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The Stargazer Vol 1, Iss 1
THE News for the Dragon Quadrant
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Your UDA news source, quarterly news journal.
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The 4th Day of Sesdecim, Year 3399. | Sponsored by TriTeq Industries, Inc.
Issued on February 26, 1997 RL time. | "When you want the best, get Teq."
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In this issue:
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TOP NEWS
OPENING OF UDA SPACE DOCK
Dragons' Star Network Upgrade v1.5
UDA News
Scientists Study Koseikai Culture; Opening of Qin Tomb
Cutting Edge
Retooled Handguns Allow Shooting From Distance
Announcing: NEW PetBeGone
Xenoculture
Clan News: Newbie Helper (NH) Clan to Help New Cadets
Kalen dies at Taurus's Hands
Inside Fashion
Bardic Rings all the Rage for the Good at Heart!
Adventure Quest
Key to the City
Plus:
Thousands Injured, None Killed at Infoteq Concert
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TOP NEWS
========
OPENING OF UDA SPACE DOCK
-------------------------
At first the sparkling diamond eye catches your attention as you fly
towards the United Dragon Alliance's new space dock, located near SDO.
Then you notice the gaping mouth that opens up to allow your ship into the
dragon-shaped head of a space dock. "We're really proud of how nice the
design turned out," said Infoteq recently, speaking at the opening
ceremonies for the new refueling and repair space dock. When asked why
the TriTeq Industries, Inc. owners decided on a dragon with a diamond eye,
Infoteq replied, "Why, in honor of the Gem Dragons of course. They built
SDO, RDO, EDO, and even DDO, so we decided to honor them with UDA's first
refueling and full repair station in their visage." At the mention of
DDO, the assembly buzzed with excitement, but Infoteq made no comment on
the subject.
The UDA Space Dock will now house the offices for refueling and
(eventually) full ship repairs without having to buy a repair kit. It
also contains one of the quadrant's most prestigeous restaurants, the Eye
of the Dragon. Providing one of the best views in the galaxy of the
exotic and beautiful spindle-shaped SDO orbitted by two transteel
walkways, the Eye also features a 5-star quality dining experience with a
private and tasteful atmosphere for the discriminate diner.
-Lt. Ferthesh Urare
UDA Newswire
Dragons' Star Network Upgrade v1.5: Shuttles Faster, Currency Stable!
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Dragons' Star Network users may have noticed some recent changes to
how their personal data assistants have been running lately as TriTeq
Industries, Inc. announced yet another important upgrade to the network.
"We have officially closed v1.0 of Dragons' Star for development and
started working on v2.0," said Infoteq in a news simulcast over the
network. "Basically, about 75% of the code changes for v2.0 are done and
implemented." TriTeq launched v1.5 of the network instead of waiting
until v2.0 was finished "basically so that users can see the changes now
instead of having to wait," said Dranor.
The most significant changes regard the regeneration rates for healing,
mana gain, movement, and psyche. "The new version focuses the powers of
mana all around you better so that you can gain a little more of your
natural health and abilities back every second instead of having to wait
for a full 75 seconds, as you had to before," commented Dranor on the new
power regeneration enhancement upgrade.
Commenting further, Dranor also discussed his company's recent decision
to speed up the shuttles. "We were getting many complaints, so we felt it
was in our best interest to accelerate the shuttles." Infoteq commented
on the complaint that although the shuttles were faster, they still were
not as fast as Dragon quadrant users would like them to be. "Please keep
in mind that this is public transportation, and it is not meant to be
fast," said Infoteq. "If you want fast transportation, we encourage you
to buy a ship."
In the news simulcast, Infoteq mentioned many other changes that went
into v1.5, including the upgraded ship scanners, objects that can absorb
damage, revamped slot machines, as well as stabilization of the Currency
Rates Exchange Bureau. Infoteq carefully chose his words concerning the
rates system, "The currency system is back online. This is extremely
experimental. Please do not abuse it--if you think you can break it, let
me know so that I can find ways to fix it." He then added, "Abuse of the
system will not be tolerated."
Network users are encouraged to log on and read the news message board
for further details.
-P.R. Bot 4000
UDA News
========
Scientists Study Koseikai Culture; Simulation Opening of Qin Tomb
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The mere discovery of humans on the planet Koseikai in the Dragon Quadrant
rose many questions among scientists and anthropologists alike. For the
scientists, it was a question of how humans, separated from Earth by many
light-years could possibly have evolved along the same lines. On the other
hand, the anthropologists could not help but be fascinated by the fact
that not only did humans live on Beta Ward, but that they had developed
culturally and linquistically along the lines of the Asians of 17th
century Earth.
Since this discovery, scientists from all fields have flocked to the
Sapphire Dragon Outpost so that they may further investigate the wonders
of this new found planet. First Contact has already been successfully
made with the Japanese Kingdom of the planet, and several Chinese
scholars from Earth have started to integrate themselves into the
corresponding culture of Koseikai in order to learn more about how this
society developed. Having made some progress, they now excitedly report
that perhaps very soon the Chinese Empire of Koseikai may soon be open for
intergalactic explorers. For the time being, however, due to the
technological inferiority of the inhabitants of Koseikai, and to the
particularly xenophobic nature of the Ward Chinese, interaction with them
by unauthorized persons is strictly forbidden.
To continue scientific exploration of Koseikai, representatives
from Earth have set up a satellite network to examine the climate, soil,
terrain, and vegetation of that planet. Employing some of the most
state-of-the-art satellite and surveying equipment, TriTeq Industries, Inc.
has contributed to our growing understanding of this dynamic new world,
and perhaps, within the next few years, humans might be able to begin its
colonization.
In the meantime, to deal with the increasing interest in the Ward
Chinese, TriTeq Entertainment, Inc. has designed a simulation of the Tomb
of the First Emperor, a man who first united Ward China 2000 years ago.
According to a spokesman, "With the use of advanced thermographic and
sonar satellite scans, we have accurately recreated the Tomb of the Qin
Emperor. One uncertainty lies within the actual power of the creatures
and traps within, but to keep the game within safety limitations, we have
made the mobiles rather easy to defeat. We hope that with this
simulation, we can give adventurers from all over a taste of what is to
come with actual exploration! And of course, we know that none of us
civilized people would EVER try to loot a tomb!"
-Aelward
DDO Newswire
Cutting Edge
============
Retooled Handguns: Shoot Your Foe From a Distance!
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A gathering of reporters and photographers crowded Gelardin's Firearms
store on Sapphire Dragon Outpost recently to catch the new shipment of
retooled handguns, and a chance to talk to Dranor who was putting in one
of his rare appearances. "These weapons herald a significant advancement
in the field of firearms," Dranor commented as he held up one of the
handguns and showed the crowd how to load it. "No longer do you have to
walk all the way to your foe--you can now fire upon them from a distance!"
To use the handgun sold exclusively at Gelardin's, you need the gun, at
least 1 clip and at least 1 bullet. Once you have these things, you'll
need to get ready to shoot. The first step to this is loading your clip.
Type: reload bullet clip -- to put one bullet in the clip. You can do
this until you have no more bullets or the clip is full. Once you've done
this you can then type: reload clip handgun. If you are already wielding
the handgun you can simply type: reload. Once you've loaded your
weapon, you can fire it by typing: shoot .
Gatherers requested a personal demonstration, but Dranor insisted on
discussing the safety aspect of using such a weapon. "Well, you don't
like to be shot, right? Neither does anyone else--so you'd better be
careful what you shoot or they might come after you." Just as Dranor
was answering the last question at the press conference, a blast of fire
poured forth from his gun, striking a cleaning bot inoperative at the end
of the room. The crowd applauded.
-L. Bistrl
Announcing: NEW PetBeGone
-------------------------
Ever been cruising around the galaxy and remembered, "DOH! I forgot my
pets on that last planet!" and you just don't have the time to go back and
retrieve them. Then PetBeGone is right for you.
Simply type: oust
and *poof* they're returned to their planet of origin! It's that simple!
How much does this cost you ask? Not 1000 credits, no not even 100
credits. It's FREE FREE FREE. That's right, FREE! Using Intergalactic
Paging Services (IPs), your pet is instantly notified that their services
are no longer required, and they are free to go.
PetBeGone with IPS
-Another fine service by TriTeq Industries, Inc.
-P.R. Bot 4000
Xenoculture
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Clan News: Newbie Helper (NH) Clan to Help New Cadets
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Clan NH was recently received with open arms into the hall of clans on
Emerald Dragon Outpost. Meodore Chaunsua, well known instructor for Ruby
Dragon Outpost and Draco-Historian, yesterday astonishingly announced that
she was foregoing her current work on the Gem Dragons in sake of starting
the clan. I feel that it is time to give back to the Dragon quadrant what
knowledge and growth it has given to me," said Chaunsua concerning the
mission statement of the new clan. "Clan NH will be dedicated to helping
new cadets acclimate to their roles as part of the UDA. Membership into
the clan is open to all those who wish to help new cadets." Chaunsua also
stressed the rules for clan acceptance. "You must be at least be at level
15 in your career," she said.
Could it be that Chaunsua started the clan as a way to thank TriTeq
Industries, Inc. for the spacious starship "The Ethereal Voyager" she now
owns? A personal gift from Trillian for creating the Beginning and
Intermediate school simulations on RDO, the spaceship contains the usual
bridge, airlock, and transporters, but also mission conference rooms, clan
meeting rooms, an engineering section, new cadet training rooms, and even
a holosuite! When asked about the spaceship and her career change from
historian to pilot and clanleader, Chaunsua replied, "This is where I want
to be right now. I feel that I can contribute more to UDA by helping with
the influx of new cadets. There have been quite a few lately, and my NH
clan is not too soon for the task." She added, "The Ethereal Voyager is
perfect for carrying out this task. It will be a welcome addition and
valuable tool in achieving what the clan hopes to accomplish." And let's
hope the clan fairs well in its mission. Those interested in joining
clan NH can send mail to Chaunsua.
-Khaivhei
Kalen dies at Taurus's Hands
----------------------------
Kalen has died this month, a valient warrior. Kalen was often seen
protecting his friend Grendel from some of the terrors of the world.
Sadly, the clone technicians could do nothing for Kalen, who died at
the hands of Taurus while exploring the Universe. While leaving no family
behind, Kalen has left several friends and his partner. No wake or
funeral has been planned at this time.
-Darimm
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Each Clone -- 100,000 credits
Remember, it's not just insurance you're buying, it's a life!
Visit one of our Insurance Agents today, or take a look around
our exclusive lab on Sapphire Dragon Outpost--preserve your
memories for several lifetimes!!
(Only people at level 16 or higher in their careers need to
worry about losing clones to death, so adventure carefully!)
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Inside Fashion
==============
Bardic Rings all the Rage for the Good at Heart!
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Have an inclination toward the good, or seem rather neutral about it
all? Well, you might want to check out the hottest items going these
days: Bardic Rings! Granted by instructors in the Folchlucan college at
the Bardic Colleges, these prestigious rings are a MUST for any one with
a good heart (or even just a neutral one). Its fine colors and design go
with just about anything, and you can't beat that +1 dam, +20 db bonus for
a simple ring. What a steal!
So where can you find these beauties? In the Folchlucan college on the
teachers there. What's the price? "Well, you have to solve the Folchlucan
maze," said one student, walking slowly through the halls. "If you just
get the rings then leave, you won't get to keep them." The student added
that the Folchlucan college is special and requires completion of the
entire area before the rings will stabilize. "All of the colleges are set
up that way. You have to get to the end of each level, then find a certain
item, hold it, and complete the quest (by typing complete). It's not too
hard to do, but ya just gotta do it."
How does Folchlucan compare with the other colleges? "It's one of
the easiest to combat in, but the maze is tough."
-T'heelha B.
Adventure Quest
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Key to the City
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This Issue's "Follow the Adventure" is an interview with the winner of
the "Key to the City" Quest.
"Darimm, let me welcome you to this interview on behalf of all our
readers, I'd like to do this as basically a Question and Answer period."
Tigger: What'd you do during the quest?
Darimm: Well, I went out to collect as many keys as I possibly could.
Tigger: Why did you go where you did?
Darimm: Well, I went to japan first because I remembered seeing lots of
keys there, but I realized pretty quickly that I didn't know the
area well enough, so I went to the Bardic Colleges.
Tigger: What are your thoughts on the competition?
Darimm: I think that it was a very original competition and I liked it a
lot.
Tigger: How do you feel about winning?
Darimm: Well, I'm always happy to win a quest, especially when it's
something new and original like this.
Tigger: What were your motivations?
Darimm: Questpoints were a major motivation of course, but I only quest
if it's fun.
Tigger: How do you feel about the quest?
Darimm: I think it was a good quest, lots of fun.
Writers Note* - Darimm has since been welcomed into the Immortal world
on the Diamond Dragon Outpost. Congrats to Darimm on winning the Quest
and then later becoming an Immortal.
-Tigger
DDO Newswire
Plus:
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Thousands Injured, None Killed at Infoteq Concert
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Yesterday thousands flocked to an unusual event, a vocal concert held
by Infoteq, yet later regretted it. Infoteq exercised his particular
vocal style, and as he hit the refrain for "The White Stuff," ears started
bleeding. "It was the craziest, scariest, weirdest damned thing that
I've ever experienced," said one spectator. "I mean, I think Infoteq is
really cool and all," said another spectator, "but he can't sing for crap.
He should just stick to TriTeq Industries."
When asked why Infoteq would hold such a concert, he responded that "I
enjoy singing and wanted to try something different" He later added, "I
never knew that what happened would actually happen. I'll just stick to
singing in the shower." Trillian, who was standing next to Infoteq during
the interview, cringed and later whispered to this reporter, "I didn't go
to the concert myself--knowing how it would turn out." She added that her
and Dranor would hold their own concert, which should only injure about
half as many people.
-Smilodon
UDA Newswire
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Coupon Clippers!!
BodyWorks Announces a
"Mind over Matter" Sale
Redeem this coupon for 50% off of Int and Str cyberimplants
exclusively at BodyWorks
a division of TriTeq Industries, Inc.
To redeem coupon, send mudmail to Triteq.
Coupon not good with any other offers. Bodyworks is a
registered trademark of TriTeq Industries, Inc.
Offer good until The 13rd Day of Undecim, Year 3402
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Attention readers! You too can purchase classified ad space in the
Stargazer!
Want to sell that old Sting of Scorpio? Looking for a MUD date? Want to
advertise your wedding? Use the Stargazer to get your message across and
reach hundreds of readers on the Dragon Star network! Stargazer will place
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pay for an ad you could receive 10 times that in revenue! And Stargazer
has a wide reader access-the paper is featured not only EXCLUSIVELY on the
Dragon Star network, but also in electronic mail and HTML forms. So what
are you waiting for!
To purchase a classified ad, send mudmail to Trillian. She will then
authorize a deduction from your Bank of the Dragon account for the amount
of the ad based on the type of ad you wish. Below are the purchase prices:
1 - 25 words: 2500 credits
25 - 50 words: 6250 credits
50 - 75 words: 9375 credits
75 - 100 words: 15000 credits
Border: 5000 credits
Text formatting: 5000 credits
(includes any formatting other than standard left to right)
(Stargazer reserves the right to refuse classified ads based on content,
material, and/or lack of funds. Ads must be written in a format suitable
to the general public and contain no vulgarity, offensive or racial slurs,
harassing remarks, and slanderous material. Thank you for your compliance.)
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Editorial Staff
Editor: Trillian
Publishers: Infoteq, Trillian, Dranor
Reporters: P.R. Bot 4000, Khaivhei, L. Bistrl, T'heelha B.
Guest Reporters: Lt. Ferthesh Urare, Aelward, Darimm, Tigger, Smilodon
Please direct all comments to stargazr@dracon.net
If you wish to become a part of the Stargazer staff, please send email to
Stargazr@dracon.net with the subject: Stargazer staff application.
Please include a sample of writing over 100 words in length.
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