Welcome to the Annals of Dereth, the newsletter for the Asheron's Call online role-playing game! We bring you this bulletin every month to give you a wide view on Dereth's evolving community, events, and features.

1 -- OUR SAGA THUS FAR...

The huntress Dyanne paused at the edge of the twisted woods overlooking MacDugal's Castle, the sole of one boot sinking into fresh springtime mud. Almost overnight, it seemed, Dereth had shaken off its winter coat.  A warmer, brighter sun arose one morning, all but entirely melting the snows away.  Silvery crowns still graced the loftiest mountain peaks, but here below them the tender shoots of young grass and clover began to color the seas of mud.

One advantage of the softer ground Dyanne noted, with no small satisfaction, was the improved quality of animal tracks.  Hunting was proving easy, for once. In fact, she thought, one corner of her mouth twisting wryly, it was easy enough that any novice could stalk the creatures she had been hunting without competition for many months.

If only the Virindi left tracks. The huntress cast a cautious eye about herself, checking for the bizarre floating entities. The latest rumor held that Virindi were edging ever closer to certain human settlements. Although there were no reports of Virindi appearing in northern Osteth, it was best to be careful.

Dyanne hoisted her pack to a more comfortable position, and started down toward MacDugal's holding. It was a heavy load, filled with the first pelts and skins of the season. Her contact, the poacher Gillian, had promised to take a look at her gathered trophies, perhaps to craft them into useful items. Dyanne had never bothered with Sclavus hide before, but if anyone could work the stuff into something of value, it was Gillian.

2 -- MAJOR EVENTS

SPRING'S SORROWS
A new season has begun in Dereth – on March 21 we opened the doors to our latest event, "Spring's Sorrows."  While the winter snows have melted and the birds sing praise to the burning sun, not all is festive with the world.

The Virindi, perhaps once content to merely observe the workings of humanity, have launched a more aggressive campaign. New Virindi servitors, called Dolls and Marionettes, have been encountered in the desert; Virindi Executors have also been spotted, but few observers have survived to tell the tale. In fact, several more species than were previously known have ventured out from their winter lairs. Reports of the new varieties of Monouga, Mu-miyah, and Reed Shark can be read at AC Tips.

The heroes of Dereth must rouse their reserves of might, as every effort to counter such terrors will be required. Already, those knowledgeable in the secret skill of lockpicking have been called upon to solve certain springtime mysteries – both of the Virindis' keys and the Undead's small green pyramids. Hints of what elusive treasure lockpicking may provide, in caches, holdings, and even troves, may be found at Maggie the Jackcat's March event page.

Of course, those not adept at picking locks can still use less subtle skills to reap their own rewards. Sclavus, like the serpents they descend from, have begun to shed their skin. Of course, the fall of a warrior's axe can always hurry this process along. Sclavus hides, as well as those trophies from Ursuin and other creatures, can reportedly be crafted into boots and other fine items.

With the freshening of the westerly spring wind, fresh danger has awoken from its winter sleep. Best of luck to all those daring enough to brave the season! As always, be sure to consult the official article, "Spring's Sorrows," for highlights of this month's event. For a more detailed report of what's been added and changed, be sure to consult the Developer's Notes.

STORY SO FAR
"A herald burned across the southern sky one morning; a fiery drop, like the Watcher that visits Auberean every few hundred years, yet moving far more quickly. Shortly after this sign, a veil drew over the sun. Rain fell, and the drops were black and cold. The trees and grasses withered. The clouds built until noon was mere twilight, and the wind blew as cold as stone in winter. The people wanted for their crops and herds. Some called it the end. Some said it was the judgment of light, and that evils must be atoned for." 

So begins "The Fourth Sending of Darkness," the next major addition to Asheron's Lore. Penned by Asheron Realaidain himself, this piece chronicles the entire Bael'Zharon saga, from the Hopeslayer's mortal beginnings, to his recent demise -- in part caused by a mere child of Daralet.

BESTIARY
Never has there been a more feared and horrid collection of monsters than that plaguing the lands of Dereth. A hero would be wise to study the assembled Bestiary before daring to engage any such creature of the wild. Now covering the Shadows, Slithis, and even Hollow Minions, the Bestiary is a more complete source of information than ever before -- vital to any party wishing success.

Q&A FROM TURBINE
With Turbine's office move in February, there was, alas, no scheduled Developer's Chat. Instead Turbine took the time to respond to the top six questions sent in from various fan sites. The answers have been returned, and may be read at: 

-- AC Sage
-- AC Stratics
-- AC Tips
-- Crossroads of Dereth