==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 156 Week Ending 10-20-96 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Kikuriel for winning last week's News of the Realm contest for her poem entitled "One Last Howl". Kikuriel has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes). Keep up the good work! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> New Player's Tour - 10/13 It was a crsytal clear morning; the sun was shining bright in the crisp Autumn air. Lord Nasher had given me two recent reports and assigned me to investigate them along with the assistance of as many volunteers as I could muster. One report contained information on a possible evil temple just outside the town of Crossergate. The other documented a disturbing report of brigands in Southwall and a prominent member of the city government. It was not long before BNicexxxxx, Barek96, Grey 12345, and Geltan B answered the call. With a modest level of experience we chose to investigate the evil temple rumored to be in the Crossergate area. Needing a quick rest and refit, we set out for the Red Mage Inn before heading out on Lord Nasher's missions. But the omens were not good for the brave band as Geltan B and Grey 12345 fell victim to the incidious punt monster. At the Red Mage Inn we met up with GreatAzuth and DA14U3, an eager, but very young adventurer. We headed south through Southwall to the Vilnask Inn without incident. But the bad omens continued as Barek96 went to the back of the inn and was not seen again. On the road south from the inn BNice advised us that he would have to tend to family matters before long. This indeed was not good for traversing the dangerous areas around Crossergate. With the dwindling party's strength tapped by the forces of nature and circumstance, we reconsidered our mission. We headed back toward Southwall. The fickle finger of fate struck me hard as that infamous punt monster reared its ugly head again, driving me from the realm instantly. Gating back to the Savage Frontier, I managed to locate again DA14U3 and GreatAzuth. A screaming banshee and Krackens sadly struck down BNice. GreatAzuth chose to hunt dracoliches that had recently been sited in the Vilnask area. This left DA14U3 and myself to investigate the siting of Lord Nasher having dealings with a band of thieves in Southwall. Northward bound on the High Road we happened upon Queen Azul, CoaqSpawn, Xena 8, and Iceman 2, all of whom were eager to rid the area of the brigands and prove that Lord Nasher was not in kahoots with them. Acting on a lead that NW Snowie provided, we were searching a vacant building in the southeastern quadrant of Southwall when we were ambushed by eight thieves. Queen Azul's staff sling was dealy accurate as she dispatched two before they knew what hit them. CoaqSpawn cut down the nearest thief, DA14U3, Iceman, and Xena threw all their might into the fray. When it was over, CoaqSpawn began interrogating the lone surviving thief who was tired and wounded, but able to talk. The brigand spilled out, "Search to the west..p..password, BEH...", when a searing dagger flew through the air striking him in the throat. He died in a gurlgling mix of blood and air coming from his lungs and throat. Westward we sped, following the blackrobed figure that launched the deadly missile at the now dead thief. Iceman crashed though a door, nearly knocking down Derhig, who was on the other side. Quickly explaining our mission, Derhig joined us in our chase. We followed the assassin to a ramshackle building just west of the High Road. The punt monster struck again as DA14U3 stood stock still while fighting some orcs, then dissappeared. I fell in a hole in the floor and was struck by that same punt monster again. When I gated back into the realms yet again, I found the group all together with the exception of Iceman X2. We began searching the building again; CoaqSpawn and Queen Azul said, "Look here!", but as I turned to look, they were gone, and were not seen again. We met up with Iceman again, and searched that building one more time. Xena found a ladder going down into the floor...we went in. Derhig never made it down the ladder; we didn't see him again. I reached the bottom and deftly gave an old grizzled thief the password and ran headlong into Xena and Iceman fighting for their lives. Iceman fell to the backstabbing of the vicious brigands and Xena must have slipped away during the fray. When the dust settled, I was the only one standing. I made my way back to the High Road and found Xena out of breath, but alive, at the gates to Neverwinter. Tossing him a few jewels to pay the training master, I waited outside the hall as Xena 8 scribed a new spell that was offered. When he emerged he seemed more confident of his abilities and promised to investigate the Thieves Den again soon. It had been a long and grueling day for all involved, and it seemed the random forces of nature were against us from the start. But we had put a good dent in the number of brigands operating out of Southwall. The next expidition I am sure will have it much easier than we did. * * * * * Thanks to all that participated in the tour. The punts and lockups were frustrating, I know. And the next time hopefully we'll have better luck with that, and bring Lord Nasher the information he was looking for. NWA Donagh <><><><><> <><><><><> Charm Person Booth - 10/15 midnight Well, talk about one of the rougher booths to run. A hearty band of 10 tried their best to resist the charms of Mystek. ;> Using a myriad array of charms on the various individuals, I did 3 rounds of charming on the ten participants. After 1 round, it was down to 7, after 2 it was down to 5. After 3 it was just Mavralyn, Sagx and Drk Fiend left. I had to try something to break the tie between the three, so I cast one hold on each, Mav failed. I then cast a poison, Sagx and Drk Fiend both saved. I tried another hold, they both saved. I then proceeded to cast LB, they both took same damage. ::sigh:: Finally cast an ice storm and Drk Fiend took the least damage (7) than Sagx (24). Don't ask me why they were different without being a multiple of each other. Drk Fiend wins the 4 pearls and one hour online. Thanks to all for showing incredible patience during the booth. ;> Mystek <><><><><> <><><><><> Rigors Booth Results - 10/16 Constitution....that was the keyword of the day as Lord Nasher challenged fifteen brave and hardy adventurers to test their health and stamina against the rigors of electricity, fire, and ice. "So you want to be an adventurer, eh?" the goodly guard, Donagh was heard to say as he brought the first of the fifteen up to take his three dangerous casts. "Bzzzt", was heard by the onlookers as blue arcs danced in the room as Donagh grasped each participant.... "Kaboom" was heard as a red glow came from the room every time... "Woosh" came the wind and the ice as a winter storm brewed fifteen times. In the end it was NOR Alkins that emerged from the unhealthy confines boasting only a tingling in his left hand, what looked like a mild sunburn, and holding a glass full of iced tea. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thanks to all of the following who participated in the booth: K1ng Kobra, Shivan0, Lorendal, Drk Fiend, Seldon RA, Missum, WOL Dragon, NOR Alkins, V Lazerus, LdyKatryna, Musashi599, DarkCyborg, Vet V1c, Tomp7777, and Warr Deths. And a congratulations to NOR Alkins who came away from the booth sporting only 41 points of damage and 5 new pearls!! ;D NWA Donagh <><><><><> <><><><><> October GoH Booth #1 Results!! "October's first GoH booth had Strahd challenging GoHers to step forward and get battered by magic missiles! The ones taking the least and the most amount of damage from the missiles would win pearls. Congratulations to Glaeros, who took the least amount of damage, and Allsfaire, who took the most." -- NW Strahd :) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- winner #1: Glaeros prize: 6 pearls winner #2: Allsfaire prize: 3 pearls <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 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: October 22nd Tuesday 4:00 PM EDT - with NW Thorn. October 25th *Friday 1:00 AM EDT - with NW Mystek. * This is midnight on Friday heading into Saturday, folks. Just to let you know! ;D Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> The Wedding - Part 2 ~The Gift~ (submitted by: Thorn Hawk) The woods were quiet in the gray darkness before dawn. Tendrils of mist floated from the warm waters of a small lake while a lone figure stood nearby his form hidden by the darkness and mist. He came here to reflect and wait out the dawn. Today was his wedding day. A noise from the trees caused him to smile. It seemed his sister was looking for him and her skill in the woods was great for a priest but could never match that of a ranger. He didn't turn around as she approached just stood staring into the water. He fingered the small ring in his hand as she spoke. "About time I found you." "What are you doing out here?" "Just thinking Whisp" "Having doubts are you?" "No, never that," he sighed, "just thinking about why I'm getting married." She sat on a log sending ripples out into the lake where it entered the dark waters and waited for him to continue. He just stood there a dark shadow and fingered the diamond ring. Soon, his voice, barely a whisper above the wind, started to tell a tale. Once, when I first met Luthyen she introduced me to her father and mother. I had only known her a short time and it was like an audition. I sat there as her mother watched me like a hawk and her father fired questions at me. There was one question . . . He knew I was a priest of Mielikki in my own way and asked if ever I had to choose between my Goddess and Luthy . . . I sat there for a moment not because I didn't know the answer, but I feared saying it. I glanced at Luthyen then back at Lafel her father and told him I would choose my Goddess. Luthyen jumped to my defense immediately to my surprise. I never knew what Lafel or Luthyen thought of my answer as more questions followed. The few faint stars twinkled in the night while the sun brightened the eastern sky. Whisp sat there a soft smile on her lips. She listened to the confessions of a ranger and those of her brother. We traveled much in the weeks following my meeting with her family. As time passed, I grew to love this woman I traveled with. I loved her passion, her spirit, and kindness. I knew she grieved for the loss of another and had no hopes she would ever grow to love me in turn. I still remember the day she told me. The day she spoke words of love. My spirit soared on the winds and I knew happiness that I had never felt before even with Kaylean. I was happy. Wanting to share my life with her, I asked her to marry me fearing that she would say no since we had never talked about my choice. When I finally asked her and knelt there waiting, my heart sank as each second passed and still she didn't reply. She eventually spoke and the word she voiced broke my heart. Yes, she softly said. The ranger turned away from the water and faced his sister so she could see him in the faint light. Tears rolled down his face as he continued his tale. She loved me and wanted . . . Wanted to marry me knowing that one day I might leave her without even a goodbye following the will of my Goddess. I have no words to tell how that makes me feel. It is rare that you find love like that. Someone willing to love you for whom and what you are. It is the most precious of gifts, unconditional love and for that I am blessed. She is my life, my love, and a part of myself and I'll love her all the days of my life. "It's time brother," whispered Whisp. "Let us go then and greet the dawn," he replied taking a deep breath. They left the clearing and the shores of a small northern lake deep within Neverwinter Woods heading south as a hawk cried its welcome to a new day and the sun peeked above the horizon casting its warm glow on the mirrored surface. Thorn Hawk, Brotherhood of PathfindersFeast of Love (submitted by: Sir Lords) Neverwinter has always been a place of kinship and mercy, but never before has the great city shown its heart like the night it entertained the feast of love. Anson was a young man, not impressive by any means, but young and energetic. The kind of lad one expects one day to grow old as a teacher or perhaps a polititian. Anson had firm beliefs in the structure of law and chaos...a place for everything, and everything in its place, he believed. His mother, quite atractive for her years was Anson's mentor. Wise and thoughtful, she led Anson through his hardship and triumph. She wanted her boy to leave this place and go on to bigger and better things. Always making up character building excercises, she would have him do extrordinary feats...hang the NW Royal Banner by himself or shake hands with an HONEST man. (Harder than you might think!) So it was on this day that she told her son to go into the woods and befriend on who has no friends. A simple task, thought Anson. The next morning, Anson wandered deep into the NW Woods in search of one who had no friends, though this morning, fortune seemed to frown upon him...the woods were empty. Anson began to wonder where everyone went. The woods were usualy full with travelers, caravans and the like, but today...nothing. So was it that Anson sat down to rest. Within seconds, he heard the warm sound of bells in the near distance. The bells grew louder with every moment until into view came a jeweled cariage, drawn by 4 grey mares. Anson was immediately enthrawled with the beauty of this coach. He stood up, and inside was a young girl age 12-15, hard to tell due to the viel over her face. Anson removed his filthy hat as the caraven passed by. His heart began to beat when he heard her voice order the carriage to stop right then and there. The coach came to a stop, and Anson was in a stupor. Why would such a chariot stop for him? He door opened and a young hand beconed him inside. Barely able to walk, he fumbled his way inside. There, in front of him sat a young girl covered with expensive clothes and jewlery, with face hidden by a heavy veil. The coach began to move onward, and the two began to talk. First to family, then to political dealings, then finally to education went their conversation. Soon, Anson began to talk about his schoolmates, and he could hear the strain of tears in the girls voice as she told him that she was always kept from schools and was only allowed to sit in on adult parties and discussions. Soon an hour passed, and another, until it was nearly dark. The two children would laugh,complain and share silence together. Before long, the carriage returned to the spot where Anson was oriigionally picked up. The young girl huged Anson and as he steped down from the coach, he asked the girl about her viel. She was reluctant, and then slowly removed it. For the first time, Anson was utterly thrown from his senses. She was so...different! In fact, his uncle the cleric would call this being "slow in the head". So!! She was retarded! But hadn't he learned that such people were stupid and uncomprehensive? Well that just wasn't...couldn't be true! She was so smart...so...so ALIVE! Everything Anson ever hoped to be! Anson Smiled at her and then asked her to come to dinner. She graciously regrused, as she was not allowed such things. Anson understood this and they embraced as she rode off in her jeweled coach. Inside the coach, the litle girl wiped a tear from her eye, for this was the first time she was ever asked to dinner for the sake of friendship and not for the sake of family status. You see, she had never experienced a FEAST OF LOVE. Sir LordsSongs of the Wind - Part 17 ~Search for Cerdith~ (submitted by: Zeb Canon) Hearing the deep breathing from Lake Mist, Zeb knew that he was sound asleep. Looking over the edge of the blanket Zeb saw Ender Bay looking over the sleeping rangers as a father looks over his sleeping children. Proud of each in there own way. Standing up, Zeb nods to Ender and moves off to the shelter of the woods but staying in sight of the camp. Ender silently moves over to were Zeb is and asks, "Okay Zeb whats wrong the others said that you have been tossing and turning all night." "Ender, my friend, remember the night that I was brought into the Brotherhood?" "Aye Zeb I remember. Neerdowell stating your case. Cerdith presiding as the representative of Mielikki and conducting the ritual. The party after words I am still not to clear on but aye I remember. So what is this about?" "Ender, I am no longer a ranger." "What are you talking about of course you're a ranger." "No! I am one no longer. I have lost the ability to make the plants grow and move at my command. No longer can I make the fairy fire light up around living things. I have lost the touch with the animals. It was only that I knew that the hawk was Thorn's and it would not attack that gave me the strength to fetch the note." "But Zeb you still track as well a ever and I have seen you guide others on adventures as well. This is just in y...." "No! It is much more." Zeb says with a hiss of anger. "I guide only where I have already been. Look at how many of the new brothers and sisters are receiving the Title of Wayfarer as well as the new scouts and guides. What comes natural to them I have to work very hard at. As for tracking I rely on others to see and then pose as I already knew and was waiting for them to find it." "Remember the class I gave on being a ranger to the young ones. Wonder why it was so powerful. It was because when you lose something dear to you and it leaves you hollow inside. Then you appreciate it the more and it always hurts to see others take it for granted. Also I can barely touch a sword any more and a bow is out of the question. All sharp pointed objects bring a strong feeling of unease to me. Look I carry a fail now or mace. And I have the young ones bring me scrolls that they can not read but I have no problem in understanding." A small smile begins to work its way to the corners of Ender's mouth. Seeing a faint glow beneath the shirt of Zeb, Ender pokes the hidden medallion with a finger. "And what of the path Zeb. The path that is here deep in your heart. Is it gone also?" "No Ender it is not. If anything it is stronger and clearer. Why do you ask?" "Just curious Zeb. You are the only one I know of that has seen the goddess more than once. We all hear her and see her in the things of the forest but only a few have ever seen her. You on the other hand have seen her several times and will probable see her many times in the future. So go pray to her and she will guide you. Just remember that as long as the path is in your heart you are still a ranger. Now get some rest there is not much left of the night and we travel hard at dawn." "Okay Ender but promise me that you will not tell the others of what I have lost. I don't think I could bear them knowing. Not yet anyway." "I promise Zeb. I will tell no one till you give me leave." With that Zeb turns and moves back to the camp but does not hear the final whispered words of Ender Bay. "I bow to you new Cleric of Mielikki." As the false dawn lightens the sky Ender wakes the others with a new smell in the camp. Primrose asks, "What is that delicious smell in the air?" "Tis something a sailor friend of mine gave me. It came from Waterdeep but he said that it was brought from over the sea. I think he called it coffee." "Everyone come over here please." calls Zeb. "What is it Zeb?" asks Lake Mist. "Aye Zeb what has you so excited?" asks Trout. As they gather around Zeb, he takes out his medallion and pours water into a bowel. "Now watch the water." Closing his eyes, Zeb begins to chant and slowly the reflection of trees and sky fades to white. As everyone looks closer the white scene clears some to show several very crude lean-tos and huts. Snow whipped by the wind flies past them. Half covered bodies lay buried in the snow. Then the vision focus on one hut and a blast of wind slams the door open for a second and just as fast closes the door. But all see Cerdith sitting and rocking back and forth as if listening to a favorite song. In that brief glimpse there was no doubt that Cerdith was close to death. Her skin was pale and there were signs of frost bite on her face. Gaunt and very thin she was as if she had not eaten for weeks. A gasp was heard from Primrose as well as a whispered "No" from Ender. But the vision did not end it changed to the scene of woods with a mountain in the background. Then Thorn Hawk entered the image and was moving toward the mountain but he looked as if were asleep. With that the vision ended. "That is what our goddess has shown me in my dreams. We must hurry before it is to late." With that Ender Bay commands but two words, "Break Camp!" Zeb Canon Brotherhood of PathfinersSongs of the Wind - Part 18 ~A Hidden Trail~ (submitted by: Thorn Hawk) Two days had passed since the hawk left with a message for Ender Bay. During that time, Thorn Hawk had searched the area around the mountain for some sign of Cerdith. It was not until late this afternoon that he came upon a small track hidden from view by overgrowth. Following this nearly invisible trail, he found his first sign of Cerdith, a pathfinder's trail marker marking the trail as unexplored. With determined steps, Thorn Hawk returned to his camp. As he sat near his banked fire, Thorn Hawk wrestled with his emotions. He had promised to wait for help, but Cerdith might be close to death . . . His brothers might not make it in time to save her . . . The priest had told him not to brave the enemy alone . . . What if the hawk never reached Ender . . . ? He had made a promise . . . , a promise to save Cerdith taken months ago just before he left the bunkhouse. With a fiery luster in his eyes, Thorn Hawk started checking his gear. The predawn shadows found Thorn Hawk, on the slopes of the mountain, moving cautiously up the hidden trail. A faint breeze tickled his face bringing with it the subtle notes of a song. He continued to follow the trail looking for signs of Cerdith's passage when, two days later, he came across a stone tablet. Bending over the stone, he was unable to make out the weathered markings on its worn surface, but there was a presence of old magic. He had felt magic like this in the desert when a young man. With renewed apprehension for his adversary, he continued. He was not sure when the music had become the center of his awareness, but the song filled his mind with its sweetness. A faint discordant note could be heard in the background, but if he concentrated, the song seemed to swell, drowning out that one note. Suddenly, something hit his head causing the music to falter, but its power returned to capture his heart. Again, something hit his head, but this time causing Thorn Hawk to cry out in pain breaking the song's spell. An enraged cry moved Thorn Hawk to turn his head to the sky. Above, soared a gray hawk. Shaking his head to clear the last vestiges of the song, he quickly made his way toward the valley floor far below. Thorn Hawk, Brotherhood of PathfindersSongs of the Wind - Part 19 Dragon's Flight (submitted by: QuadSF) It was one of those frustrating days where nothing seemed to go his way. Steelflight was coasting on the air thermals, looking for possible places where Cedrith might be. As usual, there were too many. Sighing, he looked further in the mountains and felt a nostalgic feeling. Down below was a group of mountains, one of them shrouded in mist. His mind felt back to when he was home, in the palace near Mist. Shaking his head, he coasted down toward that mountain. The mountain had an odd tone around it, which got stronger when he got closer. When he was a league away, he could hear faint music. His intuition told him that this wasn't ordinary vapor, yet he felt tired after his flight. Perhaps he could land on a ledge somewhere . . . As he went into the mist, Steel's mind felt like a gut tie loosening. His mind drifted to his happier days, when his father and mother were alive. He missed them terribly, but his instincts told him to get out. With a desperate change in course, he managed to get out of the mind-fogging fog and hover in clearer skies. He pondered a bit. It was a mystery, having to know why such a thing existed. Perhaps for safekeeping of an artifact? Or security? Or, and Steel shivered at this, was it alive? Whatever it was, it wasn't safe to have it lying around. He would have to find out how to remove it. And that meant help. Spell-casters were spell-casters, and they would know how. The Brotherhood harbored such dual-classed people, and he'd hoped that some were around here. Carefully scanning the grounds, he noticed a ranger in a small clearing below. As he thought, the ranger was Thorn Hawk. He was pacing the forest floor, waiting for someone. Most likely his friends, thought Steel. So, he slowly hovered over the area and changed. Thanks to magical influence on the world, he slipped into human form without a hitch. As Thorn was facing the other way, Steel landed nimbly on his feet from the great height . . . Thorn wasn't easily surprised, as the ranger suddenly had a sword to Steelfight's throat. "Calm down, my friend-in-arms. I, too, am seeking Cedrith. Who are you waiting for?" Thorn sheathed his sword and replied, "Not anyone that I know of. Perhaps Ender or some of the more experienced ones. I'll tell my story once they get here." It wasn't long before a group of dirty (mostly) travelers came along. "Hail, Ender. Did the hawk bring you here today?" asked Thorn Hawk. Ender replied, "Yep. You said that you knew where Cedrith might be, and let me guess. That mountain?" He pointed at the misty peak. Thorn said yes, and he proceeded to tell his short tale of his travels. At the end, Steel put in: "Now that we are here, does anyone here know how to pierce this fog? It seems to be there for some purpose. And if Cedrith is up on the mountain . . . " He left the sentence hang, for everyone knew what the answer was . . . Songs of the Wind - Part 20 ~The Gathering~ (submitted by: Thorn Hawk) Two days passed as the band shared stories of their travels to arrive at this lonely mountain deep within the woods of Neverwinter. They prepared for the journey to come each in their own way. The rangers looked over their armor and weapons while the clerics meditated and communed with higher powers. In the trees above, two birds eyed each other along with keeping a keen lookout for trouble. As the moon rose full in the sky, the small band numbering seven were joined by three others, Barthonis, Thralos, and Riverswift. Many somber welcomes were passed as the group sat discussing the following morning's assault. "I think I have something that might help," ventured Primrose holding forth a lump of bee wax. "If we put this in our ears, maybe it will help keep the song from affecting our minds." Zeb Canon, sitting on the edge of the fire, nodded his head in agreement, "I think that would be wise and Rose and myself both have spells to block out the song." "Is that truly a wise thing to do Zeb? Won't the spell keep us from hearing danger approaching?" asked Ender Bay our leader on this quest. "I think we must take the chance Ender for Cerdith's sake." "One thing we must do is stay in a close group during the climb. It is easy to succumb to the effects of the song, but it can be countered by sharp pain. A quick slap should suffice in causing the person to regain control of their thought," suggested Thorn Hawk moving into the firelight. "That settles it then. We need to get some sleep if we are the scale that mountain tomorrow," replied Troutrasta. "Not yet Brother. There remains one last thing. We must send a note back to the others in case we don't make it back," remarked Lake Mist casting a forbidding silence on the group. After writing the note, Lake Mist gave the note to Ender Bay who gave the note to his gull. The gull looked back at his friend and let out a faint squawk. Rising into the air, the gull headed toward the coast. "Fair travels, my friend." The sun had just risen when Neerdowell opened the door to the bunkhouse and saw a small rolled note laying on the threshold next to a gray feather. Puzzled, he reached down and began to read the elegant script. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear brothers and sisters, We feel we have found the place our lost sister Cerdith is being held. We have assembled us few to try and save her. All fear her time is short so we could not ask for assistance. We are not sure if we will succeed or not, but we must try for her life hangs in the balance. If you do not hear from us after a week's time, assume the worst. Wish us luck and pray for our save return. Your brothers and sister, Barthonis, Thralos, Ender Bay, TroutRasta, Lake Mist, Thorn Hawk, Primrose, Steelflight, RiverSwift, Zeb Canon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thorn Hawk, Brotherhood of PathfindersSongs of the Wind - Part 21 Ice Peak (submitted by: Lake Mist) After having met Calinor at the Rankled Boar in Floodblest, we had made our way west and then north through Windycliffs and Port Llast to the outpost at Luskan. No where along the way could we find anyone who had seen Cerdith. Nor were there any clues or markers that could lead to her. Calinor had left Luskan the night before, headed back to the south, perhaps to search Southwall, or further south. I had decided to stay a little longer just in case something turned up. It had turned out to be a quiet night. As I left the tavern in Luskan on a bright and brisk spring morning, about to start my long journey back south, I overheared two gentlemen in a conversation. "I heard someone speaking of Ice Peak the other day. Seems there is a renewed interest in finding the ancient gem that is said to be hidden there." "Aye," said the other, "but it is only legend. And besides, they say it is protected by an ancient magic, more fierce than any we have down here." As I start off west, I catch a glimpse of a far off twinkle as the morning sun catches the ice and snow on the top of Ice Peak. How far away to the north and east is that mountain, I wonder. A few steps further and I suddenly stop dead in my tracks. Looking north-east again, I wonder if Cerdith has been drawn to this ancient and mysterious mountain. No one has seen her anywhere within Neverwinter for months. With a renewed energy, I again step off. I must get back to the bunkhouse and check the ancient tomes and maps for any clues to Ice Peak and it's mysteries. Maybe some of the older rangers know something about it. Urgrue is back, I'll ask him when I get there.Songs of the Wind - Part 22 A Little Sleep (submitted by: Cerdith) The music had filled her mind and her soul... the harmonies were inescapable. She had struggled, something deep inside had moved and fought, had screamed of danger, had pleaded with her to remember her brethren, to remember her Goddess. She had tried so very hard... but the song was so perfect, so precise.. it knew her and welcomed her. The Lady had been in her mind again, breaking through her blindness.... but it was so hard to see anything but the beauty of the song. She just wanted to sleep a little, to rest... but the Lady wanted her to do something too. It was so hard.. so confusing. Maybe a little nap, a little rest and then she could do the task that the Lady had asked of her. Struggling unknowingly against the enchantment, Cerdith's strength was nearly done. The song altered in that moment, changed to a soft gentle lullabye.... Just a little nap....Songs of the Wind - Part 23 A Gathering (submitted by: QuadSF) The small band of rangers woke up one morning to a cold and cloudy morning. Everyone ate breakfast and tried to keep up a light banter to improve their moods. It didn't work. Eventually camp was broken, and they all looked up the trail. "Well, everybody, let's stop up our ears," replied Ender. Most of the group did so, save Rose, Zeb, and Steel. "Steel, why aren't you using the earwax?" asked Zeb. "I can create a force field to stop any magic from reaching me. Just something I learned." said Steel. And a shimmering white field surrounded him. "Let's hurry up the trail. The faster we can get to her, the better." Thorn was the first to start up the hill, with the other following suit. The trail was hard to see, and soon only one person could go on it without falling off the ledge. It became treacherous at several points, where someone would lose their footing. Fortuantly, no one lost a life, though three had to pull up Thralos before his handhold was gone. The mists continually tried to coherce them into staying right where he was, but many an earwaxed one would sport bruises for a day or two. Often the fog would make them lose their path, forcing them to backtrack. Along the way they saw the bones of humans, demi-humans, and and the ocasional troll or ogre. Trout once nearly stumbled upon a pile of dragon ribs. Constantly, Steel had this nagging suspicion that somethng wasn't right. But, then again, the mist wasn't vapor. Sooner or later, they would find the truth... Steelflight Dragoon RangerSongs of the Wind - Part 24 ~Night on the Trail~ (submitted by: Thorn Hawk) I sat next to the fire watching the others relax. We had traveled far today and hopefully with Mielikki's blessing we shall overtake our enemy. We had tracked him to this solitary mountain. His identity, strengths and weaknesses were unknown to us, but we were able to pursue him because we followed our sister, whom he held captive somewhere above us. He attacked our minds continually with a song born on the wind. It robbed us of thought and the desire to live. Reaching up to feel the wax in my ear, I smiled slightly remembering the looks the others had given Primrose when she mentioned the idea of bees wax. Everyone appeared to be holding up well and their spirits were still high which was a good sign. Reaching into my pack, I pulled out a small whetstone and took hold of my sword. Sliding the stone along the length of the blade, I was greeted by a sound that brought back memories of my life. There was something about the sound a whetstone made when stroked along the edge of a fine steel blade that soothed the mind and relaxed the body. I remember the first time I heard the sound. I was sneaking in the shadows listening to the warriors talk around the fire about fights they had won and battles they had fought while a soft undertone could be heard. The sound of a whetstone being scrapped across a blade. I remember other times not so happy. The night I sat with Kalean before she died. Again, I am the one sitting next to the fire, sharpening my sword, thinking of battles to come. I am not sure why I do this thing. My sword has never had a nick or a burr, but still I drag the stone across it. I spend hours doing this thing and all I accomplish is to slowly wear the stone away. Glancing up, I see Primrose fall into a meditative trance as she prays to Mielikki for spells. Maybe, this is why I do this thing. It is my meditation, my way of focusing, cleansing my spirit of all but the task at hand. Something on this mountain is holding Cerdith captive. I know a battle will come and I will be ready. In the still silence of the night, I put my whetstone away. Thorn Hawk, Brotherhood of PathfindersSongs of the Wind - Part 25 Compilation (submitted by: Cerdith, Ender Bay, Lake Mist, Primrose, QuadSF, Thralos, Thorn Hawk, Zeb Canon.) Barthonis silently walked among his sleeping companions waking them. Their camp, nestled between two twisted trees, was shrouded in mist. A wind blew through the camp that all could feel, but none heard its mournful cry. Zeb Canon and Primrose promptly restored their silence spells, while others made sure their more mundane methods of blocking sound were in place. A haggard, weary array of rangers and clerics resumed their trek each looking into the eyes of their fellows searching for solace and reassurance. Their journey had taken nine days and they had seen many markers of ancient nature. The markers, there meaning unclear even to the most learned and traveled of the group, had instilled a foreboding fear in their hearts. They knew they were on the right track after seeing the small temple, newly concentrated, only four days ago. They had to find her soon before their wills gave out and they too became ensnared by the song on the wind. Slipping, Thralos struggled up the narrow path following the dimly seen figure of Zeb Canon. Troutrasta quickly reached the kneeling form of Thralos and helped him up. Smiling his thanks, Thralos continued shuffling up the trail. Each member watched the back of the person in front because without sound sight became more important to their survival. It was their worst enemy, the silence. It robbed them of sense and orientation. Each fought a personal battle against depression and feelings of isolation. Zeb Canon and Primrose handled it better than the rest. There training in the clerical arts allowed them to withstand the rigors of losing their hearing. Ender Bay, their leader, moved with staunch determination. Near Ender Bay, Thorn Hawk traveled with grim purpose. Last was Lake Mist, his face a mask of stoic resolution. Each had their own strengths and desires to sustain them. The company had traveled most of the day when they entered a sheltered clearing dominated by twisted trees and clusters of bushes. Something was wrong. Each pathfinder felt it in the center of his being, a disturbance in the natural order of things. Without directions, each member began moving through the clearing looking for the origin of this wrongness. Steelfight, walking next to a bush, noticed a glimmer within its confines. Kneeling down, he saw bits of armor and white bones. Saying a small prayer to the deceased, he frantically motioned the others over. After the others gathered around the refuge and looked inside, they began inspecting all the shelters. Thorn Hawk dropped to his knees next to a well-crafted shelter. Inside sat the swaying figure of Cerdith, her serene face starring off into the distance. She was wrapped within the confines of her elfin cloak making her body hard to define, but her hollow cheeks a testament to her condition after weeks without food or sleep. Thorn Hawk slowly reached out to her. His hand stopping mere inches from her face unable to touch her. His heart broke. Anguish at seeing Cerdith in this state for the first time, the ranger was helpless. He had not expected this and as tears fell from his face, none heard the cry of pain that escaped his lips. Mists float by the party of rangers as they each try to look in the door of the hut to see Cerdith. The wind making the mists seem like phantoms moving through the pass. Riverswift rushed over, sliding to a stop, before the still form of Cerdith his face a mask of rage and frustration. Primrose stood silently by, tears streaming down her face, while Lake Mist moved to her side. Barthonis and Troutrasta, kneeling down next to Cerdith, wrapped their cloaks around her. Off to the side, stood Zeb a look of worry on his face. There was something wrong here. He could feel the evil of this place. Looking at his brothers and sisters, Zeb could see that the bees wax no longer stopped the music of the song. Each starts to get a glazed look on their face then snap out of it, but each time the blankness last just a little longer. *** Moving away from the group, I start to look for the cause of the song. Then with a strong gust of wind the mists part and I begin to see the mountain walls around us. Shacks and lean-tos line the pass on both sides except near one point that looks like a cave entrance. Now as I watch the mists leave, I begin to see features above the cave. Other holes and outcroppings start to make the figure of a giant face set into the mountain wall. As the features become clearer, it takes on the form of a giant skull. Ender heard a voice in his head . . . he paused momentarily to sort out the noise. The songs they had heard earlier were very intense here. In fact, he could hear them through the beeswax in his ear quite easily now. The music was beautiful . . . The songs were so intense now that he could barely hear the voice in his head . . . at first he thought it was Quad. He had been amazed at the young ranger's ability to speak in his mind. Running over to Ender Bay, I shake his arm to get his attention. Seeing that he is slowly being overcome by the song, I move in front of him. Seeing that he is staring down at Cerdith and that tears are running down his face. He nearly became entranced with the music . . But this voice was the voice of a woman and although he hadn't heard it before, he recognized it soon enough. The Lady was instructing him to destroy the evil here and restore this mountain to her wilderness domain! In that instant Ender suddenly recognized the music as not beautiful at all. He heard the lyrics and was horrified! Knowing that I must break his concentration I reach back and give him a resounding slap across his face. Thanks to Cerdith having reconsecrated the nearby shrine in Mielikki's name, the goddess had more control here than before. It wasn't much, but it was enough to snap the spell and stop the effect the music was having on Ender. Suddenly the near blank expression turns into a murderous rage as his eyes leave Cerdith and focus on me. Ender's hand moves slowly toward his belt knife but recognition also works its way into his eyes and he begins to relax. Ender nodded, pointed at the others and then pointed outside toward the mountain pass. Everyone removed their packs and readied their weapons. Zeb and Primrose put a second silence spell around Cedrith, then everyone exited and entered the pass. Ender was worried about Cerdith and he could tell by the look on Riverswift's face that he was worried too. He knew the two were old friends, so he gestured to River to go be with Cerdith. With Cerdith as safe as they could keep her, Ender's thoughts turned toward the other tiny shelters gathered around the clearing. Wondering if someone else might be alive here, Ender gestured to Thralos, Bart and Quad to split up and the four of them would search the rest of the clearing. With Thralos, Bart, Steel, and Ender searching the other huts, Lake Mist, Primrose, Thorn Hawk, Troutrasta and Zeb went over to the mouth of the giant skull and entered. It was not a cave but a passage that led down into darkness. Lake Mist, lighting a torch, took a few steps down the passage. The walls of the passage were smooth and untouched by age. Scattered along the walls were runes of a language that was long dead. As we moved down the passage, the light from the cave entrance grew smaller and smaller. Then the passage leveled out and after a short walk we entered a vast cavern. Mighty pillars that reached up into the darkness were set in rows that moved deeper into the chamber. Standing in the entrance of the chamber, we could all feel the unearthly cold of the place. A cold that went deep into the bones. The smell of death and rot clung to everything. Soon all the others joined us and we all knew that this was a temple devoted to an old and terrible evil. Inside the temple, the air seemed to be still. It was dark and moist, and at the far end sat an altar. It was a large stone block, with a statue of a long-forgotten god standing behind it. Ancient blood stains covered the statue in strange lines, like writhing snakes. Troutrasta was the first to approach the altar, and bent down. He put his hand on a series of carvings inscribed there, and waved the others over. Everyone ran over, and looked at the inscriptions. It was written in a form like no other, with the glyphs still sharp. Zeb and Primrose both shook their heads, indicating no understanding. Lake Mist walked over to the statue and looked at it. He shook his head, and, as he walked back to the others, he noticed a tiny point of light near the bottom of the altar. A small wisp of smoke seemed to flow out of the light. Suddenly being curious, he reached over and touched the light. Primrose looked up frustrated, unable to decipher the glyphs only to see Lake reach toward the altar. As she opens her month to yell out for him to stop, she suddenly realizes that she and Zeb are silenced and can't use their spells. The instant Lake's finger tips touch the source of the light a shock passes through his body. The others saw him recoil in pain, obviously unprepared for the attack by the evil magic that lurks here. He appeared relatively unharmed, but he looked dismayed. Troutrasta looked up at Zeb Canon. The Pathfinder's War Captain, a proud and able cleric of Mielikki, was staring back at Troutrasta with a determined look. Troutrasta simply pointed to the Altar and Zeb knew exactly what to do. He had heard the Lady's voice too . . . as had Primrose. While the two clerics prepared to perform the ceremony to reconsecrate this temple in Mielikki's name, Thorn Hawk silently slipped back outside to guard the entrance. Moving silently to the altar, Zeb and Primrose take out vials of holy water and different herbs to begin the ceremony. As Primrose begins to pour the holy water on the altar, Troutrasta shouts, "Zeb there is someone or something out in the middle of the temple floor." Then a voice echoes in the temple cavern. Words just barely understandable, echoing in their minds, come from a cloaked figure. "So you have come to pray to my god have you!" says the gravelly voice. Laughter fills the cavern as the figure moves closer to the altar. With each step it gets bigger and bigger. Twice the height of a man the figure stands. Pulling the hood of the cloak back, the Cloud Giant Shaman speaks. "I knew that you would come to save Trollsbane. My god requires fresh blood now that he is stronger. Do you like his singing? Enchanting is it not but then you humans always were easily distracted." "Why? Why are you doing this?" thought Primrose. "Why! Because, female, long before you humans came to the Forgotten Realms, we giants ruled this land. Our gods were strong and they made us strong. Then from across the Trackless Sea and the Great Desert you came. Raising great cities on the coast like Waterdeep, Neverwinter, Port Llast and others. While from the east Longsaddle and Triboar grew. More and more we were pushed further into the wilderness. Ogres, Hill Giants, Trolls, Ettins and Dragons were hunted and killed." "But no more! We have awakened the old ones and they make us strong again. Look at Burrun. The town is no more than a ghost town and we run free. As more of you weak humans enter the woods to feed our god, his power will be heard even in the cities and before long we will rule again." With a might stamp on the temple floor the cavern starts to shake. Unable to keep our footing, we fall to the floor and roll away from the altar. Putting a giant gnarled hand on the altar, the Cloud Giant Shaman raises his eyes to the idol behind the altar and starts to chant in a strange and eerie language. As the quaking of the chamber subsided, the Cloud Giant gives one last tremendous scream that echoes throughout the mountains. The rangers hurriedly searched the clearing for other survivors . . . but their search was abruptly halted! The ground underneath them shook violently for several moments and there was a great rumbling sound coming from within the temple. The rangers outside all looked at the temple with worried eyes. Before they could act, there was a great bellowing by what sounded like a horrible beast coming from inside the temple. It was speaking in a language that none of them knew . . . but it definitely sounded like magical commands of some sort. Thorn Hawk had just reached the entrance to the temple when the ground shook terribly knocking him to his knees. Rising, he gazed back toward the temple and his companions, but his duty was to guard the entrance so the ranger pressed on. In that instant, Ender realized that the music had stopped and though they still had wax in their ears, they'd be able to hear each other if they shouted. "River," he yelled, "Stay put! Steel and Thralos, follow me into the temple! Bart, don't move without us!" As Ender drew his long sword and started for the temple, he heard a crackling sound behind him. He turned to see Quad hadn't moved . . . his bastard sword was drawn and he looked as if he was ready for combat. Looking the other way he saw Thralos with his two-handed sword in the ready position and Bart was holding his trident in a white knuckled grip. River was now standing over Cerdith, weapon drawn, and a look of horror was on his face. Cerdith had collapsed from fatigue . . . apparently unable to even sit up without the songs there to hold her. Then he saw what the others saw . . . skeletons of the deceased, some in varying states of decay, were rising out of their shelters. At first it just seemed like there were a few of them . . . but right in front of his very eyes Ender witnessed the few quickly multiply into what looked like dozens! The sight made his stomach turn. These were the corpses of innocent travelers who stumbled upon this evil place by accident. Now the evil that held this place and sucked the life force from these good people was using their corpses to defend its temple! Still, there was little other choice . . . "Defend yourselves!!!!" With that, Ender charged the nearest skeletons . . . Raising his two-handed sword above his head, a look of fire burns into his eyes as he strides forward resolutely. With powerful blows borne of a desperation and the strength of a faith borne of Mielikki, Thralos began to shatter the skeletons. Thorn Hawk entered the clearing to see total chaos. Skeletons were everywhere, walking out of the various huts and shelters that dotted the clearing. He watched as Ender Bay and Thralos battled skeletons back to back both swinging their swords in great cleaving arcs. Barthonis stood alone surrounded by skeletons sweeping his trident like a staff. Knowing he must guard the temple, but wanting to help his companions, the ranger took out his ebony bow and drew a white fletched arrow. Just then, a crashing noise was heard coming from the trees behind Cerdith's shelter. Drawing his bow and taking aim, Thorn Hawk saw the head of a mountain troll as it entered the clearing ahead of its brethren. Grabbing Zeb's robes she pulls him away from the others, while with her other hand races into her skirt pocket searching for the right scroll. Zeb tries to brush her away as he readies himself for battle, but seeing the frantic look on her face as she silently mouths one word, throws down a scroll and pulls out another, it dawns on him what they must do. Lake goes to follow Zeb and Primrose, only to have her push him away, franticly shaking her head at him. Suddenly, Lake Mist realizes the dismay that is showing on Primrose's face. Shifting his long sword to his left hand, he readies himself to cast dispel. Watching Primrose try to grab Zeb Canon and drag him aside, Lake Mist is readied. As Ender and Thralos raced toward the skeletons, Steel looked behind his shoulder. He wasn't surprised to hear a loud, clanking noise echoing up the path. Looking around, Steel noted the size of the clearing and the position of Cedrith's hut. Before long, the bony head of a dracolich peered behind the rocks. It gave a roar and charged toward the lone ranger. Steel knew that fighting it would be deadly, as he had noted a few times before. He recalled an old adage from a past master: "Always look for a way to neutralize the enemy's and your differences." The harmonies intertwined, cascading in a ever changing woven melody, soothing her mind and soul. The Lady's voice murmuring urgently faded away, slipped into her unconscious mind. It was so hard to concentrate, to hear the words. She wasn't even sure she wanted to risk losing the music, but there was something important.... A shifting, something had changed, the harmony was different now. Angry, fierce, protective... and there was another presence. Confusion filled her, the Lady's voice was clearer but the words were still indistinguishable. Struggling to understand, suddenly filled with a need to hear the words Cerdith was completely unaware that her brothers of the Path had entered the clearing and found her wasted body. She had no idea that it was their presence here, their strong unified faith in Mielikki which had opened this tiny little hole in the wall that had isolated her from the Goddess' voice. Though fighting raged about her and she was moved and jostled, Cerdith's battle was internal. If she could not win her own fight, her body would be nothing but a shell for a damaged and mangled soul. At that same time, Steel rushed over and touched his hand to Cerdith's forehead. It was cool, a dangerous sign. He concentrated, feeling her mind and looking at her mental state. As he removed his hand, he projected his thoughts: *She is not doing well. There is very little energy in her, and moving her would kill her. We must remove the mist, then let her heal long enough for us to take her back to the bunkhouse. After that, well . . . who knows?* Written by, Cerdith, Ender Bay, Lake Mist, Primrose, Quadrillian Steelflight, Thralos, Thorn Hawk, Zeb Canon.Songs of the Wind - Part 26 Cerdith & Swifty (submitted by: Cerdith) The sudden silence was devastating. The harmonies and images they wrought in her mind were ripped away, the pain of that parting was excrutiating as the strands of the song which had woven through her soul were wrenched and jerked away. Her scream was silent too, though it resounded throughout her being. Agonized and horribly maimed, she tried to hear something, anything in the featureless void which surrounded her. ~~~~~~~~~ Over Cerdith's prone and terribly wasted body, unaware of the internal struggle and terrible pain his sister was enduring, RiverSwift stood watchfully. The skeletons which had sought to break through the companions had been destroyed rapidly, the bones that were all that remained of others who had listened too long and too deeply lay crushed upon the ground. Straightening carefully, he risked a glance downward with troubled eyes. ~~~~~~~~~ The pain surrounded her, numbed her as she fought to find something to hold, something real in the blackness. She couldn't hear anything, she couldn't see or smell... all her senses were gone except the burning sensation that permeated her being, seared her soul. Struggling stubbornly, forcing herself to seek a way through this to find a path..... ~~~~~~~~~~ Cerdith's face was almost blank in its bizarre expressionless state. It hurt RiverSwift just to see that lack of emotion in the features of a sister known for her humor and playfulness. Crouching for a moment, he brushed her hair back gently from her face and brushed his finger along her cheek. How could this have happened, what had happened to transform Cerdith into this? Troubled and disturbed by the lack of reaction, RiverSwift looked away, just in time to see the huge fist, which when it impacted slammed him to the ground at his sister's side. ~~~~~~~~~~ Was that a light? Maybe not a light perhaps but less of a darkness, something in the void... something NOT the void? Straining, she reached through the pain toward the something.... that tantalizing something..... ~~~~~~~~~~ Rolling sideways, Riverswift dodged the next fist as it swung viciously through the air above his face. Talons glittered as they swept past raking the ranger as he struggled to rise and face this new and sudden threat. Staggering, RiverSwift managed to stand and lift his two-handed sword. A tremendous mountain troll towered above him, drooling and howling in hunger. Two more were closing rapidly, shuffling toward the wounded ranger with impossible speed. Knowing that he could not concentrate to summon magic to aid him, RiverSwift feinted to his right as though he would flee and then darted back to the left as the troll lunged to capture him. His sword took the huge creature squarely in the back of the head, knocking it sideways and eliciting a howl of fury. Then the others were upon him. Dancing sideways, spinning and twisting with all the skill and knowledge that his ranger training had given him, RiverSwift dealt terrible wounds to the trolls. But, his efforts to keep the creatures from Cerdith were costing him tactically, and he was struck several more times by fists and gleaming talons. Already the first troll was rising again, its unnatural healing powers restoring it rapidly to full strength. Blood ran from a cut above his eye, blinding him, even as his muscles began to scream in protest at the efforts he demanded of them. A duck under one swing and his sword sliced the second troll's hamstring. It fell, gibbering in anger and clutching its wounded leg. RiverSwift knew it would return though, if he could not stop the regeneration. The third troll moved sluggishly, cut in several places and near incapacitated. If only he could gain a moment, he could cast and destroy these creature's ability to heal. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Almost there, she could almost see... the pain was receding or she no longer noticed it. There was something there! She knew it... she just had to push a little farther, just try a little harder and she could grasp it. Forcing herself forward, in this featureless and directionless place, she reached with trembling fingers toward the lightness, toward the path..... ~~~~~~~~~~~ Jumping back, another swipe of talons narrowly missed eviscerating him. RiverSwift gave up on fighting cleanly and resorted to every trick he knew. Stabbing with the tip of his sword he impaled the trolls foot and twisted, using the length of the two-hander for leverage slicing tendons. Screaming now, the third troll fell into his downstroke, beheaded immediately by the magical sharpness of the blade. Smiling grimly in satisfaction, RiverSwift turned to deal with the first troll which was advancing once more. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Suddenly, everything was very clear. Her feet rested firmly upon a road, a dirt track surrounded by towering pine and lofty cedar. Wildflowers nestled here and there amidst the ferns, purple, white and pink flowers hidden in the foliage. She took a deep breath, inhaling the sweetness of the forest's scents. Her body felt strange, not pained nor even hurt, just odd. Stepping forward tenatively, Cerdith was suprised to realize that still she could hear nothing. Though she could see the birds and she could imagine their chirping songs, she could not hear them. She could feel the breeze upon her face, could see the pine needles rustling in the wind, but could not hear..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Stepping forward, RiverSwift brushed his sleeve over his face to clear his eyes of the stinging sweat and blood. The troll, frustrated with this creature's defiance and getting hungrier by the moment charged with a blood curdling howl of rage. RiverSwift crouched then spun sideways intending to let the creature rush past and then slipped on the blood-soaked bones which littered the ground. His knee twisted at an unpleasant angle and a jab of pain filled his leg. Struggling to rise before the charging troll, he found he could not stand at all and watched helplessly as the creature closed. Murmuring a prayer, he set the pommel of his sword against the ground, braced tightly and held on, with the point aimed straight for the mountain troll's belly. Furious and too stupid to notice the danger, the creature impaled itself upon the blade, driving itself forward with its own momentum until the cross pieces of the sword stopped it. The hilt of the sword was wrenched from his grasp as the monstrous creature's full weight fell upon it and then upon RiverSwift's wounded leg, knocking him down beneath its bulk. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Following the road, Cerdith travelled as quickly as she could. The lack of hearing was very strange, accustomed as she was to the sounds of the forest and its creatures. Still, she knew that she needed to hurry... that something needed her to hurry. Stepping around a curve in the road, she saw movement ahead. A man and a young female stood on the road too. They walked hand in hand, the girl chattering excitedly pointing here and there. She couldn't hear the words but she could tell that the man answered patiently. Smiling, Cerdith thought how much this reminded her of..... of something, something strangely elusive. The two travellers walked right past her, never noticing her at all. Strange though that was, Cerdith was still puzzled by an unusual prickly feeling. Just as they turned to round the corner, huge towering forms stepped out of the underbrush. The man turned suddenly, a hammer coming to his hand as he pushed the girl behind him protectively. The ugly creatures advanced, one, two... ten.. .more than ten of them closing around the travellers. The man backed away, always keeping the child behind him. Suddenly, the monsters charged! The man fought, doing terribly damage with his little hammer, dodging the creature's attacks gracefully. The girl stood horror-struck, then turned to heft a stone. The man was struck over and over by the creatures claws... he yelled over his shoulder to the child, gesturing wildly for her to flee. Frozen, watching this terrible scene unfold Cerdith couldn't move. The child stepped back for a moment clearly torn between what she was told to do and what she believed was right. Then, a sudden fury blazing in her eyes, she pulled a small knife from her belt and charged the nearest monster. It batted her aside without even looking and then rejoined its companions who had knocked the man to the ground and were pulling his joints from his body. She couldn't move! She had to move... she had to do something! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Crawling forward, the last of the trolls which could move closed on the nearly unconscious RiverSwift. It couldn't move quickly yet, but it was healing. This creature had hurt it and it wanted to rend and tear the flesh. Cerdith lay motionless still, RiverSwift's body barely three feet from hers and buried under the bulk of a mountain troll. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The child staggered to her feet, eyes glittering strangely. Screaming in fury she charged again. This had to stop now! This couldn't happen... not again.. .again? Cerdith found the words of a spell upon her lips and chanted them swiftly. The girl fell slowly to the ground, even as the world erupted in flames around her. Fire tore through the creatures, the towering vicious... the... trolls? TROLLS? TROLLLLSSSSSS!!!!! Awareness slammed through her and then was swept away again as the battle fury overtook her. Blinking she looked about her. She lay upon the ground signs of battle everywhere. A creature moved, another... a TROLL! The familiar rage of the berserker filled her, lending her strength and vitality where she had none. Staggering to her feet, her gaze narrowed with hatred, Cerdith hefted her trident and screamed her war cry, "AAAAAIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!". The troll had time to glance upward as the trident impaled it over and over, driving its body into the ground. She struck till it moved no longer... then collapsed into the heap of bodies as the the rage left her.The Kender Affair - Chapter Four (submitted by: Exegete) "He's gonna pay for these leggings" Sylphee said, fuming over the stained legware she was wearing. "Now we don't know that Exegete had anything to do with it" Akumu began in a dubious voice. "Oh puhleeeez" Corwin interrupted. "This has Exegete written all over it." he went on firmly. "Hmmmmmm" was all Dagron said, looking suspiciously at the buffet table before him, noting Slen Star making his way down the far side toward the little group. "I really don't need any trouble here" Nalika contributed. "Even some 'innocent' trouble like a practical joke." She looked around the hall. "Where's Tuvor, if Exe is involved, then Tuvor can't be far away." She sighed. "This was supposed to be a good day for me" she continued. "I feel a headache coming on". Dag patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry Nal, we'll put a stop to it, whoever's behind it." Nalika looked at Dagron dubiously. "Last time you tried to stop one of Exegete's practical jokes we had to pay to rebuild Strider's east wall." She said. "Not to mention defumigate the entire area. That old lady still cusses at me when I pass her house." she said accusingly. "Let's not go over all that again." Dag said. "I didn't know that stuff was flammable" he alibied. "I still don't understand how he got all that in such a small package." He continued. "Ruined my best tennis racket too" Akumu said ruefully. "Well, anyway. . ." Dagron said, snapping his attention back to the present. "Let's see if we can find brother Exegete. I have a question or two for him." he said, a dangerous gleam in his eye. Vinman approached the group in time to hear that last comment. "Uh. . ." he began. "I just . . . ah . . ." He gulped seeing Dagron's mood. "I was just talking with Tuvor & Ganzelle over in the alcove there. . ." he stammered. "and. . .ummm. . ." he swallowed. "Oh hell" he said. "TuvorandGanzellesawExegetecrawlingundertheBuffettablejustafewminutesago" he finished in a rush and ducked behind Sylphee who looked at Dagron in alarm. Dagron looked over at Tuvor & Ganzelle, back to Vinman, and then back over to Tuvor and Ganzelle. Tuvor and Ganzelle saw his stern gaze and waved and smiled weakly. With a crooked finger, Dagron motioned them over to the group. Tuvor looked behind him and then over at Dagron, then at Ganzelle and pointed at him. Dagron shook his head. Tuvor looked around the area once again. He pointed at a waiter just leaving a pantry and pointed to him. Dagron, with exaggerated patience, shook his head once again. Tuvor looked around once more and with a sickly smile, reluctantly pointed his finger at his own chest. Dagron smiled a chilling smile and nodded twice, & winked, wiggling his crooked finger once again. Tuvor made a grab at Ganzelle's arm, but Ganzelle had developed a sudden interest in the potted plant in a nearby corner, so he missed cleanly. He smiled weakly again at Dagron, standing patiently with arms folded across his chest. S l o w l y, he began to walk over to Dagron, trying to appear nonchalant, only the dryness in his throat preventing him from whistling as he walked. Sadly, it took but a few moments for him to cross the distance between he and Dag. "Hieeah" Tuv began. He cleared his throat. "Hi Dag, nice reception huh?" he said, laughing nervously. "Hi Tuv" Dag said, cleaning his finger nails with his dagger. He absently trimmed a wayward cuticle and then, after taking an exaggerated look at the blade, put the knife back in its' sheath. He smiled at Tuvor, a frosty smile that lower the temperature in the immediate area significantly. "Where's Exe, Tuv?" "Exegete?" Tuvor said questioningly. "You know, I haven't seen Exegete in quite a while now". He looked around the hall innocently. Dagron growled. Everyone else in the little party took two giant steps away from the two. "Heheh" Tuvor said. He coughed and cleared his throat once again and tried to look serious. Dagron waited, not so patiently this time. "Vinman told you, huh?" Tuvor asked. A single nod of the head was Dagron's only reply. "He's under the buffet table somewhere" Tuvor said with resignation. "I haven't the foggiest notion of what, when, where, or why" he went on quickly. "All I know is the who part Dag, really!" A dangerous light smoldered in Dagron's eyes. "You know how important today is for Nal" he said indicating Lady Nalika, now back with Lord Nasher. "Not to mention for KORT and our reputation" he continued. "I know, I know Dag" Tuvor said placatingly. "I swear, I don't have anything to do with whatever Exe is doing. On my honor" he finished, drawing himself to attention. Dagron sighed. "Well" he said, "perhaps it will work out OK" he continued. "Could be he's just taking a nap or something". he went on. Sylphee snorted in derision. "In a Troll's eye" she said under her breath. "What was that?" Dagron said sharply, looking in her direction. "Uh. . . not a good reason why" she said quickly "Not" she added belatedly. "We'll wait and see what happens" Dagron said wearily. "If any of you see him, put him on notice" he concluded and started to head back toward Nalika. You know those times when it seems that an unseen hand is guiding events and managing the timing of things, causing them to happen at worst possible times? The phone rings in the shower, the doorbell when on the toilet, kids act up when on the phone, etc.? Well, this was one of those times. Dag had just turned back toward Nalika and Nasher when two things happened is short succession. The first was bad enough, though comical in a odd sort of way. Several members of the Dwarven Clan Axepeak were rummaging through the food in the "Demi-foods" section of the buffet table (which, oddly enough, most of the rest of the guests avoided. Four Dwarves, Tohrm, Durgath, Noahwest, and Ruhq suddenly drew their weapons and began to hack and slash at the buffet table. Screaming something about "Dees be debil voices" and talking horses hooves, they were quickly subdued and escorted out of the hall by the Palace Guard. Dag stopped and looked back at the small group of KORT-ers. He shook his head and looked at the ceiling. He seemed ready to turn back to the group, but then turned back toward Nalika. He went precisely one step when the second thing happened, with far more serious and dangerous implications. Madame Kholari, wife of Kholari, the GM of the BDA, put her hand on her purse. At least she put her hand into her dress' pocket where she was under the impression that her purse should be. As anyone would, she simply grasped at where it should have been and pulled her hand back up to her face, to look in the purse for something. Her hand came up quickly and confidently (she's a bit on the arrogant side, haughty, you know the type) and nearly hit herself in the face with a large piece of cooked trout Confronted with a rather large fish, seemingly looking her straight in the eye, she did the only logical thing. She screamed in alarm, dropped her glass of red wine, and then fainted dead away. "Oh My god!" Dagron said in a resigned voice. "Nice looking piece of fish" Akumu offered "Probably undercooked" Allsfaire observed, approaching the group "Wonder what's in the other pocket" Corwin said. "Cocktail sauce if she's lucky" Vinman answered with a grin. "I didn't know there was seafood. . ." Slen Star said in a cheated voice. "Tsk, tsk," Sylphee chided "Red wine with fish?" she said raising a disapproving eyebrow. "Don't you just hate a dull party?" Ganzelle said will a grin, having approached from the other direction. "Exe, you better hope Dag never sees you again" Tuvor whispered.The Wedding - Part 3 (submitted by: Luthyen) Luthyen sat alone in the tent to one side of a large wooded clearing. She had journeyed here alone to await the coming of the others she now heard outside. She heard laughter and the soft whisper of voices as the many guests gathered for the Celebration soon to begin. It was her wedding day. She had spent much time alone in thought preparing for this day, when her path would join that of another. She had not expected it to happen to her...her heart, freshly wounded by loss, had not thought to be given again. But a gentle Ranger's quiet caring had begun a healing in her, and when her heart was made whole, to her surprise, it contained a part of his. She smiled gently as she shook her head and thought of her beloved. She remembered when he had first met her parents, and the questions they had asked. True heart, he had been steadfast in his devotion to his Goddess and Guild, and she loved and respected him for it. She remembered the times that devotion, or the needs of his Guild brethern, had taken him from her, often with but a brief goodbye. And she remembered the times he had understood when she had been called to aid one of the Cadets, to answer a question or solve a problem when they had been about to journey together. Often, he had journeyed with a cadet or recruit, or rescued one from some peril or another. Their life would be like that, she knew. Their times together would be stolen from time spent on the duties of Guild and Goddess. She touched the gem that glittered on her forehead. A deep green spark throbbed there, growing in brightness within the gem since that time in the Troubles when she had given its mate to Thorn Hawk. Through the Elfstone she could sense him, and the warmth of his love. He was approaching the clearing; it was almost time. She heard a quite cough outside the tent, and a voice said, "Sis?" "Come," she replied, and smiled as Firef0rged ducked his head and entered. "It's almost time, Sis. Are you ready?" her brother inquired. " Lafe is out there pacing like he was the one getting married..." Fire grinned. "The nervous Pop! Star can hardly contain him..." He held out his hand to help her rise, smiling at the sight of her in her wedding dress. Carefully, so as not to crush the silken gown, he hugged her close. "Be happy always, " he whispered. She rested her head against his shoulder for a moment, then stood away and gave him a radiant grin. He draped her hand over his arm, and escorted her from her tent, and to the first step of her new path. ~Luthyen The ProtectorateLocation: Berun Event: Tavern Brawl Time: 10pmEST Date: 10/12 Prizes: Necklace of Icestorms and 2 hour gift certificate Winner: Sir Rellik ***Notes: We had a very good turn out. The feed back was more than positive. This event will be held again. Contestants: ellidis cheff remo augurer xo2 zeus drk fiend lukky dog norshanare tp tec llewdoc modalex erezendes abzzsta1n warr alpha zanithar riklaun hangmon veridienne guthwolf cheff jr redecynne ebon asha zoriax kyr lannata ***** The follow is for the benefit of those who did not attend the Brawl -- News ;D Event Rules and Story: Tavern Brawl The scenario - A group of jolly fellows are sitting in the Tavern when a bunch of ruffians jump in. They start fighting one another and causing a tremendous upheavel in the tavern. The innocent citizens are running about trying not to get hit by the spells these ruffians are casting. You are called to protect these innocent citizens and get rid of the ruffians. The cast of characters- 4 fights with 7 people in each fight and 1 MECH referee in each fight Object - To be the last fighter standing at the end of the event Location - Berun 2,9 Berun 0,9 Berun 1,7 Berun 0,5 QUEUES- We will post that we will be having a PVP Event on whatever date we can get. The first 28 contestants to send MECH Event and MECH Deuce E-mail will be que'd for this event. We will also be taking 8 alternate contestants as well. If your name appears in the TO section of the mailing list, then your name has beeen que'd on the list. If your name appears in the CC section of the list, then you will be an alternate in case people do not show. Contestants will recieve the rules and fight locations for the fight once they have signed up for it. Rules - All spells are allowed except silence and feeb [dir dis is allowed] All items are allowed No casting on NPC's direct or indirect. Basically they cannot be affected by the spell what so ever. If a spell touches an NPC the caster will be ejected from the fight. No rebounds of LB's no radius affect of FB's and so on. The NPC's are the innocent bystanders, they are the ones you are trying to protect. e.g., rebound of a lightning bolt into an npc is a disqualification npc getting caught in the radius of a fire ball is disaqualification npc getting fall off from a dis is a disqualification npc being casted on directly is a disqualification If a npc gets touched by any spell at all, it is a disqualification No attacking the NPC in melee or the attacker will be ejected from the fight. e.g., if you gaurd and the npc comes near you and is attacked, is a disqualification attacking a fleeing monster is a disqualification head on attack is a disqualification No casting on the MECH referee or the attacker will be ejected from the fight [ref = NPC] No tag teaming [players work alone] there will be no ganging up on one particular participant, if it is obvious that a participant is being singled out by two or more participants then they will be disqualified. Only the last fighter can kill the NPC's with the MECH referee's help e.g., when all participants are killed, the standing participant can then kill the npc's. Once the four fights are over and there are four survivors then the four will rest and MEM their spells and enter into a fight consisting of the same rules as above. ***NOTE*** An ejected participant will need to flee the battle, if fleeing isn't an option then the participant will need to qts/cad on his/her next turn. Referee interference - The referee has the right to dispell anyone that comes within range of his/her position. The referee has the right to stink anyone that comes within range of his/her position. The Awards - 2 hours of online gift certificate Necklace of Icestorm <><><><><> <><><><><> 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!