SilverLily

"
As part of the many steps this organisation has taken since its inception more than a year ago, we have finally narrowed our goals and vision to suit realism. Many of you are already aware of a few of the recent changes: the first of them was the rebranding from The Aether to the Heimera Trade Xchange. The name itself was not easy to come by, and the amount of stress the search for a single unique name can birth is not something a select few are willing to go through again...for the foreseeable future.
 
Secondly, the decision to join the Band of Outlaws (BOO) as a Special Interest Group (SIG) was more of a strategic decision than one made out of pure emotion. For a very long while, BOO has proven itself to be a stable and dynamic group. We have seen the recent changes in organisations, and drama - as always - has never been in short supply. Troublesome as they may be, we have known a substantial number of their members on an individual level - and they have proven themselves capable of quietly handling as much trouble as they loudly cause. In recent months, BOO has taken a more 'mature' turn even as they touch up their image as a gaming community, not mere pirates. We are immensely proud of our decision to join BOO and look towards a future of great gameplay, not only within the alliance but with the rest of Dual Universe. 
 
Thirdly, we have changed our logo. We are very fond of the hexagons, that for a long while, were synonymous with the Aether via artworks and lore, but we have found that it is not fitting with the new image and aligned goals of the organisation. The hexagons are expected to surface from time to time in artworks and future lore. We might no longer be Aether purely in name, but we are still Aether within. 
 
Certain members of the Dual Universe Community have expressed their concerns about the impact of our 'supposed' neutrality within an alliance like BOO. To be clear once and for all, 'neutrality' will do no one any good when their lands and houses are being ransacked by the enemy. We have seen Dual Universe mature with time and with that, the concept of neutrality without a big stick has become quite laughable. For us, we will operate by our means, and avoid trouble wherever we see it. At the same time, we will give our all to having a capable and true deterrent - with or without BOO. 
 
TRANCE will remain neutral, as long as we can keep it so. We have received various expressions of good gesture and support from various organisations, all of which we are thankful for. However, stargates are still a long way off from being a major concern for any organisation keeping its internal capability and strategic environment in view. While we continue to add a little bit here and there to our concept of the stargates, we are open to working with credible and mature organisations to make TRANCE what it what meant to be: a tool for the Community. 
 
Heimera Trade Xchange (HTX) is also on very friendly terms with ODY, and we hope to make an announcement by the weekend. 
 
 
Cheers, all.
"

"Hello.
The grand finale of the short Frozen in Time Arc is ready at last. Minutes stretched into hours due to some formatting problems on the Aether Forums, but, it's ready at last. There are no less than half a dozen Easter eggs in this one, and I hope you enjoy it at least half as much as I did while writing it. The first person to find all the Easter Eggs wins his organisation a free ad space on Outpost Zebra for two weeks. This offer is open till third of July or till the winner bags it. Sadly, the Easter Eggs are in the .pdf version only: formatting made them too conspicuous on the Aether Forums. We are working on that.
 
Now you must know that I'm torn between two sequel arcs: "The Omnipresence" arc that deals with stargates, or the "Gods among Men" arc that focuses on Cybernetics, implants, and... you guessed it: questionable enhancing drugs that your mothers told you to stay away from. I'm close to making a decision, having made some preparations for both, but I'm still open to feed back from the audience. 
 
Frozen in Time's ended now, but I made a promise at the beginning: each arc is interwoven with another. The next arc won't start where FiT ended, neither will it start where FiT began. Rest assured, you have not seen the last of Aurelie, Mistral, or Jamius. Weep not: Regis isn't gone - not yet. 
 
I wish you all the best. I'll be taken a break from writing while I plan the next arc. I won't be jumping into the cold water without a shower again: it might take some time to get everything ready. 
 
This is bidding you farewell for the time being.  
 
Have a wonderful day.
 
Cheers.
"

"
Well, hello again. You still remember us, don't you? 
 
Chapter 5 is finally out, and the AIs had the time of their lives pulling it off. The result is a magnificent report - almost 5000 words long. Rest assured, this one has more action than any of the others and you can expect Chapter 6 by Sunday or Monday. Here you go: Chapter 5. 
 
Things took an awry turn in this chapter, but you have not seen the last of Professor Set. The old man has some thing up his sleeve - literally.  
 
As always, I look forward to your critiques, observations and the usual. I am thinking of putting these chapters up on Royal Road Legends, but I'll wait till Chapter 6 before a solid decision is made. The attachment can be found along with the link. I tried the text-to-speech for the first time. Suffice it to say, it was...interesting.
 
Enjoy yourselves, 
 
Cheers. 
 
 
"

I'm just going to try and consolidate the ideas and run with them. What if the trial period was fairly unlimited (like in eve pre-alpha clones) but after that your account would be suspended unless you used a DAC. Furthermore trial players would be "marked" somehow so that if they applied to a faction the faction could see that it was a trial account. It would be very important to tell the trial player that this was happening and it also might encourage them to subscribe. For players who's subscriptions lapsed however you would get say 1-2 hrs per week for a month. Hopefully allowing you to get to a market and purchase a DAC.

I think that regardless of what unit you chose you need to keep your entire org on that same unit, furthermore i think that you need to try and get anyone who you will be trying to communicate with in battle (like your allied orgs) on the same system. I think that it's inevitable that DU will eventually be using the metric system simply because of the number of people using the metric system IRL compared to the people using the Imperial system IRL.

I think that regardless of what unit you chose you need to keep your entire org on that same unit, furthermore i think that you need to try and get anyone who you will be trying to communicate with in battle (like your allied orgs) on the same system. I think that it's inevitable that DU will eventually be using the metric system simply because of the number of people using the metric system IRL compared to the people using the Imperial system IRL.

September if everything goes according to plan.

"No, no: please no. This is either an information dump gone awry or a clear example of barking up the wrong tree.
Tsk, just forget it ever happened.
 
Cheers.
"

"
Ha! 
 
"Darn noobs..."---Jamius, Frozen in Time. 
 
I loved the name: "Duals" rather than "Dualeers" (which sounds excessively forced  in my opinion). 
 
Pioneers - taken. 
Capsuleers - taken. 
Passengers - taken. 
Arkians --- It sounds remarkably like Arcadians...I can't remember where I heard that from. 
Arkers - We carry Arks...or make them...No offense. 
Novarkites - Is the best of the "Nova" names to me. Novarkers and Novarkians sound too superfluous. To keep it simple, Novarks would have done, where it not for the fact that the name seems to imply that there were plenty more Novarks than one. The name represents the plural form in my opinion. 
 
In conclusion, "Novarkites" and "Duals" are my best choices, though from the looks of it, the former is not a popular option. 
 
Cheers.
 
"

I think, if this thread can get a 100 votes we can go ahead and start using the popular vote?

I believe basically everybody in this community is.

I just realized that NQ has the power to delay such actions.
Spooky.

Hello and welcome to the forums! It seems you do have a few misconceptions, which is okay! We are here to help! Like was mentioned above, everyone starts in the exact same location, so the problem in the beginning will probably how to get away from people. While the universe is procedurally generated (and therefore theoretically infinite) it is only as big as the section which players have mapped. Players must build stargates to get to other solar systems, a process which may take months. As a result, the universe will start small and expand over time. 
 
There will only be one server which everyone plays on at the same time. It will be BIG, but interacting with other people will be a very very common occurrence. I hope I managed to answer some of your questions. Feel free to ask any more questions you have and we will do our best to answer them all. Also, I would recommend checking out the dev diaries and FAQs.

I think that regardless of what unit you chose you need to keep your entire org on that same unit, furthermore i think that you need to try and get anyone who you will be trying to communicate with in battle (like your allied orgs) on the same system. I think that it's inevitable that DU will eventually be using the metric system simply because of the number of people using the metric system IRL compared to the people using the Imperial system IRL.

"Nice. Good work. I have to compliment your effort on this brave task. This might just be the foundation for a Dual Universe wiki or News update!"

I second that. Come join us ;D

I second that. Come join us ;D

'Trust is'
 
 

Trust is specific. Ploys are vague.
We are an organisation with deep dreams and vested interests. Premium services are cardinal to our dominance in handpicked sectors. The HTX is committed to exotic industry, a network of effective logistics services, sterling trade hubs and lethal PvP. Through Outpost Zebra, we hope to provide players with prime, objective news coverage online.
 
 

Trust is finite. Money is printed.
Welcome to Dual Universe. We are here to serve you – not the organisation or alliance. We know trust is finite and hard to obtain. That’s why we’re always in for the long haul. Lifelong trust is lifelong gain. The HTX won’t sacrifice long term advantages for short-lived profits. To forfeit integrity is loss; to break neutrality is anathema. Your alignment in Dual Universe is inconsequential: we have a reputation for impartiality. Business with the HTX is Suisse banking.
 
 

Trust has history. Lies die swiftly.
Our arrival in 2016 as The Aether was little more than a whisper. We have since evolved. It’s hard to imagine now, but at one time, The Aether arguably had the largest network of alliances and agreements in Dual Universe. We are not the white knights of old. Alliances and memoranda; been there, done that. Time has shaped the HTX into a focused and observant group. We have shed ghosts to obviate inflating our numbers. We have avoided alliances to spurn partisanship. Join an organisation with an untainted history and famous members. We make only one promise: business is business.
 
 

Trust is enlightened. Gullibility is uninformed.
In 2017, we realised, ‘this isn’t going to work.’ The Aether had goals to offer services to Dual Universe. However, alliances would require compromise, sooner or later. Simultaneously, going solo was to paint a target on our backs. A bulb turned on: neutrality is not isolation; independence is not frailty. The options: stick to The Aether or do better. Two years later, we’ve never been prouder of our decision. Dual Universe is a world that can only grow from here, and along with it, so will we.
 
 

Trust is industrious. Deception tires quickly.
Maximising the minimum gain is a philosophy you will come to understand in the HTX. It is foolhardy to assume an organisation can be the best at everything. We decided instead to be the best at everything we do. Our focus on industry is limited to the dynamic production of high value items. Whether these are transferred to nefarious entities for further use or creative players for protecting themselves is none of our concern. However, we are interested in ensuring the purchased goods are delivered in pristine condition. To that effect, we are developing our haulier services to reach you wherever you might be in a timely fashion. To handle hostile interest in your consignment, the HTX intends to cultivate a small, skilled and specialised group of players. Their purpose is not to harass organisations or individuals. This arm exists to make sure no living being or plan comes between you and your delivery. As a secondary goal, our PvP members must be able to stall companies many times their size, or turn the tide if a delivery so requires it. Lastly, keeping people updated on the events in Dual Universe is important for their safe passage, information and entertainment. We need nothing more than a few objective reporters around the Universe to bring you the news you need to hear.
 
 

Trust is patient. Failure is restless.
Rome wasn’t built in a day. It will take time, careful planning and a long march to achieve our end-goal. The sniper waits for the right moment. The industrialist builds his conglomerate over decades. We are dedicated to achieving what we set out for. Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while waiting. In Dual Universe that means having fun, learning from setbacks and constantly working towards a goal. We short-change ourselves when we give in to impatience and laxity. Dual Universe is fun; we are fun – if you have the mind to welcome it.
 
 

Trust is decisive. Hope wanders.
Are you satisfied? If you think you have found a mutual fit in us, submit an application. We have clearly defined goals for decisive people. If that’s you, you’re more than welcome to join a premier organisation. If we have identified you as a promising candidate, you will hear from us soon.
 
Trust is the HTX.
The Heimera Trade Xchange is a unique name, formed from our values and learned members. ‘Heimera’ is a word taken from Icelandic ‘Heimana’ (worlds) and Greek ‘Meraki’ (to do something with soul, creativity or love; leaving a piece of yourself in your work). Together, they signify our dedication to making an impact in the best way we possibly can. Is there a more realistic way to signal commitment to excellence in our activities?
 
Our members shine. The first ever community digest featured Aetherios (now known as Vyz Ejstu). The second one interviewed Falstaf for his excellent work in founding Outpost Zebra and his generally flawless character. Anonymous is an inconspicuous figure almost assuredly behind the largest projects in Dual Universe. Kael often runs both Outpost Zebra and the organisation with mechanical efficiency. We encourage our members to be active and build a respectable image for themselves and the organisation. A star filled night sky is beautiful, but nothing without individually shining stars. What else to expect of an organisation that draws inspiration from the best of history, philosophy and design?
 
 

Visit our Discord Server to learn more: Heimera Trade Xchange Server

Head to our Community Portal to submit an application: Community Portal

Visit Outpost Zebra to keep up to date with Dual Universe: Outpost Zebra
 
 
RECRUITING STATUS:
 

[OPEN]
 
 
© Copyright Published by TextBomb™ A subsidiary of the HTX. All Rights Blown Up.

Sick logo

"
 
Brethren in arms, bonded by will; children of the Aether, lords among men – today, we march onward. This day, we charge into strange lands. It is time to leave the comfort of our homes and the safety of familiar places. For it is now, that we answer the Call, it is now that our Journey begins.
 
The Aether searched and found us. The Aether called and we answered. Now, we run onward for The Aether lives! Lords among men, the way ahead will not be easy. The path that we will tread is the path that none have walked before. Perhaps you think that an uncertain fate awaits us down this road…No. Our fate is secure; the path is uncertain. I see the faces of the young and ruddy, I see the faces of the old and worn. I see your gazes of hope and strength, but I feel the doubt within your hearts. Do not doubt! Do not fear! Our enemies feed on our fear and through our doubt they are made decisive.
We were warned, were we not? The Aether is not for the weak of heart, she is not for the uncertain. The Brotherhood is not for those with weak roots, it is not for souls without conviction. The Aether did not pick children to follow her. She did not summon the feeble folk. She hailed those with hearts of stone, she reached out for those with unbreakable certainty, she searched for the unmovable and lifted the heads of men and women with fire in their eyes. This thorny and narrow road that none have dared to walk is and will forever be our highway. In our small numbers, there is great promise. In our ranks, I see those that will cheat Death time and time again. In our handful of creative minds, I see the answer to the worlds’ problems. In our explorers, I see bright pioneers that will disperse the darkness. In our scouts, I see fearless men and women that bring to light the unknown. In our harvesters, I see the wealth of the Universe. Our haulers hold the paths of the space and time in their minds. I look upon the warriors in our midst and I see the nemesis of our adversaries!
 
What can hold us back? What can stop us? What can destroy us?
 
Nothing. Nothing, but ourselves. In our decisions, lie the keys to our existence and to them are bound the chains of our death. There is no foe that can withstand us, there is no mountain that can block us, no valley that can hide us. There is nothing that can put us down! Unless we hand ourselves over to defeat.
 
In unity, lies our strength, everything else comes after. If we, as brethren and lords among men can conquer our imperfections, none can withstand our advance!
 
Look upon the lands! They are ripe for the taking. Look to the skies! They are but a hand’s breath away. Cast your eyes to the horizon! All is yours. Raise your gaze to the Universe beyond! It is time for you to reap! Let none take it from you! The blue skies, fertile lands, rich mountains, deep oceans, consuming deserts, freezing ice caps, the chilly tundra and the lush forests, the cattle upon a thousand hills and the wealth of all is yours…if you will take it.
Care for none, but your own! Seek the welfare of no one but yourselves! The road will not be easy and the elements will not be in our favour. Expect no help from man: you will get none. Give no mercy to man, for they will grant no grace to you. In life, know no fear, in death entertain no doubts. In vengeance, don’t hold back! For any man that puts his hands to the plough and looks back is not worthy of joining our ranks.
I see my brethren with the faces of lions and swift as the deer upon the hills. I see us with the wings of eagles and the fire of a thousand suns in our eyes. I hear our roars as the roar of a million oceans and I feel our zeal, surpassing even the fierceness of the wildest storms. Through uplifting victories and resounding defeats, through the rolling hills and steep mountains, through the gentle zephyrs and the violent storms, will we stand together? Will we stand united? For if we will, charge onward!
 
Leave the safety of your homes behind and match the dread of the wilderness! Forget your families and your lands, abandon your castles and wealth! Leave the simple life and know the thrill that comes with being a child of The Aether. For The Aether is a huntress among hunters, turning predator into prey and feasting in the terror that lives in the eyes of her adversaries.
 
Run upon the borders of factions and walk the delicate lines between nations. Don’t falter at the difficulty of the task, for by wise guidance you can wage your war. Protect our abstraction, for we are that grey in a world of black and white. With these hands, we will exalt the feeble that call on us and with these feet, we will tread upon the empires we are sent against!
 
So brethren, sail upon the winds of change. Empires will rise and fall, power will continue its course, but we, the children of The Aether will ride upon the waves. In caring for our own, first and only, will we seek out the secret places of space and feast upon the spoils of the Universe. Cleanse the fear from your hearts! Where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety.
 
The time behind is, but the past. This day, we set out on our new life. Untold pleasures and riches await, only if we can persevere through the trials and storms that strengthen us. What doesn’t kill us, brothers and sisters will only make us stronger.
 
Rejoice, children of the Aether! The worlds are at your feet. Go forth and take what is yours: the wealth of space and time. 
 
Aether Eterna; brothers and sisters. For we are in this: always and forever.
 
Onward!
 
--Recovered transcript of the Eon’s speech
 at the founding of the Lambent.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
©Owned and Preserved by Text Bomb™. A subsidiary of The Aether. All Rights blown up.
 
"

"
 "The roar of machines, the shout of men. 
 The dust of their feet, clouding the air. 
 Each of their men has the strength of ten. 
 They razed every palace, house and lair. 
 Our weapons failed us, our hopes fell short. 
 Our swift were killed, our strong could not stand. 
 They destroyed camp, house, temple and fort. 
 None could deliver us from their hand."
 
--Survivor's report of the Lambent
 
 
The Aether welcomes Basixx and Sarcouss to the Fold. 
 
 
Aether Eterna; 
 
Always and Forever.
 
"

"
"Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, 
But unto your name give glory, 
For your mercy and for your truth's sake.  
Our vespers ascend to you only. 
Grant us strength in times of trouble , 
Let us in your courage and will partake.
Deliver us from the snare of the enemy, 
And ever keep our hearts glad and joyous."
 
--Arelian Benediction. 
 
The Aether welcomes Melophobia, Heptar and Anonymous to the Family. 
 
Aether Eterna; 
Always and Forever.
 
"

"
 
The Aether welcomes Devious_T to the family. It's always great to have a new bright mind and fresh blood joining us. There will be a poem shortly...when more people join us.
 
There will be some updates to The Aether soon, as well. There's no plot twist intended in our strategy and primary focus. We will continue to exist as a neutral team. 
 
In the coming weeks, we will be reaching out to other organisations of interest to solidify and renew what old connections we had back in the day while laying down terms of agreement with the new and notable members of the Dual Universe Community. 
 
We are very much alive and passively recruiting, but us being us, we're a mostly reserved group of mature people.
 
Till we see again,  
 
Cheers.
"

"
We did say we would be reaching out to some organisations, no? 
 
Well, we did and are currently doing so. In celebration of successful negotiations with the Chuckling Casket, I decided to release this piece of graphic art. 
 
So, how do you seal a swashbuckling deal with a Chuckling Casket? The answer is simple to the savvy:  
 
 

 
 
Aether Eterna; 
 
Always and Forever.
 
Picture by adamkuczek. Text effects and graphic enhancements by Aetherios.
 
"

Aaw thanks for that song Aetherios.
I'll put in my signature asap.
 
For anyone following The Aether, The Aether is exactly what I expected it to be. I've been welcomed with open arms and have seen nothing but kindness and dedication.
 
Aaf!