Swifthand returned and with him came Medikar, and Dharius, a 29^th level cleric. It was then that the King explained his intent. He was forming a 30-40 level group to fight in the tower as a training exercise, while having the higher level guild members standing by as our safely net for when we got ourselves in trouble. It was important that we newbies learned the proper art of group play for when we get old enough to join the true raids. Soon Drukinpinoch, a 36^th level shadowknight arrived and we began fighting. Our intent was to obtain the first key that would allow us access through the mirror (portal), to the next level up. At first we were sloppy, at least I was. Cramped quarters, and  lots of mobs made it hard to determine how best to assist the group. It didn’t take long before we had two sets of keys, and off we went to the second level.

 This was the library. Several ghostly students were busy at their desks scribbling away, and when we arrived the librarian seemed upset and told us so by attacking. Poor MrPain held her off while  I nuked and Dharius healed, and Sarenia kept the rest at bay. We fell into a better rhythm here, until Swifthand pulled the whole room at once causing Salfadorn (I think, or perhaps Saladar made a cameo appearance) to cast a powerful spell killing the entire lot at once. This happened a few times and resulted in a net value of one blue bub per area nuke.

 Dharius obtained the teacher’s Syllubus, as did I and Sarenia managed to get one of the student’s homework (all nice caster items), but then things went deadly. Sarenia was singled out by one of the ghosts and killed. In attempting to help her I gained the agro and was being slaughtered. Dharius attempted to help but was killed himself before he could. All three of us died in short order. We were all quickly resurrected however, an interesting experience—Sarenia had never been rezzed before and I only once.

 Despite gaining tremendous experience, and three nice items, it was then decided that we should do something truly insa…I mean challenging. We were going directly to the top of the tower and face Tserrina’s power openly. This was where my life took a bad turn, or perhaps more accurately I turned the wrong way.

 We exited the tower and appeared at the base amidst a handful of stone guardians, little spinning tornados of rocks that hit for about 60 points of damage. Everyone had bolted away very quickly, while I stood hesitating my next move. I had a fifty fifty chance I figured. The door back into the tower, the safety of a zone was only a short distance away, but which way, left or right? Sarenia shouted for me to go left. (assuming I was facing the tower, problem was, I was facing away from the tower.) I turned left and began running around the base picking up more and more stone tornados as I ran, thinking the door had to be there any second. My seconds ran out however, and my spirit left my body.

 I was dead for quite sometime as Radalas and Swifthand search for my corpse. I was hearing various reports and chatter about feeding my body to the Gnolls and Iksars finding Euridan tastes remarkably well. I became really concerned when they announced they did not have enough pieces left to resurect.   Sarenia began her search for a new husband and set her eyes on Indra but Purti said he was taken.  Finally I was found and resurrected. I appeared at my body at the base of the tower, with Switfy and Rad on either side of me. I immediately looted. No sooner had I finished than I was attacked by more of the same whirling stones. I noticed that Swifty had dragged my corpse and I was now standing right in front of the door. All I needed to do was take two steps and zone. When I tried to move however, I was unable. I was so weak from being mostly dead, I couldn’t even managed the two steps. I had a beard with Storm Giant’s strength and tried firing that off to boost me enough to fall into the door, but it failed to free me. I died shortly there after, and can still hear Swifthand’s mournful cry in my dead ears as he yelled, “NO!”

 My spirit remained in the ether, nether land for quite some time. It was during this time that Drukinpinoch and Dharius left us though I don’t know why or how. I watched the clouds passing by, for quite sometime and began to grow concerned—something wasn’t right. I started to feel a desire to go into the light, when I was finally resurrected. This time I looted, and as soon as I could move dove into the door.

 Back inside the tower’s anteroom I learned the tragic news

  “Sorry it took so long,” Swifty/Medikar said when we were safely inside once more “I was busy at the time, I had to resurrect a 60^th level warrior.”   

 We all looked at Radalas in horror. What happened - we were all amazed for what could destroy our 60th level hero. "About 12 to15 dervishes". 

 “They all must die,” Rad grumbled venomously with a grim look on his face.

We dusted ourselves off and there were a few moments where we looked for new, higher level recruits to help us tackle the top of the tower. Soon we were off once more. We reached a new mirror and no key we had worked, but now a new guild member joined us. Crymrych a shape shifting Dwarven rogue made quick work of picking the lock and suddenly we were all on the top level of the tower. We fought for a brief time, killing a few bats, then we were ordered to go invisible and follow.   We walked along a treacherous polished stone parapet to the right side was a spiral staircase; to the other was a sheer drop. To my shock Medikar and Radalas jumped off.

“But isn’t there a stair?” I started to say, when out of fear of losing the group I jumped as well seriously twisting my ankle at the bottom. Off we went again, this time down a narrow corridor with arched openings on either side. I was bringing up the rear (no doubt due to the pain in my ankle), when my invis dropped unexpectedly. I was attacked. Several bat swarmed me at once, apparently they have a fondness for Erudian blood. In retrospect I should have stopped and died in the corridor, but not realizing the power of the bats, and perhaps over estimating the prowess of my comrades, I ran to them assuming they would make quick work of the cute little rats with wings. Indeed when I heard Radalas shout, “DIE ELD!” I thought he it was calling a warning to the others that I was in trouble and needed help, when in fact he really wanted me to drop dead. Not clear on the situation I didn’t understand, but I would soon learn.

By bringing the bats into the otherwise safe room, I lead the death parade for my party. One after another they dropped, death and carnage was everywhere. Sarenia died next, and Radalas, MrPain and Crymrych fought valiantly, side by side in a suicide battle that managed to buy Medikar the precious few moments he needed to camp out. I must say I was very impressed with the teamwork, skill and courage displayed in that desperate hour. More was to come.

Once more I found myself hovering in limbo watching the clouds and listening to the chatter of my loved ones in the guild.  Purti was in a group somewhere and frustrated with her Cleric.  Apparently he had taken up pulling and was neglecting is healing responsibilites.  Mirer and Purti had an ongoing conversation how there should be no "battle clerics" and the disasters that becomes of them. 

Ironically during this conversation Medikar came back into the tower.   Alone and lacking mana he faced a vampire from the bat that was slain by the group before they all died.  Alone he waged a battle while we from our external vantages gave him encouragement and moral support.  Minutes seemed like hours while we awaited the fate of our last remaining survivor.  Finally news - "It's going to be close"   we heard him say - we held our breath.  Victory  at last.  Sarenia shoulted across the guild "Medikar is the mightest battle cleric!"  Purti replied "Please tell me you are kidding.".  "Well there were unusually circumstances".  Sarenia replied.  We could all now breath again.  In time we were all resurrected by Medikar, and clustered in the tower.

We now found ourselves in a small empty room.  Radalas would go out and pull in a bat.  Battle would rage on for what seemed like hours Sarenia and I would do our feeble small parts but the bulk of the battle on this level was clearly in the hands of our more experienced brethern.  Finally a bat died only to bring forth a vampire.   More fighting and healings and eventually it too died.  A single battle with one took what seemed like 10 minutes although it probably could have been just a 3 or 5 in any case it became clear why I was commanded to die.  Doing one was very difficult when we had 8 - 12 of course we could not survive.

Several more battles raged on and then about this time Drukinpinoch requested to rejoin us. I thought back on the trials and deaths that got us up there, and wondered, how on earth would that be managed. It couldn’t be, and we had to carry on without him.

Radalas gave some quick instructions on the do’s an don’ts of facing Tserrina. Tserrina is the queen of the tower, a nasty vampiress with 100 percent resistance to magic, and a bad attitude. We began to think of her as Sarenia's evil twin.  Rad began pulling bats, which spawned vampires at their deaths. My job was to snare the vamps and avoid aggros while nuking. At last I seemed to get the hang of this, although none of my snares held. Then to my surprise I DINGED 38, and lo and behold the snares began to work.

At last a bat exploed and out came the dreaded Tserrina.  Knowing we could do little agains her Sarenia and I did what little we could.  Sarenia would add damage shields and speed buffs to the melee fighters and add a rune here and there only to be eaten away by a single hit from the dreaded beast.  Suddenly Sarenia went linkdead I did all that I could - cast my feeble O’keils, damage shield on the fighters. The battle was long and hard, with Salfadorn, and Medikar casting heals. Eventually she fell with a hideous cry. A moment later Sarenia reappeared.

I’m back, did I miss anything?” 

Tserrina  dropped her staff, and it was unanimously decided that Sarenia should receive it. Eventually Medikar had to leave to wrap presents for his daughters birthday.   He left us in Radalas capable hands and we continued to do battle.  As the hours wained on Radalas annonced that after the next 3 bats he would be leaving.  We killed the first two and now we were down to the final battle of the night. 

We waited as the last bat got lower and lower in health.  Sarenia yelled out "Come on evil sister be there, be there".  The bat died and once again we were faced with Tserrina's evil wrath.  Once again the epic battle was waged our brave guildmates pounded the evil queen and once again Sarenia went Linkdead.  Just as before only minutes after the evil queen died - in pops Sarenia. 

I'm back, did I miss anything again?"

Coincidence perhaps. But perhaps Sarenia and Tserrina cannot exist in the same plane together. Hoping for a robe but instead we got her necklace. Most of the guild was unimpressed but it was a far cry better than anything that Eldeberon and Sarenia presntly had so we were grateful for the gift. With that we called it a night with one last port by myself for the group to the dreadlands.

In conclusion, TOFS was a wonderful time, at least speaking for myself and Sarenia. We both gained a level each, and learned much about teamwork in general. Sarenia also managed to walk away with a nice new necklace, the powerful staff of Teserenia and the Student’s homework, while I had acquired the teacher’s syllabus, which filled an empty slot in my inventory. Mostly however, and more importantly, it was just a whole lot of fun.

By Eldeberon

I have now been on three forays into the Tower of Frozen Shadow (TOFS) in Iceclad, and I think I am finally starting to understand what goes on there. I know, with 209 intelligence and a head as tall as the Highhold Pass cliff, you'd think I'd catch on quicker, but I am still a relative newbie to the guild. Regardless, for good or ill, right or wrong, this is what I have concluded from my experiences in the haunted tower.

To begin with ToFS's is a death trap. It has multiple mobs that swarm and few ways out. The few exits that do exists port you outside the tower where hungry snow dervishes are waiting in droves to pummel you. Because of the key system, if you die you might never be able to claim your body. As a result TOFS is a VERY scary place. As such it is the prefect place to scare the cr -- I mean, "train" new DC recruits on tactics and group play.

Dragonchow has, in point of fact, been using ToFS's as a training ground. The idea is to take mid-level members, who may, or may not have had much experience with grouping or raiding, and hone their skills to a quality where they will be an asset to a "real" guild raid, rather than a hindrance.

The technique is to have two groups, one high-level and one mid-level. The high level is there only to support the mid-level in he event of emergency (and no doubt to obtain a good belly laugh at the sorry antics of the less experienced). The mid-level group is designed to be comprised with proper melee, caster, healer elements and then let loose on the second floor to fight as they wish. The high-level group watches the action and offer helpful suggestions as to how we can improve our performance. I have always found their suggestions to be considerate and politely delivered, (which I am very impressed with considering the political delicacy needed to offer advice without sounding like "Hey! What are you an idiot! How did you get to level 40 pulling that crap!" ) and, for me at least, very helpful -- as I rarely group with melees and needed the advice.

Once the mid group gets a rhythm down, and initial rough edges are smoothed, it is time to take on a greater challenge. I do believe Radalas, (who was part of two of the TOFS adventures I have been on), has something of the "sadistic prankster" in his nature. With the intent of preparing the new recruits (perhaps a poor choice of term as some of the mid-level players have high level mains who have been in DC for some time now, but you get my drift), to be able to face the worst case scenario Radalas has purposely trained us with a horde of ghostly students--and I mean a train! I believe he has pulled the entire library on us before. Radalas' version of the Cobiashi Maru test. Keep in mind he has several high level clerics standing by to give full rezzes if anyone dies. Although it might appear that way, he's not totally insane.

This last Sunday DC held a Training Raid on ToFS. Sylen was the leader of the raid. It was his first time as leader and I believe Radalas was providing him guidance. So we newbies, were being lead by a raw lieutenant into the dreadful tower. Sylen, I felt did a great job, albeit he seemed a tad under confident, apologizing for delay and poor organization, but honestly I felt he was doing fine. I have run small groups myself and understand the insane difficulties involved in getting everyone in order in a timely fashion.

ToFS always seems to start in chaos. I say it "seems" to, but appearances can be deceiving. There is no organization on the first floor because none is needed. The high level members busy themselves killing the mobs to obtain the keys needed, while the rest are waiting for the late comers to arrive. The newbies feel confused because they have little to do and no direction, but that soon changes, and I was relieved when Sylen began to announce teams. I rather felt like I was back in school being picked for dodgeball. As usual I was picked last and then switched between teams (lol).

We went to the second floor, where we practiced pulling a few and had no problem at all. So we quickly moved on to the third floor. We fought there until we had such a good rhythm it was getting boring. Radalas must have realized this, or maybe "he" was just getting bored-still I like to think Rad honestly was trying to strengthen our sense of self-confidence and force us to learn how to act in dire peril. It is, after all, far better to practice proper defensive procedures when you have an army of high level clerics standing by than when you are without a safety net. So it was Radalas' intent to push us to the limit. He began by training the ghosts from the second level up to us. He failed however bringing but one measly student. So he then came up with a nastier plan.

He proposed that we all go up to the fourth floor, an area that I think, Rad thought, we were incapable of holding at our level. So we all went up, but Rad (I assume) secretly ordered that the high-level group would remain behind. He abandoned us purposely to see if we would sink or swim.

The moment we all arrived and none of the high-level party did, Sarenia and I knew what was going on. It was obvious and not altogether unexpected. Still things got very tense. I don't know what Rad was thinking exactly, I haven't had the opportunity to discuss his intent or expectations but I suspect he was looking to see if members would panic, run, gate, abandon comrades, freeze up, etc. After we all died I am sure he would have resurrected us all and perhaps then explained what we did wrong and how we could have done things better. However that was not the case.

To the astonishment of all, we few, we proud, we brave little Dragonchows stood our ground. We zoned in and faced wave after wave of pops, and held them off in cool, courageous fashion. Few, if any of us, had ever been to this level (I know Sarenia, Cabbz and I had not), and had no idea what to expect and yet every one of us acted in perfect teamwork. The invisible shadows were a big surprise.

Pawur, the ogre shadowknight, stood steadfast before us fending off the onslaught! Jaszire, the shaman, stood beside him clubbing with his staff. Sarenia, the enchantress, cast rapid fire mez and stuns to keep the hounds at bay. I, the wizard, timed my nukes to avoid agros and wiped out the berserk stage of the fight. Cabbz, the shaman, healed, buffed and defuffed, and occasionally joined the melee. Tanjure, our cleric, adeptly kept us all alive with heals.

When at last the others joined us, we showed hardly a scratch, as we sat around a massive pile of undead corpses. Rad was impressed I think, and perhaps a bit disappointed to.

"I can't kill you guys," he told us, "You're just too good!"

Which left us all feeling pretty damn proud I think.

It was getting late then and we all called it a night, a night without a single death.

So if you ever decide to take TOFS 101 with professor Radalas, keep in mind you will learn a lot, assuming the lesson doesn't kill you.

Thanks to all who came and helped with this training exercise. Special thanks to Exavier, Lindsay, Scalezz, and Sylen, who sacrificed their time to do little more than play nurse maid to the rest of us. And thanks to Rad whose failure to kill us really made the night great.

We really need to get T-Shirts made up that say, "Dragonchows Rule!", hard part is getting Verant to texture them onto our characters!

Eldeberon

The Queen is Dead

By Sarenia

So Eldeberon and I awake in the cold icy snows of Eastern Wastes.  It was a hard night battling the dreaded Rygor Elites the night before and if it wasn't for the fact that they kept out numbering us they would all be dead.  We fought side by side with our old friend Cabbaz who we are still trying to get into Dragonchow (He has a standing offer at a guild of RL friends and we are trying to lure him away from that).

Eldeberon has been enjoying quad kiting Ulthorks but since I have little to do in that but collect up the experience and a few tusks here and there I was not up for it.  When Eldeberon mentioned Crystal Caverns I jumped at the opportunity.

Now don't get me wrong I love my jboots (in a purely practical way) they are not fashionable but they do allow me to run fast and it was such a grueling experience to get them.  Still I wanted something more fitting for my feet something pretty and delicate -- I wanted crystal slippers and Crystal Caverns held just the big bad spider who would give them to me. 

We had just arrived at the site when we got a tell from Cabbz -" what were we up to?", "Hunting spiders in CC" was our reply.  "Need any help?".  I respond "Well only if it is the right kind of help - did you get a tell from Crisbie that he is coming?"  This is a long running gag with us Crisbie is by far one of the worst and most immature players we've ever had the displeasure of grouping with and he has been the butt of our jokes for a long time.  "Of course we want you along - come on down" and shortly we were joined with our dear friend.

We worked the hallway and although the shear number of spiders was overwhelming we did quite well and were able to clear it and keep it clear without too much trouble.   Finally it was all clear and we peaked in the room.  There is the queen surrounded by 4 minions.  Ah certain death but I know she has my shoes so we start to plot strategies.   A plan is hatched where I attempt to mez her and run most of the mobs to the dwarf town leaving Cabbz and Eldeberon to mop up the queen.  It will most certainly mean death but we might take her with us.  Finally we decide we need help and turn to our guild. 

A quick glance shows no one in our zone or anywhere near it.  Shoot! we are on our own.  Then Eldeberon sends a tell to Freyana - All he says is Sarenia and Eldeberon need some help and without inquiring any further she responds "OMW".  Once again we are amazed and impressed by the generosity of the home we now call guild.  She is all the way on the moon but drops what she is doing comes to Thurg for a bind then meets up with us at the spiders. 

By this time we have to clear hall trash again and we do it easily.  Then two escape and head for the queen and Freyana jumps in the water to finish them off.  Unfortunately we got an unexpected argo and the next thing we knew the queen and countless spiders had descended upon us.

The battle ensued and although we fought desperately we did not have time to prepare and it looked grim.  The Queen was dead and Freyana was able to loot the corpse but not before dying herself.  In the end Eldeberon, Cabbz and Freyana lay dead and I only escaped by a gate at the last moment.   Now I have to live with the guilt.  I survived while my comrades fell.   Not only that but I had dragged Freyana away for assistance and got her killed in the process.  Needless to say I felt terrible.

On the good side there was a very nice Cleric next door at the geos who was more than willing to help us out, and a short time later we had 3 rezzes and were back at it again.  About this time we noticed another DC in the zone. Kendrick had just popped in and we asked if he would like to join.  He did and now we were poised to do some serious damage which we did.

We laid waste to the area. Spider bodies stacked up like cord wood. The queen and here other high level arachnids died left and right.  Between Freyana's Mana song and my Clarity we were always at full mana and nothing stood in our way.  Several queens were killed but no shoes still we were having fun with good comrades.

Suddenly while we were cleaning up some yard trash a monk runs by.  When our battle is done I look into the room and there he is KS'ing our queen.  How rude I thought and we started a conversation with him.   Soon the whole zone chimes in that he has been KS'ing their areas as well.   His name is Fosgate and a member of the Guardians of Light. The conversation wages on in ooc and it is apparent that this guy although high level has the mindset of a newbie wanting only self gratification and no thought or care for others or a sense of "nice play". 

Such behavior should not go unchecked.   Freyana finds an officer in the guild and reports him.  I also speak to Morloc (the officer) that he should have a talk with Mr. Fosgate since he obviously needs to be taught better manners than he showed.  Morloc asks me if I can get to a Wizzy spire sometime that night - "Yes I can but why I ask?"

 "I'll give you your glass slippers."  he says.

Now at first I'm impressed that this guild member will make good on bad done by a member of his guild.  But then I think it is not his responsibility to clean up after another's mess.  I thank him for his kind offer but inform him the loot is not the point.  The point is how unenjoyable Fosgate made this evening for me, my teammates, and several other people in the zone.  I politely decline his offer though thank him for the sentiment.

Morloc informs me I'm not the first to complain about Fosgate - then why don't you boot him I say.  He says he has no proof so what can he do.  I offer to send him a copy of the log I turned on as the conversation became unpleasant.  He gives me his e-mail. 

With that excitement done we continue to kill Kendrick brings in his monk. Too young to receive experience but she had a good time whacking on spiders with Freyana.  They were like two women killing machines putting the best of any male melee to shame.  By 2:00 am we got our last queen pop.   Still  no slippers but overall a good time had by all (With the exception of Mr. Fosgate who I plan to be "watching" in the future and doing what I can to expand his reputation to those around him to see him for what he truly is an immature and selfish little man). We picked up 3 crystaline robes, a web shield, a spider fur choker, the queens pally weapon, and lots of runes, gems and pages to keep Eldeberon and myself busy.  

So in conclusion I would like to thank Freyana and Kendrick/Kixim for their assistance although we did not get the shoes I got to spend time with some guild mates I've not fought with before and I enjoyed your company and your skills.  Also thanks to Cabbz who is always a welcome pleasure to any group I have with him.  If you see him about tell him how great  DC is and that he has to join up.  And if you happened to See Fosgate in a zone warn those around you to beware and be ready to /ignore - he can be quite annoying, although the other /ooc's to him are quite entertaining. 

Well that's it for me until next time.   I bid you farewell.

Sarenia.

BURNING WOODS, MARCH 17th 2002--

Having met up in Burning Woods, near the Skyfire pass, we prepared to do battle. The first run at ole Ixi was with 65 people of 50th level or higher. The first pull was long and arduous as Leifanng pulled the giant elemental to the camp. Shouting 'Here I come' and 'Party Time' rang out several times as she made her way to us. Soon the beast was in sight.

'Wait for Assist!'

'Assist me on Ixiblat'Fer!!'

'Casters Nuke Now!'

'That was anti climactic'

The first battle of three was done, and not a scratch remained on any of our band. The celebration began in earnest as a cleric completed the second to last task before his Epic Reward. Several people left as we were more then a match for Ixiblat'Fer. The second pull would prove a bit tougher.

'Party Time'

'Wait for Assist!'

'Assist me on Ixiblat'Fer!!'

'Wait for iiiiiit….'

'Sunu is DOWN!'

'Casters Nuke NOW!'

'Woot! Ixiblat'Fer is Down!'

Sunu was able to loot the beast and get that much closer to her Epic Reward! One more fight and she has the legendary 'Rez-Stick'. With one more to go, and 45 minutes on our hands, we lost several more. Though replacements arrived, the raw power of our group would fall just short on the third attempt.

'Party Time'

'Wait for Assist'

'…'

'Bolvi is Secondary assist! Wait for assist!'

'Bolvi Down'

'Salavar down'

'Macey down'

'Casters?'

'Nuke Him! Keeeeeeeel Him!'

'You have been summoned'

'You no longer feel pain'

'Aw no! He just CH'd himself!'

LOADING PLEASE WAIT…..

The recovery time was quick as we scrambled to prepare for a retry. Mana was pumped up clerics high on Clarity 2 as the necros bled for mana. Buffs were replaced, and pets were remade. 'FOM' rang out and Leifanng set upon our quarry once again.

'Party Time!'

'Wait for Assist!'

'Assist me on Ixiblat'Fer!!

'Casters Nuke Now!'

'Woot!'

Five hours after the scheduled time for this adventure, 3 clerics sit on the precipice of Epic Greatness.

It's a Wonderful Corpse Run

by Eldeberon

THURGADIN, MARCH 28-Last night is a perfect example of how a bad night can be turned around by a handful of Chow.

Eldeberon was in the city of Thurgadin working on his Phenofocus quest when he bumped into Woodweaver. We started an impromptu game of tag, (Which Woody reminded me he would win since he had track), then I got a /tell from a stranger requesting to be ported to Emerald Jungle. I did so and then gated back. No sooner had I returned when I received another request. Having the spell already loaded, I agreed to port him too, and Sarenia went along for the ride. She really wanted to return to Lower Guk, but I didn't feel comfortable going down there with just the two of us. Instead we thought we would wander EJ, as we had never visited there before.

We encountered a Soulsapper and engaged in fighting, however Sarenia hadn't time to memorize her fighting spells and things went badly. No deaths, but a bit of a scare. While recovering, I received another request for a punt and sent them on their merry way (big night for ports and punts). Then we explored EJ. A trakraptor jumped us from behind. Roots failed, miscommunications lead to mistakes and Sarenia and I gated out. I appeared in front of the Thug bank with just a nib of health. The fact that I was alive was all that saved me from depression and frustration. I started playing in less than a good mood and then two simple encounters that should have been easy kills, nearly resulted in our deaths. I wasn't happy. Then as I sat there collecting my thoughts, I noticed I was being bandaged. I stood up and looked and there was MrPain.

"Who did this to you? And do we need to deliver some payback?" He said with that devilish Iksar grin of his.

This made me feel a little better. Running into an unexpected friend usually does. I tried to thank MrPain only to receive an AFK message. Apparently someone was visiting MrPain and he had to travel down five flights to open the front door because his elevator was broken. I had to pause there and reflect on the size of house MrPain lives in, and how a thirtysomething Iksar warrior can afford such a palace-perhaps he is subletting from Teroth.

Healed up. I tried to forget EJ and resumed my Pheno quest. As part of it I needed to pick up a rock deep in the Wurm Cave. So casting invis I headed down. I picked up the item, which is very heavy and encumbered me, and began to waddle out. No sooner had I done this when my invis broke without warning and I was facing three wurms and who knows how many littering the exit corridor. I tried to gate, but that is difficult when three 16 foot wurms are playing handball with your body against the walls of their cave. I gave up on casting spells and fired off my Jboots and tried running the gauntlet out. He's at the twenty, the forty…oh! He's down!

Needless to say I was whacked dead.

Ok, now I was pissed. I had, had it. Scalezz had agreed to go with Sarenia to Lower Guk, and I told her that was good because I wasn't. I could see it was just one of those times when everything was going to go wrong. So I decided I was logging for the night. At least I would log right after I retrieved my body. (I never can understand those who log leaving their unlooted bodies.) So here I am back in front of the Thurg bank, depressed and irritated, and who do I see? Woody. Wait, I think, Woody is a druid, and my Jboots are on my body.

"Woody! Do you think you can step outside and give me a sow?"

"Sure," he says. "Humm. You don't look so good. You die?"

We exited Thurg and I wait for Woody to cast sow. I am going to get my body and call it a night. Go sulk somewhere, watch some mindless television, or just kick the dog.

Woody casts his spell and I am levitated. Oh that's nice, I thought, he is giving me levitation as well. What a guy. I continue to wait for the sow.

"You die?" someone by the name of Kinowin says.

"Yeah", I reply, thinking he must be looking at the naked Erudian and laughing.

"Get a rez?"

"No," my short answers reflected my mood.

I'm still waiting on the sow, but Woody is just sitting there.

"Will you at least port us to Guk?" Sarenia asks now that Scalezz has joined her. Both are sitting just outside beyond the waterfall.

"Of course, just let me get my body first," I tell her.

What is taking Woody so long? I mean I have heard Druids are rumored to be a bit flighty, but this just wasn't like Woody.

"You want me to follow you?" Kinowin says to me.

Follow me? I turn around and see a little halfling. What? was he offering to come help me fetch my body? I don't need help, dragging my body, I thought, all I need is the sow.

Woody then suggests giving me something (I forgot what) saying, "you could use that to pay the cleric for the rez."

Pay the cleric? Was Woody arranging a rez for me? Was that what was taking him so long? I didn't-wait a minute. I spun around and looked at the halfling again. I /whotarget him and discovered he was a 55th level cleric. Doh!

"Are you offering me a rez?" I asked.

"Yup," He says.

I slap myself. I'm an idiot. "Thanks so much. Just wait here and I will drag my body to you."

I now turn to Woody, and think, for all the godsakes where is the freaking sow? "Woody? Can I have that sow now?"

"Are you sure?" he asks.

I read this dumbfounded. Is Woody on drugs? Of course I want the sow, isn't that why I dragged your butt out here in the first place? Of course I didn't say that, after all he was doing me a favor, even if it was taking an incredibly odd length of time.

Then I read a message from Woody, something about "…levitation, … something…faster than sow. Look at it"

I glance down at the tornado icon, and the little candle ignites above Eldeberon's head. I had heard about Dead Man Floating being several buffs in one, I had no idea Druids had a similar spell. So Woody HAD sowed me, in fact he had gone several steps beyond just sowing me.

I am an idiot.

So off I ran. I found my body and dragged it back. The cleric rezed me. Already I was feeling better, although several degrees more foolish. I reached into my coin purse. It was filled with plat from the earlier ports. Now I am not terribly familiar with resurrections. As a rule I don't seek them out. In fact, Eldeberon had his first performed on him not too long ago in TOFS by Medikar who didn't charge. So I really didn't know how much to pay. I grabbed up 50 plat and held it out to the cleric, who promptly refused.

"Don't even." He says to me. "Consider it repayment for your work on the website."

Website? I looked closer at the cleric. No tag. Humm.

"Ok who are you?" I ask.

"This is Bashi, Ghrack."

Suddenly things were making a lot more sense than they were seconds ago.

Aside from feeling like a fool, I had my body and hadn't lost much experience at all, nor was I even out any money. Thanks to DC, I was suddenly feeling much better. I thanked Kinowin, and returned to the bank in Thurg to drop off the terribly heavy rock I got in the Wurm Cave, and while there I spotted Woody again.

/poke "you're it" I said and ran for the waterfall.

Sarenia, Scalezz and I then went to Lower Guk. Now, most of you read the earlier account of our previous visit with a full team, so my expectations of repeated deaths with just the three of us casters was, I felt, not unfounded. To my amazement, we reached the Sage Room and cleared it. Then we went and cleared the Executioners Room and obtained a Hood. Then we cleared the halls, then we returned to the Sage room and cleared it and obtained the chord/belt. Then we cleared the hallways again. During all this Sarenia, Scalezz and I repeatedly were going LD. In fact, it seemed that all of us couldn't stay in the game at the same time. Regardless, we three silly little casters, with no real healer or melee, ruled in Lower Guk, where none of us had ever really fought before. (when ever we went too far away from the Sage room searching for pulls we would get lost).

In the end, after little more than an hour and a half we ported out of Lower Guk with two nice drops, almost a gold in exp and no deaths.

What was almost a night of dog kicking misery turned out to be a great evening, and I attribute it all to the kindness and support of the guild. Thanks all. And a special thanks to Woody and Kinowin for their generosity and patience to a stupid, pissed-off wizzy. Oh yes, my dog thanks you to :)

Alas Poor Brodda, his Epic did not go well

by Eldeberon

On behalf of our beloved miniature rogue, Dragonchow turned out in number in Kithcor forest with one intent--to kill the General. His name is General V`ghera, a Dark Elf who cons red to level 60s. He has 32000 hit points, hits for 200, procs for 500, and has an incredibly powerul harm touch. Not the kinda guy you want to meet in a dark forest, but one our intrepid Rogue needs to slay for the last part of his epic.

Now I don't profess to be the most informed participant involved, and at level 47, I was there mostly to report on the events, and play Jimmy Olsen. Nevertheless I did manage to get a few whacks in, and even scored a critical blast against the old general…but I am getting ahead of myself. As I was saying I wasn't running the show, and can't be certain all that was happening, but I was there, and this is how things seemed to me.

Radalas called all available, 50s and above Chow to Kithcor. A large number arrived and it was the first time I had seen many of the faces that went with the names. For me it was like being at the Oscars. Oh look there's Leifanng! I loved her in "Feign Death II", and over there is Uniqe, and oh my, the man-of-the-hour himself, Brodda! Oh dear, I didn't know he was bald! And he seemed so much taller in guild speak."

We all assembled at the zone to WC, and there Rad listed out groups.

"Ok guys listen for your group. First person on the group is the group leader."

I sat and waited impatiently for my name. So many great heroes together in one place I wondered who I'd be grouped with?

"Group 1 Purti Tyrrund, Leifangg, medikar, candywen, Iilae." Radalas barked. "Group 2 Sunu, Macey Salfadorn Bolvi Radalas Akkera'. Group3 Salavar Klothe Mllopare Sebon Teroth Indra. Group 4 Brodda Crux Chaintalker Enilate Exavier Uniqe"

There was a pause. Everyone forming their assigned groups. I looked at Rad and blinked. Rad spotted me and nodded. "Eld and Slej you guys will be alone, so group together but try not to gain agro. You are welcome to try your lure spells Eld"

Slej? I looked around. Finally I spotted Slejhamyr, a 46 level halfling and invited him. I had never met Slej before. He wasn't even on the guild member's listing, but he seemed a pleasant fellow.

"What class are you?" I asked.

"Druid", Slej replied. "A gimp one at that. Brodda's been my best RL friend for about 16 years, so I wasn't allowed to miss this."

I suppose we were both gimps, what ever that was exactly, and I immediately felt a kinship with my little brother in arms. Perhaps because of his casual humility, or maybe it was just because he was the only one in the zone who was a lower level than I. "We'll be the last ones alive you know," I told him. "And we'll be the ones to bring the general down." We both had a good laugh.

The army--and army it was--no greater troop of warriors has been seen since the sacking for the city of Troy, moved out. We marched to the north and west until we reached the tunnel of Rivervale, and there Radalas set our standard. The golden dragon on the blue field flapped defiantly in the misty haze of the stained evil forest. In the distance the sound of creatures moved. From my youth I had been so trained to fear these trees that even a bixie drone's buzz made me shiver. I crept up the hillside near the zone exit and huddled tight. Radalas our fearless leader stood in front like Achilles of old, arranging the troops. Brodda, with his shinny little head, strode up and down thanking those he saw for attending. Each one in turn offering him comments of good luck.

"Who is main slower and main chanter?" Medikar inquired.
"Main chanter is Candywen main slower is Akkera," Radalas explained
"Okies will die for Brodda", Akkera said.
"No, no.. we'll have none of that Akky," Brodda replied.

Now if I get this correctly, there is a cabin in the Kithcor forest that houses a band of very nasty Dark Elves. The idea is to clear the cabin, but leave one dark elf behind for the rogue to trade his "box" to. After this the General spawns in the house, and needs to be trained to the waiting army. The "Brigader" is the best one to leave in the cabin since a rogue can sneak up behind the Brig, trade, and be in a position where the general won't immediately see him, thus allowing him to re-hide. With this in mind the monks were sent to pull individual mobs from the cabin. Tyrrund and Leifanng did the dirty work here.

The first mob was War Priestess T`zan. The army clustered around her and began to battle. I assumed she would drop in seconds, yet five minutes seemed to go by and still she stood. I watched her health fall and rise, fall again only to rise again. I tried casting my lure spell, only to have it resisted over and over. Clearly it seemed I would be of no use here. Another dark elf also showed up by the name of Advisor C`zatl, and things were heating up. Then as the priestess was low in health I cast again and to my surprise she took damage! Ah-hah! Perhaps there was a link. Unfortunately by that time I was out of mana. The DC killed the Priestess, but Klothe and Sebon were dead.

"Well so far I have done nothing except debuff one," Slej told me miserably. I was pleased to report I had managed to actually do damage. Weak and feeble certainly, but some. With Slej, I was starting to feel more like one of a pair of LOTR hobbits in the battle of Gondor than an Erudite wizard.

Next came Tasi V`ghera. This time I held back and waited until I saw the health bar drop below half, then I began to nuke. The first blast hit for full damage!

"Akky down!" Leifanng cried. And somewhere in the havoc of the field below me Akkera fell dead at Tasi V' ghera's feet.

I began casting Enticement of Flame again Tasi V`ghera was hit by non-melee for 360 points of damage. Tasi V`ghera succumbed to the enticement of flame. Then the dark elf fell and I saw the amazing message, "You have slain Tasi V`ghera!" I was stunned, but in a good way.

"I actually got a couple of blasts on that one!" Slej told me.

Slej left my group then and I tired to re-invite him thinking he had left accidentally.

"I'm the healer in one of the other groups now" Slejhamyr told me, then added fearfully,"Somebody gonna die"

I was alone in my group of one. Sylen had been apart of the group for a brief while, but left.

A few more dark elves and a few more deaths-Iilae and Indra fell. Then in came the Adjutant D`kan

I began casting Enticement of Flame.
Adjutant D`kan was hit by non-melee for 360 points of damage.
Adjutant D`kan succumbed to the enticement of flame, and once more the message, "You have slain Adjutant D`kan!" I cheered my own success, then I looked upon the field and saw the cost.

"Uniqe LD"' Brodda told us
"Dang...' Radalas cursed
"Slej and Teroth down," reported Salavar.

Slej! Not Slej! I looked down and saw the little guy's body. Poor fellow. I consoled myself with the knowledge that at least it was quick. The good news was Brig was alone. It was finally time for the main feature, time to face the General, but there was a catch. In order to trade his box, Brodda needed to have invisibility cast on him after he opened the trade window, but before he traded. Iilae was sent in to invis Brodda, but something went wrong.

"Are you casting invis on me Iilae?" Brodda asked Iilae.
"Yes, trying to," Iilae replied.
"It says I am protected, yet am not invis."
"lilae he needs to be in our group," Tyrrund told them.
Brodda began laughing. "It's the little things that get ya."
"Lol I cant invis poor broddy," Iilae said.

Being part of Brodda's group, Exavier was sent in, but was killed when an undead spotted him.
It was then that Brodda was told to forget the invis, make the trade and take the death. He tried, and died, but the general never popped. Brodda was dragged out and rezed, and went in again. The lucky thing was he still had the box.

Everyone gathered again and went in for a second try. Exavier went forward to invis once more, but the Brig appeared and killed him.

Brodda slipped up behind the Brigader, and deftly, as the master thief he is, he began the trade. "In trade window now.. he's scowls. I need invis now!'
From outside the cabin Tyrrund shouted, 'turn in'
Leifanng echoed the sentiment, 'turn in'
Tyrrund then reconsidered, 'no'
Brodda, with sweat dappling his shinny head whispered, 'cannot trade until it's not KoS.. must be invis, or all for naught'
Radalas said, 'agreed'
Tyrrund sighed and nodded, 'he will lose his piece'
"Bleh" Leifanng exclaimed, "brodda down!"
"God damn it!" Radalas cursed swinging his sword at the blades of grass before him. Everyone in the vicinity took a step back from him.
Brodda announced, "still have piece."
Gryphin shouted, 'whats goin on?'
"Leif drag ex and brodda," Radalas ordered.
Leifanng said, "someone get an inviser with brodda"
Radalas said, "or leif drag ex and ty drag brodda"
Leifanng replied, 'I'll get ex'

I felt stupid just sitting there. They needed a caster who could cast invis. I might not be able do much damage to the mobs, but I could cast an invisibility spell. Besides, if I died in the process, the group wasn't loosing anything.

I asked Radalas, "Do you want me to group with brodda and invis him and that way if I die who cares?"

Radalas told me, 'no.. its not that... just a few bad turn of events'

Brodda returned to position once more.

Is there time to drag ex back to camp?' Leifanng asked.
Tyrrund said, 'ok leif and I rdy'
"No leif keep ex there for now," Radalas said. "Lets do this soon... rez timer on corpse about to run out'
Brodda called out, "turning in!"
Radalas said, "quickly but do it carefuly"

There was a pause, and everyone held their breath.

"General V`ghera!" Brodda shouted.
"Cool!" Radalas cheered.
"Pull!" Brodda yelled.
Leifanng was heard to say, "Great." Then…

General V`ghera shouts 'I shall end this treachery now! First you, you insignificant, worthless } , then that ill-spawned Stanos, and finally Joren. '

The General was coming.

We all held fast to our positions before Rivervale, as the General was lead to Radalas' waiting arms. Radalas took a firm footing in the deep piney thatch, and raised his sword. The General came charging into the glade, furious. Radalas stepped forward and swung. The sound of metal on steel rang harshly, and the battle began.

The cleric maintained heals on Radalas. They fought toe to toe, swing for swing, with Rad's health rising and falling. Behind him the clerics prayed, but it wasn't long before the general left Rad and turned on Sunu. Sunu dropped like a stone. It returned to Rad and before long Rad fell.

"Damn! That guys is no joke!" Enilate cursed. "'I went down before I could hit mend."

The general's health was dropping and I began to cast. My spells began to hit. His health was dropping, but so were many of the DC. Bodies were starting to pile up. Blood was running everywhere. I wiped the sweat from my brow, tried to block out the screams from down below and cast again.

"OOM" Macy cried in despair
Medikar said, "remedy heal on Leifanng"
From the afterlife Radalas continued giving directions, 'keep Leif alive!'
Medikar said, "Remedy heal on Leifanng"
General V`ghera shouts 'Another cur dies! With fodder like this, we shall have no problem conquering all these pale fools. '
General V`ghera shouts 'Another cur dies! With fodder like this, we shall have no problem conquering all these pale fools. '
I began casting Enticement of Flame.
General V`ghera shouts 'Another cur dies! With fodder like this, we shall have no problem conquering all these pale fools. '

My spell fired. General V`ghera was hit by non-melee for 439 points of damage. I delivered a critical blast! (439)

The General was down to just a tad bit or red left, but few Chow were still standing. Only Leifanng and a couple others still remaind in the fight.. The rest lay dead like fallen leaves beneath the evil trees.

General V`ghera shouts 'Another cur dies! With fodder like this, we shall have no problem conquering all these pale fools. '

Another DC dead

General V`ghera shouts 'Another cur dies! With fodder like this, we shall have no problem conquering all these pale fools. '

Another DC dead.

General V`ghera shouts 'Another cur dies! With fodder like this, we shall have no problem conquering all these pale fools. '

Leifanng feigned death.

Suddenly the field was clear. Except for the general. The General slowly turned. He was covered in the blood of the Chow. He looked up the hill to where I stood, and grinned evilly. My blood went cold as I saw my death in his eyes. Running was useless. I was out of mana, and had nothing left. I raised my feeble staff.

"DRAGONCHOW!" I cried and charged.

General V`ghera pierces YOU for 74 points of damage.
General V`ghera slashes YOU for 285 points of damage.
General V`ghera shouts 'Another cur dies! With fodder like this, we shall have no problem conquering all these pale fools. '
You feel your soul being consumed. You have taken 500 points of damage.
You have been slain by General V`ghera!
Returning to home point, please wait...
LOADING, PLEASE WAIT...

I woke up with Sunu standing over me. "Did we win?"

The news was bad. The general was never killed. Brodda lost his box, and will have to start his epic over. Most everyone at the site was killed. It was late, and after the resurrections and after punting those who needed it, DC called it a night. It was my first "real" raid, and it had been bloody, but I suppose that is why they call it Bloody Kithcor. While I feel bad for Brodda, I am pleased to have served what little purpose I could, and it was an honor to die with such distinguished company. Long live Dragonchow!

by Eldeberon

Up until now I had grown accustom to raids being rather mundane camps of repetitive slaughter and looting. Air however, was different. Instead of being a distant aid to the course of events, everyone was able--or perhaps forced is a better term--to be equally invested in the event. This was no slaughter camp, but rather an adventure shared by all. This quest, this journey, lead by an insane, sadistic, floating, halfling guide took us through the looking glass into Verant's twisted version of a high altitude Disneyland.

I had never been on a Plane of Air raid. I had never been to a plane of any kind. As a matter of fact, I never expected I would ever managed to reach to the lofty heights of planular conquest, but to my pleasant surprise there I was. Salladar ported us up, "us" being a handful of Dragonchow, the first batch of the incoming invasion force. We few stood around, slack-jawed gapping at the odd scenery. The Plane of Air seems to be a surreal, dream-like vision of eight islands, not floating in the sky, but hanging from one another by huge iron chains. You port into the lowest of the islands from which you need to proceed up this dangling chandelier. The question of course is how? The islands have no stairs and the chains don't look too promising.

Once the bulk of the raid force was assembled, we were turned loose on the maniacal fairyland of pixies who's ever constant tinkling sound eventually drives waiting visitors into a bloodlust that demands that each and every Tinkerbell be slaughtered without mercy. Then their princess is killed, and then He shows up.

He, is none other than Sirran the Lunatic. An incredibly powerful halfling that quad hits for 2000+, and who will attack anyone who speaks a single word. Each member of the raid needed to hand him the two items each was required to loot off the slaughtered pixies, and in return receive a key to the next island.

To get to the next island you jumped in and clicked on a dish shaped transport pad, not unlike the Alice in Wonderland Teacups and Saucers ride in Disneyland-except it is shaped more like a dogs water dish. Instantly you appear on the next island up. In our case this was an island filled with wizard familiars gone bad. The little red-winged imps came at us from all directions. Valiantly we fought. Some members tragically fell off the island! At last we were down to just a handful of defenders and two imps. Salavar, the last of the tanks, fell in battle. That was when I heard the distant voice of Radalas ordering the remaining survivors to jump. That's right jump off the island. Trusting to providence, and having little choice, I jumped. What a rush. I plummeted straight down and splash landed in the East Freeport bay. The force of the fall drove me several feet under water. That was worth the price of admission right there, and we all got back in line to try it again.

Rad soon had the group reorganized, and to our relief the mobs on the islands have a very slow spawn time. We finished off the last of the imps, each of us looting more items for the next key. Then we killed the boss mob and who do you think appears? That's right, the loony little halfling cracking jokes and begging for anyone to make a comment. He seemed surprised at our fast progress, and that we had gotten so far, and gleefully mentioned that he antisipated more fun to come. Which was my clue that he expected we would all die on the next island. Again, now that the island was devoid of any living mob, we all turned in items and got keys.

Up went again.

Island three, was safer. Still a barren world but sporting a snazzy mosque-like temple. Harpies were the kill of the day, and we again obtained more key items. All the while other drops were occurring. Fine items, spells and quest pieces.

Soon the island was nearly clear of mobs, and we were down to the mob boss and his friends. Once again, as in Chardok (and no doubt many other places), Liefanng was asked to volunteer for hazardous duty and there wasn't a dry eye in the group as we watched her walk valiantly past the ranks responding to the call. She and Radalas had fun playing with the harpies and floating eyes for a bit, before eventually singling out a decent pull. In the meantime Modi, Steddy and I discovered that summoned eyes worked differently in the plane of air, and could fly and gain altitude.

Sirran returned after the mob boss was killed, and once more, having ridthe island of all living creatures, we very quietly obtained our keys.

Higher and higher we climbed, and it was still early when we reached the fourth island. Only it was empty. No doubt the island had yet to respawn from some previous group, and without mobs, no keys could be obtained. The raid stopped there, not due to defeat, but apparently because the inhabitants of the islands had heard word of a bunch of unstoppable killers on the approach and they all left. Well that at least is the story I am sticking to. Having nothing else to do Rad gave the ok to cannonball off the island. Unlike Disneyland however, there was no 45 minute wait in roped lines for this demon drop thrill ride. You just walked to the edge and off you went screaming all the way.

Splash!

Fun as it was, I still feel unfulfilled however, like reading a book only half way. I really wanted to know where the heck Sirran was leading us, why, and what lay at the end of the sojourn. Perhaps another time.

"The door is locked, stuck or something," Verdicus said sharply.

"Oh Verd you're such a dweeb," said Verdarillian