117 *NOR/Newsletter 2026 May 25th
Hail*NOR/
The Journey Through *NOR/: From Recruit to Officer
A Friendly Look at How We Grow Together
*NOR/ has been around for nearly 35 years . It is older than most MMOs, older than Discord, and older than many of the platforms we play on today. Through every era of online gaming, one thing has kept us alive: our people. The way we welcome each other, help each other, and carry the guild forward from one generation to the next.
If you’ve ever wondered how someone grows within *NOR/, how a new face becomes a familiar friend, and how a helpful member becomes a trusted officer, this is your guide. Think of it as a warm walk through the ranks, the culture, and the heart of what makes NOR.. *NOR/ .
Recruit to Squire: Joining the Family
Every journey begins with a simple greeting upon logging into one of our games:
“Hail *NOR/”
It’s a small greeting, but it’s powerful. It says: I’m here. I’m part of this. I see you. The asterisk is our shield/starburst, Swift, named after the Swift-Tuttle comet which passed overhead in 1992 when the guild was formed. The slash is our sword, Ybarra, named after the creator of our first game where the guild formed up, Joe Ybarra of Shadow of Yserbius on the Imagination Network.
As a Recruit, you’re getting to know us and we’re getting to know you. *NOR/ has always believed in quality over quantity, and that means we take the time to make sure every new member fits our culture of courtesy, camaraderie, and community.
When you’re finally inducted as a Squire, you take your first real step into the guild. You learn our Mission which is to “Have fun and help others do the same” and you speak the Jacket Creed, promising to wear the *NOR/ name with pride and honor.
And that moment isn’t just symbolic. It’s part of a tradition stretching back to the 1990s, when *NOR/ held in‑game ceremonies in The Shadow of Yserbius and Neverwinter Nights on AOL. Even today, every induction, every promotion, and every ceremony connects us to that lineage.
*NOR/ has always been a guild that celebrates its people, and its ceremonies are how we say:
“You matter and you are part of our story now.”
The Squire Path: Growing Into the Guild
*NOR/’s progression system is unique. It’s not about grinding levels, earning gear, or being a top-tier raider. It is about growing into the culture.
Here’s how the Squire path works:
Squire
Your first step. This is where you are learning the ropes of how we do things, meeting people, and settling into the guild.
Squire Court
You’ve shown consistency. For example, in greeting guildmates, helping others, being present in our game or games. You’re becoming part of the social fabric of the guild.
Squire Honor
This is the highest stage of the Squire journey. You’ve demonstrated courtesy, reliability, and a genuine desire to help others. You’re someone that the guild can count on.
Each step is marked with a ceremony, because we believe growth should be recognized. These ceremonies are short, warm, meaningful, and a part of our guild culture. It is a way of saying:
“We see you. Thank you for being part of *NOR/ .”
Squire Honor to Knight: Becoming a Steward of the *NOR/ Culture
Knighthood in *NOR/ is about presence. It isn’t about power or bossing people around.
A Knight is someone who:
* Greets guildmates consistently
* Helps others when they can
* Welcomes new recruits and helps them fit into the guild
* Keeps the guild chat alive
* Represents *NOR/ with kindness and courtesy
Knights are the heartbeat of the guild. They’re the ones who make the guild feel alive on a quiet night, who answer questions, who help someone through their first dungeon, who make a new player feel like they’ve found a home.
And yes, Knights are honored with a promotion ceremony, just like Squires are.
These ceremonies aren’t just tradition for tradition’s sake. They’re a reminder that progression in *NOR/ is earned through kindness, reliability, and community spirit, not through gear score or raid logs.
If Squires are considered to be joining the family, Knights help keep the family strong.
Knight to Knight Elite: The Exemplars
Knight Elite is a special distinction.
It’s for Knights who consistently go above and beyond, the ones who:
* Are always willing to help
* Help to keep the guild active
* Support the officers
* Welcome new members
* Strengthen the community
Knight Elite isn’t an officer rank, but it’s a sign that someone is becoming a pillar of the guild. In the old days of the guild, many of *NOR/ ’s best officers held the rank of Knight Elite before moving on to officer. People who quietly made the guild better every day.
Knight Elite to Champion: The Officer‑Ready Rank
Champion is a unique rank in *NOR/ .
It’s for members who:
* Are officer‑ready
* Show leadership qualities
* Help guide others
* Support the branch
* Demonstrate reliability and presence
Champions are often the first people Branch Leaders look to when new officers are needed. They’re the bridge between the Knight ranks and the officer corps. Not everyone becomes a Champion and not every Champion becomes an officer, but the rank exists to recognize those who consistently strengthen the guild.
Champion to Officer:
Becoming a Baker of the Cake
Here’s the truth every long‑time *NOR/ member knows:
Everyone gets to enjoy the cake…
but officers are the ones who bake it.
Events don’t schedule themselves.
Recruits don’t welcome themselves.
Guilds don’t stay organized by accident.
Officers are the ones who keep the fires warm, who make sure the guild stays friendly, stable, and alive especially during quiet periods between content updates.
But here’s the best part:
You don’t have to bake the whole cake.
You just have to help.
If you’re already greeting people, helping others, answering questions, or supporting your branch leader, you may already be doing officer‑level work. And in *NOR/ , we believe that people who consistently help build the guild should have the rank that reflects that trust.
Officer rank isn’t a badge of status, it’s a promise:
“You can count on me. I won’t vanish without a word. I’ll communicate. I’ll help keep this place alive.”
And yes, officers are promoted through ceremonies too.
Those moments matter. They honor the work you’ve done and the trust the guild places in you.
Officer Ranks: Baron → Count → Duke
*NOR/’s officer structure is built on teamwork and continuity.
Baroness/Barons help members, welcome recruits, and keep the guild active.
Countess/Counts support the Barons and help the Branch Leader keep things running smoothly.
Duchess/Dukes lead the realm, schedule meetings, and guide the branch forward.
Each rank isn’t a reward, it’s a responsibility.
Each step up is a way of saying: I’m here for the guild, and the guild can rely on me.
And when your time is done, you pass the torch to the next generation just as others did before you.
This is how NOR has survived for decades: leadership through service, not ego.
Why Tradition Matters
*NOR/ has always been a guild of rituals:
– The greeting “Hail *NOR/”
– The Jacket Creed
– Promotion ceremonies
– Realm Meetings
– The Guild Tree
– The Newsletter
– The Officer Ranks
– The Sword and Starburst of our tag
These traditions aren’t relics, they’re anchors.
They remind us that we’re part of something bigger than one game, one expansion, or one moment.
Tradition gives us continuity, Ceremonys gives us connection, Progression gives us purpose.
Your Journey Is Part of Our Story
Whether you’re a brand‑new Recruit or a long‑time Knight, your presence matters. Your kindness matters. Your willingness to help matters.
And if you ever feel the call to step into leadership, know this:
*NOR/ is built by people like you.
*NOR/ survives because of people like you.
*NOR/ grows when people like you take the next step.
Hail *NOR/ and welcome to our journey.
Lord Garadian
*NOR/LD-HC
DDO |ESo | FFxiv | Gw2 | LotR | NW | swToR | TT
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- 117 *NOR/News Neverwinter
Screenshot: Rothe Valley, Lord Garadian Neverwinter Hail* New Outriders/
New Outriders Neverwinter Newsletter — Mod 33: Biting Cold Edition
Adventurers, bundle up — Neverwinter Mod 33 launches May 19, bringing a brutal magical winter sweeping across the Sword Coast. Expect a new adventure zone, a frost forged dungeon, a fresh Battle Pass, and plenty of New Outriders activities to dive into together. Whether you’re a long time member or returning after a break, this module is a perfect moment to jump back in.
Mod 33 introduces Frostmantle Reach, a rugged, storm struck region overflowing with elemental frost energy. In this new zone you’ll find:
• Frozen rifts spawning elite enemies
• Roaming frost giants and corrupted wildlife
• Dynamic Heroic Encounters that scale with group size
• Daily and weekly quests tied to the campaign and Battle Pass
This zone is built for group play — perfect for New Outriders farming nights.
New Dungeon: Caverns of the Winterforge Prepare for a frosty challenge — Mod 33 brings a brand new 5 player dungeon. Inside these icy caverns, you’ll face:
• Environmental hazards like freezing winds and slick ice
• Mechanic heavy boss fights that reward coordination
• A frost empowered final boss with rotating elemental phases
• New winter themed gear drops New Outriders will be hosting training runs so everyone can learn mechanics at a comfortable pace — no pressure, no stress, just teamwork. Please make sure you check discord for sign-ups.
Battle Pass: Season of the Frozen Veil The new Battle Pass is packed with rewards, including:
• Frost themed cosmetics
• Artifact upgrade materials
• Mount and companion tokens
• Account wide unlocks
• Campaign currency boosts Most objectives tie directly into Frostmantle Reach and the new dungeon, so New Outriders events will help you progress quickly.⚔️New Outriders Guild Events for Mod 33 To support everyone diving into Biting Cold, New Outriders will be hosting:
🔥Heroic Encounter Farming
• Great for gearing up
• Helps with Battle Pass progression
• Perfect for new and returning players
🧊Dungeon Training Runs: Caverns of the Winterforge
• Learn mechanics in a relaxed environment
• Earn your first Mod 33 gear
• Prepare for harder modes later Event times will be posted in Discord — keep an eye on announcements.🌟Welcome New & Returning Players If you’re joining us for the first time or returning after a break, welcome back to Neverwinter. Mod 33 is a fantastic moment to jump in:
• The campaign is straightforward
• The Battle Pass rewards steady progress
• The new zone is group friendly
• The dungeon is challenging but learnable
• Rewards are alt friendly and account wide If you need help gearing, learning mechanics, or finding a group, just speak up. New Outriders is all about community.
Final Word Mod 33: Biting Cold brings fresh energy, new challenges, and plenty of reasons to adventure together. Grab your cloaks, warm up your spells, and get ready — the freeze hits May 19. See you in Neverwinter, New Outriders.
Duchess Shava Darksbane
*NOR/DC : BL of NeverWinter - 117 *NOR/News Final Fantasy XIV
Screenshot: Duchess Layla Lemon, FFxiv Hail *NOR/Greetings fellow adventurers
Happy May, everyone! As the flowers bloom across Eorzea, our community continues to grow stronger. We have an exciting month ahead filled with events, content runs, and plenty of opportunities to hang out together.
What’s Happening This Month Tuesday Mount Farming (7:00PM ET):
Join us as we continue to farm for those wings!
Thursday Treasure Maps (7:00PM ET):
Starting this week, we are hosting weekly treasure map runs. Bring your maps and let’s get it!
Friday Savage Raid Prog (8:00PM ET):
Our raid team is staying focused as we continue pushing through current Savage progression.
Welcome Back! Free Login Campaign
Know someone who has been taking a break from the game? Now is the perfect time to come back! Square Enix is currently running a
Free Login Campaign.
Eligible returning players can log in and play for free for a limited time.
Join the Discussion
Got an idea for a future FC event, or want to host your own? Let one of our officers know! See you all in-game!Duchess Layla Lemon
*NOR/DC-FFxiv - 117 *NOR/News Dungeons and Dragons Online
Hail *NOR/!
In this newsletter article, we will explore the newest player character archetype, the “Arcane Trickster.” This archetype was given for free as part of Dungeon & Dragons Online’s 20th Anniversary celebration. Let’s discuss its distinctions below.Arcane Trickster is a Rogue archetype built around the classic “clever infiltrator,” which takes us back to Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2e. Originally based as an elven race-based class, DDO has changed it to be focused on the rogue class and allows all races to be chosen. Arcane Tricksters focus on disabling traps, exploiting positioning, and using illusion-style magic and magical utility to control encounters rather than simply overpower them. Unlike older rogue/caster multi-class builds that often felt split between identities, Arcane Trickster stays fundamentally rogue-centric while rewarding Intelligence as both a utility and combat stat. The archetype shines in players who enjoy movement, timing, trap control, stealth, and improvisation. It performs best when played proactively by using crowd disruption, evasiveness, sneak attack windows, and dungeon knowledge to stay ahead of enemies instead of trading blows directly. The class is especially appealing in DDO given the DDO’s dungeon-heavy design that rewards utility, positioning, and technical gameplay.
The strongest race choices are generally Deep Gnome for illusion synergy and Intelligence bonuses, Human for the additional feat given during character creation, and Drow Elf for bonus Intelligence to start. A typical Arcane Trickster stat spread prioritizes INT first, DEX for Reflex saves and attack requirements, and CON next for durability; WIS, STR, and CHA are commonly dump stats. Core skills should always include Search, Spot, Disable Device, Open Lock, Use Magic Device, and Balance, with stealth skills depending on playstyle. UMD remains extremely valuable because it expands survivability and utility options in mid and endgame content. Most successful Arcane Tricksters are built as precision utility characters rather than pure DPS machines. Arcane Trickster rewards planning, encounter knowledge, and mechanical creativity far more than straightforward hack-and-slash classes.
Please bring your Arcane Trickster builds to our DDO Discord chat channel, “The Wayward Lobster.” We’d love to learn from your shares.
See you in-game!
Yavool Ramnoth
Lord and Branch Leader, *NOR/DDO – Thrane Server - 117 *NOR/News Guild Wars 2
Screenshot: Baroness Panda Guild Wars 2 Hail*NOR/ and welcome to Tyria.
You find us delving deeper into Castora with the newest story expansion to Visions of Eternity: The Only Way. (youtube link) Vloxx with the Inquest have moved deeper into Cantha taking us to Eternity’s Garden where new adventures and dangers await us. To aid us, we have access to two new legendary accessories. For PvE, there’s Stella Radians, and for WvW, Strife Unending (youtube link). In addition, we have 2 new masteries to help us survive. Plus a big update to the Fashion Templates feature so we can look our best along with new Wizard Vault Rewards. (youtube link)And that’s not all. Next month sees the return of Dragon Bash from June 2-23. Fractal Rush Event from June 23-30, and Roller Beetle Racing Week from June 30- July 7. More events are on the deck for July and August including Guild Wars 2’s 14th Anniversary on August 28th.
In other Tyria news, Guild Wars Reforged (the original Guild Wars) is coming to mobile. It’s completely free just like the PC version, and will include Cross Platform Play. (youtube link)
Please join us on our DIS-CORD golem where we share the latest Tyrian news, share Fashion Wars wins, and more including our Guild Events. Wednesdays are Fractals where we take on tougher and tougher challenges. Thursdays are Helping Hands were we do what New Outriders does best and help each other through everything from Hero Points, Mastery Points, or whatever strikes our fancy. Then Sundays, outside of our Monthly Ceremonies, we just get together and chill out with fishing, finishing weeklies, or enjoy the current event.
Till we meet again, may your hunts be honorable and your mugs full of ale.
Count Sofija
*NOR/CT-GW2 - 117 *NOR/News Elder Scrolls Online
Screenshot by Lord Garadian, Elder Scrolls Online Hail *NOR/!
We’ve had a busy month in Elder Scrolls Online learning how to maneuver the Night Market zone. We should all be incredibly proud of our teamwork, having successfully acquired the keys needed to tackle the Gilded Bosses in the dungeons!
🎉 Promotions
Call-to-Action. Please join me in congratulating nesajj, Aerendy Elagolor, and Warguerilla, who have all been promoted to the rank of Squire. Their dedication to the guild and willingness to jump into the fray have not gone unnoticed. Wear those new titles proudly—you’ve earned them!🌌 Night Market Event in ESO
The Night Market in Fargrave has been quite a challenge, and it has been a blast to tackle as a team. We have been completing the daily quests, skirmishes, daring races, and oddities, while hunting down the Brazen and Argent bosses to acquire the keys needed to access the dungeons. We’ve also been gathering the faction district relics necessary to unlock the rooms in the Night’s Den house!
It’s always a wonderful time to gather as a guild to earn those faction favors and complete each zone’s activities. Keep a close eye on Discord for our Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday group event runs and reminders!⚔️ Closing Thoughts
Between the Golden Pursuits and The Tamriel Tomes, April and May have been truly memorable months for the New OutRiders. Some of us still have just under a month left to hit that 10,000-favor milestone! Let’s keep this incredible momentum going and continue to support each other in-game to secure those final achievements.Hail NOR/, and see you in Tamriel!
Countess Xirrasha
*NOR/CS-ESo - 117 *NOR/News Lord of the Rings Online
Screenshot: Knight Moon, Lord of the Rings Online Hail*NOR/
Greetings from Middle Earth.The NOR presence in Middle Earth has been growing steadily since we have reestablished and reinvigorated Kinship. Over the past month, we have Recruited 5 new members, one of whom we have also Squired very recently. And we have promoted two members to Squire Court and one to Knight. We have also found an ally who regularly assists with our Endgame Progression.
Our Endgame Progression has been seeing more participation over the past month as well. Including our new friend, we have been consistently running full fellowship (6-player) instances and sometimes have enough participation to run another small fellowship (3player) group to help new players get caught up in their progression unlocks.
However, I was recently playing one of my characters that was not boosted for endgame and made the transition through Mordor after the Battle at the Black Gate, rediscovering the true treasures of the game in the process – the story and the scenery. At first, when Standing Stone Games brought Umbar and the Haradrim into the picture as possible allies or friendlies, I wondered how the developers made that transition, which you begin to learn as your progress through Mordor. Before you get to the lands of the South, though, you meet the other lands of the Free Peoples, like the Wood Elves at Thranduil’s Palace, the Men (and Women) of Dale, the Dwarves of Erebor and the Iron Hills, and so much more.
We would love to see everyone join us in Middle Earth – as visitors or as immigrants – even if it is only for the festivities. Have a pint in The Prancing Pony, try to win drinking games against the Dwarves of Thorin’s Hall, listen to the Minstrels playing their tunes in the streets of Bree, or dance with the Hobbits under the Party Tree.
Duke Riveni, Branch Leader
*NOR/DK LotRo
– Recent Anniversaries –
Pointyears
April 19th 2007
Count Pointyears of Dungeons & Dragons Online, congratulations on 19 yrs!! Joining the guild in Dungeons & Dragons Online 2007
Amp
April 21st 2014
Champion Amp of Star Wars: The Old Republic, congratulations on 12 yrs!! Joining the guild in Star Wars: The Old Republic 2014
Koram
April 22nd 2000
Viscount Koram of Lord of the Rings Online, congratulations on 26 yrs!! Joining the guild in EverQuest 2000
Grayson
April 26th 2021
Knight Grayson of Neverwinter, congratulations on 5 yrs!! Joining the guild in Neverwinter 2021
Balmo Valerian
April 29th 2025
Squire Balmo Valerian of Elder Scrolls Online, congratulations on 1 yrs!! Joining the guild in Elder Scrolls Online 2025
Jacob Black
April 29th 2025
Squire Jacob Black of Elder Scrolls Online, congratulations on 1 yrs!! Joining the guild in Elder Scrolls Online 2025
May
Garadian
May 1st 1995
Lord Garadian of Elder Scrolls Online, congratulations on 31 yrs!! Joining the guild in Neverwinter Nights 1995
Jezebeth Rapture
May 1st 2020
Squire Jezebeth Rapture of Neverwinter, congratulations on 6 yrs!! Joining the guild in Neverwinter 2020
Sofija
May 2nd 2014
Count Sofija of Guild Wars 2, congratulations on 12 yrs!! Joining the guild in Star Wars: The Old Republic 2014
Caelina Ashryver
May 6th 2026
Squire Caelina Ashryver of Final Fantasy XIV, congratulations on 0 yrs!! Joining the guild in Final Fantasy XIV 2026
Venom Hawklight
May 6th 2018
Baron Venom Hawklight of Neverwinter, congratulations on 8 yrs!! Joining the guild in Neverwinter 2018
Stuggerlee
May 7th 2025
Squire Stuggerlee of Guild Wars 2, congratulations on 1 yrs!! Joining the guild in Guild Wars 2 2025
Gabs Ph’nexite
May 12th 2022
Grandee Gabs Ph’nexite of Final Fantasy XIV, congratulations on 4 yrs!! Joining the guild in Neverwinter 2022
Deus
May 15th 2015
Knight Deus of Star Wars: The Old Republic, congratulations on 11 yrs!! Joining the guild in Star Wars: The Old Republic 2015
Purpose
May 16th 2025
Knight Purpose of Elder Scrolls Online, congratulations on 1 yrs!! Joining the guild in Elder Scrolls Online 2025
Quichang Kane
May 20th 2023
Squire Quichang Kane of Final Fantasy XIV, congratulations on 3 yrs!! Joining the guild in Final Fantasy XIV 2023
Hawk
May 23rd 2025
Squire Hawk of Elder Scrolls Online, congratulations on 1 yrs!! Joining the guild in Elder Scrolls Online 2025
Zanzar
May 25th 2006
Squire Zanzar of EverQuest 2, congratulations on 20 yrs!! Joining the guild in EverQuest 2 2006
BeastNFeast
May 26th 2025
Squire BeastNFeast of Guild Wars 2, congratulations on 1 yrs!! Joining the guild in Lord of the Rings Online 2025
Neorune
May 26th 2022
Baron Neorune of Final Fantasy XIV, congratulations on 4 yrs!! Joining the guild in Neverwinter 2022
DDO |ESo | FFxiv | Gw2 | LotR | NW | swToR | TT
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