==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 145 Week Ending 8-4-96 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Luthyen for winning last week's News of the Realm contest for her story entitled "The Mallorn Tree". Luthyen has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes). Keep up the good work! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> Winners in IGA's #1-#5! Congratulations to those that hurried to the proper locations and assisted the NPCs who called for aid... Each of the following players had the opportunity to role play, dig for clues to the mysterious "Five" who threaten Neverwinter. In addition, they received a modest reward from Lord Nasher! Well done all! More IGA's coming... and of course "Turmoil's Edge"! IGA #1 - LordNasher & NW Snowie in Red Larch elim des alesha n0r dravn jantyr s0l shugar IGA #2 - V1sage in Berun dalnenest abzzsta1n sol aruthur onasee sara sedai IGA #3 - Lady Dryad in the Woods uzriel itb force delracnid k1ng k0bra moondremrr IGA #4 - Mayor Hama Adobe of Nightsedge style sun renferd panzermagi quik magi lilithemm IGA #5 - Lord Faurael Blackhammer in Triboar delracnid sihyan drachen goodtgater lrd raz0r <><><><><> <><><><><> Congratulations to the Brotherhood of the Pathfinders for compiling the most "Newsworthy" entries to the News of the Realms!! They win the monthly reward of 4 pearls into their guild fund!! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> COUNTRY DANCE! ----------------------------- On the eve before the storm, before the threat of danger to the citizens of the city of Neverwinter loomed so forebodingly on the horizon, Lord Nasher invited all to drink, make merry and dance! Soon the people of the town were out and about, singing happily, whistling their favorite tunes and rushing to find suitable dance partners in this impromptu party. But an evening of merriment was not all the Lord Mayor had in store for his people, and as the ale flowed freely, he announced a great contest of grace and dexterity, challenging the folk of the city to dance with the guardsmen and women. Those that proved themselves capable of matching the pace and steps of the selected guards would be rewarded! (Fumble booth, resist two fumbles without being clumsied - win 3 pearls) As the evening went on Lord Nasher's troops, well trained in the courtly arts, proved their grace and endurance was difficult for most to match! Stumbling and mumbling that they needed to get out and dance more often or joking that their partner's moves were too much for them, the folk of the city staggered off to rest their tired feet. Over 170 citizens danced with 6 members of the guard. When the musicians finally stopped, 39 had proven their grace and skill! Thanks to all who participated, including the guardsmen and women who spent the next days soaking their tired feet! Congratulations to the winners of this unusual and rather tricky event! Regards, NW Events Winners ------------- adon vie aurela chaos loc cleanxer deemonia draconis dragoon099 gardian gularr happypipe jierlith kadi0n kef fair kto vecna lady shan lev1ath0n lord chadd masoi mavralyn mech faile mech riots nor helixx oran rezz poe iv pyuna rd nathan shenazia shoki maji shurg sir vermin sk solack sol adept sol ent1ty som talia strot warr rakun wgw talius whimcycle zacnefear2 <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 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: August 5th Monday 6:00 PM EDT - with NW Garion. August 6th Tuesday 8:00 PM EDT - with NWA Omar. August 9th Friday 10:00 PM EDT - with NW Zephyr. Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> Gift to Lloth - Part 3 (submitted by: Mavralyn) <<<<>>>> When the pain subsided the knight lay gasping for breath upon the floor and glared up at the two darkelves, "Why do ye have me drow? Ye better release me for I am Lrd Rathar, a Paladin of Tyr." With a slight lift of her brow she laughed at his words, "Dossta god cannaut save dos now inlul rothe. With that necklace about dossta neck, dos are mine. Dos will naut harm anyone of ussta qu'ellar nor any I consider abbanen." Holding out a small medallion with strange runes carved upon it she continued as if to a small child, "Those that wear this are naut to be harmed. If dos attack or harm any that wear this, dos will feel the pain once again." At the slight stubborn set of his jaw she lowered her voice and the husky sound sent a shiver of apprehension through him. "It also conveys extreme pleasure should dos please me." Her eyes glowed like twin sapphires as she looked over the crouched figure. A look of pure rapture filled Rathar's face as his body trembled with the wondrous feeling that washed over him. "See there? I think dos will enjoy that side effect more inlul sargtlin rothe," she purred. As the ecstasy faded still leaving a pleasant afterglow, fear filled him at how easy it would be to want that sensation again. A new understanding and determination to find a way to escape showed in his eyes as he slowly stood to face Mavralyn. Knowing his thoughts the priestess laughed softly, "Dos will remove all items and clothing, for slaves do naut own such things unless the master allows it." She could see the struggle within him to fight her, but at a slight touch of pain along already sensitized nerves, he quickly remove his things and placed them in a pile. With a wave of her hand the few things he could call his own disappeared. Then Mavralyn turned toward the naked man and let her eyes travel slowly over the muscular form. Reaching forward with a sharp tipped nail, she traced a long scar that ran downward from right to left over the broad chest, lingering for a moment near the flat abdomen. Tension filled Rathar with a need to DO something, yet the memory of the collar's magic stayed him. As Mavralyn stepped back with a throaty chuckle she told him what she wished him to do first. "Dos will run to Neverwinter and stand in the main square. I want dos to announce to all there that dos are my slave." The priestess saw the anger that flared in his eyes for a brief moment and continued sternly, "If dos do naut do this, I will know." To be continued...... Mavralyn Elythanar Ilharess d'ElythanarReturn (submitted by: Lake Mist) The day had started slowly for me, just milling around Neverwinter and doing a little idle window shopping. Nothing very important pressing me on. As I moved down one of the side streets north of the square, I happened to over hear a conversation about Vilnask. "I grew up in Vilnask. Spent many days with Willo as a small child. Used to show the lot of us his crafts in that wondrous shop of his." "Aye, he crafted a sword for me once. I have passed it on to my younger brother, but still remember it's magnificence. Is a shame that he has fallen prey to the evil that lurks in Vilnask's shadows these days." Willo in trouble. He had always been a friend to rangers in the days past. It was decided, I would head to Vilnask to find out what misgivings had befallen Willo, if any. As I turned a corner, in my haste, I almost ran over Verdagris. "Well met," said he. "Huh? Hail and well met to thee my fine young friend. Are thee not a ranger in the service of Mielikki?" asked I. "Tis true," he replied, "and I am in dire need of assistance. I have just dualed to magic user and found out that an old friend, Willo, of Vilnask, has come up missing." "What a stroke of luck, brother, for I am headed there just now to see if what I have heard is true. If you wish, we shall travel together this fine day." Joining forces, we set off for Vilnask through Southwall. South of Southwall, along the wooded path to Vilnask, we happened upon an elf lass named TaryAnne beset by wolves and two trees. Hearing her crys for help, and being who we were, well, into the mellee we went, head first and sword swinging. Verdagris forgot that he had just dualed and was frantically searching for the sword that he just knew was on his belt. Reaching for his dagger instead, we jumped into the middle of the wolves and made a protective area for TaryAnne. Afterwards, we asked if she could use some company to the nearest inn, and she agreed to join us. Reaching the inn in Vilnask, and affording all to rest who needed it, we explained our quest and asked if she wished to accompany us. She agreed to this arrangement and as we were leaving, RCarter, who had overheard our conversation, asked if he might join our small party. We agreed to that also, and the four of us went to find Willo's wife and see what we could find out about his disappearance. After talking to Willo's wife, we went to search his shop and see what would turn up. After several minutes, and closer to half and hour, Verdagris discovered what appeared to be a door in the southwest corner of the shop. "What do you think?" he asked as we both applied pressure and saw the wall move just slightly. "I think you are on the right track, brother," I replied, as we both lunged into the wall forcing it to give way. Entering the chamber, we discovered another door which lead to a hall, which was quite well constructed. "It does not appear that this area was hastely built," remarked TaryAnne, "In fact, it appears that magic was even used in it's construction." Peering around, I had to agree, there was something quite remarkable about the construction of these walls. As we moved forward, RCarter suddenly jerked bolt upright and grabbed his head. "Oh my," he screamed, "my soul mate is in dire need of my presence. Please forgive my departure, but I must leave." Before any of us could say our good-byes, he was gone, leaving just the three of us. Looking at each other for a moment, we just shrugged and pressed onward. At a couple of places withing our journey, we found ourselves either teleported or moving downward to reach our destination, which was still quite unclear to us. Retreat, it was apparant, was no longer an oppotion. We had to keep going forward. After encounters with mammoths, minotaurs, and even zombies, we suddenly came across a large fight. After listening to the words spoken and the sudden appearance of skeletal wings, we figured out that the adventurers ahead of us had happened upon at least one, if not more, dracolithe. Nasty at best. I decided to have each of us sneak around the fight and meet on the other side. When we were all together, we discovered a door headed east. Prepping for the worst, I pushed the door open and lead the three of us forward. There he was, Willo, chained to a wall with an evil mage making threatening gestures toward him. AAAIIIIIEEEEEE.....we charged in. The mage was quicker than I thought and summoned several skeltons and a fire elemental to ward us off. As I charged the mage, the fire elemental circled around and struck me from behind, the burning almost paralyzing me for a second. Verdagris was faced by at least two skeletons, and TaryAnne was going after the others. My second sword cut ended the life of the mage, and I turned my attention to the fire elemental, while the others worked on the skeletons. A priest of Silvanus entered and helped us finish off the horde that remained. Freeing Willo from his bonds, he quickly let us know what was happening and lead us back to his shop. In graditude, he gave us a dagger of striking and we bid ourselves farewell. We then headed back to Neverwinter, where I was sure that Verdagris and TaryAnne could take advantage of their experience and turn it into valuable training. Once in Neverwinter, I headed to the Red Mage Inn for a frenzy and a well deserved owlbear steak. As I finished my steak and my third frenzy, the door opened and a young lady, with three travelers in tow, entered the inn and took a table near the fire. My hand went instinctively to the morning star that always hung from my belt. The morning star that always reminded me of loss and sorrow. The morning star "Archet" which was the one reminder of a young lady I had met a long time ago, when I was a young ranger in search of truth and justice. I left my table, shadowed in the far corner, and moved toward the four adventurers. As I neared the table, one of the travelers looked up and started to say "What do you wan........" His words froze in his throat as he saw the threat in my eyes. At his words, she turned my way and a smile as big as the Neverwinter woods crossed her face. Jumping up and rushing toward me, she threw her arms around my neck and gave me a kiss like the ones that most are only envious of. Loosing her grip, she looked me in the eyes and said "Tis good to see you, my old friend." A smile crossed my face as I replied, "And tis good to see thee again, ElneArchet. I thought you dead these many months." My hand moved forward, clutching the morning star. "This is yours, I believe." as I handed it to her. Her eyes widened with amazement and joy. "You have kept the Morning Star of Mielikki. I can't believe it. You are truly a friend." She reached forward and took the morning star. Rolling it around in her hands, as if she had just found another long lost friend, she moved closer to the fire to admire the workmanship that had crafted that fine weapon. Moving like a cat, I reached the door and vanished before she had turned around. She was alive, she was in the company of three traveled adventurers, and she had the morning star back. A smile crossed my face as I headed for Floodblest and the Rankled Boar. ElneArchet had returned to the realms. There was hope after all.(submitted by: Wgbt) Welcome to the Lateshow with Wagebolt! Yes, I am your host Wagebolt of the Winterguard. And today I have yet another, straight from the home office in SouthWall, top-ten list! Ah, those good ol' NW's and NWA's, what would the place be like without 'em? Today's list is dedicated to those great folk. Featuring: TOP TEN GOOD THINGS ABOUT BEING AN NW/NWA 10)Sitting in that nice comfy spot in the middle of NW Square for two hours 9)TOS handbooks double as good missle weapons. 8)Great Weapons that kick arse 7)Giving newbies false information when nobody is looking! 6)The oohs and aahs of newbies overcome by your majesticness. 5)The babes at Strider's Tavern love a man in charge! 4)The NWA Origami class teaches you how to turn pages from the TOS handbook into to superb party hats! 3)Putting itching powder in Lord Nasher's boots, watching him blame the boots 2)Watching people gripe in NeverWinter Booths "And now the #1 Good thing about being an NW/NWA!" 1)Two words:Free Mints!!! ::Wagebolt throws the card out the window:: (WorldWide Plate) "Have you shined your platemail today?" An Elven Haiku (submitted by: Dan Aegis) Hermit wizard's je4st; Sapphire, jade, brilliant eyes, Wyrmkin's hope reborn. Arcane notes resound; A bard's enchanted pipes, Queen and brood obey. Windswept mountian vale; Warrior's tomb mournful prayer, One more spirit lost. Autumn's forest trail; Lurking foes, a sword forewarns, Chilling calm beware! The Hunter - Part 4 (submitted by: Thorn Hawk) It was midmorning, deep within Neverwinter Woods, when a cloaked man came upon the still smoldering fire. It was a small clearing along the face of a rocky outcropping. A very defensible spot, the figure thought as he moved silently through the camp. Taking note of every detail, the ranger moved on . . . ~~~ Months had passed as Thorn Hawk made his way through the desert. On the horizon, the roofs of a few small buildings could be seen. Thorn Hawk stopped to regard the village. He needed water, but his instincts told him to avoid the place. His sense of self preservation had been honed to razor sharpness since leaving his clan. He had survived in a desert which was populated by rival tribesmen and hostile monsters by following his instincts. Thorn Hawk moved closer. His eyes seemed to move everywhere as he surveyed the horizon for any signs of life. The place appeared to be deserted. He moved ever closer. Upon the outskirts of town, Thorn Hawk, finding a place to hide, prepared to wait until darkness before entering the main square housing the well. By the waning light of Selune, a shadowy figure, moving over the rooftops of the few houses still standing, headed for the well. Dropping lightly to the ground, Thorn Hawk crept soundlessly to the well, preparing to fill his water skins, when a cough brought him bolt upright with a sword, twinkling in the moonlight, in his hand. "Why you sneaking around my house?" asked a gruff old man, eyeing the sword with humorous eyes. "You planning on taking my water, too? Would you like my clothes also, or maybe my food? Would you leave an old man in the desert to die of starvation? Hmm . . . Well answer me, or can't you speak?" Fearing others would hear the old man and come to his aid, Thorn Hawk bolted for the safety of the desert. In his rush to leave, he forgot to grab his water skins, which he had dropped when surprised by this old man. Heading between two building, Thorn Hawk momentarily became lost before seeing the open dunes further ahead. He did not glance back to see the old man holding two water skins, smiling at the fleeing figure. Thorn Hawk stopped just outside of the village looking for pursuit, but there was none. He dared not to travel far at night, nor could he leave without getting water. Finding a shallow wash, Thorn Hawk made camp for the night. Exhausted, he tried not to sleep, but sleep came regardless of the young man's wishes. Waking with a start as sunlight touched his face, Thorn Hawk found himself staring at two full water skins hanging from a nearby bush. Puzzled, he sipped first one then the other looking for poison, but there was none. Drinking the cold water, he glanced back at the village knowing the old man had filled the skins, but who had placed them so close without his noticing. Shouldering his pack, he headed back into the village. He found his answer sitting on the well. "I knew you would be back, boy," explained the old man, "people call me Tracker." "Did you place the skins by my camp?" replied Thorn Hawk. "Ye know boy," asked Tracker, in a testy voice, "most people introduce themselves when they meet someone." Biting back a retort at being called a boy, Thorn responded, "my name is Ca . . . ah . . . Thorn Hawk. My name is Thorn Hawk." "So ye say . . . Thorn," answered Tracker, "May I call you Thorn? Would ye care to break your fast with me? I have some food in my hut," said Tracker, pointing to a shack bearing the sign of the dancing horse inn. "Yes," replied Thorn Hawk, confused by this strange man, "food would be nice. It has been awhile since I ate last." Following the old man toward the inn, his hand near his sword, Thorn Hawk wondered what he had gotten into . . . Thorn Hawk, Brotherhood of PathfindersThe Mallorn Tree - Part 2 (submitted by: Thorn Hawk) "Aye love, I bet they would," grinned Thorn Hawk. "Well, I shall do these things though I feel they will not like it," replied Luthyen moving toward the tree. He watched her make her way back to the mallorn tree admiring the way her new blue summer dress clung to her lithe form. Waving to the many dryads perched on the railing above, he resumed stretching his sore muscles, muscles used to swinging a sword or running for hours on end not wielding a hoe or a trimmer. The soft mummers from above brought a smile to his lips. Dryads, they did have a one track mind. As he went through the various stretches he used each morning before his weapons practice, he thought about the small shrine. It has been long unused. The grass had grown to entwine the small bench and alter stone at its center. The canopy of pine trees resumed their growth to block out the sun from breaching the shrine below. He had spent all day and part of the night clearing the old growth, trimming the trees, and setting the altar stone and bench. While clearing a heavy patch of berry bushes, he had found a small statue of the Lady of the Forest. She was in one of her many disguises, being a leaf clad ranger with a large long bow and a flowing cape of oak leaves. The most striking feature was the baby unicorn nestled at her feet gazing out at the world with innocent eyes. He had stood in wonder at the discovery before moving the statue to a place of honor in the center of the small clearing so she could gaze out over the whole grove. All that remained was the consecration of the altar and for this he needed the help of his brother Zeb. His thoughts abruptly shifted back to the present when voices were heard behind him. It seemed the dryads were not pleased about being moved, but Luthyen was persistent and they did move to allow her to lower the sunscreen blocking their view of the waterfall. Finishing his stretches, he walked over to the stream admiring the beauty of the summer night. The pearly radiance reflected off the cascading waterfall and sending a dimly seen shimmering rainbow into the air. Stripping the last of his clothes off, the ranger slid easily into the water marveling at the peacefulness of this place. He was glad Luthy had chosen it for it suited his spirit more than the stone confines of Castle Stalker. Thanks to the swimming lessons from Ender Bay, he was able to deftly swim through the cool water of the upper pool. His muscles still sorely tired, he moved to the waterfall. Sound was drowned out as the ranger rose to stand beneath the tumbling water washing hours of work from his sore body. The mallorn tree seemed rather quiet as the ranger, dressed in a midnight blue robe, made his way toward it. Perhaps the dryads had left him and Luthy alone. With a quickened step, he ventured up into its lofty branches. Thorn Hawk, Brotherhood of PathfindersGreatness? (submitted by: WGW AMIM) This is a story that my father told me and his father told him. It is the story of the lost race of humans that called themselves the Sczars. The Sczars were a wise and intelligent race. They lived in what is now the forbidden land of Llast. There's was a utopian society. Only the oldest and wisest citizens of Neverwinter have even heard of the kingdom of Llast Llast was a kingdom that was far greater than Neverwinter. It was a kingdom of great riches. The riches that this kingdom had were not only monetary, but there's was also a time of enlightenment. Llast was the first true renaissance kingdom The Sczars ruled this great kingdom over a period of millions of millenia. They were a people that lived in peace, but in times of war they were a force to be reckoned with. They ruled their land and their people with a firm but fair hand. They were great. But as you know greatness breeds jealousy. Many kingdoms tried to conqur the Sczarian kingdom, but none of them ever even offered them a challenge. That is except the Giants. Each Giant tribe had tried to destroy the Sczarian kingdom alone, but each tribe was soundly defeated. That is when the cloud giants offered a temporary alliance between all Giants for the sole purpose of utterly destroying the Sczarian kingdom. And, the truce was accepted. The battle between the Sczars and the Giants raged on or centuries. One side would gain ground by winning an important battle. and then the other side would battle back and re-gain the ground that they had lost. But, after centuries of battle the inevitable happended.The Sczars greatess weakness was thrust into their faces. Although they were far greater than any human race that has existed or ever will exist they were still only human. Distrust, hatred, and jealousy was awakened inside of their hearts by the centuries of fighting, and these things proved to be their downfall. Although the Giants possessed these evil traits in their "hearts" they were united in one cause, which was the destruction of the Sczars. But the Sczars who were never truly challenged in war were not as mentally battle ready. There civilization was so much greater than any other race that had ever challenged them that the Sczars were never truly tested in battle. So, one could say that the Sczars greatness was their downfall. On the verge of defeat and death the Sczars fought bravely to keep the Giants from gaining access into the walls of the city, but still the Giants easily stormed and defeated the already weakened Sczarian forces. As the Giants continued their march to the Sczarian castle for the utter annihilation of the Sczarian race the Sczars in their final act showed their true greatness. Knowing that their deaths were inevitable they chose to try to save the then young, unprotected kingdom of Neverwinter. The king gathered all of the priests, mages, clerics, and shames left alive and casted the fearful, "Chamangra Spell". In Neverwinter human language, "Chamangra" translates roughly into, "Death". This spell totally decimates all living things within the range of the spell. The king of the Sczarian race waited until all of the Giants were within the walls of the once great city, and then ordered the casting the unholy spell. There was no lightening bolt or deafening clap of thunder. The effects of the spell were both quick and silent. Within a blink of an eye the whole land was totally and completely removed of all life. The once proud kingdom was literally a ghost town. Everything stood for years as it was before the casting of the spell, for the spell had not affected anything except living things. Eventually though the building crumbled and the last remains of the kingdom of Llast and the Sczarian kingdom was gone! In destroying their race the Sczars had done the greatest thing that one person can do for aother. They had given up their lives so that Nevewinter could live. Within my heart I just hope that it was worth it. Fin!The Bonding (submitted by: TCS Elvin) TCS Elvin readid himself for the journey to the Dryad's Grove. The Tressym kitten, Ruathi Sha; had been telepathically beckoning him for much of the morning. "Elf... every... one... is... waiting... for... you!. prrt!" Continually throughout the morn had the kitten called to him. "I will hurry as quickly as I am able, Ruathi Sha!!", he had replied each and every time. Strapping his trusty magic sword to his tall, lean, frame; he opened the door of the TCS hall. A thin mist floated over the thinly populated forest of Nightsedge this morning. Freshly laid dew, glistening on the grasses and leaves. Elvin stood wondering to himself, eyeing the paths both west and south. "Hmm...can't say I even know the way to the grove of the Dryads. Why, I could be walking for days, and still never find it! This will never, ever, do!!". The grey-haired elf, driven with desire to claim his kitten and meet with the others, knelt softly on the dusty path. Closing his eyes, his face grew very calm; yet determined. Muttering an obscure chant to himself, his elven form began to change. Mortal elven features give way, as his body begins to turn transparent. The morphing continues, the transparent form seemingly melting, fading, vaporizing; until all that remains is a cloud of mist, camouflaged amidst that of the morning's mist. The Spirit Elf begins to ascend, floating up, higher and higher, viewing all of NeverWinter. A warm gentle wind whisks by, a soft voice whispering to him. "I am Sheilandri...follow me elf". TCS Elvin, the Spirit Elf; reaches out to her being, riding with her to the grove. A sudden, sickening feeling fills the mind and heart of Elvin in midflight. A vision of an evil green creature...Dragonista...preying upon the happy celebration in the grove. Death and destruction befalling the visitors and the Tressym kittens. "NO!! THIS CANNOT HAPPEN!!", his voice groans loudly. A group of travelers look up at the sky; not hearing his voice, but the sound of thunder. They gather thier cloaks tighter around thier bodies, awaiting the rain shower they assume will follow. "Elvin..." A voice comes to him, that of Stellar. "That did not happen. It was only a vision of things that could have been. Do not be alarmed, my friend! Now, hasten yourself. Ruathi Sha awaits..." Relief washes through him as he hears those words. The Wind-Elf, Sheilandri; delivers him outside the grove. Elvin felt great peace with Sheilandri; and was reluctant to let hold of her; though he knew he must. She whispered, "Go now Elvin...the Tressym awaits." The Spirit Elf quickly assumes his elven form. ::tink...tink...tink...:: Elvin hears the faint tinkling of bells. Trudging into the grove he sees the source. Tiny silver bells dangling from tree limbs, ribbons swaying daintily in the breeze. An enourmous smile crosses his face, and he realizes that he is finally here. A clearing ahead, brings out a gasp of excitement from the elf. A celebration is taking place, just as he had heard it would. Creatures from all reaches of the realms are here, reveling in the events of the day. Tressym kittens fluttering gracefully about; Lady Tarma looking so elegant in her red silk dress; WyrmSilver, the pseudo-dragon, playing youthfully with the kitten Elvin remembers as Kyrssi. A burst of laughter escapes his mouth now, as he catches sight of SR Stellar scurrying behind a Silver Oak tree, wearing nothing but an embarrassed smirk. "PRRT!!" Caught off guard, he nearly jumps out of his boots as a tiny voice sneaks up behind him. He turns suddenly and sees the swirling colors of Ruathi Sha behind him, hovering eye-level. "Why, Ruathi Sha, you little imp! You startled me terribly!" A Tressym kitten smile breaks its face, then moves towards Elvin, Licking his pointed ear. "Oh...you beautiful little creature. I am so proud to be bonding with you!". The Spirit Elf caresses the kitten, which has now settled on his shoulder. His fingers fumble with a small pouch which is attached to his belt. He opens it, retrieving a small mithril chain; inscribed with the name ~Ruathi Sha~ on it. The kitten cocks its head out of curiousity, batting at the chain as Elvin pulls it closer. "This special chain is my gift to you my friend! It shall protect you for all time." He clasps it around the neck of Ruathi Sha, then insuring that it is not to tight around the kitten's neck. "Another treat is in order, Ru...I have some salted dragon meat for you also." He removes a strip of meat from the pouch, holding it between his fingers. The kitten nibbles away at it, purring loudly. "Eat up my friend! There is plenty more. Now, shall we go meet with the others?" TCS Elvin enters the clearing, smiling broadly as he sees the crowd. His eyes catch glimpse of Sheilandri, hiding behind a tree; her hands clasped tightly together, a mischevious smile on her lovely elven face. She seemed to be focusing her spry attitude on the poor, red-faced Stellar; who by now had climbed a gigantic oak tree with Lady Tarma, covering his exposed body with a fold of her dress. Again, Elvin stood back, admiring Sheilandri's beauty. Her raven-black hair, her sparkling eyes, the smoothness of her face. "Prrt...Elvin..go..talk..to..her!" Ruathi Sha's message broke his thoughts. "Umm...Ru, now? It looks like she is up to a prank. I wouldn't want to jump in and ruin her fun! Before the day is over though, I shall." The kitten bumps its head into Elvin's own, acknowledging his consideration of the Wind-Elf's folly. Elvin and Ruathi Sha begin to mingle with the crowd, Elvin feeling happier and more content than he can ever remember. TCS Elvin (Spirit Elf)The Rescue of Ellyn (submitted by: Luthyen) Luthyen had just taken the last of a batch of SuperSave brownies from the oven when the messenger arrived, breathless from his long run. It was a Pathfinder runner, and he sought Thorn Hawk. "He is away, sir, and I know not when he will return," the BrownieBaker told the runner. "But I will take the message, and keep it for him til his return, if ye will." "It is this then," said the runner, as he ate the brownies that Luthyen had given him. "The Lady Ellyn has need of his aid.." Luthyen gasped. It was the Pathfinder lady who was held captive and collared by the evil cleric GrueDevil. "She is in the far North, in Port LLast, and is trying to espcape the clutches of the evil one at last. But she needs the aid of her bretheren to do so... know ye how I might find Thorn Hawk?" "Nay sir, I do not..but I do know the story of the Lady Ellyn and this evil one...and I shall go myself." The messenger looked somewhat skeptically at the lady of Castle Stalker, her apron on and a smudge of flour on her nose. "Ah, well...uhm...as ye will, milady." Luthyen made fast preparation and journeyed to Port Llast. Inquiring at the Inn, she learned that GrueDevil and his capture had been seen about the harbor. The evil one was obviously letting himself be seen enough to lure rescuers to the site. Luthyen began to track him, starting on the outskirts of town and moving carefully thru secret doors and mazes to an abandoned wharehouse overlooking the Harbor. There she found the Lady Ellyn, magically collared, and her evil captor. "Be careful, " he laughed. "For it you fight for her, you may lose more than you wish.." "What do you mean, " the wary Luthyen asked him. "I mean this...If I slay thee, thy soul will be mine...you shall be my captive as well, " came the reply, chilling her to the bone. "I shall naer wear thy collar," she replied, her eyes and the Elfstone flashing. "We shall see, " the Evil laughed. He faded back to the rear of the warehouse, and she heard the wail of a banshee."Come, then, begin..." Quickly remembering the lessons learned from the recent War, Luthyen prepared her spells. Peering around at the inside of the warehouse, she slipped around the corner and Globed. She was quickly followed by GrueDevil, who cast a spell and took an image from her. He cast a foul cloud upon her, leaving her coughing. Lady Ellyn hovered around the edge of the fight, unable to aid much, restrained by her collar. A second image was taken from Luthyen, then she moved from the place and cast her own cloud on the Evil one. His saves were good...then Ellyn cast upon him. "Oooh Ell...you will pay for that..long and painfully," laughed her captor. He saved again, slowed but not stopped. Luthyen cast a fumble on him, and again he saved, laughing. "You will make a fine addition to my collection..I like them feisty.." the evil cleric leered at her. "I shall not, " Luthy replied. Slipping behind him, she cast fumble again. Suddenly, he tripped over a crack in the floor and fell, dazed and surprised. He was Clumsied! "Quick!" Luthyen whispered to Ellyn. "Over here, the Banshee will follow thee.." "The Banshee is MY ally..she will not attack me, " he sneered. "Well, perhaps..but here.." Luthyen cast a lightning bolt upon him, reflecting off the warehouse wall..to her surprise, it hit! A slow smile came over her face. The Lady Ellyn, feeling his power weakening, cast her own bolt upon him. Luthyen quickly cast hold to prevent any escape, and sent a final bolt to him, and it was over. Quickly she seized Ellyn's hand. "Come, milady, we must go..Evils like him cannot stay dead for long..." she had hardly finished speaking before he was again at the door. "But we will nae stay to fight.." "Ye cannot escape me, " he called after them. "Ellyn, I will take thee again..." "Not tonight," Luthyen panted as they ran swiftly out from the Harbor and to the maze. "Come, I know a safe place where thee may rest, and then go thy own way. For tonite, at least, thou art free. " ~Luthyen The Protectorate(submitted by: Tyst) **The Protectorate Fireball Booth Results** 7:00 PM EST this evening the call went out.. 16 Adventurers heeded the call for the Protectorate FB booth.. But only 1 could be the winner.. Here they are. Many thanks to everyone who stopped by to compete.. Pseudaxis Warr Conan Lady Brook Mech Augur Dea Sedai Trueshield Lrd Marcus Sir Vayza JP Mujawa Hunter Sun Qik Magi Xo2 Zeus ERS Spider KTO Bear Roamerlord Warr Conan had a solid lead from the beginning.. Taking only 34 hp's of damage.. He held the lead untill the very end.. BUT alas.. It was Roamerlords turn.. The LAST contestant.. Taking 19 HP's on his first cast.. He was prepared to challenge for the win.. Boom.. the second FB flew.. 13 hp's.. For a total of ""32"".. WTG "Roamerlord" who wins 2 Pearls and GOH Acess.. And don;t forget our door prize.. a +2 Ring.. This goes to Sir Vayza. Who took a whopping 69 HP's of damage from 2FB's.. Many thanks to NW Events for helping us set this up.. TP TEC and Swordshere.. 2 of the finest in all of NWN and me the best in NW.. heh.. for running this thing.. Keep tuned for more Protectorate booths.. Tyst GM/ highlord of the Protectorate <><><><><> <><><><><> 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!! 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. Only Sanctioned Guilds are presently eligible to receive pearls for a Guild pearl account. - Write something!