Avatar’s Update #368: New Continent Update! Valentine’s Dinner Community Livestream Today! New Store Items!

Greetings Fellow Avatars! Here’s what we have for you in this week’s edition of Update of the Avatar:

News Announcements

Community Updates

Mistrendur: Episode 2 Continent Update!

Sometime very soon during Release 74, Avatars of New Britannia will be able to explore the overworld map of Mistrendur, the Episode 2 continent for Shroud of the Avatar! We will shortly announce the location selection process for Player Owned Town reservations within these new lands, whether it be a new town or one transferring from Novia or the Hidden Vale. All are welcome to explore and take in the spectacular views once this overworld map goes live! As the year rolls out, content will be added to this new region so that players can actually begin entering the various scenes therein, some as they become available, and others at the official launch of Episode 2. This new land mass is just one exciting new feature arriving this year. Read more about what’s on the horizon in the Shroud 2020 Vision post by Chris Spears!

Valentine’s Dinner Community Livestream Today!

Another weekly Community Livestream is this Friday, February 14 at 4PM CDT on Twitch! The developer team, feeling a little peckish, has decided to crash a party at Ordinis Mortis! PLEASE keep in mind this event actually starts at 3PM CDT, an hour before the official start time of the stream, so don’t be late… like us… For information about this fantastic event, now 4 years in running, be sure to read more below. Also, Chris will dive into Q&A with the community.

As usual we will be giving out prizes! Simply type !raffle throughout the stream to enter. We will also be answering questions throughout the livestream, so submit them in Twitch Chat and insert !question at the beginning of your text. Watch on Twitch today, Friday at 4 PM CDT!

Kobold Vault Round! Hrrrrk!

The current round of Vault items are available until Friday, February 27 at 10:30 AM Central Time. At that time, the next round of 9 items will be available for two weeks, and then the next, etc.

Kobold Mask
Kobold Fighter Mask
Kobold Archer Mask
Kobold Mage Mask
Spike Trap Decoration (non-harmful)
Hacked Oracle Crawler Pet
Kobold 3-Story with Open Deck Town Home
Ornate Kobold Metal Storage Chest
Kobold 2-Story with Rooftop Deck Village Home

New Store Items

Lots of great decoration items are being added throughout this release, some of which are already in-game! These cool additions include a variety of stone/boulder packs, crystal chandeliers, goofy fish trophies, an ornate toilet paper dispenser, and even a new VFX deco item — Fireflies! Fireflies will have four colors available: blue, green, orange and yellow. What a way to add some glowing allure to your town’s nighttime experience!

Boulders 10-Pack
Boulders 6-Pack
Boulders 4-Pack
Fireflies (Blue)
Fireflies (Green)
Fireflies (Orange)
Fireflies (Yellow)
Ornate Toilet Paper Dispenser
Crystal Chandelier (Several Varieties)
Goofy Fish Trophies

Valentine’s Day 20% Crown & Deed Upgrade Sale!

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, all Gold Crowns of the Obsidian (COTO) packages are on sale for approximately 20% off until February 16th! All deed upgrades are also 20% off! Crowns of the Obsidian can be purchased on the web store. Deed Upgrades can be performed in-game. Right-click the deed while it is in your inventory, and you’ll be presented with upgrade options using crowns from your inventory.

As a reminder, Valentine’s Day themed items are currently available in the Crown Shop. Some of these rare Valentine’s collectibles are only available on the current vault round, with a new round coming VERY shortly — don’t miss out!

February Login Reward: Breathe Hearts Emote

The /breathehearts emote has arrived just in time for Valentine’s Day, known as “Sequanna’s Day” in New Britannia. This new festive emote will be added to your character’s emote list for February’s login reward. Just log in during the month of February to receive this free reward!

Release 74 Reward Program Exclusive Items: Valentine’s Day Theme!

Winter has arrived so the Rewards Program items for Release 74 are Valentine’s Day themed! Reward Program members will receive these exclusive items immediately upon logging in during Release 74!

Heart-Shaped Footstool
Heart Top Hat
Heart Spear

NOTE: You must login during the release to receive each release’s exclusive rewards.

The Shroud of the Avatar Rewards Program lets you earn the best rate on purchasing Gold Crowns, AND receive exclusive monthly reward items!

For the low price of $9 USD per month you will receive the following:

- 900 Gold Crowns of the Obsidians every month
- Exclusive Monthly Reward Items (~ 3 per month)
- Exclusive Title every 3 months
  - 3 Months: Keeper of the Faith
  - 6 Months: Keeper of the Word
  - 9 Months: Keeper of the Vow
  - 12 Months: Keeper of the Flame
  - 15 Months: Keeper of the Oath
  - 18 Months: Keeper of the Pledge
- Pick any Dye 12 Pack every 6 months
- Pick any three of the 7 Obsidian Potions every month, including:
  - Potion of Capacity: Increases carrying capacity
  - Potion of Conservation: Reduces reagent use chance
  - Potion of Expedience: Swift gathering on all gathering skills
  - Potion of Precision: Increases Meticulous Collection to all gathering skills
  - Potion of Preservation: Reduces armor and weapon damage
  - Potion of Reclamation: Increases Salvage and Repair to all production skills

Are You a Livestreamer?

Soon, the Streaming Reward Program will be returning. As the details are getting reworked, we’ll reveal more information. Traditional streaming rewards included an exclusive in-game Streamer Camera for being a veteran of our Streaming Program! Expect the camera reward to return! More goodies will come to your way as the program fully develops. Thank you for streaming Shroud of the Avatar!

Lord of the Isle Episode 2 Bundles

As one of the biggest and earliest supporters of Episode 2 you will be granted the largest lot deed in the land (Castle), the title Lord (or Lady) of the Isle, a tour of Lord British’s property, and dinner with the game leaders including Lord British himself! Only 24 of these unique bundles will be sold!

Complete List of Rewards:

Lord of the Isle Place Anywhere Castle Lot Deed: Tax Free Forever (when placed in a POT) and Tax Free for 1 Year (when placed outside of a POT). Placeable on water as well as land!
Title: Lord of the Isle or Lady of the Isle
Unique Lord of the Isle Home (to be revealed later)
NEW: A Festival of the Avatar FULL ticket (which includes admission, King’s Dinner, Barons Men Play, A Heraldry Banner) and one additional guest at a discounted rate.
PLUS Choice of any 1 House currently available in the store
Castle Basement currently available in the store of your choice
Castle Wall Set currently available in the store of your choice (with enough for Castle Lot)
Unique Lord of the Isle Dungeon Room (to be revealed later)
140,000 Crowns
999 Bank Slots
Pick 12 Prosperity Tools
2 Unique in-game items (to be revealed later)
Early Access to Episode 2
Episode 1 Box and map signed by the team
1 hour one on one with Chris for design discussion (via video-conference)
One real silver ring crafted personally by Lord British: Numbered 1 – 8
In-game version of the Lord British ring: Numbered 1 – 8 (including a place-able decoration version)
Tour of Lord British’s property
Fine dinner and drinks with Lord British, Darkstarr, & Atos at a location TBD in Austin or NYC.

NOTE: Digital items that are currently available will begin delivery as soon as Release 62 (Jan 31). Other items will be delivered at a future date TBD.

NOTE: Travel costs NOT covered by Catnip Games for Tour & Dinner.

Recent Shroud of the Avatar Livestreams (YouTube)

Atos and other members of the Shroud of the Avatar development team go live very frequently on our TWO Twitch Channels: twitch.tv/shroudoftheavatar and twitch.tv/communityoftheavatar — be sure to get these channels on follow and get the latest information right as we go live! Also, if you’ve missed our latest streams, check out our archive of content at our YouTube Channel (complete with “Mojito the dog” cam). Like! Follow! Subscribe! Prizes!!!

Don’t forget to also join the Shroud of the Avatar team and community over at our other social media venues:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShroudoftheAvatar/
Catnip Games Twitter: https://twitter.com/catnipgames
Shroud of the Avatar Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShroudofAvatar
Shroud of the Avatar Discord: https://discord.gg/GuBXakQ

Upcoming Events Calendar

Be sure to check out the Community Events section of the forum for events hosted by our wonderful community members! Below is a list of additional events as the year progresses:

2020 Events
Feb 22 – Release 74 Dance Party
Feb 27 – Release 75
Mar 26 – Release 76
Apr 30 – Release 77
May 28 – Release 78
June 25 – Release 79
July 30 – Release 80
Aug 27 – Release 81

Meretz: Win a Obsidian Tower Town Water Home (No Trade)

Whether you move a little or a lot, as a Meretz user you rack up valuable Meretz Points (MPs). The more MPs you have, the more stuff you can buy!

Think: in-game SotA goodies, Sweepstakes entries, Relics by Rild giveaways, and tons more. With Meretz, we launch several sweepstakes every month. This month, we’re giving away an Obsidian Town Tower Water Home (No Trade)! You can also enter to win a Relics By Rild $50 Gift Card and other cool prizes. AND, use your MPs every day for in-game items like potions and emotes.

What’re you waiting for? Download Meretz TODAY!

Community Events: Sequanna Fashion Show

[Forum Post by Minerva]

The Cat Walk is waiting for you! Join us for the first Sequanna Lingerie Fashion Show

When: February 14th – 6PM CT
Where: Ordinis Mortis, Beneath the Sequanna Brasserie Restaurant

The event will start after the Valentine Dinner at the restaurant. Please message @Minerva or post below if you would like to have your moment under the disco ball. The models have dressing room available to prepare for their big moment! We are looking for male and female models to show their sexy outfits and lingerie. This is a time to be creative and show your inner diva. You would like to model, but don’t feel you have the style to pull it off, there are people that like to help. On the other hand, if you don’t like the attention, but love to create outfits, there is a place for you. Please comment in the forum thread or message @Minerva for more information.

The guests have a hot tub to view the show! Relax and enjoy the creative community we live in. We look forward to sharing this fun evening with you!

Community Events: Festival of the Avatar Heraldry Contest

[Forum Post by Flair]

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

The Festival of the Avatar shall be an event beyond any experienced this side of a moongate! Imagine a reality where Avatars from all different worlds and shards come together under a single banner to feast, fight, quest, learn, and enjoy general hobnobbery. More information will be published soon about the Festival with dates and an itinerary of events. In the meantime while we prepare the official website for our grand reveal, we need your help with designing the official Festival of the Avatar Heraldry!

We need your help!!! We are sponsoring a contest to create the Heraldry that the Festival will use on it’s official releases and website. Submissions should be 300 DPI, have a print size of 18”x18” and be received by February 11, 2020.

Please send all entries to: contest@festivaloftheavatar.org

Please do not use copyrighted images or material in your submission, it must be an original creation.

The winner will receive an in game (SotA) full set of specially crafted (light or heavy) armor, a cask of their choice and a banner, all with the Festival Heraldry imbued upon it. In addition, a signed* official banner used during the Festival (real world item – delivered after the Festival’s completion).

The winning entry will be used, whole or in part, for the Festival of the Avatar. The entrants understand that they are releasing submitted artwork and usage rights to the Festival of the Avatar. Author of the winning entry will get credit as the original artwork designer.

* Physical Banner will be signed by Lord British, Darkstarr, and Atos … With possible bonus mystery signatures. For more information and questions, visit the original post on the forums.

Community Events: Release 74 Dance Party

[Forum Post by Alleine Dragonfyre]

Virtue/Avatars Radio Presents the Release 74 Dance Party & Stress Test

Location: Rinzai (Nested in Desolis)
Host: DJ DarkStarr, Executive Producer of Shroud of the Avatar, a.k.a. Starr Long
When: Saturday, February 22, 2:00 – 4:00 PM CDT

Come out and sport some awesome dance moves, trade emotes and recipes, chat with friends, launch off fireworks and simply have a lot of fun! Find out more information on Alleine’s orignal post! If you’d like to learn how YOUR town can become a site for upcoming dance parties, find out here!

Community Events: Traveling Swap Meet

[Forum Post by Vlademir Begemot]

Greetings! The Traveling Swap Meet travels to different locations every Sunday at 1 p.m. Central Time. Avatars gather with each other to buy, sell and trade. Not only is it a great way to offload that giant stack of raw materials, but it is a great opportunity to bring Avatars to your town, home, or store. The swap meet last for only half an hour, so don’t be late!

Location: Inselberg Wastes
When: Sunday, February 16, 1:00 PM CDT

See you there Traders!

Community Events: 4th Annual Valentine Dinner

[Forum Post by Minerva]

A night of fun or romance is waiting for all on the banks of the river in Ordinis Mortis. You are cordially invited to our Valentine Dinner at the beautiful Sequanna Brasserie.

When: February 14, 2020, 3 pm to 6 pm CT
Location: Ordinis Mortis (right near the entrance of town)

The event will be followed immediately by the Sequanna Lingerie Fashion Show. You can come alone and meet new friends or with a party, or come as a couple for a quiet night together. Sitting arrangements are available for everyone, and there is a chair waiting for you. We are taking reservations, please message @Minerva or post in this thread to save your place and time. We are also currently looking for staff, if you would like to be involved please message @Minerva. There a number of places you can be involved from server, chef, photographer, or something new…

Community Events: Festival of Sequanna – Letters to Sequanna

[Forum Post by Sean Silverfoot]

All Avatars are invited to join us in PaxLair, at the Dueling Archers Tavern for our Festival of Sequanna. This year we will revisit the “Letters to Sequanna” event where all attendees are asked to write a message or prayer. We will take all of these and make the 2nd Edition of the Letters book series.

Location: PaxLair
Date: Friday February 14th
Time: 8pm NBT/CST , following the events in Ordinis Mortis.

Music provided by DJ Celith of Virtue Radio!

Project to Support – Crowfall

Be part of shaping the next great MMO by becoming a Crowfall Backer! Crowfall is the first and only online Throne War game. You can win. Join intense PvP battles that demand strategy, survival and a fierce competitive spirit. Reap the spoils of war as an Eternal Champion!

Claim virtual territory on behalf of your guild or faction. Capture mines, mills, and quarries to secure resources, build castles, and besiege your neighbors. Scavenge artifacts and relics from the Dying Worlds and install them in your temples to grant blessings to your vassals. Capture lost spirits to do your bidding — or bind them into your weapons to infuse them with sorcerous power!

Project to Support – Pantheon Rise of the Fallen

Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen takes place on the high-fantasy world of Terminus, a wildly diverse land formed from fragments of many different realms and times, bringing with them their unique civilizations and deities. Explore long lost realms, as their people and cultures vie for power and form alliances, struggling to gain a foothold in an unfamiliar world. Uncover civilizations and awe-inspiring locales that offer incredible adventures for you and your friends to experience. Enter a world where the environment itself tells the story and where content is always king!

UPDATE: We were stunned to learn of the untimely passing of Brad McQuaid recently. He was one of the true pioneers and visionaries of our industry who brought Everquest to us. We have few words that can express how much we respect him; so we choose to honor him with a flaming sword tomb in Brittany Graveyard that reads: “Aradune: For the Brightest Flame Burns the Least Long”.

Project to Support – Avatar Express

[Forum post by Vladamir Begemot]

I’m pleased to report that The Avatar Express is clacking away furiously. News is being delivered and we have established systems to deliver it directly to your brain. You can use one of those systems by following us on Twitter at @avatar_express. Even more reliable due to its fully automated nature is joining us on the Discord server. News items are posted there via RSS. Or you can subscribe to RSS directly on the site.

If you run an event, quests, etc, please consider helping out by self reporting. The Shroud community is big, and many things are happening that are never seen by others. With 10k monthly users, we would need a full time staff to track down everything that is happening.

You can fill out the contributor form, message @that_shawn_guy here or post in the Discord server that you would like to help. There is no committment once signed up, you can post as much or little as you like.

Writing up your own events has several benefits beyond the immidiate exposure. It serves as a record for others to see the history of New Britannia as we create it, in an attractive format. Publishing in the Express also has a higher chance than the forums of being seen by search engines and random readers, thus bringing more eyeballs and new players to the game.

It will even make posting in the forums easier! You can upload images to your news item, and then link to those images in your forum post. No more need for 3rd party image hosts!

So if you have something going on in your guild or town, or want to be a Reporter, Cartographer or Historian, please join us!

Resources – Players Helping Players

The official SotA New Player Welcome Forum and the Player Created Resources Forum have the best player created resources for Shroud of the Avatar, whether it’s a Player Written Guide, a Video Walk-through, or a Wiki-type Website.

Visit the official Community Resources page for a complete listing of all things community.

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