A sly thief has eluded players, leaving destruction in her wake: the Lucretian Athenaeum in New Thera lies in ruins, and large portions of Tasur'ke have been reduced to rubble by rampaging golems.

A dark carnival of bizarre performers and macabre exhibitions recently appeared in Achaea.

A set of special auctions have opened today, offering numerous unique artefacts and rare items!

The special auctions have ended! Congratulations to the winning bidders.

A selection of artefacts are now on a 15% off sale until the end of October!

Do you love to help new adventurers learn their way about the realm? Here's your chance to become a Guide - an open call for applications has just been announced.

Congratulations to the Warlocks of the Rising Phoenix, who rose triumphant in the House vs House PK Egghunt today!

A fun one-hour Egghunt with gold prizes is scheduled for Friday, October 2 at midnight GMT (5pm PDT/8pm EDT). This Egghunt shall pit the great Houses of Achaea against one another in an all-Houses challenge!

Xandeus stands ranked First amongst the Hunters in the IRE 12-year anniversary celebration Great Hunt. Congratulations to Xandeus, who has won 500 credits for his achievement!

Join us Friday, September 11 at Midnight GMT (5PM PST) for the Great Hunt! All player will be able to earn credits, compete for prizes, and earn double experience for 48 straight hours of bloodshed and mayhem.

For the month of September you can receive special, unique items in addition to your credit purchases. For more details check your favorite games announce news.

A fairly major change to plants was made today. Previously, some plants, such as the kola tree, would replenish themselves once an Achaean year, on the 1st of Sarapin. Now, all plants will grow throughout the year, making it more difficult for a handful of individuals to monopolize the harvesting of certain plants.

Congratulations to the city of Ashtan, the Bastion of the North, for successfully defending their title as Capture The Flag Champion! They have won the Effigy of Victory for the next six months.

Our semiannual competition of city-vs-city Capture The Flag is coming up this weekend! 11pm GMT/4pm PDT on Saturday, September 5th. See Announce news #3046 in-game for details.

A long-isolated island by the name of Minos was discovered today by adventurers from Sapience, following a strange and violent storm that tragically sunk a ship carrying the harbourmaster's wife. Ruled by a mage-king named Arsentar, the Isle of Minos lies in the Gulf of Dardanos, due north and west of Umbrin.

Amidst the legendary Sangre Plains, wandering beast tamer Galviarn Desh arranged a jousting tournament today. After many rounds of heated competition, Sir Draekar Rian unseated Lothiac Gothfraidh-Silversand of Ashtan in the final round to secure victory.

Led by Poergh Yusef, attackers from Ashtan raided the Chrysalis Basilica today and infiltrated the estate of the Empyreal Assembly, successfully draining the house's master crystal after a gruelling four-hour standoff. The loyal mages of Shallam and their allies now work tirelessly to restore the valuable source of power.

The troupe of travelling merchants collectively known as the Itinerant Bazaar made a stop on Sapience today, offering rare goods from jewelled sheaths and exotic foods to kaleidoscopes and enchanted mirrors.

A Great Hunt has been announced for this upcoming weekend, from 5pm PDT on Friday, July 3rd to 5pm PDT on Sunday, July 5th. The top ten scorers will be awarded credits ranging from 50 for 10th place to 500 for 1st! Furthermore, all participants who achieve at least 100 denizen kills will win 10 bound credits. This will also be a double XP weekend for all. See the Announce newsboard in-game for further details.

While battling sea serpents in the oceans off the northern coast of Meropis, a small party of seafarers encountered the mysterious Isle of Prin and her Xoran inhabitants.

The default client to access Achaea via the Play Now button has changed to our newer Flash client. Don't panic, Nexus users: the Nexus java client is still available here and shall continue to be maintained.

The 20% credit bonus sale announced in May has been extended until the end of June!

Roleplay-intensive clans may now apply for the designation of High Clan, a status with certain benefits and the potential of greater political relevancy and influence for clans.

The legions of Arcadia and Scyros descended upon the underwater triton kingdom of Lothos today in a three-way battle between the three kingdoms, cut short by the mysterious appearance of the ancient sea dragon named Asopos!

Storms along the northern coast of Meropis triggered a massive avalanche in the Vasnari mountains, creating passage into the eastern portion of the continent. Stumbling upon the small trail by chance as she travelled through the mountains, the dragon Skylana de Mercier became the first outsider in hundreds of years to traverse beyond the Vasnari peaks and explore the fertile plains to their east.

Two additions to organisations today: first, Divine Orders have gained the ability to formally induct adventurers as lay members. Second, many adventurer organisations now have the ability to formally ally with and defend denizen organisations. For example, the city of Shallam is now formally allied to the village of Jaru, and all citizens of Shallam may formally defend the denizens of Jaru from those who would hunt them.

A lessongain bonus has begun! For the rest of March, you will gain 1 extra lesson every time you convert a bound credit to lessons.

Following a battle between Tritons of the sea and the Atavians of Arcadia, Vastar, the Skylord, made his presence once again known within Achaea.

The Year 500 Championship Awards Ceremony was held at the hallowed Shrine of Ascension on this day. Maya, the Great Mother presented award medallions to all who had competed successfully in the Championship Games, with the crowning point the passing of the legendary Staff of Nicator from the Year 450 Champion, Jaizsur Ta'sa, to the Year 500 Champion, Rangor Corten. Congratulations to Rangor, mighty indeed. As the new Champion, he has also won his choice of 700 USD OR 2500 in-game credits.

Granting Jaizsur a final boon at the ceremony, the Great Mother stripped his physical shell and transformed Jaizsur's essence into that of a wind spirit, that the famed explorer and adventurer may spend the rest of his days wandering the furthest reaches of Achaea without physical limitations. Achaea bids a fond farewell to Jaizsur.

The Groves skill received a major overhaul recently, changing many of its abilities for greater portability. Check the Announce newsboard for details.

In celebration of Year 500, the strange merchants of the Itinerant Bazaar were found wandering Sapience once again, hawking their rare and exotic goods.

This particular bazaar brought to a certain few more than could have been imagined, when a papier-mache donkey procured from the bazaar came to life and began attacking all those around it! Peals of delighted, wicked laughter could be heard across the world following that improbable rampage, harkening the return of that immortal prankster Pandora, Goddess of Mischief, as lively and incorrigible as ever. Welcome back Pandora!

Congratulations to Rangor Corten and his teammate Arkantos Darkwing for their domination of the Championship Twins Combat Tournament. To the surprise of Achaeans who had believed the God of Combat long withdrawn from the realms, Matsuhama himself appeared at the end of the tournament to present trophies to the victorious pair.

Rangor also won the Championship Game of Hunt the Bandersnatch for Year 500, securing the highest cumulative points in the Year 500 Games and the well-deserved title of Champion.

Proving himself a quiz master indeed, Delphinus Windancer triumphed in the Year 500 Championship Quiz, his third consecutive semicentennial Quiz victory.

Achaea congratulates the great city-state of Ashtan in its victory in the City vs City game of Capture the Flag today, garnering the prize of the Effigy of Victory!

Ephram Sparrow has won the Lottery for Year 500! His grand prize is a choice of /$500 USD OR 2000 in-game credits.

Congratulations to Asara Eslofe, winner of the Tumble Races for Year 500, and Rangor Corten, winner of the Year 500 XP Event.

Year 500 celebrations have kicked off in Achaea! Come join us for our Championship Games this weekend, including the Tumble Races and the XP Event.

Quincentennial celebrations approach in Achaea! Come join us for our Year 500 festivities beginning January 22nd, including the Championship Games, a lottery with a grand prize of \$500 USD or 2000 credits, and much more! Click here for details.

A cadre of sailors led by Asara Eslofe upon the ship Aeolos hunted down a monstrous mer-serpent, found preying upon ships in the Eusian Ocean. Tracking the beast through dangerous chops, they finally cornered and slew the serpent. To their surprise, they found that their hunt had led them through the chops to a previously unexplored portion of the northeastern tip of Sapience, the Valho Coast!

The time of Logosmas is approaching! Decorations and gifts are now available for purchase at the Festivities Annex in New Thera.

A 25% credit bonus holiday sale has begun, in conjunction with a tiered Mayan crown promotion, with new wares for stock in the Shop of Wonders ranging from gemstone eggs that hatch into birds to scrying bowls and golden honeycombs! Happy holidays everyone.

The brief appearance of a strange giant called Hrakken brought tragedy to Ty Beirdd, the House of Bards, as his deafening cries caused the entire estate to come crashing down in the midst of Cyrene's Garden of the Arts. The famed Ty Beirdd tutor Una Brau was killed in the commotion, as was Hrakken, leaving a mystery in his wake.

Mayaween has arrived in Achaea! Congratulations to Blujixapug, who won a costume contest sponsored by the Tailors Union with his inventive costume design of the Spawn of the Unnamable Horror.

The mysteriously haunted Griesly Family Manor has opened its doors once more; the Festivities Annex has opened in New Thera with costumes, candies, and other Mayaween goodies; and rumours abound of an eerie and dangerous ghost ship appearing at harbours. Happy Mayaween, everyone!

Another Great Hunt has been scheduled for this weekend, from Friday 5pm PST to Sunday 5pm PST! Win credits for hunting creatures and denizens throughout the realm. See the Announce board in-game for details.

Furthermore, a 2-week bonus on lessons has gone into effect! Every time you convert a credit to lessons for the next two weeks, you'll receive 7 lessons instead of 6.

A mysterious cult was discovered recently upon the Isle of Shala-Khulia, clear-cutting the lush jungle in efforts to raise a strange shrine. The defenders of Nature currently engage in fierce battle against the cult and its Mhaldorian protectors, but the purpose of the shrine has yet to be revealed.

The peak of Mount Inbhir came to life suddenly, revealing its true form as a sleeping rock giant and laying waste to the dwarven village of Inbhir Ness until a cadre of adventurers journeyed north to assist the Inbhir dwarves' chief in bringing down the giant.

Sound the trumpets and loose the hounds: the Great Hunt is on! Across the Iron Realms, hunters are racking up kills for credit prizes, up to 500 credits for the greatest hunter within each realm. The Great Hunt lasts through the end of this Sunday in GMT (Sunday 5pm PST).

The rarely sighted roaming band of merchants known as the Itinerant Bazaar appeared once more in Achaea today, peddling exotic wares from wooden spirit boards to bull mounts to succulent caviar. Having satisfied their eager customers, the merchants vanished as mysteriously as they came.

The grand auction has ended! Check AUCTIONS in-game to see the list of winning bidders.

A spectacular auction has kicked off, with rare and special items up for bid ranging from a vial of never-ending health elixir to a new shop in Delos to a cloak that grants the metamorphosis tracking ability! Enter our realms and peruse the auction items using the AUCTIONS command. All auctions end Saturday, August 9th.

Our July 30% credit bonus sale has been extended until the end of August! If you were unable to take advantage of the sale in July, you're in luck.

Furthermore, a grand auction the likes of which have not been seen in Achaea for many years has been announced: rare artefacts such as a never-ending vial of health elixir, a theft-proof safebox, and much more will be up for auction starting on Saturday, August 2 at midnight GMT/5pm PST and ending a week later on Saturday, August 7 at the same time.

The date for the long-awaited City vs City Capture the Flag has been announced! Join your city in a fast-paced, exhilarating 2-hour battle for glory and victory: August 2nd, noon PST/3pm EST/7pm GMT.

A 30% credit bonus sale has begun! See Announce news post #2810 in-game for details.

This weekend, from midnight Friday GMT until midnight Sunday GMT, experience gain from bashing and quests will be DOUBLED in all the Iron Realms! That's 5pm PST/8pm EST on Friday through 5pm PST/8pm EST on Sunday.

The magazine Total PCGaming recently named Achaea the #1 MUD worldwide! From Total PCGaming: "Achaea prides itself on being one of the most popular text-based MMOs in the last decade, offering its gamers a deep role-playing experience."

After years of careful excavation, Duris the archaeologist has finally announced the grand opening of the Chapel of All Gods, restored to its former glory!

A jubilant cry from the Aalen forest brought adventurers to the homeland of the Tsol'aa race. There, they discovered not only that the forest was healing from the lava-born fires that recently swept across Sapience, but a number of previously secluded portions of the small kingdom had been revealed.

Sailors upon ships may now deep-sea fish off their decks, reeling in enormous catches the size of which have never been seen on land.

The puzzle of the terrible power that drove the river spirit Zaphar to madness was traced to its source: a mysterious nightmare spirit named Nomku whose influences in recent times have run far and deep, causing havoc everywhere dreams may touch. The investigations of a cadre of brave and imaginative Achaeans followed the mystery of Nomku, ultimately taking them to the Dreamrealm itself to discover the true nature of Nomku's power and to help overcome the nightmare spirit once and for all.

As a benevolent gesture to a town known for its industriousness, the god Phaestus sent the mechanical automatons from his temple to assist in the reconstruction of Delos, making swift work of the repairs.

Driven mad by some strange and malignant power, Zaphar, the Old Man of the River, sent a flood crashing down upon the town of Delos, reducing it to ruins.

A relic held by the Wardens of the Cerulean Spire, the broken Sword of the Mountain King, was made whole by a wandering Dwarven forger named Norfan Bladeshaper. As the reforging was completed, Norfan revealed himself to be Phaestus, the Smith Lord, an Elder God who had long concealed himself from mortal eyes in the shape of Norfan.

A whirling maelstrom of snow blanketed much of central Sapience in snow. Kolyartus the Blizzard, a powerful ice demon from the far north, was discovered to be the cause of the sudden climate change, having somehow broken free of his prison. His ice-demon minions wreaked havoc, rampaging through the snowfall and slaying countless Achaeans in their path. Finally, a special spear wielded by Agrias of the Sentinels of Nature brought down Kolyartus, ending the blizzards.

The Mayan-crowns-incentive credit sale has been extended through the end of the week, Sunday May 4 GMT!

Congratulations to Lhydium and Falgorn, tied for first place in the recent Delosian Game Quiz. Kail won 2nd, and Delphinus 3rd. The theme for this Quiz was "Achaean Word Puzzles".

In celebration of April, Adventurer Appreciation Month, we have begun a 10% bonus on all experience gained throughout the rest of the month! The first half of the month granted a 10% bonus on all gold drops.

April is Adventurer Appreciation Month! For the first half of the month, we are raising gold drops by 10%. For the latter half, we are increasing experience gain by 10%. Enjoy!

Furthermore, we are offering special incentive gifts for purchasing credits during this month, ranging from personalised stationery kits to Sceptres of Aqueous Mastery to dragonskin packs. Read Announce news post #2754 in-game for details!

Concerned by the recent resurgence of chaos in Achaea, the long-absent goddess Lorielan has returned.

Achaea bids farewell to Eris, Goddess of Chaos, whose long-laid schemes have at last come to fruition: her experiments in time travel combined with the chaotic essence she drained from Babel, former god of chaos, have led to her departure from this realm completely towards an unknown destiny.

However, no end is without a new beginning. With the destruction of the Living Spire, a reborn presence unveiled itself to Achaea: Babel, God of Oblivion has risen!

A strange seal found in the lair of the tentacled monstrosity was destroyed this day, releasing the ancient chaos god Babel. At that very moment, the Goddess of Chaos Eris revealed herself, absconding with Babel and draining him dry of his essence in fulfillment of her long-laid plot. Triumphant, the Goddess vanished from sight, leaving the followers of Babel in shock and despair.

Equipped at last with the Eye of Golgotha, a mighty foci of Chaotic power, several members of the House of Occultists worked in concert to channel a great storm of rainbow-coloured light above the Living Spire in the midst of the Savannah, visible across the continent early in the month of Mayan.

Appearing in the wake of a tentacled monstrosity's savage attack on the village of Tomacula, the Aldar Han-Silnar, long ago banished to the Crystal Plane for his part in the Great Betrayal, was confronted by his brother Han-Tolneth. Quickly reaching an impasse, the two men were heard exchanging cruel insults when suddenly a forest of crystals enveloped Han-Silnar, whisking him away to an unknown destination.

With a roar of triumph, Ashaxei, the legendary white dragon, proclaimed a new age for the Greater Dragons of Achaea as the skill of Dragoncraft was unveiled.

Atlantia and the members of the Ivory Mark announced the opening of the Ivory Tower deep within the Sangre Plains. The opening ceremony, alas, was marred with blood by a surprise onslaught from the Quisalis, leaving a crimson stain on the occasion.

A bloated corpse and other strange debris washed up near Tasur'ke today, leading captain Haldor of the Luminescent Moon to patrol the waters beyond Sapience's northeastern shore. The voyage led him to the discovery of Colchis and the Port of Umbrin, two islands embroiled in an ancient war.

In an attempt to quench the fires of zealotry, seekers of Chaos summoned Lord Taug to destroy the burning pyre at the Chrysalis Basilica in Shallam, where karmic texts and related items have been discarded of late. Their efforts led to a momentary victory, though the pyre was relit days later by a Divine ray from the Sun.

Heralded by a most unexpected announcement, renowned architect Lukia DeGage revealed to the peoples of Sapience the details of her latest project: the building of a bridge to span both sides of the Great Southern Road as it crosses the churning waters of the Pachacacha River.

Newly opened for exploration by Sapience's youngest members, Mount Gheladan, the lair and home of the copper dragon Lasuna, was unveiled in the wee hours of the night on the 22nd of Phaestian, 472AF.

On a missive from Maklak, the infamous ice wizard, Zydain, Shimra, Lodur, Laytron, and Chani trekked across the relentless, frosty plains of Sapience's northern tundra, making all haste. Working together, these five members of the illustrious Crown Merchants House soon uncovered the frost-bound, xenophobic settlement of Hriddan, nestled within the shadow of Isaia's western mountain range.

The strange band of travelling merchants known as the Itinerant Bazaar appeared in Sapience today, peddling foreign and exotic wares ranging from dartboards to crocodile-skin quivers to enormous mount-trained vultures. After doing brisk business, the wandering bazaar vanished as mysteriously as it had arrived.

Nestled deep within the craggy peaks of the Northern Vashnar mountains, the decrepit, fouled edifice of Creville Asylum was discovered by proponents of Light. With the aid of only an injured nurse recently escaped from its maddening confines, Kruellagh, Ellodin, Beatrice, and others successfully uncovered Kortoxian's greatest secret in a race against the Mhaldorian task force determined to stop them.

Locked in a hidden shrine deep within Xhaiden Dale, a mysterious athame dagger sought by the Church as well as the Occultists was recovered to the Chrysalis Basilica.

Construction continues in the Sangre Plains on a tower for the Ivory Mark, thanks to a generous donation from the king of Arcadia and the assistance of Champion dragons Griffel and Sobriquet.

Ashtan has won the latest game of City-vs-City Capture the Flag, assuring their ownership of the Effigy of Victory until the next CTF! Congratulations to Ashtan!

Ashtan has won the latest game of City-vs-City Capture the Flag, assuring their ownership of the Effigy of Victory until the next CTF! Congratulations to Ashtan!

Deep within the choppy ocean waters off Sapience's southwestern coast, the island of Tuar was discovered by Logistics, Ashlog, and several other members of the Sentinels of Nature, as well as Moragaine and Genwin. Their journey was precipitated by clues revealed in Vixen, the Sentinel House tutor's most recent dreams.

In keeping with the holiday season, Logosmas decorations and goodies are available at the newly relocated Festivities Annex in New Thera.

A tavern at the Port of Tasur'ke has just opened, serving a variety of seafood dishes and drinks for sailors and landlubbers alike!

For nearly an Achaean year, strange dreams haunted the sleep of Achaeans, sometimes crossing the threshold between dream and reality and manifesting in life. The phenomena intensified until early in the year of 466 AF, adventurers began dreaming of a child cradled in the boughs of a tree. They realised that this was surely a representation of the child-god Pandemonium, son of the union of the god of War and Chaos, long asleep within the nurturing branches of the Eileithyian Tree. Surmising that it was his dreaming causing the chaotic ripples in the Dreamworld, mortals were able to bring him out of his deep sleep, and he awakened finally as Pandemonium, God of Strife!

An open call for new Celani has been posted! Find out if you have what it takes to become a God.

A 25% holiday bonus sale on credits has begun today, lasting until end of the day GMT on January 1st, 2008! Purchase 100 credits and receive a 25-credit bonus; purchase 1000 credits and receive a 250-credit bonus; and so on!

Following the release of four mysterious elementals from the House of the Crystalline Circle in Shallam, unstable catastrophic occurrences swept the realm, ended finally by the the exiled forest spirit Propasia's rebirth as the goddess Artemis, the Wrath of Nature!.

After a long and bloody four years, the war between the city-states of Ashtan and Shallam has come to a conclusion with Shallam conceding defeat to Ashtan's greater military might!

The young Achaean named Caramia came upon a fisherman who had been swept out to sea. The tale he told led the seafarers Inuad, Asara, and Schisstae, in the ship Aristeia, to venture far to the northwest of Sapience. There they discovered, off the coast near Saoghal, the island named Eirenwaar!

The world of Achaea swam in turmoil today as a plague of undead descended upon the realms, a result of the machinations of the Magisterion, three powerful liches of death magic. With the help of the spirit of Pryla'ka, a Tsol'dasi Priestess of Life unseen since her death in the Death's Heart Saga over two centuries before, Achaeans were able to thwart the Magisterion and return the balance of life and death to the world once more.

The time of Mayaween has arrived to the realm, and the ghostly house of horrors known as the Griesly family manor has once again made its appearance northeast of New Thera. Mayaween decorations, candies, and costumes are also freshly stocked in Delos, so get your hands on them while you still can!

A series of islands called the Ilyrean Isles have been discovered in the Borean Ocean off the far northern coast of Sapience! The isles' namesake, Ilyrean Isle, is an island of desolate tundra within which are caves inhabited by a white-furred giant race called the Sakuwats. The first Achaean to discover this island was Loscann Ze'Dekiah, captain of the ship named Luminescent Moon. Only one other of the isles appears to be inhabited -- Suliel Island, discovered by Inuad Stormsong Cholla'Yi, in the ship named, appropriately, the Icedancer.

After learning the contents of an ancient scrap of parchment discovered by the archaeologist Duris, Priyer, Ryzan, and Infinious followed the note's hints to similar documents, all hinting towards a mysterious prison to the north. Requesting passage on a ship owned and captained by Daeki, and later joined by Aviolana, the adventurers traversed brutal waters and searched long and hard before finally discovering the accursed ruins of Tenwat Prison.

Following a concerted effort amongst three of the major city-states of Achaea -- Ashtan, Eleusis, and Shallam -- and their allies in a devastating retributive strike against the city of Mhaldor, all three of the Icons of the Houses of Mhaldor have fallen, crumbled into dust.

Fifteen years after the assassination of Lord Makarta, Atlantia, former princess of Arcadia, has undertaken his position of gathering members for the Ivory Mark!

Lord Makarta, figurehead for the Ivory Mark, was brutally murdered while attending a wedding in Delos this month. Adventurers linked the assassination to the Quisalis Mark, soon discovering a network of caves beneath New Thera, where the organisation has begun extensive construction.

VELDRIN has won the Year 450 XP Competition, and DELPHINUS has won the Year 450 Quiz! Congratulations to both!

Hermann Schmidt of Bagwar's Copse announced a Year 450 Drinking Contest in his tavern today! The last one standing (literally) was the satyr named Latus, who won for his inebriatory prowess a neverending flagon of darkbrew!

Congratulations to Blujixapug and Delphinus, the winning riddlesolvers in the Year 450 Master Riddles!

The Year 450 Land Auction has concluded, with seven plots of land sold for a total of 83.5 million gold sovereigns!

A new type of ship called a Windcutter is now available for commission at the harbour on the Eastern Shore, a smaller, less expensive vessel than the previously available Thalassian seastrider.

The 5th Annual Delosian Game has concluded, and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners are Istiria, Zeyfer, and Tievel! Congratulations to all.

Reviving age-old conflict in the recent crusade against Chaos, the cities of Shallam and Ashtan are officially at war.

The first ships capable of being sailed by adventurers have arrived in Achaea at long last! Thus far, the crews of ships have discovered four new islands in the vicinity of the continent of Sapience - Zanzibaar, Clockwork Isle, Tapoa, and Zaphar Isle. Captain a ship and sail around the world!

The Iron Realms 10-year anniversary essay contest has been judged, and three Achaeans have placed in the top ten, winning credit prizes! Congratulations are in order to Auralys, Spudd, and Linus, who placed 2nd, 7th, and 8th.

Congratulations to Ashtan, Bastion of the North, for their victory in the Ten Year Anniversary City vs City CTF!

First through fifth place winning tickets in the Ten Year Anniversary Lottery were held by Istiria, Fanris, Skarash, Firey, and Hyperlith, who won 1000, 800, 600, 400, and 200 credits respectively! Congratulations!

The weekend of our ten year anniversary is here! We're kicking off with a series of arena and worldgames on Friday and Saturday for credit, gold, and other prizes, and on Sunday will be a Treasure Hunt, Tumble Races, Quizzes, a City vs City game of Capture the Flag, and the Ten Year Anniversary Lottery drawing! Don't miss out!

A Lottery in honour of our upcoming 10-year anniversary has opened, with 3000 credits in prizes! The grand prize winner alone will win 1000 credits, so buy your tickets now!

Lead-up celebrations for the 10-year anniversary of Achaea and the Iron Realms continued this weekend with a series of arena games for credit prizes! There were six games in all, and those who placed in the top five in each game all received prizes. First place in each game were: Freezetag - Cooper; Bait-the-Frog - Kaje; Levels 10-29 Free-For-All - Toan; Levels 30-49 Free-For-All - Voy; Levels 50-79 Free-For-All - Brimir; Levels 80-100 Free-For-All - Griffel. Congratulations to all!

Two weeks ago, the Dreamrealm was shaken as Aegis, God of War, ordered His army to enter the realm of Valnurana, Goddess of Sleep and Dreams. The army's goal was to reach Aegis' sleeping son, Pandemonium, but they were unprepared for what they would find beyond the material plane. As a result, nearly all were lost in battle, and the powerful daemon Noxuron was unleashed upon the world. Bystanders were afflicted by a series of disorienting visions, which were only recently alleviated by members of Valnurana's order, and the global effects of these events remain to be seen.

Congratulations to the 1st through 3rd place winners of the Third Delosian Game - Jhui, Jaizsur, and Kruellagh!

Compete in the Third Annual Delosian Game, held on the 16th of Mayan, 457 AF (today, Monday, 7pm US Pacific, 10pm US Eastern, or Tuesday, 2am, GMT).

Come take your shot at generous gold prizes, or the special winner's prize for first place only!

Sorry! First through third place winners in previous Delosian games are disqualified for this competition.

The 10th anniversary celebration continued today with a Bandersnatch world event with nearly 700 credits given away as prizes!

Iron Realms 10th Anniversary is on September 9th, 2007. All games are currently offering a 30% bonus to all credits purchased in celebration!

The second annual Delosian Game was held this Mayan, with special sponsorship by the esteemed Chroniclers of Lore, who organised an Achaean Quiz for the occasion. Acting as Grand Inquisitor was the chronicler Imyrr, and the winners were, from 1st to 3rd place: Misty, Jalet, and Blujixapug! Congratulations to all three.

Tharos, the Announcer of Delos, announced the beginning of the annual Delosian Games, a competition to be held in the month of Mayan every year, with prizes. The first of the Delosian Games was held today: a special riddle with a twist. The first through third place winners were Saltaern, Delphinus, and Jaizsur!

In a surprising turn of events in the Underworld, adventurers turned their efforts toward helping the unicorn under Lord Ugrach's control, just as the Undead ruler was about to stabilise his power over the Soulbleed Nexus. Guided by the muted seer Apollonia, they succeeded in freeing the unicorn of her binding to Ugrach, dashing the Magisterion's hopes of ruling the Underworld. Angered but not defeated, Ugrach declared himself the victor, and soulbleed began to coalesce at his nexus once more.

War rages in the Underworld as the dread Magisterion vie to wrest power from its sovereign, Lord Ugrach! The aid of adventurers to either side can tip the balance. Meanwhile, a long-unseen mute oracle has made a mysterious appearance in the Underworld, her presence somehow tied to the only living unicorn, an ethereal creature currently under Ugrach's control and coveted by the Magisterion.

Early on Friday the 13th, the notorious Mhaldorian Naga, Tenebrus, achieved what had not been done in well over a century: the raising of the Spawn of the Unnameable Horror.

Your chance to become a God and join our pantheon in the Garden of the Gods has come... an open call for Celani has begun! For those who wish more creative authority over the realm but are yet reluctant to leave the mortal coil, we are also accepting applications for mortal builders. Read news post #2538 on the Announce board in the game for details.

Another way to customise your character's roleplayed presentation in our world even further: you may now set your character's voice or accent!

Duels in arenas across the realm may now be held... TO THE DEATH! Combatants now have the option of challenging each other to duels in arenas that end in real death for the losing party.

A number of player-requested changes have swept the realm, including the ability for organisations to claim manuscripts so that any of their members can edit them, the ability for Bards to use their accentato ability upon denizens, the ability for city leaders to join citizens in matrimony, and much more!

Achaean communication has entered a new level of expressiveness today -- adventurers can now add any of hundreds of adverbs to their speech, allowing you to "sing softly", "say derisively", "whine pedantically", and much much more!

A number of updates and additions to Achaea were announced today, including a new drinking horn artefact that replenishes itself with liquor, added functionality to the SHEATHE and DRAW commands, and bugfixes and updates to numerous abilities!

Three new artefacts have been unveiled: Anake's Hood, Shackles of Garash, and the horn of plenty! The Hood protects you from those who would eavesdrop on your conversations, the Shackles give the mass-salve effect when worn, and the horn of plenty continually replenishes itself with delicious comestibles.

Confronted by a sudden influx of sewage that polluted the river in Actar and caused the river nymph Naiad and many halflings to fall ill, Bodo, the halfling guard, turned to the adventurers Cazarin and Somather for aid. Soon a small party was formed and, with Finchy at the lead, they scaled a previously unexplored peak of the Southern Vashnars called Mount Piraeus, where they discovered a small settlement of reclusive cyclopes whose faulty sewage system had begun leaking into the river.

The Year 450 grand prizes for the lottery and the Championship Games have been finalised. The grand prize ticket holder of the Year 450 Lottery shall win a choice between $500.00 USD and 2000 in-game credits! The overall winner of the Championship Games shall win a choice between $700.00 USD and 2500 credits! Good luck to everyone.

In honour of the Year 450 celebrations, we will be holding the second-ever land auction in Achaea, giving prospective landowners to bid for housing plots outside of city subdivisions for the first time since 2004! Read announce news #2448 for details.

The city of Cyrene, with their allies from Shallam, has won the City vs City Capture the Flag!

A strange disturbance in the Western Ithmia led to the uncovering of the hidden forest of Sparrow's Rest! Charms employed by the Sentinel Andante brought down the magical screens that had concealed a small group of ornery druids originally from Eleusis.

JAIZSUR has been named as the Champion of the Year 450 Games! The Staff of Nicator, symbol of divine favour and mortal excellence, has been bestowed upon him in an awards ceremony formally closing the Games.

VELDRIN has won the Year 450 XP Competition, and DELPHINUS has won the Year 450 Quiz! Congratulations to both!

Making a clean sweep of all three of the Year 450 Championship Games so far, Jaizsur Ta'sa has now won first place in both the Tumble Races AND the 2v2 Combat Tournament! Congratulations also to Jhui, the other member of the first place team in the Combat Tournament.

The Year 450 XP Competition has begun! It will last until 7pm GMT Sunday, May 13. Good luck to everyone!

The artist Vinci of Delos announced a Tattoo Competition in honour of Year 450, offering as prize a free PERMANENT magical tattoo! Seventy different adventurers submitted their decorative tattoo designs, and a panel consisting of Vinci, Frida of Caer Witrin, and Zigfrey of Cyrene judged the entries. The winner: Delphinus Windancer, with his tattoo design of the Morning Star and Abbadon, the Destroyer!

The Year 450 Lottery winners have been drawn, and HAWFELD has won the grand prize: his choice of 2000 credits OR $500 USD! Congratulations Hawfeld, and to our other lottery winners, 2nd-5th place: Musicia, Keryden, Razool, and Dalavan!

The shocking murder of a woman in the small town of Petra led to the discovery of a strange item called Anake's Hood by a Druid named Eurulis Lighthawk! The properties of this hood are yet a mystery...

Year 450 is here! We kicked off celebrations with a Treasure Hunt giving away gold, herbs, even artefacts ranging from daggers of reincarnation to eagle's wings! The Year 450 Lottery has opened and winning tickets will be drawn on Friday at 6pm GMT. Check the full schedule for details, and happy Y450!

The Year 450 Bandersnatch is over, and JAIZSUR has come in first place, earning 12 Y450 Championship Points! Paine and Delphinus came in 2nd and 3rd, winning 10 and 8 points for the overall Championship respectively. Congratulations to all in the top ten, who all earned Championship Points and credit prizes. The next two Championship Games are the Tumble Races and the Twins Combat Tournament, with the Races beginning next Friday 7pm GMT!

Our current 15% bonus credit sale has been extended until the end of May! Happy Year 450 all!

Every 50 years sees a grand celebration in Achaea to commemorate the fall of the Seleucarian Empire to the Sapient League and the rise of the Modern Age. The preliminary schedule of events for the Year 450 celebrations and Championship Games has been posted! Thousands of credits will be given away as prizes during these celebrations; you will NOT want to miss out on the fun.

Furthermore, a game of City vs City Capture the Flag has been announced as the grand finale to the Year 450 celebrations. Cities, prepare yourselves!

A peculiar assortment of merchants breezed into Sapience this month, setting up their tents east of the Shunai Bridge and hawking a variety of unique wares, from edible hot peppers and rare flowers to specialty leatherwork and exotic steeds. The items were quickly snapped up by buyers and collectors, and after a short day's work, the vendors vanished as mysteriously as they came.

A series of mysterious events involving the destruction of the temple of the Goddess of the Sun and a child hidden on the Isle of New Hope culminated in the attention of Agatheis, God of the Elements returning to the prime material plane! Achaea welcomes back Agatheis!

In an unexpected and stunning conclusion to recent events, Mithraea, Goddess of the Sun, long imprisoned in a faroff plane, has triumphantly returned!

A 15% bonus on purchased credits has begun and will last until the end of April! Enjoy!

Earlier this week, a mystical seed containing the essence of a long-lost forest fell into the diabolical hands of the buckawn witchdoctor of Forest Watch. In his lust for power and revenge against the eternal enemies of the buckawns, the dryads, he transformed the seed into a weapon and released swarms of giant beetles upon the Ithmian forests. It was not until the witchdoctor was relieved of his corrupted weapon that the plague abated and the seed's power was used to cleanse the forests.

The untimely death of an elderly peddler to the snow tiger Grimlath near Caer Witrin today saddened adventurers and denizens alike. Furthermore, due to the unavailability of his specialty art supplies, the town's artists Frida and Anais have announced that they will no longer accept commissions from customers. The unidentified peddler will be buried at the Caer Witrin cemetery.

A great plume of smoke, a sudden scream piercing the air, and an explosion of deafening proportions in the main room of the Crystal Leaf Inn preceded the mysterious materialisation of a strange shaman. Disoriented and with no clear idea of where he was or how to get back to the place whence he came, he sought out the aid of several good-hearted adventurers. Following what there was of his vague memory, they helped him find the way back to his home: the previously lost and forgotten village of Bitterfork, in the deep northwest of the continent.

With help from unexpected quarters, the House of the Crystalline Circle managed to reach the spirit of their loyal House tutor, Ariela the Wise, lost deep within the Dreamrealm. Conducting a powerful focusing ritual, seven determined members of the Circle aided Ariela in drawing a star crystal from the Dreamrealm and awakening with it in material form. With the star crystal, they were then able to heal the rift in their long-damaged Master Crystal!

An impressive gathering marked the premier Festival of Light in the City of Shallam this Scarlatan. Representatives from the Houses of Shallam, orders of Good and Light, and the Holy Church of Achaea showcased their organisations in the public celebration.

Invitations to Shallam's upcoming Festival of Light were sent out today, marking the inaugural flight of paradise birds as part of the city's revamped postal service. The festival, scheduled for Sunday, February 11 at 8 p.m. GMT (3 p.m. EST and noon PST), will showcase the many facets of the Jewel of the East, with free food and drinks provided!

While searching the grounds of Adryn Keep for a missing child, adventurers came upon a previously unexplored stretch of ocean along the coast of Sapience: the Eastern shore.

We're giving away over TEN THOUSAND credits in our "Stress the Server" event, Saturday, the 6th of January, at 18:00 GMT (6 pm), or 10 am US Pacific, or 1 pm US eastern).

Come to our hour-long free-pk egghunt where every single person with a score at the end will get credits, and a lucky few will win even more - as many as TWO THOUSAND credits to keep in the real Achaea!

Read here for more on the beta server. or READNEWS ANNOUNCE 2402 in real Achaea!

Fondly termed "Anarchaea", a public beta server is currently in operation for Achaea! See this page for details.

Our holiday credit bonus sale has been extended through midnight GMT January 15th, 2007! Happy New Year, Achaea!

Today we released our official Achaea quick start guide! It is online now (from anywhere on our site at www.achaea.com, look under Help along the left side of the page), and will be available for download in multiple formats soon.

Merentesh, stylish proprietor of Sundries of Delos, recently placed numerous new items in stock for the season:

• Scented candles,
• Logosmas Envelopes,
• Chocolate Sovereigns, and
• Logosmas Stockings (free, custom stitching service!)

Not to mention holly, mistletoe, draydels, and candy canes usable as weapons!

A holiday bonus of 20% is being applied to all credit purchases until midnight GMT on December 31st! For example, if you purchase a 1000-credit package, you will receive a bonus of 200 credits. Happy holidays, everyone!

The Bard class has just received a significant update, including several new abilities such as Songbirds and Limerick, the ability to Tunesmith their songblessed rapiers, and much more!

In honour of Player Appreciation Week, we are gifting a 30% bonus to all experience gained in Achaea until 01:00 GMT Sunday (Saturday evening for those in the US)!

As occurs near the time of every Mayaween, a path to the Griesly family manor, a nightmarish mansion teeming with fiendish horrors, has been revealed.

We hereby declare this week Player Appreciation Week! To show our appreciation, we've gifted 20 bound credits to every single player who has been in the realms in the last 30 days. Furthermore, until 11:59 PM GMT, October 31st, we are having a 15% credit bonus sale! Lastly, for 24 hours starting midnight GMT on Saturday and ending midnight GMT on Sunday, we will give a 30% bonus to all experience gain! See Announce news post 2372 for details.

An open call has been announced for new Chroniclers for the Archives of Achaean Lore!

The famed explorer and cartographer Delphinus has contributed a splendid new illustrated world map for the edification and enjoyment of all Achaeans!

In anticipation of the coming time known as Mayaween, Merentesh of Delos has begun stocking his shop with costumes both traditional and new, as well as other Mayaween goodies.

Two new systems based upon the principle of mutual consent, Friends and Rivals, were unveiled today! The friends system allows you to befriend others, granting you and your friends new features such as notifications when your friends enter the realms, while the rivals system allows you to hunt down your mutually acknowledged rivals without mercy!

The House tutors of the Wardens of the Cerulean Spire and the Spirit Walkers were found unconscious, around the same time that those of the Shaman and Runewarden classes discovered that they had mysteriously lost their power to sketch runes! When revived, the tutors revealed the forgotten history of Runelore: the story of its original loss in ages past, and the secret of what must have recently caused it to sicken once more. With the tutors' help, the practitioners of Runelore were able to restore their art to fullness, in the process rediscovering five runes lost long ago, Runeblades, and more!

A troop of triton warriors were noticed wandering along the roads. The tritons, wary of "landwalkers" but in need of help in navigating dry land, grudgingly let it be known that they were on a reconnaissance mission to locate an oceanic city last known to be off the western coast near the Northreach Forest. With the help of a group of adventurers guiding them, the tritons finally came upon the coastal location where the city was supposed to be. Climbing down treacherous cliffs descending into the ocean, the tritons and their guides found there the ruins of the underwater mermic kingdom, Phereklos!.

Congratulations to the city of Shallam and her allies, who triumphed in the worldwide battles of Capture the Flag on this day to secure for the City of Light the prized Effigy of Victory!

The elderly ornithologist Ignatius was found lost in the bog near Ashtan, on his way to procure equipment for an unlikely mountain-climbing expedition. Excited by the sight of black cranes he had seen flying into the Northern Vashnars, the elderly gent was determined to see them up close. With the help of a cadre of adventurers, especially his climbing partner Arcani, he scaled the mountains and found his way into a hidden valley long isolated from the rest of the world: Xhaiden Dale!

All of Achaea raises its voice in welcome to Vastar, the Skylord, who graces the realm with his divine presence once more!

The discovery of an injured scout on the Raphaelan Highway ended in tragedy when the scout perished from his wounds, but not before he had given away the general whereabouts of his home, the long-secluded Adryn's Keep. Iocun was the first to find the hidden path to this feudal estate off the river Zaphar, harried of late by a group of evil bandits and thieves.

After a period of nearly 2 Achaean years, the solar eclipse was finally ended today with the shattering of the protective dome around Slith, Prince of the Undead Legions, who had been causing the fixed planetary alignment. Though Slith decimated the Achaeans amassed against him before his escape, the realm is graced once more by the light of the sun.

A stumble in the darkness cost Titania, the Queen of the Dryads, a precious gift of jewellery from her beloved King of the Fairies, lost down the river Zaphar within the belly of a silver-backed fish. With the assistance of the Old Man of the River, friends of Titania gained access to previously unexplored segments of the river Zaphar and finally found for the lovely Queen her ring.

A lone ebon-maned nightmare appeared today on the Sangre plains, hunted by a colony of numerous giant white bats intent upon her demise. After the bats were slain through the efforts of many, a net previously used to capture the nychtaur became a silvery bridle for the nightmare, who appeared to be heavy with foal. She was led away to the safety of the Temple of the Moon, but later fled back to the Sangre.

A ritual performed today by Aerilius, Priestess of the Solstar along with five Achaeans, Goldberry, Silas, Zenui, Najara, and Aneevah, revealed a glimpse at a different face behind that of Tavarius, the mysterious man behind the ward of power causing the current eclipse of the sun! Unfortunately, the ritual failed in its ultimate goal, leading to a backlash that tragically took the lives of the ritualists.

The fearsome nychtaur was finally captured by the Order of the Moon, including Kaixis, Apollodorus, and Elizabeth, and the beast's mysterious origins revealed in an exciting saga involving the return of the goddess of dreams, Valnurana, and the god of death, Thoth.

Still, the triune eclipse of the sun continues to shroud the world in darkness, with no end to the perpetual night in sight.

Following a daring rescue of the ferryman Nate, battling tempestuous seas and sea monsters brought to the ocean surface in the long eclipse, adventurers have made a new discovery: the seaside village of Ka'doloki!

A strange glowing door, hanging in midair, was stumbled upon by an explorer named Entaro. Those intrepid adventurers entering the door found themselves in an endless hallway, surrounded by doors leading to countless and farflung destinations. Later, it came to light that the door was the result of a failed attempt by the wizard Hycanthus at opening a portal to try to end the eternal night.

A triple eclipse of the sun has cloaked the realms in darkness, the triune eclipsing planets locked in orbit with the sun by a mysterious power!

A covey of explorers assisted a Jaruvian fisherman in escorting his young daughter to a monastery upon a secluded isle in the waters off the Peshwar Delta, bringing back word of the beautiful Isle of New Hope to the mainland.

Upon this day, the Gods of the Church of Achaea gathered to bequest upon the Church the Codex of Light! May this Codex, like the Holy Codex before it, illuminate the path of the seekers and champions of the Light.

Sheltered within the Shamtota Hills, the mining town of Nimick has deliberately concealed itself from the world at large for many years. This state of affairs has now ended, and the villagers' rebel faction leader has revealed its existence and whereabouts to all.

The disappearance of the rascals in the town of Tasur'ke led to a search by concerned adventurers. To the relief of all, the young troublemakers were soon found frolicking in the kitchens of a lavish manor in north Tasur'ke, the home of a suspiciously wealthy family named Aurick. Aurick Manor has now opened its gates to visitors.

A relaxing haven for explorers of the world to rest their feet between expeditions, the newly constructed Wander Inn has opened its doors in New Thera, including an exclusive members' only area open to only the greatest explorers.

Barak D'Nichliz, dwarven Lord of the Undercaves of Blackrock, was noticed acting suspiciously. His strange behaviour came to a head when he ordered Blackrock's commodity shop closed down. Investigating, a group led by Iocun of the Mojushai of Cyrene puzzled out the spell holding sway over Barak and broke its control over him. Along the way, they discovered the Caves of Delmarin, populated by a half-snake, half-human race called the Dyissans!

A riddle posed upon the pages of the Holy Codex showed the way to bring to life the dragon shrines of Pentharian, God of Valour. Led by Atanamir, the Platinum Dragon, they opened a portal in the heavens to free Pentharian from His long-time imprisonment by the formidable undead prince Slith. Pentharian joined His power with that of Lorielan, Goddess of Knowledge to heal Tarah and return Her to corporeal form. Welcome home, Pentharian!

A ritual interrupted by a malicious vision results in a catastrophe, severely weakening Tarah, Goddess of Harmony and Compassion, who has taken refuge within the divine artefact known as the Holy Codex. As the pages of the Codex fade, the fate of the Goddess is in question.

he Nishnatoba Deadlands were revealed today - over four hundred rooms of desolate wastelands upon which are scattered the Icons of the great Houses, a savage battlefield of unprecedented scope!

In an unprecedented show of might and discipline, the armies of Evil have recently destroyed both the Icons of the Empyreal Assembly and the Guardians of Light!

Recently announced, the Houses of Achaea will now be able to choose from a plethora of new options for their internal governments, including such choices as leadership by triumvirate, elected autocrat, dictator, or oligarchy; fixed term lengths; the appointment of successors; and more.

The lachrymose wailings of a ghost in the Black Forest stirred compassionate adventurers to his aid. Searching for the ghost, Jalet I'sasome was the first to discover previously untouched sections of the Black Forest.

Some time later, a hunter was found on the Prelatorian Highway, badly mauled by the very beasts he had been trying to hunt. A group led by Bleak and Swishowski helped the hunter, Garian, retrace his way back to the long-lost Green Lake.

All in all, it was a good day for explorers!

Mhaldor struck more at the City of Light, kidnapping the young maiden Irilan from Shallam. The soldiers of Light stormed the city of Evil, throwing themselves against the battlements time and time again in their efforts to reach the hapless girl. In a dramatic conclusion, the vizier Altarius rescued Irilan, but not before the ordeal had managed to leave deep marks upon her.

The forces of Mhaldor, City of Evil triumphed after a bloody and drawn-out battle, destroying the Icon of the Crystalline Circle. Despite valiant efforts by the members of the Crystalline Circle and their allies, the Icon of the Crystal Mirror shattered and fell under Mhaldor's grim onslaught.

The Naga Talkaze, member of a small cadre of explorers led by Cypra Lichlord of Mhaldor, was first to discover the hidden Dun Valley Swamps on this day!

Judging for the Iron Realms Poster Contest has ended, and five winners have been chosen! The Grand Prize of $1000 or 5000 credits has been awarded to Imyrr of Achaea. Congratulations to all winners! The winning posters and runner-ups can be viewed here.

A change in the credits system throughout the Iron Realms brings good tidings for all: a 2.5 lesson bonus per credit spent on your character, for up to 1000 credits! That's not the only benefit of the revised system, either. See Announce news #2241 and HELP CREDITS for details.

Maya, the Great Mother has decreed that from this day forth, all Achaeans upon reaching 18 years of age may undergo the Trial of Rebirth within the Flame of Yggdrasil. In other words: Achaea's newbie introduction tour has been entirely rewritten for greater newbie-friendliness within a uniquely Achaean context, as figures from Achaea's rich history guide the new player in a quest to be reborn within the Flame.

Enter the Iron Realms Poster Contest and win up to 5000 credits or $1000 USD! Contest ends February 20th.

The city vs city Capture the Flag has concluded, and the city of Ashtan has triumphed, winning the Effigy of Victory!

The shifting of a glacier far to the north attracted curious explorers onto the glacier, where they came across a man named Herik. Leading the explorers to a cave, he explained that the movement of the ice had blocked the entrance to his home. The resourceful explorers were able to help Herik melt through the solid sheet of ice, revealing the entrance to the submerged city Isaia.

A game of Capture the Flag, a worldwide event in which the six great city-states of Achaea are pitted against each other in an exhilarating, no-holds-barred competition for the Effigy of Victory, has been scheduled for this Sunday at 8pm GMT!

An unknown force freed the beast known as the Leviathan into the Western Ocean, where it wreaked havoc along the western coastline of Sapience until wounded in battle by Sefyr, the Guardian of the Western Seas. In the battle, the Leviathan smashed into the cliffs along the coastline, and a way down the newly destroyed cliffside to a small isle south of the greater Island off the Northern Vashnars was discovered first by young Khelek Drakor. Within this Isle of Harae dwell primitive volcano-worshipping villagers who call themselves the Haraekanewa.

It seems likely that the Leviathan had been freed as a distraction while a thief stole into the prized hippocampus herds of Sefyr. The reason for such an elaborate ruse is yet unknown.

New maps of Caer Witrin, the Sangre Plains & Petra, and the city of Shallam have been added to the maps section of the website. Seasoned explorers and befuddled newbies alike will appreciate these detailed, attractively rendered maps.

A new system for player-run lotteries was introduced today. With a lottery permit, official lottery runners can set up and run lotteries for set or increasing amounts of gold, or other special prizes.

The current 10% credit bonus has been extended until the end of January.

Several new abilities and skill updates have been added recently, including WEAPONLIST, the ability to ELIXLIST, and the ability to WHISTLE MOUNT, and an update to custom emotes.

The 10% holiday credit bonus has been extended until January 15th, 2006. Happy New Year!

More new artefacts have been unveiled recently: Runic Gauntlets, magical boxes of chocolates, serpentine keyrings, and more! You can find out more about them in the misc. artefacts and all artefacts scrolls.

A dwarven explorer named Elawhe Greyfounder was found delirious and half-starved in the Northreach Forest. Roused with proper ale and food, she spoke in horror of ruins deep within mountains to the north, crawling with hideous and dangerous creatures. Her beloved had become entrapped within, and she had roamed south seeking help in his rescue. While the druid Shomaragu Valentai and others escorted Elawhe back north, scouts ventured ahead to the furthest reaches of northern Sapience. Grignor Winterwind was the first of these to find the ruins of which Elawhe had spoken, an eerie place called Morindar, and the rescue party braved its hidden depths to successfully rescue Elawhe's beloved, Torgath Shalecutter.

An avalanche in the Southern Vashnars has revealed a narrow passage through the mountains, leading to the cliffs of Quartz Peak! A sentient bearlike race of men called the Ursu and their enemies, the Taryen, have been discovered dwelling within the cliffside caves. Zenui Ruthras was the first to set foot upon Quartz Peak.

For too long, an age-old foe of Nature called the Wyrm of Worlds has masqueraded in the guise of the goddess Demeter, the Green Lady, having banished Her true self to the netherworld whence he came. Having overcome many a nightmare in that hell, the Green Lady has returned to Sapience and triumphed in battle over the sly Wyrm. Changed forever by Her dark experiences in the netherworld, She has become reborn as Melantha, Goddess of the Seasons!

The Archives of Achaean Lore have been revealed to the public today. This compendium of knowledge of all things Achaean, compiled by erudite and tireless Chroniclers, is a vast storehouse of information at over 1000 entries and growing. Search, browse, read, learn, even apply to become a Chronicler yourself.

While exulting over his initial victory over Miramar, Goddess of Justice, the demon prince Slith was overtaken by the forces of Good. Regaining the Crystal Decanter, the followers of Miramar struggled to reach another plane known as Miranus, eventually restoring their beloved goddess there. Miramar has since promised Judgement against those who attempted to destroy Her.

A 10% holiday bonus on purchased credits has begun and will last until the first of 2006! Enjoy!

Several new artefacts have been revealed in recent days, such as Prismatic Lanterns, Aural Earrings, and Fishscale tunics. Read all about them, and many more, in our misc. artefacts and all artefacts scrolls.

Two new additions were put in today:
The Valley of \ Actar and the Scarlattan Theatre. Actar is a new area mainly for post-newbies while the theatre is a very cool system allowing players to put on plays complete with costumes, props, sets, effects, and so on. Thank you Scarlatti!

Forces of Mhaldor sacrificed their lives in a recent joint effort alongside beings believed to be servants of Prince Slith. The two groups acted in concert, attacking in Shallam and finally gaining their prize: a Crystal Decanter containing some essence of Shallamese patrons past and present.

A youthful gambler won several rounds of dice games against the Gods themselves at a newly opened casino in New Thera before revealing his true identity. Welcome back Hermes, the Messenger!

All artefact tradeins are now at two-thirds of the current price! Most were formerly at one-half price. Additionally, most tradeins can be done in the realms using the new command ARTEFACT, resulting in Artefact Credits. To read more, see Artefact Tradeins.

In the wake of the latest success by House Ashura, another house, The Merchants of the Crown, recently empowered their new icon with great hope, only to see hope destroyed by a spectacular betrayal culminating in the first ever destruction of a House Icon!

The latest House Icon - that of House Ashura - was activated this month to much fanfare. The intrepid house began a steady push to empower their Icon, putting to shame all other Houses on the way. In the end, House Ashura gained full power first before finally being joined by the other houses.

It's that time again: a rare convergence of constellations has caused the barrier between the spirit world and the prime material plane to grow thinner. The path to the Griesly family manor, once a majestic estate near North of New Thera, has opened once more!

Today marked the introduction of Achaea's new design system. Now anybody can own designs, even non-crafters, and everybody has a host of new ways to look through and deal with what were formerly Tailoring patterns and Jewellery schematics.

The first seven of the Icons of the great Houses of Achaea were activated today in the Plane of Nishnatoba. Ranging from the Wheel of Chaos of the Occultists to the Ivory Rose of the Sentaari to the Triple Suns of the Dawnstriders, these potent monuments of immense power bestow the members of the respective Houses with certain benefits. In return, the Houses must care for their Icons and strengthen them, and if they so wish, attack and weaken the Icons of other Houses.

The hidden way to a small inlet at the base of the cliffs on the Southern Vashnars have been discovered! Opening onto the Southern Sea, Sea Lion Cove is populated by the gentle sea lions that are its namesake, a retired sea captain in a lighthouse, and more dangerous creatures in its cliffside caves and deeper waters.

Bizarre and whimsical phenomena swept over Achaea in the wake of a giggling ball of light, a capricious and mischievous sprite who turned out to have escaped with a pouch full of fairy dust from an adjacent plane called Annwyn. Delphinus, Blujixapug, Tiax, and Naharog were the first to discover and enter this plane, an enchanted hidden realm populated by fairies, sprites, kelpies, selkies, and other fantastic creatures, dominated by the drama that brews between the forums of Light and Dark, Sidhe and Unsidhe Court.

Following an event in which the protege of the head of the Ivory Mark revealed himself to be the son of the former head of the Quisalis Mark, a new arena game has been introduced: Champions vs. Assassins! This team-based arena game rewards the team that can maintain hold of the legendary Blade of the Masters with victory.

Following the Year 400 24-hour XP Event, won by Veldrin, and the Year 400 Quiz, won by Delphinus, REIYE has been titled the Champion of the Year 400 Games! The prize of the Staff of Nicator, 1000 credits, and an Xbox 360 is Reiye's. Congratulations to all those who placed in the Championship Games!

The Year 400 24-hour XP event has begun today! This is the semifinal game in the Year 400 Championships that will determine who receives the prize of an Xbox 360 and the legendary Staff of Nicator.

The former Vertani commander Daqsool has announced to the world the existence of a newly-built settlement built in the Dakhota hills. Populated by the alien refugees and exiles of the Vertani War, the modest village is named Tir Murann, or "Land of Hope" in the tongue of the aliens who once invaded Sapience.

The Year 400 Tumble Races were held today, testing Achaeans' knowledge of the geography of Achaea in 6 rounds of races. The Year 400 game of Hunt the Frumious Bandersnatch was held as well. Reiye has emerged as the top scorer in not one, but BOTH competitions! Congratulations, Reiye.

After over 30 brutal battles in the arenas worldwide, the Y4C Twins Combat Tournament is over, and the team of Geraint and Rangor are the victors! More Year 400 Championship Games events are to come.

Imyrr, Blujixapug, and Korben have solved the three Year 400 Master Riddles, and each has won the chance to choose a prize from the legendary Vault of the Gods!

As part of the ongoing Year 400 Celebrations, a new arena game was unveiled today: King of the Hill! This exciting and fast-paced game is played with two teams that battle it out within an arena for control of the Hill and the Flag. Credit prizes were awarded to the 14 warriors who played in the debut game.

The Year 400 Celebrations have kicked off in Achaea! Following a grand worldwide treasure hunt for giftbags containing a wide range of goodies, the Year 400 Lottery has opened with a Sony PSP as the grand prize! Come join our festivities.

It is the end of an era in Achaea, for the last of the fabled guilds of Achaea have become chartered as Houses, potentially multi-classed organisations that unite like-minded Achaeans in pursuit of common goals. The Age of Guilds has passed, and the Age of Houses has truly been born.

Year 400 celebrations will begin on August 16th! Festivities will last through year 400 in Achaea, ending on August 29th. In between, there will be games and competitions with prizes ranging from an Xbox 360 to a Sony PSP and awards of thousands of credits! It's an event not to be missed. Details here.

The Nexus client is now out of beta! More powerful and feature-rich than its predecessor, this java client is designed specifically for Achaea and other Iron Realms. Give it a try through the Play Now button!

In anticipation of the Year 400 celebrations in Achaea, a credit bonus sale has begun and will last until the end of the year 400 A.F. in Achaea - equivalent to roughly 8/29/2005 GMT. The bonus is 20% of whatever you might purchase. Don't miss out!

Artists of both word and brush have received their awards in the most recent contest results announcement for the Bardic and Artisanal contest. Thousands of credits are routinely awarded as prizes to aspiring artists and budding bards of the Achaean realms. Congratulations all!

With the grand opening of the Lucretian Athenaeum in New Thera, the long-awaited and -asked-for library system has been introduced in Achaea!

In an epic culmination to a days-long series of events, Sartan, God of Evil, today became sundered into the two separate Gods of whom His essence originally was composed: Shaitan, God of Oppression and Apollyon, the Suffering! Details surrounding the origins of Keresis, Goddess of Vengeance became revealed after She gave Her aid to Sartan in this momentous event.

Today's Capture the Flag event took on extra significance due to its timing - scant Achaean hours after the creation of Maya, the Great Mother. In fierce competition whose end was in doubt throughout the event, Eleusis (styled village by some, city by others) brought home the Effigy of Victory with at least limited aid from Hashan. Shallam followed, aided by Cyrene, and Ashtan (with the assistance of Mhaldor) finished third. An exciting event, and a fitting way to usher in the new epoch of the Overseership of Maya, the Great Mother!

Today Sarapis, the Logos designated a new overseer of Creation. A new day, a new epoch, began therewith, as Makali, Goddess of Destruction and Maya, formerly known as the Mother of humanity, were fused in essence to become Maya, the Great Mother, and received the commission and responsibility to oversee all Creation from the hand Sarapis, the Logos himself. Numerous immortals pledged their allegiance and gave Maya, the Great Mother gifts as they severally chose. The event was witnessed by the largest mortal crowd in recorded Achaean history.

An earthquake opened a rift deep within Manara Burrow recently, revealing a previously-undiscovered area of interconnected magma caves known as Nuskuwe. Hundreds of its denizens -- fire wyrms -- escaped through the rift and onto the surface of Sapience. Fire and sorrow followed in their twisted paths, to the tune of nearly twelve hundred adventurer deaths over a four-day span of time. A demolitionist of Moghedu finally managed to help narrow the opening and stem tide of living magma creatures. Brave explorers now wander the caverns in search of gold and glory!

The first of the new Houses has arrived in Achaea. Congratulations to the first, to be followed by many more - HOUSE WARDENS - The Wardens of the Cerulean Spire.

A new goddess, Kastalia, Goddess of Lakes and Rivers has arisen! The recent plague's explanation is found in the events leading up to her arrival.

A mysterious plague of unknown origin, apparently related to the rivers of Sapience, has overtaken denizen and adventurer alike. Contradictory rumours as to the source, and possible cure, have swept the realms!

Lorielan has returned from the Crystal plane to Achaea!

With the aid of Sh'Fah, a Kx'Khrah warrior, The Enlightened won free from whatever bondage She was held under by Slith, Prince of the undead plane. Slith's role in all this remains unclear. Perhaps Lorielan, the Enlightened, will explain more in the months to come.

Vicar Herenicus Coldraven was today appointed to the highest position in Necromancy: Dread Ecclesiarch of Transvital corruption. Into his evil hands has passed the power to anathematise users of Necromantic skills who fail to uphold the strict regimen of evil required of them.

Guilded and Guildless alike are abuzz with the latest news - the forum announcement and extensive discussion related to the introduction of houses!

The new autoclass system was introduced today, including a multi-hour Q&A meeting, dozens of new help scrolls, changes to scores more, and about a thousand other changes to the realms, large and small!

The main changes are explained in HELP CLASS and the numerous HELP CLASS classname files.

HELP CLASS LIST has also been significantly updated.

The final Vertani fortress has fallen after extended battles across Sapience, though this is not the end of the Vertani in this plane. A small force led by Daqsool has found asylum in Shallam . Will they manage somehow to survive and even prosper in this place in which thousands of their kind met their untimely ends?

Forces from Mhaldor and Ashtan, with their erstwhile Blackrock dwarven allies and assistance from numerous citizens of other cities — at least including Eleusis, Hashan, and even Shallam — began an assault on the last remaining Vertani fortress this month. The Vertani activated their monuments in Eleusis and Hashan in response. In pitched battles around the fortress, both Overlord Mournria and Diplomat Hingar perished.

All but the original Vertani fortress has fallen to the efforts of the anti-Vertan alliance, comprised of forces from Mhaldor, Ashtan, and both Theran and Petran militia. Where are the all-but-invincible Vertani forces now?

In a concerted effort, Mhaldor, specialist forces from Blackrock, and their allies from Ashtan launched an all-out attack on the Vertani fortress not far from the ruins of Thera, resulting in the destruction of the structure in the face of limited Vertani resistance. A small group of Shallamese and one Hashani citizen, acting independently, attempted an intervention on behalf of the Vertani forces, but were unable to materially disrupt the destruction. Three Vertani fortresses remain. Speculation as to the implications for the future of the Vertani in Sapience runs high.

In a turnabout likely to have far-reaching implications, Khoraji of Mhaldor and Grima of Blackrock have announced an alliance aimed at tearing down the fortresses of the Vertani.

Today marks the introduction of an extensive new furniture system in Achaea. Choose from among scores of options with prices from a few thousand to a few million gold! New commands have arrived just for furniture, and old commands have changed. Come to the new Delosian furniture showroom and see for yourself!

Hingar, the Vertani diplomat, announced another gesture today and repeated his plea for peace and even alliance with the cities of Sapience. This gesture related to the Vertani fortress near the temple of Valnurana, the goddess of dreams.

Barak D'Nichliz, Lord of the Undercaves, current leader of the dwarves of Black Rock, announced that his Clerics had likely uncovered a method to destroy the Vertani fortresses now spreading across Sapience. He offered to share the benefits of this discovery with terms unspecified.

In a wide-sweeping series of events, the Vertani have announced the exile of Overlord Drafaris (responsible for the debacle at Thera) and his replacement by Overlord Mournria. The new Overlord's first act was to remove the current Vertani fortress in the ruins of Thera and reconstruct another outside of city, village, and forest (though near to a temple dedicated to the worship of Valnurana, the Goddess of Dreams).

In the wake of a failed summit meeting in which Overlord Estan of the Vertani lost control -- resulting in various deaths, including his own -- Overlord Drafaris of the Vertani announced his intent to avenge his relative's death. The result: Nearly all of Thera has been destroyed, changed into a smoking ruin.

What started as a simple rescue attempt (after a kidnap in Actar was discovered in progress) evolved into the discovery of a heretofore-unknown part of Achaea: Manara Burrow.

All Achaea thrummed with the news of the much-hoped-for return of Ourania to the realms punctuated by a lunar eclipse and the appearance of her three manifestations as Maiden, Matron, and Crone. Speculation runs rampant as to what this return portends.

Brave Achaean explorers, chief among them Jaizsur Ta'sa, have discovered pathways through a marsh to the west of the Gypsy village Manusha. This new territory, described as Enverren Marsh and the Caverns of Chiada contains mysteries yet unpenetrated within its murky midst.

Hingar, House Kortul Diplomat of the Vertani, proclaimed several Achaeans Friends of the Vertani in recent public postings. These followed on the heels of at least one marathon session behind closed doors in Shallam.

As war rages between Ashtan , Mhaldor, and the Vertani, a hopeful note was struck recently as Ashtan and Thera announced their formal alliance.

War! Ashtan and Mhaldor have officially declared open hostilities with the Vertani. This followed on a 2-month period of unprecedented bloodshed after the posting of a near-400-member Vertani peacekeeping force in the village of Tasur'ke.

The village of Tasur'ke today accepted the Vertani offer of protection, and the Vertani, under General Lithinac, quickly moved to protect the village from those who prey on the citizens there, establishing their third fortress on Sapience as a base of operations there.

Vertani diplomat Hingar today published an open offer of protection to any village of Achaea, especially naming Mhaldor and Ashtan as "murderous" in their attacks on villages across the realms. Villages mostly responded hesitantly, with a strong negative from the Dun Valley and a mild positive from Tasur'ke.

A Vertani commander exclaims in Vertani, "Filthy murderers. THIS IS FOR GENERAL LUFTYR!" Thus began a brief raid within Mhaldor by Vertani security forces, apparently in retaliation for earlier Mhaldorian attacks on innocent El'jazirans and Vertani troops.

A few hardy fanatics decided to continue the attack on their own. One was heard to cry out "Mhaldorians! I stand here as a testament to the will of the Vertani people. Your butchering, murderous citizens will not intimidate us, aye, even unto the death of us all. I will die this day, but many more shall be taken with me."

Achaeans from Mhaldor and Vertani security forces clash repeatedly in and near the village of el'Jazira . This desert village moved into the spotlight recently as Vertani labourers had undertaken to construct an aqueduct for them.

Of special note to Mhaldorians was the recent birth of Keresis, Goddess of Vengeance on the Achaean scene, an arrival attended by both fear and rejoicing.

Achaea rejoiced in the return earlier this month of Miramar, Goddess of Justice. May Justice find Her proper place, and soon, in our beloved realms.

This month's Artisanal and Bardic award winners were announced today. Top honours , and hundreds of credits(!) went to Grimble, Gelo, and a dozen other entrants in these monthly contests. Congratulations to you, Bards and Artists all!

Silver monuments were given by the Vertani to the three victors in the recent Game of the Eyes. Sacrifices on these monuments result in something similar to immolation - the dead are restored!

The mysterious Achaean newcomers (calling themselves the Vertani) offered to teach Achaea a new game called the Game of the Eyes. Overlord Estan of the Vertani came to kick off the games, held today. The three victorious cities were Ashtan, Eleusis, and Hashan.

The giants that appeared recently have a name: the Vertani! This is also the name of the language they speak. Vertani scouts, each garbed in the colours of their respective houses, have been seen around Sapience asking questions and exploring. A few have died, and more have been attacked. A Vertani priest has set up shop in Sarapis' temple, providing free assistance in learning their language.

Several members of a race of giant humanoids appeared through some sort of portal in the Dardanic plains today. They seem unable, or unwilling, to communicate with Achaeans as of yet.

The most recent CTF finished with Cyrene the new victors and holders of the Effigy of Victory. Congratulations to Cyrene in their triumph!

Between now and December 25th, Achaea will be donating 5% of its sales to Child's Play, a charity that benefits children's hospitals around the country. We're also running a 20% bonus on all credits purchased during that period to further encourage purchases. Enjoy, and feel free to donate directly to Child's Play too!

Adventurers recently welcomed news of a new discovery off Ulangi: The Port and Isle of Mysia.

Language Learning was unveiled today across Sapience. Learn racial languages, and possibly more, with the help of the new Language Teachers now found throughout the realms.

Humans, Atavians, Sirens, and Satyrs awoke to a bit of odd news - the revealing of their hitherto-unknown racial languages! What this portends, even the greatest prophets cannot foresee.

Denizens have taken a huge step forward today as they band together more cohesively in response to the individual acts of adventurers across Sapience. Watch as entire populations turn against you as one, or flee in abject horror at your approach!

Achaea's first-ever LAND AUCTION is set for Saturday, October 28, at 6 pm GMT (2 pm Eastern, 11 am Pacific).

Bring wheelbarrows of gold to bid on a few choice pieces of land that is outside subdivisions where you may build a house.

See help housing for more info on houses and building.

It's that time again, with a new, improved haunted house opening just in time for Logosween. Merentesh's shop in Delos has numerous seasonal goodies on sale, in addition to the largest collection of costumes in history: nearly forty different kinds, including Immortals and famous Denizens of the realms!

We are looking for more volunteers to fill Guide positions - apply today!

This month's Artisanal and Bardic contest has been judged, and awards presented! Congratulations to our aspiring artists and writers.

The latest in a series of Quizzes has been held, with several hundred credits awarded as prizes.

Dozens of skill and ability changes affecting nearly every class and guild have been added in recent days, and discussed in detail in announcements 1719 through 1730.

Masking is now an option for you pet owners! see Pets for more details.

Have some fun with these new emotions recently added:
backoff, bringiton, crazy, dismiss, gear, greed, hmm?, licknose, linkarm, lol, nicemeet, nvm, offerarm, patient, raisehand, raisehand!, raisehand?, remindme, shame, shameonyou, shinkick, shysmile, sman, speechless, tear, thumbsup, why

City improvements were announced today, adding a new dimension (and risk element!) to cities.

Today we honour Lereas, Adanedhel, Kereille, and Xel for submitting the winning entries in the help scroll contest! Lereas suggested updates to the Newbies help scroll and he and Kereille, to Divine Punishments. Adanedhel's entry was for Honours Quests. Xel's entry was for a Rune List.

The dream world of Achaea has recently grown in depth and variety. Watch carefully next time you give way to the deep dark drowsy domain of the dream!

Ashtan, Bastion of the North, has proven itself yet again with a new record score of 14,233 in the most recent CTF Event! Cyrene, Shallam, and Mhaldor finished behind the leader Ashtan.

The Great Mhunna today announced several changes to the Fortress of Moghedu in a publically posted news item, including the Mhun Knighthood, a new champion, and even new access to the Mhun living quarters.

A CTF (Capture The Flag) event, pitting city against city, was held today. Ashtan, Bastion of the North, claimed victory, but a cloud of scandal surrounded the event, which has been scheduled for a rematch.

Arcadia, the ancient homeland of the Atavian race, has been rediscovered this day in an exciting series of events that included the death of Gehan the Atavian leader and an invasion of huge manticores in the village of Genjii.

The battle of Jaru has come to an uneasy end today, with both Mhaldor and Shallam claiming victory. The Jaruvians continue in their grim determination to hold on to their lands.

Thanks again to our anonymous donor, several new maps are now available for the discriminating adventurer's reference - Northern Ithmia, Eastern Ithmia, Western Ithmia, The Savannah, and The Dakhota Hills!

New maps are now available to aid the weary Achaean adventurer - of Eleusis, Cyrene, and Caer Witrin. Thanks go out to our anonymous donor of these works of love.

Today the Great Bard, Scarlatti delivered a gift of love to Selene, Goddess of Beauty and Love - the Snow-covered village of Caer Witrin, whose complexities even the most intrepid and wisest adventurers have only begun to fathom.

Signet rings have been introduced today in Achaea. See Heraldry for details on this and more.

New maps, graciously provided by a loyal Achaean adventurer, are now on display for both Hashan (updated) and Cyrene (new!).

Heraldic arms are now visible on several new items including pennons (flags) and pikes, in addition to the cloaks, surcoats, coats, robes, shields, and armour that were already available. See HELP HERALDRY

An addition to our PK system, called Infamy, was added today. Check it out!

Today the addition of Heraldry was announced! Heralds, coats of arms, blazons, and all the rest will now be available throughout the realms.

Two new in-game maps were unveiled today!

These are found in HELP 12.0, also called Special Maps.

The two new entries are HELP 12.2.1 Ashtan Map and HELP 12.3.1 Shallam Map.

New semi-official Achaea forums have been opened at http://achaea.ire-community.com. (click here to visit!)

Achaea has just added fishing! Yearly and lifetime records are now being set in this new, potentially lucrative activity.

Achaea was on TechTV today! We were featured for about a minute and a half on "Screensavers" while host Leo Laporte played Achaea and showed it off to a national audience. Woot!

The Fourteenth Irregular Battle of the Genders, IBOG, was held today. The male team were victorious, bringing the overall score to eight to six.

inners of the May Bardic and Artisanal contests have been announced! Over one thousand credits in prizes have been awarded.

Newbies gain a new benefit - Simply TOUCH STONE at the portals to be healed of all afflictions!

The ISSUES process now has an extra step - read announce 1615 for more details.

Newbies gain a new benefit - Simply TOUCH STONE at the portals to be healed of all afflictions!

The ISSUES process now has an extra step - read announce 1615 for more details.

HELP PKCAUSE and HELP PKRULES have been updated recently in relation to trespass.

Vinci of Delos today announced his latest achievement - the addition of two new tattoos: Ox and Megalith.

Vinci of Delos today announced his latest achievement - the addition of two new tattoos: Ox and Megalith.

Achaea's updated and improved HELP system was unveiled today, with hundreds of new, improved, updated, and reorganised entries.

Hypnosis has been upgraded with speed enhancements and a new transcendant ability, Mesmerise.

Diamondskin and stoneskin now vary in power in accordance with intelligence.

Various abilities in the Vision skill have been given a reduced drain on the practitioner.

Several more additional and updated abilities have been added in the last two days in Groves, Concoctions, Woodlore, Tarot, Chivalry, and Forging.

Various changes and improvements have today been added to Occultism, Forging, and Metamorphosis in response to the recent Classleads reports. Thanks to Lord Prospero!

Numerous long-running events have drawn to a close today as the final articles appeared in the events news section. Several loose ends have yet to be tied, and speculation continues as to what may happen next with this purported Crime Ring apparently operated by the mysterious Felisse.

Nearly a thousand Skill and Ability help files have been revamped, updated, and made consistent in the last few days.

Further skill changes and improvements have gone in today, as recently announce, in Groves, Runelore, and Spirituality.

Previously unknown in Achaea, Felisse bursts onto the scene with a taunting public post. Who is this woman who claims to have defeated Sapience in criminal activities for which she alone takes credit? What will she do with the multiple millions of gold sovereigns she claims to have gained from illegal activities?

The next crop of Bardic and Artisanal contestants have been judged and awards presented. Congratulations to Ryukishi for his work Fallen and to Nynevah for Volume the First: the Epic of the Bard von Glipshank!

Clementius, the Weaver has announced an open call for applications to enter service to the Garden as Celani.

All hail Tarah, the Reborn, Goddess of Harmony and Compassion! Today Tarah returned to Sapience after an absence of precisely one hundred years.

Many changes have been put into place today by the revered Master of Wealth himself, Prospero, all based on the class leads system. Look for announcements for changes to Tekura, Apostasy, Telapathy, Kaido, Chivalry, and Elementalism.

Welcome to Prospero as a new full-time coder! He'll be making quite a few changes and updates to skills and abilities as his first big project.

We introduced a new drug into Achaea today called 'gleam.' You can read more about this dangerous substance here

The new command CRAFTERWHO has been added today, providing a list of licensed tailors and jewellers currently reachable in the realms.

The winning competitors have been chosen for the Artisanal and Bardic contest. Congratulations to all the winners, especially the two winners: Aelis (for Upon Lake Balaton) and Ikiepu (for Ralph Mercadia).

Armoured denizens of Achaea beware! The effectiveness of your armour has been reduced somewhat in recent updates. Shields have new class restrictions as well.

Tekura damage has been increased, partly to restore the long-failing hopes of Achaea's monks.

We have upgraded almost everything about Achaea's computer and internet infrastructure with the purchase and installation of multiple new, high-end servers and hosting in a world-class hosting facility alongside internet giants such as Google.

Two new areas were opened today: The isle of Shala-Khulia and the northern forest of Rheodad. As at least one player has already discovered, a grand quest seems to link these two mysterious areas together.

You may now slit wrist into in order to put fresh blood in it. Happy bleeding!

Hail Makali, the newly birthed Goddess of Destruction! The rather extensive story leading up to her creation may be read here.

Much like the handy Elixlist ability in the Vision skillset, the new Vision ability Pipelist will let you list the pipes you are carrying along with their current contents.

The Guildwho (GWHO) command was reformatted and updated today to provide information in a more readable manner.

The combat rankings were changed today, to reset on a monthly basis. This should ensure that those who rarely fight cannot clog up the top spots. Enjoy!

A variety of racial changes were implemented today. Please see announce news #1547 for details.

The Sangre Plains and the village of Petra were installed today. Explore the ancient Ashtan/Shallam battleground that is the Sangre while questing in Petra.

Master Shopkeepers have gotten the ability to add signs to their shops today!

A new clan of dwarves has emerged in recent days, proving to be an interesting, if dour, breed indeed. Proclaiming an undying loyalty to Lord Sartan, the Malevolent, they arrived in turmoil both geological and theological. See events news #124 in-game for details.

Those looking to use Zmud's automapper with Achaea should check out announce news #1519 within the game for configuration hints.

War is in the land! A very basic new PK-based city vs. city war system was instituted today. Citizens of cities may enlist as soldiers as of now.

For shopkeepers everywhere, we introduced a 'Master Shopkeeping License' today, at a cost of 650,000 gold. This license adds quite a bit of extra functionality to shops, including the ability to create 'bins' of items on which you can assign discounts to whatever group of players you want, ban sales to groups (or individuals), and so on. See HELP BINS for more info.

A multitude of new shouting voices were added today. And there was much...shouting. ;)

Jewelers are now able to repair jewelry for a stiff fee.

Matsuhama, the Lord of Battle, has returned to the land!

The war between Mhaldor and Moghedu has ended with the Mhaldorians plundering a great deal of treasure from the Mhun and prudently retreating before the overwhelming force of the Mhun army and its numerous allies could be fully brought to bear. See events post #122 for more information!

A new tradeskill was put into Achaea: Jewelry! Players can now create their own custom jewelry as well as pierce various bodyparts and wear jewelry in those piercings.

The city of Mhaldor retaliated and invaded the racial home of the Mhun - Moghedu - today in the latest ongoing dispute between the two nations. See events news #121 for details.

Moghedu attacked Mhaldor today via underground tunnels in apparent retaliation for the repeated attacks by Mhaldorian slavers on Mhun youth. See events #120 for more detail.

Our Rapture engine has added MCCP support - a form of compression protocol. This may result in slightly faster connections for 56k modem users.

A pile of small changes went in today, affecting the skills of Apostasy, Spirituality, and Runelore.

Metamorphosis skill users received a new low-level morph today, the turtle form.

Merry Logosmas to one and all! Please have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

A host of skill changes and additions were implemented today. See announce news #1461 and #1462 for details!

About twenty skill changes went in today in the ongoing battle to achieve class balance. Check out announce news #1455 in-game for details.

Merentesh has put some Logosmas decorations for sale, including Logosmas trees, mistletoe (try kissing under it), and holly. Check out his shop in Delos.

Along with the on-going credit sale, Achaea has announced that it will donate 10% of its gross revenue for the next week to the Toys for Tots children's charity. Our ISP, Wolfpaw Services, has kindly matched this offer. Thanks Wolfpaw!

We saved the biggest content addition in year 350 for last. Today we unveiled an entirely new class: Bards! Very little information about them is publically available at this time, but the three skills (sets of 25-35 individual abilities) the class gets are: Swashbuckling, Voicecraft, and Harmonics. Congratulations to the founder, Ralph Mercadia, and the city of Cyrene, in which the guild is based!

Roncli Op'Shae has won the Staff of Nicator! His second place achievement in Bandersnatch assured him of an overall first place ranking in the Year 350 events.

Roncli accepted the Staff in a short ceremony in which the previous holder, Shakti Devi, returned it to Sarapis, who bestowed the staff on Roncli as He did a millenium ago with Nicator himself.

Roncli also chose to accept the Sword of the Sun King (rather than credits or the iPod) as his OOC prize. Congratulations are definitely in order!

In a close Quiz hosted by Sarapis Himself, Saffire Vorondil has emerged at the top of the proverbial heap!

The XP Marathon is over, and Koralin has triumphed in an impressive display of hunting ability.

A new worldwide event was introduced today: Hunt the Bandersnatch. This PK-enabled event was extremely exciting and tense with a last minute reversal of fortune that knocked the first place person (Nimby) out of contention. In the end, Jack Moonflair won and Roncli Op'shae placed second.

The 24 hour XP Marathon has begun! Good luck to all competitors!

The latest year 350 event just finished, with Khoraji Aristata standing triumphant as the land's best 'foozler'. This brand-new event was unveiled specifically for the year 350. You can read the help file here. Foozling seems destined to become one of the most popular events ever judging by people's reaction to it today. "Best event EVER." - Ryuni Siyakyoku

Whew! What DIDN'T happen today? First, we had the lottery drawing for the real-life Glamdring replica, with Navi Morin Thudbutt as the winner. More than 16,000 tickets were purchased at 1000 gold apiece. Next we had the first of the competitive year 350 events: The tumbleraces. Nimby Shiva managed to capture victory there. Then, a new system that allows players to become bookies was unveiled, just in time for the next mammoth event: the 2 vs. 2 combat tournament. This six-hour-long event finally ended with a narrow victory by Rocktamer Ta'Sa and Jhui Mercadia-Ta'sa. The top 10 finishers in each of those events received credit prizes as well as points towards the overall Year 350 competition. Nicely done, everyone!

HAPPY YEAR 350!! We hit over 675 players online at the turn of the year: a new record! Everyone enjoyed themselves as we set off fireworks and gave out free lessons and credits to everyone. We also buried giftbags around the land that had everything from small items like bombs to artifacts worth hundreds of dollars. Hope everyone enjoyed them! We also saw Sarapis create a new God, after encountering a dream that wouldn't fade. We welcome Selene, the Goddess of Beauty, AND in a completely unexpected development it seems that the rumour of Selene's allure has returned Scarlatti, the God of the Arts, to the land. Happy, happy day. :)

To kick off year 350 celebrations, there's a lottery on currently with a prize of a real steel replica of Glamdring, Gandalf's sword, forged in Toledo, Spain. See the year 350 page for details and a picture of the prize!

Congratulations are in order to Eleusis, who won the Effigy of Victory in today's Capture-the-Flag, barely pulling ahead of the city of Ashtan.

Year 350 events schedule is up. Check out the Year 350 webpage for more info on what events are happening when.

Our system of in-game persistent player-to-player messaging ('messages') was upgraded today. The help file is here.

A few new commands to help you find sparring partners was implemented. Read about it in HELP SPAR.

The ability to further customize your prompt was installed today. Read the help file here.

Many of the Gods leave today for a team vacation in Las Vegas. Be good while we're gone. VEGAS BABY! VEGAS!

Just in time for Logosween, an enterprising imp has opened a Haunted Manor for Achaeans to visit. Go talk to him at North of Thera and for a nominal fee (he has six little imps at home after all) you'll soon be shrieking in fright and delight!

Achaea is being used at the University of Maryland as course material in a course on literature in a wired age. It's towards the end of the course syllabus.

The administration confirmed today that there WILL be a big year 350 celebration akin to the year 300 celebration almost 2 years ago. More details will be forthcoming.

Halloween decorations, props, and costumes are now for sale in Merentesh's shop in Delos. Get yourself a Sarapis costume today!

Manuscripts, which are more expensive versions of journals and are similar except that anyone may write in them. Thus they're suitable as guestbooks, group-storytelling devices, and so on.

We've unveiled new versions of the PK rules today, taking your suggestions into account and focusing particularly on nailing down discrepancies in interpretation. They are: HELP PK, HELP PKCAUSE, HELP PKRULES.

We now have a downloadable PDF formatted manual available! You can find the manual and the first appendix here.

City languages went in today. Though more properly considered coded dialects, these languages can only be spoken by members of a city and are immune from the necklace of comprehension. Thus they're ideal for high-security city meetings, raids, and so on.

The latest version of our Java client has been taken out of beta today! While the major new feature is support for triggers and colour highlighting of patterns, many bugs were fixed and the overall usability was improved.

In our ongoing effort to create a more immersive world, we've given immortals the ability to listen to what you 'say to' or 'tell' to mobiles. This will, hopefully, make for greater roleplaying opportunities as the immortals can listen to the channel and possess a mobile that's being spoken to at will.

Landmarks are gone and a great cry of jubilation has gone up around the land! Caused by a magical experiment with the Demon/Angel Mirror gone awry, insane mirror images of players appeared and began attacking all. Soon thereafter, the Landmarks began to self-destruct in a chain reaction.

We announced that a Bard class is under development today. Release date is unknown.

Quite a few changes and adjustments were made to the twelve races today. See announce news #1328 in-game for details.

Grace (our version of a PK flag) is now limited to 15 minutes after death. With our fairly strict human-enforced PK rules, we don't feel that long-term grace is useful anymore.

We've hired Clementius full-time to help with running Achaea. Warm fuzzy hugs all around!

Emotes, both pre-defined and freeform, may now be coloured with CONFIG COLOUR.

bout ten alterations to Apostate, Magi, Chivalry, and Runelore today. We also increased endurance regen generally by 60%.

Achaea LLC announced today that it chnaged its name to Iron Realms Entertainment. Nothing else has changed, but all checks or money orders must now be made out to Iron Realms Entertainment LLC.

We upgraded to the fastest available SCSI drives today, increasing general performance. Wahoo!

Congratulations to Eleusis, winner of the latest CTF and holder of the Effigy of Victory.

We announced a new program today called "Class Leads." One person from every class was chosen to be a conduit from class members to the administration. It's hoped this will further improve the feedback loop.

We've added a major addition to spoken communication today. Says now support 20+ emoticons that alter how you say something. See the say help file for more info.

We announced today that the Underworld is an open PK area. Kill at will!

In a stunning event today, the Underworld, known only from a single reference in the mythology, was discovered today during a conflict with the Vampire Lord Zsarachnor. Within this foreign plane, legions of undead, including death knights, Ur'Vampires, the three Tsol'dasi Magisterion, and Lord Ugrach himself.

Shallam triumphed in today's city Capture the Flag, and retained the Effigy of Victory. Congratulations!

The infamous and long-imprisoned Jirken was released by Shallam today, and immediately accepted an offer of asylum from rival city Ashtan.

There's a new room-by-room map of Sapience available. Check it out here

The son of the now dead Caspian, Lord of the Seas, has risen to take on His father's mantle of power. Welcome Neraeos, God of the Sea!

We've begun selling houses outside of subdivisions now! See announce news #1278 for details.

We have finished a significant upgrade to the java client today, having added triggers and color highlighting to it. See the Beta Java Client to try it out!

A city vs. city Capture the Flag event was held today, and Shallam triumphed in a dominant performance over the other cities. Congratulations!

We've made some upgrades to the java client today, including a way to open web pages from within the client and a special editing window for writing news posts, tailoring patterns, and so on. Enjoy!

Things dropped on the wilderness map or subdivision maps will no longer disappear!

e warned! Pocketbelts have been turned into decaying items today. It is recommended that you transfer your pocketbelt contents to your personal Rift.

Two new areas went in today: The Saoghal Valley, where the temple of the Logos is now located (as well as one of the strangest and most mystical artifacts in all Sapience), and the dwarven village of Inbhir Ness, both in the northwestern portion of the continent.

Rumour has it that a new area in the northern Tundra opened today. Beware of the wendigos in particular.

Cities gained unique and uniquely powerful Guardians today as the culmination of a series of long plots. See the help file here.

In the culmination of the odd chaotic happenings of the last couple of days, Dawn, long imprisoned in Belladona's keep sacrificed herself to remove the taint from Chaos today. As a reward for her long suffering and dedication, the Logos Himself placed upon her the mantle of immortalhood. We welcome her reborn self: Mithraea, Goddess of the Sun!

A significant change to player vs. mobile combat was made today. Sentient mobiles will now use shield tattoos in combat which can, of course, be destroyed with a hammer tattoo. The chance of them using the tattoo depends on how low their health is and how powerful the mobile is.

Room upgrades are now available for your houses. They include things like garden or water environments, health/mana/willpower/endurance regeneration rooms and privacy rooms. See the help file more details.

The winners of the February Artisanal and Bardic contests are up here. Of particular note is Serentus' "Genesis" (1st place Artisanal) which is one of our favorite Artisanal entries ever.

Ever found life to be just too much? Wanted to escape torture? Now you can! Due to popular demand, we've put in the 'heartstop' ability today, allowing you to stop your own heart and kill yourself. Don't ask. ;)

In order to facilitate the buying and selling of credits for gold we have instituted a centralized credit market. Click here to learn more about it.

We discovered today that Achaea has once again been rated the #1 mud in the world, this time by the Australian games magazine, "Hyper."

Krel Kalvar, Elemental Grand Master and the highest-ranking member of Agatheis' Order in the Druids guild left that guild to form a new guild with a new class, called the Sylvans. They possess the skills of Elementalism, Groves, and Concoctions, though their Elementalism differs in certain aspects from the Magi Elemenetalism.

Achaea's in-game help received a re-write today. The new system allows you to search the help system as you would on the website.

We implemented a revolutionary new system (believed to be the first of its kind in the world) for dealing with individual vs. organization crimes. It's difficult to explain, so check out HELP WRITS in Achaea, or go to our online help and search for 'writs.'

Riding is in! 20 new abilities, from lassoing to jousting to trampling on a fallen opponent. Purchase steeds of all varieties, from the humble mule and pony, to warhorses, to exotic mounts like camels, zebras, and stags, to the legend steeds such as giant eagles and perhaps even lesser Dragons.

We've added the ability for you to name -any- NPC that is loyal to you today, from knights' falcons, to Occultists' chaos entities to Priests' angels, to the snakes of the Serpentlords, to mounts. Personalize 'em!

Big announcement today! A full skill focused on riding mounts will be going in in the near future.

The culmination of the recent game-wide plot happened today. Though too complicated to get into here, suffice to say that the plot has involved most of the cities, most of the divine Orders, the Darkenwood and the Arachnoi people, the Treekin, and many, many other entities and groups. The end result of the divine betrayals and machinations was the resurrection of Indrani, a servant of the Triumverate during the Chaos Wars, and her elevation into the Demon Queen, a being of power on the level of a God.

We've added a major new feature to the web page today: Web-based help files that are completely hyperlinked and searchable. Enjoy!

Ashtan won the city-based Capture the Flag competition today. Well done!

Achaea gained its 6th player-run city today, as the forest-city of Eleusis was taken over by a player-run government led by Covenant Stormcrow. Congratulations!

Merry Logosmas! Watch for hidden presents, courtesy of the Laughing Imp.

8 new artifacts were made available today, and a credit sale was announced in honour of Logosmas. See announce news #1172 for details!

11 changes to monk abilities today, including fundamentally changing how mind lock acquisition time, and chance of rejecting a foreign mind, work, taking into account current mana levels and Telepathy vs. Philosophy.

Six new commands related to housing were put in today. They allow property owners to put their plots for sale or transfer ownership, allow anyone else to see what property is for sale in a subdivision, and allow the city Ministries of Development to name their subdivisions.

Four new subdivision tiles are available to cities today. Further, a new news-related command, NSUMMARY is in. This useful command will let you see summaries of up to 20 news articles at once.

A new area is in! Explore the Aerithian Falls, with a race of glider people inhabiting these mountain falls on the southern side of the Southern Vashnars.

We've added the ability to ignore tells, messages, and targetted emotes from specific people today. See HELP SNUBBING in Achaea.

The Transcendent Devotion ability, shared by both Priests and Paladins, was changed today. Previously, the Rite of Piety was the Trans ability. It has now been moved down in the skill, and the soul-linking power of the Bloodsworn has been added.

Prospero, God of Wealth and Trade, has returned to the realms after centuries of absence. Welcome back, Prospero!

The shop displays have been changed to be more readable. One is also able to do, for example, WARES SWORD to see just swords for sale. You can also use that kind of filtering functionality for your inventory or room contents now. For instance: INFO HERE SWORD to see swords in your room, or INFO INV SWORD to see swords in your inventory.

We introduced the Apostates class today, possessed by a new guild of the same name. The Apostate class contains the skills Necromancy, and the new skills Apostasy and Evileye. Over 30 new abilities! Congratulations to Xerimor, the guild founder.

The first stage of our new housing system is in! Players may now build and completely configure (description, title, exits, doors, door permissions, and more) houses on city-built subdivisions. See announce news #1131 for more details!

In one of the most important events in modern history, Aringar reached level 99 today, and became the first player ever to be deemed worthy of receipt of a Dragon's soul and form, gifted to him by Ashaxei, the White Dragon of Han-Tolneth. Congratulations Aringar!

Achaea LLC's CEO, Matt Mihaly, confirmed participation in a panel on self-publishing at the 2003 Game Developer's Conference in San Jose, March 4th to the 8th, today.

Today a strange exchange between the Green Lady and Eris caused the creation of a Primordial Forest in the Erisian Pyramid, and the birth of the Treekin

Lord Twilight drew back the Veil of Darkness in the celestial Vault today, revealing the three planets: Noxtra, Lunastra, and Somnustra. Henceforth shall the Disc of Nocture dictate the Patron of Hashan!

The forests rejoice today as a new Divine Power arises to gather them into Her bosom. Welcome Demeter, The Green Lady! See events news #81 for more details.

With the blessing of Sartan, the Lord of Evil, Yig Dracrotalus founded the Naga guild of Serpentlords today, and took upon himself the title of the Nagaraja.

Whoo hoo! NEW WEBSITE FINALLY UP!

As an almost insignificant footnote in the annals of Achaea, Eris, the Goddess of Chaos, floated out over Sapience today, seemingly enjoying a casual outing. As She floated over the Black Forest to chat with Melpomene, Her favourite nature spirit, the Goddess of Chaos sneezed, spraying iridescent spittle over the entire forest. After immediately apologizing to Melpomene, who assured Eris that all was well, Melpomene asked after the health of the Goddess. Eris reported She never felt better.

The city-state of Shallam has won 500 of 5 types of commodities of its choosing by placing first in the massive capture-the-flag event that took place this morning, pitting Shallam, Ashtan, Cyrene, Hashan, Mhaldor, and Oakstone against each other.

Development of subdivisions is now in, under the authority of a city-state's Ministry of Development. Further, the Ministry of Trade was today empowered with the ability to manage the flow of raw commodities through a city.

The recent troubles between Mhaldor, the city-state of Sartan, and Moghedu, racial home of the Mhun, exploded today over a dispute over Gack, the Mhaldorian slaver with a fondness for impressing Mhun into service. Mhaldor won out in the end, and gained a large sum of money from Moghedu in the process.

Cities gained their 9th Ministry today: The Ministry of Development! This Ministry will regulate the development of player housing in the city-states with the recently-announced automated housing system.

The decay of the forests that followed the passing of Gaia has apparently opened a long-hidden trail to Forest Watch, one of the first human settlements outside Ceylon. But beware, as buckawns have used their dark magics to turn the dryads into their undead slaves, and they now rule the area.

The Wall of energy that has held explorers to the far north reaches back moved today, revealing to new villages untouched by the rest of Sapience for untold centuries. Rick Stormcrow and Senans Ta'sa Toreiil are to be commended for discovering Kamleikan and Aran'riod, respectively.

We welcome Pandora, Goddess of Mischief to the realm today, after the child-goddess was given that realm by a totally exasperated Logos.

The new Java client is unveiled. It is much improved, including such features as builtin aliases and macros. The main interface is both faster (nice and snappy response) and much nicer looking. Have a look.

The Arcanists Guild was founded today. Located in Cyrene, the Guild, Achaea's 20th, was founded by one-time Warlock GM Cree Cholla'Yi, with Faunus Ta'sa assisting.

The Eileithyian Tree has blossomed today with twins, a boy and girl, each encased in a golden globe. But, an unknown entity entered the realm from a blackened slash across the sky, killed the thing of Chaos that was protecting the twins and stole the boy god. When the tree finally offered up their daughter, Aegis and Eris were full of joy that quickly turned to tragedy as once again the sky was slashed open and the entity attempted to steal the other child god. Lorielan, Goddess of Knowledge, recognized this creature as the undead Prince Slith, one-time ally of Her Triumvirate during the War of Humanity. Aegis, flying into a arge, flew after Prince Slith to rescue His son and avenge the crime, who promptly and wisely fled, with Aegis pursuing. The slash in the sky closed, leaving a stunned Eris wondering if She had lost both Her son and Her husband. The child goddess remaining, Pandora, is already showing signs of mischief.

Mortals were taken by surprise today as, admist the beating of war drums and pyrotechnics of primal chaotic eergy, Aegis, God of War, and Eris, Goddess of Chaos, arose over the Great Erisian Pyramid and, together, fused the divine essence of their respective realms in a sphere of energy. Taking this sphere within the depths of the Pyramid, they placed it atop the Golden Dias of Creation. Amost immediately, the sphere soaked up the primal chaos around it and began to grow, sprouting upwards over one hundred feet into the air becoming The Eileithyian Tree. Delicate fronds of god and red crystalline branches blossomed like an umbrella, and the very air vibrated with the animated energies of War and Chaos. It is unknown what this development portends at this time.

The archers and telepaths that previously protected the city-states are gone, replaced by a system of NPC mobile guards. These guards, purchased and set up to patrol or guard certain locations by the Minister of Security and his or her aides, are Achaea's most intelligent NPCs so far, able to respond to threats within a vicinity when either a player or a fellow NPC calls for help, return to their posts when the danger has passed, and so on.

The Territory of Mhaldor continues its urban expansion today, after its Viceroys amassed enough to build a post office, a bank, and a news room. Its rapid expansion has not been ignored by its enemies, to be sure.

In response to popular demand, bloodlines have been reworked so that a single parent and child may register a connection. The family trees have begun to really grow!

The Bloodline system is in! This system allows a man and a woman to officially record their offspring. It then permits anyone to look at his or her bloodline three generations into the past (to great-grandparents) and three generations into the future (to great-grandchildren). A great way to formalize familial relationships!

The forests have been cured! After discovering nine separate new concoctions which were used to assist the spirits in healing the nine forests of the land. Amid much rejoicing, however, it became clear that this healing was only temporary, and that the nine spirits would be unable to maintain it in the face of any assault against the forest. So, in final resort, they, along with many forest folk, gathered around the Gaian Tree, and coaxed out of it the last bit of Gaia's essence. Infusing themselves with this essence, the spirits were able to create a Greater forest spirit that will have the power to protect the forest, at least temporarily, as well as enable the forest defences that the spirits could not maintain. As a sidenote, the Gaian Tree has become the Great Oak.

The decay of the forests has accelerated, and after a dreaming, it's become clear that the spirits need assistance to restore the forests. The Druids and Sentinels have begun to experiment with various new concoctions formulas in the hopes of discovering one that can assist with the restoration of the forests.

The forests have begun to decay, leaving many Druids and Dryads homeless! Further, each forest has now manifested its essence in the form of a spirit. They are: Clio of the Western Ithmia, Thalia of the Northern Ithmia, Erato of the Eastern Ithmia, Polyhymnia of the Ulangi, Euterpe of the Northreach, Urania of the Darkwood, Tersichore of the Aalen, Melpomene of the Black Forest, and Calliope of the Aureliana. All that can be gained from them is their grief and sorrow over the passing of their Mother Gaia.

In the wake of Gaia's disappearing, strange forest creatures are being encountered that seem diseased or rabid.

Gaia, the Goddess of Nature has, today, dispersed Her very essence into the forests. Repenting of the divisiveness among the Druids, Sentinels, and Oakstone that She was partially to blame for, She made the ultimate sacrifice in the hopes of reminding the forest guilds what loving the forest truly means.

New features in today: Grouping of certain items, such as inks. The Rift, which is like a super pocketbelt, but can never be stolen. Pocketbelts have gotten more intelligent as to how they store things. The 'beltlist' command is also now in. You can also now weaponprobe or probe items for sale in shops.

An system of organizational (cities, guilds, Orders, clans, and Church) has been implemented, allowing the organizational leaders to create and edit help files accessible by any within that organization.

Sartan, the Malevolent, the embodiment of Evil, consolidated his power today on the Isle of Evil. He raised Mount Mhaldor under the Baelgrim Fortress, which served as a magnet to any Evil influence within Sapience. As such, he gained control over the Ruby Sphinx, Thoth's Bough, the Demon mirror, the Garden of Midnight, the Stygian Totem, the Valley of Shadow, and Blood Falls. He further destroyed the one landmark most closely representing Chaos, the Cave of Golgotha (and with it, the Crystal Cave). Finally, he renamed the Fist of Dameron to the Fist of Sartan. In a gesture of spite, he forever cut the flow of essence to the Occultists Guild.

A new goblin settlement as been discovered in the Dakhota Hills, near the ruins of Azdun. In further exploration news, word comes from the Mhojave desert that travelers should be wary of giant scorpions. One party of explorers lost three members when they plunged into a vast pit filled with a variety of these giant, poisonous insects.

A group of Pygmy warriors who happen to be big fans of kobold meat have moved into Minia!

Following the resurrection of the Lord of Evil and the raising of the Baelgrim Fortress, the Maldaathi Knights have been formed in Mhaldor.

Shakti Devi has won the Year 300 Games, being presented with the legendary Staff if Nicator!

The Year 300 Egghunt and Tumble Races are today! Click here for details on the event.

The Year 300 Quiz is tonight! Click here for details on the event.

The Year 300 begins tonight! Come for the fireworks and treasure hunt!

The new history is up. The Seleucarian Empire is torn apart by civil war during the Wars of Succession. This is the best-quality history yet. You'll love it.

The southern Vashnar mountains, with its Atavian village of Genji, and caves full of manticores, were put in today!

The Year 300 events have been announced! You do NOT want to miss this Achaean extravaganza!

The Jester's guild has been opened in Delos! New class! Woot!

Hailing from nearly 600 years in the past, Silvestri Carnivalis, one of Imperial Seleucar's noble jesters, has been dropped in the present by Eris, the Goddess of Chaos! He has announced his intentions to found a school of Jestering.

The lost troll city of Kasmarkin was raised today, out of the Mannaseh, by the Occultists Shakti and Silverstorm. Achaea welcomes the Mojushai monks of Cyrene, founded by Muorshai tier'Rhall today!

The winning guilds are the Druids, followed by the Sentinels, the Sentaari, the Kharon, and the Infernals. The winning player, with about 2.5x the score of the nearest competitor, was Aringar Seir. Excellent performance! See events news# 37-41 in Achaea for more information.

The big guild xp competition begins today! NO PK rules! NO xp loss from PK!

Many of the class bashing abilities have been adjusted. See announce news# 934.

Nearly all of the artifacts are now for sale in Merentesh' shops in Delos. See announce news #935.

With the Logos presiding, Eris, the goddess of Chaos, and Aegis, the God of War, became the first Gods in the history of Creation to formally wed today! See events news #36.

The previous maximum of 250 simultaneous connections has been moved to approximately 65000, which we will never reach.

NeoCredits are in! See announce news #907 for details.

Critical hits for player vs. mob combat are in. See HELP MOBCOMBAT

It's that time again! It's been 25 years since the last Logosmas, but here we are again! Merentesth, that friendly purveyor of holiday goods, has put up Logosmas-related things for sale, including holly, mistletoe, Logosmas trees, eggnog, candy canes, gift boxes and so on.

A large number of changes, including batch learning, went in today. See announce news #897 for more information.

In a violent break from tradition today, Tigrayne Lena, the Guildmistress of the Druids, cast out Gaia as patron, and replaced her with Lupus. Thus, for the first time in history, the Druids are patroned by a God other than the Earthmother.

Commodity production has been moved from Rurin to the various villages, who will price according to demand.

Today, many of the more neutrally-aligned Divine Orders formed an alliance against the Order of Sartan, whose members have been on a crusade to defile the shrines of all the other Gods in the land. See events news #33 for details.

In unrelated news, a mammoth inferno raged out of control across the wilderness map today, consuming large areas of forest and grassland. Dozens of people worked for hours to extinguish it.

There is a holiday sale running on credits! See announce news #886 for details.

More maps have been added to the maps section of the website.

Channels and tells will now work between the wilderness map and the rest of the continent.

Lines will be dynamically added to your 'honours' output now, upon accomplishing certain things, such as slaying Zsarachnor or Yudhishthira.

The Wilderness Map has been implemented! This incredibly cool feature allows people to enter a scaled logically-connected map of the land, while always seeing where they are in an colored ascii map display.

The Spawn of the Unnamable Horror was released today, for the first time in decades, by Lemon Ni'Choya and Khalid Yusef. See events news #32 for the full story.

The Tailoring skill, allowing players to create custom clothing, is implemented.

The Bardic and Artisanal contest results are announced for September. Mulkerrin takes first place in the Bardic Contest, with an essay on the oft-overlooked role of telepaths in our world, while Nerfarious takes first place in the Artisanal contest, for his depiction of a Rajamalan Monk. Click on the appropriate link on the menu to see the Player Literature or Player Art.