==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 84 Week Ending 5-20-95 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to AVlahos for winning last week's News of the Realm contest. AVlahos has earned choice of 4 Pearls or 2 Free Hours of On-line time to be credited to their account. WTG! <><><><><> <><><><><> Here's the final and official results of what no doubt will become known as the 'Night of the gods' in WWAI History!!:) First off, let me thank all who participated, as I believe we probably had the most EVER for WWAI (I believe we had 41 in the room at once, with 38 people scoring at least one point!!) I also must thank you all for your patience, although ya did get rather unruly at times. Now, for our winners!!! Placing First, with 25 points, we have Chrisleif!! Chris is the proud owner of 25 pearls and 4 free hours!!! Right on his tails, with 24 points, was Dam1on, who now claims 20 pearls and 3 free hours!!! Finishing a strong Third, we have Sequitur, scoring an impressive 18 points!! Seq takes home 15 pearls and 2 free hours for his efforts!!:) And, Mr. Lucky of the evening was none other than TYRANTHRAX, who, besides getting 2 points after giving the others a 9 question head-start, also happened to win the 5 pearl drawing at the close of festivities!!:) Once again thank you all for coming and participating. Kishpa and myself SHOULD be recovered just in time to do it all again next month:) -NW Ulfius and NW Kishpa <><><><><> <><><><><> Here's what you all have been waiting for! The votes are tallied, the decision made. The winners are..... 3rd place (15 pearls and 2 free hours): Tigguhr - "Dupe tha lot o' them" 2nd place (20 pearls and 3 free hours): Tyst - "Landshark" 1st place (25 pearls and 4 free hours): Wld Wil - "Oldy but goodie" Congrats you three! Pearls well earned! Their entries will be reposted (in the GOH) so you may admire them ;> NW Kishpa <><><><><> <><><><><> Congrats Ebler ;) Event: Location Hunt Dated: May 18, 1995 Prize: 4 pearls, 1 free hour Ebler was the 1st person to reach the location at Triboar 5,0 -Jareth ;) <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 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 23rd Tuesday 9:00 PM ET - Join NWA Skye 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 25th Thursday 8:00 PM ET - Join NW Ulfius 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 28th Sundayt 1:00PM ET - Join NWA Kregar for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D <><><><><> Death Match (Submitted by: Gmanfandan The Triboar arena was buzzing. After some friendly fighting by some lower spell casters, the main event was about to begin. Triboar was never so full of travelers. There were wagon loads of Orcs from as far away as Luskan. There were elves from Longsaddle and Gnomes from Red Larch. The Dwarves stayed away since "tis jus a fig'r waggin even' nuthin we be t'interes'd in". But many were there for the Death Match. "It'll be a good one it will" the innkeeper cackled, "After all the FF and the Midnight society dont much like one anuther.. By the way the goodie is a slight favorite.. Any wagers??" Two Champions, FF Skynar of the Fighting First and Gmanfandan an assasin for the Midnight Society would settle things once and for all, the loser never to be allowed in the realms again. Tonight they would do battle. It all started at the Inn at Windy Cliffs. Gmanfandan was entertaining a lovely elvin wench and drinking ale, both bought with jewels he had collected by assasinating a Kraken warlord for the Lord Mayor of Windy. The doors to the inn burst open and FF Skynar bursting with good humor and jolility bellowed to all "Welcome to Castle Skynar" and began buying drinks for all and telling how he had just come from Luskan and defeated (single handedly) the Beholders in the dungeons. Spying Gman he extended a chalice of ale in the hand of friendship. The two guilds had recently settled the warring factions between them and Skynar would do what he could to keep the peace. But it was not to be. Gman stared into the chalice and spit in the ale "That is what I think of FF bought ale. Not fit to drink. Now leave me alone.. Boy." Attempting again Skynar offered a compliment to Gman's companion "How beautiful the elf is and what a glorious night for the two of you to spend togather in each others arms." Gman's eyes were like the daggers he enjoyed most in assasinations, razor sharp and able to cut through bone. "So you think she is beautiful! She is trash from the Wharves." And he threw her on the floor with the stable straw and stale mead. Coming to the elfs aide Skynar helped her off the ground and scoweled at the assasin. "This is my ground sir, and when you're on it you will show respect for all." "Respect." Gman hissed it. "I can teach you some right here if you wish! " But Sky's back was turned helping the elf, and the assasin struck. A spell which rendered the FF helpless and paralyzed. Gman walked up to the now statue of Skynar and threw mead in his face. Circiling he screamed "If you want me I'll be in Triboar, the arena has been silent too long. A Death Match, the loser never to return." With that he sheathed his weapon and threw his cloak over his armor and set out for the Midnight Societies secret headquarters. By dawn it had been arranged. A fortnight hence the two would do battle, one, never to return to Neverwinter. Skynar would have General Lancer of the FF by his side, acting as second, Gman would have Blood King, the new GM of Midnight Society having overthrown Jack Henle. Skynar was first to enter the arena. With his general at his side preperations for the battle began.. spells prepared armor readied and blessed, magic cloaks, rings and amulets all readied. Then Gman with Blood King, through a similar ritual. Anticipation was high, eventhe ITB were there scouting the competition (being the orignal assains of the realm). The fight lived up to all expectations. Powerful spells were cast on and aside... huge balls of fire, lightning bolts created out of thin air, ice storms and paralyzing rays. First 10 then 12 and 15 casts apiece with no certain advantage. Finally the fighter let his guard down ever so slightly and the assasin pounced. Gman stood over Sky ready to finish things and proclaimed "I will turn him into an ant and squash him with my boot.".. At least that was the plan. As the spell was being cast Skynar found the strength to grab a magical twig to shield himself from the spell, but the consequences were dire. A collective gasp went through the arena as all saw FF Skynar turning not into an ant but into a creature Undead. Not only Undead, but a Vampire. With renewed vigor the one who was FF Skynar waved a hand and became a gigantic bat hovering high over the crowd. With wings spread full, fangs bared and traces of blood around the corner of it's mouth, it roared: "Skynar is DEAD!" and then winked "But now you have to deal with me." And disappeared in a purple cloud of smoke. <><><><><><><><><><><><><> The Story of the Bracelet Chapter 18: The Price of Power Submitted by: Vallus) Green energy flooded into the Neogi as it laughed an alien laugh. "Defeated I cannot be!" it gloated "Zirrith Nero Master am I. Now my quasoth all Neogi will be! All slave-meat mine! Before me kneel!" as it said this it began to grow larger, growing from it's original size of that of a normal dog, to that of a lion. "Not on what passes for your life!" yelled Crystal as she fired a stream of ruby energy from her bracelet. The crimson beam splashed against a green shield. Then, the beam began to be pushed back by a green beam. Leoster put his ruby amulet into the beam and the green energy began to be pushed back. Then, the energy from the Master Gem redoubled and the crimson side began to lose ground. As all this happened, the Neogi's spidery figure continued to grow. Suddenly, a white flash occurred and both power beams ceased. When Leoster and Crystal could see again, they saw that the Neogi was now at least as big as a wagon. The power emerald that it had worn now lay discarded on the floor near the Master Gem. The Neogi lumbered about almost mindlessly. "What happened?" asked Crystal "Why isn't it attacking?" "It has been poisoned by the energy it tried to absorb and become a yrthni-ma'adi. A mindless creature which exists only to feed and then finally to die when the young Neogi it carries are born. All power carries a price, and the Emerald Evil has collected on Zirrith Nero. We'd best destroy that thing before it gives birth or there could be trouble." With that, Leoster took hold of his amulet and it fired several bursts of crimson energy into the bloated yrthi-ma'adi and it was incinerated in moments, leaving only ash. "Now," he said "we must destroy that Master Gem or dire consequences could occur. Aim your sword at it." Crystal drew her ruby sword and pointed it at the Master Gem. The sword began to glow from within and pulsed in time with Crystal's bracelet. A crimson beam shot out from the sword and into the Master Gem. The beam stopped after only a few seconds but the effects continued. Red cracks grew in the gem and green smoke began to pour from the cracks. Leoster's amulet began to pulse wildly, he knew this meant that the spirit within wished to speak with him. Leoster opened the amulet, "Guradian! Chosen One! Get clear! When a Master Gem is destroyed, the resulting shockwave rivals that resulting from the death of a god!" "C'mon Crystal! We've got to get back to the Phoenix!" exclaimed Leoster. Soon, The Phoenix, with Leoster and Crystal aboard, was speeding away from the wrecked Mindspider when a flash, distant but incredibly bright, lit up the wildspace around the ship. "Emerald energy detected!" came the voice of the Phoenix "setting course across Phlogiston rivers for fastest possible travel time. Acclerating along course toward crystal sphere boundary." As The Phoenix traveled towards the crystal shell, Crystal remembered something Leoster had said. "You said all power carries a price. What's the price for ours?" she asked "Our price?" mused Leoster "Our price is to fight evil at every turn, and we shall." <><><><><><><><><><><><><> A Story (Part 3) (Submitted by Jewelie) Jewelie regained her senses slowly. She was in a large cell, wrought of damp grey stone. "Oh mother, it would seem you were right." Her eyes filled with tears as she realized she had fallen prey to the trickery of the evil one. Her heart filled with dispair, would she never find happiness in this life? Suddenly a knock sounded on the heavy iron banded door. A key clanked in the lock and Zagig walked in, bearing a tray of food. Sullenly she watched him as he placed the tray before her. "We are having a great feast this evening. I thought you might like something to eat." Feeling ravenously hungry, she cautiously began eating. "What are you going to do with me?" Laughing evily, Zagig stated. "You are a fine specimen of a woman, and will fetch a hefty price on the slavers blocks." Gasping, Jewelie stared at the floor in dismay. "Now the Protectorate may save you from this fate, for I have given them first bid. Or perhaps they will attempt a rescue.. in which case I will have many more slaves for the caravan. Now I must return to my guests. Farewell little one." ******************** Dark Killr Merriment and laughter echo throughout the Iron Keep as the dinner progresses, yet while his comrades enjoy themselves all around him the Dark Killr sits quietly, staring moodily into his cup. Only when a new guest arrives and the doors open to admit them to the feast hall does he show any signs of animation and then it is only to glance quickly up and see who has entered and return his dark glare to the bottom of his cup. Eventually he seems to reach a decision and sets the goblet down on the table. Picking up his mace , he pulls the blood red bow tie from it's handle and mumbles drunkenly to it as he quietly leaves the party. The dark one leaves his horse well out of sight of the Protectorate Guildhall. Walking slowly with his hands empty and hanging openly by his side, he makes his way to the gate. Standing back a few feet from the guards he speaks "I be lookin fer a young paladin name of Jewelie, send someone to bring her to the gate.". The guards confer quietly for a few seconds then tell the stranger to wait. In minutes a tall knight arrives at the gate and walks up to the dark visitor. "I am Talgar. What is your business with our young knight?". Attempting to keep his voice even and friendly the Dark Killr answers "Well now if'n she's not spoke of it ta ya it wouldn't be me place to do it. Is she here is all I'm wantin to know?". The knight would like to draw his sword and join battle with the evil in front of him but has been given no reason so he simply answers "No she is not here." and with a pointed look directly into the dark ones eyes "We look for her ourselves and it will not be easy for whoever has her.". The dark rider looks back just as hard and whispers "Aye, woe indeed onto such." then turns and strides off. ************** Jewelie Many days passed in the murky shadows of the dungeon. Rats scratched at the dank stones and twittered madly. Jewelie sat upon a small pile of straw, arms draped loosely around her legs, her head resting dispiritedly on her knees. The dark was oppressive, the heavy odor of rotting vegetation permeated everywhere. A wretched little man, gnarled and bent by years, brought her food periodically. He shuffled to the door, his uneven footsteps echoing dimly through the corridor. He peered at her with his one seeing eye; the other staring off at a crazy angle. "Still a sittin' der Missy?" His voice sounding rusty. Wrestling with the small window latch, he slipped the food tray thru the opening. As he made to refasten the lock, Jewelie cried out. "Wait!" "Eh?" The wretched being cocked one hand to his ear. For many days she had pondered her meeting with Dark Killr. She wondered why he did not at least come and taunt her with his victory. She wondered at her own foolishness in believing him sincere. "Where is the Avatar of Death?" "O 'im.. tain't no 'arm in knowin'.. 'e's no here. Been gone for a bit now. 'e's expected back soon. Ye know's 'im lass?" Stunned, she answered weakly. "Well, a little." " 'e wadn't too 'appy when 'e left." "Does.. does he know I'm here?" She waited breathlessly for his answer. Cackling the little man said, "No, nobody knows but Zagig 'n me. Now eats up lass, the day be comin' when the slavers be 'ere ta get ya." Latching the window, he disappeared, his footsteps fading into silence. Jewelie Paladin of the Protectorate (to be continued) <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Thievery (Submitted by: DarkWolfMM) The Vilnask sun was a welcome warmth as I may my way down the streets. My muscles were weary and my armor heavy. A days worth of journeying was at an end. The long trek from Neverwinter had taken longer than ever before. Continuously wolf packs were upon me. I started the quest with thrice the power, but the wolves had slain my two comerades. I had been there leader, and had tried my best. But the two followers were of the impacient nature. Brave to the point of foolhardy. I however had made it with little damage, of which my paladin powers helped me to heal. The sun retreated from view behind a wall of clouds. The village darkened, I enjoyed it. In the dark is where the greatest adventure lies, and after I rested at the inn that's what I'd be looking for. But the dark shades of night has corupted my direction. Ahead through the uncommonly dim air I spied a door. A went to and opened it. Usuming it to be the inn. There was a rough looking villager, with a harsh face. "You look like one of them thieves that keep on robbing me!" This struck me aback, a Paladin a thief! "Well," he said indignately, "you can't stay here, go somewhere else." Orders I didn't take from this man by any means. "I need rest in my travels," I said calmly, "I am a Paladin, servant of Lord Nasher." "I don't believe you," had this been a man not under the protection of Lord Nasher his words would have ended there, forever. But instead I went in past him. "I will rest here tonight." The man looked at me, all I needed was him to draw a weapon and then he was an enemy, and dead. "Fine but I'll have to lock you in the room." He gave up rather easily I thought. "Don't want you sliting my throat now do I." I nodded. Something in his voice bothered me. "Okay, in you go," he said holding the door wide, "and I'll see you tomorrow." He grinned, I couldn't believe it. Something was amiss. An evil stench filled my nostrils. Slowly I stepped through, hand on sword pummel. The door slamed shut, and locked. My sword was out before the door shut and quickly out of sight. Also I readied my shield.. Four torches were lit in each corner of the room. My vision readily adapted to the new light. Around me were thieves, grinning. My sword lay hidden behind my cloak, shield over my heart. The largest density was in front of me, four or so. To my left two, right one, and blocking the door two. The four in front drew short swords and stepped forward. My sword left its cloak cover and I raised it high. The thieves raised thier swords to me at seeing it. Ahead of me my shield swept and knocked thier swords sideways. My Longsword swept down upon them at throat level. The first's throat was cut and he fell to his knees droping his torch beneath him. The second was struck on the chest, piercing his leather armor and stopping my swords advance. With my foot I kicked the third thief into the fourth. Riping my sword free of the second I using my shield as a club and struck him backwards against the wall. A noticible snap and his head sunk to an unusual position. The first had caught fire from his torch, but he felt nothing.. The other five thieves were attacking. First attempt they tried to overwhelm me. I thrust my sword out quickly between blocking to hit one dead in the chest. I sunk it in three inches where it pierced his heart. His blood came forth in a great spurt and he went down. As another thief turned to see him I struck him with an upward arc of my sword, separting his head from his neck. The other three lost thier heart in that strategy. The two previously knocked down were up and to my back. To my read I saw the intial backstab. I sidestepped and spun connecting with my shield upon his back. The combined momentum propelled him into his comrades. The last to my rear was alone. I was quickly upon him with a feinted leg attack. As he jumped in aviodence I moved his sword aside with my shield, and turned my back to him. I propelled myself backward with full force and he smashed into the wall. I reversed the grip on my sword so my palm was at my guard. I held it forward and thrust it back into the vilian behind me. The wound was not the most effective, a gut wound. I jumped forth from the wall and struck at the other thieves missing. I then turned back to the wounded thief and pinned him to the wall with my blade. Four left. The thieves lined up in as long a line as possible. The first slain was ablaze now and the entire room was illuminated. No thieves could hide from me now. Bravery was a trait rare to them, fear shown in thier faces. For the next few moments we made a half circle. Until I had the door to my back. Preventing escape. Slowly they enclosed in. The farthest to my left seemed more interested in the door than in me, and the far right was hanging back. I attacked the left center. As the two centers swung thier swords I ducked low and stuck them at knee level witht the broadside of my sword. I raised to my feet and spun around in a swing. The two howled in as my sword cracked against thier knees, still were they yelling as my sword struck one and then the other. The first was nearly cut in half by the mighty stoke, the second decapitated. At my advance the farthest left had went for the door, as I had expected. Finished with the first two I turned to him. He ran straight into it. Failing to remember the lock. My sword went tip first into his back and into the door. It didn't come out. I pulled but it was firmly stuck into the wood. The last attacked and by the grace of Try I ducked before the sword hit. Along the floor I found a fallen thieves dagger. The last thieve gave the door a mighty kick which sent it open. I brought the dagger back and let it fly. The flame tinted steel turned in the air, and struck the thief's back as he stepped out the door. I was on my feet. Quickly I pulled the sword from the door and entered the villagers doorroom. The door to the right burst open and the villager looked from me to the door, then me and again the door, then he ran. I had him in my grasp halfway there. "I swear they made me do it!" he screamed. "If you let me go I'll tell you something you might want to know!" I pulled of the floor where our collision landed us. I slamed him up against a door. "Not smart to bribe a Paladin." Was all I said. I brought him out and soon Lord Nashers guards appeared to take him away. For my trouble I recieved 100 gold. As the guards dragged him away, I couldn't help but wonder what that information was. I turned to the building were the thieves bodies were. It was ablaze. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> NOR Comes To Neverwinter (Submitted by: NOR GharCT ) Contributors Note: NOR or the New Outriders is one of the oldest and largest guilds in the Imagination Network game Shadow of Yserbius. NOR is open to all wishing to join and is dedicated to fun, friendship and gamesmanship. My morning began much like the previous one, the one before that and the one before that. Little was I to know what fate had in store for me. I packed my armor and weapons, readied my spell book and set out on the short walk to the Evil Way Tavern. The weather was fair as it tended to be this time of year in Yserbius, the sun was rising behind the 'cano, casting a long shadow across the valley below. The tavern was crowded as ever. As always, familiar faces intermingled with new arrivals. EW Tavern, as the locals called it was never empty. There were always adventurers resting before a trip into the volcano or recuperating after a journey. The tavern keeper was a burly man who had made his fortune in the 'cano some years earlier and retired to the simple life of a shop owner. Sometimes after a particularly taxing quest, I longed for a quiet life, but still the 'cano beckoned and I still had duties that were expected of me. I was a Baron in the guild of NOR, and with that title came responsibility. A dozen knights and squires depended on me for information and support. I made my way through the crowd, greeting friends and acquaintances along the way, until finally I came to the long table that was always reserved for my guild brethren. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I would not be dining alone on this morn. Seated at the table was my old friend, Count Mongoose and two new arrivals, one an orcish male, the other an elven female, who I had not previously met. Mongoose stood and extended his hand. "Gharak, it's good to see you again old friend." Taking their cues from the Count, the two new arrivals also stood. Mongoose was a top recruiter for NOR, and I surmised that he was detailing to these two what it meant to be in NOR. I grasped his hand and replied, "It's good to see you too. I must say I'm surprised to see you up this early." Mongoose smiled wryly. "Still haven't retired for the evening yet." He laughingly responded. His male companion let out a little cough. Mongoose turned his attention from me for a second. "Oh, excuse me, I still haven't introduced you to my two new friends. This is Lyssa, and Titus. I've been helping them on their first few trips into the 'cano." Lyssa curtsied and Titus extended his hand. "Well met friends." I said as I took a place at the table. "Has the Count shown you anything interesting?" Lyssa perked up a bit. "Oh yes, he has, he took us on a quest to return the bones of the king to their proper resting place." "An excellent evenings work ." I replied. Just then, the tavern keeper arrived with my breakfast. It was my usual smoked meat and eggs. I never really knew what animal the meat was from or what manner of fowl produced the eggs, and I thought it better never to ask. "What are your plans for the morning, Gharak?" The Count asked. "I am to be the fox in tonights fox hunt after the guild meeting. I thought I would go and find some appropriate hiding places in the 'cano." Mongoose laughed again. "Your going to have your work cut out for you. I understand Lord Avatar will be at the meeting tonight!" "Yes, he knows the 'cano well but I have some tricks up my sleeve. I'm pretty certain I can last out the hour." I responded with an air of false confidence. "Well, good luck to you. I'm going to take these two to the parapets and see if I can't help them get some better armor." Mongoose said as he and his two charges got up to leave. I finished my breakfast, donned my armor and set out for the dungeon entrance to the 'cano. Because of the nature of this trip, I made certain that no one could see which direction I was heading. I decided to head towards the Land of the Giants, figuring that even if someone were to find me there, the combats they were likely to encounter with the giants, cyclops', and dragons would slow them down enough for me to flee to River's End where I knew of a last chance little cubby hole that no one, not even one of the Lords of NOR was likely to be able to find. Just to be certain my little hiding spot was still there I headed to River's End...the hard way...through the river. I felt the magic waters sapping my strength but knew that my trip wouldn't take long and knowing I would need it, I brought a flask of healing potion along with me. I quickly reached the platform that I was heading towards and took a big gulp of healing potion. Feeling the strength coming back to me, I stopped to admire the huge embroidered tapestry which covered the hidden door leading to my cubby hole. The tapestry was beautifully crafted, great care had obviously been taken in weaving the odd geometric patterns into its fiber. Strangely, the tapestry was now glowing. I had been here on many occasions before, and never had I noticed it glowing, but thought little about it since things like this happened every day in Yserbius. I pulled the tapestry aside and stepped into the room beyond it.....and that was the last I was to see of Yserbius. I awoke to the feel of warm sunlight on my face. I immediately believed I must have been knocked out and dragged from the 'cano by a passerby. But, things felt wrong. I didn't feel like myself and the air smelled different. There was no hint of the sulfurous odor that the volcano expelled. The scent of flowers from the nearby gardens filled my nostrils. In front of me stood a large castle. All around, passersby were going about their day to day life without paying so much as a glance to me. I looked down and found that my usual clothing had been replaced by serviceable but not very elaborate attire. My fine Invincible Armor was also gone as was my Flex Sword. In its place I wore a low quality short sword, held to my side by a piece of rope. What's more, I found that not only was my attire different, I too was different. Where once I had been a proud, strong orc, now I was a weak, sickly human. (I was later to find that orcs were not exactly a favored race in Neverwinter, probably a good thing I was changed.) Not knowing how to proceed, I entered the castle that stood before me. I was taken to meet Lord Nasher, who I was to learn ruled Neverwinter. Lord Nasher told me nothing of how I came to be in Neverwinter, he did however suggest that I visit the Wharves to learn my way around this strange land, and hopefully rid it of some of the evil which is infesting it. Not ten paces into the Wharve district, I saw two orcs waiting in ambush for a passerby, I called to them, hoping to find some information, but they immediately turned and attacked me. With only my cheap short sword to protect me, I fought the two orcs, they were slow and lacked dexterity, I was easily able to defeat them. I found a small sack of gold on one of them and took a shield from the other. The hour was late, so I sought lodging for the evening. I found an Inn at the east entrance to the Wharves and paid for a room for the night. I spent the next few weeks learning my way around this new land. Always returning to the same Inn for the evening. I went down to the public room of the Inn for a meal. The food in Neverwinter was a far cry better than the food in Yserbius. As I finished my meal, a tall female walked through the door. I was astonished! I knew this woman. She was a fellow guildsman, and she was wearing the NOR crest. "Lessa!" I called. "From Yserbius?" I queried, finding it difficult to believe that I may not be alone. "Yes." She responded, not recognizing me. "It's me...Baron Gharak of Evil Way!" I happily announced. "So, this is what happened to you! Did you know that Duke Sarmaran was establishing a new chapter of NOR here in Neverwinter?" She informed me. Indeed, I was not alone. Many of my NOR brethren had made the journey to Neverwinter, all in different ways, but with the same result. Many more who had never been to Yserbius, and who had not heard the tales of riches in the 'cano joined our cause. Together, we are making NOR a strong and active guild here in Neverwinter. Count Gharak of NOR Anyone interested in NOR can contact Gharak at NOR GharCT, Duke Sarmaran at NOR SarmDK, or post to our message board under Unsanctioned Guild Messaging....NOR. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Afternoon Break (part 2) (Submitted by: Alex Rogue (Part 1 was published in the 5-7-95 issue of NW News) Leaving the main tower through the back door, Alex stepped into the alleyway running south between the walled gardens to his left and the walled and warded practice yard to his right. Ahead he caught a glimpse of two figures passing through the gate into the gardens. One was a young lass with yellow curls flowing across the shoulders of her gold and white dress. The other, a tall, strong man with blond hair in black breeches and a silver- grey tunic, Alex did not recognize. Quickening his step, Alex reached the gate before the couple entered the central maze. "Mel0dy!" he called, and they both turned. "M'lady, once again ye amaze me with yer talents!" Rome's daughter began to blush, a grin spreading across her face, blue eyes shining. Alex resumed his long strides toward the pair. "Such beautiful music ye have woven into the tower. It is truly a delightful gift to us all!" Alex bowed, and before he could straighten, Mel0dy's arms were hugging his shoulders. "Oh, thank you!" she exclaimed, "I'm so glad you like it." Then she continued, letting go of Alex as she talked. "It was fun, and the spells were much easier than I expected. Father was very surprised. He stood on the stairs outside our apartment for a long time, listening. He said the song reminded him of mother." The man at her side shifted his stance causing the small stones under his feet to scrape against one another. Instantly, Mel0dy turned her head toward him and began introductions. "Shorno," she said, placing an arm on the man's wrist, "this is Alex Rogue, one of our paladin mages." "Well met," Shorno proclaimed, "I am Shorno Boromir, ambassador to the White Mage Guild from the Knights of the Round Table. Please do not hesitate to ask if I may be of assistance to you, good sir." "Aye, Well met!" Alex replied formally, shaking the knight's hand. "We are honored to have such close relations with the esteemed Camelot. Rome told me of yer arrival, but I was returning from Triboar and since have been closeted away studying. I regret not having met ye before now. I hope ye are finding the Ivory Tower comfortable." "Indeed, I am." Shorno gestured with his arm and turned his head to take in the gardens and tower. "This is a magnificent place, and all the more so for the good people here." "Aye," Alex replied with a smile, "tis a very good place." He paused a moment then looked at Mel0dy. "M'lady, I understand ye are to be our ambassador to Camelot." "Oh, yes," she replied proudly. At just twelve years old, Mel0dy was the youngest person ever entrusted to represent the White Mages in such matters. "I've been reading about Camelot's history, and Shorno's teaching me much about life in the castle." "The Knights of the Round Table are very fortunate, and I expect Mel0dy's presence will be long and favorably remembered," Alex said to Shorno. "You are very right in that," Shorno replied. A slight smile formed on his face as he looked at his companion. "Well, I should leave ye," Alex said. "I'm sure ye have much to discuss, and the soft grass is calling me bones to rest a bit." "Be well, Alex," Shorno replied. "Yes, take care," Mel0dy said hugging him. Then she added in a whisper, "I can't wait to see the castle. It sounds so beautiful." "Ye will have a grand time," Alex whispered back. Then, releasing Mel0dy, he concluded aloud, "I shall, and ye as well. I hope to see ye again before ye depart for Camelot, M'lady." Alex turned back toward the gate, and Mel0dy and Shorno walked to the garden maze. As he opened the gate, Alex noticed the Conlins, Edgar and Mariam, walking slowly toward the rose garden at the far end of the courtyard. They'd taken off their kitchen aprons and moved as one, arm-in-arm, laughing. Alex smiled to himself, stepped through the gate into the alleyway, and turned south toward the path to his favorite stream. He walked slowly through the alleyway, examining its features as he went. The paving stones were deep red, almost black in places. They were translucent and seemed to hold light within, though, so Alex thought they seemed more gem than stone. Still, "paving gems" sounded odd, so he referred to them as stones. The footing was sure despite their smoothness. The alleyway was just wide enough for a single wagon. Behind Alex, near the tower door, it broadened so that a wagon could turn around and supplies could be unloaded. Merchants and farmers rarely came to the Ivory Tower, and the visits were always by a select few who held the tower's location, and even their knowledge of the tower, in confidence. Most of these people were of families that had provided such assistance for generations. In turn, the White Mages discretely offered them protection and the occasional benefit of a magical spell, in addition to ample coin. The walls were a bit over two spans high and made of the same white stone as the tower. The surface was unpolished and course, but not sharp or rough to the touch. It felt cool. A trellis guided ivy and roses growing over the alleyway and occasionally down the wall. Sun streaked through from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. But now the sun was low to the west, and Alex walked in shade. Coming from his right, he could feel the wardings which protected the practice yard. Once, he had tried to decipher the complex weaving of spells. Alex was sure that globes of invulnerability, as well as cold and fire resistance spells, were permanently in place, along with some casting designed to hide the mages' activities while they practiced. There was more, too. Some spells he did not recognize, including a few that he thought might have even been forgotten in the centuries since they were cast. Looking ahead, Alex could see the southern gate of the tower and the few small buildings gathered just inside the tower's walls. On the right were a tool shed and workshop, with a small forge. To the left was the stable and a gardener's shed. Small guard houses stood just inside the gates on either side. As he passed by, Alex noticed a stable hand grooming a sandy haired mare. The other buildings all appeared quiet. This was not surprising since it was late in the day, and Alex knew there was rarely much activity here anyway. Most mages had little need for mending equipment (magical swords rarely broke or became dull), and they usually purchased supplies while travelling or adventuring. Alex approached the gates and received a polite nod from the guard, who then opened one of the gates. Alex offered thanks and passed through quietly. After about 50 paces, he stepped from the clearing around the tower onto a small path. Alex kept his eyes on the trail. If he turned around now, all he'd see was a thick clump of trees atop a hill. Knowing the trees to be just an illusion - even understanding some of how the illusion was created ages ago - did little to lessen the discomfort caused by his eyes telling him the tower had vanished. So, he hurried his pace a bit, moving southwest down the hill. When he arrived at the small stream, there was less than an hour's sunlight left. Alex knelt, set down the net bag he had carried from the tower's kitchen, and scooped his hands into the stream. The cool, clear water felt good on his face and neck. He cupped a bit more in his hands and drank. The water felt even better streaming down his throat. Alex sat and pulled off his boots and socks. Stretching his toes and arms, he leaned back and stared up into the sky and trees. "Twilight is such a beautiful time, and it approaches quickly now," he thought. Alex took the apple from the net bag and bit a large chunk. A wisp of cloud hung to the west. Wind gently swayed the branches of the giant oaks which surrounded the clearing. Young, bright, green leaves graced the majestic limbs. Alex sat up, taking another bite of the apple. He reached into the bag for the cheese, turkey, and bread. As he ate, his eyes grew tired, and his thoughts drifted. He closed his eyes and breathed in the smells of spring. He opened them and watched the blue sky painted over with yellow, orange, and pink. He ate. The sky darkened. Without a thought, Alex lay back on the soft grass, his bare feet almost at the water's edge, and slept. ...the end... for now.. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> SMIM CHAPTER 1 (Submitted by: YKSS) Chapter 1 Smim was bored. He was a young member of Lord Nasher's gaurd just joined up a month previous. Since he had been assigned to patrolling Neverwinter Square or standing gaurd in the Lord's palace, gaurding the displays. But today was different. Today he was at last going out on patrol in the wharves. Not much but, but remember that a month ago he signed up with visions in his young mind of slaying monsters and dragons and having great adventures in general, but since all he had done was "patrol" the heart of Neverwinter, and being bored out of his mind the whole time. His day began early. He was being taken out on patrol by a senior gaurd, who had recently gotten wounded in a battle and was taking light duty until his wound were fully healed. They wandered through the east, killing all the evil they found. After all the evil to be found was gone, they crossed the southern bridge and started on the western part. Right away they ran into trouble in the form of 2 giant crocodiles. The first one was slewn easily, but the second one seemed impossible to damage. After a long time in fighting the croc head on, Smim cicled around it while the senior gaurd kept it busy. Smim wounded the animal, but only wouned it. It spun around and snaped at it with it's huge mouth, driving Smim back a step. Smim continued to badger it, giving it a swipe on the nose whenver he could, until his senior got into a good position and drove his sword through the beast, pinning it to the ground. There was tremor felt in the air and the sword glowed red hot. "Get back!" shouted the senior, as he hastened away there was an explosion as the animal exploded, sending pieces flying in all directions. "The shaken gaurd called Smim over. "This be the work of a powerful mage" he said. "They make potions that cause the thing that drinks it to explode when he dies. I saw it used on a gang of theives we were trying to eradicate from Nightsedge a while back. We had our work cut out for us, we did, since every time we killed a theif we would have to take care lest we be caught when the scum blew up. As if that weren't enough, that mage was providing the theives with enchanted weapons and armor. We never caught one alive, and we lost many men to the gang. Lord Nasher finally sent us a mage of our own and we drove off the bandits, but we never caught that mage.' "This isn't all", the senior continued, "there have been reports of minor monsters like kobolds possessing magic wands in Southwall, and people have been found with powerful stupidty spells cast on them wandering in the relams of late. The poor souls couldn't be cured and had to be put out of their misery. I tell you son, there is a powerful mage at work here, and there is going to be trouble soon. You will soon wish you hadn't joined up." But Smim was feeling so good over the day's adventures that nothing could dampen his mood. As they returned to Neverwinter to report to Lord Nasher and to get the elder another sword, Smim tried to get worry about what the senior had told him, but he was feeling too good. Little did he know, but he, Smim, the novice gaurd, was going to be caught up in the middle of the nasty business the mage (as far as he knew then, there was only one) had created and have an adventure that would make his dreams of a month ago seem like , well, gaurding the Lord's palace. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> The Great Purge Part Four (Submitted by: Simarin) Following our friend's instructions, we entered a crumbling mansion lying directly east of the Farmer's Well and by following Ardrim's directions we quickly made our way to the entrance of the Thieves Guild. It consisted of nothing more than a large opening in the wall, but was guarded by an invisible barrier of magic. An ugly thief sat on a stool on the side of the barrier opposite us, but other than that no one else was present. I stepped over to the magical barrier and quickly found the slightly foggy area that guard gestured for me to write upon. "What was the password again?" I whispered to LTT. "He said beholder beckerds," answered LTT. "Whatever that means." I moved to write 'beholder beckerds in the space provided when I saw there wasn't enough room for the two words. The thief guarding the door was beggining to grow more than a little impatient, and my mind raced in a desperate attempt to find the true password. Beholder beckerds, I repeated over and over in my head. Beholder beckerds. Beholder beckards. Beholder backards. Beholder backwards! I hurridley scrawled Redloheb onto the foggy service, praying fervently to Mielikki as I did so. I heard a soft whirring sound and reached forward to find the barrier gone. I barely managed to stifle my sigh of relief. LTT and I marched through opening and across the room beyond it, seeing nothing of any importance. We were right about to enter the only door present when the suspicious guard decided to make sure we weren't imposters. He called out a strange word in our direction and LTT and I turned curiously at the sound, wondering if we were supposed to answere. Certain that we didn't belong here, the thief attacked gave a whistle before attacking us. Five wolves leapt out of the shadows and rushed us, their eyes wild and bloodshot and their jaws snapping hungrily. LTT and I backed into a corner, and I whipped out my composite long bow and let fly a barrage of arrows. LTT's chanting reached a cresendo just as the first wolf ran up, and it was thrown back by the force of LTT's spell. I quickly moved to finish off the wounded wolf before darting back to LTT's side. We worked together in dodging, parrying, and attacking our opponents. The guard thief went down, his head severed by my long sword, and a wolf already wounded by my arrows was smashed into the wall by the force of LTT's enchanted flail. The two remaining wolves went down quickly, while niether of us had taken more than minor wounds. "So far so good, eh Sim?" commented LTT as he searched the bodies for treasure. "If we don't move quicker than this, than things are likely to change," I wiped the blood from my sword onto the dead thief's cloak. We moved on through several twisting corridors, encountering only a small empty room. We passed a flight of stairs but decided to finish searching this level before going farther down. Opposite the stairs on the other side of the room we found the only a storeroom and a band of giant rats inside. We quickly slew the rats before searching the rest of the room. Satisfied that there was nothing else on this level we walked back to the stairs. We descended the stairs cautiously with weapons drawn, but encountered nothing. At the bottom I had the misfortune of stepping on a trap, releasing a barrage of spears from both sides of the wall with LTT and myself caught in the crossfire. After that nasty little surprise we treaded even more carefully, and soon went up another flight of stairs. Here we walked down a hall and turned to find ourselves facing the main corridor of the thieves' hideout. There were was one door close to us on the right, and two more doors on both the left and right of the hall farther down. The hall itself ran straight ahead before coming to a dead end shortly after passing the last two doors. The sides of the halls were lit by numerous torches, and a few tapestries even decorated the grey walls, all portraying bloody battle scenes. At the end of the hall lay the largest tapestry there, portraying the standard of the Guild. On a pitch black backround rested the initials TD in dark crimson, with a dagger dripping blood shown directly below this. Exactly the same as the badges we had found all thieves of this guild carried. LTT and I crept cautiously forward and opened up the first door to our right. We entered another door down and to the left in this room and found ourselves in the thieves' mess hall. A few thieves sat at one of the many long tables and were busy eating roast pig when we entered. At the sound of the door they looked up and stared in surprise for a second or two before unsheathing their weapons and rushing to attack. My arrows took down one before the others reached us to find my long sword and LTT's flail working together to cut them down. The first to arrive had his arm crushed by LTT's enchanted flail, and when this natuarly caused man's guard dropped I lunged in, my sword going completely through his body. The movement caused me to be a little off balance however, giving an opponent time to plant a dagger into my shoulder before I could react. I bellowed in rage and charged the dagger's unfortunate owner. In his haste to get away the thief tripped, which cost him his head. Meanwhile LTT was pressed but faring well against three adversaries. One fell with nothing left of his face but an ugly mixture of flesh and blood, and only two remained. During this time I was engaged with another assailant. He came in high towards my head with one dagger and low towards my groin with the other. My shield blocked the low dagger, my sword blocked the high one, and my kick caught the thief full in the face. I quickly brought my sword down and plunged it into his throat. LTT had taken out another of his assailants by this time, but a dagger protruded from his leg was causing alot of bleeding, changing the color of the cloth around it from blue to dark violet. The one remaining thief was caught between LTT and me and went down in seconds. Once the fight was over I leaned heavily on my sword, sucking in air as LTT wreched the dagger from his leg. His eyes watered with the pain, but the good cleric still didn't cry out, knowing that we still relied on secrecy. After plundering the bodies and hiding them LTT healed both of us. "That's it," he sighed as he brought his hands back to his side. "Those were the last of my healing spells." I grimly nodded, knowing that we the price for failure here wad death. We exited the room to find ourselves back in the main hall. After a quick discussion we decided to move into the last room on the left side of the hall. What we saw inside was quite different from anything we'de expected. Unlike the rest of the guild, This room was filled with luxorious decorations of every sort. Inside were several torches, giving the room a bright and cheerful look. However bright and cheerful would hardly describe the man we saw at the far end of the room, sitting at an oak desk. "You really have become quite a bother," said the man sitting there. "I never did think you'de make it this far. My name is Tandel Davaub, and since you'll be dying shortly I don't see why I shouldn't reveal my plans to you. There is nothing you can do to stop what is happening; the wheels have already been set in motion. Your precious Lord Nasher will be assassinated and I will rule in his stead. With Luskan as my ally, we shall go after Waterdeep itself!" He thrust his fist into the air, emphasizing his last words. He then flashed us a grin before slipping through a secret panel in the wall next to his desk. As we stood staring at his disappearing form his guards sprang out of the shadows and attacked. LTT and I moved side by side to face the oncoming wave of orcs and thieves. The orcs fell quickly, and the two thieves both went down clutching mortal wounds soon after. As the last on fell we raced to Davaub's desk. Among other things we found a book that detailed his every plan, but it burst into flame when we opened it. Realizing there was only one way out of here, we searched the portion of the wall Davaub had slipped through. Sure enough we found a secret door. I paused to let LTT cast all his prepatory spells before entering the room beyond. Inside the room lay only one thing, a ladder. I hurried over and began climbing with all the speed I could muster. When I reached the top I heard a sword cutting through air, and I twisted to avoid it. The mome saved my life, but I still took a blow to the arm. I leapt up to face him in what we all knew to be a death match. LTT came to my side and combat began <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> SUPER BASH V Sunday June 4th 4-8 pm est The fifth great Super Bash in nearly upon us! 14 teams will take the battle field and duke it out, simply for the honor of claiming the Super Bash trophey. The Bash will take place in the Never Winter woods, discounting the south west woods. It will run from 4 - 8 pm est on Sunday June 4th. All citizens of NW are welcome to come out and participate. But you MUST play with one of the 14 teams who will be competing. Also please make your arrangements to participate with the team prior to the event. All participants must follow these rules at all times during the event: 1) Aol's Terms of Service must be observed by all. 2) All NWN players may participate, guilded or not guilded. If they are not guilded they need to make arrangements prior to the event to fight for a particular side. Teams may add allies at anytime during the event as well. Once a player has chosen to allie with a particular team, he or she may not switch sides at anytime during the event. 3) Each Guild will be assigned a section of the NWN woods, discounting the SW woods since randoms battlea cannot be triggered there. 4) You may defend your rod in your area, or take it elsewhere as long as it doesnt leave the woods. Should the Bash cordinators be notified that the rod is outside the woods, there will be a brief investigation. Should the report prove true, the team will be disqualified at once, and their rod discounted. The Rod holder may never enter the South West Woods during the Super bash event. 5) Casting of direct dispel/silence, cadding and re-entering battles is prohibited. Furthermore you may not end a pvp by killing the npcs. Should you kill the npcs to escape the battle, you forfiet your rod to one of the attackers. Should the rod holder be facing two seperate teams, the the people who were previously involved in the pvp that got ended prematurely, will fight again with no interference. The winning team shall receive the forfieted rod. Should anyone not follow the dir dis/silence cad re-enter rules, they will be ejected from the Super Bash Event at once. It is up to the team leader to make sure all members abide by this rule and enforce it. Team leaders must also carry out the ejection if need be, and make sure the person honors the ejection. 6) You may not block access to or from any region or area. The team leader will be given a "Bash Warning", should your team not comply, then the people blocking the gate shall be ejected from the Bash at once. 7) Rod holders may encamp for no longer then 1 minute. 8) If a rod holder is defeated in battle, he or she must give the rod to the person who killed him or her. If the holder dies at the hands of an npc, the person casting the hold/fumble/stink recieves the rod. The holder may not die out of a battle on purpose by running into an npc, in order to save the rod. If this should happen the rod will go to the team that survives the battle. The first hold/fumble/stink that takes hold on the rod barer that results in a deah of the rod holder, is considered the killing spell. And the rod will be awarded to that person. Should there be multiple holds/fumbles/slays/poisons cast during the same round, and there is dispute as to who killed the rod holder, then the player(s) who survive the pvp will be awarded the rod. 9) A rod may be transfered amoung team members as often as you want. 10) Each participant may hold only one rod at a time. Should the rod holder "hide" his or her rod after being killed, the team will be disqualified and the rod will be awarded to the attackers. 11) At the conclusion of the event all rods will be surrendered to the Bash cordinators. 12) Each team must have a team leader and alternate team leader for the event. The TL and ATL will check in with Kayn and Silk just prior to the event. The TL and ATL will be responsible for disciplining team members who violate rules and act as a respresentitive of the team. The Bash cordinators will contact the TL at any sign of trouble during the bash, whether it be the system, a team member or an announcment that needs to be relayed. The TL and ATL are responsible of relaying messages to the rest of their team if banners are not appicable. Should the TL not be available the ATL will assume the TL's responsibility. Should the TL and ATL not be available, the team must quickly choose another person to represent their team. TEAM REGIONS: Area 1 (North west section of the NW woods) OGS Area 2 (Central portion of the NW woods) TOL Area 3 (South east portion of the NW woods) KEF Area 4 (North east portion of the NW woods) GOC Area 5 (West portion of the NE woods) KAAOS Area 6 (East portion of the NE woods) MASKS Area 7 (East portion of the WC woods, plus boundry at 7,7) TP Area 8 (West portion of the WC woods, plus boundry at 7,7) KORT Area 9 (NE portion of the WC woods) GKOTB Area 10 (East portion of the EC woods, plus boundry at 11,5 and 8,8) SA Area 11 (South portion of the EC woods, plus boundry at 8,8) COR Area 12 (West portion of EC woods, plus boundry at 11,5) SOL Area 13 (West portion of the SE woods) BOP Area 14 (East portion of the SE woods) ITB Again those self created boudries exist in the WC woods at 7,7, EC woods at 8,8 and ECwoods at 11,5. Should you still have a question about the areas, contact Kayn or Silk Sable right away. Furthermore it is advisable to have printed maps of the entire woods regions. Silk Sable Night Mask Guild Mistress <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Last Saturday's Guild Fair went off as all other events do, with a bit of choas. But after a short time, I was able to make my tour of the guild areas and get a view of the Fair on a whole. The award for the most orignal prize booth goes to PoN for their 'horsemanship' booth, the runner-up being the WinterGuard with their 'Test of Wits' insult booth. My thanks go out to the members of the following guilds- the Fighting First, the Pirates of NeverWinter, the Anarchist's Guild, the WinterGuard, the Crusaders of Light, and the Wolves of Luna. Also my thanks go out to the guilds who showed up and set up on-site booths, much to my confusion and thanks- the Seekers, the Knights of the Round Table, the Brotherhood of Pathfinders, The Predoctarate, the Order of the Heros of the Realm. Just do me a favor and pre-register next time, OK? :) And my personal thanks and ever-lasting gratitude go out to the NW who helped with the event, NW Strahd, who assisted me in more ways than I have the room or memory to speak about. And finally, I give my thanks to all those who attended the Guild Fair, if they found a guild or not. Even after all the choas and confusion, I saw it as a good night for all involved. I went to bed with a sense of releif at a job at least vaugely well done, and promptly passed out. Lt. Tempest Birchbough, Half-kender, Clerk of the FF, FF ambasador to PoN, Past Guild Fair coordinator <><><><><> <><><><><> Gimme a Scoop! Enter the weekly News of the Realm contest by submitting text for publishing. If your Announcement, Article, Helpful Hint, NW Abby Question, Poem, Fiction, or Tidbit wins, you'll have won your choice of 4 Pearls or 2 Free Hours of Online time to be credited to your account! Submit all text to screenname: NW NEWS. Sanctioned Guilds who send the most "news worthy" articles in each month will earn 3 Pearls to be credited to their Guild Account! <><><><><> <><><><><>