A word from the Editor

Watch out people, Bella has tied Thorn up and stored him in her dungeon for this month's Shiverpeaks Courier. We've got a few new surprises in store for you along with some old staples. So, strap on your seatbelts and prepare yourself for the ride. And as always keep your hands and feet inside the car at all times.

GUILD WARS 2: A sneak peak pt. 1

So this issue, DAD's four month old Shiverpeaks Courier was to be run by Bella with the help of myself and Ikra it became apparent that the ladies had taken over from within at two to one. As we mulled over the possible articles we could add to this month's courier the thought of the upcoming Guild Wars 2 sprung to mind. So off I went to find out any information behind the upcoming Guild Wars sequel and hopefully shed some new light on some things that you didn't know about.

The 28th April 2005 was when Guild Wars was first officially released to us and from this first hit derived: Guild Wars Factions, Guild Wars Nightfall and the popular expansion Guild Wars: Eye of the North (G.W.E.N). So did ArenaNet have the idea of a sequel for a long time? Well maybe but before the expansion G.W.E.N came on the scene a fourth campaign was to be made from which much of the concept of Guild Wars 2 originates from. This campaign was to be called Guild Wars Utopia, so as I flitted through sites on the cancelled Utopia project a lot of ideas that the project saw was been used for G.W.E.N and Guild Wars 2 which makes sense since it was cancelled because of the arrival of this anticipated sequel.

Even though the announcement of the sequel was made last March in 2007, little information on the sequel has been announced but ArenaNet have promised to release more information nearer the second half of 2008 also announced that the Guild Wars 2 BETA will take place at this time. So with only basic information out right now Bella had the smart idea of asking one of her contacts at NCSoft for any new information on the sequel but as we presumed ArenaNet have absolutely nothing for us... typically! So back to scouring the net for any information I could get my hands on.

The first answered question I can confirm for you all is Guild Wars 2 will NOT have a monthly subscription which has been officially confirmed by ArenaNet, although the idea of having a free to play MMORPG stays the same, when we arrive back to Tyria in Guild Wars 2 which is what we can expect from an article labeled "The Movement of the World", the continent will be a very different game and an entirely different world as dragons terrorize the continent and relations between the continents have drastically changed... players are in a world 250 years after the events in G.W.E.N and things look bleak.

ArenaNet have stated five races will be playable in GW2 which are: Human, Norn, Asura, Sylvari and Charr yet these are not confirmed as the only races available in the future sequel and ArenaNet hope to have a lot more involved within the game. No professions have been decided on, yet ArenaNet have announced they are reviewing the current GW1 professions and looking in to new professions. An interesting race I happened to find which was rumoured to be used in the cancelled Utopia project was the Chronomancer profession which in other fantasy games is a time mage. Could it well be we will see the Chronomancer in Guild Wars 2? Time will tell. Guild Wars 2 will bring in the idea of persistence areas which is a conventional way to say players will be able to meet up while exploring areas unlike the current GW where players can only meet in towns and Outposts... also the DAD halls. Missions and Dungeons will use instanced areas such as the ones used in the GW1 we all love today.

ArenaNet have stated that the level cap may be raised for the Guild Wars sequel and Jeff Strain had to say "The new game will have a much higher level cap - and the team is actually playing around with the idea of having no cap at all' In a recent interview with GameSpy. Could this mean hours of grinding to reach your maximum potential? Let's hope not but many also worry that Guild Wars two will turn into the traditional MMORPG and turn its back on its quirky ways and stylistic fashion of a MMORPG. Again we can only wait yet founders of ArenaNet have stated that is not why they are trying to do but to give us a better gaming experience and hopefully a more thought provoking storyline which will be told in story bubbles and not one straight narrow path like GW1. When Guild Wars 2 launches you won't be able to play the original Guild Wars no more... just kidding it has been confirmed servers will stay open as long as people are still playing and updates and events will carry on until the game becomes very outdated which seem inevitable after so long.

The official Guild Wars Wiki offers a suggestions page that may well be used in Guild Wars 2, people have suggested seasons; different languages that we must learn to speak to different races in the world; flying paragons; ship capturing replacing alliance battles (although it has been confirmed Luxons and Kurzicks will have been disposed of by the Canthan Emperor) and even a "scarlet letter" to shame any online gold buyers. Any ideas you think of should go on there and maybe it might be included in the upcoming sequel.

So as much as I could fit in without boring you, we've learned Guild Wars 2 will have no subscription fee; will have at least five distinctive races; ArenaNet founders wanted to experiment with new stuff so abandoned the idea of Utopia and wiki users have a strange sense of morals when it comes to shaming those that have done wrong. Here's hoping I educated at least a few DAD members... I can only hope. Mystery Mesmer

*Editor's Note: We scoured the internet for any images, but you've seen what the Guild Wars 2 wiki has posted. We will be revisiting this subject as new information surfaces.

as overhead by Mystery Mesmer and Mistress Bella

Everyone likes a bit of guild gossip every now and again don't they? That's why this month we decided report a few buzzing we've heard around the halls. At this time we cannot confirm nor deny the following tidbits, but you may want be careful, for you never know who is listening. Enjoy.

Jule has been spotted gallivanting around with DJ Paul touching up on his rap skills before he comes out of the closet as a rapper.
After a botched declawing by Draco, Taby is now in court suing him for everything he owns... sadly Taby will only claim computers and a stuffed teddy called Cookie and one ball of yarn.
Uncle Noteeth has been shamelessly found with 3 elementalist girls in the DAD1 hot tub. We could not get a statement from any of them.
After a huge bust-up between the couple, Nat and Izzy are now undergoing GW counseling sessions three times a week.
The notorious Bella has just been released from her holding cell after a 10 hour bender in which she abused fellow guildies and broke into the DAD2 mini bar.
Leviath is now in treatment for his elementalist/Rit ogling addiction. He should be clean in four to six months.
A little digging on Thorn's absence regarding this month's issue revealed he was operating a pay per view animal dating service. The authorities have been notified and his computer has been confiscated.
Also it appears Ben the Brit isn't really British at all but Croatian, his PC is the only one on the island.

It's that time again kiddies, time to peel back the layers of what makes a DAD member who they are. Entering the dungeon this week are two individuals that define the word contrast: Spirit of Natalya and our very own hairball Taby. As always, these snippets of terror are not for the squeamish. Read at your own risk.

NAT Interview

I sat down with Nat at an out of the way café just outside of Tangle Root. The service was horrible, but they makw wonderful home brewed ale.
Bella: Ok, let's forgo all pleasantries and get right to the heart of things shall we? This isn't your first stint in DAD, you were in it before?
Nat: I was, back in the golden days.
Bella: And you left? Nat: I did, it was a tumultuous time in my Guild Wars life. I was thinking of making my own guild but that failed miserably just like my first 80 guilds.
Bella: Well, at least you were persistent.
Nat: I try to be that way in everything I do, failure being at the top of a long list.
Bella: I've noticed. Ok, so explain your tumultuous time. What was happening that made you tuck tail and run like a frightened fox on the hunt?
Nat: I think Dorvan all-capped my name one too many times in AC. Seriously though, I'm not sure why. Maybe I just needed a break from the game, because shortly after I left I took a few months hiatus.
Bella: Was that to start your synchronized swim team?
Nat: Hey, you have done your research. Well true to form that failed as well, but I gave it my all.
Bella: Well, it may have been that whole "not being able to swim" thing that may have held you back. I mean you can't use floaties in competition.
Nat: Hey! I can still coach from the shallow end. My students still saw I had heart.
Bella: It's nice to see an adult pass off his mediocrity to the little ones. Not that I have any of course.
Nat: Well, I try to teach them…wait a second. We don't need any little Bellas running around here; all mean and young drunkards.
Bella: you could do worse, they could be little Dracos. Oh my, that sounds like a discontinued snack food, but I'm afraid we're off topic. So, give me a scenario of those long DAD days past? Maybe something newer members could hear?
Nat: Well, I remember fondly Uncle would speak almost five times a day in AC. I was truly amazed, for you just don't see that kind of thing.
Bella: Five times a day? That is something.
Nat: Granted they were more along the lines of "hi Nat" How are you?" and I'd reply, "Great, you?" They were some of the deepest conversations I've ever had in my life. Keep in mind this was spread out over the course of an 8 hour day.
Bella: He did sneak up on me one day, rub sand in my hair then run off cackling. I guess that meant "hello".
Nat: He's tricky. I caught him in town once and proceeded to chase him down a long, dark alley where I was ambushed by a pack of wolverines. But that's Uncle, all in fun. I did lose a foot though.
Bella: Nat, you've been known to put on errs, so how can I trust the validity of this experience?
Nat: All I can tell you is if you ask him about it, his silence is all the proof you need.
Bella: Oh, I will ask him, but for now let's let sleeping wolverines lie.
Nat: thank it still frightens me to this day.
Bella: Understandable. Wait…did you hear that? Oh my god Nat, behind you! *sneaks up to Nat's ear and growls loudly*
Nat: AAAAHHHHIIEEEE!!!! *gasping* Was that really necessary?
Bella: I apologize, journalistic humor. So, you come back to DAD (pestering me in the process) and things have changed. Can you tell me what you noticed upon your return?
*silence*
Bella: take your time. I'm only growing old here.
Nat: Well, I noticed there was someone who could finally finish my lyrics in AC, and also that Izzy had betrayed me.
Bella: Ok, now that's two red flags, so let's begin with the first. Tell our readers (all 3 of them) who this mysterious (and amazing) person was?
Nat: Her name was…urm..Beller, or something like that. Great gal, but smelled like a brewery mixed with lilacs and until she came along, no one had ever finished a lyric I tossed into AC. I was beside myself with joy.
Bella: Well, it seems this "beller" person is now stuck with you spouting song lyrics all day? I fear she may take her own life one day.
*flips through notes*
Bella: Well, I think I may have uncovered something here. You mentioned Izzy's betrayal?
Nat: Ah yes, we get down to the mudslinging.
Bella: Does you're falling out have something to do with a new vanquishing partner you've been seen with?
Nat: Somewhat yes.
Bella: Care to elaborate?
Nat: Well, when Isabelle first arrived, we scrimmed one day and realized how awesome we both were. I said, "I'm Nat", then he responded "Im Isabelle. So I said, "Oh no that won't do, you're name is now Izzy."
Bella: So, you gave him that nickname?
Nat: I did, and it stuck. From there came Nightfall and Hard Mode, so it was then we embarked on the greatest journey mankind….
Bella: yawns
Nat: …had even known and when we finished….

*this goes on for quite some time faithful readers, I will spare you the tortue.*

Nat: So when I decided to take my break he continues on without me.
*It's apparent Nat is holding back some emotion, but I press on*
Bella: Well, did you expect him to wait for you?
Nat: YES! No matter how long!
Bella: Sound a bit selfish to me.
Nat: *nearing tears* It wasn't selfish. HE was the selfish one!
Bella: Ok, before I have to get a couch out here let me ask you this. Was it a conscious decision to find a new vanquishing partner?
Nat: I would like to say it was done out of spite, but I cannot. I was a spontaneous thing that has worked out great.
Bella: I see, ok one last wound to open. Seemingly happy-go-lucky, you then became a statistic and had your account hacked. Was that a direct contribution of you leaving DAD the first time?
Nat: Ah yes, the Time of Troubles.
Bella: Reader's Digest version please.
Nat: Well, after that happened I was ready to lay down the staves for good, but the hand of Uncle reached down from on high picking me up with one arm and handing me a prosthetic foot with the other. He still felt bad about it I guess after all that time.
Bella: I'm just shocked he managed to chew it off with no teeth.
Nat: You cannot imagine the pain. Well it all worked out, but I miss my old characters, but they're in a better place now. *pulls out a handkerchief*
Bella: Alrighty we're about done. I'm falling aslee…I mean enraptured by your candor so I'll finish up with a few quick questions.
Nat: Oh well lead on Ms. Lipton.
Bella: Great, thanks for ruining my premise.
Nat: I did no such thing.
Bella: Fine, may I continue or do I need to get the gaffer tape?
Nat: No, no continue.
Bella: Dryer lint or dust bunnies?
Nat: Dust bunnies all the way.
Bella: Good nap or good cry?
Nat: The nap after the cry, the best of both worlds.
Bella: Favorite Guild Wars chat line?
Nat: Helloooooo
Bella: La la laaaa…oops. Favorite curse word?
Nat: Poopyhead
Bella: Who would play you in an autobiography?
Nat: Don Knotts. 40 years ago.
Bella: thank you Nat it's been, well it's been…uh…oh waiter he'll pick up the check.
Nat: Hey wait, where are you going?
Bella: *Shouts from a taxi* Gotta go meet someone Byeeee!!!!
Nat: Clever girl.

TABY Interview

I secured the dungeon and put out a nice fresh box of litter in preparation for my next interview. Taby sniffed around before settling herself down on one of my silk pillows before we began.
Bella: Alright, let's begin. I think we'll begin with my introduction to the guild.
Taby: wat? *looks confused*
Bella: My first stint in AC and I see someone shamelessly torturing members. As it turns out, this was you.
Taby: Yup.
Bella: Alright, so what's the point? Why all the pent up anger?
Taby: Well, I like rangers. They are my favorite proffsion to play and simple to understand.
Bella: *snickers* Uh no. Why do that to people in AC, why the pent…up…anger?
Taby: Ohhhh. I'm not sure. :/
Bella: Hmm…let's change gears a bit. You seem to model most of your characters with a feline theme. Any reason why?
Taby: I was reading this bookseris called "Warriors". It's about cats. I like cats.
Bella: And yarn?
Taby: Argh! No I don't like yarn.
Bella: That's weird, all cats like yarn.
Taby: I may name my characters of a femline nature but I am not a cat.
Bella: Maybe it's just a yarn deficiency then. Maybe you need to embrace the yarn and its teachings.
Taby: no…I am 50% odd, 40% nice and 10% evil.
Bella: Well, speaking as a gold medal evil doer and champion five years running, you maybe have 0.03% evil.
Taby: It's only when I feel like it.
Bella: Ahh there you see? It's not a feeling. Evil just IS.
Taby: I can be evil.
Bella: Anyway…I've noticed a slight rift between you and Ben lately, care to comment?
Taby: no, that's personal.
Bella: Well, didn't we agree you'd answer all my questions?
Taby: I did. :3
Bella: Alright, let me rephrase the question. What's going on with you and Ben? C'mon Taby, our readers want the "cat" out of the bag.
Taby: Just a spat and such.
Bella: I see. Well my sources say it's because you two shared something a while back. I wonder if that's true.
Taby: No, it isn't. He asked me to the valentines partyI said yes, then Hatchet got jealous.
Bella: Oh, and what did you do to rectify Hatchet's feeling of loss?
Taby: uhh what?
Bella: …..
Taby: Uhh...hatchet got over it. He was jelous of Ben, he thought we were going out. I said HECK NO
Bella: Because of the whole cat thing?
Taby: No, becuz I went with Ben. o.o
Bella: So you've been in DAD a while now. What keeps things fresh? What drives Taby to the scratching post? Besides your love of Draco, of course.
Taby: I DO NOT LOVE DRACO! He wud nvr admit it, but we r friends, and I like talking to everyone. Furry, you, Ishi, Hatchet, my brother.
Bella: Me? Oh dear child, I'm here to report, nothing more.
Taby: I enjoy talking to you.
Bella: Then you must be a glutton for punishment I must say.
Taby: I know how to tease you back, well…Im still trying to figure that out.
Bella: Good luck with that. Just as an FYI, you haven't gotten anywhere close. Remember kitten, I've devoured opponents with much more experience than you, but enough about me. You are homeschooled are you not?
Taby: Indeed I am ? I go to the public school for choir though.
Bella: I see. So what's it like not having other kids to hang around with, get into fights, etc.?
Taby: Nope.
Bella: nope what?
Taby: I don't get into fights. I'm in virtual school and I see my friends every day.
Bella: at your desk? Or is that kitchen table?
Taby: no..at the actual school.
Bella: Virtual School. So the teacher is some sort of android you learn lessons from on the computer? Does HE like yarn?
Taby: No, I have a fisillitator (sp) and I talk to her every other day?
Bella: Ok, so what about your guild mates? Has there ever been anyone that rubbed your fur the wrong way? One person who gets your whiskers in a knot?
Taby: Yes. Someone made a char of one I just deleted named "taby Cat". I was so upset I started to cry.
Bella: *hands sandpaper* Sorry all out of tissue. Ok, so who was this evil unappreciative malcontent?
Taby: Ong Bak Lord.
Bella: Ok, so why was this so upsetting if you deleted the character in the first place?
Taby: Because he was pretending to be me.
Bella: well, wasn't it just in fun?
Taby: No, he was being mean.
Bella: Did he say that he was?
Taby: No, he didn't but I know bcuz he delted the char very quickly. I still hate him. >.>
Bella: Ahhh now we're brings us back to the anger issue. How can you hate someone you've never actually met?
Taby: easily. They tease you the wrong way.
Bella: Seems like a waste of energy to me.
Taby: meh, I have soccer practice, that takes more energy that hating.
*bella reaches over and shuts off the non sequitur alarm*
Bella: Well, I only have a few more questions, but back to you being evil. I must warn you about taking that step. Be prepared for consequences. Because, I don't think you are, young clawless one.
Taby: Okay, I am NOT A CAT!
Bella: Allegory, give it a looksie sometime.
Taby: What?!
Bella: Ok, last few. Cheese or crackers?
Taby: Crackers
Bella: Water or juice?
Taby: Juice
Bella: Ben or Draco?
Taby: WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THAT?! Uhhh…Draco…I guess.
Bella: Yarn or catnip?
Taby: -.- neither.
Bella: Favorite word?
Taby: MASACRE >:] no…MASACRE >.>
Bella: Mascara it is, ok thanks.
Taby: no…massacre…MASACRE >.>

Tichi Geekswad has now acquired the title "People Know Me" Congratulations Tichi. Now maybe you'll beat Vy in PvP.

A few months ago our very own Letty decided to take the task on of throwing a St. Patrick's Day party for all the DAD members. Needless to say it was a rousing success. Sadly we do not have any pictures of the event for they were confiscated by ArenaNet for evidence in an ongoing damage lawsuit. We did manage to get ahold of the damage charges from ArenaNet. Our sources say that Letty has hired the best lawyers money can buy to fight this. God's speed Letty.

*Note from Bella – There you have it kiddies. I had fun making this with everyone involved. Big huge thanks go out to Mystery and Ikra I couldn't have done this without them and I now hand the reins back to Thorn. Ciao!