Materia Magica Latest News

A Rather Firm Yet Gentle Tourism Notice from Lord Vashir

Duende — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:43:34 CST

Attention, inhabitants of our fine town of New Rigel, and people of everywhere else!

In these economic boom times, most of us are doing well, but unfortunately, not all of us! Even on the streets of New Rigel, alongside merchants who are milking the bear and the bull for all they are worth, i see otherwise beautiful women, too malnourished to properly fill out their wonderful, er, parts; too poor to buy the makeup they so desperately need!

Even our small business owners are falling behind! This very last weekend, i was attending a conference on the, uh, well, a meeting on the, hmm. Scribe, cross this out, both last lines. Start the paragraph over. Even our small business owners are falling behind! One of my favorite former residents, Lady Solamentara, who emigrated southward some years ago, cannot fill her inn rooms each night, and has been forced to take on other, er, jobs on the side!

I would just like to take one moment to request all of you spend an minute of your day contemplating the sacrifices and hardships taken on by the poor women of our town, the poor girls that will one day grow into beautiful women, the old hags that with only a bit of spending money could become attractive, the poor husbands required to breed more beautiful women, and most of all, the poor business owners who ought be spending less time wondering where their next mortgage payment will come from, and more time visitng the finest parts of New Rigel, busy on tourism duty, if you know what I mean.

Feed the homeless, remember the undertrodden who drive our economy, and spend an evening at the beautiful tavern owned by Lady Solamentara!

-Lord Vashir

An Update From Lord Agrippa

Duende — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:37:32 CST

Loyal adventurers-

It has taken a significant amount of resources and investigation, but the Council of the Arcane is finally nearing the end of its research into the nature, opportunities posed by, threats pertinent to, and details of those entities brought into our universe by the tumult surrounding the bag of infinite depth.

Most recently, Archmage Glacius and his legion have combed through a vast mechanical monstrosity of the sort that the gnomes produce, but danker and darker and filthier. Churning unrefined petroleum out of the ocean bed south of Avros, when Glacius arrived, those months ago, the twin stations were empty, but for the corpses of their workers. The investigative team discovered the murderers, but refrained from doing anything about them.

In any case, those vast machines have been cleared of any possible negative trans-dimensional effects, and as such, they are now available for exploration. Glacius has declared him a neutral entity in this instance, and has left the matter of bringing the murderers to justice to the lords and ladies of Alyria, and our adventurers.

I hope that this news finds you well, and that you possess the strength and fortitude to survive the internal machinations of the steel beasts, should you journey there!

-Lord Agrippa

A Call For Assistance From Lord Vendredi

Duende — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:18:00 CST

Adventurers, I have a request for anyone anticipating travel in the unpopulated regions of Beltane in the near future.

Distinctly later than appropriate, Emperor Dicoletian has informed me of a mission undertaken by some of his elite warriors, several years back, to seek out and slay a pair of mythical dragons said to reside in the area. He has not heard back from them since their departure, many years ago. This information was recently declassified by his inner circle, as their fate has become clear by their prolonged absence.

If you happen across the dragons in the area, run away; if you happen across the remains of the Diocletian warriors, the Emperor wishes to give them a proper burial. That is all, thank you for your time.

-Lord Vendredi

A Warning To Sympathetic Adventurers From Lord Maldra

Duende — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:08:35 CST

Adventurers, a brief word of warning:

Earlier this evening, one of my constituents, Bjorn Irontooth, was kidnapped from his home in the bowels of the famed ship run aground on the western archipelago, the Magencia.

Some of you may mutter about the 'contested land' and 'accursed Agrippa', but to you, I say shut up. The attention-whore prince of Sepharia did not perpetrate this wicked deed; indeed, my crack team of Djinn were able to wish him home, and he is now safely back where he belongs. He has attested that no scurrilous son of Agrippa abducted him. Bjorn attested that a strange creature with metal skin and the voice of man sought him for slave labor, a curious situation without easy explanation.

This is not news of a solved crime, or even a fulfilled investigation, but a warning to report suspicious activity and be wary of your surroundings. The abductor's usage of the nexus spell narrows the list of known suspects considerably, yet simutaneously broadens the avenue of danger and vulnerability to future kidnappings. If you hear of anything strange occurring, be careful!

-Lord Maldra

All Spirits' Eve Aftermath

Vassago — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:26:02 CST

The evil armies have been repelled and the forces of the dark neutralized, by the actions of the citizens of Alyria, who rose up to defend their land during the invasion. Congratulations to everyone who participated!

Welcome to an Alyrian All Spirits' Eve

Vassago — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:15:31 CST

As the world of Alyria enters the dark half of the year, join the denizens of Sepharia, Beltane, Auryn, and Avros all day and into the night (9am October 31st through 12pm November 1st, Central Standard Time) on October 31st as they celebrate the cycling of the seasons... See the Druids of Xaventry as they allow their ceremonial solstice ritual to be viewed by outsiders in an extremely rare event... Guard the land from the evil that seeks to enter when the veil between worlds is thinnest... and when you're done (if you are still alive), go trick o' treating in the Townes of Rune, Xaventry, Tellerium, New Rigel, and Sigil.

Six armies have invaded our peaceful realm. The townes of Tellerium, Rune, Decara, Pirate's Cove, Seelie Castle, and the Palace of Diocletian have all been affected. In each towne there is a General who, protected by the evil powers he serves, sends his minions to reek havok in the land. You must help destroy these creatures of the dark, and protect our land!

Ravens fly throughout the realm, carrying mesages to the armies. Kill these dark birds and you will gain information on how to find the Overlord. If you are strong of heart and mind, journey to the Druids and return to them the items needed for their ritual and you will be taken to kill the evil fiend who has masterminded this attack. The location of the Druids' ceremonies this year is unknown, but some careful sleuthing should produce results.

Regardless of your strength or skill, all adventurers are needed. Enter the portals found in the invaded towns to find the evil minions who do not fear you. Slay them and return their equipment to the young druids found in the townes, so they may destroy it.

Other unusual characters, brought out due to the time of year, wander the streets and may offer you special rewards for assisting them with their tasks.

LEVEL GROUP: ARCHONS
A dark opalescent candle
A dark opalescent spellbook
A dark opalescent spangenhelm

LEVEL GROUP: 181-240
A dark opalescent bracelet
A dark opalescent whip
A dark opalescent amulet

LEVEL GROUP: 121-180
A dark opalescent kite shield
A dark opalescent belt
A dark opalescent band

LEVEL GROUP: 61-120
A dark opalescent gauntlets
A dark opalescent sleeves
A dark opalescent ring

LEVEL GROUP: 10-60
A dark opalescent leg plates
A dark opalescent boots
A dark opalescent platemail

2008 Zombie Stomp Aftermath!

Vassago — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:35:51 CST

The 2008 Materia Magica Halloween Extravaganza (Zombie Stomp 2008) took place on October 25th at 7pm until around 3am, in Austin, Texas at Vassago's (the Head Game Administrator's) private house in the suburbs. This was our fifth biennial party, with the first one being held in New Orleans over eight years ago.

The event was fully catered with a chef and a server. A bartender provided free-flowing beverages and food. An expert Zola-trained fortune-teller was on hand to divine party guests' deepest questions about the future. Guests also participated in an unusual party game known as "Zombie", which was created for the event. Gift bags full of candy and other tidbits were also given out to all attendees, featuring a special Materia Magica-themed Gnomish Miner's Bag.

Around 45 people attended. Many got together before the party and afterwards to hang out. It was a rousing success!

Check out party pics from the event!

Evil Afoot

Vassago — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 02:04:03 CST

Adventurers,

Very recently, one of your fellow explorers was deep in the lair of the Dracolich, seeking to end the spiritual tyranny imposed by the dastardly witch Pogonip Vseth that the undead dragon harbors there. The adventurer nearly managed to kill her, but was repelled by a combination of her hexes and a new, previously unseen spell, whereby she cured her wounds without relying upon her necromantic leeching powers.

The adventurer reported the news immediately to Lady Undya, but simultaneous reports were coming in from explorers and mercenaries and fledging witches alike, from around the world.

Scrying performed by Glacius, Grand Master of the Council of the Arcane, has confirmed that the new magical abilities that witches can now perform effortlessly are not unprecedented. Dark forces are growing, canvassing on a nearby plane of existence, perhaps preparing for an invasion. Such things have occurred before, and we must be on the lookout. Adventurers among you, be careful of the necromantic mysteries the future days may hold, and allied witches, research your new powers carefully, we will all need them in the coming days of danger.

May this message find you in good health,

Lord Agrippa

Materia Magica Celebrates All Spirits' Eve on October 31st

Vassago — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:14:05 CST

As the world of Alyria enters the dark half of the year, join the denizens of Sepharia, Beltane, Auryn, and Avros all day and into the night (9am October 31st through 9am November 1st, Central Standard Time) on October 31st as they celebrate the cycling of the seasons... See the Druids of Xaventry as they allow their ceremonial solstice ritual to be viewed by outsiders in an extremely rare event... Guard the land from the evil that seeks to enter when the veil between worlds is thinnest... and when you're done (if you are still alive), go trick o' treating in the Townes of Rune, Xaventry, Tellerium, New Rigel, and Sigil.

Advertise Materia Magica and Earn Reward Units!

Vassago — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:00:41 CST

Help support Materia Magica by linking your website, forum signature, or weblog back to us with a text link or with one of our many attractive banners and buttons, featured here.

Also, those of you who would like to help publicize the game are invited to download and print out the fine mini-posters (color and black and white available) available for posting on bulletin boards at your schools or other public display areas. These posters can be downloaded here .

High-quality, full-color, glossy posters of the Lord Agrippa coat of arms advertisement (suitable for framing) are, of course, available from the Materia Magica Merchandise Shop for your pleasure.

SPECIAL LIMITED-TIME BONUSES!

- Give us a permanent link on your pre-existing website or blog, and we'll give you 5 reward units!

- If you print out and post our posters, we'll give you 7 reward units if you send us a picture of the poster where it is placed!

* Subject to approval/validation. Limit 40 rewardunits per player without prior approval. Please contact us to request approval/verification. Posters must remain placed for at least 45 days and websites must retain link for at least 8 months.

Attend Zombie Stomp 2008!

Vassago — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:10:46 CST

You are invited!

The Materia Magica Halloween Extravaganza (Zombie Stomp 2008) is scheduled for Saturday, October 25th at 7pm until whenever, in Austin, Texas at Vassago's (the Head Game Administrator's) private house in the suburbs. All Materia Magica players 18 years of age and older, past, present, and future, as well as their friends and well-wishers, are invited to join in the celebration as we bid welcome to our thirteenth year as an escape from reality. This will also be our fifth biennial party, with the first one being held in New Orleans over eight years ago.

The event will be fully catered, with free-flowing hot and cold beverages (alcoholic and not, must be 21 for alcohol) and food. We'll have an expert Zola-trained fortune-teller on hand to divine your deepest questions about the future, as well as an additional surprise guest and a couple of unusual party games. Gift bags are also given out to all attendees, featuring special Materia Magica-themed memorabilia you won't find anywhere else.

Anywhere from 35-60 people are expected. Groups tend to get together the entire weekend (often staying in the same hotels), both before and after the party, to hang out, swap stories, and have a good time, although some out-of-state (and/or country) people fly in for the party and fly back out afterward. Costumes are appreciated but optional - the attendee with the best costume will receive a unique reward.

Bring your friends or come alone, it's all good, just remember to R.S.V.P.! Come incognito or reveal to others who your character(s) are. Please contact us if you have questions about group accomodations, good deals on airfare or hotels, etc. R.S.V.P. if you plan on attending, and we will add you to the Evite list.

Information and photos from past events can be found here.

Please see the Event Discussion Thread.