Hail, Aetolians.

We are approaching a pivotal moment in the history of the realm of
Aetolia. Tumultuous though it has been, the Horizon is filled with
innumerable potentialities, and the ever-improving landscape is due for
many dramatic shifts in the coming years. Yet we would be remiss in not
celebrating the time that has passed, and so it is with pleasure that I
announce a series of celebrations for the past and future of Aetolia!

Arriving with excellent simultaneity, the realm of Aetolia approaches
the 200th year of the Midnight Age, even as the world celebrates the
fifth year anniversary of its first opening to the enjoyment of all of
its dedicated players. In celebration of this momentous occasion, this
coming weekend will be filled with numerous competitions of skill, with
unique and astounding prizes for the participants and, most importantly,
the victors.

The schedule of this weekend's events are as follows:

1. Crafting Competition
A competition will be held for the crafters of the realm to exhibit
their most prized creation! Entries will be accepted beginning this
Friday, with separate competitions for each crafting skill. Details to
follow!

2. The Midnight Age Carnival
The return of the Midnight Age Carnival will see a variety of new and
entertaining exhibits and displays, and will host several impromptu
events over the course of the weekend.

3. Individual Free-For-Alls
Four separate Free-For-Alls will be staged for varying level ranges. The
Newbie FFA will encompass participants of levels 1-20. The Novice FFA
will encompass participants of levels 21-45. The Journeyman FFA will
encompass participants of levels 46-75. The Master FFA will encompass
participants of levels 76-100. These FFA's will begin at 18:00 GMT this
Saturday.

4. City vs. City Team Free-For-All
A massive city vs. city Free-For-All event pitching Ashtan, Bloodloch,
Spinesreach, Enorian, and Duiran against one another. This FFA will
begin at 0:00 GMT between Saturday/Sunday.

5. History Quiz
A quiz on the past 200 years of Aetolian history! A special focus on the
lives and legends of Aetolian adventurers. Who knows, maybe a question
will be about you! The quiz begins at 2:00 GMT Sunday. (Please note:
This is still Saturday evening for many of our players.)

6. Starfall Competition
A Starfall event between all of the realm's adventurers. The Starfall
will begin at 18:00 GMT Sunday.

7. Treasure Hunt
Capping off the competitions, a realm-wide treasure hunt will be held!
Dig through the deserts and riverbeds for elusive treasures before they
are found by someone else!


All of the above events will have numerous prizes, ranging from
artifacts, unique items, credits, and gold. Specific prizes will be
announced throughout the week preceding the competition, or at the time
of the competition itself.

This is not an exhaustive list! Expect the realm to be filled with
celebratory events outside the scope of what has been announced thus
far. Keep your eyes open for impromptu events that just might yield that
shiny artifact pipe you've had your eye on.


We hope to see many of you competing in the coming events for pride and
prizes, and to join in the spirit of celebration as we chime in the new
Century and prepare for the next five years of Aetolia, the Midnight
Age.

Penned by my hand on the 7th of Lleian, in the year 199 MA.