View source for Berries & Ink/Issues/Berries-01-08

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| '''Publication:''' Berries & Ink 
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| '''Volume:''' 01
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| '''Issue:''' 08
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| '''Issue Date:''' October 1, 2024
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| '''Contributors:''' [[Eruwyn]], [[Vixonia]], [[Shaylynne]], [[Allye]], [[Daerlynn]], [[Dasheek]], [[Shaoimhe]], [[Nawain]], [[Valynn]], [[Hanryu]], [[Kiashandra]], [[Crobin]], [[Nilme]]
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| '''Editor:''' [[Illiya]]
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| You tap a colorfully illuminated parchment.

A blob of berry-red wax is affixed to the parchment.  It is imprinted with a plump strawberry nestled in a crown of delicate leaves.
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| 
    [~* Vibrant watercolor strawberries grace the top of the page, depicting a basket overflowing with plump, juicy fruits interspersed with inkpots and feather quills around an unfurled scroll hand-lettered in a playful script: *~]
    
    Berries & Ink - Volume 1, Issue 8
    
    [~* Editor's Note *~]
    
    Welcome back, dear readers, to a pivotal edition of Berries & Ink. As we navigate this extraordinary time of wild magic, let us celebrate the struggles alongside the victories. The clans have been liberated and Dantia has returned, marking a turning point in our journey.
    
    From thrilling tales of adventure to insightful explorations of our wild magic world, this issue has something for everyone. Whether you're deeply invested or just tuning in, we hope you'll find something to pique your interest.
    
    We are extremely fortunate to introduce an amazingly talented trio of new contributors to the Berries & Ink family: Daerlynn, Kiashandra, and Vixonia, whose poems will undoubtedly delight and inspire you.
    
    Once again, Berries & Ink remains committed to providing a haven of creativity and solace during these turbulent times. We hope these pages bring you joy, inspiration, and a much-needed escape from the chaos of the world. So, grab your favorite beverage and settle in for a magical (and wild!) journey.
    
    ~With unwavering spirit, Illiya
    
    [~* A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors for this issue: Golameth, Mahe, the Wagering Administration Commission, and Akeiro & Selame *~]
    
    [~* Twin apple tree branches abloom with pale pink petals embrace the words "Guess Who? by Eruwyn Cholares" *~]
    
    A deep black, jagged edge encircles the portrait, giving the impression of nothingness beyond the edges of the painting. A Rakash woman stands facing a mirror, her eyes a wide moss-green with a hint of sadness etched in them. Her hair, a frizzy mass of ginger streaked with white, creates a halo effect around her coltish form, and an unseen wind seems to pull at the cloak of emerald that she wears. One hand is outstretched toward the glass surface where a very similar figure is revealed with subtle changes between the two. Black instead of white streaks the hair of the image and instead of eyes the color of nature, a star-flecked blackness stares from the high-cheekboned face.
    
    (Last month's portrait: Illiya. Winner: Dasheek. Mail in your guess for this month! The winner will be revealed next issue.)
    
    [~* Prydaen Ponderings by Vixonia *~]
    
    Recently my kin was called to a meeting at Sunfall Hub.  Following is a poem of what transpired...
    
    When called to bonfire, with tales to tell
    A wizened munan bade us sit a spell
    He spoke of the past for all our kin
    Accounts of hub life he then did spin
    
    The Claw of Eu was his focus
    And how they once helped all of us
    Ministering to body, faith, and soul
    He then explained each historical role
    
    The Spirit-guards bonded between the spheres
    The physical and spiritual did they revere
    Shadow-stalkers studied the outside threats
    Vowing that we should not forget
    
    Wild-callers fought to find balance
    Blending with nature was their talent
    These wise ones focused to make us whole
    The hub, a safe space, it was the goal
    
    He then paused, as we sat and pondered
    One last comment before he wandered
    "These memories to you I freely give
    So the kin will know how we once lived."
    
    [~* Seasonal Stargazing with Shaylynne *~]
    
    Arhat the Fire Lion: The Immortals have spoken and They said the world needs sorcerous casting. Keep playing with fire, the blacker the better.
    Moliko the Balance: Things still feel a little off. One pan is weighted with wrong juice and the other not full enough of the right kind. To bring things into balance, tip the scales with mixed mana casting.
    Skullcleaver the Dwarven Axe: A Skullcleaver can't fix magic with an axe, stay home this month, or slay drakes and be useful by cutting down spire vines.
    Dolefaren the Brigantine: You'll notice a new star on your charts this month. That's Liraxes. There's a high probability Liraxes would tell you to do sorcery.
    
    Disclaimer: Fate doesn't reflect the views of the writer, unless there are substantial amounts of Dokoras involved.
    
    [~* Fashion Alley with Allye: Campus Couture *~]
    
    Togball fever is hitting colleges and the streets of cities alike! This latest fashion is all about blending style with athletic prowess. This season's star piece? Sleek, vibrant jerseys in the colors of your school or clan, ensuring you rep your team with flair.
    
    Trendsetting togballers have been seen wearing loose-fitting pants in surprisingly eye-popping colors, perfect for both training and attending lectures in comfort. Sturdy boots with wide treads offer top-tier agility, and don't forget a ruggedly chic book bag to carry both your school supplies and spare togball! For accessories, braided team-colored wrist wraps and bright pennants are absolute must-haves for any serious togball enthusiast.
    
    Finally, to clinch that elective credit, don't forget your notebook and quill!
    
    [~* A Call to Action by Daerlynn Soulmyste, Minstrel of Elanthia *~]
    
    Her first home, Dirge, had been freed, with the help of the Immortals. But this was just the initial step in their fight against these beings. More was needed, a call to action to every hero in Elanthia. Something to be sung in every inn, in every hall and on every street corner. No more kidnappings, no more deaths, no more encasements! The time for indecision was in the past!
    
    Dirge had been freed, at such a great cost
    Many brave heroes, but with such a great loss.
    Our world these Heralds, they seek to remake
    Perhaps the World Dragon, they attempt to awake.
    
    Evil Heralds they seek to meddle in our land
    Dividing us, destroying us, we must take our stand!
    O people of Elanthia, do not be swayed
    It's us or the Heralds, so they must be slayed!
    
    [~* Addiction: A Silent Epidemic by Dasheek *~]
    
    In Elanthia, where mana flows like water, there exists a growing epidemic: mana addiction. This insidious affliction has claimed countless victims, from the humble villager to the mighty sorcerer. But perhaps the most alarming case is that of the infamous mana thief. Driven by an insatiable craving for mana, this shadowy figure has risked exposure and defeat to indulge in their destructive habit. With each stolen stream of mana, they draw closer to the brink of madness, their once-noble intentions clouded by greed and desperation. It is a cautionary tale for all: the pursuit of mana, while essential for survival, can lead to ruin. Addiction is a powerful force, capable of corrupting even the most virtuous. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please know that help is available.
    
    [~* A stack of delectable-looking tarts are drawn piled against the words "Sweet and Savory by Shaoimhe Bramblebairn" *~]
    
    This month, I want to take you on a journey. A very important journey - a journey to tarts. So close your eyes...wait, no, you need to read! OK, just imagine (with eyes open...) ~ Freshly churned butter is chilled and cut into flour. It tickles your nose as you sprinkle water into the crumbly mixture, binding it into a soft dough. This is pressed into small ridged tart tins and set into the oven as you start on the filling - berries, just picked today. They are fat and full of flavor, blending together with sharp spices over low heat. Each tiny tart gets a heaping spoonful before baking just a little longer. The crust is flaky, the filling is a beautifully dark purple, the smell is divine, and you finally get to take that first bite...
    
    [~* When Gods Implore by Nawain Augtaire *~]
    
    Arise, agents of Change!
    Thy creators call,
    They stand before thee
    They show thee wonders,
    And bid thee craft
    Marvels of intermingled mana.
    We weave the future in Their Names!
    
    Arise, children of Elanthia!
    Protect what is
    In defense of what could be.
    We must grow to survive.
    We must survive to learn.
    For Elanthia's future,
    Give us the chance to do better.
    
    Arise, guardians of Hope!
    The past is not a shackle,
    But a foundation for the new.
    Let the lessons of old be our guide,
    Yet never bind our hands in fear.
    For change is a storm we must weather,
    And in its wake, new life shall bloom.
    
    [~* Elven Epicurean Explorations by Valynn *~]
    
    As I travel Elanthia my mind wanders. These days it goes to five friends. Their drink preferences so akin to their personalities. I sip rosehip tea at Milene's and muse on Lady Ayrell, warm, sweet and always helpful. Another sip and Dantia's face flickers at the edge of my sight. I recall she is fond of an iced mint tea in the Crossing Empath guild - refreshing and sassy just like the healer herself. I muse on my first Visions meeting and meeting Miskton, renowned for his creation of Ilithic Apple Brandy, and Navesi who spun up a tall, frosty glass of Black and White martini. A cup of dark coffee appears at my elbow, and I think of Mazrian and his love of Saja's Coffee in Mer'Kresh. Pushing the tea aside, I sip the coffee carefully and think of my friends. I head for home, resolute in the knowledge my friends will be back soon, and we will share memories at the nearest tavern.
    
    [~* Tips for Blunting the Spear by Hanryu Calibanor *~]
    
    New gear may get all the glory and magic sure is flashy (or wild as the case may be these days), but fail to overlook proper maintenance of your defensive kit and prepare to suffer the consequences. Take pride in that armor that has been with you for years and make sure to keep it in good repair. After a long day producing monster gibblets, clean off the gore, scour the larger plates and use a brush to get into those nooks and crannies. Only after your armor is clean can you inspect it for damage and assess what's needed to get it back in fighting form. Consult the local crafting society masters for detailed tips on how to speed up this vital process. Develop this habit and your armor will be there for you when you need it most. Your mom was right, clean up your stuff.
    
    [~* Ode to an Ogre by Kiashandra *~]
    
    filthy offensive
    an ogre is a menace
    a sword through the heart
    
    [~* The Adventures of Lavacano Gator, Ch. 8: Disguising the Goblin by Crobin Yuanfen *~]
    
    Inside the bustling streets of the Crossing, Lavacano knew his goblin appearance would draw too much attention. Spying a stall with cloaks and hats, he decided to rely on stealth. With quick, practiced hands, he snatched an oversized cloak and a wide-brimmed hat, slipping into the shadows before the merchant noticed.
    
    Disguised and blending into the crowd, Lavacano moved cautiously toward the Barbarian Guild. As he weaved through the streets, a pair of guards patrolled ahead. His heart raced, but he quickly ducked into an alley, pressing against the wall as they passed, unaware of his presence. Breathing a sigh of relief, Lavacano continued onward. The imposing guild was finally in sight.
    
    Adjusting his cloak and hat, he prepared himself for the next challenge, hoping his disguise would keep him hidden as he approached the legendary warriors.
    
    [~* Framed by tiny clusters of rosebuds tinged in the diluted hues of a sunrise are the words "The Times We Live In by Langen Esturi Nilme Iondu'il" *~]
    
    Share your love with those held dear.
    Find inner resolve in the face of fear.
    
    Defend the ones in need of aid.
    Honor every promise made.
    
    Search for answers where you may.
    Look for some joy in every day.
    
    Follow your heart where it leads.
    Find the flowers among the weeds.
    
    Hold onto hope that the tide soon turns,
    These are the things to do as the world burns.
    
    [~* Thank you for reading! Look out for more juicy bites next month! *~]

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