— INERMISSION ONE —
Celestial Daily Issue No. 31
Saturday, September 7th - Day 38
Weekly Closeout
It's the end of another week, folks, and this officially marks the one-month anniversary of our first issue. Only two weeks of summer remain, and I've spotted the first yellow leaf on the trees outside the office. My daughter was supposed to start her senior year of high-school earlier this week, and all I can think about is if she ever started looking at colleges. We can't stop time from passing, but that doesn't mean we have to focus on what we've lost.
Now, if you haven't heard, Florin, the major city on the southeast coast, is built like a tropical resort. Sounds like a fun place to visit - sparkling waves, breaches, cool drinks. I hope I can go before the summer's over. There's plenty more like that out there for us to find. So instead of worrying about what we're missing, look at what we have around us at the moment.
A lot has happened this week, especially on the burgeoning political front. We don't want anyone to miss what's happening, so I want to remind everyone that the Protectorate keeps archived copies of old editions in their library, free for the public to view. If you need to catch up or make a copy of an article for a friend, they're your best resource. For more information, see the following article.
Now on with today's news.
-Editor Reggie
Partnered Ad - Help and Other Game Resources
We would like to remind everyone that the Protectorate, currently operating out of the Magic Academy located in the southwest district of Celestia Grand, offers plenty of resources and services for any in need of help or assistance - with the game or adjustment to life here in general. Here are a few of our current projects:
The Wiki - A library containing an extensive collection of documentation on lore, mechanics, quest help, and more! If you've got a question, chances are we've got an answer. All of our research is contributed by the player base, so if you know something we don't, please tell us!
Continuing Education - Secondary education classes have begun! Classes are organized in a college style with separated quarters and many time slots for more flexible enrollment schedules. Even if you only have time to stop in a few hours a week, don't let yourself fall behind! We are also seeking more experts to expand our range of higher-level subjects. Check back winter quarter for the latest course offerings!
Counseling - We are happy to announce Dr. Killgore, who has previously been featured in the Celestial Daily for her services as a mental health counselor, has signed on as the head of our new counseling services, and we are open for appointments! If you're having trouble with our new environment or worried about the world outside, come by and have a chat.
All of the Protectorate's services are free of charge and operated off donations and volunteer work. If you would like to assist us in either of these ways, please ask at the front desk of the Academy's lobby.
World News - World Guard puts out Call to Action!
The World Guard has put out an official announcement - the first boss of the game will fall before the end of next week!
In case someone missed it, the way to get out of the game is by advancing through the global story. This is done by progressing through the Grand Citadel on the north side of the capital city of Celestia Grand. Outside the Citadel gate is the first boss - Oxtongue the Grassinator. Don't let the name fool you - this thing is a tank on legs capable of tearing people apart with its bare hands, intended to be fought by a whole raid group of players.
However, someone's got to get through it, and the World Guard has taken up the banner. The guild, which has been championing for a united player front since near the beginning of August, has been testing mechanics and gathering information on the fight. Guildmaster Sir Alka the Seltzer had this statement to share: "It's time. Now that we have established ourselves in this world and have the experience on how to play the game, we are ready to begin. What we are doing here is not killing a boss - we are making a statement. We will fight, and we will win. This game will not break us."
The Guard are now assembling a team to execute the kill. The boss itself is level 10. If you are at least that level (higher not consequential due to auto-downscaling) and interested in taking part in this historic moment, ask for Rose or Siegfried at the front desk of the World Guards' headquarters, located in Evermoon Gardens on East Boulevard.
It always starts with one step. Once it has begun, the rest will follow.
-Ace reporter, Cherry Keane
Trade Union Partners with Guard
The Trade Union yesterday announced they are entering into a partnership with the World Guard.
Starting as a collective of non-combat players dedicated to the crafting classes, the Trade Union has established market supremacy over the crafting materials of several disciplines with the stated aim to 'keep prices fair and consistent for both our members and the consumers'. This new partnership follows on from the Trade Union-Ethanolics Anonymous contracts reported on earlier this week, wherein the two signed exclusive deals to provide faster and cheaper crafting materials and distribution for both guilds' crafting sectors.
The aim of the Union-Guard partnership is to expand Trade Union control of the game's inbuilt player market system to control prices and prevent small groups from developing monopolies over commodities.
The Trade Union is the latest in a collection of guilds that have banded together to provide stability in different aspects of the game, including Ethanolics Anonymous, Shake Spear, the World Guard, and the Protectorate.
-Lekowski
Behind the Protectorate: An Interview with Guildmaster Pascal
The Protectorate is a wonderful organization. If you don't know who they are, flip a few pages back and read the partnered ad, because what we were curious about was: what's behind the front? What goes into what they offer? Today we sat down with Benedict Clerk Pascal, Guildmaster and history teacher, to find out.
[Cherry]: Hello hello!
[Pascal]: Hello, glad to be here.
[Cherry]: I would hope so - it's your office.
[Pascal]: Well I'm always happy to receive guests.
[Cherry]: Then let's get started. Tell us about the beginning. What was your inspiration for founding the Protectorate, and how did the organization start?
[Pascal]: There are so many people cut off from their families here, and as much as I wanted to help them, I'm just one person. So I started small. The first thing I thought when we were teleported to the arena for the announcement was, 'What about the children?' That's the foundation of it all, really. I've been a teacher for 30 years, all up and down the public school range, so that was something I was comfortable with.
[Cherry]: How has the Protectorate evolved since its inception, and what impact have you seen it make in the community?
[Pascal]: The first idea was to set up a school, but that immediately required caring for the children without guardians. So we first set up a group home, then organized classes from there, and as more people have pitched in and signed onto the project, we have been steadily working toward tackling that original goal - helping everyone that needs it. It's amazing, really, how quickly things are growing. That's the greatest part of it, I think - not what I do as an individual, but to see how that root has spread, inspired others to continue on to inspire others. It's just... people helping people.
[Cherry]: What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced, and how have you overcome them?
[Pascal]: Our most persistent limitation is time and manpower. Like I said, at the start it was just me and Elie - one of our curriculum coordinators - and whoever walked in the door on a given day. We couldn't handle more than a couple dozen kids. And it wasn't me that solved it - currently is solving it - it is the collective efforts of the community. We set up the platform, but it is the people building the community that they want that does the heavy lifting.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
[Cherry]: Could you share the moment that most exemplifies the work you've done so far?
[Pascal]: Just yesterday I walked into the school - coffee in one hand, the latest issue of your wonderful paper in the other - and, seeing everyone getting ready for morning lessons, I froze. It hit me - none of this - all of this is because of that simple start. I guess what I'm saying is the Protectorate itself is greater than anything I could imagine accomplishing on my own. It both is and is beyond my work.
[Cherry]: How has your partnership with the World Guard affected your work?
[Pascal]: The funding has been a boon. We wouldn't be able to afford the schooling materials or to finance our new counselling division without them. But there is always so much more we have to put on hold, either due to lack of available resources or personnel. The majority of our funding still comes from small donations by individuals.
[Cherry]: If you had the resources available, what is the next goal you would like to reach out for?
[Pascal]: Oh, that's a tough one. Obviously we're always working on improving our catalogue of courses offered for students. My personal pet project has been expanding our library - investigating the game - but with so many other groups across the world working on that task, I think we should focus on things more unique to our skillsets. We have discussed what would be necessary to set up extra branches and offices in the other major cities - everything we have is now condensed in the school in the Capital. I think that would expand our reach the best - it's a long train ride for those living outside the city. Though, realistically, there so much more to do with what we have that I don't see it happening soon.
[Cherry]: Lastly, what message would you like to convey to those considering getting involved or supporting the Protectorate's mission?
[Pascal]: Everything counts - it's the sum total, not the parts that move us. That's how we got here, that's how we keep going.
[Cherry]: Thank you for taking the time to talk to us.
[Pascal]: Anytime.
There you have it - we may have spoken to one man, but it's a lot more that keeps the Protectorate functioning. If you would like to chip in, the Protectorate is located in the Magic Academy in Celestia Grand's Sunfire District, on the bend where Libeccio turns into 12.5th Avenue.
-Ace reporter, Cherry Keane
Ad - Advertisement for Adventurers!
Does city life make you restless? Do you dream of the open plains and cavernous depths waiting to be explored? Then you probably came into this game for the same reason as us!
Shake Spear is an open-world-focused guild with more than 500 members and looking for more thrill-seekers and pioneers! Nervous about what's out there? Ask one of the veteran adventurers hanging around our guild hall for advice or sign up for one of our bi-weekly training sessions in the Park.
Of course, the main feature of membership is exclusive access to our job board. We take requests for missions of all sorts, from scouting and information-gathering assignments from the Protectorate to farming drops for the Trade Union to providing protection services for Ethanolics Anonymous' resource gathering runs. Get paid for your quests - we handle the logistics, you focus on the adventure!
Inquire at our guild hall located between the train station and the Park in Celestia Grand's Constellation District for further details.
Editorial - Stability and Normalcy
Once again, there are reports of a fatality in the northern markets of the Eclipse District. A group of hooligans attempted a coordinated robbery of an NPC-owned store, but were caught out by the city guard. We would like to start by reminding people that, first, this is an extraordinarily dangerous stunt to try, and second, this is not a victimless crime, as many are keen to dismiss it as. These activities present a danger not only to the participants, but to the uninvolved pedestrians that risk getting caught in the crossfire as the town guards chase down the culprit. The NPC guards do not care if they shoot an innocent, and we have received reports of many near misses in the past few weeks as halfwits continue to try to make some 'free money'.
The environment of danger that these activities produce are but one of the issues that stem from a lack of stability and normalcy in the current ecosystem. That is why we have been publishing so many stories focused on the World Guard and the growing system of guilds around them lately. They present a solid foundation on which we can feel safe in our daily lives. Far better than anything promised by the pseudo-governments cropping up, such as the one that dominates the Faustenburg area and the lawless bands that claim some of the remote settlements.
Happening Now! - Local News at your Doorstep!
Did you know that the Solar Arena isn't just some place for a cult-robe wearing dick to taunt us about trapping us here for some sick reason? (Probably voyeurism; I still can't take all my clothes off - there are dozens + 1 never-nudes now, Tobias!) I didn't, until some guys told me they were setting up a baseball league! That's right, turns out the field is totally usable with automated tournaments running things like rock climbing competitions (next one scheduled for Tuesday!)
Between the automatic stuff, players can choose the field layout themselves, and loads of people are getting together to play ball! They're running sign-ups in the lobby most days, so head on down if you're interested. Or, if you're just looking for fun, there's something happening there every day! Oh, right, the arena's on Libeccio Avenue, if you didn't know - straight south from West Boulevard!
A month and a bit ago, if you asked me what I'd miss most if I were stranded on a deserted island, I'd have said my phone. Now? Good riddance - I'm happier than ever without that thing! What I didn't think I'd miss, though, is music. It calms the soul, and with how accessible it is these days, it was easy to take for granted. Now that I have to listen to the utter, deafening silence of my room and my own whispering as I mumble to myself while writing, I understand what we have truly lost in coming here.
Well heed those voices no longer - blot them out with street music! Bringing the spirit back to the people, one rockin' corner at a time! It's not just musicians, though! If you head on down to the Constellation District, around the train station-crafting hall-Park triangle, you'll find all kinds of talented people struttin' their stuff for your entertainment (and spare change - they've gotta eat. Or... well, they've gotta afford a copy of the paper anyway!)
If you're real lucky you'll catch a glimpse of my muse - Ezra! She's just a girl with an acoustic guitar and a voice, but give her a stage, and she will sing herself into tears. It's inspiring. Just don't scare her off; I need my fix!
And now, a machine-gun of the hottest rumors and locales coming across our desk - it's the Spray Down!
If you've got more info on anything you see today, we're dying to hear it!
- A few days ago we reported on what locals were calling 'The Nightwalker' - a tall man in a dark coat seen lumbering around the streets of the north end of the city in the dead of night. We're happy to report that this is an NPC! He's a monster hunter from the northwestern church (the one by the creepy graveyard) that is part of a class quest chain. He does a patrol every night to protect the city. A lesson that first appearances are only skin deep! Still, if you see a giant shadow ominously coming your way after sunset (or before, honestly) - I wouldn't stick around.
- I know we don't need to eat here, but that doesn't mean it's not fun! Scattered around the cities are all kinds of restaurants. I've seen Mexican, Thai, sushi, Italian - you name it! The one I want to mention today is Hero Hero - a sub place in the northeast corner of the Sunfire District, a little over a block from Syzygy Square. It's a little hole in the wall, so pay attention - you might miss it! It's not the most interesting cuisine, I know, but this place does it all - any three toppings you want for 7.50. I know what you're saying - that's a lot for a sandwich - but when they say 'any topping', they mean ANY. They got filet mignon on that menu! You want basilisk meat, gnaeblak, and hydra-breath chili? Get it, girl!
- As many people have noticed, Celestia Grand's got a massive sewer system that runs under the whole city. It might be fun to take a peek at if A, it wasn't a sewer, and B, it wasn't filled with nasty mobs! The useful thing about these mobs, though, is that they appear to scale to your level. No matter how high or low you are, they'll always be your perfect match, which makes it a consistent grinding spot, and never too far away, if that's how you want to spend your lunch breaks. One thing you should know before going on an urban exploration adventure, though - there is no map of the tunnels. It's a messy labyrinth, so if you get lost, there may be no way out.
- We've gotten several reports of scammers claiming to be in possession of Trade Union 'materials certificates' - some kind of receipt they claim can be redeemed at the Trade Union office for the equivalent in raw materials. The Trade Union would like it known that they have no such system, and if the person you are trading with claims one of these certificates is just a stand-in for the real stuff, they're scamming you. Better yet, ask them to redeem it and drag them to the offices - see what happens! Get a good picture and I'll include it in the next issue!
That's all from the news desk today. Wishing you a happy weekend and, as always, mind your potion count!
-Courtney
-Classifieds-
Party Listings:
Ranged DPS (12) and Melee DPS/Healer (12) looking for group [Tank, DPS (any), Healer/DPS (any)] to farm Castle Thorn (5-man, 10-12, Southern Walk). Expected commitment: 1 day. Contact: Matsen#78985
Tank (8) looking for (any) to quest or grind with - I go crazy spending all that time in the wilderness with no one to talk to. Expected commitment: See how it goes for an afternoon? Contact: Dogfael#56498
Tank (14), RDPS (14), MDPS (13), RDPS (12) looking for Healer for static dungeon progression. Expected commitment: 8-12 hrs/day, 5 days/week. We're here to DOMINATE. Contact: Crash Zato#36931
Public Letters:
Got another rumor off some gossip dialogue, and this one's BIG. Out in Desert there's supposedly the ruins of a lost civilization buried under the sand - cities of gold and all; you've seen National Treasure 2! Anyway, it's too high level for me right now - I'm betting it's either in the Sandsea (16-20) or Dusty Hills (26-30).
Keep it tight.
Andy
Rumor has it there's a second server to the game located right beneath our feet! If you try digging down through the dirt, you'll get stopped by the bedrock, but some places go deeper than others. In certain locations, you can dig all the way to this 'subserver'. Those that have found it say it's a world that's a mirror of our own - a perfect replica down to the person ... except, they're the opposite of us. They bask in the dark of the Mun and sleep under the Soon.
Reports vary on these anti-people. Some say they're just as curious about us as we are of them, while others say they were attacked on sight. To me, I'd say they're just as varied and volatile as we are. So if you've ever wanted to do your clone, maybe keep an eye out for caves next time you're out in the wilderness.
You didn't hear it from me.
Fruit Wise
I found a rare plant out in the Celestial Forest called dreamleaf. The description says it's mildly hallucinogenic and is a reagent for alchemy. If any alchemists are high enough level to make it into a potion, hit me up. For science. MadDog89#77999
Y'all hear the Guard are setting up for kill attempts on the first boss? Well I have it on good authority that, next time, we're gonna get a glimpse of what this game's got.
Episode 4 - Grassinated
If you would like to submit a classified ad, please leave a message at Protectorate PO box 3, or send a letter via in-game mail to Lekowski#82011