==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue #66 Week Ending 1-14-95 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Verdina for winning last week's News of the Realm contest! Verdina has earned their choice of 2 Pearls or 2 Free Hours of On-line time to be credited to their account. WTG! <><><><><> <><><><><> ***Magic Missle Booth*** "Congratulations to Valor O, who in a tie-breaker defeated DarkPriest 65-64 in a magic missile booth! For his victory, Valor O is given 4 pearls and 1 free hour of on line time for his efforts :> -NWA Blade :)" <><><><><> <><><><><> *** THE OFFICIAL WINNERS *** Hey there everyone! The voting was fast and furious but in the end the winners rose to the top! Before I announce the winners, I'd like to thank everyone who participated in this contest; the general concensus of the judges was that all were very good and judging was tough. The three winners for this month's Holiday Tunes Guild of Heroes Contest are.... Third Place: Kephara "The Christmas Song...Wild Boars Roasting on an Open Fire..." Congratulations! Kephara will receive 15 pearls and 2 hours of online time for her entry! Second Place: Dwyvyrn "We Three Kings...We Three Dwarves..." Congratulations! Dwyvyrn will receive 20 pearls and 3 hours of online time for his entry! First Place: Congratulations Sir Buzby!! "T'was the Night Before Christmas...And all thru the Realms.." Sir Buzby will receive 25 pearls and 4 hours of online time as the Grand Prize winner of the December Guild of Heroes Contest! Thanks to all of you once again! And keep those entries coming for the January Guild of Heroes Contest! Thank you and... Enjoy! -Elladan <><><><><> <><><><><> January Trivia Jan 10, 1995 ============ *** First Place - Snaak 30 points! *** ** Second Place - Tie- R0t and Carnaldave 16 points! ** +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The winners will have the time credited to their account and pearls credited to their screen name. * First Place - 4 FREE hours and 25 Pearls * Second Place - 3 FREE hours and 20 Pearls Congrats and thanks from NW Baldor and NW Elladan : ) <><><><><> <><><><><> Tour 01/08 Gathering a contingent of mighty, if not low level, warriors and mages, I headed out to try to find that mage that has been inhabiting the well caverns under Floodblest. It would seem he has been able to ellude several attempts of parties to find him. After defeating several bands of owlbears and gnolls and even an umber hulk that the mage left behind, we managed to arrive at the area where the mage was last seen. But, alas, he managed to slip by us and make good his escape yet again. Joining me in this adventure today were RonG406, Guardian19, Magiccrds, MerahPutih, RainGild, MChung9710, Eleet One, Fire 197, Omega 321, and Xabran. All these fine adventurers were with the party at one time or another with most making the entire tour. Thank you all for the fine friendship and assistance you rendered this day. We will find that slippery mage one of these days ;D -NW Triel *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* CALENDAR *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* **Mistie Celebration!*** Weds, January 18th from 10pm-midnight (ET) Sun, January 22nd from 4pm-6pm (ET) If you decide in the next week or so, please send e-mail to NW Events and I will confirm asap if there is still room. If you cannot sign up ahead of time, please come to the session and we'll let you know right away if there is still room. If there is a chance you will participate, please try out the MasterWord software prior to the sessions. NW Events. <><><><><> <><><><><> Come join NW Aziza and NW Baldor for the January edition of: <<>><<>> Who/What/Am/I <<>><<>> Thurs. January 19th at 10 pm ET in the Great Hall Tavern. Check out the rules in the Events folder for the rules!! <><><><><> <><><><><> New Player Tour: January 15th, 1:00 PM ET - Join NWA Thorn for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square. - New Player Tour: January 17th, 9:00PM ET - Join NWA Bl;ade for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square. - New Player Tour: January 18th, 9:00PM ET - Join NW Jester for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square. - New Player Tour: January 19th 11:00 PM ET - Join NWA Edge for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* ADVENTURER'S TALES *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* So, what is a Deatmatch like?* Since I'd just watched Wrath go through the Deathmatch thing, I was curious about it. What it was like to DM? Yesterday I was happening along and saw some little punk inviting one of our new members into his fight so he could get some experience... I was told that the new member had been killed earlier in this fight but needed some experience, therefor was invited in... The experience that the new member got was a poison spell, kinda harsh lesson, but not one I haven't taught most non-ITB's around here. The problem was, this worm who did it, couldn't PvP out of a wet paper bag let alone hand the big P to one of my juniors without some insult, especially since this junior was a friend of mine. I was located out in Triboar. I'd been in that area since yesterday when Wrath took Waykupdead to the reroller. I had a bro or two setting right next to this the one, that poisoned Moloch, so I told them to let him know I was coming for him. However, I had two wands on me and didn't want to lose one on the death express, so, I invited Goth Punkr to come on out, didn't figure he would, but out he came. I told him before he came that I'd Deathmatch him and here he was, so. here we go. Meanwhile about 7 ranking ITB's show up, Scorn, Cormyr, Lasher, Pirate and etc. and their handing me all kinds of goodies and scrolls and telling me standard tactics that I should use.. Goth Punkr shows up and realizes that this is a DEATHMATCH not a little 1 on 1 and says "no way". What he didn't understand was that there where 4 or 5 of the biggest mouths in NWN standing there when he said it. After 20 or so minutes of "your a wuss" talk, he decided to go for it. The Deathmatch thing is in the corner with open walls and no more NPC's than three trees (kampfaults). Goth Punkr and I jumped around for a while and I had him dead pretty quick, but, the REAL issue was the excitement. I (distantly) remember the first few times that I PvP'd. Adrenaline was pumping and every cast was a thrill because... in a DM, one bad save... and your done with Neverwinter. PvP hasn't been this exciting for me since fall of 1993. I have to say that at THIS point in my PvP career, making a decision about what to do and what spell to cast was not difficult.... but, it was a thrill no less. After the DM Goth Punkr was dead. My ITB Bro's went crazy in celebration (which was kinda cool) and we headed for the inn. However, after the initial celebration... someone hit F2. He was still in the area. The hunt was on. We found him at 8,15, which is a boxed in room with no exit. Instructions say that you must retire your character to get out... so he sat there for a while and talked. I'd have to say... that is as close to that room as I ever want to get. I'd like to congratulate Goth Punkr on having the kahunes to fight an ITB Warlord in a Deathmatch... I wouldn't do it. I wouldn't DM anyone that I didn't know I could beat... call me cautious, call me a wuss, I don't care, call me ALIVE. :D ITB Drunk Warlord <><><><><> <><><><><> The Story of the Bracelet Chapter 1: The Beginning (By: Vallus) The ship spiraled down. When the ship's helm went down, the gravity went with it. Leoster had almost resigned himself to death when the rubies on his amulet begin flashing. Curious, he opened the amuletand the big ruby was flashing as well. The light from the rubies became constant and a strange figure appeared, an illusion projected by the amulet, no bigger than Leoster's hand, it's feet were upon the ruby. "Leoster" it said "Do not give up, you cannot give up. The Disc of Guardianship has many powers, among them is the ability to teleport the wearer to the vicinity of the chosen one. Once you arrive, look to the amulet to guide you to the chosen one that you may give her The Bracelet of Power. I can say no more." said the figure, and it faded away. Leoster looked deep into the now dark ruby, and taking firm hold of the bracelet, he willed for the amulet to take him to the chosen one. A flash of crimson light flooded Leoster's cabin. The hammership crashed to earth with a force hard enough to create a crater in the ground. A ball of crimson light flew through the streets of Neverwinter. It flew down one street and up another, people knew enough to stay out of it's way as it flew apparently helter skelter around the city. It finally came to rest outside The Moonstone Mask and as it landed, the light faded and revealed Leoster standing there with amulet in one hand, and bracelet in the other. He placed the bracelet in his pocket and looked at the amulet, it indicated that the chosen one was within the Moonstone Mask. He entered and discovered that all of the staff were female and they all wore masks. He asked a bystander what went on within and the bystander answered that it was common for one to speak with a "lady in a mask" as they were among the most trusted confidants in Neverwinter. Leoster went in and opened the amulet, it projected an image of a"lady in a mask". Since he couldn't tell which one, he simply waited at his seat and watched the amulet, finally he called over the "lady in a mask" whose presence set off the amulet. Her name was Crystal. They talked for some time, Leoster touching on his past, all the while glancing at the amulet, all the while it indicated that the chosen one was seated across from him. Leoster asked her if she would be there in the morning and she answered yes. Leoster paid his bill and asked for a room for the night, it was costly but it was the most luxurious room he had ever seen. During the night, the rattle of pots and pans from downstairs awakened him, he quickly dressed and gathered his equipment. He went downstairs to ascertain what was occurring and found himself looking at a pair of Umber Hulks and their Neogi master. "The bracelet bring me!" shrieked the spiderlike Neogi in it's alien tongue. <><><><><> <><><><><> THE NEVERWINTER CHRONICALS "The Black Wizards" Part Two - Kalin's Palace Archeo and Derek Trent completed the short journey to Lady Kalin's palace without further incident. Arriving in front of the iron battle scarred gates, Archeo turned to Derek and said "This is the entrance to Lady Kalin's palace. Once we have entered the courtyard you are not to speak to anyone unless spoken to first. Do you understand?" "Yes," replied Derek, "but...." "Good," said Archeo cutting him off in mid sentence and leading the newcomer through the gate. nside a courtyard filled with brightly colored flowers the two men were approached by a tall blonde warrior. "Hail Archeo! Hmmm, what have you brought us today?" he asked raising an inquisitive eyebrow at Derek. "Hail Lord Zamroth, I found this outlander wandering in the labyrinth below the root cellar. I thought it best to bring him and some disturbing news to Lady Kalin. The metamorphs have found a way past our sentries. We encountered and killed several of them during out journey here." A look of concern came over Zamroth's rugged face. "Aye, this is grave news indeed," he said. "Follow me. We must seek an audience with Lady Kalin immediately." Zamroth turned and entered the front door of an opulent marble palace followed close behind by Archeo and Derek. Within the palace foyer Derek gawked at the colorful banners, tapestries, and priceless works of art depicting warriors in battle carrying weapons of gold that adorned the walls. Beneath each of the artifacts was a small engraved gold plate bearing the title of the work, preceded by the letters: OGS. Passing quickly through the foyer the party entered the throne room. In the center of the room stood a golden throne upon which Lady Kalin was seated. By her side were her trusted advisors: Kayn, Guild Master of the Order of the Golden Staff (OGS) and Wizairde, OGS Lord High Wizard. Lady Kalin looked up as they entered. "Hail Lord Zamroth, what urgent news brings you here unannounced?" she said smiling. "And who is this person that appears before me dressed, rather undressed in such attire?" Derek took a step forward as if to reply and was immediately pulled back by Archeo. "I apologize for the intrusion M'lady," Zamroth replied, "But Archeo brings distressing news from the outer world." Archeo explained the events that preceded his arrival at the palace and introduced Derek to Lady Kalin. "It is as we suspected," Wizairde remarked. "Our worst fears have been realized. We must act quickly to contain the morphs before they breach the final barrier and enter the outer world." Unable to contain himself any longer, Derek demanded to be heard. Excuse me," he began, "Is someone going to tell me where I am and what exactly is going on here.... and what in God's name are these metamorphs?" "By Tyr," roared Kayn drawing his golden long sword, "How dare thee address Lady Kalin in such a manner." Lady Kalin stood and placed her hand on Kayn's shoulder. "Wait M'lord Kayn. The stranger has a right to know of the danger that threatens his world. I wish to speak with him alone and learn more about the outer world from whence he comes." She turned to Derek and offered an outstretched hand in his direction. "Please come with me into the garden where we can talk in private." While her consuls bowed at her departure, Derek stepped forward and Lady Kalin placed a cool soft hand on his forearm. Walking into the garden the smell of jasmine assailed Derek's senses and he observed a multitude of flowers, trees and ornate rock sculptures. Derek began to apologize for his appearance and for interrupting her earlier but stopped when Lady Kalin raised her hand in his direction. "Time is short," she said. "And there is much you must learn." She explained that the metamorphs were once normal men that have fallen under the enchantment of an evil guild known as the Black Wizards. "These men are able to shape shift into any creature or object these choose. At first they were a great amusement, but now they have become a threat to us.... and to your world as well." Derek remained quiet as she continued. "We have recently learned the location of the Black Wizard's tower and Zamroth's Golden Guardians are planning an offensive to eradicate the evil." Derek interjected, "Where am I... and how did I get here?" Lady Kalin smiled at him and replied, "Once in a great while strangers stumble upon the vortex that connects your world with the Forgotten Realms. Usually the adventurous ones that choose to remain do not survive in our environment for very long, so we usually transport intruders back immediately. However, until we eliminate the current threat posed by the Black Wizards, the vortex is being sealed and you will not be able to return." Derek began to protest about being held against his will when he heard a sound and noticed movement on the far side of the garden. He thought he was dreaming again as the rock sculptures began to transform into hideous creatures. Seeing the look of horror on his face Lady Kalin spun quickly around and shouted an alarm. As the creatures approached and the battle began, guards from the palace rushed in to the garden led by Lord Zamroth, Archeo and Wizairde. Driders, half drow/half spider like creatures, began casting mirror image spells as displacer beasts advanced on the palace guards. The first to approach were quickly slain by a hail of arrows and Lord Zamroth's mighty sword. Wizairde cast a powerful fireball that exploded in the center of the a pack of Driders and several of them went down in flames. Lady Kalin added to the already blazing inferno by casting flame strike at the remaining driders, but not before they were able to cast several magic missiles killing several of the palace guards. Derek charged forward bringing down a displacer beast as it leapt at Lady Kalin from behind. The remaining displacer beasts began to flee but were quickly brought down by Archeo and Lord Zamroth. The battle over, Zamroth and Archeo departed to muster the Golden Guardians. Lady Kalin turned to Derek, "There is no time to delay. You fought well in battle and it is my wish that you accompany the Golden Guardians in our offensive against the Black Wizards." Derek looked at her and nodded his acceptance of the offer. "Well met!" she smiled and then added, "Go to the palace temple and tend to your wounds. Then report to Guerrier at the OGS Armory to better equip yourself for the journey. Return to the palace when you are done and meet me in my chambers located to the west of the throne room." Without waiting for his reply, she hurried back in to the palace leaving him alone in the garden. After healing at the temple, Derek left the palace. He headed towards the southeastern quarter of the palace grounds and came upon a series of signs that directed him to Guerrier's Armory. As he entered the armory he was greeted by a tall strapping warrior with dark, almost black eyes. "Greets...," said Guerrier. "I was informed that you were coming and heard that you fought well in the garden. I have some items to aid you in your crusade against the Black Wizards." Reaching behind him he began placing items on the counter. Derek donned the protective chain mail and gathered up the weapons that include a +3 scimitar and shield. "Be off now," said Guerrier, "there is no time to lose." Derek thanked Guerrier for his assistance and, bowing, turned and headed back to the palace. Derek arrived moments later in the chambers of Lady Kalin. "Well met Derek," Lady Kalin laughed as he entered. You look much better than when we last met. I am glad to see that Guerrier has taken care of your needs." Looking around the room Derek nodded to Zamroth and Wizairde and saw many new faces. One by one they stepped forward and introduced themselves to Derek. "Well met Derek, I am Kaemar the Immortal," a young mage said. "And I am Verdina," added the beautiful guard he had met when he arrived, "A pleasure to meet you... again" she giggled. The remaining members of the party approached and repeated the greeting including Melik Nightcat, Gloriendl, and Silver Shadow. The introductions complete, Lady Kalin continued with the briefing. "There is a secret passage that leads out of the palace from these quarters and I suggest that we use it to avoid anyone noticing our departure." Turning to Wizairde she said, "I shall accompany Zamroth who will lead the main party through the passage. Wizairde, Gloriendl and Silver Shadow will follow close behind to serve as rear guard should we be followed." After intoning a short prayer to Tyr, the party entered a small hidden room in the corner of Lady Kalin's chambers. They watched as Lady Kalin pushed one of the bricks in the wall and the floor opened revealing a ladder that lead down into a tunnel. The party climbed down the ladder and proceeded east until they stood before a shimmering archway. "Ahead lies the teleporter we have constructed that will take us directly to the base of the Black Wizards tower," Wizairde said. "I suggest that we make camp before entering and prepare ourselves for whatever waits on the other side." The party quickly encamped and began casting preparatory spells and readying their weapons. Derek watched as each of the party members entered the teleporter and disappeared. When it came his turn to enter he hesitated. From behind, he felt Wizairde place his hands upon his shoulders and push him into the teleporter. As he pitched forward into the teleporter he heard Wizairde's laughter as a sensation of dizziness and exhilaration overwhelmed him. (To Be Continued) *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* CLASSIFIED *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Verdina's Forgotten Realms Trivia Hail Brothers and Sisters, Noble Adventurer's and Evil Adversaries! Think you know alot about the Forgotten Realms? Here's a few trivia monster questions based on ancient lore to see just how much you really know. 1. Banshees (or Groaning Spirits) are encountered in several areas the realms. What were these creatures in their former life? A. Evil Male/Female Humans B. Evil Female Elves C. Evil Male Gnomes C. Evil Female Halflings 2. A "Hive Mother" is kin to which kind of monster? A. Beholder B. Ankheg C. Stirge D. Purple Worm 3. Harpies (half vulture/half human females) are able to "charm" their victims by: A. Casting Spells B. Touching C. Singing D. Gazing 4. There are many kinds of golems. Which of the following types can be found in Neverwinter Nights? A. Bone Golems B. Caryatid Golems C. Clay Golems D. Doll Golems E. Flesh Golems F. Gargoyle Golems G. Glass Golems H. Guardian Golems I. Iron Golems J. Juggernaut Golems K. Necrophidius Golems L. Scarecrow Golems M. Stone Golems 5. From the following list, which is NOT a favorite food of Umber Hulks? A. Purple Worms B. Humans C. Ankhegs D. Hippogryphs 6. Bugbears are close relatives of what other creatures? A. Owlbears B. Goblins C. Orcs C. Gnolls 7. Nightmares are what kind of monsters? A. Giant Undead Birds B. Evil Trees C. Supernatural Horses D. Undead Lizards 8. Which of the following is a species of spider? A. Hairy B. Large C. Huge D. Giant E. Phase F. Sword G. Gargantuan H. All of the Above 9. True or False: Pointed weapons (swords, daggers, etc.) are more effective than blunt weapons (mace, club, etc) in battles against skeletons? A. True B. False 10. A Gorgon most closely resembles a: A. Gargoyle B. Bull C. Dinosaur D. Insect Answers: 1:B 2:A 3:C 4:I & M 5:D 6:B 7:C 8:H 9:B 10:B *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* CLASSIFIED ADDS *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Wizairde is looking for great minds that might be interested in getting together and working out a story plot for a Unlimited Adventure Module. If you are interested in working with several people and having a great time please me as soon as possible! Wizairde OGS-AGM Pearl Keeper MoA Leader Reporter GG <<<<<>>>>> Gimme a Scoop! Enter the weekly News of the Realm contest by submitting text for publishing. If your Announcement, Article, Helpful Hint, NW Abby Question, Poem, Fiction, or Tidbit wins, you'll have won your choice of 2 Pearls or 2 Free Hours of On-line time to be credited to your account! Submit all text to screenname: NW NEWS. Sanctioned Guilds who send the most "news worthy" articles in each month will earn 3 Pearls to be credited to their Guild Account!