==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue #71 Week Ending 2-18-95 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Rakasha for winning last week's News of the Realm contest! Rakasha has earned choice of 4 Pearls or 2 Free Hours of On-line time to be credited to their account. WTG! <><><><><> <><><><><> <>Feb WWAI Night Results!<> For those that dared, NW Aziza posed some easy questions and some tough questions. The trick was in knowing the difference!! WWAI Winners are as follows, following review of log.. 1st Place - Sylphee - 40 points - 25 pearls + 4 hrs 2nd Place - Moradinson - 26 points - 20 pearls +3 hrs 3rd Place - Iz iLven - 25 points - 15 pearls + 2 hrs Thx to all who attended!! NW Aziza & NW Jester <><><><><> <><><><><> The call goes out for 15 strong warriors to test the skills of Nasher's best, NW Baldor. All fought bravely and with honor, but only 5 managed to take Baldor down and earn the 3 Pearls reward: ALAKABON SGT KILL NAERGOTH MURRAIN BEVERLY DD Well done! : ) NW Baldor <><><><><> <><><><><> The call went out over the realms for 10 people to test there saves against me, 10 fine people showed up and others where turned away. Each entered the booth, -DAM1ON..save 1 - charm 2 -XU X1ANG..save 1 - charm 2 -REPTOR..save1 - charm 2 -BLACKWYNG..charm 1 -ALEX ROQUE..save 1 - charm 2 -SALTHEARTF.. charm 1 -PMCLEOD260.. save 1 - save 2 - charm 3, a hush in the crowd that had gathered. -ALOFDENBGH.. save 1 - save 2 - save 3, had Elbir lost his CHARM??? -GOBOE.. save 1 - save 2 - save 3, ACK, Another one had not been CHARMED!!! -UDL DEATH.. charm 1 Into Round 2 they went. -ALOFDENBGH.. save 1 - charm 2 -GOBOE.. charm 1 WTG ALOFDENBGH, winner of 4 pearls and 1 free hour :> And thanks to all that came out!!! -NWA Elbir :> <><><><><> <><><><><> 2/15 location hunt Congrats CLASHER for being in the right place at the right time! CLASHER won 4 pearls, 1 free hour. <><><><><> <><><><><> Those who dared withstand Aziza's poisonous casts Winners of 2 pearls each! STEEL HULK MURRAIN NALFAERN LEXIMER LDY NIXEL GRYMALKYN NICODYMUS3 ITB DIABLO SLIPC PERCEIVAL Beware, I've found a new recipe for my next batch! Congrats all and thanks for coming!;D NW Aziza ();> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* NEVERWINTER CALENDAR *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Be on the look out for those Mini Booths that seem to pop up out of nowhere! Can you be at the right place at the right time when the NW calls for a location? Keep your eyes and ears open for these events! Watch for the banners! New Player Tour: February 121th, Tueday 9:00 PM ET - Join NW Baldor for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square. New Player Tour: February 22th, Wednesday 7:30 PM ET - Join NWA Blade for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square. New Player Tour: February 23th, Thurday 9:30 PM ET - Join NWA Edge for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square New Player Tour: February 25th, Saturday 9:00 PM ET - Join NWA Skye for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square New Player Tour: February 28th, Tuesay 7:30 PM ET - Join NWA Mystek for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square <><><><><> <><><><><> The Story of the Bracelet Time for Action (By: Vallus) "Quickly, take the Tome of Knowledge!" said Llomnauvel "It is the key to defeating the Emerald Evil!" As Leoster took the large book into his hands it shrunk to the point where it could fit into his pocket "Amazing!" said Leoster "Thank you Llomnauvel." "Call me Firehands! Find your way out of the tower as best you can!" Firehands pulled a pair of saphire rings out of a drawer and gave on to Leoster and one to Crystal "These will protect you from my magical defenses. You've got to be out of the tower before you hear the bell, it signals the approximate time that the explosion occurs. I have a teleport doorway on the top floor but I havn't used it since the first explosion." "Where does it go?" asked Leoster "It's supposed to go to the indoor gardens off of Neverwinter Square, but now..." Down below, the Neogi's Umber Hulks smashed through the door of the tower and one of them was promptly turned to dust by a spell trap. "ATTACK!!" shrieked the Neogi as the Arcane Brotherhood wizards went through the door. Several were blasted by spell traps but others got through. The Neogi on the other hand, used the evil power of his emerald amulet to float up several floors and enter through a window. Firehands grabbed some wands off his desk and dashed out of the room, leaving Leoster and Crystal alone in his study. They waited a few seconds and then went out of the room heading for the stairwell and headed up. They came to the top of the stairwell well short of the top floor. "Must be one of Firehands' safety precautions" remarked Leoster. As they were crossing the tower to get to the next stairwell, they ran into a Neogi wearing an emerald amulet. "You I have. The braclet now give me." it said. "Never!" Crystal said defiantly "You'll have to kill me to get it!" "Arranged that can be." said the Neogi "Protect me my amulet does. Win you cannot." <><><> To a Special Friend.... from Lady Taarla Spectral Friend Walking silently beside me, Speaking not a single word, Lost to me forever Voices past are left unheard. Wishing for a loved one, Always close and yet so far. Close enough to touch him, Yet as distant as a star. Sometimes in fear I watch, As he passes through the room; Silent, and unnoticed, Sensing anger in his mood. In life he brought me laughter, Sharing many thoughts and dreams. In death, he brings me silence, As he walks a path unseen. Many words were left unspoken, The day I saw him last, And forever will I wonder, How his death did come to pass. Be well, my spectral friend, Wherever you may roam. Find your peace among the memories 'Til you find the pathway home. <><><><><> <><><><><> Hellgate Keep Chapter 1 "WJP, good to see you again."Greeted Jakwar as he entered the Triboar Inn. "I forgot how long a trek it was from Port Llast to Triboar. SirGonzo left me a message at the guildhouse, he will be joining us shortly. My business in Neverwinter took longer than I though it would." "What did you ask the sage Jakwar." Questioned WJP taking a sip of milk. "A simple question." He answers taking a seat and ordering an ale. SirGonzo steps through the doorway, "Well there you two are, now how bout those giants." "We'll be on our way in a moment." Responds WJP "Tell me about the sage later." The group of three finishes their drinks. Then heads south towards the gate to Westbridge. Along the way supplies are bought and information gathered. A short walk later they enter Westbridge. "There's a group of giants camped on the other side of that hill." notes WJP "I saw them yesterday." "Lets get ready for em." Jakwar begins a prayer "Mielikki I seek to destroy the evil which would enslave us all. I follow your guidance and seek your aid. Allow me to be victorious in this endeavor." The three stand for a second knowing all is ready. Strength is found in the justness of their cause and the brotherhood of the guild. With a simple nod the small company moves into combat. WJP is the first into battle. He slays a giant with one mighty blow. Then injures a second. SirGonzo moves in next casting spells of holding. Two shamans and a mage are frozen in place. A fireball rolls off Jakwar's fingers turning the injured giant and the shamans to ashes. Lightning crackles through the air taking WJP full in the chest. He retaliates with a mighty swing that levels the giant. Spells from Jakwar and SirGonzo are shrugged off by the last mage. Raising his sword WJP charges and is knocked effortlessly to the ground. The other two rush in, Jakwar aiming for the chest and SirGonzo for the belly. A clawed talon lashes out rending Jakwar's mail shirt. He is flung to the base of a nearby tree. Blood pours from a long gash that exposes his ribs. SirGonzo's sword is knocked aside. He is grabbed by the throat and lifted into the air. The creature unleashes an evil laugh that quickly turns to agony. A two handed sword, held by WJP, pierces its back and erupts from it's chest. Lying on the ground SirGonzo slowly recovers his breathing. WJP rushes to Jakwar placing hands on his side, he utters a prayer. The bleeding stops and the wound begins to heal. "I better sew that up so it doesn't reopen." WJP rummages through his pack for a needle and thread. "That definitely wasn't a fire giant mage." yells SirGonzo. He sifts through the robes. The creature has turned to ashes. Lifting the robes up a small ring falls to the ground. All three examine the ring. Jakwar's eyes grow wide with astonishment. He tells them how he has found the same design several times the last few weeks.Once on a pin in the lair of a black dragon. Then just a couple of nights ago on a piece of paper after the beholder battle. "The sage in Neverwinter says it is the insignia of Hellgate Keep." On the short journey back to the Triboar Inn the group discusses the find at length. WJP, Silvir Fox, Doekiller and JJ ILLYV travel through the Lost Hills with an escort of Silver wolves. They come to a sheer rock wall. The wolves disappear into some brush off to the side. The small group reluctantly follows. After several minutes walking through the thick underbrush the wolves stop and stare at the rock. "This must be the place." notices Silvir "I don't know about you, but I can't walk through solid rock." retorts WJP A crack appears in the rock wall and a door swings open. A large bearded man stands in the opening. "Well met brothers of COR. I am Kallen, ally to Jakwar." Kallen shakes the hand of each as they enter the tunnel. "No wonder we couldn't find the door." Points WJP, "Clan Axepeak crest, best there is." All are awestruck as they enter the Rangers paradise. JJ laughs, "Now I know why Jakwar keeps this place hidden. Some idiot would probably want to build a city here. I wonder if he needs a roommate." Lively conversation follows the group through the woods. They come upon a meadow. The delicate scent of perfume reaches the company. The playful laughter of women echoes through the trees. "What's this Jakwar has his own harem?" asks JJ "They're Woodland Nymphs JJ, stay here." Kallen moves ahead of the group. "Maidens of the meadow may we pass?" "Of course Kallen, you are always welcome here." comes a lilting reply. WJP and Silvir restrain JJ. "I have friends of Jakwar's with me." explains Kallen "They may pass also, will you all be at the celebration tonight?" asks a second delicate voice. "That we will Ladies, once the visitors have been prepared." Kallen strolls back to the group "I'm in love." sighs JJ "What do you mean prepared?" questions Doekiller "The Great Druid must cast some spells on you. The sight of forest folk such as Nymphs can blind or even kill a man." clarifies Kallen The journey speeds along. Soon they enter a clearing. At the far side next to a stream is Jakwar's cabin. The brothers unload their gear and wash. Unarmored they lounge in the lush meadow drinking Jakwar's ale, a milk for WJP. Near evening Jakwar returns in the company of a grey bearded Druid. "Have you depleted my stock of ale yet?" "No but we're trying." They reply "Well hold still while Talther casts some protection spells." instructs Jakwar "By nightfall this meadow will be filled with forest folk." When darkness takes hold a large party is already underway. The music is soft and soothing. Drink of all kind is passed around the gathering. WJP trials Jakwar around the meadow asking about their upcoming journey. Jakwar ducks behind a tree. WJP follows finding Jakwar gone. He is face to face with a beautiful Nymph. She plants a full long kiss directly on his lips. The worry melts from his face replaced by a look of utmost joy. Silvir walks past Jakwar pointing to WJP. "Will he be O.K.?" "Ya but he'll never be the same. It'll wear off by morning." laughs Jakwar JJ spends the night trying to convince the elves to give a drink of Feywine. Honoring Jakwars request they ceaselessly reject his pleas. The moon has nearly reached the end of it's nightly journey when the party breaks up. (To be continued) Jakwar COR HERALD AND EXPLORER <><><><><><><> <><><><><><><> After a long day of battling... the forces of evil in the sewers, I joined my guild brothers in a celebration of the finest of spirits and ales in the land at one of our favorite hang-outs---Strider's. We emptied many flasks that night.....too many. I awoke in my chambers in the guild hall with a terrible headache. Something was different....I noticed that the furniture (what little I had) had been rearranged and my once brightly lit room was now dark and cold. At first I thought it was the side affects of being the recipient of a major feebing the night before....but I found out all too soon that it was much more than that. When I put on my bracers I noticed a reflection in their brightly polished surface....the face of someone unfamiliar to me. This mysterious man had flowing blonde hair, deep sunken eyes, and an unforgetable smirk on his face. I focused on his fiendish grin....it was as if I were looking into the face of death itself. Shock set in as I marvelled at what I had become. My brightly colored robes were now black and stained with blood!! Next I noticed all of the notches carved into the handle of my mace. What kind of evil monster had I turned into???? What had I done to deserve this fate.....had I angered Tyr??? I carefully cracked open my chamber door to try and find out what was going on. I saw someone I knew....I recognized him right away....I had fought him a few days ago....it was ITB Wrath!! My mind was spinning as if I was in a whirlwind. How could I have turned evil??? Moreover an ITB???? It was too much to bear....this nightmare was beginning to peirce the inner fabric of my mind and my soul. I began to chuckle....my good side was fighting inside of me to prevent my dark side from taking over. My chuckles turned into laughter....the once bright light of my goodness began to slowly fade...like a candle slowly dying out. The room got darker....as if I was going blind. In desperation I tried to concentrate on all of my friends and my experiences.....to hold on to them before they slipped away forever. Flashes of fighting along side my guild brothers....the wins and losses....the treasures and honor won....the face of the woman who I had always admired from afar. :::::: A tear ran down my face :::::: I yelled at the top of my lungs, "NOOOO!!!!!" .....I would not let go! I held on to my memories for dear life. These were mine...a part of me that no one could take away....not even Tyr himself!!! My memories were the only thing that the evil could not engulf. I turned my emotions loose onto the evil raging inside of me. The pain was immense----emotionally and physically. I fought it until I tired and passed out. I awoke to many blurry images feverishly hovering over me. Had I lost?? My eyes came into focus upon the one whom I hold most dear. As she wiped my brow she explained that my ale had been tainted with poison. It had to have been that fiend XU X1ANG!!!!! It was bad enough that he had feebed me that night but this took the cake. I swore before my friends and guild brothers that I would not let this go without retaliation. I turned to Tyst, captain of our Elite Guard, and made plans to begin my combat training after my recovery. Beware XU X1ANG : This is not over yet! Jedi Chris <><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><> Friends don't let friends partake and PvP (Kef Yunman) Many people have been wondering about my recent tour of all the guild dining halls in which i sang the praises of Alakabon and that miscreant, ITB Gawain. Well the whole sordid story starts with a few too many ales and a few too many hours to kill. Hanging out in the Triboar inn, I spent my time trying to reform my doubles ladder partner, Mad Drunk. He suggested we fight the two best pvpers we could find. So after esping challeneges to ITB Gawain and Alakabon, we prepared for battle. Of course, the common malady known as "beer muscles"set in and I made a bet with our two opponents. If they were to lose, they would have to go around NW for a week wearing a pointy hat and "Whoo whooing" and capering. As for my part of the bet, well you have seen it already ;x As for the battle itself, let's just say never depend on a partner to count rounds (fer globes) when he is so drunk he cannot see his fingers to help him count. ;x Ok, so Gawain, Alakabon, fer the last time, "All hail the mighty and powerful, bold and brave, skillful and wise, Alakabon and ITB Gawain!" <><><> Lord Nasher's Call NW Thorn Reports Our group gathered underneath the ancient tree in rain drenched NeverwintervSquare. Wenzel, Kabule, Tasilorian, Sillum Mnk, RicRac001 and ITB Diablo were waiting as NW Thorn approached the tree with a worried look upon his face. He had just had an audience with Lord Nasher, who had great concerns regarding reports of ancient undead creatures roving underneath the city streets of Port Llast. "Lord Nasher has asked us to travel north to Port Llast. His reports tell of a group of Dracolichs who are ravaging the dungeons under the old seaport town. He has asked us to investigate, so gather your weapons and meet me at the north gate of Neverwinter City," Thorn exclaimed. Our party met at the gate and headed north to Port Llast arriving there several hours later without incident. Night had fallen over the seaport and it's citizens were nowhere to be found. As we approached a residence just north of the center of town, Wenzel noticed one of the doors of the house had peculiar scratch marks on it. As Wenzel reached for the door handle, the door suddenly flew open and the group was pulled into the darkness of the adjoining room. Reaching into his backpack, Thorn pulled out a torch and lit it. As the light engulfed the darkened room, a smile came over his face. "Hail and well met MikeSherm6 and JNorris V," exclaimed Thorn. "Lord Nasher told us that guides would aid us!" Not speaking, JNorris V motioned for us to follow him. We descended a hidden stairway and found ourselves in the dungeons beneath the town. "We have found the lair of the foul beasts. Keep low and follow closely for the element of surprise is our only chance," whispered MikeSherm6. We followed our guide's instructions and soon found ourselves face to face with a large oaken door. "Behind this door is what you seek," JNorris V whispered, "prepare for battle quickly and silently. When you are ready, press yourselves against the door as hard as you can." We unsheathed our weapons and guarded ourselves with an array of cleric and magical spells. When all was set, Thorn raised his flail and pressed firmly against the seemingly unmoveable door. As the others joined in, the door began to give. With a loud crack, the door fell from its iron forged hinges. "CHARGE forward!" Kabule screamed, and our party entered into the fray. Searing heat scorched our bodies as the Dracolichs breathed down our necks and fear overcame several of our party as banshees wailed in our midsts. We stood our ground and valiently fought through the smoke and flame, finally felling all but one lone Dracolich. "He shall not escape me," roared JNorris V. We watched in horror as JNorris V ran alone towards the last mightly Dracolich. Within seconds it was over, JNorris was paralyzed by the beast and with one swift blow, returned to the ashes from which he was born. This gave new fervor to the remaining party members, and they each in turn rushed towards the Dracolich. Each pounded the beast until finally Thorn conjured one last magic missile and aimed it towards the beast. As the Dracolich fell to the ground, the collective sigh of the party was heard throughout Port Llast. Thanks to all who joined us tonight! NW Thorn <><><><><><><> <><><><><><><> SPORTS ()()()()()()()()()()() The Vilnask Axepeak Hammer Challenge The kin gathered around ... the Target...in the field east of Vilnasks main square. Two troll effigys where irrected. On a table to the side was displayed a fine silver and mithral gauntlets, and a two handed hammer both inscrolled with dwarven runes of power. Rumor had it the wearer of the gloves would be as strong as a Ogre. And the hammer was forged by nun other than Coal Anvilheater, the dwarven rune smith. Ten paces, from the trolls was a line drawn in climbers chalk. Beside the line a berrel of fine dwarven throwing hammers. The dwarves gathered and chatted with themselves as they waited for the start of the contest. Ale flowed freely. Gathered where the fey dwarven lass, Dhaka Hash, and a group of stout dwarven warriors, Baldar Hmr, Xevkan, and Moradinson. A short time latter the rustle of stone wings is heard and Hudon RW the Gargoyl of the Mount lands heavly in the grass. A raised voice causes all to turn, Sunderfist the deep gnome, strod into the field. "Well'n now tha we is all 'ere, we begins!", States Starkadh, Moving to stand at the chalked line. " Da rules be simple.. Lays inta the Troll dummys thar'n an knocks thar blocks off. Three throws fur each o' ya..... Me thins it be ladys first.", he says bowing to Dhaka and giving her a wink. The las grins back invitingly and takes a hammer from the berrel. In the wink of an eye she lauched her hammer, striking the head from the first target. "Har!!, me thins ya lads be in fur a bit o' a run.. the las 'as da eye." The gathered group muttered in assent, awed by the lasses flowing movements. Stark particularly liked the way she wiggled as she launched a hammer.... Next up was the Deep gnome Sunderfist, examining his hammer carfully, he noded and grunted.. backed up three paces and made a running charge at the line.. skidding to a halt he launced the hammer, it flipped twice and blasted the head of the target. Snorting in satifaction.. Sunder continued his following tosses quickly, to the praise and incuragement of the gathered dwarves. "Well'n ya an the las be look'n ta be stand'n even", replyed Stark as Sunder stepped back from the line. Swaggering up, Balder Hmr, grasped up his hammer, "Har, gnomie lik'n ta this.", spinning is a quick circle he released with a side arm throw. The hammer ripped thru the targets chest toppleing it over backwards. A grin broke his face as he stepped away from the line to slack his thirst after a fine performance. In a flutter of stone wings and a fanged toothed grin, Hundson Rw, landed on the line, took up a hammer and reared back to throw.. the hammer spun twice thru the air striking a glanceing blow to the target....Grumbleing he stepped away, his claws tearrign the lomb under his feet. "Next'im ya be get'n the 'ang o' it Rockwing', chuckles Stark as the Gargoyal steps away. Xevkan stepping to the line, downs his ale quickly and tosses the empty mug into the grass. "Huh, Me thins I'll be tak'n two 'eads o'".. Grinning he launches his hammer, the spinning hammer strikes the target solidly and topples it backwards. "Har!!", barkes Xevkan as two dwaven guards stand the target back up. "Moradinson! ya is next", yells Stark across the field, "Eh? sur'n I be thar in a moment', Moradinson yells back, nodding to Balder, having placed a side bet on the outcome of this toss. "Sur'n I be gett'n richer dis day.", Moradin states takin up a hammer, with an exaggerated wind-up.. he launchs his thru.. two clean turns and his impacts on the target..which bursts appart in a shower of hay and leather. "Ach! Ya broke me targets!", grumbles Stark. Swaggering away, "Huh, ya jes luckys me 'arm was sore.." The first round up.. Moradin the obvious winner, with his well placed throw, Stark motioned to Xevkan and Baldar Hmr.. "Lads ya two be right close ta be'n in second." The gather dwarves, mutted to themselves, placing side bets, as Xevkan stepped to the line.. in a flurry of movement he launched his assult.. stee flew thru the air..and Missed!? "Ach!?", Xevkan cursed. "Twas a fine try.. lad.", Baldar said simpithicly. Taking up his hammer, he spun in his round house windup.. the hammer flashing thru the air.. strikeing the target solidly As the laughter and roar of the party got under way.. Moradinson wearing the silver gaunlets, and Baldar with hammer resting on there shoulders. Spoke quitely... a large back of gems.. was passed to Baldars muttering curse. --------- Congrates to Moradinson for winning first place at the Vilnask Hammer challange, winning the much coveted Gauntlets of Ogre Power. And Baldar Hmr in a throw off with Xevkan, takes Second, winning a Luceran Hammer +3. Well done.. and thanks to all the kin that participated. -- Starkadh <><><><><> ()()()()()() ROMANCE ()()()()()() To Gorbon ...with all my love, Lady Taarla 'Tis in my garden I have been, Since the hour I saw him last, Staring at the sky so blue, Thinking of his laughing eyes. The joy within his soul, Full of life, and heart so pure, Compassion always follows Singing sword and battle cries. Coat of arms upon a seal Bearing colors clear and true. Yellow as the mighty sun, And white as pure as snow. A knight in every sense, None braver in the land, With a courage fierce and mighty Honor always, close at hand. I would storm the dark abyss, Travel miles across the lands, And no evil would I fear, For by his side is where I'll stand. So many times I wonder, If he is merely but a dream, For there is no other like him At least none that I have seen. Silken petals from the roses, Crumble softly in my hand, Carefree memories of dancing, And the strength within his hands. Here I'll wait for him forever, For the one that I hold dear, Counting roses, skyblue memories, And his love forevermore. <><><> ANNOUNCEMENTS <><><> COR the officer core of the Crusaders of the Realms has undergone some changes. The new senior officers are as follows: Volant: GM Yu Lang: AGM Lightsedge: Sage (Head of Non-PVP) Steve A3: Justiciar (Head of PVP) Sir Mage: Seneschal (Head of Applicants) Jakwar COR HERALD <><><><><> <><><><><> 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! <><><><><> <><><><><>