Conflict between the forest communes of Serenwilde and Glomdoring peaked when the Elder God Nocht the Silent traded the life of a mysterious child for the Eye of Dynara with the Elder Goddess Maylea, Bloom of Serenity.

A disturbance in the Harbingers Guildhall of Glomdoring Forest revealed the spirit of a furrikin from long ago. Now taking refuge in a cave in the southern mountains, he seeks to complete his last homage to the Voice of Mahalla as testament to her history.

With the help of Serenwilde, a petrified acorn grew to an ancient tree and summoned a dryad which was on the look out for memories. When the last of these was found, it became known that this dryad was not a dryad at all, but Hoaracle, the Forest Dreamer who has now returned to Lusternia

A sombre glade was discovered within Serenwilde Forest, the home of several dryads who imparted previously untold history unto awed audiences. Meanwhile, the spirit of Nimailt Moonblade revealed a method of invoking Spirit Bull at his altar beneath Moon Lake.

The Tar Pit Wastes were revealed by the magic of Chuchip, after the Serenwilde forest and Faethorn was attacked by deadly slimes; located north of Verasavir, a group of druids battle against the source of the slime, the Slaghora'ruin, also known as the Slayer of Forests.

The July Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Eliron who won the bardic contest with the play "Five Fates and a Portal", and Feyrll who won the artisanal contest for her painting of " The Guardian Drachou"!

The much-anticipated reworking of demigod powers has finally arrived! More powers, more customization, more awesomeness! See Announce 1617 for more details.

With the discovery of some skeletal remains in an archaeological dig, an ancient undead manifested, known as the Great Tyrant of the Gylleulox Empire. The history of the Great Tyrant was intertwined with that of the Voice of the Jagrerox, whose songs serve as the foundation of the Cacophony Guild. While the Great Tyrant was eventually entrapped by the Voice, the Cacophony Guild has yet to determine how their Voice's history will impact their teachings.

The Gnafia returned to the Basin with a complex plot to steal a piece of the sundial owned by the Spiritsingers. They first tried to get Sparky Tooter to steal the part and then kidnapped his sister Ellie. As the conflict spread into aetherspace with a head-to-head confrontation with Doctor Xaviar Snapfuse, Serenwilde was ever to overcome the Gnafia with the grand revelation that Ellie Tooter was the Underboss mastermind all along.

The ruins of an ancient laboratory complex known as the Eternity Labs were recently unearthed by a group of merian archaeologists. The ruins are located deep in the Undervault and speculation abounds that it houses an artifact from the Vernal Wars.

Over 50 auctions for artifacts went up today! From protean spiders to Endowments of the Arts, get ready to bid on your favorites! (Most items were inspired by player ideas!)

A great collared beast fell from the sky, causing havoc throughout the Basin of Life. When its collar was finally destroyed, it transformed into the Elder God Shikari, whose hunting expedition deep into the Void is now surrounded in mystery as his memories have been scrambled by whatever it was he had encountered.

The June Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Amani who won the bardic contest with the play "A Trip To The Library", and Saaga who won the artisanal contest with the portrait of "Lady Maylea, the Bloom of Serenity"!

The long awaited Illuminati Guild and the Matrix Research Institute are now open in Gaudiguch and Hallifax, respectively!

The May Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Amani who won the bardic contest with the short story "Fables of Night", and Ehecatl who won the artisanal contest with the portrait of "Lord Nocht in Summer"!

Bandits began plaguing the carriages that run on a circuit along the roads of the Basin of Life. After the bandits were eventually repulsed, the monies recovered were used to build 11 waystations along the roads. Each waystation has a unique quest!

Congratulations to Talan who placed first in the Hamster Hunt and won 300 credits! Othre credit prizes went to Inagin, Ilithyia, Phoebus, Marie, Incabulos, Lothringen,Lawliet, Raikogen and Leta!

Earn 6 free lessons every single day for the month of May. To earn your lessons just login, hang out for 10 minutes, and you're in lesson heaven.

The Village of Rikenfriez has been uncovered! Mostly populated by igasho and tae'dae, the main resource the village produces is fish. However mundane that sounds, the powers in the Basin of Life are vying for control.

This month, enjoy special promotions such as double XP Tuesdays and IRE Favour Thursdays! See in-game news for more!

The cause of the toxic pollution was found to be the secret gnome black market criminals known as the Aetherspace Gnafia. The criminals were tracked down and brought to justice and a cure for the toxic shock syndrome was released. For helping in the clean up process, the gnomes gave a gift of a artifact-level vacuum cleaner!

An eerie green glow was seen emanating from the Sea of Despair and Inner Sea. It was discovered that strange barrels were found at the bottom of the oceans, leaking toxic goo which was mutating the indigenous life and sickening people with toxic shock syndrome.

The Elder God Lyreth was apparently trapped in aetherspace and was able to escape as a small flame when a gnome aethership crashed onto Avechna's Peak. Unfortunately, the gnome ship crashed because they were infested with slivven. The Supernals of Celestia completed a great ritual which returned Lyreth to his full glory. The ritual also uncovered an island in the Inner Sea.

The skillflex sytem was released, allowing players to make skills dormant instead of forgetting them completely. Also, the magic skillset has been removed, leaving lowmagic and highmagic. See Announce 1553.

The Templars Guild has opened in Gaudiguch, and the Sentinels Guild has opened in Hallifax. The Templars practice a type of chaos magic while the Sentinels engage in the manipulation of time. Check them out!

Login on 21 different days and win a special item for every one of your participating characters.

A tae'dae named Worrel Fleece wandered into the Basin of Life, searching for his tribe's fabled homeland. Though never finding it, he has settled into Snow Valley where he rewards adventurers who help him with a tasty treat.

The IRE facebook fan contest ends on March 31st. We will pick one random fan to win 500 FREE credits. Visit our Facebook Page to become a fan!

This is our last Double XP Thursday and to celebrate we will be running the event through the entire weekend, ending on Sunday at midnight GMT. That is four full days of double XP fun. Is it possible to fend off sleep for that long?

After months of collecting shamrocks with the help of players, Eileen was crowned Queen of the Leprechauns! Her rainbow remains on Avechna's Peak as she seeks help sobering up her subjects!

With the old leprechaun king dead, his three children are battling to see who will become the next leprechaun leader! However, in order to support a faction, you have help the leprechauns who are extremely inebriated for the wake of the king!

Congratulations Solanis who won the Modern History Quiz! Second place went to Viynain and third place to Shuyin. Also placing were Kiradawea, Mirami, Lehki, Kalaneva, Pesukaru, Talan and Sidd.

Cockatrices invaded the Basin of Life, only to be traced to that irascible dracnari Yirit Iborchi! The plague of cockatrices was put down but Yirit has made his home in the Skarch Desert and is no doubt still up to his old tricks.

The February Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Kalaneya who won the bardic contest with the short story "Bury Your Dead!", and Alvalek who won the artisanal contest with the portrait of "Shadow Faeling Ritualist"! Check them out!

Congratulations to Sidd who won the Great Hunt over the weekend! Second place went to Fillin and third place to Lehki. Others who placed for credit prizes were: Lehki, Vathael, Meir, Inagin, Eamon, Veyrzhul, Rika and Estwald.

Mysterious dark dwarves overthrew the dwarven kingdom using foul magics! Thus, the Chancel of Clangoran Mysteries was unearthed and many secrets uncovered!

During the Trial of Ascension, two Sealbearers faced off for the final event as the six others stepped back: Ceren Valtyros of the Geomancers bore the Seal of War, and Talan Ysav'rai of the Harbingers who bore the Seal of Life. Surrounded by their allies, Ceren and Talan fought grueling battles throughout the astral plane against each other and against the hideous abominations manifested by Kethuru. In the end, Ceren mastered the Staff of Ascension and reformed the Nine Seals. In doing so, he ascended and is now know as Lord Fillin of the Realm of War. Congratulations, Lord Fillin!

Congratulations to Kharaen who won the Challenge of Beauty! Second place went to Narynth , third place to Incabulos, fourth place to Arel, and fifth place to Arte.

Congratulations to Sidd who won the Challenge of Death! Second place went to Ixion, third place to Xenthos, fourth place to Inagin, and fifth place to Solanis.

Congratulations to Talan who won the Challenge of Life! Second place went to Sidd, third place to Xenthos, fourth place to Inagin, and fifth place to Ixion.

While meditating, the personality of the Elder Goddess Lisaera was splintered into three fragments. Mortals were able to bring the fragments together and awaken the Silver Goddess, who now recovers within the Serenwilde Forest.

The skill of HolyLight has been unveiled as part of the Sacraments skillset!

Earn double experience on every IRE game on Thursdays from midnight GMT to midnight GMT for the month of February.

Congratulations to Krellan who won the Challenge of Harmony! Second place went to Talan, third place to Veyrzhul, fourth place to Inagin, and fifth place to Ixion.

Congratulations to Nott who won the Challenge of Knowledge! Second place went to Solanis, third place to Kalaneya, fourth place to Siam, and fifth place to Lehki.

Congratulations to Ceren who won the Challenge of War! Helping him, the winning team included Narsrim and Vathael! The other finalists were teams: Sidd, Narynth, and Viynain; Melville, Munsia and Ixion; and Shuyin, Krellan and Talan.

The November Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Tredian who won the bardic contest with the poem "Fae for Mother Moon", and Saaga who won the artisanal contest with the portrait of "Talan Ysav'rai"! Check them out!

Congratulations to Rika who won the Challenge of Nature! Second place went toNarynth, third place to Krellan, fourth place to Talan, and fifth place to Ragniliff.

This month, you can receive 6 bonus lessons per day just for logging in to your favourite Iron Realm and playing for 10 minutes!

Congratulations to Zallafar who won the Challenge of Justice! Second place wento to Krellan, third to Urazial, fourth to Malarious, fifth to Jazella.

Congratulations to Ruiku who claimed the Seal of Chaos in triple overtime! Second place went to Inagin, 3rd place to Shamarah, 4th place to Rika, and 5th place to Krellan.

This month, you can receive 6 bonus lessons per day just for logging in to your favourite Iron Realm and playing for 10 minutes!

Dimensional archways have opened up to the elemental planes of fire and air on the ethereal realm!

The Elder Goddess Kalikai returned to the Basin of Life for the first time in mortal memory! Unfortunately, her arrival was marred by the dispersal of the essence of the Elder God Elostian when Kalikai tried to free him from the Soulless Zenos, which also weakened the Nine Seals binding the Soulless. Some mortals are trying to capture the Elostian's essence to restore his form.

Two mage guilds have opened, the Pyromancers opened in the newly found Gaudiguch and the Aeromancers in Hallifax.

Solstice Gnomes returned to give many gifts to many players! Also, the Czingany Wayfaire returned to Lusteria with dingbat prizes for those who finish the quests there!

The lost cities of Gaudiguch and Hallifax have returned to the Basin of Life, having been trapped in time and space for centuries. Only two survivors remained, Scuchidira Tliwx of Gaudiguch and Cririk Adom of Hallifax.

Rumour has it that a certain magnanimous dwarf has been spied lurking around the Iron Realms...

A glade was recently discovered, once the home of the Voice of Trialante. Within many mysteries were unearthed, including the history of a dead race. Dark prophesies still abound and no one is quite clear what they all mean.

Adventurers found their way to the legendary Spire of Dionamus, an ancient artifact dating back to the Vernal Wars. Upon repairing the structure, healing energies flooded throughout the land, though the energies had a negative upon the undead and those who traffic in dark spirits. Also, at the time when the healing energies were released, the nexuses of power in the various cities and communes began to behave erratically.

Congratulations to Golgothura of Lusternia who won 500 credits in the twitter contest!

The November Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Thul who won the bardic contest with the very funny story "The Kings of Lorfenada", and Ehecatl who won the artisanal contest with the darkly beautiful "When We Aren't Around"! Check them out!

The Iron Lottery has begun! Join the search in your favorite Iron Realm for iron tickets, which may be exchanged at the lottery office in each realm for entry into the Iron Lottery. At the conclusion of the event at midnight GMT of Sunday, November 29th, ten winners shall be drawn to win 50-500 credits with a special DOUBLE OR DEATH option. Furthermore, double experience is in effect throughout this event!

Congratulations to Glomdoring for once again dominating Wild Nodes!

Dandelion Sweetpease brokered a brief peace between the two rival forest communes to celebrate the Faethorn Festivities. Queen Maeve of the Fae was so impressed, she opened up her gardens and rewarded Dandelion with the position of Custodian of the Flowers.

The October Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Iytha who won the bardic contest with "The Death of Degur Othag", and Ried who won the artisanal contest with "Brennan"! Congratulations!

The little fae known as Dandelion disappeared, only to be found in an unknown glade in Serenwilde. The lost glade was also reflected on the ethereal plane and had hidden powers.

Atropos, the Eldest of the Fates, has lost her shears! This means that when anything dies, there is a chance its ghost will not find its way to the Portal of Fate. If you find one of these poor lost souls, you can capture it if you can scare it. A simple BOO should work! Atropos would be most grateful if you put these ghosts into the Portal of Fate. If you rescue 20 ghosts, Atropos will give you a yummy little treat!

A trio of leprechauns arrived in the Serenwilde Commune with strange, empty pots. Once the pots were filled with gold, rainbows began appearing over the forest!

The Kelpie Maiden launches its maiden voyage into the Inner Sea! Rumor has it the ship's captain holds a journal of significant historical interest!

New artifacts from old auctions have been placed for purchase as normal artifacts and they are all on sale for 15% off through the end of the month! See ARTIESALE LIST for the sale prices.

The September Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Romero who won the bardic contest with "Ill-Fated Prophecy and Traitors", and Ried who won the artisanal contest with "Before the Chapel of Exalted Night"!

Congratulations to the Forest of Glomdoring for dominating the wild nodes competition!

Achievements have come to Lusternia! Completing achievements will give the player rewards!

The winning team for the Anniversary Wargames consisted of Ceren, Narsrim and Vathael. Second place went to Krellan, Talan and Sidd. Third place went to Xenthos, Viynain and Incabulos. Congratulations all!

Congratulations to the Forest of Glomdoring who won the Battlechess Tournement and claimed the Chessboard of Libertas!

A scavenger hunt were held as an anniversary event. First place went to Viynain, second place to Lehki, and third place to Xenthos.

A series of fate games were held as an anniversary event. First place went to Viynain, second place to Krellan, and third place to Ruark.

A Quiz was held as an anniversary event. First place went to Viynain, second place to Shuyin, and third place to Solanis.

A Harmony Challenge was held as an anniversary event. First place went to Viynain, second place to Krellan, and third place to Talan.

A Death Match was held as an anniversary event. First place went to Vathael, second place to Shuyin, and third place to Nyir.

Lusternia celebrates it's Fifth Year Anniversary! The first anniversary game was a hamster hunt. First place went to Talan, second place to Lehki, and third place to Ceren.

Lusternia celebrates its Fifth Year Anniversary! There are also lotteries, gifts and the arrival of the Czigany Wayfaire, a special carnival area with loads of quests. Finishing the quests award dingbats which can be used to purchase special artifacts!

We've launched the official Lusternia Lore Wiki! It is completely player run and includes detailed information on all skill sets. Keep checking back and watch it grow!

Congratulations to Vathael for coming in first place in the Great Hunt! Second place went to Veyrzhul and third place to Jozen!

Join us Friday, September 11 at Midnight GMT (5PM PST) for the Great Hunt! All player will be able to earn credits, compete for prizes, and earn double experience for 48 straight hours of bloodshed and mayhem.

For the month of September you can receive special, unique items in addition to your credit purchases. For more details check your favorite games announce news.

The Great Hunt has been called across all of Iron Realms! Players can win bound credits by bashing creatures, with the top ten winners receiving extra credit reward. Also, all players experience double experience while the hunt is active!

After the Elder God Raezon completed some successful experiments in the Sea of Despair, unforeseen reactions took place which resulted in the manifestation of three alien beings rising up and being drawn to the City of Magnagora. After much destruction and fighting among the beings, eventually one rose to dominance who turned out to be the new personality of Morgfyre, the Legion, who has now returned to the Basin of Life and is as active as ever.

The July Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Lendren who won the bardic contest with Quarter, Part IV: Pragmatism and Ried who won the artisanal contest with Voice of the Red Masque -- the second win in a row for Ried!

The Undead Emperor Ladantine commissioned a young viscanti alchemist named Yishka Feyranti to prepare a special potion for himself. As part of the payment, Emperor Ladantine raised up a ship from the depths of the Sea of Despair for Yishka to commandeer to help her gather rare and exotic ingredients. While the results of Yishka's experiments are unknown, reports have circulated that the Emperor is looking stronger and fitter than ever before.

The feud between lucidians and dracnari erupted to new heights with the discovery of an ancient artifact called the Mirror of Tzaraziko. This mirror was high up in the clouds and fought over between the dracnari who used rocs of the Razine Mountains to gain access to the mirror and the lucidians who used the manticores of the Southern Mountains. While the dracnari momentarily got the upper hand, the tides turned and the struggle to control the Mirror of Tzaraziko continues.

Some small drama occurred at the graveyard in Oleanvir Valley when its caretaker discovered artifacts within the mausoleums were apparently stolen. Suspecting graverobbers or even worse, adventurers came to give aide and discover the cause of the hubub, which turned out to be much more mundane than first thought. The artifacts were returned to the caretaker and all is now well.

A new ritual area opened up in the Glomdoring Forest, dedicated to Night and Crow along with Spider, Bat, Beetle and Wasp. After the Crown of Gloriana was lost and then found, the ancient nai'Dorin Blood Rite was reenacted, which created the Ebonglom Crown and further empowered the dark forest.

The Toy Wars boiled to greater heights when new strange figurines attacked the gnome world known as the Facility in a bid to decimate the gnomish population. However, this enabled the gnomes to finally track down the Toymaker who was residing in the gnome colony known as Bottledowns. Again, it appeared the power behind the wars were the strange slivven creatures who were able to continue to work through the remains of the Toymaker's wife. Finally, the Toymaker and his wife were finaly defeated, thanks to Xenthos An'Ryshe and his crew aboard the Aethership Widow's Web.

In an unexpected and dramatic interlude from the Toy Wars, the cities of Magnagora and New Celest allied together in a heroic attempt to finally thwart the dominance of the communes and enact the mythical Xion Initiative to free the Holy Supernal Raziela. However, the alliance was also a cover by the Demon Lords of Nil to open a channel to the ethereal realm and control Maeve, Queen of the Fae, and drain the nexus points of Serenwilde and Glomdoring. The communes reacted swiftly and recovered much of the power drained as well as freeing Maeve from the bonds of corruption.

Professor Gargle von Fixit, the gnome who was instrumental in tracking down the Toymaker's Wife, was kidnapped! It took many hours to find where the Professor was hiding but eventually Captain Talan Ysav'rai of the aethership known as the Great Arachnid and her crew found and freed him.

Congratulations to Ilyarin and his crew for tracking down the Toymaker's Wife (aka Yoftie r'Wesmak) who was hiding out in the quarantined aetherbubble known as Mucklemarsh. Interestingly enough, Mucklemarsh was also the home of the finks. It was also home to the parastic horrors known as the slivven, who preyed on gnomes.

Dynami, Ayrna and Adala were the first to discover that the toys sold by Yoftie r'Wesmak's were not all they seemed, as they began steal gold and commodities from their owners. Kiradawea, Iytha and Sahmiam tried to track down Yoftie r'Wesmak and discovered that her name was an anagram for "Toymaker's Wife". When the gnomes of the Facility in aetherspace heard this, they were placed on high alert. Meanwhile, all the toys have since mysteriously disappeared.

The old lady gnome named Yoftie r'Wesmak arrived one last time at the Aetherplex, sweating and looking about nervously. She had with her the last of her wares, dozens and dozens of dolls which she put up for sale at the rock bottom price of 100 gold coins each. The merchants Richter and Celeris were primarily responsible for buying out the rest of her supplies, after which she made a sudden and hasty departure.

A strange old lady gnome with the unlikely name of Yoftie r'Wesmak has been making sporadic appearances at the Aetherplex. She sells extremely high quality toys at bargain prices. News of her visits has been slowly spreading and demand for her wares has been on the rise.

The June Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Aramel who won the bardic contest with Blood and Stone and Ried who won the artisanal contest with Lessons.

As part of Iron Realms' Summer Slaughter, Lusternia ran a Great Hunt as well as a double expereince weekend. The winner of the Great Hunt was Vathael Feyranti who took home the 500 credit first place prize. Congratulations!

The final tweaks to forging were implemented, which makes forging easier than ever for warriors who take this craft skill. The focus on forging was the result of a survey on the Official Forums which asked players what coding project they wanted Lusternia to concentrate on this month. Special thanks to Desitrus who helped as the liason between the admin and players to streamline the forging processes.

The May Vesteran Honours were announced! Congratulations to Nariah who won the bardic contest with The Fall of House d'Vanecu and Serella who won the artisanal contest with Moon's Chosen.

With the building of an amphitheatre in New Celest, an emissary of the Holy Supernals arrived to take up residence within and help the Star Council dispense justice. Thus arrived Thiodone Ladyn, the Illuminator's Magistrate, who was personally instructed by the Holy Supernal Japhiel to conduct the Ritual of Petala. Justice was almost immediately carried out upon his arrival when the ritual was enacted upon Jozan d'Deneith for various crimes against the state.

A lucidian scientist named Atrian Lerit'r joined the lucidians of the Arthar'rt Observatory in the Northern Mountains. Atrian had recently received funding from the Observatory Board of Directors to research and build a new teleportation device, which would perhaps be strong enough to reach the lost city of Hallifax or other historical sites that were out of reach from the Basin of Life. Many interested in the project pitched in to help build the laboratory. Eventually, the machine was built and the first tests conducted. Unfortunately, Atrian's calculations were not quite what was expected as the machine teleported test subjects to known areas of the Basin of Life. Eventually, the machine exploded and Atrian was left to go back to the proverbial drawing board.

While searching for the means to free the Holy Supernal Raziela from the bonds of Faethorn, the Celestines of New Celest found themselves in discussions with the tainted city of Magnagora wherein the usually opposing cities contemplated combining elemental forces to confound the nature magics of the communes. Whether or not an alliance would have ever been reached will never be known, because Magagora was betrayed by one of its own. Celina d'Murani abandoned her city and alerted the communes to the cities' plans, allowing the cunning and stealth of the followers of Great Spirit Crow to learn even more of the cities' nascent collaboration. In a bold act, the communes of Glomdoring and Serenwilde allied together against the cities, enacting the Rite of hai'Gloh Zemordia, or the binding of the cosmos, which weakened the elemental and cosmic planes. Thus did war break out between the cities and communes, the likes of which had not been seen in modern times.

After the discovery of the Mirror of Vestera, the strange artifact acted as a receiver for the communications of the Elder God known as Raezon who had disappeared decades earlier in order to pursue some arcane research out in the depths of the Void. Apparently, Raezon was lost and unable to return to the First World, and gave explicit instructions to his followers on how to build a construct that would allow him to return. Eventually, this was accomplished, enabling Raezon to return to the Basin of Life, bringing with him strange, metal sphere that appeared almost sentient.

In the Blasted Land, an archaelogist disappeared researching some ancient ruins. Upon investigation, the ruins turned out to be the remains of the Malacoda Manor, thought destroyed during the Taint Wars. Though very little of the manor itself was left, a powerful artifact known as the Mirror of Vestera was discovered within. The artifact was used to escape the Taint Wars but something went disastrously wrong, splintering the original inhabitants into fragments of themselves across different dimensions.

Llandros of the Cacophony won the gnomish Scrapgiving holiday contest, penning the jingle "Gnomish Grand Idea". Meanwhile Lendren Starfall won the dwarvish Klangfest holiday contest with his bawdy song, "Fourplay". Lendren gave up his prize to the runner-up, Sylphas Talnara for his song, "Wild Witches". The prizes turned out to be new trade skill specializations. Bards will now be able to take Enchantment (if they have high magic) or Alchemy (if they have low magic). However, both these skills have been split into specializations. Alchemy splits between Lorecraft (druids/wiccans) and Brewmeister (bards), while Enchantment splits between Spellcraft (mages/guardians) and Tinkering (bards). Thus, Llandros was offered the skill of Tinkering, and Sylphas offered the arts of the Brewmeister.

During the Trial of Ascension, not many Sealbearers dared to wield the Staff of Ascension, but two contenders rose to dominate the event: Xiel Peulus of the Spiritsingers who bore the Seal of Nature, and Veyrzhul La'Saet of the Celestines who bore the Seal of Harmony. Buttressed by their allies, the two Sealbearers fought each other throughout the astral plane as well as the insanity of Kethuru and the hideous abominations made manifest by his will. Finally, Xiel mastered the Staff of Ascension and reformed the Nine Seals. In doing so, he ascended and is now know as Lord Viynain of the Realm of Nature. Congratulations, Lord Viynain!

For nearly two years, artists have been preparing their greatest works to enter into the Challenge of Beauty. The winning entry went to a Master Chef, who was none other than Silferras Ysav'rai of the Blacktalon with a platter of the planes which left those who sampled it fulfilled in both spirit and belly! Second place went to Aramel Talnara of the Moondancers for her aerial mask, third place went to Eliron Inseira of the Harbingers for his sunset viola, fourth place went to Sadhyra d'Illici of the Harbingers for her feathered mask of Crow, and fifth place went to Wuylinfe Meiwind of the Cantors for his luminescent tiara.

The clash of swords and magic echoed throughout Lusternia as the Trial of Death commenced, calling out for the most bloodthirsty of mortals to meet the darkest of challenges. In the end, no one could compare to the skill of Vathael Feyranti of the Serenguard who left a sea of blood behind him as he claimed the Seal of Death! Second place went to Nydekion La'Saet of the Paladins, third place went to Asmodea Kamau of the Shofangi, fourth place went to Prince Steingrim of the Tahtetso, and fifth place went to Ceren Valtyros of the Geomancers.

When a plague of maladies and ailments struck the furrikin population, the Challenge of Life began. A champion emerged in their hour of need, as Xenthos An'Ryshe of the Ebonguard demonstrated his profound knowledge of healing, thus claiming the Seal of Life! Second place went to Nydekion La'Saet of the Paladins, third place went to Rika Talnara of the Ebonguard, fourth place went to Ceren Valtyros of the Geomancers, and fifth place went to Lanfayr d'Murani of the Ninjakari.

At the behest of Avechna, contenders eager to enter the Challenge of Harmony came from all corners of the Basin of Life. Throughout the challenge, they sought out all sentient life, influencing them to bring harmony to the land. Finally, Veyrzhul La'Saet of the Celestines rose to be the one who travelled the furthest and influenced the most, thus claiming the Seal of Harmony! Second place went to Nydekion La'Saet of the Paladins, third place went to Talan Ysav'rai of the Shadowdancers, fourth place went to Nariah d'Iasani of the Nihilists, and fifth place went to Ceren Valtyros of the Geomancers.

For the Challenge of Knowledge, Avechna gathered the wisest sages, scholars and intellectuals to test thier knowledge. After many grueling questions, it became clear that Ishant Nightshade of the Shadowdancers was truly worthy to claim the Seal of Knowledge! Second place went to Nariah d'Iasani of the Nihilists, third place went to Karnagan De'Unnero of the ur'Guard, fourth place went to Rika Talnara of the Ebonguard, and fifth place went to Lehki Mes'ard of the Hartstone.

Avechna gathered many people of the Basin of Life together to vie for the Challenge of Nature as part of Lusternia's Ascension 2009 event. Looking through a magical kaleidoscope, contestants saw brief clues of the path they needed to follow to find the Seal of Nature. The long, arduous journey ended with Xiel Peulus of the Spiritsingers being the first to master the paths and claim the Seal of Nature! Second place went to Aramel Talnara of the Moondancer, third place went to Lehki Mes'ard of the Hartstone, fourth place went to Kelysa Mes'ard of the Moondancers, and fifth place went to Gregori Mes'ard of the Hartstone.

The Challenge of Justice was the next exciting challenge in Lusternia's Ascension 2009 event. As dozens of contestants showed up to debate one another, it was Malarious d'Murani of the Harbingers who proved that he was truly worthy to claim the Seal of Justice! Second place went to Nejii Talnara of the Shofangi, third place went to his daughter, Rika Talnara of the Ebonguard, fourth place went to Eamon Starleaf of the Hartstone, and fifth place went to Karnagan De'Unnero of the ur'Guard.

Hailing from all parts of the Basin, many three-persons teams answered the call to compete in the Challenge of War. The first round was won by Thoros, Ceren, and Romero. The second round was won by Desitrus, Vathael, and Shuyin. The third round was won by Malicia, Narsrim, and Talkan. The last qualifying round was won by Xiel, Lehki, and Casilu. Each pretrial winner received a 100 credit award. The final challenge pitted all of the winning teams against each other. In the chaos of battle that ensued, Vathael, Desitrus, and Shuyin emerged as the winners of the Trial. While Vathael and Shuyin claimed the runnerup awards of 500 credits each, Desitrus strode forward to claim the Seal of War, becoming the second sealbearer for Lusternia's Ascension 2009.

As Lusternia's Ascension 2009 commenced, the Challenge for the Seal of Chaos ended with Sarrasri Talnara of the Moondancers claiming the first medallion! Second place went to Rika Talnara of the Ebonguard, third place went to Ceren Valtyros of the Geomancers, fourth place went to Vathael Feyranti of the Serenguard, and fifth place went to Lisuarte of the Spiritsingers.

Unknown to god and mortal alike, the essence pumped into gods from their mortal worshipers were slowly poisoning them. The backlash was a sore on Avechna's Peak which released a plague of replicas of the gods. These false gods eventually tried to become true gods by assaulting Mighty Kethuru, who was almost freed until the armies of mortals descended and vanquished them. Though the false gods are gone and the Elder Gods are creating realms in aetherspace to channel excess energies from mortal worship, the Nine Great Seals are weakened. Thus, Ascension 2009 has begun, wherein one mortal shall rise to be a True Ascendant!

We opened up a Zazzle Store to showcase our artwork on a variety of products. Check it out!

Since the discovery of dark prophesies over the past several months, events appear to be coming to a head. The Elder Gods have been behaving erratically, exhibiting increasingly bizarre behavior. A strange blemish has appeared on the side of Avechna's Peak.

Once again, Jolly Bundy and the Solstice Gnomes returned to give many gifts to many in the Basin. Also, Ironbeard the Magnanimous was frequently encountered joining in the gift giving extravaganza!

Sheena Goldfeather, a trill who lives in the Grey Moors, discovered much to her surprise that her cousin Kyree had returned from his wanderings outside of the Basin of Life. Arriving in a caravan, Kyree Goldfeather revealed he had been looking for many exotic potions. Discovering a nest of manticores high in the Southern Mountians, Kyree was able to extract their poison for a particular potion he was interested in. It was later discovered that for generations the Goldfeathers had been keeping their ancestor, Hieli Goldfeather, locked up. Hieli had been on the Board of Hallifax had been tainted and turned into an undead abomination during the Taint Wars, and now is quite insane and dangerous. Hieli did hold, however, snippets of a strange and dark prophesy.

The Elder Goddess Isune came out of her absence to reveal she had been creating a personal masterpiece, a sculpture which she called the Inedra. Having channeled much of her emotions and even some of her spirit into the great work, the Inedra reflects many of Isune's personal transformations and emotions, from joy to despair. Curiously, Isune herself seemed more subdued and less animated after completion of the Inedra.

Atropos the Eldest Fate lost her shears and ghosts were on the loose in the Basin of Life! Mortals were asked to help collect the lost ghosts, and were awarded with tasty treats that gave various blessings.

Lady Clarramore revealed herself in the Northern Mountains as a trill noblewoman who wanted to advance herself in society. Though she tried to host a fabulous party for the upper crust denizens in the Basin, she was beset by a myriad of unfortunate events. Eventually, she hired some more competent assistants who were able to help her out. In this, it was revealed she was the caretaker of the Cloud Gardens of Clarramore, a fantastic and ancient area where trill farm the clouds for several exotic commodities.

After a variety of animals were stolen from stables throughout the land, they began appearing on the highways of the Basin in a state of wild mutation. Eventually, dracnari elders came forward to reveal that some of their secrets had been stolen which was likely the cause of the mutations. Using ancient magic, the dracnari were eventually able to track down the thieves with the help of members from all cities and communes. It was discovered that the leader of this den of thieves was a young dracnari named Yirit Iborchi. He recruited some youths from prestigious families into an organization called the League of Free Thinking Youths (or LoFTY), who were intent on stealing the knowledge of the ancient dracnari. Reluctantly, the dracnari decided to formally train these misguided youths and send them back to their families. Thus, Beastmastery has entered the Basin of Life as a new skill which all can learn.

We celebrated our Fourth Year Anniversary celebrations throughout the week with many games and events!

On the Isle of Vesucia in Bondero Bay, a family of merians settled to start farming the rich soil there. Unfortunately, this awoke the scrumhogs, artificial creatures created by ancient magic which were thought to have died out during the Taint Wars. It took the combined efforts of Archmage Marinus aided by Rika Talnara to create a energy field that would repel the scrumhogs. Only time will tell how long this field may hold.

A Great Hunt was held in which everyone in Lusternia was able to participate in. Credit prizes were awarded for everyone who killed or influenced the denizens, with greater prizes for the Top Ten. Congratulations to Ceren who was crowned the Top Hunter!

Two fae in Faethorn, Butter Sweetpease and her mate Perriwinkle, were blessed with a seedling, which would blossom into a young fae babe. Both the communes of Serenwilde and Glomdoring cared for the delicate plant during its gestation, which finally grew and blossomed into a new male fae, Dandelion Sweetpease. Much to the chagrin of his parents, Dandelion has the unfortunate habit of flying apart into many smaller versions of himself which need to be lured back with the promise of honeycakes!

In New Celest, newly arrived Jarana Farain, whose prominent merian family had ties back to the time of the Old Celetine Empire, led a group of adventurers to salvage treasure chests from ships sunk by the kelpies during the Taint Wars. Ignoring dire warnings against opening one particularly well-locked chest, the Celestines unleashed an invisible force that ultimately turned into a living tempest which destroyed their guildhall and moved out into the rest of the Basin of Life. Eventually, the tempest was trapped with the summoning of St. Tresalyne of the Stars, who had originally trapped this evil which was the remnant of the weapon of a Soulless God.

Once again, drama unfolded around the Tree of Trees as discordant notes in the Song of Creation surrounded this Great Nature Spirit. The combined effort of the commune bard guilds, the Spiritsingers and the Harbingers, were finally able to break the discordant beat, though it cost them their artifacts, the Ebony Mandolin of Mahalla and the Argentine Lyre.

In the Skarch Desert, both the dracnari nomad camp and the lucidian mesa facility were secretly competing to break through a mysterious psionic shield in the nearby mountain range. Little did they know that the shield was being maintained by an illithoid cenobite master. When the shield finally fell, it was discovered that it protected the Scorpion Caverns, home to a secretive cult who followed the mysterious Great Nature Spirit known as Grandmother Scorpion.

The Great Nature Spirit known as the Tree of Trees became ill, and the nature communes of Serenwilde and Glomdoring put aside their differences to work together and heal the mighty spirit. In the process, they had to sacrifice the two mighty artifacts, the Ancient Cudgel of Glinshari and the Black Cudgel of Mighty Crow, respectively the champion artifacts of the Hartstone and Blacktalon guilds. Eventually, the tree was healed and new champion artifacts were forged by the Tree of Trees herself.

The Elder God Charune, the Horned One, returned to Lusternia after a long absence. He immediately entrapped his mate, the Elder Goddess Lisaera, and created strange sea creatures known as quinotaurs. It became apparent that he was entranced by powerful magics. Lisaera was eventually freed by mortals led by the Elder Goddess Maylea, and Lisaera was then able to break the enchantment that gripped Charune. His memories were in disrepair and he could not remember what mysterious force created this enchantment that snared him. he only recalled the powerful fragrance of spices and musk. Later, Charune was able to contain and somewhat tame the wild quinotaur.

Lusternian adventurers received double experience for the weekend of July 5, 2008!

The Lusternia Family System has recently received a series of updates, including the implementation of Lesser Houses and Great Houses. Since families have grown through the years, the Lesser/Banner and Great House system gives larger families more political weight within their respective cities (or nature communes). This great roleplaying factor has just gotten a lot more interesting!

In the usually tranquil Tolborolla Valley, giant insects plagued the peaceful furrikin and tae'dae there. The root of the problem was traced to Bavarro Flatfur, the tae'dae caretaker of the caves, who let the mosquitoes breed uncontrolled because of his increasingly bizarre superstitious behavior. Adventurers were quick to dispatch the mosquitoes and help Bavarro overcome his phobias.

Trapped in the dreams of the Wyrden Forest for many decades, the Elder Goddess Isune finally was able to break free from her trancelike slumber, with the help of mortals. This also brought the Elder Goddess Viravain back from her deep meditations. As both goddesses had initially created the Wyrd of Glomdoring, they were still both linked to its manifest power. Isune eventually split her spirit into many parts, and it was up to mortals to choose how she would be reformed, either finally to be freed of the Wyrd or to embrace it wholly. In the end, Isune was freed of the Wyrd, and both She and Viravain walk the land once more.

A strange bard wandered into the Basin, and in her wake a strange breed of wildflowers sprouted up among the mountain paths. She seemed oblivious to the fact that these wildflowers began interfering with the routes of travellers and eventually the strange bard agreed to help remove these plants. It was later revealed that the bard was a goddess in disguise, having recently returned to Lusternia. Her name is Maylea, Bloom of Serenity, and she has since settled in the Serenwilde Forest.

House i'Xiia delved deep into their ancestral history and uncovered the i'Xiia Asylum, sealed away during the Taint Wars. This horrific site survived as an endless cycle of pain as the undead patients are forever tortured by their sadistic undead wardens. However, this did not deter the i'Xiia viscanti family from attempting to exploit the research their ancestors started there, though they are opposed by a strange elemental force that also resides in the corridors of the asylum.

An amnestic aslaran was found wandering with the undervault, apparently never having seen the world above. It was later discovered that deeply hidden underground was an entire community of underground aslarans worshipping mysterious gods, calling their cavernous abode the Kryden Valik.

Many of Lusternia's 20 unique races have been tweaked and rebalanced with new abilities and statistics. Dwarves now officially possess alcohol tolerance, which includes the gift of reducing damage the more inebriated they are! Other new abilities include advantages in influencing, ranging from the sinister illithoid's prowess in intimidation to the seductive charisma of the artistic trill. All Lusternians have been granted a free reincarnation.

The Well of Souls was drying out and it was uncovered that there was a hidden place known as the Caoimhe Dell, which held a community of elfen were caretakers of the source of the waters of the well. This dell was also a crossroads into an ethereal pocket known as the Wydyr Glade.

Fleeing from an imminent marriage and meddling mother, Pierre Merau left his native Delport to set up business as a fur trader in the Razine Mountains. He is quite happy now, as adventurers frequently visit him in his hut, trading furs and stories.

The Nekotai Guild officially opened to the public in the Commune of Glomdoring! It is the fourth monk guild in Lusternia, which specializes in the nekai claw, a handheld weapon with three long blades. Mastering the scorpion style of combat, these monks are stealthy and rely on fast attacks and poisons.

As was prophesized, archangels trapped in the body of the Soulless God Muud were discovered, and Holy Supernal Raziela the Loving Radiance sacrificed herself to Muud in order to free them. Taking advantage of her being bound by Muud, Faethorn bound Raziela so she would never be able to convert fae to cherubs, and the Demon Lords of Nil directed their followers to brand Raziela with their dark marks. Eventually, Raziela was freed from Muud and laid upon an ancient artifact from the Elder Wars. The artifact sent a call into the vast reaches of the Void to contact Eventru, Crown of the Exalted. The lost Elder God found his way back to Lusternia and healed Raziela.

Prophesies cropped up throughout the Basin of Life, arising from the Star of Celest, the Necromentate of Magnagora, the Ancestral Spirits of the Serenwilde, and by Mother Night in Glomdoring.

Weeky Peedia, the furrikin savant of the World Library, had summoned his niece, Nia Peedia, to help him take care of the World Library. However, Nia was determined not to settle down but instead experience life first hand through travelling. Eventually, however, she was convinced to settle down and help her poor uncle mind the dusty stacks--only to discover an infestation of bookwurms!

A kinswoman in New Celest reported that Lileira Teldale, her cousin and a prominent researcher, was missing. Apparently having disappeared while researching life within the Sea of Despair, Lileira Teldale was discovered on the banks of the Shallach River, taking care of her sick husband, Kreer Teldale.

Terrible fires plagued Glomdoring and eventually erupted on the Manifestation of Mother Night. It turned out these were unwanted overtures of Father Sun and his minions, the sun fae. Eventually, the fires were put out though Mother Night was left badly hurt. She called out in pain, and her cries were heard by her creator, the Elder God known as Nocht the Silent, who entered the realms and settled within Glomdoring.

When the kephera of the Undervault began searching for a cure, it was discovered that they were treating a race that had kept hidden with the Undervault. This race was called the hyfae and were cousins to the fae. Their ailment turned out to be a much more serious affair, coming from an ancient evil buried deep within the Undervault. However, through the diligence of the people of the Basin of Life, the ailment was beaten back . . . for now.

The next chapter in the Elder Wars History has been released! Be sure to read the Book of Clangorum.

Nejii Talnara rises as the first Vernal Ascendant!

The calendar turns to Year 200! Games and celebrations are held throughout the year with prizes!

As the Nine Seals weakened, the Sealbearers and their followers battled the Kethuru's insanity and each other in the Challenge for Ascendance. Though Visaeris of Magnagora and Kaervas of Glomdoring put up a good struggle, it was Sojiro of the Serenwilde with support from New Celest who finally managed to claim the Staff of Ascension. It was he who rose up to be the True Ascendant now known as Shuyin. During the struggle, Kethuru was able to breach the Domoth Realms, which opened it up for Ascendants and Demigods to take control of different realms.

In the Challenge of Harmony, Lusternians fanned out across all of the First World and event into aetherspace to influence denizens, thereby strengthening the aura of harmony about them. In this race, Galaphyrae was a clear first, strengthening her aura enough to claim the Seal of Harmony. Following her were Nydekion in second place, Catarin in third place, Xiel in fourth place, and Geb in fifth place.

Blood ran in rivers as players competed for the Challenge of Death. Eventually, Hissatsu Sojiro of the Serenwilde hunted the most creatures, enabling him to claim the Seal of Death. Second place went to Nydekion, third place to Geb, fourth place to Daevos, and fifth place to Rika.

As the Seal of Life weakened, furrikin from around the Basin of Life began to fall sick with a variety of diseases. Avechna called Lusternians before Him and urged them to help heal the furrikin, and in doing so, strengthen the Seal of Life. In the end, Xenthos of Glomdoring, by healing the most furrikin, became the Bearer of the Seal of Life. Following him in second place was Vathael, and in third place are Malicia and Ciban. Fourth place went to Tervic, and fifth place to Rika.

In the Challenge of Beauty, Zia Talnara was marked with the Seal of Beauty for her design, 'a memory book of the Spirits'. Moriana, Kielo, Aramel, and Arin are the runners up, with designs ranging a number of trades. The winning entries can be viewed at the Cave of Beauty.

In the Challenge of Knowledge, Forren Shervalian emerged victorious by one point to become the new Bearer of the Seal of Knowledge, triumphing over his brother Myndaen, as well as Astraea, Seretenin, and Galaphyrae, who served as runners up.

In the Challenge of Nature, Kaervas claimed the Seal of Nature for the second time in a row! Second place went to Myndaen, Third to Rika, Fourth to Galaphyrae, and Fifth to Xiel.

In the Challenge of Justice, Thoros rose up as the winner in the series of debates to claim the Seal of Justice! Closely behind him was Zia who placed second, and Forren and Sojiro who tied for third.

For the War Challenge, the final winning team in the wargames was Thoros, Visaeris, Revan. It was ultimately Visaeris Mae'loch who claimed the Seal of War!

Throughout the exciting Chaos Challenge, it was finally Ashteru d'Illici who finally claimed the Seal of Chaos!

The Soulless God known as Great Muud almost broke free, causing a sickness to infect mortals and gods alike. Though he was defeated by the mortal populace, the Nine Seals imprisoning the Soulless Gods were weakened. Thus, an Ascension Event has begun, wherein one mortal shall rise to be a True Ascendant!

Dark prophesies and troubling dreams heralded the return of the Dread Lord of Contagion. He diabolically orchestrated a plot that saw the re-opening of the site of an ancient laboratory in the Muhanlesh Caverns, which is within the Southern Mountains. The experiments led to the release of an aetherspace creature, which allowed the Dread Lord to steal the creature's organ once it was slain.

Jolly Bundy and the Solstice Gnomes returned this year, giving many gifts to those who found them. Also, Ironbeard the Magnanimous was frequently encountered joining in the gift giving extravaganza!

The Ninjakari Guild officially opened in the City of Magnagora! This is the third guild based on the monk archetype, with a special martial arts specialization based on the whip-chain weapon. Also, the Ninjakari Guild is the first guild to receive the skill choice of Stealth, enabling a monk to sneak onto rooftops, assume identities of others, and other skills useful to spymasters.

The wife of a sick prospector was seen purchasing medicine from Orjojo in Balach Swamp. Several people subsequently went to visit the couple on the Estengare River in order to help them out.

Not having been heard by mortals for a decade, the Elder God Fain was eventually discovered trapped within the Undervault. With the help of the Elder God Morgfyre, he was finally freed and once again situates himself within the City of Magnagora.

The Great Elemental Lords of Water and Earth began to behave erratically, causing much concern among the Aquamancers and Geomancers. It was finally discovered that some of them were possessed by ancient dreamweavers, trapped in the dream realm and driven insane by the nightmare thoughts of Kethuru.

Aetherspace gnomes made a visit to the Basin of Life, offering a new game called "Bombard!". Sheia Silverwing won a contest with this new game, and the prize was a free Bombard! board for her aethership. Bombard! boards are now sold at Trader Bob's aethermanse shop.

Ayridion the White Flame sacrificed himself to stop a plague that was spreading to the Nine Seals and afflicted Avechna Avenger. Though he lost divinity, Ayridion's soul survived as Ilyarin, the first of the Ascendants.

The Spiritsinger Bards guild were put to the test in the Serenwilde Forest as their ancestral spirits were agitated by the Alabaster Road which split the forest in two. The bards were able to calm the spirits and work with them transform the forest itself to reconnect the northern and southern ends of the forest.

Lusternia celebrates its three year anniversary! Many contests and games were held throughout the day.

After a rash of mysterious disappearances of archangels, it was found the culprit was Shellma Natharian, a figure from the ancient histories. She raised spires of light that were draining the nexuses of Magnagora and the communes. It was then uncovered that the Dread Lord of Contagion was behind her resurrection and actions. However, the people of the Basin came together to take down the spires of light. In the end Shellma Natharian and the Dread Lord had a falling out and Shellma stole the Crown of Stars from him. With it she was able to take control of the Pool of Stars in an attempt to raise herself to divinity by draining its power. Ultimately, she was defeated though at great cost.

Cities and communes each gained a ledger today to record all clans and manses (including aetherships) deeded to that nation! In other city and commune news, guards were made immune to critical-hits, making them a more formidable foe for enemies. More guard changes to be unveiled soon!

All collegiums are now officially open! New players will now enter the collegiums of Lusternia upon joining a city or commune. Each collegium has a set of unique quests designed to teach new players the mechanics of Lusternia and the history of their city and commune.

Congratulations to Catarin who placed first in the Iron Realms Essay Contest! Also, congratulations goes to Mariello who placed third. Be sure to read all the essays!

The second monk guild was founded in the Basin of Life, called the Tahtetso Guild. The first Guildmaster was Vesar, the first Guild Administrator was Doman, and the first Guild Champion was Desitrus.

Iron Realms Entertainment (Lusternia's parent company) celebrates its Ten Year Anniversary with games, gifts and a certain drunk dwarf! Be sure to check out the schedule of events.

Iron Realms 10th Anniversary is on September 9th, 2007. All games are currently offering a 30% bonus to all credits purchased in celebration!

An ominous weakening struck Mother Night during Winter Solstice, causing the Shadowdancers to have troubling dreams and visions. Tracking down a prophesy by the veneral dracnari mystic Shimotabi Xiim, they were eventually led to the discovery that Mother Night's abode in aetherspace was unveiled. There, led by the Avatar of Viravain, Kaervas d'Murani, they rebuilt the Throne of Darkness and aided Night's descent. As a reward to her devout, Mother Night bestowed upon all of Glomdoring the ability to build the Night Altar, a powerful construct for their nexus world.

Congratulations to Morgfyre, who has been hired by Lusternia as an Associate Producer!

A sick mugwump from Balach Swamp came in contact with several people who subsequently contracted the strange ailment. Though attempts at quarantine were attempted, the extremely contagious disease could not be contained and swept through the Basin of Life. Eventually, a cure was found by the healers of the land. The knowledge gained to find the cure further expanded the powers of the healing with new abilities to manipulate auras.

The first monk guild was founded in the Basin of Life, called the Shofangi Guild. The first Guildmaster was Aesyra, the first Guild Administrator was Nejii, and the first Guild Champion was Alianna.

A New Player Guide was added to the website for newcomers to have a quick reference to Lusternia's many features.

Wandering bards arrived in the Basin of Life, searching for the stages found in the cities and communes. Those who helped these bards find a stage, would also help their respective city or commune increase their culture score. A World Stage was also constructed upon Avechna's Peak, wherein cities and communes could submit their theater productions to further increase their culture score.

In the Serenwilde Forest, dreams and prophesies of a great danger came to pass as an illness descended upon the Great Spirit of Mother Moon, one of the guiding forces of the forest. Her illness was traced to a creature calling herself Gromagh the Hag, who was absorbing the Moon's essence and giving birth to swarms of dark creatures. Those in the Serenwilde summoned forth the Elder Goddess Lisaera, who was able to heal Mother Moon and reveal the location of Gromagh the Hag in the veiled hills of the centaur people.

The Illusions Skillset has been completely revised, breaking apart into two specializations. The Glamours Specialization is open to bards and encompasses illusions that can be as deadly as they are flashy. The Phantasms Specialization is open to mages and evokes mental illusions that steal the thoughts and visions of others. Also, theaters showed up in each of the bards guilds, a new exciting system wherein performances can be recorded and played back for the entertainment of others.

Serenwilde and Celest helped the kephera imprison the illithoid, and brought forth Zenobia, the Queen of Kephera Queens. Zenobia awarded Celest a surge of power and awarded Serenwilde to be the first guild to be trained in their martial arts, after conducting a scavenger hunt that Serenwilde won. Thus, Serenwilde will be home to the first guild of a new archetype: Monks!

The telepathic suffering of the mages was apparently caused as part of a secret war between two psionic races unknown to anyone at the time, the kephera and the illithoid. After their war was brought to the Basin of Life, their homeland was eventually discovered, a massive underground complex called the Undervault.

Mages with the ability of psionics suffered severe headaches, as well as hearing garbled telepathic communications. However, the situation became dangerous when a psychic wave was unleashed that all but incapacitated those with psionics. Through much research and work, Aquamancers and Geomancers were finally able to set up a latticework of elemental crystals throughout the Basin to dampen the psychic wave.

Reports of strange dreams and prophesies have been popping up throughout the land. Though enigmatic and unclear what this may mean, if anything, several mortals have been disturbed and intrigued enough to begin asking questions.

In the ancient Shallamurine Cathedral, the insane undead priestess Marani Veloske was left unchecked for many years, allowing her to drain the essence from countless mortals until she was strong enough to challenge the cosmic planes themselves. Her strength was enough to subdue both Elohora the Lady of the Eternal Light and Luciphage the Supreme Master of the Demon Lords in an attempt to twist all creation into her warped belief of beauty above all. However, her powers were based on the songs of creation and the bards were eventually able to find a weakness that led to her defeat.

Strange weather in the Serenwilde uncovered that the Spiritual Flame of Hartstone was unstable. This led the druids of Hartstone on a spiritual journey which uncovered the Mausoleum of Nintoba and development of rituals involving the aspets of White Hart. In the end, the Flame was purified and now burns stronger than before.

Nexus Worlds just got more interesting with the release of the construct/colossi battle system. New skills in every trade class allow for either building colossi to attack the constructs of cities and communes or upgrading them with special attacks or defenses. Astrologers also gained a new skill which predicts when Nexus Worlds weaken and thus when colossi can do battle with constructs.

Of the Nine Seal Bearers who won the great challenges, four main contenders vied to hold the Staff of Ascension so that the realm would be safe from Kethuru: Shorlen of Serenwilde, Daevos of Magnagora, Soll of New Celest, and Kaervas of Glomdoring. Though Shorlen controlled the Staff of Ascension for much of the beginning of the challenge, and then it subsequently switched hands repeatedly afterwards, it was finally Soll of New Celest, through his nimbleness, strategy and sheer determination, who finally held the Staff of Ascension long enough to claim victory. Holding the Staff of Ascension burned Soll's body to ash, out of which rose the first Ascended God, Ayridion the White Flame.

Exarius, the self-proclaimed raja who bows to no commune or city, won the Challenge of Harmony through his skills at influencing others. Second place went to Nirrti of Glomdoring, third place to Felandi of Magnagora, fourth place to Catarin of New Celest, and fifth place to Ekard also of New Celest.

The Warlord of Magnagora himself, Daevos Feyranti, won the Challenge of Death through the wholesale slaughter of hundreds of denizens. Second place went to Athana of Magnagora, third place to Aesyra of Serenwilde, fourth place to Hyrtakos of Glomdoring, and fifth place to Krellan of Serenwilde.Second place went to Visaeris. Third place was tied between Krellan, Shayle and Linwe. Fourth place went to Tervic and fifth place went to Xenthos.

Aquamancer Soll of New Celest won the Challenge of Life, by saving the lives of many furrikin who were being ravaged by a foul disease. Second place went to Visaeris. Third place was tied between Krellan, Shayle and Linwe. Fourth place went to Tervic and fifth place went to Xenthos.

Amarysse of the Wildecraft Cartel won the Challenge of Beauty with her submission of a gorgeous woodland tapestry. Very close behind her was Kharaen of the Attai Cartel, showcasing a demonic lyre. Third place went to Saran of the Zephyr cartel for a tapestry of Raven and White Hart. Fourth place went to Vanthan of the Seatimber Cartel with a tapestry of Old Celest. Fifth place was captured by Anaria of the Rosewood Cartel for a diamond chandelier.

Hallen of the Geomancers won the Challenge of Knowledge by dominating an extremely difficult quiz that tested his knowledge of the realms. Other winners included Jasper (second place award of 700 credits), Dylara (third place award of 500 credits), Kalodan (fourth place award of 250 credits), and Shirath (fifth place award of 100 credits).

Kaervas of the Blacktalon Druids won the Challenge of Nature, exhibiting his superb knowledge of the realm during a complex scavenger hunt and claiming the Seal of Nature. Following on his heels were Zalandrus (second place award of 700 credits), Aesyra (third place award of 500 credits), Exeryte (fourth place award of 250 credits), and Arteisy (fifth place award of 100 credits).

Forren of the Aquamancers won the Challenge of Justice through excellent use of his debating skills through which he claimed the Seal of Justice. The runner-ups were Athana and Kaervas who were awarded 500 credits each, and finalists included Abethor, Soll and Astraea who were awarded 200 credits each.

Shamarah of the Celestines won the Challenge of War through a series of wargames conducted by Avechna the Avenger and claimed the Seal of War. His teammates who supported him in this event were Forren and Aesyra, each who were awarded 500 credits.

Shorlen of Hartstone won the first of the Ascension Challenges, snatching victory from the hands of Kaervas of Blacktalon literally moments before the Challenge of Chaos ended. Thus, Shorlen holds the Seal of Chaos and becomes a candidate for the ultimate prize of divinity.

The constructs raised in the nexus worlds repelled the invasions of serpentine creatures and all was silent for some time. However, the Taint began to spontaneously go into remission throughout the Basin, leading to much speculation. Then, an enormous serpent arose from the Sea of Despair and wrapped itself around the Megalith of Doom in Magnagora. Ancient prophesies predicted the end of creation if the Nine Seals that imprisoned the Soulless Gods were not weakened. After much debate, the seals were weakened, which released the power of Almighty Kethuru and fragmented the great serpent. Estarra the Eternal announced that the only way to recharge the Nine Seals is to immediately initiate an Ascension Event.

With the Elder Gods away, the invasion of the serpentine creatures continued to escalate, eventually breaking out of the nexus worlds and entering the prime material plane. Immediately, the creatures headed to the Sea of Despair where they mysteriously disappeared. Alarmed, the greatest minds and intellects in the Basin of Life came together and eventually designed constructs that could be raised in the nexus worlds to repel the invasion. Meanwhile, dark prophesies were uncovered from the times of the Elder Wars which seemed to relate to these disturbing events.

Once again, chubby little gnomes in red winter solstice suits mysteriously appeared at unexpected times throughout the Basin of Life, handing out presents to those who begged for them!

For several days, the nexus worlds were invaded by strange serpentine creatures. Investigations revealed that these creatures were cosmic in nature, which caught the attention of the Elder Gods. Concerneed on what might be sending these creatures against Lusternia, the Elder Gods left to track down the source of the invasion at its source.

The powers within the wyrd forest of Glomdoring converged, resulting in the creation of a single black rose. For months, the commune members of Glomdoring cared for the rose. When the rose blossomed, it released Viravain, the Elder Goddess who gave her life essence to the wyrdling woods, who was reborn as a child. Thus comes the Child of the Wyrd to Glomdoring.

As dimensional instability plagued the nexuses of power, the Elder God Lacostian tried in vain to find a solution. Unfortunately, he needed the help of his brother Elcyrion who himself was lost searching for a place named Xion. Lacostian was merged with the planar fabric known as the Akashic and he was able to begin a divine spell that created a spire that could reach Xion and hopefully contact Elcyrion. Just as he completed this working, however, the Akashic record was sundered, ripping Lacostian apart in the process.

The Tolborolla Valley was discovered, which rests just under Avechna's Peak, was discovered. A small community of furrikin and tae'dae were discovered there. With deep spiritual ties to lost Ackleberry Forest, these residents of the valley have turned to the quiet pursuits of beekeeping and silk weaving.

The fourth of the bards guilds was founded by Raflein of New Celest, called the Cantors Guild.

Throughout the week we are offering a credit sale, a weekend xp bonus extravaganza, games with prizes and more to thank the players for all the support they have shown Lusternia!

Ialie Starfall of Serenwilde founded the Spiritsingers Guild, the third of the bards guilds in Lusternia.

A volcanic eruption in Mount Zoaka resulted in the discovery of a clan of dracnari who live beside these lava pools and raise wyverns.

The Aetherspace Trading System was released today, a new feature that enables aetherships to trade wth the infamous gnome merchants.

Aia of Magnagora founded the Cacophony Guild, the second of the bards guilds in Lusternia.

During Lusternia's Anniversary celebrations, Nirrti of Glomdoring won the poetry contest and was chosen to be the first to awaken the voice of an Elder God who fell during the Elder Wars. Thus, the Harbingers Guild was founded, the first of the newly released bard archetype in Lusternia!

LUSTERNIA CELEBRATES TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

The Goddess Viravain apparently passed away as she dispersed her essence throughout the dark forest of Glomdoring which was ailing. As the commune of Glomdoring mourns her passing, the forest itself heals as the Shadow Council endeavours to follow Viravain's last command to be strong and grow.

Aethercraft specializations are released! Choose to be either a Commander, Combateer and Empath.

A lucidian astrological observatory was discovered along the Emerald Road. Initial reports of strange experiments within this research center began circulating throughout the Basin. In apparently unrelated news, viscanti children began to mysteriously disappear.

In a dramatic turn, Hajamin the Golden Lord began acting erratically and even assaulted Lyreth the Sidereal Prince. Though the divine were unable to enter his temple, the defenses still allowed mortals entry. When finally they unlocked the diabolic puzzles holding the Eye and turned it over to Charune, the Lord of the Hunt. Hajamin immediately lost his form, turning into a amorphous being. Fearing it was a Soulless God, all of the Elder Gods mounted an attack. However, before this creature could be defeated, he revealed himself to be Morgfyre, one of the original traitors during the Elder Wars. Elder God Fain immediately switched sides and rescued Morgfyre, taking his shattered form deep beneath the earth. It was later learned that Morgfyre had consumed the essence of Hajamin and was living through his form.

Using the mysterious divine artifact called the Eye of Dynara, the Elder Goddess Terentia travelled to the Void to free Hajamin the Golden Lord from a trap. Hajamin was weak and needed the Eye of Dynara to help himself heal. He rested in New Celest while the Eye itself was kept deep within his temple.

The Elder God Lyreth, the Sidereal Prince, arrived in the Basin of Life for the first time since the Elder Wars. Players helped this new god find his lost voice, and in return he gifted them with the new common skill of Dramatics!

When Serenwilde broke their Oath, the Dark Spirits were drawn from Glomdoring and forced back into the Serenwilde Forest, bringing their ties to Mother Night with them. Both nature communes suffered, as Mother Night was stretched between the two forests, causing chaos within both communities. Eventually, both sides had to once again meet and agree to cooperate in returning the Dark Spirits to Glomdoring.

Dark Spirits from Hartstone's past plagued Serenwilde Forest, gaining power until White Hart, the guardian spirit of the Serenwilde, sacrificed himself to contain this darkness. Serenwilde eventually called forth the Elder God Charune, the Horned One, who created White Hart. However, not even Charune could save White Hart until the dark spirits found a new home. Eventually, Serenwilde was able to negotiate with the dark forest of Glomdoring to accept the dark spirits, and Charune was able to restore White Hart to the forests.

When a mysterious illness struck a taurian girl, the shaman of her tribe prescribed ingredients that could only be located in a remote arctic location, beyond a glacier in the Mountains of Avechna's Teeth. With the help of several adventurers, the girl's father, the taurian leader Lauk, cut a path into and over the impeding glacier and opened up Snow Valley to the Basin. Eventually, the cure was found, and the taurian girl was healed.

The Holy Supernals of Celestia and Demon Lords of Nil were in danger of falling into 100 years of sleep. The Celestines and Nihilists managed to briefly work together to find a solution to prevent this catastrophe. In the end, they created deeper spiritual bonds with these great cosmic beings to anchor them to alertness. It was found that through these deep bonds, they could call forth the symbols of the Holy Supernals and Demon Lords, which symbols held many powers.

After the gods changed the nature of the Transcendental Fulcrux, shrines raised by their divine orders were forever changed. Shrines are now divided among three types: war, healing and shield. Each type of shrine has a different set of powers that affect either individuals or an entire area. Mortals are quickly learning to adapt to these new divine powers that derive directly from the gods themselves.

A faction of fae in Faethorn were unhappy that their kin were leaving Faethorn, having been influenced by the Great Spirits of Moon and Night. They decided to awaken the Tree of Trees, a Great Spirit who sleeps deep within the ethereal aetherways, who in turn planted the Song of Ail'fae Rhunia into the spirit of an innocent fae girl. When the song was released within Faethorn, all bonds were broken and the fae returned to their home.

After months of planning and with a little help from the fractured dwarven kingdom, the Syrinx Plaza Hotel was finally erected in New Celest.

The Hartstone guild tutor has recently been experiencing strange visions and a cold sensation. Meanwhile his strange mutterings have led the Hartstone to discover a ancient circle of trees within a gloomy part of the Serenwilde that reacts to certain objects. As of yet the Druids of the Hartstone are unsure how these two events are connected.

A new system for village revolts came into effect, whereby villages to break away from being vassals of cities and communes in groups. Also, the feelings that villages have towards cities and communes slowly change over time.

A new era of Divine Orders saw these holy (or unholy) organizations split into three levels: the Outer Circle, the Order, the Inner Circle. Divine patrons and their followers slowly make the adjustment into this new system.

After sacrificing copious amounts of angelic blood, the City of Magnagora brought forth the Silent Cathedral into existence.

Elryn Greythane joins the ranks of the Master Cartographers for his efforts in mapping aetherspace. Be sure to visit his maps on the Cartography Page.

Strange beings from the aetherways were marooned in Avechna's Peak and were mistaken for gods by some people of the Basin. When it was finally made clear they needed help to go back into the aetherways, they revealed themselves to be gnomes! Before the gnomes left, they shared the secrets of creating aetherships and trained those interested in the aethercraft skill.

The Elder Gods Lacostian, Elcyrion and Raezon came together to perform a magical working to look deep into the Void. They discovered that a dark entity was try to absorb the Elder Gods Terentia, Fain and Hajamin. They were able to save Terentia and Fain, but Hajamin was lost. Fain and Terentia were weakened to such a state that they had to be cared for on the cosmic planes, where their followers gathered essence. Terentia was the first to awaken, and she retrieved an object that had remained in the Void. When Fain awakened, he was extremely upset that Terentia retrieved the object.

A bloodied scholar led the way to discovery of the Verasavir Valley, where tribal taurian hunters battle ghost wolves.

Queen Maeve of the Fae granted a wish at the wedding of Butter Sweetpease and Perriwinkle. Butter wished for her long lost godmother to return and bless her at the wedding. Queen Maeve granted this wish, which released Jeitara, a vicious kelpie who had been trapped by her sister Lanikai, the Sea Hag. Jeitara was eventually driven back into her prison, which was revealed to be the Carai Caroo, which lies deep within the Inner Sea near a thermal vent.

When the Viscanti Great Houses collided with the Iron Council of Magnagora, House n'Rotri used the chaos to seize control of the Necromentate itself. Events escalated with the release of a plague of iron encased creatures and finally Kebira n'Rotri proclaiming herself Empress of the Basin. It took the resurrection of the lost House y'Bolgari and a trap constructed of necromantic rituals to finally vanquish her.

In the fulcrux of the Elder God Roark Libertas, his pet eagle was found slain with a threatening note to Roark. The mystery deepened as a dwarf pilgrim became trapped in a stasis field by a mysterious stranger. The stasis field was finally punctured, though at the cost of the dwarf's life, and clues led to the identity of the stranger being Jacques Lelouch of Delport. Roark ripped apart hapless Jacques' body and found a dark spirit incased within. Roark eventually banished the spirit, though many questions were left unanswered as to who or what this spirit was.

A furrikin savant named Weeky Peedea arrived in the Basin, showing an interest in the Great Libraries. However, he was not displeased with the lack of oversight. He subsequently oversaw the building of the World Library, where important historical works were published as well as drawing the attention of divine scholars who would recognize prestigous works.

Once again, chubby little gnomes in red winter solstice suits mysteriously appeared at unexpected times throughout the Basin of Life, handing out presents to those who begged for them!

The leader of the chubby gnomes, Jolly Bundy, entered the Basin and taught certain craftsmen how to create 'toys', which turned out to be figurines to use in miniature battles. Everyone caught the craze of collecting miniatures and sending them to battle in various contests.

In the dark forest of Glomdoring, Ashteru d'Illici, a Blacktalon druid, organized a gluttonous feast and frenzied celebration in honor of the Great Nature Spirit of Brother Crow. After blood sacrifices were made to this dark spirit, Crow manifested in person, blessing the celebrants who followed his totem with greater powers.

A strange disturbance took place upon the astral plane. An invisible membrane burst and released an alien power that reverberated throughout the astrospheres. The minds of those who were unlucky enough to be on the astral plane began to become afflicted by hideous and alien thoughts. And thus, insanity is enters as a new hazard of traveling the astral plane.

Gnome chefs appeared in the land, carrying pies baked for the divine! Many mortals were able to beg a few of these tasty treats from the chefs which proved to give blessings when eaten.

Members of the Glomdoring Commune discovered shimmering roses growing on the forest floor. These strange roses would prick the fingers of any who plucked them, absorbing the blood. The petals of the roses could then be pressed into the cocoon that the ebonglom wyrm spun around the Master Ravenwood Tree. An enormous creature eventually broke free of the cocoon, which flew over the Glomdoring Forest. Also in the cocoon were the Great Spirits of Mother Night and Crow, as well as the newly formed Viravain and Isune. The result of this great divine ritual was the transformation of the taint within the dark forest, which the fae called the Wyrd of Glomdoring.

After the Elder Goddess Viravain was trapped by the Seal of Justice, the Elder Goddess Isune drew her spirit out. Unfortunately, Viravain's spirit had no body and took up residence in the body of Isune, who thus exhibited the split personality between the two goddesses. Together, the goddesses tried to recreate something new in the Forest of Glomdoring. Isune wanted to give it beauty and Viravain wanted to give it strength. The result was that the ebonglom wyrm spun a cocoon around the Master Ravenwood Tree, encapsulating the goddesses, the Great Nature Spirits of Crow and Mother Night, and itself.

A bolt of lightning opened a path up Mount Seirode, which was hidden in the Northern Mountains. Atop this mountain grew a crystal tree. Strange birds, called aerials, appeared, and could be collected and taken to this crystal tree, where they were absorbed. Eventually, the tree revealed itself to be a trapped Elder God, Elcyrion the Erudite.

A disembodied presence was felt by a few sensitive persons, and it turned out to be a fragment of the spirit of the Elder Goddess Isune, having escaped from her trap behind the Seals of the Nine. The Elder God Lacostian constructed a statue to focus the fragments of her spirit, and with the help of mortals, the statue transformed into a new body for Isune. Unfortunately, she was seemed slightly unstable, seeing everything as infected by the Taint.

Lusternia will donate 10% of all sales to the Red Cross's South Asia Earthquake Relief through Monday, October 24, 2005. Any credit purchases made before then will receive 20% bonus credits.

Lusternia turns one year old! Launched on October 7, 2004, the past year has witnessed enormous expansion. Almost every month saw the addition of new guilds, new skills, new areas or new systems. The core player base is rock solid and steadily growing, allowing the community and world history to flourish and expand. In celebration, throughout the weekend there were games, lotteries, quizzes and contests, all with many prizes.

The Great Libraries have finally been built within the cities and communes of the Basin. As a library grows in prestige and size through the writings contributed by the many authors in the Basin, so too does the cultural standing of the city or commune in which that library stands. Thus, begins the Cultural Wars of Lusternia!

Some hunters tracked rabid white tigers into the Basin, soon followed by a mysterious druid who tracked the hunters. The citizens of Magnagora and Celest eventualy helped the hunters kill these berserk tigers within their walls. Meanwhile, the mysterious druid who tried to stop the killing of the tigers, received help from Hartstone and Blacktalon and was able to recover their cubs. In the end, the Hunting skill was then taught to the warrior and druid guilds, with the warriors able to specialize in Tracking and druids able to specialize in Ecology.

Four scribes landed upon Toronada Tidal Flats, an area that had yet to be discovered by the majority of the population. These scribes were looking for the Great Imperial Library in order to help decipher a tome written in divine script. Dismayed that the Imperial Library was destroyed during the Fall of the Celestine Empire, they began working to help the cities and communes build their own Great Libraries. Thus, the new trade skill of Bookbinding was discovered.

Lusternia implements the Nexus, Iron Realms's latest java client. It has many new features as well as an incredible character creation sequence. Play Now With Nexus!

A mysterious dwarf entered the Basin, bringing wth him the skill of the Artisan. Later, three other strangers followed, all members of the League of Elite Weaponmasters, searching for this dwarf who was once a member of their League. Though they set out to convince the dwarf to return to their League, they were instead convinced to settle in the Basin. Thus, they brought two new Knighthood specializations, Axelord and Pureblade, as well as returning the native weapon skills to the dwarf, igasho, krokani and orclach races.

When rifts were opened during the Gorgog Invasion, dimensional parasites were also released. When the magi finally researched a cure, there was an unexpected side effect--mental powers were enhanced. Mages soon developed a new new discipline called Psionics, with specializations of Telepathy and Telekinesis.

As visions came to the Celestines, Shadowdancers, Nihilists, and Moondancers, a horde of creatures called Gorgogs invaded the Basin of Life. When four lucidian sisters appeared, the four guilds worked together to piece the meaning of their prophesy together. Each sister went to one of the four guilds and performed a ritual to shatter the shields that were hiding mysterious islands in Bondero Bay, where the gorgog invasion could be averted. The lucidians were powerful astrologers who began teaching those guilds the ancient science of Astrology.

A new Elder God called Shikari, the Predator, entered Lusternia through the Fulcrux today. He has settled into Glomdoring with his sister, Viravain.

The aslaran and krokani in the Grey Moors quietly revealed their two villages today: the tribal village of Shanthmark in the east and Paavik, the ancient krokani village which was once a barony in the old Celestine Empire.

The Lusternia website has been updated to view Player Information, including allowing players to add their own character pictures and personal photos. Also, graphics of the nexuses have been added, which can be viewed on the City/Commune Nexuses page.

The first demigod has arisen in Lusternia! Kalas Aesyra is the first mortal to reach level 100 and took on the mantle of demigod. Her full powers were only realized when Hajamin, the Golden Lord, took her on as his Herald. Congratulations, Aesyra!

In the wake of the opening of the Glomdoring Commune, its members received dreams of Crow searching for his shadows. Bau Sayelle-Gladheart sang the Song of Returning, which opened the way to the Dark Nest where the shadows lay. Thus, the Blacktalon Guild was founded with Bau as its first guildmistress.

The Elder God Fain and his followers summoned forth Gruvar, an ancient ur'Guard spirit, from his burial grounds, where upon they began an elaborate ceremony. In a massive bloody sacrifice, the orclach Knall blew the Horn of Urlach which brought down the shields surrounding the ancient ruins of Shalach, revealing the ancient fortress of the ur'Guard under which the famous Catacombs of Dead lie.

Congratulations to Gruhk Sevacora for having become Lusternia's first Titan! (Titan being level 99.)

The Lusternia website now has graphic depictions of each of the races, commissioned by a professional fantasy artist. Click here to check it out!

After months (or perhaps even years) of anticipating, the Commune of Glomdoring came into existence. A coven was formed to Mother Night, calling itself the Guild of Shadowdancers, and Gwynevere Whytetower-Drakonis was named Queen of the Night. Also, the Ebonguard was formed to defend the commune, with Daganev Treeripper was placed as its guildmaster. The Elder Goddess Viravain currently rules the commune with absolutely and total authority.

Rowena Nightshade, having duped the Laeroc, Consort to Queen Maeve to be the father to her child, gave birth to twins. Because Rowena was undead or perhaps because she ate prodigious amounts of food touched by the taint, she gave birth to twin faelings (the natural offspring between elfen and fae) who were larger and darker than normal faelings. These came to be known as shadow faelings, which all faelings become when serving the tainted Great Nature Spirits of Crow or Mother Night.

With the awakening of the dark avatars in Glomdoring, so too did the shadow personality of Queen Maeve of the Fae. Mother Night sent her Daughters of the Night to conquer Faethorn, while Mother Moon sent her Ladies of the Silver Moon. There was no contest as Mother Moon held ascendency over Faethorn, much to the relief of the fae there who were afraid to be enslaved by the creatures of Night.

The situation seemed bleak in Luternia with Kethuru establishing a link to work his powers through Viravain. Estarra herself could not destroy Kethuru/Viravain because doing so would destroy everything as Kethuru's essence was trapped behind the fabric of creation on the Astral Plane. Meanwhile, Viravain/Kethuru was visiting havoc upon Lusternia, sending fragments of himself in the form of hideous abominations upon its peoples and battling the Elder Gods themselves. Putting aside their differences, the people of the Basin of Life came together to find a solution to retrieving the fragments of the shattered Seal of Nature that would raise Avechna and sever the link. Though the situation seemed bleak as Viravain/Kethuru had consumed the shards of the Seal of Nature, the greatest minds in Lusternia finally figured that out the solution rested in the Astral Plane. The shards had traveled down the link from Viravain and into Kethuru's main body where they could be extracted through the energy nodes on the astrospheres. When all twelves shards were recovered, the Elder Gods came together to raise Avechna. Unfortunately, there was not enough power in the reformed Seal of Nature for Avechna to sever the link even after the Elder Gods had drained all their energy into it. It was only until the Elder Goddess Isune, also known as the Wings of Compassion, sacrificed herself that the link could be severed, her essence becoming trapped behind the Nine Seals along with Kethuru. Creation was saved but the price of victory was too high for celebration.

A major catastrophe struck Lusternia. While Viravain, Lady of the Summer Song, was remaking Gloriana, she inadvertently broke a seal that bound the greatest of the Soulless Gods, Kethuru himself. Estarra and the Viravain/Kethuru merging battled and almost destroyed creation. The Elder Gods have come together, dropping all disputes between them, in order to do battle. But Viravain/Kethuru has consumed the shards of the Broken Seal, without which the link with Kethuru cannot be severed. Hope seems distant, but both mortals and gods alike are struggling to find a solution to this dire event.

The previous mysterious occurences were traced to originated from the Undead Emperor, Ladantine VII. Through an intensive series of quests for the three guilds involved, the lost art of Dreamweaving is again within Lusternia. The Hartstone Druids were the first to receive this gift after finding the pieces of a broken tablet scattered in unlikely places. The Aquamancers Guild was the second to learn the arts of dreaming, having recovered the 5 pages of the diary of the long departed Empress Sinenth and opening the way to the Lords of Tide. Finally, the Geomancers Guild were able to discover the location of the Lords of Rock and learn this forgotten skill after forming the Black Rock of Nightmare from chips of that artifact that were hidden throughout the land.

Mysterious occurrences plagued the Hartstone, Aquamancers Guild and Geomancers Guild. Dain of the Hartstone fell into a coma from which he could not be awakened. Meanwhile, in New Celest, Aquamancers were being possessed with the intent to attempt to destroy the Pool of Stars. In Magnagora, the Geomancers were cautiously optimistic when their guild leaders were posssessed by a spirit to lead the guild into a new age of power.

Two Elder Gods followed the signal from the Transcendental Beacon and entered the realm today. Hajamin, the Golden Lord, riding a golden pegasus and clad in celestial armour, is a warrior god who protected the timid creator goddess Viravain, the Lady of the Summer Song, during their time in the Void and brought her through the Fulcrux with him. Off topic, it was announced that Hajamin will also be a full-time coder staff member in Lusternia, in an effort to bring greater speed in development and customer support.

The conflict between the krokani and aslarans broke out again as the Grey Moors in the southern end of the Basin of Life were revealed. The krokani in the ruins of Castle Djarrakh and the aslaran tribe in the western hills both claim these plains as their own. And what hides beneath the crumbled stone of Castle Djarrakh yet remains a mystery.

Estarra uncovered the Great Seals of the Vernal Gods today, and with it came the implementation of Karma, a system of blessings and curses. Karma prompted much discussion and debate, but what its future will bring remains unknown.

Finally, success! Through the cooperation of Serenwilde, New Celest and Magnagora, Oleanvir Valley has seen a return of its adders into its grasses. Though the adders are now again part of the precarious ecosystem, where their reproduction outpaces the feeding of the rocs, the question remains: If the adders are again hunted for their venom, can they keep up their numbers to survive within their natural habitat? Or will the Basin have to forever be vigilant of this delicate species to ensure they never become endangered again? Many were involved in the restoration of the adders, including Gwylifar llyrFarathan and his wife Irryllia llyrFarathan, Prince Rhysus Saros, Warlord Daevos Feyranti, Moondancer Dumihru, Jasper Greythane, Serenguard Terenas, Serenguard Chessa, Mitch Riversong; Dahlia Windweaver, Flynt Ama'nar'isil, Sir Ordos Dekoven, Aquamancer Nirrain, and Silvanus Artharder as well as others from Serenwilde, New Celest and Magnagora.

Corpses of dead baby adders, long thought extinct, showed up in the cemetery of New Celest. In order to repopulate the species, however, required the combined efforts of New Celest, Magnagora and Serenwilde. Thus far, these three powers refuse to cooperate and the fate of the adders remain precarious.

Lusternia's first Artisanal and Bardic Awards have been announced!

Lusternia Website now includes searchable Help files.

Trader Bob disappeared for a time to dimensions unknown but was able to communicate through a bubble that appeared in the Basin. Though communication was garbled, he was eventually able to communicate that people needed to come together at the base of Avechna's Peak. There, a cube of energy appeared. It was discovered that gems were needed to help Trader Bob in his latest venture. When enough gems were provided, the cube split into the Aetherplex Chamber and three portal chambers, one each in Serenwilde, New Celest and Magnagora. Thus, Trader Bob succeeded in striking his greatest business deal yet as these chambers allow access to aether manses, private abodes in the Aetherways. New shops have opened which sells mystic items and artifacts that allow construction of these dimensional wonders.

For several months now, a wandering loboshigaru in tattered robes has been approaching other loboshigaru, asking the way to enlightened loboshigaru masters. Today, Devris has discovered the Monastery, which is very well hidden in the Razine Mountains. You almost have to search under every rock to find it, as the saying goes.

Magnagora embarked on a dangerous experiment to create new race of tainted fae. For almost a year, they were pitted against Serenwilde, but in the end they succeeded in infusing the Demon Lord Gorgulu with the essence of Spirit Moon and creating tainted fae. However, the experiment got out of control as cosmic and nature magics were anathema to each other. Though hundreds upon hundreds of tainted fae manifested and Magnagora grew in power as the Basin was slowly being tainted, Gorgulu began to devour the other Demon Lords. Finally, the Nihilists and Moondancers had to set aside their grudges and work together to destroy Gorgulu. In the end, the Moon Avatars grew in power and Gorgulu was slightly altered, much to the interest of the Nihilists.

Chubby little gnomes in red winter solstice suits mysteriously appeared at unexpected times throughout the Basin of Life, handing out presents to those who begged for them!

Official Lusternia Maps are now up, thanks to the talented and wonderful cartographers who won the Map Contest. Congratulations to the winners!

Deep within the Avechna's Peak, the Transcendental Fulcrux flared with energy as another Elder God found the Beacon and returned to Lusternia. Her name is Terentia the Even Bladed, once the right hand of Meridian, and a great warrior goddess during the Elder Wars. Her return revealed the hitherto unknown fact that the Elder Gods were once organized in Seven Circles, causing much speculation among the populace. Also revealed was that Fain, Raezon and their accomplices were exiled before the Elder Wars even started, and it was Terentia who led the forces that cast them out. Almost immediately after her return, Terentia and Fain were bristling at each other over these ancient animosities. What her return means to mortals yet remains to be seen.

This saga of the Hand of Tzaraziko continues, as this time the lucidian and trill of the mesa compound were bound and determined to recover the Hand of Tzaraziko. Their efforts paid off, with the help of Qaletaqa, Sioned and Nepthysia, and the Hand was used this time at the site of Hallifax. Once again, a power node was created, draining the power from the two lost cities, though no noticeable effects were seen beyond that.

The conflict between the dracnari nomads and the lucidian mesa compound came to a climax as the Seekers of the Eternal Flame helped the nomads recover the mythical Hand of Tzaraziko. Unfortunately, the Hand was not able to free the lost city of Gaudiguch from its entrapment in space and time, but rather drained off the some of the energies that was trapping Gaudiguch and creating a energy node of incredible power. The Seekers of the Eternal Flame included Akraasiel, Karrah, Helios, Nepthysia, Kharvik, Sekreh, Falasin, Zolas, Braem, Piccarda. Those helping the lucidian mesa compound included Bau, Rexali, Qaletaqa, Visaeris.

From now through 12/25, Lustenia will be donating 5% of all credit sales to the Child's Play program, which provides cash and toys to kids in Children's Hospitals across the United States on behalf of gamers everywhere. Share the love this Winter Solstice!

Open Beta officially ends and Lusternia opens fully. Thanks to those who kept with us during the Beta period!

For the first time in history, the great blood ritual was enacted in Glomdoring by the fledgling group calling themselves the Disciples of Crow, led by the renegades Visaeris, Guido, Yuniko, and Yukari. This ritual enabled Mother Night to resurrect Crow, and promptly started many debates throughout the Basin on what this could portend.

During the recent conflict between New Celest and Magnagora, a tragic incident occurred wherein a little fae girl was killed by the Celestians based on a misguided assumption by a young Celestine named Erion. Nevertheless, Prince Rhysus of New Celest supported Erion which led to the death of many fae, including the little fae girl. Much to the horror of Serenwilde, the girl was reborn into Faethorn and began to slowly transform into a demonic imp. Hayden, Laysus, Gregori, Caedryn and other Serenwilders quested long and hard to find a cure, leading them from the heights of Celestia to the demon pits of Nil. Finally, with the unexpected help from Magnagora, a cure was indeed found through a 'true tear' from the Queen of Insufferable Cruelty, which was received only through reading a longlost love poem to this most enigmatic Demon Lord.

War between New Celest and Magnagora swept through Lusternia in recent months. Each attacked the other at the heart of their respective power, and several Holy Supernals of Celestia fell and at least one Demon Lord of Nil was vanquished. In the end, the Star of Celest was extinguished, though eventually Celest reorganized and relit this beacon of Light after months of labor.

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The first guild leaders were chosen by the Elder Gods today amid much celebrations! Elections also began for the leaders of cities, communes, and cartels. A new age in Lusternia has begun!

The Great Viscanti Houses in Magnagora cooperated long enough to complete an awesome project deep within the Necropolis. Aided by Visaeris, Kaervas, Mary, Chade, Dias, Garduhl, Kaelar, Daganev, Mordechai, Arilyon and many other citizens, the Necromentate, a creature of pure mental power was created there. At first, it was wild and uncontrolled, but eventually, after grueling time and effort by the citizens, it emitted a shield of darkness that now surrounds Magnagora.

Researchers in New Celest, including Shiri, Rhysus, Elayna, Lyren, Vesar, Shiro, Elaeni, and countless others investigated how the old imperial capital was able to raise a shield of light to protect it during the Taint. Through their research and after months of effort, the Star of Celest has been created and now shines over the city, bringing multitudes of faithful supplicants under the auspices of the Light and raising a dome of light around the entire city.

Strange phenomena around Avechna's Peak reveals the history of how the Elder Gods and Estarra passed beyond the barrier of the trapped Soulless God. Apparently, Avechna's Peak itself is a knot of cosmic energy allowing for such passage. Having left a beacon for other Elder Gods to follow, so comes the Goddess Lisaera to the land. Also revealed is the Transcendental Fulcrux, which houses the centers of power for all the Elder Gods. Mortals begin a mass pilgrimage there and meet many of the Elder Gods, including the newly arrived Lisaera.

Lusternia's open beta sees spectacular success! After the first five days of opening, Lusternia catapults to no. 5 on TopMudSites and hits a peak of 257 on-line, thanks to the dedicated and wonderful community of players.

The great community of players succeeded voting Lusternia to the no. 11 at TopMudSites. Thanks to you all!

We thank our stalwart testers for all the hard work. Certainly, their efforts have made Lusternia a more stable environment than it may otherwise have been.