==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 166 Week Ending 12-29-96 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to V Memoria for winning last week's News of the Realm contest for her story entitled "Not All Triangles Have Corners". V Memoria has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes). Keep up the good work! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> As I'm sure many of you realize, the Pearl Plan data conversion has been completed and the hold on pearl transactions has ended. You are welcome to submit purchase and transfer requests! I'd ask however, that you please hold off on requesting pearl account balances as we will be sending a transaction summary and balance to each and every screen name that holds an active pearl account or registered pearl only items. When you receive that mail, please report any discrepancies you find by January 15th at midnight ET. We'd like to make sure everything has transferred properly into the new database! If we don't hear from you by that date then the account stands as we have it. Please do not send mail UNLESS you find a discrepancy. NW Oyster and I have been working to get all the mail out and deal with reported discrepancies. If you haven't received your mail yet, please do not worry, it's going to be in your box very soon. With over 2600 accounts to process, we're working from both ends of the alphabet and hoping to meet somewhere in the middle! Please be patient and understand that we're working as fast as we can to get this information out and adjusted! Thank you all for your understanding and patience! ;D Regards, NW Events <><><><><> <><><><><> ~*~*~Santa's Christmas List~*~*~ There are full write ups in the "Santa's Yearly Visit" folder in the Event Announcements & Discussion area. -- News Ho! Ho! Ho! Happy Holidays all and congratulations! ;D To Frothgar, who's been so very helpful to new people, Bracers AC 3! To Scylore, a lad of generous spirit, a shiny new Flail +3! To Vaderian, whose efforts to "try" to be good have gained him notice, Plate +3! And to Mcwhirt Jr, 2 pearls to save toward something nice! To Stagen, whose goodness shines about him, 6 pearls! Use them in good health lad! To Alisbyre, a drow lass who's too little to do any of that nasty heart ripping stuff, GOH Access!, Enjoy! To Guthwolf, who's never been good... well, except this morning helping a bro, 2 pearls and 750 jewelry! And to Maccleric, 2 pearls for a winter's day! To JP Force, a very good lad who's been helping new people learn their way, a Necklace of Ice Storms! To ERS Rune, who was so happy to see Santa he began speaking in tongues, 4 pearls! To Ravenioft, a man of few words, a Cloak of Displacement! And to FPL11350, 2 pearls to keep for a warmer day! To Bloodaria, a ranger lad who has been escorting others and being very helpful, a Girdle of Fire Giant Strength! Santa thought perhaps he liked the gift, use it to protect the forest. To Kwicwinds, a paladin who naturally has been very good, access to the Guild of Heroes! Well done. To LOK Patryn, a "dark" paladin who's "mostly" good, a gift to help him turn from his evil ways through self reflections, a Mirrored Shield +2! And to Fizzbane, a special gift of 2 pearls! To Thayia, quickest of feet and seriously full of spiced egg nog, a Necklace of Ice Storms! To V Insanity, who has helped a bit... sometime, maybe last week, 4 pearls! To Lev1ath0n, who helpfully has been assisting people to the gates safely, a diamond ring of her own! And to TP Tec, 2 pearls to save for something very nice! To Nashire, who happened to be in the right place at the right time, who's been a very good lad this year, helping new travellers - Bracers of Defense AC 2! To Sylverion, whose definition of "nice" and Santa's didn't entirely agree, but who has helpfully been showing new folks the gates, a Girdle of Frost Giant Strength! To SOM Keffer, a good if softspoken lad, his very own Necklace of Ice Storms! To Martgwyn, who told Santa how very good he has been... 2 pearls! And to Sir Ngalot, 2 pearls for a winter's day! To V Chyanna, congratulations and Happy Holidays, lass! Your goodness and generosity have earned you admission to the Guild of Heroes during my visit to the Tavern. Well done! To SK Wraith, a goodly lad of quick wits and feet, a Flame Tongue Sword! To Wizzgig, something he can use in return for his generousity, a Clerical Scroll (Cause Critical Wounds x3)! To Icey Wind, a paladin of stunning charisma and not altogether subtle persuasion, a suit of Elvin Chain +3! To G0d1va, a lad with an "interesting" sense of humor, a Wand of Lightning! To Dryn Taryk, a soft spoken ranger lad, who does the best that he may with what is given him, a beautiful set of Bracers of Defence AC 3! And to MPeters699, 2 perfect pearls! Congratulations all! ~ Santa <><><><><> <><><><><> Follow, Follow, Follow, Follow, Follow the Blood-Slicked Road! NWA Drake's Tour of Despair to the Floodblest Well! For the sins I've commited, may Tyr have mercy upon my soul. Having been entrusted with the crucial task of leading an expedition from the peaceful confines of the Neverwinter gardens to the well in the village of Floodblest, to bring to justice a certain mage rumored to be working foul magics upon the same, I quickly found myself blessed with a veritable army of eager and brave adventurers. Little did they know what foul darkness awaited them. Traveling through the desolate and crowded combat zone that Floodblest has become of late, our faces grim with battle lust as we hacked and slashed our way through a teeming ocean of lizards and snakes, we arrived at our goal. Covered in the dark ichor of many vanquished beasts, our group slid down into darkness -- our numbers already having been decimated in a long trail of death that marked our passage back to the very gates of Neverwinter itself. No picnic was this. Death lurked around every corner. Spells flew untrue, casting made treacherous through the dark arts of our nemesis -- The Dark Mage of Floodblest. My heroic companions cast stinking clouds that enveloped themselves, fireballs that covered all in a searing conflagration, leaving all of us broiled to a crisp. Owlbears appeared before us with the impossible strength of twenty men, then fell to our equally terrible vengeance. As we toiled through those dark caverns, life took on a sick nightmarish quality of its own -- a twilight world where death seemed the only solution. There was no quarter given, and none asked for -- they fell, as did we. When at last we had nearly reached our goal, the footsteps of the dark mage so close we could smell his stench whip our bloodlust to a frenzy, we were ambushed -- bamboozled, if you will, by creatures so horrifying and loathesome, we could think of little else to describe them than simply terrible. And blue. And large. They savaged our numbers, leaving sad ashen reminders of their murderous ways, and we pushed on -- there was no time to mourn. But, when at last victory seemed assured, when the reason for our dying, and our killing was at hand -- the devious beast escaped, leaving us to our sorrow and our anger. We flew through floodblest in a rage, driving before us all that tried to slow us down like leaves before a storm, and never did we stop until our shattered remnants of a once-invincible army returned to the soul-soothing confines of Neverwinter city, wherein we did report of our dark tragedy, and vow to someday return to extract vengeance. Just as soon as we could find another few dozen brave souls to sacrifice in the process. Here be scribed the names of those that joined us during the course of our Jihad -- may the Minstrels sing of our fallen for many seasons to come. Warlock222 Shadwcstr Brza Meames1298 Kaz23 Chad15803 TPA Noob Spoonlord1 Cer0 Grene Scratt SSB Remo Ky III Franyang Bella Red NWA Drake Dreadlord Duck Neverwinter Nights Remote Staff <><><><><> <><><><><> Pain Booth Winners - 12/24 Merry Christmas to all and a lil announcement that tonight's Booth of Pain winners here SSC Shana with a low score of 24 and ABK T Hntr with the high score of 42. Congratulations to you both.. NW Hobbes <><><><><> <><><><><> Lightning Bolt Booth Results - 12/28 Feeling electric today, I put out the call to the Realms to have brave souls test my lightning bolts. A crowd quickly gathered in the Warehouse District and one by one they stepped forward to try their luck. Those participating were: Sir Lerick, SOL Prism, BoboFetts, ITB Pompey, LOK Sengir, Jay Kom, Ist Hazard, Gumples, LOF Haplo, SOL Apollo, Brick59151, SOL Elr0nd, Maveric931, Storm Kom, and Burning Sun. I caught LOF Haplo and Maveric931 unawares during their first rounds, damaging each for a whooping 75 total points! In a "cast-off", Maveric931 staggered away the victor of the "Highest Damage" category, taking 71 more points of damage. Gumples (spelled right this time ;>) didn't even appear to notice my bolts, walking away strongly with only 33 points of damage and winner of the "Lowest Damage" category. Congrats to both and thanks to all who played. :D NW Sparkle <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* NEVERWINTER CALENDAR *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Keep an eye peeled for those Mini-Booths because they will appear when you least expect in different areas of the Realms! Can you be at the right place at the right time when the NW calls for a location? Keep your eyes and ears open for these events! Watch for the banners! <><><><><> <><><><><> New Player Tours: Join the following staff members for a tour of the Realm: December 29th Sunday 4:00 PM EST - with NW Ember. January 2nd Thursday 7:00 PM EST - with NWA Drake. January 4th Saturday 12:00 PM EST - with NW Kishpa. Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> Yule week was off to a hot start with the Tavern Game of Ice Hoops. Thirty-four patrons asked Spryte for a chunk of ice to toss into the floating circle in the hot tub...LRD XCEED was closed to the mark with a toss of 5. The night of Yule observed the Winter Solstice, and celebrated the Spirit of Giving as well. Throughout the Taverns, gifts were given. GreySavant had his magic sashling, and his well-thought-out gifts were appreciated by all and sundry. NW Santa even made an appearance, providing V Chyanna with a magic scroll entitling her to GOH access. In celebration of the Yule, there were two winners of the evening, the two equal distances from NWT Mystri's magic number: SK Majystc & Cujo1127. Friday night kicked off with a wedding before hours, as LightFox and Lord Gunnar were joined by GreySavant. During regular hours several new songs were heard, from OMM Clong and GreySavant, as bards KiheBard, V Memoria, Dreadl0k and others cheered the Tavern with their music. The dance floor was busy as well.. Next week,the Yule celebration is continued with Soal Cakes; break them open to find the number inside, and if it matches Spryte's roll, it will win the prize! On New Year's Night, tell of the Quest you plan and post about it, and you will win the prize of the evening. Friday night is Paladin Knight, as those most fair of Knights join us for an evening...best Paladin role play will win that eve. The Sisters' Tavern in the Great Hall is open MWF from 11pm to 1am EST in the Great Hall..Join them for an evening of fun, frivolity, and great RP! ~The Roving ReporterA Single Kiss (submitted by: GreySavant) Talanithus walked through the Great Hall Tavern doors, the chill winter wind blowing fierce behind him. His shifting black cloak was pulled tight about his body, doing it's best to preserve what warmth remained after Tal's evening journey. As he threw his cloak back to greet the warmth of the Tavern's fires, Grey's beautiful Blue Crystal plate mail's many facets began to twinkle and shine in a blue aura about him. With hands still numb from the season's fury, Talanithus unstrung his great black bow and placed in his quiver across his back. Then he turned to the Tavern's patrons, and through lips still numb from the arctic winds, spoke, "Vedui' Tel'Mithrim, and Greetings to all of you Edan." Tizer, the guildmaster of the Tel'Mithrim, spotted Grey's form in the Tavern door and called out his own greeting, "Vedui', Grey... Come sit with us!" His cry, however, fell upon deaf ears, for Talanithus was intent upon only one body in the crowded hall. His keen Tel'Quessir eyes had spotted the form of the lovely Spryte, her face aflame with her exertions and eyes glowing with a beautiful inner light. Ignoring the hails from the rest of his friends and companions, Tal walked over to where Spryte stood by the fire, his face intent as he reached into his magical sashling and pulled out a black box and a single red rose. He laid the box on the counter and turned to Spryte with a wry grin on his features. "These are for you, a small gift to bear testament to the love I hold inside." said Talanithus, stepping closer as he presented the rose, "a red rose, to symbolize my heart, which beats only for you..." Spryte looked upon the rose, a blush crossing across her features as she lowered her eyes and reluctantly grasped the rose by it's stem. "Thank you, heruamin. I,.. I do not no what to say...." "I do not wish for you to say anything, my love. Simply grace me once again with your kiss, that I might feel the sweet nectar of the gods again." Spryte's blush turned even redder, her face turning away from the tavern as she sought a response to Tal's bold plea... Before her heart could find her words, Tizer had clad out again, "Grey!!! Come here, this man needs your priestly help!" Talanithus, distracted by his Heru's call for his powers, turned from Spryte to look upon a strange scene. A human stood before the Tel'Mithrim table, a tattoo of Lloth's Spider Demon prominent upon his forehead. His countenance was dark and twisted, and it appeared that he was set to wreak some sort of havoc... Tal turned once again to Spryte's lovely form, only to see her wrestling still with the words of her reply. "Forgive me, my sweet lovely one, but Coreelon's duty requires my presence. Please pardon my abrupt withdrawal." said GreySavant with a quick bow. Then he turned and sprinted to his comrades side, throwing his cloak back and readying his sword for battle. Tizer stood before the table, one hand upon the Lady Nalynn's arm, as the two stared with disbelief and recognition at the stranger who stood before him. "This man looks to be Nalynn's past husband, long since lost in battle." "That is not my husband!!!" yelled Nalynn, her face flushed with anger, "He would not wear the symbol of the Dark Spider Queen upon his brow! Who ARE you!?! Why do you come as such!? Do you seek to trick me with sorcerer's games?" Tal stood confused, uncertain of how to approach this strange situation, yet sure his powers were needed. "Use Coreelon's power to see what evil holds this man!" yelled Tizer as he pushed Nalynn behind him and prepared to draw his sword. Tal stood before his Tel'Mithrim brothers, his fury dark upon his grey countenance as he raised his hands forward and yelled to the dark figure, "CORELLON!!! Master of the Tel'Quessir, Guardian of the Tel'Mithrim. HEAR my CALL! Give me sight, so that I might perceive the evil before me! Give me knowledge, so that I might bring glory to your name!! Render your infinite power unto me, so that your people might TRIUMPH!!" With the last word, a strange blue light began to play about the circlet bearing Corellon's symbol upon Tal's brow. Tal's eyes began to glow with that same blue light, and it appeared almost as if he were growing, his body becoming larger and more powerful. Two blue rays of fire bolted from Talanithus' eyes to strike the creature, outlining him in a mystic blue fire. "He is possessed by the Spider Queen!" gasped Grey as his sword whipped out in a lightning fast arc, "A minion of her foul service, no doubt, come to seek vengeance on those not of the Mori'Quessir!!" Then the man began to glow with a sick black aura, his form shifting from human to that of an enormous spider. His black mandibles dripped a poisonous ichor as his multi-faceted eyes swiveled to face Nalynn. Then it began a slow advance across the tavern floor, spitting out dusky grey webs as it's multiple legs pushed its way to before the Tel'Mithrim table. With that, the other Tel'Quessir who sat around the table left off any pretense of guarded wariness, blades drawn forth with the intent to slay Lloth's servant. Jared Syn and the Huntress stood side by side, longswords laid bare to the Tavern's fiery light, as VonWildcat Strongbow took Nalynn's opposite flank, ready to defend her from this beast. Strick Lightheart leapt upon the table, his fingers gathering components as he prepared to cast a spell as Laerithil strung his bow from the Tavern's rafters and prepared to loose his deadly fire. "WAIT!! Wait!!" yelled Spryte as she ran between the upcoming melee, "There can be no fighting here. Bare no Blades and Cast no Spells... Stop this at once!" Confused by the sudden appearance of his lovely Spryte, Talanithus leapt before the waiting Tel'Mithrim, his only thought to prevent the harm of his dearest love. As he leapt before the beast, the pale fire again took hold of his form, and Tal began to scream into the air, "CORELLON!! I, your servant call upon your power! Free this man from the Spider Queen's chains! I COMMAND you, spawn of Lloth, BEGONE!!!" His guild mates streamed past him to bear upon the form, wrestling the creature to the floor. If they could not use sword and spell, they could at least use arm and elbow... But their wrestling was all too short-lived, for the creature began scream, a keen wail that sent shivers across ones neck, and it's violent twitchings prevented any from gathering to close. The Spider began to pulse, it's body twitching even faster as the Blue Fire again raced again across it's grotesque form. A foul black smoke began to fill the air above it as it's piteous screams filled the Tavern with their pain. Soon the smoke covered everything, and all stood in tense expectation of what had happened to the Spider. The smoke slowly began to clear, revealing the form of the same human, this one without the Spider tattoo upon his forehead. Nalynn still filled with anger that someone would use the form of her past husband for such a purpose, was bent on destroying it, butt Tizer's calmer request bore out more heed. "See what is left of Lloth's power, good Talanithus." said Tizer as he placed his arm about Nalynn's shaking shoulders. Trembling with the efforts of calling down such power as he had, Talanithus once again opened his sight to Corellon's vision. His face betrayed a strange complexity as he peered closely to the unconscious human, a frown etching its way across Tal's fine features. Turning back to Tizer and the others, Tal spoke, "Melloneamin, I do not understand what has happened here, but that Edan no longer bears the stink of Lloth. In fact, the only thought upon his head is that of Nalynn. He seems to know,.. ah.. remember you. His aura holds your trace. Do you know him?" Nalynn turned back to the unconscious human, her face drawn tight with the what appeared to be fear. "No... It can't be. He's dead! He died, I saw him... die.. to those horrible..." her speech broken as she begins to sob into Tizer's shoulder. Talanithus turned to his Lord Tizer and spoke, "Heru, I do not pretend to understand what has happened here this eve, but Corellon has showed me that this man is no longer Lloth's slave. His heart has been freed by Corellon's mercy, and that mercy points to Nalynn. What this all means is beyond me. Perhaps.." Tal's reply was silenced by allow moan from the strange man's lips. All turned to watch as his eyes began to flutter and a deep breath passed through his body. "Nall..yyynnn" was the quiet word that passed through his lips, a sound so faint that only those close could hear. "No," croaked Nalynn, tears still bright upon her lovely cheeks, "It CAN"T be. I don't believe it!" "Its mee.... ! Torm!" was the strangers weak reply, "was... captured... healed.. tortured... come home... Nalynn it is I!" The Tel'Mithrim stood shocked about this stranger, who appeared to be far more...Tal, not knowing precisely what was going on, but certain that this man needed to talk to Nalynn, reached out to touch him upon the forehead that once bore Lloth's dark taint, saying "Corellon, Heru of all Tel'Quessir, give unto this Edan the gift of life, as he spring flows from winter's cold." The man once again was flushed with the bright blue flames of Corellon's magic, his pale face glowing brightly as the fires burned about him. As they left, his expression turned to one of wonderment as he looked deeply into Talanithus' eyes and said, "You god must love you greatly, for I have not felt this good in many weeks, Grey one." Talanithus nodded wearily as he stood, wishing to himself that he felt the same... The Tel'Quessir gathered close about the man, helping him to a chair as they pulled his story out from him. Tal, weary from his summonings, wearily tracked his way over to the fire to rest and recoup. As he approached the warm blaze, Tal noticed the beautiful Elven Lady Memoria, her lute and flute resting near her as she sat by the fire. Summoning a smile to his tired body, Tal walked forward and bowed before her, saying "Vedui' Memoria. How fare you this cold wintry eve." Memoria glanced up at Talanithus' frame, outlined as it was by the fire's fiery light, and smiled that ghostly smile that seems so pretty on her pale features. "I am well, my lord. How are you?" A tired grin flew across Grey's countenance as he kissed Memoria's hand and said, "Well... I would not be lying if I said I had better days..." Memoria laughed and lowered her gaze, resting her arm upon her lap and idly stirring her fingers across her lute's strings. "Do you mind if I sit, fair one?" asked Tal as he reached for a glass of Fey on a nearby table. "Please, mellon. I do not mind at all." was Memoria's fair reply. With a practiced ease that belied the tired limbs Tal now bore, he bowed and sat beside Memoria upon the hearth. His fingers reached to pull his own harp from his magical sashling. "Do you remember your promise to me, fair Memoria?" asked Tal as he began to tune his instrument. "Yes, my Lord." was Memoria's timid reply, her eyes again downcast as she turned to face Tal, "I remember, but are you certain you wish for me to play with you?" "But of course, fair one. You are the very spirit of life when your fingers play across your instruments form. I could not ask for a greater compliment then your presence at my side." It was then that Tal began to notice a stranger upon a table close to the Taverns hearth where Memoria and he now sat. He seemed very intent upon Memoria and his conversation, and was playing with a slim dagger in his hands as he stared intently at the two. Tal was not quite sure, but he think he saw the glint of fangs in the stranger's mouth... yet then again, the light was quite bad and he was some distance away... Perplexed, he turned back to Memoria. "This is the music for tonight's little celebration, perhaps you would like to look at them while I speak with the lovely Spryte about the timing of our performance." said Tal as he passed her a simple parchment scroll bearing the symbol of a crescent moon. Memoria nodded, her eyes still downcast as Tal stood and kissed her hand again. Grey weaved his way through the tavern's busy crowd, for they seemed to flock within the Tavern this evening. Spryte was so busy that Tal had to wait quite a few minutes before she could speak to him. "Spryte," Tal asked, "I must ask you for a favor. A boon if you will." "Ask anything, heruamin, and if it be in my power it is yours." was Spryte's fair reply. "Well, I ask permission to sing a song for you,.. or rather,.. a song about you. As a small pittance of the affection I hold for you." Spryte's fair cheeks began to blush, till her face almost matched her auburn hair's brilliant beauty, her emerald eyes sparkling demurely as she stammered out, "My.. my lord. You may sing what you wish. I will not stop you." Tal reached down, his hand grasping one of Spryte's fair shoulders and pulling her close to him as he whispered, "But my love, I wish to sing only your desires... Can you not see that?" Spryte pulled away from Tal's grasp, her hands fluttering to her mouth as she jumped back into her work, clearing tables and grabbing empties with her golden red hair flying behind her. "Yes, Grey! Sing us a song!", yelled Tizer from where he sat at their table. His call was soon followed by other's of the Tel'Mithrim, each also begging to hear a song from the Tel'Mithrim Bard. "Very well then, I shall sing you all a song. But NOT the one for Spryte, it is not quite time for that one." said Talanithus as he glanced at Spryte's lovely form. "I shall sing you something from the early days of the Tel'Quessir, when we were the only ones to yet walk beneath Sehanine's fair moon and the forest's were rich for the singing of our voices. I will sing to you of the days when Corellon still walked the Realms, his wisdom passed to his bright children so that they might come to understand their beauty. Talanithus began to tune his harp again, saying, "The original name for this song has been lost in the history of the Tel'Quessir. From what we do know, it was written by the great Tol'Kien, a master bard whose magic brought happiness to many. I have named this piece, after embellishing a bit upon its wonderful framework, "Evermeet Beneath the Stars". In Evermeet ,where all Elven folk's roads end, however long, There is a sound of faint guitars and distant echoes of a song, For there the Tel'Quessir gather in rings Round the moon's fires whilst one sings And all about is Sehanine's night Not night as ours, unhappy folk, Where nigh the Earth in hazy bars. A mist about the springing of the stars, There trails a thin and wandering smoke Obscuring with its veil half seen The great vastness of Arvandor. A globe of dark glass faceted with light Wherein the splendid winds have dusky flight; Untrodden spaces of an odorous plain That watches for the moon that long has lain And caught the meteor's fiery rain - Such there is night. There on a sudden did my heart perceive That they who sang about the Eve, Who answered the bright -shining stars With gleaming music of their strange guitars, These were his wandering happy sons The Tel'Quessir on those aerie leas Where Corellon's unsullied garment runs In glory down his mighty knees. As the song ended, Tal stood to the quiet applause of the tavern crowd, and made his way back to the Tel'Mithrim table. As he sat, noticed that he no longer felt wearied from his past actions, and thanked Corellon for the gift of his strength. "What!" said one of the tavern patrons, "no dancing music?" "Yes," replied the crowd, "play something we might dance to!" "All right," said Talanithus as he stood again, taking just enough time to finish a glass of fine Fey, "I will play something for you all.." Then he whipped up his harp and began to play a lively tune his fingers dancing once again as he offered his praise to his Lord Corellon in song and dance. The Tel'Mithrim began to walk onto the dance floor, hands about each other as they strove to forget tonight's strange events. Some of the patrons were even so bold as to ask the Ladies of the Tel'Mithrim to join them upon the floor. Tal stood from his seat, harp still ringing with his song, and followed his guild brothers onto the floor, dancing with them as he played his heart's song. Too those who danced close to him, he appeared to be lost, almost as if In a trace, his eyes closed and fingers strumming their lilting tunes. As the song began to progress, Talanithus moved in front of Memoria's seat, his opening to focus upon her seated form. "Come, Lady Memoria, pick up your flute and play. Let the heart free from its constraints to sing upon this evenings air..." With a smile and small nod, Memoria picked up her exquisite flute, its ruby gems winking in the tavern's fire light. Her nimble fingers sped along in a quick melody, matching so perfectly with Talanithus' harp that the two seemed halves of the same instrument. Then her pace began to quicken, taking a challenging tone to Tal's slower harp, and Tal redoubled his efforts, fingers whirling as he sought to surpass Memoria's flush of speed. The game waged back and forth, each seeming to gain first one advantage, and then the other. Then Memoria stopped with a laugh and said, "It is not fair, Heruamin, for me to tire you so when you have yet to finish the song you have begged my help for." Talanithus bowed before Memoria, an easy grin splayed across his features as he continued to play upon his harp, "Yes, my lady. Your words speak true.... Yet I am loath to leave my companions without a bard to ease their spirits." Then he bowed close to his harp, blue fire again racing through his dashing fingers, and the harp itself began to glow! Talanithus placed the harp next to Memoria, his fingers reaching once more as he bowed and kissed her hand. Yet, though Talanithus no longer played his silver harp, it continued to play. It's notes echoed across the Tavern's hall, each as lively as if Tal had played them himself, and yet there he stood, his instrument some distance away, and played still. It was a most beautiful magic, as only the Tel'Quessir could truly appreciate. Talanithus strode back to the Tel'Mithrim's table, his eyes again spotting the strange man whose gaze followed him from Memoria to his seat. Disturbed at why this man should watch him so, Tal mad a point to observe him throughout the eve, and poured himself a glass of Fey as he talked with his friends and guild mates. Tizer explained to Tal that Nalynn had gone running from the Tavern , her heart so sorely confused by the night's strange events that she could not understand the truth of her husband's return. Torm stayed the night through, though, and the Tel'Mithrim learned much of Nalynn's past. It was then that Talanithus began to notice an argument in the room. Lost in his conversation with Tizer, he had not noticed that the stranger and Lord Randym of the Camarilla were fighting among each other. What was even more perplexing was that they seemed to be fighting over Memoria! The strange man, who was named Tabbas, was telling to Lord Randym to stay away from Memoria, while Memoria sat beside the verbal argument in a state of almost tears. Tabbas claimed that he did not fear Randym's power, and that he would stand against him, if he had to. Lord Randym, was as pale as a banshee, his body trembling as he sought to uphold the Sister's peace within the Tavern. Lady Chyanna stood near to Randym, her hand upon his arm, and spoke soothing to word to calm his rage. Then the stranger, Tabbas, streaked out the door. Leaving a startled wake of shivering patrons as the wintry air blew harsh into the Tavern's warmth. Talanithus, fearing that his presence with Memoria was the cause of this trouble, proceeded to stride quickly into Lord Randym's audience, kneeling before him with head bowed. "Forgive me Lord Randym and lady Chyanna, I feel perhaps that I may have been the cause of that man's ignoble outburst, for I noticed him watching as I spoke with Lady Memoria this eve." Memoria also bowed before Randym, her voice shallow and quiet as she said, "No, Lord Randym, it is I. I had no idea that Tabbas would be so... so... jealous. Please forgive me." The rage in Lord Randym seemed to quickly pass, his eyes coming to rest on Tal and Memoria's forms, "Nay. It is not you who have offended me so, Grey and Memoria. You have nothing to ask my forgiveness for." Then he turned back to his Lady, and they seemed lost to each other. Tal took Memoria's arm and pulled her to a corner of the room, where a quick and whispered conversation ensued. Tal seemed relieved of some burden, for he straightened his shoulders and laid a consoling arm upon Memoria's shoulder, who was only now gaining back her regal composure. With a another bow and a kiss to Memoria's pale forehead, Talanithus stood and retrieved his harp, stilling it's music with a soft word. Talanithus walked to the bar, his eyes seeking Spryte's lovely form as he began to mutter a quick spell. As he reached the bar, the din of the patron's speaking and carousing began to quiet, until when he reached Spryte's side there was a strange quiet all about. Tal kneeled down upon one knee before the beautiful Spryte, his hands cradling his harp as he turned and motioned for Memoria, who followed him with lute in hand. Slowly and quietly they began to play an achingly beautiful song, their music weaving together like dancers under the Moon's full sky. Then Talanithus began to sing,... A feast for eyes, that all behold, With hair as burnished autumn's gold Her beauty fair hast stolen my heart, Every eve that closes I loathe to part I cannot think where thought hath flown To leave me bereft of what time has sown Careful years have massed their strengths Yet blown away in all their lengths Spryte's most casual endearing glance Has lost me in it's timeless trance I pledge to you, in Corellon's name To never give your heart a shame. Just kiss me once, that's all I ask So I might feel love's tender grasp. His words echoed throughtout the silent hall, their presence a poignant testament to the depths of Talanithus feelings. Applause drifted from the hall as patrons began to shake of the reverie the music had lulled them into, and not a few eye's were found christened with tears. Memoria bowed and unobtrusively made her way back to her fireside seat, leaving Talanithus kneeling still before her form. Tal's hand reached out to grasp Spryte's hand, his voice wavering with emotion as he spoke, "Spryte, know that I love you. I want more then anything to realize that love with you. To fufill our greatest destiny as we stride into a future together. I want to hold you, to love you, to be everything to you. Kiss me, Spryte. Let me feel those strawberry fields once again. I cannot live after this, for I have tasted the nectar of the gods in your sweet lips and I will never be the same." Spryte stood before Tal, her face flushed red from the force of Tal's feelings. Her voice seemed unable to speak as she stammered,.. "Ohh.. heruamin. I need time! I cannot be so free with my love that I... that I...." "That you what! That you allow yourself to Love! What do you fear, that I cannot protect you against. What danger lurks, that I cannot conquer! I am yours, my lady. Command me. You have but to seal my heart with your sweet kiss." Spryte, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions that poured over her, wrenched her gaze from Tal's bright stare, her emerald eyes searching for peace in a Tavern of onlookers. Her fingers picked at the rose Tal had given her, yet she could not find peace. Tal grasped her hand and said, "Spryte. I need to know your heart is true. I feel in my soul that you are to be one with me, yet I see nothing but distractions in your words. Give me some hope that I may love you still, and I will love you evermore!" "Oh, heruamin. I am so drawn, yet I fear... I do not know what I fear, but I fear it so..." and with that she tore from Talanithus' grasp, and fled to her tables to loose herself in her work. Talanithus looked on, his eyes grown cold as he watched Spryte leave. Then he spoke in a soft voice as he rose from his knee, "So be it." With a glance to the box he had brought for Spryte earlier, Talanithus Tarant gathered his cloak close and walked into the misty night's winter chill. He had left behind the warmth of Tavern and friends, and perhaps he left more then that, for his heart was colder then any wind that blew across his path. He had loved and lost once, and now it seemed he was to loose yet again what he cherished so.... May Corellon help him... Your Humble Servant, Talanithus Tarant The Grey Savant of the Tel'Mithrim Priest of CorellonLost (submitted by: NorValjean) I find myself alone for the day, the land is full and they are not admitting anyone else to enter the gates of the ancient city of Never Winter. I can not say my day was uneventful, to tell the truth much was accomplished, as usual I woke up early to do my typical paper work, a little more then usual but after a few hours my desk was clear. Quickly getting dressed I ran out to go in search of a little green guy from some old Christmas tale, the little thief had stolen all of Duke Raider's Christmas gifts and managed to hide them. Well, today would be different, close on his tail, I followed him to South Wall, astounding enough before I could catch up to him, he assaulted Squire Court Solon by calling him names and then high tailing it out of there. Once I arrived, the discouraged Solon looked at me strangely, "Funny you should arrive, the thief just came through here, and I think he vanished, and now you stand before me?" Fumbled, I did not know what to say, I merely explained that I was hot on his trail, and it led me here, I was excited he had seen the thief for it was only yesterday that he had feebleminded me with a brick, attaching a clue to his whereabouts. Not to my surprise Solon did not believe me, but I was momentarily distracted by messages from Port Llast that Squire Court Fax was hot on the foot steps of a thief named GrinchNor that fit the descriptions he had. None the less I had to swear to both these young eager adventures that I was not the thief, with my word as a Count of the Guild of the New OutRiders taken, Squire Honor Durbin and Squire Jag also helped in finding the next clue, which read, "You stand accused of being a thief, the secret to Crossergate will spell relief." At the top and bottom we found the numbers 13 and 3, located on the back the word Book was circled, leading us to believe the thief would be in Vilnask tomorrow. Giving the hunt up for the day, I returned to my duties, I found one of my young recruits, Sir Darka, awaiting to travel with me some more, but I had better plans, we traveled to the beautiful gardens of Never Winter where a ceremony was held. Many other guild brothers and sisters joined us, after all had arrived I started the ceremony that would Squire NOR Darka into our fine guild, making friends quickly they suited him up with proper armor and took him off to get him some experience in the realm of beasts and monsters. It was late in the evening and still no word from my fiancee, I was not sure if I could go a whole day without at least hearing her voice, I daydreamed of her beauty as I made my way home to Port Llast. Running into OOR Babble at the inn, I asked how there guild was getting along, I was happy to find out he said they were doing well, he told me of his adventures with Squire Court Liam, and there run of the triple, I was happy to here of there questing and wished him the best as I bid him farewell. With my tasks all done it was time to have a little fun, I had just recently lost my bracers, and being a cleric/magic user, this was not a good thing, not to mention just the other night I had applied to join the NOR PvP ladder. This was the last day to free fight for placement on the ladder, but I was not going to fight with such high AC, I would be griffin meat to the crit. spell, I was lucky though, a good friend had a spare set of bracers for me, I only had to meet up with her. Waiting for my love and a friend, I decided to help the new Squire Darka get some experience while we collected scrolls for him to learn from and myself to store up for future battles. Fight after fight we collected our loot and decided to head back to the inn for him to train and myself to rest, but luck was not with me on this day, for admits the struggle with some mages I was struck on the head, and when I awoke I found myself outside the gates of Never Winter, pounding on the door they told me the city was full and to come back another day. I pleaded with them that it was my home, but they laughed and said that they had not heard that one before, I found myself walking all alone again, thinking of my missed love, wondering where she could be. Not too far from the city, I don't know how I found her, but there was my fiancee, Faith, sitting, angry, sad, and hurt. Worried I asked her if she wanted to go search strange lands, this took our minds off the chaos of our normal lives and brought the two of us closer together, but alas it was to late in the day to go adventuring again. Nothing I could say or do would cheer her up, it seems she was hurt emotionally by someone dear to her, and she sought only escape to cure her pain. Not wanting to hurt friends, she was unsure she should leave. Even worse she did not think could make it through the winter, and I too had noticed her health deteriorating. Oh, what a glow I found in her, vibrant, her fiery auburn hair and emerald eyes enchanted me, only being able to tell her how much I loved and cared for her, there was nothing I could do but listen to her story of sadness. In the end she told me she loved me and that she needed to be alone right now, and before I could return my love, she was a whisper in the night, and gone from my sight, alone in the darkness, I sat and looked up at the moon, over the years I search for one such as she, and I will wait even longer for her return. Faith, I Love You! NOR Valjean Count of Port Llast New OutRider Fiancee to FaithThe Image Reborn (submitted by: Sol Image) The morning air had set in....the air was fresh...the river's water gently moving....animals gently grazing on pastures that had been perfected over time....awakening were three young boys....all of which had been worked for their lives....in the arts of literature....and combat. Of the three brothers....one seemed to excel above the others....they all had certain skills the other did not....and together were a well built force....but one was still excelling in the arts that neither the other could begin to touch. The father would always sit back....while doing chores with his wife...and marvel at the boys progress and work....they all lived in a time of peril...where one day everything was quiet and the next....danger was nipping at your feet....he had loved to just watch these three young boys... but he could never understand why one stood above the other two...each were taught the same techniques and same fighting styles but this one...he knew more...wanted more...not a lust for power...but....knew more....he was more powerful then the other....in fact...the father one day even admitted to the wife...he had never seen anyone any more skilled...all was loving. The ages were dark indeed....taxes were heavy on the land....the surrounding farmers had always wanted to take up arms against the landlords to attempt to lower taxes....but....it was never done....nothing was ever done. Then one day....the lords did what they had always feared....they had wanted all crops....and money...then they would distribute them back....the way they thought would be fair to all....the farmers....would take a stand... The father met with the other farmers of the community...each having his own land...they decided to go and approach the land lords...tell them what they thought of what they were doing...and if it came down to it....a fight.....fight they would do....for what they thought they had to fight for. For the next few months....all the farmers gathered near the house....the brothers.....always helping brothers....trained the others..helping the others... and even willing to learn from the others if need be....the farmers knew...they were no match for these landlords with their army...the landlords were even supported by the military controlling army....this also dampened the moods within the farmers....soon...their was bickering amongst them...they didn't want to die... The farmers found a sort of council....the father was among them....he wanted to act....the others did also...a few....would not want to....with all the farmers in the community and their able family fighters they still only numbered a good two hundred....a small amount indeed....the military control was near a thousand in this sector...they would try to confront them by means of talk first is what was decided.....the council selected three men to go....among these three the father was chosen...to accompany these would be a small regiment of soldiers. These were chosen among the most able fighters...one of the brothers was chosen for his ability to manipulate his words and fight....the other two..including the one that excelled at everything would stay behind..... It came time for departure....familys exchanged concerned looks while exchanging hugs...kisses....if only they knew....the crew left....a total of twleve men. The men approached castle of the landlords....a white flag signaling peace was high in the air....the father looked to the son....his look told his son all was not right. As the little group got closer to the castle...the father's look had proved correct.... the smell of death reaked the air.....people lay clustered on the floors....the gates were swung wide open....death....decay....rotting corpses....the sight was terrible..but nothing more terrible then what would happen next..... The group upon talking for a few moments decided to investigate the castle....as they got within fifty feet of the walls....mists starting swirling....fog had suddenly appeared to materialize out of nothing....the twleve quickly took arms and armed their selves to their teeth.....the men.....thinking...what could have destroyed the land and the castle of over one thousand men...warlords... with such ease....then like in unison...each mouth of the twelve men....dropped open....they sank in their saddle.....some dropped weapons....one....dropped dead at the site....the father yelled to turn their horses...the ones with their wits still intact...did....only three would....one was the father....hooves beat the earth rapidly...shaking the land.....once a distance away.....the father stopped...his son was still up their....the other two stopped also....and all three....watched in horror. The remaining few finally caught gaurd of what was happening....and dropped down from their horses....they gave tribute to their gods.....and rushed into a blanket....blanket of death.....the father from a distance saw his son slashing striking....and dying....he knew his son was lost....the men were lost in a matter of minutes....the soldiers that died had managed only three...maybe four kills... the father couldn't see.....they had to get back to the town.... As they raced back to the town......he couldn't help but think what had brought them back....what had happened that made such a resurgence that they could be swarming like that....never before had he seen such a sight... Once into town....they quickly got the remaining council together...and easily decided to move to the next town....this one alone would stand no match... and then once into that town....they combined and moved to a third...and a fourth...and a fifth town....each time...their number grew....for what cause... only to die....they awaited.....atop the hills....they could see them moving...such a distance they were....yet still so many and so powerful....they could be seen for miles....tremors riped through peoples hearts at what thoughts came to them....they had finally come together....not the good folk....not the evil folk....but the undead folk.... after so many years of struggle...one person had brought them all together....and they were swarming....and....mighty.. By morning....the force was within range.....of attack.....and everyone knew their intentions.....they wanted one thing....and one thing only....total domination of all living.....their was no hope they thought.....but they had to fight...and fighting was their only hope....the previous night...a wall....not a sturdy one...but a wall...was put up.....just yards in front of the towers over watching the beautiful city.....children...elders...and women were rushed to the house basements.....all food and livestock was slaughtered and given evenly for rations should they be down long....mages and the few wandering wizards were hurried to the front...all paladins and warriors next to them....hidden among spots of land...were the elves...with their fine equipment and bows... dwarfs were also near the front.....priests and clerics...the most vital tool all stood near the middle....they would determine the battle....everything was set. During the night....traps were also set....to slow hinder and slow down the mass of undead troops.....it was simply amazing that one man had brought these troops of undead together like this.....they moved.....the war had begun. As the army set forth.....spells flew through the air...the mages released simple spells....spells of fire....and lighting....they sat atop the walls and targeted the leaders...but they could not find them.....thousands of undead approached... many fell to the wizards....but it wasnt even enough to make a difference....the father thought....one killed....was one less....they had to kill.....soon...the wizards had exhausted their long range spells...and prepared for close combat...they to....would be vital....clerics and priests began enchantments of protection for its army....and they all readied their undead spells...as the army got within two hundred feet...archers sprang up from all around...killing....shooting.....and then fleeing to their next postition....the army sprang into action....they moved so quick.. as quick as any man....these were not zombies...these were just undead people. Elves ran for their lives...and were chopped down by the many warriors of the God Myrkul.....spells flew through the air...as undead mages sprang their own spells of death....just as deadly....these spells were aimed not for the common...but for the many priests and clerics waiting....they went down.... they scattered....and they flurried....the two sides rushed for each other...the father and the two brothers yelling for their god to give them strength...they engaged....it was like a swarm of bees....everyone swinging....hitting....being hit.... killing... chopping.... dropping...blocking.... knocking.... mages were in the battle hitting...casting....clerics unleashed a first wave of their undead spells and saw many undead fall.....then they rushed with their blunted weapons to deal death to all.....dwarves flurried into the battle crushing many....raining all hell down to the undead....they kept coming....so many had died already but so many were still alive....still outnumbered by eight to one....they pushed on they had to....it was their only choice.... The father and sons fought by each other.....each always looking over in the others direction to assure themselves they were each okay....the father was fighting like a crazed man...dropping undead left and right....one son...fighting... barely holding on to life...constantly avoiding death...the other...always the quick.... was swooping down undead as easily as if they were kids....he was holding something back...but he didn't know what it was....he wanted....he felt he had to unleash it....but he didn't know how....then...the leaders targeted the three.... the three together had dropped over a hundred undead....and for the first time... the lords had shown themselves.....the good mages cast spells of flame....hurt... and anguish at these.....dodged easily....elves...the ones remaining had taken high to the trees and were now picking off undead....it looked as if they were winning....but each warrior knew they were not.... They were also dropping like flies....going down in every direction... heads flying....bodies tumbling....fighters held their own back to back...each looking for some type of advantage to help them....clerics had used all their spells and were now holding on for dear life also....dwarves were falling dead... humans....falling like livestock would to a butcher....the leaders of the undead stood tall amongst their own number....each over seven feet tall...walking.... lumbering....full of strength....and full of death....their were four of them.... fighters rushed to them.....and were chopped down as easily.... mages..... casting the last of the spells they had.....also fell to these...dwarves attempting to get in low.....were crushed under their boots....one leader was driven back.... and he was surprised...one human.....one alone...had rendered him to fall back into battle...and he had kept the pursuit up....he chopped and swung...dodged... and parried....and then.....he fell....it took two lords to chop this human down... and the two people watched this unfold.....they watched this one man go down... a flood of memories came into the minds of the two...of everything they had done... the fun...the sad...they remembered.....as they watched their father go down....the mother sitting in one of the basements felt something inside her let go...and she sank to her knews....sobbing.... Tilin one of the brothers rushed over to attack the two....the brother wanted nothing more then to kill....people rushed to attack those infront of him...they wanted to use his rage...maybe to some avail.....the other brother rushed after him. Image was close on the heals of his older brother....he saw one undead making a swipe that would have cut his brother in two...but he threw his blade with all his might...and watched the undead's head fall off....he ran to the blade....he still had one in his hand....he always fought with two blades....the brothers arrived at the lords and began a momentous attack on them....both fighting in unison and surprising the undead lords...driving them back...Image fought with something that he had never known before...and he finally unleashed it....watching his father fall...was something that he could not bear...and it unleashed what he was feeling growing inside of him....as he went in low with dual blades...he came up high with one and low with the other...knocking the lord offbalance... The lord sat on the ground watching in horror....as Image....looked down... and said one single word.....one word that would change his life forever... the lord was dead instantly...not feeling a thing....Image...had used magic... People around him saw this....and rejoiced.....they wished they had had a clam to help them fight these vile creatures...and now he was there.....Image rushed over to his brother and quickly finished the other lord. Just as everyone thought the tide was turning....mages releashed a spell that had not been seen in decades...they were making still features out of the warriors allowing their own to strike them down with no fight...they were holding the good....people all over fell pray to this....the few priests and clerics left unleashed many dispel spells....and then rejoined the fray...then it happened... the shift in the balance had gone towards the evil once again....as hundreds of new warriors ran from all directions charging the many warriors left.... These new combatants were not undead...but the evil from the world....joining the fight to help rid the land of good.... People quickly went down.....Image and Tilin still fought all around... killing those that opposed them....Image cast spell after spell that he never knew he knew....Tilin was glad though...it was helping them....but it was lost... a lost cause....the thousands of new warriors that had entered the fray would only take minuted to finish the tired and beaten good.....only two mages still stood.....a few dwarves scurried the land still fighting for it was their nature.. elves were all lost....all priests lay on the ground...clerics still fighting....humans... all around....fighting....but fading quick.....the cause was lost....lost.....Image thought to himself....one brother...one father...for what....he knew the answer...and it made him feel better....the answer...was freedom....he and Tilin quickly moved back into the middle....both awaiting their deaths....still fighting wickedly. Image was swinging his blades in an arc....and it caught a light....a light that shined in his eyes...he thought it was him that caused it...but it happened again....he saw on the undead's face...a light...and he struck it... cleanly cutting the head in half....and Image turned around....what he saw made a tear drop his eye.....Tilin also looked..and they both....stood still... undead all around looked...but still pressed on....from the north...east..south... and west....were thousands.....and thousands....of horseback riders all glimmering in light bound armor....shining in the open sun.....they crashed into the ranks of evil and tore lines through them....within minutes....they had cleared off many of the evil warriors....their was no retreat for the evils... the new allies were coming from all angles and were cutting them down... When the mists cleared....after the last undead and few evils were chased off....everyone seemed to at the same time...lay and rest....the fields were stricken with blood...good and evil.....bodies lay everywhere....women came out to help the dead...and the living....so many had died...and so many had given all they had for one thing...their own freedom.....freedom to live... Image walked with Tilin amongst the dead...and finally came upon their lost brother and father...they carried them off and buried them......later....they were talking....and Image had told Tilin how he was leaving....Tilin would become the town mayor...seeing that the last one had died....it had turned out...that the goods of the land had gotten together when they heard of this death force and were going to meet them head on....only they didn't know that their were so many towns along the way....and those towns probably saved thousands and thousands of lives even though many were lost....Tilin asked what Image was going to do....and he told him that he had to go and study his new found art... Tilin understood fully saying that thats what father would have wanted....they exchanged hugs....and Image kissed his mother goodbye....and Image left.... Later that night....Image walked into a new town...he had never been here.. but it was rumored to be a great town...with many Soldiers of Light presiding here.. that was not his target ...but thats what he found....one such Soldier....approached him.. and introduced himself as....Abysss....three friends were with him.....Rascal...Mioki... and Phoenx....they all quickly became good friends....and they asked Image to join their fighting group....he accepted....from that day forth...he was a Soldier of Light... The day was bright.....he had spent the whole previous evening sharing his story with some new Soldiers...they listened with open interest....and he encouraged each of them to tell their own stories....and each said...they would in time....the present day Sol wasn't quite like the old days...but it was still good to be a Sol.... lately many things had gone wrong....Image had made his journey back to Sol... he had taken a short leave for reprieve of his sins....he spent many evenings since his return helping the many new friends and family members he had made....but he still wondered one thing....where had so many of his old friends gone...there seemed to be only two or three left....that was ok though....he stretched.... and headed out....grabbing two war blades on the way out.... End Image Soldier of Light Soldier of DominanceTale Three Getting to Know You (submitted by: OOR Babble) She awoke with a bright and cheery, "Lo' Cutie" in her head. She sat up covering herself not knowing for sure if the voice was in her head or if a person was in the room. Looking around the room and deciding that she was alone, she got up and hurriedly dressed. While dressing, the voice continued talking to her, her head was clearing from the dreamlike state she was in and she made out the voice, it was OOR Oracle. OOR Babble said Good Morning back to OOR Oracle and asked how he was. He relayed that if he was in the re-roll booth in Neverwinter, that he was disappointed with the damage that he could take if caught in a fight. The re-roll booth was where one went to seek the trainer's aide in improving one's abilities. This made OOR Babble do an inner review of herself and while looking in the full length mirror - turning this way and that, she decided that she was as near perfect as one could get. The Elven blood that coursed through her veins was the best from her village near Water Deep. The one area that required more fine tuning was in the strength area, she could hold her own in a fight but if the battle went into overtime, she found her flail arm got tired. So with this inner review, her first priority was to strengthen her arms. She offered her services to OOR Oracle, to travel with him to get his skills where he would be happy. He accepted her company and said he would meet her in Southwall at the Inn there. She totally forgot about her sister OOR Melody, was she still here and would she want to travel south of Neverwinter and assist OOR Oracle. She gathered her belongings and went downstairs, the inn was bare and quiet as she made her way to the Innkeeper. The Innkeeper greeted her with a big bowl of steaming hot oats and mug of thickly dark coffee. OOR Babble accepted both and asked the Innkeeper if he had seen her sister yet this morning. "OHHH", he laughed, "good thing you remind me.. mumbling something about ....if my head wasn't attached to my shoulders.." and with that he disappeared to the back room and within a minutes time returned with a note and slid it her way. OOR Babble opened the note and read that OOR Melody had in fact departed at first light to travel to Triboar, a town south of Long Saddle. That she had a wonderful time getting to know her new sister and welcomed her to the family of OOR's. After reading the note, she folded it and placed it in her bag for safe keeping. OOR Babble communicated with OOR Oracle that she was on her way to Southwall through the Berun, Triboar, Lost Hills, Crossergate and Vilnask route. He warned her to be safe for the route that she had chosen through Berun and the Lost Hills was one where trolls lived and where raiders and bandits team up to attacked weary travelers and rob them of them wits as well as their belongings. OOR Babble had prided herself with the wisdom and intelligence that her Elven ancestors has passed down to her. The thought that one could with a single incantation make her stupid made her quake in her boots. She was told by OOR Oracle if that did happen, it would cost her 5,000 gold pieces for the healers at the temples to cure her of this spell. Straightening up and pulling together all the courage she could mustered, she said that she would flee like the wind through these woods, that was one advantage she had over the humans.. Her being an elf and raised mostly around wooded areas, she had learned the dexterity of any animal that dwelled within and this was her strongest trait. She left Long Saddle and headed south through Berun, a town that had once been a thriving community of social friendly adventurers until the day the hordes of monsters came and set up residence here. Even though, the shops and inn are still visible from the main street.. it is best to just keep moving.. do not rest or try to buy anything here. The new owners of these establishments would just as soon slit your throat than give you the time of day. Knowing this, she ran through this town as quickly as she dared, hoping not to encounter the new occupants. Luckily, for this day, she made it through with any injuries. Although, near the south entrance into Triboar, she did run across a secret entrance that she so badly wanted to explore but knowing this was not the time.. made a note to explore it at another time. Her next stop was the inn at Triboar, there she rested up and ate another great meal. She asked the Innkeeper if OOR Melody had a room, that she wanted to go say hi, but the innkeeper just shook his head, "HMMM, No OOR Melody is registered but we have an OOR Rascal and OOR Outlaw - friends of yours?" OOR Babble knew OOR Rascal but had not met this OOR Outlaw but she confidently said , "Yes they also are my family." The innkeeper then relayed that they had rooms but were not in.., "Might be in the arena fighting. A lot of that going on these days, keeps me establishment in the black and in the red, if you know what I mean..hehhe. with all the blood and such .... but that's why I have me barmaids for.. to clean up the stains..hehehe" With that he was off greeting another customer and left OOR Babble thinking about this new OOR - this Outlaw. As soon as the question of who this Outlaw was, she heard "Reach for the Sky!!". Startled, she raised both hands into the air and stood there motionless, then she slowly turned around to face the person that said this. When she turned around to face the spokesman, there was no one there. She looked both ways but no one was near, she felt foolish standing there with her arms raised into the air but, luckily for her, no one saw her, this time. She slowly lowered her hands to her sides and then asked, "Who said that?" It is I, OOR Outlaw, and yes, you may lower your arms if you have not done so." I sensed you were in the area and wanted to say hello and get to know our new member better. "So what are you up to tonight?" he asked. OOR Babble told him that she was making her way to Southwall to get OOR Oracle and help him train. OOR Outlaw and OOR Babble spoke for several minutes, she asking him if he was in fact an outlaw wanted by the militia and Lord Nasher. With this he laughed and said, "There are no Stagecoaches to ambush in the woods. How can I be an outlaw, in the true sense of the word, with no stagecoaches to rob?.." OOR Babble pondered this but then relayed -- "But.. if OOR stands for Our Own Reality.. then if your reality dictates there be stagecoaches, then by golly, there should be stagecoaches." About that time, OOR Babble heard a commotion outside in the street, she went outside and was standing in the middle of the street trying to pinpoint the sounds that was increasing with every second. It was a new sound that did not register with her memory and not only hers but others as well were looking up in the sky awaiting for a dragon to appear while others were pointing down the street. People starting getting off the roadway and onto the sidewalks. OOR Babble was transfixed by the ball of dust heading her way down the middle of the street and did not move. Hypnotized with the nearing of this dust ball, the new sounds that was growing forever louder in hers ears. She could hear OOR Outlaw vaguely in her head warning her to take cover. But, by the time, the warning he heeded took root, it was too late. A huge stagecoach with a team of 4 horses came bellowing down and nearly ran her over. The wheels did run over her right foot but did no damage. Was the stagecoach real or an illusion? For the monstrous contraption went speeding around the corner and was out of sight before all could make sense of what just happened. OOR Babble was helped up off the ground and back inside the Inn. A healer was there and had witnessed the whole ordeal. She examined OOR Babbles' right foot but found no injuries where injuries should have been. "Must have been an illusion", the healer summarized, but this caused many questions from other town folks to start popping up. OOR Babble thanked the healer and gathered her belongings, paid the innkeeper and seeing the look on the innkeeper face, knew it was going to be a good day for him and stealthily departed the inn with heavy discussions going on inside -- was it real or was it not. She smiled and said to herself, "It was real for it was OOR." OOR Outlaw and OOR Babble had a good laugh over this.. they said their good byes to each and all was quiet once more for the voices in her head. Leaving Triboar and entering the Lost Hills, she readied the map that OOR Oracle had given her on first arriving to Neverwinter. She studied the paths and decided on the quickest route and she set out. She encountered many strange creatures here, Griffins, Wolves, Ice Hounds, Earth Elemental, Giant Lizards, Hippogriffs, Margoyles to name a few. OOR Babble must have had the blessing of the gods with her that day for she nearly made it though the Lost Hills without any injuries but over confidence bested her. She entered a fight with scorpions and banshees, she attempted to flee the fight as OOR Oracle had advised but every turn she was blocked. She ran north, east, south and west -- all to no avail. She turned and faced the creatures that was making their way toward her. She studied the woods and took up the best defense she could muster with the surrounding landscape. She pulled out her spell listing but she had not memorized the spells required for combat. She put away her spell book, making a mental note to take the time soon to re-memorize her spell and then took a big breath and pulled her flail that OOR Jacko had given her. The workmanship of this flail told her that it was crafted with magical properties. She tested the flail in her hands, it seemed to have made especially for her hand. She smiled and thanked OOR Jacko for such a wonderful weapon. She stood at the readied and waited for the encroachment of the creatures. As she had expected the fight lingered into many rounds of attacking and counter-attacking scenarios. Her arms were tiring with each blow she gave to these monsters. She had beaten down the banshees and three of the five scorpions, the two remaining scorpions must have been the leaders of the pack for they were very cunning in their attacks. They had somehow gotten OOR Babble out into the open spaces without the cover of the trees to defend her backside. Each made their move and surrounded OOR Babble on either side. OOR Babble knew that she could not flee or they would get free attacks and she was wounded enough to know that her only chance to live was to muster all her strength and face them off one by one. The flail was true for her, it hit and did damage each strike - another one goes down. It must have been the mate of the remaining one for such a squeal came bursting forth from the surviving creature - it was one filled with such sorrow, sadness, rage and grief -- all these emotions rolled into one scream. It was deafening and it saddened OOR Babble to think that she had killed its' mate. This was just enough distraction the last remaining scorpion needed for with it's full rage it attacked OOR Babble so quickly and with such force that OOR Babble last thoughts was one of reject. When she awoke, she was surprised that she lived, she gingerly propped herself up against the wall and surveyed her injuries. She could tell that there were no broken bones but she was in need of an inn. She was very weak for her energies having been drained from the fight. Her second thought was how did she get to this gate, she saw a shack on her left and a gateway saying "To Crossergate" on her right. She went through her belongings, nothing was taken except a few pieces of coins. She thanked the kind unseen traveler than brought her here and just took enough coins to satisfy maybe a good meal and stay at the inn. She made her way to Crossergate's Inn and paid to rest there until her wounds were healed. It was quiet at the inn for most were on their way to the Dracoliches that had taken up residence here but this town said no way they would become like Berun. This was their home and they would not be run out. So they were gathering every conceivable weapon and heading to keep the Dracoliches from making our home their lair. After recuperating, OOR Babble set off north toward Vilnask where Dracoliches were also trying to make that their new residence. Again the townfolks as in Crossergate will not let this happen. OOR Babble wished the town folks the best of luck but regretted that she had an appointment in Southwall and was already extremely late. She reassured the people that she would be back to help with this fight of ridding the town of the Dracoliches and Ghouls. The sign at the next gate read "Southwall - Home of Camelot" . She walked through the gate, the inn was the second door up on the right hand side. Before entering, she straighten her soiled garb and ran her dirty fingers through her unkempt hair. She took a deep breath, let it out slowly and just prior to entering the inn, OOR Oracle mumbled, "C'mere, you're fine". He was sitting by the fireplace with two glasses in front of him, he motioned for OOR Babble to come join him which she did. She sat down across from him and he pushed the glass of Elven mead her way without saying a word. She took it and sipped - savoring the taste of such an exquisite drink. She sat the glass down and looked into his eyes, the eyes that knows all. OOR Babble started off by saying, "Let me tell you of my trip", when he held up the hand and smiled. "No need for you to", he stated, "for I was getting to know you better". This made no sense to OOR Babble and started to question the seer when she noticed his eyes begin to twinkle and she saw in them her trip - her whole adventure of getting to this place from waking in Long Saddle until the moment she was standing outside this inn. The EndAn Excerpt from the Liber Mortis (submitted by: SUB SKIN) Its amusing to see, ones who come our way Battered lives we've abused each day, We tear at your mind, and fill you with hate, you curse our names as you worship the gate You come to us, we don't have to come to you, Smashing your hopes and dreams, through and through, Whining and crying you stomp your feet, To our delight, a delicious treat Dominating pride, brings you back only to hit the gate again, with a bigger smack You'll come again, for more and more, destined to try and settle the score, Hurling insults, hate, and the anger that now runs you, Perhaps a day will come when you understand, You only do, what we want you to do;> ~Subskin ~DEMON Scribe ~SATAN Santa Wage Pays a Visit (submitted by: Santa Wage) Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the Guild Hall Not a Guardian was stirring, from each wall to wall. The weapons were hung on their hooks by each bed, With never a worry and never a dread. It was a good night, for the peace that was sought, Though visions of excitiment, roamed in each thought. They were all asleep, after a night with much booze, Even the gaurd keeping watch, had begun to snooze. When up on the roof there came such noise, The GM, Leora, sat up with great poise. She looked out the window, first nothing was seen, Though another noise roared, that could turn a face green. When what to her wondering eyes should behold, But a miniature sliegh and eight flying kobold! The driver was an elf, slightly tall for his seat, it was Wage alright, what was this feat? Wage stood in the sleigh, which still steadily came, And called out the odd titles, the kobolds were named. "Now Bubba! Now O.J.! Now Gilligan, Mary Ann!" "On Granite! On Limbaugh! On Tom and Rossane!" On the roof he somehow landed, which was really *some* trick. being the guild hall roof, was a dome that was slick! Then in a quick shuffle, with yelling and swears, Down in the chimney Wage dives, and then declares: "Ouch, damn why is there a fire in here?" "Nobody needs one when the main-hall is clear!" Wage crawled from the fireplace, a little bit scortched, but the bag that he held was not at all torched! His clothes were real baggy, and also quite red Where the once was a bare face, there was a fake beard instead. He wore a large hat, that kept slipping a bit, Which nearly drew the elf into a minor fit. Wage didn't smoke, but held a pipe made from willow, and his humongous coat, was stuffed with a pillow. Wage seemed to be agitated, a bit reckless himself, So Leora had to laugh at the sight of this elf! Wage wiped away all the soot, that was on his head, and said,"Hey look! It's Leora the Red!" "I've got a present for you, and everyone here, So you'd better gather everyone near!" But the comotion had already brought everyone out, wondering what the Hell Wage was upto no doubt! The elf grinned, and slung 'round his ol' bag, digging into the sack, (Which was made of old rags) "For Dun, a new kilt, that I got from the Gap, This one with pockets, and a shoulder strap!" :) "For Rhymell, a nifty thing called "Noseplugs of Yore" For even for miles away, you can hear him snore." ;> "For JB, something called,'Nasher's armor shine,' all you need do is apply it, and yer armor looks fine!" :-) "For RouseE, a coupon for 'Huggies' it is, For his parenting needs, with that kid of his!" ;D "For Sir T0L, just a few more "Engineer jokes," Fun for the humor that comes from 'dem blokes!" :) "For Speaker, a brand new bottle of wine, (Which by the way cost me $3.99!)" ;-> "For Yoji 'n' Leo, a book called ,'Doin' it Right,' So maybe you two can have, yet more fun each night." ;> "For Tarlyn, A collar, with a huge shiny bell, and it comes with a freshner! (To lessen the smell)." ;-x "For Jaywing, some shoes that have soles made of springs, To make her bouncing, an even more prominent thing!" ;) "For Wrathmont, So interesting X-ray glasses, So he may have fun and look at some lasses!" ;-> And with that Wage bounded, all the way back up, The kobolds were waiting, one throwing up. Then he dashed in his sleigh, and hollered aloud, "Merry Christmas to all! And remember, be proud!" An SSB Night Before Christmas (submitted by: SSB CyLntKt) 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the castle. Not a Banshee was stirring, had no one to hassle. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care. In hopes that ST. WARZ soon would be there. The adventurers were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of Drac fights danced in their heads. And TIGGERO in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long punt monster's nap. When out on the moat there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my cot to see what was the matter. Away with a haste spell I flew like a bloke, Tore open the shutters and threw up my new cloak (from Sturgo). The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, gave the lustre of mid-day to wolves standing below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a minitature sleigh and eight mighty Blades standing near. With a grand old driver, that's ancient with lore , I knew in a moment it must be ST WARZ. More rapid than Stirges his curses they came. And he whistled and shouted, and called them by name--Now, FALCON! Now, HERO! Now, TUMAS! and NITRO! On, NICKFU! On RAGNOR! On, MEDAR and VENGER! To the top of the castle! To the top of Triboar! Now gate away! Gate away! Gate away WARR! As dry bones that before the wild fireball fly, when they meet with an obstacle, ice storm it or die. So up to the castle-top the curses they flew, with the sleigh full of magic, and ST WARZ too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof. The stomping and clawing of each little Blade hoof. As I drew in my hand, and was turning around down the chimney ST WARZ came with a great big hell hound. He was dressed in white fur, from his crown to his boot. And his clothes were of Plate, a magical suit. Abundle of items he had flung on his back. And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes--how they burned! He caught me just staring! His biceps were iron, his breath like a herring. His staff that he carried was wonderous and bold. Many PVP villains had he laid cold. The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth. And the smoke it did smell like rich roasted boar meat. He had a broad sword and a little round shield. That reflected Dracs' stares when they just wouldn't yield. He was stern and fair, a right jolly drow elf. And I laughed when I saw him, in spirte of myself. A wink of his eye and a twist of my neck. Soon gave me to know I had better stop quick. He spoke of long travels and quests for great rubies. And filled all the stockings for each hearty newbie. And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he flew out of sight, HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-FIGHT! Neverwinter Wonderland (submitted by: Jasm1n) Swordplay rings, are you listening? In the lanes, armor's glistening. Whatever it takes, to get thru the gates, To our NeverWinter Wonderland! Thru the hills, evil's hiding, In PVP, they're delighting. They'll wait for you, thinking you're through, But we'll gate 'em back to Wonderland! In the Square "NW"'s try to help us, Some are simply there to have some fun. But we should be on our best behavior, Or they'll TOS us out before we run! Later on, by the fire, We can laugh, sing, and conspire. With no punt in sight, we'll party all night, In our NeverWinter Wonderland! Leaving (submitted by: Xenobea) She sat in her room alone, thinking. She examined the furnishings. She did not belong there. She would watch the others when she met them, trying to discern whether or not they were happy, but she never could tell. She did as she had been taught at an early age, keeping her expression neutral, rarely giving information that should not be given, masking her impatience with the time that a simple task should take. She observed formalities painstakingly, and never betrayed her irritation on the several occasions when she was falsely accused because someone else had not been paying enough attention. She stayed silent around them much of the time, for fear of saying something wrong. She only relaxed when she was with those who were not associated with the temple. Occasionally she would see someone alone and relax, but this was terribly dangerous, she knew. It seemed she gave displeasure. Some were irritated when the decisions she made were not the ones they wanted. She knew how much her relatives hated that she had gone to Lylyl, and would probably never even see why she had done so. She was told that she should have known many things, but how was she to know things that people did not tell her directly? They must think she was quite a skilled mind-reader, when in fact she was much simpler than they imagined. She was miserable. She hated having to watch her every move, and she hated the lies, the secrets, the spying, the manipulation. She resented the way she was treated by almost everyone. She dreaded them finding out what she was like inside, that she was not at all like them. Most of all, she hated the way she still felt alone after all this time. There was only one who could take that pain away from her, and it was he who finally put it to her that she should leave if she was so very miserable. The only thing that kept her there was the trapped feeling. This was what she had been born to. If only she had left when her mother disappeared, it seemed as if things might have been smoother. If only she had not been so frightened then, if only she could have seen things more clearly... what she wanted to do with her life, who she wanted to be with. Now she knew these things for certain, and she knew that there were only a few people whose opinion mattered to her. For some time she had lived with this knowledge, dreading the thought of breaking the news to her. She tried to do it one day, she was ready to speak, when she was told that she was a gift. It would have been terribly difficult then to say what she knew: that she had to leave. So she did nothing, and she did not leave, even when she knew in her heart that she should. All that kept her from it was the difficulty in writing the letter. Now she felt she had the strength to write it, so she did. *** Malla Ilharess, I have thought long and hard about this, and I am convinced that I do not belong here. I am so very sorry to disappoint you, as it was very kind of you to open your heart and your home to me. Know that I do not wish to abandon you, and I suspect that this may be a bad time, but I know in my heart that I cannot stay. It is nothing against you personally, or Lylyl. If there is anything that I can do to assist you, please let me know. You will always have my highest regards. Love, Xenobea Xorlarrin *** She took the scroll and placed it with the amulet and cloak that Indi had given her when she arrived. She wished again that she had it in her to stay, that things had worked out differently...Aluve' Rilauven - Part 1 (submitted by: Mavralyn) Long shapely fingernails tapped thoughtfully on the smooth surface of the mahogany desk as the beginnings of a headache ran fingers of pain from temple to neck. Finished finally with the pile of reports, rumors, and current business dealings that accumulated each day, Mavralyn leaned back with a tired shrug of the slender shoulders. Something nagged at the back of her mind, yet she could not summon the energy to puzzle out the pieces. Mavralyn rose wearily from her chair and moved quietly through the dark passageways towards her room. Dismissing the servants and slaves abruptly, she did not bother with the normal sleep time rituals. Instead she lay down upon the silken bed sheets and allowed herself to slip into a trance like state of awareness. The pounding headache dimmed as the lines of strain smoothed away from the delicate features and the Ilharess dreamed........ ************************* "........... iaren," the soft whisper of sound brought Mavralyn awake. The throbbing pain that assailed her had left without trace as the drowess stretched drowsily feeling refreshed and alert. Recalling vividly the visions and dreams, she swiftly rose from the warmth of the bed and prepared for a new day. A firm resolve filled the slim form as she dressed and summoned her Ust Dalharil to join her in the private chapel. When Katishya arrived, the unnatural darkness of the small chamber let her know that her mother had used the innate ability of all drow. Not understanding the reason behind the summons, nor why her ilhar would wish complete absence of sight, she entered cautiously and found her way to the tiny altar. As something brushed past her face, a small painful prick from a sharp instrument drew a bead of blood from her slender white throat. Stiffening at the unexpected attack, the husky voice of her ilhar whispered quietly into her ear, "Do naut move dalharil or dos are dead." "It is naut always our enemies that bring death ussta dalharil. Sometimes it is one that dos are closest to," the sharp object disappeared from Kati's neck as the darkness spell faded and allowed her to see once more. "Another lesson malla ilhar?" Kati inquired nonchalantly, though the flush of heat in her face and rapid beat of her pulse took time to return to normal. "Xas Kati, another lesson. One dos should remember always." With a sudden change of expression that took the beautiful albino's breath away, Mavralyn turned and knelt before the altar. As the Ilharess bowed her head and prayed silently to the dark goddess, the younger drowess slowly knelt beside her. Confusion churned within her mind yet her features remained impassive, waiting for Mavralyn to tell her what this private meeting was about. Finally rising, Mav turned towards Kati as she too started to rise, "Remain kneeling dalharil. I have something to give dos." Slowly the Ilharess began to remove the ornate ring crafted for her as the matron mother of Elythanar. Reaching for the alabaster hand of her daughter, she slipped the heavy band upon Kati's finger. "The ruling council meets this eve. After business is concluded, I shall request that dos are named Ilharess d'Elythanar ussta dalharil. Dos may rise now and know that we are equal. It will be a formality only that the mantle is placed upon dossta shoulders tonight." The firm conviction of Mavralyn's voice finally penetrated the fog that surrounded Kati at her mother's words. To Be Continued...... Mavralyn Elythanar d'Xol'Niaren Yathtallar d'Lolth Ilharess d'Xol'Niaren Ust Qu'ellar d'Velkyn-TirithFriends Abound (submitted by: Songshine) It was the usual balmy evening in Neverwinter as I made my way from my tower in the Southwest woods to the little tavern that I fondly thought of as my second home. Bright lights and the sounds of laughter drifted through the night air greeting me with their familiarity. I approached the tavern door and slipped inside, peering around quickly to see who all was present. I saw many old friends and a few new faces as Spryte and Mystri greeted me with Yuletide wishes. I stopped by the bar to grab a goblet of Frenzy, then made my way to the pile of cushions by the fireplace that I often occupied. After making myself more comfortable, I proceeded to make conversation with the patrons of the tavern, all the while watching for a certain gentleman to walk through the door. I reached my hand to the pocket of my dress to feel of the two small packages I had prepared earlier in the week. I smiled at the reassurance that the gifts I had prepared were still safe and sound. My mind drifted back to Monday, when I had tended to a special someone by the name of Amra. "Ammy", as I had now affectionately come to know him, had given me a special gift of friendship for aiding him from the tavern floor. I looked down at my ruby ring and watched it dance with its inner fire as it rested on the ring finger of my right hand. GreySavant noticed me gazing and smiling at the bauble and motioned for me to join him at his table. He asked me to tell him who I was waiting for. He also had his own story of love to tell me concerning the lovely Spryte. As we visited, the din of the crowd grew louder and I turned to see none other than Santa and Snowie enter the tavern with a flourish. After a moment of excited greetings from my fellow patrons, Santa started to give out some last minute gifts while Snowie passed out candy canes. I excused myself from GreySavant's company and approached Santa and Snowie through the crowd. After a brief conversation with Santa on the special gift I had been hoping for all year, I accepted a candy cane from both he and Snowie. I returned to my cushions to chat some more with others around me, all the while watching the door of the tavern. As the night grew late and my hopes of delivering my gifts started to diminish, a breeze blew through the tavern as Amra finally came through the door. Trying to contain my excitement, I jumped up and greeted Ammy. A few hugs later we made our way to a quiet table for some wine, Umber steak and conversation. Just as I was about to give Amra his gift, another dear friend of mine came into the establishment. It was Mortis! Amra and I stood in greeting and bid Mortie to come join us both at the table. I was extremely pleased at this addition to the table because it meant that I did not have to make a seperate trip to deliver the second of my two gifts I still concealed. After a few minutes and a few more glasses of wine, I made a small speach to my two friends and pulled the packages from my pocket. The first one I handed to Amra. He opened it and grinned as he pulled out a small pin with a single emerald in the middle of a gold setting. I explained that this pin was a special reminder for him to wear on his jacket. I continued on by telling him that as long as I was alive the emerald would sparkle with the fire of friendship, and he would always know that I was well. This made him happy and comforted him a bit, because he had been worried for my safety during my upcoming journey to a far off land. I leaned over and kissed his cheek, then turned my attention to Mortis. Mortie had become a dear friend in the time that I had known him, teaching me many things and coming to my rescue in the realms more than once. I bade him to open his own package, a sly smile stealing across my face. His eyes widened as he too lifted a small pin and held it up to inspect it further. It was a gold shield, with an emerald-encrusted sword upon its face. *** I explained that this special pin was for him to wear on his jacket as a reminder of my appreciation for all he had done for me and for others in his tireless service to the realms. I then leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, giving him a quick hug as he searched for something to say. The sisters were making thier last calls for drinks, Mystri was putting up her ouji board, and the night was coming to a close. Mortie bid me a fond farewell, promising we would speek again soon. As he headed out the door, I too was making my farewell wishes known to those around me. As I linked my arm with Ammy's to head out the door, GreySavant stopped me short. He pulled out a package and offered it to me. I was pleased and a bit surprised as I pulled out a small elven harp. I assured him that I was quite grateful for the thought that had went into the gift and promised to try to learn to play it while on my journey so that I might accompany my singing in the tavern with its melodious chords. With a quick hug and a final goodbye to all, I headed out the door and over to the COR guildhall to take care of some last minute business. I arrived at the door of my tower safe and sound a little while later. I checked on my security system, then went to the mantle of my fireplace and made room for the harp's new resting place. As I nestled down in my covers, I smiled and agreed with myself that this had indeed been a wonderful Christmas season indeed.Auld Lang Syne - Neverwinter Style! (submitted by: BD Piper) Auld Lang Syne is that renowned song we all sing at New Years, 'cept nobody knows the words to it after the first two lines....so's here is the NeverWinter rendition to the song (if anyone wants a copy of the lyrics of the true version, just email me BD Piper). Auld Lang Syne was written by Scotsman Robert Burns (1759-1796). Welp here goes: Auld Alliances 'o NeverWinter Should auld alliances be forgot, And never brought tae mind? Should auld alliances be forgot, And the days 'o Guild wars past. For auld alliances, me friend For auld alliances. We'll raise 'ooer swords once again, For the auld alliances. And sure ye'll be true tae yer heart, And surely I'll be tae mine! And we'll raise 'ooer swords once again, For the auld alliances. We twa hae fought mighty battles, me friend, And crushed thy enemy fine, But we've lost 'ooer strength again, Sin 'tis an auld alliance. For auld alliances, me friend, For auld alliances true. We'll raise 'ooer swords once more, For the sake 'o the auld alliance. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Adopted from Robert Burn's Auld Lang Syne by BD Piper Happy New Year! The Adventures of Mat Cauthon (submitted by: Mat cathon) It was a gloomy night in the great hall of Neverwinter, Mat Cathon sat drinking a mug of ale and there was a calm all about the inn. Then as if the dark one himself entered the hall, all hell broke loose. Three well armed and muscular men entered the hall. Mat overheard one of the men say, "Where is Mat Cathon?" too the man at the bar. The bartender, fearful for his life pointed a shaky finger in Mat's direction. The three men pushed and shoved their way through the throng of people on the dance floor and came up to Mat's table. As the men came closer Mat remembered who they were. A day earlier he was dicing in Daglow's inn with these same men, and after winning almost ten throws in a row they had become angry for losing so much money. Sensing their disquiet Mat ran away as fast as he could but the men chased him all the way to the gardens, where he hid in the shadows of an old oak tree. But this time there was no escape from the men he diced with. Mat tried to remember the man's name, thinking to himself. "Was it Hamer or Hamond or something like that."he mumbled to himself under his breath. No sooner had he remembered, the three men approached his table. "Remember us Mat?" the largest man said. "Well, i don't remember your names if that's what you mean." "Trying to be a wiseguy huh. Well i suppose i can tell you my name before I kill you for cheating us. It's Harmond, and this is Durford and Jak." Harmond said motioning to his left and right. "Why do you have to kill me, is there anything I can do?? PPlease... I don't want to die." Mat replied in a desperate voice. Harmond stood thinking for a minute, as if it was hard for him to do. "Well there is one thing you could do that would erase your debt to us, in the area of the lost hills far south there is an item of great power. Some say it can control mens minds. If I were to have this item i could be the strongest man in the world." Mat thought to himself for a second after Harmond told him about the item. "Maybe if i found this item i could use it instead of Harmond." he thought. "Umm, what exactly is this item, i mean what does it look like?" Mat asked. "Well it is a jeweled pendant and it is rumored to be in the eastern section of the hills." "Well then, I accept this mission, when do you want it by?" asked Mat. "If you get it to us by the end of the week we will not search for you and kill you." said Harmond. With that the men departed and Mat began to think how he would find this pendant of power. He finished his drink and left for his room in the inn. That very night he had a dream that he was lord of the land and that every woman from all over came to his palace and begged for marriage. His dream was interupted when the chambermaid came into his room and dumped a bucket of water on his head it seemed Mat had forgot to pay up his room for an extra night and they wanted him out. After leaving the inn he traveled to his personal vault and grabbed some equipment he would need for his adventure. He picked up his quarter staff that was magical and his leather jerkin. And with that he set off south toward vilnask. When Mat arrived at the gate to southwall, the guards waved him through like they waved everyone else through and he came to a stop. Ahead of him there were three adventurers new to the realm beating up on on lonely orc. He figured to himself that these newbies were all set so he snuck around to fight. Mat made it through the rest of southwall without another problem. As Mat entered the wooded section of vilnask, he could already hear the howling of wolves in the distance. He picked up the pace a little fearing that the wolves were behind him. Luckily he was not bothered by any wolves and made it safely to the vilnask inn where he stayed the night. Having no money, Mat had to sing and entertain the people of the inn for room and board for the night. The innkeeper had no problem with this because the morale in his inn was at an all time low and people were becoming more and more afraid of the monsters out in the night. But Mat's singing and dancing brought up their spirits a little. Mat fell right asleep in his bed he earned and didn't even dream. Leaving the inn in the morning was not a problem at all. The remaining villagers and the innkeeper waved goodbye and said to come back again, and that they enjoyed his tales and songs. Mat proceeded through the southern woods of Vilnask. Suddenly he heard a shriek in the distance, but it did not sound human Then Mat remembered, Banshees inhabited the southern woods of vilnask. Mat ran as fast as he could, still hearing the banshees to the rear. The entrance to crossergate was just a little bit more. He knew that the guards would clse the gates after he entered. The banshee was right on his tail now and gaining. Mat huffed and puffed. (this was the most running he had ever did in his life) Finally he made it to the gates of crossergate. The banshee suddenly stopped when it saw the guards raise their weapons and then it fled back into the woods. After resting a while and having polite conversation with the guards, Mat continued on his quest, for he knew it was far from over. As he left the guards warned him of wolves inhabbiting the woods of northern crossergate, and that he should be careful on his journey. As he started into the wood Mat thought it may be best if he walks in the woods, that way the wolves will have a harder time finding him because he was not on the main road. Sure enough his plan worked. As he walked by, he saw many travelers in battle with wolves, just because they insisted on traveling the main road. As he walked into the main section of crossergate, Mat took a look around. He heard rauscous laughter from the inn. Mat took a step towards the inn and then remembered his quest, the jeweled pendant. He started east and followed the path to the place called "the lost hills". He approached a large wooden gate that had the words "to lost hills"scribed into it with a knife or dagger. Mat opened the gate and continued on his quest. As he stepped into the wood, he suddenley felt a chill down his spine. The same chill he got whenever someone around him used magic. He walked down the well worn path and came up to a building. When he opened the door he was abashed at what he saw. There were several adventurers in the room with him, but instead of fighting enemies, they all fought each other. Making through the room so he wouldn't be seen, Mat snuck out the other door. He thought to himself"my this place is crazy." After continued through the woods, he came upon many other adventures like the ones he saw in the building before, carefully he snuck around each and every one of them. Then after going through many paths he saw the building. It was the largest building he had ever seen, possibly even larger than Lord Nashers palace. He went up to the front door and opened it. Suprisingly he by several owlbears and a large flaming thing. Melee erupted immediatly. Mat swung his quarter staff swiftly and willfully. Several owlbears went down and then it was only Mat and the fire fiend. They circled around each other deftly each testing the others skill in battle. But then the fire fiend made a mistake, it lunged too far in for Mat and at that instant mat tripped it and shoved the point of his staff through the back of a creatures head. He had defeated the monsters but, now where was the pendant? Searching after battle revealed a secret door on the left side of the room. In it was a human skeleton a chest and a letter on the chest. Mat picked up the letter reading it. it said: "To whoever finds this chest. I was a former magic user until I got captured and put in this room with the owlbears to guard me I believe it was the Zhentarim who did it but I was not sure. I kept the chest hidden under the floor boards until they departed and left me with no food or water. I assume I will die here but when you get the item in the chest know this. It is just a simple piece of jewelry, I had spread the rumor that it could control people because I wanted to catch a fair price for it. I am so sorry for the trouble that has gotten me into. Pleas, destroy this item or keep it hidden to avoid all further trouble with the Zhentarim." Thinking to himself mat smiled wickedly, if he gave this pendant to the men who were after him then they would be chased by the zhentarim and his worries would be over. Hurrying out of the room, mat started on his way back to Neverwinter. Once back in Neverwinter, Mat went to the great hall. It had been about a week and Harmond would be looking for him. Then as he looked up from his drink he saw harmond there. He began to speak but got cut off by Harmond. "Do not talk. Turn the pendant over to me now.", he instructed. Mat complied and with no further words the men left as quick as they came. Feeling a great weight off his back Mat leaned back and ordered another glass of wine. There would be much rejoicing, and dicing to be had tonight.The Temple (submitted by: Charrisa) Charrisa sat in her chambers at Faen Tlabbar, contemplating the days events. Sleep did naut come to her this night. She thought over and over again of the waela mistake she had made earlier in the day. She had learned well, and would ever be aware of her surroundings from here forward. Never again would she approach an area without first being aware of who was present. Though her mistake was naut intentional, nevertheless, it occurred. And she had naut only earned a swift and just punishment, but had incurred the displeasure of the Ilharess by her failure. She absently touched her cheek where the blows at the hand of the Malla Yathin had fallen. She had taken her punishment without uttering a sound. It was deserved, and she knew it. The remainder of her punishment was to spend a week cleaning the House Temple. This she would do, from top to bottom, taking great care in her effort. Sighing deeply, she surveyed the chamber which was now her home. The ancient walls of the cavern glowed eerily in the light of faerie fire. Knowing with certainty that it was useless to attempt sleep, she rose and pulled her cloak about her against the chill. Taking up a bundle of soft cloths, she exited her chamber to begin her task. Passing the sargtlin strategically stationed along the passageways, she nodded absently to their greetings as she moved along the tunnels of Faen Tlabbar. The corridors of the cavern twisted and turned upon themselves, in and out of common areas, and private chambers. Had she naut become familiar with her surroundings she would have become lost in the maze. She stopped briefly to obtain a few items to assist her in her task. This she would do manually, the rivvil way. Although it had naut been specified how she was to complete the task, she had decided that she would scrub every inch of the temple with her own hands, meditating and praying to Lloth that the Ilharess would see fit to forgive her lapse of ettiquette. She had become well accquainted with the passageway leading to the temple, spending a great deal of time there in meditation since her coming to Faen Tlabbar. Though there was nau faerie fire present, her natural infravision allowed her to see clearly as she wound her way toward the temple. Approaching the heavy doorway, she pushed through and entered the massive chamber. This was by far the largest area of the House, the walls reaching to heights uncertain in the darkness above. Benches (pews) lined both sides of the temple, leading to an immense altar, of black onyx and gold. The ancient walls, smooth from centuries gone past, glistened without the presence of faerie fire or other lighting. She faced the altar, dropping into a deep curtsey in honor of the Quarval-sharess, Lloth. The statue, in the likeness of the Spider Queen loomed at the center of the altar, the eyes glowing red as Charrisa approached slowly. She would begin here. Charrisa paused at the base of the statue, placing a soft rag into a solution of herbs combined for the purpose of cleaning. Before removing the rag, she said a prayer to Lloth, asking her tolerance of the touch that would be necessary in completing her cleansing of the statue. She knew, her answer would come with first contact of her hand upon the likeness. Many an unsuspecting drow had fallen at Her will at the mere approach of a sacred statue let alone the touching of one. If Lloth's answer was "Nau", the Malla Yathrin would find her lifeless body at the foot of the statue, when the House awoke for morning vigil. Having saturated the rag, she briefly closed her eyes, incanting the spell which would allow her to levitate. She felt the emptiness below her feet, as she slowly rose to the level of the eyes of the statue. She paused briefly, taking a deep breath, before reaching out tentatively to gently begin the process of cleaning the likeness of the Spider Queen. Her breath caught in her throat as she made contact with the statue. If Lloth willed her life to end at this time, she would receive her answer soon enough. Closing her eyes, she allowed her empty hand to come to rest against the face of the likeness of the Spider Queen. Moments passed, and Charrisa realized she had naut taken a breath. Slowly, she exhaled, opening her eyes to meet the glowing eyes of the statue of Lloth. As if in answer, the fire faded briefly, and then rekindled to its former brilliance. Charrisa had survived the contact. Taking the soft cloth clutched in her other hand, she began to gently wash the face of the statue, her touch almost a caress. The aroma of the cleansing herbs permeated the air around her, as she worked her way from the head, across the shoulders moving slowly, careful to clean every inch of the likeness. The black stone of the statue seemed to take on an incandescence as she progressed. Charrisa's task took the remainder of the night, reaching the base of the statue as the first sounds of the House coming awake echoed through the caverns. She stepped back critically, surveying her night's work. The likeness of the Spider Queen virtually sparkled before her, glowing with a black mirrored brilliance. Satisfied that she had begun satisfactorily, Charrisa curtsied deeply again, in honor of the Quarval'sharess, picked up the supplies she had carried with her and left the temple, to bathe and dress for the new day. Charrisa passed her day in studies, and in training with the Malla Yathrin Zelghinia. While traveling to Port Llast, they spoke briefly about Charrisa's night spent in the temple. There was some concern as to the acolytes naut keeping up with their duties in cleaning the area of the altar. This had been evidenced by the neglect of the area she had discovered when she cleansed the likeness of the Spider Queen. Charrisa assured the Malla Yathrin, that the standard would be set by the end of the week. She intended to scrub every inch of the temple, and if the Malla Yathrin desired it, she would oversee that the upkeep of the area was naut neglected in the future. As the day progressed, the lack of sleep began to take its toll on her. Several times in their travels, Charrisa found herself mouthing a "dispel sleep" spell to ward off the weariness that threatened to interrupt her concentration. This she did subtly hoping that the Malla Yathrin would naut take notice. As the time drew near for the completion of her training for the day, Charrisa took her leave of the Malla Yathrin, and proceeded to the temple to work through the night. She carried with her the supplies and soft rags she had used the night before. Again, she curtsied deeply in honor of Lloth as she approached the altar. She smiled to herself, seeing the mirrored brilliance of the likeness of the Spider Queen glistening in the darkness. She hoped the Malla Ilharess would be pleased with her work. The sacrificial altar was her next undertaking. Again, before beginning, she asked the Quarval-sharess' forbearance at her touch of the sacred area. The altar stood at the center of the raised dias, with the likeness of the Spider Queen overlooking the sacrificial slab. Made of black volcanic rock, overlain with black onyx and gold leaf, the stone altar was an ominous presence indeed. Charrisa again saturated one of the soft rags, and began cleansing the altar, scrubbing and scrubbing until her fingers began to bleed. All the while, she meditated and prayed to Lloth for the forgiveness of the Ilharess. Each time she rinsed the rag, the cleansing herbs stung at her wounds, her blood turning the solution pink, then red as she progressed. Still she scrubbed, unaware of the pain, unaware of her wounds, so focused was she on her meditation and prayers. The front of the altar was adorned with a raised carving of a spider in a pure gold web fashioned from the purest of gold, found only in the deepest recesses of the realms. Charrisa spent the remainder of the evening cleansing every crack, and crevice of the carving, until the gold sparkled with the luminescence of its original state. The Spider resting in the web virtually glowed in the darkness. Having finished the altar, Charrisa looked around her as to where next to proceed. There were still a few hours until the House would awaken. Mechanically, she passed her hand before her face again, "dispelling sleep" as the weariness threatened yet again. She surveyed the room, turning a full circle. The dias was bordered by the rounded wall of the cavern, housing a maze of webs woven in intricate silken patterns by the spiders who had made the area their home. She would leave that wall untouched, that she would naut disturb them. Her gaze traveled the expanse of the room, eyes coming to rest on the ancient ebony wood of the benches, having long lost their luster. Smiling, she nodded. That would be her next task. With that, she picked up her supplies, curtsied deeply again in honor of the Quarval-sharess, and exited the temple. There was still an hour before the house would awaken. She would sleep briefly. Charissa continued to spend her days diligently studying and training under the guidance of the Malla Yathrin Zelghinia. And her nights cleaning the temple. Seven times, did she visit the "Assigner of Stats", seven times did she attempt to advance herself beyond the 5th level at an acceptable status. Seven times the "Trainer" held back the desired 10's, offering her 4's and 5's instead, costing the life of one Horace Murtlefrost, at the Training center in Port Llast. Each time, sighing in defeat, she returned to the "Assigner of Stats". And on this day, late in the afternoon, Charrisa entered the dungeon, housing the "Assigner of Stats", putting her fate in his hands once again. Absently she waved a hand before her face. To the others passing by her, it would appear she was just brushing the flowing hair away from her face. But in reality, she had cast a "dispel sleep" yet again, having slept only an hour in the past 4 days. As she repeated the processes over and over again, from which the "Stats" were assigned, Charrisa's mind drifted to the night before in the temple. She allowed herself to float outside the tedium, smiling in recollection of her task the night before. She had decided upon restoring the benches lining the sides and center of the temple, seeing how dull and worn they had become over years of use. She had discovered a trader in Llast who specialized in the rejuvenation of furnishings. He used a special combination of scented herbs, and Umber blubber to make an oil, which when rubbed into a surface, would restore the natural luster of the wood, yet would not leave a residue behind. She purchased a generous amount of this solution, and returned to Faen Tlabbar and the temple. After a deep curtsey in honor of the Quarval-sharess, Charrisa proceeded to the front of the temple, beginning with the first bench. Thankful that she had access to an unending supply of soft cloths, she took up the first one, spilling a liberal amount of the solution onto it, and began rubbing it into the ebony colored wood of the bench. The dry surface seemed to drink up the oil as she progressed, polishing in small circles. The benches were beautiful, the arms, legs and backs carved in intricate designs. Charrisa smiled in appreciation of the craftsmanship. As the oil began to sink in, a radiance returned to the wood making it shine as it must have done when first placed in the temple. Seeing the result of her labor spurred her on with renewed energy, as she moved from bench to bench. She hardly noticed the passage of time, so engrossed was she in her task. And as the first sounds of the awakening house echoed through the caverns of Faen Tlabbar, Charrisa finished the last of the benches. Standing, she turned to examine her nights work. The ebony benches shone with a deep rich luster, reminiscent of their original state. Smiling, she curtsied deeply again to the Quarval-sharess and turned to leave. She had almost reached the door when she stopped, placed the items she was carrying to the side, and walked back down the isle toward the altar. Kneeling on the first step of the dias, Charrisa raised her eyes to the likeness of the Spider Queen, spreading her arms wide in complete submissiveness. Humbly she asked Lloth's blessing upon her next visit to the "Assigner of Stats". She rose, curtsied, and retrieved the items used in her night's work, and headed toward her chamber to wash, and dress for the coming day. The sound of the approach of the "Assigner of Stats" broke her reverie, bringing her back to the present. Charrisa took the scroll he offered her, containing reference to her intellect, wisdom, dexterity and constitution. Hesitating, she broke the seal and unrolled the parchment to read what he had given to her. A grin lit her face, as she nodded to him, turned on her heal and hastened to her studies.(submitted by: DAN0TH) 1. If you find yourself unable to get into Neverwinter during peak hours, make use of this time to read up on the information about Neverwinter. Numerous guilds make use of web pages full of information for those new (and not so new) to Neverwinter. 2. Don't waste your time waiting for hours inside the game to get to well known highly populated areas. Explore areas you never go to. It's surprising what great places you'll find that are uncrowded during even the heaviest usage hours. 3. Avoid triggering fights on crowded throughways at all costs. It blocks the road and sucks in unwilling participants. With the current system crowds, fights involving several participants are painfully slow, both to those inside and outside the fight.(submitted by: MR TESH) Greetings, everyone! It's Merry Christmas time, and you know what that means....... help with finding just the right gift at the last minute. Well, fear no longer my friends, cause it's Santa Tesh to the rescue! Now for some suggestions for those hard to buy for guild friends: (It seems that Tickle-Me-Elmos are a real hit with the evil guilds when you can find them..... something to do with ritual, so I am told) 1) Bards Guild - try the all purpose 10 in 1 presto chango multi purpose instument, for those hard to please crowds. 2) BDA - a toughie....... how about those prepaid disposable pearl cards, easliy transferred and ah..... borrowed. 3) BOP - a book of 1001 extra tough find the exit puzzles. 4) Clan Axepeak - the infamous moodstone works well here. 5) COR - a session for a self portrait in their favorite crusading pose. 6) GOC - one of those sealed snow globes of NW, this way they can keep unsettling NW even while they're home. 7) ITB - a personalized studded leather choker and bracelet set..... a sure hit! 8) KAAOS - a set of goodie guild weebles; so they can knock them down any time and the're back up instantly for more. 9) KEF - a miniature Olympic torch. 10) KORT - one of those hot shot basketball games so they can bring along the home KORT advantage anywhere they go. 11) MECH - rockem sockem robots are a perennial favorite 12) NOR - a mini voice recorder for those times when they are sick and need to say "hail nor!" 13) Night Masks - get them a lord nasher mask for their next costume party. 14) OGS - try the do it yourself gold electroplating system. 15) PON - a 7 day collection of colorful bandanas. 16) SOM - a designer hat, pipe, and magnifying glass set. 17) SOL - a glow in the dark tabard to brighten any dreary night. 18) TOL - a teeshirt with "we luv paladins, we really do!" on it. 19) The Camarilla - a picture of them on a hand mirror so they can look at themselves when they wake up at night. 20) The Grey Company - a magic mouth singing their favorite greatful dead song (I'm sure we know what that is). 21) TP - a box of disposable shoulder pads to hand out to protect from those hard gate crashes. 22) The Shadow Alliance - a do it yourself course on shadow boxing, cant miss with that! 23) The Spirit Lurkers - how about a bottle of the fragrance "hidden mist"? 24) UDL - a recruitment banner saying "don't get a life, join UDL". 25) White Mages - a bucket of whitewash to make everything prettier. Well, there ya have it........ if ya still stuck for that favorite sanctioned guild member of yours, well at least I tried. Anyone appreciating this list, please send me some earplugs for Christmas, so I dont have to hear it from all that didn't. Be well and have a wonderful holiday! Tesh >>>> KORT Squire to Sir Vinman(submitted by: KEF Tobias) Here is the Top Ten Folly list! Just so you don't think that only newbies screw up, there are some high level characters, low level characters, and even a guildmaster in here! 10-Ldy Luna, was attempting to flee a fight and walked through a cloud that killed her. 9-Stalker352, attempted to go to Berun where he couldn't run into anything major, he went the wrong way into Westbridge and was killed by a Dragon. 8-Ldyambrlin(gm), cast Hold on herself and was killed the next round by a wolf. 7-Ldyambrlin(gm), cast a Fireball on herself that did a good amount of damage, and later claimed her finger sliped. 6-Stalker352, cast Shocking Grasp on himself, which killed him. 5-RJEOK, cast heal Serious Wounds on a troll which saved the Troll who was at 3 Hitpoints, who killed RJEOK the next round. 4-KEF Pier, cast a Lightning Bolt on himself, the bolt reflected and hit him again which killed him. 3-Stalker352, cast Enlarge on the thief instead of himself. 2-Jtandia, cast Sleep on herself and was killed the next round by a Minotaur. 1-Jtandia, cast Sleep on herself again in the fight directly after the one mentioned before!Gimme a Scoop! Enter the weekly News of the Realm contest by submitting text for publishing. If your Announcement, Article, Helpful Hint, NW Abby Question, Poem, Fiction, or Tidbit wins, you'll have won your choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes)! Submit all text to screenname: NW NEWS. <><><><><> <><><><><> MONTHLY CONTEST!! Win Pearls for your Guild! Participate in the monthly News of the Realms "Newsworthy" contest. Each month, 4 pearls will be awarded to the account of the Guild with the most "newsworthy" articles for that month! We're looking for works of art, articles of fine literature, helpful hints of extraordinary brilliance, poetic works which stir the soul, etc. The key word here is "newsworthy"... only articles with substance will be counted in the contest! To participate you need to: - Indicate with your submission the name of your SANCTIONED guild. Only sanctioned Guilds are presently eligible to receive pearls for a Guild pearl account. - Write something! <><><><><> <><><><><>