==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue #74 Week Ending 3-11-95 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to MadogMclur for winning last week's News of the Realm contest. MadogMclur has earned choice of 4 Pearls or 2 Free Hours of On-line time to be credited to their account. WTG! <><><><><> <><><><><> *** March Trivia Results *** ** First Place - Raithe 31 points! *** ** Second Place - Snaak 28 points! ** * Third Place - Trojan 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 * Third Place - 2 FREE hours and 15 Pearls Congrats and thanks from NW Baldor and NW Thorn : ) <><><><><> <><><><><> <<>>March WWAI Night!<<>> When: March 16th Time: 10 PM Eastern time Where:The Great Hall Tavern Come join NW Aziza and NW Jester for the March edition of: <<>><<>> Who/What/Am/I <<>><<>> Prizes: First Place: 25 Pearls + 4 hours Second Place: 20 Pearls + 3 hours Third Place: 15 Pearls + 2 hours Check in the NW Events folder for the Rules!;D Cya There! NW Aziza and NW Jester <<>><<>><<>><<>><<>> Congratulations to KEFGandalf! On 3/5/95 he did 71 hit points of damage to NWA Jelal in the Magic Missle Mini-Event Booth in Southwall. <><><><><> <><><><><> Took the folks down to Willo's in Vilnask for a little adventuring. In tow was GribokB, Talistar, Dernhelm, Grondel, Wolfgora, Thal Torin. We entered the town seeking clues to the whereabouts of Willo. I was on a mission for Sinestra, to seek out this person who may have abducted him. Wolfie had to beg off after awhile and we picked up Lilitha and Chalithra. Trillin got bushwacked by the Kegs and cloud giant. We continued onwards leading to our climatic battle with the mage and fire elemental when a magic vortex lowered itself on our party and hid us away to parts unknown (we all punted). ;X Mystek <><><><><> <><><><><> Lord Nasher sent word that Willo was still missing and could NW Aziza band together a party to rescue him! Aziza stood under the tree as many anxious adventures came to her asking if they could help in the quest. 6 members were chosen to help her in this deed. Dopher, Darkvesper, Plasmamage, Weezer8733, ZigZag SS and Anoerate. The journey was rough and people kept disappearing without a word. Were they being swallowed by a horrible monster that gave no warning? This did not stop the fearless travelers with her. They continued on fighting and conquering the beast that tried to fall their deed. By the time Aziza and her party had gotten to the area where they sought out Willo there was only 2 of the original part left! They were lucky enough to find others along the path to help finish their quest. Thanks to all that joined along the way! A special thanks to Weezer8733 and Zigzag whom stayed and continued on to complete the quest! Willo is home with his wife resting peacefully after his great ordeal! NW Aziza <><><><><> <><><><><> PVP Booth! Archeo - winner 3 pearls ITB Lilyth - winner 3 pearls TheDarkSun - winner 3 pearls Kymil Nimn - winner 3 pearls Sir Rellik - winner 3 perals Aryndar - winner 3 pearls Nawutielus - winner 3 pearls Sirhuma - winner 3 pearls Eileyana - winner 3 pearls Malcontent - winner 3 pearls NW "wondering if saves exist" Thorn <><><><><> <><><><><> Trouble at Sea Kingswill surveyed his young squires... sparring in the KEF courtyard as he puffed contemplatively on a newly lit bowl of pipeweed. The young knights were stripped to their waists, a slick coat of sweat covering each of their bodies as archknight Kingswill pushed them harder. 'I want to see more defensive moves squires!', Kingswill shouted loudly across the courtyard, clearly audible above the switching of the wooden practice swords. 'Not all battles are won on the attack!', he continued. 'Nice parry Sir Camarus!', Kings bellowed as he noticed his fastest learning squire execute a perfect triple parry that had opened up his opponent for a swordstrike to the midsection. It was now late morning and the squires had been sparring for the better part of it. Kingswill noticed a small crowd of young women forming under one of the arches leading to the courtyard, giggling and blushing at the young squires. This prompted him to move the training elsewhere lest the squires minds begin to wander to their admirers under the arch. 'OK squires, listen up! Get your full suits on and be at your guard here in one half hour! Make sure those suits are oiled too. Dismissed!' Kingswill commanded. He had decided they would be taking a sea voyage to one of the Hundred islands on such a nice day. He was satisfied with his choice as this would allow the squires to get used to ocean travel, most having never left the mainland itself. Kingswill himself was ready to travel, his large green sea trident held firmly in his hand as he watched the squires assemble. 'To the docks!' he shouted as soon as the squires stood ready, he himself marching along side of the paired off knights to be. In a few moments archknight Kingswill had managed to secure private passage to the small island he wished to explore, having heard of an ancient cairn existing on it at one time. The captain of the galley, who smelled of stale wine and a peculiar incense, shouted orders to his crew as the ship lurched from the docks. Kingswill laughed as a few squires tumbled into a railing, quickly learning that railings were for holding and not for smashing their backs into. Before long they were under way to the island. The island belonged to a group of islands called the Hundred islands that lay quite near the large island of Trisk. Most of the islands in this group were small, only a couple of acres or so in size. The particular island Kingswill was interested in was horseshoe shaped and nestled far within the group. A deep channel led directly to the island and its small harbor. This was according to a map he had recently purchased from a Port Llast merchant. He had handed this map over to Captain Cruge along with the fare when he had boarded the ship. After an hour at sea, with the winds blowing strong and steady, no land was visible at all. The squires, being fascinated with the sea, had taken up positions on the galley's observation deck, their oiled platemail shining brightly in the mid-day sun. Kingswill puffed on his pipe as he walked and made small talk with a bare chested sailor, tattooes running up and down the length of both his arms. As he watched the sailor crank the rigging tighter, he noticed a small black dot on the horizon directly in front of the ship signifying the edge of the Hundred islands. Kingswill then glanced up at the crow's nest to see if the sailor assigned to that post had spotted it. Sure enough, the sailor's spyglass was aimed ahead, his attention focused steadfastly on the small dark object. Just as Kingswill started up his conversation again with the deckmate, a loud cry startled him. The sailor in the crow's nest was waving his hands furiously at another sailor below him, Kingswill not being able to discern what was being said due to the wind whistleing past the deck. The sailor below the crow's nest then jumped clear to the deck, Kingswill full knowing that something was amiss as he himself headed to the observation deck at a trot. As he rounded the corner and the observation deck came into view, only his squires were gathered there. There was no sign of the sailor who had jumped or Captain Cruge. Just then the captain came up from below the deck with the visibly agitated sailor in tow. The captain pulled out a long tube and fixed it on wooden post near the helm. After pulling out an extension of the tube and fidgeting with it for quite some time, the captain placed his eye to one end. 'Fauuugghhh', the old sea captain cursed as he pulled his eye from the spyglass and began ringing a metal gong that stood alongside the observation deck. 'What's wrong?', exclaimed Kingswill as the captain repeatedly smashed the gong with a wooden mallet. 'Take a look fer yerself m'lord', the captain grumbled. Kingswill put his eye to the spyglass and after a few moments of focusing, a sleek, black corsair came into view. Apparently the dark spot he saw previously wasn't an island after all. As the glass steadied he saw why the captain and sailors had become so agitated. Rotting corpses were strapped to both sides of the black corsair, their bodies clearly bludgeoned from the docking and re-docking of the small ship. Bleached white skulls bedecked the top of the ship's railing as black armored sailors and soldiers scurried about the deck. A large, dark bearded man covered in dried blood and gore shouted orders from behind a blood red eye patch that covered his right eye. Oars lifted and fell into the dark blue water, aiding the sailing corsair that speeded towards Cruge's galley. A banner flew from the ship's tallest mast depicting a most evil scene of dark clad figures each feasting on a headless corpse admist a battlefield of broken and lifeless bodies. Kingswill recogized the most foul banner and as he pulled away from the scope he turned to his squires, 'Squires, prepare for battle. We are about to have the pleasure of meeting a most infamous swasbuckler named Pirate and his blood drunk band of KAAOSers. Remember what I said, defensive posture becomes even more important when confined to a ship! Move it out and keep your center of gravity low!' To be continued . . . Bleeduhard Knight of the Eternal Flame ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Me drunken tale overflows Having pleased Nasher, I went on me way Not knowing exactly where me destiny lay So I headed north, thru Windycliffs and Port Llast Trying to put everything behind me in the past But drinken me ale, I began to wonder When a Yeti appeared, attempting to tear me assunder 'How could that enchantress under Nightsedge resist me charm?' While the Yeti was trying to deal me some harm 'Didn't I prove meself worthy with such a good show?' As I continued avoiding Yeti blow after blow 'Well, tis her loss. No need for me to contemplate why' As I thrusted me sword into the Yeti which soon died Feelen better, I decided to stop at the Seven Sails Inn A local dive for the residents of the city of Luskan "Yo!, barkeep!" me said, as I walked in with a huff "Give me a shot of yer best stuff!!!" The whole bar turned on me in a flash So hard me thought that I got whip-lash Eyeing about half a dozen with a glance 'Hrumph, 'me thought, 'they don't even stand a chance' I pulled out me two-hander and killed two on the spot While thinken of ale, shots, and the lot Two more came at me, from me left and me right I tucked into a roll, as they hit eachother with great might One of the last simply decided to tred for the door While the other stood frozen and wet his own drawers "You...you won't get anything out of me if I'm dead" I simply shrugged as I wacked him upside the head The barkeep quivered and voiced, "take what ya like!" "Fine. " I said, "Now go take a hike!" Having the bar I pulled up a chair When a fair lady approached with flowing red hair "What a show, you handsome young devil" She looked like a fighter of my class and same level Me mouth began to widen as I attempted to speak Smelling of ale, it must have wreaked "Phhhheeeeeeeww!" she said, "I like my men sober" "OK," I said, putting down me ale and acting nobler "But in order to have me you must promise never to drink" "Don't think so" I said, as I walked out the door and gave her a wink :) COR'S DRUNKEN POET -MadogMclur ;) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Story of the Bracelet Chapter 8: Safe for Now (By Vallus) For a moment, Leoster and Crystal fell through the air as the tower exploded behind them. "Great idea Crystal" said Leoster dryly "Now instead of getting trapped in a time loop we're gonna go splat!" "We're not splatted yet and we won't be if what I think will happen happens!" As Crystal said that the world seemed to blur, everything seemed as though Leoster and Crystal were experiencing double-vision, but they weren't. There were two versions of the world overlapping, one of Neverwinter 30 years ago and one of Neverwinter as it was. Suddenly, as two mages of the Arcane Brotherhood fell towards them, the vision of Neverwinter 30 years ago vanished and they fell towards the tap room of the Fallen Tower Tavern. In the taproom of the Fallen Tower Tavern, the bartender had just rung the bell to signal the onset of the night's "show" and moments later, two figures crashed through the roof! They rolled clear of the roped off area just as the two Arcane Brotherhood mages came through the hole to vanish through the floor. Leoster and Crystal stood up, dusted themselves, and then walked out the door while the rest of the occupants of the tavern watched dumbfounded. "Well, that was fun." said Crystal as they walked out the door. "How did you know we wouldn't get splatted when we hit?" asked Leoster. "simple" replied Crystal "I realized that when we passed through the boundaries of time, the magical force would slow us down enough so that we'd be able to get down in one piece. Something I learned from Alkazar before..." "Must have been a great guy, sorry you lost him. C'mon, let's head for the Moonstone Mask. We need a place to sleep for the night and I think I know how the Neogi found us the first time." Later, at the Moonstone Mask, Leoster and Crystal return to find Madame and the other girls closing up for the night. "Crystal, Leoster, what are you two doing back here so soon?" was the first thing Madame said "Stop those Neogi yet?" was the second. "No Madame" said Leoster "but we do have something that will help us. We just need a place to stay while we decipher it. But don't worry about the Neogi, I think they can only track us when we use the magic of either artifact. Tonight we sleep, tommorrow we read." Crystal and Leoster slept peacefully throughout the night, gathering their strength for the trials ahead. However, watching The Moonstone Mask from across the street, was a mysterious figure who did not sleep at all that night. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ode to Death Ever am I wary Of your cold touch Always evading you Ever so much You always approach When one least expects Those unfortunate Hopefully one can resurect But fight I must For others all the time Knowing very well My days are limited of rhyme -COR'S POET MadogMclur ;) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hellgates Keep The group leaves the shrine... walking single file in silence towards Silverymoon. Jak roams far out in front of the other four. His senses seeking signs of ambush or traces of evil in the forest. JJ leads the others through areas where they are least likely to leave clues of their passing. At noon they catch up to Jak. He is sitting on the bank of a small spring . During lunch a strong wind begins to blow from the northwest. Dark grey clouds move in low over the trees. JJ finishes eating and looks up at the storm clouds. "It'll be snowing before long. I'll start looking for some shelter along the way." He moves off into the forest, switching places with Jak. Silvir and WJP spend time praying for spells to resist the coming cold. Near mid afternoon heavy snow begins blowing through the tress. The warriors hold their cloaks tightly closed. High winds blast against their exposed faces. Slowly the warmth of their bodies seeps away into the storm. An hour later Silvir calls a halt. "I think it's time to use the spells." He steps to Jak and begins casting. He uses a second spell on himself. WJP does the same for Doe. The bitter chill is pushed aside. Silvir points to the north, "We better find JJ and shelter within the next fifteen minutes." They double the pace, all though of being tracked erased by the storm. Ten minutes pass before they find JJ. He is huddled in the hollow of a fallen log. Silvir drapes his cloak over JJ. "Double cloaks should get ya warmed up. I want that back in about five minutes." "No problem," JJ points to the east. "There's a small cave a couple of hundred yards away. The entrance is on the southeast side and I was afraid you guys would go right past me." The cave is not much more than a hole. It is a tight fit to get all five inside. Doe looks around, "I just hope the inhabitants don't come home tonight." JJ rummages through his pack and withdraws a flask. It's passed around the group. WJP declines, "I don't drink hard liquor." "It's not Old One Eye." JJ hands the flask to him. "I bought it from a cleric. It'll take the chill out of your bones." WJP takes a long swallow. The liquid burns all the way down and immediately begins warming his blood. Somewhere in the storm the sun vanishes. Snow continues to fall in the darkness. The group sits in the darkness warmed by cleric brew and body heat. Doe can be heard searching through his pack. A small ray of light appears outlining his face. He holds a silver coin laying on the piece of cloth it was wrapped in. "A friend of mine gave this to me long ago. It's enchanted with a continual light spell. At least we'll be able to see what we're having for dinner." n "Like I don't have the sight of this stuff memorized." WJP lays a pouch of trail rations in the middle of the group. "Well I like to see the people I'm talking to anyway." "Welcome to the life of an explorer." Jak shakes his head. "I only wish my Jhassel was alive to be a part of COR with me. Every day I search the Realms for Macmordian. The debt for what he took from me is long past overdue. So many have died. I used to think me heart would turn to stone and one day death would no longer bother me. Time has taught me a different lesson. A heart of stone can not love or care. Each time evil takes another life from this world a tear comes to the corner of my eye. Fortunately I am better at hiding them than JJ." A hearty round of laughter echoes through the cave. Silvir gives JJ a shove. "Don't worry bro I doubt they'll throw you out of COR for caring about people, even strangers. After all thats why we're out here sitting in a cave. Not just to protect our guild but all of the folk of the realms." Jakwar gets that far away story telling look in his eyes. "COR, have ya ever met such a bunch of people. I'll never forget that day when the message arrived from Lightsedge. Probably set a new record for traveling from the hills to Neverwinter. My armor was polished and I was ready to prove myself to them. To my surprise it wasn't necessary. When I knocked on the door an old lady told me to come in. She gave me directions to Lights office." A smile creases Jak's face recalling the joyous day. "As I walked down the hall people I had never met called me bro. Steve and Volant walked right up to me and introduced themselves. Telling me if ever I needed them just holler. I was in total shock when I reached Lightsedge's office. He must've known the look I didn't even say anything. No trials, no quests, you're a Brother of COR. Welcome to the family. When I think of how I was accepted I feel the need to apologize to Doe once again for the way I treated him when he applied." Doe reaches out and shakes Jak's hand. "It's ok bro, I know you were looking out for your family. I'm just glad I got to become a part of it. As long as we care and stay united there's no way evil will ever win." "A toast to COR!" JJ pulls out a flask of ale and passes it around. WJP takes the flask. "Even I'll drink to that. Now put that coin away so we can get some rest." "Oh what a miserable night." WJP rubs his neck "All I could dream about was my bed back in Neverwinter. Well at least the snow stopped." The group emerges from their cramped nights quarters. A chorus of groans escapes as each person stretches tightened muscles. Rations are handed out and breakfast is eaten on the trail. Jak looks up into the clear sky. "Well as long as there aren't any clouds Jhassel can warn us of any danger. Looks like we travel together today." The group continues toward Silverymoon. Every so often the shadow of a large hawk falls across the path. Around noon they stop in a large clearing full of tracks. The Rangers study the area. JJ returns to the group. "Patrol from Silverymoon, horses, tents, they must've stayed here during the storm. They're not to far off, maybe we can catch a ride."They jog down the path of horse tracks. Half an hour later the patrol is glimpsed through the trees. JJ leads the group off the trail. After motioning them to wait he moves ahead to get a better look. Minutes pass in silence. Then a shout comes from behind them. "O.K you four move onto the trail. Do it now or these boys'll fill ya full of quarrels." They move onto the trail keeping their hands away from all weapons. Doekiller mentally prepares a spell. Six men appear 20 yards away. Five hold loaded heavy crossbows aimed at the group. The sixth shouts orders. "Anyone even whispers and they shoot." The other six of the patrol circle back and come into view. "Lower your crossbows." The leader introduces himself. "I am Lt. Wester, Silverymoon militia and since you travel with Paladins I guess you are not the evil we are guarding against." Thoughts of JJ run through everyone's head. All eyes remain on Wester. He would appear when convinced all was safe. Silvir walks over to Wester. Shaking the mans hand he gets no ill feelings. "We are Brothers of COR, traveling to Silverymoon. If you are headed the same way may we travel together." JJ emerges from the woods behind the crossbowmen. "Glad to see everything's peaceful." The soldiers jump. "Wasn't sure my fireball could get all six of you and not the brothers." Introductions are given all around. The group is given five spare mounts. An hour later they ride into the city. The patrol is dismissed. Lt. Wester leads them to Lady Alustriel. Jakwar COR HERALD AND EXPLORER ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That Which Remains So much has been done, thought and seen Some remembered, much more lost In this realm of ours, like a dream Swirling in the shrouded mists of time. Who drank the last glass of wine made in glorious Myth Drannor? Who placed the first dusty tome In the ancient towers of Candlekeep? Who crafted the first Harpers pin worn by these brave women and men? All alas are forgotten... Who forged the mystical sword Polaris in the hidden reach of the Dragonspine mountains? Who walked along the paths of the elven wood before the vigil of the Standing Stone? Who set that first, heavy block for the walls of Waterdeep Palace? These alas...have slipped away... The deeds of heros, and treachery of villains Dragons and battles and songs once sung Feelings and triumphs and regretful loss These and so many more... Eventually escape our mortal minds If not for the tales of scribes and bards Of these glorious things left behind... By Morngrym Verigost Bard of KORT A salute to all those who craft the verse and tales we love to read...for the benefit of the realms...don't ever stop! ;> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Search for Kyle I strode boldly into the Red Mage Inn... Several adventurers sat around a table, Mugs of ale foaming to the brims. There was a quick silence, as the others surveyed the Green and black uniform, and the Silvery embroiderment that marked me as one of the Fighting First. I stepped toward the table as I began to recognize a friendly face. "Encisor! You old dog! how are ya!" The grizzled Paladin stood up, His plate mail glistening in the soft glow of the fire light in the inn. He stuck out his hand. "Hawke! or is it FF Hawke now?" He asked, surveying the uniform. "Tis FF, but you old friend may call me Hawke," I said, smirking. We clasped hands warmly. "What lies down the road for you today, friend?" I asked. "I am gathering a team, There is a menace in Llast once again." He said gravely. "What is striking them now? Orcs?" I joked, but his serious countenance spoke of something much greater. "What is it? Tell me." I said. He cleared his throat, "Those fools thought that the Drac menace was finished. They were sorely mistaken." "Tell me more, tis a sad fact that the Dracs are so much in power there." He continued, " there is a mage near there, and it is believed that he may be the source of these Dracs. This matter Must be dealt with!" His hands shook, something horrile must have happened. "This smacks of a personal vendetta Enc, What happened?" I questioned him forcibly. "Twas Kyle!" He said. "The Dracs have taken him!" His body seemed to shake within the plate mail, anger and rage boiled up in him. "I must find him!" he shouted. " He is my friend!" "Very well then," I stated bluntly. "We shall find the Dracs and the wizard, and make them pay!" I slammed my fist into my palm. I knew Kyle quite well, a young Elf who had befriended Encisor and I when we first came to Neverwinter. And I could not allow him to be forgotten. An Elf sat at the table, dressed in long flowing robes, she introduced herself. "Hawke, hello, I am Valtrees, and I will be accompanying you and Encisor on this mission." "Hail Valtrees, and well met!" I said. "Now come, we have work to do." We set out, Heading quickly to Llast, suddenly, a group of Lizardmen leapt from the bushes surrounding the path. They hissed, and drew their wicked, curved swords. "They Musssst Die!" Screamed the largest of the lizards. I looked to my left quickly as I drew my sword, Val was chanting furiously, Suddenly raiding here hands into the air, and pointed at the group of lizardmen. A ball of pure, white hot flame leapt from her hands and expanded, In a deafening roar, the ball of flame engulfed the lizards, Their screams told us that she was successful, as the smoke cleared, only the charred bodies remained. "Come, quickly" Val said, "we have no time to waste." We pushed on, driving past WindyCliffs, never stopping relentless in our pursuit. Nightfall soon came, We saw the lights of Llast shining through the trees. We pushed through the last of the underbrush, and looked up as the mighty stone walls of Llast stood up before us. "We must rest," Val explained "I must restore my spells." "But the Dracs will not be around during the day!" Encisor complained, "We must find Kyle before it is too late!" "Encisor, Listen, We will do more harm than good if we are to rush in, unprepared." I said, "and it will do Kyle precious little good if we are all killed." He seemed to relax a little. "Truly you are right." We entered Llast, and stopped at the inn. We spent the night and all of the next day resting. I began formulating a plan. I dug deeply into my pack, bringing forth an oilcloth, which protected several small vials of liquid. "I have an advantage in my hand here." I said, showing the vials to Encisor, "this one will make you move extremely fast, giving you the ability to strike more often, and move at incredible speed. But it does not come without cost. If you drink this, you will lose a full year of your life." "Tis precious little cost, compared to losing a friend for eternity, Give it to me." He said. I tossed it to him. "Don't drink it until we are there." I said. "And here, this one will allow you to recover from your wounds. If you are hurt badly, drink it quickly." I tossed the second vial to him. I unwrapped my bow, pulled back on it to ensure that everything was in order. Valtrees knocked quickly on the door, then entered. "It is time," she said. We struck out for the home of the wizard. A sign proclaimed his home "private". Encisor slammed his foot into the door. It gave little resistance to his forcible blow, crumbling into splinters. "Wizard!" he yelled. "Come out and face me!" A frail looking man seemed to glide down the corridor towards us, an overwhelming cold ensued. "You dare challenge me, in my own home?" His eyes sparkled with hidden power. "Pitiful fools!" He raised his hands into the air, I felt very dizzy suddenly, His evil laughter echoed in my ears. A blackness ensued, as it lifted, I saw that we stood in a huge chamber, apparently cut directly into the rock. The evil wizard sat upon a throne, he pointed a finger our way, and spoke, "Destroy them!" A freezing wind rose up suddenly, as a large door opened, "Yeti's!" I yelled out. Encisor quickly engulfed the potion, I had given him. I saw a slight trembling in his body, Then he became a blur, running directly for the wizard. Once again, Val raised her arms, and the Fireball issued out, engulfing the creatures of cold. It did well, the large creatures, not used to such heat, were immediately destroyed. A new door opened, and an unbearable fear seemed to engulf my very soul. I hardened myself, seeing the Umber Hulk step out of the door. Val was not so easily in control. She canted in fear, pointed her fingers, a bolt of pure electricity leapt from her hands, shocking the Umber Hulk. It seemed to shake off the hit, and gazed directly at Val. She lowered her hands, her eyes staring blankly. I pulled my shield from my back, Rushing to stand in front of Val, I turned it around, letting the mirrored surface reflect the gaze back toward the Umber Hulk. It stopped, staring at it's own reflection in confusion. I stepped forward quickly. Then I remembered, Looking to the left, as I continued walking, I saw Encisor's Blurred form slashing viciously with his sword. The mage made a quick gesture, a bolt of energy flying into Encisor's chest. He did not even seem to feel it. Lashing out, The mages head was quickly seperated from his shoulders. A huge roar followed, I looked up, and rolled away, just leaving the path of the Umber Hulk's huge claws. I ripped my scimitar from it's sheathe. Lashing out at the Hulk. It seemed to hesitate, then turned quickly away from me. Encisor was flashing left and right, keeping it's attention, striking at it's legs. I stood quickly, and leapt! I felt satisfaction as the blade sunk deep into the back of the Hulk. it screamed a final breath, and fell to its side, dead. Encisor crumpled to the ground, exhausted. I walked over to Val, and slapped her, awakening her from the trance of the Umber Hulk. "It is over," I said. "Where is Kyle?" She asked. "He's not here," I said, "but perhaps a clue is." -----()()()()()-----()()()()()----- Next time: Hawke and Encisor go on, attempting to Destroy the Dracs, and find out more about the whereabouts of Kyle! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Drow Temple "It's True!" Shouted the man as the nearly the entire tavern burst into laughter at his tale. The only person in Strider's Tavern not laughing at the poor fool was me. I had just spent a long, grueling day trying to help purge Southwall of it's evils, but no matter how many I slew, the number of monsters always seemed to grow. I had only just arrived, and hadn't heard much of what the man had said. I had heard enough though, to want to ask more. I stood up and walked over to the table where it seemed the fellow was still trying to pass his story off as truth. In a short while the man, whose name was Harag, was sitting alone with me, sipping the mug of dwarven ale I had bought him and reciting his tale. It seemed his paladin brother Thad had heard of a drow temple hiddin in Southwall and decided to go there himself. Before leaving, Thad had given Harag a map showing the temple in case he did not return. "That was a month ago," explained Harag. "And me dear Thad never did return." Here it was, I thought. A map leading to one of the major sources of Southwall's evil sitting in the pocket of of a fat merchant just across the table from me. "How much gold do you want for the map?" I asked him. "Well my friend, we'll meet back here at sundown one week from now. If you have proof that Thad is dead, it will cost you nothing. If not, then you'll owe me 5 platinum." "Done," I replied. "I swear to Mielikki that I shall be here when you require." The fellow described his brother, gave me the map, said goodbye, and left. The I spent the most of the next day sleeping, and set out on my quest shortly before sunset. Three times I mad my way the drow temple, and three times I was forced to flee the vicious blows of a huge Troll. I obviously needed help. I wandered Southwall before coming upon a war party led by Alistersun determined to find the Southwall Minotaur and kill it. I joined them, and we fought many battles together before coming to the Minotaur's hidden lair. But it wasn't there! We searched the entire room and found nothing. The goal of the expedition had vanished along with the Minotaur, and I took the oportunity to suggest we journey to the drow temple and rid Southwall of that hideous evil. Of the original group of 5, only Rickster 27 and RY20X decided to follow me. Somehow RY20X was lost, and it was just me, who was level four, and Rickster 27, who was level 3. Rickster and I stopped at an inn to regain our strenght before continuing on. The night was dark and evil, and we faced many Crocodiles, Orcs, Stirges, and Kraken Spys. All of these were slain on my silver long sword or Rickster's +2 guisarme-voulge while Rickster and I suffered small wounds or none at all. Finally we came to the drow temple. Inside there was a large group of orcs, and one troll. Halfway into the battle Zigzag SS came to our aid, but despite the invisiblity spell he cast on Rickster, the valiant Rickster 27 fell. I was already wounded when the Troll attacked me anew. Despite all my skill and speed, it wasn't long before the Troll's twisted blade found it's way past my shield, through my armor, and into my flesh. Badly wounded I fell unconsious and awkoke at the gate to Neverwinter. Sorrowfully I trudged back to the Red Mage Inn, thinking my quest a failure. But inside I saw Rickster! He and I both wanted to continue the quest, and after resting we returned to Southwall. But the evil was all around us, and Rickster was forced to flee Kraken Spys. Before leaving he shouted for me to wait here, and that he would be back. Rickster 27 did return, and we made our way into the the drow temple only to find Zigzag SS once again in combat! Zigzag was badly wounded and had cast invisible on himself to hide from the orcs and troll. He didn't dare engage in close combat, but as we fought we drew a long composite bow let fly a shower of arrows into the ranks of our enemies. The fighting was fierce, but before long only one orc and the troll were left standing. Together Rickster and I rushed the troll. I worked my silver long sword as fast as I ever had, striking when and where I could, while barely managing to defend myself with my shield. Rickster's guisarme-voulge was a blur as he fought the ugly beast. Behind us Zigzag feathered the thing with deadly shafts, yet the troll still managed to defend himself and strike out at me and Rickster. But then, for one second, the troll faltered. I saw my chance and leapt in, thrusting my sword into the thing's chest. Still the troll denied death until Rickster delivered the killing stroke. After fighting the troll, the one remaining orc was nothing to worry about and was killed quickly. Our small party sent up a cheer. We had done it! Quickly we began to loot and destroy the temple. While doing so I came across the mutilated body of what looked to be a paladin. I turned the man over and sure enought I saw Thad's face just as Harag had described it, his dead eyes staring at nothing. I knew we should bring him and all the other corpses out of this unholy place, but our party was badly wounded and we needed to return to Neverwinter quickly before being attacked again. So we quickly dug a hole into which we placed the dead. Leaving any kind of marker of tombstone couldn't be done; if flesh-eating monsters found a grave of human warriors.... Instead we tried to make it as unassuming as possible, and contented ourselves with praying for the souls of the dead. Our small party departed and when I finally reached the Red Mage inn at dawn, I collapsed on my bed before I could even remove my armor. Five days later I was enjoying a mug of Frenzy in Striders Tavern when I saw Harag approach. Without a word, I handed him Thad's sword, cloak, and a ring he had worn. Harag looked at everything carefully before saying, "These do be Thad's. He's dead then?" I nodded. The man sighed. "Thank you friend, for laying this ghost of mine to rest. I couldn't bear the thought that he might still be alive in the hands of evil. I am forever in your debt." He tried to give me gold and platinum, but I refused to take any of it. I did, however, allow him to buy another mug of Frenzy. (Written by Simarin) *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 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 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 New Player Tour: March 15th, Wednesday 8:00 PM ET - Join NW Jester for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square New Player Tour: March 17th, Friday 7:00 PM ET - Join NW Thorn for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square <><><><><> <><><><><> <<>>March WWAI Night!<<>> When: March 16th Time: 10 PM Eastern time Where:The Great Hall Tavern Come join NW Aziza and NW Jester for the March edition of: <<>><<>> Who/What/Am/I <<>><<>> Prizes: First Place: 25 Pearls + 4 hours Second Place: 20 Pearls + 3 hours Third Place: 15 Pearls + 2 hours Check in the NW Events folder for the Rules!;D Cya There! NW Aziza and NW Jester <<>><<>><<>><<>><<>> The Undead Threat Continues One last healthy draught of.... the polished pewter mug and Bleeduhard was on his feet. The short celebration he enjoyed after the the induction of two more knights into the ranks of the Knights of the Eternal Flame had come to an end. The sun setting over Neverwinter square was Bleed's signal to head on his scheduled patrol. He congratulated the two new knights, X and Ikela, again on their knighting, and asked leave of officer Huma. Huma dismissed the young knight as Bleeduhard bowed and turned on his heels. He continued on towards Nasher's castle, passing KEF Ferar, who had just gotten off his patrol and was presently attracting a small crowd as he tried to balance upon on an invisible keg of beer. Bleeduhard had been fighting often lately with the recent proliferation of undead throughout the realms and the toll was becoming apparent by his sullen eyes and slower than normal gait. Yet Ferar's tasty ale was lifting his tired spirits as he slipped by the golem gatekeeper and into the sewers. The first leg of his patrol was uneventful as he secured the perimeter corridors that led to the heavily used travel agent's office. Bleeduhard wondered how Arak and Sons were still able to keep open a legitimate business in the sewers these days, considering all the rampant evil. As he started the second leg of his patrol which headed towards the infamous beholder fight, he pondered on the undead's recent failure to capture a scroll that was secreted away by guildmastress Sunglitz. A large showing of knights at the Triboar arena had routed the undead with few losses and the foul beings had been temporarily foiled. The arena, though, was now rutted and it's earth scorched due to the heavy fighting. Bleed knew better than to relax his patrols, well aware that the undead would still be quite active since they did not possess Myrkul's scroll. His ears picked up the distant din of battle as he crept by the gorgimera's lair and rounded the corner. There, in the slime covered halls, one fair lady Mioke was being accosted by a slew of evils. Bloodybone was was swaying from side to side on his haunches like some rabid dog, a freshly chewed femur raised threatingly in one hand. Evil Lore muttered incantations from behind a screen of cloud giants and vilstraks, as spells from his hands flew at Mioke. Stilborn and Gothmenes tattered dark robes were eerily still as the undead lords moved towards their female prey. Bleeduhard immediately channeled an intense magic that protectively bathed his body in a golden glow as he entered combat with a KEF warcry. The next few minutes the air was filled with holding magics as the combatants traded spells, none of which took effect. Bloodybone and an undead decided to test Bleeduhard's protective wards with a series of failed yet image destroying lightening strikes. As Bleeduhard backed away from the crumbling wall where the strikes had landed, he was pleased to see an oddly dressed green skinned man whom he knew as Tyst of the Protectorate and another armored man dressed all in silver whom he did not know enter combat. Both seemed focused on the two undead nearest them, although Tyst immediately began to head north where Bleed and Ikela stood their ground. A well placed hold by Tyst soon sent Bloodybone hurtling towards the gate as a cloud giant smashed him flat, leaving just his splintered bones and clothing behind. The hold also affected Stilborn, who was immediately dissed by Evil Lore. Stilborn reglobed but was soon held again along with Gothmenes, this time the hold sent from the unknown silver garbed man. Another dispel landed from Evil Lore setting Gothmenes free but failing to release Stilborn. A grin spread across Bleeduhard's face as he saw Stilborn's protective globe drop and a lightening bolt from his silver friend land effectively on the undead. With a few steps Bleeduhard sent his own electrically charged bolt ripping through Stilborn's still reeling corpse, pinning the now quivering undead against the wall. The death rattles that overcame Stilborn were his last movements as he slumped to the muck covered floor. Much to Bleed's dismay though, the two dead evils were replaced by Sir Grumpy and Lrd Cage who immediately globed upon entering and stayed south of the melee, grinning evilly as they steathfully avoided some rogue cloud giants and vilstraks. The next few rounds of combat had filled the corridors with a series of stink clounds, delaying deadly efforts on both sides of the battle. Gothmenes was then fumbled and a series of slays and cause wounds from the goodies soon sent him collapsing to the ground where he would not get up. The evils had their revenge as a feeblemind landed on Mioke with a subsequent hold. As a freed vilstrak struck her down, the good side was rewarded with Evil Lore's corpse as a cloud giant crunched the evil midget under her leg. Bleeduhard turned his attention south again as he heard the KEF warcry and saw brother Haldor and King Rogue entering battle and engaging Sir Grumpy and Lrd Cage amongst the giants and vilstraks that had gathered there. With the northern battle area now clear, Tyst and Bleeduhard turned their attention south just as a hold landed on the mysterious silver man. The pair's progress was blocked by a group of giants and the held silver man, so slightly to the north of the melee they stood their ground. An approaching giant soon took the life of the good aligned silver man as Sir Grumpy fell to an onslaught of magic from the now tired goodies. Bleeduhard could not believe his eyes as he saw the evils Hellion and Narog enter combat. Thoughts of complaint never crossed young Bleeduhard's mind as he would soon deal with the late entering evils on his own terms. Lrd Cage was soon held be either the magics of either Haldor or King Rogue, as Bleeduhard frustrated the new arrival Hellion with a series of stinks. The stinkclouds forced Hellion to retreat right into a matching pair of held vilstraks and giants whom Tyst soon released from their magic bonds. As Hellion became entangled with the monsters, only one evil remained a concern. Haldor then shouted the KEF warcry again and led the charge of goodies towards the now unsure Narog. As a rampaging cloud giant slew Lrd Cage, a series of mortally wounding magics were being cast from all sides on the now crippled Narog. Within a few rounds the remaining two evils had fallen either to what little good magic remained or the now bloodlusting monsters. The frenzying monsters were dealt with by lightening strikes as the long battle finally wound down, a victory for the good of Neverwinter. Haldor smiled at Bleeduhard as the two knights shook hands on a bloody battle well fought and nodded to Tyst as they excused themselves to finish the rest of their patrols. The undead and evil in general had suffered another minor setback this evening but Bleeduhard was sure the UDL would be out terrorizing the good people of Neverwinter again until they possessed their most unholy scroll . . . Kingswill KEF Knight of the Sword <><><><><> <><><><><> 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! <><><><><> <><><><><>