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Newsletters
August 25, 2001
In this week's issue:
Congratulations to Zendel Hant'Yaerl, Captain of Tatianna's Army and a new Darkstone hero!
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Special Congratulations to Sandoz, Leader of Dawnbringers who has risen in the Hero Ranks to Champion, this is a hard-earned and well-deserved honour.
Congratulations also to Arcum and Melody, who were married in Tatianna's temple, while many of us looked on and wished them well. And...... to Seria and Xodus who have also tied the Their marriage took place in a dark cave, as befits a pair of vampires. Tatianna blessed their union as well.
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Changes - Ayden Stevens, beloved Number Two of Dawnbringers has left the clan and gone to join the Guild of Fighters, where he has become their number one. He went with the blessings of his clan, and carries their warmest wishes in his heart.
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News From Around the Realm
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Changes to Arena Rank !!!!!
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In addition to the new arena ranking system (see MOTD) there is a cage of death located high above the arena floor where two can battle without interference from other players.
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Legends of the Darkstone Yearbook
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Seluctruh and I are working on a special project - the first ever Legends of the Darkstone Yearbook - and with that in mind, anyone who wishes to send pictures of themselves, either in character (original artwork only) or.. how you really look... is invited to submit them
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Ramblings From Seluctruh's Lair
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Greetings my Good Friends!
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I hope everybody is having a wonderful summer.
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Many things have happened since our last Newsletter. The most noticeable changes would be in relation to our code, which has been in the knowledgeable hands of Testaur. When I keep saying, 'Expect many good things in the coming months', you should listen. This guy knows his stuff and has only the best interest of the mud in mind. On many occasions he has come to the Mud administrators voicing his concerns over things 'put on hold or deleted' and has advocated for bringing them back so players could enjoy the game we have all come to love. In the past, many changes were made that restricted players and what they could do. Testaur, who once was a player himself many moons ago, remembers the feeling of frustration over such sudden changes.
~~~
In short, if you see Testaur on the game, send him a tell mentioning how much you appreciate the work he is doing for the game. Also, we have been trying to make sure the M.O.T.D has some mention of the new changes that recently came into effect. On a final note, help files have also recently been spruced up a bit. Yes, once again, these are all accomplishments of Testaur.
~~~
Also, I would like to congratulate Maedwynne on the completion of her area, The Druid Tree. It is a fine addition to the realm. She has also just been advanced to the status of clan deity for Dawnbringers!
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For anybody who did not know or who has forgot, stop by and visit the Darkstone Yahoo Club: A Forum for discussion about the Darkstone MUD.
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http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/legendsofthedarkstone
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Also, I am proud to announce that a large percentage of the immortal team are going to get together for a convention this October. It not only will be a great time for the immortals who attend, it will also be a time for us to have some serious face-to-face discussions about the realm. These discussions would be greatly enhanced if some players could write up some serious proposals and send them to us for review. I have a large list of 'old proposals' sent over the past year. I shall take this to the immortals in attendance and see if they have any thoughts, suggestions, feedback, criticism, or other opinion on the ideas. Hopefully, we can get some of the better 'proposals' worked into the game.
~~~
On a sad note, due to the lack of submissions regarding the Bard Questof the Month, we have to postpone it for a bit. If you want to still email the immortals any feedback, ideas, suggestions, etc. regarding this class feel free. I am a bit disappointed that no Bard stories crossed my desk but I shall move on.
~~~
On a personal note, I will be very busy preparing for the upcoming Immortal Convention, working on the Minotaur Vallay area, and working on a couple other secret tasks. Thus, I will not be promoting any upcoming events or quests. The good news is that we have Heroes who just love to run quests. I hope you get your fill!
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- The Dark Lord.
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Caperea's Column
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Love Stinks
Caperea sorted through his food cooler. A bottle of milk, a moldy magic mushroom, and a juicy roast crawing with vermin were all that remained. Caperea sighed. His biological clock was ticking. There comes a time in every Gypsy's life in which he seeks a mate to share his stealing with. His domain was similar to his cooler. Just then, a puff of smoke filled the room and when it cleared, Seluctruh stood there.
Caperea fell on his knees. "Welcome to my humble home, divine master," uttered Caperea.
"Sup," said Seluctruh. "Cool bachelor pad you got here."
He was right. Empty bottles of wine were scattered everywhere, hubble bubble pipes sat on a coffee table, and furniture and clothing was strewn everywhere.
"Thanks," replied Caperea. "Want a cold one?"
You bet," answered the laid back Seluctruh.
Caperea dug out a bottle covered with dust on it and tossed it to the vampire.
"So what brings you to these parts," asked Caperea as he chugged down a cool drink of his own.
"Ah, well, there's this young druid. She's not from around here and I'd like you to show her the ropes.
"I would be honored," Caperea said, grinning."
"Glad you agreed, I didn't want to have to slay you." (Yes he did) Seluctruh burped and tossed the bottle on a stack of others.
"Her names' Layla. I think you'll like her." Seluctruh winked, and in a twirl of his cape he was gone.
Caperea then realized he had better clean up before she arrived. He got out dozens of shopping bags and filled them full of the empty bottles, and then he purged the room of its filth.
"Ah, the memories," sighed Caperea as he cleaned out his home. He winced a little when he had to take down his calendar: "Women of the Darkstone". The next day, Caperea woke up early. He wanted to look nice for Layla. He combed his hair, and put on his finest garments, which included a fine white surcoat, a pair of dragoon boots, and a girdle given to him by his father. He stopped in Folcur's Keep temporarily to steal a beautiful white mare. Farmer Killamin, furious, threw his pitchfork at Caperea, narrowly missing him (Yes, I know this is geographically incorrect, so sue me).
Next he stopped in the Curio Shop in Windy Bluff and purchased a gleaming red ruby for Layla. All prepared, he waited in the Temple of Tarin. A short time later, the lovliest of all creatures entered the room. Caperea was blown away. Layla was about six inches shorter than he,with golden hair and golden skin. Caperea dismounted and bowed deeply.
"Hello, I'm Layla," said the 8th wonder of the world.
"Welcome to the lands of Darkstone," Caperea said in a deep voice."
"Thanks."
Caperea kissed her hand continentally. "For you," he said as he gave her a gleaming red ruby. She gasped. "Oh my, it's...thank you!" said the young female,flabbergasted. Caperea smiled sheepishly and butterflies filled his stomach.
"And now to mount my steed!" Caperea declared, and attempted to jump on the mare by hopping over her rear. He succeeded. However, just as he did, the white mare reared up, bucking him off into the moss and dirt below. Layla sighed. "Uh....this is my back-up steed.
The-theother one is in the shop," said the embarrased Caperea. He then attempted to mount the creature once more, only much more cautious and hesitant. Once on, he pulled Layla up behind him, and they set off at a proud trot. They soon found themselves in the Town Square of Windy Bluff. Noslen and Garolyn were relaxing in the shade. Caperea trotted up to Noslen.
"Hey Noslen, if I don't get that 20k you owe me in a week, I don't think I have to tell you what'll happen." Noslen raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, andGarolyn, I'm not going to let you have a rematch with me. Seven times is enough. Gosh, you're such a sore loser."
Garolyn drew his blade, "What the he--" Caperea glanced back to Layla to make sure she was watching everything. "Why do you keep winking at me??" demanded Garolyn.
"We should get out of here, Layla," said Caperea. "Far too much filth in this part of the lands." Caperea gave his mare a swift kick to the flanks and they short off in a cloud of dust.
Caperea showed her the town park, all the fine wonders of the realm, including Eria, Phatep, and Windy Bluff. All along the way he bragged about all his many adventures and interesting stories. They traveled through the plains of Gorud to Erinswood. A spirit of a dark Elf wandered around. "Watch this." Caperea covered himself with a dark veil and they both laughed as the spirit tried to find him.
Then they moved on to Aina. "Wow, this is such a modern town," Layla pointed out.
"Yes," replied Caperea. "In fact, I helped design it."
"Really???" asked the young druid in disbelief. "Oh yeah. Immortals always come to me for advice." Just then thunder and lightning raged in the heavens. Caperea gulped.
"Hmm," he said, his voice cracking, "looks like it's going to rain...we'd better get a move on."
They made their way out of Aina at a quick pace. "Now over here are the orc caves. My ancestors lived --" "Caperea?"
"Yes Layla?" "I'm kind of hungry. Do you know any placed where we can get some food?" Caperea smiled. "As a matter of fact, I do."
They traveled to Preservia Wyld. "I don't know if they'll let me in, this place is kind of fancy. But you look exquisite."
Layla blushed. Caperea held the door for her and a waiter greeted them. "Bonjour. Do you have a reservation?"
"Pierre, it's me. I'll have the usual table," said Caperea, sweating slightly. "Ehh... pardonez moi, but who are --" "Pierre! Don't you remember your old pal Caperea?" Caperea turned to Layla.
"12 years in the Marines together and old Pierre is trying to pretend like he doesn't know me." Caperea escorted Layla to a nearby table and they both sat down. "Here we are Layla, check out this great view."
"Garcon!" yelled Caperea. The waiter arrived, a look of intoleration upon his face. "How may I help you," asked the waiter.
"What are your specials today?" Caperea asked haughtily. "Chameleon stew. We have Chameleon stew."
Hmm, I don't know. Sounds carcinogenic. Is that high in carbohydrates? I'm on this new Suzanne Somers diet and I.....We'll have two bowls of Chameleon stew, please."
The waiter stood there for a moment, staring at Caperea, then shook his head and muttered something in French. "That'll be 75 coins each." Caperea pulled out a gold pouch which he had filled with his life savings earlier that day.
"Don't worry babe, I'll cover ya." Caperea grinned and handed the waiter 150 coins. The waiter went to the kitchen and got two bowls of Chameleon stew. He then went around behind to the dumpster in the alley. Several rats were gnawing on a bone. The waiter collected some rat droppings and added them to one of the bowls of stew. "Merci mon frere," said the waiter to the ravenous rodent. "
...so that's pretty much the theory of relativity, of course I had to reduce it to simpler terms. I don't expect just anyone to know this stuff," babbled Caperea at the dining table. Just then the waiter brought their food to the table. "Bon appetit," said the waiter, looking directly at Caperea.
"Gracias," said Caperea, waving his utensils at he waiter. Layla had some of her soup while Caperea blew on his. "How is it?" asked Caperea. Layla reaponded with a long a meaningful "MmmmMMMmmmMMMmmmmMm".
Caperea smiled and held the spoon up to his mouth. He licked his lips and a puzzled look formed on his face. "Hmm.. I think they added some kind of meat or vegetable to mine. Caperea took a few more tastes, and froze. "Layla, will you excuse me for a moment?"
Layla smiled, and Caperea got up from the table quickly, hitting his knee. He walked briskly towards the restroom, then broke into a run and slammed the door behind him. 15 minutes later he returned, wearing his undershirt and looking very pale. "The darndest thing happened. Three goons from the Guild of Fighters accosted me. I was able to fend them off for a while, but then 2 held me down, and the third just ripped the cloak right off my body! The security in this establishment is horrid!!" Layla just nodded.
"Oh well, maybe the evening isn't spoiled," said Caperea optimistically."Garcon! A bottle of your finest pond scum champagne!"
The waiter came over to the table. "My utmost apologies sir, but we are out of the pond scum wine." Caperea exploded. "This is an outrage!" He slammed his fist on the table.
"Calm down, Caperea," said Layla, wisely. "You're lucky, Pierre. If she wasn't here to stop me I'd put you through this wall. Come on Layla, let's get out of this place.
Caperea untied his mare and helped Layla on. Layla reached out her arm for him to climb on. "Oh...that's ok, I'll just guide her... It's proper to let a lady have her own mare anyhow."
Caperea gulped and held his stomach. They made their way back to Windy Bluff. "The sun's about to go down...come with me, I know the perfect place to watch the sun set." They climbed up a worn trail higher and higher until they reached the highest point in the lands.
"Wowwwwwww," Layla said, awed. "You can see all of Windy Bluff from up here."
"That's right. You can nearly touch the heavens...or...at least at angel." Caperea put his arm around Layla at this time.
"What are you doing?" she asked. "I..uh, was swatting at the, uh..keeping you warm."
Caperea removed his second layer and placed it around Layla. He didn't have anything on on his torso, and was forced to flex his arms and suck in his gut simultaneously, and then hold them that way for the remainder of the time, which is quite a feat. They stayed there till the stars came out. Layla yawned.
Caperea checked his sundial wristwatch.
"Yep, it's late. You have nowhere to stay, do you? I won't have that. Come, stay at my humble abode."
"Oh I wouldn't want to impose," said the warm druid.
"Nonsense. It's decided, you're staying at my home." Layla smiled that soul melting smile of hers and the two trekked home. Layla fell asleep in Caperea's arms on the way to his house, and he was happy, for the first time in a while.
When they got to Caperea's home, he gently placed her on his bed, and put on his pajamas (spiderman ). Caperea then slipped into bed. Layla opened her eyes. "What's going on?" Caperea said nothing for a moment. "...I thought..."
"Didn't Seluctruh tell you?" asked Layla. Caperea had a blank look on his face. "I've taken an oath of chastity.... I'm studying to be a nun at Maedwynne's academy."
Caperea's jaw dropped so far it seemed as though it might break through to the depths of hell. Then he finally spoke up. "Why didn't you say something?!?"
Layla smirked. "You were too busy talking about yourself. I couldn't get a word in!"
He realized she was right. The whole time they had been out, all he had been doing was bragging and telling her about himself. He didn't even bother to learn anything about her.
"You're right.I'm so sorry," apologized Caperea. "That's alright, I'm just sorry to have lead you on. I didn't realize your intentions."
Caperea sighed. "How can such a beautiful person like yourself be a... nun??"
Layla laughed. The two spent some time actually getting to know each other, and they both had a good time. Caperea smiled. "We can still be friends, can't we?"
"I'm game if you are," answered the friendly Layla. Layla gasped. "I almost forgot to mention!"
Caperea raised an eyebrow.
"I have a twin sister that is coming into town next week!" Caperea's eyes lit up.
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Cywry's Commentary
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A tree planted long ago has finally grown to its full and very majestic height. This tree is a plac eof great learning where druids work and study and live. It is a home for students who wish to learn the druidic ways of balance, and to practice their spells until they grow to be truly strong in magic. Here you will find plants that grow nowhere else in the land. Animals who are in need of healing are welcomed, and there are places within where one can spend quiet time, communing with nature and dreaming of what the future will bring.
~~
How such a magical tree came about is a combination of mystery and magic. What follows is a tale of the very beginnings of this wondrous creation.
THE BEGINNING
A thousand, thousand years ago, when the land was young, and morning sun shone down upon dew encrusted meadows, a lone druid walked through the many forests of the land, encountering almost no other beings like himself. The druid, whose name was Dyvynias, was devoted to his gods, and gave his love to nature, learning all he could of the ways of balance, so that he could heal and give his help wherever such help was needed.
His path led him beside sparkling lakes, and through deep forest glades, where the morning mists made the land mysterious, and the silence was profound.
Dyvynias grew and increased in wisdom, learning the hidden secrets of nature, until one day, he came upon a grove of tall oaks, growing vibrant and verdant. Their ebony trunks were wreathed in mistletoe, and they soared towards the heavens, as if in honour of the Lord of Light who had created them. Within this grove, Dyvynias sensed a wellspring of magic, and his heart told him that here he must remain for some time.
A hare scampered through the clearing, and Dyvynias froze it with a look. The hare dropped to the ground, and while it was stunned, Dyvynias produced a sacrificial dagger from his belt, and slit its throat mercifully and fast. He offered the hare in gratitude for the beauty and serenity of this place, and as its spilled blood seeped slowly into the ground, Dyvynias fell into a meditative trance.
Dyvynias lay for some time unable to move, yet neither unconscious nor asleep. His mind was swirling with visions granted to him by the gods he had honoured with his sacrifice. The corpse of the rabbit rotted and decayed into dust, and still Dyvynias lay there, unaware of all that passed within the grove.
Much time passed, and another sunrise, came but with this one, the sound of the birds greeting the morning with their song awoke Dyvynias, and he was then released from his trance. He found himself filled with wonder at what he had seen, and springing to his feet, he hurried to embrace each oak tree in turn. Beyond the trees, the land extended to a point over the water, and Dyvynias stood there, facing into the rising sun, as he sang a song of delight for that which he had seen, and all that would be because of it.
Dyvynias was hungry and very thirsty after his long trance. He gathered berries from the nearby bushes, and these, together with some dried meat he carried in his pouch, made a reasonable meal for him. Dyvynias passed his hands over the earth in a gesture that he had learned in childhood, and a spring of cool clear water bubbled up from the ground nearby. He drank from it, enjoying its freshness, until he was satisfied.
Content, he rose up, and began to seek throughout the grove for that which the vision had shown him. The day passed and faded into darkness, and still, Dyvynias had not found that which he sought. He prepared a shelter for himself and soon slept upon a bed of pine needles. The late spring days were wending towards summer, and it was long before the sky grew dark enough that the stars showed. Dyvynias knew that soon solstice would come, and that he must have completed his work by then.
The task was time consuming for he was seeking deep within the earth. His vision had shown him a glowing shard of the Darkstone itself. He shoveled deep holes at the base of each tree, only to fill them back in again, and heal the ground over them, returning it to its health and purity. This was backbreaking and mind exhausting work. Dyvynias dug for several days this way, and though he was fearful of not finding the shard in time, his faith in the gods and the vision they had granted him would not allow him to concede failure.
He awoke the morning before solstice, tired and grimy from the previous days' work. The sky was dark and ominous with thunder clouds. Dyvynias returned again to the point over the water, where he had gone each day, and again he sang his song of gratitude to the Lord of Light. Kneeling he prayed of his fears of not being ready in time for solstice, and as he prayed the storm broke.
Thunder and lightning raged in the heavens, and bolt after bolt flew towards the earth. Dyvynias feared he had somehow angered the gods and cringed in terror. Great drops of rain began to pelt down upon his head, and soon the ground beneath his feet had turned to a slimy mire. Dyvynias raised himself up and turned towards the center of the grove.
Just then an enormous thunderclap split the heavens and a bolt of lightning slammed into the ground in front of him. The earth split wide open, forming a deep crevice. As Dyvynias stood there terrified by what he had seen, the storm lessened, and the thunder and lightening stopped. A great wind blew the clouds away, and the sun once more beamed down upon the grove. As Dyvynias stared before him into the crevice, he saw, in the light of the sun, an object glowing deep inside.
Dyvynias forgot his misery and his sodden robes in his excitement. He prayed to the gods for strength and soon found that he was able to rise up from the ground on the currents of air. He floated down into the crevice, until he was deep beneath the surface. Just beyond his grasp he could see the shard, pulsating with a golden glow. He stretched his arms, and his fingers could barely brush against it, but here the ground had narrowed, so he could not fit further into the crevice. The glowing shard seemed to beckon him, and he strained to retrieve it. Turning his body, so that his head and shoulders faced down towards the depths of the crevice, he reached in as far as he could. Just when he thought all was in vain, his fingers wrapped around it, but it was smooth and slippery, and still deeply embedded in the earth, almost impossible to grasp.
With great twisting of his body, he managed to gain his dagger from where it was sheathed in his belt. The instrument, honed to a fine point, and magically enhanced, dug into the rock surrounding it, and it loosened. Dyvynias felt his strength ebbing, and knew he did not have long before his power would wane and he would not be able to escape the crevice. With a mighty effort he dug harder at the ground, and the force of his dagger slammed into the shard. When it connected with the iron of his dagger, the shard emitted a sharp flame, and both the dagger and the hand holding it were damaged. Dyvynias bellowed a cry of pain, as he pulled with all his might. At last the shard was freed, and, clinging tightly to it, Dyvynias ascended lightly to the surface.
Dyvynias collapsed upon the ground just beyond the edge of the crevice, clutching both the shard and his painfully burned hand to his breast. He rocked and moaned in pain, barely able to refrain from whimpering as the searing heat of his burned hand extended outward and radiated through his entire upper body. He edged quickly towards the spring, and plunged his hand deep into the cold water. The water cooled his charred flesh, yet even as he watched, the spring dried up before his eyes.
He sat up gingerly, and looked at the object in his hands. It was a small piece of rock, smooth on the surface, but with jagged edges that narrowed to a long point. It glowed with a magical intensity such as he had never before seen. Although it did not burn him any longer, it still radiated great heat. Dyvynias knew what he held, yet the enormity of his discovery was overwhelming. He had never imagined that someday, he would hold a living piece of the Darkstone itself in his own hands.
Slowly, he got to his feet, holding the shard before him. He stumbled to the point and held it up to the heavens. The sun beaming down seemed to offer a blessing, and Dyvynias felt his weakness and injuries fading away.
Placing the shard carefully in his pouch, he paused for a few moments rest. His hand, though largely healed, was still somewhat painful. More importantly though, the land needed to be healed. The great crevice that split the grove must be closed. Dyvynias closed his eyes and began to concentrate. His whispered incantations were the only sounds heard in the grove. As perspiration broke forth upon his weathered brow, he waved his hands over the opening, and slowly, slowly, the crack began to narrow. When it was completely closed, he knelt and caressed the earth, blessing it and bringing back its green cloak, and the delicate and tiny flowers that grew among the grasses.
Exhausted from his efforts, Dyvynias fell into a deep slumber. He slept where he lay, his face pressed into the sweet grass, while the sun beamed overhead, and birdsong filled the grove with music.
He awoke just as the sun was sinking below the horizon. Dyvynias stretched and stood up, feeling restored from his long rest. At the center of the grove, he pointed towards the earth, where a small fire immediately sprang up. He pointeagain and brought forth water from the earth, and soon a small spring was bubbling close by. Dyvynias produced a caldron from his backpack, and set it over the fire. He filled it with water, and then set himself to gather mistletoe and elderberries in the failing light. His golden scythe glinted in the last rays of the sun as he cut sprigs of mistletoe from the oak trees, and bunches of elderberries from a gnarled old elder tree that grew nearby. He carried these to the caldron and poured them in, as he muttered his familiar healing spells over the boiling pot. After awhile the aroma of cooking berries filled the grove, and Dyvynias stirred the mixture with a long stick. He knew the mixture needed more. If this elixir were to have the powers that his vision had told him of, he must complete his task without hesitation.
Once again, he removed the golden scythe from its place at his belt. He held his arm over the caldron and slashed his wrist open, so that his very blood flowed down into the mixture.
Though weak with blood loss, he prayed to the heavens to accept the sacrifice he was making, that his very essence would become a part of the potion. This was the eve of the summer solstice, and the new moon that rose in the sky would be the first full moon of the summer. It shed its beams down over the grove, lighting the caldron and shining upon Dyvynias. As the caldron simmered and smoked, the steam formed a mist and in the mist, Dyvynias saw with his failing vision that which he must do to complete this task.
As the dawn broke on the first morning of summer, and the suns rays hit the caldron, Dyvynias removed the glowing shard from his pouch and cast it into the caldron. As he watched it, the caldron filled with glowing light. Dyvinias knelt before it, offering it to the gods, whose holylight filled the grove with unearthly majesty, blessing the contents of the caldron, and the druid who had given so much. After awhile, the fire went out, and the potion cooled, and Dyvynias poured it into several flasks that he carried with him. He sealed each of them tightly, and placed them in a treasure box. Into the box he also placed a fragment of parchment, upon which he had written the secret of his vision. There was only one more thing to do.
He searched around the oak trees until he came upon a large and perfectly formed acorn. From the last flask he poured three droplets of the potion upon the acorn, and whispered a prayer to the Lords of Light. This too, he sealed into the treasure box, and then he buried it all, beneath the largest oak tree in the grove.
The cut on his wrist had closed, but his strength had not returned. He lay in a weakened stupor, close by where the box had been buried.
Day turned to night and night to day again, and still Dyvynias did not wake. His immortal spirit fled his weakened body, and rose up, joining the immortals he had served so devotedly. The seasons changed, summer for autumn, and leaves covered what remained, until with the coming of spring, there was nothing left but a tattered robe, and the memory of his spirit, held safe within the grove.
End Part One
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