==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 116 Week Ending 1-14-95 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Lake Mist for winning last week's News of the Realm contest with "The Trial". Lake Mist has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes) WTG! <><><><><> <><><><><> Tonights MM Mini booth winner was ......... Sir Lione With a total of 71 hp damage, wins 4 pearls and 1 hr online time. -NW Hobbsie <><><><><> <><><><><> Location Hunt winner I sent out a banner for folks to find and ESP me the location of the following... "You gaze across the NW River. The peacefulness of its warm waters enveloping you." Within 30 seconds, I had a winner. It is Frytz Gryn and he wins 4 pearls and an hour of free time online. Well done, Frytz. -Triel :D <><><><><> <><><><><> Location Hunt Congratulations to Naergoth for winning 4 pearls and 1 hour online time. All due to his vast knowledge of Red Larch and its local Inn ;D -Frost <><><><><> <><><><><> ON this cold, frost day ..the Gallant Prince was frozen in the harbour! I needed someone who could cast some blazin' fireballs in order to free the ship from it's icey prison. What to do..what to do. Aha! I called for 15 adventurers to come test their fireball casting skill to the Gallant Prince Harbour area! The two hottest casts pon myself (well..it IS winter) would be awarded a prize for their efforts and would assist me in freeing the ship! One by one they showed... Torran Jaz, ITB Circe, MightyDead, Ldy Spawn, Ravenlyte, Midrack, Kh0lari, Naergoth, Ego Prime, Elemntlord, Mech Lotus, HG Quill, PALBalaczr, Zantarian and KF Turel all showed to test their ability! HG Quill showed he could really get things heated up by casting the winning combined total of 71 points! The Gallant Prince was freed from the ice flow..and HG Quill walks home with 4 pearls and 1 free hour online time! Congrats to HG Quill and thanks to all who participated! NW Kregar ;> <><><><><> <><><><><> Mini-Slay Whew..rough night fer oyster, as 10 outta the 15 manages to snag pearls in this event!!!! The 10 winners were as follows: kman111111 wol azlan cathjew kaelith metr0n horseclans silveron capybarra devin tir kf stud Again..Whew!!!! and thanks for all those who made it!!!! -Ulfy <><><><><> <><><><><> Tavern~! The Great Hall Tavern is the greatest drinking pub in Neverwinter because of people like, Abzzsta1n! Abzzsta1n earns access to the Guild of Heroes for being a stalwart patron and drinking anything I slide down the bar. Also don't forget that once a month, I have the honor of bestowing 5 pearls on a random drinker ;) You must be present to win. Happy New Year~! :D NWT Cyane Your Friendly Neverwinter Tavernkeep <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 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: January 14th Sunday 6:00 PM EST - Join NWA Lethe for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D January 16th Tuesday 7:00 PM EST - Join NWA Legion for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D January 17th Wednesday 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 January 19th Friday (late) 12:00 AM EST - Join NWA Icarus for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D January 20th Saturday 7:00 PM EST - Join NW Sparkle for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D January 21st Sunday 10:00 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 <><><><><> <><><><><> Come join NW Ember and NW Ulfius for the January edition of: <<>><<>> Who/What/Am/I <<>><<>> When: Thursday, January 18th Time: 10 PM Eastern time Where:The Great Hall Tavern Prizes: First Place: 25 Pearls + 4 hours Second Place: 20 Pearls + 3 hours Third Place: 15 Pearls + 2 hours For details on the rules please refer to the WWAI folder in the Events area. Cya There! NW Ember and NW Ulfius <><><><><> <><><><><> Once Upon a Midnight Query (Submitted by: MrBill888) Once upon a midnight query, Whilst I plundered, eyes quite bleary A group of pond scum I did see, Who called themselves the ITB At first I turned to move away, For I know how these evil play, But then I thought to give them chase, So I mirrored and globed, but first cast haste As I moved among them, their eyes did raise And they lifted up a verbal haze.. But as I moved among them, I was undaunted And boldly threw down the challenge gauntlet I enlarged a bullette, then dimension doored And the first ITB was sorely gored... Moving through corridors long and wide, I was ducking and weaving from side to side I got caught in a corner, surrounded by all So I taunted this evil with hearts -oh-so-small.. I threw up a cloud kill and stood my ground As they nuked me with hold monster round after round When I finally succumbed and was froze in my boots, The creatures that were held, were finally on the loose The landshark I enlarged killed one of these nerds, Who oddly for me, had some unfriendly words. But as the cloud dissipated, I knew my time was neigh So I wished them the worst and saluted goodbye The grossly large bullette was waiting for me, And ended quite quick my joy and my glee.... Mr. Bill888 The Unswerving Servants of Mystery (Submitted by: Ceribus) Golden sunlight filtered down through the canopy of leaves. A few rays trickled down to illuminate the ground between the trees. Stretched between two of the ancient oaks was a hammock. The sunlight edged up until it shone brightly on the elven form sleeping in the hammock. Slowly, the Elf-male opened his eyes. He looked around at the surreal landscape around him. A few birds flitted about in the trees overhead. Grinning in delight, the elf stretched, and began to put up his hammock. He put the hammock in his pack, and looked around. He spotted his tunic resting on a nearby rock. Unlike the other Servant's of Mystery, he didn't wear the colors of the guild. His tunic was simple and plain, a reminder to him of who he was before he joined the SOM. As a concession, though, he had woven the symbol of Mystra on the tunic approximately above where his heart should be. He gazed affectionately at the symbol of his goddess: a ring of stars with mist flowing in the middle of it. He slipped the tunic over his head, and picked up his pack. This was a hidden area in Floodblest, one which he stayed in as regularly as he could. As he wound his way out of his hidden abode, the elven-mage listened with joy in his heart to the birds that were still singing about their joy of living. He wandered to the banks of a river that was babbling pleasantly not so far away. He filled his water skin with some of this water, and washed his face off a little bit. Revigorated by the water, the elf started walking towards Neverwinter with the land awakening to the new dawn around him. * * * He stood at the gate that led to Neverwinter. He had traveled without stopping, and thankfully hadn't ran into any monster's. He said a quiet prayer to Mystra, and pushed the gate open. No sooner had he finished opening the door than the sounds of the city threatened to overwhelm him. He was a creature of the forest, cities were something that he usually tried to stay away from. The only reason that he was here now was because Kmalj had requested his presence. Winding his way through the streets the mage made his way to the vaults. He needed to drop his pack off because he knew he wouldn't need it 'till this afternoon. A small group of boys ran by with the guileless energy of youth, and the elf just barely managed to avoid them as they rushed past him. Hardly upset by the incident, the mage dropped his belongings off at the vault. With that task out of the way he worked his way over to the entrance to Lord Nasher's castle. Sitting in front of it, as agreed, was Kmalj. As he approached, the elf noticed that Kmalj was talking with someone. Kmalj himself was a paladin who worshipped Mystra. He had many softly glowing items of magic on him, and his armor seemed, as usual, highly polished. The man that he was talking to, however, was wearing a simple tunic and trousers with no visible weapon or magic. Looking up, Kmalj noticed the newcomer walking up, "Hail Ceribus! Glad you could make it!" The elf smiled in return to Kmalj. The elf's name was Ceribus. He was a nearly 6 foot tall even male (rare indeed), and he walked with a quarterstaff that fairly vibrated with power. His hair was purest black that seemed to radiate under the sunlight, his eyes were a deep emerald green with golden flecks. "Well met to you as well friend Kmalj." Cer replied formally. Kmalj turned to the man that he was talking with. "May I introduce to you Weaszel, who has just been asking me about the SOM." The man that he gestured to bowed deeply to the new-comer, Cer politely bowed back. "Weaszel, I would like to introduce to you Ceribus the Wonder Monkey." In a stage whisper he told Weaszel, "He's also the current SOM jester, so you may want to watch out." Ceribus smiled. Kmalj had spoken loud enough for him to hear. Seeing that Weaszel was beginning to look worried, Cer spoke, "I would love to stay and chat a little while longer, but Kmalj and I really must be leaving now." Kmalj gave Weaszel some information about the guild, and turned to Ceribus. "Ready yet monkey-man?" When Cer replied that he was, the SOM members closed their eyes and whispered a short prayer to Mystra. A brilliant bluish-white light surrounded them, and with a flash, they were gone. Weaszel looked at the parchment in his hand. He was obviously impressed with how the two SOM had left. Thoughtfully he opened up the parchment and started to read with growing interest. * * * The swirling glow placed them gently in the courtyard of a place known well to them. They were in the castle reserved for the Servants of Mystery. Unlike other castles, this one was made from the weave of magic that surrounded Faerun. Mystra herself had designed it for her worshippers. The area that Kmalj and Ceribus were in now was dedicated to the sending and receiving of messages for the SOM. They looked at the floating balls of light that held messages for general announcement, but they saw no new ones. As usual, Ceribus scanned the walkway surrounding the main courtyard. On top of this walkway was a statue of every normal member of the guild. Cer knew that, at the base of each statue, a plaque was engraved with the position of each member whether it be apprentice or Lord/Lady. Cer recalled that not very long ago his statue was up there as well. He turned around to look at the castle proper. On top of this building stood statues of the ruling council of the SOM. A plaque would be at the base of these statues as well, but these would also tell the position and responsibilities of the person. Looking closely Cer spotted his. He had been voted in as Mystra fool, or SOM jester, until such time as he was no longer needed, then he would be placed back with the normal members. Scanning the other council statues Ceribus also saw Kmalj's (unlike Cer's, Kmalj's title was Master of Apprentices.) "Ready Cer?" Kmalj asked. Ceribus nodded his head. There would plenty of time to look at the life-like statues later. They walked into the main part of the castle. As the courtyard had been, this part also had no ceiling. Only the rooms themselves were covered. As they walked into the main hall, Baron Ken came rushing out. "Kmalj! I'm glad I found you, I'm supposed to take a group of apprentices out to gain experience, but I have more pressing duties, could you do it?" Kmalj looked at his apprentice for a long breath. "Aye, I'll do it. Cer, you want to come along?" Ceribus just grinned, "Nay good friend, I have needs to talk with HardHeart first. I'll catch up with you if you would be so kind as to tell me were you're headed." After telling Ceribus that he was going to head towards Floodblest for the Cloud Giant's, Kmalj took his leave. Baron Ken walked off, so Cer just wandered around for a little bit. He went past the Lord Chancellor's office to check on FatherMatt. His office was littered with papers, but there was no sign of FatherMatt. Cer was about to head out when a warped little thought occurred to him. A few minutes later he walked out of FatherMatt's office laughing slightly at the whoopie cushion that he had placed in FatherMatt's chair. He heard the sounds of combat somewhere off to his left, so he walked over in that direction to see what was going on. He saw five owlbears glowing with the red of a hold monster spell. In front of them with his back turned was WJPIII. He was facing a small group of SOM members. These were apparently applicants for the War Wizards, and WJPIII was therefore probably testing them. Cer watched as, without warning, WJPIII cast a fireball at the group. He followed that with a quick succession of random magic missiles. Just as the smell of sulfur from the fireball wafted to Ceribus, WJPIII cast a lightning bolt designed to bounce off the walls and hit the entire group twice. Most of them made it through that last blast unscathed. Although two of the group lost their globe of protection, three others just had their globe dangerously thinned. The final member wasn't as lucky, however, his globe wore off when the lightning went by on its first strike. When it bounced back on him, it hit him full force, and he staggered to the ground. Immediately, three clerics rushed forward from the sidelines to take him off the battlefield and heal his wounds before they got too serious. After making sure that the victim was all right, WJPIII continued the test by turning himself invisible and then dispelling his enchantment on the owlbears. It appeared as though he was testing how well the trainees worked in a group. Cer noticed Azagorm preparing a spell. As jester Cer often did things that he found were amusing, and then think about what he did later. Now was no exception. He cast a dispel magic on WJPIII, and then hurriedly turned himself invisible before WJPIII saw him. Giggling in delight Ceribus ran off, with the sounds of WJPIII cursing. He ran into Lt. Captain Killiar, and before Ceribus even remembered that he was invisible, he reflexively punched out at Killiar. His fickle invis spell decided that the act of punching someone could be construed as an attack, so it turned Cer visible again. Killiar looked down at his would be attacker to see Ceribus holding his hand close to his chest. Ceribus had aimed the punch at Killiar's chest and Killiar was wearing full plate armor. With good humour, Killiar helped Cer to his feet. "You should get out of here before WJPIII figures out that you're the one that dispelled him." Killiar said with a grin. Ceribus thanked Killiar hastily. As the elf scurried around the corner Killiar went back to work teaching a few individuals about PvP self-defense and offense. Walking around the exotic garden, Cer noticed the scribe and assistant scribe (LorienLdy and Crotalidus respectively) talking about something. Thinking it better to leave them alone for the time being, Cer walked on. Eventually he reached the council meeting area, after he had checked on his good friend Sir Adler in the infirmary first. Lord Captain Eshkadeth and Assistant Lady Chancellor Iadris were sitting in the common room discussing the winter carnival. He nodded politely to them and kept on walking. Rounding a corner, Cer was momentarily distracted by the sounds of devout worship to Mystra coming from a side room. Most of the apprentices were apparently in there. Cer murmured a prayer and moved to the room that was at the end of the bare hallway. Standing just outside the door was the Lord Chancellor FatherMatt. He noticed Ceribus walk up, and ushered him into the room. As Ceribus walked into the door he just stood, waiting to be announced by the heralds. The room was large with many wall hangings depicting the goddess Mystra's palace in the heavens. The stones that made up the walls of this room glowed with a gentle blue light. There were no torches in the room to endanger the paintings. All the light came from blue light that glowed forth with Mystra's blessing's from every wall-sconce along the wall. The herald walked up to the largest wall hanging and pushed it aside. It revealed another room strewn with maps and equipment. The only occupant of this chamber was HardHeart. Normally the guildmaster himself would be in this chamber, but he must be out in the main area looking over the members. But Ceribus didn't mind, he was supposed to report to HardHeart, not Dimgar. When the Assistant Guildmaster looked up, Ceribus delivered his report. Many hours later, Ceribus walked out of the secret room and into the light of the main courtyard. Looking up he saw that the sun was near its zenith. Thankful that he still had the rest of the day to mess around, Cer left the great hall of Mystra. * * * The bluish-white light redeposited Ceribus at the walkway to Lord Nasher's Palace. He noticed that Weaszel was still poring over the guild charter. As Weaszel looked up, Cer said "I have some items of magic that you may be able to use, do you want them?" Weaszel eagerly agreed, and Cer went off to get some of the many magic items that he kept in his vault. When he got back, he gave Weaszel some bracers of protection, and a +1 battle axe. "There, that should help you out a little bit. Here's some jewel's to guide you along your way as well, and a few platinum to get yourself a good room in an inn for the night." Cer handed over the money, and Weaszel took it with thanks. As he was leaving, Cer saw KingRobe walk up. "Thank you for the +3 scimitar Ceribus," he said. Cer smiled, "Twas my pleasure to get it for you as long as you use it in the name of Mystra." He suddenly remembered something that he had just recently read about KingRobe. "Congratulations on your acceptance into the Servants of Mystery. I look forward to adventuring with you again one day in the near future." KingRobe looked embarrasedly at the ground. Then he remembered why he was here. "Cer, Kmalj asked me to tell you that he is in Luskan outpost due to some misfortune or other. He asks that you hurry with all possible speed to help him out." Cer furrowed his brow. "I thought that he was taking some unmaxxed players on a experience trip?" Shrugging his shoulders, KingRobe merely replied that something must have happened. Looking at the sky Cer noticed that he wouldn't have time to travel by foot to Luskan Outpost. With deep reluctance he looked at his ring of spell storing. "May Mystra guide thy magics." Cer replied in the standard leave0taking of the SOM. He calmly twisted his ring, and was suddenly outside the inn in Luskan. The spell he used didn't even leave him disorientated. Standing just outside the inn Ceribus noticed that Kmalj was already waiting for him. Kmalj smiled when he saw Cer appear. "Cer! Good to see you my good elf! My charges all are busy training at the Tower of Mystery, so I was going to find me some Beholders to fight if you'll agree to come along?" Cer agreed, and the two suicidal SOM members went a-hunting. It was late in the day when the two of them finally arrived at their destination. According to Kmalj's crudely drawn map, the Beholder's should be just behind this next door. Both adventurers were road-weary and caked with dust. But they each had a gleam in their eye with the thought of ridding the world of some true evil. Kmalj cast as many protection spells as he had with him. Being a paladin/mage he would serve as the blades in this battle, and so he wouldn't need offensive magic. Cer, on the other hand, was responsible for keeping the non-beholders away from Kmalj for a short time. When they were both prepped for a positively uncertain fight, they kicked in the door...and faced two beholders and many hill giants. Cer walked around until he got out of range of the 'Holders eye rays. Casting a hold-monster spell on the hill giants, Cer launched the attack. Tearing his gaze away from the filthy giants, Cer saw Kmalj rush in with his blade drawn. As Kmalj started the beholder dance, Cer cast a fireball. Kmalj suddenly had two streaks of blood mar his shoulder. Apparently one of the beholders had used one of their eye beams. Wearing a grimace, Kmalj hacked at one of them and managed to completely severe three of the beholders many eyestalks. He had been trying to hit the central eye that foiled spells so that Ceribus could cast spells at it. Meanwhile Ceribus completed the casting of his fireball. Lifting up a long fingered hand, Cer pointed towards the middle of the fight. The fireball leapt out of his hand, and soared to its designated spot. It blossomed into red and orange brilliance, raising the temperature of the immediate area considerably. Ceribus and Kmalj got a REAL close look at the fireball because Cer had purposely miscast it. The fire rage around the two adventurers but stayed about two feet away from them. Cer knew that they both had minor globes of invulnerability active, plus that was the only way to hit all of the enemies. Once the flames cleared, it showed CER and Kmalj sweating slightly, one hill giant dead, and the other giants severely wounded. The beholders, naturally, were completely unfazed. As Cer started another fireball, he thought of how, when he was a rogue adventurer with no active guild supporting him, he never would have thought of fighting beholders and the like without several kegs of ale in him. But now it was just him and one other fighting them. "For Mystra, our Lady of Mysteries!" Cer yelled as he released his second fireball, which finished off the wounded hill giants. "For all the Servants of Mystery, and our Goddess Mystra herself!" Kmalj yelled back. With their confidence sufficiently boosted, Kmalj finished off the beholders. Thinking of how much fun he's had since he joined the SOM, Cer just smiled. For Mystra indeed! Then and there Cer decided to spread the sense of belonging that he now felt. Just as soon as Kmalj got finished playing with the beholders. Ceribus the Wonder Monkey 3-Headed Suicidal Protector of Idiots and Current SOM Jester. Seige (Submitted by: Morngrym) Dusk fell on the secluded land Tempting each one with sleep Nestled in the mountain's pass Stood the powerful Crownguard Keep The only point through the hills A strategic hold if ever there was Kept by the kingdom, a route for trade But envy is as it does Orcs and fiends and other fell beasts Leveled their assault against the walls Defenders fought and scratched and bled Determined not to fall Days melted into weeks And the horde didn't slow Driven by some powerful force Their strength seemed to grow As arrows and oil and flame rained down The monsters continued to press As supplies ran low and morale decayed The defenders prayed for a rest More men were lost each day With no end or rest in sight Creatures emerged for the darkened wood Taking advantage of the night Hope was fleeting for the brave warriors Who had swore to guard the secluded pass Down to a dozen fighting men Knowing the next day may be their last A priest of Tyr among the group Presented an option, mystical and strange Survival, though not in every sense Once cast they would always remain It was done as the next assault came Energy released as the shells fell away Translucent dreams, swirling mists A dozen souls sworn to stay The hounds of war scaled the walls And soon the front gate crumbled The largest creature entered with fury But that is when he stumbled Shocked and frozen by the sight he saw As spectral knights were upon him Slicing through the stunned invaders Not a weapon could harm them The ranks broke and so many fell Couldn't be counted, the retreat was on Creatures lay upon the cobbles...cold. Never to see another dawn Crownguard Keep still watches over the land Though the walls are worn, the halls silent A symbol of sacrifice so pure and true The heart can't help but feel lament... By Morngrym Verigost Baron-Knight Bard of KORT (Submitted by: Goldensong) She recalls the morning birds, circling her home in a sky disguised in reds and golds. The glorious sun, lazily peeks over the edge of a mountain range on the horizon. Her mother calls cheerfully that breakfast is done. Goldensong remembers jumping from bed and combing her silken blonde hair. Her piercing blue eyes sparkled as they gazed back at her, admiring her supple skin. Her pouty lips, won many hearts, but her voice captured what her beauty could not. So enthralling was it that she had been summoned to many courts of nobles to sing for them. She had been a noted Veterinarian, as the animals were always seemingly soothed by her voice.Goldensong abruptly remembered she had been out milking the cows. She was going about her morning chores, singing her melodies to the animals. One of her favorite songs, she sang with robust, unaware of her mothers calls." For every thief there is a heart " . . The ironic line echoed across the farm, as intruders broke into the home. " Who surely will break it all apart" . . . The intruders began callously murdering her father, cutting his throat wide. " And for every thief there ever be " . . . Throwing her mother to the ground, the intruders raped her mother, killing her slowly with excruciating pain. " Not one of them will steal my heart from me." She remembers going to the house, feeling that her song had been well vocalized today and then . . . shock. The blood . . . there was so much. Her father, her remarkable father laying before her , bleeding from the throat with a look of horror etched permanently upon his face. Her mother collapsed into a heap, with several bruises and bleeding wounds. She remembers screaming . . . and then nothing. Now, looking around her, everything was unusual. The bed, the room, even her pajamas were odd. Moving from the bed, she enters a bathing area to the right of her room, and a mirror sat upon the far wall. Moving to the mirror, she looks at her reflection. The haggard look, and thinning face, showed she had not slept fitfully in days. The most peculiar thing was her throat. She felt as if she had a virus. Looking into her mirror, she opens her mouth to examine her throat. If a scream could have escaped . . . it would have. Looking into the mirror, she saw that the thieves not only stole her family, her riches, her sanity . . . but to keep her silent . . . they stole the core of her heart . . . her voice. Again, she faints into an uncomfortable limbo. Goldensong The Lost Bard ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Again, she slowly awakens. The constant pain deep in her throat reminds her briskly about her family. She begins to cry, the shock finally solidifying in her mind. She relived every moment, saw every drop of blood as if she were still in the room. After a few hours, Goldensong knew she can no longer sit and hope gods would punish the criminals. She had to find out why they murdered her family, and then have them punished properly. She would find them . . . find them and play judge and jury. The sentence already decided . . . death. Upon making that resolution, she dressed in clothing that someone had apparently left for her. She tried to slip from the room quietly, but it seemed someone had plans for her. A bulky dog sat outside watching her door intently. Grabbing her lute and few meager belongings, she boldly opens the door. The dog stands rapidly, forcing her down. She screamed and tried to squirm out from under the dog, but it refused to budge, and began licking her face. The people allowing her to rest, turned out to be gentle, although gnomes often were kind. They explained what the men had done to the family . . . to her. The gnomes had information on their whereabouts, and swiftly told Goldensong. The woman, Sugar, revealed they went to a place where the big folk were. Over the mountain range to a city called NeverWinter. She had been scrying them for days, and followed them as far as possible. Upon reaching the city, she could no longer scry. Goldensong thanked them quickly, leaving after only promising to return with vegetable seeds and fresh fruit. She hugged them both quickly, and left for the city. Arriving within NeverWinter, Goldensong stared in awe. Never had she seen so many people and enormous buildings. The smells and noises overwhelmed her, so she quickly sought an inn. She met a man called KefWarhntr, who took patience in watching her try to replay the story for him. She explained she was now mute, and only came to find the men. His anger became apparent as he watched her depict her families' murders. He agreed to help her learn the art of battle, so she may destroy them when she stumbled upon them. She knew her search had really only begun . . . Goldensong Bard without Voice THE LONGING - Part 7 "The Willo Quest" (Submitted by: Lake Mist) With a word of request, You are on your way; Complete you must the Willo Quest, If a Pathfinder is what you want to be this day. Start from the Inn invisible if you can, Four steps west and south thru the door; Two more ahead and a secret door you gan, Thru and turn right once more. Ahead you proceed to the end, Turn left and proceed again; From banshees and rats you must defend, Turn right and stroll to the bend. Right and beware, cloud giant and anhkheg, Wait one step beyond; Two steps more and the right two more I beg, Left one and right begone. Lizards wait for your passage straight, You know the way up and right and up again; This time left once, but wait, Rats and crocs await not to befriend. Follow the path around and you shall find, Snakes await before you head south again; Travel south til east you must turn and grind To a halt, but prepare for the mammy den. You will leave this place, not the same, But do not fix where you will land; Banshee waits to take your fame, And send you back where you began. Remember to move right when possible, And you will find your way to another teleport; Trees and mammies will give you trouble, And it will seem that ill is all you court. Again you will find yourself displaced, Not sure which way to turn; Thru the door and one more pace, Carrion crawler and minotaurs to burn. Turn left and thru the wall, You have almost reached the end; Straight ahead thru two doors the call, Left you see the way to send. Do not be mislead, my friend, The worst is just ahead; A cloud giant and three dracs defend, Where you must tread. Thru the door you face The evil wizard and a horde; Fire elemental and skeletons lace The room with many a deadly sword. Defeat them all and you will find The dagger of striking that is hid; Take this back to show the kind And a Pathfinder you must bid. Quest fulfilled and bloodied sword, The newest member you will be; When the Chief Ranger gives the word, Then the private guild entrance you will see. If a Pathfinder is what you choose to be, Remember to always help those in need; Have compassion for all those you see, Forsake all evil and it's greed. May your path be smooth, The wind at your back, And the sun warm to the touch and soothe. May Mieliki guide and keep you on track. The longing for someday, frenzy to swill, I have found my place, my future to fulfill. Pathfinder (Submitted by: Lake Mist) In a place where good and evil meet, A victim stands alone. A blade so swift and fleet, Sun parched and bleached white bone. If you don't care where you are going, Any road can get you there. Faith has failed and despair is showing The Lost Hills will swallow dark and fair. Some folk don't even look up, Until they are flat on their back. Some lives are like Triboar's dump, Carrion crawlers and spirits black. Then out of the darkness, Come those who can make a difference. Those on the path of goodness, With faith and an easy conscience. Rangers, clerics and magic users combined, Pledged to preserve and protect the land. Peacekeepers and questers entwined, For all who ask we will make a stand. Oh my brothers and sisters, feed your faith, And doubt will starve and fade away. Patience carries a lot of wait, The sun shall rise and great the new day. Pathfinders are we my brethren, Our beliefs we hold dear. A friend will always walk in, When all else have walked out in fear. We are the friend to all wayfarers Who travel through this land. Let no evil beset a traveler As long as one of us can lift a hand. Brotherhood of Pathfinders we be, Come walk with us and you will see. Mask Announcements (Submitted by: Metr0n) Decembers King o'da Hill found The Bonze toss'n all comers left an right, till only he remained! Congrats! January's King o'da Hill had The Bonze dethroned by the luckiest Mask alive, Niro! Da king is dead! Long life da King! Metron Vileson Nightmask AGM <><><><><> <><><><><> 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. <><><><><> <><><><><>