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NEVERWINTER NEWS
Issue # 178
Week Ending 3-23-97
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FRONT PAGE
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Congratulations to Suvantar X for winning last week's News of the Realm
contest for his two-part story entitled "Angilynne's Storm".

Kudos to Ldy Lilla for 2nd place with her story entitled "A Blessing" and to
Veldr0n for 3rd place with his story entitled "Veiled Shadows".

Suvantar X has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of
Heroes).  Ldy Lilla has earned 2 Pearls for her effort while Veldr0n has
earned 1 Pearl.

Keep up the good work everybody!  ;D

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<FONT  COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>Greets all!

I wanted to take a few moments to update you on the status of in-game events
and the situation with AOL's timer. ;D

As I'm sure many of you are aware, players and staff have been testing out
the use of  file downloads as a means to circumvent the system timer.
Preliminary testing looks fairly promising on WAOL versions 2.5 and 3.0, and
WAOL for Win95 3.0.  We are not presently aware of a single session where
this "fix" has worked for PCAOL users. 

For those of you that are not familiar with the "download fix", as it's being
called, the process if fairly simple.  Prior to entering Neverwinter Nights,
you would select a fairly large file and begin a download session.  Once that
download begins, you then enter the game, freezing the download in
mid-progress.  Apprarently AOL believes you're still downloading and you are
not then subject to the timer.  I want to emphasize that this is a "patch" at
best and not a solution, as we're not certain if AOL will make changes to
prevent this "fix" from working in the future.  For the moment it appears to
work now. ;D

In light of that helpful news and the decline in ghosts as people use this
method, I have approved some testing of the feasibility of restarting in-game
events.  Thus, I'm pleased to announce that during the month of March, the
staff will be conducting tours, mini booths and location hunts.  The number
of these events will be limited, and pending the result of this testing,
we'll look at expanding in-game events once more. 

No guild sponsored events will be approved for March, nor will any banners be
run aside from those related to system problems, ghosts, and these test
events.  Hopefully, our tests will prove positive and we will be able to
restart guild sponsored events again.  I will keep the guild GM's informed of
the progress of our testing in the later portion of March.

I'd like to thank you all for your patience as we work our way through this
situation together.  I will be creating a folder in the Neverwinter Nights
Events & Announcements area for discussion and comments related to the
testing.  Please, if you participate in an event, make your comments in that
folder and let me know how it went from your perspective. I'm specifically
interested in whether you experienced any difficulties with the system
freezing, if you punted.. and so forth.

Thanks again folks!

Regards,
NW Events

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March WWAI Results!!

Whew!

First---Syplhee---17 points--15 pearls

Second---TIE---ROLL OFF REQUIRED**---Llewdoc and Kuchkapot--16 points each.

Fourth---Loraque---13 points---7 pearls

Fifth---Frostwind----12 points---5 pearls

1st stumper----Kuchkapot---2 pearls
2nd stumper---Kuchkapot---2 pearls

1st Random Roll---D Sperare--2 pearls
2nd Random Roll--- WG Wage--4 pearls or GOH Access.

**We need to set up a roll-off event for 2nd and 3rd, or if some agreement
can be reached between the two members. I'll post the final results after the
roll-off is settled.

-Ulfy

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Poison Booth Results!!

Thanks to all the winners that came to my Poison Booth today!!!  NW Events
and NW Oyster will be working extra hard due to the amount of Pearls that I
gave away!!!

Congrats again to all the winners!!!

Bexier -2 pearls
Thalack - 2 pearls
Morkkaii - 2 pearls
EB Ranlem - 2 pearls
AKH Zzeus - 2 pearls
KF Hawkey - Poisoned on the 3rd cast!!!
Immortia - 2 pearls
Kuruus Ar - Poisoned on the 1st cast!!!
SOL Cyan - 2 pearls
S0ulagony - 2 pearls
SOM Kman - Poisoned on the 3rd cast!!!
AKH Xorath - 2 pearls
Ringthanes - 2 pearls
Aragon Ark - 2 pearls
Virtegos - 2 pearls

-NW Lenox
NeverWinter Nights Staff

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NEVERWINTER CALENDAR
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Keep an eye peeled for those Mini-Booths because they will appear when you
least expect in different areas of the Realms!

Can you be at the right place at the right time when the NW calls for a
location?

Keep your eyes and ears open for these events!   Watch for the banners!

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Greets all!

I wanted to take a few moments to update you on the status of in-game events
and the situation with AOL's timer. ;D

As I'm sure many of you are aware, players and staff have been testing out
the use of  file downloads as a means to circumvent the system timer.
Preliminary testing looks fairly promising on WAOL versions 2.5 and 3.0, and
WAOL for Win95 3.0.  We are not presently aware of a single session where
this "fix" has worked for PCAOL users. 

For those of you that are not familiar with the "download fix", as it's being
called, the process if fairly simple.  Prior to entering Neverwinter Nights,
you would select a fairly large file and begin a download session.  Once that
download begins, you then enter the game, freezing the download in
mid-progress.  Apprarently AOL believes you're still downloading and you are
not then subject to the timer.  I want to emphasize that this is a "patch" at
best and not a solution, as we're not certain if AOL will make changes to
prevent this "fix" from working in the future.  For the moment it appears to
work now. ;D

In light of that helpful news and the decline in ghosts as people use this
method, I have approved some testing of the feasibility of restarting in-game
events.  Thus, I'm pleased to announce that during the month of March, the
staff will be conducting tours, mini booths and location hunts.  The number
of these events will be limited, and pending the result of this testing,
we'll look at expanding in-game events once more. 

No guild sponsored events will be approved for March, nor will any banners be
run aside from those related to system problems, ghosts, and these test
events.  Hopefully, our tests will prove positive and we will be able to
restart guild sponsored events again.  I will keep the guild GM's informed of
the progress of our testing in the later portion of March.

I'd like to thank you all for your patience as we work our way through this
situation together.  I will be creating a folder in the Neverwinter Nights
Events & Announcements area for discussion and comments related to the
testing.  Please, if you participate in an event, make your comments in that
folder and let me know how it went from your perspective. I'm specifically
interested in whether you experienced any difficulties with the system
freezing, if you punted.. and so forth.

Thanks again folks!

Regards,
NW Events

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New Player Tours:

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

March 25th Tuesday  8:00 PM EST - with NW Lenox.

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

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House Cleaning or Guess Who's Coming to Dinner III
(submitted by: SOMNeranek)

     Taking one last appreciative look at the beautiful afternoon sky, Talia
nodded to the guards standing watch at the base of the Tower of Mystery and
went inside.  She had removed her dark blue cloak do to the warm breeze that
was blowing this day.  Taking the cloak from her arm, she hung it in foyer
next to some others.

     The Lady Paladin strode towards the door to the great hall with the
grace of a dancer.  As always, she cut a rather striking figure.  Her
knee-length black leather boots were well oiled and seemed to give the
impression of a void of infinite depth.  She wore breeches of velvet which
had been dyed emerald.  A slim sash of sembian silk in azure was tied around
her right leg.  Her top was also cut from that luxurious fabric and had been
a gift from her friend Silk.

     As it always was, her enchanted blade MoonFire was girded to her waist
at rest in it's worn scabbard.  Her crimson hair spilled down around her
lovely face in curls reaching to her shoulders.  Just before she reached the
doors leading to the great hall, she turned and entered the mail room.

     Talia stopped a few moments and read from the message board.

Picking up the quill from the writing desk, she dipped it into the inkpot.
The lady wrote with graceful strokes replies to some of the messages and
replaced the quill.  She then reached over and removed her personal messages
from the cedar mail slots.

     On top of the pile was a thin, leather bound to me upon which was
printed the title "Lady Paladin".  A pin through the cover held a note in
place.  Talia smiled widely as she recognized the flowing script as having
come from her sister paladin Iadris' hand.

  "Greets Tal!  Be sure to check out Mr. Year of the Dragon on page eighteen
and tell me what you think!  Later, I."

     "Well, that will have to wait for later," she replied to no one in
particular.  She placed the tome in her bag of holding and thumbed through
the rest of her mail.  She was pleased to note a letter from her former
instructor in Waterdeep, Sister Grace of the Mystran Church.  She was
intrigued to note a rather formal looking envelope addressed to her which had
additional writing added to the back.

     She tossed all of the rest of the mail in her bag for later perusal and
flipped the invitation over and read the note that had been penned on it.

     "Lovely One, I've already gotten my invitation, Can I have the pleasure
of your company? -- Keff"

     Talia slit open the envelope with a nearby blade and removed the card
from within.  So, she thought, Neranek is having a formal party to bless his
new home.  Sounds like fun and it'll give me the chance to spend some time
with my man, Keffer.  Seems like business conspires to keep us apart too
often.

     Spinning on her heel, she travelled out of the mail room.  As the
paladin passed through the doorway she acquired a spring in her step and she
began to hum a tune.

     "Honey, I'm still free...take a chance on me," she sang as she danced in
a circle happily.  Yep, my dancing feet haven't failed me yet she impishly
thought.  With a flourish she finished her dance and set off in search of
Keffer.

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

     Neranek nervously took one last look at the food prepared and laid out
in the kitchen.  I hope this will be enough food.  Mystra knows how some of
my fellows can consume.  The mage began to tally up the costs of the
different drinks mentally and forced himself to stop with a shudder.  Best
not to even think about it Ner old man, he decided.

     Ner made a mental note to thank Mikael and his wife for all of their
hard work and fellowship since his moving into NightsEdge.  The mage had
grown close to the likeable man and his family and he had employed Mikael
almost exclusively in making repairs to the manor.  

     He was busy double and triple checking the preparations for the party,
when the first Detect Magic spell was triggered at the gate.  Neranek had
cast a number of the spells around the estate as an early warning defense to
any intrusion by any magic wielding foes.  He knew that his first guests had
arrived.

     Quickly, he went to the front door and opened it.  He stepped out onto
the porch and was pleased by the warm evening weather.  A nice touch, he
noted.  He was momentarily confused when he did not see the anticipated guest
at first.

     His jaw dropped as Lynx stepped out from behind one of the shrubs that
had been trimmed into the shape of an elk.  His momentary confusion turned
into bemusment as the whole picture became clear to him.  Shaking his head
ruefully, he prayed that he would remember to guide the other guests away
from that particular bit of shrubbery.

     "Hail Brother," Ner greeted.  He strode forward down the path and shook
his nephew's shoulder.  "Ye are the first one here."

     "Jello Uncle," replied Lynx.  "How have ya been? I do see that Mikael
has finished things up.  By the way, where is he?  I haven't had the chance
to live up to his expectations today," Lynx questioned with a grin.

     "He and Karyn have helped me with the preparations for the night and
have returned to their home for a nice, quiet eve.  Mikael made sure to ask
me to impress upon ye that ye did not have to 'scare me out of my wits' this
eve.  I believe that is how he phrased it"

     The golden-haired Lynx pretended to be crushed by this but then grinned
and nodded.  "Aye, Uncle, I'll observe his wishes.  Besides, I can't have him
getting used to my tricks.  It would take all of the surprise out of it."

     Neranek felt a tickle at the base of his skull as another Detect Magic
triggered and a few moments later, FatherMatt and Snake travelled into view.
Snake had led the NeverWinter chapter of the Church of Mystra for close to a
year.  He had been the calm hand helping to guide the works of the Servants
even during a time of chaos, when a former member of the Servants inner
circle had betrayed himself into the hands of evil.

     He felt a pang of regret for the fallen friend, but he put it aside in
order to concentrate on the evening's party.  The mage greeted his fellows in
the Art and accepted the gift of a statue of Mystra from Snake.  He showed
the three friend up onto the porch where refreshments were laid out and saw
to it that each took up a plate and a glass.  

     He set about showing them the different animal shaped shrubbery, staying
decidedly clear from the Elk that Lynx had found first.  A few moments past
as he visited with them.  The next group to arrive included Iadris, Ceribus,
Talia, Keffer and Logan.

     Excusing himself from Lynx, Matt and Snake, Ner strode over and greeted
the new arrivals.  He noted that Iadris Silvermist looked stunning with her
bluish-black hair done up elaborately.  She wore a long sleeved dress cut
from a red, satiny fabric.  She greeted him with a hug and the hilt of her
longsword poked him in the side.  Surprised, he quickly looked over at Talia
and saw that she, too, was wearing her longsword on her hip.  Paladins, he
thought dryly.  Who can figure them out?

     Facing the arch-mage Ceribus, he offered his gloved hand in greeting,
which was firmly taken by the darkly clothed moon-elf.  He knew that the
elf's slim build belied the power that his magic afforded him.  Magic that
had been pressed into the Service of Mystra on many an occasion.

     He moved on to greet Talia and Keffer after pointing out the
refreshments to Iadris and Ceribus.  Smiling warmly, he considered asking
Talia if her sword was permanently attached but quickly dismissed the jest in
the name of his well being.  Talia and Keffer had coordinated their attire,
both dressed in simple black.  

     He embraced Talia with a quick hug, and whispered quickly in here ear.
"Looks like ye have found him.  I am happy for ye, my friend."

     Moving back, he greeted Keffer and noted a strong grip in his handshake.
He knew that Keffer, like himself, was a cleric-mage, but he always had the
feeling of something draconian in Keffer.  He had never been able to pin down
the reason for it, but he associated Keffer with Dragons.

     Just then, Logan strode forward.  The newest of Talia's protegee's,
Logan was eager in learning the responsibilities of being a paladin for the
Lady Mystra.  Glad to see that zest for life in one so young, Ner was
pleasantly surprised when Logan's greeting seemed to go on into infinity.

     Gracefully, Talia brushed against Logan's elbow and winked at him.  The
young paladin iniate stopped in mid-sentence and flushed crimson.  

     Without turning directly to face her, he asked "Umm, Am I doing it
again?"

     Talia smiled warmly, sharing her gentle confidence with Logan.
"Perhaps, Logan, we should pass on the formal greetings and allow Ner to lead
us up for refreshments."  

     The crimson haired paladin took the arm that Keffer offered her and
together they followed Neranek's lead up to the porch, with Logan following
along behind.  She whispered back over her shoulder to Logan.  "Rule number
one, when there is food to be had, go with a simple Hail and Well Met!"

     A few moments later, the paladin Kmalj arrived with a lovely woman on
his arm.  Strolling over to the friends, Kmalj introduced the woman as the
Lady Glow.  Thoughtfully, Ner noticed the same scent of Lilac now present as
he had noticed on Kmalj's mail a few days ago.  After a few moments getting
acquainted, Neranek gathered them all and led them into the manor.  

     Taking the cloaks, he hung them in the foyer and then showed them
briefly about the house before they settled into the dining room.  Talia was
complimented on her skill as a painter as Snake viewed the portrait of the
friends now hanging there.

     Taking their seats, those assembled went about selecting their meals
from the Unseen Servants that their beaming host had cast.  He noticed
happily that Lynx seemed to be enjoying the fresh fish that Mikael had sought
out for him.  As the conversation travelled around the table, a flash of
silver caught Ner's attention.

     He looked closer to where Kmalj was sitting and when Kmalj next lifted
his arm to pour his lady another drink, he noticed the glint of a silver
handled longsword.  Unable to restrain himself, he burst out laughing.  A
moment later and all eyes were upon him and the quiet talk had stopped.
Still laughing, he asked Logan to stand up.

     Logan looked confused but complied with Ner's request.  Pushing himself
back from the table, the iniate stood.  Neranek looked surprised when he
didn't see the expected longsword at Logan's side.

     Everyone gave each other and Ner a questioning glance.  Holding his
hands up in apology, Ner explained.  "My apologies.  For a minute there, I
began to suspect that there was some unspoken rule among ye paladins."

     Noticing that they still were looking at him expectantly, he continued.
"Ye know, I thought that ye and yer swords were inseparable.  Thank Mystra
that Logan cleared that up."

     Talia, Iadris and Kmalj all shot up from their seats and stared at
Logan, mouths agape.  Logan began to perspire slightly and backed slowly out
of the room. He returned a moment later with his blade strapped to his waist.


     Talia looked over to the stammering host.  "He's new," she replied
simply and they all returned to their seats.  Talia winked conspiratorially
at Iadris.

     The meal continued to the enjoyment of Lynx and Matt who ate ravenously.
Snake ended the meal with a toast to Neranek and to the assembled Servants.

     Leaving the environs of the manor behind, Ner led them out the rear of
the parlor.  They stepped out into the night sky, lit by a full moon.  As
they walked among the newly cut back rose garden, the talk shifted to the
politics of the city of NeverWinter.  Logan tried to keep up with and
interested in the conversation.  Finally, bored, he walked off among the
roses and high hedges to explore a bit and to take in some of the night air.

     FatherMatt nodded his head.  "Aye Lady, I agree with ye.  Our esteemed
Lord Nasher has perhaps expended a bit too much of the city's treasury.  I,
too, have heard reports of the so called 'rewards' that he has been giving to
adventurers."

     "I think that he has been having the city patrols sweep the streets near
the central vaults and having them pick up discarded weaponry to hand out
again," Lynx responded with a grin.

     The talk was cut short as a shout rang out in the night.  A second
later, Logan came hurtling over the top of the hedges to land near the feet
of the Servants.

     Talia and Keffer were the first to reach him.  "Danger," he stammered as
they helped him to his knees.

     There was but a moment to ponder the nature of the attack before the
large bony head of a dracolich pushed through the hedges.  The head was soon
followed by the rest of the ancient undead dragon.  Talia and Iadris had
their swords drawn in the blink of an eye and formed a wedge between Logan
and the dracolich.

     Neranek threw his glass of wine and leapt in front of Talia.

"Wait," he yelled.  "She's a friend!"

     To the amazement of his companions, Ner addressed the dracolich.  "Cyr,
stand down, these are my friends, though apparently the young one startled
you."

     The dracolich closed it's mouth that only moments ago been prepared to
unleash a blast of fire.

     FatherMatt was the first to find his voice.  "Sire? Ye know this beast,
and it's name is Sire?"

     "Cyrtrobellus, to be exact and, aye, I know her."  Neranek reached out
and rubbed Cyrtrobellus on the nose.  "She and I go back a long way.  I
brought her here to gather her strength."

     Neranek turned back and made sure that Logan was in good health.  He
appeared a bit shaken but otherwise was unharmed.

     "My apologies to ye all, my friends.  I should have mentioned this
earlier."  He was taken aback when he noticed that Keffer had walked right up
and was whispering to the dracolich.  

     Keffer grinned and patted Cyrtrobellus on the side of her head.
Cyrtrobellus grinned and a laugh erupted from her throat.  Even the most
jaded of the Servants were surprised by the image of the grinning, laughing
dracolich.

     "Cyr, why don't ye go back and lay down.  I'll bring ye some goodies
later," Ner told the dracolich.

     Nodding her agreement, Cyrtrobellus winked at Keffer and returned to her
resting place beyond the hedges.

     "Well, with that, perhaps we should retire for the eve?  I have prepared
several of the extra rooms for overnight guests." 

     They all found that each of them had new things to ponder as they
returned to the manor.  Bidding each other goodnight, they made their way
upstairs and into a restful slumber.Reclamation Adventures - Chapter 2
To Stalk the Night Afire
(submitted by: RayDogg 79)

<<From the journal of Macabre Stalker, ensuing his return to NeverWinter>>

<<<Silence falls upon the night....
      Endless woe darkens the light....
      Stranger days have come before...
      Where the tales were spun in lore...
      But no more...nevermore....

      There will be a year to come...
      When a soul with heart thats numb...
      Will seek the keys to bring to life....
      What once was lost in days of strife...
      To mend the wounds of evil's knife....

      He will be.

      He'll travel far throughout the lands....
      To place the Nine into his hands...
      But without help he will be lost...
      Mind, body,soul the final cost....
      But gaining these he'll thaw the frost--

      Which is our pain.

      On a night of cold embrace....
      A sea borne wind will cross his face....
      From the shadowy chalice he will drink....
      To drown his sorrows, and on the brink....
      He will be lead.....to the the link....

      Of Destined Path....

      Creeping quest through stronghold....
      Despite his past he must prove bold....
      To find jewel of the sea...
      Many hazards will face he...
      But it is written...it shall be...

      That he will gain...
                                 --Song of the Forgotten Bard>>


      The still, black waters of the Trackless Sea seemed to swallow the
sailing vessel my two brothers and I had stowed away upon with its sable
fathomlessness.  If i did not know better, I would have thought we were upon
some ghostly, lifeless ship, as the only sound the three of us could discern
was the sloshing of the inky depths of the sea and the squeaking sound of
ropes tensing and stretching.  Not a man or beast stirred save us.....and one
sole sailor in the crow's nest who i saw silhouetted against the NeverWinter
moon slumped as if sleep had caught grip of him. I held in a snicker as i
peered from under the trap door to the lower deck we had hid in.  It had been
mere hours since we had departed the mainland....but long enough to reach the
Islands I thought.  I went back to where my brothers of the staff slept and
plopped down onto the grungy pile of rags and such which bore the unavoidable
smell of salt from the Sea Patriots many days on the sea.  I buried my hand
into a troft of ground up grain by me on the floor and lifting a small
serving of the pabulum out I struggled to put it in my mouth and
swallow....."Lovely.....I should have eaten beforehand".  I bore upon my
shoulders no urge to sleep, so I sat up and withdrew the journal of Elrolin
from my bag and continued with the decoding of his cryptic messages.

     The ship gave a slight heave as the pull of a anchor tugged on it and
nullified its momentum.  "Eh...whats this?"  I placed the book's open pages
down and darted to the trapdoor and peered out, leaving my comrades still in
slumber.  An invigorating wintry breeze blew cross my eyes as by the light of
the moon I saw the black mass of what could only be land before me.  I
blinked, thinking the icy wind had played tricks with my occuluses. But there
was the Isle of Utheraal.  Now the ship was not so lifeless.  I quickly went
back under as men strode past me attending to certain duties and so forth.
We would wait for the right time to depart from the Sea Partriot.

       I recovered my place amongst the halfling's notes and continued
toiling......

       According to the sage, The Sapphire of NeverWinter was apparently one
of the Dark Jewels, weapons of sorts.  The Sapphire was the jewel of
Obliteration.  It was an intrument of destruction.  That scared the hell out
of me.  Apparently a king of old, with heart of gold, had before his death,
ordered that upon his death the Sapphire, one of three Jewels he possessed,
was to be carried to the middle of the trackless sea and discarded for all
eternity, for he trusted no other man with its powers.  It was recorded that
the ship bearing the Jewel was boarded by pirates and the Jewel, a mere
treasure to them, was taken and was now currently somewhere in what used to
be the caverns of Trisk.  The pirate captain who had sieged the Jewel of the
Sea had been known for hiding in beneath the Isle of Trisk and somewhere his
hoarde still lay.  Hopefully....

       My brother Nilen stirred and awoke.  He immediately noticed we had
landed.  "So we made it undiscovered eh, brother?"  I nodded.

       "Rouse Cyman....we shall be departing soon..."  I returned to the
trapdoor and after making sure I was presently clear, I slipped out onto the
topdeck and viewed where we had anchored.  Ah...good.  The ship had made it
rather close to the shore of the Port of what I guessed to be Utheraal.  We
could drop from the ship and wade to the rocky shore.  Well, my brothers
could at least. I smiled and returned to the hold we were in.

        I strode towards Nilen who knelt on the ground, Cyman in his arms.
He turned a ashen face, darkened with fearful umbras to me.  "Nilen....By Tyr
whats wrong? Cyman!"

       Nilen turned Cyman over and pulled down the collar of his shirt.
Welts of such a ghastly color  I cannot desribe puffed up his upper back.
"Oh no!  What happened!"

      "It looks like spider bites.  I'm trying to neutralize the poison.  Its
strong, but I feel his fever slowly diminishing.....He would have died in
minutes I think if I'd not got hold of the venom with my craft."

      I started and looked around.   I hated spiders......hated them....I
felt a quiver in my muscles and looked at Nilen.  "Well...Can he be moved."

      Nilen quickly responded, "Nay...I shant advise risking it."

      I nodded.  "Then we shall remain here until he betters."

      My brother looked at me.  "Macabre, I know you feel you must go.  I can
see it in your eyes.  Cyman will be better before the moon rises again.
Go...We shall find you."

      I returned my brothers stare.  "I...I should stay."

      Nilen set Cyman's head upon a straw mat and put his palm over his
chest.  "Nay.  Go on with your journey.  I know it is something you must do.
Where will we find you."

      My lip trembled.... I then answered.   "Trisk....I know not where this
book shall take me though."

      The Golden Guardian pondered for a brief instant.  "Trisk it is.....We
will find you brother.....Just.....please....be careful."

      "I will, Nil.....You shouldn't be found....Good luck brother.  Oh...and
you are gonna have to move him by noon.  Thats when the vessel departs."

      "Okay.  Hopefully he will be up to it then.  Farewell, Stalker."

      I slipped back out, heart pounding, temples aching.  I felt pulled to
the island, yet my brother lay near death.  How could I be so cold.  The pull
was so strong it was unreal.  I could feel the Jewel's power.  It beckoned
me.  I hit the water with a soft splash and gasped at its chill when i
surfaced.  I struggled to the gray shore we were anchored from and made my
way up the rocky beach towards the harbor.  The silken black sheet of night
still glimmered with starlight as I approached the quiet docks and headed
through the outskirts of the island's civilizations.

        I melted into the shadows of night and slithered through the small
municipality heading north.  The farther along the isle's grasslands I
treaded, the heavier the taste of salt settled in my mouth.  Soon, a salt
bleached, wind hardened wood loomed before me and I was forced to veer to and
westward course due to its thickness.  Near half an hour of an accursedly
sluggish pace and I the woods broke.  I saw the fringe of the island wood and
began to jog towards it.....

      Suddenly i jolted to a stop and sputtered in confusion.  Sticky fibers
filled my mouth as i cursed.  I brought my hand across my face only to have
it sprung back into a tangle of thick, transclucent strands of silk....My
skin crawled as I tried to move to no avail.  My heart entered my throat, as
I heard the ground creep.  Spiders!!!  I thrashed and flailed about only
tangling myself moreso.  I saw flashes of brilliance at my feet, illuminating
the horde of arachnids coming towards me.  I saw one sole spider on the mass
of webbing I had stumbled upon...Its mouth opened and a saw a stream of
electricity wrap around my leg.

     I shouted in agony as my leg went numb from the shock.  I could feel the
spiders on my boots as I frantically kicked one...two...three...a dozen back
into the darkness only to return moments later.  One fell from above onto my
head and I jerked my neck tossing it.  I looked above and saw a drooping tree
branch directly overhead.  I strained against the uncannily tensile web and
brought my hand up, feeling the bark of the limb only to whimper when my
fingers would not wrap around it.  Curse my height.  I jumped on my one good
leg and reached for the limb barely catching it.  I was dragged back down but
the limb sagged down with me...

     With all my might I stretched my other arm up and grasped the branch.  I
felt a shock course through my veins as a electric spider bit through my
boots.  My mind clouded and my muscles seemed to melt with the heat charged
into them.  I mustered all I had and, both hands tensed on the tree branch,
ripped my torso and legs from the webbin and swung up to the branch, coming
down harder than I expected, as the elasticity of the webbin still on my arms
snatched me down.  But I was now free enough to tear away from the web and I
vaulted up and scampered to the middle of the tree I had flipped on to.

      I felt myself going faint as I slumped against the tree's trunk.  I
clenched the golden amulet around my neck and felt a warmth course through my
body and the crimson gem in its center swirled and pulsated with a fiery
glow.  I struggled to my feet and leapt from my branch to a tree several feet
away. I was petrified.  By Tyr, do I hate spiders.   I slowly, twitchingly
climbed down the tree and bolted away back to the edge of the wood I had been
trying to reach.  I hit a pasture, dropped and rolled. Stoppin with a sigh.
"By Tyr do I hate spiders."

       I clambered to my feet and saw in the distance a dilapidated fortress
of stone.  Er...more like a wall to be exact.  The remains of the building
consisted of jutting clumps of stone.  All that was intact was a sheer face
of granite.  I headed in that direction, thinking it was a safe place to
rest.  I reached the wall, placed my forehead upon the cold stone and slipped
into a crouch.  My eyelids weighed a ton.  I felt like just collapsing.  The
amulet my dear Lord had given me was not known to cure fatigue.

       Before I knew it, my neck had lost its strength and my head flopped
forward, my mind submerged in sleep in my crouched position.  Suddenly I hear
a rumble and a horrible monstrous moan.  I sprung up instantly, my pearly
handled scimitar in my hand.  I took up my shield, knocked the sand off of
its reflective surface and stealthily snuck around the wall.  The scene I saw
spun me back behind the wall.  "Keeripes."  Tents lined the wall.  The small
outpost seemed vacant save for two men in light blue vestments, burly and
armed to the teeth with blades of all sorts of menacing form.  The two men
spoke in odd tongues as a small group of marble like margoyles and a couple
of gargantuan blueberries with nasty lookin teeth milled around them.  One of
the Umber Hulks was chained to the wall with a margoyle, oblivious to the
fact that he was about to tear down the wall as he stretched his chain trying
to reach his mate.

      One of the men screamed a order in the mysterious tongue and the hulk
froze.

      The other man laughed and continued to hook a chain to the margoyle at
his side.  Suddenly the margoyle perked its rocky ears and shot away straight
towards the edge of the wall where I lurked. "Damn!"  I barreled past the
beast as it lurched towards the shadows where it smelled me.  The two men
yelled in alarm and drew their blades hissing for the beasts at their sides
to see to my demise.  I sprinted towards the men, only to feel the goyle's
forepaws of stone pound into my back as it leapt and crushed me into the
sand.  I threw my elbow into the jaw of the beast and regretted it instantly.
I wormed my way from under the walking tombstone that was determined to bear
my name.  I shoved my blade into the belly of the monster.

     I heard it grunt as life ebbed from it, but heard no more as a shadow
loomed over and bludgeoned me with its gargantuan fists.  I rolled down a
hill, consciousness fading fast..........

<to be cont.>
Journey of Life
(submitted by: Dalesia)

Hail and Well met.  My name is Dalesia Starwolf.  I come from afar from
beyond the Great Mountains of Thar.  Born and raised by a tribe of elfs
within the Deep Forest of Fotier.  I learned and mastered the ways of being a
high priestess of Mielikki and the Seven Magiks.

From my first days of a wee little lass to my later years of a teenager, I
learned much.  Of course I have drank my fair share of Frenzy.  I have
traveled far and long.  From the little country of France to Thar, Wolfhead,
the great underdark of the High Dwarfs of DaggerHoh, and of course
Neverwinter and its surrounding provinces.  The elves of Fotier gave me the
last name of Starwolf because of the penticle that is branded on my upper
right arm and that they found me with a pack of wolves.

Every day now I am tested by the evil that lurks in the Lands.  I grow tired
of these tests that plague me even in my dreams.  I seem to have been born
this way.  Every man or woman that I have been with have been brutally killed
by the evil.  They wear nothing but long black robes and carry only long red
daggers.  I manage to evade them barely with my life.  All I can think of is
that I must destroy them all.  Maybe then I can lead a normal life.

I would like to settle down and have a family someday.  But that day seems
further and further away these days.  Every day more and more evil seeps into
these Lands.  But with the help of my friends I know we can destroy them all.
From Windy Cliffs to Vilnask, Crossergate, Port Llast, The Lost Hills of
Adventurers, Triboar, to Red Larch and back.  Hopefully when that day comes I
will be able to have a family.

I can remember the Elves told me that I have a long lost twin brother and
that we were seperated at birth.  I don't know his name or where we came from
but I know that I cannot rest until I find my long lost brethren.  When that
day comes I know my life will be complete.  I hope that my story will shed
some light on my fellow adventurers and my hopefully soon to be guild
sister's and brother's.

Dalesia Starwolf
High Priestess of Fotier
Master of the Seven MagiksReeks of Rotten Meat - Part 2
The Towering Tree and a Rude Awakening
(submitted by: WG Wage)

So Lorse began to lead Dishmail through the forest using his father's
directions.  It seemed that when Lorse traveled with this blind cleric of
Tymora with a bizzare drawl-like accent, they kept on coming upon the dead
wild boars, apparently once perfectly healthy and suddenly dropping dead.  So
they never ran out of food.  

For days Lorse and Dishmail traveled.  Lorse never gave up in trying to find
the town he just *knew* was in the direction the arrow on the peice of paper
in his hand was pointing.  his father would never lie to him like that.  He
owed escape to his new freind Dishmail, after all.

One day, while following the arrow, Lorse bumped into an amazingly huge tree.
I mean five times taller than all of the other tallest trees in the
woods,"Hey, Dishmail."

"Whaddia nee' Reeks o' Rotten Meat?"

"Please stop calling that, my actuall name is Lorse."

"Ah'm jest callin' ya whatcher folks named ya."

"Well, anyway, I'm going to try to climb up this big tree here and see how
far I can see, maybe I can spot the town we're trying to reach."Lorse stated.

"A big tree?  Y'all be careful now!"

"I'll be fine, I've climbed trees before.  Nothing as big as this, but I can
do it."

"Ah dunno fellah, Ah get strange feelin's 'bou' dis tree!  Somethin's up dere
and it doan want no visitors Ah reckon!  Stay down 'n' follow yer
di-rections." Dishmail sounded serious.

"I'm telling you I'll be fine"Lorse really wanted to get out of the woods, he
was tired of the place already and shelter was soemthing he truly
missed,"Give me a boost so I can reach that first branch."

"Well, okiedokey, if ya must, ya must.  But Ah still feel lahke ya ain't
s'posed to be a-doin' dis!"Dishmail found his way up to Lorse and crouching
down lifted him up onto his shoulders.  Lorse swiped at a branch and grabbed
hold, then boosted himself ontop of it.  It was a really huge branch, narrow
enough for him to grip but still wide enough so that it was easy to keep
balance on it.

"How're ya doin' up dere!?"Dishmail called.

"I'm fine, Dish.  I just have to make my way to the top."

"Ya be a-careful now."

"Don't worry."Lorse began climbing the tree.  What a climb!  Eventually he
was at the same altitude with the tips of all the other trees.  Then he
climbed higher, until he was twice as high.  Then three times, then four
times.  Then he neared the top of the tree, which was five times the height
of the others.  And damn, did he ever make a mistake by choosing to look down
that very moment when he couldn't climb any higher.

"Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"Lorse screamed.  Dishmail
yelled something back but he couldn't make it out.  Lorse cried,"What am I
doing here?  I shouldn't be this high!"He began shaking and then the top of
the tree began shaking.  He heard a loud ruffling noise.  Lorse froze in
fear,"Wha... w-w-what's that?"

"Get off my house!"

"What?"

"Get off my house!  Now you stupid groundling!"

"Who's that?"

Lorse was answered, by a woodpecker the size of a mammoth,"I said get off my
house you stupid groundling!  What are you doing up here!  Get off now or
I'll peck you little head off!"

Lorse was quite distressed,"I-I-I c-c-c-c-c-an't g-get d-d-d-d-d-down!  I-I-I
am st-t-t-t-uck!"

"I don't care!  Leave right now!  You're going to wake up my babies!"The
Woodpecker commanded.

"B-B-But I...  I c-c-can't!  I-I-I'm t-t-too h-high!"

There was a sudden burst of chirping from inside the tree.  The Woodpecker
leaped from her spot and began to scream,"Oooooh!  Now you've done it you
stupid little ground-walker!  You woke up my babies!  It took me hours and
hours to shut them up and get them to sleep!  I'll split your puny skull!"And
with that, the Woodpecker flew off and prepared to hurl herself, beak-first,
into Lorse's noggin.  He didn't want to imagine what it'd be like, and
looking behind him he saw the woodpecker soaring toward him fast!  He only
had one choice.... jump!

(To be continued...)
An Evening Walk
(submitted by: LdyDove C)

  I had gone back to the Bunk House in hopes of some desperatly needed sleep,
I have been in the Realms alot the last two nights, but as I lay my head down
I couldnt find the slumber I longed for.  I called for Chatar to see if my
cat would enjoy a walk and took with me my writing things, we set out into
the forest to enjoy the beauty of the eve.  The moon was lighting the path
for us as we ventured to the riverbed, I delighted in the stars as my mind
drifted to my love who I have not had the fortune to spend much time with.
Just the other night he asked me to marry, and I have accepted, my heart
skips a beat everytime I think of it, we will not set a date for now, we have
many things to plan before that...I think back to my mother and wish she
could be here to talk with, there are so many things I would like to ask of
her, questions that will forever remain unasked..

 I soon find myself near the riverbed and decide to sit for a while and write
a letter to my love, in hopes it will find him well.  As I write, this silly
cat of mine feels it would be better to take an evening swim, (the only cat I
know who enjoys a good swim) and splashes me playfully, "Chatar you had
better save your energies to deliver this for me" I tell him with a giggle in
my voice.  Wiping the droplets of water from my paper I continue to write.

  After finishing my thoughts in my letter, I to have been tempted by this
beautiful eve and join the beast for a swim, the water is cool at first and I
can feel the gooseflesh on my skin, but it only takes a brief moment to feel
warm again, we swam for just a short while when I felt we should return as
the day has been a long one.  Stepping out of the water I pick up my garments
and put them back on telling Chatar he must be off to deliver my letter.  In
the blink of an eye a glorious Dove flies off into the night with words of
love in its grasp.

 I soon find myself back at the bunk house, tiptoeing in as not to wake
anyone, I scurry to my bunk and lay my head down and sleep easily
comes............

LdyDove,
Mielikki's Deamer
Brotherhood of PathfindersTo the Woods
(submitted by: Ldy Bryne)

     A young squire of KORT meandered down the path in Long Saddle heading
for the inn when  suddenly a strong wind sprang up and there was a sound not
quite like thunder but still...  disturbing to the young squire.  As the
sound neared and grew in its intensity, the squire realized it was the
beating of huge wings mingled with the roars of the griffon.  She was very
glad she was no horse, yet still she sought the shelter of nearby trees to
hide her from their view.  As they passed over head, a basket dropped at her
feet nearly hitting her on the head and startling her to death!

     The young paladin gazed curiously at the basket and looked around to see
if anyone else was nearby.  There was no other within view.  Not knowing what
to do and overcome with curiosity, the squire bent down and lifted the cloth
covering the basket and discovered beneath a small drawing of the skeleton of
some strange animal.   "Wha' an odd thin' ta draw," she said to herself.
"Mayhap someone is a studyin' these strange creatures."  She carefully picked
up tha small drawing to study it further and immediately dropped it in shock
as the deep, rich baritone voice of her Knight filled the air.  She looked
around quickly in confusion but saw no one.  "Here, Sire," she called.  "I be
ri' here.  M'Lord Eagle?  Whar' ar' ye?"   Only silence answered her.  How
could this be?  A spell she wondered?     The squire again picked up the
strange drawing and this time held on to it as the voice of her beloved
Knight again filled the air.

     "Squire Bryne," she heard his voice say, "the drawing ye are holding is
of a large and powerful creature called a dracolich.  Several of these
monstrous creatures have banded together and are preying upon travelers in
the northeast woods.  No one knows how many lives have been lost to these
dastardly beasts as few folk seem to have survived and emerged from the woods
able to tell of them.  They are huge.  Each rumored to be as large as
Camelot.  Squire, ye are to travel post haste to the northeast woods and
vanquish these dracolichs and make those woods once again safe for travelers.
I am counting on ye, Squire.  Do not disappoint me."

     Bryne hurried to the inn in LongSaddle as quickly as she could.  At the
inn she prepared for her journey, making sure her weapons were in top battle
condition,   rememorizing all the magic spell she had been taught at home by
her aunt and the new ones she'd learned in Camelot, and seeing her bag of
holding contained all she would need on her journey.  Though she was fearful
of her assignment, still she would do her very best to carry it out as her
Knight required of her.

     It was late in the day when young Squire Bryne left the safety of the
inn and headed off towards the woods in hope of completing her mission.   The
journey to the edge of the woods was uneventful but she was not far into the
woods before  Bryne was set upon by a large group of trolls accompanied by a
harpy.  The Squire cast a fire ball into the midst of the trolls followed by
a second as quickly as she could throw it.  The harpy flew around behind her
and slashed her in the back but the damage was slight and Bryne fought on.
She cast hold monsters and used her long sword to hack her way thru the fray.
Suddenly all was quiet and looking around the Squire realized she was the
only one left alive.   Feeling a need to hurry, she quickly cleaned her sword
and made sure all was in readiness should more monsters be encountered, and
gathering her bag, she set off again towards the northeast.

      A little further along the path when the soft sounds of the forest had
distracted Bryne's attention, she carelessly stumbled into a clearing of
ogres.   Without a moments hesitation the squire cast two fireballs in
succession and using her sword, quickly finished off the remaining ogres.
Again she took time to clean and ready her sword and make sure all her spells
were still memorized.

      By now, night had fallen.  The woods were dark and full of night
noises.  Bryne traveled slowly and carefully but was yet again set upon by
the creatures of the woods.  This time it was several large yellow cats in
the company of a rocky vilstrak that set upon the young paladin.  The squire
saw the beauty of the cat's skins and realized what a warm and beautiful coat
they would make her for the winter.  And besides, their color would just
match her hair.  Thus Bryne was careful to use only her sword to slit the
throats of each cat to preserve the beauty of their hides.  But at the
vilstrak she cast a magic missle.   Bryne cached the hides for later pickup,
then again prepared herself and her equipment and set off once more and
arrived shortly at the gate to the northeast woods.

      The Squire held her sword in readiness and proceeded slowly up tha
path.  She moved quietly and with each step she paused to listen to the night
noises for any change or disturbance and to peer thru the darkness trying to
see what lay ahead.   She had not gone far when she noticed a dramatic
change.  The sudden quiet was deafening and screamed of danger.  Moving
silently from tree to tree she tried to see what might have caused the sudden
quiet but found nothing but a small clearing which appeared to be empty.
Dropping to her knees the paladin prayed to Tyr for blessing and guidance.
Arising, she prepared herself  for battle in everyway she knew.  Then, taking
a deep breath to steady her nerves, she stepped boldly out into the clearing.


     One step. Pause.  Nothing.  Another step.  Pause.  Nothing.  A third
step.  Pause.   Fire slashed out of the darkness heading directly at her but
fell short scorching the earth before her.  Before she could even draw a
breath, the nite was filled with the screeching of banshees as  blasts of
flames crisscrossed the darkness and the ground trembled as the massive
creatures charged around her.  "Well, Sire," she said aloud, "I do belie'e I
ha'e found yer dracs.   I ha'e 'em ri' whar' they wan' me....... surrounded."


     Bryne cast a fireball into their midst and charged the nearest drac,
swinging her sword as hard as she could.  The dracs screamed and attacked
shooting flames from their mouths at the paladin and trying to strike her
with claws and tails.  She cast another fireball in their midst as soon as
she was able and noted that both together had done considerable damage.  She
quickly ducked as a ball of fire headed straight for her head and heard the
wailing death cry of the drac behind her.  Bryne charged again casting fumble
on the nearest drac and saw the fire die from its mouth.  Then a lightning
bolt shot from her fingers to catch two more dracs.  On they fought.  The
dracs were vicious and wounded the young squire over and over.  Still, the
paladin fought on, never giving up.   She cast all her magic missles, tried a
hold, rattled off many of the spells she knew.  She attacked again and again
with her sword.  Finally, only one drac remained and a few surviving
banshees.  The weary squire raised her sword and severed the head of the last
dracolich.  Severely wounded and in great pain, Bryne dispatched the
remaining banshees.  It was done.  This area of the woods was again safe for
travelers.Knighting Vigil
(submitted by: KEF Dquar)

Dquar sat in the shrine alone. Out in the middle of Neverwinter Woods, Dquar
sat upon a stone bench gazing into the shiny surface of his ceremonial
Knighting armor. The shrine was once a tribute to the god Tyr, but has since
been ransacked and destroyed by monsters and evils. Now, alone in the
tranquil peace of NW Woods, Dquar sat in the silence of his Knighting Vigil.
He meditated on what he was about to do, and how he was to do it. Becoming
Knighted was the most important moment in his life, and his parents would
have been proud were they alive to see it. 

While staring into his reflection in the armor, Dquar slowly let go of his
conscience. His breathing became subdued and his heartbeat nearly stopped.
Everything fell away from him, and suddenly he was standing in a small groove
of trees in some ancient wilderness. The sun shown brightly through the
breaks in the multi-colored leaves of the tall Oak trees, and the ground was
wet with the sweet precipitation of morning dew. All around him birds sang
songs to the gods, and forest wildlife scimpered about him. He felt at peace,
and content with where he was. Suddenly, a figure appeared from beyond his
sight......

"Hello young Blackmoon", the stranger said to him. The stranger was a man,
about 26 years old, and dressed in the armor of the Knighthood. He brandished
a sword of amazing beauty and quality, and his armor was beautiful as any
Nymph. Long blonde hair flowed down to his shoulders, and sky blue eyes
looked upon me kindly. He approached Dquar slowly, almost in slow motion. As
he came up closer to Dquar, he looked much taller than what Dquar originally
thought him to be. He stood almost 7 feet in height, and weighed nearly 280
pounds. His body frame and stature let Dquar know that all 280 pounds of him
was solid muscle. He then spoke in a low but audible voice.

"I am Paladine, servant of the god Tyr. I see great potential in you as a
servant to the Order, and I have forseen your destiny. You were born a
Knight, raised to follow in the Knighthood just as your father, and are a
soon to be official Knight of the Eternal Flame. I am here to let you know
that you are making the correct decision, and that it is your destiny to
fulfill your duties as a Knight. It is nearing the time for your Knighting,
now go back to Neverwinter and tell them you are ready. You may go with Tyr's
blessing."

With that Dquar stepped back and bowed to the honorable Knight, who returned
his bow. The woods began to spin and the sunlight was just a swirl, mixed in
with the chirping birds and rustling animals. After what seemed a timeless
void, Dquar awoke from his meditation, staring at himself in his armor. His
face looked calm and peaceful, but with a touch of sadness in it as well. The
sun was going down, and his Vigil was over.

He packed his things and mounted his horse, heading towards Neverwinter City
where he will be Knighted on the morrow. As he rode, he thought about
Paladine and his dead father. The clouds were a bright red with the setting
sun in the horizon, and with all the emotions of his first Vigil, a tear
rolled down his cheek. He continued to let tears roll down his face, all the
while with a stern gaze on the horizon....on to the city of Neverwinter.The
Voyage
(submitted by: SUN Samah)

One rainy day
Not long ago
A brave man did
In Neverwinter show.

Seeking some shelter
Cold & dripping wet
Samah and Takia
Inevitably met.

Second in command
Of Sunrunner Kin
Following him soon
She too joined in.

Their passion grew
As Zabreneva
Pure hearts as one
In Aleva.

Two faradh'im lovers
"Tirita, my friend
I'm sticking by you
'Til the very end.

My friendship and love
I propose on my knee,
A voyage of hope
For everyone to see.

Come aboard my sweet,
Please hang up my flail,
I'm hoisting the anchor
And raising the sail.

Don't leave me again,
Cause if you get the notion
I will hunt you down
And slip you a vile potion.

Our destiny together
In a Neverwinter night
Is the wind that propels us,
The Goddess that gives light.

I know I'm not special
Surely not Mr. Right
Stay near me always
And I'll keep you smiling bright.

Give me thine hand
And we shall depart,
As long as we're Sunrunners
We shall never be apart.

You've heard this before
What say you my dear?
Please believe me this time
I am most sincere.

SUN D0wn has no lady,
Yet Andry has Feylin.
If you don't get on this boat
I'm gonna start wailin'.

TuGuy is hoping,
HC Venk will flip.
Please hurry to me now
I can't stop this ship.

As you ponder and dream
About my offer to you,
Ultima Bards Egg and Tilal
Sing songs of love true.

And if by chance
You should think to say "No",
The Dragon Kin Sect
Will feeb ya, you know.

A beaming white smile,
My spirit has soared,
My eyes are ablaze,
As you leap aboard.

I cast off the line
That holds us at bay,
Then you jump in my arms,
"Yes!" at last you say!

Oh weaving the threads
Of both Sun and Moon,
"All day in your bed,
Can't begin too soon."

Lips pressed together
We drift far from the docks
"Why the sad face Sammy?"
"Crap I forgot my darn socks!"

SUN Samah
AGM of Sunrunner Kin
9 Rings
~Lovah of Tak~
Rownee Baker of my Dreams
(submitted by: WyrmSilver)

It was a dark and stormy night. The rain poured down onto Neverwinter as if
heaven's heart had broken and the tears flowed smoothly onto the world below.
Wyrm soared in through the broken window he always entered through, and
fluttered over to Mystri's shoulder almost immediately. 

"Hi there sugar!" Mystri purred in her soft, sultry voice. Wyrm cooed in her
ear happily. Even when he was feeling down and out Mystri knew how to make
him happy. He couldn't imagine a better woman in the city. Alas, she was a
humanoid, and Wyrm a hapless pseudo-dragon. It wasn't meant to be.

Wyrm rode her shoulder around the bar for a while, hungrily watching her
serve ale after ale, and stew and mutton to her patrons. What a woman. All
the food one could ever eat was at her command, but she seemed strangely
occupied tonight, and had failed to offer her diminutive companion anything
to eat.

"Erk?" Wyrm asked, the hunger deep in his voice.

Mystri smiled and scratched under his chin tenderly, making the lounge lizard
purr helplessly. Yes, she knew just what to do.

"Coo." Wyrm said smiling. Mystri was the best. Realizing that she had a job
to do, however. The small dragon lept to the cherrywood bar to give her room
to move and do what she did best... serve the hungry of Neverwinter. Wyrm
watched her in awe, and hopped up and down the bar looking for crumbs,
content to feed himself with the scraps of food she had once held. 

Nearby, another of Wyrm's lady friends caught his eye. Chyanna had just been
informed that this night was "Flirt Night" in the tavern, a night for the
elven lass to shine. Her sultry lips curved slowly into a seductive smile as
she glanced around at the men in the room, much as a tigress eyes her prey
shortly before the kill. Chyanna knew how to treat a pseudo-dragon right too.


Puffing up his courage, Wyrm made his move. Smoothly he fluttered over to the
man-killer and landed on her shoulder, cuddling up against her cheek.
Although they were just friends, Wyrm was determined to get what he wanted
out of her... and he knew that she was more than capable of giving him all
the brownies he could ever need.

Chyanna cuddled him to her bosom, delighted to see him again. "Wyrm!" she
breathed at his scaly touch. Leaning in closer to her, the little dragon
cooed softly in her ear, and licked her cheek. He knew how to treat a woman
as well, and knew that before long she would be his.

"Rownee?" He breathed huskily in her ear, but to his shock and amazement, she
hadn't heard him! Looking up in surprise, Wyrm found that she had already
devoted herself to conversation with another humanoid. A male one.

Wyrm's ego plummetted. Rejection! He couldn't believe it. Sure he was a
pseudo-dragon, but never had he been so utterly ignored, so coldly denied
what he sought once he had laid his heart on the table. He hoped that it was
only the night's theme that had Chy distracted so... he couldn't take it if
he learned that she no longer loved him.

The poor pseudo-dragon continued sitting on her shoulder as she brazenly
flirted with the other humanoid. What could that human offer her that Wyrm
himself could not? Was he not cuddly? Was he not apt to purr just the way the
ladies liked? Was he losing his touch?

Deep down inside Wyrm was afraid of the answer. He had been in the tavern for
exactly five minutes and thirty-seven seconds and hadn't eaten a single
brownie! He hadn't felt so alone since the very first night he had entered
the tavern.

Suddenly the door opened and a breeze blew the rain in and across the room.
Wyrm scarcely felt the icy drops as they plinked onto his small cranium. It
wasn't until Mystri announced the newcomer that he looked up and saw that all
his prayers, hopes, and dreams had been answered.

There she was. Out of all the taverns on all the streets in all of
Neverwinter, she had to walk into his. Framed in a halo of white light by the
rising moon the elven lady stood, closing the door carefully behind her.
This, however, was no ordinary elf; it was Luthyen, champion brownie baker
and the woman of Wyrm's dreams.

He could see even in the dim tavern light that she was a bit distraught, and
in a hurry. Wyrm checked back in with Chyanna, but the lass was busy flirting
with the male, obviously more than happy with him. Wyrm knew what he must do.
Hopping off her shoulder, he fluttered over toward the bar and landed on
Luthyen's shoulder, determined to make things right. 

"Awk!" He chirped softly, catching her attention.

"Wyrm!" She exclaimed. She pulled him into a tender embrace, holding him
tightly. "I haven't seen you in so long."

"Coo." He explained. He had been busy. He knew it wasn't right... he couldn't
live without the brownies she gave him, but it was just his way. He was a
rogue, careless and uncurable. 

Hastily Luthen reached into her pouch. Wyrm couldn't believe his eyes, but
the blue stone that hung around his neck and glowed softly didn't lie. She
had brownies for him. She still cared.

Wyrm's heart soared as she placed him back on the bar and set several huge
delicious brownies before him. Triple fudge with nuts and chocolate chips.
His favorite. If it were possible for his reptilian eyes to water they would
have, but he was strong, and tore into the brownies with a passion he had
almost forgotten. Before long they were gone and he was licking crumbs up off
the bar, sighing in the aftershocks of his feeding.

Turning back to her, he wanted to express his gratitude, but to his dismay
she was gone. "Erk??" He called out, but no answer. Nearby Mystri, who was
wiping up his mess explained that she had had to go.

Wyrm spun and faced the door, staring at its closed countenance for long
moments as he realized that she was the only woman who had given him what he
needed that entire night. And he had let her walk out of the room without
him.

"Awp!!" Wyrm shouted at the top of his lungs, surprising Mystri nearby. His
departing salutation said it all. He had to find her. He wouldn't let the
brownie baker of his dreams just walk out on him like that.

"Go to her Wyrm." Mystri nodded, smiling wisely. She had seen the same story
countless times before.

Wyrm lept off the counter and flew as fast as his wings would carry him out
into the night. Somewhere out there Luthyen needed someone to purr and treat
her right, and he needed what she gave him best.

The best darned 'rownees in Neverwinter.

Wyrm the "Sweet Awker"
Of House Silverleaf
~Off to find Luthyen, no matter the distance, cost, or adventure, as long as
it doesn't conflict with his strict schedule of naps on the sunning rock in
the dryad grove~
Journal Pages
(submitted by: V Ashnsoul)

>>Journal Page<<

  Today as I sat in the Great Hall bar, reading my book near the fire, A
stranger came in.  He aproched me and we baegan to talk about idle things. We
talked of the book I was reading and of my  thirst for knowledge. I was
extremely suprised and happy to learn that he was a kindered spirit and also
had the hunger for knowledge. Alas the time flew by and we both had to leave.
Not, however, befor I saw him for what he was. My mind raced, another of the
Kin, and he is so like my lost beloved. My heart both cryed  in pain and lept
for joy  at this realisation. Oh my dearest Sorrow, how I miss you.

  Knowing I had to learn more I have in vited him to my small home to talk
more. I hope this goes well. My time has become so very short.


>>Journal Page<<

  This was the greatest night I have had since you left me Sorrow. You would
like him I think. He is very much like you. He came and we talked of many
things, we talked a lot about you. I have to make my choice soon I fear. I am
dying, I don't think he know yet though. I do not want him to untli I make my
decision. I will let him take me into the night I think. I know you did not
want this for me because it cased you so much pain, but if I don't I will die
with in the month. My sweet Sorrow I hope you watch over me still, I will
need your guidence.


>>Journal Page<<

  I have made my decision. I will say good bye to the sun tomorrow. There is
much I will miss about the day. Had there been another way I would have taken
it, but I still have so much to learn, one life time is not enuff. Had I not
gotten ill it would be difrent. He now knows that I am dying, I hope it does
not temper his decision to bring me across. I am afraid, for the first time.
I am afraid my dear Sorrow, give me the strength to continue on my course.

    He comes tomorrow night to take me into the night forever. 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

The night is so cold. I sit and look into the fire to pass the time. Today I
said my good byes to the light. He comes for me soon, I think. A soft sound
behind me and I know he is here. We talk of little things for a while to calm
my nerves. Then he is asking if I am ready. I nod. He took me in his arms, as
I trembled, he tells me it will only hurt for a second then it will be gone.
A soft kiss then a sharp pain, then a warmth.

I am afraid I think, but there is now hope. I will have the time I so desire.
Feeling my fear he calls to me from in my mind. I see him across a bridge,
and go to join him. We sit and talk of good memories as I hear a thumping in
the back of my mind. He comforts me and removes my fear by doing so. A short
talk of things past and he tells me it is almost over and I have to go back.
I am no longer afraid. I feel myself die and hear his soft words in my ear.
"Drink Ash". A warm wetness at my lips, I suck at it and very slowly regain
strength. Looking up at him, I hear him say that I have to stop when he tells
me to. When he askes I very reluctantly stop drinking the sweet fluid of my
new life. Looking around with new eyes, I have not seen this good in years.
The smells, the sounds, Oh My, how difrent things are. I feel strong. I have
been so weak for so long now that it is a very new sensation. I thank him,
and we talk a bit more. Then it is time for rest. "Goodnight Lutharr, a very
good night" I go to sleep reviling in my new life. My thoughts are with the
one I lost. "My dear sweet Sorrow, I will not waste my time, it is too
precious. I have much to do now. I might even go back to our house and see if
I can make it HOME again. I miss you more now than ever." I say into the
still of the morning.Homecoming
(submitted by: Giantklr)

Giantklr sat in his room resting after completing his daily page duties, when
he heard a knock at the door...

"Ye may enter, it is open" said the page in a weary tone.

"Sorry to disturb ya, but an urgent message has arrived for ya," spoke the
messenger softly.

Taking the parchment from the messeger, Giant unrolled it as the messenger
closed the door behing him.  A look of shock became apparent on his face as
he read:

Giantklr, ye are needed ta return as soon as possible
Father Elias has taken gravely ill and has asked for ye to come
I must ask ye ta travel swiftly, for time is not our ally in this struggle

Ralin

"No, this can't be happening" Giantklr spoke aloud to himself.

This not being the time to rest, Giant quickly set out to ready himself for
the long journey to his childhood home.  Stopping only a moment to leave a
note to the Knights explaining his absence and saying he would return as soon
as possible, he was soon headed out of Camelot with urgency in his steps.
Mounting his ever faithful steed, Gianlklr was soon an the road, and his mind
began to wander....

He was only a small boy when his village was attacked by a hill giant, and
after seeing his home crushed with his family inside, he couldn't take it any
more, so he stopped running and turned to accept his fate. As the giant
approached, he picked up a nearby rock, and heaved it with all his might.
The rock struck true, hitting the giant in the eye. Startled by the momentary
blindness, the giant stumbled off into the woods, forgetting about the small
village.

The village was safe for now, but the young boy had no family or a home to
return too. He stayed in the village for a few days, eating what he could
find or what small game he could kill, before a priest of Tyr journeyed into
the village. Hearing of the boys tale from some of the villagers, the priest
sought out the boy and had a long talk with him. Soon the boy, whom the
preist jokingly called Giantklr, had agreed to return with the priest. The
boy had found a new home, and a new family. This was the first time I met
Father Elias.

Soon, the boy began to grow, and started to follow the path of Tyr, and
started to train as a paladin. Then came the day, when his training was
complete, an he set out to do Tyr's work. This was the last time I saw Father
Elias.

Snapping out of his daze, Giantklr realized he had been traveling for days
nonstop. But, he pressed on.  As he topped the next hill, the small church
where he had grown came into view. Urging his steed into a full gallop, he
was soon enterin the church courtyard.  Jumping off  his horse, Giant headed
for the door where he was greeted by the cleric Dalin.

"Giant, ye couldn't have arrived at a better time" said Dalin with a tone of
relief in his voice.

"Forgive me for not going throught the formalities in greetig you my friend,
but I must see him" spoke the weary Giantklr.

"I understand, this way please" said Dalin as he turned and escorted Giant
though the Church to the private room of Father Elias.

Opening the door, Danin spoke again, "I will leave ye two alone for a while."

"Thanks, my friend" said Giant as he entered.

In the room Giant saw a frail old man lying in bed, not the Father Elias he
had remembered, and his heart sunk.

"Father"

"Thomas, is that you?" spoke Elias barely above a whisper.

"Aye, it is" said Giant as he kneeled beside the bed.

"Ahhh, that's good, I needed ta see ye again before.."

Giant quicly cutting him off speaks, "Please don't say that, ye are gonna be
fine."

"My dear Thomas, I tought ye that Tyr has a reason for everything, and this
is his way of telling me he has need of me in another place" said the priest.

"I understand" spoke Giant as a tear trailed down his cheek.

"I have watched ye grow into a fine young man, and I must tell ye I am very
proud of ye." said Elias.

"But only one thing about ye concerns me..." continued Elias.

"Oh, and what might that be?" said Giant as he wiped his tear stained cheek.

"In your letters, ye always sign them Gianklr.." said the priest "I want ye
to know I only called ye that in jest, no reason for ya to continue to use
it."

"Father, ye have been so much to me..my  trainer, my teacher, and my
family...I am the person I am because of you" spoke Giantklr.

"So, I am and always will be Giantklr, for what ye have done" continued
Giant.

"You honor an old man, and I can see that you have learned much, this pleases
me greatly" said the old man his voice getting softer with each word.

"Goodbye my dear boy, and may Tyr guide ye on your journeys" with these
words, the old man became silent..

Giant knew the end had come. Lying his head on the old man's chest, Giant
began to cry as he had never before.  Speaking aloud giant said "Ye are the
last of my family, I am now alone."

Feeling a comforting hand on his shoulder, Giant raised his head and saw
Dalin standing behind him.  Dalin spoke. "You are not alone Giant, and you
never will be. You will always have a home and a family here, and do not
forget about KORT, they too are your family and will never allow ye to be
alone."

"Thank ye my friend, ye are right how could i have been so foolish" said
Giant between sobs.

"At time like these, we all tend to not think straight, ye will be fine"
spoke Dalin.

"Come Giant, ye have had a rough time as of late, both physically and
emotionally, ye need to rest" said dalin as he lead Giant to another room.

After a much needed,although restless, nights sleep, Giant awoke to ready for
the coming events.

Staying a few more days to make sure all was settled, Giant mounted his steed
and began his way back to Camelot.  His heart was still heavy with the loss,
and he knew the only thing that could make him feel better was the comfort of
his new home and family.

Giantklr
Page of KORT
Paladin of TyrA Ranger's Faith
(submitted by: Dunwhistle)

    I walk slowly away from the town of Neverwinter.  Optimistic, afraid,
alone, yet not alone.  Behind me lay all my belongings, a wealth of friends,
and some enemies.  I have journeyed well over six million paces throughout
the realms.  If I am found unworthy, these will be my last.

    All I have are my clothes and a few minor spell components.  The only
magic I will see for some time to come would be the few defensive spells I
may use, as needed, for the journey.  I will not hurt a living thing during
this sacred trek.  I will offer my devotions daily, and pray for
purification.  The Goddess is with me.

    My thoughts are fleeting images.  I see hundreds upon hundreds of
battles, friends, enemies, good times, and bad times.  My fears quickly
become monsters threatening to overcome my decision of faith.  I find a
hidden grove along a path near Floodblest and enter it.  There I perform an
ancient Druidic Rite and begin praying for Mielikki's ever present guidance
and for Her to remove my doubts.  Almost instantly my fears vanish and are
replaced by comforting and benevolent feelings which nearly wrench my heart
from my chest.  The Goddess is here with me.  I feel Her presence as surely
as the heat from the sun.  I sleep.

    Awakening to a clash of arms, I jump to my feet.  There before me are
several young adventurers battling a flaming snake and it's minions.  Unable
to help, I cast spell of disappearance and move onward.

    My thoughts turn toward the evil in the realms.  The reason for my
decision is clear.  I must cleanse myself.  I must become more than before in
order to make a difference.  Too often I had seen goodly people destroyed by
the increasing threat to the realms.

    I set off with a renewed vigor toward my goal.  I soon pass by The
Rankeled Boar Inn and my mind turns toward many great times with my brethren.
Oh!  The times we had!  All of them are like shining stars in my memory.  I
think back to the first time I met Dragonklaw, Hcamllets, Primrose, Arzax,
Chrysiana and the rest of the Brotherhood.  We entered a hollow well nearby
to defeat an evil mage.  We had such optimism.  Nothing could defeat us!  He
escaped us, and I never heard from him again.  There's the well now!  Still
there and still empty of water.  I wonder if the evil has truly been
vanquished.  One day I will return.

    I walk for hours and escape several scrapes with groups of marauding
Owlbears.  I had forgotten how much they stank.  Then, I come to a gate.  I
have reached Nightsedge.  I remember the times I spent there with Falfazar,
Escuron, Lucky, Ulf, Valanthis, and Jakrista.  We would laugh so hard we
could barely hold onto our weapons.  I sadly pass through the gate, knowing
that we'd never be able to assemble that troupe again.  Too much time had
passed, and we had lost touch.

    I walk on into evening.  As the sun sets, my senses spring to life!  I
hear the snort of a minotaur and the fowl speech of orcs.  Quickly I take
cover in nearby brush.  A huge group of the foul creatures walk within inches
of me.  The minis would have smelled me out for sure if they weren't with the
orcs.  Soon they pass and I find a nearby cave for shelter during the night.
Quickly I set some harmless traps and a few alarms around my temporary
refuge.  I eat a meager meal of fruit and berries, say my prayers, and sleep.

    I wake, prepare my spells, and head out toward Nightsedge Town.  By early
morning I'm nearly there when I am ambushed by manticore and a hag.  I cast a
protection spell on myself and flee for the safety of the town nearby.  The
Goddess is again with me, for I escape and soon reach the inn.

    This night, I contemplate the sins in my life.  The times I became
greedy.  The times I harmed others, intentional, and not.  I think of the
deeds I had done to benefit myself and no other.  I am ashamed.

   Tomorrow I will reach the Woods and my goal.

   Excited, I set off well before sunrise.  I avoid many encounters with
creatures of the wild and soon find myself at another gate.  I have made it
to the Woods!  Ah!  My home at last.  I press onward.

   Again, I avoid encounters with diverse creatures.  The most dangerous, as
always, being humanoid.  Several times robbers attempt to jump me, but I
elude them with my woodcraft.  This is where I thrive.  They are nothing but
invaders into my beloved Woods.  Harming the balance of things that are good.
I pray for the chance to cleanse these Woods of the interlopers.  My faith
HAD to be strong!  "I will return!", I vow.

   By evening I enter an area rich with life.  Birds, beasts, trees, and
flowers everywhere.  My heart soars once again.  I am near!  I move through a
huge patch of thorns and brambles that appear impenetrable to an untrained
eye.

   My heart quickens even more as I pass through the woods.  Ahead lies a
clearing!  I feel an aura of power emanating from the ground itself.  The
very woods are aware of my presence.  As I clear the last of the trees I look
upon signs of an old settlement.  There are ruined homes, an inn, and a
temple.  There was once a great battle here.  The buildings still show signs,
even though the forest has reclaimed much.

   My eyes lock onto the temple.  It has been defiled!  My anger flares to
life.  I shout the ancient battle cry of my kin, "AAAAAIIIIIEEEEEE!!!!!"  I
rush to the ruined building trying to regain control of my emotions.  Inside,
in the center of the main temple chamber, lies a broken statue made of wood.
Before I get close I know it's a statue of my Goddess.  I pick it up
carefully and set it gently against a pillar.  Collecting the remaining
pieces I begin to pray, and chant, a sacred passage known only to druids.  I
twist the words of a spell into the chant and soon the room comes alive with
plant life.  Vines begin creeping from the floor and walls, seeds erupt from
their shells, flowers bloom almost instantly.  They take on a life and mind
of their own and creep toward the broken statue.  Gently they crawl over the
wooden surface, caressing it, mending it, even becoming part with it, and
carrying broken pieces back to their original positions.  I concentrate on
the chant, and it becomes a song.  I am singing in a language I have never
before heard!

   It takes all my will just to remain conscious for now there are tremendous
energies coursing through me.  The statue begins to form.  Joints heal,
pieces mend.  Dirt and rot fall away.  I feel weak, yet strong, as the Song
of Power reaches it's climax.  Soon, the statue is complete and whole again.

   Then all is silent.  I drop to my knees exhausted.  As I look up, I
realize that the moment has come.  I would now be purified.  I would now die.

   The statue is alive. I feel it through my bones.  She is aware of me and
why I have come.  I feel Her sorrow, and Her strength blazing through my
soul.  No mortal was meant to be this close to such a presence!  Searing
agony courses throughout my body as it is peeled away from my soul.  I fall
into a Whiteness that blinds me beyond any light I have ever imagined.  I
start to become afraid.  Then....Oblivion.

   I awake in a warmth, a non-place.  A place of Life.  I feel as a mote,
insignificant in the scheme of things around me.  Yet, I feel a part of it.
Somehow, apart from it and at the same time I am all of it.  How long I
linger here I know not.  Time is present yet unmeasurable.  Dizzied by the
magnitude of this experience I again fall into nothingness.

   When I next awake, I am in a forest clearing.  There are plant life,
trees, and creatures I have never before seen, and those I am familiar with,
all about me.  I have no fear, though I am naked.  These are my brethren.  As
much kin as a mother or a blood brother.  I feel renewed and look around,
spying a crystal clear pool of water nearby.  I go to the pool and look
inside.  I have changed!  I am young again!  I have been sent back purified
of who I was.  I feel different, better than my old self.  Wiser, faster,
stronger.  Also, a Geas has been placed on me.

   My faith has been rewarded!  I have been given another chance to venture
forth into the world as a guardian of what is Good.  A champion of my Goddess
and The Woods.

   Off I walk.  A reborn Ranger of Mielikki.First Days - Part 2
(submitted by: MECH Aztek)

****Personal Data Files****
 Archive Record 235.832c

Personal Journal Entries
Aztec...Private of the Napalm Monks

   The first couple of days..or cycles in MECH Terminology...Brother Rasta
acquainted me with everything my new form could do.  From sensors to
weapons...mind techniques to enhanced reflexes...what I had become was far
superior from what I was.

  I tried several times to ask Rasta who I had been before I became
MECH..before I became Aztec, but he only shrugged it off saying that who I
was no longer mattered..who I had become was what was important...what was
essential to my survival and evolution.

  But even though he told me to forget who I was...the visions still haunted
me in my rejuv sessions.  I kept catching glimpses, like viewing myself in a
mirror and yet the mirror was distorted and the person I saw was not me or
who I thought was me.  It was very confusing..building this new life as a
MECH soldier and not knowing who I had been.  The man in the mirror...in my
dreams..was he me..or is he me.  

   In the midst of one of my rejuv sessions, I saw myself entering a lair of
dracoliches...then a blinding flash of light filled my vision....then two
Dark figures strode out dragging my body out towards me.  As they neared me,
the shadows surrounding them receeded..I gasped in shock as I recognized the
only two MECH I had come to know thus far....Rasta and Axman.

  They strode by me and I looked down at my body, the burning hole in the
middle of my chest. Is that how I died?  How I became Purified?  I did not
understand and it frightened me.

  I awoke short of finishing my rejuv.  I could now notice the drain on my
systems from the lack of a full rejuv, but I had to seek counsel.  Activating
my COMM unit, I searched for Rasta and asked him to counsel me.

  When he arrived at my quarters, I told him of my dream and he listened and
watched with his unblinking eyes.  When I'd finished he sighed heavily and
told me that these 'feelings' and 'dreams' were common among the new
initiates.  That we still haven't let go of our former selves and if we
didn't do that, our minds would cease to function due to the inner turmoil
these dreamings caused.

  I wanted to tell him that I could let go of who I was...but I didn't know
that I could.  My curiosity had been sparked and I wanted to know everything.
Perhaps I would find some key to my future in the finding of my former self.
My Past could be the way to gain my Future.

  I then asked Rasta if that was how I was purified.  He said, no, not
entirely.  Those who voluntarily accept purification are merely stunned and
brought to the complex.  Death comes to those who struggle, but in the end,
the worthy all end up where I now was.

  I was relieved I had not met such a horrid death in my former life.  But
still...I must know who I was.  Aztec was a new beginning for me...but a
beginning with no origins.

<end Log>A New Shipment

(submitted by: Loraque)


Loraque opened the gnarled locks on the back door of his shop in Neverwinter.
These locks were remarkable in their design and function, as only he (and a
couple of trusted pirate mates) knew the secret to unlocking them.  

He pulled open the door and entered the back of the shop, closing the door
behind him.  He looked about and saw the crate sitting on the table.
Everything was as he had left it.  He pushed the curtain aside and looked
into the front room of the store.  The morning light was just starting to
shine through the windows.  Outside, a few people were walking past the door.
Most were just going about their business, but a few paused and went into
Kroegel's across the street.  Occasionally, someone looked in the window of
Sylvan Procurements.  

Hmmm, looks like a normal morning, he thought.  The elf closed the curtain
and turned back to the crate on the table.  He took out his knife and pried
off the top.  Inside were several wrapped bundles, nestled in straw.  He
removed each of these and carefully unwrapped them.  

First he unwrapped the longest bundles.  There were several swords, and two
of them were exceptional.  Although they felt like ordinary magical swords,
they had special powers.  Loraque picked up the first sword and uttered a
brief word under his breath.  The blade began to glow and when he touched the
tip to a sheet of paper it burst into flames.  

A Flame Tongue. The elf smiled and carefully laid the sword back on the
table.  

Now he looked at the second sword.  It was similar in length and heft to the
Flame Tongue, but this blade did not glow when he picked it up.  He sliced
through the air and listened to the whistle.  The edge was fine and sharp.
How many scales have been pierced by this blade, he thought.   Maybe his
sister, Jarre'sl, would like this?   No.  He would sell it.  

With that thought he laid the Dragon Slayer sword on the table.  

Loraque returned to digging in the crate.  He pushed aside the remaining
straw and pulled out a small leather pouch.  He untied the knot at the top
and dumped out a small spherical stone.  He rolled it around in his hands and
looked at its deep red coloration.  He didn't have much use for this ioun
stone, but it should fetch a decent price from a dwarf, or a clumsy human. 

He set the Deep Red Ioun Stone next to the swords.  

Loraque then finished unpacking the rest of crate.  He set the empty crate on
the floor and took the more common items up front to the display cases.  A
couple of daggers, a short sword, and a magical necklace were among these.
He carefully arranged them and then returned to the back room.  He put the
ioun stone back in the pouch and wrapped each sword in a heavy cloth.  He
placed them in small chest, closed it, and pushed it back behind an old
whisky keg.  

He then went out front and unlocked the door to the shop.  Sylvan
Procurements was now open for business.  

He wondered what kinds of offers these new items might bring.  Magical
weapons?  Armor?  Barter?  Gold?  Haggling?   Who knew?   It was going to be
a good day to do business.  

He looked up as the door opened and the first customer walked into the shop
.......


Loraque
Pirates of Neverwinter

Proprietor of Sylvan Procurements
Fine and Rare Artifacts
By My Neck!?
(submitted by: Goblinale)

Lather'd in goo and covered in moss,
A chance was given to a certain sole,
Needs are many, to those who want,
Hair, a tick, a lump if you will,
By my neck, By my neck

Green is a color, and fine as all,
Labor to those who would 'ave any other,
Apples not ripe, grapes sweet and plump,
Fault to no other, so scratch the blemish,
By my neck, By my neck

Cold winters touch, icey wind and blue,
Water trapped, doomed, and frozen,
Pain so prickly, tender to the brain,
Aloft to a scratch, it flows with intensity,
By my neck, By my neck

Creatures that crawl, small and large,
Wings that give unlimited flight,
A jump is all that's needed, bitten and nawed,
Probes that do the job, clear the vermin!
By my neck, By my neck

Grow, grow, never to be cut,
An affliction all have, undying to sheer will,
Tools to pull, lift, and cut,
Again? do you have no mercy?
By my neck, By my neck

What is needed? you can ask all you want,
But to have is all, want is a privilege,
No matter the cause, natural or not,
Get this blasted thing off!
By my neck, By my neck!!

(A poem by a greatly desturbed Goblin....Goblinale)
Ale taster to the King
Owner of the name, "The Rooster"
The Equinox
(submitted by: Mutt C130)

   Mutt sat in the branches of a mighty oak, surveying the forest lands about
him. He had chosen the mighty tree to be his Shrine to the Lady of the Forest
its branches providing a clear view of the rising sun.

   He looked out upon the forestlands. Taking in all the new life that was
springing up around him. He watched the shimering of a spider's web covered
in dew as the morning sun touched it and danced along the strands. There was
a doe and her two fawns wandering through the trees heading for a favorite
feeding medow. The mockingbird sitting on her nest, a few branches up  from
the crook that the ranger was setting in, her mate calling out his pride for
all to hear. There was even a family of squirrel chasing each othere around
the trunk of a elm close by, ever circling as they ran up and down the trunk
in play.

   Mutt bowed his head to begin a prayer of thanx to Mieliki, but paused as
his eyes fell upon his tunic. How worn it had become this winter. Battle
stains and worn threds covered every inch of it. Stitches were many from his
constant mending of cuts and pokes from many weapons.

   He smiled to himself thinking that the tunic had served him well, just as
well as he had served the Godess. He unfastened its ties and pulled the cloth
off his arms. Then he tossed it in the air and uttered a single aracane word.
The tunic glimered an instant then falshed and was gone. Soft ashes desended
to the forest floor. Mutt had even learned the secrets of the magi in his
travels, thier use coming in handy more than a few times.

   The ranger closed his eyes then and started a soft chant. He reached up
and touched the necklace of ogre tusks around his throat as the chant
increased in volume. His voice echoed the sounds of the woodlands, the chant
a song of praise to Mieliki and her gift of life given on this day. He
reached the peak of his chant and the muscles on his arm tightened. He pulled
on the necklace as his chant ended breaking the thong that held it there. The
tusks flew all about the oak scattering in the four directions. His hard
earned gift had been delivered to the Lady of the Forest. He knew that in
time each spot that a tusk had fallen upon would give life to a new sapling
as long as Mieliki blessed the forest.

   Mutt took the thong and placed in a pouch on his belt, then climed down
out of the tree and opened his pack. Reaching in he pulle out a new tunic and
shrugged it over his shoulders. Its bright green reflected the new sprouting
leaves of the oak, and its yellow edging matched the dandeloins that opened
their pedels to the sky. He retrieved the symbol of the Brotherhood of
Pathfinders from his pack and clasped it on over his heart.

   When all was done Mutt stood up, strapped on his weapons and bowed to the
new spring sun, knowing that his brothers and sisters were all taking part in
this ritual throuhgout the Realms. He silently wished them luck in their
service to the Goddess.

   He then turned back to the mountain north of the forest, its top lost in
mist. And set out to continue his exploration of its base.

   Mutt whistled a lively drinking tune to himself as the oak faided away in
his backtrail.......................

Mutt 
Mieliki's Faithful
Brotherhood of PathfindersThe Summoning
(submitted by: Utterdark)

          The demon swooped down from the dark citadel and soared out over
the plane searching for a lesser demon to torture or a lost soul to
obliterate.  He glided along on the mighty updrafts from the glowing magma
pits and revelled in the stench of the burning blood that seaped up out of
the burned and blasted landscape.  His evil grin nearly split his face when
he spied the torn and tattered soul struggling to stay ahead of the pack of
lesser demons directly behind it.  He tucked his wings behind him and let the
air spill out of them.  He dove towards the soul.  As he dove downwards,
claws extended and ready to spit the soul, he noticed an anomaly forming
directly in his path.  He quickly backbeat his wings to slow his accelerated
dive, but it was too late.  He dove straight into the shimmering open portal,
cursing fate and wondering where the hell this was going to take him.

          The first thing he opened his heavy eyelids to was the glow of
dozens of candles.  Utter inhaled deeply and caught the scent of candles
burning, crushed chalk, musty air, sweat, and fear.  His eyes adjusted and he
scanned around.  He glanced down to see that he was in a circle of some sort
drawn out of runes.  About ten feet in front of him stood a shaking and
sweating form in yellow robes.  The youth stared at Utterdark in amazement as
he started up a chant.  Utterdark noticed that the youth stood in a pentagram
with candles at the apexes of it.  The room was a musty place, which was not
oft used if the musty smell meant anything.  He smiled at what he knew was to
come.

          "I have summoned you, foul demon, to do my bidding and to grant me
my boons!  I, Herrik the Brave, have called you from the pits of hell itself
to listen to my words!" the youth stammered loudly.

          Utterdark chuckled.  He noticed that it seemed to upset the young
wizard that he was not kowtowing to him like his ritualbook must have stated
he would.  "What is it that you would have me to do for you, weakling?!?" he
boomed.

          The youth's shaking increased even more noticeably.  "I...I wish
for you t..to show me the s..secrets of higher m...m...magics.

          "And what if I don't want to show you that?  What if I want to talk
about how I will slowly rip the skin from your body and eat the flesh from
your bones?"

          "N..No.....you're supposed t...to serve me...t..t...teach me higher
magics."

          "Imagine the pain, mortal, as I slowly roast you over burning
coals.  Imagine the agony as I pluck out your eyes and gut you using my
horns.  Imagine the centuries of torture and pain I will put you through for
daring to summon me!  Imagine it!" 

          Utterdark smiled wickedly as the youth rocked and almost fainted.
The sweat poured off of him now and his skin was pale white.  He had stopped
the incant and was gaping like a fish out of water and about to suffocate.

          "Think of how it will feel to have your ribs ripped from your body
one by one and to then have me rip out your organs and feast on them right in
front of you.  To watch this and know that you will live an eternity of this!
Would you go mad?  Would you scream for mercy?  No, you wouldn't, for I would
rip out your tongue and mash your brains out before you ever get to that!  I
will play with your sanity as a cat plays with a mouse.  I will wipe your
existence from the face of the world and make you wish for obliteration!" 

          The youth gasped in fear at Utterdark's words and stumbled.  He
looked down to see that his foot had knocked over a candle and the melted wax
had run through one of the lines of the pentagram.  He looked up and saw
damnation in the mighty demon's eyes as it stepped out of the circle and walk
to him.  He could smell the stench of hell on it as it approached.  He knew
that his life and soul were forfeit now, for he knew the demon was about to
enact upon the horrible deeds he had used to make him falter.  He closed his
eyes as the talons ripped into him.The True Bond
(submitted by: Kin Gaidin)

"We are the Warders of the White Tower.
Just as the Aes Sedai are... the Arm of the Light, 
We are their Shield, Forever and Always... 
Our Life for theirs, Our Honor for theirs... That is Our Code."

Jayce Camaserri, Gaidin, 
to Rashima  Kerinmosa 
(Amyrlin 1251-1301 AB).

      Kin and Hela rode side by side in a comfortable silence.  Each was deep
in their own thoughts of what was about to take place Kin was ever wary to
the dangers around them.  Even here in such apparent solitude his posture was
that of Readiness. Their mounts' hooves softly crunched the forest floor,
playing percussion to the last sounds of daylight.  They continued on their
way and it seemed only a blink before the sky was ablaze, Starlight and Full
Moon reflecting their Light upon the world.  Kin reined in M'Carai and Hela's
mount, Ellisande, followed suit.  The gentle rush of a nearby brook could be
heard from just beyond the trees.  Kin had somehow found a small sanctuary
nestled deep within the wilderness, away from the distractions of Duties.

Kin hobbled the beasts and tended their needs as Hela unstrapped her pack.
She made her way toward a naturally formed semi-circle of large rocks and
looked about.  Four small fire pits outlined an arc opposite the rocks,
giving the sense of a complete ring.  For a moment Hela thought she could see
radiating lines glow toward the Center, like the spokes of a Wheel.  However,
she blinked and they disappeared.  She glanced at Kin, who still seemed
preoccupied and had begun to make camp.  Even though Kin paid her no mind,
Hela stepped into the arms of a giant pine with her pack and opened it.  She
unrolled her Dress, the very one with which Kin had gifted her.   Rolling it
had been a good idea as it lessened the wrinkling.  She would have to
remember to thank that Novice for the tip.  

     She wanted to be Perfect on this night, more so than any other.  She
peeked through the limbs, watching Kin quickly build a small fire in each of
the pits.  The flames licked the air and cast Warmth and Light about the
sanctum. The pine needles tickled her bare back as she let her traveling
dress slide to the forest floor.  She deftly unlaced her boots and stepped
into a flat pair of yellow slippers, commonly worn within the Tower.  She
slipped the Dress over her head and smoothed it down over her body.  She
would have liked to survey herself in a mirror, but that was not to be.  She
would just have to trust in the Light that Kin would find her pleasing.  Hela
stuck her hand deep in the pack and withdrew a bundle wrapped in a blue
silken kerchief.  Carefully unfolding the material, she shook out an
intricately woven headpiece of fine gold chain.  It fit over her head
perfectly, allowing a teardrop of Citrine to hang in the middle of her
forehead.  The woven mesh of chain cascaded over her shoulders and down her
dark tresses in back.  She centered the Gray Owl of House Shinowa in the
v-neck of her dress, marveling again at the feelings it invoked.  It took
little knowledge of the Borderlands for her to realize the significance of
the Gift of his House Symbol.  Taking a deep breath, she emerged from her
pine coned dressing station.

     Kin had finished his tasks and now stood with his back to her, surveying
the camp and the wilderness beyond.  Save for his black hair he seemed nearly
invisible against the backdrop of foliage in his Warder's cloak.  Hela neared
the circle and stood just outside of it, watching him. She silently blessed
all the people and events that had led her to this place, right now.  This
was the Day for which she had been created.  This was the Day she dreamed
about from the first moment when Kin had brushed his hand against hers.  This
was the Day to begin the rest of her Life; when a bond fabricated from the
Highest Energy, the One Power, would inexorably unite her with him.  From
that moment on and ever more into the Infinite they would be as One in mind,
heart, and soul.

     Kin could feel her eyes upon him as he looked out into the trees.  A
small smile turned the corner of his mouth.  Her Love radiated from her Heart
and pulled at him, urging him to her.  He turned slowly, unconsciously
tucking in his shirt and adjusting his cloak.   He had somehow found the time
to change even with his other tasks, and now wore cream silk shirt and a Dark
Green Coat that accented his already green eyes.  

      As he faced her and his eyes fell upon her countenance, he was
momentarily taken aback.  This was not the simple Hela that had traveled so
many dusty roads with him.  This was not the unassuming Sister of the Yellow
Ajah who lived to Heal.  What stood before him was an Aes Sedai, who in her
humbleness commanded more Power than any other could yet realize.  His heart
paused as he momentarily envisioned her when she came fully into her own,
with himself as her Sword.  Such insight was not new to him.. time would
tell, and there would be plenty of time for such things in the Future.

     He drank her in with his eyes, breathed her with his soul.  Beauty and
Grace blended in harmony.  He was already bonded to her in his mind.  "What
more could the One Power possibly do," he wondered.  He could love her no
more than he already did, and his sense of duty towards her was even more
profound.  He had always said he would not follow his heart when he decided
to Bond.  It was remarkable that he had found both, Love and Duty, here in
Hela d'Ruch. 

     He stepped toward her, and knelt on his right knee, taking her left hand
with both of his and kissing it lightly.  He let himself breathe in her scent
before proper manners made him release the Kiss.  He looked up into her
soulful eyes, and could not help but smile.  He knew how hard she worked at
keeping her fluttery feelings, excitement tinged with nervousness, masked in
composure.  It would be so easy to make her knees buckle, he thought, and
have her fall into his arms.  But this was not a time to tease.  It was a
solemn and joyous occasion.  The Time was upon them.  

     He stood, still holding her hand.  "My Lady Hela," he said with a
suddenly dry mouth, "You are a vision beyond words.  Truly you are the Muse
and Inspiration for Beauty, both inside and out."

     Hela blushed slightly and smiled, but answered as graciously as ever.
"Thank you, Kin.  I hope to always appear so in Your Eyes."

      "Are you ready, Aes Sedai?"  Kin asked.  She did not feel completely
comfortable addressed as such, but he knew she would soon grow into it,
wearing it as easily as she wore her Yellow Shawl.

     "I am ready."  She held his eyes with hers.  "Kin al'Shinowa, Servant of
the White Tower,  do you Accept to Bond with me and all it encompasses?"
Neither his mind nor his heart hesitated in his reply.

     "Aye, Aes Sedai," he said with an unmistakable Honor and Pride in his
voice, "I do accept all responsibilities to be thy Gaidin," and flashing a
smile he quickly added, "Gladly."  Hela knew he was trying to put her at
ease.  "My life for yours, my Honor for yours...  Before Tyr and the Light, I
Swear This to You."

     "Then lay down all weapons here.  Leave any thoughts of doubt or unease
with them.  When you are ready, take my hand, and lead us to the Center."
Her heart was beating rapidly.  She watched as Kin drew his Shienaran Great
Sword, smiling inwardly as he lay it at her feet.  He removed a dagger from
each boot and another from his belt, and took a sling out of his pocket.  He
took her hand, and whether it was improper or not, held her chin with the
other and lightly Kissed her lips. "I am ready, Aes Sedai."  They stepped
between the fire pits and walked into the center.

     Hela turned to face him and there they stood, in the wilds of Berun and
facing each other for all the Gods to see.  She  closed her eyes to clear her
Mind.  She began forming the image of a rose, as trained from her Novice
days, to open up the flow of Saidar.   But the petals always changed shape
into the exotic form of an orchid. And at that instant, the One Power flowed
through her as readily as her blood.  She almost seemed to crackle, bathed in
the Light of the Fires.  Yellow softness draped about her, delicately gold
glowing around her like an aura .  She opened her eyes and began to Weave.
Lightly and quickly they were surrounded by overlapping, webbed strands of
the one power. It seemed like a fine network of intricate Lace.  Hela used
Air to gently suspend them above the ground and began a slow, carousel spin. 

    Kin's eyes never left hers.  He wondered if she even knew what it meant
for them to be doing this. Being well versed on Aes Sedai lore, Kin knew that
Flying had been long thought impossible.  She reached up to Kin, and placed
her right hand on his Heart, and the left on his forehead, both palms
vertical.  Eye still locked, Kin inhaled but did not blink at the icy heat
that suddenly pervaded his system.  This did not feel like a Healing.  He had
certainly required Healing enough to know the difference.  He began to lose
feeling in his legs as little by little she began to channel more through
him.  The numbness continued up his body, but his eyes never left hers.

     He burned, but there was a sweet, mint coolness that prevented pain.  He
found himself tensing, resisting the numbing as he would a wound in the heat
of battle. He did not want to fight it, but it was as if his body reacted
involuntarily.  He instinctively sought the Void and let himself go not
knowing the consequences. At that instant, when he gave himself to her, with
no regard for anything else, his head filled with Lightning Bright Energy.
He heard Hela inhale quickly as she twined all of the threads into one
another, leaving none undone, completing the design of their indestructible
Bond. They were One.

     Hela reduced her flow easily, as if when surfacing from a deep water
dive.  She looked radiant, though Kin knew she had never channeled that much
before.  He seemed amazingly alert to everything around him, as if all his
Senses had been fine tuned to a higher Awareness.  In his mind, also, there
was a new 'something''.. Presence, maybe.  It was as if a New Sense, Hela,
had been added to his others; it was a combination of the others, but went
well beyond any one.  He could 'see' her, in a new way.. Differently, More
Easily, Completely.

     With her hands still upon him, he gently took her up into his arms,
holding her tightly to his chest.  She slumped into his embrace, nuzzling her
face into his neck as he carried her to their shelter.  "I have my own
Gaidin, now," she murmured to herself.

      "Aye, that you do, m'Lady Hela," said Kin.  After a moment, he added
softly, "you always have."

Written by
Hela d'Ruch, Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah,
and Kin al'Shinowa, Her Gaidin.The Torches in the Dark - Chapter 2
(submitted by: WguardianJ)

**CORRECTION ON PROLOGUE**

This will be a tale of eight warriors....not five.

***********************************************************************

CHAPTER 2-- THE SISTERS OF ANXIAU

***********************************************************************

This is the story of two sisters.  Both, very beautiful, young, and full with
life..but something burns deep in their hearts.  REVENGE!  Their father,
Mangus, was the foremost scientist in the kingdom of Redgrow and studied the
art of alchemy...the art of turning lead into gold... but was murdered by one
of his students leaving his children orphans.  Maria, the oldest of the two,
grew up in the footsteps of her teacher, the town healer, who taught her that
the true path of life did not include revenge but salvation...not to injure
another but to preserve and heal.  She became a mystic, a fortune teller,
able to tell prophecy and adeptly heal wounds.  Her younger sibling,
Jezzabelle, reckless, childish, and unwilling to accept her father's untimely
demise, took a job at the local theatre where she grew into a luxurious
dancer/performer and quietly studied the deadly arcane art of fire.  It has
been many years since the death of their father, and the need for revenge was
forever growing.  Maria leaving her teachings aside and Jezzabelle, now much
older and full of wisdom, decide it is time to leave their sheltered home
away from home and avenge their father's death....

"YAHOOOOO!!!"...."Jezzabelle, I LOVE YOU!!!"  Shouts could be heard from
inside the theatre where one of Jezzabelle's many performances were coming to
an end.  "Thank you..all of you", she said as she blowed kisses to the
audience and walked off stage and into the back room where her sister was
waiting for her and the Master of the House was waiting as well.  "Great
performance sis! Did you see him in the audience?", Maria asked Jezzabelle in
an excited voice.  "No..I didn't see a good lookin' guy tonight either", she
replied in a sighing voice.  "NO, I mean our sworn enemy Jojosh...who killed
our father".  "No, I didn't see him either...", she replied as the Master
intervened...."I see...well, I can't keep you from your lust of revenge.
I'll pay you through tonight and you can leave in the morning.  I hate to let
a good act such as yours go but I don't want to interfere.  Sleep well, and
safe journey.  Oh...be sure to stop by your home village of Naxia, they will
most likely be more than happy to see you."

And so, the duo spent the night in Anxiau and left for Naxia in the morning.
Joining a caravan on the road to the harbor city of Villah, Maria and
Jezzabelle travelled to the place of their birth...Naxia.  "OH MY! MARIA!
JEZZABELLE! MY CHILDREN!", an old woman approached them as entered the city.
Not really their mother but more of a very close acquaintance. "It is so good
to see you!  Since your father's demise and your departure from here, I
thought we would never see the two of you again", she said as she hugged them
both.  

By now the entire town got news of the sisters' return home and all stopped
what they were doing to come and greet them...even the puppy they weened as a
child which was now a full grown dog.  All came by and greeted them as if
they were long, lost family.  When all was said and done...everyone returned
to what they were previously doing and the sisters made their way to their
house.

Naxia is a small village, everyone knows each other and trusts one another as
if each was related.  The village had a basic inn and Miscelane shop, but
that was all.  The biggest house in the village was that of Mangus, the
alchemist.  

As the sisters reached their home, the old women ran up to them and stopped
them before they could enter.  "Here...", the old woman handed Maria an old,
rusted key.  "Your father never told me what this was for...but he did say
that when you grew up, you would know what to do with it."  Maria, a little
baffled, thanked her old friend and accepted the key as she entered the
house.  It was like a dream... just as they had remembered it, but slightly
broken down.  The walls were covered in cobwebs, the floor was dusty as well
as the windows, the beds were just as they had remembered them (only
smaller), and everything was untouched.  In the back was their fathers
grave... "The Secret To Life Is Trust", the epitaph read on the tomb stone.

After doing a little cleaning and partking of some food brought by the people
of the village, they slept in their beds, a little uncomfortable, and fell
into a deep slumber.  Maria began to dream... a premonition...

"....Clouds coming from the south.....Dark.....Awakening.....Evil....."  Then
the scene changes....."Edgar....key....evil....secret...."

Morning comes and the two of them bolt out of bed.  Maria knowing full well
that her dream had meaning but didn't know what, didn't tell her sister what
she had dreamed.  She knew that their persuit of revenge was all that could
take their focus at the moment and nothing else could distract them.  The two
of them pooled their money and with a little kindness on the part of the shop
owner, they were able to purchase a pair of swords and some leather armor.
They began to train...traveling lightly outside of the village killing large
rats and insects that would come their way as they honed their fighting
skills as well as their usage of magic to the task at hand.

As they traveled farther from the village towards Castle Redgrow, they
noticed how the little creatures of the forest that they have been killing
for training purposes were becoming less abundant...."LOOK OUT!", Jezzabelle
screamed at her sister pulling her down as an ice bolt flew over their heads.
Hiding in the grass they observed a monster that looked like a giant snowbal
with a mouth and fur creep towards them.  "What, is THAT!", Jezzabelle
excitedly asked her sister.  "It's a Monja...never actually seen one in
person before but I've read about them in the books my mentor had.  VERY
DEADLY!  The ice bolts it can wield are as strong as crossbow firing long
swords" Luckily, discouraged at losing its victim's to poor eye sight, the
monster withdrew from the area.

"That was close", Jezzabelle said.  "I think we're going to need something a
little stronger if we are ever to actually find Jojosh", she said. "We can't
even defeat a little monster".  

Night fell and they re-enterted the village tired and frustrated at their
task at hand.  Returning home they noticed that the door to their house was
open.  Creeping silently through the house...nothing seemed to be moved but
something was added.  By their fathers' grave was a small, red rose...left by
whom?  Stepping outside and asking a townsman if anyone had been around their
home, they answered that someone did visit their fathers grave.  It seemed
that Edgar had two students.  Jojosh was one and the other was man named
Orion.  Orion fleed from Jojosh when his mentor was murdered and defeated him
in the fight trying to save his masters life.  When asked where this Edgar
had gone, one came foward with the answer that Orion had taken refuge in a
western cave.  Knowing that this Orion, being a student of a very powerful
alchemist as well as being a loyal friend to Edgar, the sisters decided to
find Orion and seek his help in avenging the death of their father.  Who
knows, he may even know something about Jojosh that can be used to their
advantage.

The duo set out to the west in search of this cave that Orion was said to be
hiding in.  Killing monsters as they went, they made their way to the cave
and entered.  The cave was cold and dark...echo's of schreeches and water
dropping to the ground could be heard throughout the caverns.  Looking
closely at the area, one could tell there was a deffinate well traveled path
leading into the depths of the cavern.  What choice did they have but to
follow it?  

They slowly walked through the dimly, magically lit cavern with a little
assistance from Jezzabelle's expertise and followed the path to a dead end.
At this dead end was a bed roll, a camp fire, a few weapons, a chemistry set,
and a few formulas written in the sand on the ground.  

"I'LL GET YOU FOR THIS!  JOJOSH YOU SLIME!", a young man about 25 appeared in
back of the sisters and raised his sword above his head like an axe and swung
with the entire weight of his body.  Sensing the presense of danger, Maria
quickly thrust her sister aside and unsheathed her inferior weapon for a
quick parry which eneded with a ::CLANG!:: and the destruction of her weapon
flinging her to the ground.  "Who are you?  Why have you come?", the figure
said to the Maria with his sword pressed at her neck.  "VAS FLAM!", Jezzable
chanted as she raised her hands and great gust of wind lifted at her heals
lifting her hair into the air...a fire bolt flung from her crossed hands at
the man in the dark revealing the assailants face as well as knocking him on
his arse.  Helping her sister to her feet, they walked over to the stunned
man on the floor and pressed his own sword against his neck.

"We are looking for a student of our father by the name of Orion", Jezzabelle
stated, "we seek his hlp in avenging our fathers death".  "Well, why didn't
you say so in the first place?  I am Orion, apprentice alchemist to Mangus.
I have been down here for many years healing...dreaming of revenge.  What no
one knows is why he murdered your father.  Your father was working on a
formula to turn iron into dust when he accidentally discovered the key to
evelution.  He shared this knowledge with me and Jojosh but Jojosh allied
himself with the evil ones and stole the secret in order to turn himself into
a god!  When your father tried to stop him he was ultimately killed, and when
I tried to stop Jojosh, I was critically injured and left for dead, but
little did he know that I discovered the secret to rejuvination and was able
to flee to this cave as you see me now.  There is another reason I came down
here though, I have managed to complete Edgar's work on turning Iron to dust
and your father told me of a secret laboratory of his in this very cave.  I
have traced this information to this very room in the cavern but it seems
Edgar was a trickey fellow.  He built his laboratory into the wall of this
room.  (Points at a hole in the wall to the north) This is where the entrance
is.  I need to be able to access his lab because when he discovered the
secret of evolution, he also constructed a device capable of hindering the
effects of the secret on the test subject...and if Jojosh DID ally himself
with the evil ones, it may be our only hope in being able to stop him."

Helping Orion to his feet, they all proceed to the hole in the wall to try
and find a way inside.  "(hmm..I wonder if this key would do the trick?)",
Maria thought to herself as she produced the rusted key and slid it into the
hole in the rock wall.  The room began to shake as all 3 of them fell to the
ground and the wall where the hole was crumbled to rubble in a matter of
seconds revealing another room....THE LAB!

All 3 of them hurried into the room.... The lab consisted of all kinds of
odds and ends.  Tables upon tabels of experiments, gadgets, gizmo's,
formulas, books, and chemicals.  In the corner was a chest with the two
sisters names on it and next to it was notbook.  Cautiously approaching the
corner, Maria took the book and read the passages....a diary...

"Day 57

Today while conducting a few experiments with the ions of iron and a chemical
I discovered, I have made an extraordinary find!  It appears that when Fe is
added to a special reagent, blood moss, and enchanted with magic, the formula
mutates anything it covers into a more powerful being by enhancing the
objects molecular structure with the magic used itself.  The stronger the
magic, the stronger the object of the elixer will be."

She read on...

"Day 60

I have decided to tell my pupils of my discovery.  With the combined knowldge
and effort of the three of us, we may be able to perfect the process and put
the effects of the elixer to good use.  Inscribed here are my notes on the
exact procedure in which to create the elixer:

"

(Hmm...this page has been ripped)

"Day 70

I now know that this was a mistake.  It appears that one of my students,
Jojosh, has become overly obsessed with power and I fear what may become of
this.  I have visited with the oracle in the town of Villah and she has
foreseen a horrible prophesy.  It appears that the ruler of Evil will soon be
resurrected and my experiments will be the downfall of this world.  I can not
allow this to happen...I will destroy this work and everything related to it.
I can not let it fall into the hands of evil.  In case this does happen...I
have constructed a special orb which will contain the magical effects given
to the user of the elixer but as to the physical effects, I fear nothing may
be done except brute force and ultimately death.  Oh, Wait, theres a knocking
at the door"

(This was the last entry)

As Maria was about to put back the diary from whence she found it a piece of
loose parchment fell from the pages of the tome.  

"To my dear daughters...I know my time on this planet is coming to an end.
The oracle has foreseen my destruction for a long time now and trying to
dodge fate is impossible.  I know no matter what I say now will sway you from
your task at hand and for that reason, I have created my finest inventions
for you in this chest you see here unless it was taken by my assassin.  In
this chest you will find all that you need to carry out your quest of
revenge.  I also have one last thing to tell you both, a great evil is
entering the world.  I ask that you go to see the Oracle before it's too
late.  I love you both, and remember, I will always be with you.

--Mangus"

Moved to tears by their fathers last words, the three of them advanced upon
the chest and opened it.  Inside they found old memorabilia, pictures,
miscilaneous items, hmm...custom made armor, weapons, and many scrolls of
special incantations.

Maria, being the oldest, wisest, and strongest of the two took her selection
of items first.  She equipped herself with light steel armor, a morning star,
and a steel shield that appeared to have a giant gaping hole in the center
(why she took it she didn't know, leave it to the mystics to choose on
feeling).

Jezzabelle, the more reckless but most agile and dexterous of the two,
equipped herself with tight, lethar armor, a jeweled dagger, and memorized
almost all the destructive spells noted on the scrolls.

"Now, where's that orb?  If Jojosh managed to activate the elixer on himself
then it's our only hope of survival?", Maria explained to the two of them.
Orion stood there with a blank stare and Jezzabelle just shrugged.
"Arrrgh!", frustrated, Maria kicked the chest and a false panel opened up
revealing a rather large, shimmering orb.  "Ooh, I think I found it", she
said as she picked it up and eyed it closely.  "(It appears to be large
enough to fit into the hole of my shiled...)"  Snapping the orb into place on
her shield, the three of them made their way out of the cave and made their
way to Villah to honor their fathers' request before they avenge his death.  

::FWOOSH:: "GET DOWN!", Orin screamed as a bolt of ice crossed their path.
"Not again", Jezzabelle exclaimed with a sigh, "Didn't we just go through
this?"  "Shh...be quiet.  I think we can take him this time", Maria told them
as the monster drew near.  Orin quietly unsheathed his copper sword and made
a motion to the girls that he was going to the flank.  As he moved away,
Maria gripped her Morning star and got ready to charge the beast.  Thinking
not being one of her strong points, she did what she did best, got a strong
fire spell ready and got ready to pounce.  "NOW!", Orion screamed as he
lunged from behind at the monster, muscles rippling and poised to chop the
beast like a log of wood.  The beast as quickly as it could turned around to
face the mighty alchemist and parried the blow quite easily flinging Orion
away like a fly and a swatter.  "Yahhhh", Maria charged at the monster from
behind while its attention was taken away and swung the mighty spiked ball
with accuracy and smote the mighty beast a good wallup on its back which
produced a loud howl from the Monja.  The Monja retaliated with a series of
swings of its arms striking the shiled and side of  Maria's body flinging her
aside as Orion got back to his feet and joined the battle once again.  With a
stab of the sword into the side of the beast, the life began to drain out of
the monster...."VAS IN FLAM GRAV", Jezzabelle spoke the words of hell
strike...her body quickly began to be consumed to flames...her eyes glowed a
fierce red as a lance of fire streamed from her eyes striking the foe.  With
a loud "Bang!", the Monja exploded into a hundred bits.  "WHY DIDN'T YOU DO
THAT BEFORE?", Maria screamed at her sister as she healed the wounds of Orion
and herself.

The trip to Villah was a safe one as there were no more monster attacks.
They entered the Port town and were greeted with the smooth breeze of salty
air.  Villah was once a bustling town with the flourish of ship sales and
exporting goods but a ban on ship building and passage to foreign kingdoms
without a pass has put an end to the properity.  Besides a shipyard, Villah
also had many shops, an INN, and the all seeing Oracle of Redgrow.  

Coming to get some answers, they marched straight to the Oracles' temple...
"Come foward Daughters of Mangus....I have been expecting you.."  Not too
astonished that the Oracle knew who they were, they walked closer to the
Oracle and told her why they have come.  "I know why you have come...the one
you seek revenge on...Jojosh...is surrounded by a great evil...the same evil
that will awaken the ruler of evil...but fear not. ..for in the darkness I
see 8 small lights...weak and frail now but they will grow and fuse into one
powerful force...a force strong enough to destroy the evil forces and banish
them forever...good luck young ones..."

With the prophecy of the future made known to them, all that was left was to
fulfill their task and destroy Jojosh...but where could he be found?
"Pssst...over here", a dark figure called from in between two houses in a
dark alley.  "I hear you are seeking revenge on the one named Jojosh.  I have
a little information on his whereabouts...for a price..."  The three of them
drew closer as to hear the terms of the deal..."For the price of 1000 gold
coins I could tell you of his whereabouts...or I could alert the town guard
of your plot to assassinate the King of....NO! ::The spy slaps his hand on
his forehead::"


"Thanks for the info my good man", Orion slaps the man on the back and the
three walk off in the direction of Castle Redgrow.  "WAIT! I do have a bit of
information that you can use...or you will surely perish.  I know of a secret
way in...a way in that no one else knows of...not even the king."  This
grabbed the trio's attention as they walked back to the spy for the
information.  "Here's your 1000 coins, now where is this entrance?", Orion
handed the money over to the figure to Maria and Jezzabelle's amazement.  "He
he, nice doing business with you.  There is a secret door in the undergrowth
by the side of the castle...be quiet and the guards won't see you enter."
The figure ran off like a lightning bolt leaving the three standing alone.
"Where did you get the money from?", Jezzabelle asked Orion in a very curious
tone.  "Ha ha ha, What do you think I do for a living?  Grow corn?  Don't
worry, it'll turn to lead in no time"  With a smile the three made their way
south towards Castle Redgrow.

They entered the outskirts of the massive castle...the guards constantly
marched back and forth on the csatle wall overseeing the entire grounds for
the entrance of intruders.  Following the spy's instructions, they silently
made their way along the castle wall avoiding the prying eyes of the guards
as they found the hidden door.  "(Hmm...this door is metal.)", Orion said to
himself as he tried to heave it open but it was rusted shut.  "I got just the
thing"...Orion reached into his cloak and produced a small vial of liquid
which he poured in a large circle on the surface of the door.  Almost
instantly the circle turned from metal...to wood...to dust, leaving a nice
big entrance into the castle.  "Girls...your father was a genious!"

The three of them entered the castle cautiously, looking in every direction
for the castle guards but the coast was clear.  Following a hall way which
seemed to lead to the throne room, they came to a set of double doors that
stretched from the ground to the ceiling.  "This must be it", Orion said as
they were about to enter.  "Wait, I got an idea"...using the last of the
liquid on the hinges of the door, Orion took a running start and slammed full
body into the door causing it to come crashing down on top of 2 guards
stationed in the way.  

"GUARDS!  SEIZE THEM!", Jojosh the king ordered as the three of them charged
straight towards the king.  "KAL FLAM GRAV!", Jezzabelle chanted as a giant
ring of fire encircled the battle area leaving the stranded Jojosh seperated
from any outside help.  "Ahh, Mangus's daughters....and my puny class
mate...how good of you to join me here", Jojosh cackled as the three of them
drew nearer.  "YOUR TIME IS UP, YOU WILL DIE FOR MURDERING OUR FATHER",
Jezzabelle screamed at him as she got ready to attack.  "Ahh, but I
won't...for you see...I have the secret of evolution...(holds up the missing
page from the diary)...I have also alied myself with the evil ones...the ones
with unlimited magic...ha hA HA HA HA HA HA...FOR YOU SEE...I HAVE TAKEN THE
ELIXER... LOOK AT ME NOW...MY INVINCIBLE BODY!", Jojosh began to mutate
before their very eyes...first he grew 5 extra feet in every direction...next
horns grew from his head...his face turned to that of a lion and he grew 4
extra arms.  "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH" emitting a scream the three of them were blown
to the floor forcefully by a gust of air.  Quickly getting up, Orion took out
his sword and charged..."Yaaaaaaaoooof", Orion was caught in mid air by the
gigantic foes monstrous arms and thrown aside like he was nothing but air.
"I'LL KILL YOU...ARGH", Maria took a chance at a frontal assault but with a
little swing of his hips she was knocked down and almost unconscious.  "TYM
VAS FLAM", Jezzabelle chanted as an explosion occured around Jojosh's body.
"HA HA HA, that kind of tickles.....NOW FEEL MY FURY", the beast raised all
of his arms in the air as he chanted "IN JUX POR YLEM"...narrowly avoiding
being shredded to ribbons, swords flung towards Jezzabelle from every
direction cutting and slicing her arms and legs.  "THAT'S IT!  TIME TO FINISH
YOU OFF", Maria screamed as she aimed the shield at Jojosh.  "Wha?  Why isn't
it working.....uh oh"   "HA HA HA, YOU REALLY THINK YOU CAN DEFEAT ME WITH A
LITLE GLASS OBJECT???  I WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO TRULY FINISH SOMEONE OFF!
"DOORS UN ET MENS, REQUIESCITEMP", a blinding light emitted from the fingers
of the giant and shot towards Maria.  Holding up the shield to block herself
from the spell, the spell struck the shield and the orb started to glow
fiercely..."YOU JUST SIGNED YOUR OWN DEATH WARRANT YOU FIEND!", Maria
screamed as she once again aimed the shield at Jojosh bu this time...
::ZZZZZZZAAAAPT::, a giant bolt of energy emitted from the center of her
shield aimed directly at the monster.  The bolt struck hard driving the fiend
acros the room and slamming him against the back wall.  "ARRRRRGH (shaking
his head in pain), YOU WILL PAy For that...wha?  My powers..gone!"  "It
appears that the power of the orb DIDN'T just take away your magical powers
but also your physical.  It seems that your elixer was impure and couldn't
withstand the power of the orb leaving you frail and helpless.", Maria said
as the entire group rose to their feet and advanced on the now mortal Jojosh.
"This is for my father", Maria said as she hefted the morning star and
crunched it on Jojosh's back.  "This is for MY father", Jezzabelle said as
she removed her dagger and thrust in deep into the leg of Jojosh.  "This, IS
FOR ME!", Orion screamed at Jojosh as he took a few swings at him with his
sword nicking and cutting the fallen Jojosh to the point of death...."I am
defeated...but I will rise again...REDGROW....help me", Jojosh said with the
little strength he said left.  A cloud of smoke filled the room as a giant
monster appeared in the room.  "Do not fear Jojosh my friend, I will not let
you die...COME, YOU FIGHT ME NOW!", the monster said as he took a deep breath
and blew out the flame ring encircling the area revealing hoards of
guardsman.  "SEIZE THEM", he ordered as the entire castle garrison took hold
on the three of them and pinned them down.  "No..it would be too easy to kill
you now...I hereby sentence all of you to death by guillutine in the morning.
Guards..take them to the dungeon."  The guards knocked each of them
unconscious and dragged them to the dungeon where they awaited execution.

"Are you Ok?", an old mans voice called out from across the cell at the
awakening prisoners.  "You've been asleep all night"   "where are we?", Orion
asked as he tried to get the ringing out of his ears.  "You are in the castle
dungeon young man...and scheduled to be executed at any moment.  Although,
you can still escape...<cough>",  the old man's eye glints with hope.  "I'm
too old to escape and the three of you still have your whole lives ahead of
you...I dug a tunnel out of this hell hole but can't get passed the guards in
my condition.  Here (hands Maria a boarding pass), the last person in here
had this on him when he was sent here.  Before he was executed he gave it to
me and implored me to use it and get far away from this place.  I've lived a
long life and can't run anymore...but you still can.  Escape, live, and leave
this cursed country."  "The three of them thanked the old man as the sound of
guards coming down the stairs caught their attention.  "GO, BEFORE IT'S TOO
LATE!"

The three of them pulled a cloth off the ground revealing a hole and they all
piled in and returned to the surface DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE CASTLE!  "HALT!
YOU CAN'T ESCAPE!"  The guards started to pour from the castle..escape seemed
hopeless.  "GO, I'LL HOLD THEM OFF...YOU HAVE A PROPHESY TO FULFILL! ESCAPE
WHILE YOU STILL CAN.", Orion yelled at them as he drew his sword and stood to
face the onslaught of guards.

Maria and Jezzabelle fled for their lives into the woods and waited until the
coast was clear and then re-entered the castle courtyard to find Orion left
lying still on the blood stained ground.  "Mangus's daughters....I...I..don't
think I'm going to make it....please...flee this land...become strong...join
up with the others...and avennnnnnnge me....<Guff>.....(silence)"

"HALT! COME BACK HERE YOU WENCH'S!"

The daughters fled for their lives to Villah where they quickly boarded the
next ship to leave using their boarding pass to get on and sailed away to the
last destination that ship would ever make, the Kingdom of Vega.  

This is how the daughters of Mangus, without fulfilling their wish, leave
their homeland in search of salvation.  What are these strange lights? What
of the evil being wrought on the land?

The End of Chapter 2--THE SISTERS OF ANXIAU

***********************************************************************

Next Week.....

Chapter 3-- Princess Lena's Journey
The Northern Defense
(submitted by: Exegete)

Forming the vast contingent of volunteers into a force that resembled
something military had not been an easy task. Nasher had given them plenty of
soldiers, and reasonably abundant supplies, but the quick need for the troops
was the factor that had made their jobs all but impossible. It was a
difficult thing. The need on the northern front was real and pressing; but it
somehow seemed futile to throw bodies at the problem; yet what other choice
was there?

The main body of Neverwinter's troops had been long at battle to the west and
there were little more than just the Home Guard left in the city and it's
immediate environs. Every home had been swept already with every remotely
mature male taken for the great fight with evil to the West of Long Saddle.
The reports from there were encouraging and it seemed that, however expensive
in terms of human and demi-human life, victory was being achieved. The enemy
seemed to be giving ground and even, at many moments, seemed to be becoming
desperate as well. The attacks from the ice people to the north seemed doubly
harsh in light of all that Neverwinter had been forced to suffer.  With only
the now sparsely-manned garrisons and few of the wealthier Barons and such
lending their remaining estate troops, the sneak attack stuck a bitter blow
to the newly revived moral of the people of Neverwinter. The needs was most
intense and Nasher had made that abundantly clear when he had called the
newly elected leader of the Knights of the Round Table to him and asked that
he strive to raise an army to stand and stop the invading horde from the
bitter north.

KORT had been in poor position to help with the main fight, as their recent
disarray told. Many of the Knights and Squires, and even a few of the Pages
had been "lent" to some of the other guilds who massed units to take to the
western fight. Aside from their own garrison at Camelot, there weren't but a
few Knights remaining in the area. But Corwin's answer was quick and sure.
There could be no question but that he, and the few Knights that were yet in
Neverwinter would gladly raise what army they could and march post-haste to
the North to meet the new threat. It seemed the only thing that one so loyal
and given to the defense of the Good could do.

Of course, that was 5 full weeks ago. 35 days of what could only be described
as frustration and desperate instruction as Corwin and his five aides;
Exegete, Ganzelle, Windgrey, and the Page, Aldrous; tried to whip 2500
farmers and schoolboys into a fighting force fit to face a hardened enemy.
Windgrey and Aldrous had sought to train the bulk of the group in the use of
the pike and the sword. Corwin had undertaken to quickly train some 200 of
the volunteers in the art of the longbow. Exegete, never the warrior, but
quite the horseman, had taken all the could ride, nearly 250, and had
attempted to make them into passable Cavalry, and light Cavalry at that,
really just riding archers. Ganzelle had taken a small number who
demonstrated an aptitude for the Magical arts, and give them in some crash
ability in battle magic, healing, and other Magely arts.

The end, after 5 weeks of training and a week of forced march to the far
north of Neverwinter was not what any of the 6 Knights, or any of the dozens
of other KORT militia personnel who aided them, would have called an army.
But then, it wasn't exactly not an army either. The prospect of going into
battle the next day was not a comforting one for Corwin as he stood on a
small hill that overlooked his camped militia. It was not comforting at all.

The day had begun easily enough. Two units of Lord Exegete's Cavalry had
discovered a movement of the Ice People's force swinging to the south and the
west, perhaps seeking to englobe the town of WindyClyffs. As the enemy force
approached from the north toward their position, the Cavalry unit had
dismounted and dug in, after, of course, sending messenger back to Lord
Corwin to inform him of the move. They were soon joined by other Cavalry
elements and several of Ganzelle's "Mages", bringing their numbers to just
over 150. Corwin ordered his archers into position both to the north and
south of the Cavalry emplacement and ordered Windgrey's infantry into five
divisions. Three would form the line of battle, and two would be held in
reserve, along with the rest of Exegete's Cavalry. Ganzelle's Mages would
pepper the archers and give some punch to their aerial attacks.

As the time of battle began, the troops evidenced much disquietude and upset.
This, naturally, was not unusual for those who, just a few weeks prior had
been tending to vegetables and arithmetic. The dawn's colorful arrival
brought dread fear to many as the saw the great line of the enemy, dressed in
full battle array. Their infantry was speckled with fierce Yeti, and huge
Polar Bears, both held in check for the time being by fell Druidic priests.

Their Cavalry rode snarling ice hounds, snapping and yowling their fowl
challenge. Goblin archers stood behind the line in deep ranks behind the huge
Ice Infantry themselves, all clothed in thick furs and waving huge clubs,
thumping shields of wood covered with hides. Their leaders rode beautiful
horses of snowy white. They were clothed in a grey livery, fringed in red fur
and carried long swords that seemed to be made of ice themselves.

Disquietude grew quickly among the ranks as the militia beheld their enemy.
The ranks seemed to shimmer a bit as they wavered, coming to the brink of
breaking and fleeing. The Knights rode and moved among them, encouraging,
cajoling, threatening, and doing anything else that might strengthen the
resolve of their charges. But it was a losing battle, the militia took on
what seemed a mind of its own, and would have broken had it not been for Lord
Corwin.

The strength of his voice carried well in the cold morning air. It calm
resonance carried a strength and a conviction that stopped most men in their
tracks and seizing and riveting their attention to his words. Head after head
turned and gave heed to his words as he rode his majestic steed back and
forth before them.

"Hear me ye men of Neverwinter, Ye stout and noble heart of the Realms! Hear
Me!" he boomed. "I fain would have a short word with ye all before we retire
from this field of battle. I know thy time is short and the press of other
needs is sharp in your breasts, but hear me, a moment or two longer can make
no such great a difference as to set aside all that I might say." He paused
and looked a number of the men nearby in the eye. "I see o'er yon field a
great horde of manifold evil men, and beasts as well. It seems that evil
cannot but taint the whole of a country in whcih it is allow to spawn and
prosper. Aye, an that's worthy of our note, for I remember such a time as
when the land, not now so far to our north, was not such a twisted and evil
place, but was a fair and joyous neighborhood in which I, and many of my
comrades spend many a wondrous day. But then, the Pirates came, and good men
lifted but a halting hand, and amidst vigorous and bitter protestations, gave
but a bare huzzah to taking arms and standing firm against evil's
imposition." He shook his head sadly, then shrugged. "They did not
understand, as I am sure this august group doth understand right well, that
war of such as is now thrust upon us is not a matter of choice, or ground, or
gain. Men have always fought for ground, for land and possessions. Wars in
the past, indeed, the great war being fought e'en now to our west is a war to
prevent such evil gains from being realized at our own dear Lord Nasher's
expense." He looked over at the enemy's line, and then back at his own.

"Indeed that is evil's nature, to expand and eat up all that it's rotten
appetite can embrace, all that it s allowed to eat while good men sit idle
and watch from afar.  But is not a battle like all of the others. This battle
is not about advancing and flanking and military ventures. Make no mistake.
These fowl creatures have come to here precisely because they think there are
no men left in Neverwinter! They sneak and the skulk from den to cave and
wait their evil opportunity, and seize the day when they know the force that
would have easily repelled them is occupied in sterner defense of our western
border! Don't you see? This battle is not for land, or Prince, or even for
honor. This battle is one for your won dear persons! Should this horde sweep
us by and proceed with evil glee into Windyclyffs and beyond, into
Neverwinter, I fear that my life and your lives, shall never be again what
they were. Think of those who, valiantly and courageously, fight the tide of
invasion in LongSaddle. Shall we, who stand here ready, allow them to come
home to burned out homes, dead children, and raped wives? Think not that this
will stop here, oh no! This thirsty brood with carry on their wicked haste
and follow thee to Vilnask and beyond! No! I say thee No! It is here that we
must make the stand and here that these fell troops must meet their end.!" He
turned his horse to face the foe, and raised him on his hind legs defiantly.

"I say thee no! There is good still left in the land! Good men still live and
still can raise the arm against tyranny and foul wicked hearts." He raised
his sword high and shouted in a thunderous voice "For the Good of the
Realms!"

A moment of silence passed as each man present considered Corwin's words.
Then, slowly and quietly at first, but growing in both speed and thunderous
volume came the cheer! "For the Good of the Realms!" Then, the militia, nay,
then the army turned as one to undertake the task of standing as men being
counted among those who stand for Good and taking to themselves the
responsibility of making a difference. 

The Northern Defense would be historic and profound. Not the least reason
being the charisma and leadership of Sir Corwin Americus. It was but the
first of many times his gallant leadership and wondrous charisma would
inspire hs troops to follow the path of Good.

Congratulations Cor on your election. We all wish you the best and look
forward to seeing you prove yourself to be the great leader and great man
that we who know and love already recognize.A Dreadful Night
(submitted by: Tiger Rune)

<FONT  COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>     'Twas a dark and stormy night when Vorakis
and I went venturing into the unknown depths of LongSaddle. It started out as
a simple journey from the Neverwinter Vaults, where we supplied ourselves
with everything deemed necessary. 

     We started on our journey through the crumbling walls of Southwall,
where several 'gator packs decided we were trespassers who needed to be
taught a lesson. A few magic missiles and sword slashes later, we were
walking through the gates of Vilnask.

     After a few mugs of ale and a brief rest at the ever-comfortable inn, we
paused at the door which led to the depths of Vilnask, where the dreaded
undead Dracolichs were awaiting unsuspecting, weary travellers. We decided to
pass this door which was emanating some sort of evil waves, and clear the
forests of some banshees the innkeeper was speaking of. Luckily, Vorakis and
I were equipped with the best of weaponry, and our magical blades sliced
through the banshees in a matter of moments, to bear the quavering kraken
spies who were cleared from the forest terrain with one quick blast of ice.
The innkeeper later thanked us and offered a large reward, but modestly, we
denied it.

     After a fast journey through the town of Crossergate, we found ourselves
in the dreaded Lost Hills. After darting through the shadows, we managed to
somehow pass by some evil Mech and KaAoS figures. We got lost about five or
six times, but we eventually found our way. About ten or eleven paces away
from the glowing gate to Triboar, a dark figure called out a team of monsters
to welcome us to our destination. Vorakis casted spells maniacly at this
cloaked shadow, while I created a diversion behind a patch of trees. His
charmed boars made this battle no easier; as they persistently attacked my
guild brother and I. While the evil's back was turned, a firey blast of magic
knocked this cold-hearted snake stupid, literally. As he stood up, he knew
not where he was, no why he was in so much agony as he crawled back into the
shadows of the night. I killed off the last of the boars, and my human
companion and I continued on our path. 

     We gazed upon the esteemed walls of the trading-city TriBoar. Vorakis
told me of an old tale, supposedly the origin of the city's name, when a
brave warrior killed three boars in a day, not more than three or four yards
away from the spot we were standing on. I pondered his story, and continued
towards the inn. Many people were trading, and the Mayor (and head of the
militia) Blackhammer was greeting weary travellers, asking them to try out
his newly-built estates along the main path. We graciously declined, and
continued north.

     Berun's Hill was our next destination. As we walked through the deserted
town, we wondered what blight had happened here that would scare a whole town
out of it's wits. As this was a famed place for evil-souled people to kill
the innocent, we went along the trail very cautiously, ready to fight at a
moment's notice.

     After a surprisingly easy travel through Berun, we found ourselves in
LongSaddle, our final destination. We cleared the area of many griffons and
cloud giant shamans, using our now-large  grimoire of spells. We stopped at
the inn for the night to rest, thinking of the day that was ahead of us. If
our plans went right, the next morning we'd be off at early morn, searching
for the secret entrance to the tunnels below, where the beholders have kept
their nest so valiantly....<FONT  COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>The Priest and the
Dragon
(submitted by: SKY Ratler)

The air was clear and crisp, and the sunlight slanting through the trees gave
the lone traveler the illusion that he was traveling through a cathedral with
pillars and columns of  light.

Perhaps it was this illusion that lulled him, made him less aware of the
danger around him, He was no novice. He had faced danger many times. He was a
priest of S.K.Y. (The Sacred Knights of Yserbius), and since those days in
the mountain, full of peril and plunder, magic and mystery, his order has
aided and protected adventurers until they could do so themselves. Many times
he had been asked 'How do I repay You'. His answer had always been the same
"Aid another who needs your help and I shall be repaid". It might have been
thought of past adventures that drew his attention away from his
surroundings. Whatever it was, he was not paying attention!

Suddenly in front of him he saw a pair of dragons, Red Dragons, the idle
movement of their wings blowing a hot and fetid wind in his direction. Talons
the size of sabers scrapped the rocky soil, and the massive fangs glistened
in the sunlight that had moments before brought thoughts of peace and hope.

"What have we here?" spoke the first, the larger of the two. As he spoke his
fangs mimicked a smile, a grin not of greeting, but of death.

"You are foolish to travel these woods alone, little man"; Many have died who
were so foolish" said he. "But I am not without pity. Since you are alone and
helpless before our might, perhaps if you grovel and beg I will kill you
swiftly. If your pleas please me, I might even let you live, providing you
pledge to serve ME!" The Great Red laughed confident in numbers and his great
size. The Dragon had never learned the simple lesson that the size of the man
in the fight didn't matter. it was the size of the fight in the man!

The Priest spoke up laughing in return at the Dragon "You have made two
mistakes. First I am a priest of S.K.Y., I serve no one but my order and
those in need. Second I am not alone, my God is with me!" With that the
priest drew his mace and charged. "Paladine aid me!!" he cried as the energy
of his spell surrounded him, sheltering him in a protective sphere of power.
The dragons responded in kind sending balls of flame, hot enough to melt
steel, towards him. The Priest did not waver. The only thing he feared was
that if he lost this battle others might fall to this arrogant Wyrm. The
flames burst from the fireballs, hungry fingers of fire scratching and
clawing at the globe of magic that surrounded him, seeking metal to melt and
flesh to burn. But, the spell held and when the priest could see again he
noted the arrogant look was gone from the Dragons face, replaced with a look
of pure rage.

The Priest responded with magic of his own. A bolt of lightning tore from his
fingers to shred the wing and forelimb of his titanic foe, passing through
him, and traveling onward to strike the second dragon full in the chest,
blackening and penetrating the dragons armored breast. The Dragons screamed
in rage (and was that fear on the edge of that scream), and ordered lesser
minions to attack.

Fangs closed on his shield and penetrated the magic of his armor to sink into
the flesh below. The Priests concentration was lost along with the spell he
was readying. He slammed his mace into the maw of the creature attacking him,
crushing and scattering around him the fangs that had sought his death.

Then the Dragons struck! The Priest was hurled to the ground, ribs cracking
with the impact, but the Priest would not yield. He stood with his back to a
mighty oak, an ancient bough, as old as his foes and fought. With a cry of
"Paladine" he crushed the skull of one minion leaving him only three foes.
"Only" he thought. "Paladine" he prayed " Just aid me in wiping that arrogant
smirk from his face and I will die a happy man". Paladine answered not with
the death of one foe, but of two. Power and concentration returned to the
Priest. He pointed his finger at the smaller of the two Dragons and said
"DIE". The Dragon gasped for breath, reared up clawing the air about him and
died, slain by the Priests spell. The priest seemed blessed, his prayer
answered, and when his foes again came at him, neither claws nor fangs found
their mark. Again  the Priest called upon the power of his God and a pillar
of flame leapt from the sky to strike the second minion, leaving nothing but
black dust and burnt grass to mark the spot. The Great Dragon stopped,
astonished! He could not believe what his eyes told him. This battered and
bleeding Priest, this mere 'Human' was still alive, and the bodies of his
allies, what was left of them, littered the field.

"You cannot defeat me" the Great Red roared " I am Akirikon. When your
puleing race was young I was old. No lone priest can be my bane! Come cast
your spells human. I will yet feast on your bones. The Dragon stood there
awaiting the spell. He could have run, have flown away, but his pride and the
honor of his race held him. No dragon of his line had ever fled and he would
not be the first.

The priest saw the fear in the dragons eyes, the arrogance was gone. He also
saw the rest. The spell sparkling in his hand was released into the ground,
the grass and small plants dying from the poison in the spell.

"You still have some Honor remaining in you" the Priest said "For its sake I
will let you live if you swear to help those that pass through your woods
instead of preying on them!"

Pride flamed in the Dragons eyes overshadowing all else. He saw the Priests
act of kindness as alien and weak. You did not spare your foes, you crushed
them!

" I am Akirikon" the Dragon screamed " I need not your charity, only your
death! You are alone! You cannot defeat ME!!

With that the great forearm came crashing to earth, but the talons found only
dirt and rocks, the Priest was not there.

Leaping high, the Priest cleared the great claw and again the cry of
"Paladine" echoed through the woods. The mace, glowing with magical power
came crashing down crushing the forelimb earlier blackened by the bolt of
lightning.

" I told you before" the tattered cleric said " I am a priest of S.K.Y., I am
never alone, Paladine and the spirit of my brethren are always with me."

With those words the small human with the glowing mace attacked he behemoth
Red Dragon, crushing scales and smashing fangs and talons. The Red fought
back, fought for his life, and fresh wounds opened upon the Priests form.

Filled with the power of his faith the Priest fought on, always finding
strength to dodge or strike.

Finally they faced each other with the last of their strength. The Dragons
head shot forward to engulf the Priest, his wings moving to block escape left
and right. But the Priest did not move left or right, but dropped kneeling to
the ground. The Dragons head passed over him leaving the neck of the dragon
exposed. The priest swung with all his remaining strength and was rewarded
with the sound of snapping bones and a spray of hot blood from a severed
artery.

 The Great Dragons muscles convulsed, he reared and tried to stand, but the
broken foreleg would not hold and he crashed to the ground inches from the
kneeling Priest, dead.

The Priest arose, or tried to, his leg was broken. "This won't do" he said,
and cast a spell of healing. Standing he surveyed his damage. " The wounds I
can heal" he said to himself, " but my tailor is going to be very upset."

After tending his wounds the Priest cast a spell of strength and moved a
large flat rock near the bodies of his foes. On it he wrote "Here a Priest
and a Dragon discussed the power of Kindness and Honor."

The sun was still shining as he walked away, the pillars of light again
creating the illusion of a cathedral. "As good a monument as any" he thought
as he walked into the sunlight under a bright blue sky.Madd About LdySphere
(submitted by: Know Madd)

'Surely she must be blessed by the gods to be so beautiful.....' I could not
draw my eyes from her. Not even for an instant, for the moment I tried I had
to look again and make certain that she was really there. I felt like a
strappling boy standing there staring as I was, but.... like I said I could
not help myself.

 I had been sitting beneath a tall tree in Lord Nasher's garden studying the
new scrolls the old codger had given me for a button I had found. Just
sitting there, head buried in the scrolls, when I heard a voice of melodious
tones in the air about me. The voice was so sweet I had to find the diva that
it belonged to.

The scrolls feel from my lap unnoticed as I stood and crept around the tree.
I reached forward and moved some of the branches of the thick bush to the
side just enough to see the party.

And all of a sudden there she was. Skin so fair that it seemed translucent
her hair fell down softly across her shoulders as white pure mountain snow.
She was tall and slender all dressed in does skins from head to toe. The
garment was close-fitting showing well the curves of the maidens figure. She
wiggled slightly as she walked beside her companions.

One wore the badge of the Royal Guard on his chest and the other had the
symbol of a forest warrior of Mieliki over his heart. Both seemed to be
playing against the other for the ladies attentions. Suitors as close as I
could tell, competing in a telling of tales as to which was more experienced
than the other. The lady was most pleased with the attention but rolled her
eyes when one or the other of the two warriors carried it a bit to far. I
could see why they would try so for the enchantment of her presence was
affecting me even, hidden in the bush as I was.

Then her eyes happened to wander to the brush.....or actually I think it
might have been the heavy sigh I had let out. Anyhow as her eyes fell upon my
hiding spot I beheld them for the first time. Orbs of black onyx they were.
Shimmering like sable in the garden light. I fell into the deepness of those
eyes so hard that I rolled forward from the bush, tumbling head over heal
into the path at the ladies feet.

Both of the warriors had a bade drawn when I looked up from where I had
fallen. I noticed that her two companions had drawn their blades after I
lifted my helm back from over my eyes. She had a hand on the shoulder of both
to stay them and grinned down at me. I came to my senses a bit realizing that
I knelt before the party. My face turned red and I could feel the heat
radiating from my embarrassment. Recovering my fallen mace and pack I tried
to stand up and nearly fell backwards. The Guardsman reached out and grabbed
the front of my chain mail to keep me from falling strait back.

"Steady there lad," he said as I regained my balance.

I stepped back freeing myself from his grasp...Or more like he let go and I
stumbled back a step. Taking a deep breath to try and calm myself I looked
again at the lady. Yep she was still real.

"He.. he...he ....hello..." I stammered out with a gulp following. My face
turned red again because of the squeaky sound of it. 

"Hello there," her sweet voice replied. "Are you O.K.?"

The deep concern in her eyes melted me. All I could do was nod my head, jaw
hanging open.

You're going to step on that tongue boy the Guardsman said, laughing at my
look. Her other companion, a tall rough looking woodsman indeed, was doing
his best to spare my feelings by holding back his laughter. But still it
rumbled deep within him.

"I am Sphere," she said holding a hand out to me.

I took the hand in mine and looked into her eyes again. She flashed a smile.

"I'm Madd," I said straight out.

Both her companions lost it doubling over in laughter. She even let out a
giggle her body trembling in her mirth.

"I..I...I mean my name is....MADD, KNOW MADD."

Again my face turned red. I knew at that moment if it was possible to bleed
through uncut skin I would be the first to prove it.

The party settled a bit. breathing heavily from the laughter. Sphere pulled
her hand back to hold at her breast while she caught her breath. Then she
turned to the Guardsman.

"This is Rath, a captain of the Royal Guard."

The soldier nodded his head the grin still large upon his face. 

"And this is Doc Frostt."  She said turning to the forest warrior.  The
ranger was still wiping tears of laughter from his eyes as he held out his
hand to me.

"Well met Madd," he offered. 

Rath again broke out in laughter as I shook the rangers hand. 

"I beg your pardon Lady Sphere for my ruddiness. It's just that I heard you
three coming down the path and it interrupted my studies." I paused, foot in
my mouth. "I meant...it's not your fault of course. I just need to pick a
better place to study, but it was so nice this spring day I could not see
sitting in the temple to do it. And when I heard your voice I just had to
look and see who it belonged to......."

I clamped my mouth shut realizing I had said way too much. She only smiled at
me and nodded. The flows of white hair framing her face in softness. 

The silence grew intense, lasting to me what seemed like five lifetimes.

She turned to her companions.

"Well perhaps we should move along and let the young cleric finish his
studies."  She said to them. "You two go on ahead I will catch up."

The two men looked at me then turned and headed back the way they had come
down the path. Soon they where gone from sight.

She watched until they where gone and then turned to me.

"What Deity do you serve Sir cleric?" She asked.

"I am a Clam of Tyr." I replied finally able to hold my head up in pride. "A
warrior priest in his service and the service of his temple."

She nodded her head and flashed her smile at me again.

"Well then Madd if you are through stammering over yourself to get a look at
me, could you bless my sword and the arm that wields it in Tyr's name?"

She drew her blade and held it to a salute. The movement so graceful I could
hardly believe it coming from so delicate looking a creature. I nodded and
reached out to touch her blade with one hand and her forehead with the other.

I chanted the prayer. The magic of a god coursed through my vanes and out my
hands. Traveled into the maidens body, going through her and along the keen
edge of her weapon. She turned her head skyward, eyes closed and lips
slightly parted. My concentration almost faltered, seeing her that way before
me, but I held on and finished the chant.

She opened her eyes and swung the sword around in a full arch around the both
of us. The blade blurred with the speed of her movement. The show ending with
the weapon once again in its sheath, and her just inches from me. I swallowed
hard. Her dark eyes looked deep into mine. I swallowed a second time even
harder.

"Thank you kind sir," she said in a hushed whisper. 

Tyr bless me the garden is hot today. I didn't remember it being so hot while
I was studying. I cleared my throat as I stepped back. 

"Your um....friends must be waiting on you." I stammered.

She smiled at me then glanced down the path.

"Yes I must catch up to them before they try to do more than boast each other
to death." She turned down the path. 

"You're cute," She said looking over her shoulder at me. Then down the path
she went.

I watched her go. Face turning red again at her comment. Her step was light
and springing as she departed, and I noticed and appreciated a slight wiggle
in her walk. The does skin surely making it more obvious. 

I turned to recover my scrolls, then paused. 'Madd the cute Clam of Tyr',
hardly seemed warrior like didn't it. I shrugged my shoulders, recovered the
scrolls, adjusted the helm upon my noggen, and headed back for the
temple.......

Madd 
Clam of TyrThe Great Plague
(submitted by: Spooky 100)

In the land of Neverwinter there is always an evil lurking around every
corner, always an enemy waiting to get you. But sometimes the enemy is not
something that you can combat, it is silent, and invisible, and deadly.

The sun hung pale red above the horizon, balefully glaring at Spooky as he
swung his mighty hammer with all his power, muscles rippling and tendons
stretching. It crashed powerfully into the undead creature that was trying to
kill him.

He was inside an old, abandoned house in the crumbling Southwall district of
Neverwinter. Here the decay of the Neverwinter civilization was very evident,
as monster attacks had forced the citizens to abandon this area. It was
perilous for the weak to venture past the square to these dark alleyways.

"What type of creature are you?"he grunted as he swung once more, hammer
connecting with bone and flesh, jarring the creature to the ground. Spooky
swooped in for the kill, smashing the hideous thing until it was no more.

Warily he turned and looked around this place he had come to. He had come
here on a whim, bored and thirsting for action. So often that was what lured
him to action, and danger, a whim. He took off at a moment's fancy. His
mentor, the ancient and wise Paladin Tesoro had again and again told him this
was the way that would lead to his destruction. 

But Tesoro was now dead, killed by the mysterious plague that had wiped out
Spooky's family and friends from his homeland, far to the south of
Neverwinter. The smell of decay and rotting flesh that had so often greeted
his nostrils in his old land now had come to Neverwinter, as well.

It struck quickly as Spooky was ruminating, a ghastly abomination of
patchwork flesh. Putrescent flaps of skin hung from the souless face. The
thing was pitifully weak and fell in one great blow from the hammer. 

As he left the building his thoughts shifted back to a far away time, and the
black nightmare, the great plague. His wife to be had been a healer, the
greatest in the land, and she had isolated a cure for the disease and had
brought it to Spooky to deliver to the surrounding towns. He had done as his
love had requested, but upon returning had found his whole village laying on
their deathbeds. 

"What has happened? The antidote?!"he worriedly exclaimed as he looked at the
emaciated form of his love, Karen.

"It worked... but, the virus, has changed. I fear it is no virus at all, but
a curse, a foul curse on our land..."she gasped one final breath as her life
slipped away.

He spent all of the next week burying everyone he had ever known, working in
the sun, with the bodies laying around in heaps. Finally the town was buried.
He rode onward to the north.

Nothing could console him for those months he journeyed throughout the lands,
everything was hatefully mocking him, it seemed. Even the moon in all her
beauty seemed to coldly regard him and ask, Why should you alone live on?

It had weighed heavy on his mind for some time, why did he not become
infected?

Three weeks later Spooky approached the door to the vaults, passing through
the crowd that habitually milled there.

"Hail, Spooky, how art thou this day?"asked a friend, Ninfanatik, speaking in
the strangely majestic dialect of the northern provinces.

"Very well, thank you my friend,"he said, pausing and turning to face his
friend. As he did he was bumped by someone he hurried past him, "how rude of
that man..."

"Him, aye, 'tis a bad character. Rode in from the south country, much in the
same manner as thou did those two years ago. Sullen, does not make any
friends, never wants to hunt with us, nor join any guild."

"Well, maybe he is shy, or perhaps unaccostumed to the ways of the
northerners, I can testify they are far different from our southern
practices, but he ought to watch himself or he'll end with a dagger in his
back, that much can be certain. This times are far more dangerous than the
simple days of years past."

"Aye, I must concur my friend, and I must be off. May thy day be pleasant."

"Same to you, same to you."with that Spooky strode to his vault and dropped a
handful of precious gems into the receptacle. On his way out he broke into a
sweat and began coughing.

"Is thou well?"asked an elderly cleric, rushing to his side.

"Is this how it was for her?"he mumbled to himself as the world swum
sickeningly out of focus and everything dissolved into a red haze.

*     *     *

For nearly a month Spooky lived in a feverish world of monsters and all
encompassing paranoia. He watched again and again as his younger self buried
everyone from the town in shallow graves. He watched as he saw his lover draw
her last breath, he saw all the horrors of his life over and over again.

The fever broke one day before the beginning of the River Festival, a joyous
celebration in Neverwinter where the mysterious Neverwinter River was honored
for bringing life to the region. He awoke in a dank prison infirmary. How had
he gotten here?

"Nurse, nurse,"he called weakly, "how is it that I have come here?"

"Thou hath wakened! 'Tis surely the Spirit of the River showing pity on thy
soul. Thou art lucky indeed, for the other one died."the nurse was a young
elf, with dark black hair that hung neatly behind her head tied with a blue
bow in honor of the River Festival.

"The other? Who?"

"The great archmage Ninfanatik, thy own friend if mine ears hath heard
correctly, passed into the Great Beyond one fortnight past."

"No, it cannot be possible, a man as powerful as him could live thousands of
years..."

"Aye, true, but the plague claims all."

"The plague, I survived? How is it that Death only brushes my cheek with her
chilly hand but takes life from all those I hold dear?"Spooky sunk back into
the cot fast asleep.

He awoke a day later, feeling somewhat rejuvenated. He swung his legs over
the side of the cot and let his bare feet touch the chilly stone floor.

"Why am I in this prison? I have done no wrong."he said, beginning to feel
anger grip him, it was the only emotion he could safely feel without
degenerating into self pity or self loathing.

"True. 'Tis only that all the hospitals have been filled, and then this jail
converted to a place of the sick and dead."the same nurse answered him as
before.

"The plague, have they found a cure?"asked Spooky.

"Twice did they claim salvation, but both have failed us. Thou reamins the
sole survivor of the dark plague."

"I'm beginning to think this is not a medical problem at all, but a curse,
that has found it's way from the southlands to Neverwinter..."Spooky's mind
whirred and he remembered the southern man he had glimpsed all that time ago
near the vault.

"Thou art pale? Is it a relapse?"the young elven woman reached to touch his
forehead to check for fever.

"No, no, something far more potent, a revelation!"Spooky stood and strode to
the rack that held his weapons and armor and grimly began to suit up.

"Thou art prohibited to leave this place! The sickness may cling to thy like
a drowning swimmer to his saviour our the majestic river."

"It is no sickness, twice I've survived it and now I know why. It's a curse,
and I believe it to be a curse of the dark southern magic. I have survived
because of this pendant I wear, which is an amulent of protection from
K'alythisa, the demon-god of the south."

"Horror of horrors, thou must leave and quickly if thou plans to halt the
spread of this evil thing."

"Thank you, and farewell."Spooky slipped silently from the jail and emerged
in the Neverwinter proper area. His keen eyes swept the surroundings
searching for the southerner.

"Spooky! Life is within you!"said a voice from directly behind him, and as he
whirled to face the person he knew who it was.

"You! You were a townsman when the dark plague came, you caused it!"Spooky
exclaimed as he was faced with the dreadful countenance of the southerner.

"I caused it. The Temple of the Brotherhood of K'alythisa conducted the
greatest experiment in dark magic ever, and all of it culminated in the
creation of the curse. The other brothers were too weak to control the power
and it consumed them, but I alone retain it. The power is the souls of those
who die of the plague, and I have them all, over 2,000 lives within me,
pulsing, giving me power. But it is not enough, the dark ones will not allow
any survivors, so you must die."the southerner brandished a black metalic
sword, which gleamed with a dark fire.

"The square is no place to fight, we will merely be carted away. Meet me in
the sewers as the sun sets."Spooky pushed past the other man and strode away.

"I have attracted many followers, killing me will not end the plague, so I
cannot lose."

"We will see."Spooky mumbled as he turned down the next street.

*     *     *

Midnight came much too swiftly for Spooky's tastes. The sun seemed to fly
past the horizon, and the moon rose to take it's place with a malevolent
speed. He knew he was no match for the power of the dark southener, so he
could do nothing but wait until his funeral.

As the time approached he went out into the streets and directly into a huge
crowd. Hundreds of citizens filed past in a torchlit procession that marked
the beginning of the River Festival. Spooky allowed himself to be swept into
the crowd for a time. He noticed how the seperate guilds even laughed and
worked together, and how the solitary men and women celebrated like they were
all brothers and sisters. Someone pressed a candle into his hands, and he
carried it to the end near the majestic river.

Lord Nasher, the ruler of all the land stood before the crowd, flanked by
many religious leaders.

"May thou live in peace and harmony with all of the glory of nature, and may
thou find contentment and happiness among thy fellow mankind. May this great
river's power and calm pulse through thy veins as one with thine own blood.
Forever may thy find home and comfort here in Neverwinter, amen."the lord of
the land concluded the prayer.

Spooky went to the water's edge with the others to put his candle into one of
the small wicker boats that were handed out, he set it inside and pushed it
off, making a wish as he did so. The boat flowed swiftly away into the night,
carrying his prayer to the river spirits.

He stayed there for some time after the others had dispersed to their various
parties, galas, and events. A great cleric-mage came to him and regarded him
for some time.

"What is it that troubles thou? Thy countenance is one of sorrow, and surely
this cannot be thy natural state."the man asked him kindly.

"I alone have survived were my people have died of a dark curse. And now I
have found the one responsible and I am powerless to take my vengance."he
admitted.

"Vengance? A paladin needs not vengance, not the darker side of human nature.
Thou art a guardian of might, of light, of knowledge, and of peace. A paladin
fights not for vengance."

"But, what of the man? Should I let him go?"

"Surely not, a confrontation must be made for crimes as great as thou
alleges. Go to this wicked one with peace in thy soul and power in thy mind.
Go with my magic in your spirit, and thy own strength to strike him down that
he may not harm another soul."the man used powerful magic, and Spooky at once
felt more powerful.

"Thank you, thank you,"he said as he felt the power wash over him.

"Make haste this magic will not endure forever."

"Goodbye,"said Spooky as he hurried into the night,"and thank you once more."

*     *     *

Spooky entered the dank recesses of the sewers hesitantly. But as he walked
he gained more surety. The magic was strong, strengthened by this most holy
of days, and the proximity to the great river.  He continued to the very end
of the conduits, where he found the southerner.  Behind him lay six bound and
gagged women, lined on an immense sacrificial altar.

"The seventh, a man, to complete my spell and I shall awaken the great
demon-god of the south!"with that the enemy launched himself at Spooky.

Spooky deftly parried the thrust and swung in a counterstrike which glanced
off the southerner.

"What is your name, I wish to know it before you die!"Spooky roared as he
struck again with more force.

"My name is Fanago, and you shall shall feel the icy grip of winter in hell
before I lose to you!,"Fanago swung with all his might, slashing Spooky
acrossed the chest, sending him sprawling. Fanago stood over Spooky with his
sword pressed to Spooky's throat,"that was all too easy."

"Oh, is that so? Perhaps dying will be easier!"Spooky wrapped a leg around
Fanago's legs and flung him to the ground with a bone jarring crunch. A
scream escaped Fanago's lips. Spooky smashed the powerful hammer into Fango's
right arm, shattering the bones.

"Impudent fool, dare you challenge the demon-god?!"Fango's moans of pain
transformed into this challenge. He sprung to his feet and plunged ahead with
his sword at reckless speed.

"I dare!"Spooky answered, as he was swiped acrossed the chest once more with
the sword. He brought the hammer up and swung it down in one final might
crash. Fanago's skull was smashed, and he fell lifeless to the ground. 

A wind began to blow within the chamber, and thousands of echoing voices
floated from nowhere, green light lit the dark cavern as bright as day, then
it was over. The imprisoned souls were free and the evil one was dead.

Spooky untied the women and escorted them topside. Then he took one last look
at the sewer entrance.

"I swear I will find each and every one of your followers and kill them all.
Not for vengance, but to prevent the spread of this foul curse. I swear
it!"Spooky stood there until the sun's first rays peeked over the horizon,
and the first full day of the River Festival began. 


                          The EndThe Sting - Part 1
Wyvernn
(submitted by: Wyvernn)

Wyvernn still felt uncomfortable in the relative coolness of this area, the
earth seeming dormant and unyielding in comparison to his homeland far to the
south.  He was taller than most people around this city, certainly taller
than the natives, but there were many strangers like himself about.  Even
compares to many of these, however, Wyvernn was a giant.  Standing just under
seven feet tall, his height along with a deeply tanned complexion between
onyx and umber and jet-black hair seemed to strike people as strange.  He
heard whispers of "drow" and "dark ones" but he didn't know what these words
meant.  

He had come to Neverwinter in search of his father some four months ago but
had been trapped here in this purgatory ever since.  The town itself at first
seemed ideal for what his father intended, a trading partner with influence
and access, but the surrounding environs were a nightmare of lurking
creatures, ne'er-do-wells, and the occasional honorable ally.  It was not
this ring of strife, however, that made Neverwinter a living hell on earth.
The true horror of this place was not that you were beset by untold legions
of orcs, goblins, giant spiders, enormous lizards, and fire-breathing snakes
once you left the city proper.  No, the true horror was that, after surviving
endless battles against overwhelming foes, you must eventually, inevitably
succumb.  This in itself was the nature of life, but here that nature had
been perverted, for when you finally dropped in battle you did not die but
instead were mystically transported, weak and sometimes robbed, back toward
Neverwinter proper!  No matter how far you ranged, and the further you went
the more imposing your foes, you could not escape the mystical, otherworldly
pull of this accursed city.  The only consolation Wyvernn felt was that the
endless repetition of battle was honing his skills; he knew if he ever
escaped this place he would be a formidable warrior indeed.  Also, he was
beginning to dream of mystical words that had power and wondered if he were
being called into the service of Oghma.  Never very religious, Wyvernn still
felt a great affinity for the land.  He was especially passionate in fighting
ogres and other nefarious giant beings, creatures renowned for the havoc they
bring to the land and the natural creatures therein.

In the Red Mage Inn he had overheard a tattered group of ruffians, brief and
uncouth in manner, describe the treasures to be had by fighting the "dracs".
The more he listened, the more he realized that these brutes had located an
underground hall near a wizard's demesne where some guardian creatures,
although fearsome, were prayed upon by all sorts of vicious dastards.  No
only were the pitiable creatures doomed to endlessly perish in battles and
return to fight again like the rest of us.  Not only could they not escape
their guardianship role and so were doomed to face the same predatory band
that had disposed of them just minutes before.  In addition to these things
they must also accept that they had been preserved beyond the grave for just
this purpose!  While the rest of us must contend with this possessive
reincarnation that held us near the city, these beasts did not even have the
comfort of an illusion of life.  They existed, if you could call it such, in
a realm of eternal undying death, bloodless, passionless, and, truth be told,
nearly mindless from the descriptions of how they were defeated by these
wayward miscreants.  Wyvernn had to wonder at the gods who could imagine and
play out such a cruel and soulless game.

He couldn't help but think that these creatures, ferocious and terrible as
they sounded, might understand this trap of existence better than most.  He
decided he must see them for himself.  After resting and provisioning for the
journey, he started south.

The area directly south of the city had once been a beautiful residential
area he guessed, but now was a crumbling hulk overrun by a thin slime of
lesser creatures.  Giant crocodiles, goblins, cloaked figures he presumed
were spies, ogres, and the ever-present orcs pervaded this abandoned place
like a dry rot.

Moving quickly he passed to the southern edge of the area and stayed the
night at an inn.  He dreamed of standing in an oak grove, held in a welcoming
embrace.  At peace with the land, he saw the natural creatures of the realm
come to him in greeting.  The wild cats, deer, bear, and wolves all came and
welcomed him into their brotherhood.  He woke with a sense of calm he had not
felt since entering this city and took the dream as a good omen.  Buying some
extra arrows from the weaponmaster across the street from the inn -- a too
convenient arrangement he thought -- he continued south.

Soon after leaving the city the road deteriorated into a well-trodden path
through wilderness.  It was apparent that many battles had been fought along
the path; spoor and other signs indicated the slaughter of a great many
beasts, he was pretty sure wolves, along with a strange creature he could
only imagine as part tree and part octopus.  The idea of these creatures
being destroyed filled him with anger and he continued with a determined
fury.

He could see the next town in the distance, Vilnask by name, when a rustling
in the brush behind caused him to quickly depart the path and scout the area.
He moved with an unconscious ease through  the wood that left barely a trace.
An observer, if there were one, would have needed perceptions beyond the
natural to keep track of him as he glided between trees, soundless and
somehow now a part of the woods themselves.

He came upon a small clearing and understood the slaughter of the wolves with
a greater anger than he'd felt before.  Before him were six of the beasts,
wolves of a perverted nature for which the stench alone indicated the
malevolent intent they pursued, along with two of the tree-octopi, that could
only come into existence through the mystical bending of eternal laws by
beings of truly evil spirit.  The sight of them filled him with a rage he
could not contain and a growl more ferocious than those of the wolves before
him escaped from his throat.

Alerted to his presence, the wolves immediately charged in his direction and
Wyvernn was able to brace his back against a tree and bring his weapon to
bear as the came at him.  He had a pole-arm weapon, a Bec de Corbin, which
was well suited to facing many opponents at once.  It's long reach allowed
him to keep the slavering animals at a distance while dispatching them with
relative ease.  Occasionally one came in under his guard, but even then they
had to find a weakness in his armor, for under the green leather tunic he
wore a lightweight chain mail that resisted all penetration.  Even so, and
despite that both the Bec de Corbin and chain mail began to take on an
eldrich radiance, he took minor damage as he dispatch the wolves.  By the
time there were two left his arms and legs were running with blood from
slashes of the wolves teeth and the back of one hand had been mauled.  What
worried him, however, were the tree-octopi, which seemed to be waiting for
the wolves to tire him so they could finish the job.  With a renewed fury he
lashed out and killed both remaining wolves with two quick slashes across the
throat, but as he turned toward one tree thing the other reached out with its
tentacles and lifted him off the ground.

Struggling to reposition his pole-arm to stab at the creature, he felt his
ribs start to give way under the crushing pressure.  With three frantic blows
he managed to stab down to the core of its trunk and penetrate what passed
for a heart, for the strength suddenly went from the gripping tentacles and
he was dropped to the ground.  Before he could stand, though, the other evil
being snatched him up and as the pressure renewed he felt several ribs snap.
A vision of his dream from the inn came back to him and he understood the
omen with a clarity that caused him to take a sharp intake of breath and
shoot pain through his chest.  Filled with a rage he later could only
describe as holy, he hacked and stabbed at the creature while it continued to
crush him in its repulsive embrace.  Beyond feeling pain, he only realized he
had killed it when his hacking stabs could find no piece larger than his arm
to destroy.  Unable to stand, he dropped to his knees and surveyed the
carnage about him.  The eight slain creatures lay in a scattered half circle
and blood had splashed the ground and surrounding trees.

Wyvernn, near exhaustion, managed to gather together his supplies and arms
and drag himself away from the sight and stench of the unwholesome carnage.
Confident that no beings, natural or otherwise, would come near such an
unholy place, he stayed nearby and recuperated for a day.  Although he could
not understand it all, he was able to somehow communicate with the forest
animals and they brought him water and nuts while he healed.  Dosing off for
a bit, he realized that several animals were standing guard around the grove
he rested in.  Finally able to contend with the rigors of travel, he set out
for the nearby town of Vilnask, just visible in the distance.(submitted by:
GOH Sahan)

The Guardians of Helm are proud to announce the union of GOH Deblin and GOH
Bonker being joined in the bonds of matrimony five days hence.  The ceremony
took place at between the third and fourth strike of the great bells of the
Neverwinter clock tower.  Congratulations to the both of them and may your
future days be happy ones.(submitted by: MECH Aztek)

   It is a common Misconception that the MECH are an Evil alligned Empire.
Though at certain periods in our day to day duties the MECH have used evil
means to attain their goals...the MECH are a True Neutral Alligned Guild.

   The Reason MECH has chosen the True Neutral Allignment is simple and two
fold.  We consider ourselves above such attitudes of Evil or Good...Chaos or
Harmony.  These things are not states of mind for us, but actions taken.
Also, the MECH Empire does not Allign with any other NWN Guild Permanently.  

   Good and Evil...MECH has been called both, though evil more frequently
then good.  These actions are merely means to an end.  And that 'End' is the
domination of NWN.  MECH see themselves as the rightful rulers of the Realms.
Only through our rule will Peace truly reign.  We MECH will do anything to
achieve that end...if it means befriending someone one day we'll do it...if
it then means making that friend our enemy the next, we'll do that as well.
MECH is all that matters to us in the End.  All else is Temporary and
Discardable.

   Individually, each MECH has the freedom to choose which action to take.
Individually, they do what they think is best for the Empire.  It's a matter
of personal choice, of programming, and of what will give MECH the best
advantage. 

   Our fellow MECH brothers and sisters are the only thing we truly need.
They are our Alliances and the only ones that are permanent.  We Protect our
Own..Aid our Own...We are True Neutral in that we sway from good to evil
depending on the situation and also because our only solid and permanent
friends are our fellow MECHs.

   To some, this may seem harsh and cold.  But we will do what is necessary
to achieve our goal.  Everyone's opinions of MECH are their opinions..their
Right...but it won't sway us from our goal...It won't break us from our
Neutral Ground.

   We Are MECH...and being MECH....We Stand United.  And We are Here to
Stay.(submitted by: GOHwylie)

The Guardians of Helm are pleased to announce the first annual recruitment
drive.  All interested characters can E-mail the GM, GOH Deblin for further
details.(submitted by: Power swd)

     I have submitted this for three purposes. First and foremost, I would
like to apologize to the many of you that did realize I made some mistakes
over the course of two weeks. All the abbreaviations are not correct
(example: ECM= Elfin Chain Mail= Elf Chain.)

     Secondly, I wish to know if any of those originally contacted by SOUL
EDGE (name capitalized for noticability) are still interested in the guild
MERCYKILLERS (capitalized for the same.) I was his AGM, and when he retired
from AOL I was left without a guild charter, member list, or message board :/
If any of you still wish to become a guild member, e-mail me, please,
preferrably with the charter.

     Lastly, I wish to re-emphisize my post from a month ago, how it is not
necessacary to waste your time at the dracs. I was there for the first time
last night, satlooking at the Vilsnak walls for 20 minutes, then got people
rather angry at me wen I trigged 2 kamflut fights trying to get into the
battle. I asked some questions, and then I offically became the "Newb." I
shut up for abit, then someone asked my buddy where he found me. He told them
in the workshop, then stated he didn't know I was a newb. That did it. I
hot-temperdly responded I didn't know till then either. One of the (probably)
maxxed characters asked, "Couldn't u tell by the 20 hp? :) hehehe." I stared
at my 78. Knowing very well that the next room contained the exit, I rushed
it, and sure enough, got the trig. The fight was simple, and yielded 5.2 k,
plus I got away from them and received a dagger of striking. It was worth it,
really. 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)!  Second place recieves 2
pearls and third place 1 pearls!  Submit all text to screenname: NW NEWS.

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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!

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