Volume Nine Issue Thirty-Two

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http://www.legendmud.org/                       ftp://ftp.legendmud.org/pub
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VOLUME NINE, NUMBER THIRTY-TWO                              August 17, 2002
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                          TABLE OF CONTENTS

                          The Editor's Note

                        NEWS, REPORTS, UPDATES
                          Calendar of Events
               Immortal Applications Due September 1st
                            Recent Updates
                          Recent Q&A Topics
          DID YOU KNOW: LOOK <direction> and LISTEN <direction>

                             LEGENDITES
                     LegendMEET - Canberra, Australia
                              Clan News
                             The PK Front
   Ishara Odelmion's story, part II : Recent Happenings in Her Homeland
            A Sign of Things to Come, Part II: The Unseen Hound
                           A Warrior's Tale
                           A Forest Solace
                            In Time of War
___                                                                   ___
\  |-----------------------------------------------------------------|  /
/__|                      The Editor's Note                          |__\
   '-----------------------------------------------------------------'

Come Monday morning, my whole life is changing. 

My daughter is starting Kindergarten. With her being diabetic and using
an insulin pump, this adds a whole other level of complexity to the usual
fuss and fanfare. The nurse isn't available to administer her insulin
every day after lunch so I will be going to the school a lot. I will also
get to go on any and all the field trips. And for a time, it means I'm
going to have to be available to the school to answer questions and help
get everyone settled into our new routines.

So, what does this mean for me and Legend? Basically, until I figure out
when exactly I'm going to be needed at school, my schedule is completely
up in the air. I already know that our update schedule on Friday is
probably going to shift times as that is one of the days the nurse isn't
there. It also means my time is going to be split up into even smaller
chunks. So please, if you're trying to get ahold of me, chatting for me
really is never the best way, drop me a note with what you need to talk to
me about and not just that you need to talk to me. It will help lots and
help me get you the answers/info you need quicker.

What does it mean specifically for the LT? Only that I will have to rely
even more on players to submit news about their characters, clans and PK
events and even RP events more so than now. I've sent a note to all the
GM's asking them to send me news when they can, and that invitation is
extended to everyone:   www.legendmud.org/Community/ltsubmission.php

-Kaige
___                                                                   ___
\  |-----------------------------------------------------------------|  /
/__|                   LegendMUD Calendar of Events                  |__\
   '-----------------------------------------------------------------'
          [All times are system time unless otherwise specified]
   
                                 AUGUST
                          Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
                                       1  2  3
                           4  5  6  7  8  9 10
                          11 12 13 14 15 16 17
                          18 19 20 21 22 23 24
                          25 26 27 28 29 30 31
 
      August wraps up our 2002 Summer Odyssey in the Industrial Era.
         Join us on a journey through time to explore our world!
 
Saturday,  August    17th   6:00 pm        Industrial Trivia with LadyAce
Wednesday, August    21st   8:00 pm        Scavenger Hunt
Thursday,  August    22nd   7:00 pm        Q & A in the OOC Auditorium
Wednesday, August    27th                  No Wednesday Night Game 
Thursday,  August    29th   7:00 pm        Q & A in the OOC Auditorium

Sunday,    September 1st   11:59 pm        Immort Applications Due
___                                                                   ___
\  |-----------------------------------------------------------------|  /
/__|            Immortal Applications Due September 1st              |__\
   '-----------------------------------------------------------------'

It's that time of year again. The deadline for Immortal Applications is
September 1st, 2002. If you are interested in applying to become an
immortal, be sure to speak to the appropriate department head about your
proposed project _before_ you submit your application.

Additional information on Becoming an Immortal at LegendMUD can be found
by reading HELP APPLICATION online as well as pointing your browser to:

       http://www.legendmud.org/Reference/documents.html

The individual links to take you directly to the important pages are:

THE IMMORT CODE OF CONDUCT
   http://www.legendmud.org/Reference/imm_conduct.html

IMMORT PROPOSAL REVIEW PROCESS
   http://www.legendmud.org/Reference/proposals/app_vote.html

THE GENERAL APPLICATION FOR IMMORTING
   http://www.legendmud.org/Reference/proposals/gen_app.html

THE ADMINISTRATION PROPOSAL
   http://www.legendmud.org/Reference/proposals/admin_prop.html

THE BUILDER PROPOSAL
   http://www.legendmud.org/Reference/proposals/builder_prop.html

THE CODING PROPOSAL
   http://www.legendmud.org/Reference/proposals/code_prop.html

THE PUBLIC RELATIONS PROPOSAL
   http://www.legendmud.org/Reference/proposals/pr_prop.html

___                                                                   ___
\  |-----------------------------------------------------------------|  /
/__|                          Recent Updates                         |__\
   '-----------------------------------------------------------------'

    /\                         CODE UPDATES
   /  \     
  /    \         There was no code update again this week.
 /_    _\   
   |  |     
   |  |                      HELP FILE UPDATES      
   |  |     
   |__|     The following helpfile was recently updated:
    /\      
   /  \          LOOK, TIME
  /    \    
 /_    _\   Thanks to all the immorts and players who made this possible.
   |  |     
   |  |     
   |  |                         SUMMER ODYSSEY      
   |__|                     INDUSTRIAL ERA UPDATES
    /\      
   /  \     If you want to suggest specific improvements or new additions
  /    \    to existing areas please don't hesitate to submit them with
 /_    _\   the idea/bug/typo commands or drop mudmail to the builder
   |  |     currently responsible for the area (check AREAINFO to find
   |  |     out!) And don't limit ideas to just these three months!
   |  |     
   |__|     AFRICAN SAVANNA
    /\           CONSIDER EVERYTHING!! -- Most mobs have been tweaked -
   /  \          some may fight harder or easier than they used to. Fight
  /    \         acts added to some that didn't have any before. Fight act
 /_    _\        damage tweaked on a few, mostly towards the lower end.
   |  |          Assists have been modified -- some added, some changed so
   |  |          they react  to calls for help. T'Kalo won't make things 
   |  |          if he's not in his hut. A handful of new rooms added to
   |__|          accomodate some geography cleanup - what was once
    /\           impossible geography no longer is but hopefully it still
   /  \          feels pretty much the same. Area should be somewhat less
  /    \         dangerous for those lower-level peoples. Expect some 
 /_    _\        additional mobs to be added in the near future.
   |  |     BENGAL
   |  |          The hook-nosed captain is now more like the other
   |  |          captains and the weaponeer can now use all his skills.
   |__|          Forage section -- thanks to Cheyla and Ibrahim for ideas.
    /\      GYPSY CARNIVAL
   /  \          All corpses from the boxing ring are now carried out.
  /    \    PARIS 
 /_    _\        Be careful with the boys (Colline, Rodofo, etc.) they now
   |  |          have a chance of dragging you back into a fight. Various
   |  |          minor bugs and typos fixed.
   |  |     PITTSBURGH
   |__|          Adds check for fighting before boarding the train.
    /\           Figured out where the flags weren't getting pulled when
   /  \          people arrived in Pittsburgh from Frisco.
  /    \    PORT OF LONDON
 /_    _\        No more clippers piling up. Also fixed a few other
   |  |          oddities fixed with the london->bengal captain's landing
   |  |          in Bengal. New mob and cats are now like other cats.
   |  |     SAN FRANCISCO
   |__|          Slight changes to how the Pitts->SF trans works. No
    /\           longer get to stop in a safe room. Flags related to the 
   /  \          SF->Pitts trans now removed properly. Shouldn't get stuck
  /    \         without being able to go OOC afterwards before renting or
 /_    _\        be able to make the trip without buying a new ticket.
   |  |          Coram and Stage Coach Driver can now use all their set
   |  |          skills. Various minor bugs and typos fixed.
   |  |     WWI SOMME, FRANCE
   |__|          Took the no_recall flag off of the quiet road.
    /\      
   /  \     
  /    \                        Other Area Updates 
 /_    _\   
   |  |     THE ALHAMBRA
   |  |           High level fighting mobs qualify for all their skills.
   |  |           Poison affect is now set correctly by the trap.
   |__|     ANCIENT GREECE
    /\            Keeps the no_recall flag on the lotus island, but takes
   /  \           off the safe flag. The higher level mobs (40+) can use
  /    \          more of their skills.
 /_    _\   ANCIENT INDIA
   |  |           Converts mtells to Arjuna from Indra to vnum instead of
   |  |           name, adds furniture to some houses, new furniture
   |  |           items, some of which are sold. 
   |__|     CELTIC IRELAND
    /\            Mobs qualify for skills set on them at loading. Young
   /  \           warriors now higher level. 
  /    \    FRENCH & INDIAN WAR 
 /_    _\        Rent changed on loincloths to be more reasonable. Various
   |  |          minor bug and typo fixes. 
   |  |     MEDIEVAL SEAS
   |  |           Magellan now qualifies for all his skills.
   |__|     PICTISH COUNTRY
    /\            High level fighting mobs qualify for all their skills.
   /  \     ROMAN BRITAIN
  /    \          Pulls the SAFE flag on the room before the hut.
 /_    _\   SALEM
   |  |           Removes the safe flag from the garden.
   |  |     SHERWOOD
   |  |           Richard, Thomas and Sir Guy qualify for their skills.
   |__|     1802 ALASKA, ANASAZI AMERICA, ARABIAN NIGHTS, BEOWULF,  
    /\      ANCIENT NAZCA, ROMANIA, SHADOWLANDS, TORTUGA, and 
   /  \     VICEROYAL PERU
  /    \          Various minor bug and typo fixes. 
 /_    _\   
   |  |     
   |  |                   In Progress Area Updates
   |  |     
   |__|     This section is intended to let everyone know what builders 
    /\      are working on behind the scenes. It is not a perfect record
   /  \     of progress as all builders will not make updates every week.
  /    \    Players badgering builders about progress or a perceived lack
 /_    _\   thereof will be flogged. Remember, the longer spent answering
   |  |     questions, the longer the project takes to complete.
   |  |     
   |  |             Kae           Larderello (Dante's Hell)
   |__|             Kheldar       Medieval Sea Trade

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
  _______   ____    _______
 /  ___  \ / __ \  /  ___  \  Logs of Q&A sessions are available on the
 | /   \ | \ \/ /  | /   \ |  web pages for those who are unable to attend
 | |   | |  \  /   | \___/ |  or had to leave early. The most recent ones
 | |   | |  /  \/\ |  ___  |  are listed on the sitemap page or you can
 | | /\| | / /\  / | /   \ |  get a complete list on the Q&A index page
 | \_\ \ | \ \/  \ | \   / |  at the url below.
  \___\/_/  \__/\/ \_/   \_|

     http://www.legendmud.org/Community/lectures/QandA/QA_index.html

                           RECENT TOPICS

 o Getting a Purged Char Back?       o Bug with Vehicles & Charms?
 o Unpurging Characters?             o Bug With Morgawr's Stuns?
 o Mobs that Sell Healing Potions?   o ETA on New Areas? New Era?
 o A Psionics Class?                 o Converting Mud Time to RL Time?
 o What To Do With Extra Practices?  o Silent Option for Housing?
 o Make Sugeons More Interesting?    o How Come Some Socials Gone?
 o Kudos on Charmie Changes          o Does GMA Quest Give WHOIS?
 o Which Quests Have I Done?         o Saving Notes in DTs?
 o HELP vs VIEW Commands             o Problems with OOC Elevator?
 o An IC Message Entering Game?      o Commonly Reported as Bugs but Aren't

You'll notice we've added a new section of topics that started with the
August 1st, log. We will be adding a Q&A feedback channel (it will be like
bug/typo/idea) so people can enter questions and get them answered and not
have to try to remember them until Thursday. Also, people will be able to
easily ask questions without having to attend, and the answers will all be
in one place instead of one immort mailing the answer to only one person.

This will also be a good place to put anything you're not SURE if it's a
bug/typo or feasible in order to get some feedback on it, unlike the other
feedback channels.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
   _____    
  /  _  \   DID YOU KNOW: Tips and tricks and little-used features
 /__/ \  \  
      /  /  Ever been out exploring and felt that you didn't get enough
     /  /   information about the room you were about to step into from
    /__/    the room titles when you typed EXITS?
    __      
   /  \     LOOK <direction> will often give you clues if you're about to
   \__/     walk into danger. Messages like "A nasty, churning, scummy sea
   _____    foam seems to be coming from the south.", "You notice some
  /  _  \   runes have been carved into the very steps of the staircase.",
 /__/ \  \  "The grass within the ring appears to shimmer slightly as you
      /  /  slowly begin to sink into the ground.", "Large paw prints can
     /  /   be seen heading to and from that direction." and "These
    /__/    natives do NOT look friendly." should be good clues to danger
    __      or at least closer examination and greater caution is
   /  \     warranted.
   \__/     
   _____    Did you also know that the LISTEN skill could also alert you 
  /  _  \   to danger in the form of agressive mobs and ones that current
 /__/ \  \  hate you lurking in adjacent rooms? Definitely time for some
      /  /  caution when you type in LISTEN or LISTEN <direction> and get:
     /  /     
    /__/          You hear angry sounds to the <direction>.
    __      or    You hear angry sounds nearby to the <direction>.       
   /  \     
   \__/     For more info, see HELP LOOK and HELP LISTEN if you qualify.

  ___                                                                  ___
  \  |----------------------------------------------------------------|  /
  /__|    LEGENDITES: Information Regarding the People of Our World   |__\
     '----------------------------------------------------------------'

               Denstra has reached 100 million experience!
              
               =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

                     LegendMeet - Canberra, Australia

Firstly I wish to thank McDougan for his post last week, if it were not
for him, then this would not be here.

As many of you know, and many may not. I am organising a mud meet in
Canberra, Australia. It is to be held at Starbucks in the city (Shop 1
Katine Building 182-200 City Walk Canberra), during lunch time on Saturday
21 September. If anyone requires lifts from airport, bus stop etc, please
contact me, and something will be arranged. Same applies if you require a
place to stay for the night.

On the evening of the meet there is a performance of 'La Boheme', in which
a certain player will be performing the lead role. This performance starts
at 8pm at the Canberra Theatre (02 6257 1077). Tickets are $60 adult or
$45 concession.

Since no one knows what I look like, and may not be totally sure if this
is the correct place at the meet, I am giving a picture to the pic page.
Hopefully Straussy will update in time, if not, then send me your e-mail.
The pic was taken at my Yr 10 a couple of yrs ago. So expect to see a few
changes, eg, I have HAIR!

  - Stygian

 For more information on other meets, see the news board while online, 
     there are several posts regarding ones in different locations.

     ___                                                          ___
     \  |--------------------------------------------------------|  /
     /__|                     Clan News                          |__\
        '--------------------------------------------------------'

There are currently 13 RP clans and 8 PK clans. This leaves open slots for
eleven (11) more clans to form. For more information, read HELP CLAN and
see the clan information list via the CLANS command while logged into the
game. For a basic handbook and reference guide for players interested in
founding and running a clan, we recommend that before you even type FORM,
you visit: http://www.legendmud.org/Reference/gm.html.

     ___                                                          ___
     \  |--------------------------------------------------------|  /
     /__|                   The PK Front                         |__\
        '--------------------------------------------------------'
                           
Being able to call the fires of Hell upon your enemies is a useful gift.
But one must remember to be careful that those fires are contained lest
they cause you to be burned as well. This reminder crashed down upon me 
as I bound Dias-Jax and threw the inferno at him. He wilted like a plant 
in the desert sun, but the legendary Crowe took exception to my 
enchantment and proceeded to send me to the grave instead of the rightful 
traveller, Dias. Sad but something to remember, always watch who'll be 
caught in the blast.

Your Lord,

Barabas BoneCrusher

               =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The Infernals remain a force to reckon with, as they had nearly every
member out in the middle of the action this week. The Grendels also had
the majority of their members out in force too. The Knights of Legend and
the Revolution sent forth roughly half their forces to fight against the
evils of the land. The Grand Coven sent a couple of witches out as well
this week. The Hermetic Order, the IRA and the Syndicate each only had one
member on the PK front, but every PK clan was represented.

               =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

There were 75 pkill related deaths involving 53 different characters in
the last week. Of those 53 characters, 30 of them were accept all at the
time. So come on, let's get YOUR name up in lights! We can't report on it
if you don't tell us about it!

If you have you witnessed or commited any glorious or nefarious deeds,
send a short report to us at the LT. If you are looking for a fight,
recruiting, or anything else related to PK (not necessarily PK Clan
related), advertise here with us! It's free AND you'll get a token! Be a
celebrity, the envy of all your friends! Tick off your enemies or just
tell your side of the story! The possibilities are endless -- act today!!
 
              _______________________
             /                       \
        o O | Wonder what folks are   |
  `\|||/    | doing over at LegendMUD?|
   (o o)     \_______________________/
ooO_(_)_Ooo________________________________________________________________
_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|___
__|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|

   Ishara Odelmion's story, part II : Recent Happenings in Her Homeland

All is not well in Silverleaves, indeed, all is not well in Dalkir, some
would say. The hordes of Chaos has, aided by so inclined humans, grown in
the mountains and have begun to sweep down across the lands. One of the
first countries to be invaded was Taytor. Many humans have fled into the
forest, abusing the forest and its inhabitants by their ignorance of the
Balance. Trees are cut down and animals are killed, leaving cubs and
kittens without parents. On top of that, the hordes of Chaos press on,
inflicting more damage to the forest, pressing it to the brink of
destruction. And this is where Ishara's story among the people of our
world begins.

The High Council of Silvertrees consists of sages, wizards and elderly
rangers. When the hordes started marching on the forest, they gathered to
determine the course of action. At first, much of their time was spent
bickering amongst themselves, but as the enemy approached, driving
unfortunate humans in front of them, agreement upon a solution was
reached.

They would assemble the artifact known as the Gift of Order, a rod with
thirteen ornaments. Seven of these are made of clear crystal and represent
valuable abilities, four of them are precious stones representing the
elements; a ruby for fire, an amethyst for air, an emerald for earth and a
sapphire for water. The last two ornaments are works of metal, one silver
and one gold, representing heart and soul. The different parts of the rod
are, perhaps as a precaution from the Gods, scattered across the Worlds.
Two of these, the Crystal of the Insight and the Earthen Gem are here, in
our world.

The High Council chose nine people to retrieve the items. One of the
Chosen was Ishara. She had previously shown skill and resourcefulness,
useful traits on a quest with so dire consequences. After a short briefing
and a shorter farewell to her forest, kinsmen and wolf-companion, she was
teleported here by one of the wizards. She found herself in a small town,
near a grove of trees inhabited by druids b she had arrived in Tara.

               =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

            A Sign of Things to Come, Part II: The Unseen Hound

Even the massive tangle of limbs and leaves that stretched like bony arms
over the forest road could not keep rays of moonshine from guiding her
path. For some, the trail might seem forboding... but for Sister Trinity
d'Arpajon, it seemed blessed by the rays of her Lord and Saviour.

She had been traveling for three nights and two days... humming the
occasional hymn or some little folk song her mother had taught her many
years ago. She was smiling -- content that she was following the path laid
out for her by that higher power in which she vested so much of herself.
She knew that this quest was dangerous, perhaps so much so as to be her
last. She knew that what she was doing was for the greater good. She knew
that if she was successful that Sir Lawrence, one of her dearest friends,
might be saved.

Sister Trinity did not know that she was being followed.

Ten feet beyond the tree line, sniffing his way through bushes and
thickets, Thor was making sure that any reputation he may have as an
overly curious basset hound would remain unquestioned. Many years ago, a
tawny Catholic nun had saved his life... fending off what must have been
the most wretched and desperate of undead that had come to feed from him;
and was going to make damned sure that if she required a return of that
favor, he would be there.

Thor was well aware of what his companion was doing. He knew that Sir
Lawrence was like the creatures that had tried to kill him so long
ago... knew that he was like the creatures that Sister Trinity hunted down
with such a fervor as he had never known. He also knew that Sir Lawrence
was, at the same time, nothing like any of those creatures at all. Trinity
often said, 'We are in the business of saving, mon chere. Never forget
that.' So, while he enjoyed the occasional gnawing of a certain
silver-haired hunter's hand or pant-leg... he knew that somehow or
another, his companion would see to it that Sir Lawrence would, one day,
be no more a creature of the night than he.

However, the basset hound had realized quite some time ago where this path
would take his beloved friend. It was the path on which she was now
treading. The path on which she whistled and hummed and smiled. A path,
which he knew and could not for the life of him figure out how she did
not, that would almost certainly lead to her doom.

               =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

                            A Warrior's Tale

               Instances of love and passion growing
               Times lost and places outgrown
               Matters of pain and seeds sown
               Reality blown
               
               Ohh god what do I do
               I am here and so are you
               Deep inside thy eyes of blue
               Something blue, something true
               
               Trumpets blare out the call
               Legends born and legends fall
               Fate plays his part never small
               I ride on to monsters hall
               
               Death and life so sweetly born
               The monsters hall I was torn
               Left for dead no life to mourn
               The eerie sound of deaths horn
               
               The monster calls, his blood aflame
               No warrior's swords or arrows tame
               No hero left to claim the fame
               The village ruined, all lives in pain
               
               A warrior stands on deaths own door
               With sword drawn he stands no more
               The monster comes all blood and gore
               The monster falls, the warrior roars
               
               All those left tremble and hide
               The monster called, people died
               Yet hark who comes no mount doth ride
               The monsters head held by his side
               
               Call to glory, the horns give way
               The warrior comes; he's saved the day
               Yet his journey ends, the price to pay
               For never again will blue eyes say
               
               I love you
               
               
               A page from the diary of Sir Edric Wulf
               Found floating in the wind
            
               =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

                          A Forest Solace

The ranger dropped to one knee beside a small trail and looked at the
ground, and then ahead, and behind him. 'It is close, my friend, you will
eat well tonight.' he said and smiled. The silver wolf beside him put his
nose to the ground and smelled at the trail. The ranger patted the wolf's
head and stood up slowly and began walking noiselessly in the direction
the sign indicated. With cunning to match that of his companion, he
spotted more sign, a broken twig here, more spoor there, it was
unmistakable, their prey was close. Then he spotted it, a lone moose,
separated from the herd. Its left leg broken by a poorly aimed shot by
someone who cared little about their prey. The ranger took aim, and the
silver wolf tensed beside him, without sound the arrow left the composite
bow and struck true, the moose took a few steps and fell, the silver wolf
shot out like lightning and finished the job, though the animal was
already on the verge of death from the arrow through its heart.

Looking around cautiously, the young ranger dressed the animal and carved
off some for his companion to eat, putting the rest in packs to be salted
and dried when he goes home, to last until his next trip to town, and the
hide he put into a pack as well, to be made into clothing and packs. He
bent down and stroked the wolf behind the ears. 'Can you believe some
people say that this is wrong... it is not your fault, Nikos, some people
mean well with their environmental ideas, but they don't see that if
populations are allowed to get out of control many more animals would be
dead than if there is some hunting, for food, not sport, but for food, as
God intended...'

The silver wolf looked up and licked the ranger, almost as if to say that
he knows, and will survive.

The solemn ranger stood and looked off into the coming night. 'Come Nikos,
we must find shelter, a storm brew tonight.' The wolf disappeared into the
forest. The ranger walked a few more yards and turned, then quietly did
the same.

               =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

                          In Time of War

The pile of steel and splintered wood in the cellar was the first sign of
them I had received in months, the pool of fresh blood beside the mess
that was my specimen cage was the second.

The beasts of my past had once again invaded the sanctity of my wifes
house and attempted to steal my research materials and their stink lay
heavy in the air.

As I studied the carnage around me it all became very clear to me, the
research in the last few months had been focussed around reanimation with
rememberance of past life and experience... quite the troublesome area as
it had turned out, most of my prior reanimations had resulted in spasmodic
gibbering piles of flesh, useful for little more than carrying things when
my back was aching as it is want to do.

But the last few had an almost depraved glint in their eye, it was at that
point that I had ceased research on reanimation, for fear that perhaps I
was too close to something that would neither benefit humankind nor god.

The usually dull vacant stares had been replaced with a burning bitter
glare and the slow shambling strides of the past replaced with firm sure
steps across the lab.

Although none of them ever spoke or responded to my queries they were
certainly different, of course as some might recall one of the creatures
has talked to me since, and made threats against myself and my wife.

And now this...

I believe the time may finally have come to put an end to my research and
erase the mistakes of my past before it becomes too late, as it stands
these abominations hold almost the entirity of my notes and quite a few
samples to ransom and assuming they are as sentient as they seem could
well be using that research to further their own cause, whatever that
might be.

If anyone out there should read this and would aid me in this time of
fragile peace please do let me know...

Doctor West.

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