Steel DarKnight

Ian Storm reports: There will be 55 zones. You can travel from zone to zone by use of public moongates. If you have a friend in your buddy list, who just so happens to be on the other side of the world, you can teleport right to his location. (They have to be on your buddy list to accomplish this) There are all different types of landscapes. Sand/desert areas, Forrests, Snow ect. There are 6 playable races: Orc Pixie Gargoyle Elves Human And somthing whos name baffles me, all i can remember is rick saying thier similar to "Fuzzies" from Ultima 3. There are 4 main starting skills: Way of the Sword Arcane Nature And unfortunatly, i can't remember the name of this last one (Blame it on the mead!) There will be pvp, but not the kind where you can just go around and slash whomever you wish to. There will be private areas. Private areas is an area you pick and make into your own little private hunting grounds. This could be used for if you yourself, or your guild wish to fight creatures with out anyone else interupting you. Or if you want to do a pvp fight in private, without the fear of someone hurring up and sneak looting your or something. As for creatures in game, this statment was made to us a few times "If you can find it in a zoo, it won't be in UX:O" This is not an extension to UO, it is a sister product to the game. So all those rumors you heard about being able to transport your current uo characters to this game, is false. IT IS AN MMORPG, for all those that kept thinking it was a single player, or a console game There will be no theifs or use of the stealing skill.

MarkeeDragon is currently visiting the UX: O Event in San Francisco and had following to say: Rick Hall is the senior producer and seems to be the top dog in this. The UX: O team consists of about 20 Dev people that all have worked on UO before. Amy Sage AKA Cynthe is now known as Morgaine that is listed on the UOSS forums as Designer *gasp*! According to Markee, the graphics are just awesome. Much better then SWG! That coming from an all out SWG Fan like MD means a lot. He said they are in fact using the Unreal engine but it maybe an improved version ( ?) since he has never seen graphics look that good. He compared the” in game play” to resemble an intro movie! There is a quest engine as well known as “Odyssey Adventure System”. The Dev personal there keep referring to UX :O as “Sister Game” to our Ultima., whatever that means. The game status right now is Pre Alpha! UX: O will also have a complete Virtue System which will be applied to not only the Avatars but to ITEMS as well . Mekere from MarkeeDragon.com will continue to post information from Markee to keep us updated on the latest news from San Francisco .

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2003--Origin Systems, an Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS - News) development studio, today announced the development of Ultima X: Odyssey (UXO), a next generation massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) from the award-winning Origin studio team. Powered by the latest version of the Unreal® Engine and based on the renowned Ultima single-player role-playing series, UXO will enable players to create personalized legacies in a massive new online world and will be one of the first of its kind to offer private areas on demand within the game. "Ultima X: Odyssey takes the genre to the next level through its innovative new Odyssey Adventure System ensuring that players experience a greater sense of adventure and reward from both questing and combat," said Andy Hollis, vice president and chief operating officer of Origin Systems. UXO's proprietary and innovative Odyssey Adventure System delivers customized quests to players automatically and enables private adventure zones, providing adventures on demand as players journey through the world. An added bonus in offering players private areas is that they can't be interrupted by "griefers" and other uninvited guests. Strategic combat is another key differentiator for UXO that engages players in a fast-paced, real-time exchange of attacks and easy-to-use special moves. Players can choose their level of aggressiveness and a variety of combat styles, making the outcome of the battle as dependent on players' actions as on their characters' strength. In addition to individual combat, player guilds can challenge other guilds to gladiator-style dueling in privately created zones. UXO offers a higher level of challenge, adventure and character customization through the Virtues, a popular component of the award-winning Ultima series. In UXO, players can ascend their characters to become the Avatar once they have mastered all eight Virtues. Mastery of a Virtue allows a player to unlock special powers and, eventually, create disciple characters. Players can build a pantheon of heroic followers, all of whom can aid one main character in pursuit of attaining the status of Avatar. In addition to character customization, UXO provides an exciting level of customization through its item and virtue systems, allowing players to customize themselves, their inventory, their party or their guild in ways never before possible. For instance, players can enhance weapons and armor using either Virtue abilities or player experience points. Furthermore some magic items and weapons can level with players, gaining experience or Virtue as their character does. Ultima X: Odyssey will debut this winter. For more information, visit www.uxo.ea.com. About Electronic Arts Electronic Arts (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, Calif., is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, Electronic Arts posted revenues of $2.5 billion for fiscal 2003. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under three brand names: EA SPORTS, EA GAMES, and EA SPORTS BIG. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com. Electronic Arts, EA, Origin Systems, Origin, Ultima, Ultima X: Odyssey, EA SPORTS, EA GAMES and EA SPORTS BIG are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Unreal is a registered trademark of Epic Games Inc., Raleigh NC, USA. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

To: All standing legion members From: The Senator of War Last eve, the legion set out on what was to be the first, for some, exercise using the fundamental group combat tactics of the Empire (PvM) otherwise known as the “Honor Wall”. I wanted to see how the new members reacted to group combats and strategies, as well as I wanted to see if our veteran members remembered their training and the writings I was quite pleased with several factors of this hunt, and unfortunately displeased with some others. I was very pleased with the following. Ø The large amount of people participating Ø The willingness of our new recruits to follow instructions and to make a contribution. I wish to thank all of you for participating and I wish to express my pleasure with the enthusiasm our recruits have shown. Now for the matters that we must address and rectify. As the Senator of War it is my job to review and critique the combat effectiveness of the Legion. The Legion and its effectiveness is my responsibility and not one I take lightly. This task is made more difficult without an active Imperator and Decurion. This effectiveness is gauged by many factors. These factors include: Ø Discipline Ø Tactics Ø Ability and willingness to follow orders I saw failings in all of these categories. Most seriously I saw some of this from veteran Guardians whom should know better. It is your responsibility to present yourself as a role model for our younger members and with the aforementioned absences it is even more critical now than ever. Discipline Last eve, I watched as several Guardians broke ranks to engage the enemy. In doing so they put the lives of their fellow guardians at risk. By removing yourself from the wall you reduce the coverage, blocking, and healing ability of the line. It also creates confusion for members whom are trying to hold the line. They must decide to stay in position or move up to engage as well. The arcane cohort faces the same decision. To heal support they must move up and out of position. This further reduces the support for the main line and again causes confusion as the ranks split. Even worse, should you fall you are separated from the group who must now move from a favorable position to a possibly unfavorable position to rescue and recover you. Ultimately, your actions endanger others in the legion. I watched last night, as the ranks broke to 1 vs. 1 confrontation. A young legionnaire fell twice in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, he was the one holding ranks as he was expected to do. He paid the price for mistakes he didn’t make. …Or you will cause the death of those behind you. Tactics: I was quite pleased with what is limited experience how effectively our Honor Wall formed and handled the enemy. Other than a few mistakes as mentioned before. I will admit that the honor wall is not glorious. It does not hold the heroics of individual combat. But it is and does, what it was intended to do. I have watched the “honor” wall take down anything from large masses of Juka, to multiple Dragons with ease. The honor wall is intended to allow the turn several people into one functioning unit. This changes the odds from 1 against many to many against 1. . It also allows you to defeat an enemy with the least amount of resources, space, and time. I have watched and been a part of small groups of disciplined Guardians that have taken apart enemy numbers that would have decimated us if we had acted as separate entities. It also allows you to defeat an enemy with the least amount of resources, space, and time. Be patient guardians and show discipline. Following Orders: The Guardians are a military order. Being so, it has military ranking based on experience, dedication, activeness, humility, and discipline. The people, whom are above you in this system, have generally earned their post by doing these things. Some have put forward a great amount of time, sweat, and tears. In time you to will gain rank and be asked to take responsibility. Listening and doing what those with more rank request is part of being a guardian. It is needed to give order to the chaos of battle. It is also a measure of respect, to those whom have paid the price to earn it and yes also your…humility. Both of these are mandatory traits for a Guardian. During our group activities our mission, unless stated otherwise, is to defeat our enemy and reach our goal while taking as few losses as possible. (o.o.c. Primarily it is to fight and enjoy each others company as a group.) Gold, treasure, and personal glory are NOT what we seek unless it is stated as a mission goal. Although obviously we take what we can get, you should not risk the lives of other members nor split from the group to hover over the fallen enemy. There is plenty of time for such in your daily activities and it should not be to much to ask that during the one or two times the Legion gathers a week that this not be your focus. Last eve, I watched as part of the legion failed to respond to a movement request. Some stayed to fight, some stayed to loot. I watched a legionnaire fall as he continued to fight after the order, and was left unsupported. After he was restored the majority of the Legion rallied elsewhere but were forced to wait on several members whom did not listen to the request and persisted on. This is not fair to the guardians whom did as expected. His or her time is as precious as anyone’s. To close, this mission using the tactics of the empire was the first in what I hope to be many. I did not see anything I didn’t expect, as many of us have been on our own for so long. My words are not to point out or belittle any one individual. They are simply fulfilling the duties given to me by the Emperor. The actions I saw are the mark of warriors whom are forced to depend on themselves. But we are now reforming, rebuilding, and reclaiming our place in Sosaria. The Legion WILL perform as it was intended. You must learn to operate as a whole, and as a family as we should be. For those whom may not have seen it or whom may need to review it once more the link to the Senator of War, Battle Tactics Manual can be found in our introduction given to new legionnaires Strength and Honor, Steel DarKnight SOW

At 8:45 pm EST we will gather at Olympus to wreak havoc upon the merciless forces within the dungeon known by many as "DOOM" We shall avenge our losses taken the previous eve......... (8/19) Strength and Honor!

Welcome back Charlie, I am pleased you have taken me up on my offer. Im looking forward to the days ahead.

*Reposted here so that comments and congratulations could be posted. Sorry for the slip of mind* I am pleased to announce that several Legionarres have passed the initial requirments for promotion. With approval from the emperor I am pleased to announce the promotion of the following people. Orion - Orion has been THE definition for participation, teamwork, humility, and loyalty. Charlie - Charlie as a former member of the Guardians understands our laws, and our traditions. Also of importance she understands our methods for war. With the approval of the emperor I am returning her Squire status as she was when she left the order. Your patron Knights have yet to be determined. Once I have made the assignments I shall contact you. Strength and Honor

I am pleased to announce that several Legionarres have passed the initial requirments for promotion. With approval from the emperor I am pleased to announce the promotion of the following people. Orion - Orion has been THE definition for participation, teamwork, humility, and loyalty. Charlie - Charlie as a former member of the Guardians understands our laws, and our traditions. Also of importance she understands our methods for war. With the approval of the emperor I am returning her Squire status as she was when she left the order. Your patron Knights have yet to be determined. Once I have made the assignments I shall contact you. Strength and Honor

From Doom, to the Cyclops pyramid, to the Shadow Wyrms we had a great time this weekend. Been along time since we've started a hunt at 9p.m. and the next thing I do is look at the clock and its 3a.m!!!

Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Now if we could only get you to act your age.

It..it was…me that was walking up to the lair of the beast. “In this dream milord, were you…..you ..alone?” “Aye Steel, I was alone…some foolish trip to gather the young of the beast.” Steel pondered, his memory of the dream rapidly failing as ones dreams does. “I can barely remember milord but it seems to me milord that I was not.” Logan looked curiously at the senator. He noted the weariness in the young man, so much different then when they first met. His hair had started to gray a bit at the temples and his the lines on his face seemed more heavily drawn. Much had changed since they had first met. But he could not help bu……. “Milord?” Steels voice broke through the reverie. “Ahh sorry Senator…my mind had wandered.” “Yes milord, I was just saying that I believe I was not alone.” “If my memory serves…I was leading the legion milord.” “But, although I know not what happened, when I reached the cavern itself….I was alone…” “Logan pondered, what premoni….. He stopped suddenly as the yell of the night sentry could be heard through the open window…someone was approaching the castle and the guards, ever vigilant had spotted him or her.. Who could it be at this time of night?

I am pleased to announce the promotion of Akroma to Dragoon Phalanx. Akroma has served diligently within the empire and has proven herself a role model for our newer guardians. Lead well Akroma. Strength and Honor.

Thanks to everyone whom attended. Was a good time for all. Thank you Cheblis for hosting.

As, noted previously with the current modifications to the Legion, some positions will be phased out and members transfered. Lukkan, the Centurion of the Dread Cohort has been reassigned to the Arcane Cohort and will take over the Centurion position for this cohort. He will be replacing the retiring Liz Shue whom served with many years with HONOR. Lead Well Lukkan Strength and Honor

As you are aware, the empire has recently been in a state of slumber. The warm summer months, along with a recent past of controversy, and apathy have threatened this order and its traditions. That time is now over. In order to facilitate a more effective and efficient order I have reviewed the current cohort structure. Due to the many departures, and retirements of individuals in leadership positions our current pool of viable replacements is slim. Also, the fact is that we are spread thin over many specializations of class. In order to rectify this situation I am issuing the following orders to temporarily make structure changes to the Legion. In time, once recruitment, and rebuilding has progressed we will revert to our Codex standard. First order - restructure Ø The Dragoon Cohort = Dragoon Cohort, Lancer Cohort, Gladiator Cohort, Pike Cohort. Ø The Arcane Cohort = Arcane Cohort, Dread Cohort. Ø The Heran Cohort = Heran Cohort, Enchanter Cohort. Ø Shadowrider Cohort = Shadow Rider Cohort, Ranger Cohort. Second order - Downsizing Until the Legion is rebuilt to an acceptable level the command structure of the Legions Cohorts is also being downsized to match more appropriately with current forces. 1 - Centurion 1 - Phalanx 5 - Knights Strength and Honor

With the return of our emperor from his familiy related sabbatical, and with our eye to the refocusing and rebuilding of the empire. I am pleased to announce the following promotion. Phalanx Cheblis, has been promoted to the top command position within the Heran Cohort. Cheblis, has been a stable, quality member of the empire for some time and has served dutifuly as Phalanx. I thank everyone in advance for their assistance in aiding Cheblis to make the most of his new position. Centurion....... Lead Well. Strength and Honor

It appears that this will be a "paid" position. With only 15-20 people chosen to fill the role. I would assume that a few thousand have applied *smirk*

Sunsword posted the following on the Stratics Forums: hope this post finds you all well. Publish 19 seems to be settling down now, although there are a few minor issues to address. But on to what you really want to know about...housing phase 3! We have made significant adjustments in our approach to make phase 3 happen. We are now planning for it to be released with Publish 20 which is currently in testing. We should have more info on Publish 20's contents and planned date next week. Moongates and houses. I take personal responsibility for the initial decision and now the about face. After visiting many shards, talking to lots of players, GMs, QA folks, and dev team members, it became clear that our concerns about lag and server performance were not strongly founded. As a result, we decided to give the spots back or let the originals stand. You may blame me directly for the waffling. Our customer service folks cringed a lot this morning when I came in and told them I was reconsidering. Aside from the waffling, I hope this does demonstrate our willingness to listen and make adjustments, although by all rights it shouldn't have been an issue from the outset. As to the house fighting issue, clearly we need to solve this problem in all cases, not just the one raised by having a house near a moongate in Felucca. Finally, we are still hiring a new lead programmer, server programmer, and lead artist! If you think you've got what it takes, please visit http://www.origin.ea.com/jobs.htm l.. We've gotten hundreds of applications already, but we're still looking! I hope you have a good weekend and I'll see you in the game! Anthony Castoro "SunSword" Producer, Ultima Online

That in itself, noble Praetorian is were I was leading.... Were are we going, and what path have we chosen to follow.... We know of our history, the legacy laid down by our ancestors...but who are we now and were will we go? ....what is our direction? That is not for me alone to answer... Guardians? I ask you what is our path, and what path are you willing to walk in more than word alone? Strength and Honor.

Based upon the information provided by Charlie, and by the graciousness of Charlie and her ally Kendarick I have reviwed the writings she mentioned as well as the house that it was contained within. Among the possesions remaining in the house I found many writings from the past. These writing detail several orders...included amongst them PGoH. Within I even found some writings from our very own ...The Retired Guardian Wolf. With the permission of both Kendarick and Charlie I have taken custody of the writings and will preserve them Guardians, this threat was one from our past and our history. Thus I see no imminate threat related to them. But, there presence does remind this one of our past....and were we came from..... Strength and Honor.

As a note, I myself have applied for the role.

The following post verifies information I recently viewed pertaining to the return of some sort of "Volunteer" program. The information I viewed scheduled this return around the release of publish 21 (Roughly first of next year) Event Moderators – Ultima Online Origin Systems/EA Online is looking for a few good Event Moderators to help facilitate in-game events. If you have a passion for fiction and feel this is something that interests you, please e-mail the information listed below to uoevents@uo.com with the subject line “Event Moderator.” Applicant must be 18 years of age or older. Submissions must be received by Friday, August 1, 2003. Your name. Your home address. Your main account username (please do not send your password). How long have you played UO? Which shard do you play on? Have you been a “Seer” before? If so, tell us about one event you participated in or helped create. Rate this event on a 1 to 5 scale (5 being the best), and tell us why you chose that rating. Why do you want to become an Event Moderator?

Squirrel and Rabbit? pfffttt.. WE eat Possum down here. Rabbit and Squirrel is for those Yankee folk.

Steel walked briskly through the halls of Olympus. His footsteps echoed thru the halls of the ancient citadel. This amused Steel some, he had never noticed the affect before. The steady beat of his mailed feet upon the stone sounding once, and then once more back to him. Yes, Steel thought, curiously he had never noticed this before. Perhaps it was the fact that before his mind had always been occupied with some matter pressing to the empire. Or he thought, perhaps this unusual summer itself had some affect on the atmosphere of the castle… Sadly, Steel knew in his heart why… The fortress of Honor, whose very hearthstone was carved from the rock at the base of the altar of Honor, was dormant. Like a great beast in the winter it slumbered. The halls of the ancient citadel that had at one time bustled with activity now lay empty and quite. In times past Steel would have never heard the sound of his footfalls as the other noises would have blocked it out. In looking around the hallway Steel noticed the most evident signs of change. Dust had settled lightly on the chairs, tables, shelves, books, and other various decorum nearby. It’s fine blanket lightly blurring the pictures upon the wall. Those pictures whose creation was commissioned by the empire depicted great battles and events of the past. As Steel walked by he looked to some. The great Battle of Trinsic were the undead were defeated and their master the Dark Lich banished. The Battle of Cove, were the Orcish and then Savage Hordes were turned back. The Second Battle of Trinsic, the battle to expunge the Juka invasion from the home city. The Battle of Yew, were the forces of light desperately fought back the hoards in working to find a cure for the cursed sickness and deformity defiling the town. The Battle of the Destard Peninsula was once again the Savages were pushed back. Lying among the tables Steel noted the many volumes of the written history of the Guardians. Flipping through Steel reread through a few of the histories within … The Empires formation from a group of three miners. … The writing of the Codex … The great split and the formation of the Valor Knights … The reign of Gregory … The battle for one mans soul and his return from the edge … The succession of the Emperor Logan … The conflict with the Army of the Sands Gently, Steel closed the great volume he had been reading and placed it back upon the dusty shelf. Steel walked over to a closed window. Opening it he looked out. So many people have come and gone. Good people whom he had the honor of standing beside in battle. He had watched many of them enter, and many of them leave. Many Guardians Steel never knew, and may never have known, but not for the histories within those texts. Steel remembered some of the battles and events but some he knew only from the talk of the old folk of Trisnic. They spoke of a time when Trinsic was awash in purple, and the Guardians patrolled the streets diligently. But alas, those memories are fading and the younger generation of Trinsic no nothing of these times, or the Guardians Peering out the window below Steel noted that the courtyard lay empty. The grass had grown high. In past times this would not have been possible. This field was often awash in young men and women training their formation skills, their feet pounding the grass down to a suitable level. In Steels minds eye he could hear and the sound of the Phalanx’s loud voices barking orders under the watchful eyes of the Centurions, and the Imperator. To the side under the old oak tree, the SOW would watch from the protection of the shade it afforded. Slowly, Steel closed the window and sat down in the chair positioned next to it. Looking downward, Steel pondered the course of recent events. The realms had change, along with the people within it. The gods themselves had some hand in this as their sweeping changes and creations had altered reality to a very different state than what it first was. The threats of the past had disappeared, the undead lords were in check and their activities and forces were isolated to a few catacombs. The Orcs and Savages had been greatly weakened by the constant onslaught of man. They retained but a small portion of the power they once had. The Juka had all but disappeared after the death of Blackthorne. Almost all evidence of the Army of the Sands had disappeared and the prophesized invasion had never come. No enemies threaten the guardians or their holdings and thus the Order had no focus. No longer did the young squires run about the castle tending to their Knights requirements, or studying the arts of war. Possible entrants to the empire had all but dried up. It seemed that the younger generation of the realm had little or no interest in the teachings of an old order. Or the honor and comradely to be found within. Last week Steel had returned to the halls of Olympus. This was the first day of the week and often a time of rest. The Guardians often held a gathering as the day fell into shadow. Opening the great outer door of castle he had rushed inside. After quickly tying his steed to the railing he walked inside the center room with a hearty “Hail Guardians.” Steel chuckled. The room was empty. Steel had later met with Senator Earwen. The Senator had worked diligently upon Steels request to recover various ancient artifacts that the Empire had uncovered. Their coordinates were known, but the artifacts themselves were unattainable without a sizable force as they were heavily guarded. Plans were put forward. Strategies discussed and a time set. At that appointed time Earwen had stood alone. Yes, Steel thought, times have changed…. Standing up he quickly stretched and continued his way down the hall. He had completed what he had needed here and he wished to leave this place and its memories behind. Opening the door he walked out upon the entryway. As always standing his lonely guard stood Tod the Sentry. The old warrior looked exhausted, almost as if he could fall at any moment. The late day had turned into night and Steel realized that the ancient sentry had not been relieved in some time. Steel felt pride at this old warriors sense of duty, even though no one would have noticed his leave, he continued to remain at his post. Steel slid his hand through his slightly graying hair. Pausing a moment as if to make a choice he placed his helmet on his head and saluted the Sentry. “Although the night is often cold and dark, and brings perhaps things we may not have foreseen…. the morning, it always comes.” “ I shall stand with you this night.” Strength and Honor

Link below. UOX Hmmm...... EA did not get to were it is now in the game industry by resting on its laurels in the face of competition. Any thoughts? Strength and Honor