Horizons Play Day - Episode 1

We here at Horizons Warcry recently had the chance to take a tour through the world of Istaria on what has come to be known as "Play Day." Our guide on this great adventure was a very large dragon by the name of Uilaes Bex, controlled by none other than Horizons Creative Director David Bowman.

It all started as Araman, Atomics, and Nevir were strolling through a quaint little town by the name of New Trismus. While Nevir was off spending all his earnings (and a little of Araman's copper as well), the other two were greeted by a earth-shaking thump. It was nothing short of a dragon by the name of Uilaes Bex, performing a very uncouth landing. Once he regained his footing, our favorite dragon proceeded to introduce himself...

"Hey guys, what's up?"

Atomics: Since when did dragons learn to speak like that?

Anyway. Uilaes suggested that the group go create some weapons in order to do battle with the undead horde. As none of us could hit the broad side of a castle with a smithing hammer, we figured that it was time to ask for some directions. Unfortunately, Nevir was still missing, and as usual, he was in charge of the group's pile of resources... This where operation 'Find BoneHeaded Site Master' begins. After much searching, and an out of shape Araman, Nevir was found dozing in his newfound suit of platemail, with not a single bronze bar to be found. Thus, operation FBHSM ends.

However, Uilaes came to the rescue! He used his super 'GM' abilities to summon some raw resources, tools and formulas for the team to use in construction of some shiny new bronze long swords. Plus, Araman didn't have to pant his way over to the nearest outcropping of Tin and Copper Ore, he appreciates it Uilaes, he really does! Ok, so we got all these cool items from the dragon, but had absolutely no clue as how to use them. Luckily, the process is quite simple. First you have to scribe your formula, so that it is part of your permanent knowledge. Most 'formulas' actually contain the patterns for several qualities of a certain item. For instance, with the Beginner's Long Sword formula, we were able to glean how to create bronze and iron long swords. Next you must simply have the correct tool, and be near the correct type of machine in order to create an item from said formula. Finally, it is just a matter of having the right amount of resources to create it.

Nevir: Well... some people were able to figure this out... however, I kept ending up with broken swords.
Araman: Yeah, that's because you're too stingy to use more than half the required amount of resources!

So, the team of three, and the dragon set out with their new found weapons (including Nevir's 'blunt' sword), to the nearby training grounds. Leaving the town brought a change in music, from a merry tune to something that would go well in any adventurous setting. They fought their way through the hoards of zombies - corpses being flung left and right - only to notice that this was a tad easy. Apparently in the heat of battle, the three had forgotten to notice that they were level 40 characters, while the monsters they were fighting were level 1. Again, to the rescue, our favorite dragon summoned up a few Ruxus (would that be Ruxi?) for their battling pleasure. Even these did not last very long to the superior skills and tactics of Araman, Atomics and Nevir (chaaaarrrggeeee!), but they were quite fun to battle!

However, the guys did get a chance to try out some of their spectacular abilities. Araman, apparently more of a scholarly type (which explains his lack of wind), bedazzled everyone by using his Rift ability. Everything went black, except for the ruxus that they were currently battling. Soon, stars began to show in every direction, including the now invisible ground! Finally, the ruxus that was being battled was pummeled by large blobs of searing white light, and it was all over. Truly spectacular.

Nevir: Bah, but you don't mention my cool 'Rend Armor' ability? Everyone hates me...

Unfortunately, playtime is over though. Uilaes had no more Ruxi up his sleeve, so it was time to move on. The three followed the lumbering dragon back into town, through it, and up the hill to one of the travel gates strewn throughout the world of Istaria. They linked arms (and a wing), and skipped their way through the glowing portal. (zombies, ruxi, and maggots - oh my!)

Atomics: Click your heels Nevir, you'll need it!
Nevir: I resent that...

Through the threshold, the group was greeted by an awesome sight - the floating isles! What will happen to these guys? Can they survive the dangers of standing near the edge of an island that is suspended hundreds of feet in the air? That tale is to come.

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