elysa is going on the offensive. She's dispatched soldiers to Plateau Village. Who know where they could be going, although rumor has it they're destined for Fort Tethana."

Town Crier tells you, "If I were you, I would be very careful of Hassha, that new Sclavus in Blackmire Swamp. I don't trust it, and I don't like what I've heard of the things it offers!"

Town Crier tells you, "If you are discreet, and have proved that you are a stalwart ally of the people of Silyun, there may be a sensitive and dangerous mission you could help out on... Seek out the ore merchant in Ayan Baqur to learn more..."

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Ulgrim Rumors

Free Rumors:

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "The Mad Bull creates and uses a weapon that severs your tie to a Lifestone, and Elysa suddenly starts taking an interesting in protecting Dryreach?" Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Better late than never, I guess."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I wish the Rat King would visit my basement and organize the stupid mice down there. If he could get them to brew me beer I would bring them as much cheese as they could eat."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Oh, don't bother with Hassha out in the swamp. That old snake just wants someone to read it some bedtime stories."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Gaerlan really kicked the white rabbit when he started messing with this world's essence. He may yet get his wish to rid the world of us."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I found a rare item! It's the Planar Mug of Everlasting Stout. You see, it is actually a rift in the fabric of the universe, in the bottom of a beer mug and directly connected to the Plane of Stout." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Oh, wait. I just dreamed that."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "So Elysa has established formal diplomatic relations with Silyun. That's probably a good idea. Maybe she can take up with that Duke, if he ever drags himself out of wherever he's been hiding. Varicci already wants to kill him, so he'd probably be a safe person for Elysa to date."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Who do you think would win in a fight? The dirty, inbred, feebleminded and war mongering Varicci or the caring, noble, heroic, brilliant and beautiful Queen Elysa? Just make an impartial decision." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I thought so."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Want to see my one-eyed Pack Banderling?"

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Have you heard Tyrell Marsan's war stories?" Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "They're all hogwash. Everyone knows that the best weapon against Tumeroks is stout!"

Stout Rumors:

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Well, okay, I'll accept this mug of Stout, but don't think it will get me to intercede on your behalf with the Virindi. Nope, I'm just a concerned citizen."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I went to school with Varicci, did you know that? He wasn't very popular. I could rattle off a list of the titles that were bestowed upon him in those awkward years, but then I know the next black blade would be coming for me." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "You're on mine..."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I'll stop what those Virindi are planning. Just as soon as I figure out what that plan is." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Hey don't worry, I can handle it. I drank something." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "What's with the rabbit costume?"

Ulgrim stumbles and mutters something unintelligible, "Y syh uhla tnaysat ra fyc y piddanvmo. Frah ra yfuga, ra hu muhkan ghaf ev ra fyc y piddanvmo tnaysehk ra fyc y syh, un y syh fru ryt tnaysat ra fyc y piddanvmo."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I'm gonna need more cowbell!"

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "So, we think it's a good thing to have weapons that access the same dark powers that almost destroyed the world during the Shadow Invasions? Well, I'm not going to use them. In fact, I'm going to design a whole new suite of weapons that draw their powers from the rich and delicious power of Stout!"

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Remember how my backpack is infested with malicious Zefirs? Well, I guess they felt bad for all the tricks they've been playing on me, because they left me a present in my backpack. I got a rare Zumamaphone. Boy is it great. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun. Those Pack Zefirs are all right by me."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I've got multiple titles too. Ulgrim the Archmage, Master of Time and Space, Leader of the Virindi Resistance, Master Tinkerer, Seer of Truths, Lord of the Jewelry, Supreme Peppermint Cook, Celebrations Advisor to the Queen, Chess Grandmaster, the Shadow Tested, Virindi Regulator, Beer Lord, and Keeper of the Hatch."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Well, okay, I'll accept this mug of Stout, but don't think it will get me to intercede on your behalf with the Virindi. Nope, I'm just a concerned citizen."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Someone's off severing Lifestone ties and still no word from Asheron, eh? I knew I shouldn't have showed him that resort brochure. He's probably sipping fruity drinks from coconuts with little umbrellas in them while we're left here to freeze."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I decided to show Ciandra how to properly fix those stones she was helping with last month. I needed an improved ingredient for my Extra Dark Stout."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Dryreach, it's been under Tumerok attack for years..." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Now she does something direct to protect it?" Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I wonder if this means the tavern there will start serving a wider selection of Stout..." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I could use more Stout..."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Good Stuff!" Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Whoa!" Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "That's why I don't do that."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I bet you didn't know that some magical components are quite deadly if ingested." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I sure didn't."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "There aren't a lot of stimulating people to talk to around here." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I don't mean you of course, you're fascinating."

You give Ulgrim the Unpleasant Stout. Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "So, did you see the Archmage in Candeth Keep? I hear her husband is out of the picture. She can buff me anytime! Hubba! Hubba!"

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Some mage called me a gimp the other day." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I asked him what a gimp was and he said "You, Gimpy! What kind of a gimp mage has a 40 Focus?"" Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "So I portaled him to that new valley everyone is talking about to find out what kind of mage he is." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I guess he didn't realize that I had used a few attribute transfer gems... What a gimp."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "You the man!" You say, "No, You the man!" Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "You're right, I am."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Did you know my face is on the Soul Staff?" Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Yup, I'm immortalized! It's the third face down. Some people may claim it's the guy who created the staff, but he's nobody and I'm famous."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I saw a cute little Ursuin Cub the other day. I tried to pat it on the head. Cute little teeth on that cub. See my cute little bite mark?"

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Have you noticed how dazed the people at fishing holes look?" Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Just try talking to one of them. You'll be lucky if they even acknowledge you. More than likely they'll just stand there casting and casting and casting." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "They're Fishing Zombies! Fishing Zombies I tells you!"

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I went to visit the fortune shrine today. Want to hear my fortune?" Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "You will fall into a very deep hole and your broken body will slowly be devoured by the foul things that reside in the lightless places." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "That didn't sound so good." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "My lucky numbers are 6,6,6."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Those mansions I've seen are pretty nice, but nowhere near as nice as the house I built for myself. I used to have a fortress on Asheron's Island, but the neighbors were too loud."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Some monsters get stronger, some monsters get weaker. Just remember what ol' Ulgrim says when the health is down, fire is raining from the sky and monsters are clawing at his throat." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Strong...weak. I'm the one with the wand."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "If we build a new town I say we call it Ulgrim's Ridge. Now that's a town name with style!"

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "You know what the Virindi call a Royal Atlatl with Deadly Darts?" Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "A Royal Atlatl with Deadly Darts. The Virindi aren't all that creative."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I've been working on some Olthoi Bait in case they decide to come back. Through long and arduous testing I've discovered that they can't resist stuffed mushrooms. Just walk through a dungeon dropping those things in a line and you can ambush a whole swarm while they're gobbling them up."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "I hear if you lick a Burun you can see all sorts of cool stuff."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "So you've heard about Leandra's wonderful new chorizite formula? Yeah, made that same formula years ago, except I used orichalcum. My formula made normal beer mugs larger on the inside than on the outside. I only have the one sample left here. It holds about 30 normal mugs of stout." Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "It's good that she's following in my footsteps though, it shows she's very wise."

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New Quests

• Black Pages of Salt and Ash
• Dryreach Militia
• Lo Raen's List of Tasks
• Plateau Village Transit
• Prismatic Amuli
• Shade Iron
• Shadowfire Stone Quest
• Whispering Blade Intelligence

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New NPCs

• Hassha
• Lieutenant Rothe
• Lord Tyrell Marsan
• Mekhmet

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New Locations

• Atlan's Laboratory - 66.9N, 15.9E
• Bloodstone Company Fortress - 16.5N, 50.5W
• Castle Pietrus - 19.4N, 49.5W
• Cells of the Black Book - 10.3S, 50.3E
• Empyrean Workshop - 66.9N, 15.9E
• Lord Tyrell Marsan's Campsite - 42.9N, 42.4W
• Rat King's Cave - 32.9S, 70.5E
• Shade Iron Mine - 65.0S, 87.6W
• Silyun Chapterhouse - 85.4N, 70.4W
• Viamontian Laboratory - 39.4N, 75.3W

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New Items

Black Pages of Salt and Ash Quest

Black Book of Salt and Ash Black Page of Salt and Ash

Shadowfire Stone Quest

Atlan's Coded Notebook Damaged Stone InfuserFile:Dormant Shadow Stone Icon.png Dormant Shadow Stone Empyrean Notebook Charged Stone Infuser Shadowfire Isparian Axe Shadowfire Isparian Bow Shadowfire Isparian Claw Shadowfire Isparian Crossbow Shadowfire Isparian Dagger Shadowfire Isparian Sword Shadowfire Isparian Wand Shadowfire Stone Ciandra's Stone Infuser Instructions Inner Chamber Key Repaired Stone Infuser

Shade Iron Quest

Shade Iron Ore Deposit Shade Iron Ore Hammer Shade Iron Ore Sample Bracelet of Passage Whispering Blade Boots

Whispering Blade Infiltration

Rossu Morta Boots

Prismatic Armor

Decanter of Essence of Verdancy Decanter of Essence of Artifice Decanter of Essence of Enchantment Decanter of Essence of Strife Crystallized Essence of Artifice Crystallized Essence of Enchantment Crystallized Essence of Strife Crystallized Essence of Verdancy Prismatic Amuli Coat Prismatic Amuli Leggings Prismatic Oil Instructions for Essence Recovery

Rat Catcher Quest

Rat King's Tail Rat Tail Bracelet

Plateau Village Transit

Shield of Strathelar Strathelar PennantFile:Bloodstone Company Viamontian Pennant Icon.png Bloodstone Company Viamontian Pennant Castle Pietrus Log BookFile:Castle Pietrus Viamontian Pennant Icon.png Castle Pietrus Viamontian Pennant

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New Titles

• Dryreach Militia - Hunter Quest (Tumerok Gladiators)
• Olthoi Hunter Titles

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New Creatures

Golem Atlan's Crafting Golem Inner Chamber GuardianAtlan's Crafting Golem/Inner Chamber Guardian/ Human Captain Vietre Lasallia Commander Jin Zo Captain Iacollia Dimari Viamontian Portal Mage Whispering Blade Chamberlain Whispering Blade Guard Whispering Blade Mage Mercenary MageCaptain Vietre Lasallia/Commander Jin Zo/Captain Iacollia Dimari/Viamontian Portal Mage/Whispering Blade Chamberlain/Whispering Blade Guard/Whispering Blade Mage/Mercenary Mage/ Unknown Essence of Artifice Essence of Enchantment Essence of Strife Caustic KnightEssence of Artifice/Essence of Enchantment/Essence of Strife/Caustic Knight/ Elemental Incendiary Knight Luminary Knight Glacial KnightIncendiary Knight/Luminary Knight/Glacial Knight/

Acid Elemental Hand of VerdancyHand of Verdancy/ Lightning Elemental Essence of VerdancyEssence of Verdancy/ Frost Elemental Hand of Artifice Hand of EnchantmentHand of Artifice/Hand of Enchantment/ Fire Elemental Hand of StrifeHand of Strife/ Rat Rat KingRat King/ Viamontian Knight Viamontian Footman Viamontian Ore CollectorViamontian Footman/Viamontian Ore Collector/

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