Players of high-level characters will be pleased to know that we are raising the LIVING ARCANIS level cap from 16th level to 18th level in conjunction with the start of Origins (we still have a lot of details to work out regarding the level-cap increase, and arrangements for slot zeroes will be discussed separately when the time comes).

Players of lower-level characters will be pleased to know that we are supporting the full range of APLs at our special events, and are including one premiere that is for APLs 2 - 9 only. We will also have a full selection of Introductory modules available for new players, with a table and a veteran GM specifically reserved for new (or nearly-new) players in every slot -- and we might even sneak in a surprise premiere of a new Intro mod if everything works out.

Here are the titles and blurbs for the premiere events that we will be offering at The Gathering - Origins 2007. Please be sure to visit http://www.originsgames.com for more information about Origins, as well as to purchase badges (available now) and event tickets (available soon).

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LA-HP4-04 "Visions of Lives Past" by Henry Lopez

The alien and near-immortal Elorii have kept their secrets with fervent zeal, making them one of the most mysterious races upon Arcanis. Now a chance for insight into their past presents itself in the form of a request from the Elorii Arch-Mage Xerxes that will plumb the ancient past. There are answers to certain questions that can only be found in one of the lost Towers of Gettulus! (APLs 7 through 19)

NOTE: HP4-04 and HP4-05 can be played in either order. However, both
should be played BEFORE playing HP4-06.

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LA-HP4-05 "The Deadliest Prey" by Henry Lopez

The province of Balantica has long been an integral part of the Coryani Empire. Known as the "Breadbasket of the Empire," its seemingly inexhaustible food stores are vital to the Empire's continued stability. Now those supplies are being threatened by slave revolts and rebellions. The search to quell this unrest will take you from squalor to opulence until finally the rotting cancer that lies at the heart of this verdant paradise is revealed. (APLs 7 through 19)

NOTE: HP4-05 and HP4-04 can be played in either order. However, both should be played BEFORE playing HP4-06.

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LA-HP4-06 "The Sacrifice of Generations" by Henry Lopez

"A man must be sacrificed now and again, to provide for the next generation of men." – Amy Lowell

What begins as a rescue mission for your patron quickly becomes much more crucial as the stars begin to align and Larissa's Web of Fate draws disparate forces together for a bloody confrontation that can only end in final death. This is the conclusion of the Year 4 Hard Point series! (APLs 7 through 19)

NOTE: Due to the likelihood of spoilers, players should make every effort to play both HP4-04 and HP4-05 BEFORE playing HP4-06.

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LA-SP5-08 "Xenophobia" by M. Sean Molley

After the Battle of Enpebyn, not all of the dwarves from Solanos Mor marched back to their Enclave. A substantial number of dwarves turned south instead, marching through the Coryani Empire, their purpose and destination unknown. Now their true mission is revealed, as adventurers and explorers have been called to the very edge of the Fellglade for an expedition into Malfea itself. Will you join the first group of non-Elorii in a thousand years to deliberately violate the borders of what may very well be the most violent and xenophobic nation on the face of Onara? (APLs 11 through 19).

NOTE: This adventure occurs at the same (in-game) time as LA-SP5-09. Therefore, players should not play the same character in both adventures. The order in which the two adventures are played does not matter.

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LA-SP5-09 "Emissaries" by M. Sean Molley

At the Emperor's Wedding, a deal was struck between the Republic of Altheria and the Elorii nation of Seremas. In exchange for a substantial supply of blast powder, the Seremasi agreed to provide reinforcements for the Shining Patrol. With the recent Malfelen incursions into Altherian territory, the Republic's borders are hard- pressed. Every attempt by the Shining Patrol to make peaceful contact with the Malfelen has failed utterly. Seremas and Malfea have long had a cordial (if not warm) relationship, so an Elorii emissary has been sent from Seremas to carry a message to his brothers. You are asked to serve as escorts on this vital mission. (APLs 2 through 9).

NOTE: This adventure occurs at the same (in-game) time as LA-SP5-08. Therefore, players should not play the same character in both adventures. The order in which the two adventures are played does not matter.

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LA-SP5-10 / DELVE "Trembling of an Ancient Web" by James Zwiers

Like the thin threads of a spider's web, so too do the threads of history part to reveal that which came before and give guidance into the future. What you read from the past is what everyone else reads; but what you make of the past and how you let it guide your future determines the verisimilitude of your actions. How will the past influence your future? Discover the answer, if you dare, within ancient ruins, cloaked in a miasma of webs, none of your fashioning.

This adventure is the sequel to LA-SP5-05 "To Spin an Ancient Web". While it is highly recommended that you have played the prior adventure, it is not required. This is a DELVE adventure for APLs 2-19. It is intended to be combat-intensive and challenging to complete. Players are advised to bring characters that are well suited to large quantities of combat. This event will run multiple times during the convention.

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LA-LARP "Tarnished" by Henry Lopez, James Zwiers, and M. Sean Molley

The Republic of Altheria is facing a crisis. The God Althares has revoked His children's ability to create blast powder. Many of the nations that formerly supported the Shining Patrol are dealing with internal strife and have withdrawn their troops. The Elorii of Malfea have seized a significant portion of southwestern Altheria, while the Ssethregorans are beginning an advance of their own in the southeast. Even the war at home is going badly, with food supplies threatened and the normally-enlightened populace beginning to grumble and complain about their privations and the increasing portion of the Republic's economy that is dedicated to the Patrol.

The Council of Wisdom has realized that the situation is nearing a tipping point and the future of Altheria is at stake. Thus, they have called for a summit, bringing diplomats and potential patrons from across Onara to a meeting at which the Shining Patrol will seek to
beg, borrow, levy, or steal whatever resources it can in order to shore up its rapidly-weakening defenses. The Altherians still have the key bargaining chips of blast powder and knowledge. Every delegate has much to gain... and even more to lose.

A dynamic live-action roleplaying event (non-combat LARP) for characters of all levels. Final scheduling hasn't been determined yet but the LARP has traditionally been held on the Friday night of the convention.

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LA-BI-5-02 "Of Serpents and Saviors" by Andrew Garbade, Derrel J. Weaver, and M. Sean Molley

Events in Altheria have reached a crisis point. It has been some months since the Council of Wisdom called a meeting to scavenge whatever resources it could from the nations and notables of Onara. Now those markers are being called in, for war has erupted and the very survival of the Republic is threatened. The Malfelen Elorii march on one front while the Ssethregoran Empire marches on the other, with the Shining Patrol caught between the two. In this most desperate hour, armies will not be enough to save Altheria: only heroes can turn the tide.

All the PCs who participate in this adventure will fight in defense of Altheria, but each table must decide on which front it will fight (Malfelen or Ssethric). Each front may succeed or fail separately to varying degrees with individual story consequences, but the combination of both fronts will determine the final outcome of the event as a whole. An unforgettable two-round BATTLE INTERACTIVE for characters of all levels (APLs 2 – 19).

NOTE: Due to the possibility of spoilers, it is desirable (but not absolutely mandatory) for players to play LA-SP5-08 "Xenophobia" and LA-SP5-09 "Emissaries" BEFORE the BI. Final scheduling hasn't been determined yet but the BI has traditionally been held on the Saturday afternoon and night of the convention.

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We look forward to seeing you for LIVING ARCANIS at The Gathering - Origins 2007!