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NEVERWINTER NEWS
Issue # 161
Week Ending 11-24-96
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FRONT PAGE
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Congratulations to Petalflow for winning last week's News of the Realm
contest for his story entitled "Crystal Petal - Part 1".

Petalflow has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of
Heroes).  Keep up the good work!  ;D

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Slay Living Booth Results - 11/17

     It was a calm quiet Sunday Morning.  Most of the citizens of Neverwinter
lay sleeping tight in their beds.  But NW Dain and NWA Donagh were on guard
and had toothpicks holding their eyelids open.  Suddenly Lord Nasher stormed
out of the castle and announded to the guards.

"I need a small band of volunteers, with hearty constitutions, to travel to
Cormyr and deliver a message to King Azoun!  I shall award two pearls to each
that deliver the missive!"

     The Lord Mayor barely finished the last word before Donagh ran off to
prepare a location to accept volunteers and Dain had already begun
construction of a huge sign for all the realm to see calling for fifteen
volunteers to test their health against the wiles of Donagh's magics.

     At first slowly the bleary eyed volunteers began coming.  Then, with a
sudden rush, Donagh was almost trampled as the citizens, having lost the
sleep from their eyes, flooded into the Warehouse District.  Eager to have
the opportunity to travel to Cormyr, one by one they stepped up to Donagh and
cringed in expectation of the worst....the notorious Slay Living spell that
deadly clerics are so fond of.

     Several good citizens, some not realizing what they had gotten
themselves into, found themselves carried away by horse drawn cart.  But in
the end, Angel Fury, O Bodak, Faust Ark, Drk Fiend, Gen0cide, SOL Varion,
Bobby76, UndeadKing, and DSizeL6152 were each handed a small scroll bound in
a red ribbon and sealed with Lord Nashers seal, and a small pouch containing
two pearls each.

     Congratulations to the winners, and better luck next time to those that
tried.  Thanks everyone for coming out to participate ;D

NWA Donagh
Neverwinter Nights Staff

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Talona's Appeasement

     It was the end of a grueling day.  I had spent the day assisting young
adventurers and answering sundry questions regarding these strange realms.
When it was time to go to the mess hall for the evening meal I needed to
stand guard in the square as NW Garion went off chasing that elusive punt
monster over and over.  Too late!  The mess hall was closed.  "No matter", I
thought to myself, "I need a good night's rest."

     As I was staggering in, bleary-eyed, toward the guards' quarters of the
castle, NW Snowie came rushing through the huge iron gates and asked, "Are
you on duty?".


"I, I, I, no!", I responded.


"Good", beamed the Captain of the Guard, "We need someone immediately to help
out Amaya, Lethe, and Raven!  Head over to Nightsedge and prepare!"

     Prepare for what, I wondered.  No matter, and order is an order and off
I went.  I took up position and awaited further instructions.  Within a few
minutes NW Ember had dispatched a message that Talona, the Lady of Poison,
had decended a curse upon the realms and the good citizens were coming down
with all manner of ailments.  Some even died from diseases and poisons the
likes of which the clerics of the city had never seen and could not stave
off.  Reluctantly, Lord Nasher had contracted with the Priestesses of Talona
to appease the wretched goddess.  The price for their services?  The
opportunity to disease and poison willing volunteers as a sacrifice to their
goddess.

     At first no one came to Nightsedge, fearful of certain death at the
hands of the evil priestesses.  But soon they trickled in, and then the
volunteers came flooding into Nightsedge.  It took all the will I had not to
thrash the evil priestess as I stood by and watched them cast their evil
magics.  Spell by spell they cast...first a putrid green stinking cloud, but
none were made sick by the foul stench.  Then the shrews tried to inflict a
debilitating disease on each of the volunteers, and one brave citizen fell,
weakened by the illness.  Then finally, they cast a vile poison on all who
would try their luck against the Lady of Poison, and five succumbed to the
terrifying sting of the deadly clerics.

     I was assigned crowd control, but the crowd remained calm.  Indeed, they
were lively and happy.  For in the end the evil priestesses claimed only
eight victims for their sacrifice.  Twenty of the realms finest citizens
survived to claim their prize of three pearls from Lord Nasher.  And the Lady
of Poison now is appeased and the good folk of the region are recovering
rapidly from her wretched curse.

Congratulations to TP Tec, SoulS1nger, Rigermort, WGW Crabb, RD Nathan,
Llewdoc, Chung Kwei, WGW Spike, Merkasta, KTO Beleg, MECH Frost, WOHJester1,
Dirt Darb, Opslin, Ingenjeger, Aurela, B0gus, Lil Wolf, Areleth2, and Sun
Tzou for winning three (3) pearls each! ;D And better luck next time to those
that did not win this time ;)

NWA Donagh
Neverwinter Nights Staff

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NEVERWINTER CALENDAR
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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!

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New Player Tours:

Join the following staff members for a tour of the Realm:

November 26th Tuesday  4:00 PM EST - with NW Tempus.
November 29th Friday  8:00 PM EST - NW Lethe.

Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner
telling where to meet!  ;D

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Grand Opening of Tavern Held!

Thrilled by their welcome from the Citizenry of Neverwinter, NWTs Mystri and
Spryte last night celebrated the Grand Opening of their "Sisters' Tavern" at
the old site of "Cyane's" in the Great Hall of Neverwinter.

"We took the plunge!" chortled NWT Mystri. "We think it's a great location,
and the clientele are great!"

"Yes, very nice they are, " chimed in the younger Spryte. "They.."

"You just like those tips!" laughed her sister, while the Paladin Tavernmaid
blushed.

"I don't!" Spryte protested. "Well..not JUST the tips..we got some wonderful
ideas for renovations and activities from V Eight, Mech Havoc, and ABK
Ullath..V Eight won the contract rights, and two pearls. And we met lots of
nice folks on Grand Opening Night..MECH Havoc, and Slyman, and Tracker,
Grimsbane, Petalflow and SSC Shana, and SednaBlood.."

"Well, sis..maybe some of those folks will be able to direct us to some new
lodgings..because it sounds like we're gonna be out on the street soon..."

This reporter ascertained that the Sisters' landlord had sold his lodgings to
an unnammed purchaser, and that eviction notices had been posted. Mystri and
Spryte are looking for the best suggestion on a place to stay ("NOT with
patrons..I gotta protect my sis' s Pallie Image!" grinned Mystri). 

Watch this spot for further news on the adventures of the Sisters and events
in the Sister' Tavern in Neverwinter Great Hall, Monday Wednesday and Friday
from 11pm - 1 am Eastern. Join them for an evening of roleplay, with contest
winners walking away with pearls or GOH access (depending on the night). 

~ The Roving Reporter  ;)Zharuk
(submitted by: VenomDveil)

When the Ilharess first broached the subject of me getting the stables in
order, I must admit that I was taken aback. I had spent all of my life in one
area or another of the militia, but I had never ridden. Two legs had suited
me fine, and the thought of having more was...well....was the sick
drider-humor that only Ilharessen enjoyed. With the practiced speech of one
that had accepted many such assignments, I answered, bowing, "Bel'la dos,
Malla Ilharess, I had hoped you would consider me for the position." She then
began referring to me as z'haruk, but I could never tell from one moment to
the next whether she implied "mount" or "mounted".

An assignment was.....an assignment. It did allow me to move from the
sargtlin barracks to the stables. I packed up my few possessions and settled,
easily, into my new surroundings. After touring the stables from the
perspective of a z'haruk, I surmised that, over time, we could harvest a very
large group of mounted warriors. The housing and training areas were adequate
for the desired and designed needs. Only one question remained...who would
train me...so that I could train others? Maybe, I thought shrugging, it would
not be that hard. The duergar could ride the steeders, quite effectively in
fact. Suddenly smug with confidence, I walked to the pens.

There were seven orc slaves tending the herd. Orcs had no inherent knowledge
of these beasts, but the duergar trader had left specific instructions on how
to handle and feed them, and the rothen followed them to the letter. I am
sure they kept the mounts well fed, so as not to become food themselves.

The steeders resemble giant...and in that word I mean nightmarish,
tarantulas. Large enough for a drow to mount comfortably, these remarkable
arachnids would prove very useful for scouting and, should the "unthought-of"
occur, war. Looking at a large group of them for the first time.....and
looking at them from the perspective of one that would mount and ride them,
they seemed more ominous.

I motioned for a nearby slave to approach. He trotted over and introduced
himself as....well, imagine the sound you make when you cough...that was his
name. He pointed to the other slaves one by one, coughing once for each.  I
shrugged and nodded, explaining that I was the new z'haruk and that I wished
to test out one from the herd. His eyes darted back and forth over a slightly
opened jaw before unleashing a fit of coughs and wheezes and grunts that
somehow conveyed to the others my intention. I chuckled and wondered why I
had never picked up the elegant orcish tongue. 

In minutes they had produced a mount and riding utensils. The saddle was, of
course, structured for a duergar and proved to be a pain in the..well...you
know. Grabbing my attention, however, was the riding whip. I smiled to no one
in particular as I snatched it up and went through all-too-familiar motions
of snapping it. For a brief moment I stared at it understanding for the first
time the grace of the weapon, but.....I was not here to play. The steeder,
itself, looked fairly normal....for a steeder, anyway--eight legs, one body,
one head. I had not been with them enough to pick out the subtle differences.
Bracing a hand on the leg near the union of head and body, I stepped
over...and became z'haruk.

Balance on two legs is far easier to achieve than sitting on eight. Locking
my knees tightly against the steeder, I slapped it firmly on it's hind side
with the riding whip to set things into motion. Motion, and my first lesson
in steeder-handling, was instantaneous. Evidently a slap in that region
means, "Hey, I bet you can't throw me off by jumping forward...say...fifteen
feet." It could, and it did. My saving grace was...no...what kept the seven
slaves alive that had assembled to watch this historic ride was the fact that
I somehow managed to land on my feet, albeit a little surprised. If I had
landed hard, sprawled out on the ground, even the most disciplined rothe
would have had trouble containing their amusement. Then, of course, I would
have had to kill them. You just can't let stories like that leak.

Fortunately for me and for them, and for the steeder come to think of it, I
was able to keep it from looking too ridiculous. I walked the short distance
to my mount, my mind searching for a better idea to get things moving this
time. Lifting myself up onto the beast's back again, I had to wonder if he
(she?) had thought it funny. Saving that thought for later, I decided to see
if pressure was the key for movement. I pushed into its side with my right
leg...gently, this time. At once a sideways crawl in the opposite direction
was initiated. Hmmmmm. Yes, it turned out, a squeeze from my left leg made it
crawl right. Happy now, in my one-dimensional world, I made it go back and
forth several times.

Chewing on my lower lip, not for flavor, but for inspiration, I decided to
try a kick. Again, thinking less was more I gently prodded it with my right
foot. We slowly lumbered forward. No...not lumbered, for the animal was in a
sense smooth. The movement was more up and down for me. Not jerky, but it
would take some getting used to. Nevertheless, I had discovered how to make
it move. 

I led the steeder around the perimeter of the cavern. Not trusting the
duergar-made saddle to hold me, I forewent any wall-climbing or roof-hanging.
That could wait. For now, I needed to concentrate on the basics of movement.
Several times I felt I had countered the up-down motion of riding with a
down-up motion of my own, but there had to be an easier way. The motion would
have to be overcome for any hope of accuracy for crossbows or, possibly,
casting spells. I really was not skilled in either of the Arts, so I would
have to get some second opinions on whether or not mounted spell craft would
even be feasible. 

Satisfied that I had learned enough for one day, I steered the arachnid back
to the pens and coughed for a slave to meet us there and put her (him?) up.
Knowing that the rothen would now only remember my misguided leap from
earlier, I decided it would be a good idea to leave them with a sense of
confidence in the qu'ellar z'haruk. I tried to gauge the distance as best I
could. Choosing my spot, I gripped the steeder as tightly as I could with my
legs and slapped it squarely on its hind-quarters. The leap was so quick it
nearly caught me by surprise again, but I managed to hold on....which was
unfortunate. While I had gauged the distance well, in that we landed scant
feet from the slave waiting to put the beast up, I had not given thought
beforehand to the landing itself. 

My second lesson did not deal as much with the steeder as the saddle. It
would have to be redesigned quickly, and, definitely, before I rode again.
Being taller than the duergar it was designed for, I did not fit in it
properly. I had smartly avoided walking on the walls and ceiling because I
knew the little seat would not hold me.....it would not hold me very well in
a jump either. I missed that one. The sudden force of the landing threw me
forward. My legs held somewhat, and, because of that, allowed me to slam my
crotch with unimagined force down onto the small area of the steeder where
the body and head meet. Yes....ouch.

Sliding off of the mount before the pain rendered me numb, I stood as
straight as I could and concentrated all of my being on swallowing the bile
that was pumping into my stomach and up toward my throat. An uncontrollable
cough sent orcs scurrying to do who knows what. Thankfully, they were out of
sight when I limped to my quarters.

Laying on my new bed I saw that learning the ropes like this would take
forever.....and certainly, if you will, had its down side. I was not sure of
the Ilharess' time table for this project...but I assumed it was something
she wanted completed in her lifetime, so I decided that I should seek advice.
From whom, though? Oh....of course. I slowly rolled over onto my side, moaned
once, and fell asleep.Skorp, The Autobiography - Part 2
(submitted by: ITB Skorp)

 The Girl gasped in shock, and, seeing the evil leer upon father's face, she
turned and ran. Father used a dimension door, materialized directly in front
of her and struck her with a backhand across the face, sending her sprawling.
Quickly casting silence on the girl, father pinned her to the ground, and had
his way with her. He was very cruel and rough with the lass, leaving her
beaten and bloody on the trail.

  Apparently later that day, some villagers found the girl, returned her
home, and nursed her back to health. Within 3 months, word got out that she
was with child. The ITB spy network got this rumor back to father, who just
laughed and said something about ripping the babe from it's mothers arms when
it was done nursing if it was a boy or killing both mother and child if it
was a girl.

 Shortly after I was born, Father died in battle. I never met him. ITB Mynx,
remembering her protoge's words, sought out the serving wench, and seeing the
child was a boy-child,and...twins, she killed the mother and brought us both
home, to the ITB Complex. myself and my brother Grynk were home.

 We were raised by a pair of cruel green hag slave nannies, and trained in
battle by Mynx and ITB Allure. Silent and Cormyr supervised our training and
growth, taking us along in raids and wars, watching us gain prowess. However,
it seemed that Grynk had more of his mother in him, and I more of my father.
Grynk ran off as he reached his early teen years, eventually becoming a
Knight of the Eternal Flame.

 The fool. He was given the gift of strength and power, and threw it away to
do what was "good". He was at the war against Kaaos and fought alongside such
KEF legends as Sir Huma, Fendar and Sunglitz, and, he personally dropped many
Kaaos "gawds" that fateful day. However, as the Knights began to crumble, and
the leadership he had grown close to left the guild, he found himself once
again wandering, this time alone. He was attacked while he traveled alone,
suffering serious wounds. Grynk was found along side a road, near death, by
ITB Teddi, my wife, who carried the dying words of love from him  to a woman
that he had never spoken them to in life. Teddi also brought me the news of
his death. I was relieved, for, in his death, my power grew even
more.Cleaning House or Guess Who is Coming to Dinner? - Part 1
(submitted by: SOMNeranek)

     With the midday meal behind him, Neranek strode confidently down the
halls of the Tower of Mystery.  He tipped his head in greeting as he passed
by the renowned paladin, Kmalj.  The elder Servant of Mystery smiled at him
in return and held up an envelope for the cleric/mage to see.  Kmalj tapped
at the letter with his knuckle and said, "Mail is in."

     Neranek paused as he began to catch the scent of lilac.  "Pardon my
question, Lord Advisor, but is that Lilac you are wearing?"

     Kmalj flushed a brilliant crimson and whipped the arm holding the letter
behind his back.  "You must be mistaken..Ahh, it must be the wind," he
replied as he took a step backwards.  "Umm, I have to run lad, umm urgent
business and all."  With that, Kmalj turned on his heel and bolted down the
corridor.

     As he watched the rapidly departing Lord Advisor, he made a mental note
to ask whom the letter was from the next time he had the opportunity.
Neranek smiled as he turned and continued on his way.  When he came to the
grand formal stairs that led from the second floor of the Tower down to the
entranceway, he paused.

     Grinning impulsively, he pondered a manuever that he had seen the man he
proudly referred to as his nephew complete from this spot.  He had on more
than one occasion seen Lynx hop up onto the stair railing and slide
gracefully down to the bottom.  Throwing caution to the wind, Ner climbed up
on on the railing.

     He gave a slight push off with his right leg to get moving and he began
to sail down the railing.  A quarter of the way down, the door to the
entrance way opened and Iadris entered.  She gave a startled look at Neranek
gliding down the stair rail.

     Unfortunately, Neranek was more startled than she was and he
overbalanced and toppled from the railway onto the stairs.  He continued his
speedy descent down the stairs, bouncing head over heels, until he hit the
floor with a crash.  He went sliding across the floor out of control and
ended upside down against the far wall.  Peering at an Iadris that appeared
to be upsided down, he tried to cover his embarassment by saying "I meant to
do that, you know."

     As he prayed that the room would stop spinning, he watched as Iadris
reached for a quill and paper from a nearby writing desk.  She put quill to
ink and quickly wrote upon the paper.  Finishing quickly, she wrote upon one
more she.  Before Neranek could wonder further at what she was about, Iadris
turned and gave him a huge smile that made him nervous.  

     She held up the first paper.  On it was written the number 4.5 in
slightly damp ink.  "I gave you a four and a half for your technical
program," she said and then held up the second paper, "but I gave you a nine
point seven for artistic merit."  Laughing she set the papers down on the
desk, she went over and helped the dazed man to his feet.  "I suggest that
you leave that type of activity to the more dextrous of our companions for
the near future."

     Ner could only nod his head in agreement.  "Do you think that it was
really worth a nine point seven?" he asked with a weak grin on his face.
Iadris gave a laugh and slapped Ner heartily on the back with a force that
made him gasp.  Goddess, he wondered, where did lady paladins get that
strength?

     "I'll behave in the future, I promise."  He bowed deeply at Iadris and
cast an arm in the direction of the foyer.  "I understand that the carrier
pigeons have arrived with the day's tidings."  

     He followed Iadris into the foyer and together they retrieved their
mail.  He pulled open his bag of holding, and as he sorted through his mail,
he tossed them one by one into it.  He smiled as he folded the current issue
of newsletter that he had edited and placed it in his bag.  Finding an
envelope with a garrish wax seal on it's back, he quickly set it aside and
dropped the rest of his mail into bag.

     He looked over at Iadris who was thumbing through some type of magazine.
"Could you please hand me that letter opener?"   Without looking up, she
reached out and handed him the opener.  Thanking her, he set about opening
the letter.

     As he had surmised, it was the deed to the manor on the outskirts of
NightsEdge that he had recently procured.  It was his intention to move his
primary residence from the Tower to this manor to allow him to consider the
recent attacks and to make preparations for any further incidents.

     He glanced at Iadris, and noticed the title of her magazine was "Lady
Paladin" and he remembered that he had heard Talia and Iadris talking about
it before.  Though he had not quite figured out why they enjoyed it so, he
assumed it was some type of trade journal.

     Bidding her an enjoyable afternoon, Neranek decided it would be best to
go survey his new property and begin his preparations.  Making a note of the
directions, he teleported himself into the city of NeverWinter.

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     In a dark booth at the Red Mage Inn, Gilad stiffened momentarily as he
sensed his foe's arrival in the city.  He sat in the booth with a rogueish
looking man.  The man paused in passing a series of scrolls to Gilad when he
noticed Gilad's inattention.  "Is there some problem, lord?" he asked.

     Gilad's scarred face twisted into a snarl.  "Of course not, now give me
the scrolls and take your bounty."

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

     Gathering his bearings in NeverWinter, Neranek cast his next spell and
teleported into NightsEdge.  His arrival in NightsEdge drew a startled
response from the city's guards.  The lead guard brandished a mace, and his
two fellows drew their steel.

     Neranek quickly threw his hands up and outward to show that he meant no
harm and was friendly.  He pointed to the back of his gloved right hand where
the Mystran symbol was woven.

     The guards relaxed their stance as they recognized him.  "Greetings
M'lord.  Perhaps next time you might perchance try the front gate?"

     "I will, and my apologies," Neranek replied.  He had forgotten that
things were rather tense in the area lately, as bands of ogres had taken to
wandering the nearby territory.  "Next time, I will be more careful."

     The guards nodded and they were further appeased as he told them of his
plan to move into the surrounding area.  They were visibly pleased that a
friendly mage would be taken up residence in their city.  Neranek bid them
good day, and left the city's fortified walls.

     He reached into his bag, and withdrew his deed.  Tracing a finger along
it, he re-read the directions to his manor.  The location was just west and
north of the city gate he noted.  Excellent, he thougt, close enough, but far
enough out as not to endanger innocents.  He tossed the deed back into his
bag, and began picking his way carefully along the road.

     About ten minutes later, he found the entrance to his new home in the
form of an overgrown path leading from the road.  Neranek grinned as he
realized the task that he had set before himself.  He withdrew a scroll from
within his cloak, and undid the ribbon holding it closed.

     He cast the scroll and a flaming sphere appeared in front of him.  He
pointed in the direction of the overgrown path, and the sphere began rolling.
It set ablaze all of the brush it touched as it continued down the path.  The
sphere finally dissipated when it collided with an iron gate.

     Ner marvelled at the gate.  I had no idea that was there with all of the
shrubbery.  Considering the effect that cold iron has on magic, it will
actually serve me well.  Turning his attention to the still burning
shrubbery, he cast another spell.  The flames lept from the bushes into his
outheld hand.  When the last of the fire had been transferred, he closed his
hand around the flames and snuffed them out.

     A newly scorched path now led from the main road to the iron gate.  Ner
walked down the path and up to the gate.  He paused to admire the heavy
wrought iron gate.  Perched on top of the gate were a pair of leering metal
gargoyles.  Placing a hand on the gate, he leaned heavily into it.  Slowly,
with a shudder from inactivity, the great gate creaked open.

     He pushed through the opening and took his first look at the aging manor
that was to be his home.  Despite the vast overgrowth of grass and shrubbery,
he could tell that the grounds had once been well tended to.  However, what
had once been shrubs that had been trimmed into beautiful animals, were now
grotesque mockeries of their former splendor.  

     He walked among the shrubs, noting several unique and varied animals.
He was particularly drawn to one that had once been a powerfully built
unicorn.  As he came upon the manor itself, he felt a sense of sorrow.

     The manor had suffered greatly at the hands of time.  What was once a
proudly constructed home was now in a frightful condition.  The home was two
stories high, with a grand, pillored porch surrounding the south and east
sides.

     He noted a few places on the roof where it appeared that it had
collapsed some time ago.  A majority of the windows were broken and vines
threatened to totally engulf the western side of the house.  The house was
desperately in need of a major restoration effort.

     He walked up the steps leading up to the porch and skipped the ones that
appeared to be in imminent danger of collapse.  He noted that the flooring on
the porch was not much healthier.  Neranek walked up to the double entry
doors and threw them open and entered.

-- contBattle
(submitted by: GSuther276)

The swords clash with the shields
in a time of nights and secret guilds.
The fury rages on with a scream of terror.
The battle rages on.

Now the battle is over, there is no more fright.
The enemy is out of sight.
The blood stains the ground.
Lots of dead men can be found.
The battle is over.
A Death and Rebirth
(submitted by: ABK Albion)

     ADH Elvira was very young and inexperienced when she met ADH Dragon. He
told her of his guild and asked her to join. Telling her how it would help
her and teach her, this she needed and believed so she went with him to ADH
Castle and became a member of that guild.

     Things went well at first and she grew to love her brethren and the
guild. They helped her to learn her way around Neverwinter and to gain
experience in both battle and charity. She learned to help others as she had
been helped and learned how to defend the weak. Elvira was fast climbing the
ladder of success when it split in two as she climbed higher. Internal strife
was at work within her guild and it started to fall apart. Her heart saddened
as she strived to save what had become her home. But things were beyond her
meager capabilities. The Castle was invaded, the guild fell.

     Alas poor Elvira, her anguish was so great at the terrible things
happening to her guild. As the troops stormed the Castle her heart gave out,
such sorrow was unendurable. Though dead for some reason her body remains
warm, there is no decay! Perhaps she will rise again when the guild is again
a guild, for it is now something broken! Sorrow and Anguish, Sorrow and
Anguish seem to whisper from her body, but it does not move.

                                           Servant onlooker
                                           hidden in privy

     Twas the night after the fall of ADH Castle and the leaders of ABK dine
in their tents just outside the Castle talking of their great victory when a
figure enters their tent. It has no substance but it's form is clearly seen
by all. Elvira walks toward ABK Blood whom she had talked long with but days
before. She passes thru the table, which comes to her waist, walking straight
towards him. Heard by all is a whispered Sorrow and Anguish, Sorrow and
Anguish repeated over and over again. As she reaches ABK Blood he slides his
stool back a bit unsure what is about to happen and wanting swinging room
should he need it. Elvira stands in the middle of his plate of food and
curtsies, then turns and leaves the way she came, all the while whispering
Sorrow and Anguish. Lord Blood looks to his food and toward the departing
woman unsure. His brothers look as well. Then in defiance he continues his
meal, only to find that it now tastes better somehow. A puzzeled look crosses
his face.

     SSC Godiva upon hearing of her cousin's fall sends ADH Dragon a letter:

    It most sorely saddens me to her of my cousin's fall. Elvira is no longer
living but neither is she dead. Her soul has been seen walking the grounds of
ADH Castle yet her body remains warm and undecomposing. I ask thee Lord
Dragon what will ye do with her body? It can not be buried while some form of
life yet remains. If ye are not willing to set it where it will be safe with
this missive I send thee 5,000 pp to encase it in glass until such time as
either the body dies or my cousin is returned to us whole. Please respect one
or your fallen Knights.

                                         SSC Godiva
                                         Lady of the Woods

     It was answered by Lord Dragon stating that he would do this and more in
her honor.

     Sometime later a young man approaches Blood Keep and seeks an audience
with Lord Blood. The gatekeeper seeing the ragged state of the young man and
taking him for a street urchin turns him away saying that Lord Blood is away
and may not return for some time. The man pulls a dirty scrap of paper from
inside his clothes and writes a note much to the gatekeeper's amazement. This
he hands to the gatekeeper with every coin upon his person stating he will
return every day till he sees Lord Blood. After the young man leaves he
pockets the money and sees that the note reaches Lord Blood expecting nothing
to come of it. Three hours later a servant comes to the gatekeeper stating
that when the young man returns he is to be let in to be seen at the Lord's
pleasure.

     The next day he returns and much to his surprise is granted entrance to
the Keep. He awaits the better part of the day before Lord Blood finds time
to talk with him. Lord Blood asks his name and the young man replies, Albion
M'Lord. I know thee not what is it you want asks Lord Blood.

     Albion recounts his story to him:

   Elvira lies upon her bed, she can hear the sounds of battle, but is unable
to move. Something holds her but she sees nothing, her body is paralyzed.
Mightily she struggles and eventually manages to move. Elvira dons her armor
by herself, her squire unmoving upon his cot as she once was. Her heart
pounds as she leaps down the steps of the castle two at a time sword in hand.
The lower level reached Elvira enters the Great Hall just as the main doors
burst inward with a resounding crash. Froward she moves to meet the foe with
her remaining brethren when a force hits her from behindtearing her soul from
her body. Watching in disbelief, the castle falls as does her body. She
wanders the castle grounds in mourning for the dead and dieing. Elvira visits
ABK Blood in an attempt for aid but she can not even speak to him, he knows
not what to make of this apparition. She leaves only to wander some more for
she has no place to rest, no place to go. Late that nightshe comes upon a
young man beset by thieves, a dagger wound in his back he id dieing. Elvira
rushes to him in an attempt to help, forgetting her state, and as his life
force leaves hers is drawn in! The wound heals, things go black. Awakening to
the warmth of sunshine upon her face, something she has not felt for a while,
she finds a new life ahead of her. A second chance, but things are different
for this is a man's body. She takes the name Albion, the name of her first
love.

Lord Blood stares in disbelief, the tale is too strange. But Albion goes on,
he tells of their conversation days before the ADH Castle fell. Albion
relates things that only Elvira and Lord Blood could know, he leaves no doubt
in the Lord's mind of the truth of his story.

    The Lord of Blood Keep gives the young man a chance. He instructs him to
strengthen his mind and body and then return to the keep for training. Albion
gladly agrees to this and leaves the keep vowing to become one of the most
powerful soldiers Blood Keep has even known.

                                      ABK Albion
                                      Squire of Blood KeepShadow Rider
(submitted by: Draconight)

It happened just days ago.  I was out in the wharves on a mission given me by
the great Lord Nasher. I was prowling around in search of a dangerous lizard
man who had been terrorizing the people in the area.  I had wandered far from
the well traveled paths of the wharves and was being beset by all sorts of
riff-raff and dangerous beasts. After several such encounters I had become
dangerously injured in a fight with two giant aligators that had come from
the waters of the neverwinter in search of easy prey. The two beasts had me
cornered and were about to make me thier supper when a stranger entered the
fray and saved me.

Feeling a great debt of gratitude to this formidable fighter I did inquire as
to his name and try to show my thanks to him. With a slight smile he held up
his hand and stopped me. "My name is of no concern, for I was only doing what
any of my brothers and sisters would do. It was my pleasure to be of help to
to one who walks the paths of adventure and good."

With that he turned to leave but I reached out to stop him. "Wait, how can I
repay you for saving my life?"

Without turning to me he broke my hold and strode off. As he left his only
reply was, "To honor your debt to me, since it is you who feel you have this
debt. I ask only this, let the people of the realms know that those who ride
in the shadows are here. Tell those of evil that you run across that we are
here and will be watching."

And then he was gone, he stepped into the shadows and was gone. I tell you if
not for him I would have died right then and there. I am not real sure what
to think of all of that but, in my book that man rates highly.The Stellar
Ring....Vanishes
(submitted by: SR Stellar)

  As another day was beginning for the Star Riders, a shout rang out from one
of the guards along the wall of Starlight Keep.  Many rushed out onto their
balconies and to their windows to see what was happening.  Gazing out across
the surface of the moon, they could see a tall, slender woman walking along
the "Stellar Ring".  Her hair, which nearly reached her feet was the color of
moonlight.  Her eyes glittered brighter than the stars in the background.  As
she continued to walk along the ring, she was sprinkling moondust onto the
grey matter beneath her feet.

  As the moondust touched the grey, ash-like material of the "Stellar Ring",
it glittered and became pure white.  The Star Riders on the surface below
watched in awe as the goddess Selune walked along the entire length of the
odd ring.

  Upon completing the dusting of the "Stellar Ring", the woman turned and
smiled down upon those gathered within Starlight Keep.  All those who
witnessed this felt a great peace wash over them and their spirits leaped
with a renewed energy.

  One Star Rider in particular....felt this effect the most....the dark
forces tugging at his soul seemed to shrivel and die at the sight of Selune's
smile.  Those who could see SR Orion, noticed a glittering aura around him
and his eyes once again shined with the peace that he knew before his soul
was chained.

  In another part of the crystal keep, one Star Rider awoke from a long sleep
to find his wounds healed and the fatigue gone from his body.  SR Scient
leaped from his bed and rushed out into the courtyard feeling ready to take
on anyone.

  The woman then slowly faded from view and was gone.  The instant that she
vanished from sight, the "Stellar Ring" glittered one final time and vanished
as well.

  Far across the surface of the moon, a bright flash of light lit the
horizon.  A white object could just barely be seen slowly descending from
where the ring had vanished.  The object touched down lightly, nearly
half-way across the moon from Starlight Keep.

  The object which had landed so far away seemed vaguely familiar to many
within the keep.  Nearly all those who witnessed this event realized that
memories of SR Stellar's last ride were being replayed in vivid detail at the
front of their minds.  The glittering white chainmail which he always wore
seemed to stand out more than any other detail in their thoughts.

SR Stellar
"The White Knight"
Silma'Quessir(Starlight Elf)Possession
(submitted by: Kyrasha)

Part One - Choose Your Poison

The evening, just like the fine Sembian wine she was drinking, was losing its
flavor.

Unfortunately for Kyra, this was a normal thing.  Lately, with almost
everything in her life, just as she began to find real enjoyment in it,
boredom would set in, and she would again have to find something new and
different to hold her attention.  It seemed nothing was immune to this...
wine, food, any activities she took part in.. the need to find new means of
entertaining herself, new pleasure, always set in, usually all too quickly.

She had to admit, watching the others taunting some foolish young Burgess was
amusing... the insults being tossed back and forth even had Strider's
normally dour barkeep chuckling as he went about serving his customers... but
the need for something different was setting in.  With a soft sigh, which she
prayed didn't sound as troubled as she felt, she finished the last dregs of
the wine, and had one of the barmaids collect the empty pewter goblet.

No refill.

Strider kept an impressive selection of wines at his tavern, she had to admit
that... but since arriving in NeverWinter, Kyra had sampled almost all of
them... and gotten bored of them, as well.  Finally, after several moments of
staring wearily at the bottles lined up behind the bar, she resigned herself
to the fact that her new distraction would not be found from there.

Leaning over to her pack, she began rummaging around in it, finally finding
what she was looking for... three carefully wrapped bottles.  A last defense
against the inevitable boredom that she knew would always find her.  Looking
curious, McD turned his attention from the Burgess, and watched as she
carefully lined the bottles up on the table before her.

Noticing his look, she explained what the bottles were, gingerly picking each
of them up, examining it in turn.

The first bottle was small, about the size of a typical beer bottle from her
home, Earth... According to the merchant who had sold it to her, some
obnoxiously jovial man from Waterdeep, this wine came from a place called
Evermeet, some sort of mystic home exclusively for elves... or something like
that.  She hadn't paid too much attention to what the merchant was babbling
to her about it.  But she did catch a comment that she had heard before...
that elven wine could be extremely potent, and could have unusual effects
upon the non-elves that dared to sample it...  She was hoping, quite
desperately, that those rumors were true.

The second bottle was a full-sized wine bottle.  A gift from a friend, it was
only partially full, as she and that friend had shared a drink from it when
it was first presented.  The red wine within was some of the best she'd ever
had... and fortunately, the first drink she'd had was small enough that it
hadn't grown uninteresting yet.

The third bottle, sized about halfway between the other two, was a mystery.
She had found it sitting on her bedside table when she'd awoken two mornings
past.  This, she told McD, who was listening attentively... what she didn't
tell was that there had been a small card next to the exquisite green-tinted
bottle.  The handwriting within had been neat and elegant... the message was
short, but its words were breathtakingly romantic.  And the name below the
message...

The look McD was favoring her with made her wonder if she had suddenly
sprouted horns.  Centruo, who had diverted his attention away from the
Burgess as well, vehemently agreed with the Garou that there was no way she
should even be considering drinking from the mysterious bottle.  But then,
she supposed they would think that, and she tried to be polite, and agreed...
After all, they hadn't seen the accompanying card.

She was too curious to heed their words, however, and she picked up the
bottle, uncorking it.  Trying to be, or at least seem, cautious, she raised
the bottle, and gently sniffed... whatever was inside had an unusual,
somewhat musky aroma, which piqued her curiosity even further.  McD suggested
that perhaps he should sample it for her, as any poison would most likely
affect him a bit less than it would her delicate constitution.  Starting to
get slightly annoyed at their excessive concern, she quickly agreed, and
poured some into a glass, hoping that he would be quick, so that she could
get her own taste.

The liquid was as unusual in its appearance as its scent was... considerably
thicker than most wines she'd encountered, and an odd color as well.  In
fact, it almost looked like...  Considering to herself the wine's appearance,
and the identity of the one who'd sent it, she found herself having to work
to suppress her amusement as she handed the glass to McD.

She watched impatiently as he dipped a finger into the wine, swirling it
around, frowning slightly at its consistency... and finally lifted the finger
to his lips, cautiously lapping at the liquid.  And then, she was startled to
see him spit quickly, a sharp frown crossing his face as he looked down at
the goblet.

His voice was a low growl.  "Leech blood!"

Her gasp was only barely noticeable, drowned out by Centruo's exclamation of
surprise, which drew the attention of the other Kith in the tavern.
Immediately, she was pelted with questions from the others, which she tried
to offer weak answers to... but they clearly weren't satisfied with what
words she managed to give.  This didn't bother her, however, as she was too
lost in her own thoughts as she studied the goblet before her.

What was going on... was this some form of test??  Why would he have sent her
this... and was it his, or that of another?  What would he be expecting...
what would he want her to do?  Perhaps this was a test of trust... did she
trust him enough to open herself up to any risks created by drinking his
blood?  Or perhaps he had finally decided that she knew too much about the
Kindred, and he was now taking steps to ensure that she would not reveal her
secrets...

She trusted him.  That much she knew.

Her hand trembling slightly, she reached for the goblet, pausing in confusion
as McD quickly placed his hand over the top of the glass, holding it down,
making the liquid within inaccessible.

And then... something happened.

Part Two -- The Other Side
---------------------------------------

The world seemed to fade from around her, taking on an eerie, ghostlike
appearance... McD said something to her, but the words sounded like they were
traveling a great distance to get to her.  And then, she suddenly became
aware that she was speaking... ordering him to give her the goblet of
blood... but the words themselves weren't hers, she instinctively knew that
it wasn't her saying them.  But who then...?

She knew the answer almost the moment the question formed in her mind.

The Assamite.

Focusing, she became aware of a feeling of great anger.. and the intense,
strange Hunger that she'd experienced through her other half once before. The
instant her awareness tuned in to the presence, though, the fury blazed
white-hot, repelling her... and she felt herself falling back, what little
sense of the real world that she had left quickly vanishing, to be replaced
by a total, impenetrable darkness.

And then, there was a sudden, terrifying realization... that there was
something in the darkness with her...

--- --- --- --- --- --- ---

"Remove your hand, Garou!"

She settled her livid red gaze on McD, hoping that it would intimidate him
somewhat... no such luck.  In a way, she was glad for this... the remembered
taste of his blood was still fresh in her mind, the feeling of the
intoxicatingly potent liquid burning in her veins...  She would enjoy
draining him for the impudence he was showing now.

Kerrgon made some snide comment, his words the kind she'd come to expect from
those who were painfully aware that their magic was no match for that of a
Kindred... and she responded in kind, quite cheerfully making clear to him
her opinion of both him and the magic of the Kithain in general... as she
studied the goblet before her, and the Garou blocking her access to it,
contemplating how she would get to the precious liquid within.

--- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Crimson eyes glowed from close by in the darkness as the Beast glared at her,
held at bay by the power of her Glamour... which was quickly running out.

There was a faint flicker of white as the Beast grinned, baring its fangs.
"Give it up, little one," it growled softly.  "Very soon now, your power will
be gone, and you will be mine... Why bother to delay the inevitable?"  The
voice seemed to echo in her head, more thought than actual vocalization.

"No," she gasped, struggling to focus on maintaining the barrier around her.
"It's not..."

It chuckled softly, the evil in the sound sending icy tendrils coiling around
her spine.  "You think not?"

A soft whimper escaped her as it reached forward, shadowy talons that were
darker than the surrounding void pressing against the barely visible, magical
wall... and slowly slipping through it.  And then, as she watched, eyes wide
with the horror that threatened to overwhelm her...

The dark form before her vanished.

She knew a moment of relief... and then the warmth of that feeling was
shattered by frigid arms wrapping around her from behind.  Her terrified
scream was muffled as a hand clamped over her mouth... a hand that was cut,
she realized, as blood that was almost painfully hot began trickling between
her parted lips, the foul creature's breath cold against her ear as it urged
her to drink.  With strength borne of desperation, she jerked away from the
Beast, spitting frantically to clear its vitae from her mouth.

But even as she scrambled back, away from the shadowy form that was advancing
on her, she could feel her tongue tingling from the slight taste of blood
she'd received... could sense the immense power within that vitae, an
answering hunger sparking to life within her...

--- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Her gaze settled briefly on the goblet, the rough pewter glistening from the
liquid that had been in it.  Had been... but no more.  A cruel smile curving
her lips, she turned to regard McD, sensing, more than actually seeing, the
pain that was blossoming within him.

Turning fully away from the two foolish sidhe and their inane comments, she
watched the Garou sit heavily back in his chair, the troll at his side trying
to help steady him.  Leaning toward him, she murmured, "Aww... do something
that you're now regretting, dear?"

He glared up at her, his body tensed, trembling as it struggled against the
poison he'd just drank.  "Smeg off!"

Chuckling softly, she straightened, still watching him closely.  He could say
what he wanted... it would do nothing to help his situation.  She wondered if
he'd known before he downed the liquid just what effect Kindred blood had on
Garou.

Well... that hardly mattered now.  His fate was sealed... she doubted that he
would be strong enough to fight the death that would soon be trying to claim
him.  Now... there were other matters to attend to.

The bottle.

Part Three -- Thwarted Plans
------------------------------------------

Violet.

A snarl of rage burst from her lips as she turned to look at Kerrgon, her
eyes flaring crimson with the fury that sparked within her upon recognizing
the hue of his Glamour.  Already the trace of color was gone from the table,
a matching glow appearing around his hand as her bottle rematerialized in his
grasp.

Out of reach...

--- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Waves of pain and dizziness assaulted her, the Banality of the Beast tearing
at the very fabric of her spirit, as the creature knelt beside her, extending
its claws.  She was falling... the Assamite's will dragging her back down
into the prison of undead flesh that she knew would destroy what little was
left of her.  Already, she could feel the sense of losing herself, of
slipping away, the pain being replaced by numbness as icy talons curled
around her throat, razor-sharp points sinking into her with horrifying
slowness...

--- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Fools... arrogant, obnoxious little fools... How DARE they get in her way
like this??  Did they really think that she would give up so easily, with the
bottle gone?  No... she had no intention of letting them win this particular
battle.  She had come dangerously close to attacking Kerrgon outright for
taking the bottle... but then, she realized that there was a much better way
to hurt them, a way which had a much better chance of success.

A sly smile creeping across her face, she turned to regard the Garou, and the
Troll sitting by his side.  McD was in a great deal of pain... a few
well-placed taunts would goad him into losing what little self-control he had
left... and incite him into attacking this fragile form she was using.  The
smile increased as she advanced on them, gleefully considering how upset he,
and the others, would be, when he realized just what harm he had done...

She didn't notice Centruo's and Kerrgon's movements behind her... until she
felt the sudden contact...

--- --- --- --- --- --- ---

The Beast's howl of rage seemed to echo in her mind, as brilliant violet and
sapphire light flared around her.  The two colors swirled and sparkled around
her, repelling the darkness, and the Beast with it, as the Glamour permeated
her, infusing her with its energy.  Gradually, she became aware of the
presences behind the Glamour... Kerrgon and Centruo... the warmth of their
spirits calling her back from the abyss, drawing her back toward life, as she
felt the Assamite fleeing...

For a few moments, she managed to be aware of her surroundings... confusion
setting in as she found McD gazing back at her, looking very ill, and very
angry, and Luch at his side, favoring her with an equally angry, accusatory
look... and then, she let exhaustion carry her to sleep's safe, comforting
embrace...Decision
(submitted by: Xenobea)

They entered the city during the hour when most would be sleeping, both under
a globe of darkness, moving silently.

Xenobea wondered again if she should be returning.  She had heard no word of
her mother, and she detested the thought of returning to her nearly empty
house.  She squeezed his hand, glad of his company, and felt his answering
squeeze.

She stopped suddenly as she realized that her house should have long been in
view.

She examined the cavern, finding some familiar patterns in the mushrooms, and
then searching among the rock formations for a hint of what once was.
Nothing.

"It is as you were told," he spoke in her mind.

"Xas..." she looked around again, trying to find signs of some sort of
disturbance, something to explain the disappearance of her house.

"Have you decided, love?"

She felt her pocket with the letters in it.  Leave now, or take one of the
offers she had... "A moment," she said softly.  She sat down on the cavern
floor, thinking...

How old had she been, just a child, already missing her mother during her
long absence, when a servant brought her word that an ilharess had come to
visit.  She tried to imagine if she could avoid the visit, but could not
think of a way to do so, so she had the tea brought.  She tried her best to
follow behaviors she had seen on her brief travels out of the house, watching
the ilharess carefully, dreading making a wrong move, hoping she would be
gone soon.

"I understand your mother still has not returned?  Any word from her?"

She studied the matron for a few moments, trying to decide whether she should
say.  It could well be wrong to reveal to much.  "Did you have something you
needed to speak with her about?"

"If you could tell her her friend misses her...

Her eyes narrowed as she stared at her, considering.

"Do you know when she will be back?"

She waited, still trying to decide what to say.  Finally she spoke.  "I have
no idea where she went, or when she will return."  It was an effort to keep
her voice steady.

The matron kept her gaze steadily on Xenobea.  "Have you considered the
possibility that she will not return?"

She nodded.

"Do you know where you will go then?"

"No..."

"Come here, child."

She went over to her, terrified, and was surprised to receive a hug.

"Remember this, Xeno.  You are welcome to come and visit me any time, no
matter what happens.  A child should not stay alone all the time."

She looked up at the woman, surprised at the expression on her face.  "I have
to stay here, there's no one else..."

"Think about it."

As I reenter from the surface I start to head home when I feel a cold chill
run up my back so I run as fast as I can to get home but when I reach the
spot where my house shouled be thear is nothing here. All I can think is what
has happend to the house I was raised in what of my sisters, and brothers,
what of my mother Ilharess' LdyMidnigt nothing but sorrow came in my mind,
Not only for my family but for my pets, the guards, and my once great House
"Xorlarrin".

So I traveled to House Rilynt'tar and ask the gards if Ilharess' Jasra Dark
will see me, 1 gard left to see . After abought 10 min he came back and said"
She Will See You Now ", so as I enter the great hall of House Rilynt'tar it
hit me I'm a Drow without a House now what will become of me after all I'm
just a mail.  A drow Sargtlin that is all.

So I entered where Ilharess' Jasra Dark was and "Bowed befor her" when she
ask why I am here I told her that my House is no more, Then she said"No Drow
can survive with out a powerful House" annd all I couled say is" Yes
Ilharess' ".

When I asked if I can join her house she said" Well let me see, I will let
you know " and with that she left the room.  So as I get up off my knee I
can't help to think" Will she let mw join her great and powerful House.

Since the first night she had been on the surface searching for her mother,
she never travelled alone.  When she thought back to those first few days,
and tried to remember who had decided that he would be with her all the time.

She had chosen the inn because she knew that it was not very popular,
especially not among the drow.  She avoided everyone out of habit.  She sat
in the back, the room darkened at her request, and remembered times when she
had had family, a friend,  those she could speak to, those she could travel
with.  She was thankful that no other travellers came in for some time.

It was finally getting dark when he came in.  She could not help staring.  A
drow with blue hair?  He approached her slowly, cautiously.  They exchanged
greetings.  He told her that he was unfamiliar with the area and needed a
guide.  It was absurd of course.  She could see that he was much older, and
was certain to know his way around.  She also knew that her youth showed;
surely he could see that she was just old enough to be allowed out on her
own.  He was not from Rilauven.  She tried to determine what sort of plot he
was involved in.  "What is it exactly that you need to find?"

"We will go wherever you like," he smiled.

Then he was not to take her somewhere to be ambushed by a group, perhaps
another house.  Perhaps he had been hired to kill her.  She considered these
possibilities, and she was sure there were others she had not considered. She
spoke words to herself, under her breath.  She had known them ever since she
could remember...  "L'alurl abbil zhah dosstan."  He said nothing.  She
looked back at him, considering.  "Why do you come to me?"

"I feel sure I know you.  It seems you came to me in a dream.  I think you
bit me."

She laughed suddenly, despite herself.  "I bit you?"

"Yes, I'm sure it was you..."

She noticed the look in his eyes suddenly.  She told herself that he was
acting this way deliberately, to catch her off guard, so that he could
complete what he had been hired to do.  She thought the wisest course would
be to run as far as she could.  But suddenly she felt that she couldn't bear
the loneliness any longer.  She would deal with his attack when it came.  "I
will show you the way."

He was unlike the others.  He kept telling her things which were surely too
fantastical to be true.  She knew that she could expect lies, but such
obvious ones?  And he kept calling her Snowie.  She asked him what he meant
by that, but he just laughed.

Finally she felt it was necessary to do something... so, when they reached a
quiet area, she began casting spells at him.  To her surprise, they worked
and he ran in terror.  When she caught up, she thought he would be angry, but
instead he was laughing.

How did it happen that he started accusing her of trying to use him?  She
listened to all of it ... and wondered if he could really be so afraid.  She
knew she could not go about by herself, particularly in her position.  She
told him of her situation.  She told him what she wanted... just someone to
travel with, a friend, someone to talk to.  Finally he gave her a long look
and said that he would trust her, and he would do what she asked.  And so it
was that she did not have to go about alone anymore.

She had heard whispers... about certain people who would plot against her.
Politically, from everything she had known from the moment these matters had
been spoken of, it was obvious of whom she should be the most wary.  When she
went to the surface it seemed that it was not uncommon for her to enter an
inn and find herself with one of her aunts.

It was torture then, to have to sit there and be polite, trying to avoid
showing the fear and hatred she felt for her at every moment.  Once she asked
to leave and was ignored for quite a long time, as she watched a
conversation... and a punishment.  She watched the others there with her, the
pleasure in their faces, and she longed to be away immediately...

The next night she found her aunt again, but this time she was alone, and
asked Xeno to join her at her table.  She was rather taken aback, and
frustrated that he had not arrived to meet her yet.  Trying to behave as if
she were comfortable, she sat down and made pleasant conversation with her
aunt.  When she was asked, she had to say that she was waiting for an
abbil... and of course her aunt had to know who.  She would  have preferred
not to say anything, but ... she would know soon enough, they were always
together.

"Wine?"

She tried to remember what she had been told, but it had been so long since
she had been with anyone she trusted.  She couldn't remember if it was
impolite to refuse, so she took the goblet when it was offered.  She held it
in front of her, swirling it around, wondering how long she could delay the
drink.  She saw her aunt watching, clearly amused.  It was then that she felt
him behind her.  Without a word she turned and handed the goblet to him, and
watched as he tasted it, nodded and handed it back to her.

"Nau, Xeno, poison would be too obvious."

Xeno looked back steadily after her first few sips of the wine.  "But if I
have someone to taste it for me, it would be foolish not to make use of him,
would it not?"

She was glad then that someone else came in demanding her aunt's attention.
She slowly finished her wine, and receiving permission to leave, she stepped
away, pulling on her cloak.

"A moment, Xenobea..."

"Xas?"

"Dos should not go about alone.  I would consider taking in my sister's
dalharil."

Xeno smiled.  "Bel'la dos.  That is very kind.  But you see, I am not alone.
I am with Modalex."

She came in the inn looking for Modalex, hardly paying attention to the
others who were there.  After she greeted him, another male present glanced
at her, and without a word to her, turned his back on her and began speaking
to Modalex.  At first she assumed that he must be a friend of Modalex's, but
then she saw the sigil he wore.  From Rilynt'tar.  As she stood there,
silently staring at him in disbelief, he looked back at her, with a strange
gleam in his eyes, and laughed.

"Do you have a problem?"

"Nau, it is dos that have the problem, Xenobea of the House that Never
Existed."

She glared at him, barely able to contain her fury.  "It is gone then?"

"Xas, it is."

"No one told me," she glared at him a few moments more.

"Would dos care for some wine, ust dalharil?"

"So now I get a title?  A few moments ago you would not even speak to me."

He smiled.  "Instincts die hard."  Without waiting for her answer, he brought
the wine and set it before her.  "I hope it is to your satisfaction."

She almost threw it in his face.  But she could not believe that he had
behaved so rudely out of ignorance, and she was curious to see what he would
do if she remained.  She looked at him stonily and handed the goblet to
Modalex.  When he returned it to her she took a small sip before placing it
back on the table.  She looked at his smug grin.  "You see, I am not alone."

"Do I look surprised to you?"

"I can hardly say whether you look surprised or not.  What did you say
before?"

"I asked if the wine was to your satisfaction."

"It will do."

"And what are your plans now, ust dalharil?"

"It depends what you mean."

"I mean, surely you have had offers."

"And I am sure you are very curious.  Yes, I have had offers."

Dilynrae entered the inn then.  To Xeno's surprise, he did not recognize her
either, and merely stared at her.  After they exchanged greetings, Xeno stood
and whispered a few words to Dily.

"You have been very rude to both Xenobea and me."

He looked at Xeno, smiling.  "Have I been rude?"

"I have never been treated so rudely by a male in the temple."

She listened as he begged forgiveness.  She could not give it.  She wondered
if her grand-ilhar knew of his behavior, and how she could condone it.  He
was not a young boy, surely he must know enough not to deliberately alienate
her.  He had even spoken of the offers she had received.  As she turned to
leave, she looked back at him.  "I will be sure to tell my grand-ilhar how
very kind you were."

She wondered why her grand-ilhar would have instructed him to behave like
that.  If she had not, Xenobea was certain that she did not want to pay a
visit to a house where the males were allowed to behave like that.

(to be continued)Skorp, The Autobiography - Part 3
(submitted by: ITB Skorp)

   Now that you know the short pathetic story of my twin, let us move on to a
more intresting topic dear reader. Me. During the time that my fool brother
left ITB, I grew in skill  and prospered. During the early years of
Neverwinter, I traveled with the likes of Cormyr, Silent, Allure, Drunk and
Gawain. All of the citizens of Neverwinter knew, that to enter the
Neverwinter Woods was to entertain a certain death at the hands of a horde of
ITB's. 

  Those were the ways of my youth, spent watching my elders, learning from
them and perfecting the art of the kill. Those days were carefree for me,
those days were special. However, the times changed slowly, and Neverwinter
grew. New territories formed, and, the woods slowly emptied out as the
citizens of Neverwinter traveled different routes, abandoning the woods to
HOUSE ITB.

  Things grew tiresome, and, we began to split up. Instead of traveling in
packs, we traveled alone or in pairs, exploring the new areas, finding the
new routes, and finding new treasures. Vortex took comand of House ITB, and,
competitions opened throught the realm to test the battle skills of worthy
opponents. Vortex quickly took the champion's position, and he and Gawain
took the doubles crown. Meanwhile, I joined as well, and slowly crept up as
well, moving into the top ten with impressive warriors like Lilyth, Master
and Wrath.

 Eventually Votex stepped down. There was some internal trouble in ITB, and
Scorn became GM for a short period. Lich organized a coup, and, took the spot
from Scorn. I agreed that Scorn should not lead House ITB, but, I did not
agree that Lich was the man for the job. At that time, some one mentioned
that perhaps I should run against him, but, I did not feel worthy of leading
the ITB's at that time.

 It was not long after that, that I decided to run for a AGM spot that opened
up. I ran against Ashlar, and, we had quite the mudslinging election. I won,
mostly do to my campaigning among the younger ITB's, and, Ash and I became
close friends after spending a week ripping each other apart.

 I was now The ITB AGM of Internal Affairs. Warboss.Time to build the war
machine.Journey from Elythanar
(submitted by: KaTishya)

       I make the very long journey back to Elythanar. It has been a few
months since I have seen my home.

--Thinking back on those few days before I left--

     Being dropped from Ust to Llarnbuss had hurt much, but to prove myself
truly worthy of being Ust is more important to me at this time. Being born
into a position does naut prove a position, so I must find a way to let all
know that I have earned it and any other position that I may seek.  I must
prove my worth, but how? How can I really prove myself. Hmm...perhaps if I
journey out of Neverwinter I might find the solution to the problem I seek. 

     Knowing the Malla Ilhar Mavralyn to be distressed with my wishes I
prepare myself and go seek her permission to leave. She does naut like it but
she agrees that I should be allowed to prove myself worthy. 

    Having her permission, I go back to my room and retrieve what belongings
I will need. By the time I finish packing it is late. Most people will be
snug in their beds by now. It is a good time to depart so I pick up all that
I am bringing and leave Elythanar. I follow the shadows with one peek over my
shoulder back at the only home I've ever known and the home I care for so
deeply. I pull myself together and continue on without another look....

>To be continued<

Yathrin Katishya
Ust Dalharil d'ElythanarSkorp, The Autobiography - Pasrt 4
(submitted by: ITB Skorp)

  Shortly after becoming a ITB Warlord, I found myself searching. Searching
for many things. Riches. Power. Women. I found all three, more than I could
have ever dreamed of. The riches came as I started up a small side business,
King Bookie Enterprises, now Neverwinter's oldest and most respected betting
establishment. I had a very good grasp of the stregnths and weakness's of all
of Neverwinter's major players and guilds. The odds making portion of the job
came easily, and within a few short months KBE had made well over 10k jewels.

  The power came quickly as well. Lich was not a very assertive Grandmaster,
and Faust was overwhelmed by the applicants who wanted to be counted among
Neverwinter's toughest. So, I saw the gap and took it. Shortly after becoming
a Warlord, I started forging a loose alliance of all the dark guilds of
Neverwinter. We united for a short time, and mached as one upon the forces of
good in Neverwinter. One by one, all of the guilds fell. OGS, TP, UDL, SOL,
KAAOS and the other sanctioned guilds all fell until only ITB and The Night
Masks remained. Then, the Masks fell before House ITB just like all the
others.

As Warboss of ITB, I had taken the guild and formed it into a highly tuned
War Machine, unstoppable by any. We had such powerful members, the best in
the business, and, I knew each members skills and with that, they were
unbeatable. 

ITB won many other things during this time, King Bookie enterprises was
threatened by the Pirates of Neverwinter at one point, but, after chasing the
wily pirates around a bit, control of gambling in Neverwinter now belonged
again and foreverto House ITB. Only one time did the power of ITB shudder.
The gods turned their back on ITB on fateful day. The War Machine was
outnumbered by SOL troops almost 2-1, but, the mighty ITB's had inflicted
massive casualties upon the SOLs and brought their numbers down to and almost
equal amount, while taking only light casualties. Then the mischievis god
named punt ascended from his place in hell and took half of the ITB's with
him all at once, leaving only a handful of troops left. House ITB was pushed
back that day. However, I quickly regrouped the machine and attempted to
attack SOL again, however, they knew how lucky they had been to escape our
wrath, and, they hid from us, not willing to press their luck once again.

The Women....well....time for a new chapterA Blast from the Past
(submitted by: Slyman01)

     Rubbing my eyes, I woke up in the cold morning air of The NeverWinter
Woods. My eyes dart around as I quickly took a morning inventory, and smiled,
for everything remained.  I sat up, chilled to the bone by an evil wind that
came out of nowhere. I looked up at the large mountain at which I have called
home for the past year, for I have been exploring the Neverwinter woods for
quite a long time. I wrapped my black cloak around me, and glance over at the
smoldering fire. I wearily glance around the camp that I have made, and yet,
see none of my comrades, my companions that I once shared a bond so tight,
nothing could break it. Except time. 

Oh, how I had forgotten about time, what a horrible thing, time is. Really. I
wrap my arms around my legs and remember the time that I had saved some
friends from the Dracs, when they were out of control one battle.  I remember
my first visit to, uhm.. I forgot. Time.  There, I'm back to time again,
recalling thoughts of battles past. I remember all the great warriors that
were respected, their imagines forever stuck in my mind. I remember lovers
past. Oh how I once loved so much...Now nothing. I get up and stretch, still
recalling the friends and enemies of my past...... "I believe it is time for
me to return to Neverwinter." I smile, assured that I would be greeted a
heroes welcome! Why, I had survived Neverwinter Woods with ease... I had
explored it inside and out. Surely my friends had not forgotten! 

The first thought that races through my mind is the fact of my appearance. I
grunt, feeling the beard that time has grown. Time. Such a strange thing,
truly terrifying. And I've seen some pretty terrible things in my lifetime!
But none truly as terrifying as time. I shaved my beard, and cleaned up the
best I could from the local springs. I wondered what everyone will think when
I return...! Oh the joy.... I continue thinking that as I gather my stuff and
start out on the long return trip home. 

  These monsters are nothing anymore, I sigh as I tear apart a Owlbear. I
enter the fortress of NeverWinter, I glance around the dead streets. I only
see a few warriors, here and there. I recognize no one.  "Surely they are
around here somewhere...". I frantically run down the street and burst into
the inn where me and best buds would sit around and play poker while we
talked about yesterday's battles... But the Inn was empty. I saunter into the
town square, only to see unfamiliar faces. I see no one that I used to spar
with in the lost hills, or the friends that we used to march up to one
hundred orcs and spit in there faces! Where have my friends gone? I am alone
now...I have done my time in NeverWinter Woods, exploring, and I return to
nothing... I recognize no one.. not even the elite guards of Neverwinter!
What has become of them? What has happened? I return to the site where I met
my first true love...I see two young lovers, happily chatting away there... I
walk down the empty streets, ignored by one and all. I used to be somebody,
now I'm nobody. 

  What has happened to me? Who has done this to me? I know. The one enemy
that not even the strongest warrior or mage could ever fight.

Time.

I am alone. 

(PS - If you read this, and remember being a friend with Slyman01 in NWN,
please, e-mail me... I'd appreciate it))The Messenger
(submitted by: HG Kerowyn)

The crimson trussed woman reigned her small chestnut roan to a stop outside
the Guilded Horseshoe Inn and leaned forward in the saddle to think for a
moment.  Behind her, the final glow of a sunset sank rapidly behind Berun's
Hill, casting a golden amber luminescence over the town of Longsaddle.  It
had been raining earlier in the day, a turbulent thunderstorm that left the
Uktar evening feeling cool and refreshed.  Before long, a Harper moon would
replace the dying sun and hang suspended in the evening sky, waiting to greet
the Tears of Selune and dominate the heavens after the last trace of twilight
faded. 

Stepping down from the saddle, the woman breathed a deep sigh; skirting
several large puddles as she walked slowly towards the inn.  She had not been
within the Guilded Horseshoe for a long time and the memory of her last visit
still weighed heavily upon her heart.  The local inn was the openly
acknowledged gathering place of the Harpers of Neverwinter, and she wondered
how they would react to the edict she carried in her cloak from the Twilight
Hall in Berdusk?  Lord Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsen was not regarded in
Harper circles as the most tactful of men when it came to diplomacy, and the
woman was certain that the missive would be curt and to the point.  "Well, my
friend," she whispered nervously to Mistdancer; the roan's ears perking at
the sound of her mistress' voice.  "It's now or never; wish me luck!"

As the tavern door closed behind her, the aroma of sweet honey-meade and
fresh baked bread assailed the woman's senses; reminding her that she had not
eaten all day.  From behind a long, oak bar that ran the full length of the
tavern, an old crone with gray streaked hair looked up; raising an
inquisitive eyebrow in the newcomer's direction.  Her examination resulted in
a gasp of disbelief when her very old yellow eyes fell upon and recognized a
small silver pin upon the collar on the woman's cloak depicting a pair of
fused silver harps and crescent moons.  Only one Harper wore such a pin and
if this was the one of legend, it revealed to the old crone the owner's true
identity.

"Welcome friend," she cackled, stepping out from behind the bar and guiding
the Harper to a corner table at the far end of the tavern next to a great
smoldering hearth.

"It seems I have my choice of tables this night," the Harper smiled, noticing
that the inn was devoid of any other customers.

"Aye, milady," Bethseda acceded through a toothless grin, "it is early.  But
just you come back in an hour and you will be thankful for the peace and
quiet.  What kin I get fer ya?  A bit of sweet meats and a tankard of ale to
wash the dust of the road off yer gullet?"

"Yes, that will be just fine," the woman smiled, followed abruptly by an
unrefined abdominal grumble that caused the Harper to blush and the old crone
to grasp her own large belly as it shook uncontrollably with laughter.

As the Harper sat waiting for her food to arrive, the door of the inn opened
abruptly and a frigid gust of wind whipped across the length of the tavern,
stirring up the embers and rekindling the flames of the hearth.  As the woman
looked up to discern the cause of the disturbance, her fingers instinctively
reached for and tightened around the hilt of her trusty flail.  In the open
doorway stood the silhouette of a hooded man, his tall, wide torso and
sweeping dark blue cloak filling most of the doorjamb.

"Lo! Close that door will ya?" Bethseda shouted as she emerged from the
kitchen located behind the bar.  "And wipe yer dirty boots!  By the Gods JB,
were ye raised in a barn?"

The burly man, heedless to the ranting of the old woman, swaggered brashly up
to the bar; a trail of muddy foot prints in his path.  "Now calm yourself
Beth my love," he chuckled, pushing the hood of his cloak back to reveal a
disheveled mat of black, shoulder length hair, "and bring me the largest
flagon of your best meade."  

Bethseda cast JB a scathing stare, as she deposited a large bronze tray laden
with steaming bowls of hot, pungent meats, savory vegetables and a large
flagon of spicy ale to the woman.

Turning to look at the woman sitting at his usual table, the man flashed a
toothy smile and bowed low from the waist.  "Do not get up, milady," he
chuckled, "I will take a seat at the bar where . . ."  He did not finish the
sentence, choking on the final words when he eyed the unusual Harper signet
on the woman's collar.

"Nonsense," the woman responded and added, "please join me," offering him the
flagon of ale and indicating the empty chair across the table from where she
sat.

JB smiled.  "That is most gracious of you, he grinned, removing his wet cloak
and hanging it to dry alongside the hearth before easing his weary frame into
the stiff, high-back chair. Your pardon milady," JB said after taking a long
draught of the ale, "but I could not help but notice the unusual signet upon
your collar.  It is not unlike my own.  May I take a closer look at it?"

The woman smiled and leaned across the table to afford a better view of the
Harper pin.  As she did, her cloak fell open, revealing the cleavage of her
bosom that caused JB to choke and cough on his ale.  "Forgive me," he
stammered.  "Who are you milady?"

"Do you know this signet milord," the woman asked?

"Aye, that I do.  But the woman who wears that double signet has not been
seen in this part of the Realms for a long time.  Are you ....?"

"I am called Kerowyn," the woman interjected and raised her hand as Bethseda
returned to place a fresh flagon of ale in front of the woman.  The old crone
frowned when she realized that she was not going to hear any fresh gossip and
walked back towards the kitchen, grumbling softly to herself.

"I bear a missive addressed to you from Lord Arunsen in Berdusk," Kerowyn
continued.  "You are the current council leader of the local contingent of
Harpers, are you not?"

"Why yes, I am."  "But, who are ..."

"It is all explained herein," she interrupted again, extracting the scroll
from within her cloak and sliding across the table to JB.  Raising the flagon
of ale to her lips, Kerowyn gazed across the table and waited.

The Harper council leader raised his mug as well, taking another long drink
from his flagon before picking up the scroll and breaking the wax seal
bearing the mark of Khelben Arunsen.

(To be continued)

HG Kerowyn
The Harper's Guild of NeverwinterKnight of the Court Quest - The Gallant
Prince
(submitted by: Sir Vayza)

     It was dreary morn' when I awoke in Daglo's Inn.  Not a good omen for
the beginning of the quest that the lovely Melliandra had given me to
complete...  "First, seek out the merchant ship which rests by a pier.
Sadly, it is no longer seaworthy.  Discover its name and tell me of the
mystery of her fate."...  Regardless, I new that I must fulfill my mission in
order to reach my ultimate goal...  to become a Knight of the Court.  I had
spoken to Lord Nasher a few days back and remembered him telling me of a
mysterious ship that drifted into Port Llast Harbor.  Perhaps this was the
ship that Milady had spoken of...  it was my only lead.  I gathered my
belongings and set out on foot to the north, making my way throught the
Wharehouse District and Windy Cliffs.

     Eventually I made my way to the Griffon Inn in Port Llast.  For a couple
of platinum, I rented a room to use as my base of operations.  Luckily, the
Port Llast Harbormaster was located next to the inn.  I entered this
establishment and asked harbormastor of the mysterious ship.  He replied,
"Aye, the Gallant Prince is here alright.  Appeared one morning, moored up
nice as can be, but nobody on board.  O' course, I haven't checked below
decks... and neither should you!".  Considering his ominous tone, I decided
to wait till the morning to investigate this ship for myself.

     I returned to the inn for my evening meal and some entertainment to
lighten my mood.  However, while sitting in the corner of the inn, I
overheard part of a conversation...  "Haljal, did you hear that another
adventurer was found floating dead in the water?"  The man called Haljal
breathed a deep sigh, "'Tis said that they do not send word to Lord Nasher
for help to stop this endless slaughter."  I did not know whether this was
connected to the Gallant Prince, but it definitely did not lighten by mood.
Dejectedly, I returned to my room to get some sleep.  Alas, my peaceful
dreams turned to vivid nightmares...  I saw myself upon a broken ship being
stalked by shadows.  I could feel their presence all around, but could not
see them.  They began to close in on me.  Three mysterious hooded figure
separated from the shadows.  One slowly began to remove its hood...  But
before its face was revealed to me, I awoke in a cold sweat.  Much too my
relief, it was dawn and the sun was just cresting over the harbor.

     Eagerly, I dressed myself and set out for the Gallant Prince.  With all
the gloom surrounding, I was in a hurry to finish my mission and return to
Neverwinter.  I noted two signs as I reached the pier...  A beautifully
carved wooden plaque, which said 'Port Llast Pier', and a paper sign attached
to it which said:  'DANGER!  DO NOT ENTER!'  "This is not good...", I though
to myself.  Looking up, I noticed a large merchant ship before me, her
surface cracked and pitted, her sails gone.  A name could still be read on
her bow:  'THE GALLANT PRINCE'.  "... and it is not getting any better!"

     Slowly, I approached the ship.  A watchman stopped me and said, "You can
go down that hatch if you want to, but not me!  No, sir!  This ship set sail
from Waterdeep  with a full crew, and she drifted here a week later with no
cargo, tattered sails, and lookin' like she's been at sea for 5 years.  Looks
like somethin' ate her and then spit her out, she does!  And there wasn't a
man on 'er, no, sir!  At least no man that is alive!  Not that we searched
all o' her, mind you, but it's been days and not a man's come up one deck!"
"Thank you,"  I replied as I lifted the hatch, "that's just what I wanted to
hear."  I descended into the darkness below the decks.

     I removed a stone with a Continual Light spell cast upon it, and began
to search the ship.  The first rooms I encountered must have been where the
food for the crew was kept, but only a few empty wooden cases and barrels
remained.  The next set of rooms contained bunks stacked neatly throughout,
marking them as the crews quarters.  Entering the next room, I was attacked
by three phase spiders.  I instantly reacted with a fireball, before they
could phase out.  All that remained was the charred corpses of these foul
arachnids.  I noted a small door in the western part of the room.  Upon
entering, I felt a sudden sense of lightness, as if I were floating on air.
I realized that this was exactly what was happening, as I approached the dark
opening above me.

     As my feet came down on the floor, three ravenous ghouls jumped from the
shadows and viciously attacked me, craving human flesh.  I called upon the
power of Helm, and they crumbled to dust before me.  Thinking the battle was
over, I let my guard down.  A huge skeletal hand swatted me to the floor.  I
realized my nearly fatal mistake as I noted the two Giant Skeletons that had
been hidden by the shadows.  I quickly sprang to my feet, prepared to melee
my huge opponents.  The battle was difficult, for they had the advantage of
size and strength, but in the end I was victorious...  and their shattered
bones lay all around me.

     After the battle, I turned to survey the room, fearing that more
creatures may have remained undetected.  However, I discovered a man lying in
a corner.  He appeared very pale and as I approached him, I could see why...
his skin was hardened into stone.  "I am the last...the last seaman of the
Gallant Prince.  They have turned me slowly to stone to force me to help
them, always promising to cast..."  His voiced trailed off.  "Who is it?  Who
has done this too you?"  I implored him.  I could see the spell that had been
cast upon him was working faster every moment.  The man turned to speak.
"First it was the pirates...from Luskan, I saw there coat of arms.  Then..."
The seaman stiffened into death, a crumpled statue lying at my feet.  As I
stood, the floor opened beneath me and I floated gently down to the level
below.

     I found myself in the captains quarters.  Two large chests had been
smashed and were empty, and the once-beautiful silken bedlinens smelled of
ghastly visitors.  From the darkened corners of the room, I detected the
sound of objects thrown with great velocity.  Spears!!!   I hastily fell to
the floor.  Returning to my feet, I found that four huge Bug Bears had
surrounded me.  Holding my breath, I cast a Cloud Kill spell upon myself.
Unaware of my intentions, the Bug Bears inhaled the deadly air and were
instantly killed.  Through the haze of the cloud, I could just make out the
shape of a very large, green and foul smelling creature...  a troll.  I
stepped out of the cloud just in time to block a swipe of his huge claws.  I
retaliated with a blow from my magical blade, but the wound immediately began
to heal.  Realizing that even if I were to defeat this beast, he would
eventually regenerate...  possibly forming even more trolls, I cast a burning
hands spell.  The troll burst into a fiery mass...  quickly burning to ash.

     Fatigue began to set in, but I new I must continue.  There had to be
more clues and there was still a part of the ship I had not yet explored.
Again, I found a small room and was lifted through a dark hole in the
ceiling.  This time, three hooded figures emerged from the shadows...  my
nightmare had became reality.  One lowered its hood...  it was a medusa!  I
raised my mirrored shield and avoided her gaze.  The room grew deathly
silent.  Cautiously I peered over the edge of my shield.  The medusa was
rapidly turning to stone and her companions watched in amazement.   Using the
distraction to my advantage, I cast a Hold Monster on the remaining medusas.
Paralyzed with their hoods up, they easily fell to my blade, there acidic
blood burning through the wooden planks of the ship.  As I sheathed my
weapons and prepared to go, I noticed a number of brass buttons on the floor,
with a familiar-looking coat of arms.  I grabbed one, knowing that it would
be important to back up my words with hard evidence, when I returned to Lord
Nasher with all that I had learned.  Again, the floor opened beneath me, and
I floated gently to the level below.

     I decided that this new could not wait...  I left the Gallant Prince and
set out for Neverwinter, returning too the Griffon Inn only to gather my
belongings and to settle the bill.  Using the moonless night to my advantage,
I stealthily made my way back to Neverwinter, avoiding any encounters.
Although it was late, I was granted an audience with Lord Nasher.  I had
convinced the guards that this news could not wait.  I explained to Lord
Nasher all that I had learned...  afterward, he took the brass button.  "This
coat of arms is that of Luskan, and it confirms my fears that it is the
captains there who lie behind out troubles."  Despite this bad news, Lord
Nasher thanked me and I was rewarded with a magical scroll and 100 gold
pieces.  "Thank you Milord," I replied, "but I do not require a reward.  I
only ask that I be allowed in the plans to thwart the evil captains of Luskan
and their plan to control the Sword Coast.  Neverwinter is my home and I wish
to protect it at all costs!"  At this he smiled and nodded, "'Tis very noble
and honorable of you, Sir Vayza.  I would be most grateful for your aid."

Sir Vayza
Lord Warrior Knight of the Knights of the Order

***Diclaimer of sorts***
Many of the quotes and descriptions were taken from the game itself.  I
bascially wrote this story around events that occur in Neverwinter while on
the Brass Button Quest.(submitted by: Kymil Nimn)

Congrats to Delracnid, who won a Necklace of IceStorms.  At the Guantlet of
Chaos Booth Monday 11/18/96. And congrats to  5 others who survived the Booth
to recieve Amulets of Health.

Look for the Next Guantlet of Chaos to appear soon.....

Kymil Nimn
GOC GM(submitted by: RouseE)

16 November 1996

     That night RouseE and his Guild Brother WGBT had consumed quite a bit of
Ale and somehow got into a discussion on who in NeverWinter could best hold
their breath.  They soon concocted and Idea that would answer their question.
After a bit of persuading they were able to talk NW Vic into sending out a
call for brave adventurers to be put to the test.

****Come One Come All!  To the WinterGuard Breath Holding Booth****

    Sometime during their discussion they had wonderd into the Manticore Lair
in WindyCliffs and decided to hold the (as WGBT had dubbed it) Breath Holding
Booth there. Soon they began to trinkle in.  Then suddenly the Cave was
filled with all types of adventures. NOR Faith, Bannwyn, SIR Vayza, AKH
Night, NOR Aldric, Soul Prey, Grimsbane, RD Thunder, Hells Evil, King Nashr,
Sp0ck KOM, and SK Majystc all voluntered to give the wacky contest a try.

     NOR Faith was the first to enter the Cloud Kill conjured by RouseE.
After four rounds she exited having sucked in a mere 18 points of damage. Her
ability shined for neither Bannwyn nor SIR Vayza were able to accomplish such
deed.  Then AKH Night showed an equal talent in the closed mouthed skill.
Inhaling only 18 points of damage also.

     It seemed a tie breaker would be in order for NOR Aldric was unable to
accomplish such a deed.  But then Soul Prey entered the poisoness cloud and
It was discovered who really had lungs of steel.  On two consecutive rounds
this great container of oxygen only suffered a mere 1 point of damage,
stepping out after the fourth round with a total of 15 points of damage.

     Grimsbane, RD Thunder, Hells Evil, and King Nashr, tried but to their
disdain failed in their attempt to recreate such a feat.  Although I must say
that Grimsbane was able to withstand the four rounds and suffer only 17
points of damage.

The Winterguardians' question answered, RouseE bestowed Soul Prey with a
Cloak of Protection +3 as a prize and convince NW Vic to announce his
accomplishment throughout the realm.

Thank you all for joining in the fun!  Watch those banners for more
Winterguard Booths, Coming Soon to a Realm Near You!

-RouseE
Winterguard Events(submitted by: ITB Teddi)

ITB Teddi silently walks to the gates of the ITB compound, and places a
notice upon the wall.  The lass smiles, and then walks off twirling her
beloved flail Shriek above her head.  As the screams from the flail fill the
air, Teddi knows her evening of fun ordering about (and torturing a bit) the
slaves who were working on readying her new tower was about to begin now that
business was tended to!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Let it be known that applications to House ITB are to now be sent to the new
Czarina of membership - ITB Teddi.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-Teddi-
Czarina of Membership
ITB Warmistress(submitted by: REDD IZ)

20. Everyone at Medievel Times lets the green knight hear it.
      "GREEN KNIGHT'S A WUSS!"  This leads to the green knights suicide.

19. ITB Onyx *every* time he saw somone (*note* it didnt matter if he had
asked before.)
      "Who are you?" or "Where are you from?"

18. NOR Ashtar sees a few kids walking through Disney and says...
      "Hey.. would you like to join NOR?"

17. Kh0lari.....   "Silver Shorts"

16. Chyanna right before knocking out for 12 hours after a drinking fest.
      "Guys I'm going to take a quick 5 minute nap and then I will outdrink
ya all"
       *note* the 12 hr deep sleep was followed by waking up in uknown room"

15. Always imitated but never duplicated the infamous words from George the 
      chief of security for the hotel and his flash light brigade.
     *2 knocks on any NWN Bash room followed by the words....."SECURITY"

14. MECH Sabre talking to MECH Vapor about some hardware problems.
      "Just some more vaseline and it will go in"

13.  APOK after just a few to many drinks
      "Woa, that celing fan has stamina"

12. TDogknight threatens any would be Shadow Alliance enemies.
      "I'll beat you with Devin Tir's LIVER!"

11. ITB ONYX.... again
     "Who are you?" and "Where you from?"

10. Ariel Noir from KAAOS in the Shadow Alliance room at the hands of
      TDOGKNIGHT.  "Please dont hurt me"

 9. The Medievel Times chant....
     "RED RED RED RED RED...etc." 
      *Note* for kaaos,  Now thats worship <grins>

 8. APOK finds the green knight at his new job and is quick to give his
     opinion.  "FRY GUYS A WUSS!"

 7, Whiteangl and company when asked where they slept.
     "We slept at 7-11"

 6. Devin Tir when asked what he lives on....
     "Sushi and alcohol"

 5. NWN Bashers get a toss warning from Medievel times during the joust
     "Would the Red section please stop calling the Green knight a wuss"

 4. ITB Xavier at Pleasure Island in Disney...
     "Mickey Mouse cut me off, says Ive had to many drinks"  This statement
     was followed by a *thud* as Xavier fell.

 3. Greenknight when approached by Ariel for a pic...
     "You want to take a picture with a WUSS?"

 2. Kh0lari standing behind Snow White during a picture...
     "That aint my finger!"

 1. Everyone after waking up on Monday morning, with no voice.....
     "What happen?"

RED
AGM
Shadow Alliance!
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