NEWSLETTER BY ONE WORLD DESIGNS

RETURN TO MERNAC
Issue 1
Oct 06
 

The Legends of Mernac proudly announces the first edition of our new FREE Monthly Newsletter.If you would like to receive this newsletter every month, you MUST visit LoM and
Opt-In to the Free Newsletter in your View Account. Please PM any questions to The Other.
You will NOT receive the next edition unless you have Opted-In, and you can stop receiving the publication at any time, by adjusting your Opt-In in your View Account.

 

SPECIAL FEATURE

INTRODUCING THE NEW GODS OF MERNAC!

The One and The Other have begun the process of filling their ranks with their appropriate Gods. Each month Mernacians will have the opportunity to apply to fill a position of God, one of twenty in all. As being a God comes with much responsibility, Mernacians will find that holds true for them too. Becoming a God grants one special privileges; however, the Gods must fill a “need” in Mernac to help build and lead the Mernac of tomorrow. As Gods must endure many hardships and responsibilities, they will also have the greatest opportunity for financial compensation.

Our most recent Gods are as follows:

LindaC, hereby dubbed Quont (The Father of Lust), whose allegiance falls to The Other. LindaC’s responsibilities fall under all Mernac Lore and as a final authority on Mernacian cultures (approving such items for submissions) and is the Sage of the Age of Quont in the 2nd Millennium.

Tori B, hereby dubbed, Witriss (The Mother of Strength and Virtue), who has aligned herself with The One. Witriss is currently also maintaining the Mernac store, all Mernac Trivia matters, and is the Sage of the Age of Witriss in the 2nd Millennium.

Freelancer, hereby dubbed, Bu (The Father of Death and Destruction), who stands in allegiance to The Other. Bu heads up our promotions and marketing departments, as well as, maintains the Freelancer’s Guild forums, and is the Sage of the Age of Bu in the 1st Millennium.

Next, Shadow Dragon, hereby dubbed Terees (The Mother of Wisdom and Harmony), and is aligned with The One. Terees is managing all matters pertaining to Mernacian Time, Character, and Place references in order to maintain order and consistency, and is also providing training to all Mernacians in these areas. Terees is the Sage of the Age of Terees in the 1st Millennium.

And most recently, Phaelix has been dubbed Tellen (The Father of War) and is firmly aligned with The Other. Tellen assumes the role of Programming Liaison, providing mediation and consulting in this area. He is the Sage of the Age of Tellen in the 7th Millennium.

BREAKING NEWS

Wyvern sightings are being reported in Fort Witriss today. Residents say at least 2 of the hellish beasts are roaming the countryside, apparently swooping down and snatching local livestock. “It was a beautiful sunny day and then all of a sudden a giant shadow fell over us followed by a horrible deafening screech. We dared not look up and just ran for our lives!” said Horace Dribble, a farmer from the area. Authorities are asking residents to remain inside and above all to not set eyes on these hideous creatures, as sudden death from heart failure may occur. They tell us that Edlam Hildig, the high wizard from Gilmore, is on his way to help send the beasts back to hell.

Meanwhile we have reports of Arumbus Talimar, that spirited wood elf, hitting up dignitaries in Kitchor forest again. One witness, who wishes to remain nameless, says the elf held off a war ogre attack while charming his daughter and stealing her precious jewels. Other reports say that Talimar made off with a small chest of silver, the golden staff of Praygus and the famous singing swords of Elber. If anyone knows of the wood elf’s whereabouts you are asked to please report it immediately to Greater Gilmore authorities.

In other news, two fishermen were attacked by young marauding acquills yesterday near Lightmore. One of the men was fatally wounded and the other was dragged off into the depths of the water. The identities of these men are still unknown. This is the first time that free acquills have been spotted in local river systems so residents are asked to please stay vigilant when out on or near the waterways.

And on a lighter note, Traddlebow authorities were called in to break up a brawl at the Traddlebow Arms last night after, witnesses say, the fun-loving dwarf scribe Grumby had a little too many honey lavender meads and tried to proposition serving wench Sallion Morningnight. A fight then broke out between tough guy Hogdin Iros and Trevor the Fletcher and many others joined in. Sources aren’t sure whether the two were fighting to defend Sallion’s honour or trying to win her themselves, but it seems the mead keeps on flowing at the Arms.

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted
Part-time dishwasher needed for busy tavern. Inquire in person. Ask for Grank at the Screaming Wyvern. Gnomes welcome. 5m/h

For Sale
One used mace. Seen many battles but bashes brains like new. See Krug for details. 15m or best offer.

Room for Rent
Small upstairs room available at the Traddlebow Arms. Clean, comfortable and warm. 55m per month. Perfect for Dwarves.

Services
Spell-casting done cheap. Cheating husband? Vex your neighbour? Pixie troubles? Call on Mirg for personalized spells guaranteed to please.

CELEBRITY FEATURE!

Each future edition of The Mernac Muse will include an Interview with a successful, well-known talent pertinent to Mernacian life, in today’s world.

SPORTS REPORT

In last night’s Latoss action the Bonkus Boneheads beat the Linthur’s Point Pillagers 5-3.

The game saw many bone-crushing hits wracking up over twenty penalty minutes and ejecting star player, Krogan Thunderpits, with a game misconduct and a 3-game suspension.

When asked about the ruling Thunderpits snarled, I hit ‘em hard and I hit ‘em good. Broken bones good! The Boneheads are having a tremendous run up to the playoffs this season and remain unbeaten in their last 6 games.

They meet up with their arch rivals the Gorbus Raiders later this month and with Thunderpits out of the line-up their winning streak and shot at the championship cup could be in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, the Mispoint Wraiths won by 9 hits over the Silos Spectres in a 9-0 game in the Skullball league last night, while the Borgan Bruisers beat the Ironforge Hotheads 7-3. It looks like that trade for hit man Tumok Snarlbuster was a good move for the Bruisers.

In Tournament news, Sir Aubrey of Gilmore stole the lead from Sir Geoffrey of Lingin going up 3 points in the jousting competition. His opponent, Sir Nicodemus of Solaris, suffered a broken arm and a concussion when Sir Aubrey’s blow sent him flying off his horse. The horse, we are told, is doing just fine.

Join us next time when we’ll be reporting from the cart races in Shadowvale and the Linge Archery Tournament in Traddlebow.

SEARCH FOR THE PICTURE

Come to Mernac and find the image this is from. Be the first to identify the image by PMing the answer to
The Other and Win a FREE T-Shirt!"

RECIPE

Sallions Cheese Filled Pumpernickel Loaf

1 Round Pumpernickel loaf
4 C sharp cheddar shredded cheese
1/2C dried onion flakes
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
16 oz sour cream
8 oz cream cheese

Slice a lid off top of bread and hollow out a bowl (tear innards into chunks and set aside for dipping).

Mix remaining ingredients together and pour into bread bowl.

Replace lid and wrap entire loaf in 3 layers of foil.
Bake at 350° for one hour.

Serve warm & with the lid and chunks of bread.

Grand Prize Winner
of the Art Inspired
by Prose Contest



Wodrim's Hammer by Banshee42

ASK KALOS

Dear Kalos,
My mother is a real Ogre! I have just had a baby, and my mother is always interfering. She is always telling me to do this and not to do that, hold the baby like this, and don’t feed the baby like that. It’s very frustrating! I wish she would just leave me alone, but I don’t want her to hate me for it. What should I do? - Frustrated in Blue Elm

Dear Frustrated,
If your mother is really an Ogre or of a race that uses violence for control, then grab your club and bash her on the head and tell her to let you mother your own child. If you don’t do this, you will not get the respect you need to make her leave you alone in these tasks.
If your mother is not of those races, if she is of a race that uses logic and harmony for control, DO NOT bash her on the head! Instead, talk to her. Let her know that she raised you, and you didn’t turn out so bad. So now it’s your turn to raise your child, and to please keep her advice to a minimum. She is (most likely) just trying to help you to not make the same mistakes she made so that raising your child would be easier on you. - Kalos

Dear Kalos,
I am a gorgeous Troll, with the scars on my face and the lumps on my back to prove it. I have been trying to win the favor of this great looking Sectis with no luck. I would drag him to my home and beat him like he should enjoy, but all he does is try to get away to go back to his work and home. What am I doing wrong? Are my teeth not broken to his satisfaction? Is my strength not up to his standards? Do I not smell enough like the sewers and trash heaps? Please help! - Lost in Love

Dear Lost,
I think you may want to re-think your tactics. If he is a Sectis, you should keep in mind his hive mind, and that he only responds to the queen of his hive. In his mind (most likely) he is but a drone, and his only lover is his queen. Unless he is extremely resistant to his natural way of life, he will not succumb to your wily flirting. His idea of beauty might also be different than yours. You might want to find out what he likes, and try that. It would give you the best chances of gaining his interest. - Kalos

Send your questions to: kalos@mernac.com

STAR CROSSED LOVERS

Lonely Troll looking for fun female companion. Must love skullball and pillaging. Ask for Tewk.

Friendly Giant looking to make love connection with pretty lady. Enjoys mountain strolls and kittens. Ask for Hammond.

Are you my Traesha? Tie me down and love me hard. Call on Kronk for a good time.

Tall, dark and oozing seeking open-minded lady for fun frolicks and grub-munching. Ask for Goober.

POLICE BLOTTER

Burglary // A Bow and several arrows - all valued at 1,100m - were stolen Sunday from a house in the 200 block of E. Cottage St. by someone who entered through a living room window.


Robbery // A 144-year-old dwarf told police he had been walking in the 400 block of Beaumont Ave. about 8:30 p.m. Saturday when he was assaulted by an ogre known to him and robbed of a gold ring and his wallet containing less than 40m. He reported the incident on Sunday. No arrest had been made.


Robbery // About 9:30 a.m. Sunday, an unarmed wookalar forced his way into a house in the 2700 block of W. Avondale St. and ransacked the dwelling. The female resident, who was not hurt in the incident, was unable to tell police if any property was missing.


Robbery // Two pixies, one with a loaded wand, entered the Traddlebrow Arms Travern about 10 p.m. Saturday and threatened Grumby before fleeing with an undisclosed sum of money.


Theft/arrest // Off-duty Southern District Officer Arumbus Talimar was working as a security officer at Wal-Mernac in the 2700 block of Port Wizard Drive on Saturday night when he observed a suspicious man leave the store. He chased and caught the man, who had hidden in his jacket 378m in merchandise - a pad of dragon parchments, compact spell charts and enchanted quills. Charged with theft was Maeloveous Hicks 37, of the 3700 block of Kala St.


Theft // A 78-year-old man was about to leave the United Succubus Hall in the 500 block of Dundalk Ave. on Sunday night after playing latoss when he noticed that a bag he had left under his table and containing 400m was missing.


Robbery // Several men attacked a 280-year-old fairy in the 6200 block of Midlands St. about 9 p.m. Sunday and robbed her of her Ooloo passport, jewelry and a gold wand. The fairy was treated at Grumby Hopkins Hospital for a minor eye injury.


Burglary/arrest // An Orc was about to enter his home in the 600 block of Mace Ave. about midnight Saturday when he spotted a Lamia crawling out a window and called police. Arrested nearby by Officer Linale Libby and charged with burglary and theft was Semania A. Klaus, 41, of the 700 block of Myrth Ave. Police said medication taken from the house, valued at 800m, was recovered.


Armed robbery // An employee of Koomba Hut in the 6600 block of Belleair Road was about to make a night deposit at a bank in the 7900 block of Belleair Road about 1:30 a.m. Saturday when a linge archer robbed him of two bank bags containing an undisclosed sum of cash and checks. While fleeing, the archer dropped one bag that was recovered.


Burglary // A coin collection valued at 600m was stolen over the weekend from the bedroom of a house in the first block of Dellwood Court by someone who entered through a rear door. Burglary // Someone used an enchanted DragonFly to enter a second-floor door of a house in the 9500 block of Melrose Farm Drive over the weekend and stole two crystal balls. They were valued at 2,400m.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE

The magic of first love is our ignorance that it can end.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Ramblings of a Sage

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to interview the great, wise, and slightly long-winded Grumby. Though I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and learned much, I have to admit some negative thoughts were distracting me a bit. By the end, I swear I was going to smack the next person to call me "child."
Anyway, here is the complete interview with Grumby the Sage.

What is a sage anyway, O Wise Grumby?

A sage child? A Sage is the preeminent authority on a certain subject, don't Ye know. To become a Sage, you must first be a scribe with many writings under ye belt. Now as a Scribe writes or tells his tales, certain Scribes that is, there be some natural force that guides them to write more about a certain subject. We call this force "Moodna", it is akin to Ga, but has far fewer magical properties. It is written, by the Scribes and Sages that know of such things, that one is either born with Moodna or not. Ye can always be a Scribe without Moodna, but never a Sage. The thing is child, that ye will never know if Ye have Moodna till the time is right. Then it happens and all other Sages, and Scribes for that matter, know it just by what he write and how he tells his tales. A scribe with Moodna, then goes though an initiation. After that, their remaining years are spent on writing about some particular subject that they be drawn to. In my case, this happened to be The Sap Wars, which by the way, I not only wrote about but participated in. You can ask Arumbus Talimar about that if Ye like. He knows, better than most, for he save my life 3 times… and I saved his at least once.

When did you know you wanted to be a sage?

'Spect it was when I was but 7-8 seasons old. Me Pap took me to the Morvian Inn, a local tavern where we were living. The usual Scribe of the tavern was not there and in his place was a traveling Sage, Bontar was his name. Bontar weaved such tales with such details that I almost felt that I was living in the dark caverns of Toberna, which was what he was the Sage of. He be a remarkable Elf and a wonderful Sage, that Bontar. After hearing, nay living, the tales he spun, I knew that that would be my destiny. 'course me Pap had different ideas and I ended up spending much time adventuring and being a merchant first 'for I started my duties as a Scribe apprentice. But that be a tale for another time I 'spect.

You being such a prolific writer and all, I've got to ask, are your book's all hand written of have you ever "cheated" a bit and used the Thought Recorder Spell or something similar?

No child. Sages can not use such devices or similar spells, for it interferes with our natural Moodna ability. For one that has Moodna must hand write all their writing on special parchments and scrolls made, in part, from the ground up bones of Dragons. If the Moodna is strong, it will only accept the truth, or at least the truth the Sage believes it at the time of writing. Then, the scroll or parchment remains the truth as the Sage knows it. If he later discovers what he has written is not, in fact, true, the Scrolls and Parchments on that subject will magically be changed to reflect the real truth as the Sage then knows it. If a recorder spell was used in the writing, the magic force of Moodna simply will not work. If ye have any doubt about that,,, ask the serving wench Sallion at the Traddlebow Arms in Gilmore. She know about that first hand don't ye know. It almost got her killed one time.

I know you travel a lot, but where do you originally hail from?

A little town by the name of Dilbers Stand. Ye may know it better from the Legend of the Dwarf Dilber who used his cunning and skill to defeat the giant Borax, stopping him from destroying the small settlement of Elves there.

What, in your opinion, was the defining moment of the Sap Wars?

I 'spect this would have to be the Seventh Champion of Mernac Made the Decision of Good and joined the other six. If this had not happened when it did… I 'spect the world of Mernac would be a far different place than it is.

What was your first impression of Mootill?

At first, I thought him to be a weak fool, if the truth be told. In the beginning, Mootill was far too swayed by his upbringing and the notion that he should never kill any thinking creature. This 'course change with time… and when most of his village was destroyed by the Patchfurs under the control of King Kragle. The cub grew up a lot that night. I remember the tears he shed that night, though he tried to hide them. When the moon Araf rose it was tear of pain, by the time Jahannan came into the sky, they were tears of rage. The poor Fur was never quite the same after that. But as Ye know, he did end up becoming one of the greatest prophets Mernac has ever seen. I have nothing but the greatest respect for Mootill now.

Is there any credence to the rumor that the Mother Siberlee loved Mootill's mentor, Oomba?

Aye, there is. They were very close and the love they shared was great. Ye are sure to have heard the Bard's song's of their love… and their loss. It must have pained Siberlee greatly when she was forced to bring him back to life and become her Disciple. Cause you know the Trauncha of Siberlee's Disciples is don't ye? One they become her Disciple, she may never again touch them is a physical way. A shame, to lose such a great love. Aye, it is a great shame.

What do you plan to do next?

Well Child, continue writing me parchments 'course. That is what a Sage does, don't ye know.


After the interview, I politely thanked Grumby. I'd truly considered trying to become a Sage someday, but that was before the interview. Now, I see no Sagedom in my future. I couldn't live without Thought Recorder spell. 

MERNACIAN INTERVIEW

An Inside Peek at the life & times of LindaC

Tell us a little about yourself, Linda.  Are you married, children, pets?

Let’s see, I live near Ottawa, the capital of Canada.  I’m married, have two young daughters and two adorable cats.  I love hockey (Go Sens!) and my favourite band is Nickelback.  I’ve always had a strong passion for writing and have been doing so since I was about 11 years old when my little story was voted best in the class.  Been hooked since then.

Recently you wrote 100 saplings!  That's quite a feat!  How were you able to come up with such interesting leads for all these soon to be written stories?

Thanks!  I was inspired by Rick’s stories.  They provided a lot of hints on the direction to take the saplings so it was a matter of lots of reading and investigating his stories looking for relationships combined with a good imagination.

You're a God.  Tell us a little about your chosen God and why you chose to be that God.

Ah Quont…  I chose Quont because my background is in writing erotic romance fiction so this God of Lust was the perfect fit for me and the kind of stories that I write and plan on writing for Mernac in the future.  And with Quont, I get to explore the darker side of eroticism.  Plus I get to be a hot woman with the mind of a man – how intriguing!

What do you do in your spare time?

Spare time?  With running my company CourseBridge and teaching, working at Mernac and two little ones at home with me, I don’t really have any spare time.  I have to make “spare time” for myself in order to stay sane.  So I play with my children, look for new recipes to try out or work in my many flowerbeds.

What's your favourite food?

I love Indian food.  So if anyone has any good recipes, please send them to me!  My husband is British so I was introduced to curries when I lived in England for a while.  Many of his co-workers now are also from India so I got to try new things through get-togethers and just love it.

What's your favourite storyline at Mernac?

Besides my own?  I guess I can’t wait to see how the Sap Wars will unfold with Kragle getting ready to try to take over Mernac and how the Seven Champions will stop him.

If you could be any Mernacian character, who would it be and why?

I’d probably like to be the sexy Elvin serving wench Sallion Morningnight at the Traddlebow Arms.  Although she hasn’t been fully developed yet, I love the seductive mystery surrounding her and I think the Arms would be a fun place to work and hang out, especially when Grumby has the floor.

What is one thing that no one at Mernac knows about you?

Hhmm let’s see…  Perhaps that I met my husband online back in 1996 so the Internet is a huge part of my life.  Or that I’m also a Professional Stress Consultant and a trained Reiki Master.  Sorry!  Couldn’t pick just one!

HOW TO BECOME A DISCIPLE

As you know, Mernac is a big world and it takes a lot of work to manage the place and help it evolve into the grand vision we all know it can and will be, so we gods need your help.

Please apply to become a Disciple of the Gods!

On the practical level, a Disciple reports to one god in particular and takes on an on-going job here at Mernac. We'll keep a running list of tasks that need a Disciple so you can see where your skills and talents can best help Mernac to succeed. You can also show us your initiative and suggest tasks that you think need attention. (a link to this list will be added when available)

On a more creative level, a Disciple will also take on the persona created for him/her by their chosen god. That is, we gods will create closed saplings telling of our disciples and their lives and adventures in the storyline of Mernac and you will choose one to complete. Once submitted and approved, you then have the responsibility to tell that character's story, to write his or her legends of Mernac. So you will need excellent communication with your god. Those of you who have other creative talents rather than writing can work with your god on this to complete your sapling and come to an arrangement with your god on the legends to be told from this disciple. For example, your god might choose to write those stories him/herself.

What are the perks? Besides our immense gratitude and adulation?

Being a Disciple is an important step towards becoming one of the gods yourself. In fact, it is THE step towards this goal. So if you want to join the ranks of the Mothers and Fathers one day you need to apply to become a Disciple.

But there's more, As a Disciple you will also be on the path to earning the most income and recognition once those avenues are implemented, as you will have the potential to earn a percentage of the income generated by those that report to you (Sages and Scribes and those from the other creative disciplines at the same level).

We're looking for dedicated members who show great passion for Mernac and who share in our vision of its future. We see a great community of creative people helping and learning from one another, growing together to achieve the greatest success for Mernac and all of its members.

Selected Disciples will have a 3-month probation period to show us their passion and commitment to Mernac through a job well done. After this time, a majority vote by the gods will determine whether you have the right stuff to stay on as an honoured Disciple of the Gods.

So please join our team, our army of Mernac, and help us achieve our collective grand vision.

Look through the list of tasks, then approach the god of your choice and make your case as to why you should be selected as their Disciple.

Current gods accepting Disciples are:

Siberlee - Rick
Barak - The Other
Quont - LindaC
Witriss - Tori B.
Bu - Freelancer
Terees - Shadow Dragon
Tellen

Join us today!

The Mothers and Fathers of Mernac

ASTROLOGY

HOROSCOPE FOR THE MOON OF FIVO

During this moon the sun is in the House of Xeela, the Butterfly. Xeela is the seventh sign of the Zodiac and associated with justice. Individuals born under this sign are thought to have a pleasant, charming, fair, perceptive, idealistic, refined, and diplomatic character, but one which is also prone to frivolity, flirtatiousness, indecision, deceitfulness, and insecurity. Xeela's tendency towards harmony and balance will color everything that happens this moon, so now would not be the best time to start all-or-nothing ventures such as wars, seductions, or hostile guild takeovers. Instead, focus on projects that can benefit from the harmonious energies the Butterfly brings to us all. And don't forget to stop and smell the flowers!

--------------------------------
KELTAAN - the Wyvern
As summer turns to autumn -- especially on the 1st -- you're taking a step back and looking long and hard at what you've learned, lost and gained this season. It's a time for gathering, ordering, storing and reflecting, so go ahead and work on that treasure trove: On the 2nd and 3rd, get busy with any (or all) of these projects. On the 7th, you could find yourself turning away from ?harvesting? mode and turning toward ?Who am I? And what do I want? And what am I doing here in this life?? mode. Go ahead and hole up in your cave if you want. On the 13th, you emerge from your oh-so-internal cocoon and participate in ... is that a party? A ?kick off your shoes and stamp on grapes? party? Squish! Don't be afraid to turn up the fire breath and get the party burning! On the 20th and 21st, somebody might need your love, and they might want your kisses. What do you do? On the 25th and 26th, you turn your attention to something serious (are you thinking about making a life change of some kind?). On the 30th, you're holed back up in your own personal tree of life, admiring the acorns you've been storing up for the winter.

Wyverns in Love: Your directness, especially in matters of romance, is one of your greatest assets. Other folks might play hide-and-seek, skirting the issues, saying yes ... then no ... then maybe. But not you. And your potential romantic partner is going to be impressed on the 1st. Even if the moon doesn't start with lots of action, don't worry. You aren't doing anything wrong -- sometimes it just takes time. Try to be considerate on the 5th, but stop short of self-sacrifice. On the 8th, 9th and the morning of the 10th, you have that ?flirt? look in your eye, and boy, is it twinkling! Are you attracting attention or what? Polish those gleaming scales and have a great time! On the 15th and 16th, if you're ready for a real change in your romantic status, you can make it happen. Just use your willpower and your secret flirt powers. On the 20th and 21st, take any concerns you have and let them out into the open. On the 23rd, be as 'what will be will be' as you can -- pushing won't get you far today. On the 28th, it's time to get direct again, romance-wise.

------------------------------
BELTAE - the Ox
There are no two ways about it: You're having a pretty intense start to the moon on the 1st. How intense? Really intense. Intense in what way? In just about every sense of the word: intellectually, emotionally, physically, spiritually and philosophically, to name a few. Scratch some notes into your favorite scratching post with your horns -- you'll want to remember all of it. By the 5th, you take some of that intensity and apply it to your situation in ways that could really free you up. On the 10th and 11th, you're bright and shiny, and you'd better be ready for romance (because it's ready for you!). Stick close to your own pasture on the 15th and 16th -- it's where you're happiest and most productive at this time. On the 20th and 21st, put some of that famous muscle into making a few of your long-standing ideas into realities -- this is the right time for it. Focus on business on the 25th and 26th, but don't push anything too hard. Sometimes things have to slide into place on their own. On the 30th, kick back and take stock. What have you learned this moon?

Bovine Courting Dances: On the 1st, you approach romance from a philosophical place. You're not just asking yourself,?How can I get that stunning hunk of Water Buffalo's attention?? No, you're asking yourself, ?What is the deeper meaning of attraction? Are we drawn to each other for hardwired reasons of biological necessity? Or is love an attempt to come to terms with a fundamental loneliness that, like it or not, affects each of us throughout our lives?? Yep, you go deep this moon. On the 11th, you're ?on? in a big way, and you probably feel anything but lonely. By the 15th and 16th, romance might well be feeling like a piece of cake. Add a dollop of ice cream and dig in! Watch out for the details on the 20th and 21st. Is this person really nice enough? Do they deserve your attention? On the 25th and 26th, let romance take its natural course, whatever that may be. By the 30th, you have a lot of new romantic ideas to chew along with your cud.

------------------------------
PERRINE - the Falcon
If, on the 1st, you catch yourself dawdling on your way to the hunt, or on the way back to your nest -- your thoughts wandering with the big, puffy clouds overhead or rustling with the end-of-summer leaves -- and you start thinking about life, and cycles, and whether or not the mice are ready to be hunted yet in the backyard ... Well, you're doing everything right! The moon starts in a very reflective mode for you, so don't fight it. By the 6th and 7th, you're at a turning point, and that reflective time will help guide you in the right direction. On the 12th and 13th, you're going full steam ahead on your new path -- and loving it. On the 15th and 16th, you have a bag full of new ideas. Why not set up a roadside stand and put them up for sale? On the 20th and 21st, you may feel helpless at work -- like your wings are tied and you're chasing rabbits on foot -- but don't give up. This is a critical point! (And you'll get that rabbit. You will! What do you think you've got a beak for?) On the 25th, ask a friend for help. By the 30th, you're so busy that you might not believe you ever had time to be reflective!

Tickling the Heart Feathers: On the 1st, you flash your oh-so-very-winning smile. You receive some sort of contact information. You joke. You laugh. In short, you do everything right. Now all you can do is sit back and see what happens. Don't forget that the silences between words are as important to communication as the words themselves. So give yourself some breathing room. On the 5th, you're in a new space -- it's called ?communication.? That's right, you're communicating away. And the recipient of your messages couldn't be more pleased. On the 11th, you may find you need to take the number of romantic admirers you think you have and multiply it by, say, five to arrive at the correct number. Yes, you're even more adored than you thought! The 13th is a great day to get something started, and on the 18th, your creativity spices up your romantic life. On the 21st, you really shouldn't give up on something (or someone) you want. On the 26th, talk about it, and on the 32nd, it's time to sit back and let it happen.

------------------------------
OOLEN - the Whale
On the 1st, you might be puttering about in your kelp garden. Or you might be writing new learning songs. Whatever it's you're doing, though, chances are it involves time around the home, preferably with friends and family, too. Your private sphere is really important to you, so give it some attention this moon. On the 5th, you're in for more friends-and-family activity. Whether it's a krill hunt or a basking-in-the-sun day, go for it! On the 10th and 11th, counter any problems that come up with the knowledge that your emotional support system is well-grounded (and there for you when you need it!). On the 15th and 16th, you should be able to sense a few bright, new beginnings getting under way in your world -- enjoy this wonderful ?what comes next?? feeling. On the 20th and 21st, you could be applying bandages and kissing away the sting on a few war wounds (literally or metaphorically) in your domestic sphere. You'll likely be working at home, in one sense or another, on the 25th and 26th. By the 30th, you'll be ready for a little break.

Whale Lovesongs: If there's somebody you've had your eye on lately, the 1st is a great time to let them know you're interested. You can do it overtly (a nudge, a leap, or a courtship song) or discreetly (a certain sparkle in your glance, a brush of the fluke). However you do it, though, just be sure you let them in on your little secret (that you'd like the two of you to be ?you two?). On the 3rd, let them come to you, or take a little breather. On the 7th, why not spend some time reviewing your past relationships. Any troubling patterns emerge? Any positive patterns? What do you make of them? On the 11th, you have an insight into a long-standing problem. By the weekend of the 15th, 16th and 17th, you're ready for love -- and you aren't the only one! Enjoy a spectacular few days, and if at all possible, smooch. On the 18th, you should test an unorthodox date idea, and by the 23rd, you'll know if it worked. Contact somebody who tickles your fancy on the 28th. You're fancy free on the 31st (enjoy it!).

------------------------------
RATH - the Tiger
As the moon starts on the 1st, you're well on your way to distilling a few life issues down to their deep-down, most basic cores. Rather than worrying about all the little details at the edge of an issue, you're delving right down to the heart of the matter. And your crystal-clear, no-nonsense approach could yield you a sharp, defined vision of the paths to take in the future. Good for you, you've got your claws into it! On the 6th and 7th, don't be afraid if your waves of creativity encounter a few breakers. It's just natural that when you're super-active, you encounter an obstacle or two! On the 12th and 13th, make sure you talk, talk, talk. Or write, write, write. Or both, both, both -- communication is your key! The 18th is your day, plain and simple. You radiate. You're great. And you very likely have a date. Whatever you're up to on the 22nd and 23rd, you're up to it on a very big stage (with a lot of fans in the audience!). On the 28th, you get back to basics, especially when it comes to what you want in life. By the 30th, wrap up a project (or two!).

Tiger cooking up some romance: Well, well, well, what have you gotten started on the 1st? Is that romance I smell? Heck, only you know -- you're the chef of romance at the breakfast diner this moon! On the 3rd, go ahead and check your supply lines -- do you have enough kitchen materials coming in? And do you want to get to know the delivery person? Ask them in to test your new recipe already! On the 7th, you invent a few additional recipes. On the 13th, you identify a problem. (Is that delivery cutie a vegan? Uh oh. What's a carnivore to do?) By the fantastic 17th, 18th and 19th, you've resolved the problem -- to say the least! By the 23rd, you're in love, and you let everyone know it! Roar baby! On the 28th, you're getting creative all over again!

------------------------------
MORLA - the Tortoise
On the 1st, you might be counting the stars in the end-of-summer sky. You might be thinking about big, cosmic issues: Who are we, what are we here for, what does it all mean? You might be getting pretty darn philosophical. And that's just as it should be this moon. On the 5th, though, take a little time out from this super-heady mood and devote your energy to the here and now. By the 7th, you've done what you can do, and it's time to sit back and watch for results. On the 11th, you put some oomph into an important project, and thereby ensure that it will be just that -- important. On the 15th, you spot some potential rumples in the otherwise pristinely smooth sand of your domestic life. Then, you flatten them out! The 20th and 21st are days of exciting new beginnings. Is it a love affair? A promotion? An overall sense of peace and well-being? Enjoy it! On the 25th and 26th, it's time to sort out the good from the bad and the bad from the unnecessary -- and make changes accordingly. By the 30th, you're ready to take control!

Love on the half-shell: On the 1st, your job, when it comes to love, is to dig in. Write. Meet. Touch noses. Talk. Laugh. Cry. Whatever. Just don't hesitate, or you could let something special slip through your fingers. If you act decisively on the 1st, you're likely to be hanging out with that cutie in the silvery shell by the 5th. Get connected, and it can only get better! On the 10th and 11th, go ahead and take a little time out from all of this focusing on the other person. You need to spend some time focusing on yourself, too, you know. What do you see in yourself, anyway? A throbbing heart? A tender soul? Both? Neither? On the 15th and 16th, don't worry: Any little glitches you might encounter can't beat you. By the 20th and 21st, when you look great and feel even better and very possibly have a great date (or two) planned, you see just how little you had to worry about that little glitch. On the 25th and 26th, pay close attention, and you'll learn something new about some intriguing dynamic. By the 30th, take a deep breath -- and plunge back in!

------------------------------
XEELA - the Butterfly
The beginning of this moon -- especially, but not exclusively, on the 1st -- is a good time to start letting things go. Old possessions. Old worries. Old wounds. If you do some of this cleanup work, you could find yourself a lot freer to move, breathe, find things in the forest and even start new relationships. So go for it! On the 5th, you should start getting the recognition you more than deserve for a job well done. On the 9th, get yourself out there. People need to see you to know you're there! By the 11th, you're the center of attention -- but that doesn't mean you can let the little things slide. Don't be surprised if you sense a growing maturity within yourself on the 15th. Heck, we're all bound to achieve perspective sometime! On the 17th and 18th, you're a real problem-solving machine. Then, on the 22nd and 23rd, do everything you can to really, really enjoy a couple of great days. On the 28th, it might be time to let a few more things go. By the 30th, you're glowing. What a moon!

Butterfly kisses: You know, whoever said planning wasn't sexy was wrong. Okay, okay, sometimes spontaneity is the spice of life (and a romance booster). But sometimes -- especially on the 1st -- making plans is the best way to ensure that a romance pans out. Seriously. So rearrange your schedule if you must, but make room for some plans, and make sure your honey does the same for you. By the 5th, this no-nonsense approach should already be paying off. On the 9th, you'll be glad you got the romantic planning done early, because something else entirely is taking up the lion's share of your energy. On the 13th, ask them what they want. Then, on the 16th, tell them what you want (if you haven't already). By the 21st, you want to have identified a potential problem and taken steps to deal with it. If you have, you're in for a pretty unbelievable 22nd, 23rd and 25th. Who knew things could get going so quickly? Go back to the old scheduling table on the 28th. Why? Because it's kind of hot to have the logistics all taken care of!

------------------------------
TRAKKYN - the Shark
On the 1st, you're in a real go-getter phase. That means you should go and get 'em, whatever you're trying to get. You're in a great position to make things happen this moon, all you have to do is sink your teeth into it! On the 5th, enlist the help of a few key players (who also happen to be your friends) to start the fish swimming in the right direction. By the 9th, you're ready for the good energy that's sure to come your way. But watch for the 13th, when you're in the eye of the storm -- that just happens to be your favorite place. On the 16th, reflect a little on the importance you place on your private and professional life, and then ask yourself if you assign each a corresponding amount of emotional energy. You're organizing something on the 20th and 21st, and somebody else likes it. By the 25th and 26th, you feel like you're practically on top of the world. Life's pretty good up there, no? On the 30th, you and your army of ideas are looking to make some major conquests. Great job this moon!

Shark smootchies: Sometimes, with romance, it's smooth sailing all the way. And sometimes, like on the 1st, it's a bumpy ride in a tropical storm. You have to keep thrashing just to stay afloat (or at least that's how it feels). Don't despair: Bumps and bad weather are actually good signs when it comes to romance. It means you're getting in there and dealing with real life, not living in some too-smooth-to-be-true illusion. On the 5th, with a little tenacity, you could swim into a nice little Bay of Romance, where the waves are gentle and the vibes are good (and the seafood can't be beat!). By the 9th, you want to be thinking about where you should set up your school of love in a more permanent way. On the 15th and 16th, put some mental and emotional muscle into considering where you've been and where you're going and who you'd like to go there with. On the 21st, get organized. By the 25th and 26th, your love's sunshine might be so bright that it's blinding! On the 32nd, let things flow in whatever direction seems best.

------------------------------
PHERELAAS - the Horse
Get ready for a whole lot of 'spectacular' coming your way this moon. Starting the 1st and continuing all moon long, you're getting new things under way. Whether they're friendships, work, art, philosophy or love, you're bringing some revolutionary concepts to the herd. Think about what this means to you in a few concrete ways on the 2nd and 3rd, and then watch as things shift in just the right way to facilitate implementation on the 4th and 5th. By the 10th and 11th, you turn some of your valuable attention toward the ones you love, and they appreciate it. On the 15th and 16th, you and your nearest and dearest could very well experience a hitherto unheard of state of harmony -- fantastic! On the 20th and 21st, you hit a real turning point. Don't be surprised if you're called on to make some very big decisions. And don't be surprised if you find you really enjoy making them. On the 25th and 26th, you tackle a problem like a pro, freeing up the field for a super-incredible couple of days on the 27th, 28th and 29th.

Horsing around: Everybody knows romance is driven by energy, and on the 1st, you could very well feel like you're the one who discovered power crystals! Yes, you're harnessing energy and generating romance and having a jolly old time this moon (and you're not the only one!). The good vibes just keep flowing on the 2nd and 3rd, when a few radical romantic ideas occur to you. Implementation is surprisingly easy on the 4th and 5th, when you could invent a really big and impressive crystal lamp of love. By the 7th, it's time for a critical romantic decision. On the 13th, don't forget that even innovators and inventors who stay up all night in the alchemist's lab of love (like you) need a rest. Take a nap! On the 17th and 18th, take a long, hard look at your real romantic needs. What are they? By the 23rd, a problem could come up. Well, life wouldn't be interesting without any problems, would it? On the 28th, you're channeling all kinds of romantic energy. Is it magic? Or is it alchemy? Or is it plain, old L-O-V-E?

------------------------------
SENET - the Snake
Whether you're contemplating the specifics of den construction (how much sand really makes the most comfortable bed, and how deep should you burrow into the hillside for maximum protection from the rain,) or you're rereading the ancient dragon philosophers, you begin the moon deep in thought. This sets the tone for some of the new insights and new beginnings that the 2nd and 3rd look to be heralding. By the 8th and 9th, you're ready to assert yourself. Go for it! On the 15th and 16th, give yourself a break. Go out to dinner. Smooch, if possible, as much as possible. All this recharges you and prepares you to think hard about where you're going next, which you start pondering on the 20th and 21st. By the 25th and 26th, if you set your sights on your business (whether it's guild mergers or fire swallowing or something in between), you could unravel an outstanding problem or two. The evening of the 29th and all day on the 30th, things go swimmingly.

Intertwining: Nobody, but nobody, is completely free of romantic hang-ups -- everyone has at least one tiny one. Maybe you get nervous before a date. Maybe you can't decide what type of prey to hunt for your sweetheart. Maybe you're worried about being hurt. Maybe you're nervous about the prospect of sharing your life with somebody else. On the 1st, you could be confronted with a few of the little tics that make you special. Rather than feel bad about it, be glad you're getting a chance to explore yourself and figure out what your real needs are! On the 2nd and 3rd, this exploration pays off (in a big way) with some really romantically 'on' days. Whether you're flirting or dating or going deeper, it's an exciting time. On the 8th and 9th, you have a real insight -- and it could come from all the steps forward you've been taking. By the 13th, make sure you're communicating, and on the 20th and 21st, both you and they might want to take a little time out to process things. A lot has been happening! On the 25th and 26th, identify what's wrong (it's the first step toward fixing it!). On the 31st, enjoy. Everything is going your way.

------------------------------
SHAAN - the Bat
On the 1st, you're doing your best to get the flock together for a talk, so you can all discuss what you want and start heading in the same direction. You've done this before, and these little talks really help everything function better in your group. During the afternoon of the 4th, all day on the 5th and on the morning of the 6th, you're catalyzing your community with some sizzling new plans (and you feel great doing it). On the 11th, ask yourself what you really want -- and then go for it. Whether it's new hunting grounds or a new stalactite roost (with a view), you can get it if you put your energies to work. The 15th and 16th are days to start wrapping something up. Whether it's real estate or a really big date, close the deal and you'll sleep better. On the 20th and 21st, you might have your invisible Healing Temple hat on -- a lot of folks want you to take care of them. Be as helpful as you can, but don't go too crazy. On the 25th, something shifts, so watch for it. By the 30th, you're back managing all the important communications aspects of your life.

Sonar guided courting flights: As the moon starts, you're getting kind of sublime with this whole romance thing. You're not just scratching the surface. No, you're considering the finer, more delicate side of two beings sending sparks to each other. You're thinking about what the fact that we fall in love with each other means for beings and existence and spirituality and corporeality. Ahh. On the 4th and 5th, it's time to rouse yourself from all of these thoughts and ask the object of your affection on a date. Just do it. On the 9th, you don't sit idly by while a rival steals your would-be honey, do you? Of course you don't! You take action where action is required. Good for you! On the 13th, you get in touch with some important feelings, and on the 17th and 18th, don't strain yourself. If it's meant to be, it'll happen. By the 23rd, you're back in active mode, taking a lead on an important decision (moths or grasshoppers? spring water or fermented fruit juices?). By the 28th, you're sublime again. Your potential partner sure is lucky!

------------------------------
GEMIT - the Frog
As the moon starts, you may be very aware of the changing of the seasons: Summer is ending, and autumn is on its way. There's a nip to the air that's lovely and just a bit melancholy. Heck, it's never bad to feel the passage of time and seasons, and right now, especially on the 1st, it's a particularly good time for this sort of reflectivity. Why? You're entering a new phase that will allow you to leave some old things behind and take a calmer, quieter, more centered approach to life. On the 5th, this journey takes you inward. Did you bring your passport? On the 6th, 7th and the morning of the 8th, enjoy the brand-new possibilities opening up before you. Act on your impulses on the 13th; they're right on. On the 17th and 18th, reach out to others (connections aren't everything, but they're a whole lot, you know). By the 22nd and 23rd, take a journey and go as far as you can, as fast as you can. Hop to it! You're back in a calmer, wiser place on the 27th and 28th -- but maybe you've been there all moon long.

Frogsong serenade: On the 1st, you could find yourself at a romantic turning point. Do you stay or do you go? Are you interested or aren't you? Can you commit? It wouldn't hurt -- and might help -- to turn to some philosophical texts on this one. Whether it's a primer called 'Existentialism 101' or something else entirely, sometimes it's a good idea to consult a professional thinker on complex issues like love. On the 5th, keep up the good thinking. If you put your mind to something, sooner or later you're bound to have a good idea. Romance is no different. By the 6th, 7th and 8th, you see a brand new beginning (and like what you see). On the 13th, change is just an action or two away, and on the 18th, your creativity could put you in just the right place to meet just the right person (cool!). By the 22nd and 23rd, you could take a public kind of role, and this may broaden all your horizons (including your romantic ones). On the 28th, pick up that philosophy text again if you feel like you might need it.

Mernac thanks the following artists for kindly offering their images for use in this newsletter :
Ailibaba, Dimeolas, Fae Daccompli, ICM, Mephisto, Nico Jonker, Rick