==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue #76 Week Ending 3-25-95 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Talgar for winning last week's News of the Realm 3/19 contest!! Talgar has earned choice of 4 Pearls or 2 Free Hours of On-line time to be credited to their account. WTG! <><><><><> <><><><><> March WWAI Results! First, my sincere apologies for posting so late. Now.. .. Winners of the March WWAi are as follows: 1st Place - Sylphee, 49 pts. 25 pearls and 4 hrs online time. 2nd place - Cerdith, 25 pts and dice roll of 10. 20 pearls and 3 hrs time 3rd place - Dwyvyrn, 25 pts and dice roll of 4. 15 pearls and 2 hrs time Well done all!! NW Jester <><><><><> <><><><><> Welp, looks like the first caster was the winner tonight. Dethmoon won right off by doing 68 points of damage. Dethmoon is the proud owner of 4 pearls and 1 hour of online time. Congrats Dethmoon!! NW Daneel <><><><><> <><><><><> FEB GOH Winners! Yes, the long awaited winners are now announced! :::Drum Roll::: 3rd Place: FredC610 who recieves 15 pearls and 2 hrs of free time for "Death Poem". 2nd Place: Dragonflyr who recieves 20 pearls and 3 hrs of free time for "Wedding Photo and Poem". 1st Place: The big one worth 25 pearls and 4 hours goes to DreamForge for "Kyla's Pin". In addition, each pair of love birds will get a matched set of Diamond rings to wear. ;> Congrats to the winners, and thanks to all those who entered. NW Kishpa ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> The Dark Mage escaped again! They told me it was foolish. They told me not to try. But I summoned a group of brave and strong adventuers to make the journey and quest. We assembled early in the dawn, while the dew was fresh upon the Neverwinter City Gardens. Some veteran folks stopped by to wish us luck.. and to share some advice. Soon we were off... Lord Talyn, Dantbh1, Sir Hawk, DarkFyre 2, Warloc9976, Tony315, and I. We travelled through the wharves, careful not to draw attention. All was quiet and surreal as we reached the gate to Floodblest. The path to Floodblest was full of activity... many lizards and snakes, feed by the power of the Dark Mage, crept forth to do us harm. But we fought side by side, among known freinds and complete strangers. We marched on. Seeing the town ahead, we strolled openly through the center of main street... where we were set upon by Owlbears and Carrion Crawlers. We lost several members to the paralysis strength of the Carrion beasts... and the battles continued. Diligently we inquired at the local shops as to why... all indications led to the well. The remaining adventuers agreed to make the journey down into the well. The damp and winding caverns under Floodblest were incredible and frightning. It was difficult to keep straight.. to watch our backs. LdyDrkHawk joined our group on her search for the Dark Mage. Although she sought him, I believe, to form an evil alliance, she fought side by side with us. Not long after, the Dark Mage had set a trap for us... and Lord Talyn did not survive. Tony, DrkHawk and I continued on. We finally did find our way out of the caverns, but the Dark Mage remained elusive as I was told. Perhaps the casual whisting of DrkHawk may have signifigance in this fact ;> My thanks to all who joined me from the start, in the middle, or at the end... and good hunting to all :> NWA Skye <><><><><> <><><><><> And one by one they came to me... Seeking to resist my charms, my kisses, and my hugs. Testing their saves in the Minor Gauntlet. The minor gauntlet consists of myself casting three spells: Charm Person, Poison, and Hold Monster... if you survive all three, you win :D Skye was very charming tonight, as these charmed folks can tell you ;> Dwyvyrn, Kymil Nimn, Aryndar, Moradinson, Mad Gascar, and Eileyana. My poison kisses stopped noone... this time ;> And who could resist a hug? These folks couldn't.. ITB Storm, Valor, Talgar Alas, several did prove themselves to have enough will power to resist me, and for that these folks earn themselves 2 pearls each :> Tryssa, Garett Jax, Dam1on, LrdMithral, Liquorii, Viarlyn Thank you all for joining me :> Be good. NWA SkyeSubj <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 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 26th, Sunday 7:00 PM ET - Join NW Lenox for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D New Player Tour: March 28th, Tuesday 11:00 PM ET - Join NW Daneel for a tour of tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D New Player Tour: March 31st, Friday 10:00 PM ET - Join NW Essex for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D April 2nd Sunday 1:00PM ET - Join NW Baldor for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D <><><><><> <><><><><> Me tale gets a bit fuzzy MadogMclur's last adventure? ;) She gazed upon me, with her beautiful green eyes And said to me, "Iv'e always loved you, why would I lie?" I muttered to her "Well, ya did throw dirt in me face" But she merely replied, "That was a different time and different place" "Besides, you were a bit foreward, and thats not my style..." "But I realized you were different after being around you for a while" Oh, she looked great! Even more so being an elf Although I preffered humans, I could hardly restrain meself She began to approach me, and I was in awe Looking up at her, for she was well over six feet tall But when she reached me, she pushed me and I began to fall Down, down, I went...into the waterfall "Wake up!" I heard, as I jerked to me feet And noticed I was all wet, and so were my sheets "Thought ya needed a bath" bellowed Strider standen there Having poured water all over me and laughing beyond compare Thinken bout grabben me sword and shutting him up "Ya old coot!" I merely retorted, and grabbed a cup "I was haven a good time, till I awoke" And continued, "If it hadnt been you, they would surely been choked" "Heh Heh," Strider laughed, "I think you need a bit o this" Given me a jug of water and his special soup I could not resist "How bout some ale?" I smiled hopen he'd comply "Ya already drank it all, besides...sayen yer sober would be a lie" Well, me thought, he does have a point there As I drank some water, and took bread I began to tear With mouth full I muttered, "Sorry to be such trouble to you of late" "NP," he said, "You give me good business in yer drunken state" I laughed, but soon stopped, feelen my head throb with pain Thinken to meself, being hungover continualy is surely lame "So," Strider said, "What made you so cheery last night?" "Well," I said, "I found gaunts in a drac fight" "Impressive" Strider said, "though it's not somethen Id care to do" I retorted, "Aye...but you're not much a fighter as Im sure ya knew" Strider bellowed again loudly, and left me to my food Filling my belly, I was in a better mood And leaven some jewels, I headed for the door Bidding Strider fairwell, wondering what next was in store :) COR Scribe and Drunken Poet MadogMclur ;) The Search for Kyle (Submitted by: FF Hawke -----()()()-----()()()----- Encisor busied himself, smashing into a desk, searching for clues. Val chanted quickly, and started looking for something glowing. Then I felt it. "Everyone, quiet!" I said "Friends!" I gave the LT the ok, and soon it seemed like half of the Fighting First had burst in upon our little search. Merah walked forward to us. followed by Strider, Blood, Deuce, Tempest, Falcon, Kalhar. "Hail All!" I shouted. Now, The battle was truly ours, "Encisor, Valtrees, The Fighting First." I said, making quick introduction. "Come now friends, there is precious little time to waste." Encisor stepped in front of the others, "Follow me," he said. We set ourselves in a solid formation, and began walking deeper into the mountain. We walked for several minutes, following the twisting tunnels ever deeper. The light became dim, the darkness seemingly engulfing us. "Encisor, let me see your sword," Merah said. With a shrug, he handed her the hilt. Canting quickly, the sword began to glow with a light, bright as day."Here you are," she said, smiling. With that, we continued down the tunnel. Coming suddenly to a large, oaken door. With a quick yell, Encisor slammed his foot into it. It seemed to shudder slightly, but held. Strider said, "Allow me." With a short chant, and a motion, not unlike Encisors, The door buckled, and slammed inward. "There we are," he said, "continue." According to the mage's map, there was a door just to the left of us. I looked, but did not see it. "It should be here," I said, Feeling the wall. I felt the solid stone suddenly give way, and I fell into the wall! "Illusion!" I cursed. Looking up quickly, that familiar, unbearable fear overtook me. I again hardened myself, moving quickly out of the way of the door, so the others could follow. "To ME!" I shouted. Setting myself ready against the Huge creature which stood before me. The drac raised it's head, bits of rotted skin hung off the bones, which was all that remained of the once majestic creature. It's eyes glowed with an evil light, it seemed to watch me carefully. An explosion errupted. Fiery death ensued for several smaller undead minions which had began surrounding the drac. Merah had entered the room, followed by the remaining of our crew. I felt the power of the magic, as several members of the team began chanting, soon, Fireballs, huge clouds of poison, and hold spells filled the room with their own energies. I ripped the scimitar from my sheathe, and followed Encisor quickly into the fray. We were quickly surrounded. The ghostly forms of several Banshee ran around us screaming their bloody tales. Encisor and I stood back to back, lashing out, The banshees attempted an attack, and were met by flashing blades. Then a single word seemed to float above the din of battle. "BEGONE" it said, with great force. The power of gods backed that word, and the Banshees seemed to shrivel up, becoming little more than whiffs of smoke. "To the Drac!" Encisor yelled. We ran that way. It reared it's evil head once again, and attempted to stare me in the eye. Realizing it's intent, I quickly raised the mirrored surface of my shield. The Drac froze! it stood staring at it's image in my shield. "Quickly!" I yelled Encisor Charged toward the drac, heading for the heartstone, all that remained of the Dragon's spirit was within that stone, in the middle of it's chest. Encisor climbed into the beast, carefully avoiding the sharpened bones that made up it's frame. "Hawke! Down!" Came from Blood, standing nearby. I rolled quickly just missing the blast of fire from a second drac who had just entered the room. Unfortunately, that broke the spell on the first drac, and he began looking qickly to his insides, to find the pest within. The second drac was well on it's way to being beaten down by the others, I knew what I had to do. I drew back on the string of my trusty bow, taking careful aim with one of the fine shafts that I had collected. I let fly, and missed! By only a fraction of an inch, I had missed the bloodstone! No time, I thought, this one has to count. I breathed, hit the rhythm, and released, The arrow flew, gliding between two of the giant ribs, it struck, knocking the bloodstone loose from the Drac's sickly frame. It collapsed quickly, and I ran forward, offering Encisor a hand. "You know, you are lucky, Enc." I said grinning, "If I had missed..." "Hawke, miss? Not bloody likely!" He smiled. We turned to watch as the remaining drac shuddered and fell, defeated. I helped Encisor walk over to the others, a slightly battered Merah stood, dusting off her ever perfect robes. "Nice shot!" She said. "Why, thank ye," I replied, "and thanks for everything, We could not have defeated this menace without your help." "No prob_" She was interrupted suddenly as Encisor let out a yell. "Kyle, You old Dog! You're alive!' He ran toward the mound of treasure that stood behind the battle. I looked above the pile, and surely enough, Kyle, stripped to nothing, and looking emaciated, was hung above the treasure of the dracs. I ran up the pile quickly racing to help Encisor cut him down. As he reached upward, trying to comfort his friend, the chains seemed to give way, Kyle was no longer there, vanished! A very familiar evil laughter followed. "Do you think it would be that easy, fools?" the voice spoke. "You have angered me, and I will now have to destroy you!" The laughter faded into nothingness quickly, and Encisor plopped down on the pile of gold, and jewels, seemingly defeated. "We must get him back!" Encisor swore, "I promised" seemed to squeak out of him. "Whom did you promise, friend?" I asked. "His father, The elven King." -----()()()-----()()()----- Next time: We follow The mages' nose to the Prince Gallant, looking for more clues. The Story of the Bracelet Chapter 10: Ready for Action (Submitted by Vallus) As Leoster and Crystal approached Castle Never, they saw that the castle was being attacked by an army of Neogi, their Umber Hulk servants, and human and demi-human slaves. Crystal wanted to blast them with her bracelet but Leoster knew that the Neogi and Umber Hulks would be protected by emerald force shields and he and Crystal would be overrun before they could make a dent in their opponents. They withdrew to an alley and Leoster took out the Tome of Knowledge. He looked through the book until he found a section telling of a powerful flying ship known as The Phoenix. According to the book, The Phoenix could be brought into being at any time by those who wore The Bracelet of Power and The Disc of Guardianship. Leoster and Crystal agreed that they should bring The Phoenix into being atop The Moonstone Mask as it would give them a clear line of flight to Castle Never. A few minutes later, Leoster and Crystal were on the roof of The Moonstone Mask and concentrating with their Crystal's bracelet and Leoster's amulet glowing. In a flash of crimson light, a magnificent ship appeared. It was like a seagoing ship modeled after a great bird. There was no mast, sails, or oars as the ship would be powered by magic. On each side was a great wooden wing that stood out straight from the ship. The eyes were massive rubies which seemed to sparkle with light of their own. At the front of the deck was a massive balista and at the rear was a catapult. Just inside the mouth of the "bird" was a barrier of solid ruby, this barrier safeguarded the bridge and was transparent from the other side. As Crystal and Leoster went on board, they heard the sound of heavy footsteps. Soon, a number of 9' tall, blue skinned, hippopotamus-faced creatures came up on deck. Each wore a ruby on a chain about their neck. One of them, who appeared from the decoration on his tunic to be the leader said "Ruby Platoon reporting for duty, SIR!" Leoster explained to Crystal that the creatures were called Giff and that they were counted among the best fighters in all the spheres. "Wow" said Crystal "With this ship and these guys to provide muscle, we can't lose!" But, little did they know that when The Phoenix was brought into being, the Neogi knew it and they would be ready with their full strength to repel the attack of their ruby-powered foes. "Please follow me gentlemen. Lt Wester, thank you, you may return to your men." A thin bald man leads them down a magnificent corridor. He stops in a large, lush room. "You may rest here. Washrooms are through that door, you may want to clean yourselves." He wrinkles his nose at the smell of the dirty warriors. "Food will be brought shortly." WJP losses his patience. "Look man we have urgent business. We must speak with her at once." Doe puts a restraining arm across his chest. "Really this is most urgent." "Everyone is on urgent business these days." The man responds. "Lady Alustriel is not here at the moment. She should return before nightfall. You will be notified. Please wash before then." He walks back down the hall. When all have bathed a large meal is served. All ladle heaping portions onto their plates. WJP closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "Ah, I can see everyone sitting down to dinner at the Guild. We should thank the cooks when we get home." It takes nearly an hour to finish eating, everything. The last of the ale is drained from the pitches as the group reclines on couches. Footsteps echo down the hallway. They look up to find a armored warrior standing in the entrance. "Sorry to interrupt, please gather your gear and follow me." JJ grimaces, "I knew this couldn't last." He looks at the weary warrior and hands him his goblet. "Looks like you need this more than me." The warrior downs it with one gulp. "My thanks." They travel through the hallways the warrior, Millit, telling his tale."The forces of Hellgate have attacked. Lady Alustriel is with our army in the mountains. When she heard of your presence, I was dispatched to bring you to her." The group enters a mages laboratory. Their eyes shine when they see the scrolls and books lined against the wall. Doe barely whispers, "Can you imagine the spells we could cast with those." Millet selects a scroll then leads them into the next room. They stand before a large portal filled with swirling colors. Millet steps through, they follow. A half second later they stand within a mighty castle. Horns blare and steel clashes on the walls around them. In the distance the flashing of exploding spells can be seen. The groups senses are overwhelmed by the sudden shift of scenery. A voice from behind pierces the disorientation. "Welcome to Castle Vitrost." They turn to find Lady Alustriel standing beside a table with several officers. The whole group tries to speak at once. "There's no castle in the mountains, where are we, whats happening, um, ah, ya." She holds up a hand to silence their questions. "You are in the first pass on the Sundabar side of the mountains. The castle is mage built. Gargauth has sent a portion of his army against us. Not enough to destroy us but enough to hold our army here. We do not have enough men to go against his force in open battle. Even though we hold some of his army here, there is a much larger force. Where they are headed we can not say. A powerful magic shields his army from our scrying. We have scouts out but none have reported back. I believe the time has come to seek the help of the Guilds of Neverwinter." JJ smiles, "Well we got our audience and she answered all our questions, what now." "There's still one biggy of a question." WJP answers, "Where's that other force going." An officer points to a northern region of the map. "Our guess is Citadel Adbar. The Dwarves are our strongest ally. If they can breach their underground stronghold, we are lost." The group looks at one another all have knowing grins on their faces. "It's unanimous we go spy on Gargauth's army. It wouldn't do to have them just appear outside Citadel Adbar like they did at Sundabar. Seeing as how their mostly night creatures we'll leave at false dawn." Lady Alustriel smiles. "I leave for Neverwinter in a few hours. With the members of the good guilds by our sides, we will have a chance." The group is lead to a large barracks full of cots. They lay out their bedrolls and get what sleep they can. Fighting continues on the walls through most of the night. An hour before the sun rises the group is awakened. A young soldier stands before them, "It is time for you to go." He leads them once again into the presence of Lady Alustriel. "I will teleport you to the northern edge of these mountains. From there it should be no problem to catch up to the army." She begins a spell, they all appear on a snowy windswept plain. "Be most careful for dire evil leads that force. They may be able to feel your presence." She begins another spell and disappears. Jhassel leaps from Jak's shoulder and takes flight. They begin walking to the east as WJP hands out rations. JJ gives the handful of food a sour look. "To bad we couldn't stay for breakfast." With the coming of the sun vendors set out their wares in Neverwinter Square. A woman appears from the air in their midst. The vendors stand silent. No merchants bar her path with armloads of goods. Whispers of trouble abound in each stall. Lady Alustriel, master mage and Harper, has come to Neverwinter. She steps through the door to Lord Nashers Palace. The soldiers snap to attention. She is lead to Lord Nashers dining room. Moments later messengers ride from the palace, extra mounts trailing behind each. Lord Nasher and Lady Alustriel walk to the Great Hall. Four guards are posted by the door as they enter. Throughout the day Nasher's men come and go. Food, drink, tables, chairs and armloads of rolled parchment are delivered. The sun is a hand span above the western horizon when the first of the Guild Leaders arrives. One at a time six others make their way to the hall. Each enters and takes a seat around the table. A large map has been laid out, covering the tables entire surface. Several markers show the locations of the various forces. Lady Alustriel stands, "Thank You all for coming. I came seeking aid and Lord Nasher suggested your guilds. This is what we face." The conference lasts for hours. Duke Orion stands, "Our seven guilds against an army of tens of thousands. I would judge our strength to be 500." "You will not be alone." answers Alustriel, "An army of 700 Elves march from the High Forest in the morning. Once we defeat those at Castle Vitrost the forces of Silverymoon will go with you. Our total strength would be around 2500. Lord Nasher and I decided on only seven guilds. As it is evil will see your departure as an opportunity. I would not have you return to a new Lord or Lady occupying the palace." Nystramo pounds his large fist against the table. "Aye fie unrd, bu' one a me clan be wor thery o' em beasts. Em' tall crittez nae hae o' chance gainst me clans axes an' hammers." "Perhaps you are right." Duke Orion looks at Nystramo. "The guild members are some of the most skilled in the realms. Most have mastered steel and magecraft. With the great number of clerics our wounded will be healed long before Gargauth's" "Har! em evils won' live long enou ta heel." Nystramo looks around the room. Sunglitz takes control of the floor. "It will take a great amount of supplies to equip this army. At least a week to gather what is needed." "My men have gathered these supplies and loaded them." Lord Nasher hands over several pieces of paper. "Tents, food, bandages, I think you will find it all there. We only wait for your decision." Neerdowell points out the distance between Neverwinter and Sundabar. "It'll take a ten to twelve days to move an army that far." "Transportation is my department." Lady Alustriel pull forth a scroll. "This will open a portal to Castle Vitrost. The whole force can be there as fast as we can get them through the portal." "I believe it is time for us to adjourn to our respective guilds." Kayn stands to leave "How about anyone who is going assembles in the square tomorrow at noon." All nod their heads in agreement. Conversation follows groups of two's and three's as they leave. Jakwar COR HERALD AND EXPLORER It began like any other day Down at the salty-aired wharf Maidens waiving their hankies At a charming rogue of a dwarf The captain of a ship, he was A look of the scoundrel in his eyes True man of the sea, he was His name is Starkadh Shipwise And what a devil, that dwarf With sly words and a grin Many a quivering heart He found so easy to win But on one sparkling morn He cast off his ship with his mates Set off to challenge the sea To find what adventure awaits And soon enough he found it Tho it began so soft and low A tune across the waves He heard it slowly grow A voice of purest gold He heard a sweet song beckon And by the way it snared him Twas a Syren he did reckon What yearning he felt to join her Stark wanted to heed that call Yet he and his kin well knew There was no return from her thrall Overpowered nearly to madness He turned the ship to port His heart and soul committed To seek her womanly sport And just when she thought she had him Caught firm upon the reef One of his dour kin poured some ale Down his throat, to his relief And so listened without fear And toasted her all the day long For ale is the only thing Stark loves more than Syren's song -Syren Verdina's Journal The Gem Factory Log Entry 9503.14 Verdina awoke early, bathed, and after a quick meal of dried venison and scones, set off to continue her training. She headed north out of Neverwinter through the Warehouse District and arrived at the gate to Windy Cliffs several minutes later. Once through the gate, she stopped and cast a spell of invisibility before continuing on the road that led through the lush, dark woods toward the old gem factory. Arriving at the coordinates of the secret entrance, Verdina pushed her way through the dense thicket of foliage, thorns catching her cloak and scratching her exposed skin as she advanced. Inside the abandoned factory the air was cool and dry. Rays of bright sunshine appeared and disappeared through cracks in the ceiling and walls, briefly illuminating the interior of the factory, then sending it back into darkness as the sun broke in and out of the clouds. "Spooky," Verdina said to a small furry marmoset that poked its head out of a hole in the base of the wall and added, "Boo!" which sent it scurrying for safety. Except for the marmoset, the factory appeared to be devoid of life. But appearances are not always what they seem. Verdina had spent many hours training here and knew exactly how and where to find her opponents. "OK boys," she said taking her +3 Trident from the sheath on her back, "its time to Rock and Roll," (*) and began to pound on the wall in front of her. Within minutes, she heard a scraping noise as large red insects emerged from behind the wall followed by giant rock lizards. Using standard OGS battle tactics, Verdina first cast a sleep spell that halted the advancing ants and sent them into a comatose state. She then began to cast fireballs at the rock lizards, making sure not to hit the ants that blocked their advancing any further into the room. The first fireball caused extensive damage to the rock lizards, the second brought them down. Verdina then charged forward and plunged her +3 Trident deep into the soft underbelly of the helpless ants, killing each one in turn. She repeated this tactic for several hours accumulating experience points at the rate of 1,360 per battle. Morning quickly turned to afternoon when Verdina stopped and rested. "Enough for one day," she said overlooking the carnage she had inflicted. Before leaving she gathered up the carcasses of dead creatures that littered the floor of the factory into one pile and, stepping back, cast one final fireball. The remains of the dead were quickly incinerated leaving only a large mountain of ash which would be blown away by the wind. "I wonder if there is anything left on Ridgelake's tab," Verdina giggled as she left the gem factory and headed for Strider's Tavern for a good meal and a bottle of Elvin red wine. (*) Rock and Roll is a form of primitive music listened to by societies in the early stages of development. Although this type of music disappeared centuries ago, every once in a while, deep in the mines under Nightsedge, dwarves have unearthed strange black boxes that speak. They have also discovered rectangular inserts made from a cheap, fragile material that have somehow preserved this music. Once, while traveling through Waterdeep, Verdina had the opportunity to hear the music written by one such bard known as Springsteen. Verdina II OGS Guild Scribe Why A Dwarf? (Submitted by MoradinSon) This is a question that I , as a player, am often asked. With all the powerful character combinations in the game why would I choose to play a dwarf? Lets look at the options for a second. The character of choice in NWN is clearly the Cleric/Mage (CLAM). Although clerics are a pain to level up the human who chooses to take a cleric to 10th level then dual to MAGE finds himself, ultimately, with the single most powerful spell casting option in the game. PVP is such a priority for most players that, if you plan to participate, CLAMs are clearly the strongest choice. I, like many players, began my NWN career with a CLAM. after a long and illustrious career I discovered that there really was no encounter in the game that I couldn't handle solo. Sure there are some tough ones but with a little practice and preparation I could win any fight in the game. There was no real challenge. **YAWN #1** I turned to PVP for my challenges. I found that there is clearly an elite amongst PvPrs but I studied the spells and collected the proper items to help my saves and found that, ultimately, PvP is a crap shoot. Not between a player like, for example Rellick and the rank and file but between any two of the elite it became a luck match. I don't even want to get into the reality of how hackers have affected PvP. Since I got to where I could beat any newbie PvPer and would basically go 50/50 against the elite I became disenchanted with PvP. There was no real challenge **YAWN#2** I love to role-play and I continue to play my CLAM and others from rare time to time. Over the past couple of years I have watched as many elf characters have rerolled as CLAMS. Why?....PvP! They become involved in grudges and name calling until the RP of their original character degenerates until they become just another PvP hound in a game that is already overpopulated with same. **YAWN#3** I needed a challenge beyond that of the standard game encounters or the (guiltily admitted) rush of PvP. I decided to try a dwarf. I found the role-play to be a fresh stretch of the imagination. I found that encounters that once spawned only a fireball or two now required thought and canny tactics. I found that even my non-dwarf characters were being played smarter and more powerfully due to the tricks playing a dwarf forced me to learn. I found myself having more fun as a non-spell caster than I had ever had with even the best of my CLAM characters. I found myself convincing other CLAM PvP burnout friends to try a dwarf. Not all of them stick it out but most of them have come to love their dwarven characters and many tell me how they have never had so much fun since they came to NWN. I have been playing the dwarf almost exclusively now and I never tire of the RP or the challenge of winning battles that even some CLAMs would hesitate to try alone. Technically , the dwarf players of NWN tend to be among the most knowledgeable and intelligent of any players in the game. There are a great many CLAM's who still cannot seem to make it from NW to Triboar without help. There are few dwarfs I know who cannot do so even without the benefit of an invis spell. ( personally , I can travel from Luskan to Longsaddle in under 10 minutes although I haven't timed myself in quite awhile). Why a dwarf? More Roleplay More challenge More fun and MORE ALE!! Har! WHARVES (Submitted by Sunglitz) The river it glides in its banks of silt, from castle walls to forest still, the beasts they roam the towns and hills, awaiting their prey to kill. The wharves tis said, is filled with dread, yet easy for young in plates of red, to capture the kobolds with staffs of lead. Abandoned long the spa is cold, in tales of knights of old, The forge is gone and also sold, yet sprinkled with dust of gold. A temple is found of Helm the god, and undead doth lurk within the sod, and an Inn so rare with Breeno's nod, where one can lay down one's rod. The river it looks so warm and clean, its waters a pattern of waves serene, yet on its banks a croc doth dream, warm in the sun his eyes agleam. The elders they spurn, as clerics they turn, or as wizards they learn and yet for their path they yearn. With flail and mace and sword and shield, they force the gremlins to yeild, the treasure we find upon the field, will cause us with greed to feel. The guards are where, Lord Nasher can spare, Reinforced with Knight's who share, the battles of evil's lair. And at the gate, they celebrate, the young have come to graduate, while the elders again await. WILLO'S FATE (Submitted by Sunglitz) I wandered past the walking trees, the fearsome wolves within the leas, and came across some white banshees. I came upon a graceful inn, and heard the tale of where to begin, so I headed west to start again. A smith he was of great reknown, the greatest crafter ever found, who vanished quick without a sound. His wife appeared with saddened eye, said he left without good bye, Is he alive or did he die? I entered thru the delft carved wall, and found some rats within the hall, some stinging birds and giant tall. The twisting path of fearsome beasts, truly a banquet of gruesome feasts, my sword hath worked without a cease. Suddenly to my surprize the floor went down, so I sat back up and looked around, a twisted tunnel then was found. I turned around with hope so bright, then headed east to battle wright, and lived again for one more fight. I heard a roar of dead dragon, and took a drink from my flagon, the battle then was mine to brag on. At last I found this smith of silver, he had a name of Willo Clovyr, prisoner of a madge like soldier. A madge of might, some undead so dire, and elemental made of fire, can I finish all and never tire? And so I rescued the smith with swagger, he handed me a balanced dagger, I left Lord Nasher with a stagger BALLAD OF A WOODS PVP (Submitted by Sunglitz) I wander through the leaf strewn wood, and never find a single good. I ramble south and to the east, finding no one to police. Upon the dawn the trolls appear, also shamans with crazy hair. and heading to the dragons cove, I only see the evils rove. I look upon the draco's lair, but by myself have much to fear. I ran across some basil's droll, and finally I found a scroll. I found a tree with ogres fair, yet never could I enter there. The crowd around was jumping in, waiting for the war to begin. The GOC were there in strength, in pvp's of amazing length. And Kaoos with deafening shout, cries that they do have a rout. And ITB with brothers there, show all around they must beware. The SA shouts they neutral be, yet chase both sides and make them flee. TOL is there with features black, arriving soon without a lack. See the war they all do run, whilst playing hard and having fun. At last I see some good like me, COR is found to fight with glee. kef and OGS GG appear, and surely BOP will enter here. I heard a shout of WUSS and WEEEE! and suddenly they were feebing me. I settled down to await a round, when Fireballs did hit the ground. A fumble hit and slowed me up, when held to be a monsters sup. The ogre was a stalking me, when someone cast and set me free. Before I could respell myself, another struck with skill so delft. Suddenly, to my dismay, the hand of fate doth struck me down, I hit the gate. I healed up and headed back, to find the fray an all out sack. But who will win to save the day, afterward to puff and bray? I feel the fight of good and evil, reason not a slay or feeble. I'll try again another day, to party on and be so gay (Submitted by Revas) All those rangers out there who can cast a first level druid spell .I highly recommend the entangle spell! This spell has a large area of effect and at the very least will slow your oppenents! After casting this spell a good stratety is to stay out of range and use a longbow to attack. P.S. I will be doing some research to see if this spell is additive with the slow spell! <><><><><> <><><><><> 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! <><><><><> <><><><><>