Ebon Gate Festival/saved posts 2024

General Information

General Information - Schedule

Discord Message Link: [1]
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 11/15/2023

Join us once again as the Ebon Gates bring us to the distant Realm of Naidem where the Unliving reside in the town of Evermore Hollow.

Enjoy a variety of games, merchants, and more during this month-long festival that begins on Friday, October 4th at 9 PM Eastern, and closes on November 3rd at 11:59 PM Eastern.

Finer details will be added to the calendar as time goes by, but the overall schedule is below:

10/4 - 10/11 - Platinum Live Games, Storyline & Quest Introduction

10/11 - 10/18 - Premium Live Games, Platinum Merchant Week

10/18 - 10/25 - Prime Merchant Week

10/25 - 10/29 - Storyline & Quest Closing

10/30 - 11/3 - Special Event (Not Delirium)

10/30 - 11/1 - No GM interactions

General Information - Reunion Vault

Discord Message Link: [ Reunion Vault]
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 9/29/2024

This year at Ebon Gates, we will be featuring the Reunion Vault. It will have the following items inside:

• Two 25-use keys (for Trick-or-Treat, Herb Hunt)
• Two 25-use cubes (for Arena of the Abyss or the new game)
• +50% Exp - 30-day death certificate
• 90-use death's sting salve
• Locus Oil
• The Ferryman's Lantern^
• A Glass Pane Folio^^

^The Ferryman's Lantern (lore to be released soon) is a wrought iron lantern that is decided to be placed at the feet and will move on spindled legs with its owner. It will provide ambient messaging that changes based on the Season, 4-specfic Holidays (Cholen's Eve, Zelia's Warning, Festival of Oleani, and Eve of Reunion), which glass panes are installed in the lantern, and if it is in Naidem.

The lantern has two special features, the ability to briefly steal light from the surrounding area or the ability to dispel local shadows. These features can only be done in Naidem.

Each lantern has four windows, that can be fitted with panes found in the various games.

Additionally, the Lantern will tell the Tale of the Ferryman when appropriately manipulated. This tale is portrayed through illusions, shadows, and a disembodied voice.

^^A glass pane folio is designed to hold your spare windowpanes when they are not installed in the lantern. It can hold a total of 75 glass panes weightlessly. Glass panes can be altered.

The lantern can be broken to obtain an RPA Orb.

Lanterns attune.

Learn the lore of The Lantern of the Ferryman.

Lantern Updates

Discord Message Link: Lantern Updates
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/5/2024

• Bug where 3rd person movement didn't have a space is fixed.
• Bug showing military time randomly is fixed. (its gone in case you were wondering).
• Bug where trying to light the lantern without panes in it is fixed. (You can't light it if there aren't panes)
• Bug where PUSHing a pane in weirdly called them "wrought iron" is fixed.
• Bug where LOOK showed the first pane being populated in every spot is fixed.
• Bug where putting away a lit lantern meant it stayed on in your cloak is fixed. (You know shut it off first.)

Lantern Panels

Discord Message Link: Lantern Panes
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/5/2024

The painful pile of panes is out! It cost 100 soul shards to SEARCH. Located in [Graveyard Temporalis, Outer Rim] (8083320). It's a heaping pile of glass panes. A cute little gremlin is guarding it. Good luck!

General Information - Festival Verb Updated

Discord Message Link: Festival Verb Updated
Author: GM Tivvy
Date: 10/5/2024

The FESTIVAL verb is active for all your Ebon Gate informational needs, including GHOUL and games schedules, storyline info, instructions for traveling to Naidem, and more!

General Information - CLAIM and EVENT are Live

Discord Message Link: Claim and Event are Live
Author: GM Wyrom
Date: 10/18/2024

A new CLAIM GIFT and EVENT are now available in all instances. It will be available until October 31st at 10pm ET.

General Information - WPS Wagon Live at EG

Discord Message Link: WPS Wagon
Author: GM Wyrom
Date: 10/21/2024

The WPS Smithy (and all variants) has been updated to take raikhen and soul shards.

Announcements

Announcement - Luminary Festival

Discord Message Link: Harvest Luminary Festival
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 9/25/2024

Ebon Gate 2024-Introducing the Harvest Luminary Festival
The Harvest Luminary Festival is an annual tradition amongst Naidem residents, and finally, they are ready to let everyone attend.

This mini-festival-within-the-festival will run October 30 - November 3. It's meant to be a simple, fun way to relax and get a bit of a carnival atmosphere at the end of Ebon Gate.

Details are forthcoming, but below is a bit of information and the lore behind it.

Features:

• Return of the Midway Games: There are no jackpots for this return, but you can earn general tickets to spend on prizes
• Prize Walls: There will be "prize walls" for you to spend your general tickts on for prizes. Examples you may expect to see are customs from Caligos and a few other items.
• Prize Piles: There will be prize piles similar to what was seen at Delirium Manor at Naidem in 2023

Lore:
There is a new flower, the wisp lanterns, that are portrayed on this year's artwork. Similar to the real life lanternberries (aka Chinese Lanterns), wisp lanterns have a bit of a Naidem twist to them. These will be special forageables found on the Harvest Luminary Festival grounds.

New gems, wispstones, can now also drop in Naidem.

Harvest Luminary Lore: Harvest Luminary Festival Traditions
Harvest Luminary Discussion Link: Discord Forum Discussion

Announcement - Live Games and Costume Contest

Discord Message Link: https://discord.com/channels/226045346399256576/1289328723023233046
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 09/27/2024

Greetings, all! It's that time of the year -- time to prepare for the Ebon Gate Live Games! Information on live entries for GHOUL will be done separately.

Location: Gallivant Manor & Grounds
Find [Innocent's End, The Explorers] (8083120) and wander down the byway then go southeast. For events taking place in The Gallivant, you can GO MARQUEE here. Otherwise, head down the mossy cobblestone path to look for your location.

Requirements: Requires the games pass.

Platinum:

• Saturday, October 5, 14:00 (2 pm) ET, Blind Luck [The Gallivant, Marquee] (8085023)
• Sunday, October 6, 16:00 (4 pm) ET, Cryptic Chronicles [Abandoned Cemetery] (8085034)
• Monday, October 7, 21:00 (9 pm) ET, Pyrestarters [Bonfire of the Gallivants] (8085033)
• Tuesday, October 8, 21:00 (9 pm) ET, Spooky Ciphers [Gallivant Manor, Library] (8085065)
• Wednesday, October 9, 21:00 (9 pm) ET, Haunted Spirits [Gallivant Manor, Kitchen] (8085062)
• Thursday, October 10, 21:00 (9 pm) ET, Wheel of Misfortune [Under the Manor] (8085066)

Prime:

• Friday, October 11, 21:00 (9 pm) ET, Blind Luck [The Gallivant, Marquee] (8085023)
• Saturday, October 12, 14:00 (2 pm) ET, Cryptic Chronicles [Abandoned Cemetery] (8085034)
• Sunday, October 13, 16:00 (4 pm) ET, Haunted Spirits [Gallivant Manor, Kitchen] (8085062)
• Monday, October 14, 21:00 (9 pm) ET, Spooky Ciphers [Gallivant Manor, Library] (8085065)
• Tuesday, October 15, 21:00 (9 pm) ET, Pyrestarters [Bonfire of the Gallivants] (8085033)
• Wednesday, October 16, 21:00 (9 pm) ET, Wheel of Misfortune [Under the Manor] (8085066)

Judging Info (for Cryptic Chronicles, Haunted Spirits, and Pyrestarters)
Content: Was the content of your presentation good? Did you manage to meet or exceed the requirements?
Style and Flair: How well did you present your offering? Creative use of ACTs, SMILEs, and other RP tools like speech, tone, or items count too!
Theme: Was your presentation keeping with the theme of the event? If it's a spooky tale contest, did you tell a spooky tale?
Time Management: How well did you manage time? Do not go over, but do not be too short either!

Wiki Link: Ebon Gate Festival/2024 Live Games

Announcement - Costume Contest

Discord Message Link: https://discord.com/channels/226045346399256576/1289348289845788744
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 09/27/2024

Hello everyone! This year's Ebon Gate costume contest will take place on Sunday, October 27th Noon ET. Everyone is welcome to join in on the fun or come to admire the creativity of your fellow players.

We will be judging the following categories: Most Creative, Most Original, Funniest, Spookiest, and Best Couple.

The rules are simple, but please be aware that failure to follow them will affect your overall score.

RULES:

1. Your costume presentation can be no longer than 5 minutes. We will be timing you, so please be aware of your pacing!
2. You can use any number of props, bystanders (with their permission), fancy scripts, etc., but remember Rule #1.
3. HAVE FUN!
4. Don't forget to light your votive (kidding)

Wiki Page: Ebon Gate Festival/2024 Costume Contest

Announcement - Manors, Manse, Gardens, oh my!

Discord Message Link: Manors, Manse, Gardens, oh my!
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/3/2024

Antiquarian Manor Sylinaar continues to hide out in the gardens of the Antiquarian Manor, offering enhancive-related services during the month of October. Sylinaar provides estimates before completing the work, so be sure to ask him about MAX, PERMANENCY, RECHARGE or COST.

The half-elven traveler will be appearing at Ebon Gate to give away her Gilded Locus invention! Her prices will be reset since she appeared at Duskruin, and she has learned the ability to SWAP properties for 5k soul shards! If you have a locus, simply ask her about ADD, BOOST, or SWAP. I f you do not have a locus, simply ask her for NEW LOCUS, and she'll give you one for free!

Quinton Manse

New Offerings have been added to Quinton Manse! Unlock Certificates for Yansio clothing are available on the shelves. Beatie Babies and their unlock certificates have also been added.

SuperSpec unlocks have been moved to Fresh from the Coven, a new shop that is located the neighborhood of Fate's Holding.

Announcement - New Shop List

Discord Message Link: New Shop List
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/3/2024

New Shops!

Naidem is happy to announce its newest shops opening in the various neighborhoods around Evermore Hollow. They are:

• The Kettle Black – Home of the Popcorn Kettle
• The Old Ossuary – Home of the Scrimshaw Knife
• Twisted Glory – Home of the Twisted Weapons
• The Twisted Lodge – Home of the Twisted Shields
• Fortified – Home of the Twisted Armor
• Sounds Beyond (delayed) - TBA
• Such Sights to See (delayed) - TBA
• Piper's Peepers – Home of the Jeepers Creepers Series
• Nereid's Voice – Home of the Ocarina
• Chimes In the Mist – Home of the Belled Clothing Line
• Whisper Pages (delayed) – Home of New Lore Books
• Playful Prisms – Home of Kaleidoscopes and Juggling Balls
• Starlit Cavern (delayed) - TBA
• Fresh from the Coven (delayed) - TBA

Shop Updates!

Several shops have had new additions or unlock certificates added to them. They are:

• Market Makers – Announcement Hawker Unlock
• Rodnir's Bait and Tackle – Fish Unlock for Jeepers Creepers
• Sizzle and Spice
• Twisted Ways

All of last year's shops will also be returning.

Announcement - Expansion - Bittermere Woods

Discord Message Link: Undergrowth of Bittermere Woods (a.k.a. Witch's Hut)
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 9/24/2024

Haunted sounds fill the southern section of Bittermere Woods as the events of last year's visitor interactions echo through the ethereal realm of Naidem. Floating heads of women who scream like banshees terrorize the landscape. They search the twisted landscape, looking for the gods only know what.

OOC: Bittermere Woods has been expanded. A new game (to be announced later) can be found here, as well as a new (node) resting spot and bonfire. These woods are not the brilliant and beautiful mushroom-filled landscape of the central woods. You've been warned...

New Node: There is a bonfire in the woods that is noded.

Announcement - Fishing Finds - Pre-Made Tackle & Sweep

Discord Message Link: Fishing Finds - Pre-Made Tackle & Sweep
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/9/2024

Thanks to the aid of GM Gyres and APM Isten, I have added 7 pre-made tackle and 7 pre-made sweep tokens in the fishing feeders. These are now live in all instances. Like other customization tokens, any unwanted tokens can be sold to the gjenganger in Gavelsdown Hall.

Tackle Pre-made Customs

• a fish-stamped dark blue token - With a growl, {Player} launches herself at a giant rat in a flying tackle!
• a fish-stamped dark red token - {Player} feints left, then right, then ducks her head and barrels toward a giant rat with arms flung wide!
• a fish-stamped green-blue token - {Player} snorts her breath out her nose like an angered bull and then hurls her whole body at a giant rat!
• a fish-stamped slate grey token - With no warning, {Player} coils her body and launches herself at a giant rat!
• a fish-stamped bright yellow token - Issuing a low, guttural growl, {Player} moves into a half crouch before launching herself at a giant rat, aiming her shoulder at its abdomen.
• a fish-stamped inky black token - Pounding her chest with closed fists, {Player} flings her arms behind her and issues a challenging roar as she launches herself at a giant rat!
• a fish-stamped dusky purple token - Like a coiled spring, {Player} suddenly launches into action, hurling herself at a giant rat in an attempt to take it down.

Sweep Pre-made Customs

• a bevel-edged silver token - With nimble grace, {Player} spins into a crouch and sweeps her extended leg at a giant rat!
• a bevel-edged copper token - {Player} casts herself into an acrobatic array of flips and spins that concludes with a crouch and an extended leg sweeping in a giant rat's direction!
• a bevel-edged platinum token - {Player} upends herself into a cartwheel and then, twisting her lateral momentum into a spin, drops low and lashes out with one leg at a giant rat!
• a bevel-edged gold token - {Player} dips and sways, arms splayed and movements flowing, before dropping one hand to the ground and lashing out at a giant rat with an extended leg!
• a custom sweep token - Stepping forward, {Player} drops both hands lightly upon the ground, her left leg extended, and then rapidly spins, sweeping her leg at a giant rat.
• a bevel-edged bronze token - Ducking out of a giant rat's reach, {Player} moves into a palm-supported crouch and thrusts her left leg out behind her before spinning on the ball of her right foot and attempting to sweep it to the ground.
• a bevel-edged iron token - Taking a single step forward, {Player} drops into a tight crouch, her left hand on the ground and her right raised to protect her face as she pivots in a tight circle with one leg extended to sweep her leg under a giant rat.

These can be found unlimitedly in fishing.

Discord Discussion: https://discord.com/channels/226045346399256576/1025800360541040680/1293766213817729046

Announcement - New Game - Undergrowth of Bittermere Woods (a.k.a. Witch's Hut)

Discord Message Link: Undergrowth of Bittermere Woods (a.k.a. Witch's Hut)
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/11/2024

Undergrowth of Bittermere Woods (a.k.a. The Witch’s Hut)

Deep in Bittermere Woods lives a witch who once walked Elanith as a priestess of Niima. She discovered something so unique and powerful that the forces of Lornon sent assassins after her, ending her life in one swift stroke so that her discovery could not be shared with the world at large. However, even in death, the Arkati fought over what to do with her soul. Gosaena recognized that she was removed from Elanith before her time and thus would not ferry her to oblivion. Lorminstra demanded she be returned to her body, a deed for a deed. Luukos wanted her for his own designs as payment for her discoveries.

Unable to go to silence, warred over by winter and hiss, Naidem took her. For years, decades, centuries, she was among the forgotten in the landscape of the land between. Not really knowing who she was, but merely a fleeting memory with a single burning desire to rediscover what was lost.

And so, she moved away from the others and into the woods. She tended to a garden, one that was so different from what she knew in life. And created her trinkets. These little things, these forgotten things, and slowly, her past life began to inform her hands, and the old, forgotten discoveries returned.

Haunted by the resurgence of how she expired, the witch was uncertain what to do with these things, these bits, this knowledge, and as such she decided to test those that found their way to her garden. Maybe, if she could trust them with the beginnings of her discovery, have them prove through trial their mettle, then maybe, just maybe, she could trust them with the rest.

NEW GAME

Venture into the Undergrowth of Bittermere Woods and discover the Witch’s Hut and her garden. When you meet her, she will provide you with a single task at the cost of 1 cube. Upon accepting your task, she SHRINKS YOU DOWN to the size of a mouse and sends you through a mousehole into her garden.

The tasks are varied and include things like making candles, mulching mushrooms, harvesting fiddlehead ferns, replacing the gourd guard, etc. The tasks are designed to take as long as a full run in the Arena of the Abyss and offer the same rewards as a single run with one very big difference. Instead of finding the Necrotic Ring, you can find the Lightweaver’s Ocarina.

Playable like the ones sold in Nereid’s Voice, this ocarina is special. It has access to 6-fluff verb traps, can be worn, and has an ability called Aura of the Nereid. Next year, the ocarina will be expanded to have other features that will require charges to use. Fortunately for you, if you run the game this year, you can store the charges for later use.

BE WARNED!

Much like the Arena of the Abyss, the Undergrowth of Bittermere Woods also has its hazards. An imp, all the larger now that you are small, may find you in the garden and remove you from his precious fiddlehead ferns! This hazard has the same effect (without killing you) that the lightning strikes do in Arena of the Aybss.

Aura of the Nereid

This is a toggle-able feature on the Lightweaver’s Ocarina that allows you to cycle through 7 different illusions. This illusion shows up ABOVE your character’s description and is in monster bold.

Prizes – a Clarification

So that we are being 100% transparent, the listed prizes are:

• Experience
• 30 shards per run
• Fusion Shaman Tokens
• Shimmering Green Orb
• Breakable Items
• Lightweaver’s Ocarina

Except for the 30 Soul Shards and the experience, all prizes are random.

Discord Message Link: Undergrowth of Bittermere Woods Opens
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/18/2024

The creaking of a gate announces the opening of the Undergrowth of Bittermere Woods.

Announcement - Gavelsdown Hall - Gjenganger Accepts...

Discord Message Link: Gavelsdown Hall - Gjenganger Accepts...
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/8/2024

Gavelsdown Hall is the home of the Trove, but it is also the home of a gjenganger who sells the Trove Tokens. He also purchases candy, fusion tokens, and fishing spell prep/customs.

We have opened the hall so that those without a service pass can access him to sell their candy, fushion tokens, and fishing spell prep/customs.

If you purchase a token from him but do not buy a service pass then you cannot take part in the Trove. We will not refund you the trove token purchase, but they are not attuned and you can sell it to another adventurer. You MUST purchase a service pass to use any purchased trove tokens.

Announcement - New Urchin Guide Places

Discord Message Link: New Urchin Guide Places
Author: GM Vanah
Date: 10/12/2024

New Urchin Places have been added for Ebon Gate!

Valid places:
ARENA           (Arena of the Abyss (go portal))
BANK            (Otherworldly Wealth, Lobby)
EXIT            (Evermore Hollow, Inner Ring)
GEMSHOP         (The Greedy Ghost, Entry)
**GHOUL           (The Sorrowwood Crypt (go crumbling crypt))**
HEALER          (Clove and Dandelion, Triage)
HERBHUNT        (The Garden Shack (go shack))
LIVEGAMES       (Innocent's End, Winding Trail (go byway))
**LUMINARYFEST    (Ember Ridge, Slope)**
PAWN            (Bones and Baubles, Entry)
ROOKERY         (Wrencrest Rookery (go manor))
SONREEVA        (Sonreeva (go mausoleum))
STORYLINE       (Fate's Holding, The Cell)
**TABLES          (Evermore Hotel, Bar)**
TRICKORTREAT    (Endeltime Estates (go neighborhood))
TROVE           (Gavelsdown Hall (go mansion))
**UNDERGROWTH     (Witch's Cottage (go gate))**

Announcement - Gilded Locus

The Adventurer that offers upgrades, unlocks, and items for the Gilded locus can be found at Quinton Manse, west of Sylinaar.

Discord Message Link: Gilded Locus
Author: GM Nysus
Date: 10/12/2024

The gilded locus enhancive item is now compatible with armoires from the adventurer's guild.

Announcement - Sonreeva Opens Friday

Discord Message Link: Sonreeva
Author: GM Wyrom
Date: 10/17/2024

Going to start a new thread on this, but I am pasting the old thread here if you want to scan the old one if any of this is new to you.

2023 Sonreeva Post

Last year we had a false start, but we allowed the ring to be upgraded last run at a scaling price and the dungeon crawl itself was untouched. I mentioned last year we will come to a better conclusion on the pricing of the ring and it was upgraded at your own risk! The original pricing plan was 10k to get the ring, and then 20k, 30k, 40k, and 50k to fully upgrade over the years, but it wasn't clear at the start so I mentioned I would take a year off from updates until we had more time to come to some better conclusions.

A good chunk of the puzzles have been updated this year. There is a hint system you can access if you're stuck in certain areas. Not all puzzles have hints, but any place that you are stuck with no way out will have some hints somewhere. Whether it's a specific verb or something in the area. In case it wasn't clear, there are hidden exits throughout if you do get stuck and want to just get out of this place. The dungeon crawl does require reading through the areas, listening to NPC dialogue, and searching around. It can be completed by yourself, but it may have areas of difficulty if you don't come prepared. Examples would be to bring herbs, possibly some magic items, and be ready to fight creatures.

Sonreeva is a little larger than last time, with some areas having a new layout or theme. Some areas can be skipped, as multiple ways to solve areas are being introduced this year. There is a "save point" toward the end where you can rest. It should be a little clear that it's a safe spot, but an easy way to tell is if creatures don't spawn there. There are 3 old secrets that you can discover. There are 2 new secrets you can discover. These secrets play into older RPGs or nod toward other games. They might require multiple attempts to find, even if you have tried over and over in a room and see nothing. Having more people can be helpful. When you discover a secret, you get listed as having done so in your EVENT STATS. You can only get credit once per secret and there is a small reward for getting it.

There is a lot of guessing the verb in here, we're a MUD after all. There are things you might have to do in specific orders that can reset if you do them wrong. You can die from doing them wrong in some areas. Sonreeva is telling a story, something is going on here. There are clearly two or three separate pieces to it. I would be interested in hearing theories about it.

The end prize cost will be a flat 15,000 soul shards each time instead of a scaling cost. It has 5 tiers, and each tier is unlocked each year. This year marks tier 3. The catch-up mechanic will be changing after this year. You can get it fully caught up this year, but after this year, you may only do one upgrade a year if you miss it. You can still catch up as Naidem is planned to be a long-term home for EG, and Sonreeva is going to stay beyond the 5 years of tiering. I will post more in a follow-up comment.

Sonreeva opens Friday evening a little after merchant week starts in Prime.

At the end of Sonreeva, there will be a shop similar to what I put out in the Mobile Smithy. Unique items such as some unreleased temporal weapons, monster fleshes, and some other high-end goodies. They won't all be there from the start and I will post when anything new is added. They will all be in soul shard pricing similar to what I did at Duskruin for pricing, so if you got a big bag of shards and want to spend them, this might be for you.

There will also be some new rare drops on creatures this run. Some single-use SimuCoin Store items may populate on creatures you can kill. Even though they are commonly purchased in the store, the drop rate will be on the leaner side just since it's only a single cube entry to get in here. You might find one during a run to keep it interesting. They will have different descriptions from the SimuCoin Store stuff so they don't get confused and are listed in shops after this to mislead people. Be sure to share what you find!

New Lore

Listing of new Lore released at Ebon Gate this year.

The Mandrake and the Witch

Discord Message Link: The Mandrake and the Witch Lore
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 9/21/2024

NOTE There are some dark themes in this, so just be aware.

Ever wonder how our beloved mandrake pets came to be? Well, wonder no more -- I present, mandrake lore!

Wiki Page: The Mandrake and the Witch
Forum Discussion Link: https://discord.com/channels/226045346399256576/1287152224526536797

Harvest Luminary Festival

Discord Message Link: Harvest Luminary Festival Lore
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 9/25/2024

Lore:
There is a new flower, the wisp lanterns, that are portrayed on this year's artwork. Similar to the real life lanternberries (aka Chinese Lanterns), wisp lanterns have a bit of a Naidem twist to them. These will be special forageables found on the Harvest Luminary Festival grounds.

New gems, wispstones, can now also drop in Naidem.

Harvest Luminary Lore: Harvest Luminary Festival Traditions
Harvest Luminary Discussion Link: [Here!]

The Unfathomable Nereids: Unveiling the Mysteries of Niima's Daughters

Discord Message Link: The Unfathomable Nereids: Unveiling the Mysteries of Niima's Daughters
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/7/2024

A new lore document has been created regarding the mysterious Nereids. I hope you enjoy it:
Wiki Link: The Unfathomable Nereids: Unveiling the Mysteries of Niima's Daughters
You can obtain a copy of this lore in book-form at Ebon Gate

The Flora of Naidem

Discord Message Link: Naidem Flora
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 10/4/2024

Hot off the presses! Official lore on some of the more unique Naidem flowers and plants.

Wiki Page: Naidem Flora
Forum Discussion Link: Naidem Flora

The Lantern of the Ferryman

Discord Message Link: The Lantern of the Ferryman
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/1/2024

[Ebon Gate] Updated Reunion Vault Information

• The Lantern in the Vault Attunes.
• The Lantern can be broken for an RPA orb.

TO learn more about the lore behind the lantern, visit our wiki: The Lantern of the Ferryman

Birdwatching in Elanthia

Discord Message Link: Birdwatching in Elanthia
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 10/2/2024

[Lore] Birdwatching in Elanthia
With the new birding system releasing at Ebon Gate, we have a small lore document to cover a few of the more unique birds you may encounter.

Wiki link: Birdwatching in Elanthia
Discussion link: https://discord.com/channels/226045346399256576/1291208188930293760
Birding system info: Jeepers Creepers and [Jeeper's Creepers at Piper's Peepers]

Primary Storyline

Follow This Year's Storyline at:

Wiki Page: The Ivsenra's Fate

Discord Discussion: The Ivansra's Fate

Storyline - Introduction Information

Discord Message Link: Storyline
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 9/24/2024

Ebon Gate 2024-Storyline Info - The Ivsenra's Fate & (Redacted)
Greetings, my lovely Ebon Gaters! For 2024, we are pleased to present The Ivsenra's Fate as our primary storyline. Right now, not a lot is being released about this, because we're not quite ready, but I'm starting this thread for random speculations and so I can drop hints as I feel like it!

This year will have a combination of live RP and quests you can do around the storyline.

In addition, there is going to be something else, a sort of "side-storyline," but that's all I'm going to say about that.

Wiki Storyline Page: The Ivensra's Fate (storyline)
Discussion Forum Link: - Ivensra's Fate

Storyline - Storyline RP

Discord Message Link: Storyline RP
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 10/07/2024

The pathway to Thistlegear Enclave is open, and there are several NPCs you can talk to and learn some about the area, and this week, we have two scheduled times for the storyline RP.

Thursday, October 10 at 22:00 (10 pm) ET

Sunday, October 13 at 11:00 am ET

Wander over to Thistlegear Enclave to see what is happening! It is down the shadowy path in [Fate's Holding, The Cell] (8083134).

10/13/2024 - Storyline Update - Quest Phase

Discord Message Link: Storyline Update
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 10/13/2024

With today's happenings, the storyline has now moved into a "quest" phase where players can take the story even more into their own hands. I highly recommend hanging out and asking the NPCs all their questions again, because with this phase, their answers may be a bit different. Plus, you can go to the mansion and talk to Brixt and see what he may need.

Key Links:

Wiki Page: The Ivsenra's Fate

Discord Discussion: The Ivansra's Fate

Secondary Storyline/Quest

For information on the secondary storyline/quest happening at Ebon Gate, visit:

Discussion Forum Link: ⁠An Unknown Quest

Wiki Page: Verara's Quest

An Unknown Quest

Discord Message Link: An Unknown Quest
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 10/8/2024

At Naidem this year, players can embark on a quest that will span the next few years. This year, there will be three phases to the quest, each phase requiring characters to perform enough actions to trigger the next. Participating characters will be tracked behind-the-scenes for potential future accolades or consequences (POTENTIAL, no guarantees). This is a roleplaying/storyline event, so we are not going to give a lot of information about it here, as we want players to have the ability to discover it themselves.

Starting tonight, you can access the area, and at some point this week/early weekend, the quest itself will kick off. We'll post a quick announcement when that happens.

While we are providing a forum thread for discussion, please be kind and spoiler tag/blackout any spoilerish details!

Naidem is a big place, so we'll just give you a brief hint as to where to start looking: it will take never-ending vigilance!

Discussion Forum Link: ⁠An Unknown Quest

Major kudos to GM Casil for coding this, for our QCers for their hard work on it, and GMs Casil, Thandiwe, Elysani, and Auchand for their input, expertise, and ingenuity!

10/12/2024 - Verara's Pony Problems

Discord Message Link: Verara's Pony Problems
Author: GM Casil
Date: 10/12/2024

Verara is interested in meeting with Naidem residents to discuss ponies (and maybe the pig). Meet her in a few minutes at the pasture in Vigil's End to talk!

10/12/2024 - Verara's Pony Quest Commences

Discord Message Link: Verara's Pony Problems
Author: GM Casil
Date: 10/12/2024

You can now ask Verara some new questions, which will allow you to participate in helping her with her Pony Problem.™️

Shop Teasers

Teaser 1 - Twisted Armor, Shields, and Weapons in Evermore Hollow

Discord Message Link: Twisted Armor/Shields/Weapons
Author: GM Marstreforn
Date: 9/20/2024

This year at Ebon Gate, a handful of new armament shops will be opening in Evermore Hollow.

Twisted Glory: Twisted Weapons - Lightning Edition, Twisted Armor - Lightning Edition, and Twisted Shields - Lightning Edition
Twisted Lodge: Twisted Shields - Vacuum, Fire, and Frost Editions
Fortified: Twisted Armor - Vacuum, Fire, and Frost Editions

Premiering this event are the Lightning Editions for Twisted Weapons, Twisted Shields, and Twisted Armor.

Twisted Ways has been updated to include a Fire Edition drake claidhmore, which is magical but otherwise unenchanted.

>fire
You nock a wooden arrow in your indigo elm longbow.
You fire a wooden arrow at a goblin!
  AS: +30 vs DS: -6 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +62 = +123
   ... and hit for 13 points of damage!
   Strike pierces upper arm!

 ** Your indigo elm longbow emits a searing bolt of lightning! **
   ... 20 points of damage!
   Heavy shock gives the goblin fits!
The goblin falls to the ground, kicks several times and dies.
The arrow breaks into tiny fragments.
Roundtime: 4 sec.

OTS - standard ability flares (lightning)

A goblin runs in and says, "Tight rations goin' be!"

>fire
You nock a wooden arrow in your indigo elm longbow.
You fire a wooden arrow at a goblin!
  AS: +60 vs DS: -3 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +70 = +158
   ... and hit for 29 points of damage!
   Strike pierces thigh!
   The goblin is knocked to the ground!
The scintillating polychromic glow around your indigo elm longbow shimmers and intensifies.
The arrow breaks into tiny fragments.
Roundtime: 4 sec.

unlocked Twisted Flares (T3) and full affinity - charging up

A goblin motions you forward then quickly kicks you in the kneecap.  She then steps back and begins cackling gleefully at her cleverness.

A goblin yells, "Hoolp! Hoolp! Tryoong to kill me!"

You nock a wooden arrow in your twisted elm longbow.
You fire a wooden arrow at a goblin!
  AS: +60 vs DS: +2 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +50 = +133
   ... and hit for 15 points of damage!
   Minor puncture to the right arm.

 ** Your indigo elm longbow emits a searing bolt of lightning! **
   ... 15 points of damage!
   Arcing strand of electricity jolts across a goblin's back.  Pretty.
   The goblin is stunned!

   Your indigo elm longbow's grip trembles with power!
 ** A scintillating polychromic glow shimmers and oscillates across your longbow's length as a twisted, flickering bolt of lightning surges from its string and strikes a goblin! **
   ... 15 points of damage!
   Hard jolt knocks the goblin back on her heels.
   ... 30 points of damage!
   Stunning arc of electricity fuses left arm at elbow.
The goblin falls to the ground, kicks several times and dies.
The arrow breaks into tiny fragments.
Roundtime: 4 sec.

unlocked Twisted Flares (T3) and full affinity - additional flares (double)

Rodnir's Raffles

Discord Message Link: - Rodnir's Raffles
Author: GM Marstreforn
Date: 10/8/2024

1. Twisted Weapon script adding - 10 winners (weapons only, does not apply to UCS gear)
2. Twisted Shield script adding - 1 winner
3. Twisted Armor script adding - 1 winner

• Winners must have a valid armament and it must have the correct ability flare (acid/cold/fire/lightning/vacuum) already for the edition being added.
• The ability flare can be added after you win via the autoflarer (if possible), but you must be present within 10 minutes to claim your prize.
• Anyone who is not present with their item within 10 minutes forfeits their win. This is NOT a delayed service.
• Armaments that already have a script are NOT valid for this service. This does NOT include a removal service.

Teaser 2 - Life Aquatic - Fishing Tier

Discord Message Link: Life Aquatic - Fishing Tier
Author: GM Marstreforn
Date: 9/22/2024

Available at Rodnir's Bait and Tackle this Ebon Gate, the Life Aquatic device, unlocks, and collection pail will be sold for soul shards.

Additionally, a new stand-alone unlock is available for the devices. This unlock allows you to POINT the device at a freshly caught fish, and store its essence in the device as usual.

Special thanks to GM Vanah and APM Thandiwe for this awesome update!

You manage to stop whatever's on your line from taking out anymore slack!
You give your snakewood pole one final tug and the largemouth bass comes wriggling to the surface!  Moving swiftly, you quickly unhook it from the line and take hold of it tightly.
Roundtime: 10 sec.

>put pole on my box
Using the sinewy loops on the side of your bone tackle box, you secure a sleek snakewood pole to it in an upright position.

>point my device at my bass
You point your tubular device at your largemouth bass, causing it to hum slightly as it creates a replica of a dark green largemouth bass inside.

As you pull the essence out of the largemouth bass, the life goes out of its body.

>shake my device
Uncapping the end of your tubular device, you wiggle a dark green largemouth bass out of it and then seal it back up.

>analyze my bass
You analyze the largemouth bass and sense that the creator has provided the following information:

A dark green largemouth bass has been captured and replicated by an Aquatic Life Device.
It is designed to be POINTed at a piece of qualifying paper and will transfer its design to that paper.

This particular bass will change the paper's LOOK description to:

Stylized blue and green bubbles create a border around the top three edges of the (paper adj.) (paper noun), rising from the mouth of a dark green largemouth bass swimming across the bottom of the (paper noun).

Once it has done this, it will disintegrate.

Due to the nature of the bass, it cannot be altered.
You may WHISPER DESIGN to the bass to change the provided paper option to BORDER, CORNERS, HEADER or WATERMARK.
You may WHISPER PLURAL to the bass to change it to ONE, TWO, THREE, or SOME.

Teaser 3 - Fisherman's Hat

Discord Message Link: - Fisherman's Hat
Author: GM Marstreforn
Date: 9/23/2024

Available at Rodnir's Bait and Tackle this Ebon Gate.

Extra special huge thanks to GM Vanah for working on this project with me.

>analyze my hat
You analyze the leather hat and sense that the creator has provided the following information:

This hat is a Fisherman's Hat.  It is designed to be decorated with a gem, feather, gem insect or sea creature, fishing lure, pointed item or fastener, or other miscellaneous item.  Miscellany includes foraged items, skins, shells, and other larger non-gem treasure items.  The hat has several distinct descriptions, or "sides," depending on what item is inserted.  To insert an item, hold the hat in one hand, the item you'd like to insert in the opposite hand, and PUSH hat.  PULLing the hat will remove the item and restore the hat to its empty description.  You may also TURN the hat to adjust the brim, which is used in messaging, and GLANCE at it, alone or with a target, and also with an optional style as listed in the GLANCE verb usage.  You could have a merchant add a custom brim option to the rotation.

This hat does not have the Fisherman Tier unlock.

This hat does not have the hair quirk feature altering unlock.

Alteration Guidelines:
While each side is highly customizable, both the noun and material need to remain the same for all sides.  Sides not displayed below cannot be used until a description is added by a merchant.

The sides currently are:
           Short: leather hat
             Gem: a weathered leather fishing hat graced by <full>
         Feather: a weathered leather fishing hat graced by <full>
         Fishing: a weathered leather fishing hat graced by <full>
         Ribbons: a weathered leather fishing hat graced by <full>
  Insect/Aquatic: a weathered leather fishing hat graced by <full>
  Pointed/Clasps: a weathered leather fishing hat graced by <full>
      Miscellany: a weathered leather fishing hat graced by <full>

On the wooden stand you see a herringbone tweed fishing hat, a weathered leather fishing hat, a colorful oilcloth fishing hat, a drab canvas fishing hat and a silvery fish-shaped certificate.

>turn my cert
You turn over your fish-shaped certificate.  The fish-shaped certificate will unlock the fishing tier (DAYDREAM, OBSERVE, PEER, and REST verbs) on a Fisherman's Hat.  TURN the certificate to instead unlock the hair quirk feature-altering ability.

>turn my cert
You turn over your fish-shaped certificate.  The fish-shaped certificate will unlock the hair quirk feature-altering ability (FLIP, PROD, SPIN, and WEAR\REMOVE verbs) on a Fisherman's Hat.  TURN the certificate to instead unlock the fishing tier.

Teaser 4 - Kaleidoscopes

Discord Message Link: Kaleidoscopes
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 9/24/2024

Just in time for Ebon Gate, the old kaleidoscope scripts were updated! There were three very similar, very old scripts that had different randomized phrases. With this update, all 3 scripts have been combined into 1, with all messaging options from all 3 scripts retained.

Script Wiki Link: Kaleidoscope Toy (Warning: I've thrown bare bones on here, and it's not even formatted right yet) Forum Discussion Link (includes additional details below): https://discord.com/channels/226045346399256576/1288182040826744884

In addition, there are now 3 tiers. Tier 1 includes all the existing "phrase groups" from the 3 original scripts. At Tier 2, you can actually add custom phrase groups. At Tier 3, you can add more custom phrase groups. Plus, at Tier 3, you can PLACE it for up to 4 hours using similar PLACE mechanics like yll'sutas and other items. If you PLACE it in your own private property, it can stay indefinitely. If you want it to be permanently locked into your private property, you can do that as well.

Kaleidoscopes Missing Stands

Discord Message Link: Kaleidoscopes Missing Stands
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 10/12/2024

Some of the kaleidoscopes in Playful Prisms were missing the word "stand" in their stand field. This has been updated for those for sale, but if you purchased one already, you will need to ASSIST to get it fixed up. You can ANALYZE to see your current setting and whether or not the word "stand" is missing in the stand field.

Teaser 5 - Popcorn Kettles

Discord Message Link: Popcorn Kettles
Author: GM Avaluka
Date: 9/24/2024

Debuting at the new shop "The Kettle Black" at Ebon Gate this year is the food-crafting item: the popcorn kettle. Like the alcohol still, the cheese wheel, and the meat grinder before it, you can use it to create edible delights of your very own.

Off-the-shelf kettles:

• Require golden wands or Fire-based magic to work for charges.
• Require ears of corn to use for popping. (Kettles can hold up to 10 ears of corn.)
• Can make different types of popcorn depending on the initial ingredient added. Types include: plain, oiled/buttered, kettle corn, caramel popcorn, and cheesy popcorn.
• Can optionally have up to two (2) additional flavor infusions added from other food/drink items, forageable items, tea/coffee brewing ingredients, and cooking ingredients. This uses the same flavor system as the still, cheese wheel, and meat grinder.
• Can be optionally seasoned with various types of salt and/or melted butter.
• Can toggle between the popcorn coming out in a paper bag or a wooden bucket.
• Optionally can add in a waxed paper bag from the Paper Maker and the next batch of popcorn will use this bag.
• Can change the adjective of the created popcorn.

Unlockable Features:

• Custom Bag/Bucket Design Slots. Each slot includes one (1) custom bag slot and one (1) custom bucket slot. You can have 10 custom slots on the kettle for a total of 10 custom bags and 10 custom buckets. The slots come oute empty but can be altered by a merchant.
• Ability to have a long description on the popcorn. You can choose to toggle whether you see the long description of the popcorn or the bag if your chosen bag/bucket design has a long description.
• Ability to adjust cooking time for the popcorn. This will let you have undercooked or burned popcorn, as well as some adjectives specific to this.
• Add the "Spicy" or "Stale" after effect to created popcorn.

• The kernels will also have different colors based on what you put in. The popcorn itself also has some fun verbs - you can definitely target the EAT verb so you can stare at someone/something while eating popcorn. You can also TOSS it to try to get it into your mouth (if you target yourself) or just throw it at someone/something.
• The OTS designs are essentially 'a bag of <adjective> <popcorn>' or 'a bucket of <adjective> <popcorn>'. The containers in the messaging for those are 'paper bag' and 'wooden bucket' respectively. Rather like the Bottletraption designs you can make a long description of the bag or bucket with only palceholders needing to be the adjective and the noun. So an example would be 'a rainbow-hued paper bag of <adjective> <popcorn noun> decorated with dancing unicorns'.
• For the custom ones, that is. If you unlock the long descriptions, you could toggle the part that is after the noun to describe the popcorn inside instead of the bag.

9/26/2024 - New Unlock

Discord Message Link: New Unlock
Author: GM Avaluka
Date: 9/26/2024

An additional unlock will be available at The Kettle Black that will make it so any bags/buckets of popcorn created by an unlocked kettle can be turned into Weaveable Item bundles. The verb on the created popcorn will be POKE and the Weaveable Items will show up as 'a kernel of <color> popcorn'. You will get a bundle of them equal to however many bites are left in the bag.

Thanks to GMs Vanah and Isten for getting this new feature QC'ed quickly and to the players who suggested it!

10/06/2024 - Kettle Update

Discord Message Link: Popcorn Kettles Bug
Author: GM Avaluka
Date: 10/6/2024

There was an issue with popcorn kettles if you specifically put in some flavor ingredients prior to putting in sugar or honey for kettle corn that would result in some wonky adjective choices; this has been resolved.

Teaser 6 - Juggling Orbs

Discord Message Link: Juggling Orbs
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 9/30/2024

[Script Update] Juggling Orbs
Just in time for Ebon Gate 2024, an old juggling orb script has been updated. Originally created by GM Krash in 1999, the updated version keeps his original messaging with a few minor tweaks for grammar. In addition, a new tier has been added. At Tier 2, you can choose "masterful," "inept," or "average" juggling skills. There are also updated alteration guidelines (see the analyze).

All pre-existing ones are at T1, which incorporates all the original verbs and messaging.

If you wish to buy a set, or unlock a set, you can head over to the Garden of Shadows in the Winterbriar neighborhood and go into the ziggurat, once Ebon Gate opens.

Wiki page: Juggling Orb

Teaser 7 - Jeepers Creepers at Piper's Peepers

Discord Message Link: Jeepers Creepers
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 9/30/2024

This Ebon Gate visit Naidem and purchase one of Piper's Spyglasses. This spyglass is part of the Jeepers Creepers (Where'd You Get those Peepers) Series and will introduce Elanthians to the world of birds!

With three tiers available now, and one later down the road, Jeepers Creepers follows the same line as Bugs on Parade and Life Aquatic, allowing you to venture forth and find birds! In this series, you will find paper birds, bird gemstones, bird candy, a bird cage, and a feather holder.

But that's not all! A tier 3 (the Candy unlocking tier) you'll have a pretty good chance to find a feather laying around in the terrain where you found a bird.
Paper Birds are different in the Jeepers Creepers Series as instead of looking for the noun of the bird to determine the paper, it instead remembers the TOWN (or nearest location) it was found in and provides you with a design based on that area.

Gem Birds and Candy Birds are unchanged from the other two series.

Both the Bird Cage and the Feather Holder can house 45 different birds/feathers!

For a preview of the system, visit our Wiki.

Wiki for Jeepers Creepers: Jeepers Creepers

Jeepers Creepers at Piper's Peepers - Item Interaction Fixes

Discord Message Link: Jeepers Creepers at Piper's Peepers - Item Interaction Fixes
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/10/2024

• Weaving Awl - Now recognizes crest, tuft, pinion, tailfeather, and plumage along with the previously recognized feather and plume.
• Weaving Lathe - Now recognizes Gem Birds
• Monster-headed Pauldron - No longer allows gem birds for eyes
• Mini-Smelter Jewelry - Now recognizes Gem Birds and Sea Critters
• Naidem Mask - Now recognizes Gem Birds
• Hilt Gougers - Now recognize Sea Critters and Birds
• Nail Press - Now recognizes birds

Jeepers Creepers at Piper's Peepers - Item Interaction Fixes

Discord Message Link: Jeepers Creepers at Piper's Peepers - Item Interaction Fixes - Take 2
Author: GM Avaluka
Date: 10/10/2024

The following scripts have been updated to work properly with the new Jeepers Creepers gem birds:

• Charm Contraption/Charmtraption.
• Alcohol Bottle Customizer/Bottletraption
• Animalistic Totem

Teaser 8 - Nereid's Voice

Discord Message Link: Nereid's Voice
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 9/30/2024

Step into Nereid's Voice, where whispers of the ocean meet the artistry of sound. Delve into a world of enchanting tones and exquisite craftsmanship, as we unveil a new instrument that embodies the essence of the sea. Fashioned of clay, wood, ceramic, or metal, this one-of-a-kind instrument can be yours!

Whether you're a seasoned musician or a curious newcomer, discover the magic that lingers in the air. Come listen to the gentle echoes and let your imagination dive into the depths of musical wonder. Your journey to a new sound begins here!

This year at Ebon Gate, we are introducing a new instrument! The OCARINA!

Here is a sampling of the music:

• Joyful

You play a rapid series of trills on an ocarina, the notes bouncing in a lively rhythm like droplets dancing on a leaf after the rain.

• Mournful

You let an ocarina's hollow notes seep into the air, the tune heavy and languid, like the tears of an old, forgotten memory.

• Softly

Your fingers move delicately across an ocarina, pulling forth a serene tune that flows like a calm stream, each note smooth and quiet.

• Fast

Your fingers race across an ocarina, producing a flurry of quick, vibrant notes that dance through the air with playful energy.

And so much more!

Teaser 9 - Scrimshaw Knives

Discord Message Link: Scrimshaw Knives
Author: GM Avaluka
Date: 10/3/2024

Debuting this year at Ebon Gate in the shop "The Old Ossuary" is a new type of knife that can be multi-purpose for those who enjoy various types of crafting. When purchased off-the-shelf, a Scrimshaw Knife can let you take bones, antlers, horns, tusks, and teeth you find from creatures and turn them into Weaveable Items with different designs.

Various unlock certificates will be available to increase the amount of custom designs you can apply as well as letting you create more things. You can even unlock the knife to let you harvest bones, talons/claws, and horns/antlers from appropriate creatures.

Unlockable Features

• Ability to create Weaveable Beads.
• Ability to create feature-worn Hairsticks.
• Ability to create Lock Mastery Clasps.
• Custom slots for each type of item the knife can make (up to 10 each for each type), NOTE: Weaveable Items customs are the adjective, Weaveable Beads are the article, Hairsticks are the full designs, and Lock Mastery clasps are the noun.
• Ability to toggle the article of Weaveable Items and Lock Mastery clasps to various default possibilities.
• Ability to harvest bones/claws/talons/horns/antlers from creatures that can either be Weaveable Items or skin-type items that can be used in Sheath Making.
• Ability to turn creature skins that are things like claws/talons/hooves into Weaveable Items.

Teaser 10 - Chimes in the Mist

Discord Message Link: Chimes in the Mist
Author: Thandiwe
Date: 10/3/2024

Tucked away in Winterbriar Estates is a shop called Chimes in the Mist. This haunted little cottage is filled with whispers and creaks that are cured by the soft chime of bells.

Visit Chimes in the Mist for creepy ambients but stay to buy the clothing and momentous!

Nomad Bells!
A series of egg-shaped faenor bells bound to silk is a simple set of Bells that are quite lyrical.
They may be altered freely provided that they remain bells.
Verbs: pinch, raise, shake, tap
>pinch my bell
You raise your faenor bells up to your ear, and give them a gentle flick.  The soft ringing sound lingers momentarily, then fades off.
>raise my bell
You raise your faenor bells up above your head and begin to softly shake them.  The finely tuned bells each bear their own unique sound and form a soft and pleasing melody.
>shake my bell
You madly shake your faenor bells back and forth, making a cacophony that could possibly wake the dead.  Realizing you're making a spectacle of yourself, you smile sheepishly and stop waving them about.
>tap my bell
You tap your faenor bells gently, and they ring a single time.  The sound is short and sweet.

Belled Clothing

You analyze the black silk skirt and sense that the item is largely free from merchant alteration restrictions.
The creator has also provided the following information:
You sense that the skirt can be altered, but that it must remain loose clothing of some sort that can logically be worn and held out and twirled.

You can try to PULL, PUSH, WAVE, and TURN the skirt.
The skirt is tier 1 of 2.
Unlock certificates are available in the shop.

Teaser 11 - Sounds Beyond

Discord Message Link: Sounds Beyond
Author: Valyrka
Date: 10/6/2024

Located in Darkbriar Woods, a dark stone hut has opened its doors.

Sounds Beyond has a variety of items for sale that make different sounds.

Off the shelf they have the following selections:

 1  chilling laughter
 2  mocking laughter
 3  despondent laughter
 4  triumphant laughter
 5  delighted laughter
 6  insane laughter
 7  nervous laughter
 8  silly laughter
 9  braying laughter

There are several other sound packages to add to this.

In addition, if you own an older version, it will update to include the off-the-shelf package as well as preserve your original sound if that sound is from a different package.

There may also be opportunities to add your own custom sounds.

Example:

As you tap your orchid brooch, the scratchy sound of distant applause echoes around you before fading away.

The scratchy sound of distant applause seems to surround Valyrka before fading away.

Enjoy!

Thank you to GM Naiken for the coding skills, PM Wyrom, APM Isten, GM Flannihan, and SGM Elysani for their amazing QC. (edited)

Teaser 12 - Quinton Manse Addition - Bone Shaman Cloak

Discord Message Link: Quinton Manse Addition - Bone Shaman Cloak
Author: Avaluka
Date: 10/8/2024

By popular demand, a plain T1 (OTS) Bone Shaman cloak has been added to the room in Quinton Manse where the unlock certificates for that script are located.

In addition, two (2) feature-concealing hood unlocks for Bone Shaman cloaks will be raffled off in both instances during merchant week. Winners of this raffle will have to have a fully unlocked Bone Shaman cloak to apply this to - one will not be provided. The win will include a full customization of how the hood looks in your features.

Teaser 13 - The Roof Over

Discord Message Link: The Roof Over
Author: Thandiwe
Date: 10/12/2024

At some point tomorrow, the shop "The Roof Over" will be getting new private property vouchers. We've decided that we don't want to raffle artwork or mailbox adds. Instead, you'll be able to purchase a voucher to add it on your own. These vouchers are just like the basin, foraged item props, herb boxes, and similar items in this shop. Once we've added them, we will update the shop wiki page.

The Roof Over - Update

Discord Message Link: The Roof Over
Author: Thandiwe
Date: 10/13/2024

The previously mentioned update to this shop is now live and the wiki has been updated.

Wiki Page: The Roof Over

Teaser 14 - Fresh from the Coven

This year there is a new shop at Naidem called Fresh from the Coven, it features scripted Chatelaine and sells Superspecs, among other items.

10/10/2024 - Chatelaine Pliers

Discord Message Link: Chatelaine Plier Fix
Author: Thandiwe
Date: 10/13/2024

Chatelaine Pliers - A fix went in that will make them now work. Not only that, but you can customize the pliers with the various bits that will also transfer over to your chatelaines.

analyze my pliers
You analyze the jade-handled pliers and sense that the creator has provided the following information:

Part of the "I Dream of Geology Series", the pliers will take completely unzested (ie: unscripted) jewelry items and add one to them.  You can do this with the following syntax:

CUT {my} {jewelry-item} [with my pliers]

The name of the zesting that will be added with this a pair of jade-handled pliers is "Ebon Gate - Chatelaines".

Customization Options:
You can have the handles on this item customized.  If you do, when they are used with the "I Dream of Geology" tool holder it will be displayed.
You can only give the pliers a base change as there is a default LOOK and READ.

Custom Plier Handles: jade

These pliers will add the "Ebon Gate - Chatelaines" script to your unscripted jewelry item.
The script that can be transferred has a noun requirement of chatelaine and chatelaines.
You may add the following customizations to the pliers that will transfer over to a chatelaine:

Customizations:
Scissor Sheath - a cowrie-inlaid sheath
File Sheath - a pearlescent organza sheath
Eyeglass Case - a white birch-on-ebonwood marquetry case
Thimble Clip - a lady's hand-shaped clip
Chains - herringbone chains
Hook Plate - a blossoming tree-embossed hook plate

Teaser 15 - Market Stall - GET YOUR LEMONADE!

Discord Message Link: GET YOUR LEMONDADE
Author: Ethereal
Date: 9/25/2024

A boy was late. Again? Oh, well. It didn't matter - soon the guests would arrive and that was all that mattered to him. He remembered the excitement, the energy they brought to Naidem. Would they notice he had grown? Does he grow? It didn't matter. He found his familiar spot in Evermore Hollow and stopped. He built his kiosk, topped it with cold glasses of lemonade, and gave the small mountain of faenor nuggets that stood on the counter a rub for good luck. He waited.

He waited.

And waited.

And got impatient.

The windows around Evermore Hollow shook as a loud, booming voice yelled out, "GET YOUR FRESH LEMONADE!"

Market Stalls will be receiving a significant update for 2024's Ebon Gate run! The first is an upgrade for all owners. When the update goes live, you'll be able to ask your stall's merchant about time to get an estimate of how long your stall has remaining. No more guessing about when your stall will go poof!

Second, deepening vouchers will be available in the shop, Market Makers. These will increase the amount of silvers a Market Stall can hold by 1 million silvers per upgrade. So if you've been holding on to that special item that's just a bit too pricey for a stall, now you can upgrade it to sell multi-million silver stolen goods investments.

Third, an upgrade will be made available to allow shopkeepers to announce goods they have for sale in the local vicinity. Five minutes after a stall is set up, the merchant will shout an advertisement to adjoining rooms. For example: From nearby, you hear a gruff merchant shout, "Selling a vorpal sword of doom! Come to North Ring Road and buy it. Just don't ask where it came from." They will then announce again (with another random item) every 55-105 minutes while the stall remains standing. This can be toggled off.

Finally, support for custom market stall personalities has been added! These will be a very limited offering. @Elysani has been forced offered to raffle one custom personality in Prime and Platinum and I will be offering another (2 total in each instance). For these, we'll be asking the winner to provide a concept and we'll work with that concept to fill in the blanks. This will be a very delayed service that will require QC prior to delivery.

I hope you enjoy the updates!

Big thanks to Thandiwe for all the approvals, Elysani for offering to raffle customs and being a sounding board for ideas, and Haliste for the super quick and amazing QC!

Teaser 16 - Sizzle & Spice Update

Discord Message Link: Sizzle & Spice Update
Author: Haliste
Date: 10/3/2024

For all you cooking fiends, I have added CHEESE (from the cheese wheel) to the Frying Pan. This is an unlock available in Sizzle and Spice. Messaging is new for dishes made with cheese, both 2 ingredients or 3 ingredients. In addition, messaging for dishes that use cheese AND wine are also different.

Trove

Trove Announcement 1

Discord Message Link: [2]
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 9/24/2024

Starting on October 11th at approximately 9 pm EDT (look for specific announcements both in-game and on Discord), the Trove will return and run until October 30th. We have approximately 100 personal customizations (some that are class-specific) and a variety of unique items that will be offered out of Gavelsdown Hall.

During that same time frame, the shop “The Roof Over” will also have a variety of offerings for those individuals who are property owners. This year, there is an update to qualifications. Some prizes will be able to be used by MCP (Middle Class Properties).

This is a soft announcement so that folks can start planning. We will provide a greater list in the days ahead.

Here is some information you may need:

• You can buy a token from the gjenganger in Gavelsdown Hall. From the entry GO DOOR.
• A token costs 100,000 silvers.
• You can enter only 1 token per trove.
• You must have a service pass to participate.
• There are four troves in Gavelsdown Hall. GO ARCH from the entry. The trove through the arch is the items, the troves NORTH are all delayed service troves.
• The trove pulls at approximately 9 PM EDT every 24 hours for the next 24 days.
• If you are a private property owner, you can go to The Roof Over and GO DOOR to use your token.
• If you are in the game at the time of the drawing, you will get a notification.
• If you are NOT in the game at the time of drawing, all you have to do is log in and you will get a monster bold message every few moments reminding you to pick up your prize. The monster bold message is: Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of <item>! Return to the raffle area to collect your item. Please note that you will not be able to enter another raffle until you have done so. In addition, items not picked up before the next raffle draw will be forfeited!
• You have 24 hours to pick up your prize or it is forfeit.
• You can get your prize from the RACK in the trove room. Only the winner can do this.

Discord Trove Discussion:

Discord Private Property Trove Discussion

Trove Announcement 2

Discord Message Link: Trove Update 2
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/3/2024

Four Treasure Troves will be open again this year in Gavelsdown Hall at the heart of Evermore Hollow. These troves will have a variety of custom service certificates for profession customizations, personal customizations, sought after item customizations, and unique items.

Some examples of what you will see in the Treasure Trove are:

Containers filled with unlocked, fully customized, and unique items (multiple)

• High Quality Armor or Weapons
• High Quality Enhancives
• Dead Pet & Coffin
• And many more…

Also, new this year…

• Idol Customizations
• Mount Feature Customization
• Full Mount LOOK Customization

Customizations will also return in the trove, offering up certificates for the Customization of AC Grooming, Sonics, Nexus Orb, Wizard Familiar, Nightmare, Transfer, Spirit Servant, Swear, LogPhrase, Signature Verb, Bolt, Werepuppy, Leech, Perfume, Coffee, Tea, Tobacco, Candy tin, Loresong, Fatal Afflares, Illusion Pin, Ezscripts, Major Sanctuaries, and Death Message.

Additionally, the shop “The Roof Over” will see a return of the Private Property Trove, a trove that is accessible to individuals that own private properties only. We’ve expanded the offerings and added in the option for Nereid’s Cradle properties to have some options.

The options for everyone include: Move a Property (New), Bird/Bug/Critter Add, Artwork Install, Mood Messaging Additions, Food Additions, and Mailboxes.

The options restricted from Nereid’s Cradle are: Workshop addition, Shrine addition, Room addition

The Trove begins collecting tokens on the 11th and runs through the 30th.

Trove Announcement 3

Discord Message Link: Trove Update 3
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/8/2024

Trove Now Running from 11th (with first draw on the 12th) through the 2nd of November.

Gavelsdown Troves We have 84 customizations going out in the Trove this year, as a result, we have to create a fifth trove so that we can also get out our items. We also have to extend it by 2 days to ensure we have enough days to get all the items into player hands.

Some items are profession restricted and winner attuned. Those items are: AC Grooming (Ranger Restricted – 3 offerings), Sonic Armor/Shield/Swords/Singing Sword (Bard Restricted – 3 offerings), Nexus Orb Teleportation Msg (Cleric – 3 Offerings), Transfer (Empath - 3 offerings, Wizard Familiar Talisman (Wizards – 3 offferings), Nightmare (Sorcerer – 3 offerings), Cman Tackle (Warrior – 5 offerings), Cman Sweep (Rogue – 5 offerings).

Non-attuning offerings are: Custom Puppy (1 offering), Custom Leech (1 offering), Spirit Servant (2 offerings), Swear (3 offerings), LogPhrase (3 offerings), Signature Verb (3 offerings), Bolt (3 offerings), Perfume (3 offerings), Coffee (3 offerings), Tea (3 offerings), Tobacco (3 offerings), Candy Tin (3 offerings), Loresong (3 offerings), Fatal Afflares (5 offerings), Illusion Pin ( 3 offerings), Ezscript 2-verb Add (3 offerings), Ezscript 5-verb Add (3 offerings), Major Sanctuary (3 offerings), Death Messaging (3 offerings).

The Item Trove will have the following offerings: a diminutive ebonwood coffin (scripted coffin w. dead pet raccoon), a custom prayer idol certificate, an alum-inlaid ebonwood box (Thelsia Jewelry Box w. ezscripted & enhancive bracelet), a painted silk gift cloth (Gift Cloth w. ezscripted & enhancive bangle), a mirror-finish golvern popcorn kettle (auction quality popcorn kettle), a rounded ghezyte thigh-sheath( 4x ghezyte blackjack w. disintegrate flares), a caliginous ghezyte cage (animalistic idol – eel), a thin staff tube (6x surita runestaff w. least moods, 20/12 acuity, and animalistic), a thin-edged golvern knife (+5 Survival, fully unlocked scrimshaw knife), a slender doeskin sheath (Hidey Sheath, Knavish Knife w. +5 Survival Bonus), some ebon rusalkysk brigandine (5x Crit Padded), a silvery crushed silk bag (Yfane, Forehead Gem), a spectral agate teabowl (Teadragon), a rustic twig basket (fully unlocked/customized basketifier w. unique food), a dark grey mykal sack (fully unlocked Zelotiole Alsira, celsylk alter fodder, KWTS sash), a hart skull mask (Stick-mounted Mask w. 10 Stalk/Hide), a mount feature certificate (Custom Feature for Mount), a distressed bistre leather case (Fully unlocked Nail Press w. Customs & Nail Polish-inator, & 2 unique polishes), a misted sapphire ring (Mist Armor Ring – Winner sets armor), an elaborate leather bridle (custom mount LOOK), and a semi-custom market stall certificate.

**All profession restricted trove wins are restricted to the character that entered.**

The Roof Over Troves The private property trove will also be running during the same time. However, we have 27 options for it and only 21 days. As a result, we are going to move 6 items (the Artwork Add and the Mail Box Add) to raffles during merchant week.

That leaves the following in the trove that are restricted to Non-Bungalow Owners: Room Add (3), Shrine Add (3), and Workshop Add (3).

It also leaves the following all property offerings: Move a Property (3), Mood Messaging (3), Bird/Bugs/Critter (3), and Food Additions (3).

All property trove items are attuned to the account.

10/11/2024 - Trove Starts Tonight

Follow information on the trove, by visiting:

Ebon Gate Treasure Trove Data

Up to Date Trove Offerings

Evermore Hollow Hotel

Follow the discussion on Discord: Hotel at Evermore Hollow

09/25/2024 - Hotel Find Update

Discord Message Link: [3]
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 9/25/2024

Hotel Finding Adjustments

We've decided to make the following changes to the Hotel Key lottery:

• CLAIM will have 1 envelope in it starting on October 1st. It will be available until October 3rd. You may CLAIM once per account.
• On October 1st, only creatures that generate boxes will have an opportunity to discover an envelope.
• On October 1st, 5 keys to the hotel will be sold at roughly 3pm and then another 5 at 9pm.
• On October 2nd, 5 keys will be sold at roughly 3pm and then another 5 at 9pm.
• Hotel Stays attune, this includes those sold in the SimuCoin store. Those found in envelopes attune upon opening the envelope.
• Do not purchase a Hotel Stay if you intend on reselling it, that isn't an option.
• Do not open an envelope if you intend on reselling it, that isn't an option.

09/30/2024 Hote Suite Contest Begins

Discord Message Link: Hotel Suite Contest Begins
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 9/30/2024

Hotel Stay Contest Begins!
Starting at 1am on October 1, 2024, treasure chests across Elanthia will have a chance to produce a gold-inked ebon vellum envelope.

Upon opening the envelope, you will have a chance to find one of ten luggage tags.

Here are some important things to remember:

• Do not open the envelope if you do not want to win the hotel stay. Instead, wait until we announce that all ten have been found and then open your envelope for a small token.
• Hotel Tags attune upon being found. If you win it, then you are expected to attend a weekend at the Evermore Hollow Hotel.
• Any box that is created has a chance to have an envelope in it. Yes, this includes OSA.
• The envelope will ONLY generate within a box.
• You can "vaporize" your boxes without any fear of vaporizing an envelope, but please be aware that your envelope will end up on the ground and open for anyone to pick up. Do this with caution.

Also starting at 1am, you may use CLAIM once per account to obtain a gold-inked ebon vellum envelope. This is your free chance to find a tag.

Free-to-Play accounts do not qualify for CLAIM or the Contest.

SimuCoin Hotel Stays

• On October 1st, 5 keys to the hotel will be sold at roughly 3pm and then another 5 at 9pm.
• On October 2nd, 5 keys will be sold at roughly 3pm and then another 5 at 9pm.
• There will be an in-game and Discord Announcement when they go on sale.

All Other SimuCoin Sales

• Keys, Cubes, and the Reunion Vault will go on sale on October 4th.
• Trick-or-Treating, Herb Hunt, and Arena of the Abyss will open on the 4th along with the grounds.
• Necropolis will open on the 18th and run for the remainder of the Event.

10/04/2024 - The Great Hotel Key Contest has Ended!

Discord Message Link: The Great Hotel Key Contest has Ended!
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/04/2024

Congratulations to our winners!

Everyone attending the Hotel Event will start seeing in their player mail packages from the Evermore Hollow Hotel in Naidem.

10/04/2024 - Evermore Hollow Hotel Expansion!

Discord Message Link: Evermore Hollow Hotel Expansion!
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/04/2024

The Evermore Hollow Hotel in Naidem has had an expansion! It now includes six floors of private suites reached only by a clockwork platform for hotel guests, a private library for the suite key holders, a dining room, kitchen, ballroom, and gardens filled with poisonous vegetation (along with new items to be foraged). After the Conference concludes, all but the suites and library will be open to the public for exploration.

10/06/2024 - Update

Update: Library was opened to the public.

10/05/2024 - Evermore Hollow Hotel Conference Weekend

Discord Message Link: Evermore Hollow Hotel Conference Weekend
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/05/2024

I know that some of you have expressed concerns that you can't make every event. I started a wiki page for the conference. I'd like it if everyone could help add things to it so that those not present during various times can be kept up to speed.

Wiki Link: SPECTRE and SHADOW Conference

10/06/2024 - S. P. E. C. T. R. E. and S. H. A. D. O. W. Conference – Credits

Discord Message Link: S. P. E. C. T. R. E and S. H. A. D. O. W. Conference – Credits
Author: GM Thandiwe
Date: 10/06/2024

Three years ago, we had an idea to open the Evermore Hollow Hotel for the sale of hotel rooms that could be accessed during the month of October. With Naidem being the new and permanent home of Ebon Gate, we knew we wanted to give folks a reason to RP and not leave while visiting. Our hotel was an important aspect of that.

For two years, we were so busy continuing to build and flesh out the realm and lore of Naidem that we simply didn't have the time or ability to finish it out.

GM Elidi poured a lot of love into this area, and she built all of the hotels remaining needs. The new poison garden, the garden's new flora, the dining room, ballroom, kitchen, each suite, all the hallways, the library, attic, and sitting room. She's also responsible for the farewell packages that you will all receive.

GM Xynwen helped her flesh out the poison lore and loaned us the bookcase & tile mechanics so that we could have fun ways to get back and forth.

GM Elysani thoughtfully created all of the meals, from top to bottom, and all of the silverware that she requests be returned to the hotel.

GM Thandiwe handled the platform operator and mechanics of the platform, the luggage tag, luggage, invitations, and the welcome package (though, Elysani designed the mask).

I threw a concept, character bios, potential threads, and ideas for our murder mystery weekend up on our staff wiki and cast a wide net in the GM pool asking for volunteers. I could not be more thrilled with the response I was given and am excited to share who played what characters for the weekend:

Elysani – Elaahra Thistledown/Tylagrace Willows

Valyrka – Blodeuyn Mourningveil

Elidi – Fenthywick Grimsbane

Kaonashi – Ermias Dunholme

Marstreforn – Caedenmon Howler

Thandiwe – Zethes Wraith

Warlockes – Thalita Trevil

Xynwen – Ceibhfhionn Malficum

Casil – Giedrius Ravenscroft

Optheria - Lych

The Lectures were such an amazing addition to what we were trying to accomplish, helping to inform how the experiment with Elaahra's soul would be handled. Warlockes wrote half of them, graciously letting each GameMaster modify his workings, while Thandiwe, Xynwen, Kaonashi, and Valyrka wrote theirs.

Our merchants for the weekend were GM Optheria, GM Vanah, GM Valyrka, GM Elysani, GM Casil, GM Kaonashi, GM Xynwen, GM Marstreforn, and GM Thandiwe.

We also need to thank all of our QC'ers for their efforts. GMs Flannihan, Isten, Haliste, Casil, Xynwen, Gyres, and Thandiwe.

10/11/2024 - You Can Check In Any Time You Like...

Discord Message Link: You Can Check In Any Time You Like...
Author: GM Xynwen
Date: 10/11/2024

The thirty guests of the Evermore Hotel this last weekend will be receiving two mailings -- one from the hotel and one from the Order of SPECTRE and SHADOW. The items included will be attuned to the character that attended.

For right now, I'm not going to say what these are, as I want the attendees to be able to discover them for themselves. Just check your mail...everyone should get theirs by the end of the day. I've got to juggle a bunch to get these attuned and sent from 2 different NPCs, so while I'm starting on it now, it might take a few hours!

Many thanks to APM Thandiwe who got bombarded late Sunday/early Monday with my "hey, I have this cool idea to do based off how the RP went this weekend, can I?" and to GMs Elysani and Elidi who also go pestered for ideas, reviews, and input and were integral to this. And last but DEFINITELY not least, APM Isten and GMs Flannihan and Tamuz who did some stellar last-minute QC so we could get these in your hands.

Note: The mailing from the hotel will include a new pillow that shouldn't disintegrate also to replace the buggy one

EXTRA NOTE/DISCLAIMER/REMINDER: This is above and beyond what was included in the ticket price. This was something I thought would be cool to do. It does not set a precedent for future offerings to always include a hidden extra or anything like this. It's just a nice fluff extra thing!