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ACEDL Warns, Despairs Over Impending Housing Boom

Still smarting from the appearance of the "Bunny Master" title, an award given out to heartless, unthinking players to congratulate them for killing passive creatures, the Asheron's Call Environmental Defense League (ACEDL) was rocked to it's foundation by the news of the Dark Majesty expansion for Asheron's Call. In a hastily called press meeting, a red-faced Anaboo, outgoing president of the ACEDL, had the following unscripted remarks regarding the Dark Majesty announcement.

"This is the worst possible scenario for protecting the landscape," explained Anaboo, "because the houses will already be built. As we understand the Dark Majesty FAQ, the 1000 houses per server will be pre-built and set upon the landscape, with additional houses to be built later if demand warrants them. Again from the FAQ, we have to assume these houses will be built on existing terrain so you can visit the homes without purchasing the expansion. And although the FAQ promises that '[Turbine] will manage the growth of housing very carefully,' we of the ACEDL think it is naive indeed to underestimate the amount of demand for houses."

"If there has been a cry for housing and secure item storage from the beginning of the game," Anaboo argued, "just imagine the deafening roar that will explode from the players after only the privileged few are able to take advantage of the new feature. Taking the long-term view, we can see no other _eventual_ outcome than every account being offered a house."

The ACEDL's plans for establishing a land trust program are likewise in shambles. The organization had called for elective non-building, encouraging players to purchase sensitive land for the express purpose of not building additional structures. The ACEDL had raised over three million pyreals in donations from like-minded players for that purpose, but there appears to be no provisions for removing structures or for buying land without a structure on it.

Anaboo continued, "The concept of individual homes goes against the very foundation of the Green Growth plan that ACEDL outlined in May 2000. We applauded and encouraged community oriented growth, as typified by the meeting halls and wedding chapels. These are common structures that we can share, where the bulk of the 'space' of the building is underground and the impact on the above-ground environment is minimized. Community is at the heart of Asheron's Call, and it is hard to imagine anything being more divisive than offering the two most requested features to a select subset of privileged players."

When asked what the group planned to do about the pending expansion and housing boom that will surely follow, Anaboo noted that ACEDL is chartered as both an in-game and out-of-character organization. "This allows us to petition Turbine directly, to act as their watchdog to ensure that this growth is indeed carefully managed. As we noted in the Green Growth plan, we fully anticipated that pressures to implement housing would eventually force Turbine's hand."

Sighing despairingly, Anaboo concluded, "We had just hoped that when housing came, there would be something we could have done about it. That there would at least have been an option, a slim chance at convincing enough players in what we were doing to prove that progress does not necessarily mean growth and development. That all the energy and effort and pyreals we've put towards this, our first and highest cause, weren't spent in vain."

"But there's always hope..."

* * * * *

The ACEDL is a non-profit, grassroots environmental organization dedicated to preserving the natural resources, defending the native wildlife, and protecting the environment of the worlds of Asheron's Call. Where most on-line guilds focus on obtaining power for their members or sharing knowledge about the game, ACEDL strives to keep the game environment one in which the other guilds will want to play. Visit our homepage, or read our Green Growth plan.

ACEDL Pledges Lives, Resources in Defiance of Bael'Zharon

For months, the Asheron's Call Environmental Defense League (ACEDL) has been studying the potential environmental impact that might result from the destruction of the crystal shards and the release of Bael'Zharon from his ancient prison. Recent catastrophic events have far surpassed our most dire predictions. The environmental consequences of fiery boulders raining from the sky, rivers and oceans running thick with blood, and the evil-tinged (presumably acidic) rainfall are well nigh incalculable.

Observing the magnitude of this desecration, there can be only one conclusion: if the Hopeslayer is not stopped, there will be no Dereth left to preserve.

To this end, the ACEDL thereby pledges the sum total of its treasury, over 3 million pyreals on Frostfell alone, to the just cause of those who stand against Bael'Zharon. In the days to come, the archer Elysa Strathelar and even Asheron himself will be walking the landscape, recruiting those monarchs who "hold fast to the light." I invite these monarchs, especially those on Frostfell, to contact ACEDL through the address on our webpage with requests for funds to further the war effort. (We also have a limited supply of enchanted weaponry and armor, and several dozen "death items.")

Three Elders or Four Stones, Code of Pwyll or The Trackless Paths, pray to what gods you will, citizens of Dereth, and stand firm in this our darkest day.

----

The ACEDL is a non-profit, grassroots environmental organization dedicated to preserving the natural resources, defending the native wildlife, and protecting the environment of the worlds of Asheron's Call. Where most on-line guilds focus on obtaining power for their members or sharing knowledge about the game, ACEDL strives to keep the game environment one in which the other guilds will want to play. Visit us at http://buwahaha.com/acedl/

ACEDL Puts Aside Differences With Wi, Supports Buffing the Bunny

In a surprise move, the Asheron's Call Environmental Defense League reversed their position on the "Buff the Bunny" campaign initiated by Wi of Vitae Rising. The ACEDL, dedicated to grassroots environmental advocacy in Dereth, had opposed Wi's idea based on a belief that the rabbit's status as hunting trophy would be restored.

Reading from a prepared statement, Anaboo spoke on behalf of ACEDL. "We are still cautious, lest the white rabbit become just another trophy of hunting prowess by high level characters, but we've said for months that we would like to get a copy of the Bunny Killer Black List into the paws of the white rabbit. Now, it looks like there's a real chance that the buffed bunny will be able to extract vengeance, that the rabbits will be able to fend for themselves, that they will have a protector. We can't afford not to take that chance."

Wi welcomed the groups support, having noted some misconceptions the group had about the white rabbit and about the campaign to buff it. "The intention of the Buff the Bunny campaign is not to create a trophy monster, but to create a creature so mighty, that it reminds the people that regardless of level, they aren't Dereth's most powerful inhabitants. Remember that next time you think of smiting a bunny, Dereth, the White Rabbit is watching."

Anaboo also took the opportunity to further explain her earlier comments. "As Wi noted, the white rabbit does indeed pre-date our organization. Previous statements implied that the ACEDL played a role in its creation; we should have been more clear in that early ACEDL efforts were focused on putting a spotlight on all rabbit killing, including the hunt for the infamous white rabbit."

The ACEDL is a non-profit, grassroots environmental organization dedicated to preserving the natural resources, defending the native wildlife, and protecting the environment of the worlds of Asheron's Call. Where most on-line guilds focus on obtaining power for their members or sharing knowledge about the game, ACEDL strives to keep the game environment one in which the other guilds will want to play. Visit us at http://buwahaha.com/acedl/

Wi is best known for being the source of the dreaded Wi Flag. He is an active member of Vitae Rising, one of Asheron's Call's finest guilds. Stop by and sample the insanity at http://vitaerising.com

Mammoth ACEDL Donations to be Used to Establish Natural Park System

ACEDL proudly announces an expansion to it's already popular stewardship program by officially recognizing two Pyreal Class Champions of the Environment. Chinzen Xao, archmage and founder of the FourFold Path school of magic, and Airor, one of the top-ranked adventurers of Frostfell, have each donated one million pyreals to ACEDL.

"We're more than excited, we're energized!" notes Anaboo, the group's founder. "To touch other players and provide them an opportunity to make their pyreals mean something, that's really special to us."

Chinzen Xao initially suggested creating the Pyreal Class level of stewardship as a way to make a positive contribution to the movement. "I felt that the time was right," added Airor, "I've been planning on donating for some time, and your recent activities spurred me to action."

The ACEDL plans on using the funds to continue it's efforts to pressure the citizens of Nanto to move their meeting hall to a more environmentally friendly location and to support the creation of the Blue Ghost Falls Nature Preserve. "We envision the land in and around the falls, including the triangular expanse between the currently existing roads, to be set-aside. Off-limits to all future construction."

"As a purely technical aside," Anaboo concludes out-of-character, "establishing the park consists of simply adjusting the coordinates of the meeting hall and adding a line or two to the code for the Nanto town criers -- hardly unreasonable demands." But Anaboo notes that the ACEDL treasury is now in a position to directly compete with other land developers should land ownership become a feature some time in the future.

ACEDL invites all citizens of Dereth to join in our petition to establish the Dereth Natural Park System. Email Turbine at comments@asheronscall.com and request the meeting hall be moved. Email Anaboo at anaboo@dereth.net and suggest other areas that should be preserved. Or visit ACEDL at http://buwahaha.com/acedl to learn more!

An Open Letter to the Citizens of Nanto

An Open Letter to the Citizens of Nanto,

Veteran adventurers, humble shopkeepers, and brave newcomers, the citizens of Nanto, your modest town has grown in the past year. You have constructed new buildings in the town proper and together you have raised the stones of a meeting hall. The Asheron's Call Environmental Defense League (ACEDL) applauds the concepts of urban infill and community centered growth. The poet's house in Nanto occupies an otherwise wasted expanse of land between existing structures, and it's location does not foster the sprawl of additional growth beyond the current borders of the town. And the meeting hall is a prime example of green, community centric growth.

But the location of the meeting hall is highly questionable. This construction threatens not only the aesthetic value of the Blue Ghost Falls but also the environmental balance of the area. There are half a dozen more appropriate places you could have located the meeting hall. Two possibilities include the road south to Mayoi, or the road east to the Nanto East Outpost.

As it stands now, the meeting hall is a gross blemish on the landscape, a monstrosity that jars the eye of travelers to your fair town. It is hard to enjoy the moonlight reflecting off the misty spray of the unique double-falls with the large construction featured so prominently in the background.

It is also currently located next to the Nanto lifestone and the portal to Yanshi, a heavily traveled location. The goal of meeting halls is to encourage gatherings of people away from areas that frequently become crowded. Placing the meeting hall within spitting distance of a stop on a major portal ring and a new player lifestone is poor planning.

It is not to late to make amends! Raise your voice to the powers that be and have the meeting hall moved! Never underestimate your power, citizens of Nanto, to rectify a problem in your own town. There is magic enough in Dereth to move a building. Support ACEDL in our efforts to establish Dereth's first officially recognized wilderness area: The Blue Ghost Falls Nature Preserve. Move your meeting hall while you still can.

Your fellow citizens of Dereth will thank you.

Signed,

Anaboo, the seventy-plus members of ACEDL, and those that joined us in our march on the Nanto meeting hall in protest.

(Visit ACEDL at http://buwahaha.com/acedl to learn more about us and to see pics of the March on Nanto.)

ACEDL Advocates Plan for Managed Growth

Growth of human settlements in Dereth has begun, as witnessed by the founding of a new city in the Direlands today. The Asheron's Call Environmental Defense League (ACEDL) responds to this development by releasing its policy suggestion, Green Growth: A Plan for Sustainable Development in Asheron's Call.

"Are we opposed to growth? Certainly not!" exclaims Anaboo, the group's founder. "Quite the contrary. We feel that development could add a refreshing, welcome addition to an already impressive game, especially considering the amount of innovation Turbine has shown implementing the other features of Asheron's Call. But we are advocating for growth that will bring the community together, not drive it apart."

The ACEDL points to the meeting halls as an example of the type of community oriented growth they support. "Instead of hundreds of individual meeting halls for every allegiance, group, or gathering, we build community through sharing common structures." While the group has some quarrels with locating some of the meeting halls in environmentally sensitive areas, ACEDL applauds the concept and would like to see it expanded as Turbine considers how, when, and whether to add housing to the game.

The ACEDL is a non-profit, grassroots environmental organization dedicated to preserving the natural resources, defending the native wildlife, and protecting the environment of the worlds of Asheron's Call. Where most on-line guilds focus on obtaining power for their members or sharing knowledge about the game, ACEDL strives to keep the game environment one in which the other guilds will want to play.

Read more about ACEDL at their webpage: http://buwahaha.com/acedl

Or check out the plan by clicking here: Green Growth plan

ACEDL Swimsuit Calendar Released to Public

ACEDL's innovative, provocative swimsuit calendar for 14 P.Y. has been completed and released to the public! "Since we're already well into 15 P.Y.," notes the group's founder, Anaboo, "we decided to release the calendar to the general public."

Featuring some of the most beautiful men and women of Dereth, the innovative calendar presents a multi-media display of Asheron's Call screenshots, live photographs, and original art. "I'm very proud of the calendar. The prior version raised not only thousands of pyreals but also increased awareness about our group. I'm hoping the free version of the calendar will be equally successful."

"Donations are always appreciated, of course," concludes Anaboo. The calendar can be viewed here: http://buwahaha.com/acedl/swimsuit

The ACEDL is a non-profit, grassroots environmental organization dedicated to preserving the natural resources, defending the native wildlife, and protecting the environment of the worlds of Asheron's Call. Where most on-line guilds focus on obtaining power for their members or sharing knowledge about the game, ACEDL strives to keep the game environment one in which the other guilds will want to play. This announcement continues a week-long series of articles and features as ACEDL mirrors the Earth Day 2000 celebration in the virtual world of Dereth. Read more about ACEDL at their webpage: http://buwahaha.com/acedl

Read about Earth Day activities in your area at the Earth Day Network webpage: http://www.earthday.net/

ACEDL Announces Historic Partnership with ACRoute and ACMonster

The Asheron's Call Environmental Defense League (ACEDL) proudly announces a historic partnership with Circeus, the developer of two of the best AC related software utilities, ACRoute and ACMonster. Circeus, inspired by the recommendation of his wife Stacy-Ann, will now be officially recognizing donations made to the ACEDL as fulfillment of the end user license agreements for the two programs.

"My wife and I wanted to show our support for the ACEDL," notes Circeus, "and their presence on multiple servers makes it easier for users of my software to donate their pyreal registration fee." Anaboo, speaking on behalf of ACEDL, agrees. "It's a win-win situation for both of our groups. ACRoute and ACMonster are two of the premiere third-party AC software utilities available. This partnership increases the visibility for our group while assisting the users and developer of the software."

The ACEDL is a non-profit, grassroots environmental organization dedicated to preserving the natural resources, defending the native wildlife, and protecting the environment of the worlds of Asheron's Call. Where most on-line guilds focus on obtaining power for their members or sharing knowledge about the game, ACEDL strives to keep the game environment one in which the other guilds will want to play.

Circeus is the originator of the pyrealware concept. His first utility, ACRoute, is Dereth's finest mapping software. It contains a list of numerous locations (Towns, Dungeons, Lifestones, Portals, etc.) that can be found in Asheron's Call, including their coordinates and other basic information. The user can click a starting and and ending location and then find out how to get around in the world of Dereth. A must for those who have answered the call.

The companion utility, Asheron's Call Monster Guide (ACMonster), combines all the known information about monsters into one location. ACMonster is a GUI that allows the user to look at the information about each known monster. It also provides the user with a list of attack types to use against the monster from best to worst.

This announcement kicks off a week-long series of articles and features as ACEDL mirrors the Earth Day 2000 celebration in the virtual world of Dereth. Read more about ACEDL at their webpage: http://buwahaha.com/acedl

Download Dereth's finest third-party software utilities from the Asheron's Call Useful Tools webpage: http://net-marks.com/actools/index.htm

Read about Earth Day activities in your area on the Earth Day Network webpage: http://www.earthday.net/

ACEDL Launches Ambitious Fund Raiser: Swimsuit Calendar for 14 P.Y.

In another groundbreaking move for this proactive, grassroots environmental organization, the Asheron's Call Environmental Defense League announces Dereth's first fundraiser. The 14 P.Y. ACEDL Swimsuit Calendar is now for sale! Featuring 12 months worth of beautiful photos, the men and women of ACEDL grace the beaches of Mayoi and Tou Tou, the mountainous terrain of the Direlands, and the sparkling waters of Blue Ghost Falls.

"It's been a lot of fun, and a good bonding experience for us," notes Anaboo, the group's founder, "and we think we've developed a quality product as well. I'm excited about the possibilities!" The swimsuit calendar currently features six months worth of photos, with the remainder of the year to be completed with photos submitted by the Derethian community at large. "The fundraiser works in two parts," Anaboo continues, "Not only do players who purchase the calendar receive access to all of the current month's pictures, they will be able to submit their own pictures! We'll feature the best user submissions as we complete the calendar."

Two sample months are available free of charge! To view the samples, please point your browser to http://buwahaha.com/acedl/sample1.html. The full calendar can be purchased for 5,000 pyreals (please, no Real World© money, ACEDL does not retain copyright lawyers on staff). Email Anaboo to arrange payment on any of Dereth's servers.

ACEDL is an organization dedicated to preserving the natural resources, defending the native wildlife, and protecting the environment of the worlds of Asheron's Call. Where most on-line guilds focus on obtaining power for their members or sharing knowledge about the game, ACEDL strives to keep the game environment one in which the other guilds will want to play.

You can read more about the group and its various programs and activities at their official webpage, located at http://buwahaha.com/acedl/.

The 'Official' ACEDL Pamphlet

NOTE: We've been distributing these pamphlets in game for some time, but after numerous reminders, Anaboo finally got around to placing the text here. Now you can make your own pamphlets to distribute in-game to bunny killers or to potential ACEDL members. Just buy (or find) a parchment, and copy and paste the following text into it. For that special touch, you can change the title of the parchment from 'Parchment' to 'Join ACEDL' or 'Stop Killing Bunnies'.

Asheron's Call
Environmental Defense League
___________________________________

http://buwahaha.com/acedl/
___________________________________

...dedicated to preserving the Natural Resources, defending the Native
Wildlife, and protecting the Environment of the worlds of Asheron's
Call...

STOP KILLING THE COWS & BUNNIES!

Transcript of the AC Stratics Interview

Seandhi Q1: What is the intent of your guild?

Anaboo : We are not a guild in the classical sense. The Asheron's Call Environmental Defense League (ACEDL) is not interested in the typical guild goals of obtaining power, wealth, or knowledge. ACEDL is a non-profit organization devoted to preserving Dereth as a world in which other guilds will want to play!

The ACEDL mission statement best summarizes our intent: we are dedicated to preserving the natural resources, defending the native wildlife, and protecting the environment of the Worlds of Asheron's Call. Our goal is to work proactively towards solving environmental problems. At the same time, we hope to raise awarness of environmental issues and the consequences that unplanned development can bring. Take for example the recent indications of a coming global freeze. This global cooling may have been touched off by haphazard spell casting in environmentally sensitive areas. Rest assured that we are looking for the cause so that we can prevent such disasters in the future.

Currently, our main focus is our outreach program designed to stop the senseless slaughter of cows and rabbits. Most people associate ACEDL solely with this program, but much more is planned for the future. One future program I'm especially proud of is our Field Guides program. Each guide will detail the native plant, tree, butterfly, and bird species native to a particular area of Dereth. We feel that these naturalist guides will fill an important niche in the Asheron's Call community.

Seandhi Q2: How do you plan on achieving it?

Anaboo : We have many tools at our disposal, the most well known of which is the dreaded 'Bunny Killer Black List.' When a member witnesses (or we receive a report describing) the killing of a defenseless cow or rabbit, we add that player's name to the list. We have anecdotal evidence showing that the threat of public ridicule from the black list has deterred some players from killing rabbits.

But we also reward good environmental actors. We offer a stewardship program whereby individuals or guilds can make donations to the cause or be recognized for outstanding merit. We are initiating campaigns for a 'City of the Month' award, and we have in-game meetings, activities, and fairs planned.

Finally, we work outside the game with designers from Turbine. We are especially proud to list several persons on the Turbine staff as ACEDL members. They've been a huge inspiration since day one, and their support has made everything we do seem worthwhile. They've commended our efforts to acknowledge all their hard work by protecting their creation, and we certainly appreciate all the response we've gotten from Turbine.

Seandhi Q3: How many and which servers are you presently on?

Anaboo : We have members on many different servers, but generally speaking, we're active on the Frostfell server.

Seandhi Q4: What drew your interest to protecting the Derethian Environment?

Anaboo : When I was just starting out during the beta test of Asheron's Call, I received some advice for beginners, cold-blooded advice which I found later was all too prevalent in Dereth. An established character bought me a nekode, pointed me to a field full of rabbits, and told me to kill everything that moved until I reached second level. Horrified, I instead pursued some 'newbie dungeons' and while I occasionally died during my indoctrination to the Asheron's Call game mechanics, I did so with a clean conscience.

I then noticed on message boards and fan sites that much attention was being paid to mapping out all the different Derethian creatures, and much argument was being made in favor of introducing land ownership. The other two primary goals of ACEDL, cataloging the native flora and preventing urban sprawl, grew out of these realizations.

The beautiful vistas and majestic scenery of Asheron's Call are a milestone in gaming. The backdrops are awe-inspiring, but you can actually travel to them! You can climb the mountain ranges, cross the deserts, swim the channel, and explore the mysterious islands. ACEDL strives to keep these features intact, and to help prevent the urbanization of these natural areas. Asheron called us here to defend his land, not pillage and develop it!

Seandhi Q5: How long has your League been active?

Anaboo : Since the middle of October, during the final few weeks of the beta testing. In just over a month, we've had over 1100 hits on the webpage. More than 20 players have signed up on the list server, and we've kicked off the Bunny Killer Black List project. And we're constantly growing. My in-box is flooded with emails, and we will be active in Dereth for a long, long time!

Seandhi Q6: Have you never slaughtered a bunny or cow?

Anaboo : No, never. And since the experience gained from killing these creatures is practically nill, I can't think of a defendable reason for anyone to slaughter them.

But ACEDL's doors are not closed to players who have killed rabbits or cows. We are working with one player who has admitted to being addicted to killing bunnies. Our hope is that our experience with him will enable us to set up a program to help others who may be similarly afflicted. Our goal is to be role models and offer support to these wayward souls.

Seandhi Q7: Do you think that the slaughter of bunnies may have real world implications as video games relate to anti-environmental behavior?

Anaboo : In the wake of tragic events and unfortunate press regarding the topic, I hesitate to offer any opinion on the relationship between video games and real world activity. Killing rabbits in Asheron's Call is different from, for example, killing deer in a CD-ROM hunting game. Inside Asheron's Call, killing rabbits is a meaningless activity with so much else to do and see in the game. It's not the point of the game, and the experience isn't designed to simulate the real world at all. Do you think a real rabbit would stand still while you walked up to it with a drawn sword and started to swing at it? Until the rabbits in Asheron's Call scamper off at the first sight of an approaching human and hide under bushes and rocks, I don't think there's much danger of rabbit killers turning their in-game habits to real world vices.

Seandhi Q8: Are you a vegetarian (in game?) and if so, what are your preferred dishes? Are they better than the meat alternatives? (meats are actually the least helpful food sources until prepared.)

Anaboo : There is a dearth of variety in the food choices in Asheron's Call, so I eat fish, beef, chicken, and yes, the occasional rabbit. Rabbit is very hard to come by, and I have contemplated 'hunting' rabbits to obtain the carcasses for cooking. To date, however, I have only cooked rabbit carcases found on dead rabbits. I have not seen rabbit offered at farms or in grocery stores, and I have never discovered rabbit on the body of a slain monster. But I hope that someday soon rabbit will become more available, lest bored cooks joing the ranks of the rabbit killers.

Seandhi Q9: Since the row over the newbie guide, do you have any alternatives to say a low level mage who needs to practice unarmed combat or a similar skill?

Anaboo : Five minutes after putting the CD-ROM in my computer, I was able to combat drudge skulkers and gnawer shreths with nothing more than a nekode. New characters need to take their first 100 pyreals and invest in a real nekode, dagger, or staff. Armed with nothing but one of these weapons, newbies should be able to tackle low level monsters. Don't get in a fight with a large group until you've got some experience and armor, and be careful not to go after something too much bigger than you. But believe me, you're gonna get bored really quickly trying to find the 200 plus bunnies you're gonna have to kill to get to second level. Besides, rabbits will never have pyreals on their corpses. You're wasting your time and missing out on the fun of Asheron's Call!

Seandhi Q10: How strict is the League policy? If a member were to accidentally target a rabbit while surrounded by shreths, would the member be held accountable? And to what degree?

Anaboo : This has happened with cows in the field, where the game's auto-select feature targeted a near-by cow after a monster was slain and launched an arrow before the attack could be halted. I can't imagine holding a member accountable for an unintentional attack on a rabbit, and we've told everyone to turn the auto-target feature off. (I'd suggest everyone do that, actually, so that you don't accidentally get the attention of a nearby creature. It could save your life.)

As you can probably see, we don't really have any strict policies at ACEDL, save one -- have fun! We're really not a bunch of tree-hugging bunny-lovers that sit around and type manifestos all day. We love playing Asheron's Call, and we hunt, explore, and adventure together. Come to Lin on the Frostfell server and join us!

Seandhi Q11: What are the intrinsic differences between bunnies and other spawned animals, since they come from a land other than Dereth, is it appropriate to attempt to preserve them? There has not been any published research which supports your claim that the bunnies are intrinsic to the environment of Dereth, so what makes the bunny life worthy of protection and that of the Drudges unworthy?

Anaboo : Well, not having spoken with Asheron personally, we have been forced to make some assumptions regarding which animals he brought us here to kill. Essentially, ACEDL defends the defenseless. We support non-aggresion towards any creature that is passive. In other words, if you can walk up to an animal without it attacking you, then leave it alone. We currently consider all rabbit species and most cows protected. We have had some conflicting reports regarding an Auroch Bull in the presence of an Auroch Calf, so we're still investigating their behavior to determine if they need our help or not.

Seandhi Finally, I would like to thank you for the time that you took to respond, since the Derethian environment is indeed rich, there is not a question of whether to preserve it, only how to preserve it.

Anaboo : It's been my pleasure to take this opportunity to reach such a wide audience. I'd like to reiterate that membership in ACEDL is open to any like-minded players, regardless of other guild affilitations. Indeed, we strive to get members from as many different guilds as possible to further spread our message.

The ACEDL info site can be found at http://buwahaha.com/acedl/acedl.html

And in closing, I'd like to quote Margaret Mead, the patron saint of grassroots organizations everywhere, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: indeed it's the only thing that ever has."

ACEDL Opens Food Bank in Lin During Dereth's Trying Times

As the weather turns unseasonably cold in Dereth, the destitute, poor, and hungry will face additional hardships. Not only will the bitter chill make it even more difficult to defeat the evil hordes of creatures roaming the fields of Dereth, new and hideous monsters will likely use the cold and snow as an excuse to make their presence known. Faced with these new challenges, some players may be pressed to take desperate action to stay alive.

The Asheron's Call Environmental Defense League (ACEDL), while dedicated to protecting the environment of Dereth, will not turn its back on the human populations of Dereth in this time of need. Warm clothing, shelter, and hearty, home-cooked meals will be available throughout the crisis in the town of Lin (on the Frostfell server). The ACEDL campaign to feed the hungry and clothe the less fortunate will kickoff in a year end, holiday gathering to be held this Sunday (December 19) at 6:00 EST.

Come to the dedication of the soup kitchen, which we will be setting up in the ACEDL conference center (the empty building in Lin, closest to the portal to Khayyaban), and stay for the holiday festivities. Any and all donations will be gratefully accepted. Bring all the food you normally drop or discard to the soup kitchen, and we will cook it up and give it to the hungry. And think about dontating that old armor you no longer wear...a "worthless" suit of padded leather may save the life of a cold, confused newbie or an unfortunate victim of the snow who has lost everything.

ACEDL is an organization dedicated to preserving the natural resources, defending the native wildlife, and protecting the environment of the worlds of Asheron's Call. Where most on-line guilds focus on obtaining power for their members or sharing knowledge about the game, ACEDL strives to keep the game environment one in which the other guilds will want to play.

You can read more about the group and its various programs and activities at their official webpage, located at http://buwahaha.com/acedl.

On-Line Activists Protect Virtual Environments

A new sort of guild has sprung up in the immensely popular massively multiplayer on-line roleplaying game Asheron's Call. The game, nearing the end of it's beta phase and due to ship nationwide in the middle of November, features stunning graphics with breathtaking vistas and beautiful landscapes. In a ground-breaking move, an organization of players has banded together to protect that virtual environment.

Asheron's Call Environmental Defense League, or ACEDL, is an organization dedicated to preserving the natural resources, defending the native wildlife, and protecting the environment of the worlds of Asheron's Call. Where most on-line guilds focus on obtaining power for their members or sharing knowledge about the game, ACEDL strives to keep the game environment one in which the other guilds will want to play.

The focus of ACEDL's actions to date has been their campaign to eliminate the wholesale slaughter of the native population of Dereth. Through pressure to avoid being placed on the shameful 'bunny-killer black list', ACEDL tries to curtail player's habits of killing helpless bunnies and cows. 'Many new players kill these creatures to gain experience', admits Anaboo, the founder of ACEDL, 'because they pose on real threat. While Turbine has reduced the experience gained from killing these animals, the tradition continues among low-level characters.'

The main problem threatening the worlds of Asheron's Call, according to the group, is the potential for urban sprawl if land ownership becomes a feature of the retail release. Anaboo has stated that the group is not opposed to land ownership, but 'growth must be planned. Planned with an eye towards protecting sensitive areas, maintaining green ways, and providing communal areas within our cities.' ACEDL is committed to preventing the problems our real cities have faced by taking proactive measures in the virtual world of AC.

You can read more about the group and its various programs and activities at their webpage, temporarily located at http://members.xoom.com/buwahaha/acedl.html. Their permanent home at http://buwahaha.com/acedl will be on-line by the release of the retail game.