Dear Editors,

Everywhere I go, I hear unusual sounds. Perhaps you could explain them to me or write a column about them?

I hear folks discussing their Ay-es, which I'm told means how strong they can swing, as if it was a number they could pinpoint exactly. I also hear speak of Dee-es, Tee-de, Cee-es, with numbers related to them, what do they all mean? As an accomplished fighter, a rogue, actually, I'm well acquainted with how hard I can usually swing; however, this Ay-es is foreign to me.

I have foregone using the crystal amulet, for too much of the speak on it was confounding. How does someone run into someone's arms by thinking to them? How does someone hug or smooch someone in their thoughts? It seems many people have mastered performing these acts just by thinking. Perhaps it is that this is a very magical town, I admit that, for a dark elf, I know little of magic, perhaps it is a magic that I have not yet encountered.

Many of the people whom I get to know to the point of asking them where they came from, tell me that they came from a turnip farm. I ask, how popular turnips must be! Myself, I have not seen one turnip pie, or dish, in this area at all. Perhaps that is why those folks I meet have left their farms, the market for turnips must be drying up.

Also, is there something in the drinking water here? It seems that many people have forgotten where they came from or who raised them. I dare say, I've been drinking the town's, I live in Wenimer's Landing by the way, water for quite some time, yet have managed to forego these effects of amnesia.

These are just a few thoughts from me, I'm sure I could come up with many more, but I'm needed elsewhere. Hopefully your reporters can investigate some of these mysteries.

Sincerely,

Braenna Zirathiel

[In response to this letter, as well as several other inquiries along the same lines, the editorial staff has decided to begin a column that addresses some of the more "popular" concerns players have in the game. The first of these columns will center around Role-playing, as well as , we hope, addressing the issues mentioned above. -- ed.]

The ALAE
By Lady Pain

Many people fail to understand exactly what the ALAE is and is capable of doing. Hopefully, this article will dispel a few of the illusions and confusion regarding the ALAE's purpose.

Do you ever wish you could romp in a field of wet grass without another soul in sight? Do you have wastebaskets full of crumpled parchment holding the absolutely perfect hunting ground?Have you ever wanted to move that nasty painting in the Museum to the other side of the wall? Dying to show everyone how 'easy' it is to create a Pennant Chase arena?

My fellow adventurers, the time has come to let your imagination take over completely. The Architecture and Landscaping Association of Elanthia gives you the possibility to create any of these things, and thousands more.

To understand the ALAE, perhaps I should start with the lore. The story begins with a young Elven wizard and an indestructible crystal sphere (don't they always)? The sphere was passed to the wizard from his mother, the Queen. This sphere could create worlds within that had no boundaries. As the son grew he (of course) fell in love (ick) and gave this crystal to his beloved Lady Yula to keep while he was away at...wizard school.

While the young man was away, there was an invasion, which took his mother's life. The story proceeds about how the wizard stumbled over his love's body finding the crystal sphere clutched in her cold death grip. After much sorrow
over losing the only thing worth living for in his life (he is a wizard afterall) he pried the sphere from her fingers and discovered the crystal was still warm. Was it possible that she had taken shelter inside a land within the magical ball?

However remote the possibility, he dedicated his life and time -and soon the time of others that would be willing to help - creating worlds in an effort to find her. Being the well-learned mage he was (thanks to Varevice), he created various tools in order to work the crystal easier so all could learn how to weave these mystical lands. Will he ever find his lost love, Lady Yula?

That is up to you.

By simply applying to become a builder, submitting some of those areas you all have deep down in the bottom of your drawers (eh hem), you can decorate the ALAE gallery with some of your finest ideas, allowing others to see what you mean by 'creative genius'.

At present, there is a Board of Directors formed in the lands lined with platinum.We are currently recruiting a nice sized membership that has created some fabulous areas.Here is a sneak peek of how one creator used the possibilites within the crystal :

Jura says, "Our first task for learning to use the crystal in the Eldritch Mists was to landscape an area of about ten locations."

Jura says, "My mini-project, the Savannah, was designed with an eye toward the geographical 'look' of the continent between Solhaven and River's Rest, using the Elanthia Continental map."

>look

[Savannah, Plateau's Base]
A hazardous trail winds its way up the stony slope of the plateau. The cooler temperatures harbored in the reddish rock offset the occasional hot breeze that blows down from the savannah. Stretching away to the east and west, the rough boulders of the plateau's foundation offer less hospitality than the treacherous path in front of you. You also see a trail. Obvious paths: none.

>go trail

[Savannah, Plateau's Edge]
The rocky border at the edge of the plateau gives way to an immeasurable plain of wavering grass. The sweltering air carries the sharp scents of savannah life--a motley mix of animal sweat, vegetation and the constant mating of life and death. You also see a trail.
Obvious paths: north.

>north

[Savannah, Termite Mound]
Sculpted from moistened earth and bits of the savannah's grass, a tall mound interrupts the flat country. Small white insects, looking very much like ants, wander here and there over their muddy home. The antelope native to the area must use it as a lookout, given the hoofprints set into the mound.
Obvious paths: south, northeast.

>northeast

[Savannah, Grass]
The crisp grass so prevalent here hides a greener variety beneath it. Given the abundant vegetation, grazing animals must make their home on this plain, but no sign of life is evident. Few tracks have been cut across the grasslands, and those that are visible could easily be caused by wind rather than by planned travel. You also see a track.
Obvious paths: west, northwest, southwest.

>west

[Savannah, Grass]
Thick clouds float across the horizon, never drifting close enough to be truly overhead. Grey mists hang beneath them, promising water and cooler temperatures if they could ever be reached. Nearby, a jumble of reddish-brown rocks rises from the ground, standing in curious juxtaposition with the monotonous plains.
Obvious paths: east, northeast, up.

>up

[Savannah, Rockpile]
The sturdy summit of dusty rocks provides a breath-taking view across the savannah. From atop the pile, herds of grazing animals are visible, moving as one across the grass, some quickly and others more languorously. Occasionally, one creature will break away from his fellows in an elegant gallop, startled by something, or perhaps just showing off.
Obvious paths: down.

>down

[Savannah, Grass]
Thick clouds float across the horizon, never drifting close enough to be truly overhead. Grey mists hang beneath them, promising water and cooler temperatures if they could ever be reached. Nearby, a jumble of reddish-brown rocks rises from the ground, standing in curious juxtaposition with the monotonous plains. Obvious paths: east, northeast, up.

>northeast

[Savannah, Watering Hole]
Scrubby bushes and low trees flourish here, hiding a slight dip in the land. Water must collect in the depression when the rains come, although drying mud is the only moisture present. The cracking soil reveals several varieties of hoofprints and, more ominously, impressions of a large, clawed paw.
Obvious paths: southeast, southwest.

>southeast

[Savannah, Grass]
The crisp grass so prevalent here hides a greener variety beneath it. Given the abundant vegetation, grazing animals must make their home on this plain, but no sign of life is evident. Few tracks have been cut across the grasslands, and those that are visible could easily be caused by wind rather than
by planned travel. You also see a track.
Obvious paths: west, northwest, southwest.

>go track

[Savannah, The Lone Tree]
From a nearby spreading tree, flat land stretches out in every direction. Yellowed grass, knee-high to a human, ripples with each passing breeze. In the distance, knots of scrubby flora hint at watering holes and certain respite from the endless heat of the savannah. A run-down hovel leans toward the tree, taking what shade it can from the green leaves. You also see a track and a doorway.
Obvious paths: up.

>up

[Savannah, Lone Tree]
Several broad branches stretch out from the squat trunk, providing a comfortable place to enjoy the shade. Freshly clawed grooves warn against resting without concern. Accompanied by the occasional hum of insects, the rustlings of the grasslands drift through the hardy leaves overhead.
Obvious paths: down.

>down

[Savannah, The Lone Tree]
From a nearby spreading tree, flat land stretches out in every direction. Yellowed grass, knee-high to a human, ripples with each passing breeze. In the distance, knots of scrubby flora hint at watering holes and certain respite from the endless heat of the savannah. A run-down hovel leans toward the tree, taking what shade it can from the green leaves. You also see a track and a doorway.
Obvious paths: up.

>go doorway

[Savannah, Hovel]
Long abandoned, the thatched-roof hovel is slowly being reclaimed by the land. The sky peeks through several open spaces overhead, and chunks of the wall spill across the floor. Two walls have collapsed except for their shared corner post, allowing hot winds from the plains to blow through the structure. In a pinch, the hovel could provide shelter, but it is probably just as safe to spend the night outside. You also see a doorway.
Obvious exits: none.

There you have it folks, every reason you should be excited about ALAE on the horizon.