==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 143 Week Ending 7-21-96 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to SOMNeranek for winning last week's News of the Realm contest for her story entitled "The Power of Words". SOMNeranek has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes). Keep up the good work! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> JULY SLAY FEST RESULTS!! In the weeks following the Summer Festival, Neverwinter city returned to its normal business routine. Farmers and merchants travelled the Long Road bringing their goods and produce into the city. Merchant ships arrived weekly carrying precious and exotic cargos from the Islands and the great city of Waterdeep. All and all, the city had settled once more into its normal pace. The lazy evenings after a hard days work induced many citizens of the city to stroll about on the fine summer evenings or perhaps visit the local tavern and quench their thirst with a cool beverage. The days were long and hot, the evenings only slightly cooler. In no time a kind of creeping lethargy had settled over the citizens of the city once more. Lord Nasher and his advisors, as always, closely monitored the well being of the people of Neverwinter. They knew that should folks become too bored, they would "discover" new ways to entertain themselves! Indeed already several guilds had sponsored special events and activities for the benefit of their neighbors and while these efforts had been helpful, the advisors knew that others would perhaps be less so. Lord Nasher felt that more needed to be done, and so, he decreed that another evening of revelry and gaming would be held the night of July 13th! As always, the mini-festival was kept very quiet in hopes of pleasantly surprising those who happened to be in the city on that evening. At 10:00pm ET, guards moved to their assigned positions and banners were posted which invited all to come and participate in a test of courage and luck! Those that could survive the best attempts of Lord Nasher's finest to knock them unconscious would be rewarded! (survive 2 slays, win 4 pearls!) When all was done, over 130 people had participated and the boredom of the long summer's nights had been relieved once more, for a time! ;D Thanks to all who participated and ran booths, congratulations to those who won! -- NW Events Winners ------------ ABK Blood ABK Storm ArticDoll Bal Sedai Burnin Sun Centuri0n Conqur Cordsdarmz D1amondd Deth Mask Dirt Darb Drk Legacy Drk Shade Emerld Ldy ERS Reaper ERS Ufer Gary Orl2 Gavanaxes Gem Fien G0nesha Gorblumb Grayvemark Haldor Hendrik HG Quill Ingenjeger Jayz486 Jnar4u J0eHungry JP Mujawa KTO Aron Lafel Lazzeraith LdyAmbrlin Ldy Icy Ldy Spawn Lethal One Llewdoc Malfesto Mech Aigis Mech Ember Mech Lotus Mech Pulse Mech Riots Mech Steem Men0sis Morgynlfey Murtano Opslin Poe IV PolarOrbit Pug B0y Qualasia Sagx Shenazia Sineritrii Sir Mayne Sir Roger Sir Trapp SKDeereJon Skinort SOL Ent1ty SOL Lethal SOL Mioke S0L Shugar Starbeard2 Supersaben Supwifdat Tatyana II Thorn Hawk Thorn W0od Tigguhr TK Cgarner TK Jeremr TP Crator Turrttle Varenlord Warr Rakun WGW Crabb WGW Talius X02 Zeus Xylina Xym0x Zonestar2 <><><><><> <><><><><> Location Hunt Winner!! Kef Irish was the winner of today's location hunt. Irish found Triboar's Wainwright Wagons in record time! -- NW Kel <><><><><> <><><><><> Lightning Bolt Booth Results - 7/16 8pm ET The anticipation began to sizzle as 15 contestants gathered to have their purity tested by the Priest. One by one, each stepped forward: Drk Legacy, Dirk Dirty, MECH Pulse, V Antonius, Sagx, Vilanne, KTO Aron, Thorn W0od, BD Leif, MECH 8ball, Modalex, Ldy Spawn, Venial 0ne, DemiViking, and Hapio KOM. When all had stood before the Priest's electrifying touch, two had shown themselves to be more pure. Thorn W0od and Modalex were equal before the Priest. However, only one could gain the prize for purity. Again, Thorn W0od and Modalex revealed themselves to the Priest's charges of purity, and for a second time they stood on equal ground. The Priest put them to a third and final test. His gaze zapping into them, searching their purity. When it was finished, Thorn W0od was found to be the most pure. Congratulations to Thorn W0od, winner of 5 pearls!! NWA Priest <><><><><> <><><><><> Magic Missle Booth Winner - 7/18 Congrats to Loveunholy for inflicting a nasty 74 hit points of magic missle damage to me this eve in the Wharves! Of the 15 participants, hers was the highest score. Congrats! And thanks to all who participated! (Prize 5 pearls) --Gari ;) <><><><><> <><><><><> Scheduled Tour - 7/19 I had caught word of a hidden temple in the region of Crosser Gate when I was on patrol one eve. I asked around and no one seemed to have any information on it. The people in Neverwinter that I asked seemed to think it was a myth, a story to scare the little children from entering into the dangerous underground of Crosser Gate. I took it upon myself to venture to Crosser Gate. I knew there was something a foot in this area because people were moving to different regions in the realms. The moving citizens reported strange happenings. The likes of which none have seen, it terrified them so much so that they had to leave. I reported back to Lord Nasher on my findings, and explained that I would like to hire some adventurers to find out the truth. After some debate, Lord Nasher finally agreed to allowing me an expidition into the underground of Crosser Gate. He told me that the adventurers who returned to him any information would be rewarded generously. I bowed to him and left to prepare for my journey. The day came. Word went out that I needed assistance on this quest. Immediately I was surrounded by adventurers wanting to get into Lord Nashers favor. The adventurers that arrived were mostly beginning their career in questing. For most, this would be their first quest into the outer reaches of the realms. I looked them over one by one, and thought of the dangers that lay wait. "How many of these young men and women would die? How many would survive?" I thought. I explained that this journey was very dangerous, but none seemed scared. They wanted to continue. Brave warriors were they that came to my aide. Lord Nasher had asked me to collect their names so he could broadcast across the realms about these mighty warriors. Accompanying me were DrZeus, BlackMajik, NOR Talon SnoWolff, and Hal Dawl, the finest bunch of warriors I had ever seen. We left Neverwinter in the early eve. The warriors said goodbye to their loved ones, not knowing whether they would return or not. We packed up and headed out. We traveled for several hours finally ending up in a small village named Vilnask. It was an uneventful trip to this village, but we decided to rest anyway. While we rested, we heard shouts and yells coming from the South. NOR Talon jumped to his feet and left the inn. I quickly followed. Young and eager to fight, Talon would need my help in this area. The rest of the group followed me closely. We ended up in a small hubble, confronted by a darkly clad man. He said he wanted us to leave...but I refused, I wanted to have a look around. He disappeared when all of a sudden we were jumped by a large band of thieves and their guard dog. One by one the thieves went down, the dog was hurt and ran away. In the corner we found a cowering man. It was the one that confronted us at the door. He wanted to exchange information for his freedom. I had to think about it for a bit, but I soon agreed. He told us of a thieves entering and exitting a wall. It wasn't a normal wall, but a magical wall which led deep into the bouls of Crosser Gate. "Very interesting," I thought. "Perhaps the temple and this thieves den were connected." I continued. "Lets get a move on!" yelled DrZeus "We are wasting valuable time." The others mumbled among themselves. We went back to the inn, tended our wounds, and those adept in the ways of the mage memorized their spells. As we were leaving, a citizen warned us of wild dogs in the outskirts of Crosser Gate. He said that they breathed as cold as the mid of winter. "Not a problem!" BlackMajik said eagerly. We were quickly on our way. We made it to the outskirts of Crosser. A beautiful area. Trees of magestic proportion blanketed the hill sides. Flowers of every color were sheets on the earthern floor. It was calming. We traveled the hill side when we were attacked by the wild dogs that we were warned about. Thousands of them came out from trees. Small wolves and a giant white version sprang out at us. We attacked them immediatley. SnoWolff redied his longbow and began hitting the wolves as they sprang. Hal Dawl parried their attacks, slicing many of the wolves between the ribs. I recited my mantra's and released a giant ball of flame. Hitting a large group of the wolves squarely. The grass was darkened, the trees a little singed, but there were no wolves. I had destroyed them. BlackMajik and the others quickly disposed of the remaining few. We picked up our goods, NOR Talon repacked his dried steak. There was some debate that his steak was drawing the dogs to us, but he disagreed whole heartedly so we let him be. There were a few more fights with these wolves, but we made it safely to the Crosser Gate Inn. There we rested and ate NOR Talon's steak. Satiated, we headed out, scouring the walls. Looking for anything that wasn't normal. "I found it!" summoned Hal Dawl. "It is over here!" he continued. We walked over to the wall, and sure enough it was there. Holding our breaths, we stepped in. "Ha!" laughed DrZeus. "These fools dodn't have this thing trapped!" The other chuckled at the ease for which we entered, but I had a strange feeling it was not going to be that easy. We headed down a corridor, then through several doors when we met a hidious banshee being guarded by three enormous skeletons. For some reason I was petrified. I couldn't concentrate enough to chant my mantra's. Then when the other's came around the corner, I did it. I pulled out my ankh and chanted a small prayer. Immediately the skeletons turned to dust. The banshee was enraged by this and attacked instantly. With a dodge and a parry, Hal Dawl took her down. The torches flickered, then blackness, then light again. We we were standing somewhere else. No one knew where we were. There was a door to the north that we quickly made exit through, just to be swollowed by a very long corridor. Coming to the end of the corridor was another door NOR Talon placed his ear to the door. Waving his hand to us, he whispered "I here something behind the door." BlackMajik quickly kicked the door in. We were surrounded by hordes of displacer beasts. DrZues made use of his bow, catching a displacer between the eyes, dropping it instantly. Hal Dawl ran into the middle of them dispencing terrible blows with his sword. BlackMajik followed in the same suit. NOR Talon chanted in a foreign tongue, the released a powerful spell catching a diplacer in the gut. They had the beasts at bay by the time I even pulled my weapon. Again the lights flickered and darkness came, just to find ourselves having to make a choice. We stood infront of three ornate doors. Which one do we choose, I thought. Everyone decided to go through the forward door. We advanced just to find that we were being blocked by unknown forces. So the choice came down to two doors. We selected the left door. We walked into a large room that had another ornate door at the far end. We walked to it. Materializing from the floor was a band of Cloud Giants, large, beautiful giants of wonder. We stood there wide eyed at their forms until one of them attacked, hitting NOR Talon across the head. NOR Talon fell to the floor injured from the blow. We fought for hours and hours. Blood layed thick on the walls, until finally, I got off a spell, paralyzing the cloud giants. The prey became the victor in this battle. DrZeus quickly stuck the cloud giants with his dagger killing them and clearing our path. We finally got out the door. We followed another passage through to a large open area. To the right we could here people talking. We followed the voices. As we neared a door the talking stopped. We sat and listened, just to have the door smashed in our faces. A large cleric stood infront of us. He was praying loudly to his god. Hal Dawl did the same. The cleric began to raise his glowing hands when suddenly Hal Dawl threw a large ball of fire hitting the cleric, burning him to a crisp. Just as he fell, his hired henchmen came walking out a passage, catching the heat as well. The floor lay cluttered with debris, a scrawled note could be seen. It was taken by us. It talked about a caravan and some other important news. "We better get this to Lord Nasher quick." SnoWolff exclaimed. "Aye" said BlackMajik. We hurried through another door to find ourselves on the path to Neverwinter. We made our way into Neverwinter unscathed and immediately went to Lord Nasher. He was very pleased with the information. he reached into his magic pouch and gave each of us a tremendous gift. "Thank you, M'Lord" we said bowing out the door. -- NWA Shaggy <><><><><> <><><><><> Charm Person Booth - 7/19 10pm ET Putting on my best uniform, I headed to Southwall, calling out to the realms as I went so 10 players could help me practice my charms. ;> The following hardy souls escorted me to my chosen place: Mech Aztek Lady Fair BabyDrag0n Thorn W0od SOM Thalia UDL Th0rn Biship Tyr Kmalj Napalm 106 Climb 0n My practice lasted several rounds and finally came down to a three way tie between Lady Fair, Thorn W0od, and Climb 0n. Seeing the lateness of the hour, I re-doubled my efforts, but I only barely caught Lady Fair and Climb 0n. Thorn W0od resisted me completely, and remained true to his own special someone. Congrats Thorn W0od! You win 4 pearls and 1 hour online time. <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* NEVERWINTER CALENDAR *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Keep an eye peeled for those Mini-Booths because they will appear when you least expect in different areas of the Realms! 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: Join the following staff members for a tour of the Realm: July 21st Sunday 2:00 PM EDT - with NWA Mortis. July 25th Thursday 10:00 PM EDT - with NWA Donagh. July 27th Saturday 5:00 PM EDT - with NW Dain. Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> Songs of the Wind - Part 2 (submitted by: Cerdith) The swelling chorus, the rising voices blending in a harmony so perfect and natural that portions could be heard in the caress of the wind or the crash of the waves against a rocky beach. Small parts of a greater whole, the little pieces heard individually giving substance and shape, and more importantly.... order. Each miniscule piece a wonder in and of itself, each nearly understandable when that single voice alone rang out. A duet of voices, the parts woven together twisting and spinning together, moving apart and soaring seperately then intertwining again... still within comprehension, still bearable for the listener. More voices still, more parts and pieces.... She had heard some of the voices before she came to this place. The beauty and the perfection had, at times, soothed and calmed. Renewing strength, healing and guiding, the melody had lingered in her mind. Being who she was, there had been no need to strive to hear the words themselves or strain to understand the message. A small portion of the song, a filtered piece of the story was enough for any mortal woman... and yet, here and now, she had found more. Too many voices all at once, too many parts, too much perfection..... All the Singers whispering their messages, heard upon the winter's wind as clearly here as any spoken phrase. Too many... too many at once! The entirety of the composition, with all its sudden transitions, all the changes in tempo... the long keening silences.... her mind, her heart, her soul could scarcely bear it, and yet, she could not bear to be without the voices now either. (continued)Price of Victory (submitted by: Sol Arthur) Arthur sat and listened to the recounting of Varion's tale many times that evening as they both enjoyed the endless supply of ale the waitress seemed to provide. Varion could not contain himself most of the evening, telling the story many times and in many different ways. Arthur drank the ale and pondered his own thoughts as Varion's words filled the inn. The evening had begun with the gathering of the Soldiers of Light at the inn on the island. Arthur was impressed with those who gathered. Many of the older soldiers made it to the island for the purpose of freeing Shugar from the grips of the Night Masks. As they gathered Arthur knew that tonight they would reestablish themselves as one of the best guilds in Neverwinter. "How could they not," he thought to himself as he watched names such as Mioke, Legend and Saga walk through the door of the inn. As they gathered Arthur had a few concerns also. There had been little or no discussion on what tactics the Mask's might employ in defending Menosis. It seemed an overwhelming air of confidence floated through the inn, that no matter what the Mask's tried, the Soldiers of Light would not be denied from regaining Shugar. He kept quiet though, as he was one of the newer members of this Order to Tempus, and though he had some concerns, he kept them to himself as the time of battle neared. Mioke spoke up that he would scout ahead and had asked for someone to join him as the event began. Arthur quickly spoke up, as he wanted to get things going, as he knew there were many Mask's to be killed that evening. Moving down the path with Mioke, Arthur noted a couple Mask's there to give word to Menosis on Sol's departure from the inn. One quick melee broke out with Corrosive, of the Night Masks, fleeing to safety from Arthur and two other Sol. Then Sol's began to flood past Arthur on the path, moving quickly ahead. The young Soldier of Light stood there a bit surprised, as he had heard no other information since he and Mioke were to scout. He moved on down the path towards the building where he could catch a boat over to the west bank of the island. As he approached he noted a few of his brothers in combat in the entrance to the building. Arthur quickly prepped and entered the fray. Two Night Masks had jumped brothers Valor and Saybr. Arthur quickly moved to their side and cast a globe about himself. Another Night Mask, Turtle something, entered as well as Sol Kitty. Arthur was please to see Kitty arrive as with two of them prepped, they should be able to handle this melee with ease and send these three Night Mask's packing back to Neverwinter. Then the first esp from Saybr that he was fleeing since he was not prepped. Arthur was caught a bit unawares by this as he was moving to a better position away from the garbage creatures that were closing in. He cast a hold and managed to catch the green Turtle with it. He called out that one Mask was held and move on the others. He then heard from Brother Valor that he too was fleeing. Arthur watched as Kitty moved by and pressured the attack and breathed a sigh of relief for that. A battle that should have been quickly handled, no starting turning ugly as the Turtle was dissed and free once again. Kitty moved down the hall, as Saybr fled the fight, casting spells at the Night Masks. Arthur followed, moving behind one of the Mask's and casting a slay. Tempus gave Arthur his only moment of joy the night would bring as the slay worked and sent one of the Night Mask's to a early exit from the war. The Mask called Turtle moved down and the battle started to sway in favor of the Masks. Valor then made his exit from the melee as a fireball engulfed Kitty doing quite a bit of damage. Arthur quickly esp'ed her to get the heck out of there, that he would follow. Sweat rolled down Arthur's forehead as Sol Kitty made her exit from the fight, leaving him alone with three Night Masks. Tempus smiled on Arthur once again, allowing his saves to hold off the barrage of spells that hit him before he also fled the battle and moved back away from the building down the path. He met Kitty out there and they conversed a bit. She asked how they were doing to which Arthur could give no information. Arthur looked up at the moon and thought they could not be more than thirty minutes into this thing, why were we moving so fast. Kitty then relayed that Sol had engaged Menosis at the holder fight in the complex and that Entity was dead. Arthur shook his head at the news and quickly informed Kitty that he would trigger the fight in the building so she could sneak past and take the boat to the other side. Arthur moved quickly and was surprised as he entered that the fight did not trigger. Probably as surprised as the two Night Masks who waited on the other side. Kitty moved quickly past and then Arthur also made his way to the boat. Reaching the western bank, Arthur made his way to the entrance that led to the complex below. Stepping through the gate he noticed the bodies of his Sol brethren. They were piled up there as he heard their spirits call for him to move quickly to the holder fight, he was needed there. Arthur noted some of Sol's finest were among the fallen and let out a soft sigh as he moved quickly now to try and help what he perceived as a disaster happening. Yes, Arthur was moving too quickly through the halls after seeing his fallen brothers and sisters, so quick that he moved through one door without the proper caution. As he stepped through and saw the large eye looking at him, he knew he was dead. Behind the eye, two large earth elementals waited. Arthur had not memorized a dimension door, and here he would pay for it. He waited for a bit, to see if any news came to him about the fight, as he was invisible and the creatures waited. But it would have been a never-ending wait, so Arthur cast the first fireball at the elementals. The rest of the battle was but a quick blur as the eye closed in on the young Soldier of Light and sending him back to the island above. Arthur brought himself out of his thoughts of the night before, hearing Varion still recalling the glorious battle with Menosis. Arthur noted the time and informed Varion he was catching the last boat to Neverwinter before dawn, stood and walked from the inn. The cool morning air felt good on his face and helped shake off some of the effects of the ale and hobbitweed him and Varion had consumed. He made his way to the boat and took a seat, wondering what was going to be said of this fight between Sol and Mask. "Yes," he thought. "The Soldiers of Light had won, but what a careless victory it was. Some of our finest names dead, and way too many Mask's still walking about the island. The war was to be four hours in length and had been finished in little over an hour. No, the Soldiers of Light could have destroyed Mask in this war, finished them for good. Instead they came away with a hollow victory, nothing more, for the bloodlust of Tempus had consumed them all and without rhyme or reason they had exploded into battle paying way to high a price for victory."Songs of the Wind - Part 3 Missing Sister (submitted by: Ender Bay) Ender sat on the bank of the Neverwinter river, deep in the woods, and stared out at his friend's home. It had taken them months to finish it. Or rather it had taken months to build it up to this point. They were inside sleeping now. In fact, Ender figured they would stay inside sleeping for most of the rest of the winter. But right up until the weather turned cold they were a busy couple. Constantly making little adjustments here and there to their rather enormous house. At least it seemed enormous to Ender for just the two of them. Yet he knew these two were starting their family here... Ender expected to see their children running around the banks of the river by the end of spring. Many travelers had passed near here recently and Ender had heard the complaints. His friend's new house had irreversibly altered the course of the great river. But this is what beavers do, explained Ender. It doesn't really hurt anything... the river simply finds its way around the dam and continues on its path through the woods. In fact, the beavers had done the travelers a favor by clearing dead branches from the paths. Of course, they had cleared out several healthy trees while they were at it. Ender felt a slight pang of guilt at this thought. He was reminded of the trees they felled for him in order for him to make a river boat. He had meditated and prayed for days before he asked the beavers to help him. Was it wrong to take one of the healthy trees from the forest? He didn't like to do it, but he remembered the lessons his old druid mentor had taught him. The Goddess only frowns upon the abuse of the forests... in effect, the trees exist to serve many purposes. The woodpecker uses the tree to find bugs. The owl makes his home in the tree. The doe may nibble berries or leaves from the tree. The tiger may use the tree to mark her territory. The beaver uses the tree to build a home for its family. And Ender can use the tree to build a river boat. Of course, Ender made sure the beavers only used uninhabited trees for his boat. In the end, he had a fine vessel. It was large enough to accomodate several several passengers. Perhaps not comfortably, but it was cozy enough for Ender. He knew the boat was being used for to aid him in protecting Mielikki's woods and to perform some of his duties as the Brotherhood's Recon Scout. With the recent retirement of RiverSwift, he and DragonKlaw had their hands full. Though Ender felt confidant that Klaw would fill River's shoes quite well. Ender's gaze turned toward his boat. He was really quite proud of it, yet the sight of it now saddened him. His mind wandered back to a quiet autumn night under a clear, star filled sky. He had been sitting outside the bunkhouse with his guild sister, Cerdith, and they had been discussing his boat. Ender could sense something was wrong with Cerdith... there was something disturbing her. He wanted to help her in some way and so he had offered to take her on a picnic on his boat. He had hoped that a relaxing day, along with some fine food and frenzy, would help his sister unwind and open up to him. Maybe a good long talk while floating down the river would let her get whatever was bothering her off her chest. Unfortunately, she was too busy to take a day off. They went over their schedules and between her Scribe duties and his Recon Scout duties they decided they'd have to put the picnic off for a while. Soon autumn turned into winter and Ender realized a picnic was out of the question. Still, he felt the river was pretty this time of year and he convinced Cerdith to take a little tour with him. Besides, winter was the safest time to travel on the river when many of the area's foulest beasts are hybernating. That had been quite a while back and now Cerdith was two days late in meeting him. It wasn't like her to stand him up or to be late like this. On the first day Ender had his sea gull, out of its element as it is, search the area for her. Normally the gull is superbly reliable and Ender relies on it to scout ahead for him and track his enemy's movements when they're too far for him to track them himself. Yet the gull could find no trace of Cerdith and Ender was worried sick. He knew from the last time he had spoke with her that she was still troubled, yet he had no idea to what extent. This morning Ender had sent the gull off to the Pathfinder's Bunkhouse with a note asking about Cerdith and he was now waiting for a reply. Later that afternoon Ender's faithful sea gull returned to him carrying a sealed note. It was as he suspected... noone had heard from Cerdith since around the last time he had spoken with her. Basically, she was missing and nobody really had any clue as to where she might be. At first he didn't know where to begin to search. But eventually he came up with an idea. He picked up his gear and carried it fifty feet or so from the river bank and set it down out of sight from the river. He pulled out a healthy portion of food for the gull and commanded it to stay and guard his pack. He returned to the river bank and pulled out his amulet of health. The amulet was very valuable to Ender and he could barely make out the details of it in the setting sun's light. In fact, it was the only way he could heal himself in hostile territory. But it was about to prove even more valuable than ever. Immediately after sunset Ender began what is known to sea rangers as a Parliament of Fishes. In the light of the full moon Ender could see his reflection in the river water. Briefly he thought to himself that his hair needed trimming. He liked to keep his wavy brown hair short and out of his eyes whenever possible... and his beard had grown a bit out of control in the past few days as well. He made frequent journeys to the city of Neverwinter and he didn't like to look like a wild man with twigs and berries stuck in an overgrown beard. His appearance would have to wait until later. Kneeling down on the slippery bank he concentrates for a minute or two. After a short time a group of fish, perhaps 20 of assorted species, surface and stare expectantly at him. Ender hand feeds each fish from his rations and then hands the largest fish the amulet of health. At first it looks as if the fish will swallow the precious trinket, but Ender sees that it is merely holding it in its mouth. He knows that the fish will be more likely to grant his boon if he gives them something valuable. It doesn't have to be valuable to them, but they can sense that it is valuable to him. He also figured feeding each one wouldn't hurt either. After Ender described Cerdith and told the fish he wanted them to help him find her, the fish responded. They began to dive and splash excitedly for a few moments and then they all submerged out of sight. Ender knew this to be the sign that the fish had accepted his offer and would grant him this service. The fish could search up and down the river and all through the woods in every little tributary and stream. They could cover more ground in one day than Ender could cover all month. If Cerdith was near a stream, or stopped for a drink or to fill her canteen, the fish would find her and bring Ender to her. Now all he had to do was wait. It could still take days for them to find her and there was no gaurantee that they would. Suddenly he was aware that his gull was back by his side. "Didn't I tell you to wait and guard my pack?" It was a clever ruse, but the gull knew he was just hiding his activities while it ate. "Well, I couldn't well have you trying to eat the fish while I was communing with them, could I? We have to have patience for the next few days while the fish search out Cerdith. Think you can manage it?" With this the gull let out a loud squawk and then tucked its beak under Ender's ear. The gull did this whenever it thought it was time to sleep. I agree, thought Ender... and he carried the gull on his shoulder to his camouflaged tent where he slept and dreamt of his lost sister.Songs of the Wind - Part 4 Still Looking (submitted by: Ender Bay) Ender sits by the river bank surveying the landscape around him. The sun is on its way down and the reflection off the water is always magnificent. Tomorrow is the first day of spring and in honor of Mielikki he will change his seasonal outfits. All of his Pathfinder brothers and sisters will. It's time to shed the white and green for the green and yellow. Normally spring is a happy time for Ender. He has been waiting all winter for his friends, the beavers, to come out of their dam and say hello. But he is also waiting, much less patiently, for some news of his guild sister, Cerdith. He held his parliament of fishes weeks ago and he still hasn't heard any news from the multitude of fish that had so eagerly swam off to search for her. Ender desperately wants to hear news from the bunkhouse, yet he doesn't want to leave the banks of the river for fear that the fish will bring him some news and he'll miss it. He wonders aloud to his sea gull if anyone else is worried about Cerdith, or if he's the only one. "Are we paranoid? Is Cerdith simply off on her own... perhaps on a quest? Or are our brothers and sisters also worried and searching for her?" The gull turns its head to face Ender and stares into his eyes. After a moment or two Ender realizes the gull is waiting for instructions. "Yes... good idea... would you fly back to the bunkhouse? Hopefully someone will give us some news!" Hastily Ender scribbles out a note and secures it to the gull's leg. The gull squawks proudly and takes off for its night time voyage to the bunkhouse. The note Ender wrote reads: ~Brothers and Sisters... Mielikki Bless the coming of Spring!!! I am looking for Cerdith and believe that she is missing. Has anyone seen her or heard from her recently?~ Ender Bay Sea Ranger Wayfarer/Chronicler BoP Recon ScoutThe Severing (submitted by: MrBill888) A light now does fall upon my cool wizened face Life's touch is devoid in this otherworld place Wafting through the air are the voices of friends With whom I now hope I had made some amends Ethereal and ghostly I try to speak out But there is little use, they can't hear as I shout I wish I could reach out and touch one and all Yet I pass through their bodies as I move through the hall How did I arrive here, 'tis time this puzzle piece fell Answering questions I could not formerly tell Of a battle not fought with a sword or a hand Yet recurring too often in the realms of this land Images oft come to those whose senses are keen Who walk on the edge and do keep their minds lean From the corner of my eye, I could see hellish things And the dancing of demons in uneven rings Tomes I did read to confirm what I saw These daemons had come from an opening maw A gate had been opened, a wide abysmal sieve And in sealing this gate, I knew I could not continue to live I chose sacrifice for a change had to come Though more than a few did think that Bill was struck dumb A spirit had come that had been all too subtle That none would acknowledge or offer rebuttal This cancer was astral whose purge became my prime mission Awake and aware I could hear Daemons hissing Conversely, they also became aware of my presence Surrounding my corpus they invaded my essence Twisting and prodding they assaulted my mind Lest I share with my brothers the things I did find Attacking without mercy, they did bind me in pain And most of my friends had thought I'd gone insane I steeled my reserve retreating deep far inside So I acted quite mad going along for the ride Without rhyme or reason from my guild I became estranged Daemonic thought was I'd been beaten and was now quite deranged Conquered and lost, that is what they all thought Yet buried within I still quietly fought Ignoring the jests of this Tartarian bunch My single last hope was to play out my hunch My songs, words, and prose now came out oddly jumbled For my words now were warped as I unevenly mumbled The guild I'd embraced I now assaulted with word Seeing anger AND loyalty now suddenly stirred. Whilst the ethereal legion did giggle and dance My own fortitude I did quickly enhance The phrainty in charge, I'd discovered its name And it was riding the back of the warrior known as Kayn Kayn was our leader and his deeds were renown And yet of most recent time he did wear a deep frown The strongest of daemons was bent on possessing his soul Whose goal was to divide our band so we'd no longer be whole It moved oh-so-slowly, insinuating itself inch by inch Though sometimes the pain would cause our leader to flinch I bided my time waiting until I was strong And would then make my move and would right this foul wrong More and more dissent did flow through our guild members The daemons did laugh, I thought it would split the halls timbers Leaping and jerking they were lost in their glee It was at that brief moment I did fight to be free Tearing myself loose from their hooks and their claws I leapt away free and did give them all pause Kayn had just told all I must leave the OGS guild Not knowing the daemon for which he presently shilled With a grimace and laugh I now my chance And I knew I was right, for I saw fear in its glance I latched onto this devil and my grip was not slack Thrice repeating its name afore things all went black It was shrieking and spitting Shhyzzt's time was now nigh But in securing it's death I had known I must die Twas worthy enough for as it burst from Tyr's light The rest of my friends now did see their dark plight With the exposure of Shhyzzt the daemons knew they must flee Knowing they had not succeeded with OGS or with me And now that the truth has become clearly known The OGS guild has not shrunk but has grown Now I cannot return for that was part of the deal That I'd struck up with Tyr in front of whom I now kneel He did send me back, but I must roam alone And can no longer claim any guild as my home So my friends from the Order of the Golden Staff Please do not feel morose, but go dance and do laugh Things will be better now that the evil's exorcised And will not re-invade as you've opened your eyes Mr.Bill888 Warrior Poet Top Ten Neverwinter Olympic Events (submitted by: Wgbt) Hello! And welcome to the LateShow with Wagebolt! Yes, I am Wagebolt, and proud Winterguardian. Ah, the Summer Olympics, are almost here. Well, what better way to celebrate this festive and marvelous occasion with a you-know-what! That's right! Straight from the Home office in the Lost Hills, is TONIGHTS TOP TEN LIST! TOP TEN NEW NEVERWINTERIAN SUMMER OLYMPIC EVENTS! 10)The Newb Toss 9)Gym-castics 8)Hill-Giant Head Bowling 7)Booze Relay at Strider's 6)Monster-Weight Lifting. (Lightest weight = Kobold, Heaviest weight = Umber Hulk) 5)Speed Macros 4)Sewage Swimming Race 3)Orc Detinating (Don't ask how it's done) 2)LordNasher Look-alike Contest "And now! The #1 Neverwinterian Summer olympic event!" 1)Syncronized Feebing!!! ::Wagebolt turns and throws the Top Ten card out the window:: (WorldWide Plate) "To Plate or not to Plate" The Bunkhouse (submitted by: Lake Mist) I had traveled this path many times before. The smooth stones that had so carefully been placed by rangers long since gone, but not forgotten, seemed to smile up at me this bright spring morning. The stones blended in with all the other stones of all the paths around this area. The pattern in which they had been placed was the only sign needed to follow them. There were wild roses and lilac growing everywhere, and this fine morning was filled with all the wonderous aromas of the Goddess Mielikki's works. The dog woods were in bloom in their beckoning call to the woods to awaken and great the new season. As I walked along, enjoying the wonders set before, I quickly turned right down a path that could be seen only for an instant when you were beside it. A few steps down this path, and I neared the bunkhouse. The smell of cooking filled the air, and the birds and squirels were gathering, in the knowledge that those who cooked would share their meal with them. As I passed the juniper, there it was, a two story earthen structure with a thatch roof. Lights were shining through all the windows visible to me, and from the noise coming from within, I knew most all must be awake by now. It had been several weeks, maybe months, since I had been to the bunkhouse. Turning up the walk, I stopped momemtarily to blow out the oil lamp that dispelled the darkness when all were sleeping within those walls. Just as I neared the front door of the bunkhouse, a figure came darting out, running down the path toward the meadow stream that flowed nearby. It was Lady Ellyn with a tear and smile on her face, and Grue Devil's collar bouncing as she ran. She appeared to be deep in thought. As I entered the main hall, I noticed several rangers and clerics starting the day with frenzy and griffon eggs. The smell of wild boar bacon coming from down the hall. Neerdowell, Calinor, Thralos, and several other brothers were all gathered around one I could not see yet. But from the conversation, it was someone who had not been around for awhile. Nearing the group, Thralos turned and let out a cry "AAAAAIIIIIEEEEE ! Hail and well met, Lake Mist." All turned in welcome and I saw the face of Urgrue sitting at a table. As he rose, I moved forward and gave greating "Urgrue, tis good to see your face among the living, if these be the living." As our hands clasp in greating he returned "Aye, tis good to see thee also." Conversation began again. As we gathered to finish the morning meal, Slick Sly appeared from the kitchen "Now you all know that the morning meal is not complete without the bacon." Laughter erupted from all, as he came into the hall wearing a fern green apron over his leathers. It is always good to come home once in awhile. While the others ate, I moved over to the bulletin board to see the names of all the new brothers and sisters. Many names were new to me, such as Kurultaii; and some were not so knew to me, yet new to the Pathfinders, such as Primrose. A smile appeared as the smell of lilac drifted in on the breeze. I noticed that Zeb Canon had made War Captain and a warm smile appeared. Things were good at home. I moved back to the tables to finish my morning meal, placing a white rose in a crystal vase upon the table. It was good to be home.The Gathering of the Light (submitted by: Elgiem) Greetings all! Following is a story about a role play scenario sponsored by the Order of the Golden Staff. They have asked anyone interested to join in this scenario. The role play will culminate with a PVP War and a Quest thru the realms. Anybody interested in this scenario is asked to post to the OGS public folder. Good characters should post about gathering in front of the OGS Guild Hall; Evil characters should post about marching on to storm the OGS Guild Hall. Posts should not contain battles between different guilds yet. Only a gathering of the forces should be happening at this time. For more information please contact PolarOrbit. Elgiem / KEF Elgiem of the Silver Glade Knight Defender KEF Applications Master >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The call went out from the very heart of the Chapterhouse of the Knights of the Eternal Flame. Like a stone cast in a quiet pool, the spell set a tremor in the ineffable essence of being that ties all things together; A ripple in the pliant fabric of the ether, expanding outwards to reach every corner of The Enchanted Realms. As the message traveled outwards the Knights of the Eternal Flame would receive the summons and respond to the Gathering of the Light. Not since the Pirates of NeverWinter threatened to overthrow Lord Nasher's rule had such a summons been issued. Elgiem of the Silver Glade is cleaning his sword in his rooms at the Triboar Inn when the summons reaches him. He had just finished a ladder fight against the lovely Fair Star. The lady is fierce and experienced. She had bested him in the first two rounds earning the victory for the day. "Not for nothing is she our leader," he thought proudly "she is as deadly as she is fair." The Knight put his sword back in his scabbard and prepared to perform the ritual that would allow him to communicate with the Chapterhouse. For a moment he thought of the lad KEF Cirion whom he had seen knighted that very morning. He thought of the waste of war and prayed to Tyr to spare this newest member of the Order. "He deserves to be happy." He thought, "He is so young and has waited so long to become a Knight." All he said out loud was "You know well my heart and soul, let thy Sacred Will be done." He then cast the spell that opened his mind to the words of his brothers and sisters. The thoughts of his brothers and sisters start pouring thru Elgiem's head as he leans what has triggered the summons. It seems that Kain, head of the Order of the Golden Staff has turned to evil. Members of the Order are gathering their forces, and their allies to take back the Guild Hall from the mass of death shadows that has taken control. This is very grave news. This mage guild is one of the strongest bastions of good in The Realms. It is they who provide magical instruction to the Knights of the Eternal Flame, as well as to many other of the good people of NeverWinter. The wards that protect the city of NeverWinter and Lord Nasher's Castle are in their keeping. The mages had called for all peoples of good to help in their hour of need. The Knights of the Eternal Flame would of course answer. OGS had requested that all comers assemble in a particular clearing in the forest. Their fortress, being guarded by powerful spells, can only be found with the guidance of one of their own. Elgiem made his way to the clearing took a spot near his brother Meane and prepared to wait. Soon the guide came and the host made his way to the Guild Hall of the Golden Staff. The aura of evil was oppressive and unmistakable as they approached the haunted Guild Hall. Even the sun's radiance seemed lessened in this place. There was great evil at work. The mages had requested that no one should enter the Guild Hall. Some of their own would go into Kain's quarters and find out what was really going on. The rest of us prepared for a possible battle. Soon it became apparent to all of us that a great magical struggle was taking place inside the ancient OGS stronghold. Magical energies swept by us in waves, some good, some evil and some just alive with formidable power. After some time a bright flash of the purest white light illuminated the glade and all within it. This I recognized at once as the gift of Tyr himself. I fell to my knees as the sense of evil and dread left us. Good had prevailed for now. And Lo! There is Kain coming out of the stronghold helped by PolarOrbit and some other of the OGS great. He is wounded almost to death but the spell has been lifted from him. He had been possessed by a demon lord but no more. Kain gives control of the OGS to PolarOrbit while he heals his wounds and then departs in the company of the best healers in the realms. The rest of us await the task that still lies ahead. OGS have reclaimed their stronghold from the evil usurpers. Now we must keep it secure from the armies of chaos that are massing to destroy it.Guild War (submitted by: Zindio) " Darkness desending upon the land", that's what Thorn Hawk of The Protectorates said. Upon his mind, were these words, of the NW News staff member as a shadow blocked out the sun. Apprehensively he glanced out over the courtyard and up. Soundlessly a hugh griffin glided down, raised his wings, and landed facing the staff member. The citizen reached behind him for his weapon, the sharp snapping of the griffin's beak caused him to freeze. Glaring contemptously around him, the griffin deposited what looked like a rolled up manuscript on the ground before him. Wings started beating, a sound like thunder reverbrated between the castle walls, and like a missle from a crossbow, the griffin was out of sight. Hesitantly the citizen moved toward the item on the ground. With a quick glance upward he grabbed the item and dashed back inside to the news office. The carefully rolled manuscript was opened. The ink was a faded purple and smelled faintly of spiced wine. The NW news staff crowded around and read what turned out to be news of War in the Realms, sent to them by Zindio, the Protectorate Cadet via Thunder wing, his griffin. Me dear friends, I take me plume in hand to write ye of an upcoming war. Twill start sometime this week of the 15th of July. The House of ITB and The Protectorates will meet on a battlefield somewhere in the area of Tri Boar. Last week there was a skirmish in the lost hills between the two guilds. There had been talk from The House of ITB that the Lost hills were thiers and no one would pass unless they wanted it so. The path through the Woods were cleared that night by The Protectorates. The battles would have raged on longer except A NW Elite Guard entered and Requested all fighting to cease immediatly. Lord Tyst, The Protectorates at that battle, and House of ITB , complied without argument. There have been several training manourvers on both sides since. Now me friends I not be of a political mind and know not all the details, but to the best of me knowledge this is what has happened. Through normal fighting and streeful situations within the realms, someone said to someone else, "Yer Mother was a Troll!" The reply went something like this, " And yer Mother wears Zentil boots." Now that be simplifing the matter to the max, but esentially that has brought on a war. Whatever Guild wins this battle is not really important, bothe of us will do our best to win. The Protectorates will continue to help citizens in need no matter what thier alignment, and House of ITB will continue thier affairs. Meself believes it is part of what me friend Thorn Hawk has brought out about an evil decending upon us, and it will probably take all the guilds to band together and crush this evil before the realms are overtaken. I will let ye know how the War goes as soon as I can. Didnt have any dye so had to write this with some of me elfin wine. Yours, Zindio, TP Cadet.ElvinPride's Quest - Part 5 (submitted by: ElvinPride) The Half-Elf Maiden ElvinPride exited the Guild Hall shortly after the TCS Council began to meet. Still he thought of the look thrown at him by the Guild Master Xzaver. No words said, just ....THAT....look. Elvin trekked slowly towards NeverWinter, head down, watching his boots kick up dust as he walked. So intent was he, thinking about the return of the Guild Master, that the wood-elf did not see the maiden step in front of him. THUD!! Both ElvinPride and the maiden crashed to the ground in a heap. Snapping out of his daydreaming, Elvin quickly jumps to his feet. "OHH!! I am sooo sorry, M'lady!!", he squeaks, helping her up from the ground, while feeling incredibly stupid for not paying mind to where he was going. Expecting to get a verbal lashing; surprise overcomes him as she silently rises, with his help, and smiles. "I am sorry, mister Elf!", she coos, "I should have been looking where I was going!!". ElvinPride returns her smile. "Hehe..I think we both had our minds elsewhere! My name is ElvinPride of Brass Crown, Kingdom of Gammon!". He puffs his chest out as he boasts to her, being proud of his homeland and its people. Silken hair cascades onto her shoulders as she pulls back the hood of her cloak. Elvin gasps. "A Half-Elf!!! And...a very beautiful one at that!", he thought. The wood-elf is speechless as he peers into her blue-grey eyes. "Very nice to make your acquaintance, mister ElvinPride!", she sings. "Although, I must admit, you have a funny way of meeting people!". Elvin blushes. "Again; I am truly sorry, umm...excuse me, what was your name?", he inquires apologetically. "KateGary, new to NeverWinter! hehe", she beams. ElvinPride instantly felt entranced by this half-elf. Something inside of him accepted this maiden, although he was not quite sure why he would feel this way about a half-elf. "Would..would you join me for a drink at Strider's, KateGary? My treat!", he stutters, still mesmerized by her beauty. She curtseys, eyes never leaving Elvin's, as she accepts. "I would be honored, mister Pride!" ElvinPride grins as she slips her arm through his, giving him another quick smile as they depart for Strider's. "You are my first friend here, mister Pride!", she giggles. Elvin acknowledges her friendship. "Please...call me Elvin. Mister is for the humans". Again she smiles, as the two make their way towards the tavern. Strider's Tavern ElvinPride and KateGary sat drinking, exchanging stories for most of the day. She told of her parents; her mother, an Elven-mage, falling in love with a human paladin. Her abduction as a child; becoming a slave in the underdark, still not knowing what became of her parents. ElvinPride sensed the richness of her elven blood, and longed to help her find the truth. He told of his life in Brass Crown and the loss of Krysthiial. Elvin was shocked afterwards when she spoke out to him. "Elvin, my deepest sympathies concerning your loss. Elves are not so easily killed, though. Bones and a gold ring do not conclude that the fair Krysthiial is gone! However, the fact that she is not in the clutches of the dreaded Musre' Loki, means a quest is necessary to find her." She pauses now, sensing the uneasiness of the wood-elf. Elvin stares meaninglessly at his mug of ale, his finger tracing the lip of the mug. "ElvinPride... as your beloved friend; I here and now, swear an oath on all that I hold dear; to assist you to the far ends of your world. To find the fate of Krysthiial and pay the dragon Musre' Loki his just reward!". ElvinPride looked up from his drink, seeing the sincerity in the eyes of the half-elf. Reaching out for her hand, and grasping it tightly, he replies. "KateGary, you are truly blessed at heart. Not many would offer such a gallant service to a stranger they had just met. A quest such as that, I am afraid, would be more dangerous and life-threatening than any would imagine." "Elvin. I feel a special comraderie with you. I want us to help each other.", she pleads with the wood-elf, her eyes sparkling with adventure. ElvinPride shifts uncomfortably in his chair, fully aware of the dangers; not wanting to agree with her. "Let me sleep on it, half-elf. It is getting late. This town is not all safe at night". "Very well, please think it over", she says, with a slight sadness in her voice. "Would you be so kind as to escort me to Daglow's? That is where I board". The two walk out of Strider's, hand in hand; moments before a drunken brawl starts. "Let's get out of here, KateGary!", whispers Elvin into her ear. They hurry towards Daglow's quickly; passing by the NeverWinter Guard, which has hastened thier forces to Strider's. Arriving at Daglow's Inn, ElvinPride wishes the half-elf a sincere "Good night". "Aluve', dear elf!", she replies, reaching up and placing a tender kiss on his cheek. She turns and enters the inn. ElvinPride watches as the maiden enters safely, then makes his way to the Red Mage Inn. Miles away......a transparent form, that of an elf; huddles in the underbrush of the NeverWinter Woods. Hiding.....watching.....learning.... Ode to me Taerin (submitted by: Baldar Hmr) Me Emmy is a feisty lass Her eyes they sparkle with a flash Of green, as precious stones they be Her smile be like a jewel to me. Me Emmy is a winsome lass Her beauty, like the stone we mine Tis purity and so divine, And we we kiss, our souls entwined I give me love for all of time. Me Emmy is a cunning lass Her battle talents, unsurpassed Tha trials of combat she has passed Of foes to vanquish, none shall last And woe to those who draw her wrath Of giants, orcs or darkest Drow What pain they reap, so shall she sow. Till facing 'fore their Gods they go. Baldar Hammersmith Dun Gor Clan Axepeak luvin' husband of Emmrald The Hunter - Part 2 (submitted by: Thorn Hawk) The figure stopped running to look at the ground in front of him noting the depth and clarity of the tracks he was following. Shaking his head to clear them of images of the past, he continued East. His prey, only two days ahead, had stopped to rest. There were injured among their group causing them to move slowly and he could overtake them within three days if he kept at this pace. Slowing, he entered an older part of the woods. The trees towered above his head with a canopy that nearly blocked out the sun's warming rays. Small animals scampered under the brush, while squirrels, just awakened from winter's sleep, dashed among the overhead branches. Birds of all sizes and colors were preparing nests amidst the foliage above. Their chirps sang a song of renewal and rebirth that warmed his heart. Humbled by the power around him and taking a small medallion from under his tunic, he said a prayer to his goddess, Mielikki. Putting the medallion away, the cloaked figure started moving again only to stop and stare at a doe, swollen with a fawn, enter the glen . . . ~~~ A tiny wail filled the room with sound as the infant was born. His mother lay on a bed covered in perspiration from her exertion. Next to her stood Kabina, a stern woman with long black hair. Holding the babe was Lianna, this clan's wise one. "Are you sure you want to do this?" asked Lianna. "Yes" Handing the infant to Kabina, Lianna said, "You know what to do Kabina." "Yes, sister," replied Kabina, taking the baby. Wrapping the infant in a blanket, she quickly left the room heading for her own lodgings. The next morning Kabina left the village with the baby and headed into the desert. She was charged with finding another home for the infant. As the morning heat rose, she thought about the need to take a babe from his rightful mother. The Alaie' lived a life of constant battles, either the bedine to the South or the hordes of monsters off the plateau to the North raided the clans on a constant basis. Every member of the Alaie' knew how to use a weapon before they learned to run. The young, old, men, or women learned so they could defend the villages against attack. Some of these, chose to follow the life of a warrior. Looking at the child, she smiled sadly. The woman in the village back there was one of these. Kabina didn't ask her for her name. It made taking her child easier, she thought. She was a warrior of that clan, and chose to remain such when she found herself pregnant. Giving her child up to be raised by another, she was able to remain focused on her duty to her clan. Having a family, a warrior was not able to fulfill that duty. Their focus had shifted from the clan to a family. It was harder to risk your life if a child was waiting for you at home. Many believed this to be the main reason, but the wise one knew differently. It was too hard on the clan when a child found himself or herself without a parent. It was easier and better for all if the child was taken at birth and given to another to raise as their own. There were many women and some men, when confronted with this choice, who chose to leave their past lives behind and become a parent. Still, many did not. Almost a week had passed when Kabina saw the crack on the rock face, her destination. Entering the fissure, she headed directly to the house of the potter, Sharii' and his wife, Alasharra. Knocking on their door, she waited. Opening the door, "Kabina, what brings you . . . ," asked Sharii'. Gravely, he stepped aside letting the wise one in. "You know why I am here, Sharii'," replied Kabina, handing the bundle to Alasharra as she entered the room. "His name is Callus," Kabina said bowing. . . Thorn Hawk, Brotherhood of Pathfinders. Elven Saga - Chapter 4 (submitted by: Nilgeit) The gnoll slid off Nilgeit's longsword with a harsh screech as the blade scraped bone. Six of its kind littered the clearing. In the pocket of the third searched, the elf found this note: "I have taken several human children hostage in a farming village two days east of this ambush. Throw a rope down the town's well, and you will find a small underground complex. Arrive soon, or they will starve." It was signed simply "Cyric's Own". Nilgeit seethed. Using hostages was nasty, but using children was downright loathsome. He crumpled the paper and threw it back at the corpse. A day and a half of hard running, and the elf found the well. In the darnkess of a summer's late evening, he checked the crank and post for tampering, then tied a rope off, and slipped over the edge. Forty feet down the shaft, the elf felt a faint change in the air. He reached out, and felt around the 4' diameter, finally discovering a large hole cut into the wall. Scanning with infravision and feeling carefully for traps, he edged his slight weight into the opening, and began crawling. Once stable, he pulled a small sphere from his tunic pocket, and whispered, "light", and the tunnel was immediatly lit by a soft, magical glow. The light revealed a man-made tunnel, roughly hewn from the bedrock, about three feet wide and four feet tall, vaguely oval. Before him was the twisted remains of an iron grate, apparently forged to fit the hole into the well. He began crawling again. After twenty feet or so, the tunnel widened and became taller, allowing the elf to stand. After a small curve, he passed a small room on his right, doorless and lined with racks holding crossbows and quarrels. A hard turn cut to the right, and the passage ended at the top of a ladder, with a square hole cut into the floor. What is this structure here for? the elf wondered silently. He descended the ladder, and found himself in a hewn cavern, with long wooden tables and plain benches placed in neat lines running the length of the cavern towards an archway at the far end. Some kind of meeting and dining hall, he surmised, and spotted a door of stout wood with metal banding, off to his left. It led into a small but well-designed kitchen, unused but not abandoned. The elf returned to the hall, noting that the kitchen door could be barred from the inside. Back in the hall, he moved around the room, noting board games and decks of cards placed regularly around the room. Finally he moved through the arch, and found himself in a hallway, regularly sectioned with doors and more archways every ten feet. He opened the first door on his right, and found it empty but for a simple double bed and chest of drawers. The door to the left was identical. When he opened the second door on the right, a flicker of motion behind the bed caught his attention. Quietly he moved around the bed, until he saw a small, glass globe sitting on the floor. Inside there appeared to be a floating mote of light, not unlike a will-o-the-wisp. When Nilgeit stepped forward to inspect it, he bumped something invisible. With only a light tap, the unseen object fell forward, smashing the globe as he looked on in confusion. In a blur, the liberated mote flashed towards the elf's sword, dancing around and down the blade. Where it passed, the bright steel dimmed and marred. In sudden realization, he cursed as the thing--far from a harmless wisp--darted towards the fine bracers he wore around his wrists. Quickly he tore the bracers off, flung them into the back corner, and bolted for the door. He slammed the door home, and backed away from it quickly. The little beastie (he couldn't recall the name) might not be contained so easily. If he was near, he was sure it would find him. The magical creature--bane to mages, clerics, and all magic in general -- actually consumed magic, both spell and enchantment. His sword was nothing more than normal steel rather than an enchanted masterpiece. By now, his bracers were plain cloth. He did not want to lose his shield, cloak, ring, and bag the same way.Labors of Love (submitted by: Metr0n) Chapter 1 - Pains of Love (~Seabrina D'Vileson) Seabrina moves through the woods, her body moving lithly, belying the fact that shes ready to deliver the child at anytime. Being pregnant hasn't hindered Sea in the slightest. The need to kill only increased during her pregnancy. As always, after a kill, she hurried back to the cottage Metron created for them. The outside so unimposing. The inside opening wide, showing the opulence they both enjoyed. She pulls her cloak off, shaking her long dark hair from the hood. She drops it to the floor, heading for their bedroom, her face still flushed from her recent kill. She pulls the flask from her waist sitting on the edge of the bed. Her eyes sparkle as she feeds the blood rose and watches the vibrancy return to it. As she looks at the bloodrose, she feels a pain run along her abdomen. She doubles over momentarily, waiting for the pain to subside. She stands and immediately heads out the door, forgetting her cloak. Leaving the cottage she goes in search of her husband, knowing she must reach him as the birth of their child is at hand. She heads to the taverns near their home, she doesn't notice the looks she gets as she enters then quickly leave the taverns....her cloak had hid her body well all these months. Now, however, she wasn't wearing it. She ventures further from the cabin, wondering where Metron is. She finally arrives at the inn in Triboar, the pains coming more often now. Sea isn't sure how much longer she will be able to go on, but she's determined to find him. She sits in the inn, resting, and her mind wanders back ten years. It seems like a lifetime ago when she had given birth to her son, never even having seen the child before it was taken from her. Her husband then had been Trimentius. Sea shudders at the remembrance. Remembering how Trimentius had re-entered her life, almost taking her from the man she loves. Metron had challenged Trimentius to a duel, a duel to the death. Metron killing him and to hear his dying words that the son Sea had born had been destroyed as not being fit to be his son. Sea sits back in the chair, tears come to her eyes. She stands, intent once more on finding Metron. She heads towards Longsaddle, and halfway there, in Berun the pains become to intense for her to continue. She enters a deserted room and sits on the floor, her back agains the wall, her mind concentrating on Metron to find her. "Metawe, Luv... where da hell are ya?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 2 - Treasure Hunt (~Metron Vileson) The masters of Hells Keep had not been in a good mood when I had snuck into their fortress in the middle of the night to relieve them of a sizable portion of treasure. In point of fact, they were quite enraged. I had slipped into the fortress in the shape of a raven, my preferred form for flying and scouting. I had scouted out the interior of the fortress in various forms over the past few months to get a good idea where the main treasure room was, and to scout out the best and quickest exits. When I finally decided it was time to strike, I did, bypassing all the mundane guards and traps, and using my talents at magic to circumvent the magical traps. In a word, the treasury was mine to loot....and loot I did. Laying open my Portable Hole, I scooped all the treasure I could into three large chests I had brought special for this. Now one may wonder why I didn't just scoop all of the treasure into the magical space, but I've always been very strict in keeping my Portable Hole as neat and tidy as possible. Three chests were the limit for what I would take, aside from the other 5 chests already in there, filled with various nicknacks from my travels and my life (including an ornate coffin with a plaque reading "Metron Vileson" which I won't go into further detail at this point of time .>). When the chests were filled, I closed it up and began to make my escape. In and out in less than an hour. Not my personal best for this kind of work, but not bad overall. Of course, I hadn't counted on a tricky little trap that sprang an alarm throughout the entire fortress. Bloody thing was a passive spell that I had overlooked previously, and didn't activate until 'after' I had passed once more through the corridor leading away from the treasury. Once more, a small detail almost proved my undoing, but hell, not everyones perfect. I swiftly transformed myself into a sleek black panther..a form that was both agile and deathly. I had hoped that I would be able to slip back out without hurting a fly, but that soon proved to be wishful thinking. Letting out a roar of bestial rage, I charged through the fortress, not heading for the main gates below, but further up the tower. Up and up I went, leaving a trail of bodies of both armed resistance and servants that had wandered in my path. I had paused long enough in one chamber on my way up to rip apart a group of huddled, screaming servants, tossing limbs every which way. Now that secrecy and stealth was gone, I might as well enjoy myself a little bit. As I approached the upper reaches of the fortress, I came upon a group of 3 cowled figures waiting for me. I knew that this was trouble from the get go, especially when I saw the glowing blue sparkling globe of energy launching from their outstreched fingertips to strike at me. I don't think I've felt anything quite like that little ball of fun for quite a number of years. I could smell the hairs all over my panther body sizzle, and the muscles of my entire body spasm uncontrollably. My body slamed back into the corridor from which I had come, and I lay still, panting ever so quickly from the pain. The three cowled mages were advancing on my quivering form when I sprung my next little trick. I changed once again, a quick little change, not much different from the form of the panther, but enough of a difference in structure and type that the deadly wounds I had sustained as a panther were nearly healed by the switch to the displacer beast. It took hardly any concentration to enable this form for speech, and I muttered the command to my post potent defensive spell that I had spent many months researching and perfecting, called simply Blinking Images. In a matter of seconds 4 other displacer beasts came into being in the corridor. The three cowled mages shrank back from this new threat and retreated into the larger chamber behind them, a serious error in judgement in my opinion. Together, they started casting the mother of lightning bolts in conjunction with each other and let fly into the corridor. By that time, however, the second aspect of my spell came into effect. Suddenly, I and my four buddy images blinked out of existance from the corridor and reformed in the chamber behind the mages. Ever wonder how hard it was to combat a displacer beast with images, blinking ability (for both the original and the images), and human intelligence? Well, in less than 2 minutes, the three cowled mages found out. I left the chamber practically unscathed, spitting out pieces of magemeat from my mouth as I found a window and lept through. I transformed in midleap back into a raven and soared off into the night, setting my sights on the long flight back home to Neverwinter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 3 - Endings and Beginnings (~Metron Vileson) I lost any sign of pursuit from Hell's Keep on the first day of my flight in the form of a raven. There was no way, short of magical means, that they could hope to track me...and even with magic, they'd have a hard time getting past the other magical defenses I carried around that led astray any such attempts. No, things were looking quite good for ole Met. On the second night I stopped at an old campsite to rest my weary wings. I transformed back into my normal (to all outward appearances) self, got my travelling gear from my portable hole, and settled in for the night. The stars up above twinkled brightly through the trees. The wind was making the branches above me sway gently back and forth, and the few high clouds in the sky glowed with the moon. In all, it was an almost perfect night, and I found myself wishing I could share this moment with Sea. I drifted off with my eye gazing up towards the heavens. A think layer of mist knee high lay over the area, and although the moon had already sunk below the horizon, the campsite shone dimly. How I ended up standing I couldn't for the life of me recall. The whole world had taken on a fuzzy, almost dreamlike state. Was I in the middle of a dream, I wondered? Or is this real. Something was coming out of the trees that I was facing, something that brought it's own light with it. I felt no fear, and no sense of threat. A peaceful aura hung about the glow as it removed itself from the trees and floated into the campsite. I could see a dark form, shadowed in the midst of the glow. The form slowly became more substantial, taking on the nude figure of a woman with ebony skin and raven black hair floating about her shoulders as if she floated under water. I tried to look upon her face, but there was just a shadow there, a blankness of form, but I knew that body. I had been with that body a great many times in what seemed a lifetime before. A choke caught itself in my throat. The glowing form then seemed to collapse on itself, and at the very center a small dark form burst out and soared upwards into the night. It circled once, then twice. My eye, misty for some reason I could not comprehend, picked out the form above me...that of a raven. I felt a sudden heat from the precious silver dagger I always carried around with me, and I lept into the air, transforming myself into a twin of the raven that circled above me. Up I flew, until I was even with her. She flew a circle around me, then dove into the trees. I locked my eye on her and dove in pursuit. Throughout the night we raced through the trees. Almost would I catch her and then my some trick she would seem to fly directly into a tree, only to come out the other side intact. I lost more than a few feathers during those narrow misses of my own. There was something tickling the back of my mind, something about what was happening at this time and this place, and more importantly, who this was, but I could not bring it to the fore, and as the chase progressed, only one thing stood out in my mind. I must follow. For over two nights I did. During the day I would set camp and try to find rest in my exhaustion, but during the night, she would return as before and the chase would continue. The whole time my mind was in a fog. Memories of the long past would haunt me in my sleep during the daylight, and memories of the recent past during the chase. It was as if something was brousing my mind for my memories. Emotions I had long thought dead painfully creeped back into my dark soul during those hours, as painful or as pleasurable as when the emotion was first felt. On the third night of my hectic flight, I began recognizing the woods where we raced. We were nearly through the great Neverwinter forest, on the outskirts of the ruins of the town of Berun. During the entire flight, I had never come closer than a yard to the raven I chased, dispite some of the highly dangerous maneuvers I had managed to do. The fog began to lift ever so gently from my mind as we cleared the trees and raced through the edges of Berun. Finally, the raven swooped over a rooftop and landed on the front steps of a deserted building. I dove in and landed before her. I took a few unsteady paces towards her until I was beak to beak. The raven at last began to grow in size, transforming back into her ebody human body. I released the form of the raven, transformed back into my own self and reached out a hand to touch the shadows that even at this close distance obscured her face. As my fingers were but a hairsbreath away, I heard a cry of familiar voice cry out in pain within the deserted building. I turned to look towards the noise, then quickly looked back at the woman as her form began to waver with the comming of dawn. I then heard in the air around me a voice I had not heard in a great long age, the first voice I had heard since this chase began. "Go to her. My time here is over. Do not forget me my love." As the last of her voice echoed within me, her form vanished, but not before the veil of shadow obsuring her face dissapated. "Sharee!" I cryed out in anguish, for I knew that she whom I had once loved, was dead. I crumbled to my knees and tears fell from my eye as the voice whispered once more, "...do not forget..." I knelt there for how long I do not know, but I was brought to my feet by the cries of pain that still echoed within the building. "Goodbye." I whispered as I regained my feet. A life had passed. A new life was coming into being, and into the building I walked toward that new life waiting to burst forth from my wife...my love, Seabrina. Metron Vileson Guild of Chaos ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OOC Note - Yes I cried when I wrote this. This, by far, was the hardest post I've ever written. I've said goodbye to her as I said hello, in a story. Saying goodbye is never easy when you lose someone you cared a great deal about. Someone who touches your life, who shares with you a glimpse into their own world, and who gave you some of your most cherished memories here in this magical realm we call Neverwinter. To you Lisa, who once played my wife, Sharee Ravenlock Vileson, I say for all to hear, "I SHALL NOT FORGET."Nuzzot's Quest (submitted by: FntsyRuler) Chapter 1 For the first time in his life Nuzzot arose to the surface of the earth. The mission that he was about to embark on was a trechorous and fatal one. His father had been sent on this journey but has not returned since. He was with a group of his own clan setting up for a full force battle to eliminate all of the surface elves. Nuzzot's purpose in the clan was to take the mystical mask, a mask created centuries ago by the drow to let their kind blend in with the surface elves, and become one of the kings royal guards. Once one of the king's royal guards Nuzzot would use the sword of enchantment to turn the king into a spider, leaving him to a doom of suffering and pain of being stepped on by all creatures. But it wouldn' end that quickly, Nuzzot had a card up his sleve and he wasn't ready to reveal it. "Nuzzot," his younger brothe Franzor called from the caves of the underground temple of lloth,"you forgot the mytical mask that will allow you to infultrarte the surface elves homes." Mother made you some dried deer meat for your journey." "Thank you brother, I will miss you, now that father has died you will be man of the house!!" The rest of his clan was swiftly moving through the forest, "Brother I must go, I will bring the shirt of the king for you to see, I love you." The tears rolled down his eyes because he knew that he would most likely never see him again. He pulled away in agony for the pain was too wretched. He too started to go into the night fading... fading... fading away farther from his brothers sobs. Once he was out of sight Nuzzot started to cry more. " I will miss you my brother" :-( Chapter 2 "All elves report to your superior elf, CODE RED, CODE RED!!" "The drow are attacking sire, what shall we do?" The king of all the elves is wearing a golden silk tunic with a glowing red Medallion of the god of wine. Pacing back and forth, pondering on the reason of the attack. "Sire, Sire, what shall we do?? Sire??" "One moment," still pacing and thinking. " Maybe they want the other drow that we captured here last week??" "Retrieve the drow from the dungeon, I'll bet my life that he knows something about this. *************************************************************************************** "Talk drow, the executioner" screamed as he chopped one of Nuzzot's father's ear off. "About what???" he replied sarcastically. "The full force attack?? Oh, well, you see all of the drow are coming to kill all of the surface. That way we could study the environment, and take it for everything it has. After all of the natural resources are gone here we will move on to another race, maybe the kender this time?!! HaHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!! And what is your measly little king going to do about it? Take all of you archers and place them in the trees, We have LLOTHS blessing, we will infultrate this are so easily it won't be funny." The executioner brought the drow to the king with an agahast face,"We have a problem." Chapter 3 "Nuzzot, Nuzzot, wake up!" Waking up grogily from a short sleep he realized he was in the woods. He thought about his brother and his father that was presumed dead. Todays the day. He got washed and dressed, all the time preparing for the final moments of revenge. How sweet revenge can be even to one that is evil. Nuzzot picked up his sack and put in all the items that he would need, The mystical mask, and his dagger and short sword just in case he ran into any trouble, as well as a bow and a quiver worth of arrows. The lone drow said his final goodbye as he left the camp and headed towards the forest of QEUALENEISINVI. *************************************************************************************** Shadows were reported that night, lurking in the darkest parts of the forest. The king knew what was happening because of his information from the prisoner drow. He as well as all that knew, knew that he could do nothing. *************************************************************************************** He entered the castle in the heart of the forest. Throught the door the elf walked, not being stopped because he looked exactly like all of the other elves. In the kings chambers the shadow cursed the king to a life as a spider. He put the spider(king) in his pocket and left the chambers. Nuzzot thought that he was home free until he felt something drop. All of the elves were screaming intruder. He questioned them? No the mask!!! He was captured and forced to go to the dungeon. Chapter 4(final) "Father", Nuzzot called as his bloody body was thrown into the dank dark dungeon. "Do not tread our clan will save us." "No father, they will realize the mistake that they have made and call of the attack. It is not right. "TRAITOR!!!!!, you dare to oppose LLoth, you shall die," and with that Nuzzot's own father killed his son. He was left in the dungeon, waiting, watching, hoping that his clan would come to save him. Waiting, Waiting...... ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Fntsyruler(submitted by: GARY ORL2) Battles, battles everywhere and not a single "friendly" monster to be found. Well, it may seem that way, but its not entirely true. If you would like to see a computer controlled dragon fight with you instead of against you, then make a little side trip the next time you're in Longsaddle. Okay, heres how to find him. Make your way to Longsaddle Under. As you gather your bearings underground, make your way through a large temple then turn South at the far end. Soon you will be where you need to be. From here, heed this warning... DRACS do await you!! Behind the door the tough test does will present itself. Survive and the Dragon soon will be met, perish and back to square one you'll be sent! After regaining your strength and replenishing your spells, move farther east til a locked door stands before you.. A bash or a knock will gain you quick entry.. Talk to and free the grand beast, be sure not to attack him. He quickly will leave you but reappear when he is needed. A secret door will open, and you'll be back near where you entered the underground.. Head back through the Temple, but this time turn North. Your path will be a mirror image of the one you just traveled. Through the last door, evil does await you. Here, two Beholders with a human guard, have possession of the Incandescant Jewel. Prep for the 'Holders and enter when ready, your new Dragon friend will be there when battle cries echo. Even with your ally, this fight is a tough one, do the "dance" if you can after clearing the fighters with a Fireball. Victory here will depend on you, not the dragon. His magic does little to slay the foul 'Holders, however on occasion he will close in with both bite and claw attacks. With those some damage he can do!! Alas, often times the grand beast will fall to a 'Holders eye attack, but then again, thats one that was directed at him and not you ;> If both skillful and lucky, you will emerge as the victor. Lord Nasher is sometimes quite generous to those who return the Jewel. A well deserved bonus for a deed well done. And experience has taught me, those who witness the dragon will always bring back a friend or a brother to introduce them to the "friendly" dragon.. Remember, when in Longsaddle, You've got a friend!! Gary Orl2 Royal Knight of COR<><><><><> <><><><><> 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. <><><><><> <><><><><> MONTHLY CONTEST STARTS IN JULY!! Win Pearls for your Guild! Participate in the monthly News of the Realms "Newsworthy" contest. Each month, 4 pearls will be awarded to the account of the Guild with the most "newsworthy" articles for that month! We're looking for works of art, articles of fine literature, helpful hints of extraordinary brilliance, poetic works which stir the soul, etc. The key word here is "newsworthy"... only articles with substance will be counted in the contest! To participate you need to: - Indicate with your submission the name of your SANCTIONED guild. 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