------------------------------------------------------------------------------- .. .. .||. ||.. ... || || || ||.|| `|.. || || `|.. ..|'''.| '|| || '|| '|' ' .... . .... ..||.. ... ..., || .... || '' .|| || || || || .| ' || .|...|| '|. | .|' || || || || || || || || ''|...'| '|..'|' ||. ||. '|..' .||. '|..| ||. '|...' ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 1 Coin ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~* WE'RE BACK!*~ Greetings, folks! The Canticle is back in publication after a very long hiatus. Much has happened in our fair land since the last edition and we will do our best to grow in order to fill our place in it. It is the goal of The Canticle's editors and staff to publish a monthly issue, however, much of our success will depend on you, our readers. We need to know what types of articles and features you would like to see. Ideas, freelance stories, and feedback on our published issues will be vital to the success of this venture. With your support, we hope to make The Canticle a fitting paper for the great realm of Ancient Anguish. ~*~ TREATY ALLOWS WORLD TO SHIFT The most important recent news is that of our lands once again moving. It is reported that the Senate has signed a treaty with the Lords of Chaco for the placement and sustenance of Ancient Anguish. Though the skies above have not changed in appearance, the new universe we inhabit is said to be much more hospitable to our existence. Officials predict a flood of new immigrants will soon be arriving and indeed, a recent census shows a growing number of active residents. Teams of intrepid adventurers are being sent out by the immortals in order to discover new areas for all to explore. ~*~ LONG-TIME SENATOR RETIRES Ancient Anguish was recently bid farewell by one of its oldest and most honored immortals. Florin Halforc, founder of the Scythe, resigned from his Senate position and has gone into retirement citing a desire to focus upon other matters. A member of the AA community for over four and a half years, Florin contributed greatly to the growth and success of Ancient Anguish both as a coder and as a Senator. It is with sincere thanks for his works and best wishes for his future endeavors that we say goodbye to him. Take care, Florin, you will be truly missed. ~*~ It is my hope that you enjoy this new edition of The Canticle. With time and effort I hope that we can make the paper a vital part of our community. So again, let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. Thanks to all of the people who helped by contributing articles and to those who helped me dust off the presses so we could publish. Happy Mudding! -- Ashyta Managing Editor, The Canticle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~* MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! *~ | <> A Guide to the Senate of AA <> | The Canticle wants you to have a | Despite the messages that we way to express your feelings other than |all see each time we log in, how those trite boards. As a public service |many of us can actually name all of (and hopeful source of amusement) we are |the Arches and Senators of Ancient once again opening up our voting booth |Anguish? How many are there anyway? for business. First, we'd like for you | Although it may not seem to be to mail us with your ideas for voting |of concern to most of us each day, categories. When we have a suitable |the Senate is one of the things that range of topics, we will announce the |sets AA apart from other realms. opening of the voting. Results will be |Unlike many other places that are published in the next issue. This is |ruled by one or two people, all of your chance to tell the world how you |the decisions that face AA are feel. To suggest a topic, mail either |voted upon by the members of the Thaddeus or Ashyta today! |full Senate, which includes all of *----------------------------------------*the Arches as well as the Senators. Although most of their duties are behind the scenes, these people work very hard to govern and expand Ancient Anguish. Their activities include everything from coding improvements to making laws. In addition, each Arch has a specific office that he or she is responsible for running. These range from the high-profile duties of Law to the more obscure workings of the Balance and QC teams. If all of this still leaves you blank, consider that everything from the rules you play by to the areas you explore are in one way or another a result of the Senators' and Arches' work. While not everyone will agree about the merits of individual issues or policies, no one who inhabits this world can deny the accomplishments of these dedicated people, nor can they deny that each one has earned a measure of respect. The Arches are Aisha (Balance), Arpeggio (Driver), Bytre (QC), Flint (Law), Leoz (Mudlib), and Sully (Map & World). The current Senators are Dale, Dawg, Drake, Greyson, Piper, and Zor. *-----------------------------------------------------------------------------* <*> CANTICLE INDEX <*> ---------------------------------------+--------------------------------------- Introduction ...................... 1 | Chivalry catches on ............... 5 Index ............................. 2 | Innkeepers threaten strike ........ 6 Editorial ......................... 3 | Monk Expose ....................... 7 Council Murders ................... 4 | Drug Bust in Nepeth ............... 8 ---------------------------------------+--------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed in The Canticle are not necessarily those of the editor, her cat, the AA Senate, or the Orc Coalition. Any person who attempts to regard this material too seriously may be enthusiastically mocked. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~*~ CLAIM YOUR WORDS OR CHOKE ON THEM ~*~ In recent times, a few well-known inhabitants of AA have used the Adventurers' Board and Flame Board to offer bitter farewells as they have prepared to leave the realm. Those departing have hurled insults at people who are sometimes named in the attack or whom, in acts of extreme cowardice and tastelessness by the writer, have had their identities thinly veiled. In a similarly despicable vein are those who log in as Guest to post their opinions. Weak excuses are offered as to why these authors don't post under their own names, but none come even close to justifying such childish behavior. We don't need this vitriol. While the boards are indeed a medium of discussion for the citizens of AA, posts such as those described above lose any relevance due to their craven tactics. In the case of those who are departing, the authors take their cheap shots and run before they receive any replies. The anonymous posters obviously lack the courage of their convictions and refuse to take any responsibility for what they write. Either way, the contents of the messages are invalidated by the clear lack of accountability. While it is doubtful that there will be a decline in these cowardly activities, let me say now that if you refuse to be answerable to what you write, then don't bother. Recording your opinions on the boards is a waste of resources, and frankly, we could care less what you have to say. -- Ashyta ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <0> EXPLORERS REPORT NEW DISCOVERIES <0> Word has been received in Tantallon that there have been three new discoveries by the intrepid explorers of Ancient Anguish. The first, far to the south, is an encampment of an ancient race. Reports include tales of creatures lurking in the background. The next, located to the northwest of Tantallon is the quarry from which the stones of Nepeth were worked. There are apparently a rash of unsolved murders at this unhappy locale. The last is a cave area, also to the northwest of the main village, which serves as a home for the Ascan monks. Rumors there speculate upon a trapped and vengeful demon. Obviously, little is known about these new regions of Ancient Anguish. It is hoped that this will soon be remedied as word of the areas spreads and encourages further exploration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <O> COUNCIL MURDERS CAUSE POLICY SHIFT <O> TANTALLON -- The members of the Ancient Anguish Tourism Council were found dead yesterday morning in their meeting chamber. At this time, there are no suspects in this case. Local law officials report that the members received multiple stab wounds from small, sharp blades, mostly in the back and shoulders. This tragedy comes in the aftermath of a startling new brochure from the council. The brochure proclaimed that there ARE indeed thieves in Ancient Anguish, but went on to say that the proud law members of the realm were swift to deal with such filth. In related news, the newly elected members of the Ancient Anguish Tourism Council have released a statement that vehemently denies the existence of thieves in the land. The statement also claims that the former members of the council were all whiteleaf addicts and probably received kickbacks from the local law enforcement. +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | __________________ | | \ooo . |^ ^ ^\ If you often find yourself wandering in | | \ooo . \ ^ ^ \ circles in the forest, let us end your | | \ooo_ . _ |_^ ^\ troubles. At Hanza's Map Shop, we have | | /ooo . /^ ^ / a fine variety of maps that would suit | | /ooo . / ^ ^/ any adventurers' needs. We even have | | /.._..x _ /^_ ^^ / a mapkit for those newbies who prefer to | | \ _ . | ^ ^\ do their own cartography. Visit us at | | \ |\ . \ ^ ^ \ our Tantallon Trader Lane location. | | \ N . | ^ ^\ -- HANZA'S MAPS -- | | \__________|______\ "We're the best since Drake!" | +---------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ <0> ORCS INSULTED BY DECLINE IN EAR DEMAND <0> DALAIR -- The local orc population is in arms over the latest insult by the Knights of Drin. The murder rate of orcs in Dalair has declined lately, due greatly to the devaluation of orcs' ears as trophies in the Knight's Guild. Despite the seemingly positive jump in the average orcish life span, the residents here are furiously asserting that orc ears as just as valuable, if not more so, than those of any other race and are demanding that their previous value be reinstated. War bands have been sent to Nepeth in protest, possibly to demonstrate to the Knights first-hand how easy and profitable the taking of orcish trophies can be. A spokesperson for the Knights confirms the change in trophy values and adds that while there will not be a return to the old system, the Knights will continue to gladly slay the residents of Dalair. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <--{- CHIVALROUS ORDER CONTINUES GROWTH, DRAGONS AND ORCS NOT AMUSED -}--> NEPETH -- The Knights of Drin are a guild of chivalrous men and women sworn to serve and protect the Realm of King Drin Trueheart and all of his loyal subjects. The Knights follow their sovereign's shining examples of bravery in the face of danger, kind-heartedness and philanthropy towards fellow knights, and patriotic pride in their kingdom. The Knights welcome all good-hearted fighters, clerics, rangers and paladins of human, elven, half-elven and dwarven heritage to join their ranks. According to legend, King Drin himself cackled in the face of certain death years ago in the final battle of the War of Faith. Over the lengthy battle, it is said that he slew nearly 200 orcs single-handedly, leading by example, and turning the tide of battle irrevocably his way. The Knights continue this tradition, defending Drin's realm at all cost from the orcish hordes and other vile influences. +----------------------------------- The Guildhall of the Knights, located in | * ELDER KNIGHTS APPOINTED * King Drin's castle in the lovely town of | Nepeth, is the center of all things | Recently, the Knights of Drin Knightly. Around the guildhall are a |announced the appointment of two shoppe where knights may purchase |Guild Elder Mortals: Princess Suze equipment for their crusades against evil; |was named Elder Mortal of the Heart Albert the Clerk, who monitors each |while Prince TheBeast was named Knight's status and record; the Hall of |Elder Mortal of the Rose. These Audience, where brave knights may kneel |two knights were appointed by before King Drin himself and receive noble |General Dale for their service, titles for their exemplary performance in |dedication, and loyalty to the service to the Kingdom; and the Knight's |Knights of Drin. As Guild Elders, Den, where knights may relax, chat, and |they will stand as sage advisors to share their equipment and wares with their |Knights, act as liasons between comrades-in-arms. The Knights of Drin are |the mortal Knights and General Dale a tight-knit family of intrepid women and |and the other Knight Wizards, and men, united in a constant struggle against |otherwise provide a voice of evil; these people themselves are what |leadership, authority, chivalry, make the Knight's Guild the superb success |and helpfulness to all of King that it is today. Members share their |Drin's Army and subjects. Previous knowledge and experience, their humour and |holders of these posts include concern, and their sorrows and triumphs |Aphrodite (Elder Mortal of the freely with one another, all in the hope |Heart) and Darius, Reylod, and of bettering themselves and the world in |Garret (Elder Mortals of the Rose). which they live. They are a shining |Congratulations and best wishes to example of everything that is good, |Princess Suze and Prince TheBeast positive, friendly, and special about AA. |in their new offices. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <0> INNKEEPERS DEMAND REGULATION <0> NEVILLE -- Innkeepers from all over Ancient Anguish met recently at the Crossed Swords in Neville as they prepared their demands for a set of strict distillation laws. Claiming unfair trade practices by the rangers, the Innkeepers' Association proposed new taxes on copper tubing and glass jars. They insist that the ranger distillations are too cheap to make and are an infringement upon the rightful business of the pubs. Oddly enough, the IA is only targeting the rangers' forest distilleries. When it was pointed out that the rangers' creations are original spirits while the mages can conjure the very products of the pubs themselves, Dolgan of the Eastroad Inn was overheard to mutter, "Yeah, but rangers don't cast lightning bolts." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * -> Hobbits Give More Gold! <- * Tired of getting gauged when buying weapons and sliced when you try to resell? Come to our shop. Low sale prices, best buybacks. Sure, our shop's ceiling is only four feet high, but that's how we keep our * overhead so low! * ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <0> ELDAR HOUSES THRIVE IN DUENDAR <0> The powerful, yet peaceful Eldar have seen many new faces at the Duendar homefront recently, taking in many new members that have so far proven to have as much Eldar gusto as the old ones. Namril, the Eldar who accepts new members says, quote: "It's like bearing children. They come to me when they join, then they're off exploring the rest of the world. And they come never back to visit... never send letters." In Eldar House news, the mighty House of Amros is now holding a solid first place over the other four Houses, followed by the young and powerful House of Glendoriel. The proud Midiar House holds a strong third in the House listings, and the Turgon and Sethic Houses hold steadfast to fourth and fifth. Agarwaen, defending the honour of the Sethic House, claims they are in fifth only because the Sethics have spent their time pursuing noble activities rather than killing. Not more than a few months ago, the Eldar population was but a small fraction of the AA population, but as more people have realized what an honour it is to recognize one's Elven heritage, the number of Eldar has sky-rocketed. But some think the *real* reason the number of Eldar has increased so greatly is because people just LOVE having Namril say "hello" to them every time they log on. Steele has been quoted as saying "I can't help it! I just log on and off all day, just to feel LOVED!!! ARRGH! I LOVE YOU, NAMRIL!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <- GODDESS WORSHIP FUELS CULT -> NEVILLE -- The Monks of Antana represent one of the oldest religious orders still active today in the realm. Despite their ancient beginnings, very little is known by the general public about these pious folk. The monks themselves are sworn to secrecy about the inner workings of their religion. People who are deemed worthy of recruitment are given a glimpse into the life of a monk before they join, however they are not allowed to learn more until they become full members. However, we journalists have ways of finding out about almost anything. We'll plow through hundreds of years of religious practice and security to find out what we want to know. The monks are a bizarre lot with some very strange rituals. Their lives are centered around the worship of the goddess Antana, who is reportedly rather lovely and deserving of such worship. To show their love and reverence for this goddess, the monks go out and massacre large numbers of creatures and bury or cremate the corpses in her name. For this deed, Antana's children receive mana, a powerful spiritual force that brings the monks closer to true enlightenment. This is probably all a crock, but it sounds nice. Antana's monks also have been spotted running around with trash bags. They collect worthless items and toss them into these magical bags, which then give off a fresh, clean puff of air which usually tickles these happy monks' noses. Many a monk has been seen sitting in a corner during idle hours, tossing small items into one of these bags just to obtain this simple pleasure. Strangely enough, this practice also gives the monks the all-powerful enlightenment enhancing mana. The final ritual that has been observed is that of the confessional. Monks just seem to love this activity. Many families of monks gather together and make a sort of picnic out of the whole thing. Confessing sins is the highlight of a monk's day and very few of them would miss out on it. Monks spend the rest of their time talking on their guildline, a sort of spiritual connection among all of their minds. Watched over by Antana, they discuss a variety of topics, including jello, fruit, cows, sheep, sex, hair, and occasionally even religion. It's a very bizarre connection. This reporter believes that Antana managed to connect the wrong parts of their brains. However, this has yet to be confirmed. So much for our look into the private sanctum of the Monks of Antana. Join us next issue when we investigate someone else. -- C. Y. Nical ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 8 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~*~ ELDARS PROVE POWER IS NOT THE ONLY DRAW ~*~ The Guilds on Ancient Anguish seem to have cyclical patterns of popularity. Even with that in mind, the recent ascendancy of the Eldar has been a remarkable event, especially when considering that they are the only guild to hold true to the original function of guilds as social organizations and not combat enhancers. In an attempt to try and delve into the appeal of the Eldar, I spoke with three of their members: Dres the Heroic Battlemaster of the House of Amros (then still mortal), Levi the High Battlemaster of the House of Turgon, and Archvile the Heroic Battlemaster of the House of Turgon. Dres had been an Eldar for well over 5 months. He said that he had felt lost while a newbie and had found a safe haven in the guild. By the time of our conversation, he had become one of the senior members of the guild and was cited by others for his support of fellow Eldar. Levi and Archvile were newer members of the guild, both having joined about 3 months previously. Levi had been recruited by a friend and Archvile switched from another guild, drawn by the Eldars' sociability. In talking with the three of them, a picture of a clear camaraderie emerged. Eldar members actively recruit new members, seeking friends to join the noble Houses in Duendar. They assist each other in adventuring and are always ready for fun. Their apparent weakness is actually their strength; Eldar members may not have the enhanced abilites as other guilds do, but they gain much in joining a band of true comrades-in-arms. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <0> KNIGHTS NABBED IN DARING DRUGBUST! <0> NEPETH -- This stately village, located northwest of Tantallion, was rocked to its kingly foundations today as the Sherriff announced the arrest and incarceration of a band of the realms' finest on charges of possession with intent to distribute narcotics. Acting on a tip from an unidentified Chaos agent, agents of the Sherriff raided the Knight Racks in the early morning hours netting an enormous quantity of raw whiteleaf and distilled essence. Authorities also confiscated what was described as an unbelievable cache of weapons and armour, along with an unspecified sum of gold coins. The most bizarre element of this case was the discovery of leather bags belonging to members of the band which contained the ears of victims apparently slaughtered in their attempt to corner and control the drug market. A spokesman for King Drin was quoted as saying, "Knights are noble lords and ladies. This is obviously an attempt by a disgruntled Scythe or Chaos member to besmirch and discredit our goodliness. There are no drug dealers in the castle." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 9 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <0> ANCIENT SCROLL UNCOVERED <0> Recently, an ancient text was discovered in the dark forests far north of Hobbitat. Elven scholars have studied the manuscript intently, trying to find some message from the creatures from long ago, trying desperately to unlock a window into the past. After months of study, the scholars were able to make out one phrase from the tattered, aged paper. The phrase reads: "WHITELEAF RULEZ, DOOD." Experts are still trying desperately to decipher more of the scroll. A small group of scholars is also scanning through history books and other ancient texts to try to discover who Dood was and what he meant to these long-dead folk. At this writing, nothing has been discovered, though many believe him to be an ancient God or some kind of spiritual leader. In related news, work still continues in the quest to deciphering more of the writings on what is now being called The First Really Old Scroll. Last year, scholars translated a part of what appears to be ancient scripture. One phrase that sparked much controversy read, "God Loves, Man Kills." The religious community rejoiced in this and held many meetings to contemplate and discuss its true meaning. However, the illustrious Society of Killers took the second half to heart and spread mayhem, death, and destruction across the countryside. Scholars are now searching to discover just who this God was, what love means to him, and just what WAS he thinking. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~*~ Top 10 Reasons to Join the Scythe ~*~ 10) Free counselling for anyone who, as a child, was molested by Drin. 9) No Elves. 8) Not only are there no thieves in our realm, but there are fewer in our guild (but we wind up with all these blasted earbags ...) 7) Law's been ignoring us lately. 6) All our wimpy members have left to join the Eldar. 5) Everybody KNOWS Zor is in our back pocket. 4) Exclusive training methods to join our subsidiary group, the Society of Kindness. 3) Chaos scalps make any waistline look great. 2) No Elves. (It's worth repeating.) 1) Being your own trash compactor makes you the star of any party. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <0> THE SCYTHE WALK ALONE <0> You want to know what it is to be Scythe? We walk the open roads, answering to no one. We have no God or King to whom we must bow, having rebelled against such repression long ago. For many years we have been the voice of individualism against the iron-fisted Drin. We do not acknowledge his rulership as Kazarov did. Kazarov is a puppet set up by Drin to try to control the orcs, and while some have followed, the few of Dalair and the Scythe have the will to resist. We have many enemies; the Knights, the Monks, the Eldar. We recognize Chaos for their rebellion from order, yet laugh as they follow their pathetic religion, seeking aid from some other being or thing. The only aid we need is armour on our backs, a weapon in our hands, and a curse upon our lips. Our power shows in actions; call us what you will, we are strong. We are Scythe. We reject useless titles, the gluttony of a wasted existence of meditation, and an elf-loving King as master. We take care of our own, when it is to our liking. We revel in our lives as free men, free to do as we wish. We are Scythe. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WORD SEARCH c a d c s v e f a p s z t d r i n t s a u r o p k u z y c r r f f l i n t o y k c a l a m a r c t r o e z o n m i p h a a y p a r r y k e z t u t e r i f r u a v n s q t l n z m p a t r f e w i m p y Flint, Florin, parkraz, Namril, elf, wimpy, surcoat, Antana, Drin, parry, Razar, crutch, ScytheEOF