November 2003

(from Lady Alista Greenwood)

This morning promised to be a glorious November day, and Lord Greenwood and I had plans to cook a large feast for our family and friends.

However, as I started helping Grannie Elsa gather the ingredients together t begin cooking, I realized we were low on honey. Grannie gave me one of her infamous glares and threatened me with a sack of flour, so I high-tailed it out of the kitchen in search of my honey, Lord Greenwood.

"Greenie! Greenie? Where are you, snookums?" I shouted from the center of the lodge.

"Mmmgrem regmmff!" Came his reply from the direction of the stables.

"What?" I shouted back heading that way.

"Mmmgrefev Mmgremmeff!" He yelled.

"Honey, we need more honey or Grannie Elsa is going to go on strike!" I said as I started to open the stable door.

Suddenly Stormchaser, Greenie's Kirin companion let out a nerve-rackingly loud whinny and slam dunk-kicked the stable door shut.

I ended up on my backside staring in consternation at the door and trying to hear my sweet Greenie's shouts from inside the stable.

"Mmgref! Mmmf! Mmmemengreniffith!" He yelled.

"Oh well, I guess I can run and get the honey jars we need. But do you think any cooks will be in their shops today?"

But the only replies I got that time were whinnys and snorts and yelps of pain from my dear Greenie -- well Stormchaser was doing the whinnying and snorting. I think.

So I summoned my dear friend Jewel, the unicorn, and we headed off to Britain on a quest for open shops that would sell honey to us.

But just as we crossed the bridge into Britain proper, I encountered the oddest orangish -brown bird I had ever seen.

Jewel looked at me, and I looked at Jewel, and all thoughts of getting honey for Grannie Elsa's cooking fled from my mind.

I thought of bringing back the bird to my sweet Greenie, but try as I might, the critter ignored my pleas to follow me home.

It was then that Jewel noticed the evil glint in the critter's eye, and reminded me of our quest for honey, so we decided to leave Britain, and travel to Vesper.

Vesper was famous for its islands... and its honey shop.

So down the road from Britain, Jewel and I trotted, all thoughts of evil, Orange birds gone from our minds as we admired the lovely golden brown, and orange shades of the changing tree canopies.

But lo and behold! When we reached the Britain moongate, we suddenly realized that these strange birds were indeed evil, and with an evil plan in mind, for there before us in a circle around the moongate were more of thse evil birds. And their evil overlord was amongst them!

We knew then we had to raise the alarm and try to awaken the Royal Guard to turn back the inevitable attack these evil orange birds had to be planning.

But try as we might, no one believed the evil orange birds were involved in a conspiracy to overthrow Sosaria, and so finally Jewel decided to return to our Quest for Honey.

After many trips to various towns we did indeed find our honey, and headed home to give it to Granny Elsa.

But when we arrived, the feast was already cooked and layed out before us -- and a large baked bird was in the center of the table.

"But Grannie what happened? How can we have a traditional feast without honey-glazed ham?" I asked.

Granny frowned thoughtfully and replied, "I gave up on you ever coming back with that honey, so I went to Britain to buy some myself and saw the stragest orangish brown birds there..."

Twas late in the hour when a courier arrived at the door o' the Temple o' Nexchronosis. I hae been visitin' wi' Lord Valeryx, leader o' Dracona, but it became apparent by the urgency written in the lines o' the messenger's face that grave news was before me. Twas a brief letter from Lady Alista Greenwood, askin' me t' meet 'er at the Shrine of Compassion in Ilshenar (it seems Compassion may be an overridin' Virtue in me life, as Dracona is near Compassion in Felucca, the new High Council buildin' is in Compassion Grove in Trammel, an' this eve, my presence in Ilshenar... but I digress...). Meetin' 'er there, she spoke quickly that Lord Balifor, Commander o' the Royal Guard was in Vas Reg Lor, the Gargish City at the center o' Ilshenar. We rushed off, t' find that Lord Balifor an' the Royal Guard twere already gone. We discussed much a few others left behind, an' mention o' a beast that one must first destroy wi' magic an' then wi' hard weapon came t' light. Twas then I realized our proximity t' the strange temple I had only last journeyed within at the fall o' Exodus, freein' the Gargoyle slaves -- an' memory o' the Exodus Overlord Minions that were ver' tough t' fell. So I suggest we visit th' decimated Temple o' Exodus.

Rushin' swiftly, it isnae long before we encountered Lord Balifor, as well as Councilor Ariyana Sune, an' many others. Slowly e'eryone made it back t' the strange chamber that once stood guarded by strange beams o' light, wherein twas believed we once would find Exodus, but instead, found only a strange machine. The remnants o' that machine still stood, strange noises emittin', an' twas there that another Exodus Overlord Minion revealed itself. Twas a long and dauntin' battle, an' near the end o' it, a great many o' our mages spells twere found t' be useless, so the brute force o' the Royal Guards were set out 'pon it, an' it twas felled as swiftly a' possible.

Upon the remains o' the beast twere found four weapons, each crafted of an identical yet strange substance. Calm (a halberd), Subdue (a scythe), Pacify (a pike), an' Quell (unknown) twere all found, each exhibitin' nearly the same qualities as the other. Also, two tomes were found upon pedastals next t' the strange machine...

Analysis Notes: Examination of the gem piece has revealed even greater potential than previously anticipated. Projection of the results obtained thus far indicates that transdimensional self-conveyance will be feasible within the designated time frame. Given the proper construction a device should be able to be powered by the gem and liniked to the gem for self-conveyance.

Self-Conveyance Notes: The gem piece has been harnessed to allow tunneling through the superstructure of the facet planes. The capacity falls short of projections, and is limited to a relatively small channel for a short period of time. Regardless, it meets the specified requirements; it permits a single being to project a powerful aura of themselves to any facet at will.

It seems we know now how twas that Minax was able t' appear within the Court o' Justice in Yew. It is also worth grim note that this confirms Minax yet lingers, an' worse, so doth Exodus. Also, while there hae been much debate in the halls o' the Council, it is now readily clear that Shards o' the Gem o' Immortality yet exist throughout the lands. In fact, as I hae the chance t' speak wi' Lord Balifor, I mentioned t' him Lord Denin's report that somethin' was removed from Lord Blackthorn's casket at 'is funeral, an' asked if he 'ad seen what it was our King took. To m' surprise, Lord Balifor declared it twas another Shard o' the Gem o' Immortality. The worst though is it appears Minax, Exodus, or some other escaped with both the device an' the Shard that is in their possession, for no trace o' either was found.

In discussion about what occurred, it was thought by some that this device may allow transferance between Shards o' the Gem o' Immortality, an' Lord Balifor suggested that given Exodus' knowledge o' machinery, such might be true. Lord Balifor spoke that 'e would take the tomes t' the Royal Tinkers for further study. A graver thought expressed twere that Minax may find a way to garner full access to Trammel, that which she hae been, up to recently, denied. Twas also revealed that the location o' most o' the Shards o' the Gem o' Immortality be unknown.

Tis said that Exodus be the son o' Minax an' Mondain, though 'ow that may be is beyond my knowledge. An' none hae actually seen Exodus that we be aware, though a couple suggested that the strange machine near us twas Exodus 'imself -- that dinnae seem t' make sense though, as if that twere true, surely 'e would be long dead.

Lord Balifor thanked the troops for their fine performance, an' recruited into the Royal Guard any who were nae already so. We then returned t' Castle Britain, an' had much discussion about many things.

One thing is fer certain... this device must be found, the Shard as well.

May Virtue guide us all.

Hello!

As fall comes slowly to an end, we would like to remember the last few months on a positive, peaceful, and reflective note. So we at Majestic Oaks asked ourselves, "What is more peaceful and reflective then art?" Thus, our latest in great events, a Harvest Time Backpack Art Contest!

Backpack art, the creative endeavor in which the artist arranges objects in their pack in order to create art, is one of the most intriguing things to spring up in Britannia. Whether an old or new artist, any interested should give an attempt at making something for this Contest, and for the chance at having a creative outlet... oh, and there are prizes too! The top entries, determined by the MoA Panel of Judges, will recieve great prizes as always. Top prize will be a Tasty Meat Pie and 150k, second place will be 100k and a
pair of tall candles, and third place will be 50k and a rock!

So, get those creative juices flowing, because submissions are due on Friday, November 28th at 8:00pm CST or 9:00pm EST at the MoA Ice Castle. Be sure to bring a book with your name, title of the piece, and your ICQ if available; and make sure to create your masterpiece in a separate backpack so we can lock it down for display.

MoA Event Staff

From Gem:

Gem gathered around the FCB crew. "Remember when you were young and first felt the call of the sea?" she asked her mates.

"Aye" responded Flagg, "I found a free FCB ferry near Cove and screwed up me courage and took her out for a run." A dreamy look came into his eyes as he retreated into his memories. Coming round, he chuckled, "Remember that tiny first guild house by the sea near Cove, Mystra?"

"Aye," she smiled. "Not many of us have memories so long, Flagg."

Gem answered, "I think it is time to restore the free ferry service. Now that the gods of the sea have made it once again possible to repair our vessels while at sea, it seems a good time. Do we have volunteers to serve as our ferry masters?" The hands of Zippo, I Need Coffee, and Alex shot up immediately. "But what must we do?" asked Alex.

"We will place unlocked boats in both Felucca and Trammel in Britain, Moonglow, and Skara Brae. They will called the "Free FCB Ferry-Britain" etc. All who find them are free to use them as they wish. A book will be placed in the hold for comments from the public. The ferrymasters will refresh them and return them to home port each week.

Those stinky friendly fishers of the Fishing Council of Britannia (FCB) are at it again. The ferry service is a totally free public service to the citizens of Sosaria. To learn more about fishing or the FCB, visit www.thefcb.com.

Hail Citizens of Britannia!

It is with great pleasure that I announce to you the 72nd Meeting of the High Council of Britannia. It will take place on the Trammel facet at 8:00 PM CST on Monday, November 24, 2003 at 8:00 PM in the High Council Civic Center, which lies in Compassion Grove in Greater Yew. A map may be viewed in the public chambers of the High Council. All Councilors are requested to arrive approximately fifteen minutes before hand for preliminary preparations.

Electoral College Requested
Tomorrow evening, Sunday, November 23, 2003, the debate notes for the Seat of Minoc will be published in the public chambers of the High Council. All Electoral College members are requested to meet at the High Council Civic Center on Monday at approximately 7:30 PM CST to conduct a vote for the Seat of Minoc.

Civic Center Rune Library
All citizens of Britannia are invited to bring with them runes to special venues throughout the Kingdom such as taverns, inns, theatres, and more. We will be putting together a public rune library for the benefit of the Citizens.

Town Criers at the Civic Center
There are Town Criers currently placed at the Civic Center (though they still seem to think they are barkeeps, their former professions...). The Bulletin Board placed at the front of the building will be updated frequently with the words that they will respond to. You may have to speak to both criers to receive all of the information you are looking for.

Thank you,


Ra'Dian Fl'Gith
Chancellor of Virtue
High Council of Britannia

From Lore Denin:

The following is the eyewitness account of Silthanis of the Highland Guard, interviewed by Lore Denin, Branch Commander of the Ankh Legionnaires.

-"Did anything occur during the ceremony that struck you as odd?"(Lore Denin)

"Yes, Priam opened the casket so that Lord British could gaze upon the body of his departed friend. When Lord British looked into the coffin he *Gasped in Shock*. We in the crowd were to far away to see into the casket ourselves but perhaps Lord British was shocked to see the transformation Blackthorn's body had undergone." (Silthanis)

-"So no one was able to look into the casket?"

"Perhaps Priam or Lord Dupre. They stood closer to Lord British but I can not say if they could see into the Casket or did so."

-"What happened next?"

"Something very strange... Lord British reached into the casket and took something out. It must have been small because I wasn't able too see what it was."

Based on the interview we researched any items Blackthorn might possess which might hold sentimental value for Lord British and thus prompt him to remove as a keepsake. Though nothing was readily apparent, we uncovered something far more intriguing. "In a fantastic explosion of gold coins, Lord Blackthorn was brought down. Sources indicate that although the corpse of Lord Blackthorn was looted clean, the body itself was not recovered",From BNN, "Blackthorn Defeated!",
What was inside the coffin, if Lord Blackthorn's body was "not recovered"? And if not Blackthorn's altered body, what caused our Lord to gasp in shock? Even more mysterious, What did Lord British remove from the Casket and why did he do so? Perhaps this means nothing and Blackthorn's body was recovered at a later date and we simply miss placed the record. The investigation continues...

Citizens are asked to submit any further information detailing the events of the Memorial Service. We are also looking for first hand accounts from citizens who stood with Lady Dawn when Lord Blackthorn fell to confirm the body was lost. Also we are seeking Lord Dupre and Commander Priam for comment as they witnessed the event from a different vantage point and may be able to provide additional information.

pub124.ezboard.com/fthedailyheraldfrm8.showMessage?topicID=439.topic

A Note from Lore Denin: It is important to understand No Conclusions are being drawn at this time. However the information has given us additional leads which we intend to follow.

Citizens of Britannia,

Be it known that this recent release by Lord Denin regarding the state of Lord British is a single-sided statement of the facts; a statement that I believe shows the need for this investigation to be more closely monitored than simply turning it over to the man who requested such an investigation. Recent statements during Lord Blackthorn's memorial service may have given those overzealous in seeing our shards reunited based on the prophecy of the Time Lord fuel to believe that Lord British, our king, has lost his mind, is under the influence of some other being, or is Blackthorn himself in disguise. I assure you that not all citizens feel such, and in fact, many, myself included, feel that Lord British has finally seen wisdom in the fall to evil and the ultimate death of his long-time friend.

Rumors are only spreading like wildfire, I believe, because some are holding flame to the weed as it were. I have not heard but scarce whisper that Blackthorn be still alive. And that Lady Minax could influence our King's strong mind are nearly beyond belief.

The High Council of Britannia has not deemed this matter potentially dangerous. Rather, this investigation has been opened to ensure the safety and well-being of our King. If it is found that some outside source is controlling him, we will seek to free him from this. However, I expect that we will alleviate the concerns of many citizens, and find that it is wisdom, not Minax, that controls our King.

I will also remind any who are so involved in this investigation that they walk a fine line. There are many ways to prove whether the King is acting of his own free will, but at the same time, there are many actions that border or cross the line of treason and sedition. Spreading unverified rumor against our King is one of them. Henceforth, let this warning stand... the High Council approved an investigation into the well-being of our King, but if those investigating breach these lines of treason themselves, they will stand accountable for their actions. This will not become a witch-hunt. Lord British remains our King, and any evidence that would prove him under control of an outside source need be clear and true, not speculation and insinuation.

May the Virtues guide us.


Ra'Dian Fl'Gith
Chancellor of Virtue
High Council of Britannia

Recent statements by Lord British during Lord Blackthorn’s Memorial Service have given pause to the citizens of Britannia and have fueled speculation that the King is not himself. Witnesses to the memorial service quote Lord British as saying, "I cease my pursuit of merging all the worlds into one",and "… I will not impose my sense of Order over Sosaria ". These statements have left the citizens confused and many find themselves asking, "Has the King truly had a change of heart or are darker forces at work here?"

Rumors as to possible reasons for the King’s unexpected philosophical shift are spreading through Britannia like wildfire. People insist that Blackthorn is not dead but rather faked his death in attempt to claim the throne disguised as Lord British. Others claim that Minax, the Dark Temptress herself has somehow influenced the King with her dark powers. Loyalists contend the King is well, and have fully accepted the King's change of heart. One of the more outlandish rumors claims that Lord British, while attempting to merge with his shardal counterparts, accidentally incorporated the court jester, who had been impersonating the King at the time, into his being. This rumor seems to have originated from members of the castle kitchen staff who insist they have heard one to many virtue jokes since the King's return.

Despite the levity some have found in the situation, The High Council of Britannia has deemed the matter serious and potentially dangerous. The Council has sanctioned an investigation into Lord British’s well being and is determined uncover the truth. The Council asks that citizens report any pertinent information regarding the case to the Evidence File in the High Council Public Chambers.

High Council Public Chambers: Evidence File

From Lore Denin:

"My friend Lord Blackthorn is dead, and I am sorrowful at his passing. He became corrupted by great Evils, and now is no more. Though we were often at odds, the truth of his downfall wears upon my soul. Now, in the wake of my friend's death, I see there was wisdom in his words. With his death, I have no philosophical counterpoint. I find I cannot rationalize being as zealously in favor of order as I once allowed myself to be. His warning echoes in my soul, and I am compelled to recognize the balance between the Order that helps us thrive together and the Chaos that allows us to achieve as individuals. I cease my pursuit of merging all the worlds into one."

"But every being has a right to continued individuality if they wish it. To honor these worlds, their individuals, and my departed friend, I will not impose my sense of Order over Sosaria."

Lord British, at Lord Blackthorn's Funeral

Britannia you have been betrayed.... These are not the words of Lord British but that of Blackthorn. Something is amiss in Britannia and I urge the High Council to denounce the actions of Lord British as traitorous and begin an investigation into the validity of the identity of the man claiming to be our returned King. The Council has a duty to its King but likewise has a duty to the truth, its citizens and the philosophical nature which the kingdom was founded.

The man who leads Britannia now is not the Lord British I served for the last 54 years. Recent changes in policy have had me privately questioning Britannia's course since British's return. I have kept my concerns private for the most part, speaking only to Chancellor Ra'dian Fl'gith about my fears concerning the philosophic shift in our Lord's policies. Those concerns have been confirmed beyond my worst nightmare.

Has Blackthorn achieved victory over British, over all of Britannia in death? Will Chaos prove the destroyer of Virtue?

The Shardal Union is not a question of Chaos, Order or Balance but a battle of truth over falsehood, good verses evil, a battle of the self and the greater good. There once was a King who understood this, who understood the nature of the world, and the truth of our existence. A man willing to act to reverse the Gem's curse and restore the Universe to its true and proper Order.

If this is truly Lord British and he is of sound mind, then our Lord has turned his back on his people, betrayed his pledge to the Timelord, and in the end, himself. He has chosen a path that can only end in darkness for our world and that of the many worlds in the multiverse. If that is the truth, then it will be in our hands to set the multiverse right and carry on where British has faltered.

Till All Are One,

Lore Denin, The Ankh of Unity, OI--

Transcript provided by Lifestar:

You see: Lord British
Priam Balifor: He comes.
Priam Balifor: To attention, all.

Lord British: My dear Britannians, I am gladdened to see that so many of you...

Lord British: wish to pay final respects to my friend, Lord Blackthorn.

Lord British: *bows head in silence and respect for the fallen*

Lord British: Let us go to the final resting place of my friend and pay respects there.

Priam Balifor: Worry not, this will be in town.

You see: Priam Balifor

Priam Balifor: Worry not, it is in town.
*Missed what happend here as I was too far back*
Lord British: Well done

Lord British: Please wait quietly and patiently; give my departed friend due honor.
You see: Lord British
Lord British: By the Virtues!!!
*Missed what was going on here being stuck in the back*
Lord British: You may close it now

Lord British: Please, your attention!
Lord British: Lord Blackthorn was a friend and protector, even to the very end.
Lord British: I ask you to be patient, for I have a tale to tell you, and many questions...
Lord British: will be answered.
Lord British: It is a tale of how the evil wizard Mondain once bound Sosaria to the...
Lord British: Gem of Immortality, and that a stranger saved us all by defeating him and...
Lord British: shattering the Gem.
Lord British: I learned some time ago that our world was not freed of the Gem's magic.
Lord British: Rather, an exact replica of Sosaria existed in each fragmented shard of the Gem,
Lord British: with perfect mirrors of us living in each Sosaria and a separate Lord British...
Lord British: ruling each separate Britannia.
Lord British: I set about to repair the flaws brought about by the Gem.
Lord British: I hoped to recombine these infinite Sosarias back into one, and by doing so,
Lord British: rid us of the great evils that plagued us.
Lord British: Lord Blackthorn, who was once a good man and my closest friend, urged me
Lord British: to stop.
Lord British: He stated that each Sosaria was no longer bound to the original whole, as I
Lord British: believed.
Lord British: Blackthorn warned that to re-merge all these worlds would lead to the...
Lord British: extermination of countless independent lives.
Lord British: However, I continued on my course of action, truly believing that the merging...
Lord British: of the remnant pieces would bring about a level of order and universal peace...
Lord British: previously unknown and otherwise unattainable.
Lord British: My friend Lord Blackthorn is dead, and I am sorrowful at his passing.
Lord British: He became corrupted by great Evils, and now is no more.
Lord British: Though we were often at odds, the truth of his downfall wears upon my soul.
Lord British: Now, in the wake of my friend's death, I see there was wisdom in his words.
Lord British: With his death, I have no philosophical counterpoint.
Lord British: I find I cannot rationalize being as zealously in favor of order as I once...
Lord British: allowed myself to be.
Lord British: His warning echoes in my soul, and I am compelled to recognize the balance...
Lord British: between the Order that helps us thrive together and the Chaos that...
Lord British: My other selves and I were in concordance in all decisions, and we have...
Lord British: become one; now and forever, there is only one Lord British.
Lord British: But every being has a right to continued individuality if they wish it.
Lord British: To honor these worlds, their individuals, and my departed friend, I will no
Lord British: impose my sense of Order over Sosaria.
Lord British: Times like these, we find ourselves asking many questions.
Lord British: I hope I have given you some of the answers for which you sought.
Lord British: I thank you all for coming and paying your respects to my old friend.
Lord British: I wish to remain here a while to mourn his passing, privately.
Lord British: A gate will be provided for your return.
Lord British: *nods respectfully*

Announcement Error
The debate for Jhelom is not this evening as previously announced, and will be held as scheduled on Friday, November 14, 2003 at 7:30 PM CST. I misread the earlier announcement regarding these seats, and published the wrong one today.

Correctly, this evening should be the Minoc Debate, and should be held at the Golden Pickaxe in Minoc (just south of the northern path out of Minoc).

If there are not enough who show for the correct Minoc Debate, it will be extended through the following Wednesday due to my error.

Thank you,


Ra'Dian Fl'Gith
Chancellor of Virtue
High Council of Britannia

Again, Jhelom will be Friday, November 14, 2003, 7:30 PM CST in Brothers at Arms in Jhelom, northwest of the Dueling Pit.

Jhelom Debate
Attention Citizens of Britannia, and Candidates for the Seat of Jhelom... the Public Debate for the Seat of Jhelom will take place at 7:30 PM CST this evening (Wednesday, November 12, 2003) in Brothers at Arms, northwest of the Jhelom Dueling Pit. All members of the public are invited to attend. Each candidate will be granted a few moments to introduce themselves, and then questions will be taken from the assembly. The debate will run one-and-one-half-hours at most.


Ra'Dian Fl'Gith
Chancellor of Virtue
High Council of Britannia

Citizens of Britannia,

The 69th Meeting of the High Council will take place at Lord British's Castle in Trammel in the North Dining Room at 8:00 PM (by the Central Skies). Primary on the agenda will be the discussion of applicants to complete the Triumverate of High Justicars for the High Court of Britannia. Additionally, the new Councilor of Trinsic will be introduced.

Electoral College Assembly Requested
Members of the Electoral College are requested to attend a voting session at 7:00 PM (by the Central Skies) prior to the High Council meeting to cast vote in the election for the Seat of Trinsic. Please note: Applicants who applied to the Seat of Trinsic after the date of the debate are not considered candidates for the seat.

Jhelom and Minoc Seats Open
The Seats of Jhelom and Minoc sit open; the debate for Minoc, originally scheduled for October 27, 2003 will occur on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 7:30 PM (by the Central Skies) due to having only a single applicant for the seat thusfar. The Minoc Debate will occur on Friday, November 14, 2003 at 7:30 PM (by the Central Skies). If you wish to apply for either seat, please visit the High Council's public chambers.

Thank you,


~ Vice-Chancellor Jandria Icestorm, High Council of Britannia