EXTRA EXTRA, Neverwinter Issue #70 ==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue #70 Week Ending 2-11-95 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Morngrym for winning last week's News of the Realm contest Morngrym has earned choice of 4 Pearls or 2 Free Hours of On-line time to be redited to their account. WTG! <><><><><> <><><><><> Congratulations to SOL Moxa who edged out M0rdeth K in my 2/6 Ice Storm Booth!! Both players pelted me for 42 points of damage in their original casts. SOL Moxa then won the tie breaker and claimed 4 pearls and an hour of free online time for him self. My thanks to all the players who participated, and again congratulations to SOL Moxa!!!! - NWA Kishpa <><><><><> <><><><><> ** Feb Trivia Results ** Feb 7, 1995 _________ *** First Place - ChrisLeif 21 points! *** ** Second Place - Tie- Snaak and Cerdith 20 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 : ) <><><><><> <><><><><> "On a cold and windy day by the NeverWinter Wharves a call went out to the realm for someone to heat the place up! Lrd Feanor stepped forward and toasted me for 65 points of fireball damage to warm the area more than was needed! :D For his efforts, Lrd Feanor wins 4 pearls and 1 hour of free on-line time :-) Thanks to all who participated!" NWA Blade <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* NEVERWINTER CALENDAR *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* New Player Tour: February 13th, 8:30 PM ET - Join NW Elladan for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square. New Player Tour: February 17th, 5:00PM ET - Join NW Thorn for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square. New Player Tour: February 19th, 8:00PM ET - Join NW Jester for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square. <><><><><> <><><><><> <<>> Feb WWAI Night! <<>> When: February 16th Time: 10 PM Eastern time Where:The Great Hall Tavern Come join NW Aziza and NW Jester for the February edition of: <<>><<>> Who/What/Am/I <<>><<>> Thurs. February 16th at 10 pm ET in the Great Hall Tavern. First Place: 25 Pearls + 4 hours Second Place: 20 Pearls + 3 hours Third Place: 15 Pearls + 2 hours Cya There! NW Aziza and NW Jester <><><><><> The Final Choice When late at night, all alone, you wake with feaful dread and with chilling clarity you realize you cant move from your bed Your arms and legs refuse to listen as your brain begins to yell then suddenly you realize you've slipped into the depths of hell Cold sticky sweat covers your chest when at the door you hear the breathing of another and you truly begin to fear The darkness congeals around the room when from your prison you see movement in the corner and hear laughter of wicked glee You try to pray for salvation but quickly your mind recalls the sins you've freely committed and your pleas on deaf ears fall Slowly, and with deliberate tread, the shadows take form and you know with honest certainty you shall never see the morn Evilness answers the call of those you failed in your goal and silently you scream as despair claims your soul An immense arachnid of the blackest black is the last thing to be seen as its poison pierces your body and speeds you to the Spider Queen Choose carefully, my brothers, who you will serve! Rakasha <><><><><> <><><><><> The Rules of Chaos ::The guard shot back from his charge into the prison cells, the bow that propelled him slipping back behind the corner in wait of more, hapless opponents. The body soared through the air and caught two more of his ilk, dragging them to all to the ground in a mindless heap. The figure slipt from the corridor on feet of a Zephyr, the unreal pace of the slender escapee. Her dark hair swayed out into the air in her wake, bouncing from her black jerkin to the single quiver that adorned her back. The wraithlike shape crept about the corner, bow back in quiver as she tiptoed past the lounging day watch, their forms snorring slowly in the moonlight of the dockside covered porch. The WindChild eased her way over the old wooden railing, slowly in her caution. But her form became as rigid and still as the rails themselves as they creaked under the movement. But after a few moments she breathed again and eased her way off the rail, smiling lightly to herself as the purring of drowsy fighters drown out her landing upon the passing barge beneath. :: ::The Barge Hand looked up to the sky as he passed under the Wharves bridge, convinced that he had just lost a stow-away, but his akward squint turned to a blush as he found himself starring into the Star shone eyes of the beautiful archer that leaned over the edge of the bridge:: "Gud've Mam", the hand looked back as he passed away, his own thoughts of the stow-away lost as he looked at her, her head bobing in a nod as she smiled to his voyage. ::The woman smiled again, to herself, at the hands of fate. The Rigid Cross of Laws that every person was expected to nail themselves to, then learn to swear at the natural beauty of Chaos. Her head shook, the fates told you where to go, then let you wander like a somewhat lost child. The forces that denied one and other and strove for dominance. And through their own pain and suffering, buit the walls between them and their foes, and made each stronger and more defined. The Hell called Life had a Beautiful irony to it....But then again...Nasher, in all his hypocritical glory of rulership and Crosses of sharp bladed laws, might have a different veiw.....::: :::The figure strolled off down the street...determined to do whatever came to mind first....and to follow no rules in her path to discovery....her path to....the Chaos of ... Happy Chance......::: Leah The Light Child of The Wind <><><><><> <><><><><> The Blackened Earth - Part 1 The whole mess started three days ago... . Some of our COR brothers were in Crossergate on a routine patrol. They performed the usual tasks... elimination of wolves and ice hounds that had frightened the villagers... the norm. The patrol was on a little-traveled path when they encountered a scene of terrible destruction. "A huge area of the forest was charred and blackened, and the earth was still warm from the fire. At first, they thought it was simply the result of a misplaced fireball. The patrol was soon proven wrong. "Toppled statues were all over, not at first noticeable, so covered in soot and ash they were. The patrol examined them closely; the workmanship was excellent! Try as they might, they could not find one flawed piece. The group assumed for a moment this was a razed temple. Then it hit them; these statues were ordinary villagers, transformed to stone by dark magic . "They were mostly just townsfolk, simple herders and farmers, defending their village from some unknown evil. Many had makeshift weapons in their hands: pitchforks, torches, and hoes. A few strong adventurers stood among them; a mage, busy casting a spell; a fighter, sword raised; a cleric, praying to Tyr for holy intervention. Apparently, Tyr didn't respond; all were turned to stone. "The CORs reported back to Trollsbane and myself, and wedecided the group should go back and begin cleaning and purifying the area. That same afternoon, they left. "We haven't heard from them since." Volant paused for a moment, waiting for this to sink in. "JJ, several of us are forming a group to investigate. JakWar, Sinestra, and I are already prepared to go. We would be honored by your presence. Will you join us?" JJ quickly agreed..... JJ paced nervously back and forth in front of Mancuso's Inn. Volant was off in the town, making last-minute preparations, and JakWar was strapping the last few packages to the mule. As he tightened a leather cord, he glanced back at JJ. "I'm sure you don't have anything to worry about. Any one of us can easily take down a mammoth; together, we four are unstoppable!" JJ stopped pacing and half-smiled. "It seems a bit silly,with us marching into danger and all, but... I'm a bit nervous about seeing Sinestra." Seeing Jak's surprised look, he quickly added, "I haven't seen her in over four years!" Jak stared over his shoulder at JJ. "Sis? You don't have thing for her, do you?" For a moment JJ looked away. When he turned back to face JakWar, his face was cold as stone. "Hardly." Jak had a feeling he didn't have the whole truth. "We don't see her much anymore, but she is still the same old Sis, as great as ever..." JJ's frown deepened. "I hope she doesn't mind the changes in me... maybe I should shave off the beard..." JakWar quickly turned back and busied himself with one of the buckles. JJ never saw the broad grin on his face. Jak stood over the body of the last ice hound, still smoldering from Sinestra's fireball. A puzzled look was onhis face. "It is a shame these poor animals have to be killed...I don't ever remember them being quite so vicious, and they aren't evil naturally. There must be some force at work here..." Sinestra frowned. "You may be right, JakWar. Villagers have been reporting more wolf activity. Perhaps these questions shall be answered when the more immediate problem of the stonings is resolved..." JJ looked thoughtful for a moment. "Something isn't right."He stood silently for a moment, then cocked his head suddenly. "Quiet, and listen!" The others did as they were told, but the confused looks ontheir faces told JJ that they did not understand. He waited a moment more, hoping to be proven wrong, then spoke. "There are no sounds... no birds, no animals... nothing! Not even rustling leaves! And feel the stillness of the air..." The four stood quietly a moment longer, then quickly continued down the High Road, away from this place of smothering silence. The blackness stretched before them for a hundred yards. A huge circle of the forest had been completely burned away. In a matter of moments Sinestra, arch-mage that she was, came to the conclusion that this damage was not caused by a natural fire. The area reeked of dark magic and death. JJ's ranger sense confused him. He could feel the corrupted natural energies around him; the very earth seemed to cry out to him for help. The feeling of despair penetrated deep within his bones. The group crept slowly towards the center of the blackened circle. With each step, black ash swirled into the air around their feet, then slowly drifted back to the ground. The air was heavy, stagnant; no wind blew through here. They didn't spot the statues until they were almost on top of them, and even then Volant tripped over one before they were noticed. There were statues of all ages, all races, all stations of life. After a quick survey, they were able to count upwards of forty humanoid statues, and hundreds of forest creatures. Volant frowned. "There is no way to bring all of them back to the temples in Neverwinter..." Sinestra shook her head in agreement. "Then we must bring the temples here. Even Priests can be bought with the proper... 'donations.'" Volant resumed his customary role as leader of the group. "So, we shall travel back to Neverwinter, and bring back the Priests, along with a larger group of our brothers. Agreed?" All clasped hands. "Agreed." The departing group never saw the figure appear behind him, never saw the statues rise with one movement of the figure's hand. They never heard the chilling whispers from deep within the hood, nor saw skeletal fingers reaching into robes black as night and pulling forth a small crystal sphere. They never saw the sphere shining with a growing intensity, an evil red light matched in brightness only by the two pinpoints of light that served as the hooded figure's eyes. They never heard the evil laughter that echoed loud in the dark hallways of the figure's home plane. What they did see was a flash of pale red light... The blackened forest grew swiftly motionless. The dark figure faded from view, back to his unholy dwelling. The statues fell again to the ground, to lie motionless until more would-be rescuers came. All was as it was before... Save four new statues lying in the ash. JJ IllyV Crusader of COR <><><><><> <><><><><> The Story of the Bracelet - Chapter 5 (By: Vallus) "The Emerald Evil is upon us..." said the wizard. "Emerald Evil?" asked Leoster "Yes. But how rude of me, I have not introduced myself. I am Llomnauvel Oloadhin, called "Firehands" by some." Lesoter and Crystal introduced themselves to Lomnauvel and then the conversation quickly returned to the Emerald Evil. "So, what IS the Emerald Evil?" asked Leoster "I am not quite sure, I have only been able to decipher a small part of the ancient tome which you see beside me. A task which you will no doubt find mucheasier since you are meant to know what is contained therein. Suffice it to say that they are creatures of pure evil empowered by emerald amulets created at the same time as the artifacts which you both wear." "Neogi" spat Leoster,"Crystal! The Neogi back at the Moonstone Mask was wearing an emerald amulet!" "So it has already begun." said Llomnauvel "Here" he said as he thrust the tome at Leoster "take the Tome of Knowledge and-" just then, an explosion rocked the tower "What?!" exclaimed Llomnauevel "It's ahead of schedule! The attack isn't supposed to start for another 5 minutes!" he said glancing at the water clock on the wall. "Attack!? You mean the attack that destroys the tower?" said Crystal "Yes!" said Llomnauvel "Ever since the first time the tower exploded, I've lived in a time loop that begins at dawn and ends when I go through the floor of the tavern that occupies this point inside of time and if you're inside the tower when it explodes you'll become a permanent fixture here, trapped here for all time" At the base of the tower, in addition to the usual Arcane Brotherhood wizards there are also several Umber Hulks and one very evil Neogi blasting the tower with green balls of flame from the amulet about it's serpentine neck. <<<<>>>>> <><><><><> <><><><><> Once Upon a Winter's Night THE AIR WAS STILL AND FULL OF FRIGHT THE HEROS THEY GATHER UNDER PALE MOONLIGHT GLEEMING SWORDS AND ARMOR A WONDERFULL SIGHT CASTING PRAYER AND PROTECT THEY ALL WANDER OUT IT,S DRACOS THEY SEEK ALL BONES AND BIG SNOUT THEY LOOK AND THEY SEARCH A PASSAGE THEY FIND THE DRACS WILL BE KILT THE BONES THEY WILL GRIND WITH NARY A WORD,A YELL OR A CRY THEY SLASH AND THEY HACK STILL SOME OF THEM DIE FALLEN HEROS TO THE LEFT DEAD DRAKS TO THE RIGHT IT ALL HAPPENED HEAR ONCE APON A WINTER NIGHT By, Durth <><><><><> <><><><><> To Lady Taarla, with all my love, Gorbon In eve when stars lay thick and bright upon my wondering mind and memories bring sweet delight of the joys we two did find I call thy name in a soul's hush cry and plead with fate above to learn the secret longing of the one I've grown to love When others have defended thee from evil's peril and spite I wisper words of missing you in the gentle lull of night I call thy name in a soul's hush cry and plead with fate above to learn the secret longing of the one I've grown to love Hoping through thy smiling lips my name at night has passed that like a moon amid eclipse the shadows of our hearts hold fast I call thy name in a soul's hush cry and plead with fate above to learn the secret longing of the one I've grown to love What sweetest joy my heart did know when I found your love so true what generous god to so bestow such a gift to me as you I call thy name and I take thy hand and place it closed in mine Each hour eternal as grains of sand with you my love devine <><><><><> <><><><><> Written by Tyst, Captain of the Elite Guard Edited and submitted by Gillianne, guild scribe ************************ It is Sunset at The Protectorate Guild Hall... . It has been a good day: no monsters have been sighted. and the Evils in the realms seem distant. It is after dinner and all in the Guild hall are relaxing, with a book, some wine or ale, or maybe taking a little nap. Suddenly the main doors are thrown open violently. All are surprised to see TP Scout standing there, his face nearly hidden by the blood running down his cheeks. His chain mail was torn to threads, his sword bent like a boomerang. "My lords" he gasped, barely able to speak. "There is trouble afoot. Our Hall and our treasures are in jeopardy. Traveling south from Port Llast is an army--an army unlike I have ever seen. They... they... they are Dead already! It's like a nightmare. They captured me and I learn't of their desire for our magic vault items. I became enraged and killed a few as I fled. But they are coming nonetheless. They will arrive here by tomorrow They call themselves The Undead Lords of the Realms." Tyst walks up to his scout, offers him a blanket. "You have done well, go get some needed rest" "No! No rest...we must prepare... we must prepare." protests Scout as he is led into the healing chambers. ***************** Quen Dalk, Highlord of The Protectorate, sits at the end of a large table in his private meeting chambers. Engraved in this table are the roads and towns known in the realms. Most of the lords are present, except for the Elite Guard. "Where are they?? This is too important and they are out gallivanting!!!" roared Quen. Just then, Tyst, followed by the entire Elite guard, entered the room, all dressed in complete battle armor. "We have trouble... well, the Elite Guard was made for trouble. We ride tonight!" "Ride" says Quen "Ride to where?". A small dagger appears in Tyst's hand. He tosses the dagger straight up in the air. All eyes are on the twirling object as it impales itself into the table. It lands on the map, pointing to WINDYCLIFFS. Tyst speaks " We ride to Windycliffs. We will try to stop the undead before they can even get close. Keldar III has told me of a place they meet the night before they prey on the living and we shall be there to stop them!!!!!" As if on cue, Tyst and the entire Elite Guard step from the meeting room and head towards the door. You can hear their footfalls, steps of confidence echoing in the halls. Quen Dalk reaches over to his alarm bell and pulls on the cord, a single loud gong that shakes the entire Hall. Immediately there is a flurry of activity, swords being sharpened, spells being memorized, scrolls from the vault being distributed. Within the hour an army of Protectorates heads out into the dimming sun. North they go. North to Windycliffs. "Tis a sad day when we must War, let us pray for victory" ********************** There is an unusual quiet in The Protectorate Guild Hall. The fierce battle had raged well into the night. Quen Dalk walks into the Healing Chambers, a look of concern on his face as he passes by his wounded Protectorates. He walks towards the rear of the chamber, acknowledging all and taking a moment to show his concern for his comrades. He finally comes to the end of the Hall and stands before Tyst, his Elite Captain who was the last line of defense to the Guild Vault hidden just outside the Palace walls. "It was a ferocious battle!" said Quen. "Many brave deeds I saw and I am proud. I am here for your report on the battle." Tyst sat up slowly, tired from the long night. Dried blood still showing on his arms. "Lord Quen, our Guild Mates fought well, but these Undead Lords of the Realms (UDL) were a tough crowd. My scout reports showed a small army of them camped in Windycliffs, so I made a decision only to bring half our forces, one equal to the numbers of the enemy. The rest of the troops stayed behind to guard the Castle. There were four teams, led by Quen Dalk, Eirikinan, Myoke, and Healwhans. I sent Eirik and Myoke ahead to meet the UDL head on, while Heal went around to flank the enemy As you were there, your team waited down the road to catch any who might get through us." "Eirk's team, as well as Myoke's, immediately found themselves surrounded by these evils. They fought for hours but were unable to hold off this grave foe and had to retreat to the castle. Meanwhile one group had tried to sneak ahead of the main force. You in turn rallied your group and made short work of their advance team. Myself and Healwhans found a camped group behind the battle lines and slew them, along with a UDL Officer (UDL Slayer). All have taken serious damage at this time, our troops cut in half, and I believe half for them also" "Your team Quen (Quen Dalk, TP Destiny, Gillianne, TP Express) remained to keep the dark enemy from passing onto the Guild as we (Healwhans, Keldar III, Gray Angel, Tyst) pressed the rear of their forces. Endurance was low and your battle was not going well, Destiny decided that your condition was serious and decided to retreat back to the Castle Walls before more serious and irreparable harm came to you." "Meanwhile, we were having a little bit more luck. Another group of UDL's fell to our wrath. Leaving only Healwhans, Keldar III, Gray Angel, Tyst for TP and Zerackus, Lord Dark, Gothmenes and Goth Punker for the UDL's. Both parties stood before each other, a look of determination on our faces as we approached these undead. Just before we engaged one of the Goths cast a MASS PUNT, taking himself and Keldar out for the duration. This was not noticed immediately, but as the battle wore on it became obvious there were only 3 TP's left. " "The battle was going well, we had em on the ropes. Gray was held, but so was Lord Dark. Zerackus had just taken a feebing and we were preparing to mop things up when suddenly a dark cloud enveloped the sky. A darkness took over and everything went BLACK." " I am sorry M'lord but we had failed. That darkness... that darkness. " Tyst lowers his head. He continued, "They became scavengers, sniffing like dogs, hunting for our hidden vault in the woods. I was paralyzed and couldn't even try to stop them. I watched in terror as these decomposing bodies found our vault. They took many good items from us, including a Ring +2, AC3 bracers, Iou Stones, +3 Weapons, 12 items in all, and all good weapons." Quen replies, "At least they weren't able to attack the Castle, the troops you left behind were easily able to protect our walls here. Those items, although valuable, are replaceable. It is sad we did not hold them back but we have won anyway. Everyone is OK and healing fine. All should be up and around in a few days. Our biggest gain is the experience our troops have had. We are a newly Sanctioned Guild with many members having very little PVP Battle experience. They fought well and bravely. All have learned from this war. We will be that much stronger the next time a call to arms is made." WELL DONE TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED. "Congratulation to the UDL on a fine job." and to all my Brother and Sisters of the Protectorate who participated. We worked as a team, it was great to see us come together like that. Everyone contributed. from scrolls to items and time, I couldn't have asked for a better turn out! "Congratulations to The Protectorate for being the greatest guild in NW" Truly one night of great excitement and fun. Till next time. Tyst Captain of the Elite Guard The Protectorate <><><><><> <><><><><> Last Sunday Eve... the forces of the UDL and the TP clashed in a team 4 on 4 pvp battle,after hours of grueling fights,the Undead of the UDL finially previaled over the brave knights of the TP. Zerackus ARCH LICH UDL <><><><><> <><><><><> Let us hear it! 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 4 Pearls or 2 Free Hours of Online 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! <><><><><> <><><><><>