Editing Update of the Avatar/Update 219 (section)

===<span id="1">The Making of Kas Ruins</span>===
The [[Kas Ruins]] are one of the six ruined cities found in Novia that date back to the period in Novian history in which the Obsidian Order rose to power. (As described in the Sword of Midras prequel novel by Tracy Hickman and Richard Garriott). The exact history of some of these cities has been lost to time, but it is rumored that some of them may have been abandoned even before the rise of the Obsidians. Kas is the site of the ruins of an ancient Paladin fort high atop a mountainside. At the foot of the mountain is an abandoned village with a small graveyard. The entire area has become overrun by the undead.

Kas started as a clone of the Opalis Ruins, but is getting completely rebuilt this release to have a unique layout and visuals. Like all the other Ruins and Shardfalls, this is an Open PVP area so we are expressly focusing on being sure the map has interesting setups for PVP conflict, with plenty of space for hiding, escaping, ambushing, and skirmishing. Our goal is to have Kas Ruins go live in Release 41 or 42.

[[Image:Kas-6.jpg|600px]]

''[https://www.shroudoftheavatar.com/forum/index.php?threads/the-making-of-ruins-of-kas.83071/ &#91;From a Dev+ Forum Post by Esteben “SorcerousSteve” Zaldivar&#93;]''

Hey guys! SorcerousSteve here to give you a peak at my latest work in progress, the Kas Ruins!

The Kas Ruins are located in North Paladis along the Tears River set against jagged mountains. It is on one of these peaks where the ruins of an ancient Paladin Fort lie. I obtained a lot of inspiration for our backdrop from the Grand Tetons and Rocky Mountains of the American West.

[[Image:Kas-1.jpg|600px]]

A Paladin Fort can be seen nested on the mountain. What secrets do these abandoned ruins hold?

[[Image:Kas-2.jpg|600px]]

The way up to the Paladin Fort is littered with traps utilized by the defenders in times of war!

[[Image:Kas-3.jpg|600px]]

Down below signs of ruined settlements.

[[Image:Kas-4.jpg|600px]]

A trap has gone off, setting a cliff side up in flames!

[[Image:Kas-5.jpg|600px]]

Stay tuned for more on the Kas Ruins!

Esteben Zaldivar<br>''Level Designer''

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