==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 83 Week Ending 5 14-95 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to TruStrik for winning last week's News of the Realm contest. TruStrik has earned choice of 4 Pearls or 2 Free Hours of On-line time to be credited to their account. WTG! <><><><><> <><><><><> On this day, a group of adventurers set out from NeverWinter Gardens to explore and find the crafty mage that inhabits the far reaches of Crossergate. Those accompanying me were FF Irian, Greyloch, Gandalf490, Mordeth K, JC173, The Ruins and Claivnnn. This party of adventurers were quite eager to depart. After making our way through many battles in Vilnask, we finally made it to the secret door in Crossergate that the mage has so cleverly hidden from view. We did lose a couple of adventurese along the way to punts and those having to depart so the only one that completed the quest that began it, was The Ruins but most made a level along the way. Thank you, brave adventurers, for the companionship and friendship! -NW Triel <><><><><> <><><><><> Trivia Winners-May 2, 1995 __________ *** First Place - Raithe 34 points! *** ** Second Place - SirHuma 33 points! ** * Third Place - Dwyvyrn 29 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 : ) <><><><><> <><><><><> Booth type: Cause serious wounds booth. Booth winner: ChrisLeif -------------------- Congratulations to ChrisLeif for winning the 1st of this month's GOH mini booths. Chris weathered the 3 cause sreious wounds cast upon him with only 20 damage points taken, beating out Kholari! Chris wins 5 pearls from the GOH for his staying power! WTG Chris, and a 'thank you' to all the GOH members who participated in the booth! NW Kishpa -------------------- <><><><><> <><><><><> New Player Tour 5/10/95 I had received word that Lord Nasher was concerned about the reports he had receiving on attacks between Neverwinter and Windycliffs. Knowing this area to be a dangerous one, I immediately sent out word for volunteers to form a patrol to cleanse that area of dangerous creatures. Two young paladins, Griifter and Celaborn volunteered immediately. Moments later, the clerics Salvors and Dorbin, the mages Khobra and Bobis14 arrived to join our party. After a few minutes of conversation, we checked our weapons and armor and then headed out of the city's northern gate. Our travels through the Warehouse district were uneventful. I'm certain that the numbers and the fierce demeanor of our party frightened away any opponents. Arriving at last at Windycliffs we took a moment to be certain that all were ready and then began our patrol. Countless times we are attacked by lizardmen and pyro snakes. Each time our party was triumphant. Yet in one fight, young Salvors fell, valiantly protecting the mage Bob. Praying for a moment for his soul, we continued onward, knowing that he would wish us complete our sweep of the area. We noticed a secret door and entered into that area. Fighting our way past more lizardmen, we came to another door. Inside we could hear very heavy footsteps, and gibbering in a strange language. Throwing the door open, young Bob, leapt into the room. Happily, the creatures did not notice him and others were able to enter to assist him against the giant and giant lizards. With a mighty pull of the bow, Celaborn buried arrow after arrow in the giant's hide. Khobra, encircled it with a foul smelling cloud, causing it to cough. Once the giant lizards had advanced, each member of the party was consumed with the fight to stay alive. Griifter and Khobra both, bravely moved to assist young Bob, who armed with nothing more than a dagger, and clothed in only robes, was dancing with a giant lizard. Fighting closely, and with care, we finally defeated the giant and his minions. All of our party had survived the battle, though a bit battered and worn. Celaborn, Dorbin, and Bobis14 decided to leave the patrol at that point. Wishing them good fortune, we cleaned our weapons and continued. Khobra, Griifter and I advanced through a winding passage and discovered, to our chagrin a nest of basilisks. Griifter charged, attacking and shouting his battle cry. He managed to sink his blade deeply into one of the creatures. Khobra too, charged into the fray, casting a fireball. Before I could even react, young Griifter turned to stone before my eyes, and then so too did Khobra. Shouting to Tyr for assistance, and going slightly battle mad, I destroyed the creatures. With Tyr's aid, both of my young friends were transformed to their flesh once again. Continuing on our patrol, we fought harpies and carrion crawlers. Turning northward we entered into Port Llast, with the intention of ending our patrol at the inn there. We were attacked but once more on that trip, by rats and giant boars. They died quickly to Khobra's spells and Griifter's sword. Thanks to all who participated in the patrol. NWA Ember <><><><><> <><><><><> SMSUChops was the first person to ESP me from the correct location for "Boat Repair" and wins the locations hunt. NW-Triel <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 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: May 19th Friday 10:00 PM ET - Join NWA Shaka for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D New Player Tour May 20th, Saturday 1:30 PM ET - Join NWA Jelal for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D <><><><><> <><><><><> A Hero Shines Amongst Us (Submitted by A Vlahos) The struggle getting there was long and hard but my goal was finally in sight. Hidden in those caves just beyond those trees were the burial grounds of the dreaded dracoliches. I realized at that most important juncture in my life that my decision to pursue the arcane arts after achieving my goals in the Order of Holy Knights was well chosen. I needed the full arsenal of sword and spell to combat evil this powerful. The caves were dark, and for a moment I lost all sight, until suddenly I was in the middle of four dracoliches and their undead minions. I was prepared for their onslaught and was able to cast two fireballs in quick succession, when I noticed someone moving beside me. I had not noticed him before for I was engrossed by the sight of so many dragons, but he was a human dressed in banded mail and wielding a long sword and a shield which shined. I would welcome his help of course but since he was human dressed in armor I knew he could not be a caster of spells. How much help could he be? This warrior stepped beside me and attacked the dracolich to my right side, the dragon was wounded and the warrior's strike finished him off. I took a second to appraise this brave warrior and to nod my thanks for his help, but he was already moving ahead to attack the next dragon. At that moment I noticed that I was not alone, there were at least three others hidden well in the caves, I could not tell their races for they were doing their best to blend in the shadows and avoid the attention of the dragonliches. It was obvious that they would be of no help in this endeavor so I ignored them. I had heard that many brave men and women dared to enter the abode of dracoliches to wrest their treasures away and put an end to their evil, but I was not aware that some of those were actually cowards, waiting to despoil their riches when the fight was done. My bile rose in my throat, but I had greater evil to combat that day, and cowardice I suppose is not evil unto itself. By the time I turned my attention to the first warrior I had noticed, he was engaged with a dragonlich in hand to hand fighting. He had scored several hits but the dragon had wounded the warrior gravely, and as I watched the battle, the poor warrior was paralyzed by the other-wordly touch of the undead dragon. I could not waste anymore time, I had to strike at that dragon to save this warrior, and my god honored my intentions, for my lightning bolt flew straight at that dragon and even bounced back from the wall behind it to strike it a second time. There was only one dragonlich left at this point and he was cowering in the other side of the cave complex. It took a couple of magic missiles to complete the deed and the caves were finally cleansed of their evil essence. To my mind however there was still an evil presence in that cave, for at that moment those cowards hiding while the fight was under way emerged from their hiding spots to despoil the dragon's treasure. I payed them no more notice however, instead I concentrated on bringing the brave warrior out of his paralysis. I am glad to say that the hero although grievously wounded would live to combat evil yet again. His name remains etched in my mind, Mystic SD, a brave warrior and a true hero, I can give no praise which I consider higher than that. <><><><><><><><><><><><><> ITB Bar & Grill ::It was late at the end of a hot Sunday evening when Dr. Faustus finally escorted the last of his customers out of the ITB Bar & Grill. They where a friendly lot of Dwarves and Hobbits who where quick to pay and generous at tipping but Faust had been pulling double shifts and had yet to do the paperwork for House ITB. Faust took his lamb skin apron off and stretched his huge back. He'd recently gotten another tattoo and only wore his black leather vest and breaches to allow the tattoo to get the air it needed. Muscles flexed and tired bones cracked as he arched. He was tired, but settled large his frame on a stool to read the NW News and enjoy a drink of his own before going to his office to work the night through. A knock came on the door. "WE'RE CLOSED" Faust said to the little hobbits that could drink for weeks at a time. "COME BACK TOMORROW" he added. For a short moment there was no sound. The Warlord went back to reading and sipped his Ale but as he concentrated on the paper he heard a key slide into the lock and unlatch the portal. Without moving Faust prepared a hold spell but kept it in check. All ITB's had a key to the Bar & Grill and though he severely cuffed any late night visitors, he always allowed them lodging for the night. Without looking up, he heard the intruder enter and smelled the flowery fragrance of a clean woman. "Wence came you" he thought to himself as he tried, unsuccessfully, to identify the fragrance. Slowly he turned to look over his shoulder and greet the intruder. When he saw her he froze. It was the the familiar face of one of his fellow ITB's. She was new so he hadn't gotten to know her but he'd seen her around the guild house a few times. He'd never seen her looking like this though. She had her hair up and was clothed in a black gown with green sequins. The cloth was so thin that it looked like water cascading over soft rocks to the floor. Gossamer spaghetti stings held the work of art over the woman who qualified as art as well. Upon inspection of the gown and it's voluptuous inhabitants, Faust noticed that the hot days air outside must have turned chill for the night. She stood with a wry smile and knew that he was inspecting her. "I hear you need help around here," she said with her eye's piercing into the long haired Warlords mind. "Looks like this place could use it, and I think I might have what you need," She softly chided. "What is it that you want me to do? Just say it, and I am yours". Faust's eyebrows rose and he turned while reassembling his wits from the shock of her beauty. "I um... need a serving..... girl" he said as he rose from the stool and exposed his massive chest and thin waist in a fashion explaining that he was not to be tampered with. By comparison he towered over her but did not approach. "It's not an easy job, not so much as it is difficult, but that you have to work for me and I can be... very.. demanding.. at times" he said in warning. "I've seen you rough with other girls and I think I can tame you. Perhaps, I want you to tame me... what does the job entail anyway?" she said as she climbed to sit upon the bar exposing long shapely legs via the slit in the gown that went to her hip. "Anything I want you to do" he stated flatly. She thought for a short second and replied with a sultry smile "Maybe you should tell me what you want and see how well I provide? Tell me, what do you want". She uncrossed her legs and waited for his response while looking deaply into his eyes "I think I want to buy you a drink" he said with a smile. The next morning the "Help Wanted" sign was not on the Triboar Inn. ITB Faust AGM, House ITB Mngr, ITB Bar & Grill <><><><><><><><><><><><><> Lawful Good (Submitted by DarkWolfMM) I am a Lawful Good. And of a Lawful Good adventurer there are certain expectations that one has. Lawful Good is one of them. Being an early adventurer I find that the law in lawful good is sometimes not the easiest thing to maintain. Sometimes breaking such a code or just not thinking about it is much easier and seemingly less of a hinderence as well. Such the case presented itself to be as I made my way with the greatest of care through the paths which weave through the Windycliffs. I was alone on my way to the Inn at Windycliffs. I knew the area well. Here were the hunting grounds of this 6th level fighter. Here the day was seldom without happenings or combat. The good Lord Nashers guards patrolled here but are very much only affective in stoping rival adventurers from ended there rivalry in bloodshed. The many groups of monster, lizards wolves, boars and giant rats all managed to weave in through the guards defensive webs. Those were my prey. The animals of which DarkWolf hunted. These I slayed in view of justice. Law and order must be kept in all areas of the realms. Thats my philophsy. And I practice it. Is it easy? Not always, to be exact the times in intervention of those who do not value such things as law. Such as thieves. Thieves didn't trouble me much, I would kill any I met, of course, however I didn't seem to have much trouble with them. The boars of the WindyCliffs had just been punished for the breaking of law. I had been the enforcer in the act and was now on my way to the inn to rest and regain my strength. The sun had set. My muscles hurt. My sword seemed heavy, and my armor unberable. Shield in hand, and bow around my solder, both seemed the least of my hinderences. Another day of fighting evil and chaos was about to end I thought as I swung around a turn in the path rustling the tree branches which I used for support. The corner was black with the illness of night. Sounds seemed distant, everywhere around me a ways off the animals of the shadows could be heard. But where I was, nothing. This corner I knew to be an ambush point. Thieves could evade the guards here, and set upon travelers with ease. And so it was. The knight hit most but not all of them as they made thereselves known. The first one to move I now looked at down my arrow's shaft. The twang of the bow seemed foriegn to this nights sounds. The moonglint from the thieves knife as his body against leaves held tale of a perfect show. A let loose a second arrow as more shapes came into view. One went to the ground holding his mid section. The rest stoped shortly and then came further on. I shed my bow in favor of broadsword. I crouched to the ground and searched the trees shadows. Then they came. One rushed to from my side and I cut him down before his knife found hold. The attackers came from every direction. My shield warding off knife blows and my sword striking back. The thief in front of me shriked as I pulled my sword from his chest. Clenching his heart and falling backwards. The spot was filled before he breathed his last. The new combatant slashed and was blocked. Suddenly from back near the right shoulder blade came a wave of pain. I spun to pace the thief but the damage was done. I fainted an attack of retribution against and spun around to see a second backstaber. Struck aback first by my turning around and then by the sword which struck below his chin. The moonglit on my armor turned redish and the man took a step backward. That was all I saw for I was again turned around fighting the remaining three. One I nicked in the arm slighty and the one in front I cut down. It was then three set upon me from behind, the cruel daggers cut deep into my side. My mind was ablaze with pain as the last one attacked from behind skriking the worst blow of all, placing his dagger through one side of my arm and then stirking my armor on the other side of it. I fell to my knees, and awaited the blow to come. A flourescent glow silence the darkness. I could clearly see the five thieves above me with daggers raised. Except the daggers remained raised. The light went quickly and the darkness came back stronger than before. I deathy looking figure appeared along the pass. Quikly I regained myself to an extent. One thief ran toward the new figure. After bleeding the reaming thieves quickly I pursued the last thief. The figure who must have been a mage had retreated around the corner which I had come. As I rounded the corner again to theif pulled his dagger from the mages leg and his victim swung his staff. To battle would be over for the weak mage who was now robbed of his magic. I was to far away to assist with sword. I drew my bow. As I did the theif began his final attack. My arrow had not missed its mark yet today. Back turned to me the theif was a dead target. I hessitated. My morals had not been tested in an attack upon an enemies back. Even a theif deserved a fair fight. Although he did not give it. Law demanded such, or so could be argued. A Paladin Raptor55 once told me to never stike without warning. I had never thought twice about it untill now, but suddenly I questioned my right to kill from shaddows. It was not my way. Instead I drew sword and went forth. The theif attacked, but the mage dodged and landed a crushing blow to the theif, who fell. I looked at the mage who looked back. The night became a realm of chaos once more. Late in coming theifs erupted from the shadows as I approached the mage. A knife wound in the shoulder knocked me down. Where I sayed. I regained conciousness and made my way in the early morning hours to the inn. Bitterly as well. My efforts at honorablity were betrayed. Due to it I was robbed, and the mage, I don't know. My questions to readers for I desire the wisdom of great adventurers in this. Should I have shot. Why and why not. Please write me, if your lawful good. <><><><><><><><><><><><><> Conflict Anew The hero comes, heavily, down from the mount Ragged, torn, back from the struggle A step and a stumble, hand braces on the hilt Of the sword that served, spilled the blood Called forth the last gasps, the cries of the enemy Just as his queen had asked Sound the horn, the man has returned Bearing the marks of his glory To rest but a few days, heal, and go out again For this is as he swore to her And duty is his rule and law In a time of coolness, the dawn breaks He takes his steel, ready to worship again To bow before the bronze glory of war And fulfill the continuing prophecy A days ride and the battle is joined It is thunder on the barren plain Crimson blood falls, translucent spirits rise Dusk, and the anger of the day still lingers The warrior was victorious, the day was won But it shall be his last... ...his story... has come to pass. By Morngrym Verigost Knight-Errant Bard of KORT! A small tribute to the warriors of old...those who walked the lands of Neverwinter in the past, and made names for themselves. Many a glorious tale was created in those days...just as many are created today! ;> <><><><><><><><><><><><><> A Story (Pt 1) (Submitted by: Jewelie) Jewelie made her way back to the Neverwinter Square (and the temple), her steps lighter then they had been for many suns. Several weeks she had trudged thru the hills and woods of Neverwinter, her heart heavy and sad. For she had seen him again, the paladin who had rescued her. Seen him standing hand in hand with a lass, smiling down at her. Jewelie had melted away, not wishing to be noticed. Since then she had wandered far, pondering her future. Deep within the lost hills, her thoughts far from where her feet walked, she was suddenly attacked by an evil, mace wielding rider. Stunned, she nonetheless reacted with great speed. Many magics were tossed between them but nary a word until her lips tilted upwards, a small smile, then a full grin enhanced her features. Noting the smile, an answering expression on his own face, the man spoke. "You look as tho this is the first smile to ever touch your face. Yet, you shall soon die, why do you smile?" "Death? I fear it not." He chuckled, "You do not know me then, for I am Dark Killr, the Avatar of Death." Her smile widened, "Indeed? Tis odd then, my wish has been granted." "Your wish?" "I wished that I might meet death. Tho this encounter is not what I was thinking of." "This is not a fit desire for a lass as lovely as you are." A soft blush heated her cheeks, and she faltered for a moment. Taking advantage of her pause, he murmured an incantation and he stole her wits with his mighty spell. Groping in her pack for a scroll, she found but one and using it caused a viscious ice storm to rage around the Avatar. A striped tiger, lurking in the shadows near Death, died in the maelstrom of ice. The Avatar dropped his mace losely at his side, "Nay I shall not kill you. You have fought but your heart is not in it. I see sadness within you and it intrigues me. Perhaps you would come with me to the Iron Keep in Berun and dine with me?" Struggling to think clearly thru the magical haze of stupidity that surrounded her mind, she found herself agreeing. For the first time in weeks the dark cloud had lifted from her heart and she faced life again with hope and purpose. The Avatar smiled at her acceptance, "Very well, I shall come for you when all is ready. See the temple about that feeb. Tell them I sent you, they will give you a discount." With a wink, he mounted his steed and rode away. Startled from her reverie by the brusque voice of the temple priest asking her what she required, she paid for and received relief from the mind clouding miasma. She left the temple and headed for a nearby shop, wishing to purchase a new gown for her dinner with Death. ********************************** written by Dark Killr <<><><><><><><><><><><><> The Story of the Bracelet Chapter 17: Emerald Emergence (Submitted by Vallus) Leoster, Crystal, and their Giff marines crossed the ruby bridge to the ship that now looked more like a Neogi Deathegg than a Neogi Deathspider. The neck had been annihilated by an exploding cask of smokepowder and the head had been blown clear having barely been protected by a protective wall of ruby energy. As they neared the halfway point of the bridge, a number of half-naked humans ran onto the bridge from the side connected to the remains of the Deathspider wielding weapons. Each human had a whorl of strange shapes and colors tattooed on an exposed part of their bodies and an empty, soulless look in their eyes. "Poor devils" said Leoster "those tattoos on their bodies mark them as the property of a Neogi," he explained to Crystal "and from the looks in their eyes, it looks like they've been in the Neogi's power so long their minds have been completely destroyed. Take them out fast!" said Leoster, raising his voice to address the marines. The well trained Giff shortly eliminated the threat but as the confrontation ended, a green light came from the black crystal dome of the remains of the Deathspider. A much smaller ship burst from within the ovoid shell and the great black egg fell like a stone through the atmosphere as the Mindspider released it's hold on the remains of the Deathspider. The ruby bridge shattered as the Deathspider fell away from the Phoenix and those who were on it fell through the air, several miles above the surface of Toril. Crystal and Crystal quickly used the magic in their artifacts to catch themselves and the Giff marines to slow their fall until The Phoenix swooped below them and they landed unharmed on the deck. Leoster immediately issued orders. "Somebody get that piece of the Neogi ship off the hull and arm the shipboard weaponry! We can't let them get away!" The crew immediately set to work arming the weapons as Leoster and Crystal went down to the bridge and ordered The Phoenix to go into pursuit of the escaping Mindspider. The Neogi vessel was fast but The Phoenix was faster and quickly gained on the spiderlike vessel. A crimson beam from The Phoenix's eyes obliterated the tower on top of the Mindspider and it began to tumble and slow down. "What happened?" asked Crystal "We've upset it's gravity plane and disrupted the functioning of the helm in the process, let's hurry and get aboard before they get their helm back up." replied Leoster. The Phoenix came in to land on the area where the signal tower was mere moments before. As it landed, the talons on the landing gear which were shaped like the feet of a great bird moved and grabbed firm hold of the Neogi ship. Leoster and Crystal led a group of Giff marines into the Mindspider. Curiously enough, they met no resistance as they entered the ship. Leoster opened his amulet and used to locate the Master Gem on the deck below them. It also revealed that there was one Neogi with a power emerald in the same location. Leoster and Crystal went down alone. There they found the Neogi just completing a strange ritual. It turned to face them and it said "Too late you are. Ultimate power mine is!" as it said that, green energy flooded into it <><><><><><><><><><><><><> Fey in Exile Stories Submitted by Fey 0n3 Chapter Five: "The Bear" When I awoke, he was gone. The embers of the fire still smouldered. Another forest-picked meal lay upon a flat rock beside me. I dressed slowly, in a daze, munching absentmindedly on the berries and pocketing the nuts. I gathered up my empty flask and sighed over it, then pocketed it as well. I am not sure when the bear appeared. He was standing still and quiet at the edge of the copse when I noticed him. His fur was red, naturally. The large black eyes were somehow the same. "Good morning, Rohanbear," I said. He turned and walked a few paces away, then turned back and looked at me. I gathered my few belongings and followed him. I had no idea where he was leading me. I still knew so little about him. He was a shapeshifter. He had restored my life. He had told me it was my destiny to restore his. These few facts posed more questions than they answered. And yet we had spoken no further of them last night. What we had shared in that first kiss had nothing to do with words or explanations. What followed after was not love, not quite that, as if we both knew that was not possible. And there was a sadness to that knowledge, a sadness that had tempered desire with a bittersweet tenderness. I ached at the memory. . . . But there it was. What could one do? Walk all day, was the apparent answer, for the great bear continued to lead me through the mountainous forest until the sun was high above us. Then he did stop, finally, by a small waterfall and we rested silently together. I filled my flask with the cool water and bathed my feet in the shallow pool. The bear fished in the stream, swallowing his catch and shaking his huge head at me for refusing my portion of it. When he was done, he looked up at the sun and shook his head once more. He gave a low, rough growl and we were off again. We reached the cave as the evening's shadows gave way to the night. Rohanbear grunted with satisfaction and ushered me quickly into the dark cavern. I fumbled in the half light to get my bearings and was surprised when my hands fell upon a very normal, everyday chair. I sat in it gratefully and turned to face the bear but he was invisible to me in the shadows. "Are you there?" I asked and my voice sounded loud and intrusive. There was no answer of any kind. The shadows deepened around me. I thought about getting up and feeling my way for the exit once more but decided against it. I waited. . . . My wait was short. A light appeared near the entrance and a woman entered. She seemed prepared for my surprise. "Rohan will be here shortly," she nodded at me and said no more but went about the large cave lighting candles and pulling an odd assortment of chairs and benches into a circle. I watched her progress without comment and, as light began to fill the room, observed her carefully. If I had not seen Rohanbear in his human form last night, I never would have doubted that this woman was herself human. But there was a certain similarity between them that made me suspect her; that same incogruity of proportion to her features, that skin color that was somehow not quite natural. She was obviously much more used to playing the part, however, and very beautiful. "Fin, you are more beautiful than ever!" came a man's cheerful greeting. I turned to see who it was that spoke. Several men, all wearing cloaks of grey, were entering the cavern. The woman nodded, frowning, at them. "There will be no nonsense, tonight, Talon," she scolded the one who had complimented her and took a seat near me. The room quickly filled. None of the arrivals spoke to me. They milled about in small groups, some loud and gay, some somber and serious. Wine was offered. The gathering settled into their seats. Soon there was only one chair remaining. The woman Fin had placed it in the center of the circle. <><><><><><><><><><><><><> Hellgate Keep Chapter 12 An hour before the sun rises bugles call the guilds to their positions. In the distance evil once again form their battle lines. At sunrise they begin a steady pace towards the guilds. Solemn faced warriors prepare to face fate and evil. The first attack comes up the road against the heavily massed warriors of Silverymoon. Evil is held ten feet away by a bristling cluster of pole arms. A sudden shift to the left catches the guilds off guard. Spells are cast to stop the onrushing horde. They reflect off an unseen barrier towards the casters. Their own destructive spells rain down on the guilds. Most are protected by globes but a few fall. The line starts to splinter before the weight of the evil army. A bugle call rings across the hills. Clan Axepeak surges from hidden tunnels. Close behind follows Lord Anval and the forces of Citadel Adbarrim. The surprise is all that it was hoped to be. The battle lines on both side dissolve. Fighting all across the hills turns form massed formations to small groups and personal duals. The day wears on, the sun moving across the winter sky. Slowly the evil begins to break, single orcs then groups try to withdraw. Gargauth enters the battle, slaying fleeing evil and good warrior both. The tide turns against the guilds. From the melee a pitch black spear is hurled. It splits Gargauth's breast plate and penetrates his heart. He screams in horror, clawing at the spear. A black mist escapes his mouth and ears. The smoke blots out the sun, before it spreads on the wind. His armor collapses to the ground. Their master slain evil flees in all directions. They are slain from behind, the forces of good taking heart and pressing forward. The hills grow quiet, no cheers of victory come from the throats of the guilds. Without fanfare they sheath their weapons. The rest of the day and many to follow are spent helping the wounded and collecting the dead. The next morning Jakwar is carried into the COR camp on a stretcher. Esalihf seeks out Volant. "We found him on the other side of the field. Over by the doors to the Citadel." Esalihf points to the far side of the hills. "Thought he was dead at first. Don't know how a body could survive that many wounds. Some of the Elves healed him but he hasn't regained consciousness." Volant looks at Jak then back at the bodies lying before him. "I wish we all could have been as fortunate." Twelve members of COR are being washed and prepared for the trip back to Neverwinter. "Clerics are being sent from Waterdeep. They will be waiting when we return. If he has not woke by the time the others have been resurrected we will see what can be done for him." Lightsedge moves to Volants side nursing his freshly healed wounds. "It would seem luck did not desert us. We could have lost much more." It takes four days to heal the wounded and gather the dead. Fully half the army of Silverymoon has been slain. Nearly a hundred guild members along with them. All but fifty of the survivors received a wound of some sort. When all are prepared to leave Lady Alustriel opens the portal to Neverwinter. They pass through in grim silence. Rows of clerics await on the other side to take the slain to their temples. Jakwar is taken to a room in the COR Guildhouse. He is examined by a elder Cleric of Tyr. Upon completing the exam he speaks softly to SlipC. Many others gather round, "Whatever happened to him while out there has wounded his mind and soul. This healing can not be hurried like the cut of a sword. He is in no danger, there is a strong magic of protection over him. Within the next tenday he will awake. I must return to the temple now, there are still many that need my help." Esalihf puts an arm around SlipC's shoulders. "With such good news I though maybe your mood would brighten. All the brothers have been returned to health, Jakwar will recover. The plans for a victory celebration are almost complete. All we wait for is Jak to awake and join us." SlipC buries her face in his shoulder and allows tears of relief to flow from her eyes. "I traveled all this way to be with him and almost lost him." They leave the room, closing the door gently so Jak may rest. The following days an elderly serving lady tends to him. She chases well wishers from the room with a large rolling pin. On the evening of the the seventh day his eyes open. He speaks in a weak voice, "Hi beautiful got an ale." She gives him a toothless grin. "Yer mind hasn't healed yet sir, ya might want to go back to sleep." Jak closes his eyes as she sneaks from the room. Minutes later she appears in the dining hall, the room clears before she opens her mouth. Jak is sitting on the edge of his bed when the door bursts open. "Hi bros, did I miss the party." A cheer goes up from the hallway. SlipC wraps him in a hug. JJ asks the question first. "What happened to ya bro?" Jak just shakes his head. "I don't know, it's like trying to remember a dream." The serving lady pushes her way to the front. "All a ya outa here, Ya've seen him. Now let him get some more rest. Excep ya miss, you can visit awhile." Two days later Jak enters Striders. All the guilds have gathered to celebrate victory and the return of their slain. Jakwar COR HERALD AND EXPLORER <><><><><> <><><><><> 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! <><><><><> <><><><><>