This month’s Meet & Greet takes place Saturday night at the Trammel Britain Counselor’s Guild, alternatively follow the pink rune from Luna. We will be discussing some changes to the event program and a few news items. A breakdown of the discussion will be available afterward if you can’t be there.
- EM Dexter.
Amid the frozen wastes known as “The Winter Spur”, on the Tokuno island of Isamu-Jima, a small archaeological expedition set out to uncover the secrets of a small ruin in the permafrost. From their assembled notes, we have determined that the party were set upon by a hitherto unknown species of ape. Sadly, it is certain that the unarmed diggers perished in the attacks. In attempting to locate the lost expedition, we ourselves were assaulted by these strange, upright apes. Casualties were heavy, and many valuable specimens were destroyed.

Several of my own observations have led me to surmise that these apes are intelligent, perhaps even sentient, albeit violent. Firstly, they seemed to be harboring precious metals, perhaps valuing them for their rarity or lustre. Secondly, they also hoarded various keepsakes of the destroyed diggers’ camp, almost as one would prize a trophy. Thirdly, the tattered notes from the recovered journals seem to theorize that the apes may be the owners of the skins and stone axes found at the dig.

In addition to my own notes Lady Thalia, one of the volunteers in the search party, uncovered a strange, ape-like skull buried in a most particular fashion. While it is known that some species bury their dead to evade predators, it is my assertion that this skull was ceremonially prepared for interment.

It is therefore my recommendation that this matter be conferred to Lady Cygnus. I feel her expertise in anthropology would greatly advance the study and cataloging of these intelligent apes.
- Lars,
Royal Cryptozoologist.
Hail Citizens,
There have been reports of strange, ape-like beasts appearing in the frozen wastes of Isamu-Jima. A small archaeological expedition working on a dig in the area has sighted several such creatures since the passing of the solstice. I have been dispatched on secondment to the Tokuno Empire by her majesty, Queen Dawn, to investigate the hitherto unknown beasts. I have also been instructed to assemble volunteers in search for the expedition, as all contact has been lost. We fear that the sightings of the ape-beasts and the disappearance of the diggers may be related. If you can help, please assemble in Luna and come prepared for any contingency.
- Lars the Royal Cryptozoologist
Keep an eye out for the Winter Solstice Stag over the next week or so.
Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and a significant time in cultures the world over. The symbol of the solstice, the Stag, is making appearances all over the Shard, spreading seasonal cheer in the form of traditional foods and other gifts. He even has something special for those who have been “naughty” this year.
Happy holidays, everyone!
- EM Dexter.
For those of you unable to attend the Harvest Feast, or those who were uninterested in participating in a roleplay event, here is a transcript of the discussion:
(more…)
Queen Dawn cordially invites you to the inaugural Royal Harvest Feast at Castle British!
There have been bumper crops reported this year and Queen Dawn wishes to extend the sharing of this prosperity to all citizens. Queen Dawn also wishes to discuss matters of the Realm with town leaders, the guilds, and other interested parties. Supper will be served at 5pm, Sunday evening, in the dining room just north of the throne room.
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Chef Chamberlain thanks all those who aiding him in gathering the necessary ingredients for the Harvest Feast. The following people were particularly helpful, being the first to locate the needed articles:
Hydra Shock, Manticore, Dr SATAN, Saiyan, John Adams, and Slaier.
By way of thanks, these six volunteers shall have bar stools reserved for them at the Hall of Champions in Malas.
Chef Chamberlain is in a flap!
He has been ordered by his Master to gather ingredients and utensils in preparation for a Grand Feast this Sunday. These articles are easily sought but scattered among the known lands, too far flung for one harried apprentice cook to assemble on his own. Will you help Chamberlain gather the much needed supplies? Meet him at Castle British this Friday Eve, at 8pm.
The Dead are rising from the grave.. and they’ve brought treats!
Grab your holy water, garlic, and your best silver blade for a grand old monster mash! The fun starts in Luna tonight (Oct 31st) at 8pm Central. See you then!
- EM Dexter
Hello all,
Just a few points resulting from tonight’s Meet & Greet, for those who couldn’t be there or those who want a reminder:
- A real-life issue prevented me from running events or updating this site in late September-early October. The issue is now resolved and no longer a concern, thank you to those who asked.
- As per player request, I asked if Lake Austin would be getting a second EM. The answer was no, for the reason that the smaller shards (including Siege and the Korean shards among others) only get one EM. This shouldn’t mean we should go wanting, and I am authorized to borrow EMs as the situation arises. This has already happened for a number of global events where two characters were needed simultaneously for role play.
- I’ve just had the go-ahead to do our own Hallowe’en-themed monsterfest in addition to the global events! It should be a fun-filled holiday. Keep an eye on the usual news sources for details.
- There were a lot of questions raised which I shall endeavor to have answered as soon as I can. As always, questions and suggestions are a valuable part of Meet & Greet gatherings and you are quite welcome to contribute after the announcements.
- Special thanks to those who stayed late. We had a great chat and some laughs, too.
Cheers,
- EM Dexter.
Hello!
Lake Austin residents have requested a Trash Can be placed in Luna Bank. I am pleased to say this has been approved by Mesanna. I thought for a fun twist we could have a design contest to determine what our Trash Can should look like. I’ve drawn up the following rules:
1) Entries are to be submitted via email to uoem.dexter at gmail.com with the subject “TRASH CAN”. Multiple entries are allowed but please try to contain them to one email per person.
2) Entry should contain a brief worded description of the trash can. You should explain why you feel your design is suitable. eg: “I chose Luna white for the color as it’s Luna’s trash can”.
3) Entry may contain images, but this is not mandatory; there is no artistic or technical requirement to enter. Please crop any images as small as possible. A useful tool for mocking up a picture is Inside UO. You may also use Classic Client or Enhanced Client to generate your image.
4) Trash Can must be a “portable” type container (not a house add-on deed). It needn’t be a type normally available to players.
5) Hue of the Trash Can must be pre-existing (seen elsewhere in game). If you do not include a picture please name the hue if one exists, eg: “Bloodwood”, “Agapite”, “Paragon Gold”.
6) Please clearly state the name of the character you want credited with the design. There will be a plaque placed above or by the trash can naming you as the donor, eg: “Luna City Trash Can Donated By …”. DO NOT supply your account info, passwords, etc!
These rules may be subject to change, exact wording of the plaque is to be decided, and final winner will be decided by the EM Team. There is no firm closing date as yet, but it will likely be after Hallowe’en.
Have at it and have fun!
- EM Dexter.