1995-02-11
Recovered original text · preserved verbatim
EXTRA EXTRA, Neverwinter Issue #70
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NEVERWINTER NEWS
Issue #70
Week Ending 2-11-95
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FRONT PAGE
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Congratulations to Morngrym for winning last week's News of the Realm
contest
Morngrym has earned choice of 4 Pearls or 2 Free Hours of On-line time to
be redited to their account. WTG!
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Congratulations to SOL Moxa who edged out M0rdeth K in my 2/6 Ice Storm
Booth!! Both players pelted me for 42 points of damage in their original
casts. SOL Moxa then won the tie breaker and claimed 4 pearls and an hour of
free online time for him self.
My thanks to all the players who participated, and again congratulations to
SOL Moxa!!!!
- NWA Kishpa
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** Feb Trivia Results **
Feb 7, 1995
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*** First Place - ChrisLeif 21 points! ***
** Second Place - Tie- Snaak and Cerdith 20 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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"On a cold and windy day by the NeverWinter Wharves a call went out to the
realm for someone to heat the place up! Lrd Feanor stepped forward and
toasted me for 65 points of fireball damage to warm the area more than was
needed! :D
For his efforts, Lrd Feanor wins 4 pearls and 1 hour of free on-line time :-)
Thanks to all who participated!"
NWA Blade
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NEVERWINTER CALENDAR
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New Player Tour:
February 13th, 8:30 PM ET - Join NW Elladan for a tour of the Realm.
Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square.
New Player Tour:
February 17th, 5:00PM ET - Join NW Thorn for a tour of the Realm.
Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square.
New Player Tour:
February 19th, 8:00PM ET - Join NW Jester for a tour of the Realm.
Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square.
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<<>> Feb WWAI Night! <<>>
When: February 16th
Time: 10 PM Eastern time
Where:The Great Hall Tavern
Come join NW Aziza and NW Jester for the February edition of:
<<>><<>> Who/What/Am/I <<>><<>>
Thurs. February 16th at 10 pm ET in the Great Hall Tavern.
First Place: 25 Pearls + 4 hours
Second Place: 20 Pearls + 3 hours
Third Place: 15 Pearls + 2 hours
Cya There!
NW Aziza and NW Jester
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The Final Choice
When late at night, all alone,
you wake with feaful dread
and with chilling clarity you realize
you cant move from your bed
Your arms and legs refuse to listen
as your brain begins to yell
then suddenly you realize
you've slipped into the depths of hell
Cold sticky sweat covers your chest
when at the door you hear
the breathing of another
and you truly begin to fear
The darkness congeals around the room
when from your prison you see
movement in the corner
and hear laughter of wicked glee
You try to pray for salvation
but quickly your mind recalls
the sins you've freely committed
and your pleas on deaf ears fall
Slowly, and with deliberate tread,
the shadows take form
and you know with honest certainty
you shall never see the morn
Evilness answers the call
of those you failed in your goal
and silently you scream
as despair claims your soul
An immense arachnid of the blackest black
is the last thing to be seen
as its poison pierces your body
and speeds you to the Spider Queen
Choose carefully, my brothers, who you will serve!
Rakasha
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The Rules of Chaos
::The guard shot back from his charge into the prison cells, the bow that
propelled him slipping back behind the corner in wait of more, hapless
opponents. The body soared through the air and caught two more of his ilk,
dragging them to all to the ground in a mindless heap. The figure slipt from
the corridor on feet of a Zephyr, the unreal pace of the slender escapee. Her
dark hair swayed out into the air in her wake, bouncing from her black jerkin
to the single quiver that adorned her back. The wraithlike shape crept about
the corner, bow back in quiver as she tiptoed past the lounging day watch,
their forms snorring slowly in the moonlight of the dockside covered porch.
The WindChild eased her way over the old wooden railing, slowly in her
caution. But her form became as rigid and still as the rails themselves as
they creaked under the movement. But after a few moments she breathed again
and eased her way off the rail, smiling lightly to herself as the purring of
drowsy fighters drown out her landing upon the passing barge beneath. ::
::The Barge Hand looked up to the sky as he passed under the Wharves bridge,
convinced that he had just lost a stow-away, but his akward squint turned to
a blush as he found himself starring into the Star shone eyes of the
beautiful archer that leaned over the edge of the bridge::
"Gud've Mam", the hand looked back as he passed away, his own thoughts of the
stow-away lost as he looked at her, her head bobing in a nod as she smiled to
his voyage.
::The woman smiled again, to herself, at the hands of fate. The Rigid Cross
of Laws that every person was expected to nail themselves to, then learn to
swear at the natural beauty of Chaos. Her head shook, the fates told you
where to go, then let you wander like a somewhat lost child. The forces
that denied one and other and strove for dominance. And through their own
pain and suffering, buit the walls between them and their foes, and made each
stronger and more defined. The Hell called Life had a Beautiful irony to
it....But then again...Nasher, in all his hypocritical glory of rulership and
Crosses of sharp bladed laws, might have a different veiw.....:::
:::The figure strolled off down the street...determined to do whatever came
to mind first....and to follow no rules in her path to discovery....her path
to....the Chaos of ... Happy Chance......:::
Leah The Light
Child of The Wind
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The Blackened Earth - Part 1
The whole mess started three days ago...
. Some of our COR brothers were in Crossergate on a routine patrol. They
performed the usual tasks... elimination of wolves and ice hounds that had
frightened the villagers... the norm. The patrol was on a little-traveled
path when they encountered a scene of terrible destruction. "A huge area of
the forest was charred and blackened, and the earth was still warm from the
fire. At first, they thought it was simply the result of a misplaced
fireball. The patrol was soon proven wrong.
"Toppled statues were all over, not at first noticeable, so covered in soot
and ash they were. The patrol examined them closely; the workmanship was
excellent! Try as they might, they could not find one flawed piece. The
group assumed for a moment this was a razed temple. Then it hit them; these
statues were ordinary villagers, transformed to stone by dark magic
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"They were mostly just townsfolk, simple herders and farmers, defending
their village from some unknown evil. Many had makeshift weapons in their
hands: pitchforks, torches, and hoes. A few strong adventurers stood among
them; a mage, busy casting a spell; a fighter, sword raised; a cleric,
praying to Tyr for holy intervention. Apparently, Tyr didn't respond; all
were turned to stone.
"The CORs reported back to Trollsbane and myself, and wedecided the group
should go back and begin cleaning and purifying the area. That same
afternoon, they left.
"We haven't heard from them since." Volant paused for a moment, waiting for
this to sink in. "JJ, several of us are forming a group to investigate.
JakWar, Sinestra, and I are already prepared to go. We would be honored by
your presence. Will you join us?" JJ quickly agreed.....
JJ paced nervously back and forth in front of Mancuso's Inn. Volant was off
in the town, making last-minute preparations, and JakWar was strapping the
last few packages to the mule. As he tightened a leather cord, he glanced
back at JJ. "I'm sure you don't have anything to worry about. Any one of
us can easily take down a mammoth; together, we four are unstoppable!" JJ
stopped pacing and half-smiled. "It seems a bit silly,with us marching into
danger and all, but... I'm a bit nervous about seeing Sinestra." Seeing
Jak's surprised look, he quickly added, "I haven't seen her in over four
years!" Jak stared over his shoulder at JJ. "Sis? You don't have thing
for her, do you?" For a moment JJ looked away. When he turned back to face
JakWar, his face was cold as stone. "Hardly." Jak had a feeling he didn't
have the whole truth. "We don't see her much anymore, but she is still the
same old Sis, as great as ever..." JJ's frown deepened. "I hope she doesn't
mind the changes in me... maybe I should shave off the beard..." JakWar
quickly turned back and busied himself with one of the buckles. JJ never saw
the broad grin on his face.
Jak stood over the body of the last ice hound, still smoldering from
Sinestra's fireball. A puzzled look was onhis face. "It is a shame these
poor animals have to be killed...I don't ever remember them being quite so
vicious, and they aren't evil naturally. There must be some force at work
here..." Sinestra frowned. "You may be right, JakWar. Villagers have been
reporting more wolf activity. Perhaps these questions shall be answered when
the more immediate problem of the stonings is resolved..." JJ looked
thoughtful for a moment. "Something isn't right."He stood silently for a
moment, then cocked his head suddenly. "Quiet, and listen!" The others did
as they were told, but the confused looks ontheir faces told JJ that they did
not understand. He waited a moment more, hoping to be proven wrong, then
spoke. "There are no sounds... no birds, no animals... nothing! Not even
rustling leaves! And feel the stillness of the air..." The four stood
quietly a moment longer, then quickly continued down the High Road, away from
this place of smothering silence.
The blackness stretched before them for a hundred yards. A huge circle of
the forest had been completely burned away. In a matter of moments
Sinestra, arch-mage that she was, came to the conclusion that this damage was
not caused by a natural fire. The area reeked of dark magic and death.
JJ's ranger sense confused him. He could feel the corrupted natural energies
around him; the very earth seemed to cry out to him for help. The feeling of
despair penetrated deep within his bones. The group crept slowly towards
the center of the blackened circle. With each step, black ash swirled into
the air around their feet, then slowly drifted back to the ground. The air
was heavy, stagnant; no wind blew through here. They didn't spot the
statues until they were almost on top of them, and even then Volant tripped
over one before they were noticed. There were statues of all ages, all
races, all stations of life. After a quick survey, they were able to count
upwards of forty humanoid statues, and hundreds of forest creatures.
Volant frowned. "There is no way to bring all of them back to the temples in
Neverwinter..." Sinestra shook her head in agreement. "Then we must bring
the temples here. Even Priests can be bought with the proper...
'donations.'" Volant resumed his customary role as leader of the group. "So,
we shall travel back to Neverwinter, and bring back the Priests, along with a
larger group of our brothers. Agreed?" All clasped hands. "Agreed."
The departing group never saw the figure appear behind him, never saw the
statues rise with one movement of the figure's hand. They never heard the
chilling whispers from deep within the hood, nor saw skeletal fingers
reaching into robes black as night and pulling forth a small crystal sphere.
They never saw the sphere shining with a growing intensity, an evil red light
matched in brightness only by the two pinpoints of light that served as the
hooded figure's eyes. They never heard the evil laughter that echoed loud in
the dark hallways of the figure's home plane. What they did see was a flash
of pale red light...
The blackened forest grew swiftly motionless. The dark figure faded from
view, back to his unholy dwelling. The statues fell again to the ground, to
lie motionless until more would-be rescuers came.
All was as it was before... Save four new statues lying in the ash.
JJ IllyV
Crusader of COR
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The Story of the Bracelet - Chapter 5
(By: Vallus)
"The Emerald Evil is upon us..." said the wizard. "Emerald Evil?" asked
Leoster "Yes. But how rude of me, I have not introduced myself. I am
Llomnauvel Oloadhin, called "Firehands" by some." Lesoter and Crystal
introduced themselves to Lomnauvel and then the conversation quickly returned
to the Emerald Evil. "So, what IS the Emerald Evil?" asked Leoster "I am not
quite sure, I have only been able to decipher a small part of the ancient
tome which you see beside me. A task which you will no doubt find mucheasier
since you are meant to know what is contained therein. Suffice it to say that
they are creatures of pure evil empowered by emerald amulets created at the
same time as the artifacts which you both wear." "Neogi" spat
Leoster,"Crystal! The Neogi back at the Moonstone Mask was wearing an emerald
amulet!" "So it has already begun." said Llomnauvel "Here" he said as he
thrust the tome at Leoster "take the Tome of Knowledge and-" just then, an
explosion rocked the tower "What?!" exclaimed Llomnauevel "It's ahead of
schedule! The attack isn't supposed to start for another 5 minutes!" he said
glancing at the water clock on the wall. "Attack!? You mean the attack that
destroys the tower?" said Crystal "Yes!" said Llomnauvel "Ever since the
first time the tower exploded, I've lived in a time loop that begins at dawn
and ends when I go through the floor of the tavern that occupies this point
inside of time and if you're inside the tower when it explodes you'll become
a permanent fixture here, trapped here for all time" At the base of the
tower, in addition to the usual Arcane Brotherhood wizards there are also
several Umber Hulks and one very evil Neogi blasting the tower with green
balls of flame from the amulet about it's serpentine neck.
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Once Upon a Winter's Night
THE AIR WAS STILL
AND FULL OF FRIGHT
THE HEROS THEY GATHER
UNDER PALE MOONLIGHT
GLEEMING SWORDS AND ARMOR
A WONDERFULL SIGHT
CASTING PRAYER AND PROTECT
THEY ALL WANDER OUT
IT,S DRACOS THEY SEEK
ALL BONES AND BIG SNOUT
THEY LOOK AND THEY SEARCH
A PASSAGE THEY FIND
THE DRACS WILL BE KILT
THE BONES THEY WILL GRIND
WITH NARY A WORD,A YELL OR A CRY
THEY SLASH AND THEY HACK
STILL SOME OF THEM DIE
FALLEN HEROS TO THE LEFT
DEAD DRAKS TO THE RIGHT
IT ALL HAPPENED HEAR
ONCE APON A WINTER NIGHT
By, Durth
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To Lady Taarla, with all my love, Gorbon
In eve when stars lay thick and bright
upon my wondering mind
and memories bring sweet delight
of the joys we two did find
I call thy name in a soul's hush cry
and plead with fate above
to learn the secret longing of
the one I've grown to love
When others have defended thee
from evil's peril and spite
I wisper words of missing you
in the gentle lull of night
I call thy name in a soul's hush cry
and plead with fate above
to learn the secret longing of
the one I've grown to love
Hoping through thy smiling lips
my name at night has passed
that like a moon amid eclipse
the shadows of our hearts hold fast
I call thy name in a soul's hush cry
and plead with fate above
to learn the secret longing of
the one I've grown to love
What sweetest joy my heart did know
when I found your love so true
what generous god to so bestow
such a gift to me as you
I call thy name and I take thy hand
and place it closed in mine
Each hour eternal as grains of sand
with you my love devine
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Written by Tyst, Captain of the Elite Guard
Edited and submitted by Gillianne, guild scribe
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It is Sunset at The Protectorate Guild Hall...
. It has been a good day: no monsters have been sighted. and the Evils in
the realms seem distant. It is after dinner and all in the Guild hall are
relaxing, with a book, some wine or ale, or maybe taking a little nap.
Suddenly the main doors are thrown open violently. All are surprised to see
TP Scout standing there, his face nearly hidden by the blood running down his
cheeks. His chain mail was torn to threads, his sword bent like a boomerang.
"My lords" he gasped, barely able to speak. "There is trouble afoot. Our
Hall and our treasures are in jeopardy. Traveling south from Port Llast is
an army--an army unlike I have ever seen. They... they... they are Dead
already! It's like a nightmare. They captured me and I learn't of their
desire for our magic vault items. I became enraged and killed a few as I
fled. But they are coming nonetheless. They will arrive here by tomorrow
They call themselves The Undead Lords of the Realms."
Tyst walks up to his scout, offers him a blanket. "You have done well, go
get some needed rest"
"No! No rest...we must prepare... we must prepare." protests Scout as he is
led into the healing chambers.
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Quen Dalk, Highlord of The Protectorate, sits at the end of a large table in
his private meeting chambers. Engraved in this table are the roads and towns
known in the realms. Most of the lords are present, except for the Elite
Guard.
"Where are they?? This is too important and they are out gallivanting!!!"
roared Quen.
Just then, Tyst, followed by the entire Elite guard, entered the room, all
dressed in complete battle armor.
"We have trouble... well, the Elite Guard was made for trouble. We ride
tonight!"
"Ride" says Quen "Ride to where?". A small dagger appears in Tyst's hand.
He tosses the dagger straight up in the air. All eyes are on the twirling
object as it impales itself into the table. It lands on the map, pointing to
WINDYCLIFFS.
Tyst speaks " We ride to Windycliffs. We will try to stop the undead
before they can even get close. Keldar III has told me of a place they meet
the night before they prey on the living and we shall be there to stop
them!!!!!"
As if on cue, Tyst and the entire Elite Guard step from the meeting room and
head towards the door. You can hear their footfalls, steps of confidence
echoing in the halls. Quen Dalk reaches over to his alarm bell and pulls on
the cord, a single loud gong that shakes the entire Hall. Immediately there
is a flurry of activity, swords being sharpened, spells being memorized,
scrolls from the vault being distributed.
Within the hour an army of Protectorates heads out into the dimming sun.
North they go. North to Windycliffs.
"Tis a sad day when we must War, let us pray for victory"
<Words from Tyst in
Windycliffs, just
before the battle>
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There is an unusual quiet in The Protectorate Guild Hall. The fierce battle
had raged well into the night.
Quen Dalk walks into the Healing Chambers, a look of concern on his face as
he passes by his wounded Protectorates. He walks towards the rear of the
chamber, acknowledging all and taking a moment to show his concern for his
comrades. He finally comes to the end of the Hall and stands before Tyst,
his Elite Captain who was the last line of defense to the Guild Vault hidden
just outside the Palace walls.
"It was a ferocious battle!" said Quen. "Many brave deeds I saw and I am
proud. I am here for your report on the battle."
Tyst sat up slowly, tired from the long night. Dried blood still showing on
his arms. "Lord Quen, our Guild Mates fought well, but these Undead Lords of
the Realms (UDL) were a tough crowd. My scout reports showed a small army of
them camped in Windycliffs, so I made a decision only to bring half our
forces, one equal to the numbers of the enemy. The rest of the troops stayed
behind to guard the Castle. There were four teams, led by Quen Dalk,
Eirikinan, Myoke, and Healwhans. I sent Eirik and Myoke ahead to meet the
UDL head on, while Heal went around to flank the enemy As you were there,
your team waited down the road to catch any who might get through us."
"Eirk's team, as well as Myoke's, immediately found themselves surrounded by
these evils. They fought for hours but were unable to hold off this grave
foe and had to retreat to the castle. Meanwhile one group had tried to sneak
ahead of the main force. You in turn rallied your group and made short work
of their advance team. Myself and Healwhans found a camped group behind the
battle lines and slew them, along with a UDL Officer (UDL Slayer). All have
taken serious damage at this time, our troops cut in half, and I believe half
for them also"
"Your team Quen (Quen Dalk, TP Destiny, Gillianne, TP Express) remained to
keep the dark enemy from passing onto the Guild as we (Healwhans, Keldar III,
Gray Angel, Tyst) pressed the rear of their forces. Endurance was low and
your battle was not going well, Destiny decided that your condition was
serious and decided to retreat back to the Castle Walls before more serious
and irreparable harm came to you."
"Meanwhile, we were having a little bit more luck. Another group of UDL's
fell to our wrath. Leaving only Healwhans, Keldar III, Gray Angel, Tyst for
TP and Zerackus, Lord Dark, Gothmenes and Goth Punker for the UDL's. Both
parties stood before each other, a look of determination on our faces as we
approached these undead. Just before we engaged one of the Goths cast a MASS
PUNT, taking himself and Keldar out for the duration. This was not noticed
immediately, but as the battle wore on it became
obvious there were only 3 TP's left. "
"The battle was going well, we had em on the ropes. Gray was held, but so
was Lord Dark. Zerackus had just taken a feebing and we were preparing to
mop things up when suddenly a dark cloud enveloped the sky. A darkness took
over and everything went BLACK."
" I am sorry M'lord but we had failed. That darkness... that darkness. "
Tyst lowers his head. He continued, "They became scavengers, sniffing like
dogs, hunting for our hidden vault in the woods. I was paralyzed and
couldn't even try to stop them. I watched in terror as these decomposing
bodies found our vault. They took many good items from us, including a Ring
+2, AC3 bracers, Iou Stones, +3 Weapons, 12 items in all, and all good
weapons."
Quen replies, "At least they weren't able to attack the Castle, the troops
you left behind
were easily able to protect our walls here. Those items, although valuable,
are
replaceable. It is sad we did not hold them back but we have won anyway.
Everyone is
OK and healing fine. All should be up and around in a few days. Our biggest
gain is the
experience our troops have had. We are a newly Sanctioned Guild with many
members
having very little PVP Battle experience. They fought well and bravely. All
have learned
from this war. We will be that much stronger the next time a call to arms is
made."
WELL DONE TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED.
"Congratulation to the UDL on a fine job." and to all my Brother and Sisters
of the Protectorate who participated. We worked as a team, it was great to
see us come together like that.
Everyone contributed. from scrolls to items and time, I couldn't have asked
for a better
turn out!
"Congratulations to The Protectorate for being the greatest guild in NW"
Truly one night of great excitement and fun. Till next time.
Tyst
Captain of the Elite Guard
The Protectorate
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Last Sunday Eve...
the forces of the UDL and the TP clashed in a team 4 on 4 pvp battle,after
hours of grueling fights,the Undead of the UDL finially previaled over the
brave knights of the TP.
Zerackus
ARCH LICH
UDL
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Let us hear it!
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
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all text to screenname: NW NEWS.
Sanctioned Guilds who send the most "news worthy" articles in each month will
earn 3 Pearls to be credited to their Guild Account!
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