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{{Printed Material
| Date = July 2000
| Title = Annals of Dereth, Issue #8
| Text =

A N N A L S   O F   D E R E T H

The Asheron's Call Newsletter

July 2000 (#8)

Play it on the Zone! 
<nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall</nowiki>

In this issue . . . 
1 -- OUR SAGA THUS FAR . . . 
2 -- MAJOR EVENTS
:::CHAT WITH TURBINE ENTERTAINMENT
:::EVENTS PAGE
3 -- COMMUNITY HERALD
:::ALLEGIANCE NEWS
:::PORTAL SPACED (HUMOR)
:::ADVOCATES STILL WANTED
4 -- GAME TIPS

<nowiki>* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</nowiki>

Welcome to the Annals of Dereth, the newsletter for the Asheron's Call role-
playing game! We bring you this bulletin every month to give you a wide
view on Dereth's evolving community, events, and features.

<nowiki>*************************************************************</nowiki>

1 -- OUR SAGA THUS FAR . . .

A lone warrior staggered into the Arwic healer's shop, the last of his
strength all but failing. He didn't even bother ordering any services
aloud -- merely gestured to the empty loft upstairs and started the climb.
The healer on duty rushed to his side, dropping the broom he'd been using
to sweep volcanic ash out of the doorway.

"You're one of the killers, aren't you?" the healer whispered. He nodded
slightly at the warrior's red sash.

At first, the warrior said nothing. Then, with a ponderously deep
groan, "Is my presence not welcome then?"

"No -- our guild heals all. As you well know -- your guild makes the most
use of our services . . . I merely wondered why you came alone. Very
dangerous in your profession, I should think."

The warrior, helped into a bed, groaned even deeper. "I've trade notes, old
man . . . to pay well for your silence."

"Oh, you mistake me. We healers are not as mercenary as . . . well, as
others can be. But without fellow members of your allegiance around? You
must take great care, sir!"

Rolling to his back, the warrior revealed a sickly burn in his chest. As of
late, the healer had seen a host of new wounds -- grievous injuries caused
by maces and spears . . . Now this -- another mark left from the terrible
Plasma Golems, he thought, wondering just what mixture of salves to use.

The warrior's eyes closed, and the healer wondered if the man hadn't fallen
asleep -- or expired -- that very moment. But he managed a few words
more. "I lost my kin on the Isle of Aerlinthe . . . battling magic to
dispel magic . . . You're right! Hide my trade notes! And hide - this - as
well."

With the last of his strength, the warrior flung aside his cloak --
revealing a dagger clutched tight in his hand. The healer pried it free
from the man's grip and dried blood, examining the weapon in the window's
light -- a pale light, filtering through heavy ash in the air. Not a
warrior himself, the healer saw many an artifact of war. Still, never had
he seen a weapon the likes of this. In learning his craft, the healer had
studied well Dereth's ores -- yet had little idea of what material
comprised the dagger. Chorizite, he guessed. The strange metal circulating
these days mostly in the form of rumor. And now he held a dagger made of
the very stuff?

In any event, he'd spoken true -- a healer would never betray the
wounded . . . but the warrior would not wake before he consulted Arwic's
Master Blacksmith as to the nature of this weapon.

As weapons of this world change, the healer reasoned, I must learn the
wounds they're destined to inflict.

He left the warrior, asleep in the light of an ash-darkened sun.

<nowiki>*************************************************************</nowiki>

2 -- MAJOR EVENTS

JULY EVENT: TO RAISE A BANNER OF FLAME 
Fulfilling our commitment to bring players a world-altering event each
month, we've opened "To Raise a Banner of Flame". As the name, and
explorations, have revealed, there's some fiery happenings going on in the
lands of Dereth. For more information on the event, be sure to check out
the official News
(<nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/news/ASHEnewsbanner3.asp</nowiki>) as well as the
current Build Notes
(<nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/news/ASHEnewsJulybuild.asp</nowiki>).

What does the event herald? Well, the following message has been reported,
traveling as far as Solclaim: "The ground trembles beneath you! Mount
Tenkarrdun has become active once again! On Dereth, the volcanoes echo the
eruption on far Aerlinthe Island."

And, for those heroes too curious to wait and discover Dereth's "mysterious
and fiery lands" on their own, check out these screenshots submitted by
Angel Jayten to the AC Heaven site: 
<nowiki>http://members.home.com/mdmgold/hell.htm</nowiki>

Also, for a peek at just one of July's new weapons, here's a shot gathered
from AC Stratics: 
<nowiki>http://ac.stratics.com/cgi-bin/emotes/picpage.pl?
title=Hollow+Katar&nojs;=true&picture;=/content/news/images/newkatar.jpg&desc;=
Hollow+Katar+From+Theeta+Zai</nowiki>

ON-LINE CHAT WITH GAME DEVELOPERS 
On July 18, members of the Turbine group participated in the most recent
developers chat. Having launched July's event, "To Raise a Banner of
Flame", Turbine took the time to answer questions on the newly revised
world as well as hints of what might be expected in the future. To read the
transcript, head to: 
<nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/news/ASHEnewsdevchatJuly1.asp</nowiki>

This chat came just a few days after Turbine's meeting at the Boston Player
Gathering held in Norwood, MA. The event, run by the crew at Crossroads of
Dereth, saw over 200 people attend. In addition, word has begun about the
first Mideastern Player Gathering, to take place in Louisville, Kentucky.
For more information, check out the news posted on the Crossroads of
Dereth: <nowiki>http://cod.xrgaming.net/</nowiki>

If you want any events listed in our official Zone schedule, go to our
Events page to register them. Remember, when submitting an event or a
gathering, please:

1. Submit the event at least two weeks before you intend to run it.
2. Include ALL information requested on the form. We've received many
events we couldn't process because the form wasn't complete.
3. Be sure that your event abides by the Code of Conduct and the End User
License Agreement. The License Agreement is included in your game box, and
the Code of Conduct can be found on the following page:
<nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/tips/ashetipsconduct.asp</nowiki>
4. Do not hold events within towns. You may call people to gather at
outposts, however.

We look forward to promoting your events! The Events page is located at: 
<nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/tournament.asp</nowiki>

<nowiki>*************************************************************</nowiki>

3 -- COMMUNITY HERALD

ALLEGIANCE NEWS

TOP 10 LISTS/MONARCHY 
In recent days, AC has posted the first of a series of Top 10 lists,
starting with Veteran Ranks, Chefs Extraordinaire, and -- our personal
favorite -- Dereth's Doomed. Be sure to look for more lists in the days to
come. Until then, the current lists can be found at: 
<nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/news/top10list.asp</nowiki>

One list that has been around for some time is the Monarchy List. Although
we try our best to tabulate and verify all claims to Dereth's top rankings,
recent complaints have forced us to enact stricter policies. In order to
remain on the Monarchy List, all monarchs must submit updated information
at least once every two weeks -- including a screen shot which clearly
shows monarchy information. Incomplete information will be ignored, and
monarchs who fail to provide updates will be taken down.

At the time of this writing, however, we would like to congratulate
Skystreak Cloudrider for maintaining the top position at Rank 7 with 2175
followers. We would also like to give special recognition to Wren the
Blurry, who recently ascended to Rank 7; both monarchs are scheduled to
provide the next interviews for the Allegiance Hall.

The Allegiance Hall now boasts over 200 links to excellent allegiance
sites, organized by server-world. Sites have already been posted for the
most recent world to open, Solclaim -- including the mighty Scoob's Crew!
If you are interested in joining a high-profile allegiance, look no further
than the Hall: 
<nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/hall.asp</nowiki>

PORTAL SPACED 
The following comes from a player named Briggs, posted on the Crossroads of
Dereth Dev Board. Parodying "A Few Good Men", Briggs argues whether mages'
ability to drain from behind walls should be "nerfed" or removed from the
game.

Briggs: I'll ask for the fourth time. Did you drain?

Mage: You want answers?

Briggs: I think I'm entitled to them.

Mage: You want answers?!

Briggs: I want the truth.

Mage: You can't handle the truth!

Mage (continuing): Son, we live in dungeons that have walls. And those
walls have to be guarded by mages with wands. Who's gonna do it? You? You,
Briggs? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You
weep for warriors and you curse archers. You have that luxury. You have the
luxury of not knowing what I know: That draining through walls, while
tragic, probably saves lives. And my magic, while grotesque and
incomprehensible to you, saves lives.

You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk
about, at pubs, you want me behind that wall. You need me behind that wall!
(boasting) We use words like Feazh, Zhapaj, Malar . . . we use these words
as the backbone to a life spent researching spells. You use them as a punch
line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a
warrior who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very vulnerability
spells I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it. I'd
prefer you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest
you pick up a wand and stand behind a wall. Either way, I don't give a darn
what you think you're entitled to.

Briggs: Did you drain behind a wall?

Mage: I used the skills Turbine gave me.

Briggs: Did you drain behind a wall!?

Mage: You're ***damn right I did!

(silence)

Briggs: Please the court, I suggest the developers be dismissed so that we
can move to an immediate Article 39a Nerf Session. The witness has rights.

To see the original post, check out: 
<nowiki>http://cod.xrgaming.net/4news.shtml#AFewGoodMages</nowiki>

If you've got links to some humorous AC material, send them to
website@asheronscall.com, and they just might end up in a future issue of
this newsletter.

STILL CALLING PROSPECTIVE ADVOCATES 
If you own the game, currently play, and are interested in helping your
fellow adventurers as part of the Asheron's Call team, we'd like you to
contact us. The advocates are our first and most valuable help resource for
many new players. See the following article for more information and a link
to an application form: 
<nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/tips/ASHEtipsadvocate.asp</nowiki>

<nowiki>*************************************************************</nowiki>

4 -- GAME TIPS

CHARACTER TEMPLATE 
The following template was submitted by the Zone's own Daniel Adam:

"Here is what I believe to be the best Sword template around. This is after
playing dozens of different styles/templates since Dec 16:"

Race: Aluvian 
Specialized: Sword, Melee Defense, Arcane Lore 
Trained: Healing

Attributes: 
Strength: 100 
Endurance: 20 
Coordination: 100 
Quickness: 90 
Focus: 10 
Self: 10

Notes: 
1. Starting killing rabbits/drudges/shreths, and keep assigning XP to
Health/Endurance, Sword/Melee Defense, and Strength/Coordination/Quickness.
Basically advance in blocks of 5 -- so first boost Health by 5, then
Endurance by 5, then Sword by 5, then Melee Defense by 5, then Strength,
etc. At level 5 start putting XP into Arcane Lore and Focus, as this will
later enable you to wear magic items. I recommend that you have Arcane Lore
at 50+ by level 10 and 100+ by level 20. 
2. Acquire Item Enchantment at level 9, Creature Magic at level 25, and
finally Mana Conversion.

Things to keep in mind: 
1. Always make sure you are sync'd to the closest lifestone to where you
are fighting. 
2. Don't just jump into random portals -- some lead to death. 
3. Remember that things that attack you from the back will kill you easier
than from the front (shields help).

"This should get your hero started!"

For other unique templates, check out AC Tips: 
(<nowiki>http://www.tip.it/wizard/ac/proba.php3?jump_id=8</nowiki>). There, players can find
templates for Monks, Barbarians -- even the almighty Mule!

<nowiki>*************************************************************</nowiki>

SEND THIS NEWSLETTER TO A FRIEND, AND LET THEM KNOW TO:

PLAY IT ON THE ZONE!

<nowiki>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</nowiki>

If you have any trouble playing games on the Zone, check out our list of
Frequently Asked Questions and find the answer to your problem there.

<nowiki>http://support.microsoft.com/support/games/zone/FAQ/default.asp?PR=GMS&M;=S&</nowiki>

Play it on the Zone! 
<nowiki>http://www.zone.com/asheronscall</nowiki>

<nowiki>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</nowiki>

You registered to receive this newsletter on the MSN Gaming Zone. To
unsubscribe, do the following

1. Go to Member Services in Zone Help: 
<nowiki>http://www.zone.com/Secure/Alter_check.asp</nowiki> 
2. Log in with your Zone ID (not your AC character name) and password. 
3. Uncheck the box that's labeled "Send me the Asheron's Call newsletter
every month to: "

THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. The information
contained in this document represents the current view of Microsoft
Corporation on the issues discussed as of the date of publication. Because
Microsoft must respond to change in market conditions, it should not be
interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft and Microsoft
cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented after the date
of publication. INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS'
WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND FREEDOM FROM INFRINGEMENT. The user assumes the
entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this document. This document
may be copied and distributed subject to the following conditions: 1. All
text must be copied without modification and all pages must be included 2.
All copies must contain Microsoft's copyright notice and any other notices
provided therein 3. This document may not be distributed for profit.

c2000 Microsoft, Inc.

<nowiki>======================================================================</nowiki>
}}

== Notes ==
* Contents of this news letter was retreived from archived pages from AC Stratics:
** ''<nowiki>http://ac.stratics.com/content/news/annals08.shtml</nowiki>'' ([https://web.archive.org/web/20010627220602/http://ac.stratics.com:80/content/news/annals08.shtml web archive])

Annals of Dereth/Issue 8 - Revision history

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