==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 167 Week Ending 1-5-97 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to GreySavant for winning last week's News of the Realm contest for his story entitled "A Single Kiss". GreySavant has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes). Keep up the good work! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> Congratulations to the Knights of Eternal Flame (KEF) for compiling the most "Newsworthy" entries to the News of the Realms!! They win the monthly reward of 4 pearls which goes directly into their guild fund!! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> 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 <><><><><> <><><><><> Lord Nasher's Dreaded Fruitcake Winners!! Lord Nasher groaned and felt another headache coming on. Here it was, late in the holiday season, and his order had just arrived, a full week late, sitting in two huge wagons right outside his office. Muttering something about suppliers not being able to fulfill their delivery dates, he summoned the guards on duty to help him inspect the goods. What with more citizens in the Realms than usual this year, Lord Nasher had ordered more than the usual amount of cookies, fruitcakes, puddings and other goodies, and, true to Clovyr's Law, he thought, the bigger the order, the bigger the problems. He watched as NW Strahd and NWA Shaggy unloaded the first few boxes, and swiftly pried open the carefully packed crates. The puddings were ruined of course, and were quickly discarded. Strahd's eyes watered a bit as he bit into a cookie, and he tenderly felt his front teeth to make sure nothing was broken. Shaggy crumbled off a piece of fruitcake and popped it into his mouth and began to chew. "Uhmm... boss?" Strahd said, "these cookies aren't too bad... if you're careful not to bite down too hard." "Thish phhhrootcake ish okhay," Shaggy mumbled, his mouth full of dry, hard cake. "but be shure to haff phlenty of wahter on hand." He swallowed bravely and immediately went off in search of a cup of something to wash down his mouthful of holiday grub. "Very well then!" Lord Nasher beamed. "We do have something to give to the good citizens of Neverwinter this holiday season after all!" And with that he dispatched a message to his Captain to organize the troops. The distribution of holiday goodies was about to begin! All in all, nearly 200 citizens in every corner of Neverwinter lined up eagerly as the guards distributed the pieces of fruitcake (in the form of two poison casts and one slay living). In some cases, the cake was so dry, it took an axe to chop away a decent portion. Of course, in some cases the fruitcake was so dry, the citizens just couldn't swallow it, and to others, well, they just didn't find it agreeable at all. But for all those who were able to swallow and digest Lord Nasher's Dreaded Fruitcake, 4 pearls were their reward! Congratulations to all the citizens who managed to swallow the (almost) fossilized Fruitcakes and survive! ~ NW Events Winners ------------ abk palm abk slice acedeq alisbyre alstonlb2 ap0kilyps aragon ark aryanna blacckie black dye brandx2 c0ldblood cerunnos chung kwei cog exi1e cog zebex cryostorm dem0nica dirk dirty evayne gammit gary orl2 gernzman geya sedai gg tanan goodrobins gusties hc fazz jw110 kal mirage kederic1 keira2 king nashr krm merlin kto guy kyle bain lady fair ldy xymox ldyeilissa lok bomber lok patryn lok sengir lokvaliant lord valium lrd puma magiblood malev0lent mavralyn mellenar n0r durbin never2high nor ashtar o unknown ogs xendu omm breeze omm x phaenon pyuna rd nathan red sonnya rg alexis rg garionn rg laura rg murk shade sun shyntlara sky gaidin sky vinas sol jarell songshine ssc magias sun tzou synace iii tpa kondor tpa rayne tyo ark v imm0rtal v lazerus v urikai var gaidin velkynsarn velric warrzander wgw spite wol dragon ww tesser xylot zandrakkas <><><><><> <><><><><> New Player Tour 12/29 Discoveries to the North! Ember accepted the sealed message carefully, noting that the wax bearing Lord Nasher's crest was still warm. Urgent then, she supposed. With a smile she thanked the messenger then turned toward the window to read the scroll. Snapping the still cooling seal with her thumb, she unrolled the parchment and read swiftly. Mere moments later she was striding out of the barracks, her cloak rustling about her shoulders in the light wind of the winter's day. Northward she was ordered, to patrol and try to solve two mysteries. Knowing she would need help, she paused on her travels in the Warehouses and sought assistance. Many brave adventurers answered her call, too many eager hands in fact! Gladdened that so many were willing to help, she smiled and started her patrol northward. Battling a variety of fell creatures, flaming snakes, harpies, basilisks, umber hulks... lizardmen, wolves, vilstraks, even wild boars, eventually the patrol made their way to the famed Inn at Llast. Resting for a moment over their ales, they eventually strode confidently to the mysterious ship that had come ashore so suddenly, distressing people in the harbor. Searching the vessel, they found all sorts of nasty things inhabiting it, and finally deep within the holds found amazingly life-like statues. Wondering if the ship had been smuggling objects of art, Ember paused to examine one of the fine carvings carefully and then realized with a chill that the expression on the face was one of terror. Stepping back, she turned in time to see hissing snakes and then hideous medsaue sisters. Leaping into the fight, the patrol slammed the sisters against the walls of the ship, averting their eyes and pummeling the creatures to death. In the corner, they found what looked to be a uniform of some sort and a button with a very familiar crest. Taking the button carefully, Ember knew they must return and report what they had discovered to Lord Nasher. On their way back through Windycliffs, they began hearing rumors of terrible problems with the crops outside the town. The path was full of travellers, both young and old alike and while waiting for the road to clear, Ember leaned against a tree and then suddenly found herself tumblin through the brush into a hidden area. The rest of the patrol followed as they crept through the darkness and then burst into a clearing. Ogres, a troll and a huge purple snakelike creature were there. Certain these monsters were the cause of the trouble, Ember called upon Tyr to strke down the huge worm! The party's praises to the great god rang through the clearing as all the creatures fell before awl pike, axe and spells! Lord Nasher was most thankful of the news and the efforts of the patrol and thanked each giving them a token of his appreciation! Ember smiled as she said her goodbye's to her new found comrades! Thanks again to Gruften, Valdorak, Dizmar, Solsins, Grocmund, Z Drizzt Z, Grissella and Sir Tuch! ~ Ember <><><><><> <><><><><> New Years Eve Gauntlet Winners!! Bantam had the New Years Eve bash out in a deserted part of Berun's Hill, (which describes most of it). He had rented out an old warehouse and had it all made up for the party with one added extra. To get in you had to Run the Gauntlet of charm person, poison, and hold monster. Their New Year's luck was running high tonight with 11 out of 15 making it through the line to the most extravagant party in the Realm, in addition they each win 2 pearls. The party-goers that got in were: Abzzsta1n Lrd Fade Dwar Amaav Tyo Ark ITB Arcane Dephr0ge Thorvalson Genocidist Aladabra Evayne O Unknown Congratulations to all the party-goers!! -- NW Bantam <><><><><> <><><><><> New Player's Tour - 1/2 Drake's Errand to Nightsedge Having received yet another request from Mayor Adobe for assistance, Lord Nasher grumblingly dispatched his favorite duck to gather to him a party of brave adventurers, and ascertain what it was exactly that had the good mayor so concerned. While a bit concerned that it may be a fool's errand, Drake didn't hesitate a moment in following Nasher's orders, and had a group of brave adventurers somewhat assembled quickly. A strange spell seemed to be affecting both Drake and those that traveled with him, however. Calling it a "lag" for lack of a better term, Drake watched with horror as those following him moved slowly, as if through some strangely invisible thick molasses, and shook his head sadly as the crowds and this "lag" quickly decimated his forces before he even reached the Floodblest gate. Pushing onward, through the treacherous fighting in Floodblest, Drake found himself sometimes surrounded by valiant warriors, sometimes accompanied by no more than two. He was not to be dissuaded, however, and gathered his forces time and again for the continued battle. Beasts of every description abounded. And died. And sometimes killed. But the bloody mayhem was nothing new to those partaking in it, and it did not stop them. Well, it didn't stop ALL of them, at least. Needless to say, it was a somewhat haggard and exhausted group that finally won its way through to the Mayor's offices. Only to learn that this "urgent" request was nothing new -- the Mayor was convinced that some "new" variety of orcs was troubling him yet again. After a curt response that there seemed nothing new about these orcs to him, Drake departed for Neverwinter with his loyal and brave adventuters in tow, determined to advise Lord Nasher to seek out better leadership for the timid and oppressed people of Nightsedge. While Lord Nasher seemed unwilling to interfere in the internal politics of a fellow village, he still offers his thanks to those that participated: Galannor KnitStlkr LuveBytes FrankW4 Non Evil Avarian Alexolite Artexx Katishya SallyHarp Siltrin KrasOfBorg SOMDwingjr Xav6524ble Lilbrat144 Laleenda V Stuckey RHunterman Gefion II Eetim -NWA Drake <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 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 IMPROVED TRIVIA!! ------===<<<@>>>===------ Join NW Raven and NW Omar for a night of fun and prizes, while we test your knowledge of Neverwinter Nights trivia! Date: Tuesday, January 7th Time: 10:00 to 11:30 pm EST Place: The Great Hall of Neverwinter (outside the Realms) Prizes to be awarded to winners: First Place - 15 Pearls Second Place - 12 Pearls Third Place - 9 Pearls Fourth Place - 7 Pearls Fifth Place - 5 Pearls AND access to the Guild of Heroes!! There are NEW rules for a new year of Trivia! Major changes are: 1. FIVE winners instead of three! 2. PRIZES include only pearls! 3. ONLY first 10 correct answers are scored! 4. TWO random rolls instead of one! Please review the new rules before coming in to play. Hope to see ya there... ;D -- NW Omar and NW Raven <><><><><> <><><><><> New Player Tours: Join the following staff members for a tour of the Realm: January 8th *Wednesday 12:00 AM EST - with NWA Arctic. January 10th *Friday 1:00 AM EST - with NW Nitro. *This is considered the evening in question even though the hour is past midnight and is technically the following day. ;D Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> The Old Year finished with fests in the Sisters' Tavern with the Soal Cakes all around on Monday. Though the Punt Beast was fierce, Spryte delivered the cakes to the tavern for Mystri to distribute. At the end of the eve, WGW Thorn won the prize with a lucky roll (as well as a kiss from Mystri!) Wednesday opened with an off-hours wedding..the gala joining of the Camarilla Prince Randym and the beautiful Chyanna. When the Tavern proper opened, the evening was filled with New Years' Resolves, as the patrons told of their hopes and quests for the coming year. The telling of KitheBard won the Pearls of the evening. Paladins were honored in the first of the Class nights. The Knights of the Realm were invited to join in the Tavern in recognition of their efforts to serve good in Neverwinter. Next week is Thieves week..as theft in the Tavern Monday has Mystri and Spryte searching for a way to thief-proof the inn. Pickpockets invade on Wednesday, with Mystri rolling to see how much she loses from her waist pouch with each attempt, and the one matching her roll winning the prize. The week finishes with a conclave of thieves in the Tavern. Secure your belongings, guard your jewels, for the tavern will be jammed with them on Friday. Can you escape unscathed? Visit the Sisters' Tavern in the Great Hall and see...best RP of the evening wins GOH access. The Sisters' Tavern in the Great Hall is openned Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11pm - 1am. Join NWT sisters Mystri and Spryte for evenings of fun, frolic, and RP in the Sisters' Tavern! ~The Roving ReporterThoughts of Spawny (submitted by: UDL Charon) She was a friend in the inns A comrade in battle A mentor and teacher Her zest for living Her love of feebing These were gifts she gave us all On the ladders In the quads On a team Or in a war She was a fighter & leader These were gifts she gave us all Be it instruction in the arts of Pvp Or perhaps a well timed hold To save you from the gate An Esp hello that would bring a smile to your face Or the pleasure of her company on an adventure These were gifts Ldy Spawn gave us all Those who call Neverwinter "Just a game" Belittle how much it brings our lives These people are our acquaintances Our friends, and sometimes even our lovers These are gifts this "game" gives us all The loss of such a dear companion To have her stolen from us Is a reminder to cherish the time we have To value each friend, each foe and each comrade To enjoy each battle, each moment and each second This is Spawny's final gift and legacy to us all To Ldy Spawn, my friend and comrade, I hope the afterlife brings you joy and happiness Rest well dear sister. Tale Four Brief Encounters (submitted by: Mesingw) OOR Babble looked forward to each waking day, for she knew it meant that she would be meeting and talking with more OOR's that she had not met yet or other friendly races that roamed the realms (dwarfs, halflings, humans, halfelves and the like). She learned of many guilds that were well established and as well as ones that were just forming due to the influx of races getting ready for the Great War. She could go to the Great Reading Hall just outside the gates to Neverwinter to read all the postings from the different guilds and individuals. Reading these she sometimes would get so absorbed and caught up that she would never enter the gates to Neverwinter. She realized this was an excellent place to come for information about each guild. From these readings she found the ITBs were a constant menace to most all guilds of good alignment and that the Aes Sedai were the protectors of the Tower and are very helpful with travelers that get lost or turned around in the woods. She learned of the "V"s that come out mostly at night and enjoy draining the life force through sucking the blood from an individual -- they call themselves vampires. There were also postings of recent engagements, marriages and reunions. Reading these postings made her smile and reminiscence of an evening that she and OOR Oracle spent in Triboar with Shade Sun and ValkrySun. By the time Bab (affectionately called) and Oracle had arrived at the inn in Triboar from a long day of training in Long Saddle, Val was well on her way to being....., how to say this nicely without her taking offense, hmmmm, well let's say she was feeling no pain. She was in high spirits because she and Shade had just re-united. Bab and Oracle did not get all the details or events in their lives that led up to this moment and it was none of their business but they were graciously invited to help celebrate their reunion. Bab and Oracle looked at one another and both agreed without saying anything that this was a good place to stop for the evening and enjoy the festivities and the company of these two love birds. Val was drinking and toasting with three drinks at a time while the rest of us watched with our one. Oracle, when Val was not looking, would replace an empty glass of his with a full one of hers. He figured she would never notice and just assume that she drank all three. Shade smiled and did not reveal this secret to Val. At one point in the evening, we called for the barmaid but she did not reply.. either her time was up for the day and she went home or she was below in cellar getting more ale and supplies for this party. But no matter, when she was in need, she was nowhere to be found, so Val went behind the bar and helped herself to the drinks. She poured her usual three for herself and the rest of the inn had one. Val wanted to dance, so she and Shade danced while the inn began to fill up. Val invited all to join in the celebration but apparently some did not want to join in and made some lewd comments to her, for out of nowhere she turned to Siltrin and suggested that he take a walk anywhere. Then she began to giggle and grabbing a drink in each hand was off again dancing and laughing with her love Shade. Nothing and no one was going to ruin her evening. While on the dance floor, Oracle had finished his drink and was in need of another, so Bab got up and played barmaid this round. She asked the room who all wanted drinks and hands went up everywhere. She took count and filled the order. She bent under the bar and found a large tray. She placed the drinks on the tray and while balancing the drinks, she walked and delivered the drinks to the various tables with a little dance in her step. She delivered the last round of drinks to their table and when handing Oracle's drink to him, Bab noticed a look of inquisitiveness. Bab smiled and said, "Well, guess you learned something about me tonight, huh? I used to work the inn in Waterdeep sometimes." All of a sudden, Val said very loudly, "Is it hot in here or is it jes me?" Shade whispered in her ear but we all heard, "I'm hot too, dear." She looked up into his eyes and sweetly said, "Fergot how well ya dance hon." He said with a smile in his voice, "Tis been awhile since we danced, dear". They made their way back to the table and sat down. Val took a sip as she eyed Oracle and realized that she could drink Oracle under the table. She voiced this discovery for all to hear and the contest was on. OOR Oracle was sipping from one mug and then the other, "Making sure they come outta the same tap ya know...new barmaid might messed up and gimme the cheap stuff..." Bab heard "Hail Babble" over her left shoulder, she turned to see TPA Jackel. "Hail Jackel and how are you this evening?", she asked. He was doing fine, his fellow TPA's were out in strong force this evening. This she had known because earlier that day, while departing Long Saddle, she and Oracle had gotten separated, they were in a fight where she had gotten poisoned. When she awoke, she was alone.. Oracle was no where to be seen.. She had figured that he had continued on without her to find help for her. She made her way back to Long Saddles' Horseshoe Inn with the help of the incantation 'Invisibility' and fled the encounters that followed. When she did reach the inn, there were no clerics available and she dared not rest.. for she knew the poison would take over her body and when she awoke next it would be at a temple. So she sat near the fire shivering from the fever that had taken a deep hold on her. TPA Jackel was there and came to assist the best he could but not being of a clerical background, floundered on what to do. He fed her water and wiped her brow and was there to comfort the best he could. He kept talking to her so she would not drift into a coma. Babble kept asking about her friend Oracle, if any had seen him. None had seen him and thought the fever was causing her to hallucinate, since she had no friend with her when she entered the inn very weak. Oracle made the mental contact and said that he too was poisoned and could not make his way to the inn for he had no incantation of 'Invisibility' and to weak to make it to the inn on his own. This saddened Babble who was trying to explain to TPA Jackel and the others in the Inn that her friend needed help as well. They all were very appeasing and shaking their heads but Babble, thru her fever, saw no one taking any action to go search for her friend. She decided that she would, as weak as she was, attempt to find Oracle, but as soon as she tried to stand her knees gave out from underneath her and she slumped back into the corner. Somebody, Babble forgot their name, made a grim remark,"Oh, Babble is hurt for she is mumbling and babbling away things we can't make out. The poison must be taking root deeper. Look she tries to stands, can anyone understand what she's trying to say?" Apparently, Babble was speaking with a mixture of Elven and Common and thus making no sense to the onlookers. She realized she was too weak to go find Oracle on her own and relayed this to Oracle. She looked into TPA Jackel's eyes and focused her attention and in a weak voice said, "Cleric?". TPA Jackel kept reassuring her that one was on the way, to just hang in there. She felt herself getting tired and all her body wanted to do was to sleep. She could not understand why TPA Jackel would not let her sleep. The more her body was taking over to sleep, the more he would shake her to keep her wake. She saw his lips move but she heard no voice emitting from them. Her body took control and sleep came to her. She closed her eyes and drifted off into darkness. She awoke with a new face over her, chanting and pouring a nasty tasting liquid down her throat. She gagged and wanted to spit this vile substance from her throat but he would not let her. She was allowed to sit up after she was forced to swallow and saw TPA Jackels' anxious face peering at her over the shoulder of the one who must have been the cleric of the TPA's. Zeus, she thought that was his name but could not be certain. The first thought and question that came to her was the where abouts of her friend and comrade, OOR Oracle. The cleric, TPA Zeus, said, "Do not worry, he is fine. He is here, we found him in the woods and brought him with us. He too is recovering from the poison that was inflicted by the Cloud Giant Shamans." Relieved, Babble slid back under the covers and closed her eyes, still feeling drained from the near death experience and elated that OOR Oracle was found and with her once again. She opened her eyes, reached out and took hold of the cleric's arm, "Thank you very much for your intervention in saving our lives. We have not much but are willing to pay you for your services." TPA Zeus grinned at her, took her hand, slowly tenderly squeezed it and said, "No payment is required, M'lady. Just be more careful next time when dealing with the Cloud Giant Shamans and a bit of advice -- purchase a neutralized poison potion before facing them again, if you do not have a cleric in your party. You need to rest now. Sleep well and peaceful", he placed her hand on her chest. She once again closed her eyes and drifted into a peaceful sleep. While she slept, she dreamt of another that she had met while exploring Longsaddle Under by herself and uncovering the dangerous creatures that dwelled there. WW Warpath, a follower of the White Warlocks of the White Mage Guild had come upon her nearly dead body after an extraordinary battle with two Beholders while trying to recover the Incandescent Jewel for Lord Nasher. Her first thought on seeing him near her was that of doom and imposing death, for she knew that this area of Longsaddle Under was an approved place for any person to attack or jump another. With her being so weak, anyone could take advantage of her situation, for she knew she could not put forth a fight to withstand even the slightest attack. The figure approaching her from the shadows with its healthy looking body and clear set eyes, stopped just short of her and studied her. He drew his sword and she had resigned to the fact that her life was over. He came nearer cautiously, looking both ways. She smiled at this for she guessed that he thought she had friends waiting to ambush him. She hailed him, "No need friend to worry of others, I am alone. If you are to kill me, I only ask that you do it swiftly." He stopped again and stared at her, weighing in his mind, if she was telling the truth. He surveyed the area once more, made the decision and then sheathed his sword and approached her. He knelt next to her and examined her wounds while introducing himself. He could not believe that one of such delicate features would venture into this hellhole unescorted. He offered his arm and would not take NO for an answer to assist her topside to the inn where she could get proper medical care and a safe place to recuperate. She accepted his arm and help. Once safe inside the comforts of the inn, she passed WW Warpath a bag of gems and jewels for payment but he was quite offended at this, "M'lady, I will not accept this", handing her the bag back, "it was my pleasure in making your acquaintance and being of assistance. I only wished I had known you before so I could have offered an escort to you before you ventured into that horrible place." Babble told him that she usually does quite well on her own but shrugging admited that she gets overconfident in her abilities and tended to forget to prep before entering unknown territories. They said their good-byes and she was made to promise him that if she was to enter that place again and he was in the area, that she was to call him. She agreed and WW Warpath left her to rest at the inn to regain her strength. She came back to present reality with the laughter of children around her. She had once again drifted off, with a far away look in her eyes, into her own little world and when she became aware of her surroundings, she was still standing at the reading boards outside of Neverwinters' gates. OOR Babble shrugged this off and headed toward the Inn, smiling at the memories of the brief encounters she had thought about as well as welcoming the new ones that will take place in the future.. The End....Bane Fyr (submitted by: Bane Fyr) I recalled leaving Nashers palace two days hence, on a mission both secret and possibly deadly. My liege had commissioned me to Berun, to investigate the rumors of a growing slave ring that was being established there. As I had heard said rumors myself, I felt the mission a worthy one, deserving of my talents, and more than likely an endeavor that would prove both valorous and rewarding, for Nasher was ever generous to those who pleased him. So, I prepared myself for travel, cleaning my magical blade, sorting through assorted scrolls that I might need, and took myself to the temple, to pray for a safe and successful journey, and to be blessed by the cleric there. I readied my magical bag, and set my feet on the path to Berun. Now, let it not be said that I, Bane Fyr, am a craven man. But after several encounters with thieves, the occasional alligator, and a few stupid lil' kobolds, (all dispatched with ease), I deemed it wise to cast a glamour upon myself, so that I would be invisible to the annoying and time consuming beasts and brigands along the way. For, although I love a good battle as much as any living, (and a few undead), my Lord Nasher had dispatched me in all haste, that the troubles in Berun should be solved as soon as may be. After this, I had very little trouble making my way to Floodblest. Soon after entering this realm, however, I heard distant cries for help. I quickly quaffed a potion of speed, and hurried to find the soul in need of my help. I came upon a lad, new to manhood, fiercely doing battle with a dreaded Pyrosnake, and several of the local lizards. The lad had given a fair accounting of himself, as several of the green behemoths lay dead or dying around the battlefield, but he was suffering from not a few wounds himself, and one arm was fiercely burned. I quickly threw a holdspell at the beasts, and all but one froze in their tracks. After that, it was quick work to finish the task, and send the creatures back to the abyss from which they had spawned... Unfortunately, I had neglected to bring any healing potions,(a foolish mistake),so I bound the lads wounds as well as I could,and helped him along to the Inn at Floodblest.There, he quickly healed, thanked me, and was off, desperate to find more adventure, as though he had not come within a manticore's hair of being destroyed in his last encounter. Oh, foolish youth... I rested at the Inn a small while,sipping ale and listening to the tales of those around me,hoping to catch a tidbit of information about my mission,but to no avail.Sighing,I gathered up my belongings and resumed my journey.... As I approached the village of Nightsedge,the forest around me suddenly came alive with the sound of huge,running feet.Out of the bushes sprang a large pack of great,green Ogres,with several of their mages guiding their movements.NO!! I had forgotten to make my form invisible after the battle in Floodblest!!I cast an enlarge spell upon myself,and frantically drew my sword.I quickly sent a fireball at the mages,and began hacking my way towards them,as I knew from experiance that they were the deadliest of the group.One of them began casting,and ,afraid for my life,I sent a lightning bolt down from the heavens to destroy him.Luckily,the bolt also destroyed the other two mages as well,so i was left to contend with only the mundane type of ogre to deal with. Weary and bloodsplattered,I pulled my sword from the stomach of the last ogre,and left him to die.Tired I was,and in need of food and healing.I made my way to the Inn at Nightsedge,only to find it looking abandoned,I searched through the place,and finally found the keeper hiding in a small storeroom,upstairs.I was in no mood to hear his sad tales,so I quickly paid his fee(larcenous!!),and made my way to my room.With barely the strength to remove my boots,I collapsed upon the bed,and faded into oblivion... I awoke the next morn feeling groggy,but rested and fit.After eating and giving myself a perfunctory bath,(and casting an invis spell!!),I resumed my journey east.As I entered the Westwoods,a feeling of forboding came over me,as though hope and life had been ripped from the world around me.There were no birds singing,nor any of sounds one usually hears in the forest.I detected no menace,however,so i shook the feeling away,and resumed my march east. As I approached the bridge over the stream,however,a voice cried out a challenge to me;"nay,thee may not cross,lest thee pay our toll!"On the other side of the bridge stood three men,wearing clothing all alike,Guildsmen by their look. I replied,"You do not wear the livery of Nasher,Lord of these realms,so I'll give you nothing but a thrashing,if you bar my way." "We scorn those who obey Nasher",one said," or those who obey any but the Ark guild!!"They all drew their various weapons,and leapt to the attack.I cast a Globe of Invulnerability,and betook to defend myself... We cast many a spell back and forth,and for a while I gave as good as I got,when suddenly,my mind went dim,and my thoughts misty...I fell to the ground,and lie there,clutching my skull and wondering where i was.The three footpads stood over me,laughing and jeering at me.They went through my bag,taking all that they desired,and left me to die.... But I was made of stronger stuff than they reckoned,and slowly made my way back to Nightsedge,where I collapsed ay the door of the temple there.I awakened the next morning with an acolyte standing over me,washing my forehead with warm towel."there",he said,"good as new." What happened to me ",I asked,"I but dimly recall anything." "Some miscreant cast a feeblemind spell upon you...you're lucky to have survived it" he replied. After paying the fee due them,I thanked the priests who had helped me,and returned to the Inn,to gather my thoughts and form a plan of action.Should I revenge myself upon th e Ark's,or resume my mission? Maybe a day at ease will clear my mind... To be continuedPoetic Interlude (submitted by: Lady JNar) T'was the night before New Years and throughout the hall, The OOC monster was hounding us all. Being blocked at the gate for hours on end, Had some of us ready to cast "punt" on a friend! Growing pains were being felt all through the guild, But from sharing Luthy's brownies much anger was stilled. A peace had invaded where noise usually reigned, The birth of a Savior had chaos contained. The tree left by Tarma was lovely to see, With the baubles and bangles hung there by TP. Wondrous smells from the kitchen drifted throughout, And soon brothers and sisters gathered about. Munching on brownies, rumballs, and more, Left us to wonder would we fit thru the door? A camraderie was felt by all who were there, And everyone brought a small gift to share. The mages had fireworks to dazzle the eyes, The rangers shared ale, to all our surprise! The clerics told tales of battles well fought, The paladins shared treasures from Nasher they'd got. The elders told stories of days long gone, And made us all proud to think we'd carry on. The cadets filed out and came back in a bit slow, Dragging behind a huge bowl of green jello! Then what to our wondering eyes should appear, But our beloved Tyst in the guise of a reindeer! The hugs were aplenty and joyous laughter rang out, And at the stroke of midnight all of Neverwinter heard us shout: TO ALL ADVENTURERS IN THE REALM WHERE'ERE THEY BE: A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE GUILD OF TP!!!!!!!!! Lady JNar The Arrow's Flight (submitted by: Strick719) The infant finally slept. As though he could not see enough of this strange new world, he had fought slumber like a true warrior, 'til at last he succumbed as all warriors must in the end. The young elf maided cradled her son in her arms and moved with a stealth known only to mothers, and carefully (so as not to begin the battle anew ) placed the young lad in his bed. The father, not nearly as adept at this brand of warfare, crept lightly behind the mother and lingered by the child's bed as his wife prepared to retire for the evening. The elf lord peered at his son with a love he had not known existed within him, and just as he was about to turn to his own bed the babe, as if to conspire with the father, opened his eyes and smiled. Without uttering a sound the young elfling made it clear that the smile would be fleeting if the father did not somehow entertain the new "master of the house". The baby's head turned and the father followed his eyes to the ancient elven harp propped in the corner of the room. "Ahh, a song is it?", thought the father. "Then a song you shall have, my son." The father retrieved the harp and quietly knelt by his son to play. The elflord's fingers danced over the strings and, once set in motion, the harp seemed to awake and play of it's own accord. In a soft alto voice the father sang: The archer's bow let loose upon the world an arrow straight and true. Of finest wood and fletching rare, crafted with the greatest care 'Twas no simple arrow that now traverssed the air. 'Twas the quiver of the archers heart, from whence this arrow flew. The archer's eye did shed a tear, his lips let loose a sigh as the arrow took it's course. For his hand now held no sway, to guide the arrow on it's way. The forces of the world would now greatly weigh Upon the arrow's lonely flight and show it no remorse. The arrow flies what seems so straight a path to those with untrained eye. But through this archers life, he's lived it's pleasures and it's strife. He's learned the arrow flies the arc of life. The arrow in it's flight doth rise, then fall, and seem to die. But as the archer drew his mighty bow he knew From deep within his heart, Through wind, through light, through darkest night, Beauty is found in the arrow's flight. And this one he knew, would find it's mark The last note still quietly reverberated on the strings of the harp as the father placed it back in it's corner. He returned once more to the bedside of his now sleeping son. As he gently tucked the blanket around the baby he wondered how much of the song his son had heard. He kissed the sleeping baby on the forehead and before turning toward his own bed whispered, "Goodnight, my precious arrow." Strick719 Lightheart ;->One for Another (submitted by: Ulhendl) The last drops of ale ran down my eager mouth even as I slammed the mug down. I closed my eyes and savored the taste. The thought that each mug tasted sweeter than the last had run through my mind more than once. My hand wiped my wet beard while the other signaled the innkeeper for another couple ales. While I waited, I crossed my arms on top of the table and rested my chin on them. Forcing my vision to clear from the effects of too much alcohol, I tried to survey the inn's surroundings this night. Only a few people were seated, scattered around. Not unusual. The inn would be full if this had been a night that the local bard would perform. "All the better..." I mumbled with a slurred voice. At least no one would bother me with mindless chatter. I looked over to see the innkeeper ambling over with two glasses of ale. As he set those down and took up the empty ones, he gave me the same look he had been giving me ever since I came here... << The innkeeper barely noticed when I walked in early that morning. That is, he didn't notice until I set that bag of gems in front of him. "Uhh, what can I do for you, sir?" he said, his gaze switching back and forth from my face to the bag. "Is this enough for a room for a month?" His eyes widened at my proposition. "Why sir, this is enough for all the rooms I have for a year." "Good," I replied, "then I shall make this deal with you and make no mention of this henceforth. All these gems in exchange for a month of boarding and all the ale I can drink. I do not want you telling me otherwise and no watchguard to seize me. I, on the hand, will not cause any trouble other than the service of your ale. Is it a deal?" "Of course," he said giving me a look of... shock? sympathy? curiosity? >> That had been two weeks ago and I still could not decipher that look. It didn't matter anyway. I felt sure that he would keep up his end of the bargain as long as he had those gems. After all, they were worth a fortune... for anyone but me. I sold too many memories to obtain those gems, too many things I once valued higher than anything else. And now, now nothing meant anything to me anymore. I momentarily looked up from my drunken stupor. A woman whom I hadn't noticed before, was staring at me from across the other side of the room. Was she staring at me? I couldn't tell with my blurry vision. Perhaps it was only my imagination. I occupied myself by looking down at my hands. I noticed how red they were... as if covered in blood... << the claws... the drooling fangs... the terrified faces... the tearing flesh... the bloody walls... the torn bodies... >> I absent-mindedly wiped my hands across my tunic before rubbing my eyes. The mug soon found its way back to my mouth soon after. As I set the glass down, a glint caught my attention. I glanced down to where it came from. It was the fourth finger on my left hand... my wedding band. I thought of my wife... my beautiful wife. She was the kindest, gentlest, most caring person I knew. And my son and daughter... the two most perfect children any man could ask for. No one would even think of harming them. But now they were gone... dead... How I wanted to die, too. I finished the second mug in almost a single gulp and signaled the innkeeper for another round. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a pair of eyes. I turned quickly to see the same woman staring at me, but this time from a table in the center of the inn. At least I thought she was staring at me. She was definitely looking my way. What was she looking at? And wasn't she sitting at the other end of the inn a moment ago? "Ruff, ruff!" A trio of gruff men were sitting down at a table across the way. One was boasting of a wolf he had slain on a recent outing. "That should have been me..." I whispered, looking down at my hands again. << the moonlit sky... the red eyes... the growls... the bite... the howling... >> The wolf! It had attacked me that night I was out chopping firewood. I managed to kill it yet I didn't escape unharmed. My wife gasped in horror as I stumbled through the door with a mangled, bloody hand. She was always so protective of her family. She wrapped up my hand in some herbs and an old tunic and cared for me that night. For the next coupe of days, she stayed by my side. I had become feverish by the next morning and she begged me to have the local cleric come to the house to loom at me. But I refused to unless my condition worsened. I had my pride and didn't want anyone to worry about so simple a bite. Such pride... such foolish pride... On the eve of the full moon, I finally gave in and told my wife that she could summon the healer in the morning. She was so relieved... I awoke from a horrific nightmare the next morning. My naked body was covered in blood and I was laying by the bank of a stream. Flashes of my nightmares assaulted my mind... my wife's screams of terror as I slashed her flesh off. My children , screaming for their "papa" not knowing I was already upon them. The crunching of their bones as I gnawed upon their remains... Such pain... such horror it had been. The screams of agony... the fearful eyes... but it was all a dream, right? My being outside in my condition had a logical explanation, right? I could never cause more pain than a passing breath, right? There had to be some excuse for why I was living this nightmare, right? But as I returned home, I found out I was terribly wrong. "Care for some company?" I turned quickly to come face to face with the same woman who had been staring at me all night. And for the first time, I took a good look at this woman. Long black hair draped a small figure wrapped tightly in a purple bodice. Even longer smooth legs daringly peeked out of a revealingly slit skirt. She a beautiful face, albeit painted some, but something of those eyes. I couldn't help but feel as if I was drowning in them. "I have no use for a pleasure wench." I replied coldly, turning away from her as I propped up my elbow on top of the table and rested my head on it. She giggled but didn't go away. Why does everyone have to be so damned friendly? Can't they see that I wanted to be left alone? All alone so I could die? "Are you wed?" I can still remember the first time I laid eyes upon her. Across the way, she was giggling with friends as I introduced myself during the harvest festival. My wedding nearly sent me to tears of joy. The first time I heard my baby son gurgling sent my heart aflutter. My daughter's first words still burned in my mind. The family picnics by the lake... The cold nights huddled together by a fire... How can I, a simple woodcutter, have achieved so much happiness and then destroy it. My punishment didn't seem enough. "Is she beautiful?" I did not deserve the quick death of running myself with a blade. Had I given myself up to the law-givers, I would be, at most, hung or beheaded. No, I deserved a more painful, a more slower death. To drown myself in ale, to slowly poison myself by consuming nothing but the alcohol. My strength had waned, my mind dulled, my body deteriorated. To have the ale make me remember my crime even as I paid for it. Memories flashing across like poisoned daggers. Is it a fitting punishment for a werewolf? "Do you have children?" Upon my death, the innkeeper would find the note in my room. It would tell him the whereabouts of my family's graves, of my crimes against them, and to deliver this same message to the town guard. To treat my body like the body of one who has committed the most heinous crimes. I pray the gods no mercy upon my soul. "Where are they now?" "ENOUGH!" I shouted, raising my hand to drive this miserable creature from my sight. But my hand stayed. I could not muster the force to move as I gazed into her eyes. Her eyes... I fell deep into them... I heard a thousand words said but none spoken. I saw her lips moving but no sound came out. No, there was sound. Like a thousand whispering voices saying a thousand different things at once that I didn't understand. But I did understand. So many swirled thoughts and emotions. Too much to recollect but understood just the same. And yet, I could not escape the feeling that I was drowning. When she rose, I rose. Where she walked, I followed. We walked out into the night air, not knowing where we were going... until we stopped. I looked up at the moon. Another week and it would be full again. I would be dead in another few days, falling... falling... I was already falling. So many questions... What if I had never gone out that night? What if I had attacked the wolf straight out instead of waiting for its first move? What if it had just killed me? What if I had taken in the healer when my wife first asked me? What if I had discovered the bite for what it was and ran away before harm could be done? So many questions... and no answers... I didn't even notice the slight pain to my neck. Black... Heavy... everything so heavy. Must lift... lift your eyelids, man. Breathing so rapid, so ragged. I'm lying down... still outside. So cold... but not shivering. Get up, man, get up. Oww! my head... such pain... but not drunk anymore. But thirsty... not for ale...not for water... unnatural thirst. Everything a blur... gather your thoughts. What happened? Woman... where is she? Where am I? So thirsty... My tongue... something sharp. Two teeth... on either side... long and sharp. So damn thirsty... And then it hit me like a slap across my face... "NO!!!" Had I succumbed to the seduction of a vampire?!? It couldn't be! It can't! I looked to the moon... Had I traded one curse for another? Or would it be something so sinister a pairing... I only wanted death! A presence... I whirled around to find the same woman behind me. She smiled to reveal two curving fangs overlapping her lips. She started to laugh as she saw my shocked expression. I lowered my head. Visions of my wife and children, before and after the brutal slayings, floated through my mind... ... and then they faded... I could not help but start to laugh... End In Memory of Ldy Spawn A Treasure Lost to all of NeverWinter Ulhendl D'SovrenRedemption (submitted by: ABK Eldin) "Libera me Domine de morte aeterna," the priest intoned softly. A procession of black and purple clad figures carried an ash coffin from the Temple of Tyr. The funeral hymns sung by the followers of Lathander mixed bitterly with the mournful wailing of a mother. "Judex ergo cum sedebit," the priest continued. Eldin leaned against a gray stone pillar of the temple. Two women were comforting a small, plump woman who was sobbing deeply. "My daughter...my daughter..." she kept repeating. "Nil inultum remanebit," the priest began as the procession crawled toward the small cemetery beyond the city walls. With a whirl of his black cloak, Eldin entered the temple, the sounds of the funeral fading away. He approached the altar of white and gold, a war hammer imprinted on the front. He felt far from at ease here, yet at least he could find peace from the everyday life of Neverwinter. "Quem patronum rogaturus?" Eldin asked in the old tongue: "To what protector shall I appeal?" "The Gods will know when you are in danger, Eldin." Eldin stood up abruptly and turned to see an old bent man in plain white robes staring at him through sad, pale eyes. Eldin could have asked how he knew his name, but he decided against it. The man was wise beyond his years, though it looked as if the sun would soon set upon that brow. The old man's breath rattled in his lungs, and his limbs creaked with every movement. What good is the strongest soul in a body that is falling apart? Eldin thought silently. "Yes, I am old," said the priest, echoing Eldin's thoughts, "but not a fool. There's a darkness deep within you that puzzles me. How can such emptiness lie within the heart of a noble man? Do you really know yourself Eldin?" The old man wasn't expecting a reply. He turned and walked slowly towards the inner chambers of the temple. Eldin shuddered. The Priest of Tyr saw the emptiness within. He shook the cold from his shoulders, but he couldn't shake the chill from his soul. The emptiness was filling. A fire was being kindled. Eldin thought of the funeral of the young woman. So young, so unjust. His thoughts turned to his wife and son. His greatest efforts failed to find his son or avenge his wife's murder. The emptiness within began to fill, searing and burning, poisoning and darkening. Eldin knew what he had to do to banish the darkness around him. He had to vanquish it using his inner darkness, a darkness he had felt since losing his parents, so long ago. A hatred that burned when he watched his wife die. A grief that had stricken him when he had lost his son. Eldin picked up a ceremonial chalice and threw it against the altar. Fear and rage burned within him. Chanting powerful words of darkness, flames smote the tapestries of the temple, cleansed the wooden benches, seared the altar, and melted the delicate stained glass. Fury, unrestrained and evil, poured forth from Eldin's soul. He stood in the middle of a godly firestorm, created from pain, grief, and hatred. If the gods would be unfair, he would punish them. Eldin coughed, harsh smoke flinging him into reality. He looked around, the flaming storm raged everywhere. He heard a shout. The old priest rushed into the temple. "Get out!" Eldin shouted. The man's age bore heavily upon him as he tried to run. Too many summers weighed him down. The vaulted ceiling, once covered with paintings of battle and justice, cracked and fell. Eldin turned his head as the fiery ruin claimed the old priest. "What have I done?" Eldin cried. A falling tile glittered as it fell from the ceiling. Or was it the heavens? Eldin thought as it struck him down........... *** Two dark figures dragged a body into the forest beyond Neverwinter. The young man's face was pale, almost waxen, and glistened with sweat. His breathing was shallow and ragged. Blood ran down his temple, dripping onto the earth beneath. "Will he live?" a whispering female voice asked. "Yes, although I doubt he will awaken soon," the bold, dark voice of a man returned. "Shall we turn him in to Lord Nasher?" The woman in crimson robes turned to her companion, arching an eyebrow, waiting for the answer. "No," the man said smiling. "Lord Nasher would never believe a member of Bloodkeep did this to the temple, especially if we handed him over." "But people saw him enter," the woman pressed. "I'm sure that a citizen or two could testify that he was in there when it happened." "Yes Jasala, you are right. But, remember this, he never came back out. The only person that could really point a finger is nothing more than a pile of ashes now. To the people of Neverwinter, he is dead." Jasala's brown eyes lit up in understanding. "We can do whatever we want with him, and no one will come looking for him! Seregainen, you really have outdone yourself." She smiled. Seregainen returned that smile. "I know. Now we have a vital tool to use against Bloodkeep. Also, he have Jarod's father in our hands. This will bring the wayward boy in line." Jasala thought of Jarod. A handsome youth at sixteen, Jarod had his father's piercing green eyes and his mother's fiery red hair. But more importantly, he had his mother's indomitable spirit and his father's annoying sense of justice. He knew that Seregainen and Jasala were evil.He fought with them as much as he could. He had been a thorn in their sides. Jasala wanted him dead. She remembered that day fifteen years ago when she had stolen the babe from his crib, slaughtered the family, and set the home ablaze to cover the crime. A bargaining chip, Seregainen called him. Only when the Tome of the Unicorn was in their hands, would Jasala kill Jarod. "Shall we bring him back to the Tower?" Jasala sighed. Seregainen thought of the newly constructed tower, built upon the ruins of the old. "Yes put him on the fifth floor in the "guest" chamber. Remove his holy symbol, weapons, and components." "He has lost his freedom," Jasala smiled. "No, my dear" Seregainen began darkly, "He has lost much more. He has lost his faith in the Gods. But, most importantly, he has lost his soul........" *** "My love....my love..." a faint voice called, as if far away. "It is not time yet..." Eldin stood in a small glade near his home. Moonlight filtered through the boughs of the swaying aspen trees, a summer breeze dancing through the leaves. Lynia stood close to him, her red hair flowing down her back, flowers entwined in the auburn tresses. "It is not time, my love," she spoke to him gently. "Our son needs you." Eldin stepped closer to his wife, joy filling him as he saw her beauty once more. "I want to stay with you, Lynia. The world is too much with me. I need to leave it." He gently stroked her silky hair as he had done when they were together. "Selune understands your pain, Eldin. You are forgiven. Grief, pain, and fear are never crimes in the eyes of the Gods. You must go back. You must free our son from Seregainen's evil. He calls to you." Sadness gripped Eldin as he thought of Jarod. "Surely he must be within the grasp of evil. Seregainen has raised him." "No," his wife said soothingly. "Our son has you strength, and my stubbornness." Eldin laughed. The first time he had done so in a long while. He remembered when Lynia refused to hide in the trees when orcs had ambushed them in the Stonelands. He grinned at the memory. "You are right, I should return, but let me stay here awhile with you. I miss you." Husband and wife embraced one last time. The light of Selune shined on them as they stood apart from the world, giving voice to their love..... *** Pain, bright and flaring, brought Eldin to consciousness. His head throbbed with every beat of his heart. He sat up, swaying as his new found awareness threatened to leave him. His eyes adjusted to the soft light illuminating the room. It was cold and cheerless, giving no warmth. He lay in a soft bed, covered with a heavy quilt. Taking measure of his surroundings, he realized he was in a small room, a stout wooden door the only entrance to the chamber. "Where am I?" was his first thought. The horror of what he had done was second. The temple, the priest. Eldin groaned. He reached down to grasp at his spell components. He grabbed at a plain rope tied around his waist. Gone, were the spell components. He reached for the silver disk around his neck. Nothing. Without magic and his goddess, Eldin felt truly alone. His wounds had been healed, yet the pain in his head remained, and would remain for some time. Eldin focused his thoughts on a spell. Luckily only a string of magical words were required for it. Placing his hand on the door, he spoke. "Terenumcontis arebum," a blue light surrounded the door. A faint click was heard as the door slid silently open. He slowly crept into the corridor beyond. Dim torches in new iron sconces stood sentinel along the walls of the hall. Eldin heard voices further along the hall. Taking a torch from its holder, Eldin walked carefully toward the voices. He reached a large door at the end of the hall. Yellow light poured out from the slightly opened door. Whoever held this place was confident that no intruders would ever get in. A man's voice spoke. "He won't awaken for some time. It is best that we be ready. He'll try to bring this tower down about our ears." "Again," a female voice spoke wryly. "Once I have that book, we can destroy Bloodkeep. With Bloodkeep gone, Neverwinter will soon follow." Eldin recognized the voice of Seregainen, the man responsible for his wife's death, and his son's kidnapping. Anger furrowed his brow. Deciding to take matters in his own hands, he gripped the torch tightly and stepped forward, when a third voice spoke. "I hope he kills the both of you," a youthful voice snarled. "You would," the female voice returned. "But that won't be happening. We hold your father prisoner now. Pray that he gives us that tome, lest you die for his folly." Father? Eldin felt joy, hatred, hope and anger. A feeling that unsettled him. Finally he realized why these people had shattered his life: They were searching for the Tome of the Unicorn, a mighty grimoire that Eldin had acquired from his days as a thief. The youth yelled once more. "Death would be better than this existence!" That sealed it. Eldin flung the door open, rushing into the room. Jasala whirled around and gasped. "Eldin!" The black robed woman began chanting. Eldin threw his torch at the woman. Her spell lost as the flaming missile struck her in the face. Her long dark hair ignited. Jasala ran past Eldin, down the hall, her head a living torch. Seregainen grasped Jarod fiercely by the arm and pulled him between Eldin and himself. "At last the destroyer of temples has come to confront me." Seregainen smiled. Eldin looked to his son. Fear danced in those green eyes, eyes that matched his own. "Tell your son Eldin, how you killed an innocent priest in cold blood." Eldin went white. His son's eyes grew wide with shock. "No," Eldin cried, "It was an accident. I didn't intend that." "Yes, well, it has happened, and now you are damned by the gods to suffer the fate that you have earned." "No," Eldin said confidently, as he edged toward a table. The table held his belongings, if only he could reach his components..... "the gods have forgiven me. I have been redeemed. You, Seregainen, are beyond redemption." Seregainen frowned, and prepared to speak. His words were caught in his throat as he discovered his peril. Eldin grasped his components and chanted. Seregainen threw Jarod to the floor, and reached for a slim silver wand. Eldin's red bolt met with Seregainen's arching black one. Both mages were flung backwards, as the concussive force of their magic exploded. "Run, Jarod, run!" Eldin cried. Jarod disappeared out the door, as the two foes met. "You will pay for all that you have done. "Will I?" Seregainen asked happily. A little too happily. Eldin turned and saw a platinum mirror on the wall begin to glow. A picture appeared in that mirror. A painting of fire and brimstone, death and despair. Dark shapes twisted in the mirror. A gate! Eldin realized with horror. Seregainen was bringing evil demons from the Nine Hells into the world. He saw Seregainen's plan, first destroy Bloodkeep, then move on to Neverwinter. He knew it was a hopeless battle and ran. Catching up to Jarod, father and son ran down flights of stairs towards the entrance to the tower. No guards barred their path. Leaping onto the black horses of Seregainen and Jasala, the pair galloped off into the forest. A hideous screech filled the night. Eldin looked up to see the light of the moon blocked out by a hideous, winged creature. A black dragon. His black steed stumbled a bit. Skeletal hands were clawing their way to the surface of the earth, handfuls of sod flying on all directions. Eldin whispered a prayer and a spell. The horses galloped with lightning speed towards Bloodkeep, death not far behind........... *** "Open the gates!" Eldin cried as he reached the fortified walls of Bloodkeep. The bridge opened, and Eldin and Jarod rushed into the courtyard. Leaping off his horse, Eldin ran towards Storm's chamber, Jarod not far behind. Storm was writing, as Eldin burst in tattered and sweating, a strange young man standing behind him. Curiously, the young man resembled Eldin greatly, Storm thought. "M'lord," Eldin gasped heavily. "The dark legions of Seregainen are upon us. Terrible black dragons, devilspawn, and undead race towards the keep as we speak. We must prepare to defend." "What!" Storm cried, standing and donning his armor. "Tell the others. Pray the Gods favor us this day, the most terrible day of the keep's history. The Dies Irae: The Day of Wrath......" *** The Dark Legion reached Bloodkeep not far behind Eldin. The first onslaught came in the form of undead. Ancient warriors, defeated in battles now forgotten, trod heavily toward the gates of the keep. Rusted armor scraped against bleached bone. Thirty red and black armored warriors poured from the gates to meet the enemy. Led by their captains, Dailorn and Feyr, the Protectors engaged the dead warriors in hand to hand combat. Storm stood upon the battlements of the keep, surveying the troops and forming plans of attack and retreat in his mind. The noble leader of Bloodkeep wore his red and black armor regally, a drawn black sword in his hand. Squinting through the whirling, gray smoke of the vats of boiling grease, he spying small black flecks against the horizon. Black Dragons, he thought grimly. "The Crimson guard is ready my liege, as is the Honor Guard." The General of the Keep, Bo, looked down at the battle below. Giving a deep, mournful sigh, he left to lead the army into battle. Eldin was kneeling in his chamber, pulling out the items he had stuffed under his bed. An ancient, cracked scroll, a glowing cube, a Kraken badge, and a jewel. Lastly, he pulled out a tome bound in white leather, its pages leafed in gold. Eldin felt something sharp against his neck. "Turn around," a familiar voice commanded. Eldin turned to see that his son, Jarod, had a sword pointed at his throat. He looked at the long sword, held by an awkward hand. Eldin's gaze strayed to that hand. A plain gold ring adorned the fourth finger. "Give me the book," the youth demanded. Eldin handed the tome over to Jarod with a shaking hand. With his other, he dragged a sword from under his bed and plunged it between his son's ribs. A gush of warm fluid spilled over him. Jarod fell to his knees, green eyes level with Eldin's own. Trying to gasp for air, the boy coughed up blood. Giving the sword a swift jerk, Eldin killed his son. Kneeling over the body, Eldin picked up the cold, clammy hand of his son, and slipped the ring off. The body rippled like water before his eyes, as it shifted to take the form of a red robed wizardress, still bald from flame. Jasala, Red Wizardress of Thay, was dead. The real Jarod rushed into the room, nearly tripping over the body. "What happened?" he asked Eldin confusedly. "She tried to get this," he answered, gesturing to the tome now soaked with blood. "It's ruined," he despaired. "That book is," Eldin said smiling. "But," he slashed at his bed. White feathers swirled about the room. Reaching his hand into the flayed bed, he pulled out another white tome, identical to the ruined one. "This one seems to have weathered well." A fit of laughing took over Jarod. "You mean to tell me that this whole time, you kept the legendary Tome of the Unicorn in your bed?" Eldin chuckled. "Well, no one looked there," he snapped feigning anger. Jarod just laughed harder. The sounds of battle rose in the halls. Eldin gripped his weapon and joined the fray, the book out of danger for now. *** The next day, the dead littered the battlements and the fields around Bloodkeep. They had won of course, but at what a high price, Eldin thought. Lord Nasher's cavalry reached Bloodkeep in time to bring complete victory to Neverwinter. Seregainen's plans of Bringing the Army of Bloodkeep and Neverwinter were in ashes. Of Seregainen, there was not a trace. It seems the evil priest mage of Bane had fled, his power broken. Perhaps he would think twice next time he decided to Attack Neverwinter and Bloodkeep. Eldin entered his chamber, the body of Jasala removed, and shut the door. "My love, I have found our son. What a fine lad he is. He will grow up to be as great as you." He shook his head sadly. He still missed his wife. "You have been redeemed Eldin," a faint voice spoke from nowhere. "The memory of the temple will be no longer yours. By keeping the such power from such evil, you are redeemed......." The voice of his wife lulled Eldin into a deep, restful sleep.A Narn en' Melars A Tale of Lovers (submitted by: GreySavant) - Great Hall Tavern / Sister's Tavern - - December 30 - Talanithus walked through the Tavern doors with no small amount of anticipation. His dreams had been haunting him for some three nights now, constantly awakening him as lay down to sleep. He had no doubts that they were a vision from Corellon, but the meaning alluded his quick mind. All he could remember was singing within the Sister's Tavern, the words a confusing jumble to his Tel'Quessirian ears, to a figure cloaked in shadows. No feature could Tal distinguish, no mark to guess their name, no matter how he strove to pierce the dark veil. Then a force, like a giant hand, would grasp him from his perch and pull him through the Tavern doors into the cold winter snow. Shaking his head to clear the disturbing memory from his mind, Tal pushed through the door, sweeping his shimmering black cloak back across his shoulder as he unstrung his exquisite Elven bow and placed it in the quiver along his back. Then he pushed the pommel of his glittering longsword back from his waist, so as to be more comfortable within these Neutral halls of peace. As he strode forward, his icy blue eyes pierced through the crowd as he searched for friends and allies, Tal's blue crystal armor began to shimmering in the fire's warm light, it's millions of facets replicating the images about within their glassy homes. Tal noticed Tizer and Jared Syn sitting at the Tel'Mithrim table, Tiz's bow at his side as he raised a hand in salute. With a nod and Vedui' to a few other friends, Grey quickly made his way back to Tiz's side. "Vedui' GreySavant!" said Tizer as Tal walked alongside, "come and sit with me." Jared nodded and motioned to a seat, his grim demeanor a constant reminder of his affliction. "Vedui' Herueamin," was Talanithus' reply as he let loose his ever ready grin, "I would love to!" Just as Tal was making himself comfortable, BloodGlade and VonWildcat, fellow members of the Tel'Mithrim, appeared at the Tavern's door. Tizer pointed them out, and the two Tel'Quessir raised their voices in a hearty "Vedui' melloneamin! Come and sit with us, drink of our Fey and let us talk the night away...." Cat and Glade pushed their way though the crowd to grab a few more seats about the table, their jovial grins adding to the light mood of the evening. Then a flapping sound coursed through the Hall as Tal turned to see a large Falcon approaching him. With barely a second for thought, Tal threw his hand up to protect his face. The Falcon did not attack, though, but merely landed on Tal's outstretched arm. With wondrous amazement in his eyes, Tal watched as a strangely dressed man approached him, his long white hair woven and braided with feathers very similar to the one now perched on his arm. "I am sorry, sir. It appears that GreyWing here likes you." said the man, his strange accent turning the words a tad bit more musical then most Edan could ever hope for. "I am Toem. It is a pleasure to meet someone that Grey trust so implicitly." Tal stood, noticing the leather Falconer's gauntlet about the man's arm and his beautiful clothing, so matched to the camouflage of the woods and yet so pleasing to the aesthetic eye. This was no ordinary Edan, only one sect of man had reached such a union with Nature and Heart to work such beauty. He was Tayledras, without a doubt, and a Scout from the looks of the bond-bird before him. "Nay, the pleasure is mine, Toem. I am Talanithus Tarant, also known as the GreySavant or Grey to my friends and allies, just as your magnificent friend here. With a soft hand, Tal reached up to stroke the feather's of Grey's magnificent plumage. A look to Toem told him that it was fine, and soon Tal had fed Grey a bit of Spryte's delicious stew, it's claws and beak quickly gobbling the morsel. Then Grey flew off to the bar to greet another patron, with Toem swiftly following behind his friend, as Tal watched the two. A strange sensation coursed through Tal's mind, and turning in his seat he saw the fair form of Cheldrya in the Hot Tub, her eyes peering out from her sodden tresses to view the Tavern patron's in the sensual touch only a beautiful woman can master. Turning back to his table, he noticed quite a few of his Tel'Mithrim Torors watching Chel as well. Tal hid a chuckle behind his hand and stood, asking his friends to excuse him for a short time. With the steady sliding walk that only Tel'Quessir can truly master, Talanithus walked up to Chel's side, bowing as he spoke, "Vedui' beautiful one. Your beauty this eve is quite astonishing. Are we attempting to rival the moon's pale glow?" Cheldrya's turned, her long lashes fluttering as she slowly took in Grey's presence at her side. Talanithus had the eiree feeling that he was completely naked before this woman's sensuous gaze as she lifted her full lips from the water and spoke, "Greets Cherie', how are you this eve?" Talanithus grinned at her as he bowed again and kissed the dripping hand she offered from the tub's depths, only then noticing that she was completely naked within the Hot Tub. "Well, Chel love, I was just thinking about the little conversation we had a few days back..." Cheldrya's eyes slowly drifted from Tal to the Tel'Mithrim table, "Yes, I have honored your wishes, Grey one. None of your tempted flock have.... fallen sway to my charms as of yet." Her lips curled into a faint smile as she eyed the handsome elves at the Tel'Mithrim table with an almost predatory look. Tal begin to form a witty rebuttal when he saw Spryte walk into the Tavern, her long red hair flowing in a brilliant cascade down her green clinging dress. Quickly turning back to Chel, he said, "Excuse me love, sorry to leave so quickly but my heart calls...." then Tal quickly sped his way across the tavern floor to wrap Spryte in a loving hug. "Oh, Spryte love... I missed you so," said Tal as he softly kissed his loves tender lips, tasting again the strawberry fields that had stolen his heart, "How are you this eve? Missing me, I hope..." Spryte stood there as Talanithus held her close, feeling the comforting beat of his heart as she soaked in the warmth of his love. She felt so good, here in Tal's strong arms, as if all the cares and worries of the world were insignificant to his small moment of peace. She turned, looking into his sky blue eyes and whispered, "Aye Heruamin, I missed you much. But all is better now." Tal grinned as he saw the love shining through in Spryte's eyes, his heart telling him that she had finally given up her reservations in their pact of love. With misty eyes he bent down to kiss her again, their lips meeting in the incredible bliss that only Lovers feel when they are close. But the world would not wait as the two love-birds lost each other in their star crossed eyes. Patrons called for drinks, and poor Mystri was doing her best to keep up with the heavy crowd. Tal began to speak just as Spryte did, their words echoing one another as they noticed the patrons awaiting service. Tal smiled, for he knew their minds were growing together as their hearts did, and soon they would know each other's thoughts as if they were their own. With a playful push and wry wink, Tal let Spryte jump into her work. Spryte leapt to her work, retrieving empties and gathering orders with a flashing exuberance in her gait. Tal couldn't help admiring how perfectly Thorn's Yule gift of Spryte's dress clung to her lovely hips as his own gift of the Spring Amulet nestled between her perfect breasts. The large ruby twinkled in the fire's light as she moved about, drawing Tal's gaze for almost a minute before he walked back to the Tel'Mithrim table and sat with his friends. "Ahh.... melloneamin. Is not Love wonderful?" Tal asked as he sat, a wistful smile playing across his features. "I'd like to know how the heck you do that!" said BloodGlade as he watched Spryte whirl away from a nearby table, and then turned to see Cheldrya emerging from the Hot Tub, her wet body glistening in the fire's pale light. A number of other Tavern patrons turned to watch as the beautiful human slowly pressed the water out of her tresses and slipped into her gown, her wet skin pulling it in tight curves about her. Tal purposely turned his back on Chel's little display, but laughed as he saw his Toror's staring at her nubile form. With a nod and a grin, he mumbled to himself, "Quite the Temptress, she...." Tal turned to look for Spryte, scrying through the Tavern's many tables to no avail. He stood, looking to see if Spryte was picking something off of the floor, but she was not there either. Tal walked up to Mystri, but she too had not seen Spryte in the past few moments. After checking behind the bar, he noticed Cheldrya walking up and ordering a bottle of Fire Brandy. Grabbing it from behind the bar, he passed it over and asked, "Chel love, have you seen Spryte anywhere?" Just as Chel answered with a slight shake of her head, sending tiny droplets of water from her sodden tresses, Tal saw Spryte come bursting out of the back room, A bottle of Fey in one hand and a basket of her delightful bread in the other. Tal stealthily crept up behind Spryte and tickled her as she looked about the Tavern for her Melar . Spryte jumped into the air as Tal caught her in a quick hug and jumped into his chair, a wide smile growing across his dusky features. Spryte turned and advanced on her mischievous lover, a glittering light burning within her eyes that matched that of her ruby and emerald pendant. Then Spryte was at Tal's side, a few loaves of her delicious Herb bread and a bottle of sparkling Fey in hand. Tal reached out and grabbed her waist in a hug, pulling her closer to him before she could dance to another Table. "Ahh, now lass. You weren't going to leave without giving me a kiss, eh?" said Tal as he pulled her to his side. Spryte jumped up and landed in Tal's lap, her beautiful red hair flying about as she grabbed his head and pulled it to her for a sudden kiss. "Nope!" she replied, after tasting of his surprised grin, "I wasn't." Talanithus returned Spryte's toothy grin and laid his head atop Spryte's for a moment, feeling the closeness of her scent and warmth like a palpable aura about him. Then Spryte wiggled free, rewarding Tal with another kiss as she ran into the back room for a few more orders. Tal stretched and glanced about the Tavern, seeing his good friend Thorn as he walked through the doors and gave Mystri a sound kiss. With a grin on his dusky features, Grey stood and called out to Thorn, "Vedui Toror! Come and drink some fey with us while we laugh and play!!" Thorn looked about the room, spotting Tal standing by the Tel'Mithrim table with arm upraised, and he called out his own salute, "Vedui' melloneamin" his Edan tongue almost catching the correct pronunciation of the Elven greeting, as he turned back to greeting Mystri. Tal grinned as he watched Thorn's eyes dance about Mystri's fair form, his hands reaching down to pull out his enchanted harp. With deft hands he set the beautiful blue crystal harp before him, his hands caressing the silver runes about its frame as he softly hummed a quiet melody. Then Tal's fingers leapt across the silver stings, a chord of beautiful tranquility bursting forth throughout the Tavern's walls. With a wry smile and a look to the attentive patrons, he asked, "Would anyone like a little music?" A scattering of patrons looked up at Tal's words and raised their voices in favor of a little music. Tal nodded appreciably and began to stroke a few tender chords as he spotted the fair form of Spryte weaving through the tables. He began to play one of the songs he had written for her, this one praising her beauty and charm, and felt as his heart began pulling at the strings for him. The magic within began to build as Spryte's eyes closed and she began to hum along with the tune, her body swaying in tune with the music. Tal lifted the harp and slowly walked forward, loosing himself in the beauty of Spryte's form. As they closed together, the two began to dance, their steps weaving about one another as Tal continued to play. Spryte began to turn, her soft red tresses flying free behind her as she twirled about Tal, each step whirling her dress in a tight arc about her fair form. Then Tal lifted his voice up in the glory of the SpellSong, his heart pushing forward to strive his fingers in a flurry of beautiful movement. Spryte's dancing increased, her form a blur about the floor as the two danced in the harmony only Lover's could find. Then Spryte fell, her ankle slipped upon a small dice as she moved in trance to the SpellSong. With a cry, she fell to the floor, her face a twisted mask of pain as she grasped her ankle with tears in her emerald eyes. Tal's harp stilled with the break in the flow, his eyes opening to see Spryte sprawled on the floor before him. "Spryte!" yelled Talanithus as he dropped the harp and fell beside her, his call chorused by the patrons about as all stood and gaped at Spryte's fallen form. "Ohhh...." replied Spryte as she shook free the Song's traces, "I hurt my ankle." With tender hands, Talanithus slowly picked up Spryte's leg, her smooth white skin blemished by the mark of what would soon be a nasty bruise. "It is all right, love" said Tal as he softly caressed Spryte's leg, "I can handle this." Then Tal bent his head and lifted his voice in a prayer to his Lord and god, Corellon. "Oh Corellon, please hear my plea. Bring healing to this injury, so my beloved Melar may dance freely within your servant's heart and soul." As Tal spoke, blue flames coursed about Spryte's ankle, the swelling quickling ceasing and bruises fading away. The flames did not stop, however, for as Spryte stepped back and tested her ankle the flames began to course up Tal's arms, soon engulfing him completely as he stood and staggered back against a chair. "NOOooo!" he cried as a look of horror crossed over his features, his eyes staring straight into the Tavern's roof as the flames wrapped him in a blue fiery embrace. Patrons stood and gawked, a number of them drawing blades and preparing spells as the flames suddenly died down, leaving Tal slumped against a chair with a look of anguish on his dusky face. "Tal!!" cried Spryte as she jumped to her feet, her eyes wide with alarm as she saw her love in such obvious pain, "what's wrong!" "I only wanted to love you," came Tal's quiet reply, his face sweeping across to lock on her emerald gaze, "to cherish you, to make our hearts one..." Tal's gaze swept up to the tavern roof, his hand clenched into a fist as he screamed, "WHY!!! WHY do YOU ask this of me! Have I not served you faithfully these long years? Why do you steal my happiness... before it has even... even truly blossomed..." Spryte ran over to Tal, her arms wrapped about his shoulders as tears began to form in her eyes. She scarcely knew what was happening, but Tal was worried, and that scared her. The calm, charming man who had won her heart was gone, leaving a shattered husk with tears pouring down from his eyes as he rallied against some force. With shaking hands she drew Talanithus close to her, her eyes searching out his as he clutched her close to him. "What is it, Tal, what's doing this?" she cried as her tears dripped down onto his dusky skin. Tal's pale blue eyes, watery from his tears, looked up into Spryte's. "It is my Lord, Corellon. He has... has forbidden me... us from being," whispered Tal, his hands reaching up to touch her beautiful face and catching her tears, "I am so sorry, my love. He has commanded me to spurn the love I feel for you..." Tal's eyes begin to water as he raises on to his knees, "He will not even tell me why..." Spryte's hands cupped Tal's face, catching his own tears as he stood and gathered himself. "Oh love... Why?" mumbled Spryte as she stood at his side, arms still clutched about him. "I do not know," whispered Talanithus as he began to regain a semblance of his past composure, "but I must obey him... he is my Lord... please understand dear Love...." Spryte cut off Tal's words with a passionate kiss, her arms pulling him tight to her bosom. "I understand, Love." She softly replied, "you would not be the man I fell for if you did not heed his call. But I will miss you sorely." Talanithus lost himself in Spryte's tender embrace, tears falling anew as he marveled at what an understanding and loving woman he was being forced from. His sobs grew quiet as he felt once again the warm wonder of her arms, her scent so rich in his head that Tal could almost choke on it. His arms pushed her back, eyes caressing her body in ways he would never be allowed to touch, and a faint smile coursed through his tear stained features. "I will always love you, my sweet Spryte. Do not forget that, my heart will always hold a place for you, regardless of where duty takes me." said Tal as he softly kissed Spryte's forehead, his lips lingering as he felt the warmth of her skin. "I will never forget you either, my Melar." was Spryte's tenderreply as she stood on her toes and kissed Talanithus once more. Tal broke from her embrace, gathering his bow and sword while he watched Spryte's shaking form. Then with a long look, he made his way to the Tavern door. Tizer called out for Tal, asking him to come and join them at their table, but such solace would not heal the wound opened this eve, and Tal shook his head as closed the Tavern door behind him. Fresh sobs overtook his body again as he felt the Winter's cold air steal the warmth from his body, just as this eve had stolen the warmth from his heart. Pulling his cloak tight about him, he prepared to make his way home when he heard a familiar melody. Inside the Tavern, Spryte was playing the small dancing figurine that held the first song he wrote for her. He thought of her whispering the word which brought the magic to life and sent the figure dancing across it's base, and tears poured through his heart again. "Melar...." he whispered, his words sending a cloud of smoke in the cold air, "Lovers.... I will love you forever, sweet one." Then he began to pick his way through the lonely forest, the cold nights winter pulling him into it's dull embrace as he lost himself in the forest's depths. Alone. Again. ====================================================== Talanithus Tarant The GreySavant of the Tel'Mithrim Priest of CorellonReflections (submitted by: Loraque) It was night in the woods and Loraque sat in a small clearing, looking up at the stars, remembering and thinking. The moon was rising in the eastern sky. It was almost full, and it was starting to fill the clearing with its light. Six times the wood elf had come to this place, to pause, to remember, and to ....... to think about what had passed over the last half year. For all of the previous year, he had known it was inevitable, but still his heart ached when he thought about it. There was nothing he could do, but the pain was still there. He thought about his sister, Jarre'sl. She would always be there for him, or so it seemed. He thought about his father. He now seemed much older than his years. And then, memories of his mother came into his mind. He closed his eyes and swallowed back the tears forming in his eyes. He thought of her memory, and recalled the words he had first heard many years before.... The path through the forest is before me, and I have walked many miles. I have smelled fresh air in the spring, and I have seen blooms after the rain. I have drunk cool water in the summer, and I have tasted ripened fruit. I have heard the wind in the fall, and I have felt the warm sun. I have walked in the snow, and I have known the silence. The path through the forest is before me, and I have traveled many years. Wherever I looked, there was light, and I always knew the way to go. A light that guided and protected me, and showed me hidden dangers. A light that comforted me, and showed me the forest's beauty. Whenever I looked, there was light, but now she is gone, and my heart aches. The path through the forest lies before me, and I will keep walking. I will smell fresh air in spring, and I will see bright flowers. I will drink clear water in summer, and I will rest in cool glades. I will feel the wind in fall, and I will hear the rustling leaves. I will watch the snow fall in winter, and I will know life is renewed. The path through the forest goes on and on, and I will be the light for the ones with me. Loraque PoN Fence Purveyor of Fine and Rare Artifacts Elwynn's Poem (submitted by: LadyElwynn) Across the room, the foe stands tall, The being you must fight. The diamond blade hangs at the side, Of the mighty golden knight. With proud salute, he draws the blade, And towards you slowly walks. Clenching your will, you draw your bow, Bright arrow tightly nocked. With whispered prayer, the arrow flies, But blade knocks it away. And now the blade whistles fast at you, To be blocked by a flaming ray. The bow is dropped, your black blade drawn, And now the fight begins. For many minutes, naught is heard, But the two blades' mighty rings. Then suddenly, a flash, a gasp, And a blade flies through the air. Your eyes are drawn to your useless hilt, As your defense is laid bare. You bow your head in shamed defeat, Preparing for the final blow. But all you hear is a fading voice, "We will meet again, you know." Aluve' Rilauven - Conclusion (submitted by: Mavralyn) Mavralyn pulled her piwafwi close about her as she slipped away from the council chambers. Returning slowly as her thoughts churned within, she made her way past the gates of Rilynt'tar. Pausing a moment in silent farewell to her old house, she bowed her head in respect to Jasra's teachings so long ago. Continuing on, the lone figure soon stopped briefly near the majestic compound of Faen Tlabbar. Letting her eyes travel over the beauty and grandeur of the first house, she bid aluve' to the previous Ilharess that reigned for so long within Rilauven. *Aluve' ussta zhuanth malla ogglin. Change has indeed come, though perhaps naut as either of us expected.* With a slight bow to the unseen guards, Mavralyn moved on. They could not know the dark form had just honored the passing of an era. The deep silence of the city seemed to be peaceful rather than oppressive as Mavralyn passed the many compounds and structures that lit the darkness with faerie fire that danced about the variety of slim spires. Soon the drowess found herself near the towering might of Fey Branche. Again she paused in her silent journey. There was a time she had sought an alliance with the Ilharess Phyrra. Perhaps her overtures were too subtle, perhaps fate decreed it should not be. Shrugging at the thought, Mavralyn briefly regretted that the beauty of such a coup de gras against her ilhar had never happened. "Lolth kyorl dos well Laele Fey Branche. Treachery can be found anywhere," the husky voice whispered softly into the silence. Finally the cloaked form turned her steps towards Elythanar and a new path in Lolth's twisted destiny. Arriving without ceremony at the tall gates to the house she created from nothing, Mavralyn returned to the large suite of rooms she had called her own for several years. Settling before the small desk, she quickly penned a note and sent the waiting slave away to deliver it to Katishya. Moving swiftly after the slave departed, Mavralyn murmured softly and opened a secret compartment within the ornate vanity. Smiling as she pulled the deep black velvety pouch out, she rose from the chair and opened it. Unfolding the object revealed its true nature as the portable hole settled upon the bed. Gathering the various clothes and necessities for travel, she began filling the magical carryall. Next came the crystal mace just given to her for Desinari's purchase. Mavralyn moved gracefully about her chambers adding to the growing pile. The small obsidian figurines of spiders, the clear crystal orb, the hand carved rosewood box with a small blue marble contained inside, all of these precious objects as well as many others, soon found a place within the portable hole. The drowess soon found herself in the small private library where many tomes, scrolls, and historical records filled the tiny chamber. Gathering only the few she would need, these too followed the other items in the confines of the dimensional space. As Mav looked around the familiar rooms one last time, she nodded, satisfied with her choices. Refolding the portable hole into its pouch like semblance, she returned to the outer alcove for one last item. Gently lifting a simple amulet from about a lovely statuette, she removed her own qu'ilinsar and placed it around the large figurine. Then without another glance back, Mavralyn left her chambers and set the wards to allow only the new matron access. Again the soft mutter of arcane words broke the silence as an elegant gesture completed the spell and the slim form of Mavralyn shimmered briefly then disappeared. Those that would follow, knew where to find her. Mavralyn Elythanar d'Xol'Niaren Yathtallar d'Lolth Ilharess d'Xol'Niaren Ust Qu'ellar d'Velkyn-TirithThe End (submitted by: HR Diety) The Dark warrior slowly emerges form the dread darkness of the caves.. one hand grasping a bloody wound in his gut.. the other searching for another handhold... the ragged figure finally collapses on the ground outside the entrance to the caves.... A shriek of pain would have been heard had there been anyone around.. but he is left to hear himself scream in agony for ther is no one else around.. With his last bit of strength he manages to prop himself up.. He opens his mouth to utter a prayer to his god but only blood spurts out.. The warrior had fough valiantly against the beasts.. but he knew he had suffered wounds no healer could mend.... A sly smile etches itself on the face of the ragged man... He thinks now of the battle that brought him to where he is now and smiles... The evil that haunted him for his whole life was finally destroyed....As a child his parents were slaughtered and he kidnapped and made a slave to the dreaded Drow... when he finally escaped he took the name HR Darkone.. and vowed to see and end to the evil known as drow.....This day he met that goal....... The smile on his face beamed.. he sat there thinking.. as the last bits of his life ebbed away..........The Gift (submitted by: HR Diety) "Galen..." a soft voice speakes.." Galen dear... wake up.. you are safe now my son....." Galen?? Darkone had not been called that name by any but his parents and brother.. and they were all dead.. hence he knew instantly where he was now.... Slowly he opend his eyes and rose to his feet.. His mother and Father helped him to rise.. Instantly he threw his arms around them in an embrace that he never wanted to end... He was finally reunited... Eventually the embrace did end and his mother spoke again.... "Dear.. our lord Tyr needs to speak with you......" Suddenly a blinding flash of light drowned out the entire area and galen found himself staring at a being that seemed to be illuminated by millions of candles... He sat in awe and stared.. He stared for what seemed like an eternity and finally he was spoken to.. although it was not words as any human knows them.. he seemed to FEEL the words in his very being....... "Galen... you have been a loyal follower and valiant warrior for the cause of Tyr... However I'm afraid we are not ready for you here yet.. you are needed to fight the remaining evil in Neverwinter... The Drow was a huge Scar on my precious world.. however they are but a tiny part... You are needed my son.... I am sending you back to the Realms of Neverwinter...you are not going back as a dark skinned being driven by hatred..... Welcome my child to omnipotence... " Suddenly Galen was enveloped within the Luminescent being" he felt what seemed like a rush of pure phjysical joy and goodness wash over him.. and just as abruptly as it behgan.... it was gone.. he found himself standing next to the neverwinter River... But he knew what had happened... He realized the abilities and perfection this new form possesed and knew now that he was an agent of Tyr himself....... He slowly walked into the Guild hall that he called home for so long..... Knowing with supreme knowledge that this was the best place to help in the fight against evil... he decided to band again with the brave fighters of the Heoes of the Realms............ Hence was born.... -=HR Deity=- God to the OHRA Winter Journey (submitted by: Luthyen) Luthyen glanced from the flet down to the path leading northward from Meilikki's Glade, as their home had come to be known. Her hands smoothed the woven white shirt with the sigel of a unicorn embroidered on it. It had been too lightweight for Thorn to take with him on his journey North to IceWind Dale, so she had kept it here. Beside it lay a box, containing a Yule gift for her husband. She sighed, restlessly. She had expected him back these several days. She knew that the storms in the Northern regions might delay him, and so was not very concerned.. yet. But bad things happened on Northern roads ..her mind strayed to the last one she had loved and seen leave on a Northern Road. That leave-taking had been different, though. When Gambit left, she knew he was going on a Quest that would likely kill him. The news of his death, though painful, had not really been a surprise. Thorn had been leaving on his Ranger rounds, which at times drew him far from Neverwinter. She had her Academy duties which kept her close by, and could not accompany him for this journey. They had stood long at the foot of the Mallorn tree, arms wrapped around each other, Elfstones glowing brightly, needing no words. His hands had traced her features, as if to memorize them..and she had gazed long into his deep-set eyes, wordlessly conveying her love for him. She wished he would get home..he'd had no time to spend with Feld, since his return. She had journeys to make for the academy...and lately there had been rumors of an evil presence in the NeverWinter Woods. It was near their special places, and she felt that she must soon go and help root it out. Tyst had called for volunteers to aid in the investigation of the matter, and appointed her to go. Rising, Luthyen took the new tunic to Thorn's clothes press and folded it in, on top. Taking up her pen, she wrote a note explaining her absence, and sealed the parchment. She placed the gift, wrapped in white paper with a gay green bow, on the very top, with the letter beside it. Smiling, she closed the top, knowing that the first thing after a journey for Thorn would be clean clothes and a bath. He would find the note and gift there. The Elfstone pulsed softly, and she saw the special mote of green that was the link to Thorn Hawk burn brightly. His thoughts were on her, wherever he was... Descending the tree, Luthyen took up her staff and began the trip to Neverwinter City. Tyst had called for a meeting, and she would go, to learn of the latest one of many evils that TP must fight. ~Luthyen Thorn Hawk's Lady Feldspar's MOM TP Invokeress of Mages TP Academy Rep TP BrownieBakerA Winter's Gift (submitted by: Thorn Hawk) The sun broke through the heavy grey clouds above as Thorn Hawk made his way south. His expedition north to Icewind Dale was halted as the pass north closed only days before he arrived and then the blizzard hit. He spent near a week in a small shelter as the wind howled through the trees and more snow was piled on the already huge drifts. He should have been back in Neverwinter by the time the storm broke and he was able to head home. Stopping to let the sun warm his face, he adjusted the straps of his pack as a fox poked its nose out of a snowdrift to wonder at the strange creature before it. Smiling, Thorn Hawk continued south toward Mielikki's glade and his wife. He missed her dearly though he often had to leave the glade in the service of his goddess. They had been married only a short time and being away from her still caused an ache in his heart each time he left. He hoped it would always remain so. Reaching up to touch the spot where the elfstone hung from its fine chain and feeling its warmth, he quickened his pace knowing Luthyen was thinking of him. He suddenly laughed as the thought of her making brownies and drinking Sir Roger's fire giant frenzy flashed through his mind. The road south improved as Thorn Hawk neared the glade and soon he found himself entering the dryad's grove. Quietness hung over the grove which was unusual as the flirtatious dryads normally kept the grove infested with men. With a shrug, he headed for the small shrine and waterfall near the mallorn tree and his home on the grove's eastern edge. Luthyen was not in the grove he knew from the stone around his neck, but she was still in the woods somewhere and the thought of surprising her upon her return hastened his steps. Glimpsing the tall tree in the distance, Thorn Hawk headed first to the shrine and the diminutive statue of a woman that graced its center. He spent much of his time here reflecting and communing with Mielikki. It was here that he got a feeling of what happened in the woods nearby and the many creatures that lived within its confines. Something was wrong he knew upon entering the shrine, a feeling, a presence that didn't belong. Fear suddenly blossomed as Luthy's face flickered across Thorn Hawk's awareness and with blinding speed, he raced toward the tall mallorn tree nearby. Climbing the ladder, he emerged on the flet sword drawn only to find it empty. Glancing at the neatly arranged furnishings, nothing struck him as odd until his storm grey eyes fell upon clothing that didn't belong to him but was definitely a man's. Picking up the woolen tunic, the smell of wood smoke drifted to his sensitive nose. Frowning, he set the tunic down and went to wash and change. This could wait until he felt refreshed from his long journey. "In the name of . . . ," Thorn Hawk gasped as a grey ball of fluff came hurling itself at him from behind a screen. "Glad, what are you doing?" he asked to the quickly growing Tressym kitten. "Mmmrrrrr," replied the kitten as he touched Thorn Hawk's mind relaying contentment and a desire to eat. "Let me get you something to eat while I get dressed," Thorn Hawk laughed setting some food out for the ever hungry Tressym. Soft purring was his only response as he opened his clothes' chest to reveal a package in white paper along with a note. Smiling, he picked up the note and package to uncover a white shirt beneath. Donning the shirt, he lightly ran his finger over the unicorn woven over his heart as the elfstone flared brightly picking up his mood. Quickly, he opened the package before reading the note. He was still a child at heart however old he became and the thought of gifts was at the forefront of his mind. His eyes grew misty as he gazed at the finely linked snowflakes that made up the necklace inside. Suspended from each was a small crystal that reflected the light of a nearby candle as he closed the clasp around his neck. Sitting, he began reading the note his wife had left as Glad climbed into his lap and promptly fell asleep. A frown slowly worked its way onto his face as he finished reading the note. Sighing, he reached for his sword and pack as Glad, momentarily disturbed by Thorn's rising, went back to sleep. "It must be the God's own blessing that keeps the young away from worry," thought Thorn sparing a glance at the kitten as he climbed from the flet and headed in search of his wife. She was bound to find trouble and he wished to be by her side when she did. He was sure he would think of a way to thank her for the gifts along the way as well. Thorn Hawk Brotherhood of PathfindersSuddenly (submitted by: ABK RASTIN) We live in changing times.....where the good at heart are in decline We are the victims of a evil plan They want to destroy our people and enslave our land ONE DAY IF SUDDENLY IM FORCED TO TAKE MY LEAVE... WILL YOU STILL CARRY ON FOR THE THINGS THAT WE BELIEVE? ONE DAY IF SUDDENLY THEY TAKE MY LIFE AWAY WILL YOU STILL CARRY ON THE WAR WE FIGHT TODAY? We need the brave at heart to now make a stand..we need the people to free our land We need the strength to fight and carry on we need a land united and strong ONE DAY IF SUDDNLEY I AM FORCED TO TAKE MY LEAVE WILL YOU STILL CARRY ON THE THINGS THAT WE BELIEVE? ONE DAY IF SUDDNLEY THEY TAKE MY LIFE AWAY... WILL YOU STILL CARRY ON THIS WAR WE FIGHT TODAY? So now when the war is over...we you be at my side? Will you have fought the fight or did you run and hide? will you be there on the judgement day? or will you let them take our freedom away? ONE DAY IF SUDDNLEY IM FORCED TO TAKE MY LEAVE WILL YOU STILL CARRY ON FOR THE THINGS THATW E BELIEVE? ONE DAY IF SUDDENLY THEY TAKE MY LIFE AWAY WILL YOU STILL FIGHT FOR FREEDOM AS I DO TODAY? The Jewel (submitted by: SOL Falcon) The first sun was already sinking into the deep green of the hills to the west bringing on the early shadows, when Garet began his ascent of White Skull mounain. The trail reached ever upward into the peak becoming untracable as it entered the surrounding pines home of a notoriously blood thirsty pack of goblins known as the Black Hand. This as he had been told by the shaman would be his first of three tests to reach the portal to the realm of air. He still wasn't sure of exactly what it was he had to do to stop the warlord but had agreed to go on the jouney if it meant his world would be spared from the brutal forces of warlord Draith. Being a ranger of some renown he had little doubt he could pass the first test. He came to the edge of the woods within an hour of the second sun setting and decided to make camp prior to entry. Many an unwary traveler had been massacred by the Black Hand. Setting his wards out for the night he had just nodded off when he was awakened by a scream. Quickly on his feet he tried to determine where the call came from when once again he heard the scream coming distinctly from deeper in the woods. Pausing to gather his items, he than ran towards the part of the woods where he thought the screams had originated. After covering what he estimated to be half a league he came into sight of a small clearing where he observed a most unusual sight. A bonfire was burning bright in the center and atop an altar was a small gnome which appeared to be female in form and was tied down spread eagle. An over-sized goblin was bent over the captive carving runes into the flesh and chanting in its guttaral language. As he looked closer he noticed fourteen goblins forming a circle around the altar. Thinking to himself that that was more than even a ranger lord could handle he debated on how best to handle the situation. Wasn't his mission of primary importance, why risk it for a dirty, ignorant little gnome. At this moment the head goblin was starting to inscribe a third rune into the gnomes chest. This elicited another high pitched scream which snapped him from his reverie into acttion. Pulling his ashwood long bow he quickly fired four arrows the last in the air before the first had hit its inended target. The first arrow took the head goblin in the eye killing him instantly. The next three arrows each dropping one of the fourteen goblins in the circle. The rest of the group proceeded to look in the direction from whence the shafts of death had come but alas no killer could be found. What happened next is the stuff of bard's tales but alas this tale has never made it till now. Garet upon seeing his intial success quickly moved around the clearing to reposition himself to once again try the same idea but by this time the goblins had wised up and only two were struck down the other two arrows missing vital areas on two other goblins but taking them down none the less. At this point the remaining goblins scatered and fled while Garet snuck around to untie the gnome who was bleeding quite badly at this time. As he began untying her she mouthed the words "ware" and dropped a crystal into his hands that she had somehow hidden from the goblins while being tortured. He proceeded to untie her other hand and at that moment realized his mistake as heard the clinking of armored warriors entering the grove. From everywhere at once the gnarled green bodies of goblins emerged in armor with swords drawn. "We have been trying to get that eagle jewel from that wretched priestess for days now and you have proven to be the key we needed to fool her. Hand it over and thy life shall be spared human." Pondering on his options Garet came to realize that here was one of those points in life where an individuals spirit either rises to face the situation or begins to bend until finally broken. Once again the leader demanded his decision giving him but sparse seconds to decide. True to his inner self Garet's spirit soared and what proceeded is the stuff of legends. Quickly diving to the left and jamming the jewel into his pouch he was immediately set upon by the nearest goblin warriors. They seem to come from everywhere at once their gnarled green bodies sliding from concealment of the bushes. Garet met the rush with his long sword in one hand and hunting knife in the other. Dispatching the first two with a slice of the sword to open the left ones abdomen and spilling his entrails before him then reversing the stroke to bring the blade down and split helm and head in two for tthe one on the right. With sweeping cuts he kept them at bay while putting a large oak at his back. The bolts from the goblin crossbows were whizzing past him some sticking in the oak behind him some barely missing. The goblins quickly assembled for a charge, on they came, once again swinging his sword he opened up a nasty cut on the lead one's face who stumbled and slowed tthe charge. Driving his knife through the eye of the next nearest he suddenly felt a rage come upon him unlike any before. Swinging his sword became an effortless deed and in the building rage no longer saw individual enemies. The goblins had never in their lives encountered a man such as this, Garet's gleaming long sword cutting a path through the shorter swords with such ferocity that the goblins fell over each other trying to escape. Panting with the strain and covered with slashes and blood of the attackers he finally came back to reality with a jarring lurch. The clearing was deserted except for the the body of the gnome. Walking over to her to see if he could bandage her wounds he saw that her throat had been slit. In the middle of the clearing a shimmering haze began to coalesce in to the form of a human woman. Garet looked upon her and she took his breath away for he thought to himself that she must be a greater beauty than any he had seen in his lifetime. Beckoning toward him to come closer his legs moved him before he knew what was happening. The next he realized he was kneeling before her and staring up into eyes that swallow'd him whole, body and soul. Putting her hands upon either side of his head he felt warmth move through his body washing away the pain of the recent battle. In his mind he heard the echo of her voice, `You have passed your first test my love. You have proven to hold true and look beyond the outer shell while having courage where most would falter. Keep the jewel and proceed up the mountain to face your second trial and remember that at the darkest of times keep true to thy self and you will prevail.'(submitted by: Bloodglade) Fellow Neverwinterians. We have all witnessed the numerous newbies that have flooded the realms due to the new AOL pricing plan. I have sat in shock and great disappointment as I have seen countless adventurers ignore or even pick on the poor fledgling adventurers. Well no more! I have taken it upon myself to help these misguided masses. For instance, a newbie approached me and asked what a guild was. This is a very good question. All newbies should pay attention. A guild is an association of adventurers based on profession, alignment or race. They are typically formed for adventuring, advice and role-playing. I recommend you find adventurers with the letters "ITB" at the beginning of their names. This is a guild that dedicates themselves to helping newbies. You see, ITB stands for "Introductory Teaching Brotherhood". Their goal is to help others. Go up to an ITB member and tell them that you want a tour of the Sewers. They will fall over themselves racing to the Sewers with you. Not only will you make new friends, but you will also learn NWN terms like "gating" and "feebing"! No, no, no. No need to thank me. Helping newbies is thanks enough.(submitted by: J0HN J0HN) Well I'm still a newbie (been playing about 3 weeks now) and even I can understand why some people are bashing newbies. There seems to be two different categories of newbies and the distinction between the two are great. There's the first type, which seem to be mature people who want to learn about and play the game and add to everyone elses enjoyment of it. They ask for and give help to and from others and they dont make demands on others and thank those that aid them. These players don't want a lot of help because they want to figure things out and learn things on their own and get enjoyment from doing so. There's another type that seem best to be described in the old AD&D term of monty haulers. They want power and magic goodies and high levels and everything else and they dont want to work for em. They sit around the vaults begging for magic items (1st and 2nd lvl characters just dont need magic stuff if your fighting things in the wharves and warehouse district). These players pester people to take them out and get them xp and they demand that you max them when doing so. They dont care to play an intermediate level character and see what they can do they want to be 10th or 11th lvl without going on a solo adventure just have someone take them out get the xp and max them with no effort on the players part. The maturity level of this second group is low. They are constantly whining and complaining and when you do help them out a little they ask for more and you cant give it they run to someone else without so much as a thank you. These same players have a tendancy to curse in the game frequently over stupid trivial stuff and even sometimes engage in pvp in non pvp areas because somebody did something that irritated them. Also, this second group never seems to learn. they constantly are asking the same questions over and over again and I'm constantly telling people stuff that can easily be found in the Journal or the other two files in the download section. There's a lot of newbies that wont take the time to download these things and make the effort to read them. Theres a lot of info in the journal (not everything you need to knows in there but its a start) and by reading it newbies will save themselves the pain and embarasment of asking some of the stupid questions I've heard some ask. Sorry, I dont mean to make this post threatening or dont want anyone to think I'm singling them out but I wanted to point out that there was a difference between all us newbies and that we shouldn't all be lumped into one big category :-)(submitted by: Loraque) ************************************************************ Sylvan Procurements Fine & Rare Artifacts from the farthest reaches of the Sword Coast ***open now and then, and by appointment*** See: Loraque ************************************************************* Looking for an unusual or rare item you can't find in Neverwinter or the surrounding areas?? Our carefully screened and selected suppliers and agents scour the enchanted and mystical locales of Mirabar, Silverymoon, Elturel, & the Moonshae Isles to secure these treasures for our discriminating clients. Visit our shop in Neverwinter City. It's located across the street from Kroegel's Arms and Armor. Open now and then and by special appointment. *************************************************************** Loraque Fence Pirates of Neverwinter 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! <><><><><> <><><><><>