September 2001

As I looked up from the dimly lit reading room at the Magincia Library, deep in thought, pondering the recent events in the realm that is home to us all, I think about what it all means. Reading this book I have found titled "Lost Arcane Methods in Ancient Magickal Theory" brings back so much I have thought I knew, but have lost. Turning the pages in this old dusty tome makes me wonder... what can I do to make things happen? Or more important, how will it happen?
You may ask, what recent events? And that is the crux of the whole story. No one knows. No one cares. Well, no one that doesnt need to know anyways. I have created a coven of Witches, based on the old tenets of Hallie Dreamweaver, last Witch of the old Coven found south of River's End. With the help of the Book of Enchantment of course. But how does this relate to these recent events? Well, to find that I have to find out in a method that hasnt occured to me in a long time. A very long time. The method of astral travel, or 'dream walking'. Yes, it has been too long since I traveled in this manner to find insight in various things....
I empty my thoughts, relax on the pentagram I draw on the library floor, casting a simple spell to prevent anyone to happen across my limp body......And then, I remember.....
It was a warm day, not unlike this one, when me and Mystique happen across the Shrine on the island city of Tar Valon, playing with men's souls as we did a lot back then. Toying with their minds, hearts and feelings, much like a child plays with a puppet, pulling a string here and there. Walking outside of Trinsic in trammel and finding that book under the rocks of that old burned down building which housed the Coven of the Crescent Moon, and finding a shade of a old Witch, telling me to find the book and listen to what she says.

Creating the Coven that is known today as the Sisters of Enchantment, a female Coven that uses men's hearts and thier minds to gather what we desire. Helping those witches that need solace or knowledge in all things arcane. What a week that was....I seem to have forgotten much that I learned back then. Way too much. We helped the wandering child, Sarielle, escape the mages that hounded her to the City of Caelum Mortuus, too her in and protected her with the Cult of the Black Dragon, and watched her as we and her both made mistakes. But we learned much from her ways, and from the other mages and witches that came our way. Iryn and Lilibet taught us many things, they taught me how to enter minds and read thoughts. How to talk to demons, even showed us some of thier demons...both figuratively and realistically. This started our slide to the forces of evil. Was that bad? Ask anyone. Most think it was...but of course if were bad, isnt that a compliment?
Our training in the dark forces that we weave taught us much in the ways of ancient lore, how to turn orcs into humans, as we did with the Urk mage, Bidash. Coming to Sisters as a ghost to aid them in thier training and spells, in an attempt to educate them on the spirit world. Some seem to think I had something to do with Basil Stag Hare staying a ghost for over half the time we were engaged. Maybe I did in some twisted surreal way, but we will probably never know exactly happened there since the Cult's leader has been dead for several months now. With all this knowledge and insight you would think I have learned my lessons and know what to do. You would be wrong. Very wrong.
I miss the helping of other witches, teaching them how to shape spells to fit thier needs, not the needs of reality. And maybe thats what I am doing wrong. Thinking too much in reality. I dream farther into the future, the future of myself and my power. How will I fit in the new order of the Mage Alliance? I know I use my magick and my ski turns more and more white...Why is that? I demand a answer!
And maybe I demanded too much, for the answer I received shows my astral form, a youthful young Witch, yes, but in all pale skin with a purple mount. What is this mount? It tells me in my mind, "I am your power, Leshyani.....I am what your power represents. You have dabbled too much in the forces of Destruction and it will catch up to you."
But I ask, why a purple mount?
"This is to show you that your Power cannot be totally controlled. Just like a fierce Nightmare, I can become untamed and ferocious. You falter in control, and i strike back at you. You bend and i will not break. You hesitate and you will die....."
Shaken from this revelation, I awake in a heavy sweat, collapsed on the floor. I rise from the pentagram, and look around. Nothing has changed, I am still here, as a human Witch, just with paler than normal skin and purple hair, burned from many failed spells in my practices. Off in the distance I hear hoofsteps. Thinking nothing of it, I decide to take a break from my studies and go to the baths at the Library. Nothing like a relaxing bath to clear the senses I say. Especially one with fragrances and herbs.

Turning the corner I see it...My manifestation of my Power staring me in the face, a purple Nightmare, breathing fire out of its nostrils.
It speaks, "Remember..for I am always one step behind you, watching every move you make. Every mistake you cast I shall be there, waiting for your final error. Be cautious, Leshyani Rianne for one day your faithful Power will vanish, leavign you at the mercy of me or the forces that you fight. And when that day occurs, remember me..."
Then He is gone....I think about this message long and hard, until I devise a plan. Yes, a plan is needed, one that I never have thought of. And it is about time....Therefore I look for an Apprentice, one to carry on my dreams and Magick, so my Power may never stop me and my dreams. Not only to help me defeat my enemies, but to carry on in the event that my power does catch up with me, and destroy my life as it has many times before in the great stories of our land.
May you never look you fears in the face such as I did and find yourself wanting for dreams long past and hopes cursed by those that pursue you.
I give a blessing to all those that follow the true force in the realm, the force of Magick,
"May the spirit of Magick and its power enchant your dreams to guide you and find the true path of your destiny..."
I look for an apprentice.....Is there any out there that think they are worthy? Soon I shall hunt for you, Apprentice, wherever you are...

Leshyani Rianne, Ancient Elder of the Sisters of Enchantment

From our friends at BNN:

Exhausted, Guilhem tossed down his spear and sat heavily on a stone in the swamp. The small party of surviving savages took notice of his mood and warily drifted away from their aggravated leader. Weeks ago the Master had ordered him to increase the tribe’s attacks into the human cities, but now they had been forced to settle here, defeated. He had known going into the fight that the odds of holding even one of the cities were slim, and he had tried to express that to the Master. But once an order was given, it was expected to be followed to the letter. Guilhem had seen the penalty for disobedience and had no desire to again, especially from the victim’s point of view. He wondered again what the penalty for failure would be and shuddered.

When the Master had first given him this assignment he had almost been insulted, although he had dared not show it at the time. Lead an unimportant tribe of primitives into the orc lands and drive them away. Live as one of them, gain their trust. To his surprise, after his time with the tribe, he’d become comfortable. He had learned their customs and traditions, even made friends. Never before in his life had he felt guilt, but now it consumed him. Guilt for being the instrument that led the savages away from their home and into the slaughter.

Absentmindedly he rubbed a few flakes of his kin paint off of his itching chin. He would soon need to reapply his tribal markings. The itch manifested itself on his arms and then spread down to his legs and soon encompassed his whole body. Within seconds his skin was numb and he could not move or speak. Light faded from his eyes and his mind went blank as the sensation of movement filled him. Reality blurred and he lost all concept of time. Then slowly, he could feel his thoughts return and feeling prickled itself back into his flesh. He was no longer in the swamps. He lay on cold stone. Around him he could hear a slight clicking sound and lights danced on the other side of his closed eyelids.

“Guilhem, I trust I did not interrupt anything vital?” said the Master.

“You were to report in weeks ago! Explain yourself!” barked the Master’s lackey.

Fighting the initial shock of his journey, Guilhem pulled himself upright and into a standing position, shading his blurry eyes from the bright lights in the room. Despite his dislike for the Master’s servant, he carefully kept his face free of any disdain. If he was going to report a failure, he wanted to keep every chance of living through it.

Guilhem responded steadily, “The humans took the cities back from us in days. They were too powerful; the tribe had no chance of success. We were forced to retreat to the swamps. I beg forgiveness for my failure, Master; my only wish is to serve you.” He knew the last words were a lie even as he spoke them.

The master paused for a moment and then spoke. “Guilhem, you have performed well. I do not consider your distraction a failure.”

“Distraction?!” Guilhem cried, trying desperately not to let his anger show. Hundreds of the clan, perhaps thousands were slaughtered… all for a distraction. “A distraction, M’lord… I do not understand… You sent orders that I was to take the tribes into the cities and hold them. We were defeated.”

“Indeed,” said the Master. “Your primitives occupied the Britannians quite well. Our efforts here were not discovered, thanks to that diversion.”

“However, our assets are far from secure.” A deep voice took Guilhem by surprise. In his nervousness he had not noticed a figure standing in the shadows, concealed by a dark cloak.

“We still have the issue of the renegades.” The stranger spoke in low tones, but with an air of power behind his words. “They have been making attempts almost daily to expose us. If the humans found the city now, they could shut down production of our forces. The savages did distract the Britannians, but it is still too soon for us to be discovered. We need more time.”

Guilhem stood tensely. He had never heard anyone speak that way in front of the master, as if they were an equal! He had seen men die for far less a transgression. To his surprise, the Master responded to the stranger, “What do you suggest?”

“That we launch the golems now. The Britannians are still unfocused after the chaos caused by the orcs and savages. The renegades remain a nuisance. Enough golems have been produced to afford us the ability to have the Controllers both search for the renegades and divert attention away from our work. That should give us enough time to establish our security structures.”

There was a long silence as the whirring sound increased and then settled. “Phoseph, notify the Controllers of our new plans. They are to begin as soon as possible.” He paused while the lackey made some notes on a scroll and then left the room. “Guilhem, step forward.”

Guilhem knew as he stepped forward he could not hide the slight shaking of his legs or the look of anxiety on his face. His mind raced with anger and confusion. He tried not to look in the direction of the dark stranger who was moving silently across the room. He stopped behind Guilhem, casting a slight shadow over him.

“Guilhem, don’t presume to be able to hide anything from me. Although you performed your task well, your growing fondness for the primitives is clear.” The Master spoke in his usual calm tones.

“I… I have come to know them, M’lord. My purpose remains to serve….”

“Your purpose is mine to decide, as is your reward. You still wear the marks of the primitives. You wish to live as one of them.” A dark blue light enshrouded Guilhem and he rose a few inches off of the cold floor below him. He tried to scream but his face froze in astonished horror. “And you shall die as one.”

Guilhem felt the warmth of his own blood running down his body as he was impaled from behind by the dark cloaked stranger. Through the pain of his spine breaking in two he imagined the home of the savages and let himself have a quick, bloody smile before slumping to the floor.

“I have matters to attend to elsewhere. We are not yet secure,” said the dark figure, not giving a thought to the blood on his cloak.

“For the moment,” replied the Master. “But soon we shall be. The Britannians will not be able to withstand our forces. The renegades shall soon be found. The land will be ours.”

Silently the figure moved out of the room, leaving a small trail of crimson droplets behind him.

From Gem:

Britannia's favorite public slaughter happens again this Sunday at 6 p.m. EST (5 p.m. CST). One crewmember, Bayle Domon, has donated ALL of the nets for this week's event. We honor Bayle for his generosity. The fishers of the Fishing Council of Britannia bring their fish nets to the Trammel Maginica docks. We cast them onto the sea, 2, 3, or even 4 at time. As any proper fisher knows, but many landlubbers do not, each net spawns sea serpents, water elementals, and even the deadly kraken (who sometimes carry ropes or SOS bottles as loot). 'Tis great fun--many of the citizens die, but there is a friendly healer at the end of the dock who will quickly resurrect the victims. We will provide gates from Britain Main Bank. The land-lubbers soon learn how tough a fisher must be---this is not a job for the weak or faint-hearted; but the rewards are great. Come and test your mettle against the leviathans of the deep.

From Marquis Alazraham:

Hail to you, Britannia!

With things slowly returning to some modicum or normalcy, I thought it best to return to the affairs of the City of Trinsic. Once again, I issue the call for Trinsic Senators. Who among you will be humble enough to serve the public?

You may send courier to my office, located at Marquis_Alazraham@yahoo.com and I'll be sure to consider you for one of the 3 Trinsic Senator Positions.

Walk in Virtue,
Marquis Alazraham

From Gem:

The stinky, friendly fishers of the Fishing Council of Britannia (FCB) are beginning a new public service for the citizens of Great Lakes. With inspiration from our Baja FCB fishing brethren, we have established a fleet of free ferries throughout the realm. Our stalwart new boatswains, Frederick and Franklin, will be maintaining a free ferry for public use in each of the following Trammel towns: Britain, Maginica, Moonglow, Vesper, Skara Brae, and Minoc . Look for our ships at the docks (the plank will be down) in these fine communities. Minoc's boat will be west of Town Hall. Our thanks to the noble Franklin & Frederick, who procured the fleet as well. Our swains will keep the boats refreshed, and sail them back to home port as needed. Use these sailing vessels for improving your fishing, taking your date out for a Sunday sail, or just to learn the allure of the sea. Please leave a note in the book in the hold and let us know if you enjoyed it. More information on this service, and information on sailing and fishing, can be found at www.thefcb.com.

News from the front lines, as described by Flint Waterfall, a Trapper from Delucia:

I was making my normal rounds near the land of the terathans, when I was overcome by an entire herd of the nasty creatures. They chased me through a valley and into the keep itself.. and of course, it didn't end there. The Terathans on the inside of the keep then began chasing me. Torch in hand I bolted down one corridor, turned corners trying to stay one step ahead of my assailants. After a short while, I began to hear some sort of chanting.

As I neared the ominous chanting, I saw a group of what appeared to be mages all dancing around a cauldron. When I approached, the Terathans ceased their pursuit, perhaps in a sense this place was more evil than they dared get involved with.

I took cover on the top of a bridge, and down below in the swampy area two of the fellows were dragging what appeared to be a corpse. Disturbingly, they hacked the corpse apart with an axe and dumped it into the cauldron, all the while chanting magical incantations. The one that was their leader appeared to be carrying some kind of pipe.

I had nowhere to go.. I couldn't escape the keep, and I feared these mages. I decide the best course of action would be to stay put until I could think of some means for escape. While I contemplated my plight, the mages hauled the cauldron up a flight of nearby stairs, and aproached my position. I had not noticed before, but there was some sort of magical artifact at the end of the upon which I was standing. I knew in my heart that the mages would most likely be coming my way, but there was no time to make a run for it.

As the mages rounded the corner onto the bridge, I sprang forward and knocked the cauldron and one o its carriers off the bridge. The remaining mages Stood in shock, and I took that opportunity to run down the flight of stairs the mages had just come up. I nearly tripped over the fellow I had knocked off the bridge, but I did glimpse a scroll sticking from his pack. Quickly I grabbed his pack and incanted the scroll with the reagents from the same. I was barely able to dive through the gate before their leader saught up with me.

Though as I would have liked, this was not the end of the story.. I had come to Moonglow where I tol the guard there of what had happened. Upon searching the pack which I carried, I found a rune back to that accursed spot and gave it to the guard.

We all waited near the Moonglow Provisioners as the guards stepped through the gate back to the ritual site. What seemed ike ages must have passed, but finally another moongate appeared and the guards emerged. With them they carried several mages in irons, as well as te cauldron, and the 2 corpses, one from the mage I killed, and the other corpse the mages had brought with them. As the Guards conversed with their superiors on scene, the leader began screaming and wailing. He struggled his restraints and turned a bright red color.

At this point, I do not know how exactly to describe what happened.. the man just exploded. I jest not, the man.. the leader of the mages simply exploded, sending his boily fluids and organs flying throughout the entire area. It s truly one of the most disturbing sights I have ever seen, and it still haunts me to this day.

The Guards took the remaining prisoners to the local jailhouse, and I am told that the Cauldron and the two corpses were sent to the Lycaeum for study. When the area cleared, I picked up the pipe which the leader has been carrying, on the side was written "Basil Stag Hare". Apparently I looked stunned, as one of the guards took the pipe away from me and suggested that I go to the inn for rest.

I did exactly that.

Although not a roleplaying issue, the importance in world events which occurred today demands the spotlight in all our lives. Such was the scene today in Trinsic, where UO players of every persuasion came out in full force to demonstrate their solidarity in the face of adversity. Given that ordinarily, UO players quibble, whine, fight, and grief one another for petty reasons, this was truly a mark of how tragedy affects the community. To those of you directly affected by the tragedy, we at the Herald can only extend our deepest sympathies.

From the Scribe of the Sisters...

Last night I heard the news from my Sisters. And what happy news it was! Ths Sisters, with the support of the Cult of the Black Dragon, the Temple of Mondain, Bregan D'Aerthe, and the Coven of the Secret Shadow went to the Magincia Library to find the books we need. And although we didn't have the time to look (namely because of an altercation of words with Edguardo and Antonious Maestro), we still achieved our desired objective. What was that may you ask? Ahh such information is not to be divulged in such a short missive, I assure you.
Needless to say it is of great import to mages and witches everywhere, that the Library be used for research in this most vital subject. It all began as the search for a cure for Lady Aureal began, her disease running rampant though her body and those of the other mages. Although a attempt to cure her partially worked, the Magick involved opened new doorways to further study in this field and others. And as the Sisters only desire to further the study on Enchantment and the free use of such Magicks, one reference cannot be overlooked. The reference to long forgotten Magicks dealing with Wisps, and the use of Artifacts. With all the Artifacts in the Library, what a wonderful place this Library will be to further this research!
Of course those who cannot fathom the importance of this study tried to stop us. And sadly many Sisters were killed for thier pursuit of simple knowledge. But we rallied back to defeat the ignorant Knaves of the so-called Monarch. And now the Library is freely open to all those that come to seek the betterment of all mages and the freedom of knowledge in any course of Magick. As those that tried to stop us can vouch, I am sure, the virtuous seem to not want us to have the freedom to search out truths and spells to better ourselves for the good of the community, hiding behind a outdated set of Laws and Deception.

We will be happy to show all that disbelieve our right to free research here at the Library the same courtesy those Knaves did to us last night. Although I think they showed themselves a great scandal to bloody the carpet of the Library with those that seek to find knowledge such as is contained in the Library. But I cannot dictate the Laws of Ethics to these scandalous few.
And of course in the confusion, a former Slave to the Sisters was corrupted by those so called "defenders" that trashed the library. Ryu. Well, as the scribe of Leshyani and the Sisters, I must report that your life is forfeit. Please turn yourself in, otherwise we will have to resort to another fair and just punishment to mete out on you. Be it in your precense or not. It matters not to the swift justice of Magick.
I do wonder why all these guilds are so interested in the Library though. Is it for the Future of our history? Of course it is! What ever else would it be for?
*A heart traced in a blood red substance closes the letter*

Brianna Lavendar
Scribe to the Sisters of Enchantment

Dear Knight of the Emerald Tartan, Yew Town Council and all those that Participated in the Deadly Link,

Leshyani Rianne's and my most gracious appreciation goes out to you all. A successful event because of your efforts and dedication.

Congratulations to the winner of this first game Yew Town Council, Hesperis, honorary member White Lotus and Sinjen, who mysteriously fainted of stage fright before the Game started. The prize of 30,000 gold plus your earnings of 15,000 gold during game play, as well a suit of armour for each of you.


Doomed by Mordain’s hand near the end of the game KET team fought hard and answered many questions that tested the intelligence of even the smartest man. Dugald, Lady Genesis and Methos Meridius, we applaud your tenacity in the face of adversity.

Perhaps we will see you again on the Deadly Link, thank you for joining Leshy and I in our maiden voyage of Deadly Link. Please join us on Tuesday, October 9th for the next Deadly Link, where Lord British will grace our presence as the Celebrity host!!

*setting down her pen, and gazing about the lush suite she has set herself up in Nujelm’s Palace*

From Mordain:

Handing the scope to Mordain Gloin looks over the horizon at the
great game Deadly Link within the Skara Brae Fairgrounds. "Milord, we
must strike now." Mordain stops looking and sighs..."I know but this
fight will come at cost, We will disrupt a game held by an ally and
respected friend. However we have no more time to loose we MUST make the
attack. I will compensate the next game by giving 100k to their total
prize." Gloin nodding runs back to the armies giving the command to
proceed.

As the armies approached the Temple of Mondain took the left flank
while Blackend and the Drow of Bregan D'aerth took the right. Charging
on their orders they surrounded the game and those in attendance with
their weapons of war. Not knowing what was going on those who were there
began looking around wondering what was going on...then suddenly several
of the men in the army stepped aside as Mordain walked up the steps and
called out, "Dugald! You will come with me or you shall see those you
care about die and watch as I bathe in their blood." Grabbing his arm
and dragging him into a fiery red gate they were off as soon as they
came.

As expected it brought upon chaos to the great game and a major
disruption to which Mordain was unhappy about and he was displeased with
himself for making such an imposing action upon his friend. As the army
was dragging his prisoner to the Temple of Mondain, Mordain could not
help but to loose himself in deep thought. "What is wrong Milord? we
have the prisoner yet you look vexed about something." Asked William. "I
do feel we owe something to Ariyana Sune and Leshyani for disrupting
this event. We shall attend it upon its next showing and we shall help
send word of it. With that William nodded and began to ride ahead with
the others.

Upon reaching the great Temple of Mondain the prisoner Dugald was
thrown upon the black alter. Trying to put a valiant struggle he managed
to break free but was then overwhelmed by the hordes of opposing Drow.
As he stood Mordain picked up a black box made from the rare ore
Blackrock. "Within this box, I hold the greatest power to be released
upon this world." With those words Mordain began to chant. Fire and
light streamed from the eye sockets of the mighty skull and they burned
Dugalds face as they streamed into his head. With a shout all Dugald
could mutter was "Nooo" a few minutes later and the beam had subsided
and the skull replaced into its box and locked. "You now see the truth,
go now and remember." With that Dugald left the Temple.

Soon after the Drow also left leaving the temple with only a small
force. Suddenly, "Milord! Come quick we are under attack! Calling for
his general and guard Mordain quickly sent Fredrick to the front to see
what was going on. He noticed a force of Serpents Hold protectors and
RKR led by Sparhawk closing in on the temple. "All forces attack!"
Running out of the doors the Temple and its forces met the fierce army
of SH and RKR. After a long battle the temple had become victorious and
with a stroke of luck captured another of their intended targets. "Grab
Sparhawk!" Yelled Fredrick. Erana, Kevin, and Blox quickly responding
began to surround Sparhawk and dragging him inside. Once inside he made
every effort to resist the power of the temple but he was overwhelmed.
As Mordain looked at him he was he said..."You know what is in this box,
don't you?" with a quick tongue Sparhawk replied "your courage?" with
that Mordain had Sparhawks guildmate tortured. "You will soon learn to
respect those who follow Mondain." With that the ceremony was again
held. Upon its end Sparhawk was released to his guild. "We shall have
our peace. and the truth will be known to one and all." Said Mordain as
he retired to his chambers for the night.