The Scribe/20061102

		November 2, 2006 Ships Arrive in Elona; Corsairs Raid Dye Transports Many of those making their way to Elona have begun arriving at the great port of Kamadan. The Sunspears are scrambling to muster and train as many troops as possible to launch a strike against those attempting to release a powerful, world-threatening evil. It is the Sunspears' most fervent hope that, upon removal of those responsible for this atrocity, peace will once again return to Elona. The rapid influx of new recruits has lead to prolonged hours for the trainers, causing many of them to exhibit less-than-patient behavior. Tactician Haj was in a bit of hot water earlier in the week, when he pushed a recruit named Jahfoh off of the observation platform when she wanted to quit the training session. Jahfoh was unhurt, and actually found it a bit of humorous. Forgiving the potential harm to her person, she has opted to remain at Haj's training area, regaling new recruits with the story, and foretelling Haj's impatience with those who do not finish that which they start. Predicting the huge demand for dye—what with many students desiring to customize their standard-issue garb—Elonian dye traders have put in massive orders for their stores. Hoping to properly meet this demand, dye traders from around the world sent their excess supply to Elona. Unfortunately, much of that dye was apprehended by corsair raiders, and has since been sold on the black market to the many degenerates and fiends with whom the corsairs associate. Also, since those ruffians are less careful about protecting their supplies than the more civilized organizations prove to be, many confused beasts and monsters across Elona have acquired much of the stolen dye, apparently drawn in by the aroma and mistaking it for something edible. Luckily, this gives new recruits in Elona the opportunity to reclaim some of this stolen dye. If you have not already set sail for Elona, I strongly implore you to immediately book passage. You won't regret it. The Sunspears are preparing for all-out war—if it comes to that—and reports suggest that the Kournans are also mustering every available troop and guard, preparing for what they feel is an inevitable end to the peace in Elona. There are also atrocious allegations suggesting a far greater and far more dangerous threat on the horizon. Elona needs you, brave citizens. Its fate truly rests in your hands, and you must heed its call, lest we all fall! The Mad King Has Left the Building Calm is returning to Kamadan and Lion's Arch, and the pumpkin-wearing crowds are returning to their normal lives. The Mad King has departed, for now, and the masses are reveling in the many gifts he left behind in his lunatic wake. Do not be shocked if you continue to see walking, talking—even dancing—candy corn over the next few weeks. Some do not wish to say goodbye to the Halloween spirit just yet. The gifts Mad King Thorn distributed have turned into quite a valuable commodity. Many citizens would never dream of handing over their hard-earned treats, but those who are willing to do so are making a killing in the market. It can be expected that the price of these items will continue to rise as supplies diminish, so if you desire to acquire a few extra Halloween treats—perhaps some Squash Serum or Witch's Brew—now would be the time to trade for them. While these gifts are special, most citizens are buzzing about the spectacularly spooky headgear the Mad King gave out in both of his party locations. In Lion's Arch, following the tradition of years past, Mad King Thorn handed out a fabulous "Furious Pumpkin Crown," while in Kamadan, he presented party attendees with a new type of headgear—the "Wicked Hat." These prized possessions have earned a permanent place in the populace's backpacks, and they no doubt will be brought out at many social events in the future. As one citizen stated, with obvious pride, "Our Wicked Hats and our Furious Pumpkin Crowns are signs that we were there when the Mad King descended on the city. Not only did we not flee in fear, we managed to survive a barrage of painful jokes to get the rewards. In fact, some of us bested King Thorn at a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors for extra treats!" We must now wait another year to see if Mad King Thorn again will grace us with his regal presence during the Halloween Season. As he would say in one of his rare moments of near-lucidity, "Watch for the heralds that mark the sign of my return." Random Acts of Kindness This has been an extremely busy week! Hundreds of ships have been arriving here in Elona, and Kamadan is packed to capacity. Mad King Thorn's grand celebration also brought many people out to enjoy the festivities, affording me the opportunity to meet quite a few exceptional citizens this past week. A friend of mine who remains on Shing Jea Island sent me word of a few kind acts that took place there. In Ran Masu Gardens, Ceridwyn Moonblade gave away an assortment of Warrior weapons to those in need. In the late Minister Cho's Estate, Ron Stopable was offering free help on quests to any who could use a hand. In Seitung Harbor, The Last Fallen God was also offering assistance to those less experienced in combat. Tales of your good deeds make my heart long to return to my beloved island home. Also on Shing Jea Island, a young Ritualist named Cheroo Kee offered help to a fellow cartographer desperate to find what was missing on his map. She aided him in plotting the route to the last remote location in Cantha he had missed, which allowed him to have a full and accurate record of the continent. Back in Tyria, Captain Band Aid gave away a Superior Strength Rune to a Warrior in need. It is always nice to see people sharing items rather than selling them, for not all citizens have the funds to purchase the tools and equipment they need for battle. Over in Kamadan, Karie Moonwhisper led an adventurer who possessed a broken toy in the direction of Mahk, the local toy maker. I can only hope Mahk was able to repair it and return it to its functioning state. Also, Silver Eagle instructed a new recruit about how to locate Koss in order to gain that good Warrior's assistance in future adventures. I also came across a few fine citizens helping people get the most possible enjoyment out of the Halloween event. Aggressive Nature told confused citizens where the find sentient roots for the Mad King's collectors. Rangerr Godd shared his knowledge of the Mad King's games, helping other players survive the challenge. Both of these fine citizens helped others gather the most treats possible during Mad King Thorn's visit. Pomnuria Ignasia, Mikel Zen, Tnagnev Eht Navllyk, Helena Manning, Seshiro Kitan and Big F L Y all acted as honorary heralds, announcing to the citizens when Mad King Thorn would return. This helpful service allowed the many adventurers attending the celebration to return to their normal tasks between the king's visits. I would also like to give a very special thanks to an outstanding individual. He may have killed us all many times over, he may be all but unbeatable at "Rock, Paper, Scissors," and his jokes could bring tears of despair to the happiest of clowns, but, nevertheless, I feel I must thank Mad King Thorn for visiting us again this year in Tyria and Elona. He must have given out at least a million items during the event! What a giving spirit! I must give the good king a tip of my Wicked Hat and my wishes for him to have a pleasant trip back to the Mists. Long live... err, long prosper Mad King Thorn of Tyria! Thank you all for your fine displays of kindness. I shall continue to look for acts of selfless giving and generous assistance in the future. May the Five Gods watch over you throughout your adventures.