==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 105 Week Ending 10-29-95 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to YKSS for winning last week's News of the Realm contest. YKSS has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes) WTG! <><><><><> <><><><><> The winner of Thurday's Location Hunt was Conskill who found the softest beds in Neverwinter at Breeno's Inn of the Wharves. NW Kel ;> <><><><><> <><><><><> The call went out tonight to try a NEW GAME that Lenox was dieing to try out. Many people came because the name was new and they where in the mood for fun RIGORS, RIGORS, RIGORS, RIGORS!!!! Thanks to everyone who came and played!!! kh0larl 14 + 20 + 20 = 54 total v mircalla 18 + 22 + 20 = 60 total wgbt 15 + 19 + 18 = 52 total v darkhart 17 + 14 + 21 = 52 total frdnwsm 18 + 18 + 15 = 51 total jedi kido 18 + 24 + 20 = 62 total piergeiron 13 = 34 + 15 = 62 total undeadmage 16 + 21 + 22 = 59 total darvaset 19 + 51 + 0 = Gate cealestis Logged rousee 19 + 15 + 19 = 53 total mansho0n 13 + 18 + 16 = 47 total <---WINNER kynil nimn 18 + 20 + 18 = 56 total leed sun 17 + 21 + 18 = 56 total jiallbuk 18 + 20 + 19 = 57 total Mansho0n will receive "5" pearls for a score of "47" total!!!! . -NW Lenox <><><><><> <><><><><> TOUR 10/25 - PRINCE GALLANT Our party met in the Great Hall, after a slow start we set off to wander thru the darkened alleyways of the Warehouse District. Moving slowly, we came upon the twisting paths of Windycliffs. Aaaron1, bravely attacked the lizardmen found there..and as we entered the fight, we heard a clear soft voice singing. We looked about, and found to our delight Syren Coal. Stopping upon the streets, we listened to her finish the melodious tune. Syren joined us as we walked slowly along towards the shore, and the Inn at Windycliffs. Loa Koss, Aaaron1, Slick Sly, Charlesci and I. Upon reaching the outlying district of Port Llast, we battled some giant rats and Wild boars. Bravely, we made our way to the dingy Inn in Port Llast. Hearing a rumor that the Harbormaster, knew much about the mystery of the Gallant Prince we made our way there. As we entered the ship, we were surprized by the silence there. Empty, almost a tomb. We headed towards the Captains Cabin, and found a Troll taking up residence there, (who we shortly killed), and searched around for a bit. We found a teleport through one door - that took us into the middle of some undead. At the end of the long narrow hall, we found another teleport that brought us back to the Captains cabin. Entering the other door, we found our selves confronted the Medusea- who we soon turned to stone, with reflection from our mirrors. Findiing some brass buttons, we were teleported back to the cabin again. Finally, we made our way to Lord Nasher for a reward! My thanks to all the fine friends we met upon the way, and my party for a fun night. NWA Blythe <><><><><> <><><><><> Great Hall Tavern This weeks winner of Guild of Heroes access from the Great Hall Tavern is.... Syren Coal! :D NWT Cyane <><><><><> <><><><><> Brave Bold Bunch Beats Back Brazen Beatsies! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Once upon a midnight dreary... A brave group of adventurers met at the Neverwinter Gardens to venture forth on Nasher's behalf into WIndycliffs. Rumors had it that evil monsters were slinking into the area, accosting the citizens of the realms as they travelled the road to Port Llast. Dharkstar, Lancepig, TWalker218, Adridich, Ldy Mika, Meller8158, and Vishkirin each answered the call to accompany NWA Breaux on a foray to beat back the horde. After a moment's confusion as the adventurers milled about waiting to leave, the group quickly formed and moved out. Passing hurriedly through the warehouses, the group slipped through the gate into Windycliffs, only to be ambushed by a wild pack of Lizardmen and their Pyrosnake pet! Magic flew about the room wildly, as the party split up and attacked. The lizardmen screamed in frustration as the adventurers quickly surrounded them, hacking and slashing. Moments later, Lancepig, Dharkstar, and Ldy Mika looked around the room at the others and smiled, the Lizardman ambush was defeated! Bouyed by the victory, the bold group marched on, and turning a corner a few moments later, surprised a Cloud Giant and her flock of Giant Lizards. The Giant was quickly subdued by a well-cast fumble, and the adventurers swarmed forward to eliminate her and her evil horde. And so it went... Umber Hulks, Gnolls, Wolves, Kampfults, all fell before the might of the party as the night wore on into dawn. The party suffered casualties in the course of the fighting, and when the group finally staggered back into Neverwinter square hours later, only Meller8158, Ldy Mika, and Andridich were left of the original group. Slumping to the ground in exhaustion, each felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that they had assisted Lord Nasher in making the realms safer for all! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thanks to all who joined in the 10-28-95 midnight tour!! NWA Breaux ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ <><><><><> <><><><><> Dear NW Abby When will the realm of NW have the ability to MELEE During PVP-ing. Casting spells in battle is very good but I thought I heard somwhere that the realm was planning to allow Melee also very soon is this true? Lrd Malice ------------------------- Dear Lrd Malice, The ability to run around smashing and bashing your fellow adventurers has been much discussed. The strange desire to thump others with swords, crush bones with maces and in general create havok with some fellow adventurer's anatomy is a favorite topic of conversation at some of the seedier Port Llast dives. You might consider visiting a cleric to discuss this latent longing to rend the flesh of others. As for when the gods will allow this... I'm afraid your guess is as good as mine Helpfully, NW Abby *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 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 Tours: October 30th Monday 8:00 PM EST - Join NWA Vorpal for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D <><><><><> <><><><><> Faces (Submitted by: Lrd Xyrm) Faces emerge, From all that is dark. Faces appear, And dance in shadow. Faces smile, In utter insanity. Faces grimace, At time lost. Faces grin, At time gained. Faces bow, Before their Gods. Faces scream At their torture. Faces laugh, At their prison. Faces torture, All that is. Faces cradle, The lands of heaven. Faces fear, The realms of hell. All are one, Faces of night. All are one, Faces of day. All are one, Faces death. All are one, Faces of life. All the faces, Of all the people, Of all the worlds, Of all the realms, Are one. For all feel, The touch of death. For all feel, The touch of life. For all feel, The touch of all, The touch of divinity, The touch of a god. Restless Spirit (Submitted by: UDL Diablo & Darcphaze) I felt someone reaching out to my mind, as I inspected the newly constructed temple. The feeling came once again, a bit nearer, but somewhat restrained, as if whomever was thinking of me, did not want me to know. The temple was magnificent, the black marble and ivory construction was perfect in every detail. Then the presence once again, I moved quickly through the temple and made my way out into the antechamber when I first spied her out of the corner of my eye. Darcphaze was not in the temple, but outside the graveyard that sat at the bottom of the hill. She had climbed a dead tree to peer over the walls, and sat comfortably among the limbs as she watched the stillness of the tombstones, almost absently. This was the first time I had seen the squire around the Castle of Bones, which sat on the opposite hill, overlooking the graveyard. With all her ranting, I naturally had expected to see her long before this. I slowly floated down the side of the hill, the black, clerical robes lightly brushing the grass as I passed. She was so lost in thought, it took the chill of my presence to startle her enough for her to notice me. "Child, what do you see out in the graveyard," I asked? She bit her lip, then pursed them, "I.. I don't really know, Diablo," she gazed longingly at the new temple atop the hill, "It is beautiful Diablo, it will be nice to have you around once again. I would love to visit, but I don't believe for a moment that a living person could." She looked back at me and smiled , though forced, "I can wait," and with those simple words I could see the tears welling behind her eyes. She composed herself well, for one who had yet to embrace Myrkul. Taking a deep breath, she continued, "I do need to speak with you. I... I find myself somewhat at a loss." "How so?" I inquired, now somewhat curious as to why a squire of one of the Lich Lords would feel this way. "In Kranar, I knew what to expect -- the holidays, the rituals, those things that make being a cleric truly wonderful -- but here... Nothing... nothing is the same. I don't expect anything to be like Kranar," she chuckled, "in fact I could care less if anything was, but..., to be honest? Before I came here, I would have visions in my dreams. They pulled me through the Last Days; kept me from my enemies, gave me direction. It was my dreams that led me here, so I knew I came the right way," she chuckled more to herself than to me, "but since my arrival? There has been nothing. Nothing to lead me on my road. I feel... well.. a bit lost. I wondered...," she again met my gaze, "could this be permanent? Do others here have the Sight? Perhaps... I have failed Him in some way?" the forming tears were for Him, "I find my situation so... so... odd." "Well squire, first of all, you will not know Myrkul until you embrace him, this is how it has always been. And you will not embrace him until Grayvemark allows you to be knighted. I must say that I find it odd he would not allow you to be knighted, even though you have received the necessary votes within the Inner Sanctum of the Undead Lords," I turned, my crimson gaze looking up the other hill to the Castle of Bones. "And what has Grayvemark to say of this?" I asked, thinking I knew her answer. "Well...," she was reluctant, maybe rightly so, "I have expressed my concerns to him somewhat, "but he... well, he... hasn't... quite...," now she was uncomfortable and slightly exasperated with herself, though I could tell she was definitely holding something back when she said, "well... he's been busy with his books," it was a half-truth. "Such is the way of the Lich Lord," I was intrigued with her answer and why she came to me with this, "if you were on failing terms with Our God, you would certainly know it. As to your dreams... who am I to say either way, except that you will meet him the night of your knighting," my eyes narrowed as I inspected her closely, "I am not in a position to advise you when you keep the truth to yourself. So speak, how may I help you?" She frowned at my words, "forgive me. I didn't mean to mislead you. I walk a line I cannot see in a direction I do not know," she shortly chuckled, "make any sense?" She turned herself around on the limb to face me fully, "how delighted I would be if something made sense.... tell me truly, are there others here with the bonding? Has it happened before? Do you know of it? What it is? How it works? Does it overwhelm them? Does it... change people?" "You certainly have a great deal to ask, and after your knighting, should you decide to join the Priesthood, then many of these questions could be answered for you," I smiled at her. But, out of curiosity, what leads you to ask such questions of me?" I knew where the questions were leading. Grayvemark must be her concern, but she was hesitant to say why directly. "You are High Priest! Who else could I ask? Grayve told me the bond was Myrkul's doing and I believe him." "Tell me the cause for these questions and I will see." Her face resembled a statue, finely chiseled and frozen, "I.. I don't sleep," she blurted, and I knew it was a lie, "I find myself... staring at Grayve for hours on end. I..--" "Stop," I said softly, "would you care to rephrase that? or do you intend to continue lying to me?" She was utterly disappointed in herself, "I will not apologize for my arrogance. I should know better." "You should," I agreed, "there's no need for it. Tell me the truth this time." If it were possible for a person to shrink without magic, I should say she did so. Her voice came to me so small, so whispery, had I been anywhere else, I would never have heard her, "It's Grayve. Half the time, he doesn't Sleep. He did when we first came together, but not now. I'll wake during the day and find him already woken, yet he has not left our bed to do the work he loves so dearly. It is he that spends hours watching me. Normally, I'd be flattered, but... it's becoming more frequent and when he does it, his power... it... sort of... pulsates, I guess... it's like... it's doing something to him, but I've looked quite closely and find nothing affected, nothing different. He leaves his books early, I thought to attend to more mundane matters, but now.. I'm not so sure. I can only say he hasn't been himself... completely. The undercurrents of the bond are...," she actually blushed, but needed my trust and picked her words carefully, "Forgive me. I can barely talk about this, yet I cannot just... say nothing. On the occasions I've taken special care, I can't seem to put my finger on it. Whatever it is, it comes and goes, it's not consistent, nor does it stay for any great length of time. I can feel him, and when we wish, there is nothing hidden, yet I cannot say I know his mind, though I feel confident about his heart," she looked upon me with her eyes full of sorrow and concern, "could... the bond be hurting him somehow?" she admitted her fear, though truly I had formed no opinion. In a way, I admired her protection of him and his position. She was still in thought, "he speaks and acts as if all were fine and normal between us. Yet, even I find myself lost in the rapture we create just being together," she cocked an eyebrow at me, "and even I don't think for a moment that Myrkul can affect the living as strongly as the undead. If I am so affected, I can only imagine what it may be doing to him? Do you understand?" the blush deepened, "Am I making any sense?" "More than you know my child," I replied. "I will speak with the Lich Lord and see what I might learn. Remember, once you are knighted, you are free to choose your own path in service to Myrkul. Consider the Priesthood child, you would learn so much," I said with a polite nod, then reaching up and pulling the dark cowl over my head. The crimson eyes burned from beneath one last time as I looked to the young squire. "I must leave you now," the last words as I turned and floated up the side of the hill towards the newly constructed Temple of Myrkul. DARKSTAR The Coming Storm - Part II (Submitted by: FrankSense) I turned and looked about the large city and all its familiar noise and wonder. I noticed the people hustling about getting last minute things done as dusk and the forth coming night approached. I similarly noticed the young and clean lad, Pip, as he tried with awkward and unpracticed skill to slink away from me. He seemed to be trying to move at an unusually quick pace, glancing this way and that nervously. I was curious about his actions. He might need assistance. Focusing my senses I started stalking him. As I paced him, I determined that he was not actually nervous, but rather searching for someone or something. I couldn't imagine the lad eluding me so I wasn't being overly cautious. To my surprise he noticed me and sprinted down the alley and into the Gardens of Neverwinter. He had a good lead on me. I might have caught him in my younger years. As I reached the gardens I suspected he had gotten away but continued in. Various varieties of plant life, with all their wondrous colors and scents assaulted me. The garden was a collage of color. I quickly realized that Pip had given me the slip so I concentrated on searching for anything that might have fallen from the lad in his haste. I searched the grounds and plants near the entrance closely and I noticed a speck of white in the mist of the lush green life that was flourishing there. Carefully I picked the piece of parchment from the Fradlich branch, a flowering plant with long thorns. Upon closer examination, I found this to be the bottom portion of a note. Noticing the condition of the parchment, for it had rained after mid-day, I new it had been recently dropped. It appears that the lad, rushing from the scene, got too close to the plant in his haste. I read the piece, written in elegant script, with much amazement. ". . .this must be done in the most expedient manner, but away from scrying eyes." The signature I could not distinguish, but the sigil was remarkable. It was two waving lines, one above the other, with half a rising sun coming off the top line. What was I getting into? Who must not find out? Who does this sigil belong to? What must be done? I knew that I must discover some answers. As I turned to leave the garden, my nostrils drew in the unmistakable smell of moist stone and earth, what one would expect in a garden area, but it made me uneasy. Had I misjudged Pip's character? His behavior was strange, but I knew I rarely misread a person's aura. It was getting dark. I left the garden with a troubled mind and made my way across the city's narrow streets to a familiar tavern. Strider's Tavern, located on the northern edge of the riverfront, was as usual, filled with early evening patrons. Local teams were gathering for the night's activity of ax throwing and halfling tossing. The first contests were about to begin. I slithered my way into the corner nearest the hearth hailing the buxom, attractive, and plump barmaid with my eyes for the usual, Dragon's Breath. I glanced around the place and did not see the faces I was used to. Of course, it was early and I usually habituated the tavern later, much later. I must have looked serious. No one talked to me or paid much attention. They kept to their own groups. Thoughts from the back of my mind started to stir. It had rained earlier in the day. The wet smell; that had turned my mind to events of the year before. The group next to me yelled! I braced myself for what might happen next! A halfling came crashing to the floor of the tavern next to my table! He rose, dusted himself off, and scurried back into the crowd. There was some laughter and jeers. Errant throw! I returned to my thoughts. There always was trouble when it rained in August. The first two weeks especially. Old timers would look up at the leaden sky and mumble somberly, "Rain in August the first week, next year's outlook will be bleak." And anyone who happened to hear that might go ahead and add a second part to the old phrase, "And if the rain continues on, all hope of peaceful times is gone." Well, it had rained the first week of August last year. And the second. And the third. And the fourth. In fact it was still raining well into September by which time everybody was thoroughly sick of hearing the old saying. They just mumbled grimmly to themselves. It was especially bad several days ride east of Neverwinter. The old saying was an Omen. Everyone knew that a wet start to August meant a good breading season for dragons. This in turn meant for bad times the following year when the little fire- breathers reached maturity and sought out new nesting places of their own. Last August, the August we've been talking about, there were other Omens as well as the rain. The old Druid Oak near the Ivy Mansion in Longsaddle was blasted by lightning twice in succession during a particularly violent storm. "Everybody knows lightning never strikes twice in the same place," muttered people. "That be an Omen, yes it be." A large thundering stone fell ablaze from the sky one night, destroying a farmer's barn and six cows. A calf with two heads was born into a herd kept by monks. And even Lord Nasher's favorite falcon slipped its tether and flew off eastward, never to be seen again. These be Omens. Bad Omens. Everybody knew. A plague a dragons can be expected, and as I hear, has begun is some places. The Knights of the Round Table could be expected to handle a great many of them. They and other warriors had been training for just this sort of thing. The rains would account for them. The Omens, though, were another thing. The wizards knew something else was due, just not what. I motioned for a refill. Pip's actions and the note could be the beginning of the answer. The unknown dread was perhaps ready to reveal itself. I would check things out in the morning. In the meantime I had other business to attend to. Singing Funny Songs (Submitted by: Hancock220) ::hancock is on stage of striders tavern:: (ok m'lords and m'ladys I"m going to do a comady it starts out like this) ::Violin starts playing:: :: Do a little fighting clean your sword get hitched tonight:: (The fighters moto) ::Laughing:: ::Do a little killing...carry the corpse...get paid tonight:: ( The assasins moto) ::Laughing:: ::more people start coming in:: ::Do a little casting ...get some members ...get honored tonight:: ( The mages moto) ::Laughing:: ::Do a little stealing...Make a little profit...get killed tonight:: (The thiefs moto) ::Laughing:: ::Do a little hunting...make some animal friends...get new pets tonight (The rangers moto) ::Laughing:: ::striders tavern is overcrowed with people:: ::Do a little Quest...bring back the item....get rewarded tonight ( The Paladin's moto) ::Laughing:: ::Do a little illusion...man get's scared..start laughing tonight (The illusionist moto) ::laughing:: ::hancock says (thank you all for listening. Good night!! ) ::bows to the crowd:: ::Cheering:: ::Claping:: ::hancock walks off the stage and up the stairs to his room:: THE END Hancock YOU'RE THE DEVIL (Submitted by: NOR Alek) You're the Devil; with your little gotee' You're the Devil; with your red eyes and pointed ears You're the Devil; with your sharp finger nails and furry little legs When I look at you; I see hate. My hate. The hate that hates you with a passion. A new age is coming. When it comes, You will die. You will die and i will rejoyce with all my heart. For you are the Devil. You're the Devil; with you're little gotee' You're the Devil; Dear Brother. A God Commands (Submitted by: UDL Diablo) Diablo floated up to the alter, turning and looking back at the chapel proper, his crimson eyes burning from beneath the dark cowl that covered his head. He looked from pew to pew, stopping but briefly on each one. "There will come a day when this chapel will be filled with worshippers of Myrkul, those who have embraced death and found truth in the God of the Dead," he thought as he turned and started to dress out the alter. A black piece of silk is lain over the surface, covering it completely. At each corner of the alter a red candle is placed in a silver holder. Diablo then reaches in a black silk bag and pulls out a skull, the bone having been polished to a bright ivory. The High Priest places the skull in the center of the alter and then moves to each candle and lights it before moving back to the front of the alter. Diablo lowers his head a bit and raises his arms, the folds of the black cloak draping below them. He stands there quiet for a few minutes before he starts a soft chant, the words somewhat musical in their nature. As the chant becomes a bit louder, a cold wind blows through the chapel, followed by the sounds of thousands of souls crying out in anguish. "Myrkul, receive your servant," Diablo calls as he raises his head so that his crimson eyes are locked on the skull in the center of the alter. With those words, the skull on the alter starts to float up, slowly, till it comes to a stop about three feet above the black silk. The candles burn brightly on each corner, their flames steady though the cold wind is whipping about the chapel. "Myrkul, I have set the table for you, now I await your first command," the High Priest says, eyes still locked on the skull before him, arms still raised beside him. Then the wind quit, a sudden stillness in the air as the skull responds to the call of the priest. "You have done well Diablo, you serve well," the skull spoke, the voice that of his god, Myrkul. "Now we shall begin, as I have waited to long. My lords and servants have lost their way, Marriage and love, the games they play, Return them to the quest at hand, Preparing my path unto this land. The time has come for blood to flow, As this is done my, power shall grow, Something sacred, something right, Destroy the flame, that is the fight. Kill the Keepers, those who stand guard, Pierce their hearts with an unholy shard, And then their souls, shall be mine to hold, Then I will be closer to the prophecy foretold. The skull then fell back to the table, quiet, the flames on each candle blown out. Diablo lowers his arms and bows his head once again. "It shall be done m'lord," he says quietly, then turning and floating off the dais and towards the doors that lead from the chapel. The Dwarven King {Old Dwarven folktale which teaches a lesson only dwarves could understand.} (Submitted by: Cockroach6) Far below the land where the sharp wind blows, Beyond the lofty mountains, Where a goddess dances and silver flowers grow Amidst gleaming mithril fountains, There once sat a young dwarven king, Upon a great chair of carven stone. The goblins feared him, the giants even more, This dwarf who claimed this land as his own. There once sat a dwarven king, A mithril crown placed upon his ears, A long, red beard down to his stomach, Who never showed weakness, who never shed tears. There once sat a dwarven king, Golden streams flowed to his left and his right, Who laughed with his kin during the day, Who danced with the lasses during the night. There once sat a dwarven king, Whose crown became to heavy upon his withered brow, Who grew old and tired, his beard faded grey, No longer as strong as an ox, but as fat as a cow. And there sat the dwarven king, Upon the eve of the darkness falling, When the skies were filled with evil black serpents, When his kin were dying, cut open and calling: Calling for his help, calling his name, But the king did nothing, nothing but watch The king had grown old, his fear came with age! So the king did nothing, nothing but watch. And now there lays a dwarven king, Lying limp and lifeless on the ground, His home destroyed, his kingdom has fallen, His honor gone, by death is it bound. Beyond the lofty mountains, The goddess still dances, the birds all still sing, The fountains of Mithril all still surround The place where lays the old dwarven king. -Roach Warrior o' clan Axepeak Dwarven Bard Dragon Hunter Halloween (Submitted by: Syren Coal) Do you hear the sound of death In graveyard overgrown With rot and chilly breath Amid the grey tombstones They come out at night An evil army of bone Armed with swords of fright And lich king on the throne Eye sockets gaping black In eery ivory skulls With each nightmarish attack The light of living dulls Many a hero lay hid Beneath the coffin arch Fingers scratching at the lid When death is on the march Syren In the Air Today (Submitted by: Morngrym) In the Air Today The winds of Autumn are blowing today On the face of a man Who has a little more faith Than he did a few years ago For without faith we are lost, and the world is empty. We all need something to believe in. We all need someone to believe in. The winds of winter are howling today On the face of a man Who has learned to stand in the harsh cold And survive again and again For without strength we are lost, and the world is empty. We all need to stand up for ourselves. We all need to stand up for someone else. The winds of spring can be felt today On the face of a man Who welcomes the sun's rays with all his heart That warm illumination to chase the darkness away For without this light we are lost, and the world is empty. We all need a shoulder to cry on. We all need to offer a shoulder to cry on. The winds of summer are blowing today On the face of a man Who is glad to feel the gentle warmth again A feeling that can hardly be described For without love we are lost, and the world is empty. We all need to care for someone. We all need someone to care for us. And then...it was Autumn again... And the wind was still blowing, as it always had Bringing each new smell, thought, and feeling to him Still the same, but somehow a little different For it now blew on a face that had a few more lines One that had felt the wind...so many times before A bit older...a bit more tired..but still full of hope... Tempered by love, cooled by wisdom. By Morngrym Verigost Baron-Knight Bard of KORT! The Race Of The Marionettes (Submitted by: Zarra Yorn) Like a torrent of streaking rain the quarrels flew. "Drow!" the leader of the mercenary band called in warning. The resonating clicking of hand crossbows filled their ears as the bolts skipped off the cavern walls and floor. "Take cover!" Jakcob, their leader screamed while diving behind a large stone. ********** Levitating, the Drow patrol moved in silently from the crevices in the cavern ceiling. Hands unseen by human eyes flashed in complicated patterns. Flawlessly, they closed in on the mercenary band. ********** "I think they left." Salina, the band's thief, whispered to one of the burly fighters. Angered, Jakcob waved his hand indicating for her to be quiet. He knew all too well of the potential lethality of the Drow. He had hoped that this expedition into the Underdark would prove free from any meeting with Drow. "Unfortunately, life rarely goes my way." he thought in a sigh. He knew the Drow were getting closer by the second and if he could hear his band's movement the Drow certainly could also. Seeing no other way out he stood. "Charge!" The leader bellowed pointing his sword into the darkness. Behind the leader, their Drow guide, Elana, a priestess of Eilistraee (C.G. Goddess of Drow) stared on in shock. "No!" She began but her words were lost in the sounds of battle. ********** The mercenaries never came close to the Drow as wave after wave of poison tipped quarrels bit shallowly into their flesh. Globes of darkness quickly fell upon their heads causing them to smash into walls and trip clumsily to the floor. Chanting rose over the noise of battle like a tidal wave. Jakcob turned to look, but there was no penetrating the magical darkness that blinded him. Elana looked at the ceiling and concentrated. A sudden rush of sucking air filled the cavern as the ceiling collapsed in a rush of mud. The cursing of the Drow band was muted by the tremendous sound. Quickly, the Drow retreated out of the mud. Elana once again began to chant, this time the mud solidified blocking the passage. ********** Elana inspected the flailing mercenaries. A look of horror crossed her face. The small wounds from the crossbow bolts were swollen and a greenish black. "Olothigre'" She spoke the word for the most feared of poisons. It would decay the flesh and spread until the entire body was infected. Worst of all her neutralize poison would have no effect against it. "Quickly, we must get to a fungus grove before it spreads too far." She said in a panicked tone. Every member of the party had been hit except Elana and Galor, the elven bard. The race began..... "You heard her! Move!" Jakcob boomed. The mercenaries now motivated began their desperate race to the fungus patch. ********** "They will be heading to the fungi grove" ebony fingers flashed. "With speed and silence." the commanding gesticulations stated. They moved through the stalactites like shadows among shadows the Drow traversed the Underdark with practiced grace. ********** "Urg!" One of the massive sword wielding mercenaries grunted as he slammed his shin into a low stalagmite. "Quiet!" Jakcob shouted. Suddenly he realized the hypocrisy of his command and fell silent himself. One thought filled his mind, "We're all doomed". "There!" Elana's finger pointed to a soft iridescence in the distance as she spoke. "Take caution men!" Jakcob sounded abandoning any hope for stealth. Already, the infections had spread to an almost lethal point. Salina, the party's thief offered to go check ahead. With a nod, Jakcob agreed. Slowly, she crept forward hugging the shadowy cave wall. Onwards she moved concealed in the darkness. Inches from the fungus patch her heart began to race. She heard herself scream as she burst into purple flames. Drow descended from the ceiling, blades drawn and slashing. The mercenaries that survived the initial attack retreated. "Kill the heretic!" a strong female voice commanded in common. As if on que, a black lightning bolt pounded through Elana's chest as she fell motionless to the floor. "After the humans! Slay every last one of them!" The same blood curtailing voice commanded in common. Jakcob turned grabbing the bard and ran.... ********** Elana rose and shed her robes revealing the dress of a house agent of Faen Tlabbar. "Excellently manipulated Elana" Zarra spoke with a wicked smile on her lips. "Your fee shall be met after the plan is executed fully. Tell me, how did you manage to get such a veteran band to come down here?" Zarra asked inspecting the fallen bodies. "I told them lies of a vast treasure horde Malla Yathrin" Elana stated in a sly tone while curtsying. "Excellent, lets keep a close watch on them." Zarra levitated back up into the stalactites as the rest of the Drow party followed. ********** Hours past and warriors were dying off one by one. The poison had made its way dissolving the tissue of their organs. Galor, the bard urged the few remaining on. It was very frustrating for him to remain silent with his music, unable to lift the spirits of the slowly dying band. Another collapsed in a frothing heap to the ground, "Get up." Galor pleaded. The corpse did not respond. Every few yards, another would fall in the same manner as Galor closed his eyes and pressed forward, feeling the walls for guidance. Jakcob lifted a thick arm, halting the group. To his dismay, the only other standing was Galor. The rest had died yards back in the unforgiving tunnels. "Galor..." Blood streaked spittle dangled from Jakcob's gaping mouth as he called to Galor. "What is it Jakcob?" he asked knowing his leader was about to die. Jakcob's body had swollen three times it's size. An agonized groan escaped Jakcob's lips as he doubled over in pain. Galor felt so helpless, he wanted to help his leader, but there was something else in the forefront of his mind.... the approaching Drow. "Galor....? Galor....? Gal...*" Jakcob's dying words went unheard. ********** With ease, the Drow followed Galor through the labyrinth of stone. Often he would hear some noise and head away from it. He was unaware that the Drow now guided him towards the surface. Galor was fully convinced he would never see the light of day again. In his mind, he was just wandering around his tomb waiting for the time to come. To his amazement, Galor felt a draft, then the scent of fresh air. His heart raced as did his legs, towards the source. A ray of sunlight cut though the darkness like a knife as Galor rounded the corner. He shrieked with joy and scrambled towards the small opening, "I have to hurry he thought," the Drow could not be far behind. ********** Reading his mind Zarra almost laughed at his thoughts. If he only knew, she thought while smirking. "Kill the fool?" a hand signed. "No," she said aloud just as Galor squeezed through the crack. "Back to Faen Tlabbar." she mentally commanded to the Drow patrol. ********** (Five years later in Strider's Inn) A young man stood on stage performing some sort of trivia game. "You there, 'tis your turn to answer." A gloved hand waved his offer away. "You mysterious types that wear your big cloaks and sit in the shadowed corners... sheesh!" He mocked playfully as the bar broke out in laughter. Many tankards of ale later, the young man finished. "Next is the renowned bard Galor of Talisbrook, spinning his frightening tale of his true experiences with the, the.. Drow." The young man looked around nervously and quickly let Galor take the stage. Galor stepped up on the stage with supreme confidence. He had told this tale a thousand times and those who heard it repeated it to others in whispers. He had lost many friends that day, but the story had brought him great respect. The torches in the bar were extinguished to add to the effect as he began to spin his tale. A few minor details had been altered and not so few beefed up and exaggerated for the sake of the story and his reputation. The tale went very well this night, the inn fell silent and every one was on the edge of their seat. An hour later, when he finished, all remained silent for a moment, then the bar burst into a frenzy of cheering and clapping. Everyone stood and praised his tale, all except the hooded figure that no longer sat in the shadowed corner. Galor bowed then stood ridged, a frightened look etched in his face. Rapidly, his limbs began to wither as did his body. Terrified screams sounded through the inn as customers scrambled away in fear. A faint black aura surrounded him as his body lifted from the stage into mid air. His back arched in an inhuman position as his skin tore like dried paper. Some turned away in disgust, others stared on transfixed by the sight. Moments later, only bones remained of the bard. The aura faded and the skeleton clattered onto the stage. City guards poured in and pushed their way through the crowd. There, on the stage, the bards bones clearly made out a Drowic word that was commonly known by humans. "W A E L" (Fool) Malla Yathrin Zarra Yorn Faen Tlabbar Malla Yathrin d'lil Arach-Tinilith Quarthen a lil Ultrin Ilharess Shyntlara Valsharen Dalharil d'lil Valsharess Nedylene Jabbress d'Slakromstraken Wevrelltearcell Ust Dalharil d'Faen Tlabbar Ust Qu'ellar d'Rilauven The Tale of Nutbags (Submitted by: Nutbags) Aaaaah! I remember it to be a sunny day, I was wandering the lands of Krynn during my wanderlust I recall Eventually I came upon this town full of brigands, pirates, hobgoblins, and fruad priests, and needless to say it looked kinda fun. So I slipped past the people at the gate and snuck into the town of Flotsam. It was absolutely amazing there! I was even suprised to meet numorous other kenders! But eventually I came upon a dark haired mage in perculiar blue robes(not a conclave member if my magic history is correct)He noticed me, and grinned at me like I was a child(Which I wasn't really, as far as I was concearned)He said to me in a deep devilish tone,"I have a fine little item you may be interested in the little one."He pulled out a small wrist band. Naturally I didn't exactly like being called ,"little one,"so I snapped back,"Go home to your den with the goblin roommates you troll-faced, beady-eyed, frog-kissing JERK!" His face grew red, and I had a sudden feeling I was going to be magicked! But he was suddenly whacked on the head by some obese(I use the word kindly in gratitude)woman by a rolling pin. The huge woman shreiked,"And never come onto me again you cheat!"And she waddled off to her own house. Meanwhile I noticed the wristband had fallen from the mage's hand, and I took liberty of picking it up incase there was a needy person I might come upon, that needed a wrist band to save his wife and children or something like that(I try to act nobly as I can). So as not to loose track of it myself, I placed it onto my wrist BING! POW! ZAP! BOING!. I found myself in a new place five feet in the air, above a hard concrete floor. I fell of course with a loud,"ouch."rubbing my bruised body parts, I noticed a temple nearby of some sort, it read:Temple of Tyr! Tyr, I figured, must be some new god of these phoney clerics. I entered, asked for assistance, payed them some gold peices, and to my surprise they're healing worked! I ran out into the street, and gazed around.....I came upon a person who resembled a solomnic knight in white armor,"What is this place?"I asked tapping him on the shoulder with my hoopak(Which luckily was still straped to my back where I left it) He turned around and stared at me like I was some freak from a circus,"Another of you things! Egad! I wonder if NeverWinter is safe anymore!" I didn't like the phrase "thing" anymore than I liked being called "little one", but I took it this time, since I was desperate to find out what was going on. "NeverWinter is the name of this place?", I said. "Of course!"Said the knight-like man, "what are you little things anyway?" That upset me too... and in a fit of rage and name-calling I swated the man in the knee with my hoopak. It broke.(Not the knee, the hoopak) He pushed me away, and left. ******************************************************** After two or three hours of just wandering around this strange but exciting new place, watching many other people rush by, I came across a sign on the wall, it read,"Tyr's grace is in us all, and those who wish to be true believers in the great Tyr will be grandly rewarded." I thought it sounded kinda nice, and figured this ,"Tyr,"Was some sort of another name for Paladine, or Mishakal or something. So I read it again, and figured,"Why not, It can't hurt." So I ran back to the Tyr place, and geuss what I saw! ME! I saw me in front of me! There weren't any mirrors around, but another me was just staring at me! I smiled,"Hello," The other me smiled,"Hello." I smiled again and held out my hand,"Glad to meet you!" The other me smiled again, and held out his hand,"Glad to meet you." He didn't accept the hand shake, just stood there with his hand out smiling, I waved my hand up and down, to try to make him get the picture. He waved his hand. I withdrew my hand He with withdrew his hand. I jumped up in the air. He jumped up in the air. I took three steps to my left. He managd two steps to his right, then disapeered into a puff of smoke as he bumped into the wall. I heard deep laughter,"GUHAHAHAHAHA!" I was surpised to see a huge man in dark robes behind me, Laughing his head off. I turned and said,"Who do you think you are? That wasn't funey at all! You better hope your not alone, or I'll whoop you!" "YOU'LL WHAT!?"The dark robed man exclaimed with huge gusts of laughter,"You puny little creature, you wouldn't stand a chance! What could you possibly do?" I fumed,"I'll show you what!"I reared back, then ran up to him giving a swift kick in the groin. The look on his face was that of both sheer surprise and outstanding pain, his eyes were bugging out and he made a really disgusting noise that sounded like a dieing seagull. Seeing that he'd be increadibly angry when he recovered, and he was in no possition to fight at the immediate moment, I leaped onto his back, and put my hands around his eyes,"Geuss who,"I cheered. The Dark robed man growled,"You little bastard! I'll give you your death for that!"He began struggling to get me off his back, but my grip on his head that covered his eyes was tight and I was determined not to move. He spun around a few times, and began mumbling magic words I couldn't understand. ZAP! A lightning bolt flew from his fingertips...in the wrong direction. The bolt bounced off the wall of some small house and I leaped off his back. Good thing too becuase the Ligtning bolt struck his own body where I would have been, blasting his head into millions of itty bitty peices. I stared in awe. I'd never seen a head explode before. . . it was very. . . interesting. Then I noticed another Brace, only red colored, on the dark mage's wrist. I took liberty of accepting it as my reward for not killing myself, and put it in a pouch. Then I heard whispering, it had appeared that the comotion had aroused several clerics inside the temple of Tyr, and were looking at me with an impressive air. One cleric ran up to me,"That was very impressive! That mage was no easy opponent and you defeated him with ease! I am Firulatorno of the Clerics of Tyr, And you are......." "My names Nutbags,"I said with a cheery smile, I wanted after all, to make a good impression. "Ur,"The cleric said,"We would appreciate Sir Nutmeg-" "Nutbags,"I corrected. "Sir Nutbags, We would appreciate if youd join us in the Temple of Tyr, you have proved you injinuitive worth above anything. But you're apperance bewilders me...exactly what are you?" I used to being asked this by now,"I'm a kender." ********************************************************** After the ritual holy formalities and the acceptance of my new cleric adornments, I was brought by my new freind Firulatorno(It took me a while to get his name right)to a small pedistal,"Pray, and see if you will gain acceptance."He said. So, as ordered, I closed my eyes and I began to pray,"Um... well... first Tyr, please bear with me, I've never prayed too often and I'm not sure how to go about it correctly, though I think I do like you, your minions are all very nice, and you are super-holy and all. So anyway, I was just wondering if you wouldn't at all mind me being around, worshiping you and such. I can be really nice, Sometimes I make mistakes but don't we all? I'd like to...you know, spread word of your greatness, which I think all gods like, and I'd also like to do stuff like what I did with the guy with the exploding head outside. I enjoyed that allot. Could you please?" Then I felt a feeling inside me, sort of like the feeling you get when you stretch after get out of bed, only better! When I opened my eyes, I noticed a medallion around my neck, it gleamed brightly with it's own inner light, and gave me a feeling of peace inside. Firulatorno smiled widely,"You've been accepted Nutbags. you are now a cleric of Tyr!" I looked up at Firulatorno,"Really? That's great! I must have felt holiness or something!" Firulatorno smiled again, he was a very smiley guy,"I'm glad you like it, and I'd appriciate my purse back." I looked in my pucket to see a tiny velvet colored purse sticking partially out of my pocket,"OH! You dropped that while you were outside so I picked it up to give it to you later. Here ya go. You should be more carefull with your money!" Firulatorno laughed,"I'm sure I will. Here take this for now, if you're lucky you may get something more powerful to use later in your travels,"He handed me a leather flail. "A whip? I've never used one of those before! I wonder how to use it right! I'm so eager to learn!"I grabbed the whip by it's handle, and cracked it immediately. I heard a scream and turned to Firulatorno,"oops... sorry Firulatorno." ******************************************************************* So now, here I am, a kender cleric of Tyr. I still have both wristbands, and I know they gotta be useful someway. they both almost look completely identical except ones blue and one's red. There is something to them, but for now, I gotta go pray for Tyr. BYE! Dragon Re-Birth (Submitted by: Mershu) After a long night of bar hopping, Mershu returns to her room in the OGS guild hall. Stumbling around the room, bumping into just about everything she attemps to put her room in order. Emptying her pack, Mershu pulls out a marvelously well defined Dragon Egg . Mershu's twin sister made her promise to nurture and protect this egg while she was recovering from the youth pond. Holding the egg in both hands like it was some sort of offering, she places it near the fireplace to keep it warm. She knows the enchanted egg will hatch anytime because of the movement inside. So she grabs a few feathered pillows from her bed, places them on the floor near the egg, and falls asleep with her fingers sightly touching Snuffy's egg. Her fingers were stroking the egg while sleeping. Then came an exquisite feeling of penetration. She woke up, pulling away. The protective membrane has been ruptured! Her mind was racing and could not catch up with what was happening. Mershu's eyes were wet with tears; she broke the egg. Racing out of the room, down the hall to Sari's quarters. Mershu goes crashing though his door, falling to her knees hear him, exhausted as if she'd been running for miles. "Help me, Please" she begs. "I have made a terrible mistake and need your keen Ranger skills" she cries. Seeing the distress in Mershu's eyes and pain in her heart, Sarilien grabs her hand and casts the Family Spell for traveling quick. As they appeared from the mist, the small Dragon's image was stunning. Snuffy's delicate form and the gleam from his moist reptilian skin mystified the two. Snuffy was Already 2 feet tall, his color so deeply rose red, his wings a slight shade lighter. Letting out sighs of relief, Mershu and Sarilien begin laughing. The playful baby dragon was already into trouble. Snuffy was sitting next to Mershu's treasure chest. Gems, Jewels and strands of pearls surrounded him. The family crown was cocked on the left side of his head. His jagged tail stood straight up behind him; his small wings extended with excitement. Snuffy's ability to understand and convey to mortals was tuned and horned, and he quickly scampered to Sarilien's feet, knowing he was in big trouble. Bouncing and prancing, Snuffy looks for attention from Sarilien. Sarilien uses his Ranger's ability to communicate with beasts and tells Snuffy, "settle down young one.......I don't think everyone is ready to deal with baby dragon tactics all over again, so soon". Mershu carefully removes the priceless crown from Snuffy's head and places it back in the velvet lined chest while reprimanding him. Knowing how everyone loves anything do with babies, Sarilien and Mershu escort Snuffy to town........... More dragon tales to come. The Way It Was (Submitted by: Lrd Malice) Along time has passed since I sold my old computer system. When I bought my new system in June of 95, one of the first things I did was to acquire the software for A.O.L.. I swore to myself that I would not let NW take over the majority of time on A.O.L. as had in the past, but to no surprise to me it already has. The last time I ventured in the realm of Never Winter Nights was many years ago. A few changes have occured since then such as the Pearl Plan, the Vaults, the ability to Sneak and of course the P.V.P & Non P.V.P areas. Five years ago these things did not exist. The Pearls Plan is an excellent way to aquire many items such as magic armour and special magic weapons some of which you can't find in the realm, at least I haven't seen them. The Vaults I wish I had a vault 5 years ago, I can't remember how many things I lost or had to drop because the load shortened my movements. The ability to Sneak past a battle, who ever thought up this idea is a genius. I love not having to wait anymore. This used to cause big jam-ups and alot of fights. Of course back then you could fight anywhere you wanted to, even if you didn't want to fight. As for the P.V.P. & Non P.V.P areas I think this is a good change. Once upon a time anyone at any place in the realm with the exception of NW could be attacked by anyone who wished to do so. This added an extra level of intensity to the game. But on the other hand it lowered the level of enjoyment for few players who wished to play without being bothered by attackers. Myself not included. The player who wished to be left alone or journey with a group of friends to experience the feel of the realm as it was designed, well this didn't always work out for them. Attacks were becoming more and more frequent. This was also the time when the (Guilds) were just starting to form. Attacks by groups of organized players (Guilds) mostly of Evil alignment on the Good citizens of NW, were frequent enough to cause the banding together of Good alignment characters, forming their own guilds. Thus Good --Vs-- Evil began in NW. It was this that led to the wars of Guild against Guild, Independent Assassins --Vs-- Independent Assassins and of course the Individual who got blasted for practice and pleasure. So in all fairness I Feel that the changes have made a great improvement for all who wish to travel in the realm. A place where there is somthing for everyone to enjoy. For Myself P.V.P. to me is one of the major reason for playing. To experience the feeling of battle, to match whit's with another person and the strategied used to conquer them, this is a totally exhilarating experience. I encourage all to participate. Lrd Malice Some Helpful Hints For Weary Adventurers #2 (Submitted by: Conskill) Some Helpful Hints for Weary Adventures (you guessed it, more SHHWA's) Well I said if they put that artical out and I had nothing better to do I'd write some more SHHWAs...well (to my surprize) they did, and I don't, so here we go again Ok this first one is for newbies (or about lvl 7 and below too)...stay with a area you can beat the monsters, by your self, with only a little diffaculty (you need some becasue if there was none, weres the fun?)...Even I feel victum to this one...heard of Magical idems in one city (there was none) the city/person will remain unnamed...let's just say it wasn't pretty I hate the say it...but this next thing I hate...but are really helpful... Perals are your friend! ;)...they are a pain in the rear end...the complactions reach to vell and back....but were eles ('cept for the once in a while stroke of luck) can you get +3 wepons, magical staffs...+3 plate armor (hint hint, friend of mine), and all that good stuff? ...the complactions of peral buying, giveing, tradeing, and guilds are never ending...so to no surprize, are not listed here...but later in the game, there the only way to fight Last but not least, (I might go a few weeks on this if those NW news guys keep publishing these)....NeverWinter Edicate (please don't mind the spelling, I never learned how to spell that word)...we all know what it is, we all love it, and we hate it...we love it when other people are polite to us...but hay, the hours are runing, your over your time limted, and those lost hills are making you angry...it's kinda hard to be polite But hay, this is a game...we suppost to have fun...and sence monsters are making you so angry so much, a tiny bit of battle ettiquete here's what's going on..john wizard doe 1 in battle, john newbie doe 2 right out side this is the normal thing...john newbie-NH? (need help)...john wizard-NT (no thanks) or yha,yes,sure,y...ectect here's the thing that happened to me Conskill-NH? unnamed idiot-zzzzz ui-!!!!!! ui-?????? ui-/////// I toke that as a yes...he got angery...it's better to be polite ;) Conskill (Wizard for hire) Great War, Round Two results Late breaking news! The Forces of Good and Evil fighting for control of Neverwinter are taking equal losses..... An unexpected victory by The Knights of the Eternal flame as they battled the warriors of KAAOS has kept the battle lines relatively equal. ITB beat TP KEF beat KAAOS Masks beat KORT SOL beat GKOB and in another surprise, SA defeated GOC Evil 2 Good 2 Neuts 1 There will be a meeting of one representative from each of the victorious guilds. The last warrior standing will earn his or her guild a "buy" into the 4 series of battles, and will not be attacked this round! Skorp Warlord, House ITB :) <><><><><> <><><><><> 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 Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes) ! Submit all text to screenname: NW NEWS. <><><><><> <><><><><>