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The ODS Newsletter comes back to life 01/15/2010 03:13 PM CST
With much thanks to our editing staff, I'm pleased to announce we've brought back our monthly newsletter. It's designed to be a mix of helpful information and whimsical humor. We'll leave it up to our readers to determine which is which.

http://odsnews.l2p.net/index.php


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Oleveir says, "One must be careful around the angry ODS women."
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ODS Membership News 2-5-10 02/05/2010 08:52 PM CST
Please join us in congratulating our newest Dragon Shielder to the ranks, Angorath.

We also welcomed back a very familiar face to a Council seat, Rallyne.
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February ODS newsletter 02/12/2010 10:04 PM CST
A new edition of the ODS newsletter is out!
http://odsnews.l2p.net/index.php

Assistant Scribe Nithhogr


Player of Nithhogr, Riverhaven Empath
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Fundraising Auction by the ODS 03/06/2010 04:17 PM CST
The Order of the Dragon Shield is having their Realm Wide Fundraising Auction March 14th at 9pm EST at the Trader's Guild in Riverhaven. Here is a list of items that will be available to bid on. This list is slightly subject to change. If more desirable items are donated, something may be booted so that we keep within the 50 item limit. Please come out and attend this auction and get yourself something nice. Look forward to seeing you there.




1. a dark ironwood short bow
Dark ironwood has been lightly oiled to a sheen that emphasizes the dense grain of the wood. Fine steel cord is wrapped securely around the short bow from tip to tip, lightly reinforcing the weapon without compromising its flex or accuracy. Slender strands of spidersilk have been tightly braided to create an elegant yet durable bowstring.

2. a reinforced osage Elven war bow hand-tooled with an undulating wave pattern
Engraved near the riser: Bowmaster Renshear Shapan'geur, House of the Gilded Longleaf

3. some pitch-black leathers

4. some perfect damaska-hide leathers

5. a gold-trimmed mahogany yoyo
The red-brown wood has been polished to a fine-grained glow, with circles of gold leaf on either side.
(teaches perception to 300)

6. a warrior's tower shield
The inside of the shield is lined with the skin of a beisswurm.

7. a hooded night-black woolen highwayman's cloak
Black as night, the cloak can barely be distinguished from deep forest shadows.

8. an alder carving case with a wild boar clasp of rust-red carnelian
Partitioned into useful sections to help keep various tools organized, the interior is lined with quilted silk to protect the contents from being jarred. A small clasp of dark rust-hued carnelian is set in the wood to secure the case when it is closed.
You rummage through an alder carving case with a wild boar clasp of rust-red carnelian and see a bronzed carving knife acid-etched with boars, a bronze wood shaper adorned with carnelian boars, a parchment boar primer and a slender bottle of forest green glass flecked with shades of earth and rust.

9. The incense case is etched with a wreath of glaysker flowers surrounding a phoenix in flight over a bridge.
There appears to be something written on it.
A jade incense case reads:
Inscribed beneath the bridge are the words: "Within the darkness, the light of a candle shines."

10. Halberd

11..field plate armor
Riveted to the metal is a small copper plaque depicting a lion and a panther encircled by a ring of leaping dolphins.
(Forged by Relayer)

12. some oversized Imperial diras

13. an all-purpose leaf-patterned survival belt
Leaves of every hue of brown and green cover the belt, making it perfect to blend into a forest background.

14. Lanival Mask
You gaze at the mask and see the noble face of Lanival the Redeemer. The mask has been crafted from golden medal and shows him smiling wearily as if returning home from a long battle.

15. ankle-high Elven stalking boots

16. a branded leather wristwrap with braided straps
Wrist straps are stained a deep brown and channeled through the center, creating small sheathing loops designed to securely hold a small weapon. Embossed into the leather is a Gnome crouched in a fighting stance and wielding twin throwing darts.
There appears to be something written on it.
A branded leather wristwrap reads:
"Made for most darts. Designed by Kampu, owner and operator of "The Toss-O-Rama"
You rummage through a branded leather wristwrap with braided straps and see a needle-tipped dart, a needle-tipped dart, a needle-tipped dart, a needle-tipped dart and a needle-tipped dart.

17. a steel head war mallet
A steel war mallet with an iron-shod oaken haft is a heavy edged melee-ranged weapon.

18. a black armband embroidered in golden thread with the symbol of the Zoluren Expeditionary Force
The armband is boldly embroidered with the letters "Z.E.F." and the image of a sword hanging above a galleon.
a triple-fullered steel broadsword with a cambrinth-inlaid hilt

19. broadsword
Three shallow grooves run from near the tip of the gently tapered steel blade down to a brass crossguard swept up into the shape of outstretched wings. The lacquered hardwood grip has been inlaid with fine spiraling veins of cambrinth, which weave their way to a large faceted cambrinth stone set in the pommel.

20. a black velvet viol case
The soft velvet case is a bit larger than normal, to hold the larger size viols.
In the viol case you see a snakewood convex bow, an ebony lyra viol and a finely woven ebon-hued cloth.

21. augmented hauberk
Light chain (Forged by Averalaan)

22. some field plate armor
HP (Forged by Thorbain)

23. an augmented hauberk
(HC (Foreged by Averalaan)


24. a ZEF standard-issue cutlass
Etched into the curving steel blade is the image of a proud sailing ship silhouetted against the map of Zoluren. Beneath the ship is a curling banner with the words, "Zoluren Expeditionary Forces" etched in spidery letters.

25. a ruby-eyed cinder beast with glittering black diamond claws
A miniature replica of the Maelshyvean monster, the small but heavy statuette depicts a heavily muscled man-like being covered with enameled scales of silver. Rigid wings of black leather are affixed to the broad shoulders. Short onyx spines that are blunted to allow for safe handling run down the neck, back and arms with three sparkling claws tipping each limb. Cabochon ruby orbs are set in its head, giving it blood red eyes. Gleaming silver tusks frame a piece of flint just inside its gaping maw.

26. a ZEF standard-issue mace
Inlaid into the head of the mace is an ivory disk bearing the image of a proud sailing ship silhouetted against the map of Zoluren. Beneath the ship is a curling banner with the words, "Zoluren Expeditionary Forces" etched in spidery letters.

27. a ZEF standard-issue battleaxe
Etched into the heavy steel blade is the image of a proud sailing ship silhouetted against the map of Zoluren. Beneath the ship is a curling banner with the words, "Zoluren Expeditionary Forces" etched in spidery letters.

28. a heavy cotton bedroll dyed with a camouflage pattern
Drab avocado and taupe splotches of every size and shape speckle the exterior, making it easier to blend with natural surroundings. Lined with fur, the bedroll is warm and comfortable.

29. a severely curved matte black longbow carved with an intricate scale pattern

30. a polished leather back harness

31. some gauntlets
(Heavy Plate)

32. a weapon sheath formed of rawhide cords and miniature shields,
Made of intricately woven rawhide cords, the belt-worn sheath is reinforced with small metal fasteners resembling tiny shields. Each shield features a detailed jousting scene in raised relief.

33. a studded greatsword harness

34. a triple-lathed reinforced hickory crossbow
The composite lath on this crossbow is made from a layer of wood sandwiched between two layers of highly engraved and mirror-polished steel. The ironwood tiller has been reinforced with finger-thick iron bars that have been strapped to each side with three stout iron bands and the nut is a solid piece of watered-steel.

35. a pike
(player forged)

36. a fine black-jackal scabbard,
You rummage through a fine black-jackal scabbard and see a spear, a spear, a spear and a spear.
(Player forged)


37. a fine black-jackal scabbard
You rummage through a fine black-jackal scabbard and see a javelin, a javelin, a javelin and a javelin.
(player forged)


38. a smoky quartz-beaded prayer mat depicting the Fourth Stone of the Cloud
Ablaze with a wintry blue light, the stylized monument is surrounded by a confluence of open-armed Elves, Elotheans and S'Kra Mur frozen in ritual.
There appears to be something written on it.
A quartz-beaded prayer mat reads:
"Crafted by Weaver."

39. Claymore
(player forged)

40. a grey goat-pelt sporran adorned with carved wooden buttons
Each piece is carved in the shape of a farm animal, the various creatures attached to the front of the container.

41. a jade-inlaid machete with a frayed leather handle
ildew has taken hold under the edges of the inlaid jade, and the blade shows dark waves of corrosion.

42. a long copperwood allarh with polished gold langets
The weapon's steel spearhead is immaculately clean and freshly sharpened for the next foray into battle. Expertly shaded by a master's hand, dark brandings spiral along the shaft in a stylistic array of intertwining angular lines. A trio of bronze ribbons tipped with ruby beads dangles from the blunt end, creating a dull tapping noise whenever they collide with the pole.

43. a ball and chain

44. a dented bronze gladiator's shield
Molded from a single piece of tarnished bronze, the circular shield has been dented in several places. Polished steel studs ring the perimeter, and the image of a springing lion has been embossed on the center.

44. a warrior's tower shield
The inside of the shield is lined with the skin of a beisswurm.

45. midnight blue bandolier embroidered in black with the stalking panther of Damaris
The blue bandolier is a specially cut and sewn garment that straps across the chest. This one is designed to carry about 5 throwing knives. There is a soft shimmer around it, as if the very fabric were woven with magic.

46. sleek quadrellos (12)

47. You sling a light repeating crossbow with a silver-trimmed oak stock off from over your shoulder.
The repeating crossbow can house four more bolts.
Age-darkened, supple leather wraps generously about the crossbow's length. Tiny cracks and small stains have formed in the leather from its years of use in less than ideal conditions.
>

48. Short Bone Spear
This unusually straight length of bone ends in a sharp obsidian tip.
A short bone spear is a pike melee-ranged weapon.
The bone spear appears generally best suited for thrusting attacks.
A short bone spear is a short staff melee-ranged weapon.
The bone spear appears generally best suited for bashing attacks.

49. a simple phantom sapphire pendant dangling from a delicate silver chain
Every fragile link blends perfectly with the next to produce an uninterrupted flow akin to a beam of starlight. The jewel is meticulously sculpted to rest in a round bezel setting, allowing light to refract in a prismatic array across the polished metal. A tiny silver moon serves as the clasp, connecting the chain discreetly amidst the crescent. Under indoor lighting, the phantom sapphire exhibits a shadowy grey hue.

50. Unbonded Cleric Spell Book with Case

Thanks,
Ladeda
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ODS Strike Force 3-1-2010 03/10/2010 11:47 AM CST
The first of hopefully many updates from Strike Force Field Correspondant - Sipf

Ahhhh, Strike Force, out from the crucible of Group Tactics, Bravado, Brawn, and Death comes Invasion training. Tonight was a small group, most likely due to the new time, but we still had quite an adventure! Present was:


Strike Force Leader Kalnean, Moon Mage Extraordinaire
Furbel, The Empath with the Elven Longsword but the baby shield
Omdelle, Elanthanian Idol Star
Sipf, ODS Recruit, and
Redeth, Slayer of Sky Giants!

After entertaining suggestions for critters to tackle we ended up heading to Thugs in Throne City to tell Fade what we really though of him and perhaps make a few of his gang walk the starry road, never to return. Kalnean and myself hid mostly trying to coax the Thugs to display their magic powder with purple showing any adventurer invisible and green any who sulk in the shadows. Meanwhile Omdelle made use of Siren to lull the Thugs in to their doom.

These thugs have several attacks: broadswords, spears, daggers, but the most dangerous turned out to be their Crossbows. Furbel was the most vulnerable target and was shot so full of bolts that he could have doubled as a Ciressa's pin cushion! Nevertheless, each time he was stunned Sipf was there to drag him to safety, patch up his wounds, and allow him to continue on the fight. In an effort to secure more powder Kalnean made use of darkness and shadow web which at first sent Sipf rocketing back to the orders office at the hands of Contingency! A quick moongate and he was back to the action...

While Kalnean continued his barrage of disabling spells Furbel furiously attempted to heal the rest of the group, so much was Furbel concerned with his fellow adventures that he began to neglect himself. As the battle heated up, crystal spikes were flying around the room this way and that only to be split asunder as they impacted with their foes. Omdelle let loose with an enchante while waves of unstable teleportation energy materialized organs from the thugs upon the ground. Amidst the chaos two thugs took aim with their crossbows and before anyone could stand in to help they both fired their bolts true! The sound of bow strings recoiling and air parting, WHOOOOOSH, filled the air and when the brave Strike Force team turned we saw that our brave companion, Furbel, had alas, fallen.

A mighty roar erupted in defiance as Kalnean prepared one of the most difficult spells within the Moon Mage spell book and unstable waves of distorted reality radiated outwards, winking the Thugs out of existence. A moongate was opened and Furbel was dragged back through to the safety of the office where he was healed and resurrected by Lillietta, a cleric who just recently had been gifted with the ability to return life to the dead. The group cheered now that their fallen partner in arms had arisen and ventured forward onto new challenges!

For only the second time in Strike Force's history the fearless crew headed out towards the dreaded.... SKY GIANTS! Kalnean quickly dispatched of most of them, despite having several scars and even Omdelle was able to land a few choice hits. Sipf, despite his use of both Primary Magic and Targeted Magic CJ's was restricted to cheering his team mates on and offering moral support. Redeth put up quite a fight and was able to take down several Giants before being hurt himself at which point our valiant leader sounded retreat and we returned to the office to live and adventure another day.

The major lesson learned from tonight's Strike Force was to watch for ranged attackers to FACE someone. Often times this can give the other adventures warning as to who will be targeted and who needs to be SUPPORTED should they be unable to defend themselves.

The city of Riverhaven can sleep soundly tonight, it's Strike Force ever vigilant...
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ODS Strike Force 3-8-2010 03/10/2010 11:49 AM CST
Another great bit of field work from Sipf. You can look forward to future tales of Strike Force from Sipf in the days to come!

The scent of blood and gore hung heavy in the air as Kalnean summoned up his Strike Force to do battle against those who would oppose the peaceful way of life that exists within Riverhaven...

Your mind hears Kalnean thinking, "Strike force now gathering at the order office. Time to head down if you're joining us."

Your mind hears Sipf thinking, "Is folding paper, counting gweth stones, and reading your compendium getting you down? Come one and all to Strike Force! Break the hum drum, and learn to better your skills and protect your beloved Riverhaven! We will be starting very shortly and meeting in the ODS Office in Haven."
Your mind hears Sipf thinking, "Moongates available, get them while they last!"

With this seemingly innocent call to arms dawned a day that few will forget. The type of battle that Bards sing songs about and toast to, Paladins thank their patron Chadatru for, and Barbarians recount around a fire dancing adorned in war paint. It truly was a day that would live on in all of our memories until the Immortal see fit to recall us. In attendance was...

Nethia, Selfless healer
Firegard, Protector of the innocent
Angorath, Barbarian to the stars
Ladeda, Master of SICK
Khohan, With a soul gleaming of pristine luminescence
Wynsbirth, Slinger of fire rain
Kamoku, Master of the Elements
Snales, One with nature
Omdelle, Conductor of Crescendo
Adinonn, Singer of Symphonies
Kalnean, Spliter of Grazhir
Sipf, Bestest and Most Modest of all
Rallyne, PvP Guru

Unaware of what fates lay before these adventures, Kalnean opened up with a few administrative bits. Both Sipf and Ladeda were granted the right to wear the coveted Strike Force Armbands anointing them as true protectors of Riverhaven:

On the foremost plate of the armband a symbol of a dragon-embossed shield over a ring of swords has been artfully etched.
There appears to be something written on it.

An armband reads:
"Many Swords, One Shield. Stand true, Strike Force."

The words "Stand True" never had more meaning then they did on this fateful night...

Beginning our quest towards victory Kalnean, Sipf, and Ladeda lead group out the east gate to the Land of Boars where Kalnean was heard to remark, "I hope you don't get boared" for which he was promptly booed and pelted with blunt objects. The focus of this portion was to practice keeping groups together, retreating when needed, and a first safe trip to get used to the chaos of battle. After one member was lost for a short time Kalnean informed the group that it's the lost individual's responsibility to seek out and rejoin their group as taking the entire group in to find a single straggler is foolhardy at best, and suicide at worst.

Feeling confident after much slaying of boars and boories, Swamp Trolls were next to feel the wrath of the Elite Strike Force! As the spells were slung and the hammers thrown Adinonn and Omdelle joined together in lulling the unsuspecting Swamp Trolls into our mitts with the sweet sounds of the Siren's call. Wynsbirth continued to infuse the area with extra Elemental Energy as Aura Sight was applied to keep these mavericks of music, these lushes of limericks, these hero's of haiku singing. This being an experienced group a moon gate was opened back up to the office and new challenges were sought up along the road to Theren. Unbeknownst to our brave crew, this was the very moment at which the tapestry of fate had been woven and their fate and eventual doom ensured...

After a rousing reenactment of the swimming Olympics, Warcats and Red Bear Orc Scouts were sought thanks to their ability to hide and provide the team with an unseen foe. Even with another chorus of Siren from Omdelle and Adinonn these foes proved to be no match for the hardened Strike Force and Kalnean lead us to Gryphons, expecting nothing more than some advanced training. What we received upon our arrival though surprised everyone, and would send a chill through the soul of even the most perverse necromancer.

As the members of Strike Force prepared to face off against the Gryphons, Kalnean offered his team a few words of last minute advice, "If an enemy is dangerous for you and can quickly send you packing on a one way trip down the Starry Road it's best to not let them reach melee range!" As the wretched gaggles of birds began to flock towards us Wynsbirth unleashed a powerful volley of Fire Rain, hotter than the burning yet life giving sun itself, to rain down upon them. As the onslaught continued a casual, almost jovial exchange began...
You say, "That's one mean mean spell!"
Kalnean says, "That's the idea."

As the pyrochastic flames rained down like the shattered pieces of Grazhir all around us something seemed amiss. Wyns strained, and then faltered, and the experienced among us glanced around in sheer horror at the sight that began to unfold before us on the battlefield.

Kalnean says, "Wyns, you're out of control, careful."
Snales says, "Ouch."

But it was too late, as Wyns fought valiantly to control his conjured clouds of death the Ethereal Shields surrounding us buckled and then failed. Seemingly instantaneously the tides had turned and despite their training the Strike Force could do little more than stand there, Stunned, as they were pelted by the fiery bits of ash. Sipf was among the first to shake off the stun and despite being mortally injured himself he grabbed the first fallen and not yet slain adventurer he could get his hands on, dragging Snales away to safety. By the time he was able to return for more wounded it became abundantly clear that Meraud was not watching over this mission and falling to his knees and clutching his head he could sense the death cries of three of his comrades in arms as the fire proved to be simply too much for their fragile flesh to bear.

[23:08] * Nethia was just struck down!
[23:08] * Angorath was just struck down!
[23:08] * Ladeda was just struck down!

With the calm of an alfar avenger Kalnean did what any good leader does in a crises. His first order was to Sipf, "Open the Moon Gate, we need to evacuate the fallen. Sound the Retreat!" As the last of the rain fell and the very ground began to smolder Sipf made use of his studies in enlightened geometry and produced a moon gate. As Kalnean ushered all the survivors and the fallen through the gate, Sipf held it open as his own life force began to dwindle and his blood ran like the segolth, spilling onto the ground. As if the effort to maintain the portal for the extended evacuation wasn't intense enough, the gryphons had chosen this moment as their ideal time to attack! Mustering up every last shred of Elothean spirit Sipf endured and when, at last, the battlefield had been cleared he was the last to approach the gate. With a quick look around and a fist raced towards the sky he spat upon the ground vowing that we would learn from this travesty and prevent it from ever occurring again.

While Curus offered healing of the fallen, Lillietta and Keldra intervened to keep their souls from the void. The rest is a blur of screams of pains, the moans of the spirits of the dead, and prayers of those charged with protecting those very souls but one thing is for certain. Whenever there is a disaster those who inhabit the city of Riverhaven are always there for each other with a fresh bandage, a spark of hope, and a word of encouragement.

While the gallant Strike Force members may have lost the day, the lessons learned will ensure that Riverhaven need not ever fall before those who would conspire to oppress us.

"Many Swords, One Shield. Stand true, Strike Force."
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ODS Membership News 3-19-10 03/19/2010 10:10 PM CDT
Please join all of ODS in congratulating Nithhogr for ascending from Assistant Scribe to Council Scribe, and Neeno for returning after his highly acclaimed tour of the Dwarven homeland to once again take up a seat on the ODS Council.
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To my beloved ODS 05/18/2010 08:11 PM CDT
As you are all aware, I have stepped down as Commander of the order. Tonight I officially turned over my scepter and was removed from office.

There is so much I want to say to you all, but I'm not sure I can find the words. I am very proud of all of you and so grateful to have been allowed to serve in the manner that I have. I am not leaving, and I will be nearby when I am needed. ODS is strong and I have every confidence that we will move on to the next chapter with tenacious strength and grace.

Each of you brings something unique and important to the order. Please remember that. Never doubt how vital you are, or how appreciated.

Once I have had a chance to enjoy some time off, I'm sure I'll be back to work in some capacity. Be kind to Darkskye as he shoulders the responsibility until a new Commander is chosen. Be equally kind to the new Commander as they settle into to their new role. Oh wait, I forgot for a moment who I was talking to. Break the new Commander in properly, much death and mayhem. We are Shielders, after all.


===
Oleveir says, "One must be careful around the angry ODS women."
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Re: To my beloved ODS 05/21/2010 10:18 AM CDT
Good work all these years Drex.

Great contributions to the game.
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ODS Membership News 6/5/2010 06/05/2010 08:08 AM CDT
Big news to share with one and all. Last night the ODS Council officially named Darkskye as Commander of the Order, and Kalnean as Vice-Commander. Last but not lease, Blaayd a returning member completed his recruitment and was reinstated last night to rejoin the ranks of Dragon Shielders.
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Re: ODS Membership News 6/5/2010 06/05/2010 10:37 PM CDT
Whoo congrats to Darkskye and Kalnean! :)
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Re: ODS Membership News 6/5/2010 06/08/2010 01:17 AM CDT
All I can say is yay! Congrats, all three of you. I'm going to Forfedhdar. :)


===
Oleveir says, "One must be careful around the angry ODS women."
Reply
ODS Membership News 7-2-10 07/02/2010 10:44 PM CDT
Please join Dragon Shielders in welcoming Osus to the ranks of ODS, and Renimar's return home and reinduction back into ODS.
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ODS Membership 04/12/2011 02:01 PM CDT
We now welcome new members, Lys, Naul Thangor and Merlie to our ranks.
Blaayd as the new Recruiting Officer and Chelmoraes as Council Leader.



Darkskye, Commander ODS



"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing".
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Re: ODS Membership 04/20/2011 01:09 PM CDT
<<We now welcome new members, Lys, Naul Thangor and Merlie to our ranks.

Two original founders (I think). I always like to see people re-establish old relationships and memberships.

So..welcome new members...old members...meh, just welcome!

Madigan
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Re: ODS Membership 04/20/2011 02:20 PM CDT
Both Lys and Naul are Founders, they just returned to the fold. :)

Merlie is completely new.
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Re: ODS Membership 04/21/2011 12:39 PM CDT
Two top notch people in my book. Congrats Lys and Nauls...good to see you two out and about.


Madigan
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ODS Order House Grand Opening 05/27/2011 03:41 PM CDT
A fine parchment envelope arrives addressed to the Brigades of Therengia and the Official Orders of Elanthia and guests from of the Order of the Dragon Shield.

Within is a short missive penned in a smooth flowing hand.

Greetings and well met.

The Order of the Dragon Shield is proud to announce the Grand Opening of its Order House in Riverhaven the 4th and 5th of June.

Starting on the 4th we will have Arm Wrestling Contests for 7 divisions starting at 8 pm est. Our members will be around to show the different areas to groups at 7 pm est for those interested. Gifts and PRIZES will be given for those in the events.

The 5th we will start at 1 pm with tours and the Jousting at 2 pm will begin in 7 divisions for gifts and PRIZES.

We want all to come and enjoy themselves.....the food and ahh libations are on the ODS.

All of our members will have their titles and tabards so dont be afraid to ask them about anything.

We look forward for a good time for all.

Darkskye, Speaker/Commander ODS



"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing".




"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing".
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