1995-02-25
Recovered original text · preserved verbatim
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NEVERWINTER NEWS
Issue #72
Week Ending 2-25-95
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FRONT PAGE
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Congratulations to Starkadh for winning last week's News of the Realm
contest.
Starkadh has earned choice of 4 Pearls or 2 Free Hours of On-line time to be
credited to their account. WTG!
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I'm pleased to announce that NW Arwen has been promoted to the position of
Assistant Coordinator of AOL Games. Mary Ann has done a great job as
Coordinator of Neverwinter Nights and I'm looking forward to working more
closely with her.
NW Snowie has been promoted to the position of Neverwinter Nights
Coordinator. Wendy has been closely involved with every aspect of
Neverwinter Nights and has been Mary Ann's assistant. NW Essex (Brian), will
be taking over the Assistant Neverwinter Nights Coordinator position.
Mike DeArruda
AOL Games Coordinator
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Melee booth 22 Feb 95 at 9pm ET.
Winners of 8 pearls each!
ITB DIABLO.
SOL BEAR
EVILWARLOC
BASHIRO
LRD SHADES
SASHATAN 2
Congrats all!
NW Aerich
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Results from Poison Mini-Event:
Winners of 2 pearls each!
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ITB DIABLO
RALST1NAR
FF DEFENDR
ZANDRAKKAS
XU X1ANG
EVILWARLOC
NWT Nasti
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Magic Missle Booth 2/24/
Winner with 71 points of damaage goes to ITB LASHER.
He wins 4 pearls and 1 free hour!
Congrats!
NWA Edge
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On a cold February night I recieved an important message from Lord Nasher
that he had gotten word of an evil magician operating out of Floodblest. He
ordered me to assamble a party to search the mage out. Announcing my quest I
was soon joined by many brave fighters in Neverwinter Square. Assembaled and
armed we headed east. With Dracsbane, Chramon, Machiavell, Gemini 571, Jelek,
Logan Tera we march through the Wharfs. Crossing into Floodblest the dreaded
Punt Monster struck, devouring 4 of our party. But thanks to the gods all but
Chramon returned. Resting at the inn we were joined by Red Falcon. Continuing
east we discovered a dry well, thinking it might be a hiding place we
ventured down. We soon discovered viscious beasts dwelled down here. A mighty
Owl Bear devoured brave Dracsbane. but 2 other fighters joined us in our
quest, Tiberius 77 and Earl Bruce. After fighting many monsters Tiberius left
our party, it was roumored that he had found some great magic to he wanted to
savor. After going through several magical portals a strange malady befell
Logan Tera and during a fierce battle Logan walked into a poisonious gas
cloud and died! This truely was an evil place. Bursting through a door we
discovered the mage who cast a mighty magic at us for great damage. Poor
Jelek did not survive and the mage ran away. We chased on and fought many
more beasts but alas we could find no more trace of the evil mage. Even
though we did not capture this mage we learned vauable information to give to
Lord Nasher.
NWA Edge
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Congrats to DARKSINGER, who found the mysterious place where .. "a mage in
sparkling clothes speaks to the hobgobloins". He wins 4 pearls, and a free
hour of online time.
For those who dinna find the place... one further clue.. try south and east.
NW Jester
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*** Saturday, February 25, 1995 ***
The Rebels of the Skye, Tour de Llast, was a success!
Jelek, Seeck, Thinkert, SturmBrBld, Jason 1100, Malor, and Hirluin all joined
me in Neverwinter City Gardens for a tour to Port Llast. On the way we met
Thyrien, Sir MDG, RobertF168, and ElricStorm. Elric joined our group in
Llast and completed the tour with us :D Special honors to Jason who slept
several enemies and finished an Earth Elemental... but fell to an Umber Hulk
in an attempt to defend his party ;/
My thanks to everyone who participated ... I enjoyed your company and look
forward to seeing you in the realms :D
NWA Skye
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"Once again the call to find out where Willo went came to Neverwinter; I
along with Jelek, Mubhcaeb, Renee14452, Tempest56, MasterMojo, Niro, and
Chalithra went to find out what happened to him.
Jelek was lost among the many trees that led to Vilnask, and his mysterious
dissapearance left many of us wondering what this trip had in for us. The
rest of us continued onward to investigate Vilnask. The searching found us
in some secret passages of the city, that beckoned of Willo's presence.
MubhCaeb, sensing strong vibrations of Jelek's whereabouts, went to look for
him: the rest of us continued our search for Willo.
MasterMojo eventually decided to join MubhCaeb and he too left us.
Renee14452, Tempest56, Niro, and Chalithra all descended with me to find
Willo. Along our paths we came across Adventurers who aided us in our cause
(one even helped Tempest when he was eaten by the punt monster! thanks go out
to that adventurer! :). Eventually we came to the door where Willo was held
captive. Unfortunately, the Punt Monster would claim Tempest for good this
time...that mysterious force putting us with an extra hop in our step. Soon
an evil named Voldac challenged us to fight his minions and his slave Mage
who had captured Willo...the Mage didnt stand a chance, and Willo was freed,
in a furious battle of spells and clashing swords.
Voldac who had watched our success from the sidelines muttered about revenge,
but Renee14452, Niro, and Chalithra had saved Willo! :D
Congrats to all! :)
NWA Blade
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NEVERWINTER CALENDAR
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Be on the look out for those Mini Booths that seem to pop up out of nowhere!
Can you be at the right place at the right time when the NW calls for a
location?
Keep your eyes and ears open for these events! Watch for the banners!
New Player Tour:
February 28th Tuesday 7:30 PM ET - Join NWA Mystek for a tour of the Realm.
Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square.
New Player Tour:
March 1st, Wednesday 10:30 PM ET - Join NW Jareth for a tour of the Realm.
Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square.
New Player Tour:
March 4th, Saturday 12:00 PM ET - Join NW Kishpa for a tour of the Realm.
Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square
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ANUBISS
Gorbon and Taarla were in Neverwinter Square ...
When their worst fears came true. Anubiss returned and grabbed Taarla and
disappeared as fast as he had appeared. But Gorbon was ready for him this
time. Gorbon rushed to the home of the great sage who had been tracking
Anubiss since the last time he captured Taarla. Gorbon ran into the sage's
home to find a wall of mist and the image of Anubiss in the middle of it.
The sage directed Gorbon to prepare himself to be teleported. Gorbon stood
with his sword drawn back, prepared to wield a death dealing blow. The sage
teleported Gorbon so that he materialized just to Anubiss's right. As soon
as Gorbon materialized, he cried out and swung his sword. The disorientation
from the teleportation caused his swing not to be as true as it normally
would be. Instead of the death dealing blow he had wanted, Gorbon's sword
struck Anubiss in the shoulder and knocked him to the floor.
Gorbon's vision did not clear in time for him to see Anubiss untie a rope
that lie next to him, but he could not miss the scream that came from his
beloved Taarla. The rope that Anubiss had untied was racing across the
floor, over a pulley and falling into a dark pit with Taarla tied to the
other end. With no time to think, Gorbon dropped his sword and grabbed the
rope before it plunged into the pit taking Taarla with it.
Anubiss took a moment to cure his shoulder then stood up with a hideously
evil grin on his face. His despicably clever plan had succeeded. "I was not
certain how you would find her paladin, but I knew you would succeed some
how. So I prepared this welcome for you." With great pride in his cunningly
evil success, Anubiss described his plan to Gorbon. "You see Taarla is
suspended over a pit. That pit has a bottom somewhere around 1700 feet down.
I have never measured it myself." Anubiss said with an evil smile "but
perhaps Taarla can measure it on her way down."
Gorbon continued to hold fast to the rope as he found himself suspended
opposite of Taarla. Anubiss walked around the suspended couple while he
continued to delight in his trap. "You will also notice that Taarla's rope
has a counter weight tied to it. Considering it is holding you two in
perfect balance, I must say the I guessed your weight very well paladin."
Anubiss chuckled then continued, "You now have two choices paladin. You can
hang there until your strength finally gives out and watch your lady love
fall to her death, or you can place yourself and your soul into my service."
Gorbon, his grip on the rope slipping, desperately looked for a way out of
the trap. "No deal Anubiss. Neither Taarla nor I fear death. We have an
eternity to share our love on the other side." "Those are words easily
spoken paladin. Lets see how you feel when you are the cause of her death."
With that, Anubiss left the room.
The muscles in Gorbon's arms were screaming in pain as he refused to let go
of the rope. There had to be some way out Gorbon thought. Though he knew he
would never serve Anubiss, he desperately did not want to watch his beloved
Taarla fall to her death. As the rope continued to slide through his hands,
tears came to Gorbon's eyes as he realized he was powerless to stop what was
about to happen. He looked to Taarla knowing that they had only a few
moments left in this life together. Taarla spoke softly to Gorbon, "I will
always be you my beloved." As Taarla blew a kiss to Gorbon, the last of the
rope slid through his fingers. Gorbon landed on the floor in a heap as
Taarla fell into the darkness of the pit, completely out of sight. "TAARLA!"
Gorbon cried out. His heart had never experienced a pain such as he now
felt. He had rushed to rescue Taarla and now he had failed. Anubiss was
right, the words were far more easily said then they would be to live with.
Gorbon's heart sobbed in great anguish. By the time he noticed the gas that
was filling the room, it was too late. Gorbon felt sleep overtake him and he
slumped into unconsciousness. When Gorbon regained consciousness, he found
himself shackled to a wall, with Anubiss close by. "It's about time you
wokeup!" Anubiss laughed as he tormented Gorbon. "You have failed paladin.
Asyou failed the first time I took her. But I will give you another chance."
With that, Anubiss opened a door and four orcs carried Taarla into the
roombound and gagged, but very much alive.
"This has been too much fun. I couldn't let it end so quickly." Anubiss
broke into a laugh that chilled Gorbon to his very soul. "You will give in
to me paladin. Sooner or later, you will beg for me to take you into my
service." "Never!" cried Gorbon, "I would die first!" "That may be true
paladin, but I am here to teach you that it is far more difficult to live for
what you believe than to die for it"
Gorbon looked on in horror as Taarla was tied to a torture rack. With a
wavefrom Anubiss's hand, the orcs tightened the rack 'till the ropes on
Taarla'sarms and legs were tight. "From this point on paladin, every turn of
thecrank causes her incredible pain and eventually the muscles in her legs
andarms will be torn apart. You have the power to stop this. All you need
todo is swear to serve me." Gorbon pulled on his shackles with all
hisstrength but the chains held fast.
Anubiss looked towards Taarla, "The same holds for you Taarla. Pledge
yourservice to me and I will spare you the agony of the rack, and you will
spareGorbon the pain of watching you be tortured to death." Taarla spat
herdefiance at Anubiss, "You will pay for this one day Anubiss!"
Furious,Anubiss ordered the orcs to turn the crank. Taarla tried not to cry
out, butthe pain was too much. Gorbon pulled on the shackles 'till they cut
throughto the bone in his arms, but still they held him tight.
"This is absurd!" Anubiss yelled. Either one of you can stop this! Justtell
me what I want to here! Anubiss ordered the crank turned again. "I love you
my beloved" Taarla cried out. Suddenly a great crash of lightning shattered
the ceiling, and the voice of Set called out. "Enough of this! Your feeble
attempts to break these two are embarrassing me!" Anubiss dropped to his
knees. "Mighty Set, I am just about to succeed. Give me just a few more
minutes." Anubiss suddenly disappeared and Gorbon and Taarla found
themselves standing in the middle of the lost hills. Set addressed the two
of them, "I will not stand by and watch a servant of mine make such a fool
out of himself. Your love for each other has proven too strong to be broken
by such feeble attempts. Anubiss will not bother you again. Though some day
I may send a far more crafty and subtle servant." Set's voice faded into an
evil laugh.
Gorbon and Taarla embraced, relieved that their ordeal was over. They were
safe ..................... for now.
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We are like kin
As we toast our gin
Thinken I'd sin
For your heart to win
You are so fine
Like smooth elven wine
I wish you were mine
All of the time
Being as one
We kiss under the sun
Having such fun
I hope we're never done
The sky is so blue
Your lips moist as dew
For thee I'd be true
It's you I want to woe
Oh how I love thee
As we embrace under a tree
I get down on my knee
I hope you'll marry me
MadogMclur ;)
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Love for my Elven Blade
Oh How I love thee...
My fine elven blade
Pulsating with magic
Long ago made
You slice through anything
Easily with flesh
Nothing holds you back
Not even armor mesh
I cannot believe
How durable you are
And how I cannot resist
Your temptations thus far
You call to me
Night and day
Pressuring me always
To constantly slay
Giving in I must
Or insane shall I go
How I fear thee
One will never know
But when you're readied
My fears go away
Having tempted me
To fight another day
And as I triumph
Once again I can see
There's always more out there
To give unto thee
Oh how I love thee
My fine elven blade
Pulsating with magic
Long ago made
-ElStinger the Elf
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Hellgate Keep - Chapter 2
The brothers of COR ...
awaken late the next afternoon to Jakwar's voice. He stands by his cabin
talking to a large brown bear. "Kallen, haven't you gone home yet? A little
to much fun last night, eh."Before their eyes the bear stands upright. The
fury coat receeds. "Man I must still be sleeping." Doekiller rubs his eyes.
Looking again he focuses on Kallen conversing with Jakwar. JJ, Silvir, and
Doe stumble into the cabin. There they find WJP sitting at the table behind a
steaming bowl of stew. "There's more on the fire." notes WJP, "help
yourselves." Jakwar steps into the cabin to find the four have finished the
entire pot of stew. "Glad I ate before you woke up." He retrieves a wooden
scroll tube from a nearby shelf. "Four days ago Kallen and I happened upon a
party of clerics. We'd never seen their sect before, hesitation almost killed
us both. When they attacked we figured it was safe to assume they were
evil.
This message was taken off the body of one of the slain clerics."
::Lord Gargauth,
Your orders have been delivered to our allies. The good guilds
of Neverwinter will pose no obstacle to your plans. They will be kept busy
with their own problems.
YOUR FAITHFUL SERVANT
BAELER::
"Remember the ring we found in Westbridge, WJP. Each cleric wore an exact
copy. I think the riddle has been solved for us. I didn't recognize the name
Gargauth. Talther, the High Druid, knew it right away. A god of evil, so foul
the others cast him out. He's now a quasi-power that roams the realms trying
to recover his home. Our first stop is Silverymoon, the Lady Alustriel.
Traveling hard it'll take a tenday to reach her. After an audience, if we can
get one, we'll make further plans."
Night falls, supplies are packed and repacked. Armor is shined, repaired and
weapons sharpened. The next morning the Faithful members of COR leave the
valley.
In Neverwinter Jakwar's hawk, Jhassel, lands outside the dining room window
of the COR guildhouse. A loud shriek draws the attention of Sir Mage from his
breakfast. He opens the window allowing Jhassel inside. The large bird
perches on the back of his chair. The assembled members watch with interest.
"I don't see a message." observes Sir Mage "The gold band on her leg."
remarks another He reaches out and touches the inscribed band of gold. A
picture of a small cabin seen from high above fills his mind. He flies lower,
in through the open door and lands on a perch in the corner. JJ, Doekiller
and Silvir Fox enter to join WJP. Jakwar comes in minutes later. Each word of
the conversation is heard with perfect clarity. Jakwar takes him from the
perch. Walking outside he gives orders to fly to the COR guildhouse. Then to
find them on the trail to Silverymoon. Sir Mage withdraws his hand stumbling
as his normal vision returns. He sends a serving lady to find Volant. Jhassel
hops to the window ledge and flies to the east. That evening Sir Mage tells
the assembled officers of his experience. Volant sends messengers to the
other guilds. He then posts a message of caution to all COR members. Volant
growls "Well lets just see how busy this Gargauth can keep us." With that the
meeting is adjourned.
Four days after leaving Neverwinter Jhassel sails high above the road between
Yartar and Everlund. She glides effortlessly among the shifting thermal.
Sharp eyes scour the lengthening shadows of evening looking for the group.
Movement within the Trollmoors catches her attention. A shifting of
feathers changes her direction to the north. Soaring over the blighted land
she spies small groups of trolls joining together. They move northeast,
parallel to the road. Jhassel catches a down draft and quickly dives towards
the road. Minutes later she shoots past Jakwar's head. Turning in a long
graceful arch she lands on his outstretched arm. Her information is quickly
passed throughout the group. Doekiller turns his head, "We could just keep
moving, try to outrun them." "No, we'd be tired, in the open and in the
dark." Answers Silvir shaking his head, "All the bonuses would be on their
side. We need to find someplace we can defend." The group contiues down the
road scanning the countryside. A thick stand of trees in the shape of a
horseshoe is found to the south of the road. WJP walks among the close knit
trees. "Theres no way for a troll to fit through here. They'll have to come
in by the front door." "I'd swear by Mielikki that these trees were
intentionally planted like this." Jakwar runs his hand along the truck of a
tree. "Look at how they grow, in perfect rows." WJP and Jakwar move back to
the other three. Jhassel sits in a tall tree looking out across the
landscape. No fire is kindled, the group eats a cold meal. Flasks of oil are
set out beside bedrolls. A pile of deadwood is laid out, ready to light.
Weapons are kept close at hand. The first watch is drawn by JJ. The other
four crawl into their blankets sleeping lightly. In the light of the quarter
moon JJ unseals fireball scrolls. 2 hours later he awakens Doekiller for his
watch. The moon shines from directly overhead when the first shuffling steps
are heard. Doekiller notices the other four warriors awaken. All remain in
their places as the first trolls enter the meadow. Seeing a sleeping camp,
they charge.
Jhassel unleashes a shrill cry. She dives from her perch like a falling rock,
leveling off just out of reach. Each claw releases a length of cord which is
tied to a thin skinned flask of oil. Her wings pound against the air as she
climbs skyward. Jakwar and WJP roll from their blankets. Both snatch a mighty
two handed sword from their bedroll. They sprint into the thick trees. One to
the left the other to the right. Flasks of oil, hurled by JJ and Silvir,
begin landing within the troll ranks. The flasks shred on impact. A cascade
of oil drenches the attackers just as Doe finishes reading the first scroll.
An orange glow flies from his hand. The fireball grows as it speeds across
the meadow, finally erupting among the trolls. It quickly triples in volume
consuming the flammable enemy. Confusion and their fear of fire overcomes
them. The remaining trolls try to flee. With a mighty battle cry WJP charges
from the left. When the they turn to defend themselves Jakwar charges. His
sword begins cleaving trolls from behind. JJ and Silvir grab pieces of
deadwood lighting the torches with burning hands spells. They move cautiously
around the severed limbs. All body parts are drenched with oil and ignited. A
light breeze pulls the smoke and stench of burning trolls from the clearing.
When the flames die, there is nothing but silence. By the moonlight each
warrior takes a head count, wide grins crease their faces. The silence is
broken by a cheer of COOORRRR! that rings through the meadow.
It takes nearly an hour for the adrenalin within them to run its course.
Exhaustion overtakes the warriors one at a time. The remainder of the nights
watches are split between WJP, Jakwar and Silvir. They awake to a hot cup of
tea, fruit and cheese. Silvir points at Jhassel's perch. "She left about a
half hour ago." "Speaking of your friends," says Doe, seating himself next
to Jakwar. "Is Kellan a Lycanthrope?"Jakwar sips his tea. "They prefer to be
called Children of Selune, at least the good ones." "That's good to hear. I
was wondering what I drank back in the valley." chuckles Doe
JJ wanders around the clearing. He stops to touch the grass. Next he moves to
the trees, examining several. "I know that fireball burst right in this area.
Theres not a single burn mark anywhere."All wander the clearing finding
nothing but green grass and healthy trees. Each gives a prayer of thanks.
Extra care is taken while breaking camp. The meadow is left looking untouched
by human hands. Late in the morning they once again stand on the road.
Everlund is over 10 hours away. They decide to alternate their pace, jogging
every other mile.
Jakwar
COR HERALD AND EXPLORER
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Me Drunken Tale
As I Made me way back to Neverwinter, thoughts of ...
Me thoughts at Strider's Inn, all shall receive a round
But as me luck would have it, an adventurer bumped into me
He looked me in the eyes and said, "may I adventure with thee?"
I grumbled to meself but said, "sure, no sweat :)"
Thoughts of ale began to diminish, I said "cloud giants be np I bet :)"
On our way to Floodblest, me had another thought
I'd forgotten the mug o ale from Striders I had previously bought
A swig here, a swig there...I was feelen fine
And me looked at the time, it wasn't even half past nine!
As I made me way to the area, where cloud giants tend to await
I rushed in and yelled, 'CCCOOORRR!!!' , but found I was too late :(
Cloud Giants were no longer there, and I was getten mad
I asked Reharachty if bugbears would be fine.He needed exp real bad
He smiled a wicked smile and said, "that would be just fine"
As we headed to the well, I had gone to manya time
Bugbears here, bugbears there, they seemed to be everywhere
The passion o COR burning (or was it me ale?), I didnt seem to care
And as soon as we had begun, it had all come to an end
For we parted and I made me way back to an inn to remem
'Ahhhhhh,' I groaned, as I thought of the ales to test
Striders Inn shall I go, to have a drink and a little rest
Unfortunatly luck would have it, Striders had already closed
But me thoughts, 'Maybe there is a party at Nasher's...who knows?'
The last thing I remember, is waking up not knowing where I was at
Or was it that sharp sword poking into my back
"Get up you bum!," a guard of Lrd Nasher's ordered
"What is it you're doing, in Nasher's wife's quarters?!"
I stumbled to me feet, and put me hand to me head
'Ohhhhh, ' I said, with the ache in my head and thoughts of bein dead
But a feeling of relief overwhelmed me right there and then
As I noticed it was just Strider, talken to me in his den
It had all been a dream, and I told Strider "It's time for me to go"
When Mrs. Nasher walked in and kissed me on the cheek. "NOOO!"
COR EXPLORER AND DUNKEN POET
MADOGMCLUR
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Ode to the One I Love
A Match made in heaven
I think when I'm with thee
Being around you
Fills me with glee
When I partake of thee
I always want more
And when we're on a roll
I never know whats in store
You never complain
When I go out
And when I come home
You never shout
Being around you
Makes me feel good
You are so bubbly
Yet too misunderstood
When others are near
You have the same effect
And sometimes I wonder
How you're so perfect
And if not for you
I'd lose meaning in me tales
You're the one who calls for me
"Drink! Drink!" You are me ale :)
COR'S DRUNKEN POET
MadogMclur ;)
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The Story of the Bracelet
Chapter 7: Time to Burn
(By Vallus)
"I've torched your kind before and I can do it again!" said Crystal as
she raised her arm to fire a energy blast from her bracelet. The neogi just
laughed. "Fool you are. Doka fool was for wasting power his lordservants
protecting. You I will now destroy." The Neogi narrowed it's eyes and it's
emerald amulet glowed with green light. Simultaneously, both the amulet and
the bracelet glowed at the same time and green and red energy rays shot out
from their respective sources. The two rays collided and the boundary between
them moved back and forth. The Disc of Guardianship glowed and Leoster opened
it, a figure appeared with it's feet on the large ruby. "Leoster" it said "
know now that the Bracelet of Power and Disc of Guardianship are most
powerful when their energies are linked. Close the Disc and then place it so
that the Bracelet's beam passes through the large ruby on the Disc and the
power of Crystal's energy ray will be doubled. I can say no more." The figure
disappeared and Leoster closed the Disc. Sweat was beginning to show on
Crystal's forehead while no discernable difference showed on her opponent.
"Time to bring this game of Dualing Death Rays to a close!" said Leoster as
he placed the Disc within Crystal's ruby beam as directed. As he did so, the
beam seemed to grow brighter and it quickly gained ground on it's emerald
opponent. Panic showed in the Neogi's face as it's energy ray was pushed
closer and closer to it. The crimson beam drove drove through the Neogi's
emerald amulet, disintegrating the gem within and then disintegrated the
Neogi leaving nothing but dust.
"Thanks for the assist." said Crystal "Anytime" said Leoster "might as well
get into the habit since it looks like we'll be working together for a
while." Just then, a bell sounded, it seemed to come from everywhere. "Oh
no!" exclaimed Crystal "We've got to get out of here! The tower's about to
explode!" "But how? We're too far from the teleport doorway!" said Leoster
"I've got an idea! C'mon!" With that Crystal grabbed Leoster by his robe and
pulled him out the window. As they cleared the tower, it exploded, leaving
Leoster and Crystal falling with an uncertain fate.
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Talorin the Rogue
(by Mabster3)
As the man hid. in the secret passageway behind a large painting that was
located in the hallway leading to the Kings throne room, he heard to men
talking. He assumed they were guards protecting the throne room from
unwanted intruders. He leaned closer to the back of the painting to get a
better earful of what the two men were saying.
"Have you heard of the man that escaped from the King's dungeon last
week?" asked a deep voiced man.
"I heard a couple of the guards in the barracks saying something about
that, but I thought it was all just some rumor." replied a younger sounding
voice.
Nay, nay. That was no rumor you were hearing. I caught it straight
from the captain's mouth."
"What was the man doing in the dungeon anyway? And how did he escape? I
thought that dungeon was the tightest dungeon in all the land!"
"The captain said he had been seen, dressed all in black, leaving the
King's very own vault room hefting a large bag of gold coins. The captain
and four other sentries gave chase. The captain said he ran like the wind,
fast and silent, even though he was carrying the sack of coins. Finally,
they cornered him. Dropping the bag, he pulled a gleaming scimitar out from
beneath his cloak. He took two guards lives before the remaining three
brought him down!" The man behind the painting smiled widely when he relized
they were speaking of him. "Now about his escape, not a person knows how the
man fled from the prison. One night he was there for his dinner, the next
morning there wasn't a trace of him. It was just like he had never been
there at all. Some are speaking of sorcery, but I don't believe in the
stuff."
The captain said this man was strange looking indeed. He stood no
greater than a ten year old lad, but had the wrinkled skin of a man that had
seen many, many winters. He had a topknot of chestnut brown hair, but not a
sign of facial hair appeared on his face in the fortnight that he spent in
his cell. The captain said his muscles appeared as if they were chiseled out
of stone. He was small but he was as strong as the granite walls this castle
is build from."
"By god, that man seems like rouge from the Pits of Satan themselves.
If he ever comes around again, I bet I could show him a thing or two about
sword play that he would never forget."
At these words, the small man named Talorin, stepped out from behind
the painting. He drew not one scimitar, but two, the one in his right hand
started glowing with a fierce purple light. As he started toward the two
dumbfounded guardsmen, his coat of black chainmail not making even the
slightest sound, he said, "Well then how 'bout I take you up on that little
bet then. I always like learning new routines I can use to kill my next
adversary..."
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The Great Purge Part Three
(Submitted by Simarin)
I awoke at the cock's crow and climbed out of bed, ready to start what was
sure to be a long day. I quickly bathed and dressed before sitting down to
polish my armor and check my supplies. Soon I was fully suited and striding
out the door and down the stairs into the common room for a hearty breakfast.
Halfway through my bacon Ardrim arrived, but it wasn't until we were both
nearly through with our meal that LTT staggered down the stairs. He appeared
to be fighting a mild headache (Ardrim and I had warned him about the Frenzy,
but does he ever listen?) and appeared less then fresh, but he seemed just as
ready as we to begin our quest. Almost as ready, anyway. By the time he
had received his meal both Ardrim and I were completely finished with ours.
"Just what kind of ogre-brained idea is that?!" exploded LTT. "Without
a good breakfast I won't be able to go on! I'll be too weak to fight and'll
end with a sword in me belly, and you'll be less one bloody cleric!" I
winked at Ardrim. "Do you think that the thieves will just sit on their
thumbs until you're finished eating? They might very well decide to storm
Lord Nasher's castle within the next half hour! Then they'de have control of
the largest city on the Sword Coast north of Waterdeep. Innocents would die
in troves, and all because we had to wait for you to eat breakfast!" Ardrim
was shaking wit silent laughter by now, and LTT was racking his brain for a
good reason for us to stay here so he could have his breakfast, which was
growing colder every second we argued. Then he smiled. "What good will it
do if we charge in there screaming with our weapons in our hands and not one
single idea in our heads? It won't do any good at all. We need to stay here
and form our strategy." He smiled triumphantly. "So be it, let us plan," I
replied, beaten.
Soon the mood turned serious, however, as we sat and disscused our plans.
We now knew that the thieves' hideout lay in the western section of
Southwall, but it was undoubtedly extremely well-hidden. "We can't hope to
stumble upon it by chance, and if we spend the time needed to search for it,
then the thieves shall know us to be the ones who destroyed their brethen
yesterday. If they don't attack us in scores, then I have no doubt they'll
lay some nasty traps for us, should we come anywhere near discovering their
lair." Ardrim spoke sense, and truth. We all sat pondering his words for
long moments before LTT suddenly spoke up. "Then the hunters become the
hunted, the trackers become the tracked, and the watchers become the watched.
We'll hide all throughout the western portion of Southwall until one of us
sees them, and then we'll let them lead us directly to their lair." "Agreed,"
I said. "But what should happen if they see us go into hiding? They'll not
make a move to give away their position, and the whole day shall go to waste,
unless we can find some way to be sure there are none about when we take up
our posts." Suddenly Ardrim's lavender eyes lit up. "I think I have an
idea..."
Before another hour had passed I was trudging through the north-western
portion of Southwall carrying a food cart behind me, and casting nervous
glances about that were not entirely faked. The poor farmer's clothes on my
back had cost little, and the cost of the cart and all the food inside hadn't
been anything unreasonable. At two different points in western Southwall,
LTT and Ardrim appeared likewise. The plan was simple: with nothing left in
Southwall but adventurers, guards, and extremely large and rare parties of
farmers, a lone farmer would bring a thieves as surely as honey brought
flies. If there were any to see that lone farmer, that is. If no one
attacked, then no one was around, meaning it was safe to take up our
positions.
I meandered around a bit more just to be sure no one was about before
suddenly taking a running leap towards the wall of a nearby building. My
hands grasped a window sill, and I hauled myself up. I reached upwards
again, and this time my hands siezed the edge of the top of the building. I
climbed up quickly, and as soon as I was up I flattened myself before running
my gaze along the street below. I breathed a sigh of relief. No one had
seen. I quickly found a depression which I could lie in and be able to see
anyone on the street without them being able to see me. Then I watched and
waited as the sun climbed the sky. I saw very little during this time, only
a few parties of adventurers and patrols of Royal Guards. Twice I was sure I
saw shadows that seemed to move, and I watched the thieves closely both
times, but they merely passed on to another street.
* * * * * * * *
*
Lacam sat in the shadows, watching my barely visible form from the
safety of the shadows. He was a senior guild member, and so had been
immeadiatly suspicious of a single farmer treading where only a score of his
brethen would do likewise. So the thief waited, and was there to see my
climb to the roof. This spectacle of mine proved his suspisions, and led him
to wait and watch to see what I would do next. Despite the fact that he was
a major crimp in our plans, he provided us with help that far outweighed any
problems he might have caused. For he was a senior guild member, and so his
absence from the guild was noticed. Large groups of thieves were sent forth
by the guild to search for him, and the fact did not go unoticed by Ardrim,
who was in a perfect position to watch their comings and goings and to take
note of the building they came from.
* * * * * * *
*
Ardrim had been watching the building constantly since he had first
discovered it was at least connected to the thieves' hideout. His drow
eyesight found penetrating the darkness no problem at all, and within an hour
he had figured out the routine by which the thieves were sent out. Then he
made his move.
His inborn agility and stealth allowed him to drop silently from the
building he had been watching from and to make his way over to the building.
The next pack of scum would be coming in in about two minutes, and he had to
move quickly. The building was directly west of the Farmer's Well, and
inside was a door to the north and south in addition to the one the dark elf
had entered. Once inside, Ard quickly discovered the darkest corner and crept
into it. He didn't have to wait long, for it was only minute later that half
a dozen thieves slipped in through a secret passage in the wall to the north.
They quickly searched the room for intruders and of course completely missed
the well-hidden elf. Satisfied that they were alone, they entered the door
to the south and were followed by Ardrim.
Inside here they turned to the west side of the room and the leader made
his way to the wall. A second later a trap door opened up and the thieves
all climbed in. To Ardrim's great delight, the last one dropped a dagger on
the way down, and searched a bit before finding it and hurrying to catch up
with the group. In his haste, he had left the trap door open. The dark elf
quickly descended into the lower room, and stood in shadows, waiting to see
what the thieves would do next.
The leader approached what appeared to be an opening in the wall without
a door, but it needed no door, since Ardrim's inborn magical abilities told
him the door was protected by a powerful spell. The leader approached a foggy
spot in the air, and inscribed something on it. The barrier lifted, the band
entered, and the barrier returned, with the foggy part now clear. But Ardrim
had had enough time to see what it was and was all ready hurrying out of the
building.
* * * * * * *
I sat under the blistering sun, the street still calm, with no life
stirring. Or so I thought. A moment later I heard a loud cracking sound,
and a moment later Ardrim emerged from the shadows. "Sim, you were supposed
to be watching for thieves, not letting one watch you," said the elf as he
displayed the body of a dead thief, his head cracked open and oozing blood.
Then I heard a click, and I leapt off the building as crossbow bolt grazed my
arm. I came down in a forward roll, taking away much of the force of the
impact before leaping to my feet and drawing my blade.
Three thieves rushed me and two rushed Ardrim, another holding back to
reload his crossbow. "Maybe you should watch your own back, ye lazy drow!" I
called as my blades clashed with those of the thieves. My friend, however,
was too busy to answer. It didn't take me long to take out two thieves, but
the third proved to be of tougher stuff than the other two, and quicker as
well. He held two daggers and deflected a thrust of mine and while my sword
arm was still being thrown outward by the force, he leapt in with one dagger
aimed at my head, the other at my stomach. My shield slammed into his gut,
knocking the wind out of him, and my sword quickly finished him.
I suppose it was lucky for me that he lasted as long as he did, for a
crossbow bolt intended for me flew straight into the death thief's skull. I
quickly threw myself down and glanced up to assess the current situation.
Ardrim was lying slumped against the wall with a quarrel in his chest, and
the crossbowman was currently reloading. Suddenly a blast of magic sent him
flying through the air to land at my feet, quite dead.
LTT walked up, a grin on his face. "Got tired of waiting. Where's
Ardrim?" I gestured towards the drow's prone form, and LTT grew serious when
he saw how badly our comrade was injured. "We must get him back to
Neverwinter quickly Sim, for I don't possess the power to heal a wound as bad
as this."
Back in Neverwinter we took Ard to the Red Mage Inn and found a cleric
to tend him. For a price, of course. "We can't stop now, LTT. They know
we're on to them, and we have to move quickly." I paced Ardrim's room while
LTT sat on the bend, checking on the drow. "Aye, but he must know something,
for he wouldn't have left his post if he didn't. What good is it if we go
back without the knowledge he has? It'll waste even more time." Suddenly
Ardrim's eyes fluttered open, and he began to speak in a weak, soft voice.
"Mansion.... across from..... the Well..... south door, then west wall....
look for trap door, password," he gasped as a spasm of pain hit him.
"passwerd," he continued even more weakly. "Beholder beckerds..." he fell
unconscious. LTT and I both agreed that we must leave now, for time might
run out at anytime. Determinedly, we marched forth from the Inn and back
into Southwall to storm the thieves' lair and make Southwall safe once more
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three renegade KAAOS members...
were caught by local gaurds in the Triboar Arena trying to disrupt a guild
battle between the Undead and Bright Blades guilds. The offenders, Doomers,
Lasc1via and P1rate, were taken to gaurd headquarters, but the charges were
dropped because of lack of evidence. Nashers guard advise citizens to keep
carraige doors locked and to travel in large groups in the triboar area for
safety.
Witnesses said that Doomers entered first, and was nice for one battle. He
sat back and watched the battle; exactly what you might expect a little green
guy would do. Little did they all know that he had P1rate and Lasc1via
en-route to help him bring havoc to the battles. That fight ended without
incident.
The score is now tied between UDL and BB, and the final match begins.
Before you know it, ol' Doomers jumps in and starts letting holds fly like
hungry harpys. P1rate, Lasc1via and a "hanger-on" person soon followed, and
it's suddenly a "do-over". Many of the UDL warriors were there, however, to
hammer the intruders into dust, until they re-entered anyway. Personally, I
was glad to see that KAAOS still had some members who knew where to find a
good party to crash. ;>
The final match was moved to another square in the arena and went on
without any more trouble. The Bright Blades won in a humm-dinger of a battle.
SLAYER
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
While adventuring throughout the realms, I've come across curious spell
effect. I've noticed, that when I have mirror images, and someone casts upon
me (say a lightning bolt, magic missle or fireball) occasionally it will hit
my images and do no damage to me. Now, they effect that is curious to me
is.if I cast upon myself, I've never hit an image. Is this because, I know
my which me is real?
Since we are on the topic of mirror images, I'll go further. Say I cast
mirror image AND minor globe. Once again I am beseiged by PC's. They cast
numerous LB's and FB's my way. Again, occasionally they hit an image.
Wouldn't the minor globe (on me) negate that? Shouldn't my image 'know' I
have a globe, and in effect act like the real me and get an 'unaffected'? Or
is any 'attack' on an image cause enough to erase it?
Signed,
Which Me Is Me?
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Dear Which Me Is Me,
I'm glad you brought this subject up. It's one that has many people baffled
and we should drag it into the light for examination.
To answer your spoken questions: The Mirror Image will cast illusions to
befuddle your enemies. When you're casting upon yourself, you already know
where you are, so the images aren't affected. When you cast a Minor Globe,
specifically, it will affect only your person. If an enemy casts at you,
there is a chance that it will be casted at an image instead.. no, the images
aren't affected by your Globe because they're only illusions.
To answer your unspoken questions: I realize that it may be difficult to
repeatedly see yourself be blown out of existance. The question of how this
affects your psyche is a metaphysical one, and deserves to be studied.
Perhaps we can make an appointment and you can lay down and discuss it with
me. Though my calendar is fairly full, you can make an appointment with my
secretary.
NW Abby
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