HOT LINKS
TSS Grown Up (11/13/00)
Druss 12 Things (11/5/00)
TSS Source Movie (10/13/00)

Mizu saves the day 2:47pm EST - Khali

Mizu has volunteered to lead the group to the Folthid Cellar in Druss' absence. The schedule remains the same, 7pm EST in Yanshi.

Also of note is that Mizu recently accepted two new vassals, both mages. One Gryff, is a fine mage with whom I had the pleasure of adventuring with several weeks ago. The other, Xan al-Yaj, I have not met but was personally recommended by Mizu and looks to have a good character started. I urge all members of the Source to welcome these two and their followers into our fold.

Possible cancel on the Cellar tonight 11:43am EST - Druss

It hurts me to type today. (right hand only ) I don't know why, but it scares the crap out of me. I was supposed to run people through the Folthid Cellar again today at 7:00, but would prefer not to as that means a lot of typing and explaining. I need to cancel that unless someone wants to take my place as guide. Please do not expect me to type much tonight or tomrrow, I will still be playing, just not typing much.

No I'm not kidding.

thanks

Jamie s.

New Stuff 11:43am EST - Khali

Normally I won't post just to announce that I've added material to the site. If you want to see a list of most of the changes I've made (I don't list _every_ change), then look at the Recent/Pending changes page. There is a permanent link just above these news items. I will try to list there when I add material to the Gallery or the Stories section or even if I add a new face to the Character Details page (all of which I've done today).

I just point this out because I'm not sure who is looking here or how often and I just wanted to make sure everyone knew that even if you don't see new front page content, I may be adding stuff to the various sections.

Ji meets a Theif 10:28am EST - Khali

Ji-Masoto sent me this tale over the weekend:

Hello Khali.

I was shopping around yesterday in Cragstone and noticed someone was selling their Green Mire Cuirass. I was looking for one to buy because I'm lazy and didn't feel like waiting in line for one so I said that I'd buy it. She said that she'd gotten an offer for 7k for it, but since she can't use the magic on it, she'd buy it for a price I set. I said 3k plus a ring of Rejuvenation II. Now, since there is no secure way of trading in AC, I played it smart. I said that after I give her three trade notes, she would give me the cuirass, and then I would give her the ring. She agreed upon this also. After I gave her the three trade notes, she said "Changed my mind." and ran. She had only 40 quickness so I had no trouble in keeping up with her, but me being the nice guy that I am didn't give her much grief about it by following her around the rest of the night (mainly because she squelched me after I told her that 3k means nothing to me anyway). I believe she is somehow linked with Mad Martigan (who, by the way also ripped someone off at the same time as this went on) because she said something about him in a message to me after I was squelched.

Even though she is a dumb thief because she agreed on just 3k for a GM Cuirass and because I still have the ring :) she is still a thief and should be reported.

Ji-Masoto
Proud Axeman of The Source

As always, be on your guard when making trades. For most ordinary things, your best bet is to seek the item from someone in the Source. I recommend using the Armory section of the message board.

Good Morning 10:28am EST - Khali

Just wanted to tell everyone that I'm still alive and I am making some updates this morning. I took the weekend off from making updates to the site and instead got Khali to L20 on Friday night (ok, so it was about 4am Saturday morning). Hope everyone had a good weekend. I can't wait to hear about the various adventures. So far all I've seen is a quick note from Rojon saying that the Friday night gathering to get Tibri's Spear led by Cyblade (sorry, I had posted Ji-Masoto incorrectly) was a great success. I'd love to hear more on that adventure if anyone wants to write it up.

Also I checked the List Server this morning and we're up to 15 subscribers. If you haven't already signed up and you wish to receive the group mailings, please do so. If you haven't signed up, you can browse the list archives in HTML (nothing very exciting so far I'm afraid).

I've got a story from Ji-Masoto to get up and a couple pictures but thats about it. Enjoy your day.

6 and Counting 5:37pm EST - Khali

This will probably be my last post tonight, but I was just checking the List Serv subscribe list and already we have six members: Beryl, Joshua I, Hiro, Khali, Caessa II, and Druss. Use the form below to join

Cool.

Weekend Plans 5:11pm EST - Khali

Ok, so here is what I know of going on this weekend. All times are Eastern Standard Time (sorry to the rest of the world but Druss is EST so the Source is EST)

• Friday, 8:30pm in Yanshi - Cyblade leads a group to get Tibri's Flaming Spear. Rojon and Khali have expressed interest in joining Ji.
  
  
• Saturday, 7pm in Yanshi - Druss leads a group to the Folthid Cellar to kill liches and claim the Dagger of Tickola. You must be L12 to enter the Folthid Cellar.
  
  
• Sunday, 10am in Fort Teth -Druss leads a group to a dungeon in the Dires. L20 and over only please. I'm sure that Garurumon will be able to portal grounded folk like myself from some convenient location in the civilized portion of the world.
  
  
• Sunday, Super Bowl time in Yanshi - Hiya and Rojon have said they'll be hunting in and around Yanshi during the Super Bowl.
  
  
• Monday, 7pm in Yanshi - Druss makes a return trip to the Folthid Cellar.
  
  
• Monday, 9pm in Zaikhal - Rach' mann takes a group back to the Hall of Helms. Scheduled to appear are Hiya, Miko, and Simone. See the pics from last week's journey.

List Server Subscribe Form 5:00pm EST - Khali

Hiro sent this handy-dandy little form to subscribe to the new Source Mail List

New Archery Guide posted 4:21pm EST - Khali

Rach' mann has sent me a terrific guide for all aspiring Archers.

New Source List Server 2:57pm EST - Hiro

Hiro here-

Here are the details on the list server for The Source. This is meant to replace the current mailing list.

To subscribe to the list: Send a message to [removed]

To unsubscribe from the list: Send a message to [removed]

To send a message to the list: Send the email to [removed]

To view the archieves: Visit http://acthesource.listbot.com/cgi-bin/subscriber?Act=view_archive&list_id=acthesource

For more information: Visit http://www.listbot.com/member_faq.shtml

obAseron's Call:
* K'nath Tead spelled backwards is Death Tank.
* If looking for a good 'death item', use mana stones. The Mage Store on the beach of Mayoi(the one South of the granite golem, not the one in the town) sells Greater Mana Stones with value 6000p+. Mana stones are very low burden, and in a pinch, you can always use them on a mana-drained item.

I think thanks again goes to Chris for maintaining the email list up to this point. It's not an easy task and certainly is a thankless one.

-Hiro

[thanks Hiro, I have heard from so many of you that you like what I've done here and that is very rewarding. Thanks to you all for supporting the site- Khali]

New Druss Tale 2:53pm EST - Khali

Druss has sent me an exclusive, the story of our Wednesday night adventure in the Dires where Joshua I became PK. There are also some pictures from the nights adventures posted in the gallery.

Communications Problems and some rambings 2:53pm EST - Khali

We have had a number of communications problems in the last couple days.

#1) Several people complained about the volume of e-mail over the last couple days resulting in a few people asking to be removed from the mailing lists. I sent out an e-mail asking people to stop using the full list to send material that was either appropriate for the msg board or the web site. The response to this request has been good and I thank you all for cooperating. We should have a list server up soon. [thanks to Hiro, now we do...see above]

#2) Right after I tell everyone to use it, the board goes down. Or at least it was hard to get to this morning. Sorry about that. Cronson sent out an update not to long ago saying it was up and that it was probably EZ Board's servers. Of course, you get what you pay for so its hard for us to complain about a free board. But I do appologize to all who were trying to use the boards earlier.

#3) The web site was probably down last night too. I didn't get my last updates in because the servers were being upgraded and then worked on through the early evening. I don't know what it was like because I wasn't hitting the site, but if you couldn't get the web site, I appologize. The upgrades are completed and service should be usual but I work in IT so I won't say it will never happen again. :-)

#4) I didn't update the site for almost 24 hours! Ok, so I hope you all take this as tounge-in-cheek because I know I cannot continue to update this site at the pace I have been doing. There are a number of things going on now and hopefully when we get a charter written, a list serv set up, and I am finally happy with the design of the site (OK so that'll never happen, but I need to think that it will) then I would like to cut down my maintenance time on the site to about 1hr/day. Right now its more like 5hrs/day (or more) and its a killer. But I really love having this site for our group and I want it to be the best. I love having Druss' Writings up and I'm groving on all the pics too.

Quests and Titles 2:37pm EST - Khali

There was a terrific suggestion yesterday by Mizu-No that the Source hand out titles based on standard quests that were assigned. The basic rules are that the quests must be completed in order and that the titles are class specific (i.e. Warrior, Archer, Mage, Unarmed). With this in mind, Mizu volunteered to be assigned a quest by Lord Druss and today Druss gave him one:

Let it be known to all that Mizu-no is charged with the "Lich Seal" quest. Mizu-no will attain the title of "________" when he finds a Lich Seal for Lord Druss

Druss pointed out that Mizu said he would come up with the titles, so we'll have to wait and see what title a Lich Seal will win him.

(Final) Schedule 2:37pm EST - Druss

I'm thinking

Saturday at 7:00, Levels 12-20 doing the folthid cellar/dagger of tickola

Sunday at 10:00 levels 20 and up doing the Skeleton Castle that is a short run from Fort Teth. If that turns out to suck, we will go to the Zefir - Drudge dungeon we have been to before. (And all died. :-))

Monday at 7:00, go back down after the dagger of Tickola (folthid cellar) if anyone missed saturday

No Time for anything else until then.

I would appreciate it if one of the lower levels would start taking over as secondary leader. Someone who would be a leader like I am, but is between level 10-20. Organize things, person who people msg when they sign on to find out whats going on, etc. Any volunteers?

Later

Jamie

New Worlds Coming 10:52am EST - Mizu-No

Great News looks like MS and Turbine are going to add a LOT of new worlds and I have names and web page addresses

Look here
http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/default2.asp?strLobbyType=w3 http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/default2.asp?strLobbyType=w4 http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/default2.asp?strLobbyType=w5 This on is SnowReap A PK world http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/default2.asp?strLobbyType=w6 http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/default2.asp?strLobbyType=w7 http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/default2.asp?strLobbyType=w8 http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/default2.asp?strLobbyType=w9

Pay attention to the WORLD NAMES These will be nice places to have like a new Character for kick around I think I will Start an Item Enchanting archer in SnowReap called Mizu-no :)

You Friendly info
Broker Mizu-No

Folthid Cellar Changed Again 10:52am EST - Druss

I've changed my mind again. Monday is too long to wait, and that makes the weekend no big deal. So, I am changing thr time to go to the Folthid Cellar to

SATURDAY at 7:00.

That makes saturday something too look forward too - and gives people the time they need to get ready.

later

Jamie

Folthid Cellar Delayed 9:54am EST- Druss

I am sorry to report, but tonights trip to the Folthid Cellar is delayed. We have a BUNCH of people who are ALMOST twelve. And even if they power level all day and make 12, they will just be fodder in the folthid cellar. The cellar will be a lot more fun when the people who are all level 9-12 right now are all level 12-18, and that should be this weekend or early next week. Of the people who are level 15, and are ready to go down and actually can hit liches, they cannot make it tonight.

I am going to delay the Folthid Cellar until Monday at 7:00 (And you know, I was just going to say sunday, but then I realized that some people here will be watching the super bowl - not me - but whatever.)

Anyway - this will give us a better chance of success, and people won't have tyo power level to get to 12, and then be useless in the dungeon.

Sorry for the delay

Jamie
Druss

-Druss

Deep Cover 9:31am EST - Druss

We have sent one of our members into DEEP COVER in order to attempt a massive strike on one of the greatest evils the land faces. Joshua I has become a red dot. For the sole purpose of killing other red dots.

How he became one and our trip through the dires will be chronicled tonight when I get home from work.

[in the mean time check out some pics]

More responses posted 1:42pm EST

I've finally posted a bunch of the other responses to the topic of the week: reorganization.

-Khali

Couple of adventures in the works 10:42am EST

I'm sure everyone else has noticed just how much msg traffic there is out of game now. Wow. While I'm working up my courage to throw to tackle the reorg digest I mentioned below, I thought I'd post some info on a couple adventures that are upcoming/ongoing.

First from Druss in his note Player Run Events (1/26/00) he mentions a trip to Folthid Cellar. Note that the dungeon is restricted to L12 and up.

Retrieve the Dagger of Tickola. - Easily my favorite Dungeon. I will be taking people from level 12-20 to retrieve the Dagger of Tickola this Thursday night at 7:00 eastern time. One High level person is welcome to accompany me on this to help with body retrieval, and opening of doors, etc. Level 12's should be aware that your role will purely be as spectator and support, and level 20's should know you will be charging liches. This is just outside of Yanshi, about a five minute run. Please meet at 8.6, 53, 7:00 SHARP eastern time, we will be going in right after we attune and see Roxanne Folthid about what she needs. A minimum of talking will be going on while I explain how to get into the dungeon and what lies below. Please - no one msg me betweenm 7-9 on Thursday night because I will be leading this hunting party down to retrieve the Dagger.

Secondly, Mizu suggests that Kara may be a great place for some of us to find adventures. Beryl has already put up a thread on the board talking about maybe going there.

As an update the City of Kara grows crowded by anshwar's people There were like 5 people in town last night I was getting claustrophobic I have gleaned over 300K in XP and no less than 340K in Treasure form this place. It is an Archers paradise Every archery supply is cheap and they buy other stuff at 120% value Beryl was asking what was a good place for an archer and this is it Wide open spaces not to many people and a nice selection to hunt from including lugians mossworts Drudges and wasps near town like RIGHT near town you can them on your radar as you ar buying arrows And a good portal to get home for the next Dires trip.
I like

Sooo to all archers Come to Kara and hunt matty and Great mattekar on the hill just outside town.

And finally on the board, Rach' mann announced a special repeat performance of the Hall of Helms adventure which was such a great success last weekend (see pics in the Gallery and story on the board).

There will be an expedition to revisit the Hall of Helms this weekend, due to interest by some of those that weren't able to attend (besides I need another hat). Tenative meeting time will be at 9 EST Sunday in Zaikhal. Of those that expressed interest include: Hiya, Simone and Miko. I highly encourage those of level 12-20 to join us. Please post your Interest here or send me an e-mail as the time is not certain yet.

-Khali

More responses to the topic of reorganization 7:27am EST

I've received a number of e-mails that were sent out to the entire group plus a couple that were directed only to me on the subject. I will try to post a summary of them later today.

-Khali

Josh throws down the gauntlet 5:33pm EST

I should have put up something about Josh's challenge to the group earlier. Bascially Josh told everyone that he'd rather go PK and duke it out in a free-for-all than pledge to someone else:

All:

So it has finally come to this. I don't agree with this, but I'm not going to go against the entire group. I am not going to be a vassal to anyone but Druss. My vassals are free to go if they wish to be part of the Reorganization. I will not be. The vassal problem has obviously gotten to far. I don't understand how this happened. I always tended to my vassals as best I could and told them to not recruit with pretty gifts and swayig words. I propose a final quest, one that I would voice often but deaf ears would fall upon. The Altar of Bael' Zharon. Let us work as one until we have all come to touch the alter, then wage war upon one another for rank and ascension. No alliances with others, no playing favorites, just might versus might in a free for all. To the victor go the spoils. This is my final challenge.

Joshua I
Some stupid punk

And then just now sent out this update...

I didn't say I could beat you ALL. I want a free for all. Like everyone versus everyone. Not me versus the group, that'd be too easy for me. This way one person walks away a millionare. I'm already looking for good gear to give me an edge in this. It depends on what happens with the group to whether I'll take up this last quest or not.

Joshua I

-Khali

New Page for Source Stories 5:02pm EST

There have been so many great stories written by Source members that I hate to see them evaporate into the cyber-ether. Earlier this week I made a dedicated area for Druss' Writings and all of his stories, but Druss does not have a corner on good story telling. Thus I have decided to put up some recent stories I had lying around my inbox. I'll look through my other folders for other material later and the matter of the menu remains...kind of getting crowded. But take a look and see if you like it. Remember too that you can always post/read Source Stories in the Tall Tales section of the message board.

-Khali

How to kill a shadow... 3:47pm EST

Rach' sent me this today. I was almost doubled over laughing:

RACH' MANN's UNTESTED SHADOW KILLING PROCEDURE/S

PROCEDURE A:

1) get an archer
2) get a mage
3) get a tank
4) archer buffs archer--mage buffs archer
5) archer shoots shadow--Mage casts the following : slowness other vuln other. Tank waits for the charge.
6) archer gets the crap beat out of him.
7) mage helps archer stay alive (or not depends)
8) tank beats on the shadow or gets beat on by shadow
9) expected result: archer dies- tank almost kills shadow and then dies- mage runs like hell or takes it like a man he dies. Everyone runs back as quick as possible so shadow is still almost dead. Repeat. victory!!!!! x 3 and your day is done.

PROCEDURE B:

1) Click on shadow, click on chat, click on 'Tell to Shadow'
2) Insult the shadows' mothers or tell them to hit CTRL V. This usually results in something-sometimes free stuff. If not repeat until a response is provoked.
3) Inform everyone that runs by that there is a shadow here so be careful.
4) Throw a Strange Stick at them. With any luck one will fetch it for you. If they do reward them with a treat-say a 5th lvl character.
5) Wait until you see a group of high lvl characters standing around hunting something else. Run up to the shadows and then towards the high level characters. Make sure you scream--"Azure Gromnies" to ensure the high level characters will engage the shadow.
6) Enjoy a slice of pizza during the fireworks show.

-Khali

Neighbors throw a party 1:22pm EST

Saw this notice posted on Crossroads of Dereth regarding our friends and Yanshi neighbors, the al-Tresloks:

On 2/12/2000, from 1-4 PM EST, we will be hosting a Picnic/Poetry contest/Auction in N. Yanshi, Harvestgain server. We will be selling complete meals, and you might just be lucky enough to get one with some 'special' foods in it. While we eat, we will listen to poetry. Followed by an auction which will be highlighted by magical and rare items that we have come across in our travels, as well as "dates" to quest with some of our members. If you wish to donate items to the auction, please send an e-mail to Leah al-Treslok.

In addition to these exciting events, we are getting ready to hold MRA's Second Annual RL Gathering in Rochester, NY the weekend of July 21st. We invite all of our AC friends to join us. This isn't anything fancy or big, but last year we hosted 38 people and hope that we beat that record this year. Last year's event saw a rl wedding of two of our members and we hope to be celebrating their 1st Anniversary with them this year. We will be going to the local Ren Faire for a whole day that Saturday. Friday night will see a wine & cheese reception and dinner on Sat. nite will be at a great restaurant...just ask last year's participants ! Sunday we're playing by ear, but may include a BBQ/Swim party.

-Khali

Time to Speak Out 9:41am EST

As mentioned in yesterdays news, changes are afoot. Please give your opinion on the message board as to what you'd like to see. There is also a thread there with ideas for The Source charter.

-Hakeem

I have put together a page with some of Druss' mail along with the responses of Caessa, Mizu, and Miko. Druss' last mail sums it up well:

Reorganization of the source is on hold for the time being.

I agree with just about everything Miko says.

People should not be punished because they are role playing not power leveling.

Drop Mules

No one should lose a vassal

No one joins the source from now on until level 10

Grandfather clause for those already in

Miko is exactly right. The organization isn't the problem. Its new people joining and people going on membership drives that we do not know about.

-Khali

Time to downsize? To reorganize 4:47pm EST

Druss has sent out a plea to the group:

Druss is again becoming almost unplayable.

And these msgs are getting really tiring to write. I know I am sick of whining, and I know you all are getting sick of listenting to me whine.

I would like to reorganize The Source. And in so doing, make it so that anyone who joins, has to meet certain criteria, and has to understand a LOT of things.

Like

1. No buying vassals. Not now. Not Ever.
2. No advertising for Vassals. Not now. Not ever.
3. No liars in the Source. Not now. Not ever.

Hakeem alerts me to a new member advetising on the harvestgain msg board "Please msg me or Druss to join."

Um, No. Thats not how it works. Not this persons fault that did this - but we need to have stricter guidlines for who joins. And when they do join, they have to be aware of what we are. No one gets to join who does not understand what we stand for. No one gets to join on a whim. The only people allowed in are people who we KNOW and have adventured with and are on a lot. No one gets in who is going to get vassals, and never play the game again.

I get a msg from a new member. I help him. He msges me again in 5 minutes. I help him again. He asks me if I have a nice sword I could gove him. I meet him in Yanshi and do so. I get msged by 10 more people, quit, and play another character I have that no one knows about. I meet this SAME VASSAL on monounga hill. He is wearing a PLate Mail Hauberck. I ask him where he got it (he had JUST msged Druss not ten minutes ago asking if I had good armor for him too.) He says his other character is a level 67 guy. Um, the highest guy right now is level 60 and YOU just asked me where the portal to Shoushi was... He continues to spin tales like - the armor was off an olthoi noble he killed with his other guy.

Who let this guy in?

He could be telling the truth - but somehow, I doubt it.

I would like to reorganzie with the previous and following suggestions.

I only want two followers. Mizu-No and Caessa II. My Bride and my assassin.

Under Mizu is some High level Mages

Under Caessa is her Body Guards. Miko K-sun, and Mutt.

It just fits for role playing.

And only two vassals per person means a couple things. Greater ranks for everyone (some people think thats important) and people do not get too divided by their vassals.

No More Mules in our ranks. I am as guilty of this as anyone, but, well, it artifically inflates our ranks, and thats not good. Its not honest.

I am looking for comments and votes on this idea and additionbal ideas to foster it.

thanks

Jamie

Druss also followed up with this note:

As I have said countless times - I do not care about rank.

And also what needs to be said - I do nt have any plan on who aligns with who. I suggested mare and mizu, because Mare is My bride, and Mizu was the first person to msg me about becoming part of my alliance. Doria and Miko K-sun are my best friends in the whole world (other than Mare of course) and I would like to have them under me.

But I would like to do this as two per person. Or maybe 5 persons? or maybe three?

Someone help me on this.

We need ideas, and we need input.

All the fighters on one side? All the mages on another? All the archers under one fighter?

Hmm

Me

Caessa and (Hakeem, Gar, Cronson, Rhodry or Khali?)

under Caessa - Miko and Mizu - The beatdown twins - even thier names are similar?)

under miko - two more fighters - Joshua I or Simone, and a swordsman or axe person) Under the mage side - two other mages, and down the line? UNder Mizu - all the archers

Thoughts?

thanks

Druss

Hakeem has started a thread on the message board with responses. Obviously change is a-coming.

-Khali

Hall of Helms Adventure 12:27pm EST

Rach' mann led a very successful Hall of Helms adventure last night. Rach', me (Khali), Ping, Rhodry, Beryl, Rach's newest vassal Rimgar Redsun, and Pain corp (ne Nan toi) all met in Zaikhal last night and spent several hours inside the Hall of Helms. I'll post my account of the evening on the message board's Tall Tales forum. In the mean time, check out some of the cool pictures we snapped last night including one IDing the Guardian himself. Not that fearsome, but still a cool shot.

Oh and I got L19, immortalized with the help of Kodak Moment Self III which Rach' had recommended I learn.

-Khali

Rhodry Rank 4 3:35pm EST

FYI, Rhodry just sent me word that he is Allegiance Rank 4. If Mizu-No or Joshua I gets to Rank 4, Druss will be Rank 5.

-Khali

Sunday Night Quest at the Hall of Helms 12:20pm EST

Rach' mann told me about a group heading to the Hall of Helms tonight.

Hi,

This message is for those interested in going to the Hall of Helms. I meant to contact people in game but lag has kept me out of it all day (not mention a couple of deaths). If you want to go meet in Yanshi around 9 est. Dungeon is closest to Zaikhal.

If you want to hunt while waiting-portal nanto to Shoushi and run to hebian-to you can portal to either Cragstone or Qalabar from there--both have a portal to Zaikhal. Dungeon is at:18.7N 1.6E

See you there,

Rach' mann

The Hall of Helms dungeon is at 18.7N, 1.6E near Zaikhal and has a couple liches and multiple zombies guarding its treasure. Probably should be at least L10 to go. Contact Rach' if you'd like to go too.

-Khali

Service Restored 12:12pm EST

2deck should be back up but the response may be slow. Sorry about the problems.

-Khali

Second Darktide? 10:48am EST

Chris L'Etoile, designer for Asheron's Call, said in his recent plan update that there may be another PK server coming up:

As I did the final polishing on this update, Jesse sent us a message noting that we just broke 12,500 simultaneous players.

Time to get MS to crank up all those new servers. Yup, we have more standing by. More than twice the current number, in fact, including a second PK-only world. And ya'll thought we weren't prepared.

A brand new world would be a great way for Owyn and Co. to start afresh, so stay tuned to see if this is something that develops quickly.

-Khali

The Exodus 10:47am EST

The Source's own Cronson this morning sent out this e-mail in the person of his new Darktide character, Owyn:

Some of you may have been wondering what I've been up to... This is my most recent post to the AC Vault Darktide Board. It is now also on the FRONT PAGE of Ac Vault (how cool is that?????).

Anyone who want to join me there is welcome. We're gathering in Tufa, which is a great place - plenty of critters around, and very few people; well, more now than before, but we are only gathering people after screening them pretty well.

This crusade is SOOOOO much fun. I'll be back in HG, but this is just immense. And people have already begun to flock to the banner I have raised.

********

Darktide.

A world of anarchy and chaos.

Yet out of that Chaos Order begins to spring. And really, the battles here? They are not good vs. evil, but Order trying to win a foothold in the Chaos.

I am on Order's side.

My fellows and I have found a safe haven, a place for lower level adventurers to raise in peace for a time. We plan to make a Great Exodus there, as a group. Then, once we are strong, we shall move out and make another area a "safe place". Then another. Till Order's enclaves have spread the world over.

That is the gauntlet I throw at Chaos. These things I swear.

To those who would join us: Ideally we need sturdy souls, at least Level 5 to survive the journey. You do not have to become my vassal to come - I say this because some will; but I will welcome kindred spirits who will pledge themselves to my cause. This will not be an easy trip. But we will come to a protected land, where no one will PK you - and there are many adventures to be had while we gain strength.

Update 1/21: We are beginning to gather this weekend. To maintain security, it is at an undisclosed but relatively unpopulated area. Either Arkat or myself (Owyn) are on evenings on weekdays, and often on weekends. Please tell or write us if interested in joining us. We will meet you, and then lead you into the gathering area. Together we can be strong where seperately we are weak!

The Exodus will likely take place the weekend of the 29th of January. Join us!

Owyn Wynnesson
--@Tell Owyn to reach me in the game, or write to [removed] for more info--

So for those of you who have hesitated to try Darktide for fear of random PKing of low-level chars, start up a char and join Owyn next weekend.

-Khali

Service Outage 10:00am EST

2deck is down for the moment--I'll redirect the Geocities page again when its up.

-Khali

Yes, Shadows Suck 9:11pm EST

[-- note this story and others can now be found in the Stories of The Source -- ]

Did a lot of work on the site but not a lot of new content, so I'll post this that Miko sent out yesterday:

I'm taking on Simone's hill..... I see two lieutenants at the top of one peak, so I move in to the valley...... 2 lvl 58 is a little much for me......

I find matty, lugs, dillos and a fragment in the valley..... I clean the little stuff ie lugs dillos matties to take on the fragment..... I have killed like 6 already so I know I can take them, but it takes a little time as they evade 50% and have lots of life... All is clear I charge in on it....

half way through the fight, purple tunnel express from 85 life.......wtf

look back at my screen......... Shadow hits you for 40 with x spell...... shadow crushes you with x spell...... I didn't even see him spawn...... He was not there cause I checked before I attacked the fragment......

I charge up the hill to get my IE III wand and my pants back......... Hey look the shadow has 2 friends....... Lieutenants........ crap...... I charge for my corpse, get blasted as I go....... Grab my wand (only III on I have)...... auto run on with 2 lieutenants hot on my ass to town....... I'm at 15 when I shake them..... Hit the armor for new leggs then charge the hill again..... work off my vitae on the sandstones that have spawn and clear the area....

Me and the shadows...... Try to lure the little 29 guy out, but his big brothers keep coming and coming and coming..... wow I can see town... if they had chased me any farther mayoi would have been cleared of people cause they would have been running .... these guys suck...... I got hit with magic yelled V just to make sure they could wreck me.... I dodged 3 spells as I ran..

well guess what..... I let them keep my old leggs and my P cause I know I can't take the 3 of them.....

later

miko

-Chris (Khali)

New Site Address 3:15pm EST

I just flipped the switch so if all goes well, you should be reading this at http://www.2deck.com/thesource. Remember to update your bookmarks.

-Chris (Khali)

More First Impressions 2:35pm EST

This morning, Beryl sent out some first impressions:

OK. Who else died to Shadows last night? Beryl got taken out by a leutinent before I could realize what was going on. The same happened to poor Nansen. He may have tried to cast a spell in my defense which we all now know is futile. The next time I saw one running at me I at first thought it was another player since it was carrying a shield and I am not used to meanies carrying shields around.

I want to know if Mizu, Druss and company were successful in payback against the shadows. How did you guys do? Khali told me later in the night that Shadows were haning out INSIDE the mage tower. That is a smart place for them to prey isn't it since they are so resistant to magic.

Farik Il'Kadar tells me that selling elemental arrow heads is not as profitable anymore. What is with this? Alchemy is getting more useless by the day!

to which Druss responded:

Just wanted to say that Mizu, Hakeem, Simeon, Mutt, and Druss kicked a lot of Shadow Ass last night. We killed about 6 leutenants, 12 shadows, and 12 shadow children. Loot seems to be AMAZING on Mattys and lugs now. About every other Matty I kill I get some friggin amazing wand or orb. I killed an ice golem this morning and got a quickness self III necklace. Unreal. Went and killed some liches yesterday in the folthid cellar with mutt and miko, we got magic sword (Blood drinker II, Quickness self III) a Magic help of AL 139 (forget what it does, sorry) and some other stuff. One other magic necklace I think, and a tower sheild and other assorted stuff.

Sister C went to town after a night of hunting and there was a wonderful new blue chainmail Haurback there that is sky neon blue. A new color. Sister C looks amazing in it.

-Chris (Khali)

Mutt's Bow Revealed 2:23pm EST

Mutt posted a bit to the message board a bit ago that gave the following information:

Magnificently Crafted
Blooddrinker 6
Coord 4
Swift killer 4
Diff 309
Xbow Skill 330 or something

Its like really cool
never be able to use it but oh well

I couldn't tell if it had been ID'd by Mizu or by Ewgene, but in any case the mighty has fallen. Wow what requirements.

-Chris (Khali)

Alan Webster is a Looser 11:09am EST

Of course he isn't and I don't know him so I hope he doesn't take offense. But I just thought that his article on StarCity from yesterday was so funny where it talked about Jamie and AC that I had to post the link here. Even if you could care less about Magic: the Gathering, you should check it out. Also one of our newest members, Rojon (Phil Buonomo), wrote a nice article there about a PTQ.

-Chris (Khali)

Dark Thaw First Impressions 10:55am EST

Well the update is up and if you managed to get on last night you saw some _very_ interesting things. First off are these Shadows which look incredibly like characters except that they are fast, are fairly high level (L29 for the regular, L58 for the Lieutenant), and weild significant magic. I got hit in the back with a Foce Bolt IV for 40 from a regular L29 Shadow and I saw many powerful characters talking about the carnage that was occuring on the Mayoi beaches as the Shadows had their way with these once smug mages.

And then there are the Broken Fragments. Only L11, but seemingly resistant to any tactic a War Mage might expect to employ. Hakeem said on the board he could Imperil one; Rach'mann said he could hit it when it was moving. Needless to say, the world is now full of many dangers for the Mage and expect everyone to adjust their tactics slightly to deal with these new creatures. It looks like the designers have tried to introduce creatures that would require mages to work together with archers and especially warriors. I applaud Turbine in their efforts. Balance is very difficult to achieve in a world as complex as Dereth and with so many people trying to find and exploit any imbalance.

There are a bunch of other things I'm omitting, but as I haven't seen much e-mail from our group yet and I haven't checked the sites yet this morning I don't want to waste a lot of time repeating what has been said more eloquently by those better informed. But if I see anything significant or useful, you'll be sure to see it here.

-Chris (Khali)

Thursday, 1/20/2000

New event, "Dark Thaw" 4:41pm EST

Indeed the latest event has hit the servers today (in the last couple hours really) and the news has already hit the various info sites. Hakeem has sent out a list of changes and fixes in this new patch (posted in the new Source Documents section) that was posted on the Zone. Best of all is the announcement that there is more treasure accross the board. Check the Links page to find some sites with good info on the patch. The word is the snow is thawing but that only in patches. Also noticed that there are now a couple new chat commands, Warm Hands and Blow Hands.

Enjoy the new patch. Man was it a busy day today.

-Chris (Khali)

Site Moving soon

Very soon I will be moving the site from my Geocities account to a server that Rach' mann has access to. The new address will be http://www.2deck.com/thesource and I have already begun to mirror at that location. Try it out and I think you will find the performance to be much better.

This new address, in addition to reducing the cheese factor that "geocities" adds, it removes my name from the address as well. I always felt a bit uncomfortable having the group's site in my name. It made me feel more like it was too easy to perceive the site as being _my_ slant on our group. The purpose of this site is and always will be to support the group and improve the quality of our play experience. To that end I always welcome material and suggestions from any member of our group. For technology reasons, I will maintain editorial control over the content, but I do not want the site to be perceived only as my voice.

And on that subject, let me just mention something with regard to privacy. If any of you _ever_ object to my using material you have written or if you feel that I have used poor judgement in quoting or excerpting materials attributed to you, PLEASE let me know. I'm not trying to misrepresent you. I realize that it would be "correct" to ask each one of you for permission before I post things, but the truth is we don't have the time or the energy to really do that. I promise you that I will try to apply my best judgement and discretion with regard to what materials I post. And don't let this scare you because most of the time its pretty obvious what stuff is meant to be public and what stuff isn't but I just thought I'd share that.

-Chris (Khali)

New section for Druss' writings

Druss, our beloved monarch, responded to requests that he write something for the group, by sending around a rant he had posted earlier to AC Vault. I have always wanted to create a section for Druss' writings and so now I have

First off, I have been having a lot of fun with my 28th level Axe Warrior lately. Part of the reason for this is just starting to get out to the dires. The first time I went, I was so frustrated that a 20th level mage could blast Drudge Stalkers, and I at 25th couldn't do more than ten damage before they killed me, really pissed me off. I swore I wasnt going back to the dires until 30th level. Well, a friend convinced me to rally the group, and we would hit a dungeon and see how things went. Mages need blockers at least in a dungeon. [see more]

-Chris (Khali)

No-Leggs Retires

Miko K-sun sent out an e-mail this morning announcing the official retirement of No-Leggs. Miko had this to say.

I have been hunting with No-Leggs some the last few days and picked up lots of Vitae..... I have not been overly impressed with his inability to kill stuff like Miko can.... So more then likely I will no longer play Leggs.....

Last night I release Mutt of Niska from Leggs and he has realigned with Miko..... Ping is the only active character under leggs now..... If you would like out just let me know.... You may align with anybody of your choosing, I will not feel bad if it is not with Miko....

Please join me in saluting one of our founding fathers and a great hero. He will be remembered.

-Chris (Khali)

Maximizing Damage for Fighters

Ever wonder why vitae hurts so much? Question where you should dump that extra experience? Our in-house advice columnist, Hakeem, has written an excellent article on the inner workings of combat touching on those subjects and much more For any of you who don't have the Sybex companion, this is an excellent reduction of that material presented along with Hakeem's own analysis and insights.

Just FYI, this article and other materials like it are included in a section titled Source Documents at the bottom of this page.

Hoary Hunting Part 3

Six hides! At least four for the Source. Details to come on the board.

What's behind door number 2?

Mutt is going to see if his bow can defeat Egewene and perhaps win Mutt 10,000p. As you all probably know, Mutt has a bow that has defeated all takers, including the very skilled Mizu-No (natural ID above 200!). The following was posted on Crossroads of Dereth and spotted by Hakeem:

Harvestgain - 10,000 pyreal reward offered. Egewene of Harvestgain would like to extend a challenge to anyone out there who can bring forward and item that cannot be identified. Simply @tell Egewene if you feel you have one of these impossible items.

Log on tonight to find out what happens.

Hoary Hunt tonight

I haven't seen mail from anyone setting a time, but I am hoping to be in Holtburg around 10pm and in Neydissa by about 10:30pm EST. If you haven't made it N to help win hides for the Source, now is your chance. If your coming, be prepared to wait a while since its quite likely to be busy earlier in the evening and we may do better getting hides after 1am EST. If you need directions or want further information, send me e-mail.

I was told by Hakeem this weekend that the Tibri's Spear dungeon has a level restriction of L10-20. Beryl was leading this group, so if you're interested write to Alex and discuss the time.

Recent Changes

I've added a Recent Changes page that I hope to use both as a personal to-do list and to serve as an easy way to see what updates I've posted recently. I'm not sure where to put the link for it, probably up top in the menu area but I'll have to wait till I get home from work to make the graphic. I'm thinking though that I'm going to have to give in and go with a column on the left for the links because we're getting too many up top. I refuse however to put the site in frames as I feel it is a poor design choice and complicates maintenance from my end and navigation from yours.

Also I have gotten only one response to my query about whether this was the best site for The Source. Therefore since silence means consent, I will plod along producing this site in the same manner that I do now. As I have said before, I have a limited amount of time in game, and so it is nice for me to be able to support the group when I have some time out of game. The one thing I want to change in the near future is the location of the site. I'm sure you all suffer waiting while browsing as much as I suffer waiting when posting (you get what you pay for, yes?!) So I am investigating a couple of options right now that would give us a real server. I'm not inclined to move the site to one of the fan/news group boxes simply because I prefer to have more control and I don't really feel like we need non-Source traffic. In any case, if the site moves I will certainly leave redirects here from all the pages to the new ones.

Also, Josh sent me more front page stuff, but I think I have to keep up Rhodry's through Wednesday's hunt. Then I'll put up Josh's "MacDruss". Once we get the site moved to a real box, maybe I'll try to rotate the icon and quote upon refresh. Hmmm... always something more to play with.

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

I hope that everyone is having a nice holiday morning. Rhodry has kindly sent a quote from Bill the Bard for our front page. He points out that as the Englishman in the group, it is his duty to provide some culture to what is otherwise an admittedly motley bunch. I think it is certainly befitting the season.

Pics and Icons

Got a pic up of Caessa in the Gallery plus some from recent hunts. Also thanks to Ping who sent a new icon for the home page.

Mid-week Hoarys

A group of us adventured through Hunter's Leap, home of Lilitha's bow--cool name, weak bow. (see the pics in the Gallery). We didn't find the bow but we did take down the lich right by the entrance a couple of times and Hakeem even managed to get a Pyreal Scarab (cool!). And then we did Mayoi. But it all seemed tame compared to Hoarys.

So this week we'd like to have anyone who'd like to hunt Hoarys to come N with us Tuesday and Wednesday nights. We haven't set a time yet but probably around 10pm EST is a good bet. It is likely one or two will be running up from Holtburg, but feel free to just join us at Neydissa Castle. Thursday will probably be a quest for a magic spear (can't remember its name). Details on that to come.

-Chris (Khali)

Source hits 100

I don't know what other peoples info says, but my allegiance tab says Druss has 100 followers. Some others with us last night didn't have that many (99 or 97). I don't know why that is, but since I can only go by what I know, I think it is a milestone worth celebrating. Regardless we are growing very rapidly and staying in touch is even more important. Please send me any updated vassal information you may have and I'll try to keep the site up-to-date.

Hunter's Leap tonight

Beryl is leading a group to Hunter's Leap, home of Lilitha's Bow. The dungeon has a level restriction so you must be at least L8 to attend, but if you want to come, meet at Holtburg at 8:30pm CST (9:30pm EST) to join us.

-Chris (Khali)

Happy Hoary Hunting Party

got three hides last night -- story on the board

Dereth Economics 101

Hakeem, scouring the net produced this gem:

Tired of selling items to vendors at 50% of their value? Then don't do it! I found this little site the other day and wanted to share it with everyone. It lists the majority of vendors, and what they will pay for something and what the sell something at, in percentages. And did you know that you can make money just by buying from one vendor, and selling to another? It's all here at http://www.pcpunks.com/ac/tradecomparison.htm.

Since we're in Yanshi a lot, take particular note of the Yanshi armorer, Nu Sha, who buys at 100% of value best in the list besides Dryreach. Besides the provisioner, Shin Ou-Ye, Yanshi looks to be a poor place to sell anything else. Portal to Soushi where the jewler buys at 80% of list price and ; go to the Yaraq archmage where Inyamkaya Bin buys at 95% of list or to the Yaraq healer, Mulid Al-Iyar to get 90% of an items worth.

I'll take the list on the train home to try to wrench further insights. It'd be nice to get the max value out of stuff worth more than say 1000p as long as its not a hassle.

-Chris (Khali)

The Great Hoary Hunt of 2000

Hello all,

I remember back in 2000 we had to run to places we wanted to hunt, none of those fancy portal spells you have now, and we liked it. It was in 3 feet of snow and uphill both ways and filled with Tuskers, Wasps, Banderlings, Drudges, and Matties, who all tried to kill us, and we liked it. A mighty band of adventures, all members of the legendary alliance called the Source, (Khali, Beryl, Rach'nman, Ping, Rhodry, and Garurumon) gathered in Holtburg and proceeded to gear up both in arms and new spells to hunt the Hoary beasty, this part we didn't like as much because of portal storms. After much hee hawing around the group finally decided it was time to run North and seek out the beaties lair, more uphill through snow running, I grow tired of running so I am not sure we liked. To some castle we ran and once there we ran North some more, damn all this snow sucks. Through woods filled with nasties we ran until a cry of HELP!!!! filled the air. Miko the late-comer showed up now, and we did like that. Our companion Rhodry had been waylaid ambushed and smacked, defiantly didn't like this. So turn around we did to help Rhodry retrieve his goods. *Enter computer malfunction* Before we could safely get Rhodry to his corpse his keyboard went berserk, making moving and talking very difficult indeed. Yeah! he retrieved his corpse but had to log because of the keyboard problem, so the rest of carried on. After smacking a few of the small snow beast we came upon the Hoary, ah what a sight to behold. Ok we looked long enough, TIME TO SLAY!!!! Well our first encounter was chaos and almost every time there is chaos someone dies, it was the Mighty Khali that took a death blow. Enraged by the death of our companion Miko roared a battle cry and charged soon after the Hoary was naught but a corpse, and we liked it. Khali retrieved his corpse and the heroes proceeded to pound every monster in the area to dust, waiting for the Hoary to reappear. After a long and sleepy wait the silly beast did decide to challenge the slayers once again. This time the battle was short and sweet, for the heroes used a plan and it worked, we liked this a lot.

Well we got two hides last night and then had to go to sleep, especially Miko and Gar who were getting dirty looks from their RL sweethearts. It was a blast and I will defiantly come hunt again...just let me know. Garurumon PS Level 4 Flame bolt after a level 3 Fire vuln ROCK!!! 100hp damage...I liked it

-Thad (Garurumon)

More Hoary Stories

As you can gather, from Garurumon's account above, a group of us hunted Hoary Mattekars last night. Very late. Too late, hehe. I too wrote up an account of last night, but I added it to the Tall Tales section of our Source Message Board instead of reposting it here.

We really gotta start using that board to post stuff like that since in addition to it being easier than keeping an updated list of people, we're building our history!

-Chris (Khali)

The Last Word on "Fizzle, Last Night, Whatever"

I've posted a summary of the various mails sent around yesterday in response to Druss's morning mail asking if we should stay The Source. Click here to read the responses.

-Chris (Khali)

Weekend Plans

The Source has a number of things going on this weekend. Cronson is away, but it looks like some people will be organizing a return to the Dires Saturday around noon. Check with Druss for the latest. Later Saturday evening, Beryl is leading a group to go to Hunter's Leap (35.7n, 32.6e), home to Lilitha's Bow. And finally Cyblade is looking for some of the lower level adventurers to accompany him to Banderling Hill on Sunday at 1pm EST.

And of course the noble Hakeem is still at it in the North looking for Matty Robes and Coats until the Hoarys dissapear. If you're planning to come fight Hoarys, Druss had some advice:

> Neydissa Castle (69.6n, 13.4e)

That is correct. The Hoary spawns just outside of Neydissa castle. One final note. It is a bitch and a half getting through the mountains to get to the castle, you have to run all over the place in order to get around them. The easiest way to get there is to go to 66.4, 20.4. Then run from there to Neydissa Castle.

Now in re-reading Hakeem's post below I see he advises to simply run due N of Holtburg till you hit a road and then run W. See you there. As a mage it is my duty.

-Chris (Khali)

"Last night, fizzle, whatever"

Druss sent out an e-mail this morning asking whether The Source should consider becoming part of a larger, more powerful group. It certainly stirred up some fire in the group and sparked a number of good responses. I've summarized all of the e-mails and will post them once I hear back from everyone that I have their permission to post their e-mail. I am very impressed (though not surprised) at the unanimity of the sentiment. Its stuff like this that makes me know I'm in the right group.

-Chris (Khali)

Rach' mann has created a space for us on QuickPlace to consider using for a new website location. Look at the site here. I created a document on the site (and sent out an e-mail) asking everyone to consider what they want from The Source web site.

-Chris (Khali)

Hoary Matty Hunt update. Some senior members of the source made it to Neydissa last night. I was online a bit earlier than everyone else it seemed, and wanted to stock up on components, but died in the process. My corpse was surrounded by Tuskers, but Mizu-No was able to help me get it back. Miko K-Sun later appeared to help try and battle some Hoary Mattekars. I was weak from vitae penalties and not able to do much, and we all died a few times. They left for better hunting grounds, but I'm staying until I get more hides, dammit! It appears that this area is better suited for mages, so if any mages want to make the trip... I would say you should at least be able to throw Flame Bolt II spells at a minimum. Flame Bolt III would be better.

-Monty (Hakeem)

Open Season on Hoary Matty's. Several members will be mounting a hunt on Hoary Mattekars this evening. Meet at Neydissa castle at approximately 7:00 PM EST tonight. We have to assume that Hoary's are going away with the next update. Don't wait to get your robe or coat. Or heck, get both! Neydissa castle is located Northwest of Holtburg. The best way to get there, is to run due north from Holtburg until you see a road going East/West. Go West on the road until you hit the castle.

-Monty (Hakeem)

Hakeem has very nicely provided an update to the page, as you can see above. I hope I don't need to say that of course anyone is welcome to give me material to post here. Also note that there were a bunch of incredibly useful documents sent around today that I know didn't make it to everyone so I'll try to post the documents either here or on the message board.

-Chris (Khali)