Borg

After several discussions with the Sphinx cubs.....I found this interesting ability they have. I could not do it again.......eheheh was hoping I could repeat and boosty up things more hehe but no go.......I have logged out and will recheck in a few hrs to see if the stat modification held or is tied to the SERVER Save at end of day.

Greg.......suggesting is use the Council room (one next to Toymaker in Trinsic (Less Castle lag)

Designer Vex had responded to a few of the suggestions for the restitution idea put forth by SunSword on the UO.com message boards Well, my drive home is normally 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Tonight it was 90 minutes, most of it through sleet that accumulated into thick slush on the roads. Fun. I mostly went 10 MPH or less in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Thankfully, nobody near me bumped into me or anybody else, and the usually insane Austin drivers drove with something resembling politeness and caution. Anywho... Here's the meat of what I've gleaned from this thread so far. I've roughly categorized these ideas, and now I'll comment on them, to try to steer the discussion towards refining the list a little bit. I know I've skipped over a few items, and I'll probably address those at some point over the next couple days. Even though I've chosen to talk about this list of ideas right now, please keep any new thoughts coming! I'd like to see portable forges an option for miners, these are long overdue. pls put in runic fletcher tools and something to use em with Well being a Tamer I would love a home stable master. BeeHive deed! I really like the Dragon Head deed a lot These are all good ideas, of course, but to be honest I don't think they quite fit the bill of what is needed here. There are two main reasons for that. Firstly, these items all seem to appeal to small percentages of players. Most people wouldn't really have a use for a portable forge, for instance, and the stables-at-home idea probably wouldn't appeal to a non-tamer who owns an ethereal steed. Secondly, I also believe these are good ideas for ongoing content additions to the game. In other words, these items make sense in the context of the ongoing evolution of the world of UO -- but the just don't seem to have that special "zing" of appropriateness as an apology gift. While I don't want to start a discussion of post-AoS game design enhancements, I do want to say that ideas like these do not fall on deaf ears. While there's never enough resources for us to do everything we want in a publish, the design team does often bounce around these ideas and others like them. How about a dyeable hooded shroud or Hooded Shroud of Light There seems to be mixed reactions here about these ideas. With the Shroud of Shadows, this seems to me to be a bit of a duplicate idea. My own personal feelings on this matter are to try to come up with something different and new. And, it also seems to me that these might somehow devalue existing shrouds. If a new hueable shroud were added, wouldn't that be cooler than the Shroud of Shadows? What are your thoughts on this? A certificate good for 5-10 skill points, usable toward any skill? How about a stat scroll, one per account? These items, or somethign like them, seem to me to be good candidates. They are universally useful and if done properly wouldn't be very unbalancing. I think for obvious reasons it wouldn't be a good idea to allow someone to jump from 90 skill to 100 with something like this, and it would make sense to have the actual skill increase scale back at higher skill levels Or what about getting one specific item, and allowing players to choose +10 to any property on it when they claim the item itself? Blessed Item of clothing with special abilities Blessed emergency bag that you click and get 10 bandies, 10 of each reg, 10 food (something on that term usable once a day or something) a single blessed magic rune that doesn't need magery to use. Engraving Pen A deed to rehue/rename/bless an one ingame item (any item). These are all good ideas as well. Though, to be honest, the thought of allowing people to rehue any item in the game scares me. What have you thought of that I haven't? What strange thing do you want to paint some odd color? Regarding the idea of adding +10 to a selected item property is a good thought as well, but I do believe it might have too many possible side effects to pursue. I do know there'd have to be a number of restrictions placed on its use to prevent making overpowered items. And the actual level of effect would depend on the property selected -- for example, +10 HP Regen is a lot more powerful than +10 to a resistance. On the whole, though, I do find those ideas intriguing. Personaly I'd like a "I survived the AoS launch sash", pk the developer "head of a dev team member" Ooo, I want a "Head of Cynthe" Not "The Head of Vex"? *pout* I'm devastated. I like all the tongue-in-cheek ideas involving mutilation and we game developers/community representatives/quality assurance personnel. PK us? Hey, I'm happy to play punching bag. I'd even beg for my life. The screen shots would become treasured memories. In a meeting with Cynthe earlier I suggested a "Dev Team Voodoo Doll". I bet if we turned Gromm's twisted sense of humor combined with Helios' talent for making gumps on the problem, they'd come up with something great. non-transferable bless deed An Extra Reward choice(on login) 0 Yr Vet Reward - White Leather Dye Tub Black Furny Dye Tub Armor Dye Tub or Ingot Dye Tub Armor dye tub Sandal Dye Tub Now, the upside of these ideas is that they'd all be very easy to design and fairly simple to implement. In general, they are rehashes of things that already exist in-game in some form or another. Again, this is just my personal opinion, but I'd prefer to do something new and different. Hmm Soul Stone!!! Those are on the radar for the next content publish, once we've gotten all the AoS bug fixing out of the way. I can't say how difficult to obtain they'll be, but I don't think these are supposed to be super-rare or anything. 1 Million Gold NO! Er, sorry. I think I just had a flashback to when Tyrant cracked the whip at Origin. Statue of your own Character Hmm. Interesting thought -- but I don't know how convincing a statue it would be. The actual statue object would most likely have to be pretty generic-looking. Personally, I would rather you have your guys spend time on the bugs rather than a toy. Right now everyone on the team, myself included, is working on bug fixes. Rest assured that bug fixing is receiving higher priority than this gift. This gift item isn't likely to be published until the next scheduled game update, after we're done with the series of AoS bug fix publishes that we're in the middle of right now. This means we have plenty of time to talk about this and select The Perfect Gift. So -- do y'all have any feedback to my feedback? Or more ideas to mull over? I'll be here reading... To gain access to UO.com message board so you can post and read all memos on UO.com CLICK HERE and Register

would Invisibility items help hide you or would the gas make you visibly sick? Ie cloak of invisiblilty x charges? take alot of those petal thingys and be able to cast invisiblity if/when cload didnt work. Then you could hang out and wait for reinforcements to arrive......hopefully it would not double the monsters in that room too.

Chapter 13 Twilights End Part 3 Land of Dayless Night Greg and Steel continued on their journey to the Paladin City of Luna and it seemed that even in this odd land there were the occasional rogues of the road. Passing a small encampment the two took notice of a pair of ruffians sparring with odd weapons. One looked more suitable for harvesting wheat while the other a smaller version and tool for trimming a tree with. Pushing forward their concern for Martok’s well being overshadowed any adventuring or dealing with criminal folk. Ahead of them gleemed a white light and as the two grew closer to it the shape of a white marble bridge stretched out into the emptiness of the void. Across the bridge another large piece of land existed and as they crossed the bridge they both felt a surreal feeling covering a distance that stretched across endless emptiness with only the stars light that bounced off the bridge itself. Reaching the other side the two stayed on the roadway and as they passed a treeline they saw in the distance a large building and on the horizon the outline of a walled city. ”Luna….brother”; remarked Greg As they continued toward the city the large building to the west had cheers and jeers emanating from it and around the grounds were pets and a local crier declaring matters of some game score. ”Second Quarter……..CHIVALROUS CAPTAINS 1……LUNA LANCERS 2…..”; yelled the crier. Martoks condition was the greater concern than viewing this spectacle and the two entered the southern gate of Luna and looked around at the towering buildings within its protected walls. They moved around to the West and found another inner wall gate which they then entered.. As they entered the walls of this gate were ablaze with a soothing warmth that seemed to almost purify their souls to the bone. A nearby healer named Jan approached them as they stood in the gateway. ”You are new to this land……I can sense this and much you have been through to this day.”; remarked Jan. ”Aye……we are strangers indeed. I am Gregory Meridius and this is Steel Darknight, we are from The Honor Empire in Illyceum of Britannia. Kind woman….we are seeking aid for a fallen brethren who is in dire need of healing. Our magical healing has not been able to tend his wounds and even our skilled healing does not seem to help either.”; Greg responded. ”Ahh…..the lands of Virtues. Here this land is of Malas…….a land of Light and Wisdom as well as Darkness and Doom. These fires here will cleanse your spirit go within the citadel and on the second floor you will find the Ank of Wisdom. Place your hand upon its stone and you will adjust to this world and be able to tend your injured brethren.”; instructed Jan. The two thanked Jan for her information and help and proceeded to find this ankh. As they entered the citadel they could see a bustling commerce area and a stairway. Ascending to the second floor they were struck at the beautiful white marble fixtures and in one corner they found the Ank of Wisdom. Proceeding to do as Jan instructed the two heard a voice ask if they wished to Tith in the name of Chivalry. Again this was a matter they would investigate later and they proceeded to make their way back downstairs. Greg could see a sign for a local bankers office and sought to see if this land could access his personal account now that they had been cleansed and attuned to this new land………it worked. Grabbing a few coins Greg then purchased some runes and reagents while Steel began to replace and refit his supplies for the team and the journey back to Martok. Outside the citadel, Greg marked a rune and as Steel approached he was holding one of the odd weapons they had seen before. ”Check this bad boy out Greg…….hehehe the local smith here sold me this and when he saw my apron he asked if I was of the smithing guild. I explained quickly who we are and how the Empire was forged from founders who all were smiths. Man you gotta see this scroll he handed me…….look!;”; Steel said with excitement as he unrolled the scroll. * Scroll of Legendary Smithing * ”Amazing brother…….we will have to get that into the hands of Hephestus the Quartermaster when we return.. For now we must make haste and get back to Martok. I wonder if there is a mage that we can purchase travel from here..”; replied Greg. ”Perhaps at that game…..when its over I bet there will be mages heading for their homes…surely one will have a means to get us close to Martok’s location.”;; offered Steel. The two then set out to go to the building where the game was nearly ending by now. Back at The Sands border Martok concern was growing deep for Kalinaf had not returned and it was getting very late and the sky’s stars were dimming and nay did he have a campfire and no way was he going to go get wood again. Martok began to cast invisibility upon himself as a means of cover while he awaited the return of Kalinaf. Kalinaf had ridden out and taken up a position on a dune overlooking a large area where the sand was being kicked up into the air. What he saw was a great battle progressing where it seemed undead where battling with undead and the Army of the Sands was engaged with another force of undead wielding horrific looking weapons and some gargantuan monsters and minions as well. As some forces on both side fell it was as if they were raised back to continue the fight….endless almost this cycle was….both sides raising their fallen and foes and in turn causing them to fight against their own kind. “What madness is this?”; Kalinaf asked himself aloud. Soon a horn was heard and from across the way a massive column of Scorpion Riders equipped with Lances formed then charged down the dune. The force which seemed to be recognizable by their dark grey colors attempted to reinforce their flank but it was in vain. Soon the Army of The Sands Scorpion Riders began to devastate the opposing undead force. It was only a matter of moments and the victory was assured and the remaining fallen undead on both sides were raised and assumed rank and columns and began to march away from the battlefield. As the sand settled the Army of The Sands literally marched directly into a large sand dune……there was no opening……they just went under the sand as if it was water and they marched down a lakes floor. Kalinaf carefully moved down the dune he was on and moved into the area of the battle….a few weapons he found as well as a hooded cloak and secured them in his backpack. In the sand he saw a magic book and as he picked up a black book and dusted it off….he could see the face of a skull on the front. Opening the book, Kalinaf could see words of power and reagent requirements for spells that must have been used during the battle. As a Warlock the basis of the words of power he understood….this was a book of Necromancy!!! Some of the spells and secrets from the Book of the Dead were in this book……not all but some. This was terribly troubling and Kalinaf summoned his ethereal steed and set out following the vanquished forces trail Northward. As darkness began to fall on the land Kalinaf began to see several fires burining ahead of him and as he rode toward them the outline of a city rose ahead of him. His ethereal steed stopped suddlenly and Kalinaf was flung over the head of the mount and found himself dangling by its bit over an emptiness of the void that made up the sky of stars. Regaining his composure he motioned the steed to back up and once on land he dispelled his steed for later. Kalinaf walked around the edge of the rift and finally found a bridge. As he stood beside it one of the towering Daemons he had seen on the battle field walked out from the city and did not even take notice of him. Breathing a sigh of relief, Kalinaf pulled out the hooded cloak and put it on and began to walk into the city. Everything inside the city was dark…..even the light that came off the fires seemed to eminate darkness around it……piles and piles of skulls and horrific shops and stands scattered around the area. An open bar area had a buffet of pig entrails, living worms and various other parts he could not imagine where they had come from. As Kalinaf moved through the city many of the shops signs were familiar and inside their windows he could see tailors, smiths and a magery shop. Upon entering the Mage shop, Kalinaf did not notice that he had begun to be followed. Picking up some reagents and a few runes, Kalinaf noticed rows and rows of reagents that were listed in the Necromancy book…..the same reagents which were listed as forbidden back home in Britannia. As Kalinaf paid for his purchases and left he could not help but feel good that all of these citizens seemed to keep to themselves……almost antisocial in nature, concerned only with their job at hand or personal agenda. Stepping outside though of the shop this feeling ended as he began to feel a companion walking in concert with him as he moved through the city. A mapmakers shop stood in before him and he entered and quickly stood beside the window and snuck a peek outside. Only seeing a shadowy wraith pass by as well as wailing liches and more giant Daemons…..the population just kept on to its own business. As he turned from the window he could see the mapmaker and as he approached the vendor simply asked what was his pleasure without even stopping at his work. Kalinaf purchased 10 world maps and picked up a handful of tightly sealed maps labled “Doom”. Paying his bill Kalinaf stepped out of the city and decided it was time he returned to Martok. As he exited the city Kalinaf marked a rune and in an instant it turned black as soot. Still it merged into his rune book and he began to summon his ethereal steed for the journey. As he mounted, a voice floated down in front of him with the shape of a Wraith. “You are another of the strangers……you are from Britannia……Honor is it you pledge to?”; hissed the Wraith ”Aye that is true Wraith……how is it you know this….for if you have come upon this knowledge by force and suffering of my kin……then be warned Wraith…..you will have your final lesson soon!”; Kalinaf barked as he engulfed his hand with power of flame. ”Heheheh…..Stay your hand Guardian Kalinaf….slay me here and I will return and more of me you will see…..I aim you no harm.”; rebutted the Wraith as he transformed into a Necromancer in a cloud of smoke. ”I am Vendis Stark, I met your brethren Greg and Steel on their way to Luna the city of Paladins. You are a far distance from where they said you were……and it is dark now…..if your camp is as they said it was, then your friend Martok is not in a secure place. When the light is most dim the Balusk surface from the lake and hunt. You should return quickly, besides…..you are not dark enough for this city of Umbra to favor you for long.”; Vendis added as he motioned for Kalinaf to make haste. Just as Kalinaf began to leave Vendis Stark tossed him a strange crossbow. ”If you encounter Balusk you will need this……their heavy scale and coral covered skin is impermeable to blades and magic is useless against them….only the strongest bolts will find cracks in their defenses…..and thank Greg for the donuts.”; Vendis said with a smile and wave. Kalinaf raised the odd crossbow in thanks and rode off at maximum speed. Martok was in no condition to fight and he was close to the water as well. He hoped that Greg and Steel would already be with Martok, but he could not expect that to be and push on he did his steed. Back at the game the crowd was in fact leaving and Steel and Greg began to search the crowd for a mage who could possibly grant them passage quickly. They found one kind Mage who could send them to Hanse’s Hostel and the pair paid the mage for the service and a gate was produced. Stepping out of the gate they entered the Inn and asked Parker if any horses were available for sale? Parker did sell them a pair of good mounts and in a short time they began their journey to Martok. As they entered the cave they pushed their mounts hard for a full speed burst as they exited the cave, but it was not enough speed and soon Steel found his mount laced with Goblin arrows and he crashed to the ground. Greg spun around his mount and raced back reaching down and pulling Steel up they broke toward the south. Steel put up his shield to block arrows from hitting the mount and the danger was over. Heading Southwest they made their way through the dense forest and into the open ground. Conversely, Kalinaf flew across The Sands Desert like a sand vortex himself and every so often he could see the surface of the lake now on his right ripple and move near the shorline. Balusk were active…Martok was in serious danger. Martok had kept motionless and began to ration his reagent spell casting but he was parched and in need of some water. Staggering across the sand he knelt down to fill his jug with water and he was amazed at the wonderful image the sky made on the waters surface. Reflecting millions of stars, dim as they were they danced across the lakes ripples. As he finished filling his jug he stood and began to walk back to the mountain side when all the stars in the sky and all that he could see went black. Motionless Martok’s body lay at the feet of a Balusk. The Balusk reached for a giant hook to latch onto Martok’s body when Kalinaf crested a dune and cast invisibility upon his fallen brethren. The Balusk look in puzzlement then turned its head to focus on the charging Kalinaf. Grabbing a spear the Balusk flung it toward Kalinaf, who adeptly ducked the beasts throw. As he ducked though another Balusk lept from the water and its weight collapsed the ethereal steed and Kalinaf found himself completely in the clutches of the beast. Kalinaf pulled up the odd crossbow that Vendis had given him and shoved it right up against the neck of the Balusk and pulled the trigger. * shunk shunk shunk shunk shunk shunk…. * The crossbow rapidly fired into the beast and finally it seemed a few of the bolts entered its tough skin and the Balusk dropped Kalinaf to the ground. As he rose the other Balusk though swung around its arm with the giant hook and impalled Kalinaf stright though the torso. Coughing up blood and losing the strength to stand, Kalinaf found himself now being dragged like a rag doll toward the water. He dumped his backpack onto the ground and with his last breath before being taken under water whispered…… “For HONOR!!!!” The Balusk submerged and in a few moments Martok became visible, rubbing his head and feeling some blood. He could not understand what happened. Steel and Greg thundered into the area and as they dismounted and tended Martok, Steel noticed the evidence of the struggle near the water and found Kalinaf’s backpack. ”Martok….Where is Kalinaf?”;asked Greg ”I do not know….”; replied a confused Martok. ”I think I know…..and it is not good.”; answered Steel.

Chapter 13 Twilights End Part 2 Donut Diplomacy The Rescue team sat in the small grove to the west of The Sands Desert. Kalinaf set ablaze a pile of wood that Martok had gathered and Greg finished preparations for a snack. While the pot of oil boiled on the open fire the team discussed their journey and what they had discovered, while Greg was completely involved with his precious golden circles. “You will love these my friends.’; Greg quipped proudly. “I certainly hope so…….tis bee a day and a half……this place has no birds, just flying rats and I am not going to eat one of those vermin”; barked Steel Darknight. The team had been in this new land for nearly a month and so far they had not found Dr. Codene or Anfalas. Their recon had determined the location of a massive pyramid which looked like it had been buried over time and The Sands Desert itself. There was scarring and various evidence of a thriving civilization once stood in its shadow. This must be the spiritual city that was destroyed by the Guardian they had read about in old books. The only thing now active in the area of the pyramid was ancient guards still on duty walking undead and mummified remains of the once proud culture. This was the civilization that forged the Book of the Dead and Eternal Life that once were in the hands of the Empire but now were back in the hands of their civilizations protectors. The race was now on to retrieve the books or block Lord Blackthorn from acquiring them. In the hands of Lord Blackthorn their power would be unleashed and he would raise a limitless army of undead to engulf the realm in complete chaos and destruction. At least now Lord Blackthorn was limited to his mechanics, Chaos Loyalists and a growing shaky Jukan alliance. ”Well here they are boys!”; announced Greg cheerfully. Handing out the golden frosted and glazed donuts, Greg smiled as he nibbled on his precious golden circle. "A bit of heaven itself is found when you bite into one of these loveleys." The team enjoyed the donuts and the evening was almost perfect........almost. "Did you hear something?"; asked Kalinaf "Humh?"; mumbled Steel as he stuffed another golden circle into his mouth. "Nope.......just another batch of my precious are done on the fire"l answered Greg. "I heard it.........something is in the woods"; added Martok "Gah...Gladiators......just a bit higher than Orcs in the food chain....stomachs rule their senses." ;quipped Kalinafas the two Warlocks moved into the grove. "Eh?....more for us Greg."; chuckled Steel Darknight "But before I do....methinks a little nature walk is in order first."; Steel added. Preparing himself after choosing a tree, Steel lookd upward to the canopy of the trees and before he could finish a sentance the tree began to move away. "Um........Greg?........GREG!!!"; Steel barked as he adjusted his kilt. "Huh?.......geesh man I know these are good donuts but you have to....."; Greg responded as he turned with a plate of donuts......then dropped them to the ground. Towering above him stood a tree which now looked deeply into the eyes of Greg, as if to look into his soul for an answer. "Where is the dark one.......Where is the Taker."; the tree asked with a cracking rumbling voice. "Taker?.......Dark one?"; Greg asked then added. "I do not understand." Steel slowly picked up his axe and positioned himself at the ready. Greg motioned him to stand down as he began to attempt to understand what this tree was asking for. Reknown for his ability as a diplomat, Greg did not wish to bring more enemies unto the Empire in this new land. "WHERE IS THE TAKER!!!"; bellowed loudly by the tree. Its voice echoed through the grove and Martok and Kalinaf summoned thier ethereal steeds and began a full charge back to camp. At camp Greg noticed the tree pointing to the fire and realized he ment the wood was what was taken ad that he must be searching for Martok. In a blur of energy the tree was ensnared with a paralize spell from Kalinaf and Martok followed it with a bolt of energy. As the bolt slammed into the hardend bark of the tree, the blast threw Greg and Steel to the ground. The tree pivoted and swung a low branch that unhorsed Martok, slamming him to the ground stunned for a moment. "DARK ONE! TAKER! PAY FOR YOUR CRIME!!!"; bellowed the tree. Lifting a giant leg the tree prepared to bury Martok into the ground but Greg dove and pushed Martok from harm. The tree stopped and stepped aside of crushing greg into the ground, then reaching with another branch clutched Martok firmly. The tree began to squeeze the life out of Martok and Steel stood and swung mightily his axe and severed off the limb that held Martok. Kalinaf bore down upon the tree with flamestrikes and fireballs; setting the tree ablaze. Steel swung again and took a massive chunk then another out of the leg of the tree. Crashing to the ground, engulfed in fire the tree seemed to hiss;"Dark Onessss......Takerssss." Greg stood over the burning tree now motionless and began to think of why would Martok be considered a dark one.....then it hit him. Martok had a dark side, his karma reputation was not stellar....most magistrates of the Emperor are devils advocates more times than not and for good reasons. The tree had spared doing harm to Greg and never lifted a limb against those that did not do him harm at first. "Odd fellow...."; remarked Martok "This is an odd place Tok.; added Steel "Agreed.......Tok you stay away from the woods for now brother"; offered Kalinaf "Fine by me....but I think a few ribs are broken and my magic will not heal them"; Martok replied grimmacing. The rest of the night went on without incident and when morning broke, the team decided that Greg and Steel would try and find another Treefellow and Greg would attempt to seek further understanding and help for Martok. They decided to move Martok away from the treeline and though closer to The Sands Desert, at least there the open ground would allow sight of any danger approaching. Kalinaf stood and patrolled the new camp while Greg and Steel moved Northward along the shoreline. A forrest lay ahead of them and the two remarked at how this treefellow was similar to the old story that Colin Mor tells to young at campfires. It seems it was not just a story afterall. As the two ventured through the the forrest an odor faintly familiar but still different the two began to smell ahead. "Orcs?";a puzzled Steel asked. "Nay....similar but not the same brother"; answered Greg. Echoing a familiar word came across the air. Takers.....Dark Ones......aarrrrrrrrrrrggghhhh" Greg and Steel began to push toward the edge of the forrest and in the open they could see a Treefellow being cut down and hacked into logs by what seemed to be Orcs. "Those are not Orcs Greg"; whispered Steel. "Nay....similar but smaller and dark skinned they are......smelling of ash as well"; hushed Greg back. *Twig Snap* Steel spun around and parried off a sword and then burried his sword into a black skinned form as it then yelled out a high pitched scream. Greg could see the other four in the open take notice and begin to move away from the dead Treefellow. Greg and Steel then charged into the open. "Time to dance brother."; Greg remarked. "For HONOR and EMPIRE!!!"; Steel yelled. Engaging the foursome, the pair spun and parried, struck and recoled and one by one the four dark smelly foes fell. Examining the slain, the two agreed that these were not Orcs too quick for an Orc and definetly smaller in stature. "Takers......Dark Ones"; a voice beind them spoke as it walked out of the treeline. Turning thier heads the two saw a Treefellow then another walk into the open. The one moved over to the fallen Treefellow and began to absorb the remains of the fallen one. Greg stood and greeted the other while Steel kept a good grip on his sword. "You are not Dark Ones"; the Treefellow said as he peered deeply into the pair. "Nay we are not......we are Guardians of HONOR....from a distant land"; Greg responded and began to in essence put his diplomacy hat on. "Close they are....always Dark Ones take.....and Takers are Dark Ones....you are Light Ones"; stated the Treefellow. Greg spoke at length with the Treefellow and discussed the previous evenings occurance. The Treefellows led the pair westward within the forrest until they could see a vast fortress and on the horizon a massive mountain chain. The Treefellows instructed them that in that mountain a cave they would find that would take them to the city of light. Once thier forrest stretched all the way to the mountains but it had been cut down to build that massive fortress. Inside that fortress were these dark skinned orcish and in great numbers. From the southern wall of the mountain, Greg and Steel decided to make for the cave. The Treefellows bid farewell to the pair and they reminded them that all dark ones would not be safe within the forrests but those of light would fear nothing and could tend the woods for harvests. Back at The Sands border, Kalinaf and Martok awaited patiently.....well as patiently as a Warlock could. Kalinaf would venture out and around the edge of the mountains and return every so often, making sure no patrols of the Army of The Sands were approaching. "Odd isnt it......this land has milions of little stars acting as one, dimming during the night and brilliant during the day"; remarked Martok as he leaned against the warming stone of the mountainside. You are just odd Tok, and I do not like this place...not one single bit of it."; answered Kalinaf As Kalinaf peered across The Sands Desert, in the distance either a sandstorm was brewing or something big was stirring up the sands. Summoning his ethereal steed he informed Martok he would be right back. "Ok...be careful...I cant save your arse again if you get in trouble remember."; Martok said jestfully. yeah........Sure.....just like always......heheh..........FOR HONOR AND EMPIRE!!!"; Kalinaf said as he rode away. Martok threw a blessing upon his brethren and leaned back to again enjoy the warmth of the stone and stars. Little did he know he would never see Kalinaf again.......alive that is. Across the sand and unbeknown to Martok the waters' surface rippled and something beneath it settled again. Martok was not alone. Greg and Steel had made thier way along the mountain and Greg asked Steel if he had ever learned to the spell of changing. Steel nodded and the two cast polymorph and changed into Orcs. Moving a small boulder Greg then began to cover Steel with dark mud and after they finished they began to move toward the cave. Near the cave was a guardpost and utop it stood one of the dark skinned archers while a handful of the others seemed to be fighting over parts of a great boar. The deception worked as though larger than the guard, he only nodded to them as they passed into the cave. Traveling through the cave the pair fell out of the spell and the dirt collapsed off of them. Soon they found themselves looking out across what seemed to be broken pieces of land connected by large bridges. At different heights they seemed to work thier way toward the North.....and along a road they both began to journey. Soon they found a large building and on its sign was the name "Hanse Hostel"; upon entering they found it full of accomodations but not a soul to be seen. Greg began to search the rooms while Steel poked around the desk. Looking out a window, Steel could see a man tending some goats. "GREG.........outside........out back."; Steel shouted. Greg turned and left the one remaining room door unopened and as he left to join Steel, the door opened and only a shadow existed. Outside the two greeted the man and politely asked if a meal was available. Parker the innkeeper welcomed them and began to usher them back into the Inn. As they began to go into the Inn, the doorway was filled with the form of a Wraith. Steel and Greg instictually drew thier swords, but Parker stood as a shield for the Wraith. "Nay nay strangers........this is Vendis Stark, he is a Necromancer...a patron here like you are"; urged Parker. "Um......Greg?"; asked a puzzled Steel. Thining and slowly lowering his blade, Greg pointed toward the Wraith and asked; "Necromancer....a Dark One?" At that moment a cloud of smoke engulfed Vendis and as it cleard stood a form with a fleshless skull whose empty eye sockets seemed to peer deeply into the souls of Steel and Greg. "You are not Paladins......if not Paladins or Necromancers.......what sould guides your blood?"; Vendis asked. "We are guardians of HONOR from the HONOR Empire, I am Gregory Meridus and this is Steel Darknight.....we are from Britannia, the Illyceum Province.'; answered Greg. "Virtue Guardians aye.......hehehe you come from the lost lands where man sacrifices his fellow man for the sake of wealth, glory or political gain."; Vendis replied in disgust. With the calming influence of Parker the group moved into the Inn and a meal was prepared. Greg could not help but offer his precious golden circles recepie to Parker. Again putting his diplomacy hat on, Greg explained thier reason for being here and the plight of Martok and his injuries. "The compassion and aid you seek will be found in the Paladin city of Luna, I cannot help your friend.....heheh only after he died would I be one who could aid him.......but then again if he was dead then it would be he who would aid me"; Vendis said coldly as he sipped down an ale. As a plateful of donuts were presented, even Vendis commented at thier splendid taste and took a few with him as he left the Inn and headed for his home city of Darkness......Umbra. Upon leaving themselves, Greg was asked by Parker if he could use the Donuts on his menu and Greg graciously agreed. Parker bid them farewell but remarked that the owner of the Inn would surely enjoy these wonderful treats. It seems that Hanse works in the mountains clearing land that would be safe from the Goblin Raiders. The dark skinned orcish they had encountered were Goblins actually, once the race who lived in Wrong dungeon and were then scattered to the wilds by the Trolls long ago. The Locusts had hunted them down and a few found thier way here to this land where they have rebuilt a formidible clan again. "If you see his sachel here then he is nearby......it is his means of magical travel to his safe lands"; finished Parker as he waved off the Greg and Steel as they headed for Luna.

New Poll added........running in concert with SunSword's request. Go to the Ultima Online section and VOTE.............every member vote your favorite......alot of great choices...........the top 5 will be the winning suggestions.

I have the very unhappy responsibility to report to you that we have discovered an serious problem was released to the service in today's latest publish. Because of this, I have decided that all shards be reverted to their previous maintenance times. This is a last resort and something that should only happen on the rarest of occasions. For North America, the previous maintenance was 16-18 hours ago. Please CLICK HEREfor your shard's downtime schedule. Both I and the team apologize for this and we will continue to work 7 days a week to until the issues are resolved. P.S. - I am looking into an item to give to all the players that have logged in over the past few weeks. Post suggestions at the UO.com message Board CLICK HERE FOR BOARD -- SunSword Producer, Ultima Online

I have the very unhappy responsibility to report to you that we have discovered an serious problem was released to the service in today's latest publish. Because of this, I have decided that all shards be reverted to their previous maintenance times. This is a last resort and something that should only happen on the rarest of occasions. For North America, the previous maintenance was 16-18 hours ago. Please CLICK HEREfor your shard's downtime schedule. Both I and the team apologize for this and we will continue to work 7 days a week to until the issues are resolved. P.S. - I am looking into an item to give to all the players that have logged in over the past few weeks. Post suggestions here. -- SunSword Producer, Ultima Online I officially am asking eveymember that can to go to this link SunSword asking you what you want as gift thread And ask for DOUNUTS If you do not have access to UO.com Message Boards CLICK HERE for quick and easy registry Again.........ASK FOR DONUTS to be given.

Nice idea..........how bout using bandages on them also?

As reports come in from the Shadowrider Cohort of The HONOR Empire, it seems some old stories myths are being proven true........ One such old story is the WICKED TREES Story..... Pull up a chair and let me rekindle the old Shardic Lore..... T’was a late fall day and a pair of lumberjack brothers were heading out into the forests from Skara Brae with mules in tow to gather a few cords of wood. Soon winter would settle in and the landscape would become more difficult to traverse. The stockpiles were well set but the word of a harsh winter made a few more cords a good idea and good for profit at the lumberyards. As the day passed the brothers did succeed well in thier harvest and the packs mules were nearly full and ready to head homeward. Jason, the younger one, turned to see a fine old brown tree ripe for the harvesting. A large tree and indeed all that they would need to finish the days work off. Jason yelled to Bruce, his older brother, to come and help finish off this massive old tree. When Bruce arrived he looked at what Jason had found and was as well astonished and agreed that while this tree was not as great as the famous Yew Trees it would easily provide a great finish to a days work. The tree was barren and had seen its better days for sure. As the two brothers began to take swings at the old tree the leaves of nearby trees began to shudder as a wind began to pick up. The pack mules began to fuss and Bruce turned to calm them so as they would not bolt or cause themselves injury with the great load they held already. Jason chuckled at his brother now talking to his mules; as he returned attention to the old tree....his chuckle ended abruptly. The old tree was not there.....but now a few paces further from where he remembered it to be. Shaking his head he moved over and spit into his hands and prepared to continue the harvest. As he raised the axe over his shoulder he let go and it dropped onto the ground behind him straight down nearly hitting his arse on the way. A small toothpick twig that danced in Jason's mouth fell to the ground and all he could utter sheepishly was his brother's name.....Bruce. As Bruce turned he did get just a glimpse of what Jason had seen.....the old Tree was walking away from Jason!!! The wind grew in intensity and a grinding noice now seemed to join the leaves fluttering and falling around. The pack mules stirred greatly and with a bolt they both took off toward Skara. Bruce and Jason now found themselves not alone for now several old trees like the one they were attempting to harvest had now walked into view and encircled the brothers completely. Back to back the lumberjacks stood and as the wind calmed the branches of these old trees now calmed and stood motionless. Bruce relaxed a bit and told Jason that they should make a run now back to Skara....Jason agreed. As the two slowly moved to prepare to run a frightening SCREAM and SHRIEEKING pierced thier ears as the trees around them now all bent down and took hold of them. Now, what happened next is unknown but feared undescribable for when the packs returned home and the lumberyard attendants and friends became worried they searched for the boys the next day. The snow that was forcast had begun to fall. The search party set out and that they could find was a circle of what appeared to be places where giant trees had been and clothing was in nearby trees with just 2 axes in the center of the circle covered in blood. It looked like the trees just uprooted around and walked away into the forrest but the tracks of these trees were now being lost in the falling snow. A few still sought out as long as they could in the directions they thought to go...but nothing was found and as the night ended and the search party returned home to Skara Brae all that filled the air was snow and a terrible shieeking scream that pierced the cold ears of the searchers. What happened exactly we do not know.....this may be just a story or this may be part truth built upon over the years.....but what we do know is this....they were not vile reapers we find now in the woods.....these were WICKED TREES.....trees that could MOVE and could TEAR a man to shreds....a man who knew how to handle an axe....BEWARE ye Lumberjacks.....BEWARE!!!

Thanks logan.........I am gonna go Treebeard sighting. *takes magical paintbrush*

aye.........ye may go color blind alot But tis a good time anyhew.... I sadly have to work late Saturday till about 11pmEST.....but have SUNDAY again Off WHOOO HOOO!!!!!

Just watch out for his new weapon combo..........5 hits in one swing. 2 handed double edged weapon with doublestrike capability (4hits) plus magical spell attack (1 hit) I think he can do over 120 dmg with that combo (resist and armor class will defend against that total dmg inflicted)

I am hearing reports of Treebeards...........anyone find one? Walking Trees.

More Comments from Sunsword listed on Stratics UO General News Section Posted on Friday, February 21, 2003, 2:07 AM EST by Teich Dragon (GeneralNews) SunSword posted some answers about his Comment from the Team in a thread on the MyUO-Forums: Note: Although some the OSI boards allow any visitor to read, in order to read or post in most of the official Ultima Online message boards you’ll need to be logged into the forums. Don’t have an account, yet? Go here to register!) I would like to think that some things (vendor/lockdown limits) are up for discussion. I don't see it happening, but would be nice to have some kind of roundtable or some kind of acknowledgement that they will take a look at that. The issue was people using NPCs to store stuff, the solution was to hurt everybody in some way. I wasn't one of the ones who deleted all their vendors, however me upgrading my cabin (not customizing but upgrading) caused me to lose my vendors, and so it is heavily impacting me. I think they are up for discussion. The primary concern we have is that vendors be used for commerce and not for additional storage. I have challenged the design team to think of alternatives to the current implementation of vendors, and I'm sure they'll be on the boards to talk about it as well. Most of the staff is currently working on AoS remaining issues, but I imagine we'll be ready to have a dialogue about this more next week. Don't let that stop you from talking about it now. I hope, for the sake of the UO playerbase, that in the future, when such major changes are going to be made, that they aren't made in secret, and that there is not an assumption on the part of OSI that if we find out about a change early that most of us will abuse it. I also hope that if rumors start, OSI will step in and put a stop to them, rather than let them grow and grow, until by the time an announcement has been made, it's too late, and the rumors have done their damage. So, I'm hesitant to stir this bee's nest up again, but I understand that it's an important point. I have two responses to this. A) If we had done a better job of launching the game, then we wouldn't have been so focused on fixing things and had better response times in our communication. That's basically what happened. We were soley focused on getting things working and fixed that we weren't able to react to the leak of vendor changes in time, nor assuage people's concerns by telling them about the grandfathering solution. B) *deleted something I just shouldn't say*. Fortunately, it's a short-term solution. Edit: Hopefully by keeping the changes smaller, things will be handled better and people won't wander around in complete shock. Exactly. Edit2: I also hope, that if something like Malas occurs again, that OSI does some kind of traffic control to keep the shards up and new players able to login. New players had to be asking themselves why they bought UO. Indeed. From Flutter: I for one appriciate the time you took to write up the state of service. I realize the work that is involved and I am seeing red names nearly 24 hours a day responding to PMs and posts so I for one know you guys and gals are working hard. I have noticed as of today packetloss to the ea servers. I have checked various IPs on my route and there is a good chance that AT&T is to blame here but you may want to look into it. Packet loss sure isn't helping the server issues. In fact it can be greatly hurting your efforts to fix things. Anyway, something for you to look into. Already investigating. Other than that you and your team have done a fine job fixing major bugs, I am sorry that a large number of your client base don't see it, but I have. I have a list of things I would like answered, but nothing major and game altering except two... Are the resistances on our armors working properly? I am not seeing a huge difference in spell damage with different armors. Are runic hammers and sewing kits working properly? Perhaps I am overlooking something somewhere but I am not seeing the proper %'s added onto enhanced items... maybe an explaination of this can be thrown in somewhere? Oops make that three things... I am unable to dye certain monster loot enhanced leathers. Nothing game altering mind you... but maybe easy to fix? Certain leathers are not regestering as "leather" to the dye tub I'm happy to forward these questions to the team, of course. If any of these are problems, they may or may not already know about them, I haven't checked our bug database for 'em yet. And We're working on several solutions to the blackhole issue. The recall bug needs looking into, I have ended up on different facets many times.. fortunately for me I have runes to all facets on all my characeters, but I can see where this would be a problem for those who don't. Some folks are even reporting crossing server lines and ending up in another facet. Actually in many cases (if not all), people aren't being put in the wrong facet, it's just that their client is drawing the wrong version. This is a problem that we are aware of and will definitely fix soon. From Tarnum: They do not need us constantly belittling them, it is counter productive. We have to either accept that they are working on things or quit. The issues that are out there will be addressed I am sure. They are listening to the players, even if we do not think they are listening. Cut them some slack, I for one think they are doing a great job. I don't think you need to cut us some slack so much as understand that we really are trying to make a great game for you guys. I can understand the frustration that players feel when things go wrong, that's how I ended up working on UO in the first place, ages ago. Someone broke into my house with an exploit and it drove me nuts. I applied at OSI and got a job as a game designer just so I could fix that freakin' bug! That's basically how lockdowns and banning ended up getting in the game years ago. Anyway, my point is We're working very hard to get this launch straightened out for you shortly. From Mahkno: Sunsword, Sounds like your got your hands full. Do you have any idea when Siege will be getting AoS? Next week, next month, next year? We were told we would get it on the 11th. In hindsight many of us are glad that we did not but ... Many Siege players took the day off, using valuable vacation time, expecting Siege to be published. No advance word was given that we would not be. Many of us paid a premium price to have the product delivered to us on the 12th when in fact that was not needed. We still have no clear idea how AoS is going to be published to Siege or Mugen. There are details that need elaboration in relation to Siege/Mugen. Can we know when? I think you owe it to us. Siege will be getting some version of AoS in the near future. I thought we had already publicly described what it will be, but I don't have time right now to look it up. I'll do that in a bit. I won't give you a date because there were some minor issues that remain, and we won't get to address them until we're done fixing the remaining issues with AoS. I imagine sometime early next week I can give you a definite answer. Please be patient. Okay, I have some meetings to run. I'm wondering if these "in-line" responses are ok with everyone? -- SunSword Producer, Ultima Online CLICK HERE to see other comments on the official UO.com boards

Now some directions. 1) This one is behind a tree, within one screen of the northern mountain. 2) Behind a large group of trees that border the woods near the Grimswind Ruins. This was the very first pouch I actually found, and it's very difficult to see, even with a circle of transparency (UO3D is a blessing when it's not crashing or acting up with my video card). 3) Inside the orc fort, up against the eastern wall. 4) There is a white tree here, but the pouch is not behind it. The pound is behind ANOTHER tree just west of the white one. 5) The most-common location. It's under the bar in Hanse's Hostel. 6) Right where the crystal fens meet up with the mountain, you'll notice a HUGE patch of bright green on your in-game radar. The bag is in that patch behind a large crystal. 7) Lowest level of the corner, here. It's against the southern wall. The 8th location is not a pouch! In Victoria's room in Doom, against the north wall is a set of black bones. That's number 8. Drop a run in these bags or bones in number 8 then pick up the rune and recall to it. ALL AREAS ARE FULL

see image thread for city limit area

Can someone update this thread with any new information?

Can someone update this thread with any new information?

Can someone update this thread with any new information?

Can someone update this thread with any new information?

Can someone update this thread with any new information?

Hopefully her room will be complete in the new Safe Haven so she can be brought to her quarters after her next appearance. (we will post a couple Praetorians as guards)

That is possible I think.....but very dangerous..........VERY. (sorta like leaning over the edge of an abyss with no one holding you........you would be leaning at a 45degree angle..........fall and you will be in the potty mouth room for unattended macroing or worse eternal darkness) While the 8x8 is not illegal.........I wont ever do it......choice is the player base. Just be careful at how you do it. Trip to the bathroom or food run or glimpse at whatever not the screen could be your last.