Anniversary: A Year in Review
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 11:36 pm
My esteemed brothers and honored guests,
On October 31, 2003, a great tragedy befell the online Ravenloft community. The Vallaki bookshop that many of us visited on a regular basis burnt to the ground, and the Kargatane owners scattered to pursue their personal interests.
Without a place to call home, hundreds of refugees fled in search of a site to fill the void. Many of these refugees found other websites dedicated to Ravenloft, and others began to create their own. In fact, six of these refugees gathered together and began discussions on creating their own website where their projects could continue. Thus, the editors of the Undead Sea Scrolls and the editors of Quoth the Raven joined together to form the Fraternity of Shadows.
Like the phoenix, the legendary bird of resurrection, the website arose from the ashes of its predecessors. Struggling to live up to the high standards set by the Kargatane and having to slowly draw back refugees from the mists, the Fraternity of Shadows has slowly grow into what you see today. After only a year, we have gained more than 300 members. Some of these faces are old and familiar, and some of these faces are fresh and new. However, everyone who came here shared a common interest; all of them had thoughts and ideas on the Ravenloft setting.
In the last year, the Fraternity of Shadows has released four issues of Quoth the Raven with a fifth issue scheduled to be released in January of next year. We, the Fraternity, have also created several areas for reviews, campaigns, artwork, and other contributions. Yet, most importantly, the fans have contributed to the success of these and other projects. We are rapidly growing, and there is great potential for the year ahead.
So let me be the first to lift my glass in gratitude to all of you for your help and support this past year. Without your help, we wouldn’t be where we are today. However, let this not merely be a toast but a challenge as well. Keep up the good work and see what the next year holds for the Fraternity of Shadows…
Jason “Javier” True
Master of Illusions
Fraternity of Shadows
On October 31, 2003, a great tragedy befell the online Ravenloft community. The Vallaki bookshop that many of us visited on a regular basis burnt to the ground, and the Kargatane owners scattered to pursue their personal interests.
Without a place to call home, hundreds of refugees fled in search of a site to fill the void. Many of these refugees found other websites dedicated to Ravenloft, and others began to create their own. In fact, six of these refugees gathered together and began discussions on creating their own website where their projects could continue. Thus, the editors of the Undead Sea Scrolls and the editors of Quoth the Raven joined together to form the Fraternity of Shadows.
Like the phoenix, the legendary bird of resurrection, the website arose from the ashes of its predecessors. Struggling to live up to the high standards set by the Kargatane and having to slowly draw back refugees from the mists, the Fraternity of Shadows has slowly grow into what you see today. After only a year, we have gained more than 300 members. Some of these faces are old and familiar, and some of these faces are fresh and new. However, everyone who came here shared a common interest; all of them had thoughts and ideas on the Ravenloft setting.
In the last year, the Fraternity of Shadows has released four issues of Quoth the Raven with a fifth issue scheduled to be released in January of next year. We, the Fraternity, have also created several areas for reviews, campaigns, artwork, and other contributions. Yet, most importantly, the fans have contributed to the success of these and other projects. We are rapidly growing, and there is great potential for the year ahead.
So let me be the first to lift my glass in gratitude to all of you for your help and support this past year. Without your help, we wouldn’t be where we are today. However, let this not merely be a toast but a challenge as well. Keep up the good work and see what the next year holds for the Fraternity of Shadows…
Jason “Javier” True
Master of Illusions
Fraternity of Shadows