I've been working hard lately on enabling multiple arenas in our code, and finally, I am nearly done! I'm also adding some extra features to Arenas, such as the ability to have freeforalls just for specific organizations, and eventually (though not right now), the ability to have an FFA pitting organization A as a team against Organization B as a team. I'm also going to put in various settable arena modifications, such as no flying, double speed balance/eq, slow movement, and so on.

Now, these arenas will be available initially only to cities, and they will be extremely expensive. I haven't decided on a price yet, but it's likely to hover around 10 million gold plus a yearly upkeep fee. Of course, you'll be able to get the profits from people who use the arena. We are, however, going to award one lucky city a free Arena, and this is where the Big Event comes in.

Starting at midnight GMT this coming Friday (that's when the Orphean Serenade is), we will start keeping track of every experience point that is gained or lost by citizens of the three cities, as well as by Oakstone. If Oakstone wins, Eleusis will get the Arena. Whichever city has netted (ie gotten the most after xp losses have been subtracted), wins.

Now, there is going to be a twist that many of you will like. First, we're going to give everybody grace on Friday at midnight GMT. You're free to reject it or keep it. Second, we're going to turn off xp loss from death, and xp gain from player-killing. This will last until midnight GMT on Sunday (ie on Sunday during the Orphean Serenade). We're also going to declare Achaea a no-pkill-rules zone during that 48 hour period. Kill (that does NOT mean taking people's equipment) people all you like. there will be no reprecussions whatsoever from the Gods during this period for player-killing, because you won't actually be losing anything except the time to get ress'd or immolated, or to pray.

So remember, Friday, Midnight GMT (that's 5 pm Pacific time, 8 pm Eastern time, and I believe 9 am in Australia?): Bloodbath time. Plan your strategies, because just killing people isn't going to net your city one whit of xp. You have to actually be doing quests and bashing too.

Oh, also, the Gods are going to be allowed to represent whichever city they choose and have an avatar out killing people and bashing or whatever.

Penned by my hand on the 7th of Lupar, in the year 276 AF.