1995-01-14
Recovered original text · preserved verbatim
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NEVERWINTER NEWS
Issue #66
Week Ending 1-14-95
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FRONT PAGE
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Congratulations to Verdina for winning last week's News of the Realm contest!
Verdina has earned their choice of 2 Pearls or 2 Free Hours of On-line time
to be credited to their account. WTG!
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***Magic Missle Booth***
"Congratulations to Valor O, who in a tie-breaker defeated DarkPriest 65-64
in a magic missile booth! For his victory, Valor O is given 4 pearls and 1
free hour of on line time for his efforts :>
-NWA Blade :)"
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*** THE OFFICIAL WINNERS ***
Hey there everyone! The voting was fast and furious but in the end the
winners rose to the top! Before I announce the winners, I'd like to thank
everyone who participated in this contest; the general concensus of the
judges was that all were very good and judging was tough. The three winners
for this month's Holiday Tunes Guild of Heroes Contest are....
Third Place:
Kephara
"The Christmas Song...Wild Boars Roasting on an Open Fire..."
Congratulations! Kephara will receive 15 pearls and 2 hours of online time
for her entry!
Second Place:
Dwyvyrn
"We Three Kings...We Three Dwarves..."
Congratulations! Dwyvyrn will receive 20 pearls and 3 hours of online time
for his entry!
First Place:
Congratulations Sir Buzby!!
"T'was the Night Before Christmas...And all thru the Realms.."
Sir Buzby will receive 25 pearls and 4 hours of online time as the Grand
Prize winner of the December Guild of Heroes Contest!
Thanks to all of you once again! And keep those entries coming for the
January Guild of Heroes Contest!
Thank you and...
Enjoy!
-Elladan
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January Trivia
Jan 10, 1995
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*** First Place - Snaak 30 points! ***
** Second Place - Tie- R0t and Carnaldave 16 points! **
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The winners will have the time credited to their account and pearls credited
to their screen name.
* First Place - 4 FREE hours and 25 Pearls
* Second Place - 3 FREE hours and 20 Pearls
Congrats and thanks from NW Baldor and NW Elladan : )
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Tour 01/08
Gathering a contingent of mighty, if not low level, warriors and mages, I
headed out to try to find that mage that has been inhabiting the well caverns
under Floodblest. It would seem he has been able to ellude several attempts
of parties to find him.
After defeating several bands of owlbears and gnolls and even an umber hulk
that the mage left behind, we managed to arrive at the area where the mage
was last seen. But, alas, he managed to slip by us and make good his escape
yet again.
Joining me in this adventure today were RonG406, Guardian19, Magiccrds,
MerahPutih, RainGild, MChung9710, Eleet One, Fire 197, Omega 321, and Xabran.
All these fine adventurers were with the party at one time or another with
most making the entire tour.
Thank you all for the fine friendship and assistance you rendered this day.
We will find that slippery mage one of these days ;D
-NW Triel
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CALENDAR
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**Mistie Celebration!***
Weds, January 18th from 10pm-midnight (ET)
Sun, January 22nd from 4pm-6pm (ET)
If you decide in the next week or so, please send e-mail to NW Events and I
will confirm asap if there is still room. If you cannot sign up ahead of
time, please come to the session and we'll let you know right away if there
is still room.
If there is a chance you will participate, please try out the MasterWord
software prior to the sessions.
NW Events.
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Come join NW Aziza and NW Baldor for the January edition of:
<<>><<>> Who/What/Am/I <<>><<>>
Thurs. January 19th at 10 pm ET in the Great Hall Tavern.
Check out the rules in the Events folder for the rules!!
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New Player Tour:
January 15th, 1:00 PM ET - Join NWA Thorn for a tour of the Realm. Those
interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square.
-
New Player Tour:
January 17th, 9:00PM ET - Join NWA Bl;ade for a tour of the Realm. Those
interested
should meet 2 steps east of NW Square.
-
New Player Tour:
January 18th, 9:00PM ET - Join NW Jester for a tour of the Realm. Those
interested
should meet 2 steps east of NW Square.
-
New Player Tour:
January 19th 11:00 PM ET - Join NWA Edge for a tour of the Realm. Those
interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square.
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ADVENTURER'S TALES
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So, what is a Deatmatch like?*
Since I'd just watched Wrath go through the Deathmatch thing, I was curious
about it. What it was like to DM? Yesterday I was happening along and saw
some little punk inviting one of our new members into his fight so he could
get some experience... I was told that the new member had been killed earlier
in this fight but needed some experience, therefor was invited in... The
experience that the new member got was a poison spell, kinda harsh lesson,
but not one I haven't taught most non-ITB's around here. The problem was,
this worm who did it, couldn't PvP out of a wet paper bag let alone hand the
big P to one of my juniors without some insult, especially since this junior
was a friend of mine. I was located out in Triboar. I'd been in that area
since yesterday when Wrath took Waykupdead to the reroller. I had a bro or
two setting right next to this the one, that poisoned Moloch, so I told them
to let him know I was coming for him. However, I had two wands on me and
didn't want to lose one on the death express, so, I invited Goth Punkr to
come on out, didn't figure he would, but out he came. I told him before he
came that I'd Deathmatch him and here he was, so. here we go. Meanwhile
about 7 ranking ITB's show up, Scorn, Cormyr, Lasher, Pirate and etc. and
their handing me all kinds of goodies and scrolls and telling me standard
tactics that I should use.. Goth Punkr shows up and realizes that this is a
DEATHMATCH not a little 1 on 1 and says "no way". What he didn't understand
was that there where 4 or 5 of the biggest mouths in NWN standing there when
he said it. After 20 or so minutes of "your a wuss" talk, he decided to go
for it. The Deathmatch thing is in the corner with open walls and no more
NPC's than three trees (kampfaults). Goth Punkr and I jumped around for a
while and I had him dead pretty quick, but, the REAL issue was the
excitement. I (distantly) remember the first few times that I PvP'd.
Adrenaline was pumping and every cast was a thrill because... in a DM, one
bad save... and your done with Neverwinter. PvP hasn't been this exciting
for me since fall of 1993. I have to say that at THIS point in my PvP career,
making a decision about what to do and what spell to cast was not
difficult.... but, it was a thrill no less. After the DM Goth Punkr was
dead. My ITB Bro's went crazy in celebration (which was kinda cool) and we
headed for the inn. However, after the initial celebration... someone hit
F2. He was still in the area. The hunt was on. We found him at 8,15, which
is a boxed in room with no exit. Instructions say that you must retire your
character to get out... so he sat there for a while and talked. I'd have to
say... that is as close to that room as I ever want to get. I'd like to
congratulate Goth Punkr on having the kahunes to fight an ITB Warlord in a
Deathmatch... I wouldn't do it. I wouldn't DM anyone that I didn't know I
could beat... call me cautious, call me a wuss, I don't care, call me ALIVE.
:D
ITB Drunk
Warlord
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The Story of the Bracelet
Chapter 1: The Beginning
(By: Vallus)
The ship spiraled down. When the ship's helm went down, the gravity went with
it. Leoster had almost resigned himself to death when the rubies on his
amulet begin flashing. Curious, he opened the amuletand the big ruby was
flashing as well. The light from the rubies became constant and a strange
figure appeared, an illusion projected by the amulet, no bigger than
Leoster's hand, it's feet were upon the ruby. "Leoster" it said "Do not give
up, you cannot give up. The Disc of Guardianship has many powers, among them
is the ability to teleport the wearer to the vicinity of the chosen one. Once
you arrive, look to the amulet to guide you to the chosen one that you may
give her The Bracelet of Power. I can say no more." said the figure, and it
faded away. Leoster looked deep into the now dark ruby, and taking firm hold
of the bracelet, he willed for the amulet to take him to the chosen one. A
flash of crimson light flooded Leoster's cabin. The hammership crashed to
earth with a force hard enough to create a crater in the ground. A ball of
crimson light flew through the streets of Neverwinter. It flew down one
street and up another, people knew enough to stay out of it's way as it flew
apparently helter skelter around the city. It finally came to rest outside
The Moonstone Mask and as it landed, the light faded and revealed Leoster
standing there with amulet in one hand, and bracelet in the other. He placed
the bracelet in his pocket and looked at the amulet, it indicated that the
chosen one was within the Moonstone Mask. He entered and discovered that all
of the staff were female and they all wore masks. He asked a bystander what
went on within and the bystander answered that it was common for one to speak
with a "lady in a mask" as they were among the most trusted confidants in
Neverwinter. Leoster went in and opened the amulet, it projected an image of
a"lady in a mask". Since he couldn't tell which one, he simply waited at his
seat and watched the amulet, finally he called over the "lady in a mask"
whose presence set off the amulet. Her name was Crystal. They talked for some
time, Leoster touching on his past, all the while glancing at the amulet, all
the while it indicated that the chosen one was seated across from him.
Leoster asked her if she would be there in the morning and she answered yes.
Leoster paid his bill and asked for a room for the night, it was costly but
it was the most luxurious room he had ever seen. During the night, the
rattle of pots and pans from downstairs awakened him, he quickly dressed and
gathered his equipment. He went downstairs to ascertain what was occurring
and found himself looking at a pair of Umber Hulks and their Neogi master.
"The bracelet bring me!" shrieked the spiderlike Neogi in it's alien tongue.
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THE NEVERWINTER CHRONICALS
"The Black Wizards"
Part Two - Kalin's Palace
Archeo and Derek Trent completed the short journey to Lady Kalin's palace
without further incident. Arriving in front of the iron battle scarred
gates, Archeo turned to Derek and said "This is the entrance to Lady Kalin's
palace. Once we have entered the courtyard you are not to speak to anyone
unless spoken to first. Do you understand?" "Yes," replied Derek, "but...."
"Good," said Archeo cutting him off in mid sentence and leading the newcomer
through the gate.
nside a courtyard filled with brightly colored flowers the two men were
approached by a tall blonde warrior. "Hail Archeo! Hmmm, what have you
brought us today?" he asked raising an inquisitive eyebrow at Derek. "Hail
Lord Zamroth, I found this outlander wandering in the labyrinth below the
root cellar. I thought it best to bring him and some disturbing news to Lady
Kalin. The metamorphs have found a way past our sentries. We encountered
and killed several of them during out journey here." A look of concern came
over Zamroth's rugged face. "Aye, this is grave news indeed," he said.
"Follow me. We must seek an audience with Lady Kalin immediately."
Zamroth turned and entered the front door of an opulent marble palace
followed close behind by Archeo and Derek. Within the palace foyer Derek
gawked at the colorful banners, tapestries, and priceless works of art
depicting warriors in battle carrying weapons of gold that adorned the walls.
Beneath each of the artifacts was a small engraved gold plate bearing the
title of the work, preceded by the letters: OGS. Passing quickly through the
foyer the party entered the throne room. In the center of the room stood a
golden throne upon which Lady Kalin was seated. By her side were her trusted
advisors: Kayn, Guild Master of the Order of the Golden Staff (OGS) and
Wizairde, OGS Lord High Wizard.
Lady Kalin looked up as they entered. "Hail Lord Zamroth, what urgent news
brings you here unannounced?" she said smiling. "And who is this person that
appears before me dressed, rather undressed in such attire?" Derek took a
step forward as if to reply and was immediately pulled back by Archeo.
"I apologize for the intrusion M'lady," Zamroth replied, "But Archeo brings
distressing news from the outer world."
Archeo explained the events that preceded his arrival at the palace and
introduced Derek to Lady Kalin. "It is as we suspected," Wizairde remarked.
"Our worst fears have been realized. We must act quickly to contain the
morphs before they breach the final barrier and enter the outer world."
Unable to contain himself any longer, Derek demanded to be heard. Excuse
me," he began, "Is someone going to tell me where I am and what exactly is
going on here.... and what in God's name are these metamorphs?"
"By Tyr," roared Kayn drawing his golden long sword, "How dare thee address
Lady Kalin in such a manner." Lady Kalin stood and placed her hand on Kayn's
shoulder. "Wait M'lord Kayn. The stranger has a right to know of the danger
that threatens his world. I wish to speak with him alone and learn more
about the outer world from whence he comes." She turned to Derek and offered
an outstretched hand in his direction. "Please come with me into the garden
where we can talk in private."
While her consuls bowed at her departure, Derek stepped forward and Lady
Kalin placed a cool soft hand on his forearm. Walking into the garden the
smell of jasmine assailed Derek's senses and he observed a multitude of
flowers, trees and ornate rock sculptures.
Derek began to apologize for his appearance and for interrupting her earlier
but stopped when Lady Kalin raised her hand in his direction. "Time is
short," she said. "And there is much you must learn." She explained that the
metamorphs were once normal men that have fallen under the enchantment of an
evil guild known as the Black Wizards. "These men are able to shape shift
into any creature or object these choose. At first they were a great
amusement, but now they have become a threat to us.... and to your world as
well."
Derek remained quiet as she continued. "We have recently learned the
location of the Black Wizard's tower and Zamroth's Golden Guardians are
planning an offensive to eradicate the evil." Derek interjected, "Where am
I... and how did I get here?" Lady Kalin smiled at him and replied, "Once in
a great while strangers stumble upon the vortex that connects your world with
the Forgotten Realms. Usually the adventurous ones that choose to remain do
not survive in our environment for very long, so we usually transport
intruders back immediately. However, until we eliminate the current threat
posed by the Black Wizards, the vortex is being sealed and you will not be
able to return."
Derek began to protest about being held against his will when he heard a
sound and noticed movement on the far side of the garden. He thought he was
dreaming again as the rock sculptures began to transform into hideous
creatures. Seeing the look of horror on his face Lady Kalin spun quickly
around and shouted an alarm. As the creatures approached and the battle
began, guards from the palace rushed in to the garden led by Lord Zamroth,
Archeo and Wizairde.
Driders, half drow/half spider like creatures, began casting mirror image
spells as displacer beasts advanced on the palace guards. The first to
approach were quickly slain by a hail of arrows and Lord Zamroth's mighty
sword. Wizairde cast a powerful fireball that exploded in the center of the
a pack of Driders and several of them went down in flames. Lady Kalin added
to the already blazing inferno by casting flame strike at the remaining
driders, but not before they were able to cast several magic missiles killing
several of the palace guards.
Derek charged forward bringing down a displacer beast as it leapt at Lady
Kalin from behind. The remaining displacer beasts began to flee but were
quickly brought down by Archeo and Lord Zamroth.
The battle over, Zamroth and Archeo departed to muster the Golden Guardians.
Lady Kalin turned to Derek, "There is no time to delay. You fought well in
battle and it is my wish that you accompany the Golden Guardians in our
offensive against the Black Wizards." Derek looked at her and nodded his
acceptance of the offer.
"Well met!" she smiled and then added, "Go to the palace temple and tend to
your wounds. Then report to Guerrier at the OGS Armory to better equip
yourself for the journey. Return to the palace when you are done and meet me
in my chambers located to the west of the throne room." Without waiting for
his reply, she hurried back in to the palace leaving him alone in the garden.
After healing at the temple, Derek left the palace. He headed towards the
southeastern quarter of the palace grounds and came upon a series of signs
that directed him to Guerrier's Armory. As he entered the armory he was
greeted by a tall strapping warrior with dark, almost black eyes.
"Greets...," said Guerrier. "I was informed that you were coming and heard
that you fought well in the garden. I have some items to aid you in your
crusade against the Black Wizards." Reaching behind him he began placing
items on the counter.
Derek donned the protective chain mail and gathered up the weapons that
include a +3 scimitar and shield. "Be off now," said Guerrier, "there is no
time to lose." Derek thanked Guerrier for his assistance and, bowing, turned
and headed back to the palace.
Derek arrived moments later in the chambers of Lady Kalin. "Well met Derek,"
Lady Kalin laughed as he entered. You look much better than when we last
met. I am glad to see that Guerrier has taken care of your needs." Looking
around the room Derek nodded to Zamroth and Wizairde and saw many new faces.
One by one they stepped forward and introduced themselves to Derek.
"Well met Derek, I am Kaemar the Immortal," a young mage said. "And I am
Verdina," added the beautiful guard he had met when he arrived, "A pleasure
to meet you... again" she giggled. The remaining members of the party
approached and repeated the greeting including Melik Nightcat, Gloriendl, and
Silver Shadow.
The introductions complete, Lady Kalin continued with the briefing. "There
is a secret passage that leads out of the palace from these quarters and I
suggest that we use it to avoid anyone noticing our departure." Turning to
Wizairde she said, "I shall accompany Zamroth who will lead the main party
through the passage. Wizairde, Gloriendl and Silver Shadow will follow close
behind to serve as rear guard should we be followed."
After intoning a short prayer to Tyr, the party entered a small hidden room
in the corner of Lady Kalin's chambers. They watched as Lady Kalin pushed
one of the bricks in the wall and the floor opened revealing a ladder that
lead down into a tunnel. The party climbed down the ladder and proceeded
east until they stood before a shimmering archway.
"Ahead lies the teleporter we have constructed that will take us directly to
the base of the Black Wizards tower," Wizairde said. "I suggest that we make
camp before entering and prepare ourselves for whatever waits on the other
side."
The party quickly encamped and began casting preparatory spells and readying
their weapons. Derek watched as each of the party members entered the
teleporter and disappeared. When it came his turn to enter he hesitated.
From behind, he felt Wizairde place his hands upon his shoulders and push him
into the teleporter. As he pitched forward into the teleporter he heard
Wizairde's laughter as a sensation of dizziness and exhilaration overwhelmed
him.
(To Be Continued)
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CLASSIFIED
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Verdina's Forgotten Realms Trivia
Hail Brothers and Sisters, Noble Adventurer's and Evil Adversaries!
Think you know alot about the Forgotten Realms?
Here's a few trivia monster questions based on ancient lore to see just how
much you really know.
1. Banshees (or Groaning Spirits) are encountered in several areas the
realms.
What were these creatures in their former life?
A. Evil Male/Female Humans B. Evil Female Elves
C. Evil Male Gnomes C. Evil Female Halflings
2. A "Hive Mother" is kin to which kind of monster?
A. Beholder B. Ankheg
C. Stirge D. Purple Worm
3. Harpies (half vulture/half human females) are able to "charm" their
victims by:
A. Casting Spells B. Touching
C. Singing D. Gazing
4. There are many kinds of golems. Which of the following types can be
found in Neverwinter Nights?
A. Bone Golems B. Caryatid Golems
C. Clay Golems D. Doll Golems
E. Flesh Golems F. Gargoyle Golems
G. Glass Golems H. Guardian Golems
I. Iron Golems J. Juggernaut Golems
K. Necrophidius Golems L. Scarecrow Golems
M. Stone Golems
5. From the following list, which is NOT a favorite food of Umber Hulks?
A. Purple Worms B. Humans
C. Ankhegs D. Hippogryphs
6. Bugbears are close relatives of what other creatures?
A. Owlbears B. Goblins
C. Orcs C. Gnolls
7. Nightmares are what kind of monsters?
A. Giant Undead Birds B. Evil Trees
C. Supernatural Horses D. Undead Lizards
8. Which of the following is a species of spider?
A. Hairy B. Large
C. Huge D. Giant
E. Phase F. Sword
G. Gargantuan H. All of the Above
9. True or False: Pointed weapons (swords, daggers, etc.) are more
effective than blunt weapons (mace, club, etc) in battles against skeletons?
A. True B. False
10. A Gorgon most closely resembles a:
A. Gargoyle B. Bull
C. Dinosaur D. Insect
Answers: 1:B 2:A 3:C 4:I & M 5:D
6:B 7:C 8:H 9:B 10:B
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CLASSIFIED ADDS
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Wizairde is looking for great minds that might be interested in getting
together and working out a story plot for a Unlimited Adventure Module. If
you are interested in working with several people and having a great time
please <email> me as soon as possible!
Wizairde
OGS-AGM
Pearl Keeper
MoA Leader
Reporter
GG
<<<<<>>>>>
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