==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 158 Week Ending 11-3-96 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Morngrym for winning last week's News of the Realm contest for his poem entitled "Woodpiles". Morngrym has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes). Keep up the good work! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> Congratulations to the Brotherhood of the Pathfinders for compiling the most "Newsworthy" entries to the News of the Realms!! They win the monthly reward of 4 pearls which goes directly into their guild fund!! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> October GoH Booth #2 Winner!! October GoH booth #2 had volunteers stand up to angry gods, and see how much damage they can take! Taking the flaming strike of the gods, and their bolts of lightning, the one who took the most damage would be deemed the winner. Congratulations to Thorn Hawk, who took 75 points of damage from the 2 casts upon him, and will take the prize of 6 pearls. -- NW Strahd <><><><><> <><><><><> Location Hunt Winners - 10/29 Location Clue: "The forest ends here at the foot of a great mountain, its top lost in the dense white clouds." Prize: 4 pearls (each *) Winners: Opslin and Delrachnid* * Comments: Although Delracnid was the first to the correct location intended for this event.. Opslin was the first to a "correct location" NW Woods 6,5 sharing the same clue and was the overall first winner. Ops had no chance to move on to find the correct intended spot and due to the misunderstanding, I awarded both players 4 pearls. NW Hobbes <><><><><> <><><><><> New Player's Tour - 10/30 Nasher hurried me into his office. As is the custom I bowed to M'lord Mayor and asked what I could do. "Something is afoot in Port Llast." he said. "There is a ship moored called the Gallant Prince. I have sent many adventurers to find out what goes on, but none has returned. Alive that is. Gather a party Oberon, and seek this mystery out." I gasped. I had been to Llast. And as I recalled twas a baudy port, with unsavory characters. But M'lord had issued an order and I was quick to obey. I rallied a cry... "Help NW Oberon ferret out the mystery of the Gallant Prince!" and 6 valliant adventurers heeded the call. There was Scratt, Bloodbath0, Matt1198, Sir Wads, Bsweet4774, and MS Dowds. All were eager for the adventure. Making our way towards Windy Cliffs we found a secret passage, and were quickly jumped by Kracken spies! Fortunately we were up to the task and continued. But alas, one by one the adventurers fell. To Harpies and Umber Hulks, Lizard Men and Pyro Snakes, and those that were left, knew the worst was yet to come. By the time we reached the Gallant Prince, only Matt1198 (a fighter of great skill) and I remained. We carefully searched the ship. Trolls and bugbears, Carion Crawlers and ghouls seemed to be everywhere. Finally we found the trouble, and took evidence back to M'lord Nasher of the evil goings on at the Gallant Prince. NW Oberon <><><><><> <><><><><> Mini-Booth: Fear/Fumble/Slay - 10-31 Player Winner: Mech 8ball won 3 pearls TeenWolf won 3 pearls RotsCheck won 3 pearls Oran Rezz lost (clumsied and slayed) Chyanne lost (clumsied) Savager lost (clumsied) Lotr Wolf lost (clumsied) Jmcint111 lost (slayed) HC Edward lost (ran in fear) <><><><><> <><><><><> Ice Storm Booth Winner - 11/1 A call was put throughout the realms for the cooliest person in the Neverwinter. Armed with his only his summer clothes Calis went forth to meet these individuals that would compete for the title. Xenobea, Nor Ashtar, SK Ocon, Lrd Kedryn, Warr sigma, Opslin, Rousee, Troutrasta, Thorn Hawk, Abk Flame, Mech Raids, and Skycitadel answered the challenge. Congrats to ABK Flame for throwing 42 pts of damage in the Ice Storm booth;) -- Calis <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 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! <><><><><> <><><><><> A reminder to everyone that Trivia will be this Tuesday, November 5th at 10pm in the Great Hall!! Gather all your answers and put your thinking caps on for this grand event!! <><><><><> <><><><><> New Player Tours: Join the following staff members for a tour of the Realm: November 4th Monday 10:00 PM EDT - with NW Omar. November 7th Thursday 6:00 PM EDT - with NWA Icarus. Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> An Old Man's Tale - Part I (submitted by: SOM Hypnos) As you enter the room, your eye is drawn to the far end. An old man sits in a large, overstuffed chair. An untouched glass sits on a table beside him. As you move to an empty chair, a call arises; "Hypnos, tell us your story", a young man calls out. "Aye," calls out another, "tell us your tale." The old man looks up, sees you, and smiles. Softly, he speaks. "What's that? Surely you jest. Who would be interested in an old man's tale." Another adds his voice. "Very well, if you insist", replies Hypnos. "Now let me think. Yes, yes, I begin to remember. The images are vague. I recall the mountains, a lake, the home my father built. I've not thought of that place in many years. My childhood was ordinary, spent in chores and at play. My twin brother and I were almost inseparable. Nearly everything we did together. Nearly I say, for there were differences. Differences which, in the years following, were to cause much strife. As I got older, I began spending more time wandering the woods that surrounded our home. It was no wonder, therefore, that I was beset one day by a band of goblins. Not a fearsone race, I realize, but as a young man unarmed and untrained, I was hard set. That was the day I met Phylus. Seemingly from nowhere he came. Before my shock had faded, he had downed three of the creatures, and the others fled in panic. I had heard stories of the hermit who lived in these woods, but had discounted them, for I had never encountered this mythical man. Nor had I discovered any traces of human inhabitants. Only years later did I discover why I had not encountered him before. I was only a little battered by my experiences of the day, but Phylus insisted on taking me to his home to "Fix me up" as he put it. You would have laughed to have seen his home; it was merely a cave. It contained a table that most would have used as firewood, a chair, and some kind of cot. I look upon the days I spent with Phylus and recall many happy moments. I spent several years studying with Phylus. I learned a great deal from him. But, all things come to and end. Phylus died and was mourned only by myself and the creatures of the woods. Odd you might think, but not once you understand that Phylus was a powerful druid . In my eighteenth year, I left home. I felt a call that I did not understand, but knew that I must follow it. My parents and brother accepted this and bid me well. I decided to stop by the home of Phylus one last time. Everything was as I remembered, or so I thought. As I turned to leave, a small flash caught my eye. Turning back, I noticed the sword and shield that Phylus had carried so often. I knew this could not be; I had buried these things with Phylus myself. I sat down to consider this new development. I have never figured out how these things came to be there, but many times have they saved my life . Of my journeys through the wilds, I will speak another night. Suffice to say that I arrived at the gates of Neverwinter; a place that was to become my home. Now, it is late. I am an old man and tire more easily than in days past. I will go to my room to rest, and dream. I suggest you do the same. Goodnight." With that, Hypnos rises and shuffles out the door. ...........to be continued?The Quest - Part 1 (submitted by: Thorn Hawk) The sun was shining in the upper windows of the small temple of Tymora. Incense lay lightly in the air filling the air with the fragrance of roses. A few priests of the lady luck moved about their duties while in a back room a figure lay on a cot. His wounds almost gone he stirred in his sleep. Eyes cracking open at the sound of the door opening, the figure on the bed tried to sit up with little success. "Lay still," replied the priest, "your wounds are still fresh." "Where am I?" asked the man. "You are in the temple of Tymora." "How . . . ?" Placing a hand on the man's shoulder to calm him, the priest moved to go. "I shall tell you later after you've had a chance to rest." The man sprawled back on the cot thinking trying to remember the past few days, but the images were as elusive as the wind. Giving up, he lay back and fell into a deep sleep. Images flashed in his mind of lightning and fire. Pain, excruciating pain consumed him. Other images of a beautiful woman her brown hair cascading around her face concealing something on her brow fell into place. A small hill dappled in golden shadows and people surrounding it dressed in the finest of clothes. A secluded beach, the cry of a gull and the gentle lapping of waves mixed with the delicate touch of silk. All these things flashed through his mind. When he awoke, the room was shrouded in darkness. A single candle flickered in the corner casting dark shadows around the room. Running his hand through his hair, the man felt the still tender flesh and the short stubble of hair that covered his head. "I see you are feeling better," remarked the priest from the corner. Looking sharply in his direction, "aye, but I still don't know how I got here." Shrugging, "the lady's luck, perhaps." "What happened?" "You were found on the temple steps a few days ago burned very badly. We did all we could to heal you and your body did the rest." "I don't remember much of what happened, just images . . . bits and pieces mostly." "It will come back as your body heals itself." Rising and stretching to loosen freshly healed muscles, the man stopped to stare at the priest. "Why . . . Why did you heal me?" Smiling, "lets say we have a need of you." "What makes you think I'll help?" "I don't know for sure but I'm willing to take the chance." "I see." The priest turned to leave, "one last thing friend, this was in your hand when we found you." He caught the bag from the priest and started to open it. "Oh, do you remember your name?" "My name . . . My name is Thorn Hawk," he replied as six small white pearls fell into his hand. Thorn Hawk Brotherhood of PathfindersA Hauntingly Good Time - Part 1 (submitted by: Exegete) Chapter One The Guildmasters of KORT were famous the wonderful costumed Halloween bashes they threw each year. The variety of foods and delicacies from all parts of the Realms and beyond alone made the night a joyful treat. Anyone at all associated with the Knights of the Round Table were invited and encouraged to attend and partake of the generosity of the officers council of the Guild. And all of that says nothing of the variety glorious and imaginative costumes that were perhaps the best part of the evening. That was actually one of the big drawing points of the evening, the semi-official competition for best costume presented. The affair was entirely catered by an outside agency and even the very guards on the walls of Camelot and walking the various guard posts were from other, friendly guilds so that not one of the members and friends of KORT would be unable to attend. The night promised to be glorious and exciting. The Great Banqueting Hall was festooned with the bright colors of fall and there were a host of the usual and unusual tokens of the harvest and the end of summer present everywhere. As the hour of the party grew near, the level of activity increased as the food began to appear on the buffet tables and the several bars opened and began preparing the evening's libations. At the appointed hour most of the Squires and Pages were present already, talking and laughing, admiring one another's costumes and speculating on what the various Knights and Ladies would wear as they entered, each trying for fashionable lateness. Lord Dagron had won the unofficial prize last year by entering dressed as a complete Bakery window complete with various pastries for snacking and sampling by any and all. Everyone was looking forward to seeing what he would do to improve on that this year. The Lady Allfaire had run a close second the year before by plying herself extremely thickly with bright colored make-up and then having a number of the pages run around wearing T-shirts with the same colors smeared in the vague shape of her face with the caption "I ran into Allsfaire in Neverwinter square" emblazoned below. Tuvor, Exegete, and Ganzelle had taken honorable mention by constructing themselves as a detailed, scale replica of the three-story Main Courthouse in Neverwinter Square. Many thought they would won, had the second story not had a date that he refused to miss. All in all, everyone was looking forward to what promised to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening and so it was understandable there was a sense of excitement and anticipation that grew in intensity as the hour of the party's start arrived. When the great clocked solemnly chimed the hour there were already some 75 people in the great hall, all squires, pages and their guests. The food and beverage tables had already taken some serious hits and everyone was feeling happy and loose. Several of the Squires (Names withheld to protect the "innocent") were busy with a betting pool of which of the Knights would take the unofficial prize for best costume. So far, there were a variety of responses with no clear leader emerging. The thick smoke and the intense smell of sulphur spread quickly from its starting point near the dessert section of the south buffet tables. A lancet of flame and thunderous boom capped the effect and the Vampire spun himself in a circle, flinging his black cape in a wide circle (whisking more than one dessert to the floor in the process). He came to a stop and took in the scene and caught several of the Pages and Squires by eye, his brows narrowed in sinister concentration, his eyes almost glowing that stimulated in several of the recipients a strong, tho mysterious desire to go buy some garlic. His head was framed by the high collar to the cloak he wore. Underneath was a formal tuxedo, Black coat and trousers, white shirt and black tie. A golden medallion hung from his neck by an ornate red ribbon. His skin was a pale greenish white, his eyebrows a very dark black standing in stark contrast. He smiled a dark smile, revealing sharp, dangerous looking fangs and a very red tongue. He cast his hungry gaze around the room, threw back his head and laughed a horrible, mirthless, evil laugh. Then, he turned to the beverage buffet and selected a thick, viscous red drink in a crystal goblet that one of the watching Squires thought looked remarkably like a Sloe Gin Fizz. The Vampire downed the drink in single gulp, some of the drink dribbling down the corners of his mouth enhancing his sinister appearance and, taking another of the beverages, stalked haughtily to a far, dark corner, cape swirling in his wake. The Iron Golem succeeded in startling everyone, including the Vampire, when he appeared. Of course, coming through a wall is a good way to do that. Arms flailing and legs kicking, he strode through the rubble of the wall and stood, as if daring any of the assembled Squires and Pages to oppose him. He stood a full 12 feet tall and was a dazzling blue in color from head to foot. He held no weapon of course, but the definition of his muscles told everyone that there was no need for such crutches. He exuded battle and sheer martial danger. After a moment, he strode to the buffet tables and seized an entire steamship round of beef along with a keg of chilly mead and stalked over to where the Vampire was standing in the shadows, nursing his drink. The room shoo with each step and the crowd parted quickly in his path, closing in as he passed. The Vampire gave a short nod as the Golem took up a place next to him and munched on the round of beef. Alternating with squirts from the keg of Chilly Mead. After a moment the Vampire spoke in a low voice. "You know, Nal's gonna be mad about that wall." he said in Windgrey's voice. "Couldn't be helped." the Akumu-Golem replied casually. "I forget to think about how to get something this big into the Hall" he continued conspiratorially. "I got here with no way in" he said with a guilty smile. "Had to do something." he continued. "The wall'll fix" he finished. The Vampire laughed in genuine amusement. "Gotta admit tho," he said "It was a great entrance." He looked around the hall. "Looks like we're the first here." he went on. "Ah well," he sighed "It'll give us a good look at how everyone else arrives." Chapter Two The Lord Tuvor adjusted his costume handlebar mustache for the umpteenth time since he had finished dressing. "I never should have allowed Exe to talk me into this" he muttered, looking to the glass and studying his reflection. He had chosen to dress as the Realms most legendary heroic & romantic figure, one "Bassanova". Bassanova was figure of history that every Neverwinter child learned of early in life. He was a gallant early example of the Knightly tradition, a fascinating character. Bassanova's prowess as warrior and fighter was inspirational. His prowess as a lover and romanticist was equally as legendary. There were almost as many tales of his affairs with women and there were of his fights with the enemies of good. Exe had argued that he was a perfect character for Tuv to portray and had done a lot of research at the library to help make sure that Tuvie's costume would be accurate. An ancient engraving of Bassanova, found gods knew where, had provided the definitive information and Tuv was, in fact, the very image of the man in the illustration. "Uncanny" had been Exe's comment at the finished product just minutes ago before he hastened off to costume himself, a costume that he had refused to talk about. Tuv was dressed in a formal suit of clothes, of the style in fashion at the time of Bassanova's life. Short, black, bulbous breeches, and purple stockings, black low-cut shoes with a brass buckle were complimented by a loose fitting white shirt with puffy sleeves and puffed, frilly front. He wore a long, black wig, styled in the fashion of gentlemen of that time. A wide-brimmed black hat with a colorful band and long feather was perched upon his head. He wore a long saber at his side, with no sheath, accompanied by a dagger on his opposite hip. A mid-length purple cape completed the ensemble, except for the long-stem rose he carried in his gloved hand. Exe had made the whole idea seem so good, he thought ruefully. Tuvie had never dreamed that it would involve a getup like this! "Ah well" he thought., it was a costume ball after all. He made one further attempt to adjust the mustache under the large, false nose that he had pasted in place, and turned to head for the party where he wold meet the lovely Jequelle who, like Exe, had insisted on keeping her costume a secret until the she appeared at the party. Tuv grinned in anticipation as he strode toward the steps leading down to the main floor of Camelot. It promised to be a great evening in spite of his costume. He strolled into the Great Banquet Hall, still occasionally fiddling with his mustache. He looked with interest at the gaping hole in the wall where Akumu-Golem entered. He raised an eyebrow in evident interest and then turned his attention to the food buffet, but thought better of visiting at the moment, preferring to wait for his true love, the Lady Jequelle. He walked idly around the Hall taking in the costumes and acknowledging the various greetings and nods of the pages and Squires he passed, noting they all recognized the individual he was costumed as. He approached the Vampire and Akumu-Golem with a smile. "Hiyas Tuv" the Vampire intoned between sips of is latest drink. "Hey Tuvie!" Akumu-Golem said from high above. "Thought you were gonna come in costume?" he continued with a metallic grin." as he recognized the caricature Tuv was portraying. Tuvor gave a him a sickly grin in response and was about to get off one of his snappy rejoinders when an uproar at one of the entrances caught his attention. Artemis the Huntress stalked balefully in to the hall, Bow and Arrow at the ready, as if on another of her hunting trips. She was clad in the garb of an ancient Ranger, complete with sandals and straps that wound their way around he curvaceous calves to the knee. At her waist was a short, wicked looking sword and she wore a brazen breastplate with the face of her brother, Apollo, engraved on it. On her head was a helm of Curving Hart's horns and there was full quiver of arrow strapped to her back. However, as imposing a figure as she was, the huge Grizzly bear that stood next to her was even more imposing. He went a step or two ahead of her, growling menacingly and looking hungrily at the various Pages and Squires nearby, who back up quickly! She stepped further into the room and then, raising the curved rams horn to her lips, Blew a long and piercing blast that reverberated throughout the Hall. From her position several meters inside the door she had a clear view of everyone present and scanned the hall with an imperious eye. Momentarily, she spied her target and as quick as lightning, she let loose the arrow she had notched. It flew with the hiss of speed straight at Tuvor's now surprised face. Tuvor ducked madly to the floor to avoid impending impalement. The Huntress gave a snap of her fingers at the right moment and the arrow transformed itself into a shower of various flowers that cascaded to the floor around Tuvor's huddled form. A great shout went up from the onlookers and they applauded the Huntress loudly. With a rueful look, Tuvor raised himself to his feet and straightened his sagging mustache once again as the Huntress approached his side. "Tuvor, my darling" the Huntress said in sultry tones. "You love flowers so, I thought I'd bring you some." she continued sweetly. Jequelle step very close to her husband and kissed him. "I do love your costume dearest." she finished, a smile on her face. Tuvor smiled and was about to reply when his attention was seized by a ruckus near the buffet. "Umm" he began, gently turning Jequelle's attention to the scene. "I'm not sure that the table can take that much weight" he said with a laugh. Jequelle gave a startled yelp and ran for the buffet shouting for the bear to get down. "You could blame the hole in the wall on the bear" the Vampire said brightly to Akumu-Golem. "Nah" the Golem replied, "he might take it personal and that'd ruin my buffing job". A shiver of involuntary apprehension rippled through crowd near the door when the Werewolf entered the hall through a side door with a low, almost inaudible growl. No one saw him enter, but all nearby felt his presence. He stood for a moment taking in the scene and then with a vicious snarl bound speedily into the room haphazardly dashing around between the various clumps of Squires and Pages standing innocently with the variety of buffet delectables. The reaction was remarkable and predictable, as good natured and startled screams and shouts of alarm rose to mark his progress through the room. He stood some six feet or more tall (no one wanted to get close enough to measure) and was the very soul of savage and violent intention. He was a huge gray wolf, or perhaps a timber wolf, no one could be sure but it was evident that his clothing had seen better days, with many tears and gaping holes from hard use, fur poking through in thick tufts. His feet were unshod with sharp and dangerous looking talons clicking on the floor with each step. The arms of his ragged shirt ended near his shoulders and the muscular arms were left bare spoke of power and strength. His hands were twisted with sharp, needle-like claws extending a full inch and a half from the ends of each finger. All of this was really incidental however, as eyes were draw, almost against their will, to the head and face of the creature. In place of the "normal" head one would expect, there was a grinning, naked, animated wolf skull with huge, red burning eyes. He dashed around the hall with a startling rapidity, thrusting himself into people's faces, jaws snapping millimeters from their noses, upsetting trays and sending servants scattering in his path. He finished up his tirade near the where the other four Knights had gathered and leapt up on a buffet table next to where they were standing. He threw back his head and let loose an unearthly howl of horror that sent shivers of apprehension down the spines of all who heard it. Well, almost all... "Yer foot's in the vanilla pudding Bro" the Vampire said in low voice. "Hiya Woodsman" the Akumu-Golem said with a metallic grin, greeting JWoodsman from almost eye-level. "Nice costume Bud" "Were'd I put that training collar?" Tuvor-Bassanova said, searching his pockets. "C'mere puppy, c'mere" the Huntress whistled, holding a morsel of meat high. "Off the table now". The Werewolf leaped down lightly from the table with a sigh, shaking the vanilla pudding from his hairy foot with a sigh. "You know" J Woodsman said in a weary voice, "I'd like to be able to impress you guys just once in my life." He traded grins with his fellow Knights. "Nice look for you Jeq" he said to the Huntress admiringly, "Lookin a little pale there Windy" he added to the Vampire, receiving a close look at a very red tongue in return. "Fergot a way to get in to the hall, huh? He said to Akumu-Golem, indicating the hole in the room's wall with a jerk of his thumb. He worked his way around the small group person by person. "Hiya Tuvie" he said amicably, taking in Tuvor's costume and immediately recognizing the character he was portraying. "Thought you was gonna wear a costume." He finished with a grin. Chapter 3 The Healer Iser took one last look at herself in the full-length looking glass in her quarters. She was extremely satisfied with the reflection that looked back at her and smiled to show that appreciation. She was wearing a slinky black dress that fit her attractive form snugly (to say the least). The dress was nearly floor length and was split on her right side to mid thigh. Her bow arm as bare in the time-honored way, with the other sleeve ending a half glove that covered her hand, but left her fingers bare. "This oughta stimulate a little doctor-patient dialogue" she thought with a wicked grin. She had been feeling a bit taken for granted lately. She seemed to be almost the invisible woman in KORT, noticed and called for only when there was a wound or disease to be tended. She smiled again in satisfaction and adjusted the long black cape on her supple shoulders. The colorful feathers that rimmed the cape added a happy and carefree accent to the formalness of the rest of her outfit. She picked up the largish, brightly colored mask that was on the table next to her. It fit her head snugly, but comfortably. It also was basically black, but accented freely with brilliant red splashes of color and the entire mask was covered with glitter that gave it an almost three-dimensional effect. The mask covered her entire face, except for her mouth and chin and extended both above her head and to both sides in graceful curves. It fringed all around (except the bottom) with the same colorful feathers that her cape sported. Mask in place, she picked up the matching, feather-adorned caduceus and with another look in the glass, left her quarters to meet Coral, Allsfaire, and Nalika. The Lady BlackCoral put the finishing touches on her own costume about the time that Iser was finishing hers. She was dressed as a Sea Nymph, a costume that was sure to turn more than a few heads. Her hair was colored pure white and was speckled liberally with glitter that appeared like sea foam. Several shells decorated her long hair doubling as combs to hold it in place. He exposed skin was colored a delicate, pale aquamarine tinge and there were various speckles of glitter dotting her skin in attractive, sea-like patterns. Her dress was a long, wispy veil-like affair that was, well, conversational to say the least! It managed to conceal what needed to be concealed (this is after all, a family story) but did all that was possible to accentuate Coral's considerable feminine charms. The dress fell to an uneven line at mid-calf, a perfect suggestion of the flowing waters of the sea. She picked up the mask she would use. It was a "token" mask, a darker turquoise than the rest of her outfit and shaped in the form of a wave flecked with foam and mounted on a half-meter long dowel etched with similar waves and foam. And topped with thin, brightly covered ribbons. She smiled to herself as she anticipated the fun that upcoming at the costume ball and hastened from her room to meet with the other three KORT ladies. Allsfaire went over the word of the incantation once again and double checked to see that all of the ingredients necessary to the enchantment were laid out in order on the table before her. Satisfied that they were, she checked to see if the clothing portions of her costume were securely fastened about her and took a deep breath. The transformation incantation was new to her and she was more than a little leery of using it considering whom she had gotten it from. Illusions, she thought, were best left to illusionists! However, Exegete had made such a good case for this particular illusion, that she had been intrigue and, in the end, unable to resist. Another deep, cleansing breathe readied her for the process and began to murmur the lengthy incantation as she ingested some of the ingredients and threw the rest of them into the air over her head. A moment after she was done, she was seized with a violent convulsion and, grasping at her throat she, staggered from the table and reeled around the room gagging and retching. Her face contorted with pain and a strangled cry of pain escaped her lips. She staggered about the room struggling for consciousness as it increasingly whirled about her and finally, losing that battle, collapsed on the floor of her room in heap. Lady Nalika, Guild Master of KORT made some finishing touches to her make-up as the agreed on time of meeting with Allsie, Iser and Coral approached. Petra purred loudly and wound herself repeatedly around Nal's legs, rubbing those legs affectionately. Nal looked sown at the Siamese Cat with amusement. "Are you confused m'dear?" she asked, her affection for the cat evident in her voice. "I'm awfully big to be another kitty, aren't I love?" Of course, she referred to the costume she was wearing; a slinky, form fitting replica of Petra's seal-point Siamese coat. Nal stooped down to scratch Petra un the chin. "I wanted the prettiest costume I could get" she said absently "and so I chose you!" she continued, standing and taking a last look in the glass. The colors of he suit melded nicely together and were accented by the short cape and the "over-the-head" mask she wore. Her eyes were clearly visible as were her nose, mouth, and chin. She had long "whiskers" pasted in place that competed the look. The outfit was contrasted nicely with a wide, colorful scarf that Nal had fastened about her waist She looked at it admiringly and twisted her body in front of the mirror to see it from several angles. "I'll have to get back to that shop" she thought to herself. "They definitely have some serious scarves!" She took an experimental wiggle with her "kitty" ears, laying them back along her skull and then raising them up again half-way. They worked perfectly as she had known they would. It was a perfect mirror of the way Petra's ears functioned to convey mood. She looked at her finger and flexed them inside the fabric that covered them. She moved a muscle in the proper way and ten bright, very sharp claws extended and glimmered in the light. "Go ahead" she murmured to an imaginary masher. "Go ahead, get fresh with me" she finished with a swipe of her now deadly fingers. She smiled and laughed lightly. "These are definitely handy to have" she said to Petra, now on the dressing table, tongue deftly cleaning an imagined dirty spot on her coat, still purring loudly. "Take care M'dear" Nalika said happily, heading for the door. "You're in charge 'til I get back" she called over her shoulder, glad to be shed of the burden of leading one of Neverwinter's largest guilds for at least one evening. It was a good thing that unconsciousness had overtaken Allsfaire as the transformation was in its early stages. The changes in her features would certainly not have been pleasant to undergo while awake. Her legs and arms lengthened and her torso became more bulky and lengthy as well. Muscle ripped into shape where there had been shapely (tho deceptively strong) curves before. Her skull expanded and grew in all direction to nearly half again its former size. Fingers lengthened and curled as did feet and toes. What remained when the changes looked no more like Allsfaire than would Exegete's Guild portrait when she got hold of him later. Most interesting and mysterious was the supply of licorice spears that shimmered into existence next to her as the spell wound its way down and finished. Her clothing now covered the fearsome features of A Gnoll warrior chieftain. With the exception of certain feminine jewelry additions to the costume, KORT's most experienced Knight would not have been able to tell Allsfaire from a Gnoll. Iser stood chatting with the Sea Nymph and the Siamese just outside of the southern entrance of the Grand Banqueting Hall. They were all startled when a licorice spear imbedded itself in to the wall nearby. Well, it would have embedded itself had it been a real spear and not been made of licorice. As it was, it hit the wall and then flexed and fell to the floor near their feet. All three simultaneously looked at the licorice and then, together looked in the direction of it's approach. All three jumped for a moment as the thrill of fear hit them at the approach of Gnoll Chieftain. A moment later they relaxed as Allsfaire's voice came to them. "Think what I could do with chocolate" the Gnoll said with a very un-Gnoll-like giggle. The other three women joined in the giggle and together then entered the hall. The eyes of all nearby were drawn toward them and much about those eyes, particularly the male ones was, frankly, admiring, in a respectful kind of way of course. The four women were sparred any more of the "admiration" however by the loud ruckus that erupted near a hole in the wall on the far side of the hall.(submitted by: Thralos) 1. Get an Enlarge cast upon you before you train. 2. Get a bless spell cast upon you before you enter the training hall. Remember bless doesn't last very long. So get it cast before the door of the training hall. 3. Try unreadying all of your items before you train. Ready them after you train. A buddy of mine swears by this. He has two pcs that one a ram with 122 hps and the a clam with 90 hps. 4. Try training outside of NW city. Thralos BOP Peer Council member [Note: The above article is not gospel as the programmer laughed at all the superstitions that folks do before they train. It's all random, folks! :D -- NW News](submitted by: Aluric) ::: trumpet fanfare :::: ::: trumpet fanfare :::: ::: trumpet fanfare :::: Oy ye! Oy ye! Oy ye! Unto all thoes having business with the Knights of the Eternal Flame Good gentlees take heed! At the pleasure of the Guild Master Starbeard on the 1st day of november the newly chosen guild officers shall assume their posts and duties. With the sufferance and aproval of the New Guild Mistress Lady Ambrlin the appointed officers shall take their places as well. Guild MIstress ........... Lady Ambrlin Assistant Gm ......... Aluric Scribe .............. Mishikal War Lord ......... Haldor Captain of the Guard .... Thornw0od Master at Arms ....... Kef Meane Knight of the Rose ......... Elgiem Aplications Master ..... Lord Kedryn Squire Mistress ....... Kef Lyric Give heed! Make all proper changes and prepare thyself for the installation cermony to be announced. May the Creator guide and protect our leaders ::: trumpet fanfare :::: ::: trumpet fanfare :::: ::: trumpet fanfare :::: Oy yea! Oy Yea! Oy Yea! At the conclusion of the announcement the heralds and company move on down the street! (submitted by: Tyst) Last night was the first round of a Huge PVP Event Sponsored by house ITB and run by ITB Skorp.. 16 Guilds participating in elimination PVP with the winning guilds recieving Special Prises from NW Events.. In a random roll, we drew.. ACK.. Skorp and his ITB's for the first round.. They have bested us 2's in the past.. But we were ready to try em again.. But unlike the past, this was for good clean sport.. So the night came and the TP Teams were ready.. They fought with honor and bravery and I'd like to put thier names in lights for you.. They did the guild proud last night.. Team 1. Erezendes, Bladeshear, Pegleg Bob, TP Fire.. A few Punts and an early start.. With our new Knight Pegleg on the team, they put thier hearts into every fight.. But the saves weren;t there.. The super holds were thier bane.. They did pull off 1 win vs a tough ITB foe.. 1-3 was their record.. Team 2. Jedi Chris, Banestyr, Gray Lore and Baeren (umm.. I think Jecele even fought one with this team).. This team fought the hardest in my opinion.. every fight was a long grueling one.. With the rock solid Jedi, Ex TP PVP Champion, 2nd Place Kort Jouster leading the crew.. But they had the toughest ITB Team to fight against.. With ITB Beast the 21-0 PVP Ladder man and ITB Dethan the WPC Champion they knew a win would be hard fought. Not one fight was easy and the ITB took damage every fight.. But the rolls weren't there for them last night.. They went 3-0.. But against a team like that I'm not suprised.. Team 3. TP TEC, Tyst, TP Havok, Phantra What can I say.. All solid PVP'rs.. And with 2 Clams and 2 Paladins.. Who woulda even thought this a threat.. But the mix of Paladin and CLAM worked big time here.. Winning thier first two fights without a single casualty.. This team was set to go undefeated.. But alas.. Saves don;t last forever and we got some payback on the last one.. All 4 succmbing to fatigue and making key mistakes.. But a strong showing.. 2-1 Special note.. B-4 the Event Pegleg Bob was Knighted and the fun set the tone for the rest of the evening.. Many others came to give support to the team.. Jecele, Skribbles, Lil Skribs, Nyx Nexus, TP Krennan, Fireforged, and others.. I got too busy to remember everyone.. An Extra special thanks to LDY LEGACY who was the key to helping the event run so smoothly.. Every time I turned around, there she was prepping each Team and making sure all had protection for the battles that followed.. My thanks sis.. And of course thanks to Skorp.. .. For setting up this Realms wide Event.. And the Itties for fighting with class.. Really was a good ole time. Till next year.!!.. Tyst Highlord of the Protectorate** DANGER ** Do NOT download any e-mail to your characters from the following individual (who is an unknown user!!) Remember folks, NEVER download anything from anyone that you do not know!!! Mr. Case never sends out any kind of e-mails like this to anyone!! -- NW News **************************************************************** Subj: Art Work Upgrade for AOL 3.0 Date: 96-10-31 22:16:20 EST From: Art Bill ----------------- Forwarded Message: Subj: Art Work Upgrade for AOL 3.0 Date: 96-10-31 17:21:11 EST From: Art Bill To: Art Bill The Mr. Case and the art department asked me to pass this out to all of AOL's staff. Enjoy! --------------- Forwarded Message: Subj: AOL Artwork Date: 96-10-31 01:15:17 EDT From: Steve Case To: Art Bill Recently, AOL has been getting complaints about the long download times that our members have to wait to download our artwork. So our artwork department put all the art into one file and is sending it to all AOL members. If you would like all the artwork downloaded at one time, follow the simple instructions below. This will be a free download so you won't be charged for the time it takes to download this. This is the PC version for AOL 3.0, the Mac version will be out soon. We highly recommend this upgrade for you online enjoyment. After you download this, make sure that you have exited AOL before you install it or you will get an error during installation. Here are the 3 easy steps in installing this new artwork. Step 1) Click the download button on the bottom of this mail. Step 2) When the download is complete, sign off of AOL and... ********************************************************************* This goes on and is a scam by hacking individuals who're after nothing but destruction of people's computers. NEVER download from anyone whom you don't know!!! -- News (submitted by: ITB Skorp) <<<>>> The battles rage on to determine who is Neverwinter's Mightiest Guild! The results so far... SOL vs MASKS---* KEF vs BDA--------* WMG vs PON------* TP vs ITB--------------------------ITB Adv. Of Cormyr vs UDL-------UDL OGS vs ABK---------------------OGS TGC vs Satan--------------------Satan MECH vs TOL--------------------MECH NOR vs SA------------------------SA KORT vs KAAOS---------------KAAOS *=not yet fought <><><><><> <><><><><> 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!