Over at the Guild Wars site, NCSoft has just posted the latest issue of the Scribe where they talk about the Balthazar priests' experiment in Heroes' Ascent.

According to the Scribe, the Priests of Balthazar will be implementing various changes to Heroes' Ascent within the next few weeks. Not to worry though, the priests promise to execute their plans first on a temporary basis to give the citizens the chance to voice out their opinions about the changes being made.

The priests won't divulge any specific details about these changes but they highly encourage combatants to opine on the changes they'll make so that they'll be able to make the necessary adjustments before the Priests of Balthazar make their final verdict.

The priests have also vowed to consider all opinions given to them so citizens need not worry that they won't be informed regarding the changes that'll soon take place. However, this "test" will only be in place for a limited time, so adventurers are advised to head on to the Battle Isles soon and participate in the discussions and debates.

It was just recently when Guild Wars first opened its Domain of Anguish. It's amusing how discussions about the place spread like wild fire among adventurers and yet, the number of people going there remained scarce.

Most probably, it's because of its mysterious and dangerous nature. Who would, tell us, in their right minds venture inside a domain that has the word anguish following it?

True enough, the latest rendition of The Scribe bears the headline: "Domain of Anguish Lives Up to Its Name." Quite scary, huh? Actually, the place is scary especially when you consider the sheer ferocity and destructive powers of the Domain's protectors. However, The Scribe assures that some have successfully made it to the inner regions alive.

Unfortunately, the old GW adage "Kill the Monk first" doesn't ring true in this wretched place. There are certain points, however, which adventurers have to consider if they want to make it alive or even stand a chance. First, make sure that your party is well-balanced. Spike attack will work better if your little band of brothers have different proponents.

Stealth, as always, is invaluable. Please take note that many Patrols wander the domain, grouped into parties much like your own. More importantly, refrain from casting Area of Effect attacks. Accordingly, enemies within the Domain of Anguish become enraged when significantly injured.

And please, please, learn to drop the macho hero attitude sometimes. It is not cowardice to run. If you don't believe us and want to pursue, go ahead. But consider The Scribe's last words of warning:

Do not feel obligated to fight to the last man! If your party is in certain peril, it is both honorable and sane to withdraw from combat to regroup and reorganize. Don't look at it as fleeing, but rather, as a tactical withdrawal.

Let's cut to the chase, shall we? The November 30 edition of Guild Wars' The Scribe talks of the ever-mysterious, Order of Whispers and their mysterious construction project in the Chantry of Secrets. The Order refused to affirm or debunk the assumption that this secret project is related to a then-unknown portion of the Real of Torrent that they have been snooping around in. But they are willing to share the mystery to those who have proven their abilities. But since we're all second-guessing about it, it is best to keep our eyes on the Chantry and on this area called "Domain of Anguish".

Ah, what else? Ah yes, the Wintergreen Challenge! Kun Shao, the Xunlai Tournament Agent mentioned that this new challenge does not require combat participation to get some goodies because Xunlai will offer prizes to on-lookers who correctly predicts the final tournament standing of guilds. Of course, if the spectators are rewarded for voicing out their opinion, the guilds who'll battle it out would also get something. Prizes will range from a single item to a complete set, depending on the guild's tournament standing.

Some random acts of kindness end this edition of The Scribe. First in the list is Hypnus the Sandman offering advice and items to new adventurers who are still finding their footing in the game. Friar Wark and Dylan Brisangamen also did their share of good deeds as they also helped out a newcomer find the most gracious way to ask a Hero to temporarily leave his party. Zen Warrior was enlightening others about Ascension, Baltasar Graciann giving a unique shield to a stranger. Small and random acts of kindness - these are just what the world needs right now.

This week's "The Scribe" carries an interesting tidbit about a particular place in the Realm of Torment unknown to the residents of Elona. Interestingly, the Order of Whispers have been snooping around it lately, and they have found an entarnce to the said area. Of course, they aren't known as the Order of Whispers for nothing, so that secret passageway remains among the members of the Order only.

Interestingly, the Forgotten are quite curious about this place too, and were said to be encountered by a few scouts from the Order.

Rumors aside, I think random acts of kindness are more worth noting, and we commend Ahken Amun Ra and Robynn Graves (for gladly offering directions), the Holy Alliance Cora (for giving away steel ingots for those who need new armor), as well as Kartesh Al Tua and Cadavra Ravenstorm for helping out new players with complicated quests (and in Guild Wars, complicated quests aren't that scarce)without asking for anything in return.

Hot off the press! Drunk pirate talks of precious booty in Realm of Torment! Jack Sparrow not amused! In a recent interview endorsed by the Order of Whispers, Guild War's intrepid correspondent, the Scribe, has uncovered information on this uncharted territory of Elona from an undead corsair who claims to have been to the land.

Undead pirate bares it all on Realm of Torment
In an exclusive interview with Captain Keg-leg Pete, it was discovered that the Realm of Torment may indeed exist, and the 'Cap speaks of gold and booty aplenty in its forbidding lands, just waiting to be collected by the next adventurer willing to brave the savage beasts that have shaken even the sealegs on the captain's crew. The Order of Whispers is fast seeking information on ways to reach this land - ways that do not involve drinking yourself into a stupor, passing out, and finding yourself in this land "in spirit."

Rare Elonioan Weapons Stolen!
This is in conjunction with the recent flooding of the Elonian market with rare weapons by unscrupulous vendors out to make a fast buck during these tense times. During a recent negotiation between Vabbian officials and the offending merchants regarding this recent market saturation, a fierce army of heket and harpy soldiers attacked the warehouses carrying these goods. With such a large number of these weapons now in the hands of those loyal to Abaddon, all citizens of Elonia are now being rallied to recover as many of these artifacts as they can.

Not all is bad news however, and the Scribe brings once again reports of random acts of kindness witnessed in these lands:

• Kodash Bazaar: Jene Ossa was spotted giving a lecture on trade contracts to the uninformed masses, ensuring that these innocents will be more aware in case the unscrupulous tries to draw them into an unfair trade deal.
• Tihark Orchard: Okibo Scythe Of Aia was smoothing relations for a young Elonian, saying that Prince Mehtu the Wise had a weakness for Mina, and that he showed an openness to anyone who also treated Mina with kindness.
• Champion's Dawn: Karl The Blade was seen offering his services for parties and quests, Grievous Accuratti was giving away free rare hammers, and Sunn Ryyu gave out free iboga petals to those who needed them.
• Rilohn Refuge: Lord Mevrick handed out a free water staff to an Elementalist who needed one

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The Sunspears are preparing for all-out war! That's right, war is looming on the horizon and we got this from The Scribe. The Scribe -  an online news scroll for Guild Wars - is now available, and issue #21 carries a lot of news you cant afford to miss. Here's a brief look at them:

Ships Arrive in Elona; Corsairs Raid Dye Transports. The Sunspears are preparing for all-out war (if it comes to that) and reports suggest that the Kournans are also mustering every available troop and guard, preparing for what they feel is an inevitable end to the peace in Elona. Elona needs you, brave citizens. Its fate truly rests in your hands, and you must heed its call, lest we all fall!

The Mad King Has Left the Building. Calm is returning to Kamadan and Lion's Arch with the departure of the Mad King. The masses are reveling in the many gifts left behind in his lunatic wake. The gifts Mad King Thorn distributed have turned into quite a valuable commodity and enterprising are making a killing selling them in the market. Price of these items will continue soar so buy now, sell later. At least this is what the Mad Businessman (aka The Donald) would advice.

Random Acts of Kindness. In Ran Masu Gardens, assorted Warrior weapons were handed by Ceridwyn Moonblade to those in need. In the late Minister Cho's Estate, Ron Stopable provided free help on quests to any who could use a hand. The Last Fallen God also seen giving assistance to those less experienced in combat. And, of course, Mad King Thorn for giving out at least a million items!

The community of Guild Wars gets frequent news from The Scribe and this time around, we hear of some interesting new developments that have sprouted in the game: recent events, and some new info that might prove very useful for you players.

The Emblem Contest has just recently finished, and now the Emblemers have created around two dozen new symbols to be used as icons for the various guild of Tyria and Cantha. They are all going to be available soon, including those Emblems from the winners of the contest. There are lots of themes seen on the Emblems, some of which include weapons, or animals. Even skulls.

The Scribe has also noted some random acts of kindness. One was of a newbie trying to look for the fastest way through the Flame Temple Corridor, and got help from Kazami Kashibuchi, who showed him the way. Another of an Elementalist who had been asking about how to get some new armor, and was given a detail account by Kilandria Kitathas on the different ways to get them.

And then there's an account about some hippos, the Pigmy Hippopotamus. They are found on Istan, and Rangers that specialize in Beast Mastery can charm these animals. They've got thick, leathery skin, and a big mouth (yep) perfect for attacking. There's also some info about the Flamingos. While they aren't the stealthiest companions (face it, they're pink), they're actually quite fierce in battle.

So, until the next update from The Scribe, go out and guild up, and watch this space!

Buy: [Guild Wars Nightfall]

Guild Wars has just released new cartographer info in The Scribe, and this time, it talks about the hidden and unexplored areas of Tyria. If you think you know Tyria inside out and know everything there is to know about the place, think again.

The Scribe tells us that although many adventurers have travelled across Tyria in search of treasure, or a cartographer title, there are still some areas that are left unexplored because of their distance and obscurity. The Scribe shares with us some of these unknown, hidden areas and where they are located:

Dragon's Gullet: this is located on the northeast of the Nolani Academy and is full of Hydras and Abominations. To get to Dragon's Gullet, the best path to take is from Grendich Courthouse, go northeast through Diessa Lowlands and then to Flame Temple Corridor. Then just follow the path as it turns east, and you'll find the entrance to Dragon's Gullet. Dragons Gullet is a large area, and we suggest you explore it thoroughly if you want to gain the Grandmaster Cartographer title.

Iron Horse Mines: The Iron Horse Mines is located northwest of Yak's Bend, and the easiest way to get to the mines is to head south along the path, and then follow the path's turns heading northwest. Very few go to this area as it is one of the most dangerous parts of Tyria. But if you're serious about being Grandmaster Cartographer, you're gonna have to explore the mines as well. There are many dead ends and you might just be going in circles so you have to pay close attention when travelling to the horse mines.

Granite Citadel: This area is found in the Shiverpeak Mountains area, more specifically, northeast of Sorrows Furnace. The Granite Citadel is one of the areas often overlooked by aspiring cartographers because of its obscurity. If you head further northeast, you will come upon Tasca's Demise and Mineral Springs, both of which are often not included on maps of Tyria. It is advisable to have a guide or local henchmen with you when travelling to Mineral Springs, as it is a large and dangerous area.

You have two options on getting to Granite Citadel, you can either go northwest from Copperhammer Mines, head northeast from the Deldrimor Warcamp. From there, just follow the twisting paths that lead to the northeast part of the citadel and you will find yourself in some of the most obscure areas within Tasca’s Demise and Mineral Springs. Stay tuned for more info on cartographical updates, as these will come in handy for you to be named Grandmaster Cartographer. Next up, the ins and outs of Cantha!

Heads-up, Guild Wars fans! The Scribe, Cantha and Tyria's paper, has come up with new updates, so you might want to stick around for some news.

Now, you probably know by now that the Luxons and Kurzicks are waging a war against each other. Both factions have strategic locations to protect, thus whatever side that succeeds to raid the other party's prized location will turn the tide in their faction's favor.

For the Kurzicks, Fort Aspenwood is a key location for holding raids in Luxon territory. It has been in the Kurzicks' territory for a very long time, in fact, it has been around way before the Jade Wind has swept across Cantha. On the other hand, the Luxons value the Jade Quarry, as it is abundant with magically-infused jade. Of course, the Kurzicks find it of much value as well, so it is vulnerable to raids.

Both sides call upon their loyal fighters, as well as those interested to fight for their cause. Double faction rewards as well as extra incentives await those who will take part in this mission, so you might want to check it out. Moreover, new weapons are rumored to be in the hands of Cantha's foes, so you better strike them hard and get their plunder whenever you encounter one.

Lastly, The Scribe mentioned some notable characters: Dragon Keen, Maximus Alrrilius and Necro With A Smile. These three were seen extending their help for people in need. So maybe next time you set foot in Cantha, you might want to check out these guys.

That's a gist of what The Scribe has to say for now. For more Guild Wars info, just stay tuned here at QJ.

The Guild Wars Scribe has sent word that travelers to two of the most dangerous areas in all of Cantha - The Deep and Urgoz's Warren - have found themselves getting more treasures compared to those who have traveled in the past. While this may start a deluge of travelers to the treacherous regions, the Scribe has once again warned of the dangers that may beset travelers heading to The Deep and Urgoz's Warren.

He warns, "Urgoz's Warren also holds many dangers, from booby-trapped bridges to hordes of unsightly beasts. It even has a vast maze that has left many treasure-seekers wandering aimlessly until they collapse from exhaustion, the unprepared inevitably falling as godless monsters wait like vultures to consume them. Often, those who are not killed return quite mad, the demonic taunting of the evil that has consumed the once tranquil cavern driving them to insanity."

The Scribe has met a poor soul who lost his sanity after surviving the trip to the dangerous area. He spoke of "winged demons and giant plants sprouting limbs and tearing comrades to pieces". The Scribe wishes that travelers to The Deep or Urgoz's Warren come back unharmed and sane.

The Scribe also wrote about the Guild Emblemers expanding their selection of guild emblems. This is good news for guild leaders as they now have a significantly larger number of designs to choose from. The new emblems pay homage to Cantha, featuring artworks that represent the beautiful land. The Emblemers expressed their intention to create more unique guild emblems in the future - some might just be artworks inspired by Elonians.