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Cody "Micajah" Bye here, the new main site editor, filling in for Boomjack on today's Loading... I think I heard Boomjack and Ethec muttering something about a "trial by fire." I've thoroughly prepped the washroom for my forthcoming tears.

For the past month, I've been delving into the lore and history of the MMO forefathers in an attempt to gauge how our worlds came to be. Every discovery has left me titillated and yearning for more. But the material to be devoured on the Internet is limited.

However, a recent post on Raph Koster's website directed me to a mirrored version of the e-magazine, Imaginary Realities, hosted by Tharsis Gate. As I began surfing through the contents of the site, the sheer volume of information available threatened to overwhelm me. Over 233 articles on virtual worlds, roleplaying, MUDs, MOOs, and the initial throes of the industry are just a few clicks away.

Here are a few examples:

• How It Really Happened by Richard Bartle, the "creator" of the first MUD
  The man often deemed the "father" of MUDs recounts the true story behind the creation of the first multi-user dungeon and how he didn’t actually do it.
• The History of Online Games by Jessica Mulligan, long-time industry professional
  Actually a three part series, "The History of Online Games" provides a chronological breakdown of when each event occurred in the beginning of the MMO industry.
• MUD: A Thing of the Past? by Matt Steed
  Although this particular article wasn't written by a "big" name, the article is strangely prophetic in that most MUDs have gone the way of the Yangtze River dolphin. However, I also think it strange that the writer didn't consider EQ or UO entities that mudders could migrate to once there text-based games became defunct.

Hopefully the articles available to you in the archives will sate your MMO history hunger for a few weeks. I am brewing up some content for the main site that may entice those of you who enjoy your lore.

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Exclusive TenTonHammer.com Content!

02.19.2007

• WoW: Updated Where to Adventure Page
  "With the release of the Burning Crusade, it was time to update and refresh our "Where to Adventure Guide" with additional information. This guide covers the areas (zones) that you can adventure in and at what levels it is viable and rewarding to do so. Each section provides brief details about the zone and the creatures found there. We have also tried to provide some idea of how many quests are there and how long you can stay there."
• Vanguard: Shaman Creation Guide
  "Vanguard content continues to roll out, and today we present you with the Shaman Creation Guide. Produced by Vanguard TTH's Winter, this guide helps you create a shaman and get her to level 10."
• Warhammer: Death of a Hobby, Part One
  "In this series of articles, Ratboy will be detailing his thoughts on the state of the Miniature gaming hobby. This part outlines the past buildup of his local community and his own personal experiences in the hobby."
• DDO: Guide to 3.3 Enhancements
  "Are you confused by the new enhancement system? Do you like to do things right, the first time? In this latest addition to the DDO community site, our experts will guide you, step by step, through the new enhancement system."
• Blogs: Patience, Jackass, Patience
  "This week Shayalyn's blog takes a look at a camel, a jackass, a burning desert, an oasis, and an unpolished game with a lot of promise. You'll have to read the blog to make sense of it all, then stay for the rest of the newsletter, which contains a review of last week's juicy content at Vanguard Ten Ton Hammer."
• WoW: Why Powerleveling Services are Bad
  "If you've ever seen someone who has been banned for some unknown reason and yet finds no sympathy from Blizzard, they were probably a victim of secondary market 'powerleveling.' In this article, we explore the reasons why you should avoid this costly and often tragic secondary market service."
• Blogs: MMOs on Hold....Not Really
  "In his recent blog, Ratboy tries to find a balance between MMOs and real life. The fear of falling behind guildmates and online friends plays havoc with his recent two week break from the game."
• LotRO: New Tailor Guide
  "LotRO TTH's Crafting section has been updated to include the brand-new Tailor Guide. If you've ever found yourself in need of an explanation to how tailor's operate or what you need to do to become a tailor, this is the guide for you!"
• EQ2: Coercer Guide Part Two
  "The charms of the mesmerizing Coercer are expanded upon in the second iteration of this Class Guide. Come check it out to find advice, wisdom, spell lists, and AP guidance that will help you play your class better."
• Vanguard: Weakness and Vulnerabilities Chart
  "The folks at Vanguard TTH have put together a handy little list of which spells and abilities can cause the greatest pain in your enemies. Learn these secrets well, for they may help you gain a foothold in the epic Vanguardian adventure."
• WoW: Warlock Pet Guide Revamp
  "Our Warlock Pet Guide has been fully rebuilt from the ground up. Everything you need to know about the various Warlock pets is now included in our Warlock Pet Guide, including information on the Felguard, one of the latest pets to be added to the Warlock's arsenal."
• Warhammer: Concept Gallery Update
  "Our gallery has been updated again and now includes four new concept art images uploaded by EA Mythic. With images for a Khorne marauder, a Tzeentch Portal, an Empire statue, and a Bloodbull, it seems EA is covering a lot of bases with their concept art deployment. Feel free to check out these images in our gallery!"
• WoW: Priest Guide Update - Quests
  "Another section revamp as we work towards a complete update to the Priest Guide here at Ten Ton Hammer. The updated section discusses all of the many Priest only quests that are a must to complete as you work your way from level 1 to 70."
• WoW: Using the Auction House
  "The center of World of Warcraft's player-based economy lies in the Auction House. This pocket guide gives you the basics on how to use the auction house to sell or buy items."
• Warhammer: Image Gallery Update
  "Another gallery update to the Warhammer archive, except this one include 20 new screenshots. Several new images of the Empire, Chaos, Greenskin, and Dwarven factions are available."
• WoW: Race Page Update
  "The WoW Ten Ton Hammer Race Page has now been updated! Head over there to find out all kinds of information about each of the available races. The new page includes information on the blood elves, the draenei, new racial mounts, and new flying mounts. If you are undecided as to what race is best for you, then this page should be your first stop!"

Thanks as always for visiting TenTonHammer.com

- Cody "Micajah" Bye

You can read previously enjoyed editions of Loading... in the blog archive.