Lord British’s Visit – The end

October 03, 2014 By: Tamais Category: Lake Austin News

Lake Austin Shard

King Blackthorn: Long live Ultima Online!

Heckles: Huzzah!

King Blackthorn: May it live forever!

Bennu: Long Live the Kings!

King Blackthorn: The one true virtual world!

King Blackthorn: Huzzah!

Bennu: Huzzah!

King Blackthorn: Huzzah!

King Blackthorn: Huzzah!

Rainz: Rainz never die!

Lord British: LONG LIVE BLACKTHORN!

King Blackthorn: Long live citizens of UO!

Lord British: LONG LIVE BRITANNIA!

Heckles: HUZZAH!

King Blackthorn: UO the great!

Bennu: Huzzah!

Heckles: *plays with magic fireworks wand*

King Blackthorn: Britannia!

Rainz: LONG LIVE ULTIMA ONLINE!

Heckles: HOORAY!

King Blackthorn: Huzzah!

Gotan the Guard: *salutes the future and our shared past*

Lord British: HAPPY 17TH!

Lord British: WE WILL MEET HERE AGAIN!

Lord British: IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR AND A PLEASURE!

 

end

Lord British: LONG LIVE BLACKTHORN!

Lord British: LONG MAY HE CONSIDER THE VIRTUES!

King Blackthorn: The honor was all ours!

Lord British: LONG MAY HE RUL!

King Blackthorn: We will return!

Bennu: Long Live the Kings!

King Blackthorn: Goodbye!

Lord British: FARE WELL!

Lord Dupre: LONG LIVE BRITANNIA!

King Blackthorn: You are the greatest!

Rainz: FARE WELL!

 

all together

Lord British Visit Part 2

October 03, 2014 By: Tamais Category: Lake Austin News

lake austin shard

 

As Minax disappeared, she casted a powerful spell of death. Most were unaware of what was to come.  The spell had summoned  Exodus as a powerful red Daemon.

 

death arrives

 

The citizens who had been standing close to the throne room’s carpet, scattered.  But it was in vain.  The daemon dealt death to all without regards to rank.

read demaon

 

Finding  healers who could resurrect them, the warriors, mages, and nobles began to organize a counter attack.   The first few attacks failed.  But the brave fighters didn’t give up.  I quietly went to see what was happening.  It would make a grand ballad.  Alas my place of safety was anything but.  I soon joined the ranks of ghosts.  Deciding to remain dead, I knew I would stay that way anyways, I was able to get close and watch the battle.  It was a grand battle indeed.  At long last the daemon was defeated.  To our surprise, Minax had not left, but had hidden so to observe and gloat at the deaths.   Unsurprised, King Blackthorn shouted at her, “YOU will not live if you stay much longer. we will slay you where you stand.”

“King you are protected here in your castle but the prophecy will be filled!!!! Minax scoffed, “I will have my day.  my followers are strong and loyal they will die for me.”

“Never.” King Blackthorn replied ,”Conquest is not strength!”

Minax began to weave another spell. “your guards are weak they die to my touch.  With that she snapped her fingers and guards began to join the ranks of ghost.

killing of the guards

“Weaklings,” Minax taunted and again disappeared.

Sighing in relief, King Blackthorn turned Lord British, “King Blackthorn: She is gone finally!”

“Wow!” Lord British exclaimed, ” Unexpected. A Dark omen indeed.”

Lord Dupre shook himself as if he was awaking form a dream ” Finally!”

Lord British looked at King Blackthorn, “I can see things remain ‘complex’ for Britannia.  I am sorry the lands have not been “easier” for you… King Blackthorn.”

Just then Heckles began to hiccup as he sipped from his flask.

Turning in anger, Lord British commanded  Heckles.  “Go get a glass of water!”

Not wanting to anger Lord British more, He bowed his head, “Yes m’lord.”

Lord British began to reminisce, ”  One of my first visit to a throne room like this…People got drunk, screamed profanity, and threw up on the floor of MY castle…

“Sounds like a party, Majesty.”  Bennu the guard said.

Lord British smiled, “Indeed?!”  Laughing he toasted us. ” Long Live Britannia!”

Heckles begrudgingly sipped from his cup of water as libations were passed around.

“Enjoy the libations!” King Blackthorn said raising his cup.

‘Tis more civil for Blackthorn… how strange!” pondered Lord British,  While this throne room is BEAUTIFUL, it could do with a few less CHAOS symbols!

Lord British began to address us, “Tis truly amazing to see this community survive and thrive for so very long. It is GRAND that you all remain keeping EVIL from entering these lands…”

King  Blackthorn nodded his head, “It is this citizenry that makes it last.”

Though, I can hardly imagine HOW with CHAOS as the “order” of the day…” commented Lord British, the began again reminded  King Blackthorn of events long past.  “Lord Blackthorn and I toured the land… When we went to Moonglow, we were ‘mooned’  It was a FINE evening, as I remember…”

“Do you remember our last stop?” Lord British asked the King? “It was in Trinsic, yes? Yes, that scum… he caught me off guard.”

Lord British became angry remembering that event, “He cast a fire field that KILLED ME!!!!  I have heard a rumor… A Rumor of RAINZ!”

 

fire

 

 

Quietly Rainz had entered the room.  With a mischivious grim he began to cast a spell, “In Flam Grav.”

 

raniz

 

Bennu glared at Rainz, and shouted,”Traitor!”

Lord British winked, “It was glorious!”

“OH MY!” Heckles shouted slipping behind the guards.

King Blackthorn looked  to see what had scared Heckles,  ” Look its Minax!  She’s back.”

“How did this happen?!?!?” Lord British asked in surprise.

Guard Bennu drew his sword , jumping in front of the King, “Protect the Kings!”

Gotan the Guard joined Bennu, “My liege! Must we stand idly by whilst this slaughter occurs?!”

King Blackthorn shouted back to Gotan, ” NOOOOOOO!”

Minax stood laughing at all of them. ” I am so happy. Silly man,  you wanted a demon. I gave you one,  my baby”

Standing with the guard, Lord Dupre calmly stated, “Back for more I see”

“Minax, is this YOUR doing!” shouted Lord British.

” OF course!!” she yelled.

Gotan the Guard prepared for battle, shouting a challenge, ” Minax, ye shall pay for your crimes today!”  Sires, it has been an honor  to serve ye,

but surely we should not stand here idle? Lead us once more! Where too my liege?”

Lord British commanded, “Yes, tis a good time to fight FOR VIRTUE!”

Heckles screamed and looked for a place to hid  “SHE’S SO SCARY!!”

Ignoring the guards Minax smiled at Heckles, “You have done well, want to come work for me.”

Heckles thought for just a second, “AHHHH…Never! The wine here is too good….*hic*

Minax laughted,  “You mean its free. You are a leech.”

“Welllllll….Yes.” he shrugged.

hire jeckles

 

 

Lord British glared at Minax, ” Evil Wretch! Do not seduce our people! It seems to serve you for the SHORT term, but lasting power is GIVEN not taken.”

Minax, shrugged, “Oh maybe in the days of the past.  You have not been around.  You do not know the days of these”

“There will NEVER come a day when EVIL such as YOURS will rule!” Lord British said with determination.

“We will see. ” Minax replied, “That throne might be mine soon!!”

” Indeed we will! YOUR foul offspring has FAILED!is dead… again.” Lord British shouted.

“NOOOOO,” she cried, “Yes but the taste of the dead is sweet,” she gloated looking at the dead.  Blackthorn, your throne room is full of bodies and bones!”

King Blackthorn cried “You are most foul!”

” It gives you something useful to do while I rule Fel,” she replied with a wink.

Lord British noticed Heckles ” Where have you been hiding!?!?!?

“Ermm, The wine cellar?”*hic* he asked.

“No Doubt! ” replied Lord British.

“We will rebuild.  We must stand against Minax.” King Blackthorn declared.

“Blackthorn… foul deeds this night.” Lord British stated. “I wish you well in your rebuilding!”

“Indeed,” replied King Blackthorn thoughtfully, “I wish our land was at peace,  But tis never to be.”

Hopefully Lord British suggested, “Perhaps if you would join the path of virtue?!?! It would go better.”

King Blackthorn sneered, ” Oh of course you would use this as an excuse to espouse your rhetoric.  How predictable.”

“Truth is no Rhetoric, as it ever was  ! ” Lord British,responded firmly. ” NEVER was.”  Lord British suddenly shouted, “I AGREE! RAINZ”

Rainz burst into flames.

Gotan the Guard watched.  “Justice grinds slow but it burns exceedingly fine, well done my Lord”

 

 

dark side

 

 

“MINAX, you have done MY bidding!!” Lord British yelled, “MINAX, you killed RAINZ for ME!” Then he smiled at her, “Revenge is best served by others on your behalf!”

I looked at Lord British in shock as did the rest of the company.  What has happened to him, surely he wasn’t working with Minax.  No she must have cast a spell on him. King Blackthorn was as disturbed as we were.

Looking at him with distrust, “Methinks we have had enough of your trouble.”

Shaking his head to clear it, Lord British asked the King in confusion. “Why do you speak this way… lost soul of a brother?”

for whom

“Minax came because of your presence.” he answered angrily,  “Enough of this foolishness! Minax did not come for me… she lives in YOUR lands!”  He stopped to compose himself.  “My court has become a shambles,  A mockery”

Looking around, Lord British nodded his head, “Indeed it has! Allow me and the good people to help make it right…”

That caught Heckles attention, “I hope I don’t have to clean all this up…I mean…We’ve got wenches for that right?…”

Heckles took another drink from his flask wiping his mouth on Lord Dupre’s cloak.  Dupre looked at Heckles in disgust and moved away.

King Blackthorn continued to confront Lord British. “Tis your fault British, Remember you would have had these worlds disappear

Wistfully, Lord British spoke to his old friend, “We can speak of virtue while we work together…”

Looking at him, King Blackthorn seem to come to a decision, “Perhaps you are not to blame British. But still I cannot trust thee.” he stopped to think, “Methinks you desire these lands again?  Is that why you are back?”

Shaking his head no, Lord British replied, “Perhaps YOUR ways, are not to be refuted, Nor I you…” he paused, “But it seems we BOTH agree… MINAX MUST GO!”

“In at least that much we agree.” King Blackthorn replied.

Bennu the guard, pledged, ” Our swords are yours my Kings, always,”

Just then the Ghost of Rainz appeared, somehow we could all hear his words. “I’m a Death Shroud of the Avatar!”

the death shourd

 

Lord British asked the ghost, “RAINZ! What say thee?”

” I’m a Death Shroud of the Avatar!”

Confused, Lord British asked him, “Is it DEATH that thou wisheth? It can be served!”

“No, sir.” was the ghost’s reply.

“Do you wish atonement?” Lord British asked.

The ghost said a single word, “Yup.”

” Very well then… IF the KING will have you live… What say thee Blackthorn?”

“Rainz can live.” King Blackthorn confirming Lord British words. ” He has more than paid for his crimes.”  King Blackthorn added, “and he embraces Chaos after all.  So I can hardly fault him.”

“So says the King!” Lord British proclaimed, ”  I see… Rainz, we should speak of the path of Virtue some day…”

Heckles raised his flask in a toast. “Huzzah! Blackthorn the merciful!”  *hic*

life

 

Lord British Visit Part 1

October 03, 2014 By: Tamais Category: Lake Austin News

lake austin shard

At my weekly meeting, King Blackthorn gave me the surprising news.  Lord British had recently visited him and called for a meeting of all citizens of Sosarian.  The King requested that I attend to record the events.  I  immediately went out to find an new outfit, after all a girl needs to look her best when meeting the most important personage of the lands.

lord British

The throne room was filled with exited citizens.  Warriors, mages, nobles, and common citizens were all represented.  As I wandered around  people shouting at old friends to whispers of why Lord British was visiting us now.  Though I knew, the King had sworn me to silence.  It was hard not to tell my friends the reasons for the visit.  Lord British had returned to celebrate the 17th year of his arrival in the lands.  He also had heard rumors of the troubles we faced since he left.

gathering 2

 As the excitement grew, I noticed a group clothed in Blue Robes. I couldn’t help but wonder who they were.  Could they be a new cult?  Perhaps  a form of guards, organized to assist us in our troubles.  No matter, the room had  grown  silent.  It was if a silent message has passed from mind to mind.  All eyes were focused on the royal carpet.  At first unnoticed, Heckles had arrived proceeding both Lord British and King Blackthorn.

lord brits jester

We didn’t have to wait long before they arrived.  Both seem pleased with the number of citizens who had come as the room filled with cheers or welcome.  Some pledging their undying loyalty to them.  Greeting us, King Blackthorn then presented Lord British,”Welcome your former lord everyone.”  The cheers grew even louder.

arrival of the king

a welcome back

 

Looking around Lord British and the King began talking as old friends catching up.  “Welcome back old friend and enemy,” King Blackthorn said, clapping Lord British on the shoulder.  Looking around at the Throne room Lord British replied, ” My lord, what a nice throne room you have built! ‘Tis a wonderous site to behold!”

 

lb

 

 

Looking wistfully at the gathering, Lord British sighed. “Too long have I wandered outside of Britannia!

“I would say I missed you but perhaps that would be an virtuous lie.” laughingly King Blackthorn said.

Not sure if the King spoke in jest, Lord British, ignored the comment and addressed us. “It is a GREAT honor to be back…Even IF somehow… Blackthorn has risen to power…”

“Where hast thou been?” King Blackthorn asked.

Shaking his head Lord British didn’t answer the question, “Blackthorn my dear friend….Do you still follow the ways of CHAOS, as it would appear?”

Smiling, the King answered him,  “Yes but I do rule with a bit of chaos, which the subjects seem to enjoy.”

“As long as all are happy and the people look happy!” Lord British said nodding at us.  He looked again that the throne room, troubled by the symbols of chaos.

 

 

new deco

“How fairs the land?” Lord British asked of our King.   Before King Blacktorn could answer, the room suddenly filled with a foul smelling smoke,  announcing the arrival of Minax.  I shivered remembering the last time we had dealings with her.  She looked at the gathering with distain.  Then focusing on Lord British and the King, she began to taunt them.

evil

Minax shouted, “OH Please!!!”

Hiccupping, Heckles gasped at her arrival. Quickly moving behind the Lord Dupre.

Caught of guard by her arrival, King Blackthorn, shouted her name.  “Minax!!!!”

 

mixa arrives

Puzzled, Lord British turned to King Blackthorn and demanded to know who this woman was.   Quickly King Blackthorn informed him of the trouble and deaths  she had a caused in our lands

Looking angrily at Lord British, Minax  said,  “I can not listen to this any longer.  What are you doing here!  Who invited YOU of all people back to my lands!”

Lord British shouted at her. “Outrageous! who are you to question my return!”

Fearing the King’s and Lord Blackthorns safety, the Royal guard, Willow,  shouted.  Guards! Guard the King!   But they stood as if frozen.

Looking at her and King Blackthorn, Lord British raged, “Chaos… NOW EVIL!”

King Blackthorn stepped closer to Minax  speaking in a low but angry voice. ” How dare you?”

“Oh shut up!   I dare me.” Minax replied.

“Be gone foul woman!” Lord British demanded.  “There is no room for YOU in Britannia!”

“Oh but there is,” Minax taunted.  “Pfft you have no power here any longer.   You are not even king,”

“But I am,” King Blackthorn replied,  ” And I say be gone!”

Minax said with a sly wink “There is lots of room in the in Fel.”

“King is but a title. MY people are still here!” shouted Lord British.

Lord Dupre took a stand between the King and Lord British.    He saw with shock that a mage with standing next to Minax.   It was Anon, once a loyal citizen to the crown.

dupreanon

 

 

Lord Dupre: said, looking at him in contempt, “Anon, you worthless slopsucker.   I see that Minax still pulls at thy strings. How could you betray our cause?”

Lord Anon, ” Indeed…” and he moved to stand beside Minax.

Shaking her head, Minax  laughed. “Dupre you are a simple peon”

Still hiding behind the others, Heckles popped open another  a flask, ” This is getting good…”

Lord British drawing his sword, shouted at her. “Woman, you have been destroyed before… and will be again!”

Minax  laughed, ” You think you can hurt me.  You are nothing.” her look including Dupre.

King Blackthorn, “What treachery!”

“Dupre is the finest of men!” Lord British shouted.

“Stay,” Minax commanded Lord Dupre. “Like the dog you are.”

Heckles gasped taking another sip of his ale.

Angrily ,Lord British replied, “How dare you come here? Why do you come?”

 

  arument 1

Minax asked the king, “Why don’t you feed your dog better Blackthorn he might be faster.”

“Your impertinence knows no bounds,” King Blacthorn replied.

“We thank you,” Minax said laughing again at the King.

Puzzled, Lord British asked Lord Durpe.  ” Who is this ‘Anon’?”

“My lover,  Sweet isn’t he,” Minax looking at Anon.

Looking at King Blackthorn, Lord Anon told him,  ” Lady Minax has shown a light upon you revealing the true traitor that you are.”

Lord British shouted at the her, “Your “toy” will not help you!”

“It is as if a veil has been lifted and I *NOW* see you for who you truly are….” Anon continued.

Lord British asked “What???”

” And what is that?” King Blackthorn looking carefully at Anon.

” Weak…” Anon said.

Heckles *hic*,  “Didn’t see that coming…”

Hearing Heckles, Lord British turned to him “Heckles… are you drunk?”

“Obvie,” Heckles slurring his words.

Shaking his head, King Blackthorn looked at Heckles “Always.”

Heckles: *hic*

Minax threw another bottle to Heckles, “Drink another boy, all you are good for”

“Wow!” Heckles said grabbing the bottle.

Turning back to Minax, Lord British demanded of her, ” Foul lady… what brings you back from… well…THE DEAD?   If it is revenge you seek, you will not find it!”

Puzzled King Blackthorn asked, ” Anon how can you do this?”

“I am *THE MOST* powerful wizard in the lands….” Anon shouted. “You have taken credit for my deeds far too long…”

Minax stated determinedly, ” I am going to rule Felucca. Already I have Shadow Lords and Com. Soon I will have it all.”

” Never!” replied King Blackthorn.

Minax glared at him,  “It will be mine!”

Lord British, ” Anon, what kind of pretender art thou?”

Lord Anon laughed,  “Pretender? Ha!”

“I am every bit a king as British ever was. I am no pretender.” King Blackthorn said with pride.

Interrupting, Minax continued,  “Of course I want POWER.”

“Power, is EARNED, not taken as you do!”  Lord British said.

“Ha,” Minax laughed,   Oh I take it often.”

“We will stop you!” challenged King Blackthorn

Still laughing Minax responded, “With what, you? but you would no  know.”

Having heard enough, Lord British turned to  “King Blackthorn, what say thee? How do you let them live standing in your court?”

King Blackthorn turned to Dupre, “Dupre we must stop them.”

“That statue????” Minax chuckled. ” No chance, Not tonight.”

King Blackthorn looed closely at Durpre. “He is frozen?!? What evil spell?”

Lord Anon petted Dupre, while Minax answered the King,”Oh something I just learned recently”

“Good boy,” Anon said still petting Durpre.

“I have gotten many drunk on the power of Vice and the battles. They going my way just as I have planned.”  with that Minax disappeared.

But not before she left us a gift.

 

 

 

 

UO’s 17th Anniversary Party

September 24, 2014 By: Tamais Category: Lake Austin News

Lake Austin Shard

Join me for a live, in-game event on TC1 September 25th 2014 at 7pm ET! Meet Richard “Lord British” Garriot and Starr “King Blackthorn” Long at Castle Blackthorn to celebrate Ultima Online’s 17th Anniversary!  


The anniversary parties are always a blast (Thanks to the Dark OverLady).  This year will be very special as both Lord British and King Blackthorn will join us.  If you can’t attend, it will be shown on  youtube .  It will also be streamed live on http://www.twitch.tv/stratics.