The February Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Kalaneya who won the bardic contest with the short story "Bury Your Dead!", and Alvalek who won the artisanal contest with the portrait of "Shadow Faeling Ritualist"! Check them out!

An unscrupulous Magistrate has set up shop in Port Natal, and is accepting bribes in exchange for full pardons of past criminal records in the various villages of Midkemia.

The royal family of hearts has been announced! Mathardan, enjoying the suspense of well written romance novels, wanted to build up the drama before finally letting the Garden know. Your King of Hearts is Aeorden, his teamwork with his beloved Luciia really stood out to Mathardan. Your Queen of Hearts is his wife, Luciia, her support of Aeorden throughout the games was most impressive. The Prince of Hearts, none other than the swoon-worthy Tahm that saved his beloved from Chur. Your Princess of Hearts is Skye, not only did she show great enthusiasm throughout the festival, she is most beautiful and kind to animals which makes her our Pretty Princess! The Royal King and Queen have received not only crowns and titles, they also received elegant mounts to carry them around in a most noble fashion. Congratulations to the Royal Family of Hearts and thank you everyone that participated in the Festival of Hearts!

A ship laden with precious cargo bound for Delos was ambushed at the port near Riparium today. Despite the loss of most of the goods, the merchant Merentesh was able to offer a variety of new artefacts for sale in his shop. The famed Delos shop now includes such wonders as a Talisman of Obfuscation, and Yggdrasian Splinter, and Elentari's Scourge! Read announce news 3155 for full details!

Taking first, second, and third place in this weekend's Great Hunt were dragons Lothiac, Imyrr, and Santar. See announce news #3152 in game for the complete results!

This months Great Hunt has ended with Paris becoming the victor with an astounding 19,645 points! He was followed closely by Sotere and Alexina. Log in today to view the complete Top Ten.

Congratulations to Sidd who won the Great Hunt over the weekend! Second place went to Fillin and third place to Lehki. Others who placed for credit prizes were: Lehki, Vathael, Meir, Inagin, Eamon, Veyrzhul, Rika and Estwald.

Congratulations to Zerin for winning the Great Hunt in Imperian! Trevize, Markie, Crean, Einyar, Song, Tahm, Sienna, Blyth, and Damarius round out the rest of the top 10, while over 200 other people received 10 free bound credits!

Thaumaturgy has been released! Numerous new skills were also added to Arcana, granting Greater Path Magicians new levels of destructive power.

The Garden has spoken; the self-portrait artistic contest has ended, awarding the winners with credits as a token of appreciation. Anatolia's portrait of her Lamiran self has come in first place in the artistic contest! Knekia was second, Sommnus was third, and Immodin received an honourable mention. Savert's detailed story of his name has earned first place in the literary contest, while Nyaos was second, Isadarr was third, and Song earned an honourable mention. All of the winning entries can be viewed on our website.

Check out our new credits page! See our new $4.99 credit package as well as better value on our lower priced options!

Don't miss the GREAT HUNT IV this weekend, starting Saturday at 0:00 GMT! All participants who score 100 points will receive a credit prize. Larger credit prizes are in store for the top 10 bashers, plus special hidden rewards for the lucky and daring... see announce news #3150 in game for more!

Enchanted Jewels of Striking, which increase the owner's chance of landing a critical strike, were released today in the artifact shop!

The nomadic band of merchants known as the Itinerant Bazaar made their long-awaited return today, offering rare and exotic goods during their popular visit. For those who missed the event, many of these specialty items can now be found in the shops of enterprising players throughout Achaea's cities!

Smithing is here! Shordan von Harkenwold, the Master of the Crafter's Guild, is now selling licenses to those who wish to learn the trade of Smithing in Hawk's Hollow.

Players in Imperian can set their own wrap width on the output sent from Imperian's server, allowing a great deal of customizability in how Imperian's output is displayed.

Skye won the new flower design, and her fragrant frangipani will now have a chance to grow in all of the artifact flower pots in Imperian. Congratulations!

Mysterious dark dwarves overthrew the dwarven kingdom using foul magics! Thus, the Chancel of Clangoran Mysteries was unearthed and many secrets uncovered!

Another one of those tales from the festival of hearts: Chur, Ogre Captain of Erorag, intent on participating in the Festival of Hearts, traveled to Antioch with his trusty friends to find a bride. When they arrived at the desert city, many of the citizens responded with violence slaying the allies of Chur. Chur chose Song to be his wedded wife and took her away to the Ogre fort, but Tahm, the person she was engaged to did not take it so likely. Antioch pursued Chur to the fort and tried offering other maidens for Song's release. Chur, trying to prove himself for his new found love challenged Tahm to the death - the winner marrying Song. Unfortunately for Chur, his heart story ended with his death and soon after Tahm married Song.

The Sedia Tunnels, ancient mines beneath the Stone Mountains, have been unearthed! Dozens of new quests and adventures await.

During the Trial of Ascension, two Sealbearers faced off for the final event as the six others stepped back: Ceren Valtyros of the Geomancers bore the Seal of War, and Talan Ysav'rai of the Harbingers who bore the Seal of Life. Surrounded by their allies, Ceren and Talan fought grueling battles throughout the astral plane against each other and against the hideous abominations manifested by Kethuru. In the end, Ceren mastered the Staff of Ascension and reformed the Nine Seals. In doing so, he ascended and is now know as Lord Fillin of the Realm of War. Congratulations, Lord Fillin!

Congratulations to Bou and Peirce, who have WON the Spouses Combat Tournament!

The inaugural Bloodbath was held in Midkemia, pitting player against player where only one can remain. It was a close call, but in the end Lilin Khalishin, the self-styled Broken Promise, was victorious!

Join us this weekend for romance-inspired fun! We'll have a riddle, an artefact sale, a minstrel to serenade your beloved, and more! A Spouses Combat Tourney will commence on Sunday at 0:00 GMT, where married couples can compete for the grand prize Earrings of Sinope. See announce news 3146 for more details!

Overcoming the combined forces of the cities of Sapience, the invading army of Drakkenmont, led by the Dreikathi Polemarch Andalso and his Marzpawn, were able to breach the walls of Ashtan and conquer its territory. The city has slowly begun to transform into a military camp for the invading force. Refugees from the city have begun to gather in the nearby Liruma Scrublands.

Tith-Onanka, the two faced God of War, has returned to Midkemia! His return was heralded by fierce battles between the northlanders of Sar-Sargoth and Krondor, as the Jewel of the West was raided by the Dark Brotherhood. What will His increased presence portend for Midkemia?

Sign up for an account at Mudgamers.com and rate the IRE games with 5 stars. Help us get the word out there about how awesome our games really are!

IRE will choose one Twitter follower on February 28th to win 500 credits. Sign up now at our Twitter feed to enter for your chance to win!

Congratulations to Kharaen who won the Challenge of Beauty! Second place went to Narynth , third place to Incabulos, fourth place to Arel, and fifth place to Arte.

Congratulations to Sidd who won the Challenge of Death! Second place went to Ixion, third place to Xenthos, fourth place to Inagin, and fifth place to Solanis.

Congratulations to Talan who won the Challenge of Life! Second place went to Sidd, third place to Xenthos, fourth place to Inagin, and fifth place to Ixion.

Classlead changes were loaded to Imperian today, with new abilities added to Druids, Wardancers, Runeguards, and Assassins, and upgrades and changes to a number of other abilities.

The Noctusari Guild spent the month experimenting within their ritual chamber. Leisane and Tristen attempted to be resourceful and opened a rift to nowhere, a place that would allow them to link pure magick with demonic energy in safety. Things went drastically wrong in the experiment and the barriers set up by Lanae and Oburi buckled under the pressure. The guildhall was left barely standing as the force of the blast rumbled through Stavenn, the failure evident to all.

While meditating, the personality of the Elder Goddess Lisaera was splintered into three fragments. Mortals were able to bring the fragments together and awaken the Silver Goddess, who now recovers within the Serenwilde Forest.

The skill of HolyLight has been unveiled as part of the Sacraments skillset!

Plagued by the memories of Lanos, Arion the Truthseeker had been pouring all of His thoughts into unraveling the mysteries of these invaders. In His pondering, the Truth did in fact come to Him, or at least a certain sort of Truth. The Lord of Artifice Himself, Severn, was the only logical being other than Varian Himself who could possibly have the power to mask the knowledge of these creatures from the other Divine. So Arion, with the aid of both His and Severn's faithful, soon learned of a means to enter the Shadow Plane. Villi, and the Priestess Mordia were able to convince Argas, the Minotaur captain to consider their cries for help. Arion, impatient to wait upon the whims of a Mortal flew into a rage at Argas, and ripped the information directly from his mind. The Truthseeker cut a path of destruction through the Minotaur village, taunting the Lord of Artifice until a great, gaping maw tore upon the sky above. The way open, Arion stepped through with grim determination. Neither Arion nor Severn has yet to be seen.

Quilana has won the Great Hunt! In second place was Narcissus, and Deminix in third! Congratulations!

Earn double experience on every IRE game on Thursdays from midnight GMT to midnight GMT for the month of February.

On the 16th of Solis 600 AD, Thorontur, a failed ritualist apprentice of Murin wandered into Khandava looking for someone to assist him with a ritual to save his love. Meriel, a mermaid is under a curse that has taken her voice. Iroth, Gilot, and Aleutia were unsuccessful at helping Thorontur. Will someone else succeed in helping Thorontur save Meriel?

The winners of our learning message competition have been announced, see ANNOUNCE #3142 in-game for the winners and the amazing new experiences to be had in your scholarly endeavours.

Ruble, a dwarven miner entered Kinsarmar seeking assistance to free her partner Flint from a cave in. Sraiter quickly offered his assistance and led a team of citizens into the highlands. Exhausted from his duties as a leader, he kept falling asleep on his way there, until he regained his senses and led the excavation team. Working hard Eludien, Emalee, Ivellios, Kliko, Leax, Polaris and Straiter were able to free Flint from his predicament. Madock, the appointed leader of the three camps set up in the Vardarian Highlands thanked the gathered group and encouraged them to explore the surroundings before heading home.

The Duiran Council and the City of Spinereach were bombarded by mysterious invaders from the east, appearing in the skies above Sapience in massive airships. The ships reached the coast outside Delos first, where they promptly unloaded a wave of troops to quickly scatter those who had gathered to await their arrival. The bombing destroyed the Spirean Institute as well as damaging other portions of the city, while Duiran suffered catastrophic damage to the Heartwood. The invaders then set up camp on the western edge of Scidve, where their leader, the Polemarch Andalso gave his warning to Sapience, surrender and accept servitude, or be crushed.

Skye won first place in the Imperian Quiz, winning 200 credits. Leisane, Aleutia, Zerin, Malyk, Sapp, Cardi, Tristen, Oburi, Reznok, and Rav rounded out the top 10 (there were a lot of ties!).

Congratulations to Krellan who won the Challenge of Harmony! Second place went to Talan, third place to Veyrzhul, fourth place to Inagin, and fifth place to Ixion.

Congratulations to Nott who won the Challenge of Knowledge! Second place went to Solanis, third place to Kalaneya, fourth place to Siam, and fifth place to Lehki.

Achaeans looked on in awe as Xandeus passes the 110th level of experience in Achaea, a feat never-before reached in the history of the realms!

We will be running quiz this weekend, with the theme being "The Wars of Succession". Join us this Sunday at 00:00 GMT for what promises to be a mind-bending challenge for even the most learned scholar.

Congratulations to Ceren who won the Challenge of War! Helping him, the winning team included Narsrim and Vathael! The other finalists were teams: Sidd, Narynth, and Viynain; Melville, Munsia and Ixion; and Shuyin, Krellan and Talan.

The November Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Tredian who won the bardic contest with the poem "Fae for Mother Moon", and Saaga who won the artisanal contest with the portrait of "Talan Ysav'rai"! Check them out!

Late in the month of Naturalis, the citizens of Kinsarmar were roused into action by the appearance of a dwarf miner being chased by a large, and highly vicious arachnid. After a long and bloody battle, Mathiaus was finally able to bring the creature down, and thereafter discover that there were more of these things living inside the dwarf's mine. Assembling a small group, the Kinsarmarians ventured into the mine to wage war against the arachnids and free the captive miners held within. Though they reemerged wounded and unsuccessful, the dwarf appreciated the attempt made by Joran, Mathiaus, Klerith, Syseve, Kaelli, and Ivellios. Adventurers from Antioch tried as well to free the miner but alas they found their way blocked by the vicious arachnids as well. Hope came in the form of adventurer Ageranu, who courageously entered the mine but even he returned home with bruises and broken bones. The fate of the miners is still precarious, but perhaps there will come a champion who will rescue them from their gruesome fate.

Join us this weekend as the cities of Sapience battle it out in a series of games to determine who is the greatest collective of Foozlers, Egghunters and Banderbowmen in the lands. These games will be followed up by a round-robin tournament of King of the Hill matches. The winning city takes home a slew of prizes including credits! See ANNOUNCE news #3129 in-game for more details!

Congratulations to Rika who won the Challenge of Nature! Second place went toNarynth, third place to Krellan, fourth place to Talan, and fifth place to Ragniliff.

This month, you can receive 6 bonus lessons per day just for logging in to your favourite Iron Realm and playing for 10 minutes!

The results from the first CTF of the new year are in, and Celidon has emerged the victor. Antioch was second, Ithaqua was third, and Stavenn was fourth. Well done, everyone!

Antioch came to the rescue in a strange journey of exploration and adventure as one An'Aidni, an archaeologist of Ssylsin heritage, sought their help in securing his lost team and the ruins they had been seeking. After some exploration, a little digging, and much arguing amongst the explorers, the ruins were uncovered. To their dismay, most of An'Aidni's team had been killed, and those that remained were in poor shape, having been caught by the large number of undead priests found to roam the underground ruins. In the end, the High Priest of this group was slain, and the curse was broken. How long this will remain the case is uncertain, and the purpose behind this mysterious cult remains unclear. It is clear this matter will take more investigation...

Congratulations to Zallafar who won the Challenge of Justice! Second place wento to Krellan, third to Urazial, fourth to Malarious, fifth to Jazella.

A Kashari war galley was wrecked near the shore of Ulangi today, with a number of horkval slaves aboard. Shortly thereafter, adventurers boarded a second Kashari ship and liberated its prisoners, returning the grateful grook and horkval slaves to their homes on the island.

Significant changes to aetolia's shrine system were released today.With limits on how many shrines each Order can build, new and improved shrine powers and updates tothe holywar system, the various members of the divine orders scurried across sapience in an attemptto gain the best influence for their Diety.

Midkemia's first city leaders have been chosen! Anders was selected as Duke of Krondor by the Congress of Lords. Keijima reigns in Sar-Sargoth as the Witch-King with consent of the Palaver Circle, and the Elder Council of Elvandar met to declare that Elora is to be the Queen's Advisor. Congratulations!

In Elvandar, Aritaelis, Elora, Quilana, Lutheo, and Niala have been elected to serve as the first Elders of the Elder Council! In frozen Sar-Sargoth, Raki, Keijima, Ashurmannus, Sethysia, and Radakail sit on the Palaver Circle. Meanwhile, in Krondor, Anders, Deminix, Heidi, Narcissus, and Rhuric stand as Court Barons in the Congress of Lords.

Congratulations to Ruiku who claimed the Seal of Chaos in triple overtime! Second place went to Inagin, 3rd place to Shamarah, 4th place to Rika, and 5th place to Krellan.

After an explosion triggered by some careless hunters revealed a secret section of the Ankyrean containment lab, players quickly arrived to investigate. Within there, they found a stasis device imprisoning a being. Curiosity got the better of Atrapoema, who opened the stasis chamber to reveal a grosteque creature. He revealed himself to be creation, and servant, of the Ankyreans, an amalgamation of the Aetolian Races: Amalgamation Prototype One - Amal, for short. After some confusion, he eventually wandered over to Spinesreach to seek his old masters out. Upon reaching the citadel, he was enraged to see it inhabited by rellyw, assuming they had killed the Ankyreans. He went on an inhuman rampage, killing everything in his path. Qeddwyn, the last Ankyrean, eventually managed to calm him down. Questioning Amal managed to reveal he was created to protect the Ankyreans. However, when asked what from, all of reality twisted and made his answers incomprehensible. Realizing nothing further would come of it for now, Qeddwyn decided to take Amal back to his home to further study the creature.

In a harrowing battle against Kashari forces on the island of Ulangi, players today were able to rescue the freedom fighter known as "the Lion." Following his rescue, a legendary artefact was rediscovered in the South Vashnar mountains that led to the reawakening of Two Arts, a blade skill previously lost to history. With this discovery we announce the unveiling of a new class: BLADEMASTER!

Team Free-For-Alls have been added for arenas in Imperian. Enteri, Naro, and Ogichi crushed the opposition in the first automatically queued Team FFA in the Coliseum, while Antioch and Kinsarmar have purchased the game addon for their arenas.

A slew of updates has just been added: crafters may designate their designs as private, knights may send their peers' falcons to sanctuary, and all adventurers with the power of deathsight will be treated to new and terrifying visions!

This month, you can receive 6 bonus lessons per day just for logging in to your favourite Iron Realm and playing for 10 minutes!

Jaida Stormdancer has been elected as Arch Magister of the Spellweavers! She steps in to fill the vacancy left after the stunning betrayal and flight to Sar-Sargoth of Navouri, who previously held the post. What new intrigues will follow?

Imperian will be holding a CTF game on Sunday, January 17th, at 01:00 GMT. Be there to help your cities and councils win the powerful CTF prizes!

Magicians across Midkemia have mastered a new spell in their studies of Arcana: a powerful Spellshield to help protect themselves from harm - but at the cost of their magic.

The ancient and cursed dwarven mines of Mac Mordain Cadal have been rediscovered by intrepid adventurers! Plumb the depths for new treasure and adventures, but beware the many dangers that lurk in the deep, dark places of the earth.

Dimensional archways have opened up to the elemental planes of fire and air on the ethereal realm!

The first dragon of Midkemia has fallen to adventurers from Krondor. The elder green wyrm was slain, after several failed attempts, by: Saffire, Elora, Jessamin, Niala, Ainsley, Rasoc, Anders, Elewyn, Lutheo, Kalidas, Narcissus, Alexander, Kavi, John, Aelwyn, Vimarone, Morgance, Ansel, Jerry, Markir, and Zafen. Congratulations!

Aetolia now has a RSS feed everyone can subscribe to for quick updates about recent announce posts and website news!

A powerful new skill has been learned by Soldiers: Bloodthirst! This skill in Warcraft allows a Soldier to regenerate quickly after dispatching a foe, ready to seek out new threats and challenges.

Miandor, a Ssylsin currently taking refuge in Kinsarmar, commissioned a statue to be made in memory of his wife. Theodore's young apprentice sent the Kinsarmarians out into the highlands to mine for good chunks of granite. Galt had a hair-brained idea to blow up one of the hills, but, others like Zexo worked hard with a miner's pick pulling one chunk out at a time. The apprentice, after months of labour on this task, finished and was asked to place the statue in a garden in Kinsarmar. Miandor, happy with the work, asked for the assistance of a Bard. Explaining that he felt that a statue is difficult to move and kill, he asked Xohln to sing 'Kantae' aloud and stop just before his heart finished the transition to stone. Taking up a position near the statue of Limiana, Miandor stands by her side, on the brink of death, posing little threat to the world.

The Elder Goddess Kalikai returned to the Basin of Life for the first time in mortal memory! Unfortunately, her arrival was marred by the dispersal of the essence of the Elder God Elostian when Kalikai tried to free him from the Soulless Zenos, which also weakened the Nine Seals binding the Soulless. Some mortals are trying to capture the Elostian's essence to restore his form.

Lord Prandur, revered as the Bringer of Light and feared as the Burner of Cities, has revealed His presence upon Midkemia to mortal followers. He joins the existing pantheon of Lims-Kragma, Guis-wan, Banath, and Killian.

The Magi guild has dissolved, and in its place rise the Sciomancers of Spinesreach and the Ascendril of Ashtan! Join today, and become a Master of the Shadows or a Weaver of the Spirit!

Classlead changes were loaded today, which much requested changes to Cataclysm, Putrefaction, and the ability for Knights to slash twice with one weapon!

Congratulations to Soopay, who won a clear victory in a series of ship races today. He was awarded a unique war galley by a mysterious newcomer named Haidar, known as "the Lion," an opponent of the Kashari who have recently been spotted off the coast of Sapience. The award ceremony was cut short, however, as a contingent of Kashari appeared and captured haidar, leading adventurers back to their fortress upon the island of Ulangi.

Many battles were fought against the Horde today. After Scarlette told the Horde where Miandor and Limiana were hidden, the Horde descended on Kinsarmar, killing defenders and smashing doors, until they were able to kidnap Limiana. Using the soul trapped within Limiana's body, the necromancers began their ritual. As the echoes of the ritual were played out across the world, the people of Celidon, Kinsarmar and Khandava waited in their cities until the inevitable happened, Krugtha was brought back to life. With brute force, the allies worked together to kill the "immortal" Krugtha and his personal army.

Two mage guilds have opened, the Pyromancers opened in the newly found Gaudiguch and the Aeromancers in Hallifax.

The first Guildmasters have been elected! Ansel leads the Pathfinders, Navouri the Spellweavers, Sintor the Queen's Guard, Nhudri the Clan Dragon, Daemaethor the Clan Raven, and a mysterious personage as the Upright Man! Congratulations!

Oreeon Rayatem, Oron Rayatem's son, has recently taken to a bamboo grove in the jungles east of the Modin.

Solstice Gnomes returned to give many gifts to many players! Also, the Czingany Wayfaire returned to Lusteria with dingbat prizes for those who finish the quests there!

Join us for a series of ship races on Wednesday, Dec. 23, at midnight GMT. Credit prizes will be distributed to the winners of each race! Read announce news #3116 in-game for more information.

Adventurers took to the high seas today as Kashari hostilities increased off the coast of Sapience. Seafarers soon discovered a massive fortress upon the island of Ulangi, but have been unable to breach its defenses.

The last week in Imperian, Celidon, Khandava, and Kinsarmar have been raided by the Horde, in an attempt to find the soulkeepers. Log in to find out more!

Ironbeard the Magnanimous has been spotted in Imperian, celebrating the Holidays by distributing gifts of gold, herbs, vials, and even the rare artifact here and there.

Midkemia Online is now in open beta. Any characters you create from this point on will not be deleted. Try us out today!

The lost cities of Gaudiguch and Hallifax have returned to the Basin of Life, having been trapped in time and space for centuries. Only two survivors remained, Scuchidira Tliwx of Gaudiguch and Cririk Adom of Hallifax.

Rumour has it that a certain magnanimous dwarf has been spied lurking around the Iron Realms...

Midkemia Online will start open beta beginning on 18 December, 2009 at midnight GMT (4 pm Pacific)! Log in using one of our handy links, or telnet to midkemiaonline.com:23 to join!

A glade was recently discovered, once the home of the Voice of Trialante. Within many mysteries were unearthed, including the history of a dead race. Dark prophesies still abound and no one is quite clear what they all mean.

After an invitation from Adrius the Aeromancers, many cities and councils found the City of Skybreak, a city devoted to three strange unknown beings known as the Three Furies. The intentions of the Aeromancers are not clear, but they've spoken of alliances and the removal of the taint from the Realm of Sky. Some, like Andrea, have promised to look into the taint, while some have taken up the cause of the kohdon slaves. Xohln left, but only after demanding a kohdon prisoner was released.

Kashari war galleys were spotted off the coast of Sapience today. Four ships - the Salec Mariner, the Black Sail, the Rising Storm, and the Ghost Flame - engaged one galley near the harbour of New Hope island, sinking the vessel. The ship carried prisoners from a recent raid on the village of Shastaan. None survived.

Read Announce news post #1409 for a comprehensive list of the numerous bug fixes that were loaded in to Imperian today.

Adventurers found their way to the legendary Spire of Dionamus, an ancient artifact dating back to the Vernal Wars. Upon repairing the structure, healing energies flooded throughout the land, though the energies had a negative upon the undead and those who traffic in dark spirits. Also, at the time when the healing energies were released, the nexuses of power in the various cities and communes began to behave erratically.

Having heard of a cliff that was the nest of many birds, Julien, the Sylayan Ornithologist approached Ithaqua for assistance. Rebuffed by their refusal, Julien headed towards Antioch where he was met by people willing to assist him finding the bird sanctuary. Diaktoros and Divanna, led by Kaethi, entered the Bardosi Mountains to only be met by the Ithaquan defenders Airamaya and Draven. Unable to explore the mountains, the Antiochians returned home. Sharing the few clues he had, Julien gave Squire Raelyr a bomb he had made to help him. Armed with the clues and a small barrel of blackpowder, Squire Raelyr set the barrel alight in the Bardosi Mountains and destroyed the landslide blocking the entrance to the Bardosi cliffs.

A great orb of light gleamed from the western Nolmines as a previously secluded meadow was unveiled to mortal eyes by a catastrophic magickal experiment. When Alesud, Keijima, Zerin, Ageranu, Kaethi, Raelyr, Cadeyrn, and others came to investigate, they found a confused golem in search of his master. Although early clues dropped by the golem lead some to suspect the master to be none other than Magglix, some claim to know the true name of the mage to be Winru. After witnessing much bloodshed at the hands of rivaling explorers, the golem retreated to a quiet place where he hoped to gain more insight as to the whereabouts of his master.

Melantha, the Goddess of the Seasons, has revealed Herself to mortalkind once more.

Congratulations to Golgothura of Lusternia who won 500 credits in the twitter contest!

The November Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Thul who won the bardic contest with the very funny story "The Kings of Lorfenada", and Ehecatl who won the artisanal contest with the darkly beautiful "When We Aren't Around"! Check them out!

Statpacks have been finally released in Imperian. Now you can choose your race indepedently of your combat statistics. Read announce news posts #1399 and #1400 for more information about statpacks and the racial rebalancing.

Siath, Naro, and Dreten were the big winners in their respective tiers in the 1v1 tournament. Well done!

Congratulations to Drongon, Genviere, Bobb, Mantlus, Violette, Zerin, Alitis, Amaris, and Hank for all winning prizes in the Iron Lottery!

Congratulations to Sonel, Drazik, Attestion, Imlorien, Wyverex, Ulaw, Camellio, Kaleria, Eshara, and Aldrich, winners in the Iron Lottery in Achaea!

The Iron Lottery has begun! Join the search in your favorite Iron Realm for iron tickets, which may be exchanged at the lottery office in each realm for entry into the Iron Lottery. At the conclusion of the event at midnight GMT of Sunday, November 29th, ten winners shall be drawn to win 50-500 credits with a special DOUBLE OR DEATH option. Furthermore, double experience is in effect throughout this event!

Antioch destroyed the competition in today's CTF, and wins the eminently Lunar Pylon as their reward

Yes, it's coming at long last! Open Beta testing will be here in December 2009! The game will be playable for everyone during Open Beta: we'll see you there!

The IRE holiday sale has begun in Imperian with a 25% bonus to all credits purchased for the rest of the year!

Congratulations to Glomdoring for once again dominating Wild Nodes!

Dandelion Sweetpease brokered a brief peace between the two rival forest communes to celebrate the Faethorn Festivities. Queen Maeve of the Fae was so impressed, she opened up her gardens and rewarded Dandelion with the position of Custodian of the Flowers.

The October Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Iytha who won the bardic contest with "The Death of Degur Othag", and Ried who won the artisanal contest with "Brennan"! Congratulations!

Become a follower of our tweets at IRE's Twitter feed for a chance to win 500 credits!

We are now accepting applications for new Celani. Check out announce news #1378

Classlead report submission is now open.

Aetherius recently honoured the wishes of the bait-the-frog frogs that recently retired with a frog day festival! 6 players got the retired bait-the-frog frogs as mounts, those players were - Anthe, Drongon, Palandrias, Rahvin, Risca and Siath. Many great prizes were awarded and lots of fun was had by all. Some players even got to visit with Moosane and Oisin, what a treat that was! Moosane happily passed out alcohol to a lucky few, mind you those glass were empty. Also anyone that participated received a special gift box, what does it contain? Only they know and can tell you!

The little fae known as Dandelion disappeared, only to be found in an unknown glade in Serenwilde. The lost glade was also reflected on the ethereal plane and had hidden powers.

After a violent quake shook the catacombs of Spinesreach, Trask Dufrane discovered the remains of a long dead Syssin defender in a chamber revealed by the tremors. As people gathered, the distraught ghost of the Syssin, Kazael, appeared and revealed he was from the time of the Ankyreans. Branded a traitor to the Syssin due to actions he performed under Yrtez's control, he revealed it was his own mentor who slew him. The Syssin guild and others started looking for Kazael's journal, which contained stolen information from Yrtez and the evidence that he was not, in fact, a traitor to the guild. Eventually, a monk from the Grand Aetolian Library heard of their search, informing them that the book was stored in his library. However, upon retrieving the journal, it was revealed to be a blank - a clever illusion placed upon it by Kazael before his demise. Eventually, the Syssin Adelpha came across an ancient Syssin on the Isle of Polyargos called Lemaen, who turned out to be Kazael's mentor. He confirmed Kazael not being a traitor, and is now beginning work on translating his journal.

Midkemia Online is now on Twitter! Follow us at twitter.com/MidkemiaOnline to hear from the dev team. We'll be posting regular, brief updates on what we're currently working on, thinking about, listening to, or whatever else happens to pop into our heads!

Atropos, the Eldest of the Fates, has lost her shears! This means that when anything dies, there is a chance its ghost will not find its way to the Portal of Fate. If you find one of these poor lost souls, you can capture it if you can scare it. A simple BOO should work! Atropos would be most grateful if you put these ghosts into the Portal of Fate. If you rescue 20 ghosts, Atropos will give you a yummy little treat!

Slight tremors shook the City of Enorian, and the ghost of Rudolpho Montaganet appeared in his tomb beneath the city's ornate palace. Dazed and unsure of what was happening to him, he was suddenly joined by the ghost of his mother, the imposing and austere Dowager Montaganet, who whisked him off to a yet unknown location. What has caused these long-dead souls to filter back to Sapience? What does the Dowager have in store for her son? And what about Camilla Prietta, who remains mutilated by Amairgen and hides still in the Dahkota Hills? Sapience is shaken by the mystery, which continues to unfold before them.

A sly thief has eluded players, leaving destruction in her wake: the Lucretian Athenaeum in New Thera lies in ruins, and large portions of Tasur'ke have been reduced to rubble by rampaging golems.

A trio of leprechauns arrived in the Serenwilde Commune with strange, empty pots. Once the pots were filled with gold, rainbows began appearing over the forest!

A dark carnival of bizarre performers and macabre exhibitions recently appeared in Achaea.

The Kelpie Maiden launches its maiden voyage into the Inner Sea! Rumor has it the ship's captain holds a journal of significant historical interest!

A set of special auctions have opened today, offering numerous unique artefacts and rare items!

The special auctions have ended! Congratulations to the winning bidders.

A selection of artefacts are now on a 15% off sale until the end of October!

New artifacts from old auctions have been placed for purchase as normal artifacts and they are all on sale for 15% off through the end of the month! See ARTIESALE LIST for the sale prices.

The September Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Romero who won the bardic contest with "Ill-Fated Prophecy and Traitors", and Ried who won the artisanal contest with "Before the Chapel of Exalted Night"!

11 artifacts are now on sale for 15% off during the rest of October. Check ARTIFACT LIST SALE in-game to see which ones!

Congratulations to the Forest of Glomdoring for dominating the wild nodes competition!

Verick has solved the puzzles of Magglix's tower and claimed the Entity's life! Who will be the next to slay the mage in?

Do you love to help new adventurers learn their way about the realm? Here's your chance to become a Guide - an open call for applications has just been announced.

Congratulations to the Warlocks of the Rising Phoenix, who rose triumphant in the House vs House PK Egghunt today!

Achievements have come to Lusternia! Completing achievements will give the player rewards!

Strange ogres led by the mysterious Zraxxis are terrorizing the major cities and councils. Log in now and help fight back!

The winning team for the Anniversary Wargames consisted of Ceren, Narsrim and Vathael. Second place went to Krellan, Talan and Sidd. Third place went to Xenthos, Viynain and Incabulos. Congratulations all!

Celidon absolutely dominated the other cities during the CTF, and has won the powerful Lunar Pylon as their reward.

Congratulations to the Forest of Glomdoring who won the Battlechess Tournement and claimed the Chessboard of Libertas!

A scavenger hunt were held as an anniversary event. First place went to Viynain, second place to Lehki, and third place to Xenthos.

A series of fate games were held as an anniversary event. First place went to Viynain, second place to Krellan, and third place to Ruark.

A Quiz was held as an anniversary event. First place went to Viynain, second place to Shuyin, and third place to Solanis.

A Harmony Challenge was held as an anniversary event. First place went to Viynain, second place to Krellan, and third place to Talan.

A Death Match was held as an anniversary event. First place went to Vathael, second place to Shuyin, and third place to Nyir.

Lusternia celebrates it's Fifth Year Anniversary! The first anniversary game was a hamster hunt. First place went to Talan, second place to Lehki, and third place to Ceren.

Lusternia celebrates its Fifth Year Anniversary! There are also lotteries, gifts and the arrival of the Czigany Wayfaire, a special carnival area with loads of quests. Finishing the quests award dingbats which can be used to purchase special artifacts!

A fun one-hour Egghunt with gold prizes is scheduled for Friday, October 2 at midnight GMT (5pm PDT/8pm EDT). This Egghunt shall pit the great Houses of Achaea against one another in an all-Houses challenge!

Freed from their terrible oppression under Bloodloch's cruel reign, the villagers of Tainhelm have stepped forth to show their appreciation for the efforts put forth from members of the Paladins Guild. Under the initiative of their Mayor, the Dwarves began to turn in their heartfelt letters, thanking the Paladins for their part in liberating the village for Enorian and the Light, with special mentions made to Knight-Marshall Edhain de Verdigris. Presented within a letter satchel, several other gifts followed, ranging from the village children's handmade pinwheels to the specially forged pendants that seek to serve as a testament to the selflessness of each individual who participated in the war. Finally, with a little assistance from the Paladins themselves, Gwenil, the Dwarven Blacksmith forged the Guild a new Ceremonial Sword that properly embodies their new Principles, that of fighting with Conviction and Mercy, as well as for Truth.

A faint tapping echoed in the Chambers of the Cabal, heard only in the darkened study in which Eocik most commonly cloisters himself. Months later, the northern wall was battered down. The culprit: The mythical "King Pincher," which was soon dispatched by Zyphen Coronus, leaving only a cracked bronze cog where the creature's corpse should have been. A spherical test chamber was discovered, revealing the ancient Lgaktian Clock. Eleanor Junakutz-Lionheart, Drask, and Taelyndara Dylaryn Aelisae-Locke searched for a way to repair the cog, while others searched for the clock's missing pieces. When all of the pieces were collected, the Cabalists entered into deliberation, debating the risks of fixing the clock. Soon after, the clock ticked once more, all the pieces seemingly back in place. Rumors abound as to whether it was an inquisitive Cabalist who repaired the device, or the clock itself.

Garryn loaded some new changes to Imperian today, including enhancements to the arena queue system, enemy/ally list optimizations, and a bunch of bug fixes. Check out Announce news #1350 for more!

We released 28 new achievements in Imperian today, covering everything from designs and harvesting to player killing and crazy afflictions.

Cardi has become the first player to ever earn the Great White achievement. Impressive!

We've launched the official Lusternia Lore Wiki! It is completely player run and includes detailed information on all skill sets. Keep checking back and watch it grow!

A totem in the Mamashi Grasslands was created to protect the surrounding area as the Sentinels guild, led by Xon Vekato, Wylliam Te'Straif, Irruel du Vallianse and Jensen Starion, successfully helped a hunter named Ocamara defend against the threat of the Liakari village. The guild managed to find all six stones before the villagers could enlist the full assistance of the Paladins guild, leaving an unresolved conflict as to the rights of mortals versus the rights of trees.

Xandeus stands ranked First amongst the Hunters in the IRE 12-year anniversary celebration Great Hunt. Congratulations to Xandeus, who has won 500 credits for his achievement!

Congratulations to Genviere on winning the Demonic Great Hunt. Well done!

Over 50 bug fixes were just loaded in to Imperian by Garryn!

Alexina triumphed in the Great Hunt, followed close behind by Darliea and Beltaine! Congratulations to all who participated!

Congratulations to Vathael for coming in first place in the Great Hunt! Second place went to Veyrzhul and third place to Jozen!

Ten new achievements were released today, in addition to a new achievement rankings command. Check it out.

Join us Friday, September 11 at Midnight GMT (5PM PST) for the Great Hunt! All player will be able to earn credits, compete for prizes, and earn double experience for 48 straight hours of bloodshed and mayhem.

For the month of September you can receive special, unique items in addition to your credit purchases. For more details check your favorite games announce news.

The Great Hunt has been called across all of Iron Realms! Players can win bound credits by bashing creatures, with the top ten winners receiving extra credit reward. Also, all players experience double experience while the hunt is active!

A fairly major change to plants was made today. Previously, some plants, such as the kola tree, would replenish themselves once an Achaean year, on the 1st of Sarapin. Now, all plants will grow throughout the year, making it more difficult for a handful of individuals to monopolize the harvesting of certain plants.

Congratulations to the city of Ashtan, the Bastion of the North, for successfully defending their title as Capture The Flag Champion! They have won the Effigy of Victory for the next six months.

Our semiannual competition of city-vs-city Capture The Flag is coming up this weekend! 11pm GMT/4pm PDT on Saturday, September 5th. See Announce news #3046 in-game for details.

A long-isolated island by the name of Minos was discovered today by adventurers from Sapience, following a strange and violent storm that tragically sunk a ship carrying the harbourmaster's wife. Ruled by a mage-king named Arsentar, the Isle of Minos lies in the Gulf of Dardanos, due north and west of Umbrin.

Amongst other bug fixes, Imperian has released a new Smithing ingot that lets you create superior weapons and armour! Log in now and read Announce news #1332 for more information

Achievements are all the rage! Earn bonus experience, artifacts, and even credits as you complete them. Read about them here and then login and start working on them right now.

After the Elder God Raezon completed some successful experiments in the Sea of Despair, unforeseen reactions took place which resulted in the manifestation of three alien beings rising up and being drawn to the City of Magnagora. After much destruction and fighting among the beings, eventually one rose to dominance who turned out to be the new personality of Morgfyre, the Legion, who has now returned to the Basin of Life and is as active as ever.

The July Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Lendren who won the bardic contest with Quarter, Part IV: Pragmatism and Ried who won the artisanal contest with Voice of the Red Masque -- the second win in a row for Ried!

The Undead Emperor Ladantine commissioned a young viscanti alchemist named Yishka Feyranti to prepare a special potion for himself. As part of the payment, Emperor Ladantine raised up a ship from the depths of the Sea of Despair for Yishka to commandeer to help her gather rare and exotic ingredients. While the results of Yishka's experiments are unknown, reports have circulated that the Emperor is looking stronger and fitter than ever before.

The feud between lucidians and dracnari erupted to new heights with the discovery of an ancient artifact called the Mirror of Tzaraziko. This mirror was high up in the clouds and fought over between the dracnari who used rocs of the Razine Mountains to gain access to the mirror and the lucidians who used the manticores of the Southern Mountains. While the dracnari momentarily got the upper hand, the tides turned and the struggle to control the Mirror of Tzaraziko continues.

Some small drama occurred at the graveyard in Oleanvir Valley when its caretaker discovered artifacts within the mausoleums were apparently stolen. Suspecting graverobbers or even worse, adventurers came to give aide and discover the cause of the hubub, which turned out to be much more mundane than first thought. The artifacts were returned to the caretaker and all is now well.

A new ritual area opened up in the Glomdoring Forest, dedicated to Night and Crow along with Spider, Bat, Beetle and Wasp. After the Crown of Gloriana was lost and then found, the ancient nai'Dorin Blood Rite was reenacted, which created the Ebonglom Crown and further empowered the dark forest.

Imperian is offering free gifts along with every credit purchased! Log in now and read Announce post #1302 for more information.

The Toy Wars boiled to greater heights when new strange figurines attacked the gnome world known as the Facility in a bid to decimate the gnomish population. However, this enabled the gnomes to finally track down the Toymaker who was residing in the gnome colony known as Bottledowns. Again, it appeared the power behind the wars were the strange slivven creatures who were able to continue to work through the remains of the Toymaker's wife. Finally, the Toymaker and his wife were finaly defeated, thanks to Xenthos An'Ryshe and his crew aboard the Aethership Widow's Web.

In an unexpected and dramatic interlude from the Toy Wars, the cities of Magnagora and New Celest allied together in a heroic attempt to finally thwart the dominance of the communes and enact the mythical Xion Initiative to free the Holy Supernal Raziela. However, the alliance was also a cover by the Demon Lords of Nil to open a channel to the ethereal realm and control Maeve, Queen of the Fae, and drain the nexus points of Serenwilde and Glomdoring. The communes reacted swiftly and recovered much of the power drained as well as freeing Maeve from the bonds of corruption.

Amidst the legendary Sangre Plains, wandering beast tamer Galviarn Desh arranged a jousting tournament today. After many rounds of heated competition, Sir Draekar Rian unseated Lothiac Gothfraidh-Silversand of Ashtan in the final round to secure victory.

Led by Poergh Yusef, attackers from Ashtan raided the Chrysalis Basilica today and infiltrated the estate of the Empyreal Assembly, successfully draining the house's master crystal after a gruelling four-hour standoff. The loyal mages of Shallam and their allies now work tirelessly to restore the valuable source of power.

The troupe of travelling merchants collectively known as the Itinerant Bazaar made a stop on Sapience today, offering rare goods from jewelled sheaths and exotic foods to kaleidoscopes and enchanted mirrors.

Professor Gargle von Fixit, the gnome who was instrumental in tracking down the Toymaker's Wife, was kidnapped! It took many hours to find where the Professor was hiding but eventually Captain Talan Ysav'rai of the aethership known as the Great Arachnid and her crew found and freed him.

A monk by the name of Maeka Rhashye excavated what appeared to be a fossilized egg from Tarissa's dig site today. The egg began moving soon after its discovery, and Maeka accidentally dropped it, causing it to roll away. It was later found by a Syssin called Ishin Cardinalis. Ishin took the egg back to his home city of Spinesreach, where it was soon acquired by the mage Kikon Corona. Not long after, the egg began hatching to reveal a tentacled mass of horror - the charahas - which quickly claimed Kikon as its first victim. A unique creature never before seen in Aetolia, the charahas infected mortals with a parasitic infestation that eventually kills the mortal and spawns a new charahas. The spread was quick, and soon every city had a pack of charahas roaming about. At last, a cure for the infestation was found and Aetolians were able to fight back the creatures, destroying almost every single one.

After years of nothing from Lady Niuri, the source of Her silence was finally revealed. Trapped in an unknown Plane beyond Aetolia, it took the combined efforts of Harad, Neoma, Mariena, and various others to pull Her free from Her prison. While safe once again, She is permanently altered from the experience, the degree to which remains unknown.

Congratulations to Ilyarin and his crew for tracking down the Toymaker's Wife (aka Yoftie r'Wesmak) who was hiding out in the quarantined aetherbubble known as Mucklemarsh. Interestingly enough, Mucklemarsh was also the home of the finks. It was also home to the parastic horrors known as the slivven, who preyed on gnomes.

Shadowy monks struck again, this time as an attack on the Temple of Fire, in the Peshwar. The people of Enorian retaliated, as a Paladin named Aden discovered their hidden village in the Pash valley. After destroying a strange source of dark fire, Thea and the rest of her monks were slain, and the village reduced to rubble. Afterwards, the khaimara led a small group to the volcano, and its return to the flames, as well as the actions of Piri, one of Her followers, led to the reappearance of Auresae, Goddess of Fire.

Dynami, Ayrna and Adala were the first to discover that the toys sold by Yoftie r'Wesmak's were not all they seemed, as they began steal gold and commodities from their owners. Kiradawea, Iytha and Sahmiam tried to track down Yoftie r'Wesmak and discovered that her name was an anagram for "Toymaker's Wife". When the gnomes of the Facility in aetherspace heard this, they were placed on high alert. Meanwhile, all the toys have since mysteriously disappeared.

The old lady gnome named Yoftie r'Wesmak arrived one last time at the Aetherplex, sweating and looking about nervously. She had with her the last of her wares, dozens and dozens of dolls which she put up for sale at the rock bottom price of 100 gold coins each. The merchants Richter and Celeris were primarily responsible for buying out the rest of her supplies, after which she made a sudden and hasty departure.

A strange old lady gnome with the unlikely name of Yoftie r'Wesmak has been making sporadic appearances at the Aetherplex. She sells extremely high quality toys at bargain prices. News of her visits has been slowly spreading and demand for her wares has been on the rise.

The loud crash of trees being felled echoed across the land as a new logging trail was revealed near the Western Ithmia. Investigating players discovered a group of Dolbodi lumberjacks carrying logs over to the Shrine of Ascension. Forestals were quick to intervene, killing all of them. An enraged woman, Tarissa, shouted her demand to know the names of those who slew her workers. As players flocked to Tarissa, she revealed she was constructing a dig site to explore the possibility of a locus beneath the Shrine of Ascension and had paid the lumberjacks to supply her with the wood needed.

A small rumble echoed from the bottom of Spinesreach, and it was found that the Syssin's old snake pit had finally given way into the catacombs. An older Syssin defender by the name of Garthus was on duty to feed the snakes, and forgot, making the snakes greatly irritated and giving them just enough fury to finally knock down the wall. They escaped into the catacombs, where Ishin, Eugenides, Trask, Devin, and Lenupe were there to assist in the retrieval of the snakes. Unfortunately, the walls of the catacomb were too weak to repair without endangering the structures above it. After a brisk talking to from Nahasa, Garthus decided to step down from his duties as city guard, and tend to the snakes as long as needed.

The June Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Aramel who won the bardic contest with Blood and Stone and Ried who won the artisanal contest with Lessons.

Congrats to Azyel for winning the Summer Slaughter Event with a dominating 13871 points. Arvanian took second and Markie was awarded third place. Over 100 players were awarded 10 credits just for participating. The Double XP Bonus has been extended until Friday due to a few technical issues during the event!

As part of Iron Realms' Summer Slaughter, Lusternia ran a Great Hunt as well as a double expereince weekend. The winner of the Great Hunt was Vathael Feyranti who took home the 500 credit first place prize. Congratulations!

Veridius triumphed this month in the Great Hunt, with Ryv and Tessra following a close second. Congratulations to all of the Hunters!

Recently, Rivas Silverain hired a group of Trolls to build a series of bridges dubbed the "Silverain Bridges" across the chasm that was once the Raphaelan Highway. However, one obstacle awaited them - the massive corpse of the Kerrithrim blocking the cliff face near Delos. Thus, Rivas strapped the cliff edge with explosive boomsticks, which he hired the Pyrotechnic Ferlbo to invent. Attaching the remaining boomsticks to his person, along with several explosive sigils, Rivas focused on his Inner Spark to force himself to explode in a fiery conflagration that set off all the explosives. With large chunks of the cliff face blown away, the earth near it became unstable and began to fall off into the chasm. Slowly, the Kerrithrim corpse began to slide towards the edge, carried by its own massive weight. A massive path was created by its bulk as it slid over the edge. As mortals investigated, they found a surprisingly large set of mysterious double-doors. However, when they tried investigating, the door responded violently as energy on a divine level incinerated all who did not heed its warning.

Midkemia Online -- our free to play, text-based MMORPG -- is progressing rapidly, with an expected release period of Autumn 2009. In anticipation of our release, we've launched this brand-new website! We'd also like to give a worthy shout-out to the creative talents of Neil Johnson of Visionology for bringing this website to life.

A Great Hunt has been announced for this upcoming weekend, from 5pm PDT on Friday, July 3rd to 5pm PDT on Sunday, July 5th. The top ten scorers will be awarded credits ranging from 50 for 10th place to 500 for 1st! Furthermore, all participants who achieve at least 100 denizen kills will win 10 bound credits. This will also be a double XP weekend for all. See the Announce newsboard in-game for further details.

Congratulations to Ysabel, our Champion of the Arts!

This weekend, join us in our Summer Slaughter, and earn DOUBLE EXPERIENCE and credit rewards for killing as many creatures as you possibly can!

The final tweaks to forging were implemented, which makes forging easier than ever for warriors who take this craft skill. The focus on forging was the result of a survey on the Official Forums which asked players what coding project they wanted Lusternia to concentrate on this month. Special thanks to Desitrus who helped as the liason between the admin and players to streamline the forging processes.

Loud peals of hammer upon metal resounded throughout the realm, and the isolated island of Mostyn began to glow brightly, with a flame that seemed to belong to a great heat. It was not until today, however, that a flash of light filled Enorian; an image of Lanos' flaming Sword of Truth slowly transmuting itself into the golden Blade of Valour. Though the attention of the citizens of Enorian were piqued, only Jaelle of the Luminaries thought to seek out the Halls of the former Lord of Truth. There, she found her old master, Lord Arion; though he was the God of Valour no longer. Having fused Himself with the essence of the weakened Lord of Truth, Arion has now returned, now known as the Truthseeker.

Once more, the pure-white Divine essence made itself known in the city of Enorian, basking the city in a glowing white light. Abruptly, the essence coalesced and shot off towards the Isle of Mostyn. A golden hue surrounded Mostyn in response and a bright burst of light was emitted as the two essences clashed. The struggle continued and deafening thunderclaps resonated across the land with each strike. Suddenly, a blinding flash of light swept over the land as the essences clashed one last time. As the light receded, it became obvious to all who observed that both had faded, leaving naught but a foreboding silence upon the Isle of Mostyn.

The May Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Nariah who won the bardic contest with The Fall of House d'Vanecu and Serella who won the artisanal contest with Moon's Chosen.

A mild breeze flowed through the city of Enorian, preceding a stream of pure-white Divine essence that coursed through the city. Images of a flaming sword cleaving a knotted rope flashed within people's minds as the essence brushed past them, accompanied by colours of blue and silver. The essence ran through the city one more time in its investigation, before eventually disappearing. Many citizens flocked to Lord Lanos' temple in wake of the essence, hoping that it may be a sign of His return.

Garryn has released a new set of bug fixes and combat changes! Read Announce news #1278 for more information

With the building of an amphitheatre in New Celest, an emissary of the Holy Supernals arrived to take up residence within and help the Star Council dispense justice. Thus arrived Thiodone Ladyn, the Illuminator's Magistrate, who was personally instructed by the Holy Supernal Japhiel to conduct the Ritual of Petala. Justice was almost immediately carried out upon his arrival when the ritual was enacted upon Jozan d'Deneith for various crimes against the state.

While battling sea serpents in the oceans off the northern coast of Meropis, a small party of seafarers encountered the mysterious Isle of Prin and her Xoran inhabitants.

The default client to access Achaea via the Play Now button has changed to our newer Flash client. Don't panic, Nexus users: the Nexus java client is still available here and shall continue to be maintained.

The 20% credit bonus sale announced in May has been extended until the end of June!

Roleplay-intensive clans may now apply for the designation of High Clan, a status with certain benefits and the potential of greater political relevancy and influence for clans.

Mortals of Sapience began preparing plans to counter the Godkiller, Kerrithrim. Armies were raised, catapults were built and methods of attack were discussed. Immediately upon the monstrosity setting foot upon the shore, the Manipulator sent shadows to impede the beast while He began a great working. As the Kerrithrim advanced, Ivoln, the Earthern Lord tore apart the Raphaelan Highway and left a gaping chasm to slow the monster's progress. The mortals began launching themselves at the two-mile high beast using catapults and scaled its massive body in search of a weak point. Other Gods joined the fray, launching attacks upon the abomination that were easily brushed aside and countered, leaving many of the Divine seriously injured. Eventually, the mortals battling through the creature's body reached its heart chamber. As they destroyed the muscles pumping the heart, the Almighty Kerrithrim roared in agony before it vomited violently and died.

The Almighty Kerrithrim rose again from the sea and strode inland. He paused before the Tower of Artifice, before crushing it with a single blow. Nearing the Ithmias, the beast looked down on the forest in anger. Raising a mighty foot, he smashed it down into the forest, creating a crater of unknown depths. With its neck wound still bleeding, the monster began its return to the ocean. He was stopped by the Goddess Khepri, the Seething Chaos who ordered it to sit and be Her minion. Unamused, the creature grabbed the Goddess and unceremoniously devoured Her, before sinking into the ocean once more.

The Silver Spire accidentally exploded due to the tamperings of Saayer, the Spellshaper leader, under aide from a group of Magi led by Tralendar. The elemental links inside the Spire collapsed into a violent vortex off the eastern coast, causing a huge tidal wave to sweep away the peaceful village of Shastaan and awakening a creature of tremendous power. Bringing death and destruction in its wake, The Almighty Kerrithrim awoke from deep beneath the ocean, turning first to the city of Enorian. Coming to their defense, Arion, God of Valour fell in battle, and Kerrithrim returned to the sea, badly weakened. Parasitic Thrims now control the area, possessing any mortals who venture near the ruined village.

A lucidian scientist named Atrian Lerit'r joined the lucidians of the Arthar'rt Observatory in the Northern Mountains. Atrian had recently received funding from the Observatory Board of Directors to research and build a new teleportation device, which would perhaps be strong enough to reach the lost city of Hallifax or other historical sites that were out of reach from the Basin of Life. Many interested in the project pitched in to help build the laboratory. Eventually, the machine was built and the first tests conducted. Unfortunately, Atrian's calculations were not quite what was expected as the machine teleported test subjects to known areas of the Basin of Life. Eventually, the machine exploded and Atrian was left to go back to the proverbial drawing board.

While searching for the means to free the Holy Supernal Raziela from the bonds of Faethorn, the Celestines of New Celest found themselves in discussions with the tainted city of Magnagora wherein the usually opposing cities contemplated combining elemental forces to confound the nature magics of the communes. Whether or not an alliance would have ever been reached will never be known, because Magagora was betrayed by one of its own. Celina d'Murani abandoned her city and alerted the communes to the cities' plans, allowing the cunning and stealth of the followers of Great Spirit Crow to learn even more of the cities' nascent collaboration. In a bold act, the communes of Glomdoring and Serenwilde allied together against the cities, enacting the Rite of hai'Gloh Zemordia, or the binding of the cosmos, which weakened the elemental and cosmic planes. Thus did war break out between the cities and communes, the likes of which had not been seen in modern times.

The legions of Arcadia and Scyros descended upon the underwater triton kingdom of Lothos today in a three-way battle between the three kingdoms, cut short by the mysterious appearance of the ancient sea dragon named Asopos!

Imperian is offering a 20% bonus to all credits purchased between now and the end of May. Enjoy!

After being deceived by the Artificer, the leaders of Ashtan looked for new ways to strengthen their city. Turning their eyes to nearby tribes, they began negotiations that lasted for months. As things were about to be finalized, the mages of the isles rose up against the newcomers and decided to stand up their own leaders. The rebellion was quickly beaten down by Truft, Akayn, Ilythla and others, before the new guards were welcomed to the city to replace those who retired.

Storms along the northern coast of Meropis triggered a massive avalanche in the Vasnari mountains, creating passage into the eastern portion of the continent. Stumbling upon the small trail by chance as she travelled through the mountains, the dragon Skylana de Mercier became the first outsider in hundreds of years to traverse beyond the Vasnari peaks and explore the fertile plains to their east.

Two additions to organisations today: first, Divine Orders have gained the ability to formally induct adventurers as lay members. Second, many adventurer organisations now have the ability to formally ally with and defend denizen organisations. For example, the city of Shallam is now formally allied to the village of Jaru, and all citizens of Shallam may formally defend the denizens of Jaru from those who would hunt them.

A lessongain bonus has begun! For the rest of March, you will gain 1 extra lesson every time you convert a bound credit to lessons.

Following a battle between Tritons of the sea and the Atavians of Arcadia, Vastar, the Skylord, made his presence once again known within Achaea.

The Year 500 Championship Awards Ceremony was held at the hallowed Shrine of Ascension on this day. Maya, the Great Mother presented award medallions to all who had competed successfully in the Championship Games, with the crowning point the passing of the legendary Staff of Nicator from the Year 450 Champion, Jaizsur Ta'sa, to the Year 500 Champion, Rangor Corten. Congratulations to Rangor, mighty indeed. As the new Champion, he has also won his choice of 700 USD OR 2500 in-game credits.

Granting Jaizsur a final boon at the ceremony, the Great Mother stripped his physical shell and transformed Jaizsur's essence into that of a wind spirit, that the famed explorer and adventurer may spend the rest of his days wandering the furthest reaches of Achaea without physical limitations. Achaea bids a fond farewell to Jaizsur.

The Groves skill received a major overhaul recently, changing many of its abilities for greater portability. Check the Announce newsboard for details.

After the discovery of the Mirror of Vestera, the strange artifact acted as a receiver for the communications of the Elder God known as Raezon who had disappeared decades earlier in order to pursue some arcane research out in the depths of the Void. Apparently, Raezon was lost and unable to return to the First World, and gave explicit instructions to his followers on how to build a construct that would allow him to return. Eventually, this was accomplished, enabling Raezon to return to the Basin of Life, bringing with him strange, metal sphere that appeared almost sentient.

In the Blasted Land, an archaelogist disappeared researching some ancient ruins. Upon investigation, the ruins turned out to be the remains of the Malacoda Manor, thought destroyed during the Taint Wars. Though very little of the manor itself was left, a powerful artifact known as the Mirror of Vestera was discovered within. The artifact was used to escape the Taint Wars but something went disastrously wrong, splintering the original inhabitants into fragments of themselves across different dimensions.

An injured scout fell into a group of Antiochans begging for water before passing out in the sand. After he was revived and thoroughly questioned, he lead them to a small camp where the Shaahri meets the ocean. The Antiochans were introduced to Father Leor, their holy leader, and invited to return to the camp often as fellow followers of the anti-magick way.

Llandros of the Cacophony won the gnomish Scrapgiving holiday contest, penning the jingle "Gnomish Grand Idea". Meanwhile Lendren Starfall won the dwarvish Klangfest holiday contest with his bawdy song, "Fourplay". Lendren gave up his prize to the runner-up, Sylphas Talnara for his song, "Wild Witches". The prizes turned out to be new trade skill specializations. Bards will now be able to take Enchantment (if they have high magic) or Alchemy (if they have low magic). However, both these skills have been split into specializations. Alchemy splits between Lorecraft (druids/wiccans) and Brewmeister (bards), while Enchantment splits between Spellcraft (mages/guardians) and Tinkering (bards). Thus, Llandros was offered the skill of Tinkering, and Sylphas offered the arts of the Brewmeister.

During the Trial of Ascension, not many Sealbearers dared to wield the Staff of Ascension, but two contenders rose to dominate the event: Xiel Peulus of the Spiritsingers who bore the Seal of Nature, and Veyrzhul La'Saet of the Celestines who bore the Seal of Harmony. Buttressed by their allies, the two Sealbearers fought each other throughout the astral plane as well as the insanity of Kethuru and the hideous abominations made manifest by his will. Finally, Xiel mastered the Staff of Ascension and reformed the Nine Seals. In doing so, he ascended and is now know as Lord Viynain of the Realm of Nature. Congratulations, Lord Viynain!

War returned to the battlefields of Aetolia as the citizens of its cities began once more to enlist in the city militias and troops stormed across the continent in an effort to capture territory.

In celebration of Year 500, the strange merchants of the Itinerant Bazaar were found wandering Sapience once again, hawking their rare and exotic goods.

This particular bazaar brought to a certain few more than could have been imagined, when a papier-mache donkey procured from the bazaar came to life and began attacking all those around it! Peals of delighted, wicked laughter could be heard across the world following that improbable rampage, harkening the return of that immortal prankster Pandora, Goddess of Mischief, as lively and incorrigible as ever. Welcome back Pandora!

Congratulations to Rangor Corten and his teammate Arkantos Darkwing for their domination of the Championship Twins Combat Tournament. To the surprise of Achaeans who had believed the God of Combat long withdrawn from the realms, Matsuhama himself appeared at the end of the tournament to present trophies to the victorious pair.

Rangor also won the Championship Game of Hunt the Bandersnatch for Year 500, securing the highest cumulative points in the Year 500 Games and the well-deserved title of Champion.

Proving himself a quiz master indeed, Delphinus Windancer triumphed in the Year 500 Championship Quiz, his third consecutive semicentennial Quiz victory.

For nearly two years, artists have been preparing their greatest works to enter into the Challenge of Beauty. The winning entry went to a Master Chef, who was none other than Silferras Ysav'rai of the Blacktalon with a platter of the planes which left those who sampled it fulfilled in both spirit and belly! Second place went to Aramel Talnara of the Moondancers for her aerial mask, third place went to Eliron Inseira of the Harbingers for his sunset viola, fourth place went to Sadhyra d'Illici of the Harbingers for her feathered mask of Crow, and fifth place went to Wuylinfe Meiwind of the Cantors for his luminescent tiara.

The clash of swords and magic echoed throughout Lusternia as the Trial of Death commenced, calling out for the most bloodthirsty of mortals to meet the darkest of challenges. In the end, no one could compare to the skill of Vathael Feyranti of the Serenguard who left a sea of blood behind him as he claimed the Seal of Death! Second place went to Nydekion La'Saet of the Paladins, third place went to Asmodea Kamau of the Shofangi, fourth place went to Prince Steingrim of the Tahtetso, and fifth place went to Ceren Valtyros of the Geomancers.

When a plague of maladies and ailments struck the furrikin population, the Challenge of Life began. A champion emerged in their hour of need, as Xenthos An'Ryshe of the Ebonguard demonstrated his profound knowledge of healing, thus claiming the Seal of Life! Second place went to Nydekion La'Saet of the Paladins, third place went to Rika Talnara of the Ebonguard, fourth place went to Ceren Valtyros of the Geomancers, and fifth place went to Lanfayr d'Murani of the Ninjakari.

In the months that followed a series of tremors that left the Master Crystal damaged, the Magi, led by Zras Cardinalis and Mirai, sought clues that might unfold the mystery surrounding the calamity. After a series of events that included a ritual that healed the Master Crystal and the abduction of the guild tutor, Alaihandra, the Magi were successful in destroying the menacing shadow giant that held Alaihandra and enjoyed the return of their beloved guild tutor.

Achaea congratulates the great city-state of Ashtan in its victory in the City vs City game of Capture the Flag today, garnering the prize of the Effigy of Victory!

A set of changes to the Aspect system for Imperianites who have reached level 100 has been released today. Read Announce news #1235 for more information about the changes and additions to the Aspect powers.

At the behest of Avechna, contenders eager to enter the Challenge of Harmony came from all corners of the Basin of Life. Throughout the challenge, they sought out all sentient life, influencing them to bring harmony to the land. Finally, Veyrzhul La'Saet of the Celestines rose to be the one who travelled the furthest and influenced the most, thus claiming the Seal of Harmony! Second place went to Nydekion La'Saet of the Paladins, third place went to Talan Ysav'rai of the Shadowdancers, fourth place went to Nariah d'Iasani of the Nihilists, and fifth place went to Ceren Valtyros of the Geomancers.

For the Challenge of Knowledge, Avechna gathered the wisest sages, scholars and intellectuals to test thier knowledge. After many grueling questions, it became clear that Ishant Nightshade of the Shadowdancers was truly worthy to claim the Seal of Knowledge! Second place went to Nariah d'Iasani of the Nihilists, third place went to Karnagan De'Unnero of the ur'Guard, fourth place went to Rika Talnara of the Ebonguard, and fifth place went to Lehki Mes'ard of the Hartstone.

Within the past months there have been stirrings from the silver tree in Khandava, the gift from the Lady of the Arcane. A dryad longed to communicate with the resplendent tree but could not fully. Several noticed her consternation, and sought to help her. The dryad felt a melodic tune from the tree that she did not understand, but ached for. Ysabel played her drum and flute to discern a possible dormant tune caught within the earth or the tree itself. The song produced by her efforts yielded a vision that may be the key to the fusion of natural and arcane magicks.

Within Ithaqua there was a great crash, the result of the disaster was the destruction of the beloved tavern of the Pines. The iron hangings and supports collapsed, leaving the tavern to tumble away into the morass. Rebuilding is underway, as the Wardens require their milk more than their food. However we are left with the question of why the building collapsed...

Ephram Sparrow has won the Lottery for Year 500! His grand prize is a choice of /$500 USD OR 2000 in-game credits.

Congratulations to Asara Eslofe, winner of the Tumble Races for Year 500, and Rangor Corten, winner of the Year 500 XP Event.

Avechna gathered many people of the Basin of Life together to vie for the Challenge of Nature as part of Lusternia's Ascension 2009 event. Looking through a magical kaleidoscope, contestants saw brief clues of the path they needed to follow to find the Seal of Nature. The long, arduous journey ended with Xiel Peulus of the Spiritsingers being the first to master the paths and claim the Seal of Nature! Second place went to Aramel Talnara of the Moondancer, third place went to Lehki Mes'ard of the Hartstone, fourth place went to Kelysa Mes'ard of the Moondancers, and fifth place went to Gregori Mes'ard of the Hartstone.

The Challenge of Justice was the next exciting challenge in Lusternia's Ascension 2009 event. As dozens of contestants showed up to debate one another, it was Malarious d'Murani of the Harbingers who proved that he was truly worthy to claim the Seal of Justice! Second place went to Nejii Talnara of the Shofangi, third place went to his daughter, Rika Talnara of the Ebonguard, fourth place went to Eamon Starleaf of the Hartstone, and fifth place went to Karnagan De'Unnero of the ur'Guard.

The latest book in the acclaimed Midkemia series, Return of the Demon King, is finished! Raymond Feist submitted the book to the publisher, Harper Collins, on the 13th of February, 2009. Does the ominous date, Friday the 13th, spell certain doom for our brave heroes? Aiee! We're all thrilled at Midkemia Online, and can't wait to read it! Three cheers!

We are very excited to announce our final Guild list for Midkemia Online! In brief: the Mockers, the Spellweavers, the Queen's Guard, the Royal Krondorian Pathfinders, and the moredhel Dragon and Spider clans, spread among the cities of Krondor, Elvandar, and Sar-Sargoth. Read more about these (in)famous guilds on our forums!

Algoris brought his attacks to a peak in the month of Naturalis, 571 AD. In a bold attempt to crush all who had stood against him simultaneously, the self-styled lord of nature sent his forces out to attack Antioch, Stavenn, Celidon, Kinsarmar and Khandava. Though many died and his mighty Treants did great damage to the streets they strode through, the attacks were eventually repulsed, and the more well organised of the defenders headed to confront Algoris himself in the Winde Scrublands. In one of the largest and bloodiest battles in the history of Imperian, the armies of four nations clashed with the crazed druid and each other. At the end of the day only the forces of the old Empire remained, Ephor Maglust Tellaris claiming the final blow against the bloodied and broken Algoris.

Warnings of something coming struck the world through vibration and song in Fas, a precursor of terrible things to come as various important people of the cities and councils began to tell the story of the insane druid, Algoris. With this story in mind, the cities were attacked by a mounting army of hopping poppies while Algoris's yells were heard in the air. Pollen filled the air as Antioch, then Kinsarmar and finally Stavenn were attacked. Antioch and Stavenn cleared their plant infestation as Kinsarmar was aided by the Councils of Khandava and Celidon. As the poppies fell, however, Therain, the general of the army and Algoris's spokesman, bespoke each of the city leaders, declaring his demands for a full surrender to nature's might...

Hailing from all parts of the Basin, many three-persons teams answered the call to compete in the Challenge of War. The first round was won by Thoros, Ceren, and Romero. The second round was won by Desitrus, Vathael, and Shuyin. The third round was won by Malicia, Narsrim, and Talkan. The last qualifying round was won by Xiel, Lehki, and Casilu. Each pretrial winner received a 100 credit award. The final challenge pitted all of the winning teams against each other. In the chaos of battle that ensued, Vathael, Desitrus, and Shuyin emerged as the winners of the Trial. While Vathael and Shuyin claimed the runnerup awards of 500 credits each, Desitrus strode forward to claim the Seal of War, becoming the second sealbearer for Lusternia's Ascension 2009.

As the world can see for themselves with each new day, the Empire was triumphant in the battle for the sun. No longer will the sun of Impending Doom be called Ki, but Argum, an ancient word in the Gazhari tongue which means Fury. The once chartreuse satellite is now blackened with the corruption, and bearing the crimson streaks of Wrath.

Year 500 celebrations have kicked off in Achaea! Come join us for our Championship Games this weekend, including the Tumble Races and the XP Event.

As Lusternia's Ascension 2009 commenced, the Challenge for the Seal of Chaos ended with Sarrasri Talnara of the Moondancers claiming the first medallion! Second place went to Rika Talnara of the Ebonguard, third place went to Ceren Valtyros of the Geomancers, fourth place went to Vathael Feyranti of the Serenguard, and fifth place went to Lisuarte of the Spiritsingers.

As the Empire and Antioch continue their own battles for their respective slivers, a third opposition to the endeavor makes itself known. The Lady of the Arcane has bestowed Her gift upon the people of Magick, a tree which flourishes under the care of elemental particles that will reside in Khandava. Will the efforts of magick be enough to turn the tides of the tumultuous wars of the heavens?

Over the past several months there have been nefarious plans brewing in Stavenn. The young man named Vyzerath was given a vision by the Red Maiden. The Brethren of Wrath in conjunction with the Empire began the tasks that could change the world. Will they be triumphant? Will Ki remain the dominion of Lord Baar? Will magick attempt to change the outcome of this epic battle?

Owal Seluno, son of the famous Huwald, returned to sapience today to bring his Father's horn to his Lord the Hunter. The Hunter accepted the gift and regrew the Temple of Thorns in the jungle of Dun where the old Lissdraigen stood.

Quincentennial celebrations approach in Achaea! Come join us for our Year 500 festivities beginning January 22nd, including the Championship Games, a lottery with a grand prize of \$500 USD or 2000 credits, and much more! Click here for details.

Iron Realms has extended the holiday sale until February 8th! The 25% credit bonus and free gifts will be available until then.

Alcoholics of Aetolia rejoice! Crafters today gained access to the skill of Brewing, allowing the production of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages for consumption throughout the land.

Unknown to god and mortal alike, the essence pumped into gods from their mortal worshipers were slowly poisoning them. The backlash was a sore on Avechna's Peak which released a plague of replicas of the gods. These false gods eventually tried to become true gods by assaulting Mighty Kethuru, who was almost freed until the armies of mortals descended and vanquished them. Though the false gods are gone and the Elder Gods are creating realms in aetherspace to channel excess energies from mortal worship, the Nine Great Seals are weakened. Thus, Ascension 2009 has begun, wherein one mortal shall rise to be a True Ascendant!

We opened up a Zazzle Store to showcase our artwork on a variety of products. Check it out!

Parsifus Morton, the proprietor of the Red Carnival, departed from the Lost Forest in an attempt to seek new performers for his audiences. He travelled to Celidon and came upon Corthono. Upon asking Corthono about the talents of the council's citizens, they were joined by Gurn and Mishka. The tales of the mutations found within the tents of the Carnival had reached the ears of these people, and they were much angered by the request for entertainers. Gurn took up his axe, and hobbled Parsifus in order to detain him. Parsifus will be held as prisoner within Celidon until such a time as it is determined what punishment will be meted out for the perceived atrocities of the carnival and his creations.

Since the discovery of dark prophesies over the past several months, events appear to be coming to a head. The Elder Gods have been behaving erratically, exhibiting increasingly bizarre behavior. A strange blemish has appeared on the side of Avechna's Peak.

Once again, Jolly Bundy and the Solstice Gnomes returned to give many gifts to many in the Basin. Also, Ironbeard the Magnanimous was frequently encountered joining in the gift giving extravaganza!

A cadre of sailors led by Asara Eslofe upon the ship Aeolos hunted down a monstrous mer-serpent, found preying upon ships in the Eusian Ocean. Tracking the beast through dangerous chops, they finally cornered and slew the serpent. To their surprise, they found that their hunt had led them through the chops to a previously unexplored portion of the northeastern tip of Sapience, the Valho Coast!

Sheena Goldfeather, a trill who lives in the Grey Moors, discovered much to her surprise that her cousin Kyree had returned from his wanderings outside of the Basin of Life. Arriving in a caravan, Kyree Goldfeather revealed he had been looking for many exotic potions. Discovering a nest of manticores high in the Southern Mountians, Kyree was able to extract their poison for a particular potion he was interested in. It was later discovered that for generations the Goldfeathers had been keeping their ancestor, Hieli Goldfeather, locked up. Hieli had been on the Board of Hallifax had been tainted and turned into an undead abomination during the Taint Wars, and now is quite insane and dangerous. Hieli did hold, however, snippets of a strange and dark prophesy.

The Elder Goddess Isune came out of her absence to reveal she had been creating a personal masterpiece, a sculpture which she called the Inedra. Having channeled much of her emotions and even some of her spirit into the great work, the Inedra reflects many of Isune's personal transformations and emotions, from joy to despair. Curiously, Isune herself seemed more subdued and less animated after completion of the Inedra.

The time of Logosmas is approaching! Decorations and gifts are now available for purchase at the Festivities Annex in New Thera.

Lord Leisane Nessaja kept his promise to the Lady Lucasta Alcine, and returned her daughter to her. He gathered a group of the most powerful citizens of the Stavennite Empire, and called forth the demon Belial to bargain for the soul of the girl, exchanging one child for another. Deception, blood, matricide and the loss of a favored child of the Empire were the consequences of this undertaking. To read more about it, see Events post #111.

We just wanted to remind you that the docents are at your disposal for role-play assistance. You can contact Eilde at docents@imperian.com to propose your idea or ask for a docent to help you with a bit of roleplaying! This program is unique to Imperian, and we want you to enjoy it.

Secrets arise from the foreign noble family named Alcine that resides within the Stavennite Empire. A great favour was asked by the Lady Alcine of some of the more powerful citizens of Stavenn. Malevolent demons, clandestine pacts, sacrifice, and the grasping of ultimate power were the events of the day. To hear more, please read Events post #110.

There was a bit of a commotion within the Lost Forest, when a strange carnival arrived. The magnificent showplace is referred to as the Red Carnival, and it is filled with fantastical sights, thrilling performances, and some of the strangest mutations known to Aetherius. Residents of Khandava, Celidon and Kinsarmar were invited to attend the grand opening. Clever souvenirs, strange personages and much more can be found at the Red Carnival! For more information, see Events post #109.

A 25% credit bonus holiday sale has begun, in conjunction with a tiered Mayan crown promotion, with new wares for stock in the Shop of Wonders ranging from gemstone eggs that hatch into birds to scrying bowls and golden honeycombs! Happy holidays everyone.

The brief appearance of a strange giant called Hrakken brought tragedy to Ty Beirdd, the House of Bards, as his deafening cries caused the entire estate to come crashing down in the midst of Cyrene's Garden of the Arts. The famed Ty Beirdd tutor Una Brau was killed in the commotion, as was Hrakken, leaving a mystery in his wake.

Mayaween has arrived in Achaea! Congratulations to Blujixapug, who won a costume contest sponsored by the Tailors Union with his inventive costume design of the Spawn of the Unnamable Horror.

The mysteriously haunted Griesly Family Manor has opened its doors once more; the Festivities Annex has opened in New Thera with costumes, candies, and other Mayaween goodies; and rumours abound of an eerie and dangerous ghost ship appearing at harbours. Happy Mayaween, everyone!

Atropos the Eldest Fate lost her shears and ghosts were on the loose in the Basin of Life! Mortals were asked to help collect the lost ghosts, and were awarded with tasty treats that gave various blessings.

Today Madame Lucasta Alcine of Stavenn invited the nobility of the Empire to her estate just outside of the city. Lady Elizabell, Lord Aedius and Lord Maglust accepted the invitation and accompanied Madame Alcine through the pine trail that led to the Alcine Estate. The guests explored the house and grounds, meeting the Master of the Hunt known as Santino. Madame Alcine introduced them to a game played by her children, which was termed the Great Hunt. The nobility of Stavenn are welcomed, but there are many duties for servitors to attend within the estate. Only the nobility can call upon Santino to sound his bugle, calling the hunt.

This Fas, trouble was brewing in Ithaqua, and the beasts of the forest grew restless. Direwolves normally found outside the Council's walls were discovered prowling inside, as though looking for something. Before long, Ithaquans were dying to the teeth of the wolves, and the Council was in an uproar. Once slain, the wolves's true purpose was discovered. See what it was in Events Post 106!

Lady Clarramore revealed herself in the Northern Mountains as a trill noblewoman who wanted to advance herself in society. Though she tried to host a fabulous party for the upper crust denizens in the Basin, she was beset by a myriad of unfortunate events. Eventually, she hired some more competent assistants who were able to help her out. In this, it was revealed she was the caretaker of the Cloud Gardens of Clarramore, a fantastic and ancient area where trill farm the clouds for several exotic commodities.

Early in the month of Belum, Caelas Willowbrook grew restless awaiting a mysterious woman. After unknowingly mumbling his concerns, Mikihide was quick to inquire. Almost as if answering their call, in walked a flour covered woman named Mara. After voicing concerns of losing her way Mikihide offered her escort back to her homestead between the Sienna and Egeria. After much running around, the entrance was finally found. See what else happened in Events post 104!

As the winter solstice began in the early months of Letum and Ki rose to its height in the heavens, Kalchas Bonecaster son of Relg Bonecaster, consulted his mother once more for guidance. Grave visions rose before his blind eyes and he quickly sent a summons to the priestess Faelana Agarwaen and Ivarok Fel'Amrit with dire words upon his lips. See Events #103 for more details!

Early in the month of Belum, Caelas Willowbrook grew restless awaiting a mysterious woman. After unknowingly mumbling his concerns, Mikihide was quick to inquire. Almost as if answering their call, in walked a flour covered woman named Mara. After voicing concerns of losing her way Mikihide offered her escort back to her homestead between the Sienna and Egeria. After much running around, the entrance was finally found. See what else happened in Events post 104!

After a variety of animals were stolen from stables throughout the land, they began appearing on the highways of the Basin in a state of wild mutation. Eventually, dracnari elders came forward to reveal that some of their secrets had been stolen which was likely the cause of the mutations. Using ancient magic, the dracnari were eventually able to track down the thieves with the help of members from all cities and communes. It was discovered that the leader of this den of thieves was a young dracnari named Yirit Iborchi. He recruited some youths from prestigious families into an organization called the League of Free Thinking Youths (or LoFTY), who were intent on stealing the knowledge of the ancient dracnari. Reluctantly, the dracnari decided to formally train these misguided youths and send them back to their families. Thus, Beastmastery has entered the Basin of Life as a new skill which all can learn.

Early Tenebrae in the year 562 AD, a dangerous looking bounty hunter traversed the woods of Celidon in search of assistance. Lewellyn Azaharel and Therian Eledhwen responded to the call immediately, and listened to the man's tale of duty and agreed to help him as needed. The hunt for his bounty, Henia, led them into the Egeria Forest, where the confrontation quickly escalated. See what happened in Events post 102!

We celebrated our Fourth Year Anniversary celebrations throughout the week with many games and events!

Within the month of Bellum, 561 AD, horrible shrieks rose up from Kinsarmar's Silver Forge. Ghosts of long past haunting Rufus, the silversmith, rose from the graveyards and the hills surrounding the city. After a bit of trouble, and a lot of mad shrieking, Kinsarmar soon learned that Rufus' oldest child had returned home. With the help of a collection of Kinsarmarians, the ghost of the oldest son was brought to rest and found release. It remains to be seen if old Rufus will forgive himself for the death of his children, but he can sometimes be found muttering a mighty prayer and forging in the name of his lost family. See Events 101 for more details!

Another Great Hunt has been scheduled for this weekend, from Friday 5pm PST to Sunday 5pm PST! Win credits for hunting creatures and denizens throughout the realm. See the Announce board in-game for details.

Furthermore, a 2-week bonus on lessons has gone into effect! Every time you convert a credit to lessons for the next two weeks, you'll receive 7 lessons instead of 6.

A mysterious cult was discovered recently upon the Isle of Shala-Khulia, clear-cutting the lush jungle in efforts to raise a strange shrine. The defenders of Nature currently engage in fierce battle against the cult and its Mhaldorian protectors, but the purpose of the shrine has yet to be revealed.

On the Isle of Vesucia in Bondero Bay, a family of merians settled to start farming the rich soil there. Unfortunately, this awoke the scrumhogs, artificial creatures created by ancient magic which were thought to have died out during the Taint Wars. It took the combined efforts of Archmage Marinus aided by Rika Talnara to create a energy field that would repel the scrumhogs. Only time will tell how long this field may hold.

Late autumn in 560 AD brought little respite from the blazing suns as they beat down upon the desert city of Antioch. With the suns, another mysteriously powerful feeling began to creep upon Bina, a fixture of the desert as old as the city itself. Without warning, the maid was wracked with spasms of pain, which brought the blind woman to her knees. The cause of this unbearable pain? Find out from Events Post 100!

The peak of Mount Inbhir came to life suddenly, revealing its true form as a sleeping rock giant and laying waste to the dwarven village of Inbhir Ness until a cadre of adventurers journeyed north to assist the Inbhir dwarves' chief in bringing down the giant.

Congratulations to Therian, who placed first in the Great Hunt of 559 AD. Caius and Dagobert placed in a distant second and third respectively.

Following closely on the heels of a 30% bonus credit sale, all stat-altering artifacts are now 20% off for a short time!

A Great Hunt was held in which everyone in Lusternia was able to participate in. Credit prizes were awarded for everyone who killed or influenced the denizens, with greater prizes for the Top Ten. Congratulations to Ceren who was crowned the Top Hunter!

Sound the trumpets and loose the hounds: the Great Hunt is on! Across the Iron Realms, hunters are racking up kills for credit prizes, up to 500 credits for the greatest hunter within each realm. The Great Hunt lasts through the end of this Sunday in GMT (Sunday 5pm PST).

Two fae in Faethorn, Butter Sweetpease and her mate Perriwinkle, were blessed with a seedling, which would blossom into a young fae babe. Both the communes of Serenwilde and Glomdoring cared for the delicate plant during its gestation, which finally grew and blossomed into a new male fae, Dandelion Sweetpease. Much to the chagrin of his parents, Dandelion has the unfortunate habit of flying apart into many smaller versions of himself which need to be lured back with the promise of honeycakes!

In a world-wide game of Capture the Flag, Antioch came first and chose to take the Lunar Arch as it's prize! Coming in second, Celidon opted to retain its fountain, the Phoenix' Rebirth. In third was Stavenn, who chose the services of Foreman Rozri, which left Ithaqua, who came fourth, with the Healing Fountain as its prize.

In New Celest, newly arrived Jarana Farain, whose prominent merian family had ties back to the time of the Old Celetine Empire, led a group of adventurers to salvage treasure chests from ships sunk by the kelpies during the Taint Wars. Ignoring dire warnings against opening one particularly well-locked chest, the Celestines unleashed an invisible force that ultimately turned into a living tempest which destroyed their guildhall and moved out into the rest of the Basin of Life. Eventually, the tempest was trapped with the summoning of St. Tresalyne of the Stars, who had originally trapped this evil which was the remnant of the weapon of a Soulless God.

Warhorns announced the arrival of the orcish Horde once more in Aetherius. With what seemed to be a concerted attack by the mountain-skulking tribes of the Horde, the waterborne towne of Pabin'Aquinumi as well as the northern towne of Kadar were struck heavily. The citizenry of these establishments were almost completely annihilated and much structural damage was caused. Despite the looting and anguish this terrible attack wrought, the respective Governors of the townes wasted no time in tending to their homes. The question that remains from the decisive strike is this: why have the Horde gotten more organized as of late, to perform such an intelligent raid? When the defenders arrived to dispatch the brutish leaders, they were met with strange portents and worrisome signs that a new, vile warlord had once more gathered the tribes for battle.

The rarely sighted roaming band of merchants known as the Itinerant Bazaar appeared once more in Achaea today, peddling exotic wares from wooden spirit boards to bull mounts to succulent caviar. Having satisfied their eager customers, the merchants vanished as mysteriously as they came.

Once again, drama unfolded around the Tree of Trees as discordant notes in the Song of Creation surrounded this Great Nature Spirit. The combined effort of the commune bard guilds, the Spiritsingers and the Harbingers, were finally able to break the discordant beat, though it cost them their artifacts, the Ebony Mandolin of Mahalla and the Argentine Lyre.

The grand auction has ended! Check AUCTIONS in-game to see the list of winning bidders.

In the Skarch Desert, both the dracnari nomad camp and the lucidian mesa facility were secretly competing to break through a mysterious psionic shield in the nearby mountain range. Little did they know that the shield was being maintained by an illithoid cenobite master. When the shield finally fell, it was discovered that it protected the Scorpion Caverns, home to a secretive cult who followed the mysterious Great Nature Spirit known as Grandmother Scorpion.

A spectacular auction has kicked off, with rare and special items up for bid ranging from a vial of never-ending health elixir to a new shop in Delos to a cloak that grants the metamorphosis tracking ability! Enter our realms and peruse the auction items using the AUCTIONS command. All auctions end Saturday, August 9th.

Our July 30% credit bonus sale has been extended until the end of August! If you were unable to take advantage of the sale in July, you're in luck.

Furthermore, a grand auction the likes of which have not been seen in Achaea for many years has been announced: rare artefacts such as a never-ending vial of health elixir, a theft-proof safebox, and much more will be up for auction starting on Saturday, August 2 at midnight GMT/5pm PST and ending a week later on Saturday, August 7 at the same time.

The Great Nature Spirit known as the Tree of Trees became ill, and the nature communes of Serenwilde and Glomdoring put aside their differences to work together and heal the mighty spirit. In the process, they had to sacrifice the two mighty artifacts, the Ancient Cudgel of Glinshari and the Black Cudgel of Mighty Crow, respectively the champion artifacts of the Hartstone and Blacktalon guilds. Eventually, the tree was healed and new champion artifacts were forged by the Tree of Trees herself.

A trickster in Antioch! Lohat has been squared away and told to repent for his misdeeds, but can the old entertainer reform or will he go back to his beloved juggling balls? See Events post 97 for more details!

The date for the long-awaited City vs City Capture the Flag has been announced! Join your city in a fast-paced, exhilarating 2-hour battle for glory and victory: August 2nd, noon PST/3pm EST/7pm GMT.

A howl came forth from the Ithaquan Pines this Ferinus, 555 AD, as Danir Brynja, son of Sigurd, returned home from a mission given to him decades before. Under the belief that he had accomplished this mission through his unwavering devotion, Danir had proclaimed that it was his right to take his father's place within the Idras as he was promised. Read further in Events Post 96!

As the heat of the City of the Sands rose in quivering waves across the Lamiran Garden this Solis, a small group formed to see Toby Pyralis quake in fear. A follower of the Insane God, Toby had been marked by Him, and would not be accepted by the citizenry while bearing this mark. Pleas were made to the Just God, and the Peaceful Lady, to remove this obscene mark. As Khizan and Draven held him still, the Just God tore through his flesh, removing the mark, and Kira purged him of the Insane One's poisons. As Toby faltered, Lady Shallah, with the help of Her followers, assisted in healing Toby and recreating his tattoo into something more suitable as he continued in Her service.

The Elder God Charune, the Horned One, returned to Lusternia after a long absence. He immediately entrapped his mate, the Elder Goddess Lisaera, and created strange sea creatures known as quinotaurs. It became apparent that he was entranced by powerful magics. Lisaera was eventually freed by mortals led by the Elder Goddess Maylea, and Lisaera was then able to break the enchantment that gripped Charune. His memories were in disrepair and he could not remember what mysterious force created this enchantment that snared him. he only recalled the powerful fragrance of spices and musk. Later, Charune was able to contain and somewhat tame the wild quinotaur.

Lusternian adventurers received double experience for the weekend of July 5, 2008!

A 30% credit bonus sale has begun! See Announce news post #2810 in-game for details.

This weekend, from midnight Friday GMT until midnight Sunday GMT, experience gain from bashing and quests will be DOUBLED in all the Iron Realms! That's 5pm PST/8pm EST on Friday through 5pm PST/8pm EST on Sunday.

The Lusternia Family System has recently received a series of updates, including the implementation of Lesser Houses and Great Houses. Since families have grown through the years, the Lesser/Banner and Great House system gives larger families more political weight within their respective cities (or nature communes). This great roleplaying factor has just gotten a lot more interesting!

In the usually tranquil Tolborolla Valley, giant insects plagued the peaceful furrikin and tae'dae there. The root of the problem was traced to Bavarro Flatfur, the tae'dae caretaker of the caves, who let the mosquitoes breed uncontrolled because of his increasingly bizarre superstitious behavior. Adventurers were quick to dispatch the mosquitoes and help Bavarro overcome his phobias.

Trapped in the dreams of the Wyrden Forest for many decades, the Elder Goddess Isune finally was able to break free from her trancelike slumber, with the help of mortals. This also brought the Elder Goddess Viravain back from her deep meditations. As both goddesses had initially created the Wyrd of Glomdoring, they were still both linked to its manifest power. Isune eventually split her spirit into many parts, and it was up to mortals to choose how she would be reformed, either finally to be freed of the Wyrd or to embrace it wholly. In the end, Isune was freed of the Wyrd, and both She and Viravain walk the land once more.

The magazine Total PCGaming recently named Achaea the #1 MUD worldwide! From Total PCGaming: "Achaea prides itself on being one of the most popular text-based MMOs in the last decade, offering its gamers a deep role-playing experience."

The final batch of Classlead changes have been released today, encompassing all of the skills from Telepathy to Weaponry.

In the early hours of the sixth of Letum, 553 AD, a chill wind blew in En'Aruna and the murmurings of rebellion became the cries of agony as citizens were cut down by the cultists of the Red Maiden. For more information, see Events post 94!

After years of careful excavation, Duris the archaeologist has finally announced the grand opening of the Chapel of All Gods, restored to its former glory!

A strange bard wandered into the Basin, and in her wake a strange breed of wildflowers sprouted up among the mountain paths. She seemed oblivious to the fact that these wildflowers began interfering with the routes of travellers and eventually the strange bard agreed to help remove these plants. It was later revealed that the bard was a goddess in disguise, having recently returned to Lusternia. Her name is Maylea, Bloom of Serenity, and she has since settled in the Serenwilde Forest.

House i'Xiia delved deep into their ancestral history and uncovered the i'Xiia Asylum, sealed away during the Taint Wars. This horrific site survived as an endless cycle of pain as the undead patients are forever tortured by their sadistic undead wardens. However, this did not deter the i'Xiia viscanti family from attempting to exploit the research their ancestors started there, though they are opposed by a strange elemental force that also resides in the corridors of the asylum.

An amnestic aslaran was found wandering with the undervault, apparently never having seen the world above. It was later discovered that deeply hidden underground was an entire community of underground aslarans worshipping mysterious gods, calling their cavernous abode the Kryden Valik.

A jubilant cry from the Aalen forest brought adventurers to the homeland of the Tsol'aa race. There, they discovered not only that the forest was healing from the lava-born fires that recently swept across Sapience, but a number of previously secluded portions of the small kingdom had been revealed.

Many of Lusternia's 20 unique races have been tweaked and rebalanced with new abilities and statistics. Dwarves now officially possess alcohol tolerance, which includes the gift of reducing damage the more inebriated they are! Other new abilities include advantages in influencing, ranging from the sinister illithoid's prowess in intimidation to the seductive charisma of the artistic trill. All Lusternians have been granted a free reincarnation.

Sailors upon ships may now deep-sea fish off their decks, reeling in enormous catches the size of which have never been seen on land.

The Well of Souls was drying out and it was uncovered that there was a hidden place known as the Caoimhe Dell, which held a community of elfen were caretakers of the source of the waters of the well. This dell was also a crossroads into an ethereal pocket known as the Wydyr Glade.

The puzzle of the terrible power that drove the river spirit Zaphar to madness was traced to its source: a mysterious nightmare spirit named Nomku whose influences in recent times have run far and deep, causing havoc everywhere dreams may touch. The investigations of a cadre of brave and imaginative Achaeans followed the mystery of Nomku, ultimately taking them to the Dreamrealm itself to discover the true nature of Nomku's power and to help overcome the nightmare spirit once and for all.

As a benevolent gesture to a town known for its industriousness, the god Phaestus sent the mechanical automatons from his temple to assist in the reconstruction of Delos, making swift work of the repairs.

Driven mad by some strange and malignant power, Zaphar, the Old Man of the River, sent a flood crashing down upon the town of Delos, reducing it to ruins.

Fleeing from an imminent marriage and meddling mother, Pierre Merau left his native Delport to set up business as a fur trader in the Razine Mountains. He is quite happy now, as adventurers frequently visit him in his hut, trading furs and stories.

A relic held by the Wardens of the Cerulean Spire, the broken Sword of the Mountain King, was made whole by a wandering Dwarven forger named Norfan Bladeshaper. As the reforging was completed, Norfan revealed himself to be Phaestus, the Smith Lord, an Elder God who had long concealed himself from mortal eyes in the shape of Norfan.

A whirling maelstrom of snow blanketed much of central Sapience in snow. Kolyartus the Blizzard, a powerful ice demon from the far north, was discovered to be the cause of the sudden climate change, having somehow broken free of his prison. His ice-demon minions wreaked havoc, rampaging through the snowfall and slaying countless Achaeans in their path. Finally, a special spear wielded by Agrias of the Sentinels of Nature brought down Kolyartus, ending the blizzards.

The Mayan-crowns-incentive credit sale has been extended through the end of the week, Sunday May 4 GMT!

The Tournament of the Ages is over! Ashel was victorious as Champion of the overall Tournament, as well as Body and Soul. Brydian took Mind, Indica took Spirit, and Ysaviel barely scraped out a win in the Arts.

Congratulations to Lhydium and Falgorn, tied for first place in the recent Delosian Game Quiz. Kail won 2nd, and Delphinus 3rd. The theme for this Quiz was "Achaean Word Puzzles".

In celebration of April, Adventurer Appreciation Month, we have begun a 10% bonus on all experience gained throughout the rest of the month! The first half of the month granted a 10% bonus on all gold drops.

The Nekotai Guild officially opened to the public in the Commune of Glomdoring! It is the fourth monk guild in Lusternia, which specializes in the nekai claw, a handheld weapon with three long blades. Mastering the scorpion style of combat, these monks are stealthy and rely on fast attacks and poisons.

As was prophesized, archangels trapped in the body of the Soulless God Muud were discovered, and Holy Supernal Raziela the Loving Radiance sacrificed herself to Muud in order to free them. Taking advantage of her being bound by Muud, Faethorn bound Raziela so she would never be able to convert fae to cherubs, and the Demon Lords of Nil directed their followers to brand Raziela with their dark marks. Eventually, Raziela was freed from Muud and laid upon an ancient artifact from the Elder Wars. The artifact sent a call into the vast reaches of the Void to contact Eventru, Crown of the Exalted. The lost Elder God found his way back to Lusternia and healed Raziela.

Prophesies cropped up throughout the Basin of Life, arising from the Star of Celest, the Necromentate of Magnagora, the Ancestral Spirits of the Serenwilde, and by Mother Night in Glomdoring.

April is Adventurer Appreciation Month! For the first half of the month, we are raising gold drops by 10%. For the latter half, we are increasing experience gain by 10%. Enjoy!

Furthermore, we are offering special incentive gifts for purchasing credits during this month, ranging from personalised stationery kits to Sceptres of Aqueous Mastery to dragonskin packs. Read Announce news post #2754 in-game for details!

Happy Anniversary Imperian! That's right, today we reached the great milestone of five years since opening. To celebrate, we're holding three weeks of special games, events and competitions, with the chance to win some incredible unique artifacts, hand crafted by the Divine themselves. Further details available in the link above!

Concerned by the recent resurgence of chaos in Achaea, the long-absent goddess Lorielan has returned.

Achaea bids farewell to Eris, Goddess of Chaos, whose long-laid schemes have at last come to fruition: her experiments in time travel combined with the chaotic essence she drained from Babel, former god of chaos, have led to her departure from this realm completely towards an unknown destiny.

However, no end is without a new beginning. With the destruction of the Living Spire, a reborn presence unveiled itself to Achaea: Babel, God of Oblivion has risen!

Weeky Peedia, the furrikin savant of the World Library, had summoned his niece, Nia Peedia, to help him take care of the World Library. However, Nia was determined not to settle down but instead experience life first hand through travelling. Eventually, however, she was convinced to settle down and help her poor uncle mind the dusty stacks--only to discover an infestation of bookwurms!

A strange seal found in the lair of the tentacled monstrosity was destroyed this day, releasing the ancient chaos god Babel. At that very moment, the Goddess of Chaos Eris revealed herself, absconding with Babel and draining him dry of his essence in fulfillment of her long-laid plot. Triumphant, the Goddess vanished from sight, leaving the followers of Babel in shock and despair.

Equipped at last with the Eye of Golgotha, a mighty foci of Chaotic power, several members of the House of Occultists worked in concert to channel a great storm of rainbow-coloured light above the Living Spire in the midst of the Savannah, visible across the continent early in the month of Mayan.

A kinswoman in New Celest reported that Lileira Teldale, her cousin and a prominent researcher, was missing. Apparently having disappeared while researching life within the Sea of Despair, Lileira Teldale was discovered on the banks of the Shallach River, taking care of her sick husband, Kreer Teldale.

In an attempt to better himself, Lohat, Antioch's juggler extraordinaire, ran off to Kinsarmar to learn how to juggle! Once there, he had the help of Kalara and Verexa who offered him several tips and protection while in the city of the North. Once he had mastered a few simple juggling acts, Lohat returned to Antioch to show off his new skills. He was mostly met with surprise and happiness at first, however, that quickly turned to dismay as the origins of his teachings were discovered. Zerin and Ren, after a long talk about his loyalties, cleansed him for his interactions with the mortals, and marked him as a reminder to all Antiochians and himself of his misjudgment.

Terrible fires plagued Glomdoring and eventually erupted on the Manifestation of Mother Night. It turned out these were unwanted overtures of Father Sun and his minions, the sun fae. Eventually, the fires were put out though Mother Night was left badly hurt. She called out in pain, and her cries were heard by her creator, the Elder God known as Nocht the Silent, who entered the realms and settled within Glomdoring.

Appearing in the wake of a tentacled monstrosity's savage attack on the village of Tomacula, the Aldar Han-Silnar, long ago banished to the Crystal Plane for his part in the Great Betrayal, was confronted by his brother Han-Tolneth. Quickly reaching an impasse, the two men were heard exchanging cruel insults when suddenly a forest of crystals enveloped Han-Silnar, whisking him away to an unknown destination.

When the kephera of the Undervault began searching for a cure, it was discovered that they were treating a race that had kept hidden with the Undervault. This race was called the hyfae and were cousins to the fae. Their ailment turned out to be a much more serious affair, coming from an ancient evil buried deep within the Undervault. However, through the diligence of the people of the Basin of Life, the ailment was beaten back . . . for now.

The classlead changes for Malignosis, Naturalism and Necromancy have been released!

With a roar of triumph, Ashaxei, the legendary white dragon, proclaimed a new age for the Greater Dragons of Achaea as the skill of Dragoncraft was unveiled.

The next chapter in the Elder Wars History has been released! Be sure to read the Book of Clangorum.

The Ansheri of Ithaqua were met by Jaelyari this Letum! Jaelyari, a young Sister of the tribe, had been taught the tales of the Kel'ulani by an older Sister, Anlyana, and was welcomed by the Tribal Mother, Ona, and the rest of the Tribe to remain with them in their gathering hall!

Nejii Talnara rises as the first Vernal Ascendant!

On the 13th day of Artificium, in the year 544 AD, a young orphan girl by the name of Lona wandered into Khandava seeking out someone to lead her back to her home in Vazeniya Village. She talked to many people, but it was Rav who found her home within the trees atop Khandava Forest with Brydian not far behind. There, Lona told them that Vazeniya had stayed a secret since the days when Lyria called the forestals to aide in fighting the Horde. More of her secrets revealed a small farming valley called Pinatan nestled into the Areish, which provides the food and supplies that Vazeniya is unable to sustain within the treetops. Mefis, the rope puller of Vazeniya was quick to accuse Brydian of stealing his boot, to which the claim was denied leaving Mefis wary of these new strangers.

The calendar turns to Year 200! Games and celebrations are held throughout the year with prizes!

Atlantia and the members of the Ivory Mark announced the opening of the Ivory Tower deep within the Sangre Plains. The opening ceremony, alas, was marred with blood by a surprise onslaught from the Quisalis, leaving a crimson stain on the occasion.

A bloated corpse and other strange debris washed up near Tasur'ke today, leading captain Haldor of the Luminescent Moon to patrol the waters beyond Sapience's northeastern shore. The voyage led him to the discovery of Colchis and the Port of Umbrin, two islands embroiled in an ancient war.

As the Nine Seals weakened, the Sealbearers and their followers battled the Kethuru's insanity and each other in the Challenge for Ascendance. Though Visaeris of Magnagora and Kaervas of Glomdoring put up a good struggle, it was Sojiro of the Serenwilde with support from New Celest who finally managed to claim the Staff of Ascension. It was he who rose up to be the True Ascendant now known as Shuyin. During the struggle, Kethuru was able to breach the Domoth Realms, which opened it up for Ascendants and Demigods to take control of different realms.

In an attempt to quench the fires of zealotry, seekers of Chaos summoned Lord Taug to destroy the burning pyre at the Chrysalis Basilica in Shallam, where karmic texts and related items have been discarded of late. Their efforts led to a momentary victory, though the pyre was relit days later by a Divine ray from the Sun.

Heralded by a most unexpected announcement, renowned architect Lukia DeGage revealed to the peoples of Sapience the details of her latest project: the building of a bridge to span both sides of the Great Southern Road as it crosses the churning waters of the Pachacacha River.

In the Challenge of Harmony, Lusternians fanned out across all of the First World and event into aetherspace to influence denizens, thereby strengthening the aura of harmony about them. In this race, Galaphyrae was a clear first, strengthening her aura enough to claim the Seal of Harmony. Following her were Nydekion in second place, Catarin in third place, Xiel in fourth place, and Geb in fifth place.

Newly opened for exploration by Sapience's youngest members, Mount Gheladan, the lair and home of the copper dragon Lasuna, was unveiled in the wee hours of the night on the 22nd of Phaestian, 472AF.

Blood ran in rivers as players competed for the Challenge of Death. Eventually, Hissatsu Sojiro of the Serenwilde hunted the most creatures, enabling him to claim the Seal of Death. Second place went to Nydekion, third place to Geb, fourth place to Daevos, and fifth place to Rika.

Dwyn has announced a new Imperian-wide contest, to draw the Divine of your choosing! With credits and favours for the winners, it will be interesting to see how people perceive the Gods! More details can be seen on Announce post #1084.

As the Seal of Life weakened, furrikin from around the Basin of Life began to fall sick with a variety of diseases. Avechna called Lusternians before Him and urged them to help heal the furrikin, and in doing so, strengthen the Seal of Life. In the end, Xenthos of Glomdoring, by healing the most furrikin, became the Bearer of the Seal of Life. Following him in second place was Vathael, and in third place are Malicia and Ciban. Fourth place went to Tervic, and fifth place to Rika.

Once asked by Vogt Ren Fel'Amrit, the warchieftans of Agirni called a counsel and spoke of their ancient traditions and customs; the Vogt had asked them to consider allowing women to join the Hold, although they held a long time hatred for the guile of women for the curse brought upon them in ages past. The leaders finally conceded, however, they demanded that the women had to prove themselves able to care for the towne, through duty, sacrifice, and ritual. Elphie d'Treune-Cridhe, leader of the Ansheri, presented herself as a worthwhile woman, and became the first woman to join Agirni.

Early in 542 AD Stavennites were called to the Nagiri Caverns by Naugon the necromancer who had a plan to unleash a massive demon upon Aetherius. After much planning and debating Stavenn agreed to help Naugon summon the demon, only to be quickly deterred by Antioch. After two days of preparation they completed the ritual and massive demon was let loose upon Antioch before being killed by the cities ever vigilant defenders

On a missive from Maklak, the infamous ice wizard, Zydain, Shimra, Lodur, Laytron, and Chani trekked across the relentless, frosty plains of Sapience's northern tundra, making all haste. Working together, these five members of the illustrious Crown Merchants House soon uncovered the frost-bound, xenophobic settlement of Hriddan, nestled within the shadow of Isaia's western mountain range.

In the Challenge of Beauty, Zia Talnara was marked with the Seal of Beauty for her design, 'a memory book of the Spirits'. Moriana, Kielo, Aramel, and Arin are the runners up, with designs ranging a number of trades. The winning entries can be viewed at the Cave of Beauty.

In the Challenge of Knowledge, Forren Shervalian emerged victorious by one point to become the new Bearer of the Seal of Knowledge, triumphing over his brother Myndaen, as well as Astraea, Seretenin, and Galaphyrae, who served as runners up.

The winners of the Bardic and Artisanal family contests have been posted on the website.

Today an old friend visited Aepia, the Frostbringer's librarian, seeking to find a new place to call home. After meeting with the Heart of the Ironwood, and several Frostbringers, Tessurka Liss'tik found himself in an agreement to teach the Frostbringers a bit about Bonecasting. As a means to start making good on this promise, he provided them with a gift of oracle bones. Hopefully together, the Frostbringers and Tessurka will be able to find whatever they are looking for from the spirits.

The strange band of travelling merchants known as the Itinerant Bazaar appeared in Sapience today, peddling foreign and exotic wares ranging from dartboards to crocodile-skin quivers to enormous mount-trained vultures. After doing brisk business, the wandering bazaar vanished as mysteriously as it had arrived.

In the Challenge of Nature, Kaervas claimed the Seal of Nature for the second time in a row! Second place went to Myndaen, Third to Rika, Fourth to Galaphyrae, and Fifth to Xiel.

In the Challenge of Justice, Thoros rose up as the winner in the series of debates to claim the Seal of Justice! Closely behind him was Zia who placed second, and Forren and Sojiro who tied for third.

Nestled deep within the craggy peaks of the Northern Vashnar mountains, the decrepit, fouled edifice of Creville Asylum was discovered by proponents of Light. With the aid of only an injured nurse recently escaped from its maddening confines, Kruellagh, Ellodin, Beatrice, and others successfully uncovered Kortoxian's greatest secret in a race against the Mhaldorian task force determined to stop them.

For the War Challenge, the final winning team in the wargames was Thoros, Visaeris, Revan. It was ultimately Visaeris Mae'loch who claimed the Seal of War!

Locked in a hidden shrine deep within Xhaiden Dale, a mysterious athame dagger sought by the Church as well as the Occultists was recovered to the Chrysalis Basilica.

Construction continues in the Sangre Plains on a tower for the Ivory Mark, thanks to a generous donation from the king of Arcadia and the assistance of Champion dragons Griffel and Sobriquet.

Major changes for Elemancy, Fayth, Groves, and other skills have all been released in Imperian. Stop in and check out the latest announce posts for a full list of all of the changes.

Dranor has written a verbose report on the plans for Imperian's development for the next year. The report can be found on the forums.

Throughout the exciting Chaos Challenge, it was finally Ashteru d'Illici who finally claimed the Seal of Chaos!

After many lonely years, a kohdon named Astanjii went in search of someone to bring back to her garden on the 19th day of Fas, in the year 540 AD. She found Kianna, someone who was also very into nature. Gurn helped Kianna to find her way to the garden of Uilaeri, a place well hidden until now. Together they all sat, drank tea and talked of many things, including bees and their purpose in nature. Astanjii introduced them to nailpaint, a paint that can be applied to someone's claws, talons or fingernails.

The Soulless God known as Great Muud almost broke free, causing a sickness to infect mortals and gods alike. Though he was defeated by the mortal populace, the Nine Seals imprisoning the Soulless Gods were weakened. Thus, an Ascension Event has begun, wherein one mortal shall rise to be a True Ascendant!

Dark prophesies and troubling dreams heralded the return of the Dread Lord of Contagion. He diabolically orchestrated a plot that saw the re-opening of the site of an ancient laboratory in the Muhanlesh Caverns, which is within the Southern Mountains. The experiments led to the release of an aetherspace creature, which allowed the Dread Lord to steal the creature's organ once it was slain.

On the 23rd day of Aequitas, 538 AD a lone seashell collector named Maerehon found her way to Celidon. She wandered around finding Logie and Blakven, asking them for help on a dangerous task. They quickly agreed and set about this task. Maerehon told them to go to the center of Lake Tageen and then swim down, they did so and discovered the sunken remains of what was an island. They successfully completed Maerehon's task, bringing justice to the slaughtered.

In what will be the beginning of a series of games and events held for everyone, we kicked it off with a couple of gemhunts. Winners of the first one were Alesud, Risca, and Nuvantes. The second one was again Alesud in first, with Jeigan, and Gurn in second and third. These people won credits for their efforts, and Timas, Master of Games hopes to see far more of you participate in upcoming events that will hopefully tempt everyone at some level.

A ritual began in the morning of the 13th of Tenebrae. A group of Khandavans and Kinsarmarians alike gathered in the Khandava forest with one goal in mind, the resurrection of a golem, one of The Four of Eleuni. The ritual progressed with Deanna, Rayalan, Jaxt and Jalanon all participating and with Dregaur attempting to interrupt it but being quickly disposed of. At the completion of the ritual the Golem arose and was once more returned to the realms. What is to occur next in the constantly unfolding story of the University in the mountains?

On the 9th day of Solis, in the year 538 AD, a crippled elf by the name of Zarenvin wandered fearfully into Khandava. He beseeched those just outside the tavern to help find his friend who had become lost within the mists of Al'drym Woods which lay around the end of Brekknit Pass. His suspicions of being followed were soon confirmed as a giant demonic moose commenced its attack. Verexa, Deanna, Ktiss, Brydian and Ysaviel quickly brought the beast down and preceded to the Woods where they quickly became lost within the mists.

Jolly Bundy and the Solstice Gnomes returned this year, giving many gifts to those who found them. Also, Ironbeard the Magnanimous was frequently encountered joining in the gift giving extravaganza!

Calling all artists and writers! Imperian is holding a month long contest, offering credit prizes and new bloodlines for superb works of art. Read announce news #1060 in Imperian for more information.

Imperian unwrapped a new system for purchasing artifact gifts for your friends and loved ones. Read more about the new system in this Help File

The Ninjakari Guild officially opened in the City of Magnagora! This is the third guild based on the monk archetype, with a special martial arts specialization based on the whip-chain weapon. Also, the Ninjakari Guild is the first guild to receive the skill choice of Stealth, enabling a monk to sneak onto rooftops, assume identities of others, and other skills useful to spymasters.

Ashtan has won the latest game of City-vs-City Capture the Flag, assuring their ownership of the Effigy of Victory until the next CTF! Congratulations to Ashtan!

Ashtan has won the latest game of City-vs-City Capture the Flag, assuring their ownership of the Effigy of Victory until the next CTF! Congratulations to Ashtan!

Deep within the choppy ocean waters off Sapience's southwestern coast, the island of Tuar was discovered by Logistics, Ashlog, and several other members of the Sentinels of Nature, as well as Moragaine and Genwin. Their journey was precipitated by clues revealed in Vixen, the Sentinel House tutor's most recent dreams.

In keeping with the holiday season, Logosmas decorations and goodies are available at the newly relocated Festivities Annex in New Thera.

A tavern at the Port of Tasur'ke has just opened, serving a variety of seafood dishes and drinks for sailors and landlubbers alike!

For nearly an Achaean year, strange dreams haunted the sleep of Achaeans, sometimes crossing the threshold between dream and reality and manifesting in life. The phenomena intensified until early in the year of 466 AF, adventurers began dreaming of a child cradled in the boughs of a tree. They realised that this was surely a representation of the child-god Pandemonium, son of the union of the god of War and Chaos, long asleep within the nurturing branches of the Eileithyian Tree. Surmising that it was his dreaming causing the chaotic ripples in the Dreamworld, mortals were able to bring him out of his deep sleep, and he awakened finally as Pandemonium, God of Strife!

An open call for new Celani has been posted! Find out if you have what it takes to become a God.

A 25% holiday bonus sale on credits has begun today, lasting until end of the day GMT on January 1st, 2008! Purchase 100 credits and receive a 25-credit bonus; purchase 1000 credits and receive a 250-credit bonus; and so on!

The wife of a sick prospector was seen purchasing medicine from Orjojo in Balach Swamp. Several people subsequently went to visit the couple on the Estengare River in order to help them out.

Following the release of four mysterious elementals from the House of the Crystalline Circle in Shallam, unstable catastrophic occurrences swept the realm, ended finally by the the exiled forest spirit Propasia's rebirth as the goddess Artemis, the Wrath of Nature!.

After a long and bloody four years, the war between the city-states of Ashtan and Shallam has come to a conclusion with Shallam conceding defeat to Ashtan's greater military might!

On the 24th day of Aequitas, Celidon rejoiced with Shaman Cymirnai for the cleansing of L'lyra had finally prevailed! However, the celebrations could not last long, as Cymirnai had been told of a blight that had taken hold of the earth. Two Celidonians, Skye and Blanvo, offered to show her the way to the Blighted Hollow, but could not offer much more guidance due to an attack from Stavennite forces. The Shaman is now surveying the grasslands outside the hollow, seeing if she can save the earth there with her rituals.

The young Achaean named Caramia came upon a fisherman who had been swept out to sea. The tale he told led the seafarers Inuad, Asara, and Schisstae, in the ship Aristeia, to venture far to the northwest of Sapience. There they discovered, off the coast near Saoghal, the island named Eirenwaar!

The world of Achaea swam in turmoil today as a plague of undead descended upon the realms, a result of the machinations of the Magisterion, three powerful liches of death magic. With the help of the spirit of Pryla'ka, a Tsol'dasi Priestess of Life unseen since her death in the Death's Heart Saga over two centuries before, Achaeans were able to thwart the Magisterion and return the balance of life and death to the world once more.

The time of Mayaween has arrived to the realm, and the ghostly house of horrors known as the Griesly family manor has once again made its appearance northeast of New Thera. Mayaween decorations, candies, and costumes are also freshly stocked in Delos, so get your hands on them while you still can!

Not having been heard by mortals for a decade, the Elder God Fain was eventually discovered trapped within the Undervault. With the help of the Elder God Morgfyre, he was finally freed and once again situates himself within the City of Magnagora.

The Great Elemental Lords of Water and Earth began to behave erratically, causing much concern among the Aquamancers and Geomancers. It was finally discovered that some of them were possessed by ancient dreamweavers, trapped in the dream realm and driven insane by the nightmare thoughts of Kethuru.

Aetherspace gnomes made a visit to the Basin of Life, offering a new game called "Bombard!". Sheia Silverwing won a contest with this new game, and the prize was a free Bombard! board for her aethership. Bombard! boards are now sold at Trader Bob's aethermanse shop.

Ayridion the White Flame sacrificed himself to stop a plague that was spreading to the Nine Seals and afflicted Avechna Avenger. Though he lost divinity, Ayridion's soul survived as Ilyarin, the first of the Ascendants.

A series of islands called the Ilyrean Isles have been discovered in the Borean Ocean off the far northern coast of Sapience! The isles' namesake, Ilyrean Isle, is an island of desolate tundra within which are caves inhabited by a white-furred giant race called the Sakuwats. The first Achaean to discover this island was Loscann Ze'Dekiah, captain of the ship named Luminescent Moon. Only one other of the isles appears to be inhabited -- Suliel Island, discovered by Inuad Stormsong Cholla'Yi, in the ship named, appropriately, the Icedancer.

Early in the month of Naturalis in the year 533 AD, the curious Ageranu stumbled upon a travel worn scholar by the name of Anarlyn standing before a dark cave. The scholar beseeched Ageranu to journey within and retrieve a lost scroll for his research and thus Ageranu, his wife Miichelle and several others attempted to penetrate the caves farthest depths but alas as of yet none have been able to complete Anarlyn's task and the scroll still evades the grasp of all.

The Spiritsinger Bards guild were put to the test in the Serenwilde Forest as their ancestral spirits were agitated by the Alabaster Road which split the forest in two. The bards were able to calm the spirits and work with them transform the forest itself to reconnect the northern and southern ends of the forest.

After learning the contents of an ancient scrap of parchment discovered by the archaeologist Duris, Priyer, Ryzan, and Infinious followed the note's hints to similar documents, all hinting towards a mysterious prison to the north. Requesting passage on a ship owned and captained by Daeki, and later joined by Aviolana, the adventurers traversed brutal waters and searched long and hard before finally discovering the accursed ruins of Tenwat Prison.

On the 1st day of Letum, in the year 533 AD, Ilamyar the Master Ritualist of Aetherius announced the grand opening of Sae'rynal University. Nestled into the beautiful Sienna Forest, this university offers the teachings of how to do rituals as well as giving advice on successful completion of those rituals. Ilamyar is currently accepting letters of any ritual teachings that he might have forgotten in his senility.

Following a concerted effort amongst three of the major city-states of Achaea -- Ashtan, Eleusis, and Shallam -- and their allies in a devastating retributive strike against the city of Mhaldor, all three of the Icons of the Houses of Mhaldor have fallen, crumbled into dust.

The Classlead changes for Crystalism, Curses, and Devotion have been released today. Read Announce news #1044 in Imperian for details.

Fifteen years after the assassination of Lord Makarta, Atlantia, former princess of Arcadia, has undertaken his position of gathering members for the Ivory Mark!

Lusternia celebrates its three year anniversary! Many contests and games were held throughout the day.

On the 15th of Artificium, a strange little ball rolled into the Crossroads of Kinsarmar, speaking of a shop hidden near the great gates. And just like that, the hunt was on. After some thorough searching, Jeigan and Ixielle first stumbled upon Kyrist standing outside his magic shop, and moments later half of Kinsarmar had joined them in overlooking the new wares.

After a rash of mysterious disappearances of archangels, it was found the culprit was Shellma Natharian, a figure from the ancient histories. She raised spires of light that were draining the nexuses of Magnagora and the communes. It was then uncovered that the Dread Lord of Contagion was behind her resurrection and actions. However, the people of the Basin came together to take down the spires of light. In the end Shellma Natharian and the Dread Lord had a falling out and Shellma stole the Crown of Stars from him. With it she was able to take control of the Pool of Stars in an attempt to raise herself to divinity by draining its power. Ultimately, she was defeated though at great cost.

Lord Makarta, figurehead for the Ivory Mark, was brutally murdered while attending a wedding in Delos this month. Adventurers linked the assassination to the Quisalis Mark, soon discovering a network of caves beneath New Thera, where the organisation has begun extensive construction.

VELDRIN has won the Year 450 XP Competition, and DELPHINUS has won the Year 450 Quiz! Congratulations to both!

Hermann Schmidt of Bagwar's Copse announced a Year 450 Drinking Contest in his tavern today! The last one standing (literally) was the satyr named Latus, who won for his inebriatory prowess a neverending flagon of darkbrew!

Congratulations to Blujixapug and Delphinus, the winning riddlesolvers in the Year 450 Master Riddles!

The Year 450 Land Auction has concluded, with seven plots of land sold for a total of 83.5 million gold sovereigns!

A new type of ship called a Windcutter is now available for commission at the harbour on the Eastern Shore, a smaller, less expensive vessel than the previously available Thalassian seastrider.

The 5th Annual Delosian Game has concluded, and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners are Istiria, Zeyfer, and Tievel! Congratulations to all.

Reviving age-old conflict in the recent crusade against Chaos, the cities of Shallam and Ashtan are officially at war.

Cities and communes each gained a ledger today to record all clans and manses (including aetherships) deeded to that nation! In other city and commune news, guards were made immune to critical-hits, making them a more formidable foe for enemies. More guard changes to be unveiled soon!

Throughout the months after its opening, the elementals from Eleuni, known as The Four, visited various people throughout the realms. After a post from Antioch they were visited by one of The Four and terms were agreed upon to keep violence from the University. A peaceful place for knowledge the University has began gaining many tomes on many different subjects and its knowledge grows more by the day. Some do not trust the priests, but they seek knowledge just the same and leave them to their studies. Is there something sinister behind the scenes? Or is the University simply that, a university? Only time will tell.

The first ships capable of being sailed by adventurers have arrived in Achaea at long last! Thus far, the crews of ships have discovered four new islands in the vicinity of the continent of Sapience - Zanzibaar, Clockwork Isle, Tapoa, and Zaphar Isle. Captain a ship and sail around the world!

On the 18th of Aequitas, a messenger traveled to Antioch with news from Mathardan. Upon reaching the great city, he found Welam and recited Mathardan's message. After speaking with both Bina and Mathardan, Welam stumbled upon the remains of Kasieta's Laboratory, and assisted Barialm and Maleminar Din in binding the great elementals once more.

Throughout Aequitas, four elementals travelled Aetherius seeking those of power within Khandava, Celidon, Stavenn and Kinsarmar, leaving riddles for their cities and councils, leading them to an unknown place. Victor was the first to solve Stavenn's riddle and traveled Feinhorn Peak, seeking something out of the ordinary. He found it, and upon discovering its secret, was taken to Eleuni - a university in an unknown location filled with priests who only wish to share their knowledge.

All collegiums are now officially open! New players will now enter the collegiums of Lusternia upon joining a city or commune. Each collegium has a set of unique quests designed to teach new players the mechanics of Lusternia and the history of their city and commune.

The Classlead changes for Chivalry and Brutality have been released today. Read Announce post #1041 for information about the three brand new abilities, damage increases, new functionality for falcons, kestrels, and hounds, as well as a host of bug fixes.

On the 15th day of Solis in the year 530 AD, a lone Lorekeeper Guard marched into Kinsarmar and gave his report from Captain Byran that the Watchtower commissioned several years ago had finally been completed. Furthermore the Captain had an urgent request for help regarding ominous rumours that his scouts had been receiving. Hailing the call to arms, Sir Doshar and his trusty comrades Sir Jeigan and Alarick embarked upon a quest that led them through a small horde of orcs and Stavennites and ended with their triumph when they lit the tower's beacon and saved Kinsarmar from the impending raid.

The Iron Realms 10-year anniversary essay contest has been judged, and three Achaeans have placed in the top ten, winning credit prizes! Congratulations are in order to Auralys, Spudd, and Linus, who placed 2nd, 7th, and 8th.

Congratulations to Catarin who placed first in the Iron Realms Essay Contest! Also, congratulations goes to Mariello who placed third. Be sure to read all the essays!

Congratulations to Ashtan, Bastion of the North, for their victory in the Ten Year Anniversary City vs City CTF!

First through fifth place winning tickets in the Ten Year Anniversary Lottery were held by Istiria, Fanris, Skarash, Firey, and Hyperlith, who won 1000, 800, 600, 400, and 200 credits respectively! Congratulations!

The weekend of our ten year anniversary is here! We're kicking off with a series of arena and worldgames on Friday and Saturday for credit, gold, and other prizes, and on Sunday will be a Treasure Hunt, Tumble Races, Quizzes, a City vs City game of Capture the Flag, and the Ten Year Anniversary Lottery drawing! Don't miss out!

The second monk guild was founded in the Basin of Life, called the Tahtetso Guild. The first Guildmaster was Vesar, the first Guild Administrator was Doman, and the first Guild Champion was Desitrus.

A Lottery in honour of our upcoming 10-year anniversary has opened, with 3000 credits in prizes! The grand prize winner alone will win 1000 credits, so buy your tickets now!

On the ninth day of Solis, in the year 529 AD, a demented fisherman named Pelar wandered into Kinsarmar. He spoke of treasure found within a cavern by the Sodiuar Lake. Most of the Kinsarmarians took his mumblings as those of a mad man, yet Performer Daehune followed Pelar and was rewarded when he led her to the cavern by the lakeside. In it she encountered a mysterious shaman who spoke of his trusted assistant Hysaara, and a mysterious ritual to crack the cavern floor.

Lead-up celebrations for the 10-year anniversary of Achaea and the Iron Realms continued this weekend with a series of arena games for credit prizes! There were six games in all, and those who placed in the top five in each game all received prizes. First place in each game were: Freezetag - Cooper; Bait-the-Frog - Kaje; Levels 10-29 Free-For-All - Toan; Levels 30-49 Free-For-All - Voy; Levels 50-79 Free-For-All - Brimir; Levels 80-100 Free-For-All - Griffel. Congratulations to all!

Two weeks ago, the Dreamrealm was shaken as Aegis, God of War, ordered His army to enter the realm of Valnurana, Goddess of Sleep and Dreams. The army's goal was to reach Aegis' sleeping son, Pandemonium, but they were unprepared for what they would find beyond the material plane. As a result, nearly all were lost in battle, and the powerful daemon Noxuron was unleashed upon the world. Bystanders were afflicted by a series of disorienting visions, which were only recently alleviated by members of Valnurana's order, and the global effects of these events remain to be seen.

Congratulations to Ikitae for winning the IRE 10th Anniversary history quiz! The complete results, as well as a list of the questions and answers, can be found in Announce news #1032

Upon the third day of Naturalis, in year 529 AD, Abraxan the explorer traveled to Aryana's Spring seeking help from someone who has handled explosions in their time. Apoloc assisted and they traveled back to the Anaelith Caverns where a bomb was placed against a wall and detonated. Upon entrance to the cave a race of mutated Ssylsin called Nagiri were discovered. The mutations caused by the foul magicks of their resident necromancer caused them to remain in hiding for a great length of time, but they are finally strong enough to reveal themselves to the world.

Congratulations to all of the winners of the Profession Freeforalls held over the weekend. The winners received a combined total of nearly 1000 credits! Read Announce news post #1029 in Imperian for a full list of the winners.

Congratulations to the 1st through 3rd place winners of the Third Delosian Game - Jhui, Jaizsur, and Kruellagh!

Compete in the Third Annual Delosian Game, held on the 16th of Mayan, 457 AF (today, Monday, 7pm US Pacific, 10pm US Eastern, or Tuesday, 2am, GMT).

Come take your shot at generous gold prizes, or the special winner's prize for first place only!

Sorry! First through third place winners in previous Delosian games are disqualified for this competition.

The 10th anniversary celebration continued today with a Bandersnatch world event with nearly 700 credits given away as prizes!

Congratulations to Brydian for winning the IRE 10th Anniversary Scavenger Hunt. Don't forget about the Profession Freeforalls, starting on Saturday, August 18th!

Iron Realms Entertainment (Lusternia's parent company) celebrates its Ten Year Anniversary with games, gifts and a certain drunk dwarf! Be sure to check out the schedule of events.

Iron Realms 10th Anniversary is on September 9th, 2007. All games are currently offering a 30% bonus to all credits purchased in celebration!

The Classlead changes for Bonding and Bowmanship have been released. See Announce posts #1015 and #1017 in Imperian for more information.

An ominous weakening struck Mother Night during Winter Solstice, causing the Shadowdancers to have troubling dreams and visions. Tracking down a prophesy by the veneral dracnari mystic Shimotabi Xiim, they were eventually led to the discovery that Mother Night's abode in aetherspace was unveiled. There, led by the Avatar of Viravain, Kaervas d'Murani, they rebuilt the Throne of Darkness and aided Night's descent. As a reward to her devout, Mother Night bestowed upon all of Glomdoring the ability to build the Night Altar, a powerful construct for their nexus world.

The second annual Delosian Game was held this Mayan, with special sponsorship by the esteemed Chroniclers of Lore, who organised an Achaean Quiz for the occasion. Acting as Grand Inquisitor was the chronicler Imyrr, and the winners were, from 1st to 3rd place: Misty, Jalet, and Blujixapug! Congratulations to all three.

Tharos, the Announcer of Delos, announced the beginning of the annual Delosian Games, a competition to be held in the month of Mayan every year, with prizes. The first of the Delosian Games was held today: a special riddle with a twist. The first through third place winners were Saltaern, Delphinus, and Jaizsur!

Imperian is running a special promotion for the next week with the ability to obtain unique artifacts that will be available for this week only! Stop in and read Announce post #1014 for details.

Congratulations to Morgfyre, who has been hired by Lusternia as an Associate Producer!

A sick mugwump from Balach Swamp came in contact with several people who subsequently contracted the strange ailment. Though attempts at quarantine were attempted, the extremely contagious disease could not be contained and swept through the Basin of Life. Eventually, a cure was found by the healers of the land. The knowledge gained to find the cure further expanded the powers of the healing with new abilities to manipulate auras.

In a surprising turn of events in the Underworld, adventurers turned their efforts toward helping the unicorn under Lord Ugrach's control, just as the Undead ruler was about to stabilise his power over the Soulbleed Nexus. Guided by the muted seer Apollonia, they succeeded in freeing the unicorn of her binding to Ugrach, dashing the Magisterion's hopes of ruling the Underworld. Angered but not defeated, Ugrach declared himself the victor, and soulbleed began to coalesce at his nexus once more.

The Classlead changes for Artistry and Bladedance have been released! Check Announce news posts #1010 and #1011 in-game for more details.

War rages in the Underworld as the dread Magisterion vie to wrest power from its sovereign, Lord Ugrach! The aid of adventurers to either side can tip the balance. Meanwhile, a long-unseen mute oracle has made a mysterious appearance in the Underworld, her presence somehow tied to the only living unicorn, an ethereal creature currently under Ugrach's control and coveted by the Magisterion.

The first monk guild was founded in the Basin of Life, called the Shofangi Guild. The first Guildmaster was Aesyra, the first Guild Administrator was Nejii, and the first Guild Champion was Alianna.

Early on Friday the 13th, the notorious Mhaldorian Naga, Tenebrus, achieved what had not been done in well over a century: the raising of the Spawn of the Unnameable Horror.

Your chance to become a God and join our pantheon in the Garden of the Gods has come... an open call for Celani has begun! For those who wish more creative authority over the realm but are yet reluctant to leave the mortal coil, we are also accepting applications for mortal builders. Read news post #2538 on the Announce board in the game for details.

Another way to customise your character's roleplayed presentation in our world even further: you may now set your character's voice or accent!

Duels in arenas across the realm may now be held... TO THE DEATH! Combatants now have the option of challenging each other to duels in arenas that end in real death for the losing party.

A number of player-requested changes have swept the realm, including the ability for organisations to claim manuscripts so that any of their members can edit them, the ability for Bards to use their accentato ability upon denizens, the ability for city leaders to join citizens in matrimony, and much more!

A New Player Guide was added to the website for newcomers to have a quick reference to Lusternia's many features.

Wandering bards arrived in the Basin of Life, searching for the stages found in the cities and communes. Those who helped these bards find a stage, would also help their respective city or commune increase their culture score. A World Stage was also constructed upon Avechna's Peak, wherein cities and communes could submit their theater productions to further increase their culture score.

Achaean communication has entered a new level of expressiveness today -- adventurers can now add any of hundreds of adverbs to their speech, allowing you to "sing softly", "say derisively", "whine pedantically", and much much more!

A number of updates and additions to Achaea were announced today, including a new drinking horn artefact that replenishes itself with liquor, added functionality to the SHEATHE and DRAW commands, and bugfixes and updates to numerous abilities!

Three new artefacts have been unveiled: Anake's Hood, Shackles of Garash, and the horn of plenty! The Hood protects you from those who would eavesdrop on your conversations, the Shackles give the mass-salve effect when worn, and the horn of plenty continually replenishes itself with delicious comestibles.

Today, the Stavennite Empire was given its prize for winning the Capture The Flag game during the Lunar Eclipse celebrations. A Lunar Pylon was formed in the center of the capital city, allowing Stavenn's citizens to pass through it and gain the power of a lesser lunar aura. The other empires in Aetherius must surely be jealous of Stavenn, the first to possess this powerful relic.

Confronted by a sudden influx of sewage that polluted the river in Actar and caused the river nymph Naiad and many halflings to fall ill, Bodo, the halfling guard, turned to the adventurers Cazarin and Somather for aid. Soon a small party was formed and, with Finchy at the lead, they scaled a previously unexplored peak of the Southern Vashnars called Mount Piraeus, where they discovered a small settlement of reclusive cyclopes whose faulty sewage system had begun leaking into the river.

This month, the three moons have taken on a rare alignment and formed a Triple Eclipse, which has produced a variety of powerful auras enhancing all throughout the land, not to mention spurring on celebrations across the land! With FFAs, a Quiz, a lottery, and even a Great Ball planned, this will be an eventful and enjoyable seven months for all the denizens of Aetherius!

Smiths and Crafters alike rejoiced today as Yvaria, the Clerk, announced the dawn of the new Tradeskill, Metalworking. Not only are items such as goblets, plaques and crests now possible, but Smiths who learn the arts of Metalworking will now be able to customise all their smithed items! With this bold development, a new day of unique weapons and armour has come, where each person can both battle and defend in style!

The Year 450 grand prizes for the lottery and the Championship Games have been finalised. The grand prize ticket holder of the Year 450 Lottery shall win a choice between $500.00 USD and 2000 in-game credits! The overall winner of the Championship Games shall win a choice between $700.00 USD and 2500 credits! Good luck to everyone.

In the Serenwilde Forest, dreams and prophesies of a great danger came to pass as an illness descended upon the Great Spirit of Mother Moon, one of the guiding forces of the forest. Her illness was traced to a creature calling herself Gromagh the Hag, who was absorbing the Moon's essence and giving birth to swarms of dark creatures. Those in the Serenwilde summoned forth the Elder Goddess Lisaera, who was able to heal Mother Moon and reveal the location of Gromagh the Hag in the veiled hills of the centaur people.

In honour of the Year 450 celebrations, we will be holding the second-ever land auction in Achaea, giving prospective landowners to bid for housing plots outside of city subdivisions for the first time since 2004! Read announce news #2448 for details.

The Illusions Skillset has been completely revised, breaking apart into two specializations. The Glamours Specialization is open to bards and encompasses illusions that can be as deadly as they are flashy. The Phantasms Specialization is open to mages and evokes mental illusions that steal the thoughts and visions of others. Also, theaters showed up in each of the bards guilds, a new exciting system wherein performances can be recorded and played back for the entertainment of others.

Some decades ago, several Arboreals found their way to the frigid pines of Ithaqua. While the first known were said to be Malkavian, it seems nothing was ever spoken of Ironwood Grove, where several other Arboreals made their home. It was not until a herd of mammoth on the rampage crashed through the pines, several finding their way into the very council itself, that a group led by Garess discovered these long forgotten Arboreals hiding within the ice-covered pines. Disclaiming any connection with the first known Ithaquan Arboreals, this small clan glorifies the magicks of naturalism. While Garess and those with him learned a great deal about the Ironwood, the mysterious great white mammoth has yet eluded explorers. Perhaps it is the bounty of bones and tusks from the herd that roams the pass that deters the adventurous from discovering the secret, or the Arboreals making the discovery hard enough that only the most diligent will ever find the mesa where this mammoth is said to lurk.

The city of Cyrene, with their allies from Shallam, has won the City vs City Capture the Flag!

A strange disturbance in the Western Ithmia led to the uncovering of the hidden forest of Sparrow's Rest! Charms employed by the Sentinel Andante brought down the magical screens that had concealed a small group of ornery druids originally from Eleusis.

A distant rumble coming from the Areish mountains proceded a storm of stone and earth as parts of the mountain gave way to a rockslide. With boulders rolling down into the redwood forest, several people began to wind their way through the passes until they came upon a part of the mountains that had broken away revealing a, before now, unknown pass. Finding the land aplenty with wildlife, a series of hotsprings were also discovered. Kyar, Faldian, Selwin, and a few others met up with an old woman named Braynak, who eluded to a secret of agelessness. With a streak of stubbornness, Kyar was the first to tap into her secret, as well as coming across the elusive alpaca that had yet to be seen in Aetherius.

Serenwilde and Celest helped the kephera imprison the illithoid, and brought forth Zenobia, the Queen of Kephera Queens. Zenobia awarded Celest a surge of power and awarded Serenwilde to be the first guild to be trained in their martial arts, after conducting a scavenger hunt that Serenwilde won. Thus, Serenwilde will be home to the first guild of a new archetype: Monks!

JAIZSUR has been named as the Champion of the Year 450 Games! The Staff of Nicator, symbol of divine favour and mortal excellence, has been bestowed upon him in an awards ceremony formally closing the Games.

Anwering the challenge found on a letter delivered within a message bottle, Ysaviel and her husband Brydian trekked the Areish in search of Nimor, the self-proclaimed Best Drinker of Aetherius. Taking up his challenge, Ysaviel called for the aide of song to try her drinking skills against that of Nimor. It looked harrowing at times, but Ysaviel held out and it was Nimor who fall unconscious long enough for her to earn the trophy and walk away with the dubious honour of bearing the title of Aetherius Best Drinker. There are several small treasures to be found, some now known, others left to be discovered, however of all the things that Ghet, Nimor's friendly bartender, found the most amusing, was the timidity of one called Ysabel in imbibing in a few drinks at the risk of swallowing a very tiny fish.

In a time when tolerance is viewed as weakness, it should be no surprise that a group of Abhaen, bearing the title of Tol'da should enmass and camp within caverns beneath the Shaahri bedrock. What better place to hide the screams and blood resulting from the absolution of this group of fanatical zealots in their appointed mission to bring salvation to the wicked of the world. Gathering wayward Souls and keeping them behind iron gates, they go about their work of curing these captives of their tainted ways. Their targets are not simply those wielding the magick or demons, but sympathizers too can be found here. Antioch was first alerted to their presence when a group of Malignists and Noctusari arrived seeking the lost son of Lucasta. While Caarnonan worked with Malyk and a few others to rid the city and desert of these unwelcome visitors, Evijan and Karandyn were the first to find the caverns and learn of the Tol'da. Various clues were left to them, all ending up seeking Maurice in Caanae. Maurice seemed to have interest in finding one named Nola, who had been abducted from Antioch earlier in the month. While the depth of the mission has not been fully revealed, it is apparent that those with a dark heart are invited to assist these Abhaen in their mission, even as various denizens make efforts to see those captured released.

VELDRIN has won the Year 450 XP Competition, and DELPHINUS has won the Year 450 Quiz! Congratulations to both!

The telepathic suffering of the mages was apparently caused as part of a secret war between two psionic races unknown to anyone at the time, the kephera and the illithoid. After their war was brought to the Basin of Life, their homeland was eventually discovered, a massive underground complex called the Undervault.

Making a clean sweep of all three of the Year 450 Championship Games so far, Jaizsur Ta'sa has now won first place in both the Tumble Races AND the 2v2 Combat Tournament! Congratulations also to Jhui, the other member of the first place team in the Combat Tournament.

The Year 450 XP Competition has begun! It will last until 7pm GMT Sunday, May 13. Good luck to everyone!

The artist Vinci of Delos announced a Tattoo Competition in honour of Year 450, offering as prize a free PERMANENT magical tattoo! Seventy different adventurers submitted their decorative tattoo designs, and a panel consisting of Vinci, Frida of Caer Witrin, and Zigfrey of Cyrene judged the entries. The winner: Delphinus Windancer, with his tattoo design of the Morning Star and Abbadon, the Destroyer!

The Year 450 Lottery winners have been drawn, and HAWFELD has won the grand prize: his choice of 2000 credits OR $500 USD! Congratulations Hawfeld, and to our other lottery winners, 2nd-5th place: Musicia, Keryden, Razool, and Dalavan!

The shocking murder of a woman in the small town of Petra led to the discovery of a strange item called Anake's Hood by a Druid named Eurulis Lighthawk! The properties of this hood are yet a mystery...

Year 450 is here! We kicked off celebrations with a Treasure Hunt giving away gold, herbs, even artefacts ranging from daggers of reincarnation to eagle's wings! The Year 450 Lottery has opened and winning tickets will be drawn on Friday at 6pm GMT. Check the full schedule for details, and happy Y450!

The Year 450 Bandersnatch is over, and JAIZSUR has come in first place, earning 12 Y450 Championship Points! Paine and Delphinus came in 2nd and 3rd, winning 10 and 8 points for the overall Championship respectively. Congratulations to all in the top ten, who all earned Championship Points and credit prizes. The next two Championship Games are the Tumble Races and the Twins Combat Tournament, with the Races beginning next Friday 7pm GMT!

A voice laced with rage sounded over Stavenn, seeking the presence of one called Vis'ahl. The call was followed by an intense drain of willpower upon many within the city, which alerted the Wytchen that the voice was none other than Kal'surah, the Keeper of Secrets, Guardian of Lost Knowledge. It was not long when a group consisting of several Stavennites of varying class joined together in an attempt to summon Kal'surah in an effort to learn what he sought. Being drawn within the ritual pentacle, Kal'surah was immediately put on guard by the efforts of a few attempting to gain control of him and bring his will under their own. Their final efforts for naught, Kal'surah would reveal little of Vis'ahl except to say that she was bound to the Pit, a spirit corrupted, her very essence drawing upon the chaotic energies of the demon realm. He was clear that her efforts to make further contact must be hindered and that he would do all he could to deter her. While Kal'surah might be the Keeper of Secrets, his words suggested that she, Vis'ahl, was the Revealer of Secrets.

Mages with the ability of psionics suffered severe headaches, as well as hearing garbled telepathic communications. However, the situation became dangerous when a psychic wave was unleashed that all but incapacitated those with psionics. Through much research and work, Aquamancers and Geomancers were finally able to set up a latticework of elemental crystals throughout the Basin to dampen the psychic wave.

Our current 15% bonus credit sale has been extended until the end of May! Happy Year 450 all!

Having grown tired of the petty conflict between his goblins and the villagers of Tranks, Gruarg, the Orcan raiding chief, set his aims on a higher goal. Gathering up his men, he moved them to a nearby camp called Lorka'ig where his men now undergo intense hands-on training. The final goal is to completely level the city of Kinsarmar and seeing those of the Northern city finally on their knees at the mercy of the horde. The conflict between goblin and farmer has evolved into one of who can best who. Gruarg and his men use Transk as fodder for the training of his men, while Sinikka and Ruben try to rouse farmers into a self-made militia that sets out to sabotage Gruarg and his goals. Young explorers should find plenty to keep them busy as they either explore the new camp of Lorka'ig and aid them in their goals, or stand with the villagers of Transk to defy the horde.

Reports of strange dreams and prophesies have been popping up throughout the land. Though enigmatic and unclear what this may mean, if anything, several mortals have been disturbed and intrigued enough to begin asking questions.

Every 50 years sees a grand celebration in Achaea to commemorate the fall of the Seleucarian Empire to the Sapient League and the rise of the Modern Age. The preliminary schedule of events for the Year 450 celebrations and Championship Games has been posted! Thousands of credits will be given away as prizes during these celebrations; you will NOT want to miss out on the fun.

Furthermore, a game of City vs City Capture the Flag has been announced as the grand finale to the Year 450 celebrations. Cities, prepare yourselves!

A peculiar assortment of merchants breezed into Sapience this month, setting up their tents east of the Shunai Bridge and hawking a variety of unique wares, from edible hot peppers and rare flowers to specialty leatherwork and exotic steeds. The items were quickly snapped up by buyers and collectors, and after a short day's work, the vendors vanished as mysteriously as they came.

After sending out several messengers in search of G'Quar, the noble Kohdon, and no word of his whereabouts to be heard, Osou, the Chieftain of Blackthorne arrived in Stavenn seeking assistance in journeying into the jungle. He suspected that G'Quar, after all these years of searching, had found the homeland that had been barred from the world for centuries, a village that Osou himself had originated from. The Wytchdoktor answered his call, and together they set off for the Islands of Yhumara. After a great deal of swimming and wandering in circles, Osou finally saw something he recognized, and together, he and Kamaylie entered the home he had left when a group of Stavennites discovered the hidden village, making promises of grandeur and wealth. It was soon revealed that a tribe once devoted to the simple worship of a small group of supreme beings had become obsessed with them, their whole existence wrapped around appeasing a Pantheon of gods that demand sacrifice and compulsive devotion to ensure their goodwill. A village bred strictly as fodder for the dark rituals held within the annals of the Acropolis itself, a dark, but elaborate building of stone and tile dedicated to the cultist gods they claim to serve. A sole existence that leads one to being Chosen or eternally Damned.

A series of mysterious events involving the destruction of the temple of the Goddess of the Sun and a child hidden on the Isle of New Hope culminated in the attention of Agatheis, God of the Elements returning to the prime material plane! Achaea welcomes back Agatheis!

In an unexpected and stunning conclusion to recent events, Mithraea, Goddess of the Sun, long imprisoned in a faroff plane, has triumphantly returned!

The work of Yvaria the Clerk finally overwhelming her with its sheer bulk, she founded the Crafters Organisation this month, allowing skilled mortal designers to join and approve Tradeskill items. Some of the most prolific Designs were chosen be amongst the first to join the prestigious new group, heralding a new age in the world of Designs.

Lord Janus held a grand Quiz today, covering a variety of topics both easy and difficult. Tying for first place and having the first and second prizes combined and divided between them, were Brydian and Khalim with a great score of nineteen, followed in third place by Tylanthia with a close seventeen. Well done!

In a Guild v. Guild game of Capture the Flag this month, the Hunters dominated the competition, followed by the Idras and the Abhaen. Timas will be generously rewarding them with addons of their choice appropriate to the position they finished in. Well done!

Imperian is offering a 15% bonus to any credits purchased between now and the end of April!

A 15% bonus on purchased credits has begun and will last until the end of April! Enjoy!

Before people found their way to Ithaqua, it is said the Wendigo sought to preserve the heart of itself. Using the very ice of the Pines, the spirit of Ithaqua was somehow able to instill it with the pure thoughts of itself, creating a link between it and this ice that would come to be called the Heart of Eternal Winter. It has remained hidden behind the ice and snows of Ithaqua for decades, but the winds of the forest proved too strong and a break in the ice occured, revealing a passage into the wolf den of those chosen to keep watch over the ice formation. Labil and Kayden were the first modern Ithaquan's to gain the priviledge of seeing the secrets of the Heart, and their aid was sought in ensuring the protection of the den, however with alarming speed, word of the den's discovery moved beyond even the Black Pines for within the month the very newly discovered relic came up missing. There has been speculation that a group of cultists to the south have somehow learned of the Heart of Eternal Winter and perhaps gained possession of it. What possible purpose they could have for desiring such an element of purity remains to be seen. The only known information about this Demon Conclave is that they seem to have an eerie obsession for the one who calls himself Arctar, the Defender. If a group such as they serve this Lord from the darkest depths, it cannot bode well for the spirit of the Ithaqua that has been preserved within the relic of the Heart of Eternal Winter.

This Sunday saw Timas hold another of his spectacular Scavenger Hunts, with many people competing to solve his riddles and find the objects indicated. For the first time ever, all twenty clues were solved, and the game ended in a five-way tie for first place. Congratulations to Ysaviel and Brydian for being the first to solve all the clues in any Scavenger Hunt, very rapidly followed by Nisha, Arlith and Savreth!

As the forces of nature proved too strong, the dams holding the waters of Nysara Lake were torn asunder flooding the land nearby. It was not long before explorers Areni and Gurn found their way into the lake attempting to face off the trials given to them by the old hermit not far away. Trials of mind and body, Areni may have gotten the final recognition, but without the help of her crony Gurn it might not have been possible.

In the ancient Shallamurine Cathedral, the insane undead priestess Marani Veloske was left unchecked for many years, allowing her to drain the essence from countless mortals until she was strong enough to challenge the cosmic planes themselves. Her strength was enough to subdue both Elohora the Lady of the Eternal Light and Luciphage the Supreme Master of the Demon Lords in an attempt to twist all creation into her warped belief of beauty above all. However, her powers were based on the songs of creation and the bards were eventually able to find a weakness that led to her defeat.

Earlier this week, a mystical seed containing the essence of a long-lost forest fell into the diabolical hands of the buckawn witchdoctor of Forest Watch. In his lust for power and revenge against the eternal enemies of the buckawns, the dryads, he transformed the seed into a weapon and released swarms of giant beetles upon the Ithmian forests. It was not until the witchdoctor was relieved of his corrupted weapon that the plague abated and the seed's power was used to cleanse the forests.

Strange weather in the Serenwilde uncovered that the Spiritual Flame of Hartstone was unstable. This led the druids of Hartstone on a spiritual journey which uncovered the Mausoleum of Nintoba and development of rituals involving the aspets of White Hart. In the end, the Flame was purified and now burns stronger than before.

A small boy from Tirhin wandered into Kinsarmar with a tall tale to tell. Deep in the swamps of the nearby hills was an orc graveyard, the ground so covered in corpses you had to walk on their bones just to get around. It was said that if you found a sprig of a corpse-weed and put it in the piles of corpses that the most enormous orc ever would appear. As the boy told his tale to a growing group of Kinsarmarians they decided to see for themselves if this graveyard did exist and what they could find. Such a place does indeed exist, just follow the trail of the carrion wolves if you have the courage to test one little boy's ghost story of an orc so big he blocks the sun...

The untimely death of an elderly peddler to the snow tiger Grimlath near Caer Witrin today saddened adventurers and denizens alike. Furthermore, due to the unavailability of his specialty art supplies, the town's artists Frida and Anais have announced that they will no longer accept commissions from customers. The unidentified peddler will be buried at the Caer Witrin cemetery.

A great plume of smoke, a sudden scream piercing the air, and an explosion of deafening proportions in the main room of the Crystal Leaf Inn preceded the mysterious materialisation of a strange shaman. Disoriented and with no clear idea of where he was or how to get back to the place whence he came, he sought out the aid of several good-hearted adventurers. Following what there was of his vague memory, they helped him find the way back to his home: the previously lost and forgotten village of Bitterfork, in the deep northwest of the continent.

Having gained some information regarding the Demon Lords the Noctusari enslave, the Lady of the Damned, Isadarr, became intrigued with Marduk, Eater of Souls. Being a woman of Wrath, she felt that Marduk capitalized on much of what Wrath is. As she contemplated his existence, she grew curious to see how he would interact with a daemon the Malign summon, in particular, her daegger. After some discussion with the Singularity Valafar, the Noctusari agreed to a summoning, allowing Isadarr to attend. Laying her daegger upon the ground, the dark summoners drew their pentagram and the ritual began. As Marduk was drawn forth, he was immediately interested in the daegger and drawing upon a black mist that wove around the pentagram, he and the daegger were consumed. As if this were not enough, one Summoner, by the name of Leisane seemed interested in the black mist and upon touching it was drawn within it, disappearing from the group's view. Alarmed, the group attempted various demands for Leisane's return, when a bone chip suddenly erupted from the pentagram, landing at Isadarr's feet, a fragment from the hilt of what was once her daegger. With speculations and concern for Leisane grew, he suddenly returned to the physical realm, about the same time that the mist evaporated, leaving behind a maggot infested daegger in the likeness of Marduk himself. One would think this was the end, but as the days unfolded, more events occured, bringing a shroud of darkness that lingers in the halls of at least one of Stavenn's guilds.

With help from unexpected quarters, the House of the Crystalline Circle managed to reach the spirit of their loyal House tutor, Ariela the Wise, lost deep within the Dreamrealm. Conducting a powerful focusing ritual, seven determined members of the Circle aided Ariela in drawing a star crystal from the Dreamrealm and awakening with it in material form. With the star crystal, they were then able to heal the rift in their long-damaged Master Crystal!

An impressive gathering marked the premier Festival of Light in the City of Shallam this Scarlatan. Representatives from the Houses of Shallam, orders of Good and Light, and the Holy Church of Achaea showcased their organisations in the public celebration.

A new, unified artifact purchasing system is now available in Imperian. No longer will you have to explore and find the artifact shops, instead you will be able to view a list of artifacts and purchase them anywhere.

Nexus Worlds just got more interesting with the release of the construct/colossi battle system. New skills in every trade class allow for either building colossi to attack the constructs of cities and communes or upgrading them with special attacks or defenses. Astrologers also gained a new skill which predicts when Nexus Worlds weaken and thus when colossi can do battle with constructs.

Invitations to Shallam's upcoming Festival of Light were sent out today, marking the inaugural flight of paradise birds as part of the city's revamped postal service. The festival, scheduled for Sunday, February 11 at 8 p.m. GMT (3 p.m. EST and noon PST), will showcase the many facets of the Jewel of the East, with free food and drinks provided!

Several years ago, with a bit of cunning and willful violition, Stavenn founded the first dictatorship that would hold sway for decades. Assumed and sustained by the Gazalis, initially held by Erana but soon led by Juganothion, the Empire did for a time flourish and grow in boundless leaps, yet eventually words of discontent began to be heard, from the lowest of Servitors to the highest of Nobles. Amidst a great deal of plotting and hidden agendas, a rebellion began to grow in the streets until but a few short months ago it came to head and resulted in a final confrontation that occured last month between the Imperator and some of the citizens and denizens of the Empire. With the gauntlet drawn, Imperator Juganothion faced the rebellion against odds that a lesser man would have fled. Holding his ground until the very end, he only ceded after a battle and blood was shed. As one era passes, a new one begins, but as ever, Stavenn stands strong and holds her noble esteem. With a new Imperator standing in Stavenn, the months ahead will be consumed with restructure and a trial that should put to test the depth of the Empire's court system as the city tries the prior Imperator against the claims and accusations of those he once ruled.

The Abhaen guild was formed this week within the desert city of Antioch under the leadership of Iblis. Fiercely dedicated to their cause, the Abhaen stand against the corrupting use of magicks and any tampering with the powers of the demon realm. Formed though the charter system, the Abhaen are the first player created guild in the world of Imperian.

Of the Nine Seal Bearers who won the great challenges, four main contenders vied to hold the Staff of Ascension so that the realm would be safe from Kethuru: Shorlen of Serenwilde, Daevos of Magnagora, Soll of New Celest, and Kaervas of Glomdoring. Though Shorlen controlled the Staff of Ascension for much of the beginning of the challenge, and then it subsequently switched hands repeatedly afterwards, it was finally Soll of New Celest, through his nimbleness, strategy and sheer determination, who finally held the Staff of Ascension long enough to claim victory. Holding the Staff of Ascension burned Soll's body to ash, out of which rose the first Ascended God, Ayridion the White Flame.

Exarius, the self-proclaimed raja who bows to no commune or city, won the Challenge of Harmony through his skills at influencing others. Second place went to Nirrti of Glomdoring, third place to Felandi of Magnagora, fourth place to Catarin of New Celest, and fifth place to Ekard also of New Celest.

The Warlord of Magnagora himself, Daevos Feyranti, won the Challenge of Death through the wholesale slaughter of hundreds of denizens. Second place went to Athana of Magnagora, third place to Aesyra of Serenwilde, fourth place to Hyrtakos of Glomdoring, and fifth place to Krellan of Serenwilde.Second place went to Visaeris. Third place was tied between Krellan, Shayle and Linwe. Fourth place went to Tervic and fifth place went to Xenthos.

Aquamancer Soll of New Celest won the Challenge of Life, by saving the lives of many furrikin who were being ravaged by a foul disease. Second place went to Visaeris. Third place was tied between Krellan, Shayle and Linwe. Fourth place went to Tervic and fifth place went to Xenthos.

Amarysse of the Wildecraft Cartel won the Challenge of Beauty with her submission of a gorgeous woodland tapestry. Very close behind her was Kharaen of the Attai Cartel, showcasing a demonic lyre. Third place went to Saran of the Zephyr cartel for a tapestry of Raven and White Hart. Fourth place went to Vanthan of the Seatimber Cartel with a tapestry of Old Celest. Fifth place was captured by Anaria of the Rosewood Cartel for a diamond chandelier.

While searching the grounds of Adryn Keep for a missing child, adventurers came upon a previously unexplored stretch of ocean along the coast of Sapience: the Eastern shore.

The 20% credit bonus sale in Imperian has been extended. Purchase any amount of credits between now and January 31st, and receive 20% more credits!

Level 100 is no longer the highest level obtainable in Imperian! There is no limit to the amount of experience one can gain, offering promises of untold power and glory. Future enhancements to the levelling system will also allow one to spend one's hard-earned experience on unique upgrades and powers.

Hallen of the Geomancers won the Challenge of Knowledge by dominating an extremely difficult quiz that tested his knowledge of the realms. Other winners included Jasper (second place award of 700 credits), Dylara (third place award of 500 credits), Kalodan (fourth place award of 250 credits), and Shirath (fifth place award of 100 credits).

Kaervas of the Blacktalon Druids won the Challenge of Nature, exhibiting his superb knowledge of the realm during a complex scavenger hunt and claiming the Seal of Nature. Following on his heels were Zalandrus (second place award of 700 credits), Aesyra (third place award of 500 credits), Exeryte (fourth place award of 250 credits), and Arteisy (fifth place award of 100 credits).

Forren of the Aquamancers won the Challenge of Justice through excellent use of his debating skills through which he claimed the Seal of Justice. The runner-ups were Athana and Kaervas who were awarded 500 credits each, and finalists included Abethor, Soll and Astraea who were awarded 200 credits each.

Shamarah of the Celestines won the Challenge of War through a series of wargames conducted by Avechna the Avenger and claimed the Seal of War. His teammates who supported him in this event were Forren and Aesyra, each who were awarded 500 credits.

On Saturday the 6th at 6pm GMT, Imperian will be holding a gemhunt on our beta server to stress test it for the upcoming move. There will be credit prizes for up to 2000 credits for participants! Please read Announce News 929 for more information.

We're giving away over TEN THOUSAND credits in our "Stress the Server" event, Saturday, the 6th of January, at 18:00 GMT (6 pm), or 10 am US Pacific, or 1 pm US eastern).

Come to our hour-long free-pk egghunt where every single person with a score at the end will get credits, and a lucky few will win even more - as many as TWO THOUSAND credits to keep in the real Achaea!

Read here for more on the beta server. or READNEWS ANNOUNCE 2402 in real Achaea!

Fondly termed "Anarchaea", a public beta server is currently in operation for Achaea! See this page for details.

Oorugleg, the Orc commander was slain in his stronghold hidden within the Heartlands of Aetherius, signaling the end of the long orc invasion. Over 120,000 troops were slain by the combined mortal forces of the land. Tahm slew 3400 troops single-handedly and the Wardancer guild vanquished nearly 15000 of the foul creatures. Aklinne took first place in the week long experience event with Orovan and Patek right on her heels.

Shorlen of Hartstone won the first of the Ascension Challenges, snatching victory from the hands of Kaervas of Blacktalon literally moments before the Challenge of Chaos ended. Thus, Shorlen holds the Seal of Chaos and becomes a candidate for the ultimate prize of divinity.

Our holiday credit bonus sale has been extended through midnight GMT January 15th, 2007! Happy New Year, Achaea!

War has come to Aetherius. The frightful, sonorous echoes of Horde war-drums did not stop as they usually do, instead coming closer until three mighty armies descended upon the entire land in a brutal campaign that tests the very limits of the Aetherian endurance. Led by three vicious generals, the Ogre, Necromantic and Demonic armies are finding great resistance from the brave men and women who meet them on the battlegrounds, yet with such overwhelming numbers, can they beat back the invasion? Only time will tell...

The constructs raised in the nexus worlds repelled the invasions of serpentine creatures and all was silent for some time. However, the Taint began to spontaneously go into remission throughout the Basin, leading to much speculation. Then, an enormous serpent arose from the Sea of Despair and wrapped itself around the Megalith of Doom in Magnagora. Ancient prophesies predicted the end of creation if the Nine Seals that imprisoned the Soulless Gods were not weakened. After much debate, the seals were weakened, which released the power of Almighty Kethuru and fragmented the great serpent. Estarra the Eternal announced that the only way to recharge the Nine Seals is to immediately initiate an Ascension Event.

Today we released our official Achaea quick start guide! It is online now (from anywhere on our site at www.achaea.com, look under Help along the left side of the page), and will be available for download in multiple formats soon.

With the Elder Gods away, the invasion of the serpentine creatures continued to escalate, eventually breaking out of the nexus worlds and entering the prime material plane. Immediately, the creatures headed to the Sea of Despair where they mysteriously disappeared. Alarmed, the greatest minds and intellects in the Basin of Life came together and eventually designed constructs that could be raised in the nexus worlds to repel the invasion. Meanwhile, dark prophesies were uncovered from the times of the Elder Wars which seemed to relate to these disturbing events.

Once again, chubby little gnomes in red winter solstice suits mysteriously appeared at unexpected times throughout the Basin of Life, handing out presents to those who begged for them!

For several days, the nexus worlds were invaded by strange serpentine creatures. Investigations revealed that these creatures were cosmic in nature, which caught the attention of the Elder Gods. Concerneed on what might be sending these creatures against Lusternia, the Elder Gods left to track down the source of the invasion at its source.

Merentesh, stylish proprietor of Sundries of Delos, recently placed numerous new items in stock for the season:

• Scented candles,
• Logosmas Envelopes,
• Chocolate Sovereigns, and
• Logosmas Stockings (free, custom stitching service!)

Not to mention holly, mistletoe, draydels, and candy canes usable as weapons!

The powers within the wyrd forest of Glomdoring converged, resulting in the creation of a single black rose. For months, the commune members of Glomdoring cared for the rose. When the rose blossomed, it released Viravain, the Elder Goddess who gave her life essence to the wyrdling woods, who was reborn as a child. Thus comes the Child of the Wyrd to Glomdoring.

A holiday bonus of 20% is being applied to all credit purchases until midnight GMT on December 31st! For example, if you purchase a 1000-credit package, you will receive a bonus of 200 credits. Happy holidays, everyone!

The curator of the Kinsarmarian museum, Jasper, was making his daily rounds, when he came into the portrait gallery to find the party of Rayalan, Asmora, and Nemphy sitting on blankets in the middle of his museum floor. Visibly disturbed, he began fretting about the status of his beloved museum when he noticed that a portrait of a Kinsarmarian Duchess that had been hanging proudly on the walls had been stolen. Under threat of reporting the party to the Captain of the Guard, they volunteered to find the culprit who took the painting, leaving Nemphy behind as security towards their return. running off to find an orc in the forest who led them to the Eastern Nolmines. As the rest of the group began their search, they found an orc in the forest who led them to the Eastern Nolmines where they came upon another orc with the painting. Rayalan tried to negotiate with the creature, but to no avail and it seemed inevitable that a battle would follow. After insulting the creature, Asmora began attacking it, and while she landed the killing blow, it wasn't before the orc, in a fevered laugh, began to poke many holes into the painting, ruining it.During the search, Jasper grew anxious that the other party would not return and called in the Captain of the Guard to arrest Nemphy of her 'crime'. Just as Cassailia, Captain of Security, began the arrest, the party rushed in, carrying the stolen, now ruined, portrait with them.

As dimensional instability plagued the nexuses of power, the Elder God Lacostian tried in vain to find a solution. Unfortunately, he needed the help of his brother Elcyrion who himself was lost searching for a place named Xion. Lacostian was merged with the planar fabric known as the Akashic and he was able to begin a divine spell that created a spire that could reach Xion and hopefully contact Elcyrion. Just as he completed this working, however, the Akashic record was sundered, ripping Lacostian apart in the process.

The warriors of Aetherius met for a month long clash of steel, magick, and demons as a worldwide pk event took place. With first kill and an early lead going to Sintor, competition soon came from the Pines when Rasca and a few other Ithaquans pushed for a lead. About halfway through the month, Antioch managed to win over the rankings, however, lost in the end to a group from Stavenn, with Sintor, Dregaur, and Sethren coming out on top.

Fleeing for her life, a woman, named Karbine, entered Antioch full of despair. She attempted to hide from her persurers, but even as Antioch tried to learn what was going on, a burly guard rushed in and beat Karbine to unconsciousness and took her from the city. One last guard found himself penned in and while he would not reveal much, Toma and others quickly learned of a man named Tua'ris, a once cleric that had been exiled years ago. While perhaps forgotten in the minds of Antiochians, Tua'ris had quietly been working away on his quest to save the world from madness somewhere in the neaby mountains. Sending the burly guard on his way with a message to Tua'ris, Toma, Malyk, and Dergon set out to find where Karbine had been taken. What they walked into is not imaginable by the most steadfast of minds. The cleric Tua'ris, now a self-proclaimed doctor, was experimenting on various living specimens, it might be unclear if those 'patients' found in the hospital were truly insane, or the result of the operations of Tua'ris. While Toma battled wits with Tua'ris, Dergon and Malyk worked to find and later free Karbine from the pit of rock she had been hoarded into, and once met with success, Tua'ris' fate was sealed. After witnessing the products of this doctor's experiments, and where some even saw him in action as he removed part of the brain of one man, only the strong of will should consider entering this asylum discovered beneath the box canyon of Areish Mountains.

The Tolborolla Valley was discovered, which rests just under Avechna's Peak, was discovered. A small community of furrikin and tae'dae were discovered there. With deep spiritual ties to lost Ackleberry Forest, these residents of the valley have turned to the quiet pursuits of beekeeping and silk weaving.

The Bard class has just received a significant update, including several new abilities such as Songbirds and Limerick, the ability to Tunesmith their songblessed rapiers, and much more!

As Moradeim shone over the lands of Aetherius, several flashes of light could be seen cascading to several points around the world. As an almost prismatic glow grew, several ancient monoliths that up until now seemed to have no purpose, took on new purpose. Brave adventurer, Brydian, was the first to discover their purpose and found himself spun across the world to what was revealed to be the largest land discovery in the history of Aetherius. It was not long before many others followed and soon several explorers learned of several new areas of vast lands sprawling along the western shores. While much has been discovered, there is a great deal yet to be found within these newfound places.

An old man from Winde Scrublands arrived in Khandava's Council, a rasping cough announcing his arrival. He was soon approached by Prophetess Ysaviel and others in an attempt to learn where he was from and why he'd come to their council. He was interested in them as he sensed the magick of the place and wished to share the discovery of a breed of snakes living in abundance around his home. Amidst his coughing, he also revealed the discovery of a plant growing in the scrublands that a keen harvester might find when the season is right. Before slipping away and returning to his hovel, he showed Ysaviel a bit of leaf called corojo and shared in a liesurely smoke of a churata with her. The old man couldn't help but notice, with some amusement, that one young man named Brin seemed to enjoy this new discovery and hopes to see him and others visiting him or combing the scrublands soon.

In honour of Player Appreciation Week, we are gifting a 30% bonus to all experience gained in Achaea until 01:00 GMT Sunday (Saturday evening for those in the US)!

The fourth of the bards guilds was founded by Raflein of New Celest, called the Cantors Guild.

As occurs near the time of every Mayaween, a path to the Griesly family manor, a nightmarish mansion teeming with fiendish horrors, has been revealed.

We hereby declare this week Player Appreciation Week! To show our appreciation, we've gifted 20 bound credits to every single player who has been in the realms in the last 30 days. Furthermore, until 11:59 PM GMT, October 31st, we are having a 15% credit bonus sale! Lastly, for 24 hours starting midnight GMT on Saturday and ending midnight GMT on Sunday, we will give a 30% bonus to all experience gain! See Announce news post 2372 for details.

Throughout the week we are offering a credit sale, a weekend xp bonus extravaganza, games with prizes and more to thank the players for all the support they have shown Lusternia!

Ialie Starfall of Serenwilde founded the Spiritsingers Guild, the third of the bards guilds in Lusternia.

Cassaila and Saelen rushed a dove choking on a seed, to Darmel. After several attempts at trying to dislodge the seed from the dove, Darmel and Saelen were able to force the seed loose. Intrigued, Saelen, encouraged by Cassaila, took the seed to a glade within Kinsarmar and planted it. Wishing to see it grow, Cassaila called on her friend Caoimhe to sing to the seed. The seed, enthralled by the word, Irayana, and the moon of Change above, began to grow rather quickly. A black sapling rose out of the ground and began to torment those around it. With the help of Ashar's axe, the black tree was chopped to pieces, but not before leaving its mark within Kinsarmar.

A volcanic eruption in Mount Zoaka resulted in the discovery of a clan of dracnari who live beside these lava pools and raise wyverns.

An open call has been announced for new Chroniclers for the Archives of Achaean Lore!

An investor by the name of Aaristus arrived in Stavenn several months ago. A man seeking fat coffers, he saw great potential and began talks with the city's leaders on the construction of a hostel within the city. After some interesting and oft times nerve wracking words with Ephor Dregaur, Aaristus was told he could begin construction, albeit with a warning hanging over his head. It was not long before Aaristus made an offer to Stavenn casino owner, Jerielin, and barkeep, Filand, that they could not refuse. They closed up shop and after a couple months of construction re-opened their establishments in the Imperial Hostel. An impressive archway leads into the Hostel, a grandiose construct that suits well the city of Stavenn. The citizens should expect to see more added as the upper levels are completed, offering rooms and lounge for their leisure.

The Aetherspace Trading System was released today, a new feature that enables aetherships to trade wth the infamous gnome merchants.

Aia of Magnagora founded the Cacophony Guild, the second of the bards guilds in Lusternia.

The famed explorer and cartographer Delphinus has contributed a splendid new illustrated world map for the edification and enjoyment of all Achaeans!

In anticipation of the coming time known as Mayaween, Merentesh of Delos has begun stocking his shop with costumes both traditional and new, as well as other Mayaween goodies.

Two new systems based upon the principle of mutual consent, Friends and Rivals, were unveiled today! The friends system allows you to befriend others, granting you and your friends new features such as notifications when your friends enter the realms, while the rivals system allows you to hunt down your mutually acknowledged rivals without mercy!

The undead scourge rising from the very earth beneath Khandava increased in number, despite the best efforts of the Redwoods defenders. As things seemed grim, the spirit of Lyria herself was encountered, mute but willing to assist as she guided them to a hidden passageway, down to a great iron gate which protected her tomb. Retrieving the ancient horn of the Lycaean, Lyria's Howl, the Prophetess promptly took it outside and blew a great blast, causing a howl that summoned many spectral wolves from the mists, which brutally cut through the undead horde, laying them to final rest once more, and leaving Khandava at peace once more, having gained the ancient horn as a mark of leadership.

On the Anniversary of an ancient battle between Khandava and Stavenn, the eye of Sukhder, the moon of Terror, gazed down upon that unfortunate forest. Perhaps awakened by its unholy call, the slain invaders rose as undead after centuries, making war once again up the Redwood Council.

During Lusternia's Anniversary celebrations, Nirrti of Glomdoring won the poetry contest and was chosen to be the first to awaken the voice of an Elder God who fell during the Elder Wars. Thus, the Harbingers Guild was founded, the first of the newly released bard archetype in Lusternia!

LUSTERNIA CELEBRATES TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

Celidon's librarian Cholandra was found shaken at the threshold by Pyrusticia, having heard a scream in Kipos Commune. He headed for Kipos with Damone, soon followed by Volandra, Xennaz, and Yojimaru. There they found a girl named Rhydasia who had fallen and hurt her leg. Xennaz received herbs from Taliele, the Gardener and gave them to Nenar, the Wise along with rope from Damone. Nenar was able to heal Rhydasia, and she was so thankful that she decided to stay in Kipos. Not only did Kipos gain a new citizen, but Rhydasia is also a merchant of rare and beautiful flower bouquets.

The Goddess Viravain apparently passed away as she dispersed her essence throughout the dark forest of Glomdoring which was ailing. As the commune of Glomdoring mourns her passing, the forest itself heals as the Shadow Council endeavours to follow Viravain's last command to be strong and grow.

Once again Timas, Master of Games roused Aetherius in what turned out to be a broad win by Khandava in an organization based Capture the Flag. They pulled ahead quickly and retained a wide margin throughout the event winning their right to have Rozri, the Foreman come to their council and increase commodity production over the next few years. As seems natural in fights that involve winning Rozri as the prize, people's most competitive natures surfaced and created a flavorful event for all.

Aethercraft specializations are released! Choose to be either a Commander, Combateer and Empath.

The House tutors of the Wardens of the Cerulean Spire and the Spirit Walkers were found unconscious, around the same time that those of the Shaman and Runewarden classes discovered that they had mysteriously lost their power to sketch runes! When revived, the tutors revealed the forgotten history of Runelore: the story of its original loss in ages past, and the secret of what must have recently caused it to sicken once more. With the tutors' help, the practitioners of Runelore were able to restore their art to fullness, in the process rediscovering five runes lost long ago, Runeblades, and more!

A troop of triton warriors were noticed wandering along the roads. The tritons, wary of "landwalkers" but in need of help in navigating dry land, grudgingly let it be known that they were on a reconnaissance mission to locate an oceanic city last known to be off the western coast near the Northreach Forest. With the help of a group of adventurers guiding them, the tritons finally came upon the coastal location where the city was supposed to be. Climbing down treacherous cliffs descending into the ocean, the tritons and their guides found there the ruins of the underwater mermic kingdom, Phereklos!.

In a rousing game of trivia, Timas, Master of Games held a Quiz that several Aetherians joined. The collage of questions ranging from geography, ancient to modern history, riddles and general trivia resulted in a humourous and fun time with Brydian, Saelen, and Arazen coming out ahead and leaving with credit prizes awarded by Timas. Timas continues to offer yearly games that offer Aetherians opportunities to join in based on their varying interests, be sure to watch for the next game that will be coming soon.

For decades, young adventurers have traversed the sewer pipes beneath Caanae's crumbling manor in an attempt to clear out the spiders that have kept the butler in a state of discontent in trying to appease his Lady. It should be no surprise that the rotting foundations would eventually grow weak. Earlier this month, the ground groaned and shifted along one passage of those pipes, when suddenly one section caved in, dropping an unsuspecting Lakrid into the foul murk below. At first alarmed, Lakrid left in confusion, but soon returned to explore the newly found catacombs, with others soon following. It did not take long to see they were infested with millipedes, and that the air was somehow foul. Soon after, a lamiran covered in gaping, oozing sores appeared, beseeching any and all to help him as he's certain his disease was caused from those millipedes and he seeks both their eradication and a cure. One should be prepared for various dangers if they deem to enter the catacombs, the foulness does not just begin and end with the undulating millipedes infesting the area, a few surprises lurk, awaiting those unaware.

Congratulations to the city of Shallam and her allies, who triumphed in the worldwide battles of Capture the Flag on this day to secure for the City of Light the prized Effigy of Victory!

A powerful, thundering tremor rocked the Heartlands today as rubble and dust were flung into the sky, the Great Rock having been obliterated by a mighty explosion. With nothing but a crater remaining, Lyargai Thetiman, a Purist engineer, stumbled in moments later and revealed that some unknown party had managed to tail him into his workshop, concealed in the Great Rock. Disturbing several delicate projects and setting off a chain reaction, the invading party is presumed dead. Lyargai himself barely managed to escape after warning the Rock's other resident, Arinas.

A lucidian astrological observatory was discovered along the Emerald Road. Initial reports of strange experiments within this research center began circulating throughout the Basin. In apparently unrelated news, viscanti children began to mysteriously disappear.

In a dramatic turn, Hajamin the Golden Lord began acting erratically and even assaulted Lyreth the Sidereal Prince. Though the divine were unable to enter his temple, the defenses still allowed mortals entry. When finally they unlocked the diabolic puzzles holding the Eye and turned it over to Charune, the Lord of the Hunt. Hajamin immediately lost his form, turning into a amorphous being. Fearing it was a Soulless God, all of the Elder Gods mounted an attack. However, before this creature could be defeated, he revealed himself to be Morgfyre, one of the original traitors during the Elder Wars. Elder God Fain immediately switched sides and rescued Morgfyre, taking his shattered form deep beneath the earth. It was later learned that Morgfyre had consumed the essence of Hajamin and was living through his form.

The elderly ornithologist Ignatius was found lost in the bog near Ashtan, on his way to procure equipment for an unlikely mountain-climbing expedition. Excited by the sight of black cranes he had seen flying into the Northern Vashnars, the elderly gent was determined to see them up close. With the help of a cadre of adventurers, especially his climbing partner Arcani, he scaled the mountains and found his way into a hidden valley long isolated from the rest of the world: Xhaiden Dale!

All of Achaea raises its voice in welcome to Vastar, the Skylord, who graces the realm with his divine presence once more!

Using the mysterious divine artifact called the Eye of Dynara, the Elder Goddess Terentia travelled to the Void to free Hajamin the Golden Lord from a trap. Hajamin was weak and needed the Eye of Dynara to help himself heal. He rested in New Celest while the Eye itself was kept deep within his temple.

The discovery of an injured scout on the Raphaelan Highway ended in tragedy when the scout perished from his wounds, but not before he had given away the general whereabouts of his home, the long-secluded Adryn's Keep. Iocun was the first to find the hidden path to this feudal estate off the river Zaphar, harried of late by a group of evil bandits and thieves.

In the days when the Xiur first began to move, some moved further north into the tundra-like mountains. There they found veins of gold buried beneath the snow and ice and decided to brave the frigid conditions in hopes of mining these veins and acquiring great wealth. Unknownst to them at the time, a group of Orcs had taken up life along the pass and they did not take kindly to these new settlers. War ensued between the two factions, with the Xiur claiming victory as they slew a great many of their newfound enemy and enslaving a great many more to work as slaves within the mines. As wealth began to flow amidst the Xiur tribe, they built a marble fortress and there they grew fat and complacent. The Orcs of the area pulled together and bided their time in freeing their fellow kind, and when Polindus, a Xiur of reknown was outcast as a betrayer, they found a chance to seek their vengeance. As they acquired more and more siege machines, they were finally prepared to take out the Fortress, which, after much bloodshed they rampaged with great success. The blood of their foes dripping from their blades and coating their skin, the Orcs were aflame with victory and chose to head to the southern lands, lands they had long been unable to pillage because of the hold the Xiur had over them. Now freed, Gul'goa blasted his war horn one more time and his warriors marched with eagerness, soon invading every council and city. While many died, just as many survived the onslaught and it is expected that some will be enticed by the chance to send the horde into the south in days to come, how...only Polindus knows.

Having heard word of a taint spreading just off the Redwood forest in the Areish mountains, Austil, the Potionmaker and Lyrinan decided to explore the rumors. It was not long before the two came running back to the Council, Austil full of warnings as Lyrinan lay dead in the redwoods, and undead hot on his trail. Austil had learned of a group of necromancers that had established a place referred to as Eor'gahl Encampment, where they are attempting to perfect extermination not simply to leech life essence from the environment, but to manipulate it. Surrounded by their undead creations, their work continues and only those brave enough will ever learn the secret to helping eradicate the taint that threatens to invade the Redwoods.

The Elder God Lyreth, the Sidereal Prince, arrived in the Basin of Life for the first time since the Elder Wars. Players helped this new god find his lost voice, and in return he gifted them with the new common skill of Dramatics!

After a period of nearly 2 Achaean years, the solar eclipse was finally ended today with the shattering of the protective dome around Slith, Prince of the Undead Legions, who had been causing the fixed planetary alignment. Though Slith decimated the Achaeans amassed against him before his escape, the realm is graced once more by the light of the sun.

A stumble in the darkness cost Titania, the Queen of the Dryads, a precious gift of jewellery from her beloved King of the Fairies, lost down the river Zaphar within the belly of a silver-backed fish. With the assistance of the Old Man of the River, friends of Titania gained access to previously unexplored segments of the river Zaphar and finally found for the lovely Queen her ring.

A lone ebon-maned nightmare appeared today on the Sangre plains, hunted by a colony of numerous giant white bats intent upon her demise. After the bats were slain through the efforts of many, a net previously used to capture the nychtaur became a silvery bridle for the nightmare, who appeared to be heavy with foal. She was led away to the safety of the Temple of the Moon, but later fled back to the Sangre.

Said to be searching for fallen comrades that they claimed dwarves had slain, a small group of orc guards arrived at the Threshold of Celidon. Their arrival far from welcome, they alerted Celidon to the infestation of prairie dogs that were busy tearing up the soil and roots of trees. Mathessa attempted to learn more, but Lalaith was most difficult and the orcs left the Threshhold, a warning on their lips. It wasn't long before Helga was yelling about the influx of wood she'd be sure to get as those varmints tore up the roots of trees, killing them off, but her voice was quickly shut off as orc guards made good to their threats and set fire to the forests in a so-called attempt to rid them of the annoying dogs. With many people patrolling and putting out fires, Lalaith was the first to find a small group of dwarves living in the Byley Plains just west of Egeria Forest. Contrary to the orcs, the dwarves assured them that if there were prairie dogs in the forests, it was due to the orcs, either by intent, or using their trained hawks to make them flee.

When Serenwilde broke their Oath, the Dark Spirits were drawn from Glomdoring and forced back into the Serenwilde Forest, bringing their ties to Mother Night with them. Both nature communes suffered, as Mother Night was stretched between the two forests, causing chaos within both communities. Eventually, both sides had to once again meet and agree to cooperate in returning the Dark Spirits to Glomdoring.

A ritual performed today by Aerilius, Priestess of the Solstar along with five Achaeans, Goldberry, Silas, Zenui, Najara, and Aneevah, revealed a glimpse at a different face behind that of Tavarius, the mysterious man behind the ward of power causing the current eclipse of the sun! Unfortunately, the ritual failed in its ultimate goal, leading to a backlash that tragically took the lives of the ritualists.

The fearsome nychtaur was finally captured by the Order of the Moon, including Kaixis, Apollodorus, and Elizabeth, and the beast's mysterious origins revealed in an exciting saga involving the return of the goddess of dreams, Valnurana, and the god of death, Thoth.

Still, the triune eclipse of the sun continues to shroud the world in darkness, with no end to the perpetual night in sight.

Following a daring rescue of the ferryman Nate, battling tempestuous seas and sea monsters brought to the ocean surface in the long eclipse, adventurers have made a new discovery: the seaside village of Ka'doloki!

A strange glowing door, hanging in midair, was stumbled upon by an explorer named Entaro. Those intrepid adventurers entering the door found themselves in an endless hallway, surrounded by doors leading to countless and farflung destinations. Later, it came to light that the door was the result of a failed attempt by the wizard Hycanthus at opening a portal to try to end the eternal night.

A triple eclipse of the sun has cloaked the realms in darkness, the triune eclipsing planets locked in orbit with the sun by a mysterious power!

Townes can now hire guards in the growing realm of Imperian. Not only can governors hire guards from the local towne populous, they recruit trained soldiers from the capital city or council. Additionally, cities, councils, and townes can create barracks. These locations serve as stations for guards to rest, waiting to defend player citizens when called for assistance.

The Master of Games was busy again this month, and ran a hunt for many precious gems from his collection. Two versions were initiated, the first where gems could not be shared or killed for, and the second where they could be. In the peaceful version, the winners were Keldoran, Ristani and Sorat, and in the more violent version, Ashel, Nazarar and Renoir were the winners, all of whom won credits!

Dark Spirits from Hartstone's past plagued Serenwilde Forest, gaining power until White Hart, the guardian spirit of the Serenwilde, sacrificed himself to contain this darkness. Serenwilde eventually called forth the Elder God Charune, the Horned One, who created White Hart. However, not even Charune could save White Hart until the dark spirits found a new home. Eventually, Serenwilde was able to negotiate with the dark forest of Glomdoring to accept the dark spirits, and Charune was able to restore White Hart to the forests.

A covey of explorers assisted a Jaruvian fisherman in escorting his young daughter to a monastery upon a secluded isle in the waters off the Peshwar Delta, bringing back word of the beautiful Isle of New Hope to the mainland.

Upon this day, the Gods of the Church of Achaea gathered to bequest upon the Church the Codex of Light! May this Codex, like the Holy Codex before it, illuminate the path of the seekers and champions of the Light.

Returning from years of travel and adventure far from the shores of Aetherius, Timas, Master of Games announced his return to the world. Bringing with him many treasures, he promises games of skill, luck and courage through which they may be won, throughout the months between Vita and Ferinus. Those desiring them should make sure they are around this weekend to meet this mysterious Master!

Never one to let a possible opportunity slip them by, Stavenn tried to lure the hag of a Festering Bog into sharing some of her talents with them in exchange for a girl named Aridleii, a girl the hag seemed most interested in. One cannot blame Stavenn for their efforts, but never underestimate the mind of one gone mad, because just as the bartering got intense and a blade rested against the neck of the girl, the hag pulled out all stops and summoned several of her mirebeasts from the bog into the city as she grabbed the girl slave and fled the city. Forced to clear their streets of these atrocities, Lady Daemynia and Lord Trez soon found their way back to the hag to face her head on, only to leave her in fits of cackling laughter as one died by her hand, the other as he attempted to flee. The last words of Daemynia leave Selishan, the hag, awaiting eagerly their return, for she finds Stavenn and their ways most amusing, their very efforts sending her into gales of laughter.

Sheltered within the Shamtota Hills, the mining town of Nimick has deliberately concealed itself from the world at large for many years. This state of affairs has now ended, and the villagers' rebel faction leader has revealed its existence and whereabouts to all.

The disappearance of the rascals in the town of Tasur'ke led to a search by concerned adventurers. To the relief of all, the young troublemakers were soon found frolicking in the kitchens of a lavish manor in north Tasur'ke, the home of a suspiciously wealthy family named Aurick. Aurick Manor has now opened its gates to visitors.

A relaxing haven for explorers of the world to rest their feet between expeditions, the newly constructed Wander Inn has opened its doors in New Thera, including an exclusive members' only area open to only the greatest explorers.

When a mysterious illness struck a taurian girl, the shaman of her tribe prescribed ingredients that could only be located in a remote arctic location, beyond a glacier in the Mountains of Avechna's Teeth. With the help of several adventurers, the girl's father, the taurian leader Lauk, cut a path into and over the impeding glacier and opened up Snow Valley to the Basin. Eventually, the cure was found, and the taurian girl was healed.

The Pantheon revealed a new twist to the world-wide game of Capture the Flag today. Locations for planting flags randomly changed every ten minutes, and flags planted vanished. Much fun was had by all, and was a neck and neck contest for much of the two-hours, which many felt to be over too early. Finally however, Ithaqua pulled ahead with an impressive score, and won the Foreman for the month, who will greatly increase their production of commodities. Well done!

Nukrae, a dark practioner long forgotten by the city that he once claimed as his own, chose to reveal his presence to the city earlier this month. He was ambiguous in most things he said, attempting to lure at least one citizen from the city of Stavenn to walk with him to the mist shrouded valley of a Veiled Chaparral. Lord Lachlan chose to go with him, following the promises of seeing great works of art, unique and all his own. Once finding the Chaparral, Nukrae chose to slip into the shadows, telling Lachlan to be sure to find him once he learned how to get beyond the mists. It was not long before it became apparent that Nukrae was holding a grudge and was seeking revenge upon a city he claims forsook him and condemned him for his use of citizens in his experiments.

Barak D'Nichliz, dwarven Lord of the Undercaves of Blackrock, was noticed acting suspiciously. His strange behaviour came to a head when he ordered Blackrock's commodity shop closed down. Investigating, a group led by Iocun of the Mojushai of Cyrene puzzled out the spell holding sway over Barak and broke its control over him. Along the way, they discovered the Caves of Delmarin, populated by a half-snake, half-human race called the Dyissans!

The Holy Supernals of Celestia and Demon Lords of Nil were in danger of falling into 100 years of sleep. The Celestines and Nihilists managed to briefly work together to find a solution to prevent this catastrophe. In the end, they created deeper spiritual bonds with these great cosmic beings to anchor them to alertness. It was found that through these deep bonds, they could call forth the symbols of the Holy Supernals and Demon Lords, which symbols held many powers.

A riddle posed upon the pages of the Holy Codex showed the way to bring to life the dragon shrines of Pentharian, God of Valour. Led by Atanamir, the Platinum Dragon, they opened a portal in the heavens to free Pentharian from His long-time imprisonment by the formidable undead prince Slith. Pentharian joined His power with that of Lorielan, Goddess of Knowledge to heal Tarah and return Her to corporeal form. Welcome home, Pentharian!

A ritual interrupted by a malicious vision results in a catastrophe, severely weakening Tarah, Goddess of Harmony and Compassion, who has taken refuge within the divine artefact known as the Holy Codex. As the pages of the Codex fade, the fate of the Goddess is in question.

he Nishnatoba Deadlands were revealed today - over four hundred rooms of desolate wastelands upon which are scattered the Icons of the great Houses, a savage battlefield of unprecedented scope!

In an unprecedented show of might and discipline, the armies of Evil have recently destroyed both the Icons of the Empyreal Assembly and the Guardians of Light!

From the western sea to the black stone of cliffs in the east, one never knows what they will find as they traverse the world. A lost fisherman named Prakish, wandering aimlessly in the redwoods of Khandava, was aided by a couple in finding his way back home. Prakish took great pride in showing his newly found friends the beauty and bounty of Karakas Beach. Fishermen might find some rare fish within the bay while others can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the bay not far from Khandava. Prakish also boasts that he pays the best rate on fish brought to him, giving Ivran some competition in the world of fishermen. Most recent was the scourge of a large herd of fell beasts roaming the eastern mountains, some traversing into the city of Kinsarmar itself. Whether their appearance is the result of a curse cast upon the city or not, the twisting trail in Macabre Tunnels leave no doubt that several of these beasts of Dis have grown in numbers amidst the fire and brimstone.

Recently announced, the Houses of Achaea will now be able to choose from a plethora of new options for their internal governments, including such choices as leadership by triumvirate, elected autocrat, dictator, or oligarchy; fixed term lengths; the appointment of successors; and more.

The lachrymose wailings of a ghost in the Black Forest stirred compassionate adventurers to his aid. Searching for the ghost, Jalet I'sasome was the first to discover previously untouched sections of the Black Forest.

Some time later, a hunter was found on the Prelatorian Highway, badly mauled by the very beasts he had been trying to hunt. A group led by Bleak and Swishowski helped the hunter, Garian, retrace his way back to the long-lost Green Lake.

All in all, it was a good day for explorers!

Mhaldor struck more at the City of Light, kidnapping the young maiden Irilan from Shallam. The soldiers of Light stormed the city of Evil, throwing themselves against the battlements time and time again in their efforts to reach the hapless girl. In a dramatic conclusion, the vizier Altarius rescued Irilan, but not before the ordeal had managed to leave deep marks upon her.

The forces of Mhaldor, City of Evil triumphed after a bloody and drawn-out battle, destroying the Icon of the Crystalline Circle. Despite valiant efforts by the members of the Crystalline Circle and their allies, the Icon of the Crystal Mirror shattered and fell under Mhaldor's grim onslaught.

After the gods changed the nature of the Transcendental Fulcrux, shrines raised by their divine orders were forever changed. Shrines are now divided among three types: war, healing and shield. Each type of shrine has a different set of powers that affect either individuals or an entire area. Mortals are quickly learning to adapt to these new divine powers that derive directly from the gods themselves.

A faction of fae in Faethorn were unhappy that their kin were leaving Faethorn, having been influenced by the Great Spirits of Moon and Night. They decided to awaken the Tree of Trees, a Great Spirit who sleeps deep within the ethereal aetherways, who in turn planted the Song of Ail'fae Rhunia into the spirit of an innocent fae girl. When the song was released within Faethorn, all bonds were broken and the fae returned to their home.

Kappa, the gypsy boy of Stavenn decided to wander outside the city, exploring as boys will do. He hadn't made it far when he came rushing back to find Iriaen and Juganothion just outside the city. As he tried to tell them of the many spiders he'd seen running through the hills, he noticed quickly that they had made their way to the city walls, casting their webs in every direction. It seemed his fears were true, they were seeking bigger, more tasty prey. Before long, both of these men, along with Erana set out to try and find the source and soon found themselves deep in a webbed gorge overflowing with these spiders, as well as a rather odd couple living in their midst. After some rather demanding discussion, a dwarf was able to whip up a potion that would dissolve the webs, but it is now apparent that the hobo spiders of Ravana have found their way into the gorge and have evolved into various species that a young adventurer may find to be prime pickings for hunting.

After months of planning and with a little help from the fractured dwarven kingdom, the Syrinx Plaza Hotel was finally erected in New Celest.

The Hartstone guild tutor has recently been experiencing strange visions and a cold sensation. Meanwhile his strange mutterings have led the Hartstone to discover a ancient circle of trees within a gloomy part of the Serenwilde that reacts to certain objects. As of yet the Druids of the Hartstone are unsure how these two events are connected.

The Naga Talkaze, member of a small cadre of explorers led by Cypra Lichlord of Mhaldor, was first to discover the hidden Dun Valley Swamps on this day!

While the raids upon Antioch continued, the skeletal diggers in the southern desert unearthed a large outpost, filled with a co-ordinated skeletal army, under the apparent command of General Athall. A large group of Antiochians managed to slay Athall and discover a scroll within a nearby chest that held within the information on how to unearth a large pyramid containing Lhortae, the Lich Lord. Iluov and Airamaya immediately attempted to hide the scroll's contents from their city, fearing what might happen if the pyramid was allowed to be brought forth. All of that changed when Bina, one of the most respected and heeded figures of Antioch was captured in a black mist by Lhortae, with her frail cries transmitted across the city. Lhortae himself began to taunt Antioch, telling the city that to get Bina back, they knew what they had to do. Unbeknownst to much of the city, Airamaya rushed to the site of the pyramidal stone and chanted the incantation which unearthed the pyramid and sealed Antioch's fate. After amassing forces of forty or so fighters, Antioch stormed the pyramid, discovering still more undead skeletons. Lhortae continued to taunt them, telling them that all their actions were for naught. Nonetheless, the resilient forces broke through to Lhortae's chamber, and after a long and fierce battle, managed to remove Lhortae from his corporeal form and rescue Bina. Having returned to Antioch, Bina was oddly subdued, and revealed that her capture was a mere ploy by Lhortae to have the incantation read, and that by compromising to the tainted words of a Lich for the sake of saving one old woman, Antioch will forevermore have to deal with skeletal armies rampaging the desert and Antioch itself, with the only hope coming from the solidarity of the citizens when it comes to every fight.

As the skeletal raids continued relentlessly on Antioch and its townes, many casualties were borne with still little rhyme or reason as to the purpose of the onslaught. Appearing in the mind's eye of many citizens was the laughing visage of a figure claiming to be Lhortae, the Lich Lord, repaying Antioch for his dire humiliation centuries prior, while never actually appearing in corporeal form, choosing instead to taunt the city by possessing their dead and mocking them in return. A few days after a particularly nasty assault upon El'Jazira, there was a slight glimmer of hope, as the towne of Tylaran managed to stop a separate affront at their gates, slaying fifteen skeletal raiders before they could penetrate the towne itself, while giving up only one casualty. Nonetheless, no solution has yet been found to effectively confront the raiders with any permanence, nor has anyone managed to discover the purpose of the digging in the southern desert.

The residents of the Western Celidon Forest have noticed a larger crop of dying trees than normal over the past months. Upon hearing wails in the forest, dead dryads were found as the failing health of the forest increased. A mysterious elf named Merindiel appeared to Celidon and told them about his mission to heal the ailing Celidon forest through a dryad tree. He sent those in attendance to collect three orbs - the Arda, A'lu, and A'nor. Gelf received one from the dryads, Risca along with Skye obtained on from the Trabine Reserve, and Nyeire gained another from the centaurs with a ritual involving her councilmates. The underground Adesdri forest was then revealed to the members of Celidon Council, where they healed the dryad tree and in turn the Celidon forest, gaining new guardian allies in the process.

Judging for the Iron Realms Poster Contest has ended, and five winners have been chosen! The Grand Prize of $1000 or 5000 credits has been awarded to Imyrr of Achaea. Congratulations to all winners! The winning posters and runner-ups can be viewed here.

As Antioch sat, enjoying a time of relative peace, strange sounds began to come from the southern desert, nearing the Paran mountains, reminiscent of digging. After dismissing such happenings for a few weeks, a few Antiochians decided to explore the area, and came across the horrific sight of animated skeletons, digging into the sands to the southwest. What happened in the months after was numerous raids in the city and at least one other towne, with numerous skeletal raiders killing dozens of citizens and visitors alike. Based on sparse information from Bina, Carman and Mathardan, Antioch was led to believe that it could be the revenge of a magicker who suffered a humiliating defeat centuries before, but as yet, all is up to speculation.

A new system for village revolts came into effect, whereby villages to break away from being vassals of cities and communes in groups. Also, the feelings that villages have towards cities and communes slowly change over time.

A new era of Divine Orders saw these holy (or unholy) organizations split into three levels: the Outer Circle, the Order, the Inner Circle. Divine patrons and their followers slowly make the adjustment into this new system.

Enjoying the comforts of the community campfire, Zenigra became aware of a new presence in the Council of Ithaqua, first a few wyrm hatchlings burrowing up from the ice, soon followed by their giant counterparts. Clearing out the Council, Eldreth began to scout the Pines and found the source of these wyrms, giant ice wyrms and their hatchlings in caverns beneath Redcap Lake. Of particular interest was the presence of a couple Ryadai explorers, people thought to be extinct, yet busily harvesting the bounty found in the caverns for their own means. Not a dire threat to the inhabitants of the Black Pines, these giant ice wyrms and their hatchlings proved to be worth a bit for their skins, while the few random beetles proved to be more of a threat to those harvesting their skins for gold.

A change in the credits system throughout the Iron Realms brings good tidings for all: a 2.5 lesson bonus per credit spent on your character, for up to 1000 credits! That's not the only benefit of the revised system, either. See Announce news #2241 and HELP CREDITS for details.

After sacrificing copious amounts of angelic blood, the City of Magnagora brought forth the Silent Cathedral into existence.

A swirling black vortex began to form in an arch-filled clearing, the rush of leathery wings the prelude to a small group of daemonites that emerged from within it. As they swooped about the room, they closed around Aoede, whisking her away, amidst her cries for help. As the new adventurers worked to defend her, one daemonite escaping them led them to the Black Pines, only to find themselves surrounded by these fierce little demons. As they searched high and low for Aoede, they discovered a group of dark magickers working their magick to open the barrier between their portals and the demon realm itself. One lone explorer and a couple of Ithaquans are full of tales of not only their attempts to stop the corruption within Ithaqua's forest, but offer a bounty of information for any new explorer willing to lend an ear.

Finding a small boy lost in the Seven Lakes Basin, Tonbee led him to the city of Stavenn, to the unholy halls of the Malignists. The boy claimed to have been left behind by his parents, who are said to be of Anhir. Before long the boy's sadness was enflamed into a fire of vengeance and by command of Flagg, the Malignist, his corruption began. Having a liking for flames, the circle became complete when the small boy set a chubby, Muamrite child from Anhir to flames, ending his life. More importantly, the flame of Ire now burns within this one, and his conversion complete, the boy, now named Vyzerath, will live the life of a Malignist because of the crimes of his prior city.

Maya, the Great Mother has decreed that from this day forth, all Achaeans upon reaching 18 years of age may undergo the Trial of Rebirth within the Flame of Yggdrasil. In other words: Achaea's newbie introduction tour has been entirely rewritten for greater newbie-friendliness within a uniquely Achaean context, as figures from Achaea's rich history guide the new player in a quest to be reborn within the Flame.

Seething with disgust for the many races bred from the taint of magick, a High Priest set out to make his presence known within a sandstone temple erected near the Areish mountains. Having rejected those from their homeland, claiming that by embracing the many people created by magick, they no longer follow a pure path and are themselves...unworthy, they began to trek the continent. He claims that the Redwoods have some of the highest concentrations of magick to be found and so it is here they choose to eradicate the taint, beginning with the removal of several races that he claims only exist as a result of twisted nature of magick. With their claim of hired mercenaries within the forest itself, and several warriors to do their work they were met with much resistance and anger by some. Soon, the very touch of magick found its way within this place of so-called purity, as some erected a shrine to honour the Lady of the Arcane, while Vahin Himself cursed the Priests of Menanon, each now bearing His eternal disfavour. In the face of much resistance, one would think they would flee, but instead the priesthood within the Temple are more determined than ever to continue with their work.

Elryn Greythane joins the ranks of the Master Cartographers for his efforts in mapping aetherspace. Be sure to visit his maps on the Cartography Page.

An old Lieutenant of the fauns arrived in Khandava, telling Mapes that one man he had forced retirement upon years ago had returned. It seemed he had gathered many vermin and that these vermin were now destroying nearby community cotton fields. After some urging, a small group from Khandava searched out these fields and found them overrun with weevils. Will they be able to send the man responsible for this running from the Redwoods, or does Ulmdo's vengeance run too deep.

Strange beings from the aetherways were marooned in Avechna's Peak and were mistaken for gods by some people of the Basin. When it was finally made clear they needed help to go back into the aetherways, they revealed themselves to be gnomes! Before the gnomes left, they shared the secrets of creating aetherships and trained those interested in the aethercraft skill.

Enter the Iron Realms Poster Contest and win up to 5000 credits or $1000 USD! Contest ends February 20th.

Deep in the Vorrak Mines is a canine bred strictly for use in the mines, earlier this month, several bazwolf pups found their way to Celidon, fleeing from their wouldbe trainers. As goblins soon followed, making a weak attempt to recapture the lost pups, orc overseers arrived to reclaim not only the pups, but their goblin slaves. The Council worked to contain the area and rid their home of these vile creatues, while others set out to try and learn where they came from. Not far from the Scourge, a goblin slave camp was found, filled with goblin slaves and pens holding many of the unkept pups. Is this newly found camp simply a breeding ground for the hardworking bazwolf found in the mines? Perhaps it is also the primary breeding and feeding grounds for the Mines, overseen by the various orcs patrolling the area.

The city vs city Capture the Flag has concluded, and the city of Ashtan has triumphed, winning the Effigy of Victory!

The Elder Gods Lacostian, Elcyrion and Raezon came together to perform a magical working to look deep into the Void. They discovered that a dark entity was try to absorb the Elder Gods Terentia, Fain and Hajamin. They were able to save Terentia and Fain, but Hajamin was lost. Fain and Terentia were weakened to such a state that they had to be cared for on the cosmic planes, where their followers gathered essence. Terentia was the first to awaken, and she retrieved an object that had remained in the Void. When Fain awakened, he was extremely upset that Terentia retrieved the object.

The shifting of a glacier far to the north attracted curious explorers onto the glacier, where they came across a man named Herik. Leading the explorers to a cave, he explained that the movement of the ice had blocked the entrance to his home. The resourceful explorers were able to help Herik melt through the solid sheet of ice, revealing the entrance to the submerged city Isaia.

Will you become a powerful merchant, running caravans to and from the townes and cities? Maybe a dangerous bandit, ambushing caravans as they travel is more your style? Perhaps you will be a hired hand, protecting the merchants from both player and NPC bandits? Check out Imperians latest addition for merchants. An entirely new commodity system including 30 player run townes! Create caravans and trade in commodities, earning experience and gold. We will also be releasing several new features to townes over the next few weeks including guards, soldiers, player houses, player shops, and the ability to conquer townes for your city or council.

A weary desert traveler found her way to Antioch, telling tales of booming sand dunes and wrestling with boas. Her body dusty and broken, Draven and Ageranu blessed her with the touch of the Divine and gave her strength before they, along with Aklinne, made way for these odd sounding dunes. Not long after finding the discoloured sands and sandy boas popping out of the sand, the weary traveler fell from the mesa, forcing the small group to aide her, their reward...word of a lost bandit's treasure hidden in some nearby cavern, teaming with large beaded lizards.

Badly bruised and visibly shaken, a woman trudged through the harsh black pines to literally collapse upon the Ithaqua Council's doorstep, professing that 'I will not go back there!' Shortly thereafter arrived a burly Norrjin man, large of stature and equally crude in mannerism. Here he encountered the likes of Lorccan, Lilith, Selthis, Kanthari, Airhman and Garess, many of them expressing their concern for the woman and disdain for the Norrjin. The man hailed from the nearby Agirni Hold, a conclave of roughish Norrjin barbarians with a thirst for plundering, theft and related nefarious activities. Word was sent that the Hold's current leader, Graelam, sought to speak to the Wildgraf and Drokthar promptly responded. A deal was struck between the two men - the residents of the Hold will not nuisance Ithaqua or any village under its protection, in exchange for Ithaqua lending a physical presence if needed as many of the Hold's residents are off on what Graelam called 'business'.

A bloodied scholar led the way to discovery of the Verasavir Valley, where tribal taurian hunters battle ghost wolves.

A game of Capture the Flag, a worldwide event in which the six great city-states of Achaea are pitted against each other in an exhilarating, no-holds-barred competition for the Effigy of Victory, has been scheduled for this Sunday at 8pm GMT!

An unknown force freed the beast known as the Leviathan into the Western Ocean, where it wreaked havoc along the western coastline of Sapience until wounded in battle by Sefyr, the Guardian of the Western Seas. In the battle, the Leviathan smashed into the cliffs along the coastline, and a way down the newly destroyed cliffside to a small isle south of the greater Island off the Northern Vashnars was discovered first by young Khelek Drakor. Within this Isle of Harae dwell primitive volcano-worshipping villagers who call themselves the Haraekanewa.

It seems likely that the Leviathan had been freed as a distraction while a thief stole into the prized hippocampus herds of Sefyr. The reason for such an elaborate ruse is yet unknown.

Having been sent a rather strange letter, Melete rounded up a group of new adventurers and headed into Khandava's forest in search of Nianna, She was seeking help against not only animal poachers, but a rather large group of exterminators and poachers found just south of the Council in an encampment. It was not long before a group lead by Kirana found Nianna and aided her in healing a bit of the land, only to find yet more of these wretched men inside a small encampment located in the forest. When the forests seem to have grown quiet once more, the lumberjack Mar lost his supper of rabbit and squirrels, only to have Mneme discover them running through Northern Celidon. With her help and the aide of Aoede, yet another group of adventurers, and one in particular named Miren came across a new clearing in the woods and yet another mission, the sabotage of a lumberjacks camp had begun...

After receiving visions from a mage in a distant village named Gersayad, Vadush gathered a following from his city of Kinsarmar set off to locate the village. With only very vague instructions, they traveled through most of the northern reaches of the Reate forest until they finally stumbled across the path that was revealed to them in the visions. Making their way across the thin mountain ridge, they arrived at the village of Tayar. After discussing the situation with the mage Gersayad, the following agreed that the city of Kinsarmar would assist the towne in anyway possible.

New maps of Caer Witrin, the Sangre Plains & Petra, and the city of Shallam have been added to the maps section of the website. Seasoned explorers and befuddled newbies alike will appreciate these detailed, attractively rendered maps.

A new system for player-run lotteries was introduced today. With a lottery permit, official lottery runners can set up and run lotteries for set or increasing amounts of gold, or other special prizes.

The current 10% credit bonus has been extended until the end of January.

Queen Maeve of the Fae granted a wish at the wedding of Butter Sweetpease and Perriwinkle. Butter wished for her long lost godmother to return and bless her at the wedding. Queen Maeve granted this wish, which released Jeitara, a vicious kelpie who had been trapped by her sister Lanikai, the Sea Hag. Jeitara was eventually driven back into her prison, which was revealed to be the Carai Caroo, which lies deep within the Inner Sea near a thermal vent.

When the Viscanti Great Houses collided with the Iron Council of Magnagora, House n'Rotri used the chaos to seize control of the Necromentate itself. Events escalated with the release of a plague of iron encased creatures and finally Kebira n'Rotri proclaiming herself Empress of the Basin. It took the resurrection of the lost House y'Bolgari and a trap constructed of necromantic rituals to finally vanquish her.

A pungent stench and indigo glow were noticed in the southwestern Dardanic grasslands, drawing a number of people near. Though Araedelith was the first on the scene, it was Shyenne, Kitt and Catira who realized that the area was consumed by the same foul blight which had ravaged nature a few decades earlier. Further exploration revealed the blight to have seeped into the ground, likely due to a single room not being treated so many years before. While crusts of elemental ice were apparently preventing the blight from spreading outside, the underground was consumed with its rot and disease, apparently having mutating effects on the creatures below the surface. Though its presence looked to be relatively contained, none could discover any means of preventing any possible future spreading of the blight, leaving it as a worrisome mark, consuming all nature.

Several new abilities and skill updates have been added recently, including WEAPONLIST, the ability to ELIXLIST, and the ability to WHISTLE MOUNT, and an update to custom emotes.

In the fulcrux of the Elder God Roark Libertas, his pet eagle was found slain with a threatening note to Roark. The mystery deepened as a dwarf pilgrim became trapped in a stasis field by a mysterious stranger. The stasis field was finally punctured, though at the cost of the dwarf's life, and clues led to the identity of the stranger being Jacques Lelouch of Delport. Roark ripped apart hapless Jacques' body and found a dark spirit incased within. Roark eventually banished the spirit, though many questions were left unanswered as to who or what this spirit was.

A furrikin savant named Weeky Peedea arrived in the Basin, showing an interest in the Great Libraries. However, he was not displeased with the lack of oversight. He subsequently oversaw the building of the World Library, where important historical works were published as well as drawing the attention of divine scholars who would recognize prestigous works.

The 10% holiday credit bonus has been extended until January 15th, 2006. Happy New Year!

A piece of history became a part of the present today, as a small rockslide revealed a path within the Gongen Mountains, leading to an area historically referred to as the Dregs. Summoned by ephemeral visions of her racial ancestors, Lakessa Tellaris was led to the area, followed by many Kinsarmarians trusting and heeding her guidance. As they found the path, they eventually discovered that the Horde was very active within, with many goblins, hobgoblins, orcs, ogres and trolls forming a dire community underground, amidst the smashed cages that once held gnomes. Though no conclusions were drawn as to the purpose of the community's existence, the very fact that the Dregs exists at all was cause for concern.

Once again, chubby little gnomes in red winter solstice suits mysteriously appeared at unexpected times throughout the Basin of Life, handing out presents to those who begged for them!

A piece of living history emerged back into the realms today, though perhaps a part best forgotten. The Stavennite assassin, Morvere, nearly responsible for the annhilation of the Lycaean race revealed via public post that he not only lives, but is seeking out help with his experiments in solving the 'curse of the Lycaean's'. Exactly how he means to do this is yet unknown, but both enterprising Stavennites, and angered Lycaeans now seek him out in the Agletak caverns deep beneath the Egeria forest...

This month in Khandava, Austil the Potionmaker refused to create any more of Morvere's vile concoction after learning of its use. Instead, Lothesh volunteered do to so, happy to help a fellow Stavennite, though still maintaining his crazed and rude demeanor Austil, however, will brew a different potion after being in secret communication with Morvere's slave, Alexis... and this brew may well have effects Morvere does not intend...

The leader of the chubby gnomes, Jolly Bundy, entered the Basin and taught certain craftsmen how to create 'toys', which turned out to be figurines to use in miniature battles. Everyone caught the craze of collecting miniatures and sending them to battle in various contests.

Two slaves found their way to the Northern city, their beaten and decrepit forms unable to do little more than crawl as they made their way through the streets. As the Lamirian gasped her last breath, Neotaku took flight to the Gongen mountains, following a trail of dried blood, to find the Stronghold the two claimed to have escaped from. It was not long before a large group of Kinsarmarians advanced upon the Gongen Stronghold and showed this twisted group of orcs their might. Vadush, Ryak, Lyndis, Dras, and many more discovered the pit which the slaves had escaped, only to find the remaining ones either rabid or their tongues removed. The one Sidhe that survived his trip to the city rests within the Park of Ages, recuperating, with plans to avenge those he left behind.

More new artefacts have been unveiled recently: Runic Gauntlets, magical boxes of chocolates, serpentine keyrings, and more! You can find out more about them in the misc. artefacts and all artefacts scrolls.

A dwarven explorer named Elawhe Greyfounder was found delirious and half-starved in the Northreach Forest. Roused with proper ale and food, she spoke in horror of ruins deep within mountains to the north, crawling with hideous and dangerous creatures. Her beloved had become entrapped within, and she had roamed south seeking help in his rescue. While the druid Shomaragu Valentai and others escorted Elawhe back north, scouts ventured ahead to the furthest reaches of northern Sapience. Grignor Winterwind was the first of these to find the ruins of which Elawhe had spoken, an eerie place called Morindar, and the rescue party braved its hidden depths to successfully rescue Elawhe's beloved, Torgath Shalecutter.

Much to the annoyance of the people of Celidon Council, a recent inhabitant of the forests has taken to cutting down trees, leaving signs of his work and toil for all to see. As he gleefully went about his work in the hopes of gaining Helga's favor, he was soon confonted by first Nisha, quickly followed by Kabaal, Dermot, and Siyamak. As he spouted the joys of woodcutting, the shouts of Hayon and Bashir could be heard, in hot pursuit of the mad woodcutter. The small group from Celidon found their way to what is known as the Valley of Dakker, a small tribal community of Norrjins, who have rebuked the ways of civilization. After a meeting with Hayon, Dakker's Chieftain, Nisha set out to capture the elusive Dez, and was the first to bring him in for a bounty.

The dark city of Stavenn was abuzz today, as a strangely literate orc walked amidst its walls in search of tarot cards. First to its aid was Desare, alongside Brogon and Nalini, who eventually learned of a new band of Strengmire orcs, utilizing the dark magicks that had been practised upon them decades earlier at the hands of Thalec, the lich. As Syric, Jazyra and others gathered around, it was revealed that this new tribe had set up an outpost in the nearby Kenuba Wastes, and were experimenting with various sorts of magick? though the reason for the experiments was never satisfactorily mentioned. After some deliberation, the orc led a small group of Stavennites to its nearby outpost. Despite its vague warnings, the group soon found itself overcome by orcish mages, footsoldiers and ritualists, who soon slew them all, leaving the original orc to laugh at their immense folly.

An ethereal apparition of a Norrjin man floated through the Kinsarmarian gates and there he found Mathiu, unto which he begged his case. He stated his time was short and asked that his daughter, Jaylynda, be protected before his form winked away into nothingness for eternity. A few of those faithful to Kinsarmar rallied and trekked into the Adram Valley, where they entered the Towne of Valin. Here they spoke to young Jaylynda, a child thrust into a position of authority due to lineage. The likes of Aliandus, Leighanna, Jayvan, Amamir, Brandeis, Natana and Vadush stood with Mathiu as Kinsarmar pledged to formally aid Valin and its people against all that would stand against it, and Valin agreed the same.

An avalanche in the Southern Vashnars has revealed a narrow passage through the mountains, leading to the cliffs of Quartz Peak! A sentient bearlike race of men called the Ursu and their enemies, the Taryen, have been discovered dwelling within the cliffside caves. Zenui Ruthras was the first to set foot upon Quartz Peak.

In the dark forest of Glomdoring, Ashteru d'Illici, a Blacktalon druid, organized a gluttonous feast and frenzied celebration in honor of the Great Nature Spirit of Brother Crow. After blood sacrifices were made to this dark spirit, Crow manifested in person, blessing the celebrants who followed his totem with greater powers.

A few orc scouts moved towards Celidon Council unobserved, yet their intentions quickly became clear as many burly orcs invaded the forest and the Council itself. Krysaliss, Catira, Rivaidan, Mikihide and a few others took up the job of cleaning them out when Rivaidan came scross a path leading to the Scourge Outpost. Some continued diligently to try and find answers when Krysaliss and Atherion learned of mines below. Only one managed to get out of Vorrak Mines with their skin in tact, with some of her last words being, "I'm not food..." Could this be the special order Commander Grorsh seems so intent on as he commands the orce of his outpost?

It was Enzeru Ruadh who first encountered the elderly Taylar, a disciple of Lady Shallah from the village of En'Aruna, who had ventured to the Ithaqua Council. She had come seeking like minds and refuge within the Council for her and her kind, dangerously underestimating the wrath of Ithaqua and its residents. When Taylar began to preach quite loudly, her words were hastily cut short via a length of sharpened steel. The Ithaquans, led by Drokthar, traversed to En'Aruna, where they spoke at length with Airon, the village governor. It was during this time that an official alliance between Ithaqua and En'Aruna was formed, an alliance easily spawned by the shared passion for the Red Maiden, Nemesis. This coalition comes closely on the heels of the Councils recent pact with Pol'Pera, yet another village that can claim protection and guidance beneath the shelter of the black pines.

Again the child Nina escaped the nursery in Celidon, but instead of setting off on a grand adventure, she wandered the council in tears. She ran into Nisha and through sobs and hiccups, told her that Grandmother Magda lay sick on the floor of the nursery. Discovering this to indeed be true, Nisha set Sliani and her fiance Hajime in charge of caring for the coughing Magda and visited Rythanis to inquire after a cure. Paging through his book, Rythanis told about an herb that was cultivated in a commune that rests in the Nolmine mountains. The citizens of Celidon, including Lynn, Nisha, and Argom, set off into the mountains to search for the commune and the herb. Argom and Nisha discovered the tower that marks the entrance to the commune and were greeted by the Gardener Taliele, who had the green and yellow herb they needed in her garden. Promising to return, Nisha and Argom brought the plant to the ailing Magda, who upon eating it, began to heal. Nisha, Argom, and Nyeire returned to the newly rediscovered Kipos Commune, promising to bring new life to the dying towne.

As the early morning sun heated the deserts around Antioch for another day, an Akrabi monk began to yell for people to gather and witness the daily prayers to the Lord of the Seven Suns. With Nosgard acting as a translator for those that could not speak the Akrabi language, the Akrabi prayers were performed for the first time to the public before Olyn forged an alliance between Arkaskarr and Antioch

As waters that once engulfed Waelin Bog receded, the lingering life within began to explore the area. Several of the rabid raccoons and mosquitoes, sick with the bog plague moved in on Sintcega Creek wth speed, seeking fresh blood. Catacuka was quite annoyed and was very glad to see Nisha arrive, and later bring in friends Deornia and Drokthar to remove these annoyance from the towne. As Catacuka settled back on her rock in peace, the small group of explorers ventured into the forest to see if they could not find the cause of these strange creatures, only to come across one lycaean lying dead just outside of was revealed to be a bog filled with various rabid creatures. Upon exploring the area and defending themselves against these creatures, they found two people that seem eager to acquire certain parts of some of the animals in the bog. Which will win the day, Sadril seeking to strengthen his magicks, or Zarathu, hoping to destroy magick

For too long, an age-old foe of Nature called the Wyrm of Worlds has masqueraded in the guise of the goddess Demeter, the Green Lady, having banished Her true self to the netherworld whence he came. Having overcome many a nightmare in that hell, the Green Lady has returned to Sapience and triumphed in battle over the sly Wyrm. Changed forever by Her dark experiences in the netherworld, She has become reborn as Melantha, Goddess of the Seasons!

A strange disturbance took place upon the astral plane. An invisible membrane burst and released an alien power that reverberated throughout the astrospheres. The minds of those who were unlucky enough to be on the astral plane began to become afflicted by hideous and alien thoughts. And thus, insanity is enters as a new hazard of traveling the astral plane.

Was a snowy, blistering cold day when the residents of Ithaqua set out to meet with Ahmor, the Clanchief of the Hamlet of Aherindale. The hamlet had been plagued with the thieving of horses, and Ahmor and Drokthar spoke about the matter in depth. In time, others of the Council appeared, the likes of Erana, Surakia, Deornia and Lavinia to name a few. In the end, an agreement was reached and Deornia was named head of Aherindale, the seal of an official liaison between the hamlet and the Council of Ithaqua.

The Archives of Achaean Lore have been revealed to the public today. This compendium of knowledge of all things Achaean, compiled by erudite and tireless Chroniclers, is a vast storehouse of information at over 1000 entries and growing. Search, browse, read, learn, even apply to become a Chronicler yourself.

While exulting over his initial victory over Miramar, Goddess of Justice, the demon prince Slith was overtaken by the forces of Good. Regaining the Crystal Decanter, the followers of Miramar struggled to reach another plane known as Miranus, eventually restoring their beloved goddess there. Miramar has since promised Judgement against those who attempted to destroy Her.

A 10% holiday bonus on purchased credits has begun and will last until the first of 2006! Enjoy!

Several new artefacts have been revealed in recent days, such as Prismatic Lanterns, Aural Earrings, and Fishscale tunics. Read all about them, and many more, in our misc. artefacts and all artefacts scrolls.

A few months ago, an aging ferryman appeared on the Aori Peninsula. While he remained quiet for some time, last month he took to shouting what could only be taken as a challenge to those around him to take a trip on his ferry. Nosgard and Endril bought the first passage to the Isle of Llus, boarding even as the fading warnings of the dangers ahead barely left the aging ferryman's lips. While others soon followed, many found their end amidst the jungles of the Isle, while those with experience behind them were able to venture deep into the jungle and learn what secrets it holds.

Two new additions were put in today:
The Valley of \ Actar and the Scarlattan Theatre. Actar is a new area mainly for post-newbies while the theatre is a very cool system allowing players to put on plays complete with costumes, props, sets, effects, and so on. Thank you Scarlatti!

Gnome chefs appeared in the land, carrying pies baked for the divine! Many mortals were able to beg a few of these tasty treats from the chefs which proved to give blessings when eaten.

The wails of Grandmother Magda filled the Council of Celidon, and the Emeris Nyeire and the Hunter Lansatac answered her cries. The child Nina has run away from the Nursery. A search party was quickly formed, then Nisha, Argom, and Velteyn joined the two on their mission. Their search ended in the Nocteil Glades where centaur priestesses watched over the girl. Nina was safely returned home with a few new centaur friends, and a Nursery bursting with toys, food, and other necessities was revealed to the residents of Celidon Council

Throughout the Council of Ithaqua, lissome frost nymphs darted to and fro, their initial presence rousing little concern. It was the cry of Luthienne Calafalas, the Ithaquan seamstress that mobilized the Council, its members rushing to her side to hear that her small daughter had disappeared, the news an eerie companion to the nymph sightings. Searching the Council proper and eventually the nearby dark forest, the Ithaquans came upon tracks in the snow that led to what is known as Cinua Glade, an encampment inhabited by fanatical frost nymphs that have no love for the nearby Council, and wish to see their forest purged of newcomers.

Forces of Mhaldor sacrificed their lives in a recent joint effort alongside beings believed to be servants of Prince Slith. The two groups acted in concert, attacking in Shallam and finally gaining their prize: a Crystal Decanter containing some essence of Shallamese patrons past and present.

Returning home after many months spent exploring the world in search of new trade routes, Trader Komark entertained the citizens of Khandava with the tales of his adventures. During his travels, a researcher friend of his attempted to create a map of the world for him, through the use of magickal scrying and a strange telescopic device blessed by assorted Deities. Whilst it did not quite work as intended, Komark noticed the map filled itself in during his travels, with the net result that upon returning home he had a complete map of the continent. When planted in the highly magickal soil of the Khandava Council, upon advice of an Arboreal Sage, it sprouted and grew into a smaller version of the continent, and was named Authlair: The Tempest Glades, when formerly adopted as the Khandavan arena.

Members of the Glomdoring Commune discovered shimmering roses growing on the forest floor. These strange roses would prick the fingers of any who plucked them, absorbing the blood. The petals of the roses could then be pressed into the cocoon that the ebonglom wyrm spun around the Master Ravenwood Tree. An enormous creature eventually broke free of the cocoon, which flew over the Glomdoring Forest. Also in the cocoon were the Great Spirits of Mother Night and Crow, as well as the newly formed Viravain and Isune. The result of this great divine ritual was the transformation of the taint within the dark forest, which the fae called the Wyrd of Glomdoring.

After the Elder Goddess Viravain was trapped by the Seal of Justice, the Elder Goddess Isune drew her spirit out. Unfortunately, Viravain's spirit had no body and took up residence in the body of Isune, who thus exhibited the split personality between the two goddesses. Together, the goddesses tried to recreate something new in the Forest of Glomdoring. Isune wanted to give it beauty and Viravain wanted to give it strength. The result was that the ebonglom wyrm spun a cocoon around the Master Ravenwood Tree, encapsulating the goddesses, the Great Nature Spirits of Crow and Mother Night, and itself.

A youthful gambler won several rounds of dice games against the Gods themselves at a newly opened casino in New Thera before revealing his true identity. Welcome back Hermes, the Messenger!

After five hours of searching, Airon, the governor of En'Aruna, came upon who he was looking for. Busy scolding an unruly novice, Lilith Iscariot, barely recognized the cold man. After sending her companion off, Airon introduced himself as the Governor of En'Aruna, a small fishing establishment off the northern tip of Dwarven Mother, in the Seven Lake Basin. He explained to Lilith his fear that those affiliated with Peace would infiltrate his towne, as the towne was once again opening its gates to outsiders. A worshiper of Wrath himself, Airon instructed Lilith to find a piece of lava in the Lakes, that would serve as a suitable mark until Lilith could raise a shrine in Lady Nemesis' name. With the help of Drokthar Ruadh, a piece of lava was brought to Airon, who instructed that they lay it in the village square. As the rock was laid, Airon molded it into the shape of a jackal with a simple prayer, and lies now as a place-holder for a shrine to the Wrath Lady. As for En'Aruna, it's fate now lies upon the rest of the world, as its gates lie open for entrance.

Desperate for aid, Kiranna of Aherindale traveled to Ithaqua searching for the Idras, a group she had been told possess unrivaled tracking skills. It was there that she met Cimmerius and Nalini, and begged for their aid in finding a few racing horses and more importantly, a gifted foal, that had been stolen from her village. Utilizing his expert tracking skills, Cimmerius scoured the Seven Lakes Basin and the Bardosi Plains until he and Nalini eventually tracked down a herd of wild horses that had evidently adopted the foal in question. Knowing the importance of the foal to Kiranna, Nalini promptly scooped the creature up in her arms and she and Cimmerius returned to Ithaqua, where they gave the young horse back to its proper owner. It was then that they reported their observations of and encounters with goblin hunters, and their possible involvement in the horses' disappearance.

All artefact tradeins are now at two-thirds of the current price! Most were formerly at one-half price. Additionally, most tradeins can be done in the realms using the new command ARTEFACT, resulting in Artefact Credits. To read more, see Artefact Tradeins.

A nervous Warden scout was babbling on about giants in the Black Pine, big as houses, wide as bears he said! They appeared to almost be made from the very frosts of Ithaqua itself..as Ithaqua heeded the call, they encountered a few last straggling snarling frost ogres who had not yet made it to the camp not far away. Learning quickly the strength behind these beasts, Ithaqua pulled together and sought out the Warden that seemed to be aware of them. Just north of him was a whole encampment, overflowing with ogres, the Warden told them to be careful, for evil magicks and danger was ahead. It took a large group, and many deaths in the attempt, but Ithaqua came out ahead, both in slaying many of the newly found ogres and in knowledge of Skegdald, a place that will show them no mercy.

A bolt of lightning opened a path up Mount Seirode, which was hidden in the Northern Mountains. Atop this mountain grew a crystal tree. Strange birds, called aerials, appeared, and could be collected and taken to this crystal tree, where they were absorbed. Eventually, the tree revealed itself to be a trapped Elder God, Elcyrion the Erudite.

In the wake of the latest success by House Ashura, another house, The Merchants of the Crown, recently empowered their new icon with great hope, only to see hope destroyed by a spectacular betrayal culminating in the first ever destruction of a House Icon!

As the sun rose on another mid-summer's morning, the faint echoes of a battle rippled across the lands. Interests aroused, a small group of adventurers made their way to the Ogre Fort, Erorag, where they discovered a battle between an ogre knight and a dwarven soldier. Without hesitation, Drokthar and Aliandus sprang to the defence of the out-matched dwarf and eventually slew the ogre. The dwarven soldier revealed his allegiance to the Towne of Pol'Pera and asked that the group take the body of his friend to the Priestess, Esteyrt, for a proper funeral.

The latest House Icon - that of House Ashura - was activated this month to much fanfare. The intrepid house began a steady push to empower their Icon, putting to shame all other Houses on the way. In the end, House Ashura gained full power first before finally being joined by the other houses.

It's that time again: a rare convergence of constellations has caused the barrier between the spirit world and the prime material plane to grow thinner. The path to the Griesly family manor, once a majestic estate near North of New Thera, has opened once more!

A disembodied presence was felt by a few sensitive persons, and it turned out to be a fragment of the spirit of the Elder Goddess Isune, having escaped from her trap behind the Seals of the Nine. The Elder God Lacostian constructed a statue to focus the fragments of her spirit, and with the help of mortals, the statue transformed into a new body for Isune. Unfortunately, she was seemed slightly unstable, seeing everything as infected by the Taint.

Today marked the introduction of Achaea's new design system. Now anybody can own designs, even non-crafters, and everybody has a host of new ways to look through and deal with what were formerly Tailoring patterns and Jewellery schematics.

Lusternia will donate 10% of all sales to the Red Cross's South Asia Earthquake Relief through Monday, October 24, 2005. Any credit purchases made before then will receive 20% bonus credits.

Lusternia turns one year old! Launched on October 7, 2004, the past year has witnessed enormous expansion. Almost every month saw the addition of new guilds, new skills, new areas or new systems. The core player base is rock solid and steadily growing, allowing the community and world history to flourish and expand. In celebration, throughout the weekend there were games, lotteries, quizzes and contests, all with many prizes.

The first seven of the Icons of the great Houses of Achaea were activated today in the Plane of Nishnatoba. Ranging from the Wheel of Chaos of the Occultists to the Ivory Rose of the Sentaari to the Triple Suns of the Dawnstriders, these potent monuments of immense power bestow the members of the respective Houses with certain benefits. In return, the Houses must care for their Icons and strengthen them, and if they so wish, attack and weaken the Icons of other Houses.

Danaglas recently released a new version of our renowned tradeskill system. Taking one of our specialties to the next level, the changes further expand the ability for players to create custom clothing, jewelry, woodwork, food, and masonry products. Race- and gender-restricted clothing, environment-specific furniture, item repair, and fine wooden inlay are just a few of the new and exciting abilities open to our designers.

The Great Libraries have finally been built within the cities and communes of the Basin. As a library grows in prestige and size through the writings contributed by the many authors in the Basin, so too does the cultural standing of the city or commune in which that library stands. Thus, begins the Cultural Wars of Lusternia!

As new villages were discovered in the territories around Stavenn, the leaders of the city began to take interest in the citizens around them. Cetara and Blackthorne proved to be Stavenn sympathetic, resulting in a sort of loose alliance between them and the city. Annona, while very verbal against the use of magick, fell quickly to Stavenn's forces, and the arrival of constables from their rival village of Cetara. Rebel leader Brenod and his small crew of drunken men were taken out of Trevka as part of a deal with Pyoter...Brenod proved to be resourceful, and even after torture at the hand of Deahenots, he was able to lure some Stavenn guards to free his crew from their cage, by promises with a night with the village harlot. As Stavenn set out to bring the rebels back under control, some of the guards surprised them by defending the rebels. In the end, Brenod was demon possessed and given a choice, put his energies into defending his village with Stavenn's support, or live his life as little more than a puppet. He was given a flail and much to the amusement of Stavenn quickly learned how to wield it and after an agreement he and his men were allowed to return to their homes. While Stavenn now serves to oversee and protect the villages of Annona, Cetara, Blackthorne, and Trevka...one eludes their grasp. Kuleno, Elder of Kragge, laughed in their faces at their offers of a working relationship...only a few diligent servants of the Empire know what the city has in store for Kuleno and his village... will Stavenn make one final conquest.

Having traveled across the deserts, a weary miner approached Stavros as he rested within his tent in Antioch. After catching his breath, he explained that he was from a village called Tylaran, a peaceful mining settlement within the Paran mountains. Tylaran had enjoyed its seclusion for decades, but in recent times they had been having trouble in the mines and were seeking help and possibly protection from a larger city. Stavros traveled to Tylaran, using instructions provided to him by the miner. He met with Chief Ironaxe and although no binding agreements were made, it was decided that the village would open its gates to all of Aetherius once again.

The hidden way to a small inlet at the base of the cliffs on the Southern Vashnars have been discovered! Opening onto the Southern Sea, Sea Lion Cove is populated by the gentle sea lions that are its namesake, a retired sea captain in a lighthouse, and more dangerous creatures in its cliffside caves and deeper waters.

A leper entered into the streets of Kinsarmar. His body ravaged by the products of his disease he sat peacefully at Kinsarmar Crossroads, content with his next actions. He tried to retell his story to those surrounding him, but they became fearful of his state and stayed away. A huntress, Kirala, strayed forward to hear of his story but was quickly plagued by fleas. Sensing the threat, the Kinsarmarians slayed the leper, releasing his sickening disease throughout the city. Infected people were blinded and fearful of one another, their senses and control failing them. After much cause of confusion, the city was cleansed by fire and water, and scrubbed of the disease that has caused harm to so many.

Despite their success at weakening the ice demon, the Ithaquans and the dwarves remained worried. Digging through his ancestors' old relics, one of the dwarves located a piece of parchment which gave him an idea. Working together with the Ithaquans, the dwarves recruited the help of a frost nymph and began the construction of a wall of ice around the awakening statue. For several days, the Ithaquans gathered buckets of water, which the nymph turned into pieces of mirror-like ice and the dwarves layered into an odd wall. Racing against time, they worked far into the last night, watching the skies above with trepidation. The last block had just been set down when the stroke of midnight fell over the land, and the horrific thing within the circle of ice began to awaken at last. Cold winds soared across the world as the ice demon took its first breath of air, and the very ground of the mountains shuddered. Had it been stronger, or the wall less well built, the destruction it might have set forth would have been terrible - but the tenacity of the Ithaquans had prevailed. The demon's first blast of ice proved to be its last as the mirror of the dwarves reflected its own powers, shattering the demon's form and sending fragments of frigid ice scattering all over the lands. As the victorious Ithaquans celebrated, however, already many of them had begun to think of the future... The body of the demon was shattered, but what became of its soul? And what would happen to the Ithaquan road now that the dwarves had fought a battle for their very lives along those they had once opposed? The future, as always, remains a mystery...

The controversial construction of the road to Ithaqua took a dramatic turn when the two dwarven stonemasons were found by the Ithaquans trying to uncover a strange statue. After initial reluctance, the dwarves shared their suspicions that the statue was in fact the relic of an ancient conflict in Ithaqua, but it was not until Fenrir, the elder of the village was consulted that the villagers discovered the full truth. What the dwarves had uncovered was a hibernating ice demon, a survivor of the ancient rift wars that was dangerously close to awakening once more. The Ithaquans discovered that molten lava poured down the demon's stone gullet could weaken it significantly, but their efforts were waylaid by the armies of Stavenn, which brought sacrifices of slain children in hopes of strengthening the creature. Yet Ithaqua called upon their ally Antioch for help, and through their combined might were able to drive off Stavenn's armies and complete their task. As the time of the demon's awakening draws near, many still wonder what will come, hoping against hope that the efforts of the Ithaquans would prove sufficient to stave off the threat of a world locked by the icy power of the demon.

On a recent shopping trip to the Khandava Council, Lynmya, an expert bellydancer, found herself stranded with far more purchases that her well-toned body could carry. Exhibiting all the facets of chivalry, it was Ethelbert who came to the dancer's aid and escorted her home, bringing all her parcels along safely. The dancer's home turned out to be the village of Kaln, a charming community nestled within the embrace of the Aori Bay, just north of the Jerin River. The inhabitants of Kaln are a conglomeration of talented individuals that were forced to flee their desert home near Antioch some time ago due to zealous magickal intolerance, making their way up the coastline to settle in the protective shadow of Khandava's influence.

The Crystal Obelisk of Kinsarmar, which for several months stood transformed by a divine blade thrust within it by Antioch, was finally restored today. A two-fold voice echoed across the city, bidding those whom sought to restore the Obelisk come to the Nexus Pool, and beseech the divine for aid. As they did so, the mists rose up and spread throughout the city, some forming spheres, others becoming a scroll and a cauldron. Through the arts of alchemy, Kaelin used the Cauldron to transform the mists into ink, which Neko then used to inscribe a great circle of runes around the Obelisk. Finally Drakenta sang a part of the Song of Creation, which not only echoed across the land, but caused the Obelisk to be enveloped by light, quickly being restored to its formal glory. Through the unity of the three guilds, Kinsarmar stood proud once more.

Not long ago, a small Sylayan girl from the Trabine Reserve ran to Celidon Council seeking their aid for a small Lycaean wolf pup that was caught in a trap. Hasbirr and Solandra did all they could to help the small pup, along with Trachid, before they took it home to rest in the Council while it healed. Within days, the pup's mother came searching for her small one, telling how they had become separated and of the traps in the forest. As the Council set out to remove all the traps, the pup slowly healed until the shewolf felt it was time to depart. With words of one last journey she must make upon her tongue, the shewolf and pup fled into the forest, but it seems not for long. The same small girl was found running to the Celidon Council today, bubbling with news. "They've come back!", she exclaimed. And told them how the mum wolf and pup had come to see her, her whole pack in tow, and telling her she must come see them soon. With only a clue of a path and creek to work with, and after many wrong turns, Hasbirr, Nikua, Lynn, and Glijije found the Creek and met the Lycaean pack of Sintcega. Nestled in the northern woods, the pack has founded their new home and invite all to come and share in the blessings of Moradeim.

Bizarre and whimsical phenomena swept over Achaea in the wake of a giggling ball of light, a capricious and mischievous sprite who turned out to have escaped with a pouch full of fairy dust from an adjacent plane called Annwyn. Delphinus, Blujixapug, Tiax, and Naharog were the first to discover and enter this plane, an enchanted hidden realm populated by fairies, sprites, kelpies, selkies, and other fantastic creatures, dominated by the drama that brews between the forums of Light and Dark, Sidhe and Unsidhe Court.

Escalating tension between Kinsarmar, the bastion of magick and Antioch, the desert city, the Order of Eloweth defied the Lord of the Seven Suns by floating sapphire orbs that radiate magick above His fiery shrines. Enraged, Antioch declared that those responsible must be brought to account for their deeds. After attempts at negotiation for the removal of the sapphires failed, armed conflict began between the two cities. After supplication to the Gods, Antioch was granted the use of a holy idol to cleanse the magick from the sapphires and the shrines of Lord Baar. Not content to just allow Antioch to remove the orbs, the Order of Eloweth sent in Caryxa as a spy. After seeing the power of the idol, she seized it, fleeing to the safety of Kinsarmar, as the aggression between the cities grew to full-blown war

Some hunters tracked rabid white tigers into the Basin, soon followed by a mysterious druid who tracked the hunters. The citizens of Magnagora and Celest eventualy helped the hunters kill these berserk tigers within their walls. Meanwhile, the mysterious druid who tried to stop the killing of the tigers, received help from Hartstone and Blacktalon and was able to recover their cubs. In the end, the Hunting skill was then taught to the warrior and druid guilds, with the warriors able to specialize in Tracking and druids able to specialize in Ecology.

Following an event in which the protege of the head of the Ivory Mark revealed himself to be the son of the former head of the Quisalis Mark, a new arena game has been introduced: Champions vs. Assassins! This team-based arena game rewards the team that can maintain hold of the legendary Blade of the Masters with victory.

Following the Year 400 24-hour XP Event, won by Veldrin, and the Year 400 Quiz, won by Delphinus, REIYE has been titled the Champion of the Year 400 Games! The prize of the Staff of Nicator, 1000 credits, and an Xbox 360 is Reiye's. Congratulations to all those who placed in the Championship Games!

The Year 400 24-hour XP event has begun today! This is the semifinal game in the Year 400 Championships that will determine who receives the prize of an Xbox 360 and the legendary Staff of Nicator.

The former Vertani commander Daqsool has announced to the world the existence of a newly-built settlement built in the Dakhota hills. Populated by the alien refugees and exiles of the Vertani War, the modest village is named Tir Murann, or "Land of Hope" in the tongue of the aliens who once invaded Sapience.

The Year 400 Tumble Races were held today, testing Achaeans' knowledge of the geography of Achaea in 6 rounds of races. The Year 400 game of Hunt the Frumious Bandersnatch was held as well. Reiye has emerged as the top scorer in not one, but BOTH competitions! Congratulations, Reiye.

After over 30 brutal battles in the arenas worldwide, the Y4C Twins Combat Tournament is over, and the team of Geraint and Rangor are the victors! More Year 400 Championship Games events are to come.

Imyrr, Blujixapug, and Korben have solved the three Year 400 Master Riddles, and each has won the chance to choose a prize from the legendary Vault of the Gods!

As part of the ongoing Year 400 Celebrations, a new arena game was unveiled today: King of the Hill! This exciting and fast-paced game is played with two teams that battle it out within an arena for control of the Hill and the Flag. Credit prizes were awarded to the 14 warriors who played in the debut game.

Amidst threats and confusion, Niccolo, Stavenn's most notable citizen, was kidnapped by a band of kohdon rebels. Led by a kohdon known as Auduc, the band of men disappeared into the wastelands with Niccolo in tow. Niccolo attempted to give clues to his city, but was quickly blindfolded and his calls for assistance soon became howls of suffering. As a group from Stavenn, consisting of Tasalauran, Sethren, Ssarlia, Katsuma, Korvyn, Ssektasu, Edalyne, and Juganothion searched, they found the towne of Blackthorne. Dozens of kohdon warriors and guards lie dead in the steets of the towne. Searching they found a keep, their friend Niccolo deep within it, unconscious, bloodied and torn. Demanding his release, Auduc jeered and dared them to battle. After many deaths on both sides, Auduc and his crew were slain. Upon search, they found the Chieftain of Blackthorne, who told them about the towne, both warrior and rebel alike, and assisted them in releasing Niccolo from his bondage.

The Year 400 Celebrations have kicked off in Achaea! Following a grand worldwide treasure hunt for giftbags containing a wide range of goodies, the Year 400 Lottery has opened with a Sony PSP as the grand prize! Come join our festivities.

Four scribes landed upon Toronada Tidal Flats, an area that had yet to be discovered by the majority of the population. These scribes were looking for the Great Imperial Library in order to help decipher a tome written in divine script. Dismayed that the Imperial Library was destroyed during the Fall of the Celestine Empire, they began working to help the cities and communes build their own Great Libraries. Thus, the new trade skill of Bookbinding was discovered.

Lusternia implements the Nexus, Iron Realms's latest java client. It has many new features as well as an incredible character creation sequence. Play Now With Nexus!

As the undead menace spread across the lands, many attempted seek solutions. William challenged Malateph, the necromantic, but discovered the Necromantic's power great as he was obliterated by bolts of sickly green fire. All seemed lost until Lady Eloweth's order created the Orb of Clarity through ritual, which was quickly used by Wysrias to absorb the shards of the crystal skull from the undying zombies, as his group worked to slay the menace, ending with the death of Malateph himself, made mortal once more as his skull was captured.

Throughout the month, mortals were subjected to short-term fluctuations of reality, with unpleasant effects. Amongst the experiences were maggots eating one's flesh, one's body decaying, screaming voices, devouring worms and many such other effects. A scroll found in the village of Kibaya detailed the development of Spiritual powers, and further investigation with help from a shaman there suggested that the spirit Cimi had somehow been trapped and tainted, and was somehow causing the recent plague of reality distortions. Moving on to the newly-found village of Cetira, after some time searching, the necromantic Malateph was found hiding in a small laboratory, with a great crystal skull filled with sickly green light. Quickly realizing that this was the 'cage' entrapping Lady Cimi, the mortals debated how to proceed. Malateph himself appeared to be invincible, drawing on the power within, and thus Deahenots knocked the skull from its pedestal, smashing it to pieces, perhaps to save or destroy Cimi, or simply end the recent events. Regardless, the shards of the shattered skull embedded themselves in all present, killing them instantly. Worse, their corpses arose as zombies, attacking all in their path, and raising any whom they slew as a zombie themselves. As things stand, a plague of undeath is sweeping Aetherius, and whilst the greatest minds are researching, thus far how to combat this undead menace is unknown, as they seem to resurrect even if destroyed.

It is the end of an era in Achaea, for the last of the fabled guilds of Achaea have become chartered as Houses, potentially multi-classed organisations that unite like-minded Achaeans in pursuit of common goals. The Age of Guilds has passed, and the Age of Houses has truly been born.

Year 400 celebrations will begin on August 16th! Festivities will last through year 400 in Achaea, ending on August 29th. In between, there will be games and competitions with prizes ranging from an Xbox 360 to a Sony PSP and awards of thousands of credits! It's an event not to be missed. Details here.

The Nexus client is now out of beta! More powerful and feature-rich than its predecessor, this java client is designed specifically for Achaea and other Iron Realms. Give it a try through the Play Now button!

In anticipation of the Year 400 celebrations in Achaea, a credit bonus sale has begun and will last until the end of the year 400 A.F. in Achaea - equivalent to roughly 8/29/2005 GMT. The bonus is 20% of whatever you might purchase. Don't miss out!

Rumors of orc scouts had enveloped the northern towne of Tirhin for several weeks. Drawn to protect the humble village, several brave souls searched the countryside for the evil creatures. Their trap laid, hundreds of foul orcs thundered down the Gongen Mountains to the beating sound of drums, destroying all in their way, plowing into the lonely village. Unable to stand by as the orc horde took control of this small, northern bastion of humanity, the people of Kinsarmar quickly rallied to the aid of the beleaguered townsfolk. The city swiftly dispatched a small army, easily destroying the unorganized orc forces.

Artists of both word and brush have received their awards in the most recent contest results announcement for the Bardic and Artisanal contest. Thousands of credits are routinely awarded as prizes to aspiring artists and budding bards of the Achaean realms. Congratulations all!

A mysterious dwarf entered the Basin, bringing wth him the skill of the Artisan. Later, three other strangers followed, all members of the League of Elite Weaponmasters, searching for this dwarf who was once a member of their League. Though they set out to convince the dwarf to return to their League, they were instead convinced to settle in the Basin. Thus, they brought two new Knighthood specializations, Axelord and Pureblade, as well as returning the native weapon skills to the dwarf, igasho, krokani and orclach races.

With the grand opening of the Lucretian Athenaeum in New Thera, the long-awaited and -asked-for library system has been introduced in Achaea!

In an epic culmination to a days-long series of events, Sartan, God of Evil, today became sundered into the two separate Gods of whom His essence originally was composed: Shaitan, God of Oppression and Apollyon, the Suffering! Details surrounding the origins of Keresis, Goddess of Vengeance became revealed after She gave Her aid to Sartan in this momentous event.

When rifts were opened during the Gorgog Invasion, dimensional parasites were also released. When the magi finally researched a cure, there was an unexpected side effect--mental powers were enhanced. Mages soon developed a new new discipline called Psionics, with specializations of Telepathy and Telekinesis.

For a few months, the whispered return of the Felreign was debated, some saw visions, others saw odd things as they traveled through Dis. The Felreign finally arrived on the eastern moors and made their way through the Eternal city. Not understanding Charon's purpose, except to consider him a flaw in the final plan, they slew him, using his essence to create passage into the Upper Realm. In ancient times, before the fall of Caanae, when the realms of Dis and the Physical often blurred at their edges, the Felreign were Priests. Once persecuted, they exiled themselves with rage burning in their very being, and they return now speaking of healing and taking on the task as Healers of the Great Ignorance. Where they feel that Ignorance begins and ends is known only to them. Many people played a hand in the rebirth of Charon, but it was Nailo, upon hearing a distant call, that made her way to Dis and fed the many lost to him. It was this that allowed him to return and once again grant everyone their choice of passage.

As visions came to the Celestines, Shadowdancers, Nihilists, and Moondancers, a horde of creatures called Gorgogs invaded the Basin of Life. When four lucidian sisters appeared, the four guilds worked together to piece the meaning of their prophesy together. Each sister went to one of the four guilds and performed a ritual to shatter the shields that were hiding mysterious islands in Bondero Bay, where the gorgog invasion could be averted. The lucidians were powerful astrologers who began teaching those guilds the ancient science of Astrology.

Today's Capture the Flag event took on extra significance due to its timing - scant Achaean hours after the creation of Maya, the Great Mother. In fierce competition whose end was in doubt throughout the event, Eleusis (styled village by some, city by others) brought home the Effigy of Victory with at least limited aid from Hashan. Shallam followed, aided by Cyrene, and Ashtan (with the assistance of Mhaldor) finished third. An exciting event, and a fitting way to usher in the new epoch of the Overseership of Maya, the Great Mother!

Today Sarapis, the Logos designated a new overseer of Creation. A new day, a new epoch, began therewith, as Makali, Goddess of Destruction and Maya, formerly known as the Mother of humanity, were fused in essence to become Maya, the Great Mother, and received the commission and responsibility to oversee all Creation from the hand Sarapis, the Logos himself. Numerous immortals pledged their allegiance and gave Maya, the Great Mother gifts as they severally chose. The event was witnessed by the largest mortal crowd in recorded Achaean history.

Rumours have spread throughout the Lamiran outpost about the location of a group of Lamirans who had fled the main populace. Many of them had been some how sickened and were outcast, the reason for their hastily departure. Some say they now reside in the desert, as far away from water as possible. Others say that they still reside nearby as a true Lamiran would never leave the life fluid that is water. Others still speculated that all of them perished a long time ago. In recent days an explorer located a cave deep under the Aori bay, but distant ghostly voices in the darkness made her trepid, and she left hastly, telling others of her tale.

After many months of hard labor, the toils of the Xiur crews came to an end as the beautiful caverns of the Xiur refugees were revealed to all. The Advisor Skye and the Emeris of Celidon Nyeire welcomed the Xiur to their new home, and were in turn given assurances by the new citizens of Celidon that the Xiur clans remaining there have great hopes for the alliance. The Xiur had brought with them a tome scribing their history up to the time of the Ryadai wars, and said they would welcome all of the race to journey to their new home and learn of the clans' past. For now, people from three of the four Xiur clans - the Igan, the Bagdar and the Agar - have chosen to call Celidon their home.

An earthquake opened a rift deep within Manara Burrow recently, revealing a previously-undiscovered area of interconnected magma caves known as Nuskuwe. Hundreds of its denizens -- fire wyrms -- escaped through the rift and onto the surface of Sapience. Fire and sorrow followed in their twisted paths, to the tune of nearly twelve hundred adventurer deaths over a four-day span of time. A demolitionist of Moghedu finally managed to help narrow the opening and stem tide of living magma creatures. Brave explorers now wander the caverns in search of gold and glory!

A new Elder God called Shikari, the Predator, entered Lusternia through the Fulcrux today. He has settled into Glomdoring with his sister, Viravain.

Visions of massive trees shifting and the rustle of leaves echoing through his mind, Kanthari was the first to meet Aegnor Inglorion, and find a small Sylayan village nestled within the massive redwoods of Khandava. Soon, Drillia made her way to Kanthari and the two walked beyond the Archway of Mylani for the first time since the sylayan hunters chose to reveal their presence. They found a native tongue, as well as Aegnor beseeching Kanthari to act as his representative in a matter to be announced soon to the public. There is much yet to be discovered there, and the people of Mylani welcome all travellers to come and explore and see what the village has to offer.

The first of the new Houses has arrived in Achaea. Congratulations to the first, to be followed by many more - HOUSE WARDENS - The Wardens of the Cerulean Spire.

A small band of orcs seperated from their Horde group to cause a bit of trouble, and in their destructive travels came upon Celidon Council. The alarm sounded and many valiantly died to protect the Phoenix Crest. In the midst of battle, Cargan, the Xiur Captain appeared with several Xiur Champions in tow. Fighting along their Celidon allies, they defeated the orcs. Cargan left behind his troops to protect Celidon as a sign of friendship, and the Emeris Nyeire allowed a small labor crew to begin a Xiur settlement inside the Council with hopes of a continued bond between Celidon Council and the Xiur race.

A little girl found herself in the large city of Stavenn, lost and confused to see such a big place. The little girl unable to find her way home was assisted by Edalyne and Juganothion and found Trevka deep within the valley. Returning the lost child to her home, Edalyne and Juganothion explored the village and the woodlands and found that some people were rebelling. They both offered the assistance of the Empire and it is being considered...

A new goddess, Kastalia, Goddess of Lakes and Rivers has arisen! The recent plague's explanation is found in the events leading up to her arrival.

A mysterious plague of unknown origin, apparently related to the rivers of Sapience, has overtaken denizen and adventurer alike. Contradictory rumours as to the source, and possible cure, have swept the realms!

The aslaran and krokani in the Grey Moors quietly revealed their two villages today: the tribal village of Shanthmark in the east and Paavik, the ancient krokani village which was once a barony in the old Celestine Empire.

Lorielan has returned from the Crystal plane to Achaea!

With the aid of Sh'Fah, a Kx'Khrah warrior, The Enlightened won free from whatever bondage She was held under by Slith, Prince of the undead plane. Slith's role in all this remains unclear. Perhaps Lorielan, the Enlightened, will explain more in the months to come.

Vicar Herenicus Coldraven was today appointed to the highest position in Necromancy: Dread Ecclesiarch of Transvital corruption. Into his evil hands has passed the power to anathematise users of Necromantic skills who fail to uphold the strict regimen of evil required of them.

Tired of their standoff with nothing but bloody killings on both sides, the ever-warring goblin and villager factions of Transk decided to take their battle to a new level. Rumours say that the orc chieftain Gruarg has been recruiting trusted Lieutenants to poison the village well and steal their catapult, and that Sinikka has parried this move by recruiting town Heros to save the village from Gruarg's wicked plans. Jesser was the first to come to Sinikka's aid by salvaging the town well and returning the catapult back to Transk. Further reports brought back by adventurers indicate that both Morlind the Necromancer and Tibean, the Town Priest have begun paying for various ingredients required to maintain this new conflict. As the conflict between the villagers and the goblin-orc factions escalates, adventurers have flocked to Transk to cast their lot with one of the sides.

The Lusternia website has been updated to view Player Information, including allowing players to add their own character pictures and personal photos. Also, graphics of the nexuses have been added, which can be viewed on the City/Commune Nexuses page.

Guilded and Guildless alike are abuzz with the latest news - the forum announcement and extensive discussion related to the introduction of houses!

The roars of an injured mountain lion drew a group of explorers to the Areish mountains today, where they were surprised to see that the avalanche which harmed the lion also opened up a new path further into the Areish. Wren and Martyn were first on the scene, and were quickly joined by Ashel, Sethren, and several others. Following the path further up the mountains, they discovered a settlement of rock-like Xiur which had long since been cut off from civilization. The leader of the Gadan Hold admitted the explorers, recounting to them the tale of his clan's banishment from the Gongen mountains after a disagreement with the other Xiur. What will come of this small but powerful clan's return to the known world remains to be seen.

The first demigod has arisen in Lusternia! Kalas Aesyra is the first mortal to reach level 100 and took on the mantle of demigod. Her full powers were only realized when Hajamin, the Golden Lord, took her on as his Herald. Congratulations, Aesyra!

Heeding a distant call, Ethelbert found himself in the windy peaks of the Western Nolmines. While he faced some troubles, ending in a detour through Dis, Ethelbert quickly returned and began his search anew. Hearing the distant cry of a harker, Ethelbert found a village nestled behind a mountain pass, now known as the Village of Kragge. Ethelbert and his fiance Senara, who had searched him out, explored the village and found mining shafts, a forge, dwarven trinkets, and more. Amidst their roaring laughter to a tune sung by Surkat, they learned these dwarves were a group from Kaark'Krazul who had migrated south. The pass is open to anyone, though those young in age may find the village to be especially endearing to them, while the old can simply come to enjoy the jovial atmosphere of Kragge.

A young sidhe man came to Kinsarmar today, on a journey to find what might remain of his family estates. He called himself Eyste Marcell, and claimed to be a descendant of the great Elder of Kinsarmar, Ilom Marcell. Eyste was at first sorely disappointed to discover that nothing appeared to remain of the estate as he followed William, Tsonn and Lorccan through the streets of Kinsarmar. Duchess Wren and her son Narquem soon came to his aid, and with the assistance of the stonemasons apprentice Rose, they found an old scroll that revealed where the estate had once been. The young apprentice soon discovered a false wall as marked on the old scroll, and using a little magick of Eyste and her mighty pick-axe, the wall fell to reveal the Ilom-Marzus Memorial Theatre which houses the ruins of the Marcell estate.

The new autoclass system was introduced today, including a multi-hour Q&A meeting, dozens of new help scrolls, changes to scores more, and about a thousand other changes to the realms, large and small!

The main changes are explained in HELP CLASS and the numerous HELP CLASS classname files.

HELP CLASS LIST has also been significantly updated.

In the wake of the opening of the Glomdoring Commune, its members received dreams of Crow searching for his shadows. Bau Sayelle-Gladheart sang the Song of Returning, which opened the way to the Dark Nest where the shadows lay. Thus, the Blacktalon Guild was founded with Bau as its first guildmistress.

The Elder God Fain and his followers summoned forth Gruvar, an ancient ur'Guard spirit, from his burial grounds, where upon they began an elaborate ceremony. In a massive bloody sacrifice, the orclach Knall blew the Horn of Urlach which brought down the shields surrounding the ancient ruins of Shalach, revealing the ancient fortress of the ur'Guard under which the famous Catacombs of Dead lie.

Kinsarmar suffered another of the recently increasing attacks from the Horde today, and though managed to bravely beat ack the tides, one goblin did escape, fleeing into the sewers. After tracking it, the citizens of Kinsarmar managed to follow it back into a hidden tunnel attached to the sewers, but before they could advance, the Horde collapsed it behind them. Alerted to this, Master Theodore sent one of his apprentices to investigate the tunnel, who soon offered to dig it out again to track the recent invasions to their source. How long this may take, or if her offer is even taken up has yet to be seen.

The rumble and crashing of stone echoed across the lands as a stonewall gave way to the river's current along the Renfrewshire swamp. Sarsai was the first to find what remained of the wall, but others quickly followed. As explorers found their way into a part of the swamp that had been hidden for many years, they found what remained of a village. Once thriving, if not small, the Janwynne had obviously met a foul end. People were given a choice to aid in the corruption, a choice that Averas made after much debate. As Irokael once again held his coveted amulet, all quickly learned of the depth of the betrayal. Drokthar, Lynn, Risca, Kanthari, and Sarsai discovered a way to send this beast back to his hold and in defeating him were able to sieze the amulet and send Irokael back to his cell. Who will be the next to choose corruption and free the Forsaken.

A minor earthquake troubled the northern Areish mountain region, causing Elegnem of the exiled Tomacula tribe to cry out in alarm. Arriving immediately on the scene to investigate the source of the disruption, Eldreth found that a new path had been opened up not far from the road. Following the path, he and curious explorers including Wren, Arek, and others discovered a peaceful valley of rolling hills and meadows, home to a strange race of creatures that called themselves the Kobolds. The kobolds welcomed the visitors, who quickly learned to watch their step when traveling among these unpredictible folk. Stating that as long as his beer and his village remained unharmed he would welcome visitors, the Kobold Shaman extended an invitation for explorers to continue their endeavors in the settlement, adding that those of lesser experience and greater youth would be especially welcome.

Congratulations to Gruhk Sevacora for having become Lusternia's first Titan! (Titan being level 99.)

The Lusternia website now has graphic depictions of each of the races, commissioned by a professional fantasy artist. Click here to check it out!

After months (or perhaps even years) of anticipating, the Commune of Glomdoring came into existence. A coven was formed to Mother Night, calling itself the Guild of Shadowdancers, and Gwynevere Whytetower-Drakonis was named Queen of the Night. Also, the Ebonguard was formed to defend the commune, with Daganev Treeripper was placed as its guildmaster. The Elder Goddess Viravain currently rules the commune with absolutely and total authority.

Rowena Nightshade, having duped the Laeroc, Consort to Queen Maeve to be the father to her child, gave birth to twins. Because Rowena was undead or perhaps because she ate prodigious amounts of food touched by the taint,