==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 108 Week Ending 11-19-95 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to P Rhianna for winning last week's News of the Realm contest with "Child of the Wind". P Rhianna has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes) WTG! <><><><><> <><><><><> Tour 11-12-95 Attendees: Slash99 Darkion Choy Li Fu Thor99 DDragonDan TBlazer12 FF Tempest --- Partner and Great Helpl The above listed heros defeat the evil in Vilnask and after looping through the Dracs rescued Willo with any loose of life..except NWA Vic who was forced to retreat from the Drac Battle to man a lifeboat. FF Tempest led the troops to victory in the final battle after ably coleading the entire Tour Thanks to all who participated, NWA Vic <><><><><> <><><><><> Rigors Mini Booth Congratulations to Airak who won the Rigors mini-booth, winning 5 pearls! -NWA Icarus <><><><><> <><><><><> Aarius won the location hunt for the trainer in Red Larch tonight. Wins 2 pearls and an hour online. WTG! - NW Kel <><><><><> <><><><><> November GoH booth #1 Strahd threw down his gauntlet of challenge! 15 GoHers were asked to survive a poison, a fumble, and not take too much damage from a cause critical wounds spell! Only 8 were able to survive all the way through, and of those that survived, Kh0lari took the lowest damage, and took home the 5 pearl prize! Congratulations to Kh0lari :) <><><><><> <><><><><> Great Hall Tavern! This weeks winner is ZebiWolf, who wins GOH access :) -NWT Cyane <><><><><> <><><><><> WWAI Winners.... After OFFICIAL Review...we have the following winners!!! In First, we have Sequitur, with 63 points!! Sequiter wins 25 pearls plus 4 free hours!!! In Second, we have KEF Damion, with 44 points!! Damion wins 20 pearls plus 3 free hours!! In third, we have Gherkin II, with 37 points!! Gherk wins 15 pearls, plus 2 free hours... Lest I fergot the THREE roll off winners...each winning 5 pearls.... Lord Keser Llewdoc Zarra Yorn!!!! Thanks to all who participated... - Ember and Ulfy ;> <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 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: November 20th Monday 8:00 PM EST - Join NWT Cyane for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D November 23th Thursday 10:00 PM EST - Join NW Calvin for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D November 24th Friday 9:00 PM EST - Join NW Zephyr for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D November 26th Sunday 8:00 PM EST - Join NW Garion for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D <><><><><> <><><><><> If Looks Could Kill - True Story (Submitted by: XO2 Zeus) It was just another day at work patrolling the Longsaddle underground. I was doing my usual rounds keeping the area clear of the many horrible creatures that attack unsuspecting visitors. Little did I know that this day would leave me near my grave. As I marched through the Decorated halls of the Underground, I heard the distant sounds of Dracoliches, who are known to infest that particular area quite often. So many monsters, where do they come from?. I was ambushed by the Dracs! Fortunately I had just prepared for such an encounter, My drow sense of Danger never lies, and somehow I just knew there was going to be Major trouble. There I was, surrounded by what seemed to be an endless army of Drac's, Flashes of Light appeared and the Battle had begun. They imediately began to Gaze upon me, with their empty lifeless eyes, Images were shattering all about me, My mirror shield froze and stuck to my skin.from their cold looks of pure evil. One look directly into a Powerful Dracoliche's eye is said to lleave even the most Powerful of Warriors in a state of Lifeless Paralization. More Flashes came, I dodge and weave, covering with my mirror shield, In Fits of fury the Drac's would even cast upon eachother!! I would cast upon them Fireball, but It seemed to have little effect on them as these creatures Had the most powerful of Unholy Magic. Light flashes came from all directions, I would jump, roll, duck , anything to save my life. Finally I managed to cast a strong Fireball, one so strong that everything in its path began to melt. The Charred Bodies of three defeated Beasts cried out in agony before Falling to Ashes. Tthrough the smoke more Flashes of light came flying at me, I continued to sucessfully dodge these deadly creatures. 2 dracs are left, and I am wounded from the now dead Banshees that kept gnawing at my back as I focused on the Dracs, The first comes charging at me rapidly, My Body protected by a Icy Glaze that protects me from the Cold death touch of these beasts. The foolish drac was not aware of this and Exploded before he could get a second chance at me. I fell to my knees, for the impact I absorbed from its lunge was unbearable. but I had to get up to protect myself from the one remaining severly wounded Dracoliche. By now I was Loosing alot of blood, I could barely stand and The drac was equally wounded None the less, with lightning speed a flash hit me in the eyes as I tried to regain my focus, I stood there helpless, Lifeless, For the first time in my life I knew what fear was,. It was hopeless, The Drac let out a Loud Scream as If celebrating Victory. But he could not move from all the damage that he sustained in the fierce battle. The Drac took a moment And seemed to throw what was the most powerful blast I have ever witnessed, Nothing could be seen for that moment as the whole area was as bright as the sun that shines over Neverwinter itself. The mutilated Drac lost balance from the force of its Gaze, and Hit my mirror shield and reflected directly into the Dracs Eyes, the Last Dracoliche was Paralyzed. There we were, both Paralyzed Locked Eye to Eye in what seemed to Be an eternity. The next day the Guard that was to relieve me of duty slayed the Drac and rushed me to the NW Hospital for immediate treatment. I think Ill retire now. A tail of a wolf pup! (Submitted by: RASCALW0LF) As the clouds sweep past the moon on a crisp autumn night, the sound of rustling leaves and a soft whimper are the only things heard deep in the woods. As the wolf pup makes his way slowly along the well worn path, keeping his senses to the surroundings. The pup thinks back to a time when he was left behind by his relatives, when a large group of evils stormed their home in the far regions of the lost hills. Trying to keep up, but loosing them in the heavy brush of a briar patch, snagging his paw on a thorn. Clenching his teeth, holding back from howling from the pain. digging himself in deep amongst the brush as the large group tramples past, as they search for their kill. Frightened the pup stays hidden for several days, finally deciding the time was right as a severe storm pounded down from the skies. Moving slowly threw the rain, limping on one paw as a large thorn was imbedded in the other one. Making his way past several towns, getting weak from lack of food, the pup falls on the side of the path barely breathing. Laying there as a pack of trolls eye him and move in to clam the pup for their supper, the pup jumps up snarling at them trying to hide the wounded paw. Just as a troll slashes at him a lovely Maiden wanders around the path noticing the wolf pup in trouble. Mershu, draws her flail and begins pounding on the trolls, killing them as she works her way to the pup. Leaving a trail of slain trolls, she turns to protect the wolf pup keeping him to her back, slashing deep into the next troll that leashes out at her. The trolls realizing she is to strong for their liking retreat deep into the wooded area. Mershu watching them closely, making sure they are not planning on returning with a counter strike, drops her flail and goes down to the pups side. As the pup looks up at her with curiosity, she notices the thorn protruding from his paw. Taking the large paw into her hand, grasping the thorn with her fingers, pulling from it's embedment deep in the paw. Yowling from the sudden pain and leaping back and looking at her with a startled look, realizing the pain has subsided in his paw. Cautiously walking up to her, as she stays on her knees reaching out with a gentle hand. The pup licks her face playfully as she scratches behind his ears. Sniffing her scent, just as he takes off to continue his quest for his family, turning and looking at her remembering her scent always. After several months, and learning to survive on his own the large pup giving up on ever seeing his family again. Fighting and traveling his way threw out the realms the wolf pup becomes feared by many, both crit and foe. Coming up on several Iron Golems and a variety of other crits the pup chews off more then he can handle. Fighting fiercely for his life, taking several blows across his chest. Finally killing all but one, the last Golem catches the pups leg, mangling it severally. Leaping at the golem, the pup hits it with a thrashing blow sending the golem to it's grave. The anguished wolf, wearied from the fight, sets off to find a place to lay and tend to it's wounds. After several days the mangled leg getting worsened infected, the pups searches out for shelter and aid. Passing several towns and being run off, the pup catches scent of the fair maiden who once helped him when he was young. remembering the maidens lovely face and smile, his spirit and hope perk up. Getting a fresh burst of energy, the pup follows the scent hoping he crosses her path and her kind heart remembers him. As the nights grow colder, the pup wanders deeper into an unknown region, loosing the scent of his fair maiden. The winds begin to howl threw the trees as the rains begin to fall in a heavy down pour. The wearied wolf pups fur, matted down covered with mud and blood notices a light of in the distance. Struggling to stay on his feet, stammers threw the puddles and mud falling near the door, weak and hungry unable to continue on. A Tail of a Wolf Pup! - Part 2 (Submitted by: Mershu) The morning was exceptionally crisp and bright after the long evening of thundering rains and fierce winds. The birds perched high in the trees were singing love songs to each other making Mershu's spirits high. She greeted every guild brother and sister up early with her with enchanting and cheery disposition. Thinking it would be delightful to surprise her family with a large breakfast, she fastened her cloak and grabbed a basket and proceeded into the woods to gather fruit and berries. Not far from the door and off the path, Mershu noticed something unusual, a peculiar mound. She proceeded carefully, circling around, sizing it up and she noticed shallow moment similar to breathing. Thinking to herself "this bloody, smelly thing can not be alive". Standing close and extending her hand gingerly to move the fur away from it's face, she noted a certain familiarity. Calmness set in and her hand stopped trembling but this was quickly replace with panic. Mershu remembered this kind pup from when he was younger. Knowing her strength was not enough to move him, she removed her cloak and darted back to the guild hall. Pounding on the doors to the private quarters of Deverell and Maethln she shouted "WAKE UP.......COME QUICK" Both men quickly appeared, fumbling with buttons and hopping into boots. It was apparent they were up late the night before stomping evilness in the hills because it took a few minutes to digest what Mershu was trying telling them. All three proceeded with out delay to assist the helpless pup. Deverell was the first to comment on the size of the pup, half laughing "No problem moving him Sis, you should try pulling the Ale Wagon around for a night". ::looking sternly at Dev:: This is no time for joking. The two strong men lifted the pup and carried him into the hall, placing him by the fire. By his side for countless hours, Mershu tended to his wounds and attempted to clean him up a bit while Maethln used his Amulet casting every last heal till it was dry. Maethln and Mershu were questioning each other, trying to remember the pup's name, trying to remember if he had family. Maethln shouted out "RASCAL0LF" that's his name! At that moment the first signs of life feel upon the pup. His eyes slowly opened half way and his ears perked for a second. Mershu and Maethln both let out a sigh of relief. Soon, Rascalwolf was strong enough to convey his tales of his lost family and his battle stories. Mershu's heart went out to him, her eyes blinked tears for his loss. "Rascalwolf, would you like to become part of our family here at OGS?" she asked. The pup's eyes opened wide as he said "Do you really think they would accept me?" Mershu replied, "well, you only need to ask OGS Bannor to give you the chance". Reaching into her pack, Mershu pulls out parchment and a plume and gives it to Rascal. If you write your request, I'll make sure he receives it. Overly excited, Rascal starts writing Lost - Part 2 (Submitted by: Shanista) Shanista had been moving back and forth from the tower to the realms for some time now....the concept of time held no meaning for her now. Not sure why he had her run what she called "silly errands".... he none the less felt them valuable to her training. She was just returning from a trip to Vilnask when he said, "Come over here child. I wish to show you something." Moving over to the other side of the room she noticed that he was staring into a pool of what first appeared to be nothing but water....looking down into it....it changed colors ....then shifted into a picture..."Watch " he says.....and learn"..... The scene was of Delrachnid walking alone in a forest....and suddenly a female was behind him...she barely recognized her, for she had only seen Raj but once...She could hardly believe the scene that unfolded before her eyes. Looking up to her teacher for an answer..he only pointed back down to the vision...Returning her gaze to the scene....she saw Raj laying dead on the ground...and an odd look in Del's eyes.....the scene began to blur and fade....then there was only water again.... "Why have you shown me this?" she asks. "I wanted you to see it so that you may look treachery into the face and know it." he stated. " Treachery is a good thing..it keeps a balance among the realms....but treachery....bound with a single thought of revenge helps no one. It is good that she has been killed. She would only have distorted the ideals I have set into play." Shanista went back across the room to study more of the spells that he had taught her when he said, "I have something I would like you to do for me." She sighed....knowing that this would be another one of the "silly errands" he was always sending her on...He gave her a list of the things that he wanted and sent her on her way....Not that she really minded...but going through that portal was taxing on her.... Upon reaching the realms...she began her trek back to Neverwinter...knowing fully who her mentor was...but wondering why he had chosen her...she knew that almost all of his followers were males...this made no sense to her....but she did know that he was a most dangerous thing to upset...and who knew where she played a part in his devious plots that he was always seeming to come up with?....She shrugs...accepts her fate...and moves onto Neverwinter....................... LATE SHOW WITH WAGEBOLT!!! (Submitted by: WGBT) ::Wagebolt of the Winterguard leaps into Lord Nasher's palace, numorous guards there groan,"Oh no not again!" ::Wagebolt cheers::"Yes Again! Brought to you from the home office in the Triskan Isles! Comes tonights Top Ten List!"::Produces another blue index card:: For tonights top ten list we have! (here we go again) Top ten False Rumors going around NW: 10:If you cast 150 mirror images in a row you are instantly invinsable! 9:If your Icon is bald, you have a better chance at saving vs. holds! 8:Using Lightgrey colored text and saying,"MekaLeka Hi! MekaHiney Ho!"Will automaticly cast globe without haveing to mem! 7:If 8 people get into a straight horizontal line at LongSaddle, you get to watch everyone dance the can-can! 6:Stregnth of Stink Clouds depend on how many beans were eaten for lunch 5:People with at least four numbers in their screan names get + 7 against saves! 4:Boots of speed can be gotten in the game by hunting down the holy magical cow in neverwinter wood and using it's hide! 3:Your saves go up +1 for every 50 boulders you throw. 2:If you fight without a weapon during 3000 strait fights while equiped with a +3 ring, and you become ,"God of the Wharves," "And now, the number one rumor going around NWN," 1:Eating Blue M&M's before each fight aids with saving throws! "Thankyou! Thankyou! and now we will be dropping Objects from the roof of the Red Mage inn! Paul Schaffer! Get the Watermelons + 3!" ::Throws index card:: The Lifegiver Feebed (Submitted by: KEF Puma) The squire, KEF Puma, stood in Strider's Inn with his Arch Knight, Fair Star. The Lady Fair addressed her squire, "Puma, we are pleased that you desire to join our ranks. But before you can call yourself a Knight, you must prove thy skill. You will undertake a number of quests. And I will now assign your first." Puma stood anxiously as Fair gathered herself to pronounce the quest. She began, "Your first quest is to trust your brethren to feeblemind you, and then rescue the Lifegiver from the hands of evil in which it now resides." A look of apprehension appeared momentarily over Puma's face. But it was soon replaced by one of determination as he knew he had it within him to complete this task. He replied to Fair, "It shall be as thee command, M'lady." Puma then began to take inventory of his items. He knew the proper scrolls, potions, and other items would make the difference between life and death. Lady Fair offered to Puma the use of her scrolls and wand of fireballs. The squire thanked her heartily and accepted her offer. With his head bowed, Puma allowed himself to be feebleminded. Still invisible, the squire set out for Westbridge. Passing throw the Hills and Triboar, Puma wandered into Westbridge. Puma made a couple of purchases in the potion shop and was thankful that the shopkeeper did not take advantage of the impaired squire. The area surrounding Westbridge took on a new look to the feebleminded squire. He wandered around for quite a while, dodging many a monster. He soon crashed through a hole in the ground and found himself in a dungeon. Somehow realizing that he found the area where the first part of the Lifegiver was kept, Puma now wandered through the dark halls. He made his way to a doorway which seemed to emanate with magic and evil. Puma then decided to prepare for what was on the other side. Surprised that he was still able to read, Puma called forth magic contained on a couple of scrolls. He then downed a couple of potions and found himself spoiling for a fight. The squire crashed through the door and faced at an evil female mage with two stone golems and a red dragon at her side. The mage soon fell to the strokes of the powerful flail of Puma. The slows and spells from the dragon bounced off the squire. Puma had read a scroll which protected him from magic. But the golems did more than cast slow spells. They charged at the squire and tried to pound him to a pulp. Puma nimbly dodged their attacks and landed blow after blow on them with his flail. Puma also managed to read a spell which frosted the red dragon. But the red dragon still stood. He charged the squire and attacked ferociously with claws and bite. Anticipating the attack, Puma slipped to the side and pounded the dragon into eligibility for dracolichdom. With his enemies defeated, Puma found the Staff of Healing in the corner of the room. He had enough sense to pack it away and head back for the exit. Soon, the squire found himself outside and he instinctively walked back to Neverwinter. He realized when he arrived in Neverwinter that his subconscious must have told him to get more items out his vault to prepare for the second part of the quest. Restocked with items, Puma headed to Red Larch. Making another stop at the magic shop in Westbridge, Puma was ready to unfold the events in Red Larch. While wandering the town square, he bumped into a wall which yielded to his weight. The squire found himself outside the city walls with only one direction to move, ahead. The path was not well marked and Puma stumbled into a bevy of dragons. Fireballs soon erupted from his wand, but they hardly slowed the hard-charging dragons. Barely sidestepping spells, the squire finally was able to land a couple of fireballs that did a good amount of damage on the dragons. A red dragon, however, still remained and breathed on the valiant squire. Partly scorched, but still alive, Puma returned the attack by slamming his flail on the head of the dragon. The dragon fell and the squire was the only creature still alive in the area. With his wounds soon bandaged and an invisibility spell invoked upon him from a scroll, Puma continued on his journey. He wandered around the outside of the town and finally saw a tunnel ahead of him. At that very moment, a couple of hungry red dragons swept down upon him. Knowing that he could not make himself invisible again if he fought the dragons, the squire desperately tried to run. The dragons, however, could see the invisible squire and charged to attack. Puma found himself desperately dodging claws and bites. The dragons also cast spells on the defenseless squire. Puma ran away several times but was overtaken by the much faster dragons. Puma thought all hope was lost. But he managed to find a tree behind which to hide. The dragons charged to the tree, but the squire managed to slip to the other side, out of sight of the attackers. The foolish dragons stayed together on one side of the tree. They circled around the tree a couple of times, but never realized that the squire was deftly moving to keep the tree between them and stayed out of their site. Dumbfounded and disappointed at their apparently lost lunch, the dragons flew away. Puma lifted up a prayer to Tyr for the good fortune that he had just received. Bandaging his wounds, Puma moved the short distance to the tunnel.. He found himself underground in the area he knew must contain the remaining part of his quest. Staying close to the walls, the squire wandered until he saw a dead end ahead. Seeing a small flash ahead, Puma decided to prepare for a fight. Downing a couple of potions and invoking the magic from a scroll, Puma boldly moved ahead. He found himself cornered by two evil clerics, three cloud giant shamans, and, most dangerously, a beholder. Using a scroll, Puma teleported himself out of the corner. The fast moving giants quickly caught up to the slower moving squire, however. Fireballs erupted from the wand of the squire. But the giants were prepared and took little damage from them. Taking a couple of scrolls from his belt pouch, Puma evoked their magic and frosted the giants. But the shamans still charged. With his last scroll, Puma called forth the power of great mage who scribed it. The two charging giants froze in their tracks. The squire eliminated them quickly and turned to face the remaining cleric and slow moving beholder. A fireball dispensed of the cleric, but the holder was unfazed by the spells. Unfortunately for the squire, the magic of the speed potion had worn off. But not to be denied, Puma charged the beholder. The squire pounded the holder once but be barely fazed his deadly opponent. In an dangerous move, Puma turned his back on the beholder and allowed it to strike him. Overcome with glee at the easy attack, the beholder forgot to cast his series of death spells on his opponent. It was a mistake that the beholder made time after time. The beholder damaged the squire many times, but the monster took more damage in return as the squire landed blow after blow with his flail. At last, Puma's flail struck the beholder in its central eye. The socket collapsed and the holder fell to its death. Badly damaged but still alive, Puma picked up the Orb. He wandered around underground and stumbled into a teleporter. Taking a step forward, Puma interrupted Alinstar Crostrum from his studies. The powerful wizard saw that Puma was there to help the realms and assisted him by forging the Lifegiver from the Orb and Staff. Handing the newly made Lifegiver, Crostrum cast a spell on Puma and the squire found himself above ground in Westbridge. A huge smile of relief crossed Puma's face as the cleric at the Temple in Triboar brought back the memory of the squire. Puma skipped and jumped back to Neverwinter to show Nasher his prize. Puma was rewarded with an Amulet of Health. A huge smile was on KEF Puma's face as he realized that he had completed his first quest to gain Knighthood in the Knights of the Eternal Flame. KEF Puma, Squire of Fair Star A Gauntlet Tossed in Haste (Submitted by: Aluric) A red knight atop a roan charger rides to the front of the mech warrior compound. To the gate he nails a heavily lettered scroll. Having preformed his self appointed task, he departs at a leisurely canter. "Last night your Mec Havoc did assail the Knights of the Eternal Flame with seditious verbiage in excess to the point, I felt need to respond. Not with repartee nor whit but a simple statement of fact. EX NIHILO NIHIL FIT (from nothing cometh nothing) This brought forth considerable verbal flatculance the sum of which amounted to the braggart proclaiming him self the "master" of the pvp ladder within his guild and how lacking KEF knights of the sword where in such skills. As well as accusing the knights of the eternal flame as being the ultimate servants of evil. I did then as do so now take great umberadge with such professions as if fact. While in this form I do by personal choice give service unto those in need and have only recently ventured onto the ways of the sword, and knowing full well I lacked the finely honed skills for such tasks as defeating another citizen of the realm in combat arcane regardless of how friendly it was supposed to be. I did accept his challenge without comment, not in good stead being able to permit this public defamation of KEF to continue. Not being satisfied with my retrieveal of the gauntlet so carelessly tossed before me did Havoc begin anew his linguistic effigy of the downfall of KEF. As well did he then boast of such supreme prowess in the skills of laying low any of KEF who might stand before him so much so that he could lay low any 2 KEF knights of the sword at the same time. This gauntlet was picked up by KEF Puma, a new recruit to the path of the sword, though more skilled than myself. To insure himself of his bragging rights Havoc then chose a second to "observe and insure no foul play or deceit was preformed on the part of the KEF Knights. As if we would ever stoop to such evil tactics. After some preparation on his part Havoc did become impatient with us and demand we stand and deliver immediately or admit to defeat by forfeit, ergo the superiority of the mec warrior . We did not keep him waiting, he crashed the gate to the sewers as soon as we arrived, without benefit of discussion. Immedeatly availing himself of a dimension door out of the room and fled for the far corner of the room adjoining it. Kef Puma followed him through the gate, and was setupon by the golems charged with the protection of the sewers, using a similar door Puma arrived at the far wall of the room but could not pursue Havoc due to the sheer number of golems about his proximity. I arrived shortly there after under a barrage of slowing magics and physical blows from above, all of which had no effect by luck or the grace of the one whom made us all in his own likeness. Havoc's second appeared close upon my heels and was summarily slain by the golems. Turning about while still dodging the golems, it was my original intent to offer a cessation to the combat whilst another second could be found, to my horror I saw Puma fall to the blows of the numerically superior golems. Not seeing Havoc; I used a dimension door myself, coming out between the 2 rooms in the midst of a pack of the stone and iron warriors, though they attempted to reduce my haste, I was able to move, (in pursuit of the villain) to the next room, within sight of Havoc. He turned on me then and closed the distance, discharging an amassed quantity of electrical energy sufficient to wipe out an entire regiment of common soldiers. Yet the bolt of energy passed through me without harm, redounded of the wall at my back and struck its creator square on, with damage sufficient to char most to cinders. He then fell to an iron golem who lightly delivered the killing blow as if from the creators very hands, snuffing out his lifes essence till but a mere shadow of itself. Mercifully that same creator did permit Havoc to later be healed. I found him in the square of Neverwinter, babbling about something from atop a soapbox of an Neverwinter's assistant creation, and called forth for Havoc to account his defeat, and set to right, the good name of the Knights of the Eternal Flame. In accord with my personal creed as a paladin, I did not strike the first blow nor did I slay an opponent when already down. Had quarter been sought, gladly would I have granted it. If for no other reason aside from my own creed, then for the sanctity of those whom might one day come to true oneness with that which doth burn with the love of life forever. Instead of a apology, however simple he might have made it, Havoc denied me the victory, proclaiming before all present, a simple matter of luck. Luck or the hand of the divine, the victory is mine as well as Sir Puma's, and more so the guild of KEF. Had the hand of fate chosen to ally with Havoc, there can be no doubt of his claiming victory over all of KEF and the assumption put forth at his hands that the guild of the Knights of the Eternal Flame are in fact one with the house of the lord of darkness himself. I would have my apology, in public, before a similar composed gathering. That is unless, the guild of Mec have no honor. If that be so then let it stand for all to see as a public proclamation, showing all of the guild of Mec to be a false and treacherous lot. Forever bearing the shame of the public of Neverwinter. I would remind you this was his challenge, under his conditions, within his chosen domain, against 2 of the least experienced within KEF. I ask you; What More Advantage Did Mec Havoc Need? I await your reply. Begrudgingly with respect I remain yours in service unto that which doth burn without end lighting the true path for all to see, until the river meets the almighty seas. Aluric DAMNATION (Submitted by: V Necrim) Preface ====== Like a silent hand seeking to smother an unknowing victim, thick tendrils of fog curl across thestreets of Never Winter. Tis a chill autumn eve and the streets of the city are empty. Even the thieves have retreated into the warmth and the comfort of the taverns. Along a deserted street in once wealthy but fallen on hard times portion of the city, all is quiet. Row upon row of once fine homes line a moss grown street. Upon the mist slicked cobbles, a rat feeds on a hunk of discarded bread. Suddenly it stops, looks, and then scurries into a hole under the steps of an ancient stone house. Safe, it listens as soft footsteps approach, pause, and then hesitantly climb the stairs. Faintly comes the sound of the door being struck by an unsteady hand. After a short wait the door, squealing slightly from years of neglect, opens. Without word the footsteps enter the house and are lost. As the door closes the rat thinks to himself, "Mayhap I shall have fresh meat to feast upon come the dawn ...." Standing Before The Damned ===================== Stopping in front of an ancient door of polished oak the vampire motioned for Necrim to pass through. Without conscious thought he obeyed. Opening the door, he paused as the light spilled out into the darkened corridor. Surprised, he turned to speak to his guide, but the hall was empty. Fear welled up within him and at that moment did he consider flight. But he did not. Great within him was the lust for power and eternal life. Brutally he crushed the fear with the cold hand of his will. Then a voice spoke from within the room ... "Come mortal", it commanded, "you play a game of high stakes, your life is your marker, tis time for thee to make thy throws." Stepping into the room he found himself in a comfortable yet dilapidated study. At the center of the room upon ancient chairs sat two regal figures, a man and a woman. Beautiful and terrible, their faces were the pale white of death. Thus he knew them for what they were ... what he wished to become ... Long into the night did they question him. At first he sought to tell them what he would, but twas impossible. Unbidden poured his inmost secrets, his schemes, and his fears. All of the corruption and wickedness that had putrefied his soul was laid bare. Lustful was he of power, ruthless, yet fearful of death and the power of others. As they listened they smiled back him mockingly. In the red light their fangs glowed and their dead black eyes seemed to sparkle with the embers of hell fire itself. At the last they finished with him. Exhausted he slumped to the floor. Dimly he could hear the voices of the two vampires rise and fall as they conversed. Then all was silent. Looking up he found the chairs in front of him empty. Mustering his strength he sought to rise only to be roughly shoved to the floor . From behind him came the voice of the female vampire ... "Get thee down, kine. Thee shall rise when I command it." Then did a cold hand wrap itself about his throat and with inhuman strength lift him off the floor. Deprived of air Necrim struggled to free himself from the crushing grip but could not. As he drifted out of consciousness, he was aware of the vampire looking into his eyes. At first she regarded him disdainfully, but then an evil grin broke over her face. "Be careful what thee wisheth for ", she mocked him, "thee just might get it." The Embracing ============= He was in utter darkness. Pain throbbed through every joint in Necrim's body. As he began to regain consciousness he became aware that he was lying on cold stone. The scent of dust and decay was in the air. For a moment he lay still listening for sound. Hearing nothing, he slowly extended his arms and felt around him. "What dost thee seek to find, kine", hissed the voice of the female vampire from the darkness. Startled, Necrim snatched back his hands. "Wh .. Wh .. Where am I?", he stammered. "Thee is where thee said thee wisheth to be," replied the voice, "Among the Kindred." With that a light, held covered, was sudden unveiled. Blinking Necrim found himself in a room seemingly cut from solid stone. About him stood several vampires who regarded him with cold dispassion. Involuntarily he shrank back from them for they were fell to behold. Suddenly without appearing to move, one was behind him, lifting him roughly, he cast him at the feet of the apparent leader ... the female vampire. "Rise Necrim," she commanded. Unable to resist he slowly, painfully pulled himself to his feet. Seizing him she turned him around so that he faced the others. Evil smiles were upon their faces. In a gloating voice she whispered in his ear, "Thee seeks power, Necrim? Thee seeks eternal life? I shall give thee eternal servitude instead !" Then did he feel her fangs bite deep into his neck. Pain lanced through him as he screamed in agony. He could feel his blood on her lips, feel her throat against his back as she hungrily quaffed the warm fluid. As she drank he could feel his limbs grow cold and his heart slow as his life was drawn inexorably from his body. As he began to fade his eyes slumped shut and he became aware of a shimmering ball of light before him. Dim to his mind came the voice of the vampire, "Thee sees thy soul before thee Necrim, wilt thou give it to me? Thee must choose ere thy heart stops." "Y ... Y ... Yes", he whispered. Before him the light winked out, in chest his heart beat once, then again, and was still. Suddenly the arm that had held him was gone. As a rag doll, he tumbled to the floor only to be grappled and lifted again to his feet. A wide metal drinking bowl was placed to his lips. "Then drink and thee shall live, forever...", whispered the voice. Thick warm fluid filled his mouth and throat. Involuntarily he wretched and coughed. Gagging he sought to push the bowl from his lips but could not. More of the fluid was forced down his throat until at last the bowl was removed. Then the voice spoke again, "I am Mircalla. Necrim thou art now my childe. Bound by blood you now serve me and Clan Tremere." Again the bowl was placed to his lips. This time he was able to drink better of the fluid ,after a moment of gagging he suddenly found himself drinking deeply. Within him a sudden hunger flared hot. More intense that any he had ever felt it ripped at him with white hot claws. Greedily he lapped at the bowl only to find it removed from his lips. Cast to the ground, he lay at Mircalla's feet writhing as agony over the sudden denial screamed through his body. "More, Mistress ... it hurts ... please ... I am so hungry", he begged. "There shall be more for thee Necrim", she replied imperiously. "But first thee must repeat after me ... I Necrim hereby swear my everlasting loyalty to House and Clan Tremere .....". POSTSCRIPT ========== "Damn Banshee", thought the Kraken as the patrol made it's way through the woods outside Vilnask. "By the squid, I wish just once I could go out without one." Looking back, he watched as the sun slowly slipped behind the hills to southwest. Though a nuisance, the Banshee was a fell fighter in it's own way. "But ... tis just as well for of late something has been taking our patrols with alarming regularity. What manner of beast is it that tears the flesh from their throats and leaves the corpses sucked like oranges?" Several miles away, in the cellar of a strangely deserted farmstead, the lid of a long wooden box lies open. Awakened he rose and slipped quickly out into the night. Within him the Beast roared and clawed him with the Hunger. He could smell blood upon the wind. It was time to feed...... "Yes , Mistress", he thought to himself, "there shall be more for me indeed ....." A Call in the Night (Submitted by: UDL Diablo) The spectre returned from the sewers, drifting through the dark streets of Neverwinter, making his way for the light that was Striders Tavern. There he would rest, there he would think, there he might vent his anger. The High Priest of Myrkul had heard enough about the honor of an Undead Lord, and it showed. The young boy, the spectre passed, had but a brief glance of it as Diablo tore his head from his shoulders, rage overtaking him for a moment. The High Priest shot up into the sky, like an ebony streak against the black of the night. High into the sky, his destination the top of Lord Nashers castle. It was there he came to a landing, upon the roof of the tallest tower. It was there that the cloud kill stopped the four guards before a warning could be given. Walking over to the edge of the wall, looking down on the activity of Neverwinter Square, the spectre began a soft chant. Then he raised his arms, one hand still holding the head of the young lad he passed. With his arms raised, the chant became louder and a wind started to whip around the top of the tower. "Myrkul!" the High Priest called, catching the attention of those in the square below. "Myrkul!" once again the call, louder and the wind now beat against the black robe the spectre wore. "Myrkul, hear well this call tonight!" the High Priest continued. "For tonight I am certain that Cyric walks among us. For only the Prince of Lies and Deception could be behind those who would call themselves the Soldiers of Light. For only Cyric could make the population believe that this band of thugs, who have the morals of a street whore, is out to protect the people." "Myrkul, many times our "honor" has been called to question. Why? Because we serve a god who believes that truth can only be learned through death? We serve our god well," the spectre then pauses, lowering his arms and tossing the head down to the square below. "But those who would serve the Lord of Battle, Tempus, he who gets a prayer from me at times. He could not support this group of ruffians who walk the lands of the north. For if there is nothing else in battle, there is honor, do you hear me Soldiers of Light, honor, and you fight with none! It is time that others saw this," the spectre rising slightly from the roof as more of Lord Nashers Guard start to appear. "It is now clear that the Soldiers of Light are Cyric's pawns, not servants of the honorable god Tempus," he calls forth as he floats from the top of the tower, heading up into the darkness of the night. PvP Melee I am writing this in hope that the point I am about to illustrate will prompt a change to the current pvp system we have in NWN. Of course, as it stands, we have pvp, but not melee, and this poses two problems, that i feel are fundamental to DND and are egregious errors to the current system. One: ADND has much character and racial diversity, and rules have been imposed to keep a check and balance system, so no one race or class will have a dominating status over others. this was important from a playing standpoint, or nobody would play fighters or dwarves, who cannot cast magic. and likewise, nobody would be a half-elf who suffers level restrictions to offset class advantages. what has happened, due to lack of melee, is this: nobody plays halflings, half-elves, or dwarves. without the ability to attack a magic user or cleric, they are sitting ducks. In the real game, a magic user would be sorely pressed to win against a fighter class, as if he suffers a hit, he cannot cast that turn. this leads us to problem number 2... Two: Clerics and Magic-users enjoy a godlike status in the current game, due to the immunity they receive from being attacked by physical means. They literally cannot be touched, and this is completely unlike the real game, and throws all balance of power out of wack. I'm sure there are those who like it this way, but pvp is too long when you can only defeat someone by magical means, and not all classes are allowed to participate. i feel the game suffers from this discrepancy, and i hope that these comments are taken into consideration when melee is discussed for the future of NWN. tl 23 the knights of darkstar Guild Tips You immediately obtain an experienced support group to get you quickly through the NWN learning curve. New guild members are likely to receive magical items from other members that would have taken them much time and labor to obtain themselves. They will receive invaluable assistance in obtaining experience; considerably reducing the time required to "max" their character. Maps, quest details, and other information about the realm are readily available from their more experienced brothers. And, most importantly, they gain friends and comrades; they never have to play alone. However, it is very important that you choose a guild carefully. Find out as much as you can about as many of the guilds as you can. Many restrict membership to particular classes and/or alignments. A great way to get a feel for a guild's membership is to read their postings. Remember to check out both sanctioned and unsanctioned guilds. Finally, adventure with some of the guild members. This is the BEST way to determine if you will fit in with the group. It also helps you to see how many members are in the game at the times you will be. Wishing you lots of FUN :-), NOR AYEONE Knight of NOR in NWN .MinervaSun Greetings my friends. I come to thee this day bearing sad tidings. By now ye may hae heard that the evil Bonze has kidnapped my dear older sister Minerva. I shudder to think what terrible fate may befall her at the hands of that nefarious scoundrel. ::tears welling in eyes:: He has nae given us his ransom, na do we, her immediate family and fiance, think he would honor any agreement we made with him. Her fiance is the mighty Belmour, and were he here I wouldna hae worries for her safe return. Indeed, were he here, that knave wouldna hae been so bold as to steal her from the comfort of her friends and family. Alas, this mighty paladin is fighting the holy wars to the south, and willna return for nae a month to come. I hae sent a message, but ::shakes head:: I didna think he will return in time to save her from any dishonor that rogue may force upon her. I plead with you, nay beg you, my friends to aid us in our hour of need. We are offering a reward for any who can find her. We offer no less than the sum of 200 Jewels, one +2 ring, one set of +3 plate armor, one set of AC3s, one wand of fireballs, and one amulet of health to the person or persons who can return her safely to us. I am counting on you, my friends, to come to our aid. Please do not let my sister languish in whatever fate that villian has in store for her. I beg of you, help us find our sister. Myschyfsun Sienna Sun Rooster99 Belmour POSTSCRIPT Since this time, the evil knave Bonze hath opened a folder in Tales of Neverwinter Nights, publishing his demands for all to see. My brothers and sisters of the Sun Clan of Warriors hath graciously added yet another +2 Ring and one +3 Cloak to the Reward. I beg of all good hearted souls who may read this, please help me find my sister, before it is too late! Myschyf Great War News The third wave of The Great War has ended. Only three sanctioned guilds remain standing, all the others have fallen!!!! The Nightmasks defeated The Soldiers of Light in a narrow victory. 6 out of 11 battles were won by Mask units. The SOL leadership was hard to press into a surrender, but eventually, they realized they had been beaten, and signed the surrender. House ITB soundly destroyed the Shadow Alliance. The passion of this rout was fueled in part by the cruel kidnapping and torture of Ebony, ITB Skorp's crow familiar. In 6 out of 8 battles the ITB units were victorious, many times not losing a single warrior! The sole remaining force of good, The Knights of the Eternal Flame, had pulled back into a defensive position, and had gathered their stregnth for the upcoming attacks. Representatives from ITB, Masks and KEF will be meeting this week to negotiate. It is however expected that negotiations will fail, and that KEF will need to defend itself from both of the Evil Powerhouses. Skorp Grandmaster of Bondage 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. <><><><><> <><><><><>