Coldren

Hehe.. well, technicaly not a "New OSI".... More like "A new highly attuned Customer-Oriented Division of the Electronic Arts franchise..." Doesn't quite have the zip you thought, does it...

As the sun rose slowly over the horizon, fighting back the night and the stars, illuminating the mountains in a reddish-orange hue, a single sound echoed throughout the structure with constant rhythm. Sunlight only breached the murkiness through a hole in the east wall, large enough for a man to fit through. The waves crashed against the bluff, rising and swelling in a concerto composed by nature. The sound of passing birds and seagulls reverberated off the stonewalls, contributing to the symphony present in the small room... A pity no one could hear. For in this room, only the dead can be found. Warriors past who fought valiantly for the Guardians were laid to rest, memorialized by their brethren in a sarcophagus of granite, with a challis chiseled in the center, and the name of the fallen Guardian stenciled in gold in the language of the ancients across the middle. Daishee, the guardian and caretaker of the tomb, weaved in between the narrow paths between each sarcophagus, proceeding along his practiced route. Dressed in full plate and wielding a halberd twice the size of a normal man, Daishee was more then well-equipped and trained to handle the occasional grave-robber or bandit. As a former member of the Legion, he had been given this task as a chance to recuperate from his wounds received in during the siege of Trinsic by Jun'nor a few years go. After time, when no one else had been assigned the duty, he was resolved that this would be the way he would serve the Empire for the rest of his natural days. Although he found the assignment quite dull on most days, his sense of honor to his fallen brethren motivated him to wake each morning and resume his daily doldrums. The day gave no indication that it would be different from any other. The reports from fellow Guardian scouts reveled no unusual folk in the surrounding woods, and the Orcs, who were notorious for vandalizing the tombs of their enemies, had not been seen in some time. No, today would be another dull, humid day of patrol and mead. As he continued his route among the dead, a misplaced shadow, that to the untrained eye would remain undetected, caught his attention. He walked over to that tomb, and noticed a small opening. The space was not large enough for even a hand to fit through, but still, stones this heavy do not move of their own accord. Using his halberd as a level, he forced the hilt of it in the opening between the cover and the base, and with a mild pull down near the blade, slid the cover of the tomb half way open... No training in the legion, no foe he had faced, prepared him for what he saw. ============================================== A lone figure walked up to the massive iron gates. Exhausted from his long walk, he glanced up to the edge of the castle walls, lowered his head, turned, and collapsed with his back against the gate. This was indeed the place he had been looking for. His once regal clothing was in tatters. His feet were sore and blistered, and his joints ached. His belly grumbled from lack of food and this throat cried out for liquid to aleve the dryness. His eyes burned from the countless days of wandering beneath the scorching sun, and his bones chilled from the coolness of the sea air at night. Yet, in that divine moment, all his trials and travels were forgotten. He took a deep breath, savoring the salty air, lightly perfumed with the fragrance of nearby orchids, lilacs, and roses. The sound of men approaching on horseback echoed in the distance. Once again he would see his friends, those who may have thought him lost forever, or forgotten completely. He would once again fight beside them in battles, celebrate their victories, and suffer with them in their defeats. One again, he would ponder with them greater things, and find their answers. Finally, he had reached the place, in all his travels; he longed most to be... Home.

God I hate that horse.. one day it may eat tainted grains...

Ahh.. thanks for clearing that up Balandar. Koopsta, same ICQ number I had before... If you don't know it, look in my profile and send to the number given.. I'm at work now, and can't turn on icq..

This begs me to ask probably a very dumb question: What is a BOD? On a side note Brightblade, if you have need, i have 4 unused tickets from last christmas and all of my 2 year vet rewards unused.. if theres anything out of those you need, send me an ICQ. No charge

Simple question Balandar, but where did you hear this rumor? They already scrapped the last attempt at UO 2 (that lead the monstrosity known as UO3D)... Just curious where you heard it from. BTW, I'm back.. look for fiction soon.

Hail friends! It has been a long time since I have posted on these boards, and even longer since I have come to the realm of Sosaria. Some people may remember me (or better ), and some of you may have no idea who I am, and in any case, glad to see everyone still comes by these boards from time to time. As stated before, it's been a long time since I played Ultima Online, although I find I miss the family that is PGoH more with every passing day. If I may indulge, let me explain where I have been and what I have been doing. Gamewise, I currently play Dark Age of Camelot, Percival Albion. My name there is Blackblade, a level 46 Paladin and high council member of the largest guild on the server, Divinity, with 248 active characters played by 144 members. I have made many new friends in this guild that consists of many good people who took me in as family, but with few exceptions, find it pales in comparison to the commrodary (sp) I used to feel in UO. In the real world, I've been quite busy with college and my fraternity up until this summer, and have only 1 more semester until I venture to a world distinictivly different from academia. I am currently in Ohio interning for a company as a Web Designer and general Tech Support agent, should the need arise. As such, money for me is very VERY tight, and although I wish to come back to UO, I am faced with a delimma that maybe old friends can help me solve. Those of you specifically who played in VV in DAoC and came back to UO: Why did you do it? Is the new content being added constantly making UO so much better? Do you find that all your old friends play here more then they did DAoC? Aside from the the friends I miss in UO, I'm looking for a reason, which pertains to the game, to come back. I'm looking for insight into how much the game has changed, how the guild has changed, why it's better, and why it will last. Any ideas or examples anyone can point out here would be greatly appreciated. When all is said and done, I will hopefully at some point come back to UO anyway, but just would like to see if it'd be worth buying UO:LBR as well as finding a way to scrape up the cash for 2 montly fees. Thanks for the ear... Strength and Honor!

Ok.. as I have not been in for a few months, the changes to UO have been astounding, and I was wondering if perhaps anyone still played enough to answer some questions: 1) Magically Enchanted Player Crafted weapons: Waaaa? How do you make these things? I know so far you need a Runic Hammer, but do we need any additional skills? 2) Stone Furniture: Huh??? HOW?!! What skill?! 3) Player Crafted statues of various colors: See above. 4)New items: What are the new items you're supposed to be able to craft in UO:LBR, aside from the 2 things mentioned above. These are just a few.. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I slowly remember the game.

Hmmm... Well, I got to reading about the new "expansion" for UO, and I decided I may want to come on and check it out (not too long, only to see it), so I decided to reactivate my account. Well, little did I know, EA has done a sneaky little trick: Their patch servers only patch Windows 98/ME; they no longer patch 2000 or XP!!!! Most upsetting.. anyone have any idea around this for Win2K?

Hail Mrs. Madman, Sign me up.. sorry I have been rather busy with some personal issues lately, but definitly let me know when and where.. I can be a healer.

Quote from Lan, posted on Oct. 26 2001,6:18 All I can say is.... *does his best cartman* I hate you guys..... And I will CONTINUE to be the first on the line, thank you very much!

Your answers were split as follows: Socializer 80% Achiever 60% Explorer 40% Killer 20% That's right.. I can talk the talk.... and usually, walk the walk

My thanks for your citation, Proconsul Martok. It is a great honor.. And Senator Wolf, I shall create my profile immediately.

Oh yeah?? Well two can play at this game.... :roll:

Bah.. Fine.. Make no mention of me.... See if I care...... *grins* Good to see you about again, old friend... and if you don't remember me, i'll be sure to come about Yew and thump ye on yer head to jog your memory!!

Thanks for the warm reception guys... I kinda realized (along with Koopsta) that even in it's worse days, PGoH is still my home. We had a small guild of basically just active PGoH people who wanted to just hang out (ala VK... *shudders*), but even then, all we talked about was the Empire and how much we missed it and th people who occupied it... On another note, Vandorn is back too!!! Welcome back, Centurion!

The waves crashed rhythmically against the shores of the nearby bluff. The flocks of birds chirped in harmony, basking in the majesty of the rising autumn sun. The leaves, now in a mixture of golden greens, browns, and reds, fell from the trees upon the earth to await their decay in silence. The deer cautiously partook in their fill of the green grass and flowers, glancing upward in stalwart alertness for any possible hostile creatures. Nearby, a mother wolf herded her cubs into a nearby burrow that would be their home for the harsh winter that lay ahead. As that brilliant morning sun seeped through the treetops, a man sat tranquilly against a tree, nibbling upon a small loaf of bread and drinking water from a small goblet. It would probably be his only nourishment for the day, for it was all he secured for food within his sack. A substantial armament was a necessity for a wanderer when traveling the countryside in these troubled times, and the less he had to carry the easier one could survive a hostile encounter. Having finished his meal, he proceeded to pack his goblet and the remainder of his loaf of bread and then refasten his armor. It would be perhaps another day’s venture by foot to reach his destination, and the sooner he departed, the sooner he’d arrive. He glanced up at the sun, sheathed his sword and began to walk in a southern direction, shield in hand. A few hundred feet from where he began, a thunderous sound broke the perfect silence of the forest. He immediately recognized the sound as that of a sizeable mare baring a load on its back. Alert, he reached for the hilt of his sword: Vagabonds, thieves, and other scoundrels seem to be more commonplace these days, and he would not be taken off guard. As the horse approached, he began to make out the details of its passenger. He had broad shoulders, a muscular build, a lean visage, and eyes that seemed endlessly deep. The horse stopped approximately 50 paces from him. The man upon the horse drew his sword, yet he did not take an aggressive posture. He simply stopped and stared. ”Coldren?” cried the mounted man. ”Koopsta!” responded the earthbound traveler. Koopsta quickly dismounted, sheathed his sword, and embraced Coldren as a brother would his own. “It has been a long time, old friend. I had taken thee for dead!” said Koopsta. “Aye brother! It hath been some time! I hath not seen the likes of thee since our final campaign against the orcish brood.” ”Aye. Seems as an eternity ago.” Coldren nodded. “So tell me old friend, what news have thee of Madman or Vandorn? Are they well? After our last mission….” ”Aye.. you were in a very bad way, Coldren. Vandorn and I managed to meet in the village of Yew to the north, shortly followed by Madman. None of us had set eyes upon thee since the horde descended upon us… We thought thee slain for sure.” “T’was nearly close to that!” replied Coldren. “However, as many an orc thought me dead where I lay (They not be too bright), they failed to take my head for they chased after thee and Madman most hurriedly. I lost sight of Vandorn within the fray, and assumed he was on the outer boundaries working inward. I lay in my own blood on the cold ground for what seemed days before a wandering healer happened to cross my path. The healer cared for me, and gave me food and drink throughout the coming months. By the Gods, I was most fortunate to survive the whole ordeal." “Seems the Gods look kindly upon thee… I know not of another who hath escaped the icy grip of death as many times as thee!” jested Koopsta. Coldren smiled. “But enough of my woes, tell me of the Empire? What of my brethren whom I have fought side by side with for so long?” “Of only a few of such things do I know… I have set eyes upon Vandorn and Madman more than a few times since then, alas I am no longer in the service of the Empire… As you have not been for some time. The word about though is that the Empire is weakening, and the Byzantines make preparations to lay claim to the woods north of Trinsic as their own: The very land we used to guard. The gaul of the #######s of Rome….” Koopsta said with disgust. Coldren’s head fell downward. “This is indeed most dire news. How many troops remain within the Empire? Surely Martok, Wolf, and Baltazar are still among the ranks?” "Aye, that they are, yet they find supporting troops in small supply. The Empire has been silent for some time.” “Then wilst thou venture with me to Olympus? Tis my desire to be granted audience with the Emperor or Pater Imperium to be restored to my rank.” Koopsta frowned. “I shall go with thee. But I am a lesser soldier in the ranks of the Empire. Dost thou think Pater Imperium would look as kindly upon me as he would thou?” Coldren smiled and placed his hand upon the shoulder of his old friend. “I have no doubt, brother. Should the situation be as grave as ye make it sound, the Empire could use every good soldier and craftsman it can to prepare for what may lie ahead. And for that, ye definitely are well suited.” Koopsta smiled, and mounted his horse. Together, they set out for Olympus to rejoin the ranks of the Empire. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the reunited friends made their way down the forest trail with the sun to their backs, a brisk breeze passed through the trees, lifting the fallen leaves into the air and spun them in circles. They did not know if they would be assimilated into the ranks of the brothers and sisters they once held most dear. Their past behind them, a whrilwind of choices, actions, and consequences. All they had was each other, and what lay ahead of them in the future. But of this future, only one thing was certain: The winds of change were blowing strongly.

:withstupid: I agree! Congrats, BB! Thought Scout would NEVER have the baby!! She's gonna be a lil heartbreaker! *kackles as BB's paranoia of what little boys will do with her when she get's older builds*

Congradulations, Lorriana! May HONOR guide and bind thee!

Has anyone heard from Siun and Kalinaf? I know they lived in NYC.. Dont' know where they worked... And what about Wyvelender?

Amen, Brightblade.... God Bless America. And on a previous post on a site, it was suggested not only that we rebuild the towers as a memorial to those who died and as a testiment to our countries strength, that we build a third building that's twice as tall and put it right between them.. That way it looks like a big middle finger to the F*$&ERS who did this.... To whoever did this, May whatever pitiful excuse for a God you believe in (that undoubtadly made you do this) have mercy on your soul... I know I sure as hell wouldn't.

AMD 1.2Ghz 1.5 Gigbytes of Ram Nvidia Geforce 3 SB Live+MP3 Needless to say, just from these specs, you can tell my system is Pimpin

Woot! Got one buddy comin! Who else is comin? I know some of you DEFINITLY are FF freaks...... And to all of those who take notice, my apologies for not being online.. This week and next are my last at work before I go back to college, so I'm doing beacoup overtime. (Think I have 16hrs so far this week) But I'll be back!

As I am a rabid Final Fantasy fan, the news that Squaresoft will be releasing a Online Final Fantasy game is a godsend. If you have never played a FF game, do youself a favor and go buy a Playstation and try ANY of them (Chronicles, Anthology, VII,VIII, or IX.. X will be out for PS2 in '02 with XI being the online installment). I assure you that you will become a rabid fan instantly as well Although those of you used to playing games like Ultima Online will not immediately see the benefits of making an online version of a FF game, those of you familiar with the series will see the merits immediately. Every FF game has set records for launch sales in Japan (and a few in the US too) for a good reason: The stories are beyond excellent, the music outstanding, and the FMV (Full-Motion Video) squences are breathtaking.. I have total faith in Square that they will succed where every other online game has failed thus far: A great expanding story that will involve the players. They currently plan to release FF XI for PC, Playstation 2, and Xbox and possibly even Gamecube. *thinks of PGoH having a role in a good FF story....Drools* Want to drool a little too? Gamespot's FF XI coverage Go download the trailer... This may even put Shadowbane to an early grave... if you're someone who enjoys playing games with a good story, that is... It'll probably end up a cross between FF, Diablo II, and UO.. Woot! :D :D

Yes, there is... in DOS it's called XCOPY.. Example: C:>xcopy/? <---- That will get you all the pipes and tell you how it works C:>xcopy [source] [destination] /E <---Will copy all directorys and subdirectories including empty ones... Word of caution... If you don't currently have windows installed, it will probably rewrite the file names using DOS naming conventions.. Not sure, but then again I never have/wanted to try.