Issue #4: 13 Epeiph 2755
15 February 2007
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 By: Whisperer & The Eye The release of Mod 2.9 only a week after 2.8 has inspired frantic exploration. Mod 2.8 opened the Nexus which has since proven to be the most difficult area in the game. It’s so treacherous in fact only the fearless or heroic can enter at all. Between Miasma Storms that hit like the desert heat on steroids and boss-like monsters at every turn, the player mortality rate is exceptional. Perhaps most infuriating are the Kuk Harlequins. These deviants frequently ask seemingly impossible enigmas and the penalty for speaking falsely can be fatal. Speculation runs rampant about the Harlequins, but at least one canny source has noticed variations in the capitalization in some of their questions. The climax of the Nexus is a confrontation with the Ammut Avatar where one can fight or join him. Those who join become “Forsaken”, the effects of which remains a mystery. None have defeated this boss yet. Surprisingly, virtually no artifacts have been reported found here. The Mysterious Island, opened by repelling the Heathen Invasion, is a diverse area comprised of several new quests. The first of these is the option to attack the Heathen Outpost. This area is populated primarily by the same Heathens repelled earlier with the addition of the Ammut Emissary. The Emissary seems to be a plot related character that suggests Ammut is aiding or aligned with the Heathens. A difficult opponent, the Emissary drops an artifact that is said to make the opponents in the Nexus weaker. Further exploration of the island reveals a Bloodstained Beach, a Labyrinth, and Lammasu territory. The beach is an artifact rich area populated by Harpies and Sirens. Aside from ultra-rare Lotus Buds, at least three other new artifacts have been found here so far. The harpies seem to come in several “flavors” each gifted with a unique combat ability. The Siren is a boss type beast capable of unleashing all of the harpy attacks, often in the same round. The Lammasu allows a player to risk vitality for anima. Be careful, these things have a time limit and it seems to be less than two minutes! The final area, the Labyrinth, is populated by several monsters capable of delivering lethal blows. The area boss, the “Minotaur” is an obscenely powerful foe along the lines of the Fell Dao Lord. Some reports suggest that he drops a powerful artifact, but these have yet to be fully confirmed.  By: The Eye The ennui of Iron Maiden’s Giorgioh, Luthien, Frey, and ultimately Reign seemed destined to put an end to “The Leveling” chapter of Ankhet’s history. Any hope of that, however, was quickly put to rest. Less than a minute before succumbing, Reign changed his name to Rain, allowing him to save his name. A new Reign would promptly be desecrated by the relatively unknown Miraj Adham Fathi (unaligned). Miraj had been a vocal advocate for the “innocent” members of Iron Maiden during “the Leveling”, encouraging both peace and forgiveness. Reaction to the surprise move was swift, with Miraj negged by G14ers Aer Capello, Kendaer, and JenniferEmily (all currently Shadows). Though Kendaer would go on to make statements regarding Miraj’s fate, he was met with surprising resistance and a demand that Iron Maiden be allowed to handle the case. Miraj would cite a sense of injustice as the sole motivation for the attack, noting that all other parties had sacrificed their names. While this rational for desecration met little approval, the complaint itself seemed popular. In an utterly unprecedented move, Miraj was released from negatives under his own recognizance and without condition pending a decision from Iron Maiden. Despite his brutal slaying of a fellow disciple, Fathi’s demeanor in the aftermath seems to have won him respect. Others weren’t so fortunate. Amid allegations of “negligence” and “lies” Shenti abandoned the Shadows after a heated exchange with Nefret (Shadows). Shenti would claim the “Big 3” (Shadows: Baltar, Aer Capello, and Nefret) had excluded the rest of the 14 during last minute negotiations with Reign. As of this moment, Miraj remains at a completely self-enforced low level and his jury, Iron Maiden, remains conspicuously quiet.  By: Brezza In light of recent events concerning the Dominion of Iron Maiden, I felt it would be appropriate to get an inside look at the Dominion. I recently talked to a former member, Sutekh, about his thoughts on Iron Maiden, and its current going-ons. I believe you were one of the original members of Iron Maiden. What was your role in its founding? Giorgioh originally approached me with the concept of creating a dominion, but the lack of Hathorites made that a difficult task. I decided to convert to Hathor for in case such a plan was actually fulfilled. Approximately a week later, Giorgioh created a dominion and I received an invitation. The following weeks were spent establishing certain rules, such as daily tithing requirements. How did you know giorgioh, and was he any different back then? I believe the first time I met giorgioh was in the Ankhet chat room, but I may be wrong. Was he any different back then? This is a hard question to answer, particularly because I have never met him face to face. He has always been dedicated to his dominion, and quite friendly with those he likes. On the other hand, his hubris concerning his dominion can be a bit overwhelming. I don't see that his character has changed, more that the actions he takes reveal more and more about his character. How about Iron Maiden? Your thoughts on it, past, present, or otherwise, on it, in general? I've had differing feelings about the power throughout my time in the game, but the latest attack by Iron Maiden really made me think. Desecration not only takes away your stats, but your character. Your name, who you are. Euplicitous could very well be among us as we speak, but Cheerio! is dead. Each member of the community has something to contribute, even ones we would rather not have. Da+han's desecration was more of a gift, granted. If anything, his desecration aggravated the efforts of people who felt they needed to keep him under control. I digress. In conclusion, my feeling on desecration is that it should not be used. I've thought about it, and it does nothing but murder those in the community who you disagree with. However much credence you may have, it boils down to you finding someone else unacceptable. What do you think about reign's actions in the Desecration of EA? To my mind, the one who pulls the trigger is just as guilty as the one who orders him to do so. As I've stated many times, the desecration of Euplicitous was, in my opinion, uncalled for and counterproductive to the community at large.  By: Anonymous Long ago, a disciple named giorgioh created the Iron Maiden dominion. Into it, he poured his favour, anima, and will to dominate all of the annals. Several disciples were enticed by his power and joined his unholy dominion. The most powerful ability in the game, the one that ends all, was used by this dominion as a way to silence the voice of opposition. A last alliance of Shadow, Light, and Eidolon came together in the dead of night to strike back against this menace. Wielding powers such as Exhaust, Diminish, and Condemn, they smote the Iron Maiden into a ghost of what it once was. They even Subjected members of the Iron Maiden to the Judgment of Ra. One dominion to rule them all One dominion to find them One dominion to bring them all and in the darkness bind them In the land of Ankhet where the politics dwell.  By: Brezza "You dare?!" the Oracle gasps in open revulsion. "This malicious act allows the Apep to permanently consume the soul of a fallen Disciple. Such a vile act will cost you dearly in the esteem of the gods, and no doubt your fellow Disciples will seek justice for your heinous crime!" Desecrate. It is one of the most powerful abilities in Ankhet, available only to followers of the goddess Hathor. While it may be an extremely powerful ability, it comes with great responsibility. Desecrate is the ability to completely annul another player's existence. All that is left of such players is their posts in the Commune, and the lasting impression they have on the community at large. Desecrate is hardly used lightly. In fact, there have only been 4 times in all of Ankhet history where it's even been attempted. The first was Da+han. 7 Pachons 2755 22:32 - Jart desecrated the body of Da+han. Da+han is forever lost. However, Da+han requested Desecration, so it isn't thought of with any true widespread turmoil. Some people even openly greeted this action, as Da+han wasn't very popular. One of the most recent Desecrations, and by far the most controversial, was of Euplicitous Arophram. 25 Payni 2755 02:10 - reign desecrated the body of Euplicitous Arophram. Euplicitous Arophram is forever lost. The Desecration of Euplicitous Arophram was performed by reign, at the orders of the Nomarch of Iron Maiden, giorgioh, and immediately spurred riots and outbreaks of violence throughout the Dominion. Disciples chose sides, and the line was drawn. However, everyone had their own respective idea of where said line was, and whether or not anyone actually crossed it. After a few random, unorganized bouts that were quickly silenced, the matter seemed to rage on only in the Commune. However, quite recently, Iron Maiden fell under an extremely violent attack, ending with over a dozen Judgments of Ra, banishment of many members of Iron Maiden, guilty or otherwise, to the Underworld, and loss of over 10 million favour for Iron Maiden. It was an organized attack of unbridled ruthlessness, one that will surely only cause more problems in the future, and start more grudges. However, as of now, the Dominion appears to be at peace. There were two other acts of Desecration, one by Sutekh against Tau, and another failed act by Ako against pakaran, who was protected by his Imperishable Ka. However, the first two acts showed, by far, the effect of Desecrate on society. No matter how you look at it, Desecration is a truly horrible act. You are erasing another Disciple from existence, truly and ultimately killing them. They are dead and gone, and this time, it's forever. It spurs conflict of unparralelled proportions. However, in spite of all this, it still somehow allows people to truly stand together, and fight for a common cause. However, it is still truly an evil act, no matter how good a cause it may be for. Editor’s note: This article was written prior to the desecration of Reign.  Dear Miss Mummy, Sometimes I can only get to the underworld forum even when I’m not dead! What gives? Signed, Big Spender Well, Biggy, you most likely had zero or negative anima. In Ankhet the energy that powers your Ka (anima) is just as important as your vitality. I like to think that people who have less than one anima lapse into a trance like state while their disembodied Ka wonders the spirit world seeking aid. The Underworld serves as a clearing house for disciples protesting attacks or seeking help. A quick message there can often lead to you help or the answers you seek.  Get Imperishable Ka.  Here is the list of Ankhets as of 13 Epeiph, 2755 (Bold indicates a change from the previous issue) Ahmose: Yage (35 – eidolon) Amin-Ra: Crevanor (71 - Shadows) Ammut: Cyno (56 – N: eidolon) Anubis: Baltar (42 – N: Shadows) Bast: Effloresce (63 – Iron Maiden) Hathor: Aer Capello (71 - Shadows) Menthu: Caine (57 - eidolon) Sekhmet: DarkEternal (62 – N: Iron Maiden) Thoth: Parislan (41 – Shadows) Dominion: Shadows (51,045,000)) Thanks primarily to conversions and returning disciples; every Path seat has changed hands since the previous issue. The Shadows now dominate the board with 4 path and the dominion seats. They now lead Iron maiden by over fourteen million for that coveted position. Eidolon’s implosion seems to have ended, but one of their Ankhet’s, Yage, is inactive. Iron Maiden gains two and the faltering Light dominion has fallen completely off the map.  “19:11 - Cyno has been Forsaken.” – The Heralds 6 Epeiph 2755 “...let this thread not deteriorate into political squabbling. Amen.” - Sutekh Halls of Initiation: As God As My Witness: Post #1 “Much like in the case where Reign used this spell upon Euplicitous Arophram, I feel that this use was frivolous and uncalled for” –Kendaer (prior to Miraj’s explanation) Underworld: Miraj Adham Fathi: Post #1 “Assalam 'alaikoom. Reign preserved his name. All others sacrificed. I found this unjust. I offer no excuses. I will accept the consequences with grace.” – Miraj Adham Fathi Underworld: Miraj Adham Fathi: Post #29 “They're acting for their amusement, remember, not yours.” – Akhenuraeus (regarding Kuk Harlequins) Halls of Initiation: The Kuk Harlequin is a Cheater: Post #12 “It's outlandishly difficult to eat a live kitten.” - Akhenuraeus Adepts: Thought for today…: Post #22  Interviewed by: Cyno. Em has been a vocal member of the community and founded one of the top four dominions. Outspoken and occasionally provocative, recent events have placed her in the spotlight. Our reporter was able to convince her to speak with us on her departure from eidolon, the leveling, and more… Why did you abandon eidolon? i don't believe i abandoned the dominion. i believe i left it in capable hands. and the reasons...hehe, that you don't get an answer to. i'd been playing around with the idea for at least a month. it wasn't because of anything either inside the dominion or outside of it. i'm happy with my choice right now. i'd be happy to join the dominion again one day, if they'll have me back With eidolon behind you, what are your plans for the future? boring plans. they mostly consist of not being in eidolon for a little while. it will be interesting playing the game as an individual, rather than as a member of a dominion. i am planning a few contests...just trying to work out how to do them. How did you decide whom you invited into eidolon? gut feelings, usually. there were some people who i knew i wanted, like jart. there were others who just seemed really awesome, and i thought would fit in well, like cyno. i tried to get a feel for most of the new people i invited first, whether in the chat room, or in forum messages. and if anyone in eidolon offered an idea of a person, i'd ask why, and try to get know the suggested disciple as well What happened between you and Euplicitous Arophram? that one i decline to answer, mostly because it's his story to tell. Are you satisfied with the result of "The Leveling"? that's tough to answer. mostly because i think the end results from our actions the other night won't be apparent for some time. if our actions make disciples think about what they might be held accountable for, and who else might be held accountable, prior to attacking someone, than yeah, i'll be satisfied Do you believe that the initial results accomplished this? e.g. Iron Maiden's loss of favour, the ennui of giorgioh and Luthien. even more satisfied if they think about why they'd be held accountable. i think the initial results showed players that formal alliances, such as dominions, are something that comes into play during any battle, no matter how small the slight. whether or not players learned that, i don't know You have defended allegations that you named your dominion after a fruitbat. If not a fruitbat, what does eidolon mean? Wraith. it was a synonym i found, while looking for a name for a game one day. i liked the way it sounded though. or at least the way i think it sounds in my head. and when i couldn't think up any good egyptian names for the dominion, i decided to use the word eidolon What do you think are the most important attributes for success in Ankhet? a willingness to try new things. the ability to realize that your stats don't really matter and a love of all parts of the game =) You have a habit of writing in all lowercase. When did you pick this up? six years ago. it started as a type of social experiment. i'd learned in graphic arts class about how sarif and san-sarif fonts make things easier or harder to read. using upper and lowercase letters correctly make things easier to read just as using sarif fonts do. they break things up into chunks for your eyes to handle easier the idea was, if it's slightly more difficult for people to read, will they bother reading? then it dawned on me that by typing as i was, there was a certain element of disrespect directed at the reader. or if not disrespect, at least lack of respect. and that made the experiment more interesting who's willing to look past how i write and read what i do write, and who isn't? Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions :)  If you’d like to be heard, please send any questions, comments, or submission to AnkhetGazette@gmail.com. Previous Issues can be viewed by using the Archives button below. Enjoying TAG? 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Note: Look and feel borrowed liberally from Ankhet. Ankhet the game is available at ankhet.net.
In Memoriam: Ninjalicious