==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue #73 Week Ending 3-04-95 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Gorbon1 for winning last week's News of the Realm contest. Gorbon1 has earned choice of 4 Pearls or 2 Free Hours of On-line time to be credited to their account. WTG! Congratulations to COR for winning the month-long News of the Realm Guild Contest! COR will receive 3 Pearls in their Guild Pearl Account! <><><><><> <><><><><> Neverwinter Nights proudly presents... ------====ooooo000ooooo====------ NWN TRIVIA NIGHTS! ------====ooooo000ooooo====------ Please join NW Baldor and NW Thorn for a night of fun, while we test your knowledge of Neverwinter Nights Trivia! : ) Date: Tuesday, March 7, 1995 Time: From 10:00 PM to 11:30 PM EDT Place: The Great Hall Prizes to be awarded to the Winners: * First Place - 4 FREE hours and 25 Pearls * Second Place - 3 FREE hours and 20 Pearls * Third Place - 2 FREE hours and 15 Pearls Good luck! : ) NW Baldor and NW Thorn <><><><><> <><><><><> Started off with 7 hale and hearty adventures. This quickly dwindled due to other commitments by the new members. Had a couple of veterans join me later on, Alanna and I Ach. ;) Only the brave Madphlava stuck it out all the way always jumping into battles headfirst. ;> What a brave soul!! The venture into Port Llast and the Gallant Prince was most exciting. ;) Mystek <><><><><> <><><><><> Ice Storm Booth 2/2/95 Congratulations to FF MERAH winner with 42! FF MERAH has won 4 pearls and 1 free hour! NWA Edge <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 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: March 7th Tuesday 7:30 PM ET - Join NWA Mystek for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square. New Player Tour: March 10th, Friday 9:00 PM ET - Join NW Aziza for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square. New Player Tour: March 12th, Sunday 12:00 PM ET - Join NW Triel for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square <><><><><> <><><><><> A Brief History of Morngrym Verigost, Bard of KORT A cool autumn breeze drifted through the trees in the sleepy city of Arabel, in the heart of Cormyr. Dusk was at hand and most people were retiring for the evening. The season of death had been a pleasant one, contrary to its name, which most of the citizens still used in referring to the close of the year. The season had been dry and the trees were responding, each ablaze with color, red, yellow, orange and every shade in between. It was beautiful, only adding to the atmosphere of the attractive city. Everyone seemed to enjoy the season, even though winter was lurking around the corner. It may have been the end of the year, but it was also a beginning for the Verigost family, a family of minor nobility in the city. A young child was born to them, under a stark crescent moon. He was named Morngrym. As he grew, Morngrym spent his time as most youths of his station, taking part in studies and introductory training in combat. He became interested in music and poetry at this time and showed promise in these areas. When he was of age, he began his combat training with a Ranger named Elturis, a notable warrior in the city. In the beginning, as with any training, his days were filled with drudgery. Swords were sharpened, armor polished, errands taken care of...he scrubbed and cleaned things that hardly needed the attention. Such was the life of a young warrior. He did indeed learn to be humble...something that the aged Ranger put great value in. As time progressed, so did his education, in both combat and the Bardic skills. Eventually he left scrubbers and sharpening stones behind in favor of actual arms training. Elturis could see Morngrym's potential from the beginning. He seemed to act with a natural instinct. Morngrym caught on to the exercises quickly, mastering each of them in turn. His progress was pleasing to the old Ranger, who had trained many fighters in his time. Morngrym became proficient in several types of weapons, as each was presented to him and he spent months training with it. He selected a longsword as his weapon of choice. He also trained heavily in the use of the dagger, something that his mentor was not particularly fond of. Years passed and Morngrym grew into a capable Ranger in his own right. Throughout his years of combat training Morngrym also attended school, gaining his education and learning which direction he wanted his life to take. His love of music and poetry ran deep and he continued his training and education in these areas throughout his youth. He spent time afterwards as a member of the Purple Dragons, the army of Cormyr. He took part in several border skirmishes against bands of ogres and other horrid creatures, developing his battle skills and gaining needed experience. Later he became a member of the elite guard of Lady Myrmeen Lhal, the leader of the city. It was during this time that he took up the study of magic, temporarily sacrificing his skills as a Ranger. The War Wizards of Cormyr, in service to the crown, were happy to tutor those of the elite guard. The more powerful the group was, the more secure the city, and its leader, would be. After a few years of such study, growing in magical power along the way, Morngrym regained the use of his Ranger abilities. He continued to serve in the guard, but found himself often longing for the road...and adventure that castles and city walls sheltered him from. He was growing short on inspiration for his creative works. Eventually he made the decision to leave the area, though vowed to return someday, to visit if not to live. His travels first took him to the dalelands where he encountered the evil forces of the Zentarim. He vowed to battle this group, wherever he might find them in the realms. From the dales he traveled west, making his way as far as the Sword Coast itself, spending time in several cities, and finding many adventures, along the way. Many a verse was written during this time of his life...many evenings were spent entertaining friends at local taverns. Few Bards in the area were from Cormyr, so stories of this nation were welcomed by the people. Soon he rode north to visit the fair city of Neverwinter. The area intrigued him and he decided to spend some time there, exploring the region. He found himself battling the evil forces of the area all too often over the length of his stay. With this in mind he decided that his skills would be put to good use there. Maybe it was the place he was supposed to be. He made Neverwinter his new home. He met many interesting people, some of whom became friends, others enemies. Eventually he encountered a Knight by the name of Dagron. They adventured together and became friends. He spent much time traveling with Dagron, gaining more material for poems and songs. It was at that time Morngrym learned of the Knights of the Round Table. After witnessing the valiant actions of its members, traveling with many of them and developing friendships, Morngrym joined the group. To this day he is a member of KORT, traveling the realm of Neverwinter, devoting himself to the causes of good. Justice is found through virtue...and the strength to enforce it". Character Description: Morngrym is a stern man, who has strong beliefs and faith in his convictions. He truly believes that the realm can be a better place if those of virtue will put forth the necessary effort. Simply easing the suffering and fear experienced by many in the Savage Land is his comfort. He is a bold, tenacious warrior preferring to take the fight directly to those of evil, rather than sitting idle waiting for them to come his way. His behavior in battle is, at times, reckless, as he often charges into the fray with little regard to the odds. He has always come away alive, if not always unscathed, though. He feels little fear, believing that his end will be decided by the fates. When his time comes he intends to leave the realm in a blaze of glory, not simply fade away. Maybe a Bard will sing of it someday. He is a strong, dependable friend and will protect his brothers and sisters of the order with his life. He has been known to go out of his way to help those he cares for, whatever their situation. In his free time he can be found walking in the forest, taking in the beauty of nature, gaining thoughts to express in song or verse. He spends much time in quite contemplation, always finding new things in the realm that intrigue him. He loves to relax and play music, or write poetry. He believes that these things are very important in the large scheme of things, not simply to entertain, but also to pass down information and valuable history from one generation to the next. It is whispered by some that Morngrym is also an agent for the Harpers, a mysterious organization of good in the Realms. Considering the fact that he is a Bard, and has friends who are alleged Harpers, lends credit to this rumor. However, he has never confirmed, or denied this. Harpers, in general, tend to be more effective if their affiliation with the group isn't widely known. Some things are best kept secret. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hellgate Keep - Chapter 3 Down the long smooth road they jogged... . Entering Everlund just as the sun touched the western horizon. A lone man stood in their path holding his hand outstretched, palm facing them. "Halt travelers, what is your business in Everlund?" The uniform and insignia declared him a Sergeant of the City Guard. WJP steps to the front. "We merely seek to spend the night. In the morning we will be on our way." "The city is under martial law. All able bodied folk are ordered to report to Captain Asscot." The sergeant motions for them to follow. They walk several blocks finally entering the Guard Headquarters through a raised portcullis. A marshaling yard is surrounded by three barracks and an office building. The sergeant, Kryle, leads them through the main doors of the office building. "Please wait here." He points to several benches along one wall. Then stepping past an empty desk he knocks on a door before entering. Kryle reappears a moment later. "Captain Asscot would speak with you." The five brothers of COR step through the doorway. A heavily muscled man stands in the corner buckling on his sword. "I knew it, your guild warriors from Neverwinter. I am Captain of the Everlund City Guard, Asscot." He vigorously shakes each warriors hand. "I never imagined you would get here so soon. How far away is the rest of your force." A total look of confusion comes over each members face. Recognizing the look Captain Asscot sits dejectedly on the corner of his desk. "You're not here at our request. You didn't get any of our messages, did you?" Once again WJP steps to the front. "We are on a simple journey to Silverymoon Captain. No messages ever arrived at our Guild House." WJP points to each of the group in turn. "This is Silvir Fox, JJ ILLYV, Doekiller, Jakwar and I am WJP IV. We are brother of The Crusaders of the Realms. Perhaps if you explained your problem we could be of some assistance." A faint glimmer of hope shines in the Captains eye. He walks across the room to a large wall map. "Seven days ago Sundabar was overrun by the forces of Hellgate Keep. The reports I have gotten say it took them all of half an hour to take the town. No one even knew there was an army in the area. They just appeared around sundown. There was no organized resistance. Orcs, giants, trolls, you name the evil its in that army. We immediately called up our militia, so did Silverymoon. Estimates on the Hellgate Keep force are anywhere from 10 to 30,000. Silverymoon has put a small force in the passes between them and Sundabar. A second force is in the Moonwood to their north. Two days after Sundabar fell the trolls began raiding the outskirts of Everlund. Lady Alustriel withdrew the Moon Bridge so they are in no danger from the Trollmoors. We've recruited anyone who can hold a sword. My men are spread out so thin patrolling to the east and fighting trolls; if Hellgate Keep moves on Silverymoon, I can't help them. There have been sightings of Elves patrolling the northern reaches of the High Forest. I haven't had any contact with them though so I don't know if they'd help." "A dire situation indeed Captain Asscot." WJP looks back at the others in the group. "We need to discuss this. We'll speak with you again in the morning before we leave." At the back of the group JJ leans close to Jak. "Looks like we're not getting any sleep tonight." The moon is in full view when the group enters the Flaming Drake Inn. They take a table in the back and are in deep discussion when dinner arrives. Doekiller swallows a mouthful of food and washes it down with a gulp of ale. "Look just because he's Captain of the Guard doesn't mean he knows everything. If it was really that bad don't you think Lady Alustriel or the Harpers would have contacted the Guild Leaders. I say we go along with our original plan. We can decide what to do after we have talked with Lady Alustriel. Silverymoon can't be more than a day and a half away." The others nod their heads in agreement. With the matter decided they try to relax. JJ disappears across the tavern. He returns fifteen minutes later with two pitchers of ale, a bottle of old one eye and a small following of lady warriors. He starts filling cups. "How bout a little R&R in the field boys. These four lovely ladies are the:" "Company of the Fire Ruby." A tall blond adds, she seats herself beside Silvir. "I am Thares, that is Jesik, Crystal, and Diaes." "Seems to leave us one short." WJP stretches "I think I need my sleep tonight anyway. Jak can I get some of that ointment the Druids gave you. My shoulder is giving me some problems." Seeing that hint of danger in WJP's face Jak doesn't argue. When he catches up, WJP is thoroughly checking his room. "Don't ya like the company, Paladin." Jak laughs WJP glares at him. "I'm as big a sucker for a pretty face as anyone. Theres something about them I just don't like." He moves over to the window. "I'll keep an eye on the street from here. You watch your back and keep that sword handy." "Well I know better to argue when those hairs stand up on the back of your neck." Jak returns to the tavern Just past midnight Doe and Silvir excuse themselves and head to bed. WJP hears them coming up down the hall. He motions for them to enter his room. After hearing his warning they take turns watching the street. Almost an hour later Doe eyes something moving below. "There's a group of about five headed this way. They're being sneaky about it, moving in the shadows real slow. WJP, Silvir and Doe grab their weapons. Silvir is the first out of the room. Four black garbed figures are standing at the end of the hallway. A fifth is just entering the window. Silvir unleashes a lighting bolt into the group. It ricochets wildly slaying the entire group and blackening several paintings. The sound of steel on steel comes from the tavern below. When the three reach the top of the stairs they find Jak standing behind an overturned table. He is swinging his sword in wide sweeps keeping the attackers at bay. Thares lies in a pool of her own blood. Jesik and Crystal are locked in a dual at the bottom of the stairs. By the door to the kitchen Diaes fends off three attackers who had entered by the back door. Doe cast a hold spell freezing the two fighters at the bottom of the stairs. WJP flies from the stairs. He lands in the midst of Diaes attackers, knocking them to the floor. She slays all three before he can even regain his feet. Silvir unleashes another Lighting bolt. Three opponents fall to the floor as charred corpses. The last two flee for the door, into the waiting arms of the city guard. JJ rushes over to Thares. A cleric from the guard squad joins him at her side. The cleric just shakes his head. JJ covers the body with a table cloth from an overturned table. "She's the one who was with them." he points at Crystal, still standing at the bottom of the stairs immobile. The guards move to take her away but are a second to late. Diaes buries her long sword to the hilt in Crystal's chest. She screams at the falling body. "Treacherous Wench, I knew someday you'd betray us." JJ puts an arm around Diaes and sets her is a chair. He speaks to his brothers in a quiet voice. "Thares took that blade for me. When those guys came through the door I saw her sword," he points at Crystal's body "headed straight for my neck. Jak was to far away and my bill-guismire was in the corner. Thares stepped in front of me." He sits beside Diaes and pours them both a drink. As the sun rises a COR honor guard of five carries the body of Thares to the cemetery. She is laid upon a funeral pyre. "Though we only knew her for an evening." A tear runs down JJ's cheek. "My she be remembered in the history of COR as a valiant friend." Jesik steps forward and lights the pyre. They all watch for a short time as Thares spirit is carried on the flames up into the heavens. Then they say their goodbyes. It is a short walk to the office of Captain Asscot. He is not pleased to hear of their decision. After once again arguing his case the brothers take their leave. Their path lies north along the eastern shore of the River Rauvin. They come upon a small shrine. Each bends his knee and to their various gods they renew the oath to destroy this most hideous of evils. Jakwar COR HERALD AND EXPLORER ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ode For a Cure to Hangovers ;) Oh what I would give To end the pain in me head Nothing seems to work As I rest in me bed I think to meself Oh...why'd I drink so much Last night at Striders Drinken me ale in a rush It's always the day after That I hate to drink And even in bed I still can't think But when night comes And I fall asleep Me hangover disappears As I count me sheep And when day arrives Me hangover is gone Feeling refreshed I could sing a song Too bad it takes For each day I drink A day to recover I always think For if there ever was A cure for hangovers All me wealth I'd give To have them hand it over :) COR'S DRUNKEN POET MadogMclur ;) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Many Faces of COR Tis another day at Striders And I got on me knees and beg "Alright,alright" Sir Redrum says As he smiles and buys another keg "Ahhhh" Reddy says, seeing WJPIII Esalihf and JJ Illyv walk thru the door "Join the party" me says To my fellow friends from COR We all say our hellos And grab some mugs from the bar WJPIII instead buys a milk Saying it's because he must travel afar As we prepare to raise our mugs ReHarakhty stumbles thru the door "CHEERS!" he yells pulling out a mug While nearly falling to the floor We laugh and greet our brother As we finish with our toasts "Tis not as good as Doe's" JJ confidently boasts We look around and see Sir Mage With Volant looking over apllication lists And in the other corner is Dreamforge With Kyla Starr who begin to kiss We shrug our shoulders and laugh As we begin to drink more of our ale And as time goes on we hear More and more of eachothers' tales Than I nearly boasted About an evil one I gated But realized Thomas6537 had done so Many a time so I felt negated 'So what' me thought I might as well let it off me chest When JakWar and SlipC walked in And the others acted their best "Someone grab me a mug" SlipC smiled as she approached Esalihf and JJ both stumbled to give her one I'm sure she felt encroached JakWar shook his head And pushed the mugs away "Don't think so guys," JakWar smiled "Maybe another day" And while we reminist about the past And our exploits in COR The keg was nearly gone When LightsEdge ran thru the door Nearly out of breath, he puffed "Any more left for me?" "Naaa" WJPIII grinned "I think they all drank it with glee" Looking discouraged LightsEdge said "All I do is shuffle papers" "And while others are out having fun" "I'm readied with my stapler" We all roared with laughter As LightsEdge stood there looking confused I couldnt resist meself any further Giving in I said "I'ts just a ruse" LightsEdge looked relieved And smiled while picking up a mug "Well it's about time ya made it to a party" JakWar said "Now chug!" :) COR EXPLORER AND DRUNKEN POET MadogMclur ;) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Changing Times It seems strange to me.. Posting on the Grey company's board looking for allies.... It was about a year ago that I was defeated in the Lost Hills...a place that I was proud to call mine. I remember having great joy in forcing others to pay passage thru that land...it doesn't seem right to me now. I fought a long hard battle against the proclaimed "good" guys of the realm...the OGS. They jumped me as I was asking for a fee from a wandering adventurer... Suddenly, they were on me. Using magics at that time forbidden in the land...not only did they feeb me several times...they cast the forbidden confusion....I still cannot remember who was in the group that did this to me. My mind is not as clear as it once was. After I was confused, they took no mercy and killed me. Leaving my body to decay and rest as a pile of bones in the Hills. I thought I would never return.... Then just a few weeks ago, by some strange twisted act of fate...a powerful elven mage happened upon my bones. I don't know what he was looking for...but he spoke to me. "Mortikai," he said, "you have often plagued the elves by exacting unfair tolls and wantonly killing them when you encountered them. I am, however, not without compassion...". He raised his arms and uttered some magical words that I had not before heard in the realm. My body began to rise from the pile of bones...but it was changed. It seems that the old wizard had reincarnated me into an ELF. Yes, not only did he have compassion, but a twisted sense of humor. I have wandered the lands for the last several weeks, trying to discern what fate has in store for me. It seems that I do not have the same desires that I once had. I am no longer driven to destroy, but driven to help. So here I am. Fellow elves, (how strange that still seems), can you give me aid. I have been given a second chance by an unknown elven mage. Let me join you. M0RTIKAI ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE BLIND (Written by WANAbWITTY) I trudged along the all but deserted streets. Tendrils of mist coiling about the feet below me. A constant drizzle threatening to snuff out my remaining inner light. Walking in a living nightmare for my God had abandoned me. So dizzy and feverish, I had not the awareness of collapsing through a door. Just a door...just another nameless, faceless Inn. Did someone carry me? Were those my own feet I watched? I knew not. In the distance I heard a voice, was it familiar, or another trick sent forth by the evils within the realms? I groped forward in the darkness of my soul, toward a pitiful disgusting sound. The sound of a boy... no a MAN! Grovelling, prostrate in the fog. Lord of Light, it is I!? Unable to endure this, I went forth and hauled the keening wretch to its trembling knees! Spittle of fury (or heated shame) sprayed forth with the force of my command to turn this impostor away!...But it worked not, as nothing had for so long. Wandering the streets alone to... to do what? Always the doubts, and questions within me. Suddenly I screamed like a caged ogre gone mad! My hands tore at eyes as if struck blind! I called out, "Lord of Light!... Helm!... Why have you abandoned me!? Have I not tried to stem the flow of evil? Yet you punish me, why!? I demand of you...!"Then I truly went cold, not from hands of fire/ice about my heart, but from the voice! "YOU DEMAND!!?? YOU, Little Fox!!?? YOU DESERVE NOTHING OTHER THAN PUNISHMENT OF SIGHT!! PUNISHMENT YOU HAVE EARNED!! SO BE IT!! LORD HELM COMMANDS!!!!" <<< thunder shuttered through me >>> "No, you are old and foolish father! Your ways of fighting toe to toe with any enemy, and charging heedless into battle is weary and old! Because of this Mother is dead!" Cuffing me across the ear, he shouted back, "Go into the forest and live with the golden fox, you coward! No warrior in my halls shall back away and use arrows... a jackals weapon that is! You who study the animals instead of great heroes...!?" Cutting him off, "Father they have greater wit than any! Skilled hunters of the forest, yet evading poachers!? No other has a pelt of gold! They out-wit all and survive...that is the type of strategy we need in these times! Tactical withdrawals, range weapons, magic, traps..." At that he threw me down, "VILE... (almost speechless)... EVIL... TRAPS...!? You are no Paladin! No light for Lord Helm to guide! And no son of mine... you no longer bear our sacred name! From this sun forth your name shall be Want of Wit, for you have none! Unable to even master your own tongue!" With that he kicked dirt at me, then turned away, staying as a mountain between myself and home. "So be it, from this day forth I am WANAbWITTY, and on my own...!" Then, with contempt ... "sir." I awoke at the Inn, and knew myself not. Why did I always query myself so? Where was my strength, conviction, and power? I cannot believe my fighting tactics were the cause of all my woes for they have developed from fighting solo and outnumbered. Serving me true until... The Stranger! That must be it! For the first time I had turned a stranger away. He was new to Never Winter, attempting to pledge himself as my page. I turned him away with excuses. Could so many sins be committed at once, or any greater? Shunning a young lost soul to pursue my greed; to follow a powerful knight in the destruction of evil Drakes to gain the worldly possessions of their horde. Arrogance, believing that I could turn them when even the mighty Alcorn was pressed! Perhaps I have his blood on my hands also? <<<< shame... guilt >>>> That was when all went awry. Alcorn helped me link-up with lost friends, but only Sir Yendor was alive. Brave Gierach, and Joel 143 were nowhere to be found. We pressed on without them, Sir Yendor and Alcorn showed me true power from the Gods! And how one may wield it as an artist! For talent is more than raw power alone. They were cool, calm, and professional. While I... I was in awe, unable to do more than stare in an envious way. Ah envy, the last sin for me that moonlit night, for suddenly... my hands froze up. Then I could only listen to what they were saying, unable to respond! Right then I thought I died, for an evil black screen covered my eyes. I tried time and again to struggle up for air from the dark abyss,only to drown again! I was terrified for there was no light to guide me into Lord Helms Kingdom! only the abyss. Finally I came back to myself; weak, alone, and behind enemy lines. A horde of rats hurtling towards me! I hailed Bel Figo, and did he turn his back on me? NO... he let fly with mighty magic to save me! And sacrificed bodily harm in the process! Afterwards he even brought me back to the Inn, I remember now... those feet I saw were his below me, not mine. A kind and noble man is he, none could be better. The flow of memories (visions?) would not ebb. I saw Lady Aimee in battle with Giant Ogres, backed by their chiefs and shamans! I failed again and again trapped in this scene watching the fair Lady crumble. My heart crushed as with the weight of a tree! Oh Gods, is Lady Aimee's blood on my hands also!? Is this done or yet to come!? How shall I endure her blood on my hands as well, surely I'll drown in so much. "LORD HELM, PLEASE FORGIVE MY SINS AND HELP OTHERS TO DO SO!! I BESEECH THEE!!" For I realized now, my father had only turned away because to him I had already left. It was I who had turned MY back on father and God! I had expected to either die or feel miracles, but there were none. Only days of lonely rest and contemplation. When I emerged from my chambers after days in bed, I could not believe my eyes! Lady Aimee was alive, spreading life, laugh, and heart to weary adventurers over by the common room fire! The way I rushed to her would have caused vile rumors to spread, but her light of life is so strong that all understood. She helped me pray through her power, and she blessed me without even my asking. To do such deeds comes from the true heart, not the cold spirit of alignment; the mark of a real hero. Later when she asked me to join her in a quest vs. evil ogres I flinched not at all! I would fly her cause as my banner, and be her shield if need be! I finally felt true in being Lord Helms tool. With a hearty hail for my God, we set out into the night. We moved swiftly, and silently, searching naught but the ogres den. When we found this fetid place, Aimee burst in, and silenced the elders with a single strike of power! She then caused half of the war party to cough and sputter in clouds of gas! I did not fight in the sin of selfish-glory this night! I fought with discipline, moving from one danger near the Lady to the next! We pressed hard killing all in the clouds just as the spell parted. Of a sudden the shaman and chief rushed us! We had position, yet they were huge and this caught me by surprise! I tried to keep swinging my leaden arms and prayed for a hit to ruin their magical trickery... I scored! The other was about to let loose a ball of lightning to drop me, when Lady Aimee distracted him with magic I understood not! They screamed, and fought as mad! Blood and pieces of armor flew away. How could they still stand!? I screamed aloud, "LORD HELM USE ME AS YOUR TORCH!! BANISH THIS DARKNESS FROM THE REALMS!!" Dizzy with religious ecstasy it was moments before I realized the battle was won! So all of you at this fireside tonight...praise life, heart, and friends! Go forth in ones, twos, or many! Help everyone who is true of heart, shun sins of arrogance, greed, and envy! The realms shall be freed!................... "SPREAD LIGHT IN THE REALMS!!!!" NEVER THE END!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Me Drunken Tale Continues I rushed out of Strider's And found Nasher's guards readied with swords There was no way me thought Of overcoming such hordes Considering me condition I gave up without a fight Who knew, all I'd done for Nasher in the past He might let me go, he might Besides, I was at fault And neverwinter was my ally I could not betray COR Or this town, so I lied "Me lord'" I said "Tis a mistake" "You cannot think a woman" "Such as yours I would take" It was a drunken slur That came of me tongue And it took me a moment To realize what I had said and done So off they took me To a cell where I was flogged 'Never be with such women' I noted in me personal log But in time Nasher offered me a new quest To redeem myself I had to do me best So off to the caverns Under Nightsedge I went Having all the ale I could carry with money I spent "Should've got a wagon" "Such as Doe's" I said For the long journey I had On the road ahead Taking swigs of something called one-eye A drunk again I became And in the eyes of the locals I must have looked lame When I reached the entrance I sighed with glee But mother nature had called As I walked behind a tree Inside the caverns Ogres, mages, and such I fought All of which a lesson I had eagerly taught And as my courage And arrogance began to soar A mage with black dragons I met And nearly dropped me sword My mouth widened in despair I muttered in a whisper..."cor?" While a dragon breathed on me I thought I was done for I fought and I fought Dragon after dragon And all the while thinking I'll never see Doe's red wagon But to my astonishment I found that I had won My job here, so I thought Was thoroughly done The mage approached me And lowered its hood A beaufiful female she was And I acted as suave as I could "Yer a sorry looken fellow" "For a paladin," she retorted As I looked upon her and thought Of many ways she could be courted But before I could impress her With me mannerly ways She flung dirt in my eyes And got away 'Oh well,' I thought As I drank some more o me ale 'Atleast I can post this' 'In NW NEW'S folder of tales :)' MadogMclur COR'S DRUNKEN POET ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Beginning of Battle The Clouds gather in the distance... Flocks of birds can be seen in the skies. The signs of a battle loom up ahead. Brave knights can be seen battling hordes of undead on the plains of Long Saddle. The Knights of the Eternal Flame have discovered the Dead Scrolls and the prophecy they speak of. The Three who were dead shall be set free. They seek what was theirs. The False one shall fall before the Three and the lands shall know the Time of Eternal Night. The Knights have decerned that it is the Undead Lords that are out to bring this prophecy about. The brave knights must stop the forces of the Arch Lich and save the realms from the horror of an undead kingdom. Little intro for the up coming war between KEF and the UDL, the month of March will be fought with small battles between the two guilds, each out to hunt each other down. No KEF or UDL member is safe from the onslaught. There will be organized 4 on 4 battles in the Triboar Arena through out the month, ending in an all out pvp tournament, winner take all. So get out there, and may Myrkul be with you! Zerackus Arch Lich UDL ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It is Time! Sunglitz breathed in the fragrance of flowers... Their scent filling her with an almost intoxication. She smiled to herself as she hurried along the corridor towards the chapel to Tyr in the Keep. She wanted to give thanks to Tyr, at long last she would be giving Fendar the son he wanted. She had told him last night, within their quarters and she knew he was pleased. As she entered the chapel, the shinning sun went behind a cloud. The chapel darkened almost to night. The Illumination of the Flame within cast shadows within the walls, something she had never seen before. She shivered as the chapel turned cold almost to freezing. A sudden horror overwhelmed her and numbed her senses. She saw a warrior standing before the temple, nothing more than a fragile white light outlined his body. He was dressed in ancient armor, with a mace upon his belt. Black obsidian, it glowed green within the darkened shadows of the chapel. He raised a spectral hand, within it a scroll. His hand held it out to her, tho not afraid she held back waiting, standing next to the flame. The spectre's hand halted abruptly as she placed her hand upon the torch of the flame. His pale eyes searched hers then shimmering within the darkness, he bowed before the flame of Tyr. She looked to the entry way of the chapel, and saw Ferar standing looking within. The Knight of the Rose, drew forth his sword and entered the chapel, when her eyes returned to the apparition, nothing remained of him. "M'lday?", Ferar softly spoke. " are things here all in order?". She turned with a smile, "yea for now I believe Ferar:" "The high noon sun has left the sky" he replied, and I thought to check things within the keep. I feel very uneasy almost as if something were to happen shortly:" "I will make the rounds of the Keep to check that all is in order", he bowed and left. Sunglitz turned back to where she saw the apparition, and noticed a scroll left upon the floor. Slowly her hand went out and picked it up. Crumbling parchment almost ready to disintegrate, it felt like ice within her hand. Her fingers were covered with frost. She turned and headed back to her office, placed the scroll upon her desk. Calling her squire Mantin, she said "Please call SirHuma, Ferar, and my husband to my office, I've important news for them". He saluted smartly and left. Soon Huma, Ferar and Fendar were within her office. She lighted more candles and told them of the chapel encounter. "Shall we open this?" she questioned them. Looking from face to face, she saw they all agreed, with trembling hands she broke the seal, and started to read. THE THREE WHO WERE DEAD SHALL BE SET FREE. THEY SEEK WHAT IS THEIRS. THE FALSE ONE SHALL FALL BEFORE THE THREE AND THE LANDS SHALL KNOW THE TIME OF ETERNAL NIGHT. "Tis the Undead lords" Fendar replied. SirHuma and Ferar nodded in agreement. Sunglitz turned to her husband with a sadness within her eyes and spoke "Come M'love we shall unlock the vault. War has come, and one unlike any other we have fought." As they reached the vault, both drew out their key first Fendar unlocked the first lock, then hesitantly Sunglitz put her key within the second lock. Turning the key within the lock she felt a sadness welling up within her. How many brave knights will die this time?..My husband mayhap?..My trusted friends, Yea though this could not be stopped. The darkness was already upon them, soon to cover all of Neverwinter. The Eternal Flame of Light must prevail. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Noble House Advertisement Noble House is now accepting ... Orders for magical items and PvP scrolls. If you have any requests, please contact "Yor Yenrac" or post a message on the Noble House guild message folder in the Non-Sanctioned Guilds Message area. The folder also has items for sale listed. If you would like to sell an item on the Noble House folder, please put "FOR SALE" in the subject line and post a message "SOLD" after you sell the item ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hint for New Players As a new player to NWN ... I have noticed that occasionally, in the heat of battle, I will need to change from one weapon to another (usually from sword & shield to bow & arrows). While this is accomplished fairly quickly relative to the combat (i.e. - no time), if I haven't taken a good look at the battlefield, I'll lose my turn because I don't have a target. I believe the solution to this problem is ... Item Arrangement! :) The idea is really very simple. All you need to do is figure out a way that you like to list your character's items and stick with it throughout the game. I am playing a ranger at the moment so my list goes like this: Armor Shield One Handed Weapons (not ranged) Two Handed Weapons (not ranged) Bow(s) Arrows Sling Miscellaneous You can set your list up any way you wish to fit your character and personal style. Heavy use of the TRADE command is required, of course. Just select the item to rearrange with your arrow keys and the SELECT yourself and the item appears at the bottom of your list! I have found that a consistent arrangement of items helps reduce the time I take to ready items and lets me get off those crucial shots I might otherwise not have enough time for. Hope this little bit of wisdom is helpful and may your sword never get caught in your bowstrings! ;-) Jelek ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Guild Fair ATTENTION ALL PLAYERS!!! Have you ever wondered about what guilds do? Have you ever thought about what the advantages of guilds are? Have you ever pondered about what guild is right for you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Guild Fair is for you! The Guild Fair is a unique event, that takes guilds and puts them within easy reach of new players. In simple terms, the guilds sends representatives to the area (in this case, the Wharves), and then the reps unwires your questions about the most important aspect of Neverwinter, it's guilds. This next Guild Fair is taking place this Saturday, March 11th, from 8:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM est. The guilds in attendance will be- Soldiers of Light (4,5) Guild of Knowledge and Magic (2,2) Indian Warrior Nation (0,11) Phaedrus' Men: Zen and the Art of Battle-Axe Maintenance (12,15) Player's Club (5,15) Noble House (3,5), Fighting First (6,8) Border Legion (2,8) Pirates of Neverwinter (9,14) The numbers in () are the coordinates in the Wharves where the guild reps will be located. Also, keep your eyes out for guild-led new player tours leaving from outside the inn at 9:00 PM EST and 10:00 PM est. This event is open to all unaffiliated players. I hope to see many people there! Tempest56, Guild Fair Coordinator <><><><><> <><><><><> 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! <><><><><> <><><><><>