==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 152 Week Ending 9-22-96 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Capybarra for winning last week's News of the Realm contest for her story entitled "A Valentine". Capybarra has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes). Keep up the good work! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> Tale of Battle On this day I NWA Mortis wish to describe a band of doughty adventurers that accompanied myself to investigate rumors of troubles in Port Llast..... From the warehouse Inn, I gathered Fantoral a minor mage but with great courage, Mr Man 2314, S1rPaladin, ICarpenter, fighters of mighty thews, Biy Tor, Larandis and a noble lass named JalyX. The journey was long and fraught with dangers, many Lizard men, Krakens and Harpies fell to this party, with singing and battle camaraderie we managed to make our way to the gates of Port Llast, we followed the trail when jumped by a swarm of giant rats and wild boars.. quickly forming a fighting wedge with Mr Man and S1rpaladin take lead we proceeded to hack our way thru when a scream sounding out as Biy Tor was trampled by 3 boars, quickly Fantoral cast a sleep spells, but alas it was too late for Biy Tor, even my healing couldnt revive him, the rest of the party quickly dispatched the rest of the monsters while I teleported Biy to the clerics of Tempus to raise from the dead. After many more encounters, the party weary and almost out of spells we made Port Llast Inn, only losing MR MAN who bravely defended the back trail, finally succumbing to a overwhelming number of Rats and boars. After resting for and day and regaining strength, I lead them into the undercity of LLast, dispatching many medusa's and trolls and Purple worms without a loss to the party, S1RPALADIN decided to go deeper in the dungeon, in search of the elusive guppy will the rest voted to head back to the inn to regain strength, after casting many protection spells on him, we wished him well, and procceeded to Inn. After the Celebrations commence many decided to stay in LLast to follow Paladin's trail, leaving me to return to NW City, since a messanger arrive requesting my presence there.. after giving them as many spells and items that I possessed I returned to Nashers Castle. May Azuth guide and protect these brave adventurers Respectfully submitted, NWA Mortis <><><><><> <><><><><> Slay Living Booth Winners - 9/18 15 stalwart adventurers braved NWA Raven's deadly talons at a Slay Living Booth. Alas, most of them fell to her powerful spells. Only 6 managed to survive and win 2 pearls each. Mech Eight, JagDrag, Buddyl1137, Aurela, Lok Shirak, and RebII were the only ones who managed to walk away from the site, harmed and perhaps shaken... but nevertheless alive and 2 pearls richer. -- NWA Raven <><><><><> <><><><><> New Player's Tour - 9/20 NWA Raven sniffed the air outside the Neverwinter Gardens as the small band of hardy adventurers gathered their belongings and set out on their journey. Everyone knew that they had to work together closely and watch each other's back, for many in the company were young and not yet very strong. But all were eager to fight and happy in each other's presence, even though the journey promised to be dangerous and they knew that not all of them would survive. Unfortunately, before they could really get started, they lost two of their fine company, who decided to go elsewhere that night. So, let by NWA Raven, Strick719, Bthomasjax, Lifgoddes, Peter4Max, and AJPanin gritted their teeth and set out for SouthWall by themselves. Having heard of the recent spate of breakins and loss property in the SouthWall community, the adventurers first cleared out a nasty nest of thieves. Then they set off to find the Minotaur, who was rumored to brandish a magical axe. Fortunately for the Minotaur, the group did not find him, although they did locate his lair. Satisfied that SouthWall was safe for the time being, the group proceeded south to Vilnask, fighting wild dogs and strange grasping trees along the way. Lifgoddes proved herself to be a brave and plucky soul, suffering grievous wounds and finding herself back at the Vilnask entrance a couple of times. The group found an imprisoned man and set him free, gaining some valuable information about the realms and the dangers therein. They also learned that Willo Clovyr, a fine upstanding man of the community, had been missing for quite some time. But as the hour was late, and the party numbers were diminishing, they decided that they might wait a bit to refresh themselves to go find Willow. That quest would wait for another day. <><><><><> <><><><><> Fireball Booth Winner - 9/20 Twas a very warm night for me last eve. I felt like players were shooting Fireballs at me for an hour. In fact, they were ;> Indeed a rough mini booth for me. I took 708 hit points damage before we had a winner. Illmatter, Gideon Red, Ldy Spawn, Delracnid, Devon Tir, Zyntaeri, V Saul, Warr Roach, Ringleron, TP Tec, Burnin Sun, Ingenjeger, SK Majystc, Ap0kilyps, And Bauvlin all came to try their hand at setting me on fire. They were all successful but alas, Bauvlin was triumphant. He fried me with a whopping 70 hp combined score. OUCHIE! Way to go Bauvlin. For your efforts, you have won 4 pearls. -NW Icarus <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 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: September 23rd Monday 11:00 PM EDT - with NWA Nabu. September 25th Wednesday 6:00 PM EDT - with NW Tempus. September 27th Friday 11:00 PM EDT - with NWA Priest. September 28th Saturday 8:00 PM EDT - with NWA Domino. Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> Night Time Disturbances (submitted by: Ilysianna) The shrill scream bounced off the cold marble walls of the Queen's bed chambers, followed closely by a sudden silence. Franctic, violet eyes darted from object to object in the dark room. She dared not to breath, frightened that her assailant would hear the soft sound. However, the longer she looked around, the slow realization dawned upon her that she had just had another nightmare. Everything was going to be alright, she told herself. The muscles in her neck and shoulders began to relax as she took a deep breath. She was sitting straight up in her bed, her body covered with sweat. Why was this happening to her? She had never been terrorized to this extend during her dreams, why did it start now? She pulled a lock of raven hair that had been dangling in her face behind her ear. A cold hand touched reached up from behind her and grabbed her shoulder. She jumped at the touch, leaping out of bed and grabed her sword that lay near. With a smooth movement that took but a second, she had the weapon unsheathed and had closed the distance between her and the unseen person. The tip of the sword found its target and began to dig into the attacker's neck. Who was this? How did he get in here? "Ilysianna, it is I, Centruo." She gasped and dropped the sword. It all came back to her at that instant. She had asked him to accompany her back to the Freehold after the events that had taken place that night. She had asked him to hold her as she fell asleep, afraid to be alone. It had taken her a great amount of courage to voice such a request from him. She did not let people see her in such a weak and vulnerable state. However, she finally gave in to him, knowing that she needed strength during this time. He moved to the side of the bed and put her sword on the floor. Strong arms reached around her waist as he pulled her towards him. He sat her down on his lap and just held her. No words were spoken, but none were needed. She wrapped her arms about his shoulders and nuzzled her head in the dark hair that cascaded down his arms. This was the comfort she had searched for, for so many years. The embrace from a loved one, the understanding without speaking. Centruo knew when she needed him, and he was always there. The love she felt at this instant drove back the fear, the illness, and the uncertainty that the day had caused. "Ilysia... I implore you... do not give into his desires." Centruo spoke of the Kaaos God, Apokilyps. Earlier this day, they had learned that one of Ilysianna's vassels had lost her soul to him. In the horrid emptiness that she felt, Kyrasha had accepted a demon to fill the void. The Queen was devistated when she heard this news, and immediately contacted the God to barter for her soul. He was truly selfish, and ignored all pleas to have compassion. When pleading failed, she offered him anything, save what would hurt another, that she could give him. He declined this as well. Finally, she saw no other choice. Using all the Fae Magic she could, she managed to seduce him. He was awestruck by her beauty, and offered her the soul.. in return for her body. They agreed that if there was no other offer made within three days, that she would accept his terms. It was a great price for her to pay, however, she felt obliged to do it. She was Kyrasha's Queen, and within that title came the responsibilty to do all in her power to protect her. Three days... three short days to pray to the Dreaming that there was another way. It was a great price... however, in comparison to Kyrasha's life, it seemed to be trivial. One night... for a life. How could she refuse? How could she be so selfish as not to sacrifice so little? Her mind was already made up. However, this was just as hard on Centruo as it was on her. He was her love, and would do anything to see that she came to no harm. He was convinced there was an alternative, but his hope was beginning to wane. "Centruo, we have discussed this. If no other solutions are found, I will give myself to this God. Please... do not think of the loss we will suffer, think of the gain... think of Kyrasha." He was so torn. He admired Ilysianna for her strength as a ruler and a woman, but hated her for her stubborness. He could not change her mind. He would just have to accept it. He moved his powerful arms to life her and lay her on the bed next to him. As he layed down by her side, she wrapped an arm around his chest. Her raven hair draped slid across her feather pillow as she moved her head and placed it on his heart. "My love," he whispered to her. "I will be here for you. It seems like so little, but it is all I can do. Sleep now, I will let nothing harm you while you are in my embrace." He whispered quite words that caused her eyelids to slowly close. Within seconds, she fell into a Glamour induced sleep. His arm rose and began to stroke her hair away from her face. "Such a powerful Queen, strong, determinded, fair... but within these walls you put up there is a woman with fears like the rest of us. Let me see her more, Ilysia. Do not be so frightened of feeling." He tilted his head so it rested against hers. Though his body ached for sleep, he forced himself to stay awake and guard over her. He promised her nothing would harm her, and he fully intended on keeping his word. His eyes closed as the magical imaged faded from his palm. Apokilyps laughed in a deep, powerful voice. He had seen everything that had taken place in her room that eve, for he had been the one to induce her nightmare. "You are a lucky man, Centruo... however, you are only mortal. This woman needs more... and I will make sure she has it. I will have a goddess." Apokilypse rose, and began to make his way towards Neverwinter in search of Kyrasha. Ilysianna de Ravenmane Sidhe Queen of the Kith House Fiona Kithain GMEmbrace - Part 2 (submitted by: ABK Sonja) Sonja, sitting within the confounds of the Keep, had much time to think. Sonja began to think of her life as a child. Sonja was a happy child. Born to a wealthy prophet and caring mother, Sonja had a life that most only dreamed of living until that unholiest of nights came. The night her parents were to take their leave from Sonja's life forever. Seeing her parents die at such an early age was very traumatizing. Sonja, a mere child, wondered NW with great confusion. The disbelief of her parents death haunted her thoughts. She had not seen the immense evil that had pierced his sword into her father's chest. Or when he had dragged her mother off into the distance of the hills only to tear her heart from her chest for a sacrifice. At the age of 8, Sonja was left to fend alone. Beatened and fatigued, Sonja struggled to carry on from day to day. On a warm summer day, Sonja was searching the forest for food when she came upon a creature that she had never seen before. A creature that she would soon learned to be a dracoliche. Sonja reached for her flail, but the dracolich was quick to fling her father's flail from her. Sonja layed on the ground as the dracolich stood over her. Sonja could see his razor sharp teeth that was to rip into her flesh. Screaming for help, Sonja crawled away from the dracolich. The dracolich bit fiercely into her leg. Sonja screamed from the immense pain as she felt her flesh leave her leg. Blood surrounded Sonja. She collapsed on the ground and layed down to meet death. She began to see dots of black dance around in the images she saw. Suddenly, everything went black. Sonja awoke to find herself in a temple. She could smell a sweet scent as Sonja saw that flowers that were placed carefully around her bed. Sonja, completely dumbfounded, glanced around the beautiful room. She could see beautiful paintings around the room. Then she noticed a beam of light piercing in the room. Twas the warmness of the sunlight that motivated Sonja to move from her bed. She stared out the window to see a lovely garden about the temple. Twas a most beautiful sight. A knock was heard on the door as Sonja was still mesmerized by the flowers that bloomed. Suddenly, a man walked into her room. "Hello Corra, I am glad that you have awakened finally," the stranger said. "Corra? Is that my name?," Sonja said confused. "Well that is what we call you here at the Four Winds, as we did not know your name. Do you remember what happened to you?" Sonja tried to remember, but could not. Anger set in, as Sonja kept trying to remember her forgotten past. Tears began to stream from her eyes as she looked towards the stranger. "I can't remember," Sonja said angrily at herself. "It is ok, m'lady. All in good time will you remember. I found you in the town of Vilnask. A horrible drac had attacked you." "I don't remember," Sonja said still crying. "I am Wolf MKII," the stranger said as he bowed graciously. **TBC**~Domestic Arts~ - Part 2 (submitted by: Veridienne) For the first time in her unlife Veridienne felt hatred, not towards a mortal, but one of her kin. She tried to determine what was different. The physical pain had certainly been bearable, she had suffered far worse in the past. Was it the way Terror fought, the things he said to her, or the look in his eyes? She remembered how much he had frightened her when she still lived. And now she felt that fear again. She looked at the living gathered around her. Although she was still slightly hungry, she could not bear the feel of their eyes on her. They had all watched the short scuffle without comment, and perhaps they didn't realize how much it had affected her. She looked down away from them, and almost cried in delight. She had sliced his hand off, and he had left it lying on the ground! She quickly snatched the hand up, tore some bloody fabric from the hem of her skirt, and wrapped it up. Then she looked up again. They were still watching her. Their presence was intolerable, but she was not in the mood to kill any more. So without a word she flew through the night, seeking somewhere quiet, away from prying eyes. Thinking as she ran ... was he more powerful than she? Was she right to fear him as she did? The common room of the inn was empty, but she could not count on it to remain that way. Without thinking she burst into the back room only to interrupt a couple deep in conversation. She stayed only long enough to catch a glimpse of their faces before she ran out of the room again, and paused in confusion. Perhaps one of the worst she could have walked in upon. Her mind ran wild, imagining what was happening in there, remembering her own time alone with him. She remembered how she had promised herself not to think of these things, told herself again that she was a fool. How she could have allowed what had happened to happen, how she could not have seen things more clearly then. She looked out the window at the sky, lightning. Not enough time to go home, she wanted her room, her dolls, she wanted to destroy something. In irritation she paid for the room she liked here, the one with the heavy shutters to keep the sun out, and retired there. She put her bag down, and reached in her pocket, pulling out the bundle, and considered ripping it apart. She shook her head. It could be valuable. So instead she smashed first the water pitcher, then the oil lantern she found on the dresser. She looked around at the furniture and briefly considered... no. She gathered the pottery shards on the floor and sat for some minutes, carving patterns in her arms. Finally she felt better, almost calm, and she was able to lie down and go to sleep. ***** She woke up, with icy fingers running up and down her leg. Murmuring softly into the pillow, she relaxed, enjoying his touch. As she came fully into consciousness, she started suddenly. Where was his delicious smell, the taste of him on her lips, the feel of the chill running inside her, that she usually felt when her husband was with her in his spiritual form? When she sat up, the hand started pinching and slapping at her, and her eyes widened in amazement as she saw that it was not at all what she had thought. As she lunged for it, it started pinching harder, and scratching. She grew furious as she chased it around the room, and it continued hurting her when she got within reach. Finally she caught it and shook it hard until it stopped moving. She had to rip more of the fabric from her ragged hem to tie it tightly in a bundle from which she was sure it would not be able to escape. She needed to go home, she wanted to see Wraith. She travelled as quickly as she could to the Castle of Bones, gripping her bundle tightly. She hovered at the edge of the moat, considering. She wanted to drop it in, she wanted to see him dive for it. But no, there were other ways to make him suffer. She sighed and went to her room, finding a doll, ripping it apart, tearing its hair out. Then she turned her attention to more important matters. She found some rags to wrap the hand in, and shut it up in a small chest, which she locked, hanging the key around her neck. She placed magical wards on the chest to prevent anyone who did not know the right spells from opening it. She looked at her skirt, where she had ripped at the hem. This would not do at all. She mended her skirt, reattaching the fabric she had used to tie the hand up, and the places where it had ripped on other occasions. As she had predicted, this dress would not last long either. Luckily she had prepared herself for this event. She opened her bag, and masses of hair spilled out, human and elven, of various colors. She spent some time sorting it into piles, discarding the rougher strands. The largest piles were black and white, but there was a fair amount of golden hair as well. She saw how to do it... spin the black and white hair together, and use the other colors for accents. She fashioned a spindle then. It took some time to find a bone of the right length and thickness, and something of the right weight to attach to it. After that it was only a matter of some days' work to spin the hair into thread, and then some more days to knit it into a dress. She knitted patterns into it, silently seething the whole time, letting her hatred boil within her. A plan came to her... *** Veridienne UDL Mistress of the OrbFollowing Suggestions (submitted by: MECH Ardor) Ardor woke, slowly coming into full consciousness, still frightened. She rolled over and pulled closer to Zorro, pressing her cheek into his shoulder, holding his sleeping form against her until she began to calm. Slowly stroking his cheek, running her finger over the scar just below his eyes, she thought about her dreams. Dreaming of Random was not unusual. She had spent quite a bit of time with him at one point. And there was her remembered fear, pulsing within her. She had been frightened of him when she first knew him, but it had settled with time, as she came to understand he didn't mean her harm. Until that horrible day when he threatened her... over Lunar. Rage joined with the fear... Dreaming about Kerrgon though, that was very peculiar. A thought entered her mind and passed away again, very quickly. Then she remembered she was to meet him. When had she agreed to do that? She blushed as she remembered the kiss in her dream and looked at Zorro sleeping. She kissed him softly and thought of their disagreement... or whatever it had been... the night before... "I'm sorry, darlin," she whispered, and rose. She quickly pulled on her uniform and went to a console in the corner, reading the logs. She scanned for non-purified life forms, and located one in Sector F, and one in Sector 3. Examining the data, she saw that one was very strong, and one much weaker. "There is the child." She smiled. She made her way rapidly through the slightly darkened corridors. Finally she reached Sector 3. The life form was in Biotech ... she checked the labs. 1 and 2 were empty but Lab 3 was bustling with activity. She entered, and seeing, only techs, made her way to the table to see the child there. One of the techs looked at her in surprise and then turned to a console on the wall. This was not going to be as easy as she had thought. She stepped over to Lotus and cleared her throat. "Grand Admiral, when ya have a moment..." Lotus looked up. "Yes, Ardor?" "I request permission to return the child to her people." Lotus raised her eyebrow. "Well it seems ta me... Keeping her here seems ta be causin all kinds of trouble. Lunar's missin... I really can't see any reason ta keep her here any longer. She's not really of much use ta us... and I can get her back ta them I think, if you'll let me take her?" She stopped and waited for a response. Lotus studied Ardor carefully. "I cannot grant that permission, Admiral. There have been several major security breeches and this 'child' is somehow involved. She will be detained, dead or alive, until inquiries are made." The door swished open and Moses reentered. Lotus glanced at him and then back at Ardor. "Commander Moses is taking her to a holding cell and conducting a search for the intruder in Sector 1. That is within the Empire's best interests at this point." Ardor kept her face emotionless as Lotus denied her permission, nodded and walked to the door. Moses had left slightly before her with the child in his arms, and oddly, did not seem to notice her. She stepped into the corridor to see him disappearing through a door at the other end. She stalked quickly in the direction he had gone, considering her options. Perhaps she should stop Moses and speak to him, somehow convince him to release the child to her. No, that was too risky. He might refuse. She felt this need to meet Kerrgon. Very strange. As quickly as she could she travelled to the surface to meet him. He asked her about the child, but he was distracted, apparently by a wound in his hand. She did what she could for him, but apparently her medical technology was ineffective on him. She did mention her dream once to him, and he smiled at her in a funny way. "Was it a good dream or a bad dream?" She stammered, uncertain what to say, and turned back to her instruments. She had intended to return to the compound immediately and locate the child, but Zorro came in, tired from his patrols. At least she was able to go back to the compound. She took him back to her quarters, undressed him, and got him into bed quickly. She undressed also and got into bed, holding him until he fell asleep, trying to appear calm and unhurried, so as not to make him suspicious. She waited some time after he fell asleep, just to be certain, and rose quickly, dressing herself, and slipping back into the hall. She moved as quickly as she could without appearing to hurry. No need to bring attention upon herself if she should come across another MECH. She activated her tracking programs, locking them in on Moses. It was definitely a good thing that they had spent so much time on patrol together. She had had to do this before while they were actually on MECH business. She followed him more slowly now, staying out of sight, able to see where he was going. When the light that represented Moses on her portable display stopped moving, she stopped to consider. He was in a holding cell, in a security area. These cells had not been in use in some time, and she was fairly certain there would be no guards on duty, especially at this time of night. She made her way to the guard's station and found it dark. She slipped into the darkness and found her way to the control console. Now if she could just remember all the appropriate commands... SECURITY STATION C>LOGON MECHSTAFF ENTER PASSWORD>###### >>\ SYSTEM LOGGED ON >>\ SECURITY STATION C ACTIVE >ACTIVATE SECURITY >>\ SECURITY MODE? > HI >>\WORKING... >>\ HIGH SECURITY MODE ACTIVATED > LOCKS ON >>\ REALLY LOCK ALL DOORS? She paused and stepped to the door that led into the guard station, temporarily deactivating the automatic locking mechanism. She stepped back to the console. >>\ REALLY LOCK ALL DOORS? > Y >>\ ALL DOOR LOCKS ACTIVATED > LINKS >>\ SYSTEM STATUS... >>\ ALL LINKS ACTIVE > UNLINK >>\ UNLINK > ALL >>\ LINK TO MAIN SYSTEM TERMINATED. >>\ LINK TO AUXILIARY SYTEMS TERMINATED. SECURITY STATION C> MAINTENANCE WARNING... SHUTTING THIS SYSTEM DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE. SYSTEM IS NOT LINKED TO MAIN COMPUTER. HIGH SECURITY MODE ACTIVE. SYSTEM WILL HAVE TO BE MANUALLY REACTIVATED FROM WITHIN STATION. DO YOU REALLY WANT TO DO THIS? SECURITY STATION C> Y She hoped it would work. All the locks in the security station had now been activated by the computer, and without computer control, nothing would open them, short of destroying those locks. The links to the main and auxiliary systems had been terminated, and with this system shutdown for maintenance, it should be nearly impossible for anyone to get control of this computer. And all done under a generic name, so it couldn't be tracked to her. She checked her portable display, to check on Moses. The light had gone out. "What the hell?" She quickly exited the guard station, reactivating the lock, and ran down the corridor to the cell he had entered. She took out her plasma rifle and carefully aimed it at the lock, calculating the angle so that it wouldn't damage the door and fired, destroying the lock. Entering the cell, she found three figures. Moses was standing immobile. There were two others in the room. The child appeared fine, and she turned her attention to the other occupant, lowering her rifle at him... ***************** Vice Admiral Ardor Crescent Hawks Princess of the WoodsSyren's Curse (submitted by: Syren Coal) Syren stood before the gates of Neverwinter, hands on her hips. Hadn't she just done this? Her eyes swept the land around her, but no one was about. She had awoken in some bushes near the gates, unable to recall how she got there. The bard had often stayed up late drinking ales till her head spun, but even after long nights swapping ales with dwarves, she had never felt so disoriented. She could always remember what had transpired, and yet a huge yawning hole gaped in her memory now. She shook her head to clear the strong sense of deja vu, shrugged, and strolled into Neverwinter. Syren only made it a few steps. Her legs began to feel like lead, each step becoming a struggle. Her head began to swim, and then all was dark. Syren awoke with a throbbing headache sprawled in the dirt outside the walls of Neverwinter. She sat up slowly, leaning her back against the cool stone wall. What was happening here? She clearly recalled entering the city, and then.... She couldn't remember. How long had this been going on? She probed her memory for the last time she freely walked the streets without these strange lapses of missing time. How many times had she awoken on the ground, unaware of how she got there? Her heart sank. It had been weeks at least. She didn't know how she knew that, but somehow she did. Syren quickly rumaged through her belongings to make sure she had not been robbed while she lay unconscious. All her possessions were intact, and she sighed in relief. She stood once again before the gates, wiping the dirt off her hands onto her breeches. Going back into Neverwinter clearly was not an option. Something was keeping her from staying in the city. But what? Who? There was only one other place Syren could think of to go for help. She headed at once for the Great Hall Tavern, and her dear friend Cyane. The tavern was abuzz with activity as someone whom Syren did not know was cooking up steaks for the rowdy patrons. Cyane would have her hands full this night. Syren held her breath as she lingered in the tavern, waiting for the faintness to overtake her once more. But she felt fine, and she sat quietly watching the patrons, trying to unravel this mystery. Cyane at last asked her what was troubling her, and the bard told Cyane of her troubles. "I am cursed," she said. "I am unable to walk the realms for but a few moments when I fall faint and awake outside the city walls." Cyane was at a loss as to who might have the power to inflict such a curse, but there was a gypsy telling fortunes in the tavern who caught Syren's eye. Perhaps the cards could tell her who was behind this evil. Syren asked Alako, the gypsy, for a reading, and was pleased when he asked her to take hold of the cards and think of a question. The first question that ran to her mind oddly did not concern her curse, but a matter of the heart. Syren shook her head and cursed herself for such foolishness. She shuffled the cards a bit longer, trying to concentrate on her curse, and then gave them back to Alako. The first card Alako set out was that of justice. Syren knew then that Alako was true to his art, for he identified her goddess, Libra, goddess of justice. The gypsy began to tell her fortune, and he told of a plot of betrayal and deception. A great evil was afoot, and Syren was somehow the target of this treachery. Syren leaned in close to the cards, intent on Alako's every word. Unfortunately, the cards could not reveal who was at the heart of this plot, but Alako did mention that luck and chance would be on her side, and would aid her in her quest to overcome her difficulties. As Syren and Alako discussed her reading, Dragon Slicer overheard her mention her curse - perhaps the bit of luck and chance Alako's reading had referred to, for Dragn Slicer immediately expressed an interest in her situation, claiming that he and his friends had suffered similar power drains. He bade Syren to return to the Tavern in a few days, and he would tell her what he had discovered about her problem. Eager for any help, Syren quickly agreed. And so, two nights later Syren met Dragon Slicer at the Great Hall Tavern once again. Dragon produced a tiny ruby pendant on a silver chain, claiming that it would protect her from all weakness. Syren was disheartened - surely no mere ruby could overcome the powerful curse placed upon her. But Dragon insisted that the ruby would dispel the curse, and better yet, may capture the signature of the spell that they might discover who had done this to her. Willing to try anything, Syren slipped the pendant round her neck and tucked it beneath her tunic. The next morning, Syren stood once more before the gates of Neverwinter. She took a deep breath, and marched into town. And she marched. And marched. The curse was broken! The pendant worked! Syren ran all over the city, joyful at being able to push among the peasants and merchants, laugh with the townsfolk, run with the children, once more. Running through Neverwinter Square, Syren bumped into NW Mystek. She told him of all her difficulties, and was shocked to hear that such tales of misfortune and ill doing were suddenly commonplace around Neverwinter. She told Mystek to inform Nasher of Dragon's find in the ruby pendant, and that perhaps he could assist in putting an end to the evil cloud that hung about the city. Chaos was afoot in the realms, and Syren Coal, paladin and bard of the realms, vowed to do her part to put an end to it.UDL War Journal (submitted by: UDL Charon) Bayomon sat quietly amongst his squad of undead...waiting for the proper moment to strike. Shurg had once again deemed him worthy to assign a task in this assault on the Jedi. While the Keep sat surrounded in darkness and the siege continued, Bay had been sent with a detachment of minor Undead do deal a blow to the Praxium. Beneath his gaze sat the small farming village of Taxia. Taxia was a unique town amongst the many villages under the protection of the Jedi. Taxia was the single largest producer of food for the keep. Many thought the Jedi Keep had an inexhaustible supply of food available to them, or that they used some Jedi trick to sustain themselves on small amounts of food. However Shurg had seen something else. "Brother," Shurg said after summoning Bay to his quarters, "I have another task for you." The Arch-Lich explained the situation at Taxia to Bay. "Taxia is by far their largest supplier of food resources. Myrkul has not made clear how they are transporting the food...but whatever method they have has been effective. They have circumvented our patrols and managed to hide even the departures from our undead eyes. However Myrkul has revealed to me the importance of this province, and I feel it is time to crush this source. I do not hope to starve the Jedi out of their keep, however they may have to ration for a time and the blow to their morale could serve our cause well." Thus, Bay took a detachment to these hills above Taxia. The Nightmare that Bay rode snorted and stomped, it sensed the coming carnage and was anxious to share in the blood with it's master. The ghoul footmen wearing the various crests of the UDL's fallen opponents congregated around Bay and his mount, they too anxious to serve. Bay's cold eyes surmised the forces they would face. There would not be many. The Jedi had not fortified this village in the hopes of keeping it's significance a secret. A large garrison would have drawn too much attention, so the forces Bay's detachment would encounter would be minimal. Bay was disappointed by that fact, as victory over a powerful opponent was what any Undead Lord would prefer, but he would do what needed to be done. Bay gave the signal for the troops to prepare, and minutes later he sounded the attack from his Ebony horn. Clouds had robbed Taxia of the afternoon sun and the ghouls and banshees rode forth into the town to bring death and destruction. Bay rode amongst the horror, directing the troops and killing those foolish enough to attempt an attack upon him. A boy ran from a ghoul footman screaming for his mother, only to be caught under the hooves of Bay's nightmare steed. Bodies piled up and the ground of the village began to become stained red with blood. With most of the villagers dead or fleeing, Bay ordered that the town be burned to the ground. The flames from the buildings and the crops began to grow higher as the dead livestock and bodies were thrown into the bonfires. As the night took command Bay's garrison gathered around him and he lead them on their way home. Losses of the footman numbered seven, all in all too many for the defenses they encountered. Bay made a note to discuss harsher training of the ghouls with his brothers and sisters. With the village ablaze behind them, Bayomon's forces trudged into the hills again, looking forward to rejoining their kin in the warcamp outside the keep. ******* Bay entered the Arch-Lich's tent in the warcamp, bowing his head to the Undead GM. "Speak," was Shurg's only word. "Taxia has been razed. The village is burned to nothing and the crops are destroyed. I used the blood of the inhabitants to curse the ground. Nothing shall grow in the soil for years." "Acceptable." With that Shurg turned to his battleplans on the table and continued the scripting of the plans for the siege of the Jedi Keep. Bay left Shurg's tent, the cries of torment and battle still ringing in his heart. He would rest well remembering those sounds. Bay ~UDL ~Bane to the Jedi PraxiumA Day in the Unlife (submitted by: Shurg) The Arch Lich sat in his office, looking thoughtfully across the desk to Angelique, as she retold her story again. A banshee entered with the refreshments and moved to the desk, where she placed the tray and poured the blood wine for the two Lords. As she finished pouring the drinks she turned to leave. Shurg raised his hand, so Ange would pause in her story a moment and turned to the Shee. "Bring G0thmenes to my Office" The banshee bowed slightly and left to carry out her charge. Shurg looked to Ange, "please continue, sis". Sitting back in his chair as she began once again, bringing the goblet to his lips he drank the soothing wine. When she had finished her story for the 4th time, the Arch Lich rose and moved to the window overlooking the Graveyard. Angelique, sat watching the Lich's movements, sipping lightly of the bloodwine. She wondered to herself, why she should have to retell the story over and over again. With no response at all from the Lich, other than "again". Looking upon the Graveyard, the Lich said, "again". Angelique couldn't believe this! "Why should I sit here and repeat it over and over again? Do you not believe a word I am saying??" She replied, nearly shouting as she stood. The Arch Lich spun around, his cobalt eye's blazed. "You will tell it as many times as I want to hear it! Do not question me!" Ange, was taken aback by the Lich's burning reply. It was the first response she had from him and it wasn't what she expected. She seated herself, and began again. Shurg turned to the window again, looking out upon the graves. There was a knock at the door, "You wished to see me M'lord?" as the Warlord entered. G0thmenes, looked from Shurg to Ange, sitting with her head bowed recounting some tale in a slow monotone. The Arch Lich seated himself behind his desk once again. "That is enough, Ange." Looking to the Warlord, "Do you have a Squire by the name of GoodyGater?" G0thmenes, unsure of where this was going replied, "Yes, he is a newly recruited squire. I have taken him as my Squire and am currently tutoring him in the ways of the Undead Lords." Shurg dropped his gaze from the Warlord, resting it upon Angelique. "Bring him to the Great hall, and call a general meeting of the Guild." The Warlord bowed slightly and took his leave, as Shurg finished his wine. The Arch Lich stood and moved for the door. "Come with me Ange." Standing, she followed the Arch Lich out of his Office. She began to ask a question, "Where ..... Shurg stopped immediately and turned. "Do not say a word!" He shouted with more anger than he had meant to. Turning he started down the corridor, following the echo of his retort. In the Great Hall, Shurg moved to his seat at the head of the grand table set in the middle of the room, in the shape of a large U. He motioned that Ange should sit next to him, as many of the Undead started to file into the Hall. Looking to each other, many were questioning why they were awoke so early in the day, after having sacrificed souls for Myrkul late into the eve. Looking to the Arch Lich, and his burning continence, most took their seats quitely. G0thmenes entered, ushering GoodyGater into the Hall. The banshee's were busy pouring wine for all and ensuring a ample supply of food for those wishing it. Shurg motioned Goth to bring his squire before him. Moving to the center of the tables, G0thmenes stopped and stood with GoodyGater before the Arch Lich. There was a murmur as the Undead gathered started to question each other about what was happening. GRAYvemark and his wife Darcphaze entered and took there seats, recently returned from their honeymoon. Ldy Spawn, moved in quickly adjusting her hair as she took her seat. As the last of the Undead entered the Hall, the Arch Lich looked to the Squire and said "Kneel." GoodyGater, looked from the Lich to Angelique, and with a sneer, kneeled. G0thmenes took a step back and waited to see what would transpire from this. "I have heard you are most diligent in your sacrifices and the spreading of the word of Myrkul." The Arch Lich started. "You have started your work for Myrkul with a fervor almost unequaled by any but the most devout of Myrkul." Shurg paused, as the Squires eye's began to light. "Most impressive." "I have called this General meeting to give praise to this new squire, who's desire to wreak death upon all that breaths, should be an example of what the Undead strive for." The Arch Lich stands, looking around the table, as Ange started to sink lower in her seat, she took a quick glance around the table to see the many Undead with smiles and beaming praise etched upon there faces. The Squire looking up a smile widening upon his face. "I propose a toast" The Lich started as he raised his goblet. Looking around the table as the many Undead raised their goblets as well, awaiting that for which they all would toast. The Arch Lich looked directly to the Squire, holding his gaze for a moment as his visage became dower. "I would toast this Squires relentless endeavors to Myrkul." "However, this Squire does not deserve our praise and gratitude, he deserves our wrath for his transgressions upon the Guild! Insulting and continually berating known Allies to the Guild, is only the first of his horrendous crimes to the guild. Not only did he Insult a Knight of the Guild, he has also challenged the Knight to do combat with his sorry insults and pathetic desire to degrade a Knight of the Undead Lords." The Arch Lich turn's his goblet upside down, pouring the wine upon the floor. With blazing cobalt eye's the Lich screams, "DRAG THIS WRETCH FROM MY SIGHT!!!" The squire looking confused, glanced around the Hall, to the grinning Undead moving to overwhelm him. The first to act was the Warlord, who's hardened instincts in battle have won him praise in Myrkul's eye's time and time again. G0thmenes' sprang to the attack, delivering a deadly blow to the back of the Squires skull, nearly killing it on the spot. Dazed and bewildered, GoodyGater's last sight before unconsciousness, was the throng of Undead enveloping him in a frenzy of claws and gnashing teeth. UDL GM Arch Lich ShurgAn ITB Party (submitted by: ITB Skorp) Yup, it had been a year. It was a year ago that Skorp had gotten married to a lovely, yet dangerous, pirate lass by the name of Avengelyne. Not long after that, Lyne had left the sea and moved into the ITB complex as ITB Teddi (and redecorating Skorp's Tower while at it...grrrrr). When Xavier, Huntmaster of House ITB, handed Skorp this week's Wild Hunt plans, Skorp told the Huntmaster that we would need more kills than usual. The Triboar Sausage Company (a wholly owned subsiderary of House ITB) would be working double shifts, for there was to be a feast to celebrate Skorp and Teddi's 1st anniversary. Xavier took down the estimated poundage for the sausage makers, and Teddi entered the room. "X Bro, we'd like some of that extra tender feebed pounded meat too, and there will be prizes for the most meat slaughtered, and the most tenderized with feebs". X smiled, and pictured a rack of Ribs, simmering over hot coals. He drifted off that night, thinking of what the ITB compound grills would be frying up, wondering exactly how much he could eat, and trying to remember the recipe for his secret sauce. Two days later, The Triboar Sausage Company had plenty of work to cover the double shifts. There was so much meat that the butchers at the Triboar Sausage Company were able to make a huge variety of cuts. There was Newbie Sausage, Kwuss Burgers, TP Chops, Fillet of NOR and even some WOL Stew meat. A record breaking 21 pieces of carrion were dropped during the last nights Wild Hunt. Liquisic TP Tec Tferm Hellzfury Ariel Noir Gulf Fox (3 times) Aironshoe Ghostguard Ravenloch - Thud n splat Cue7532 Telamon SKdeerejon Hangmon Ky II NOR Caedes (nuther thud) WOL Dragon GunnermkII -Thud Nor Shado Glaeros Dethsarrow Mtrappy Skorp Firing up the grill! House ITBDestiny (submitted by: Thorn Hawk) It was a brisk, sunny day. The wind was blowing in a calm, rhythmic pace, and all seemed well. Yet, something felt oddly out of place; as if the calm of the day was trying to warn of something more. It was at this point, when the day seemed perhaps too serene, that a growing sound of thunder began to come from the east. Glancing up, the ranger noted the billowing clouds building on the eastern horizon and smiled. Summer had arrived and with it summer thunderstorms. These were the storms he loved most for they were fierce, quick, and yet had a cleansing quality about them. They brought with them a brief respite from the heat of the day and warm rain which induced the animals of the forest to venture forth. His mind turned back to why he had came to this spot deep within the woods. The ranger sat in a clearing naked from the waist up holding in his hands a sword. Frowning, he stared into its polished finish. The sword had been a gift and its giver was still a mystery to him. He traced the raised heron on the blade while the diamond dust on its razor edge cast a rainbow reflection about the clearing. Why someone wished to give him such a prized weapon, he could not fathom, but he remembered that day. He had traveled far and was getting ready to retire for the evening when a knock sounded at his door. Puzzled, he opened it to find himself staring into the eyes of a cloaked woman. "Are you the ranger Thorn Hawk?" "Aye, I am, but who are you?" "I am," she paused, "just a messenger." Moving from the door, "well then m'lady, please come in." Once inside the room, she removed from within her concealing cloak a sword which she handed to him hilt first. "I was asked by a lady in the market today to give this to you. She told me where I could find you and what you looked like," she replied smiling, "she also paid quite well for the task." "Thank you," answered Thorn Hawk awed by the true beauty of the weapon from its heron-marked blade to the hilt carved to resemble a diving falcon. He looked up in time to see the lady, near the door, turning to glance at him. "Oh, one last thing ranger. She said the sword had a name . . . Destiny," with that she disappeared out the door leaving the ranger to ponder her last words. "Destiny," he mumbled as lightning lit up the darkening sky. As thunder crashed overhead in answer to the lightning, the ranger moved, his sword becoming a blur in his hands. He spun while his sword carved a silvery streak through the air destroying the ghostly adversaries only his mind saw. An onlooker, viewing the dance, might have stood in awe watching the ranger gracefully move through the steps, his sword an extension of his being. Yet, this same onlooker might have viewed the scene with horror had the ranger been fighting real opponents and not ghostly ones, his sword cutting a path of destruction in a circle around him, scribing its own destiny in the lives of its foes. Suddenly, his movements stopped as he came to rest once again sitting with the sword resting at his side, his face upturned to catch the first warm drops of rain falling from the sky. Thorn Hawk, Brotherhood of PathfindersVision Revisited (submitted by: ABK Sonja) Sonja awoke to the glorious sunshine shining in on her. She glanced about the room to notice that Storm had already gone. Sonja had a sudden rush of energy today and wanted to do something adventurous. She prepared for her day with the thoughts of the events to take place dancing about her mind. Sonja glanced about her room to notice that a single rose layed about on her night stand. 'Tis strange,' she said aloud. "Twas that not there before?" Sonja walked over a picked up the rose. She could smell the sweet essence of the rose begin to spread about the room. Sonja stood estranged then realized that Storm must have left it for her. An ecstatic smile crossed Sonja's face as she smelled the rose once again. Sonja placed the rose carefully in a most lovely vase and walked toward the door. As she left she and Storm's quarters, she turned to glance at the rose once again. The rose was gone! Sonja became bewildered as to what was happening. She stood there knowing that she had placed a rose in the beautiful blue vase. Sonja, feeling frightened, left the quarters and walked to the hall. Blood sat, looking lonely, at a table in the halls. Sonja walked towards Blood and sat down at the table. "Lord Blood, may I have a moment of your time, as something strange just happened. I simply do not understand it," Sonja said nervously. Blood could see that Sonja was tense from something. "Sure, M'Lady. What is the trouble?" Sonja told Blood of the rose and how it had vanished mysteriously from the vase. As she told Blood, a feeling of anxiety began to form. An anxiety of wanting to know what had happened. "M'Lady, a rose can not simply disappear within the air. You must have been dreaming. That is the only logical answer," Blood said trying to calm down his sister of the Keep. "Blood, I can not take that as an answer, as I know that I was fully conscious of what was happening." Blood suggested that he and Sonja take a walk to Vilnask to clear her mind. Sonja accepted, but did not think that Vilnask could clear her mind. As Sonja and Blood arrived in Vilnask, Sonja came to a halt. Blood looked curiously at Sonja. Sonja suddenly felt pain overcome her body. Things seemed to grow blurry, then to a desolate blackness. Suddenly, she could see a woman and a man standing in the distance. Sonja, in a daze, walked toward the couple. Blood, unaware of what had become of Sonja's consciousness, shouted out to her, but Sonja kept walking away from him. After reaching the couple, Sonja could see the man to be her father. "Father?" Sonja asked confused. Blood stood next to her and could see nothing, but the trees. "Sonja, what is happening?!" Sonja did not hear Blood's voice, as she could not even hear her own. "Sonja, you have not heeded my warnings, now evil has come to the Keep. The purest of all evil and it's intentions is to destroy your soul," the man said coldly. Sonja stood in awe, as the man continued to speak. The man spoke of the past and of Sonja's mother. Her soul was still in anguish, as her death had not been revenged. The evil that had once slayed Sonja's parents was now to come for her. "Sonja, you must find and destroy it before it destroys you," the man said as he and the mysterious woman disappeared into the trees. Sonja came back to the conscious world to hear Blood's voice. "Sonja, are you ok?" "I am afraid that I may not be," Sonja said still confused from her visitor. Sonja began to think of the visitor's words as things seem to fit into place. The rose, the weird smell. Had the visitor been right? Had the evil invaded the confounds of the Keep? ~~Lady of the Keep~~ ~\/~ABK Sonja~\/~ Memories from my Childhood - Part 2 (submitted by: Tyo Ark) There's a certain stillness to the Neverwinter woods, I suppose after all the time I've spent living here it's grown to be a part of me. However, it wasn't at first. That gloom and stillness, that's what will either make or break a man. The woods aren't for everyone, I believe it takes the right mixture of fear, determination and general desperation to even try and live in the woods. What drives a person to these parts, and furthermore what drives them to stay here? The heck if I know. Perhaps it's because there's nowhere else to turn, and the gloom, the quietness and general dismal atmosphere reflects what is inside one's self, bringing out into the physical realm where it can be dealt with. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I lay there in the mud for quite sometime, vowing revenge and worse to the bullies which had beaten and taken my money. Why did I always end up getting picked on? Why was I smaller, and always on the receiving end of some foul occurrence? The answer to these questions, I couldn't answer. Nor did I really spend much time thinking about it, as it wouldn't get food into my belly, and I was getting cold lien there in the mud. Slowly I stood, and evaluated the harm done to myself. Finding no broken bones, I hobbled my way down the alley to find a safer and preferably dryer place to rest. *** *** *** "Hey Tyo, what da heck happened to yas mate?" Snorting, I opened my eyes and peered up outta the trash I had nestled in the night before. "Nothing much mate, jist gots meself trounced by some bullies." I replied to Victor. Clearing off a space I motioned fer him ta sit down. Chuckling Victor, tore off a piece of his bread, handed it to me and sat down. "I know what yas mean bro, those darn ruffians always pickin on us. Just ain't nice I tell yas" Vic mumbled while munching on his half of the loaf. "Aye, well what's a mate to do, eh? Tain't like were in any position to change nothin." I grumbled, feeling rather down trodden and wishing I'd never been born. "Well, now who's ta say we canna change nothin. Jist gotta learn to avoid em is all." "Hmph, avoid em? Why da heck should we avoid dem, it ain't like they own the place. What I'd do ta give'em what dey have comin to em." "Well, da only thing I could think a doin is tryin ta outnumber em and get'um one by one or something like dat. But there's only two of us Tyo, and we ain't exactly big tough guys if'n yas knows what I mean." "True enough." I said as I swallowed the last of the bread. "Welp, standin here ain't gonna change nothing. Let's get a move on" *** *** *** They call me Pike, and I really don't know why. Might have ta do wid my pop being a fisherman, or god nows what. It don't really matter though, I been Pike fer as long as I ken recall, and I'll be Pike fer quite a bit longer I presume. Now, being da boy of a fisherman ain't exactly glamorous, but I spoz it could be worse. My pop said I was to young to go fishin wid him, so mainly I'd just hang around in Tri and get into all sorts a trouble. It was jist another one of those days, when I met up wid Tyo and Vic... I was sorting through some trash cans, looking fer some more thrown out socks, since my last pair I'd used on some rapid dog that had da hots fer me. See, I always was one fer improvisin, and I had long ago found that people would just throw out old socks fer one reason or another. Well, ya put a couple rocks inside a those socks, and I'll be damned if'n you don't get yerself a purty nice weapon to whump things with. So there I was pickin through some blokes trash, looking fer some socks to arm meself with. "Whoa there boy, this is our turf, and I don't believe givin you permission to be on it." Came a voice from behind me. Well, a course they hadn't givin me no stinkin permission, as I hadn't really thought I needed any. Standing up and turning around, I looked at the bloke that had jist spoken to me. He looked like just yer average street trash, a lot like me. Now, there weren't nothin to spectacular bout that, but what got me ta worry'n was the bloke behind him. Now, one bloke I ken usually take down no problem. But two, well, that's stretchin it jist a tad far. "Well, sorry I be fer impeachin on ur turf bloke, I didna think that anyone would be wantin to claim a trash heap as their own. The notion jist didn't strike me, eh?" I spat. Pop always told me I had a way wid words. My hand strayed down to me good ole sock, ready fer whatever might becomin my way. "Oh I see, we've got a bloke with some lip now do we? Givin me lip on my own turf are yas now? Well, that certainly ain't allowable if'n I do say so." Welp, I never was one fer waiting til people said "GO!" to start, and I figured dis werent' da time ta start. Whippin out me pal Mr. Sock, I whumped dat bad un a good un on da shoulder. Now, that blow woulda stunned a lesser bully, but unfortunately all it did was make dis bloke real friggin mad. Backing up and crouching I twirled me weapon in a menacing fashion. "Don't yas becomin any closer, or yas gonna be gettin a little more friendly wid my friend now ya hear?" Said I ta da bully. Chuckling, the two cracked there knuckles and began advancin on me. "Now, blokes I'm leavin yer turf, now ain't I? No need fer any further discussion of the matter, eh? I'm leavin, see?" I said, slowly backing down the alley. **** **** ***** We hadn't gone very far down that alley, when loe and behold, we saw da two bullies we'd been talkin bout earlier cornerin some poor mate. "Whoa there, Tyo, this ain't da time or da place fer anything rash now yas hear?" Warned Victor, hoping ta try and calm me down afore I did what I had vowed ta do. "To hell wid yas Vic!" I screamed as I charged down the alley towards the bad un's that had stole my money last night. I dunno really what happened at dis point, but I believe I heard Vic call after me and then begin running after me figurin he might as well get beat up too. **** **** ***** Well, just as I thought things were gonna be gettin real bad fer me. I'll be damned if'n outta nowhere comes this little screechin bellowing bloke flyin through the air and landing splat on the back of one of my assailants. Never afore had I seen da likes of dat I tell yas! Afore I knew it da two were on da ground making a right good mess a things, the comrade of that bully gettin ready to whump on me savior. "I dinna think so mate" I screamed as I moved in, bring around ole Mr. Sock with a solid whump on the back side of the guys knee. As he went, down, I'll be damned if'n the impossible didna happen again. Another friggin bloke flyin through da air! And crashin splat onto da bloke I'd just socked! Stunned was I ta see the impossible twice in one day. Well, now, the tables being turned, I quickly joined in on stomping the two blokes. "Hey, now how's it feel ta get whomped on yer vewy own trash heap mate?" - TyoEnveloped by Darkness (submitted by: Redd Iz) Sweat dripped off my brow, as I ran across the battle field. My heart pounding like it was about to explode. Drops of blood fell from my lips. I could feel my eyes glowing a bright furious RED. I watched ITB Arcane from the corner of my eye as he sprinted after me. But I felt my god Azuth was with me. I was to prevail this day, I had already defeated such brave warriors as MECH Havoc and SOL Varion, ITB Arcane would only be another obstacle in my way to the top. I fired a flurry of spells at Arcane and he retaliated. I watched him as the Griffins bit into his flesh for minor damage. He was slowed by the effects of one of my spells from my flurry. Yet I still had all my blazing speed. I quickly positioned myself for another run at him. He casted a stinking cloud to try and stop what would be another flurry of spells. When suddenly I was grasped into darkness. I could still see Arcane, yelling his battle cry, as he assaulted a body. It was then I realized it was my body. I was viewing the fight from outside my own body. I watched ITB Arcane say "He is not responding I win". But I was there I screamed and yelled but to no avail I was trapped. I battled the darkness it kept tugging at me, but I battled then I saw someone say he is not responding he looses. Then I could no longer see anything my body was gone, Arcane was gone, everything was gone. I simply sat in Darkness, unable to breath realizing some force beyond Azuths control had willed it that I shall not win on this great night of the KORT Joust. I started feeling my thoughts slip away. This was it, I was dying. Soon I was barely able to think at all, only one thing shot across my mind. "I COULD HAVE WON" and then there was nothing. I opened my eyes from what seemed an eternity I was back in my body just outside of Triboar. But the damage was done, the KORT officials said that whatever it was happen it had cost my the battle. I slumped just outside the arena. One thought shot across my mind. "I could have won". THE END(submitted by: Mech Havoc) While PvP'ing for the ladder recently I found out about a new PvP technique the hard way;>. It is PvPing without useing the minor globe of invulnerability spell. Instead the player uses multiple Mirror Images spells. Once all of the images go down another Mirror Image spell is cast. This seems to work well. The only draw back is area affecting spells like Fireball and Ice Storm, but many people do not memorize these for one on one PvP. Mech Havoc(submitted by: Sylphee) KORT Joust results ---------------------------- After a long day of many trials and countless runs at the lists, a new Champion has emerged in the 3rd Annual KORT Joust! KORT thanks all the guilds of Neverwinter, and especially all the fighters who competed in this year's Joust, for coming together this day.... But most of all congratulations to all the winners who made it through six fights each! Our new Joust Champion is Tyo Ark, who will soon be awarded a brand new Cloak of Elvenkind!! Runner-up is Jedi Chris, who will take home 15 pearls... and 3rd place and a Necklace of Ice Storms goes to Xu X1ang Congratulations to three of the strongest PvPers in the Realms!!<><><><><> <><><><><> 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!