The Ankhet Gazette
Issue #8: 24 Thoth 2756
2 May 2007

Long Live the King
By: The Eye

On Thoth 3rd Miraj Adham Fathi desecrated Mrs. Dolly Levi Gallagher. This spark became the catalyst for an eruption of outrage, politics, and hostilities. From the moment Miraj was plunged into the underworld the situation began to build momentum. Soon the conflict was hardly even about Miraj himself. Lofty ideologies clashed in a brutal war of rhetoric and posturing. If the combatants were to be believed, the entire direction of the Ankhet community was at stake. Twenty days later it would all come to a head in the wee hours of Thoth 23rd. Relative newcomer Sammy (N: Agnostics), after several beatings at the hand of Coelacanth, finally succeeded in much more than releasing Miraj. The pair went on to exhaust their tormentor into negative anima and make demands of a peaceful resolution. This was not to be. In true from, despite being confined to the Underworld, Coelacanth issued an ultimatum to both Sammy and Miraj. He demanded that they restore him and neg each other or else risk his wrath. Not only did Miraj and Sammy fail to comply with the seemingly absurd chest thumping, they countered several attempts by Aer Capello (Shadows) to rescue the former Shadow. With no other aid manifesting, it seemed as though Coelacanth would have to break down and negotiate. Boy was that wrong.

At 1:22 on Thoth 23rd the game saw the second use of the new ultra-rare Metasis Charm. In an instant Coelacanth released himself from the Underworld, presumably with a Shimmering Tonic, and converted from the path of Menthu to Thoth. While this unprecedented move was surprising, what followed was completely predictable. Coelacanth unleashed a myriad of Ruins, Doom, Wraths, and Exhausts upon Miraj and Sammy. Moved to action by the aggression and philosophical differences both Misconception (Iron Maiden) and Em would stand against the rampaging Ankhet of Thoth. All too soon both would suffer the same fate as those they sought to aid: Ruin, Doom, and Exhaust. In a public statement Coelacanth would reaffirm his commitment to stand on his principles regarding Desecrate. In a truly surprise move, the reigning warlord then joined Iron Maiden! While this reporter can’t help but wonder if he finally succeeded in cataloging their greatness.

Soon both support and challenges were voiced in the Underworld, but the only aid given to Miraj and his allies would come from Pakaran much later the same morning when he unwittingly released Em. The apparently unstoppable brawler Coelacanth quickly crushed Em, Pakaran, and Kendaer (Shadows) when the latter came to Pakaran’s defense. Immediately following this Coelacanth changed gears and fell into several diplomatic discourses that allayed all but Miraj’s most ardent supporters. With both martial and political areas apparently dominated, things had never seemed bleaker for Miraj. Faced with utter defeat, Miraj Adham Fathi conceded to Coelacanth’s demands and currently, and perhaps appropriately, walks the outcast Path of Ammut. Fathi was quickly embraced with tutors and bequeathals upon his conversion, but where will the two time desecrator go from here? If his own protests are to be believed, without Attunement to Hathor the answer seems to be nowhere fast. This reporter is eager to see how this series of surprising and compelling events will continue to unfurl. Without a doubt some of the most interesting and heart felt debates have orbited these past weeks but questions linger. Does might make right? Does Ankhet have a tyrant or a champion? Is Desecrate meant to be used and, if so, how and when? Of course, the most lingering question also remains. When will the Burning Season come out?

What's in a Name?
By: The Eye

On the heels of the desecration controversy one of Miraj’s most proactive supporters is stirring the embers. Amheh, formerly known as Sammy, converted to the path of Ammut and promptly indulged in a rash of violence. Through duels and the Ammut Extinguish ability, the freshly converted Amheh quickly racked up kills against Em, Booger, Wonky is Good, and Swamp Rat (Iron Maiden). The carnage began at 22:08 on the 23rd and by 13:40 on the 24th the rampaging disciple had slain fifteen times. A self-proclaimed student of Coelacanth’s methods, Amheh lived up to his words through resilience and ruthlessness. Not only did he escape the Underworld several times, he also utilized Phoenix Fire as a weapon. When pressed to explain his explosive malice, Amheh demanded that his victims change their genre-inappropriate names. Needless to say, Amheh’s behavior has been met with considerable resistance. Aer Capello (Shadows), Coelacanth (Iron Maiden), Flor Venenosa (Iron Maiden), and DarkEternal (N: Iron Maiden) have all responded with lethal doses of Doom while Kendaer (Shadows), Archinta (N: Eidolon), and Caine (Eidolon) also chimed in with diminishes, exhausts, and extinguishes of their own. Amheh’s ultimate agenda remains as unclear as his fate. He’s made many powerful enemies and he looks to be standing alone. This reporter gives him a B- in Tyranny 101.

Oracular Intervention
By: The Eye

For this issue the Oracles have let slip a few more tantalizing details about the impending doom looming in the Burning Mod 3. A new area called the Profane Shrine has been named as the residence of one Mr. Menthu Avatar. In additional news, we’ve been told that following the Burning Mod there will be a new quest added to the Shrine of the Uninitiated designed to “encourage new players to post and familiarize them with their inventory”. There was also some hinting that there may be a Book of the Dead exclusive area coming as well. Finally, the Oracles left us with these:

“Which of your patron’s servants do you wish to invoke?” the Oracle asks with a tone of resigned disapproval.”

“You unsummoned Timbo the Foul.”

“The apathetic Infernal Pontiff casts Doom on you for 15!”

Ask Miss Mummy
Dear Miss Mummy,
I seem to have lost a level and some vitality since I last logged in! What’s going on?
Signed,
Innocent Victim


Well, Innocent, the first thing you might want to do is consult the Heralds. For not much anima you can examine the game logs to see what’s been going on. You can even narrow down the clutter by searching for specific terms (like your name) or events (like attacks). It’s usually a pretty good idea to give the heralds a quick glance every so often even if nothing untoward has happened to you. The Heralds can tell you valuable stuff such as when your friends might need help and who has an itchy trigger finger.

Tip of the Week
Talk to people! If you’re having a hard time with some element of the game, look to the forums. While not everyone will toss out a free resurrection or Anima, most will be happy to answer questions or point you in the right direction. Try to keep in mind that many players don’t like to post or see spoiler material in public. Don’t forget to be polite (please and thank you)!

Top of the Game
Here is the list of Ankhets as of 17 Thoth, 2756 (Bold indicates a change from the previous issue)
Ahmose: Baltar (57, N: Shadows)
Amin-Ra: Akhenuraeus (75, Shadows)
Ammut: Caine (40, Eidolon)
Anubis: Mummio (31, Iron Maiden)
Bast: Smooth_Pappa (54, Eidolon)
Hathor: Mullhotep (75, Shadows)
Menthu: Pakhet (75, Shadows)
Sekhmet: Flor Venenosa (80, Iron Maiden)
Thoth: Coelacanth (70, Iron Maiden)
Dominion: Shadows (108,750,500)
Beast Slayers: 37 - Ozymandias (Imperial Conquest)
Truth Sayers: 133 - Baltar (N:Shadows)

The Ankhet seats have stabilized over the past week. Aside from the sudden ascension of Coelacanth to the Thoth seat, there are no big surprises. On the other hand, Baltar has certainly set the bar absurdly high for would-be Truth Sayers with more than double his closest competitor’s score. The impacts of Satet’s shop are becoming more evident with each passing week. Since the inclusion of Mod 3 the top seated Dominion has been resting on its laurels picking up only 470 Favour since the previous issue. With several members seemingly MIA and the rest embroiled in political discord, the Shadow’s domination of the top spot could be waning.

Quote(s) of the Week
I believe that Desecrate exists to tempt us and to afford us the opportunity to prove our worth. It forces us to recognize that there is a wrong way so that we can come together and oppose it.” – Coelacanth
Underworld: Regarding the morning of Thoth 23rd: Post #1

I will abandon Hathor. I have done no wrong.” – Miraj Adham Fathi
Underworld: Regarding the morning of Thoth 23rd: Post #33

Paint it however you wish, but your only goal here was power and oppression.” - Cameo (to Coelacanth)
Underworld: Regarding the morning of Thoth 23rd: Post #63

Well done. You've handled the situation well, especially in light of the fact you basically did this alone.” – Nefertiti (regarding Coelacanth)
Underworld: Regarding the morning of Thoth 23rd: Post #41

People here are too scared to put themselves in Coel's way.” - Sammy (now Amheh)
Underworld: Regarding the morning of Thoth 23rd: Post #52

"That Gauntlet just spit me out!" – Hemiola
Adepts: Bad Flavour: Post #1

From the Editor’s Desk:
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Note: Look and feel borrowed liberally from Ankhet. Ankhet the game is available at ankhet.net.