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.. ..
.||. ||.. ...
|| || || ||.||
`|.. || || `|.. ..|'''.| '|| || '||
'|' ' .... . .... ..||.. ... ..., || ....
|| '' .|| || || || || .| ' || .|...||
'|. | .|' || || || || || || || ||
''|...'| '|..'|' ||. ||. '|..' .||. '|..| ||. '|...'
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Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 1 Coin
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~* 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
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Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 2
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~* 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.
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Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 3
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~*~ 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
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<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.
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Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 4
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<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.
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Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 5
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<--{- 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.
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Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 6
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<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!"
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Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 7
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<- 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
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Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 8
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~*~ 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."
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Volume 2.0 Tuulneas 22, 523 Page 9
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<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
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<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