Roster Update:
HARDCORE witnessed a particularly painful death this week in the fall of Lord Ainumorco. On the very day of reaching level 20, Lord Ainumorco was struck down while exploring a new hunting ground. A similar fate befell Tannellen, Ainumorco's successor. The Paladin Ainumorco was a one-time champion of the profession, a member of The Imperiled Few, and a fierce competitor. He is survived by the newly arrived Elven Ranger Tannolas, who we wish all the luck in the world.
Another week of war against the Grimswarm has brought a number of casualties, including Maic the Paladin and Orosch the Ranger. Also meeting a particularly early end was Malthric the Paladin, who ambushed by a Lesser Orc on a return trip from the silver mines. His twin brother Malthrick carries on the family line and profession, and is off to a far stronger start. Finally, a pair of warriors have joined the ranks, Grubauer and Ardey. Both are noted competitors, but Ardey in particular has shown himself to be one of HARDCORE's finest. To find out just what he did to earn such prestigious accolades, check out the weekly leaderboard update below.
Leaderboard Update:
By far the biggest news of this week's Leaderboard update is the Dwarven Warrior Ardey's triumph over the Grimswarm to become the first ever HARDCORE Master of the Guardians of Sunfist. This impressive feat was literally months in the making, with over a dozen failed attempts before the player of Kithus and Binret finally achieved his goal. It is only fitting that the founder of the HARDCORE concept is the first and perhaps only one to accomplish this monumental task. It is worth noting Ardey also holds the record for most warcamps destroyed at 22, and of course holds the record for most prestige points 2085. Ardey's victory over this month's Grimswarm competition netted his player 5 million silver and Ardey himself a prize from The Imperiled Few's treasure pile. To honor his achievement, I have decided to make the award for mastering GoS with any profession not yet having managed the feat 5 million silver and a draw from The Few's coffers as well. That means any HARDCORE competitor who masters GoS with a profession other than Warrior (ATM) shall receive these awards. Good luck to all who attempt the feat. You'll need it!
Elsewhere on the Leaderboards, we have a changing of the guard with Duaguar, Lord Anaguar's successor, reclaiming the top Monk spot at level 6 from the (very) inactive Garry. This is a largely symbolic move due to the low levels involved, but it warms my heart to see Doug back on the leaderboard after having been such a steadfast competitor. May your reign be a long one. Coming in JUST under the wire for this update, Aurelis the Elven Ranger squeaks by Caitis ascend to the champion slot at level 13. Caitis is a longtime champion, so hopefully the competition will spur her into action. Well done to Aurelis in his quick ascension to upper echelons of the HARDCORE.
In the numbers game, we have Lord Ardkor the Cleric continuing to dominate the rankings at level 38, up one from last week's update. Also adding a level to their leads are the Empath Lady Asheldia (31), and Lady Khrayla the Warrior (25). Tied at level 23, Lady Mazikaene the F2P Wizard Champ rose three levels, while top Paladin Lord Sindaras gained two. It would seem we have a little champion versus champion rivalry, which is astounding due to the significant experience disadvantages of a F2P account. Staying flat this week are the Sorcerer Lord Halier, The Bard Lord Stinkets, and Flygr the Rogue.
In other leaderboard news, Machon the Warrior has added several entries to the Pain Olympics, a fairly new section of the wiki that highlights those that took a beating but kept on living. The March Seasonal competition is in full swing, with the current roster available for update here: (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthrea...al-Competition). Keep on the lookout for news regarding the next in-game HARDCORE event, which will be taking place on April 1st in Ta'Vaalor.
Rules Changes:
A vote was held in the official HARDCORE Discord regarding formal codifying of secondary experience gains for Empaths and Clerics. It was an unofficial rule that these practices were allowed, but I thought it important everyone have their say before putting official policy in place. The vote was an unanimous "Yes!" for continuing to allow healing and resurrecting of non-HARDCORE characters. The wiki will be updated shortly to address this issue.
!>tell child to be quiet
The child cries, "I don't wanna!"
