OSI CONTEST-BUDDY REFERRAL
First the announcement about the UO Buddy Program, posted on UO.com:
THE ULTIMA ONLINET BRING A FRIEND TO BRITANNIA PROGRAM
Bring A Friend To Britannia and earn a free month of gameplay!
Welcome to the Bring a Friend to Britannia referral program! As a way for us to say thank you for introducing others into the world of Ultima OnlineT, we would like to give you ONE FREE MONTH of Game Time*! That's right, if you refer a buddy to the world of Britannia and Ultima Online, and they keep their account active and in good standing for 90 consecutive days, we will give you a FREE MONTH of Game Time!
Of course there are a few small requirements for qualification:
The friend you refer will be asked to identify you by entering your UO account email address during their new account registration. This email address must match the email address associated with your Ultima Online account. If your friend does not have your email address handy when they register for a new account, they will have seven days to return to the account management site and enter the information. In the case of a mismatch, your friend will be told the email was invalid and they will most likely tell you. You can, of course, avoid this by updating your email address today in our account management site.
To qualify as a "Buddy", you must be a citizen of Britannia in good standing (with an active account) for at least consecutive 90 days, including your 30 day free game-play period.
Once your friend has reached the 90-consecutive day subscriber period, we will email you a UO Game Time coupon that can be applied to your account at any time - so be sure to keep your email address updated - and start collecting your buddy rewards today!
For the Official Rules of the Ultima OnlineT Bring A Friend to Britannia Program visit uo.com/buddyprogramrules.html. You can also view your current buddy program status at any time by accessing your account information at www.ultima-registration.com.
* If the friend you refer becomes a UO subscriber and maintains an active account for at least ninety (90) consecutive days, you are eligible to receive a reward of one (1) free month of service. Your UO account must be active, current and in good standing at the time of reward claim.
And now for the details about a special contest they are running, which includes giving away some Free Castles!!!
The Ultima OnlineT Bring A Friend To Britannia Program Contest
Official Rules and Conditions
1. Entry. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, refer a person to become a member/subscriber of Ultima OnlineT (UO) through the "Bring A Friend To Britannia" program anytime between Monday July 22, 2002, and Monday October 21, 2002 (the "Program Period"). If during the UO account creation/activation process the person you refer names you as their "Buddy" in the Bring A Friend To Britannia email entry field, you will both be automatically entered for the chance to win. You may also enter by submitting your user/screen name, email address, and date of birth to castlecontest at uo.com. No other methods of entry will be accepted. Each eligible entry will be considered a separate entry. You may be entered multiple times but are only eligible to win one prize. Completed entries (including any required parental consent form) must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on Monday October 21, 2002. Entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned. Sponsor assumes no responsibility for lost, incomplete, incorrect, or misdirected entries. Use of a false email account or an incorrect mail address will disqualify an entry. Sponsor is not responsible for technical, hardware or software malfunctions, lost or unavailable network connections, or failed, incorrect, inaccurate, incomplete, garbled or delayed electronic or other communications. Sponsor, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person who, tampers with the entry process or the operation of the web site, or who otherwise violates these rules. By entering, entrants accept and agree to abide by the terms of these Official Rules and Conditions.
2. Prizes; Winner Selection and Notification. One (1) UO Game Castle on UO Game Shards will be awarded as a prize during each of the 14 weeks of this Program (hereinafter, the "Prize"). UO Castles are in-game real estate and Shards represent in-game locations in which to live. There is no cash value to these prizes.
Winning entries will be selected, by random drawing from all eligible entries. Prizes will be awarded on Monday of each week for 14 weeks, beginning July 29, 2002. The last Winner will be selected and Prize awarded on October 28, 2002. Once entered into the drawing any entry not previously selected as a Winner remains eligible for the remaining weeks' random drawings for the duration of the Program.
Odds of winning each Prize depend upon the number of eligible entries in this Program. Winners may be required to complete and sign an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release, in the form provided by Sponsor, within 14 days of notification in order to claim Prize. Winners will be notified by an email sent to the email address specified on the entry form. If Winner cannot be contacted at this email or mail address, is contacted and does not respond within 14 days of notification, refuses the Prize or is ineligible to accept the Prize, a new Winner for that Prize may be selected in a Second Chance Drawing held by Monday November 11, 2002. Prizes not claimed by winners of the Second Chance Drawing will not be awarded. UO Game Masters will transfer ownership of awarded UO Castle/Game Shard prizes to Winner's account via in-game support tools.
Prizes are not transferable. No substitution of prizes for cash or other goods and services is permitted, except Sponsor reserves the right to provide a substitute prize of approximately equal value. Weekly choice and selection of UO Game Castles and Game Shards to be awarded are within the sole discretion of Sponsor.
3. Eligibility. This Program is only open to residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 years of age or older at time of entry. Winners must have an active UO account to receive Prize. Employees of Origin Systems, Inc., Electronic Arts Inc., and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, representatives, advertising, promotion and publicity agencies and the immediate families of each are not eligible. Program is void where prohibited, restricted or taxed by law. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.
4. General Conditions. Origin Systems, Inc., Electronic Arts Inc., and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, representatives, advertising, promotion and publicity agencies, are not in any way responsible or liable for damages, loss or injury resulting from entrant's participation in this Program or the acceptance, shipping or handling, loss or use of any prizes awarded in this Program. Winners assume sole liability for injuries, including personal injuries and/or damage to property, caused or claimed to be caused by participating in this Program or the acceptance, shipping and handling, loss or use of any prize awarded. Sponsor has the right to cancel, terminate or modify this Program if it cannot be completed as planned due to computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, technical failures, or other conditions beyond Sponsor's control. Sponsor is not responsible for any failure to contact entrants, whether due to technical or human error. By entering this Program, each entrant consents to the posting of his or her hometown, first name, user, screen and/or UO character name on the http://www.uo.com/castlewinners.html website if chosen as a Winner.
5. Winners list. A Winners list will be available at http://www.uo.com/castlewinners.html after approximately Monday, October 28, 2002 and posted until approximately Friday, December 20th, 2002, and is also available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope marked "Bring A Friend To Britannia Contest" to Origin Systems, Inc., 5918 West Courtyard Drive, Austin, Texas 78730.
6. Sponsor. This sweepstakes is sponsored by Origin Systems, Inc., 5918 West Courtyard Drive, Austin, Texas 78730.
Posted by Borg
Tuesday, July 23, 2002 4:39 PM EDT
Chapter 11 Savage Swamps pt 1 Sight Unseen
Chapter 11 Savage Swamps
Part 1 Sight Unseen
Elwe D'Loch, nicknamed spawn for his small quickness of a hellcat spawn from Hades, sat in a tree overlooking the Savage Swamps. Elswe had been sent by Shadowrider Centurion Baltazar to keep an eye on the Savage capital of Nassasho. The Empire had received a request from Dawn to bring about an end to the Savage alligence with Lord Blackthorn. Lord Blackthorn was known to have no respect for his allies the Juka and even less concern for the Savages that had aligned with him long ago. It was this allegiance that was discovered after they had successfully duped the realm into thinking the Orcs were guilty of all the oppressions and attacks on Cove civilians. This led to a climatic battle led by the Ancient Allies against the Orc Clans; nearly wiping them out totally. Instead the Orcs were pushed to build a new Capital within the walls of Orc Valley and the Savages flowed from their hidden homes and now occupy several swamps and regions.
Historical Renderings of Orc Wars Final Battle
The plan was simple enough; attack the Savage capital of Nassasho and when Lord Blackthorn did not send them aid or assistance.even the Savage mind would realize they meant nothing to Lord Blackthorn. As Elwe chewed on a birch tree twig for its sweet flavor.he caught a familiar scent on the wind..ORC.
The trained Shadowrider quickly swing about in his perch for a more defendable stance to his quarter and held fast an arrow in its notch ready for launch. The foul scented figure moved methodically and directly toward the tree Elwe held as his post. Letting loose of the arrow, the air was cut and as it thrust through the robe of the approaching figure.the figure froze and bellowed softly.
"ACK..ELWE."; the figure spouted.
Leaning forward and becoming more visible, Elwe wryly smiled and motioned for the figure to approach. As the figure stepped forward it examined the hole cut clean through the robe between its thighs.
"Evening brother"; Elwe greeted Boldar Blood, the Orc Observer.
"How goes your surveillance?"; asked Boldar.
"Quiet..just like I like it...are you heading to speak to the Orc Clans?"; asked Elwe
"Aye.Senator of War, Kalinaf has given me the charge to rally a northern assault by the Orcs while the Imperial Navy bombards and lands our Legion on the southern shores."; answered Boldar.
"Still...seems so odd.cooperation and an allegiance with the Orcs.never thought I would see that day."; remarked Elwe.
"HA.that coming from a Drow is an irony as well..but Orcs are not as bad as most think..they just see things differently..they are strong with Honor brother.in that we are similar."; replied Boldar rocking back to a comfortable lean onto the tree branch.
"Strong in odor..that I will give you and agree to."; chuckled Elwe.
"Well..you get used to it..you smell like poodoo you know."; rebuttled Boldar.
"Speak for yourself."; Elwe responded as he shoved Boldar in jest.
The two sat in the branches and could see the lights of the Savage camps and capital of Nassasho flickering to the south. Interesting sight..a Drow now Knight and for all intense purposes an Orc sitting in a tree together. Soon the two great armies would both converge upon the swamps below. Elwe could not help but remember the last time he stood on that swampland...
*fades to memories*
The story of Elwe D'Loch
The Black Sun rose and cast shadows of hate across the courtyard as Elwe D'Loche rose from his day of un-restful sleep. It had been 3 days of unrest for the young Drow scout and still he struggled with thoughts. Elwe had always been a curious Drow and that was what inclined him to enlist as a scout raider in the Queens Dark Army the Eclipse. Years prior he would never had believed that his curiosity would be the means to his end of service to his brethren.
Three nights prior Elwe's party of Drow raided a loosly guarded camp of the Scale[Lizzardmen Army]. Successful and effective under the cover of darkness; the Drow filled their packs with supplies. Upon returning to the secret entry to the City of Dark Evil the sound of thunder and armor began to grow close. Animals from the area began to run opposite the Drow and the elder commanded the party to take refuge in the foliage. The Drow were overburdened and the supplies were more needed than the glory of battle. Elwe parted a branch in time to see the night fog begin to stir then part abruptly. His eyes opened wide to see black armored horsemen with dark purple capes cut through the darkness as easily as the Drow could. As quickly as they appeared the sound of the thunder began to lessen. The Drow returned to their path back to their city; Elwe lagging behind asking questions all the way. As the Drow reached the door the elder snapped with conviction to Elwe to end his barrage of questions.
Drow Elder; "It is against the law of Lloth to be concerned of the ways of man; only to know how to destroy them is needed. And the Eclipse[Drow Army] know how to do that."
Elwe replied; "Would it not be prudent to know our enemy totally; could we not be even more adept at defeating them?"
Drow Elder; "Elwe if you continue I will gladly inform your family of your death; for if you continue against the law of Lloth you will be struck down and I will have none of this sacrilege under my command."
Elwe nodded and silenced himself to the others, but continued to wonder to himself who and what those riders were.
Tonight, as Elwe fitted himself for duty, he strapped on his arms and picked up his flight of arrows then he revisited in his mind the dark riders. He had not noticed before but now he recalled a flight of arrows on the back of one of the riders.they were archers. The Drow were moving to eliminate a Scale stronghold located southwest of the Dragon Caves. The Dragon Caves are a prime source of food and leather for the Drow and the Scale forces have blockaded this for months now. As Elwe received blessing from the cleric he and his cohort began the march into the night. Lizzardmen are less active and slow at night since they are not warm-blooded. The Drow engaged the Scale fiercly and with much success the night seemed to be won. The night sky was filled with the sound of Drow bolts and arrows cutting through the air and flesh of the Scale. A Death Knight Cohort cut through Scale that met the force head on. Arms, legs and tails of Scale were strung about as local wolves began to feast on the carnage. Suddenly the night sky began to burn as from behind the Drow came fireballs from Drakes and Dragons alike. The Scale had brought score of beasts to bear down on the Drow; the land and sky both now burned with heat. The Scale forces became more powerful and swifter as the ambient temperature of the area rose. Drow forces began to be pushed out onto the penninsula of the swamp area. More forces of the Scale were in waiting and Elwe's cohort was scattered. As he stood back to back with another Drow a fierce blast of heat overcame Elwe as a Dragon blast obliterated his comrade. Elwe was thrown into the Ocean and began to swim away from shore. He reached for a log floating nearby and turned to see the whole skyline lit ablaze and could hear the battle still raging. Fireballs began to slam into the water nearby as a Dragon had taken flight and was heading for him. Elwe submerged and swam further and further until he surfaced and could not see the Dragon anymore. Exhausted and now cold in the ocean Elwe floated on his back with the current resting and hoping for sight of land. Another log was visible and he gathered it under his arms for support. Elwe was fatigued and could not keep consciousness...he passed out.
Elwe's mind now began to envision many a thought and blur all did his mind as it coped with the stress to his body. His senses were in chaos as the reality of the moment began to slowly take hold of him. He had washed up onto a beach and as Elwe struggled with the brightness of the daylight the sound of a deep voice became clear.
"Ho ho ho ho come little one that's it open your eyes...hello ho ho ho. You are alright ho ho ho that's it that's it ho ho ho"; the deep voice spoke.
As Elwe regained more command of his focus he sprang to his feet and grabbed for his dagger. Struggling to keep his feet under him he fell again face first into the shallow shoreline and gasped as he spit out seawater.now on his hands and knees.
"Now then my friend let us not be so unruly...you've had quite the swim it seems. I am no threat; fear me not I am Arthil and this beach you have landed on is my home." spoke the voice.
Elwe slowly looked up at the man in kneeling infront of him...it was a man. Never had Elwe been so close before to a living man and his cohort never did engage man in combat...Elwe was face to face with a lore. Arthil stood and extended his hand as aid for Elwe to stand with. His mind racing with questions of doubt and curiosity...he accepted the help and stood. He came up to Arthils shoulder and looked to be half the stone. Arthil motioned to move toward his house where a small fire was cooking several fishsteaks.
"Now then we should get those wounds of yours tended. Sit and dry yourself; I will go get some dressings" said Arthil warmly.
This is not what a man is supposed to do..Elwe thought to himself. They are supposed to be ignorant, selfish and seeking personal wealth.not the well being of a Drow. The smell of the fish grew tastier in the air. Elwe reached for a nicely cooked steak from the stick and began to eat it ravenously. Without warning Arthil dropped a towel over Elwe's head causing him to jump into defense and swinging the stick with the fishsteak like a sword. Elwe stumbled and fell with the towel still covering his head he lay flat on his back and the fishsteak now on his chest covered in sand.
"Ho ho ho ho my my you are a jittery fellow; ho ho ho ho. Myself; I would rather have my fish without sand on it..but if that is your choice..good for you..ho ho ho." laughed Arthil.
Elwe lifted the towel from his eyes to see Arthil heartily laughing and handing him another fishsteak. Elwe began to smile as well for he too saw the humor in the moment albeit it be the sight of Arthil laughing and eating that was funny to him.
The day continued with Elwe and Arthil trading stories about each other and views of lore that both had heard of each race. Arthil respectfully then asked his new friend the reason of how he came to be in the ocean. Elwe's face turned sorrow and as he looked out at the ocean he recounted the battle of the prior night. As he finished the recount Elwe stood and took a deep breath and Arthil could hear him release the air with sorrow. Arthil placed his hand on Elwe's shoulder and gave him condolences and then expressed his hope that he was sure Elwe would make it home.
"I cannot go home" stated Elwe
"What..why so?" asked Arthil
"I have eaten with a man, spent time with a man. It is forbidden by the Goddess Lloth to do so and if so.I will be struck down by Lloth herself upon returning to my home city." replied Elwe
"I see, though I mean no disrespect.I disagree.you have done no wrong and if anyone did it was me and my terrible cooking ho ho ho ho" said Arthil.
"If you have no where to go.you must then come and I will get you shelter further down the Coast near POSEIDON Tower of Arcane..we have room, always room for travelers and friends" said Arthil.
Friend..this man called me friend. Elwe thought.
"What kind of Senator of Genesis would I be to turn a sole away.ho ho ho ho" chuckled Arthil.
The duo now began to walk to the East and as they did Arthil explained the surroundings and history of the region as it related to his larger family..The Purple Guardians of HONOR. They visited a shrine called HONOR and house upon house of members and as they continued a silouette broke the horizon. It was a towering structure that blocked out the sun to Elwe.
A voice shouted down from the top; "ANOTHER NEW BROTHER SENATOR?!"
Arthil shouted; "PERHAPS...COME LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO HIM!"
A few moments passed and the great door of the tower swung open revealing a man even taller than Arthil! Incredible was his height and size; his length of beard nearly was a quarter of Elwe's hieght.
"Senator Argos...meet Elwe D'Loche the Drow"; introduced Arthil
"Well met traveler, I trust Senator Arthil has entertained you well" asked Argos
Elwe nodded and began to understand the reason for some of lore of humans...the uncomfortable feeling of size difference. The group then went into the tower and passed small talk back and fro as they showed Elwe the Tower of Arcane; a shrine to POSEIDON-GOD of ARCANE arts. Argos noted the flight pack and remarked his son Fork as well was an archer. Argos remarked that the lore of Drow was that they were great archers and that Fork would enjoy a contest; he is in need of humbling. Argos sent a pigeon out of a window with a message. Interesting that was to Elwe for the Drow used nocturnal bats for the same purpose...more similarities he thought.
The daylight grew dim and the sunset now was visible across the ocean view as the trio sat and shared more tales and ales together when Elwe's keen hearing picked up a familiar sound. Thunder. Though not as strong it was the same gate of horse. Elwe became visibly concerned. The Senators asked what be the problem but Elwe brushed off their concern but anxiety within him grew. The Thunder ended as if it was just over the edge of the tower..then the door of the tower opened. The sound of heavy footsteps and armor now began to echo through the building and he could feel the tremor ever slightly in the stone structure itself. Elwe became more ridgid as the footsteps grew closer. It was nearly dark and the only light now on the roof was the torchlights nearby and the forge on the one wing. Elwe's eyesight was keen but still a darken figure rose from the stairs to the roofs top and made his way to the forge itself. The Senators spoke not and both were caught up observing the now frozen Elwe as he followed the dark figure; all the while Elwe clenching his dagger holster tightly. The dark figure loomed over the forge and raised his arms to remove his helmet. As he placed the helmet onto the block for repair; it did leak light through it as if it had eyes itself of fire. The dark figure now turned and began to walk, spurs snapping at each step, toward the trio.
"So this is the Drow?" spoke the figure.
"Yes..yes this is Elwe D'Loche..the Drow." replied Arthil.
"Indeed..Fork meet Elwe.Elwe meet Fork, my son" stated Argos.
The two locked in eye contact until Arthil broke the silence with a strum of a harp and began to sing. Now it is not known which broke contact first; Fork into laughter and chagrine or Elwe in painful expression from the pitch..regardless the ice seemed to be broken.
"What are you?" asked Elwe to Fork with a careful quiet tone.
"What AM I? I am a man and a damn great archer..my father says you can best me easily" Fork answered chuckling.
"I think he knows that son.I think he wants to know what your title is or profession." said Argos
Elwe nodded in agreement keeping constant eye on Fork.
"Oh...heh heh heh. I am a Shadowrider in the Imperial Legion of the PGoH Empire." Fork replied with pride.
Elwe had found the answer to his curiosity and personal quest..SHADOWRIDERS.
*shif and fade of time passing momentarily*
Elwe D'Loche had found his answer to what he saw in the night fog over a week ago. Since that time so much had changed for the dark elf raider. His cohort had been destroyed and his savior turned out to be a man. He learned of the many similarities that existed in who he had been taught to be the enemy; of which he found to be the dark riders called the Shadowriders. Elwe sat at the corner of the tower the Senators had opened up to him graciously. As he looked out over the nights sky he could see stars far on the horizon that were familiar. Campfires looked to be burning about a good walk away and a great hue of light seemed to be eminating slightly on the horizon to the north. Senator Arthil had remarked that the city of HONOR called Trinsic lay north a good walk away. Elwe had now been awake nearly a full day and even though more comfortable in the nights air, Elwe sat down upon the bedding brought to him by Anakkin the Tower keeper and apprentice to Senator Argos.
Sleeping quite soundly behind a row of thrones on the west wing of the Tower; none took notice to Elwe as many men began to gather. The PGoH were gathering for a day of training and to discuss the current state of the Holy War. Amazingly Elwe slept through the arrivals down below the tower. A complete cohort of men arrived then a second and a final third. Mystical gates of transport opened all across the front courtyard of the Tower. Common talk and laughter did begin to rise in level when a tremendous crack of lightning brought Elwe quickly to his feet at the ready. As Elwe looked over the edge of the corner tower his eyes did become engaged at the sight below.
Lines of warriors clad in armor stood below a total of 3 score and 10 he did sight; nearly 4 cohorts. Along the lines walked golden armored warriors and bronze attired as well. As another burst of lightning flashed into view Elwe noticed to his left a gargoyle begin to come into view. In amazement he could see it wore the same colors as the men and women below. Then from the right he heard the gutter sounds of orcs and indeed as well these had the same colors. Short fellows, smaller than Elwe himself came into view from a ship pulling alongside the shore.Dwarfs. As he looked back toward the base of the tower a line of elf archers were now present that where not before. Elwe rocked back in his stance; never had he seen so many of such races together in one place not egaged in battle.
"Quite the sight is it not?"; stated a voice from behind.
Turning quickly and crouching behind the thrones, Elwe looked up to see a man floating in the air.
"It is okay, you need not worry here."; eased the man standing in mid air.
"I am Magistrate Balandar, advisor to the Emperor, Council and Empire on matters of relations and communications." replied Balandar.
Elwe continued to listen and rose tentatively.
"Come walk with me let us go below"; Balandar stated as he reached out a hand.
<
Elwe looked shocked and the few that took notice of this did chuckle and remark.
"Don't worry you'll get used to that Drow...Balandar never WALKS anymore"; said one.
<
Various members came up to Elwe and introduced themselves and shook his hand. Some called him brother and wished him welcome. Though this was common it seemed; Elwe still did not feel comfortable.still he held fear and distrust for these large men and women. The Dwarfs though smaller in stature did make him nervous at their comfort in the group. The Elves did not speak to Elwe and kept all at a distance; this was a feeling very old and powerful. The Gargoyle did not move and the Orcs kept to their small grouping. Now a sound of many large stones rolling Elwe could hear and it did grow in intensity and clarity. It was a cadence growing closer and as it did the men around Elwe began to take positions. From behind the Tower then rose the sound of horns.familiar this was to the Queen entering the square back in the Dark City. Completely black clad guards rounded the tower with only a red sash across their chests. They spoke not and Elwe could not even hear their footsteps. In the center of them was another black plated man carrying a sceptre. On the center of his chest plate rose an outline of a chalice; the symbol on the shrine to the west. The cadence stopped and the forces all began to proclaim;
"HAIL EMPEROR BORG!" , "HONOR!" "HONOR!" "HONOR!"
"STRENGTH AND HONOR!", "HOOOWAAHH!"
"FOR HONOR AND EMPEROR!"
Elwe maintained his place beside the now grounded Magistrate Balandar and next to Senators Argos and Arthil. There were other Senators and a Green armored Judges beside the Senators. amazing Elwe thought more similarities. The Emperor did then speak at length about the current Holy War with Paradox forces across Trammel and Felucca. The losses that the Empire had sustained and the issues that were currently at hand. It had seemed that 2 other Magistrates and the Governor of Yew had not been heard for in several weeks. The Elves of Yew had no information and were continuing their searches. Orcs controlled much of the land near Yew and split that with the Elves and Drow; but the Orcs in attendance were of the Imperial Stronghold near Cove.
When the discussion brought the name Drow into light many of the attendance looked directly at Elwe. Feeling obliged to say something and that the air now stood still with patience and curiosity; Elwe spoke;
"I know nothing of your Governor and Magistrates and learning slowly I am to your ways and tounge"
"For the most part we Drow do not concern ourselves with the matters or fates of man less they be in need of addressing due to threat to the Drow."
"Understood" said Emperor Borg
"We will intensify our patrols in the region between Skara and Yew. If Paradox is behind this; and I would bet a good amount he is. we must find them soon. less they meet Nitehawke's fate as well." ;urged Emperor Borg
It seems over 2 years ago a leading commander in the Imperial Legion was assassinated by Paradox after the PGoH were unsuccessful in solving a riddle posed them. Emperor Borg was taught a lesson in Paradox's words...by killing Nitehawke. Nitehawke was a close companion to Emperor Borg in training and adventures in the earliest of days after the PGoH Empire was raised. The 2 Magistrates now missing were the other Founders of the origional PGoH Empire and along with Magistrate Balandar they led the Empire for now 3 years. The Governor of Yew, Alodar, was the Head of State for PGoH and lead the matters of Justice and Law across the Empire and his territory of Yew.
As the day progressed many a training excersise did occur with an overwhelming amount of food, games and song. The darkness of the evening now began to creep across the sky. Members of the Legion finished meetings where discussions of strategy and coordination surely occurred. It was visible the strain and energy the leaders had endured while the forces trained all around the Tower. The most incredible sight was that of mages creating spinning blades that then became training partners for the heavily armored warriors. Elementals of various kinds appeared and did challenge the training warriors and mages. Elwe even saw the powerful Wisp come into the area and engage a few of the forces..besting a few but eventually falling to the power of the PGoH training. Archers sent flight after flight against their own brotheren while bandaging was made by Healers in the nearby hut. The Orcs did chase the Elves a bit, but gave up quickly after the arrows hit sensative areas. All this time and the Gargoyle stood quite silent and fixed at the side of the PGoH guildstone. Elwe moved toward him and then stopped a safe distance from the stone and its guardian.
"Thinking of joining the family?" asked a voice.
"I dunno. I don't know what I should do." answered Elwe without looking to who spoke.
"The choice is always yours Elwe. choice is where destiny begins" ; replied the voice.
"That is pretty profou..."; Elwe cut himself off as he spoke while looking to the person who spoke.
"Emperor Borg. Um Um..Ah ." ;stuttered Elwe.
Never could a Drow expect to stand so close to Queen at home or an Emperor for that matter. Elwe felt awkward and out of place, he didn't know to bow or step back. As he looked down to the floor; Emperor Borg tried to relax him.
"We all are the same here, equal but just with different responsibilities..I am the brother to all in the Empire and sometimes I am the father. I would be HONORed if you did choose to be my brother in this family we have built. The choice is yours." ; Emperor Borg spoke while holding both of Elwe's shoulders in his hands.
"All you need to do, if or when you are ready is to present yourself to the stone and swear fealty to me. When you are. touch of the stone and commit yourself to HONOR and PGoH. In your prayer swear fealty to me..at this time the stone of HONOR will absorb you and you will find me amongst the souls of the Empire." ; instructed Emperor Borg.
Elwe nodded and smiled slightly; "Understood"
Emperor Borg smiled in return and motioned for Elwe to join a few warriors conducting a game of dice. Elwe said he had no gold to gamble with. Emperor Borg could see his interest in the event and placed a pouch of gold in his hand so as to not let anyone see. Elwe smiled and sat down.
"Do you think he will join us M'Lord?" ; asked the shadow of the Emperor.
"Time will tell. Time always does brother. doesn't it Praetorian Perfect?" ;replied Emperor Borg
"That it does"; answered the Praetorian Perfect Ser Brightblade
Elwe enjoyed the game for hours did his gold pile swell and shrink till in the end it was the lucky Phalynx Greg who took the eves plunder of dice. Across the roof Elwe noticed 2 men deep in thought and planning. Elwe asked Greg who they where and Greg informed him they were Imperator Demandred and Knight Necron. The two had been conducting many heavy missions into the heart of the Terrathan keep, a fortress of Paradox forces. They were discussing who could now lead the forces near Yew effectively, Shame dungeon posed a threat that needed to be neutralized. Elwe's ears perked up, for he knew shame well. it was the training area he learned tactics himself.
Phalynx Greg watched and smiled to himself as he could see the interest and desire inside Elwe begin to grow. As Greg popped another cookie into his mouth he winked across the table at Praefect of Trinsic Gorion. Perhaps Elwe's destiny has been born this night after all.
* fades back to Elwe and Boldar in tree branches *
Boldar leaped down onto the ground and saluted Elwe, tossing a crabapple from his pocket up to his Drow brethren, Boldar smiled.
"Here...try this sour apple..it will put hair on your chin"; Boldar snickered.
Catching the apple without even looking at it Elwe smiled to himself and waved off his Orc brethren and kept his attention back onto the Savage territory. Biting into the apple a few moments later, even the Drow who are known to love sour tasting foods did take a bit back in thought..Orcs can't be too bad if they can grow such a fine sour apple.
"Nah..they still Orcs"; Elwe said to himself after taking a second bite of the apple.
Posted by Borg
Saturday, July 20, 2002 2:11 AM EDT
Secrets of the Sand Contest Winner Announced
Hear Ye.....Hear Ye........
By order of the Emperor....
Tymaron of Catskills is declared the winner of the Secrets of the Sand Contest.
Tymaron has correctly identified the translation of the Heiroglyphics and it has been identified and authenticated by Dr Codene and Anfalas.
"Death is just the beginning"
The winners purse of a voucher for 3 months of Lord British taxes will be delivered to the Kings office of taxation and records in the name of the family of Tymaron.
The Empire thanks Tymaron and all those who attempted to help solve the translation....it seems that defeating our enemies will only be the beginning and not just an end. Given that this translation was on a piece of parchment inside one of the books relating to raising the dead, mummification and empowering vassels from the underworld.....tis a concern indeed.
Well Done Tymaron!!!
*Bows respectfully*
-Colin Mor, Guild Treasurer and Registrar
Posted by Borg
Wednesday, July 3, 2002 10:18 AM EDT