[Traithe]

Greetings,

The following is a rough but official schedule for the HRPT's ("highly recommended playing-time") main events this coming week. Please note that depending on the outcome of each subsequent event this scheduling is open for dramatic change; to avoid inbox clutter, any changes made during the week to playtimes will be posted in the announcements forum on our website - so please be sure to check it often if you don't want to miss out. In addition to the listed events, a number of unnanounced mini-events will be run continuously throughout the week by the administrators, both related and un-related to the HRPT's main plot. Finally, although the main listed events are military in nature, the results of each will have very real, very immediate and very noticeable effects on every single character in the game - so you would do well to witness them firsthand, even if your character is living safely behind the walls of Osgiliath or Minas Morgul during the main conflict.

All times listed are roughly the times at which each event will begin. They are all listed in Pacific Standard Time; if this is not your timezone, you can find a handy converter to ascertain the correct time in your area at


"The Fog of War" - Monday, November 22nd @ 5 pm Pacific Standard Time

A thick, unnaturally heavy fog settles in about Gondor's Eastern Garrison. Shapes can be dimly seen moving about through the stifling mist, despite a conspicuously sudden absence of any wildlife in the area, and rumours of dark sorcery abound.

"The Siege is Laid" - Wednesday, November 24th @ 3 pm Pacific Standard Time

The forces of Minas Morgul, spearheaded by Zaak Dugha's fearsome Gothakra warband, attempt to establish perimeter fortifications surrounding the Garrison. Should they succeed, the Garrison's brave defenders will be entirely cut off from any aid, and the citizens of Osgiliath will be unlikely to send any assistance, fearing that the horde may turn its collective gaze westward should the Garrison fall...

"The Final Reckoning" - Saturday, November 27th @ 12 noon Pacific Standard Time

Should Minas Morgul's forces succeed in establishing a perimeter around the Garrison, after a fortnight of bombardment and assault they will march upon the Garrison's brave defenders. Should these men and women fail, and the Garrison fall, the keep itself will be destroyed, and Osgiliath will likely be next in short order - and it is doubtful the Witchking of Angmar is taking any chances. It is whispered that the ageless Al-Pharazon of the Ebon Hand, one of his most trusted lieutenants and a powerful dark sorceror in his own right, will be lending his aid to the Witchking's black horde.


It will be, all in all, a decisive week in the course of the game's history and evolving plot - regardless of which side you play on, don't miss out! The future of both the Garrison and Osgiliath could very well depend upon your presence.

We look forward to seeing everyone there. Best of luck to all!

[Traithe]

Wow - the first scheduled event was an absolute blast.

We already broke our previous standing record, set about ten months ago, of 86 players online - we're up to 88 now.

Honestly, we weren't expecting to get quite that high until the finale - so chances are this Wednesday and Saturday will be fantastic.

If you've been thinking about dropping by, get your character applications in soon! The staff's been working overtime, so your window of opportunity if you want to make the big events may be closing soon.

Thanks to everyone who attended and made it such a great time!