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The Newsletter of the Union Alliance
The UA/GF extends its heartfelt sympathy to those who so senselessly lost their lives to such cowardly actions:
~FEATURES~
Editorial:"Why Union?"
(For more background into the following tale see the 'Historical Texts' section of our Alliance Library, particularly Dragons at Dawn.)
The fight for Palacia was over. What was left of it, anyway. The evil dragons had destroyed most of the city, particularly laying to waste any bastions of government, religion and commerce. Any station of the Royal Army was particularly hard hit. Only the most stalwart remained standing but even these stood now merely as burned out shells.
The joy of victory in the subsequent heroes' meeting was short lived. The evil minions of Drothkar had struck wisely and well, leaving most major cities in shambles and the once proud Army decimated. Were it not for the call of the metallic dragons, thought till this morn to be the stuff of fairy tales...
There was no doubt the saving grace was among those now assembled in a large anteroom of the Palace, eating hungrily the poor morsels arranged for them from the meager stock of the city. Of these Michellana, the wood elf magus, was possibly the city's savior. Having read and understood the runes presented Sara by the god of good Plateus, she was able to call forth the fair dragons without whom surely all would have been lost.
"Welcome Treagor StoneCleaver of the Dwarven Kingdoms and Ametrius of the great Draco's Wyrns." said Darion in his most commanding tone. The young woodsman's mind was still reeling from the day's events. Not only had the battle drained him but, on hearing from the King he would secretly lead the best of all available forces remaining, he was fighting to keep his wits. Still his control was with him and, if that alone would see him through, he'd definitely use it!
"So now assembled are the finest available representatives of the leaders of all races and disciplines of Pleanthkor. We have driven back the enemy from our doorstep but he holds our backyards and even lives in our homes! Plans need be made, maps of war need be drawn."
"Hmmm, hold that thought a time, dear leader." Darthon Songweaver began to play his lute to the soothing lay of a charm spell. Michellana recognized this immediately but only smiled, knowing Darthon was showing a hard earned wisdom and he knew what was needed most by all now present.
"We require rest, repast and a little relaxation," Darthon continued, his voice as soft as his song. "The day has been trying to say the least! A game we need play to waylay our pains and a productive one I have in mind. I ask ye all, what shall we call this grand hodgepodge of heroes from all corners of our continent now assembled?"
After a brief silence, seemingly deepened by droning strings, the wild halfling Desden spoke up. "I think we should call it...GEORGE!"
Another shorter pause left the room rocking with the laughter of every in attendance. Darthon laughed loudest, pleased at the grand results so simple a spell could have.
The moment of gaiety soon past, a longer silence followed. All seemed in deep thought, a serious but restful meditation taking all minds from the horrors of the day. Darth continued to play as Miche stealthily blew fae dust throughout the room.
Young Xavier of the Paladins of Carendon, the ancient god of protection, cleared his throat and all eyes turned to him. Unused to being center of attention he spoke as clearly and naturally as he was able.
"I think we should call ourselves Union."
Xavier died IC toward the end of the Dragon Wars in a battle with the god of destruction himself. He was 'reincarnated' as Sir Thomas who helped establish our LARPG's just before joining the Marine Corps IRL. He found his call to be a protector while in Union. It was that call he again heard when he told me just days after the terrorist attack, "Monty, I have to go back."
I can only pray he fares better in this very real game he's joining.
When it sees print this will be near where the second book of the trilogy begins. In fantasy as well as reality Xavier would be called when 'air support' had done all it was able. While I am rewriting this without the notes and know I am misquoting him often I want to portray the spirit in which the words were first said by teenagers lounging lazily in a room with pencils in hand, dice at the ready, minds far away from here. It has as much meaning today as it had then. Maybe more.
Not yet a 'realm development', Union has been contacted by the World Safety Organization. The WSO is the United Nations group that deals with counter terrorism. They have asked us for both our support and to offer support in areas we may be helpful in this fight. I have many ideas but ask all of you to post at the Tavern any you may have as well. I want to send them a well prepared, realistic assessment of what we are capable of by the middle of next week.
Hits in the realms, particularly sponsors, have been poor this month but that is to be expected under current circumstances. Instead of a getting a secretary it appears its 'real job' time for Monty when I return home...hence my eagerness to delay it! Still, I will be working for our Union as often as I am able. Be patient, help out as much as you can and we will continue to grow regaurdless!
Not to say nothing's happened! No matter how bad things seem I can't help but get excited with events as this week's!
With the grand efforts of now Knight Lieutenant Benoit and Lady Lance of Rokvor, Union has finally stepped into the realms of Anime RPG's! Articles on both are in this issue!
From the 'its about time department' I have finally linked our six RPG category pages BACK to our main ones! (Geez, do I feel stoopid!) Turns out we've been getting fantastic hits on these, particularly from the Google Search Engine! Thanks guys! Now maybe all these visitors will actually find their way through the Gateway's door!
Another unexpected development has been the arrival of some GORGEOUS Goth Models at the Empires of EverEve Group. (;Not that I haven't done a little recruiting!) Always alluring, sometimes sinister, these ladies have given us a great final touch for our last issue before Halloween! Even if you're not a big Goth fan I still suggest dropping by just to take a peek!
Interplay strikes again! A great single and multi-player game I've come across in my travels is Baldur's Gate. Following a common fantasy theme, set in Dungeons and Dragons Forgotten Realms and akin to that of the new Union tales, you play a character with a mission unbeknownst to him as he gathers a party and follows his destiny, a cryptic collection of clues that has him traversing the countryside (a HUGE countryside, I might add!).
This 5 CD game scores off the scale in all aspects...see the site or all the details! One important note is in single player game you control all six characters while in the free multi-player mode the 'man (or woman!) with a mission' acts as the group leader and may lead up to five real players on the net! And with a ton of add-ons and sequels Baldur's Gate will have you (and your party!) in Forgotten Realms a very long time! Awesome!!!
Get the free demo and more from this week's freebies or own the game for $16.99 by visiting our spotlighted sponsor J&R Music World!
So why Union? IC the story continues below. Still, there are some very clear and real parallels between fact and fiction here...
We are a Union of gamers who feel gaming should be 'free' for everyone. We maintain this should be true of all games there are, that they should be approached with fairness, understanding and compassion for all players but we give no quarter to those who would attempt to harm others in their playing of them. This especially holds true for the most important game we know.
We call that game 'life'.
Darion interrupts yet another respite. "So why chose ye Union as our name?"
Xavier replied without hesitation, now with great conviction, "Never mind that we have come to be called as such by many, presumably because we be of all races and professions. Nor consider the fact we fight as a cohesive whole, finding each others' strengths and doing what we do best to compliment each other. Let not even the fact we know each others' weaknesses and would defend one another to the death sway your decision.
"I feel we should be called Union for I see ye as more than family in the short time we've known each other, with a bond greater than blood may lay claim. We are one, united by spirit, by common cause, by our fellowship and by our love."
The brief hush quieted even the lute. It was immediately followed by resounding cheers and applause. Xavier was as astonished as all the others at the grand oration he'd just given. He'd never said more than a few words ever before, then only as he felt was absolutely necessary.
Darion waited some time for the ovation to subside and spake, "Union we then shall be...besides, I like that much better than 'George'!"
Still Playing,
Union Events
Fridays 10 PM EST Sir Tigger Hosts Union's Magickal Tavern (Group)
Wednesdays 9 PM EST Lord Montahon Hosts FFRPG The Nation of Union (Club)
Join the Nation if you have yet to...be a part of Union history!
Sundays 2 PM EST Lord Monty's Outings to Diablo (CANCELLED THIS WEEK. Click for info, free membership and a free playable download.)
Also watch here for upcoming scheduled events in The Zone, The Station and other arenas!
New Union Anime Realms
It has finally happened! Union, with the help of Lady Lance of Rokvor and newly commissioned Lt Beniot have created our first entry into the universe of Anime RPG's, Union's Anime Quarter! Already in place are Voltron, Ronin Warriors and many more! If they haven't included your favorites rest assured they are on their way! Thanks, folks!!!
Now located in Galactic Federation Quadrant I, check in often for all their planned developments they are effecting very rapidly!
Lt Benoit's current Anime FF/BBRPG site, Legacy of Shadows, is a three part adventure beginning about 3000BC, where PC's battle the forces of evil and uncover many mysteries, including time travel which will allow them to traverse the realms of the three intertwining adventures, as far in the future as 3000AD. Great concept, game and website...visit and join the fun!
Knightly Knews
It is with the greatest honor Union High Council and Lord Montahon announce the commission to the office of Lieutenant to Sir Benoit for his extraordinary efforts in creating Union's Anime Quarter in addition to his many fine efforts to improve and promote our Union. Job well done, Lieutenant!
Sponsors Spotlight
Yes, the complete 5 CD Baldur's Gate set for $16.99!!! More great games than you can count starting as low as $9.99!!! Then add all the other software, hardware, music video and so much more and you must be at J&R!
Visit them and any of our other Sponsors & Shops of interest to ye today!
Union Classifieds
Help Wanted
Lord/Lady of Law (LL): Union Council post in desperate need of filling!
This position currently requires less than three hours work per week and
entails:
Emperor/Empress of EverEve (LtL): High Council position available to members interested in administrating Union activities
in The Empires of EverEve and overseeing the recruitment and training of incoming members there. Other requirements include:
* Webdesign and hosting skills
Warlord/Lord of Alhanzar: Command Council position available to Knights or members interested in building and administrating the Union Keep
of the Mystic Realms of Alhanzar and overseeing the recruitment and training of incoming members there. Other requirements include:
* A minimum level one membership to Alhanzar
Warlord/Lord of Diablo: Command Council position available to Knights or members interested in administrating Union activities
in Diablo and overseeing the recruitment and training of incoming members there. Other requirements include:
* Ownership of the original Diablo CD. (May be provided to the right candidate.)
High Priest/Priestess: This Post requires assisting Monty in the rebuilding
of the Palace Temple and overseeing the recruitment and training of incoming
priests. Some ceremonial duties may include conducting marriages and
christenings. Applicant should have a working knowledge of Union history and culture, be of sound moral character and tolerant of the beliefs of others.
Union Knights: Always 'hiring'! please read the Knights' Handbook at the Library and
now in the Knights' Keep ('runes' above). If ye have the metal and courage
to join us, please do! No duties required but rank may be gained swiftly
for: Tavern Hosts, FFRPG Proctors, Game Masters and Recruiters,to name a
few. Please send an application or letter stating your interest.
Gateway News Staff: Any who would be interested in assisting Monty in
writing articles, beginning or taking over an existing regular column or
would like to help in any way please contact him!
IRL Items for Sale
Darthon's Claymore 32 lbs, 62 in, the original sword of Darthon himself,
'battle scars' included! Lord Montahon hates to part with it but shall if a
good offer is made!
Mage Mayhem's Robes Truly magical! These appear as normal robes with a
hood but become 'faceless' when reversed. Rare and no longer available (for
now!), these are in Union royal purple and drop 48 in from the shoulder.
Write Monty with an offer!
Personals
URGENT MESSAGE FROM ImPoTeNt KiLLa NyTe: me n de boyz gonna git u unon scum in diblo...dabla...dat plaz!!!!1111
Get Involved with YOUR Union!
When at all possible support Union in these ways, which will allow for
further developments and more fun!!!
* Visit Our Sponsors & Shops: Great freebies and just about anyting you could hope to find at great prices are there! Often just a click brings us much needed funds!
* Visit Chats and Add to BB's: If you haven't joined already please visit
and sign up at the links above. These are off AOL and allow Monty to control
the rooms and messages. There are also instructions at all to show you how
to create your own chat's and BB's!
* Take a Union Title: Many are available and some (like the Union Knights)
require little work, if any at all, and offer promotions! See the Tavern BB
or write Monty for details or just tell him what you'd like to do!
* RECRUIT! If ye do not have the recruitment letter for Union please write
Monty for it. Then it is as simple as forwarding it as a 'map' or 'scroll'
to anyone ye feel may be intrested in visiting our fair realm. This is also
a free and public newsletter ye may share with all!
This Week's Freebie:
Not only does Interplay give you a free game demo but wallpaper, greeting cards...even a comic book! See this week's Editorial or visit the site for more info!
" This be OUR realm...let's see she be her best!"
original material and newsletter design copyright © Nation of Union 2001. Any
uses other than distribution without modification by permission only.
10/26/01
May their passage be enlightened, may their lives have not been in vain.
Editorial: "Why Union?"
*Realm Developments
*Game Review
Union Events
New Union Anime Realms
Knightly Knews
Sponsors Spotlight
Union Classifieds
Get Involved with YOUR Union!
This Week's Freebie:
'Devia Storm'
of the Empires of EverEve
Monty
Calendar of Union Happenings
Mondays 10 PM EST Monty Hosts Union's Magickal Tavern (Group)
(clickable banner)
A public service for all members, please mail Monty any ads that may be of
interest to Union members. Ads will be posted free and will remain four weeks
or until notification by the writer he wishes it renewed or removed.
* A working knowledge of Union Law and a willingness to see it enforced
throughout our realms.
* Assisting Monty in the preparation of our Library of Law texts and documents. (Web design
skill desired, not required.)
* Benefits include Council voting privileges and possible IRL employment.
* Proven loyalty, activity and leadership abilities for our Union
* Ability to work professionally under pressure, with deadlines and with the public
* Experience in sales and/or management desired, not required
* Benefits include Council voting privileges and possible IRL employment.
* Proven loyalty, activity and leadership abilities for our Union
* Establishment, with assistance as needed, of Union's Alhanzar web realm.
* Proven loyalty, activity and leadership abilities for our Union
* Establishment, with assistance as needed, of Union's Diablo web realm.
(quoted from LS Montahon)