1995-03-11
Recovered original text · preserved verbatim
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NEVERWINTER NEWS
Issue #74
Week Ending 3-11-95
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FRONT PAGE
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Congratulations to MadogMclur for winning last week's News of the Realm
contest.
MadogMclur 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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*** March Trivia Results ***
** First Place - Raithe 31 points! ***
** Second Place - Snaak 28 points! **
* Third Place - Trojan 16 points! *
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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
* Third Place - 2 FREE hours and 15 Pearls
Congrats and thanks from NW Baldor and NW Thorn : )
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<<>>March WWAI Night!<<>>
When: March 16th
Time: 10 PM Eastern time
Where:The Great Hall Tavern
Come join NW Aziza and NW Jester for the March edition of:
<<>><<>> Who/What/Am/I <<>><<>>
Prizes:
First Place: 25 Pearls + 4 hours
Second Place: 20 Pearls + 3 hours
Third Place: 15 Pearls + 2 hours
Check in the NW Events folder for the Rules!;D
Cya There!
NW Aziza and NW Jester
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Congratulations to KEFGandalf! On 3/5/95 he did 71 hit points of damage to
NWA Jelal in the Magic Missle Mini-Event Booth in Southwall.
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Took the folks down to Willo's in Vilnask for a little adventuring. In tow
was GribokB, Talistar, Dernhelm, Grondel, Wolfgora, Thal Torin. We entered
the town seeking clues to the whereabouts of Willo. I was on a mission for
Sinestra, to seek out this person who may have abducted him.
Wolfie had to beg off after awhile and we picked up Lilitha and Chalithra.
Trillin got bushwacked by the Kegs and cloud giant. We continued onwards
leading to our climatic battle with the mage and fire elemental when a magic
vortex lowered itself on our party and hid us away to parts unknown (we all
punted). ;X
Mystek
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Lord Nasher sent word that Willo was still missing and could NW Aziza band
together a party to rescue him! Aziza stood under the tree as many anxious
adventures came to her asking if they could help in the quest. 6 members
were chosen to help her in this deed. Dopher, Darkvesper, Plasmamage,
Weezer8733, ZigZag SS and Anoerate.
The journey was rough and people kept disappearing without a word. Were they
being swallowed by a horrible monster that gave no warning? This did not
stop the fearless travelers with her. They continued on fighting and
conquering the beast that tried to fall their deed.
By the time Aziza and her party had gotten to the area where they sought out
Willo there was only 2 of the original part left! They were lucky enough to
find others along the path to help finish their quest.
Thanks to all that joined along the way! A special thanks to Weezer8733 and
Zigzag whom stayed and continued on to complete the quest!
Willo is home with his wife resting peacefully after his great ordeal!
NW Aziza
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PVP Booth!
Archeo - winner 3 pearls
ITB Lilyth - winner 3 pearls
TheDarkSun - winner 3 pearls
Kymil Nimn - winner 3 pearls
Sir Rellik - winner 3 perals
Aryndar - winner 3 pearls
Nawutielus - winner 3 pearls
Sirhuma - winner 3 pearls
Eileyana - winner 3 pearls
Malcontent - winner 3 pearls
NW "wondering if saves exist" Thorn
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Trouble at Sea
Kingswill surveyed his young squires...
sparring in the KEF courtyard as he puffed contemplatively on a newly lit
bowl of pipeweed. The young knights were stripped to their waists, a slick
coat of sweat covering each of their bodies as archknight Kingswill pushed
them harder. 'I want to see more defensive moves squires!', Kingswill
shouted loudly across the courtyard, clearly audible above the switching of
the wooden practice swords. 'Not all battles are won on the attack!', he
continued. 'Nice parry Sir Camarus!', Kings bellowed as he noticed his
fastest learning squire execute a perfect triple parry that had opened up his
opponent for a swordstrike to the midsection. It was now late morning and
the squires had been sparring for the better part of it. Kingswill noticed a
small crowd of young women forming under one of the arches leading to the
courtyard, giggling and blushing at the young squires. This prompted him to
move the training elsewhere lest the squires minds begin to wander to their
admirers under the arch.
'OK squires, listen up! Get your full suits on and be at your guard here in
one half hour! Make sure those suits are oiled too. Dismissed!' Kingswill
commanded. He had decided they would be taking a sea voyage to one of the
Hundred islands on such a nice day. He was satisfied with his choice as this
would allow the squires to get used to ocean travel, most having never left
the mainland itself. Kingswill himself was ready to travel, his large green
sea trident held firmly in his hand as he watched the squires assemble. 'To
the docks!' he shouted as soon as the squires stood ready, he himself
marching along side of the paired off knights to be.
In a few moments archknight Kingswill had managed to secure private passage
to the small island he wished to explore, having heard of an ancient cairn
existing on it at one time. The captain of the galley, who smelled of stale
wine and a peculiar incense, shouted orders to his crew as the ship lurched
from the docks. Kingswill laughed as a few squires tumbled into a railing,
quickly learning that railings were for holding and not for smashing their
backs into.
Before long they were under way to the island. The island belonged to a
group of islands called the Hundred islands that lay quite near the large
island of Trisk. Most of the islands in this group were small, only a couple
of acres or so in size. The particular island Kingswill was interested in
was horseshoe shaped and nestled far within the group. A deep channel led
directly to the island and its small harbor. This was according to a map he
had recently purchased from a Port Llast merchant. He had handed this map
over to Captain Cruge along with the fare when he had boarded the ship.
After an hour at sea, with the winds blowing strong and steady, no land was
visible at all. The squires, being fascinated with the sea, had taken up
positions on the galley's observation deck, their oiled platemail shining
brightly in the mid-day sun. Kingswill puffed on his pipe as he walked and
made small talk with a bare chested sailor, tattooes running up and down the
length of both his arms. As he watched the sailor crank the rigging tighter,
he noticed a small black dot on the horizon directly in front of the ship
signifying the edge of the Hundred islands.
Kingswill then glanced up at the crow's nest to see if the sailor assigned to
that post had spotted it. Sure enough, the sailor's spyglass was aimed
ahead, his attention focused steadfastly on the small dark object. Just as
Kingswill started up his conversation again with the deckmate, a loud cry
startled him. The sailor in the crow's nest was waving his hands furiously
at another sailor below him, Kingswill not being able to discern what was
being said due to the wind whistleing past the deck. The sailor below the
crow's nest then jumped clear to the deck, Kingswill full knowing that
something was amiss as he himself headed to the observation deck at a trot.
As he rounded the corner and the observation deck came into view, only his
squires were gathered there. There was no sign of the sailor who had jumped
or Captain Cruge. Just then the captain came up from below the deck with the
visibly agitated sailor in tow. The captain pulled out a long tube and fixed
it on wooden post near the helm. After pulling out an extension of the tube
and fidgeting with it for quite some time, the captain placed his eye to one
end. 'Fauuugghhh', the old sea captain cursed as he pulled his eye from the
spyglass and began ringing a metal gong that stood alongside the observation
deck. 'What's wrong?', exclaimed Kingswill as the captain repeatedly smashed
the gong with a wooden mallet. 'Take a look fer yerself m'lord', the captain
grumbled.
Kingswill put his eye to the spyglass and after a few moments of focusing, a
sleek, black corsair came into view. Apparently the dark spot he saw
previously wasn't an island after all. As the glass steadied he saw why the
captain and sailors had become so agitated. Rotting corpses were strapped to
both sides of the black corsair, their bodies clearly bludgeoned from the
docking and re-docking of the small ship. Bleached white skulls bedecked the
top of the ship's railing as black armored sailors and soldiers scurried
about the deck. A large, dark bearded man covered in dried blood and gore
shouted orders from behind a blood red eye patch that covered his right eye.
Oars lifted and fell into the dark blue water, aiding the sailing corsair
that speeded towards Cruge's galley. A banner flew from the ship's tallest
mast depicting a most evil scene of dark clad figures each feasting on a
headless corpse admist a battlefield of broken and lifeless bodies.
Kingswill recogized the most foul banner and as he pulled away from the scope
he turned to his squires, 'Squires, prepare for battle. We are about to have
the pleasure of meeting a most infamous swasbuckler named Pirate and his
blood drunk band of KAAOSers. Remember what I said, defensive posture
becomes even more important when confined to a ship! Move it out and keep
your center of gravity low!'
To be continued . . .
Bleeduhard
Knight of the Eternal Flame
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Me drunken tale overflows
Having pleased Nasher, I went on me way
Not knowing exactly where me destiny lay
So I headed north, thru Windycliffs and Port Llast
Trying to put everything behind me in the past
But drinken me ale, I began to wonder
When a Yeti appeared, attempting to tear me assunder
'How could that enchantress under Nightsedge resist me charm?'
While the Yeti was trying to deal me some harm
'Didn't I prove meself worthy with such a good show?'
As I continued avoiding Yeti blow after blow
'Well, tis her loss. No need for me to contemplate why'
As I thrusted me sword into the Yeti which soon died
Feelen better, I decided to stop at the Seven Sails Inn
A local dive for the residents of the city of Luskan
"Yo!, barkeep!" me said, as I walked in with a huff
"Give me a shot of yer best stuff!!!"
The whole bar turned on me in a flash
So hard me thought that I got whip-lash
Eyeing about half a dozen with a glance
'Hrumph, 'me thought, 'they don't even stand a chance'
I pulled out me two-hander and killed two on the spot
While thinken of ale, shots, and the lot
Two more came at me, from me left and me right
I tucked into a roll, as they hit eachother with great might
One of the last simply decided to tred for the door
While the other stood frozen and wet his own drawers
"You...you won't get anything out of me if I'm dead"
I simply shrugged as I wacked him upside the head
The barkeep quivered and voiced, "take what ya like!"
"Fine. " I said, "Now go take a hike!"
Having the bar I pulled up a chair
When a fair lady approached with flowing red hair
"What a show, you handsome young devil"
She looked like a fighter of my class and same level
Me mouth began to widen as I attempted to speak
Smelling of ale, it must have wreaked
"Phhhheeeeeeeww!" she said, "I like my men sober"
"OK," I said, putting down me ale and acting nobler
"But in order to have me you must promise never to drink"
"Don't think so" I said, as I walked out the door and gave her a wink :)
COR'S DRUNKEN POET
-MadogMclur ;)
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The Story of the Bracelet
Chapter 8: Safe for Now
(By Vallus)
For a moment, Leoster and Crystal fell through the air as the tower
exploded behind them. "Great idea Crystal" said Leoster dryly "Now instead of
getting trapped in a time loop we're gonna go splat!" "We're not splatted yet
and we won't be if what I think will happen happens!" As Crystal said that
the world seemed to blur, everything seemed as though Leoster and Crystal
were experiencing double-vision, but they weren't. There were two versions of
the world overlapping, one of Neverwinter 30 years ago and one of Neverwinter
as it was. Suddenly, as two mages of the Arcane Brotherhood fell towards
them, the vision of Neverwinter 30 years ago vanished and they fell towards
the tap room of the Fallen Tower Tavern.
In the taproom of the Fallen Tower Tavern, the bartender had just rung
the bell to signal the onset of the night's "show" and moments later, two
figures crashed through the roof! They rolled clear of the roped off area
just as the two Arcane Brotherhood mages came through the hole to vanish
through the floor. Leoster and Crystal stood up, dusted themselves, and then
walked out the door while the rest of the occupants of the tavern watched
dumbfounded.
"Well, that was fun." said Crystal as they walked out the door. "How did
you know we wouldn't get splatted when we hit?" asked Leoster. "simple"
replied Crystal "I realized that when we passed through the boundaries of
time, the magical force would slow us down enough so that we'd be able to get
down in one piece. Something I learned from Alkazar before..." "Must have
been a great guy, sorry you lost him. C'mon, let's head for the Moonstone
Mask. We need a place to sleep for the night and I think I know how the
Neogi found us the first time."
Later, at the Moonstone Mask, Leoster and Crystal return to find Madame
and the other girls closing up for the night. "Crystal, Leoster, what are you
two doing back here so soon?" was the first thing Madame said "Stop those
Neogi yet?" was the second. "No Madame" said Leoster "but we do have
something that will help us. We just need a place to stay while we decipher
it. But don't worry about the Neogi, I think they can only track us when we
use the magic of either artifact. Tonight we sleep, tommorrow we read."
Crystal and Leoster slept peacefully throughout the night, gathering
their strength for the trials ahead. However, watching The Moonstone Mask
from across the street, was a mysterious figure who did not sleep at all that
night.
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Ode to Death
Ever am I wary
Of your cold touch
Always evading you
Ever so much
You always approach
When one least expects
Those unfortunate
Hopefully one can resurect
But fight I must
For others all the time
Knowing very well
My days are limited of rhyme
-COR'S POET
MadogMclur ;)
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Hellgates Keep
The group leaves the shrine...
walking single file in silence towards Silverymoon. Jak roams far out in
front of the other four. His senses seeking signs of ambush or traces of evil
in the forest. JJ leads the others through areas where they are least likely
to leave clues of their passing.
At noon they catch up to Jak. He is sitting on the bank of a small spring .
During lunch a strong wind begins to blow from the northwest. Dark grey
clouds move in low over the trees. JJ finishes eating and looks up at the
storm clouds. "It'll be snowing before long. I'll start looking for some
shelter along the way." He moves off into the forest, switching places with
Jak. Silvir and WJP spend time praying for spells to resist the coming cold.
Near mid afternoon heavy snow begins blowing through the tress. The warriors
hold their cloaks tightly closed. High winds blast against their exposed
faces. Slowly the warmth of their bodies seeps away into the storm. An hour
later Silvir calls a halt. "I think it's time to use the spells." He steps to
Jak and begins casting. He uses a second spell on himself. WJP does the same
for Doe. The bitter chill is pushed aside. Silvir points to the north, "We
better find JJ and shelter within the next fifteen minutes." They double the
pace, all though of being tracked erased by the storm.
Ten minutes pass before they find JJ. He is huddled in the hollow of a
fallen log. Silvir drapes his cloak over JJ. "Double cloaks should get ya
warmed up. I want that back in about five minutes." "No problem," JJ points
to the east. "There's a small cave a couple of hundred yards away. The
entrance is on the southeast side and I was afraid you guys would go right
past me."
The cave is not much more than a hole. It is a tight fit to get all five
inside. Doe looks around, "I just hope the inhabitants don't come home
tonight." JJ rummages through his pack and withdraws a flask. It's passed
around the group. WJP declines, "I don't drink hard liquor." "It's not Old
One Eye." JJ hands the flask to him. "I bought it from a cleric. It'll take
the chill out of your bones." WJP takes a long swallow. The liquid burns
all the way down and immediately begins warming his blood.
Somewhere in the storm the sun vanishes. Snow continues to fall in the
darkness.
The group sits in the darkness warmed by cleric brew and body heat. Doe can
be heard searching through his pack. A small ray of light appears outlining
his face. He holds a silver coin laying on the piece of cloth it was wrapped
in. "A friend of mine gave this to me long ago. It's enchanted with a
continual light spell. At least we'll be able to see what we're having for
dinner." n "Like I don't have the sight of this stuff memorized." WJP lays a
pouch of trail rations in the middle of the group. "Well I like to see the
people I'm talking to anyway." "Welcome to the life of an explorer." Jak
shakes his head. "I only wish my Jhassel was alive to be a part of COR with
me. Every day I search the Realms for Macmordian. The debt for what he took
from me is long past overdue. So many have died. I used to think me heart
would turn to stone and one day death would no longer bother me. Time has
taught me a different lesson. A heart of stone can not love or care. Each
time evil takes another life from this world a tear comes to the corner of my
eye. Fortunately I am better at hiding them than JJ." A hearty round of
laughter echoes through the cave. Silvir gives JJ a shove. "Don't worry bro I
doubt they'll throw you out of COR for caring about people, even strangers.
After all thats why we're out here sitting in a cave. Not just to protect our
guild but all of the folk of the realms."
Jakwar gets that far away story telling look in his eyes. "COR, have ya ever
met such a bunch of people. I'll never forget that day when the message
arrived from Lightsedge. Probably set a new record for traveling from the
hills to Neverwinter. My armor was polished and I was ready to prove myself
to them. To my surprise it wasn't necessary. When I knocked on the door an
old lady told me to come in. She gave me directions to Lights office."
A smile creases Jak's face recalling the joyous day. "As I walked down the
hall people I had never met called me bro. Steve and Volant walked right up
to me and introduced themselves. Telling me if ever I needed them just
holler. I was in total shock when I reached Lightsedge's office. He must've
known the look I didn't even say anything. No trials, no quests, you're a
Brother of COR. Welcome to the family. When I think of how I was accepted I
feel the need to apologize to Doe once again for the way I treated him when
he applied." Doe reaches out and shakes Jak's hand. "It's ok bro, I know you
were looking out for your family. I'm just glad I got to become a part of it.
As long as we care and stay united there's no way evil will ever win."
"A toast to COR!" JJ pulls out a flask of ale and passes it around.
WJP takes the flask. "Even I'll drink to that. Now put that coin away so we
can get some rest."
"Oh what a miserable night." WJP rubs his neck "All I could dream about was
my bed back in Neverwinter. Well at least the snow stopped."
The group emerges from their cramped nights quarters. A chorus of groans
escapes as each person stretches tightened muscles. Rations are handed out
and breakfast is eaten on the trail. Jak looks up into the clear sky. "Well
as long as there aren't any clouds Jhassel can warn us of any danger. Looks
like we travel together today." The group continues toward Silverymoon. Every
so often the shadow of a large hawk falls across the path.
Around noon they stop in a large clearing full of tracks. The Rangers study
the area.
JJ returns to the group. "Patrol from Silverymoon, horses, tents, they
must've stayed here during the storm. They're not to far off, maybe we can
catch a ride."They jog down the path of horse tracks. Half an hour later the
patrol is glimpsed through the trees. JJ leads the group off the trail. After
motioning them to wait he moves ahead to get a better look. Minutes pass in
silence. Then a shout comes from behind them. "O.K you four move onto the
trail. Do it now or these boys'll fill ya full of quarrels." They move onto
the trail keeping their hands away from all weapons. Doekiller mentally
prepares a spell. Six men appear 20 yards away. Five hold loaded heavy
crossbows aimed at the group. The sixth shouts orders. "Anyone even whispers
and they shoot." The other six of the patrol circle back and come into view.
"Lower your crossbows." The leader introduces himself. "I am Lt. Wester,
Silverymoon militia and since you travel with Paladins I guess you are not
the evil we are guarding against." Thoughts of JJ run through everyone's
head. All eyes remain on Wester. He would appear when convinced all was safe.
Silvir walks over to Wester. Shaking the mans hand he gets no ill feelings.
"We are Brothers of COR, traveling to Silverymoon. If you are headed the same
way may we travel together."
JJ emerges from the woods behind the crossbowmen. "Glad to see everything's
peaceful." The soldiers jump. "Wasn't sure my fireball could get all six of
you and not the brothers."
Introductions are given all around. The group is given five spare mounts. An
hour later they ride into the city. The patrol is dismissed. Lt. Wester leads
them to Lady Alustriel.
Jakwar
COR HERALD AND EXPLORER
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That Which Remains
So much has been done, thought and seen
Some remembered, much more lost
In this realm of ours, like a dream
Swirling in the shrouded mists of time.
Who drank the last glass of wine
made in glorious Myth Drannor?
Who placed the first dusty tome
In the ancient towers of Candlekeep?
Who crafted the first Harpers pin
worn by these brave women and men?
All alas are forgotten...
Who forged the mystical sword Polaris
in the hidden reach of the Dragonspine mountains?
Who walked along the paths of the elven wood
before the vigil of the Standing Stone?
Who set that first, heavy block
for the walls of Waterdeep Palace?
These alas...have slipped away...
The deeds of heros, and treachery of villains
Dragons and battles and songs once sung
Feelings and triumphs and regretful loss
These and so many more...
Eventually escape our mortal minds
If not for the tales of scribes and bards
Of these glorious things left behind...
By Morngrym Verigost
Bard of KORT
A salute to all those who craft the verse and tales we love to
read...for the benefit of the realms...don't ever stop! ;>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Search for Kyle
I strode boldly into the Red Mage Inn...
Several adventurers sat around a table, Mugs of ale foaming to the brims.
There was a quick silence, as the others surveyed the Green and black
uniform, and the Silvery embroiderment that marked me as one of the Fighting
First. I stepped toward the table as I began to recognize a friendly face.
"Encisor! You old dog! how are ya!" The grizzled Paladin stood up, His
plate mail glistening in the soft glow of the fire light in the inn. He stuck
out his hand.
"Hawke! or is it FF Hawke now?" He asked, surveying the uniform.
"Tis FF, but you old friend may call me Hawke," I said, smirking. We clasped
hands warmly. "What lies down the road for you today, friend?" I asked.
"I am gathering a team, There is a menace in Llast once again." He said
gravely.
"What is striking them now? Orcs?" I joked, but his serious countenance
spoke of something much greater. "What is it? Tell me." I said. He
cleared his throat, "Those fools thought that the Drac menace was finished.
They were sorely mistaken."
"Tell me more, tis a sad fact that the Dracs are so much in power
there."
He continued, " there is a mage near there, and it is believed that he
may be the source of these Dracs. This matter Must be dealt with!" His hands
shook, something horrile must have happened.
"This smacks of a personal vendetta Enc, What happened?" I questioned
him forcibly.
"Twas Kyle!" He said. "The Dracs have taken him!" His body seemed to
shake within the plate mail, anger and rage boiled up in him. "I must find
him!" he shouted. " He is my friend!"
"Very well then," I stated bluntly. "We shall find the Dracs and the
wizard, and make them pay!" I slammed my fist into my palm. I knew Kyle quite
well, a young Elf who had befriended Encisor and I when we first came to
Neverwinter. And I could not allow him to be forgotten. An Elf sat at the
table, dressed in long flowing robes, she introduced herself.
"Hawke, hello, I am Valtrees, and I will be accompanying you and
Encisor on this mission."
"Hail Valtrees, and well met!" I said. "Now come, we have work to do."
We set out, Heading quickly to Llast, suddenly, a group of Lizardmen
leapt from the bushes surrounding the path. They hissed, and drew their
wicked, curved swords.
"They Musssst Die!" Screamed the largest of the lizards.
I looked to my left quickly as I drew my sword, Val was chanting
furiously, Suddenly raiding here hands into the air, and pointed at the group
of lizardmen. A ball of pure, white hot flame leapt from her hands and
expanded, In a deafening roar, the ball of flame engulfed the lizards, Their
screams told us that she was successful, as the smoke cleared, only the
charred bodies remained.
"Come, quickly" Val said, "we have no time to waste."
We pushed on, driving past WindyCliffs, never stopping relentless in
our pursuit.
Nightfall soon came, We saw the lights of Llast shining through the
trees. We pushed through the last of the underbrush, and looked up as the
mighty stone walls of Llast stood up before us.
"We must rest," Val explained "I must restore my spells."
"But the Dracs will not be around during the day!" Encisor complained,
"We must find Kyle before it is too late!"
"Encisor, Listen, We will do more harm than good if we are to rush in,
unprepared." I said, "and it will do Kyle precious little good if we are all
killed."
He seemed to relax a little. "Truly you are right."
We entered Llast, and stopped at the inn. We spent the night and all of
the next day resting. I began formulating a plan. I dug deeply into my pack,
bringing forth an oilcloth, which protected several small vials of liquid.
"I have an advantage in my hand here." I said, showing the vials to Encisor,
"this one will make you move extremely fast, giving you the ability to strike
more often, and move at incredible speed. But it does not come without cost.
If you drink this, you will lose a full year of your life."
"Tis precious little cost, compared to losing a friend for eternity,
Give it to me." He said. I tossed it to him.
"Don't drink it until we are there." I said. "And here, this one will
allow you to recover from your wounds. If you are hurt badly, drink it
quickly." I tossed the second vial to him. I unwrapped my bow, pulled
back on it to ensure that everything was in order. Valtrees knocked quickly
on the door, then entered. "It is time," she said.
We struck out for the home of the wizard. A sign proclaimed his home
"private". Encisor slammed his foot into the door. It gave little resistance
to his forcible blow, crumbling into splinters. "Wizard!" he yelled. "Come
out and face me!"
A frail looking man seemed to glide down the corridor towards us, an
overwhelming cold ensued. "You dare challenge me, in my own home?" His eyes
sparkled with hidden power. "Pitiful fools!" He raised his hands into the
air, I felt very dizzy suddenly, His evil laughter echoed in my ears. A
blackness ensued, as it lifted, I saw that we stood in a huge chamber,
apparently cut directly into the rock. The evil wizard sat upon a throne, he
pointed a finger our way, and spoke, "Destroy them!" A freezing wind rose up
suddenly, as a large door opened,
"Yeti's!" I yelled out. Encisor quickly engulfed the potion, I had given
him. I saw a slight trembling in his body, Then he became a blur, running
directly for the wizard. Once again, Val raised her arms, and the Fireball
issued out, engulfing the creatures of cold. It did well, the large
creatures, not used to such heat, were immediately destroyed. A new door
opened, and an unbearable fear seemed to engulf my very soul. I hardened
myself, seeing the Umber Hulk step out of the door. Val was not so easily in
control. She canted in fear, pointed her fingers, a bolt of pure electricity
leapt from her hands, shocking the Umber Hulk. It seemed to shake off the
hit, and gazed directly at Val. She lowered her hands, her eyes staring
blankly. I pulled my shield from my back, Rushing to stand in front of Val, I
turned it around, letting the mirrored surface reflect the gaze back toward
the Umber Hulk. It stopped, staring at it's own reflection in confusion. I
stepped forward quickly. Then I remembered, Looking to the left, as I
continued walking, I saw Encisor's Blurred form slashing viciously with his
sword. The mage made a quick gesture, a bolt of energy flying into Encisor's
chest. He did not even seem to feel it. Lashing out, The mages head was
quickly seperated from his shoulders.
A huge roar followed, I looked up, and rolled away, just leaving the
path of the Umber Hulk's huge claws. I ripped my scimitar from it's sheathe.
Lashing out at the Hulk. It seemed to hesitate, then turned quickly away from
me. Encisor was flashing left and right, keeping it's attention, striking at
it's legs. I stood quickly, and leapt! I felt satisfaction as the blade sunk
deep into the back of the Hulk. it screamed a final breath, and fell to its
side, dead.
Encisor crumpled to the ground, exhausted. I walked over to Val, and
slapped her, awakening her from the trance of the Umber Hulk. "It is over," I
said.
"Where is Kyle?" She asked.
"He's not here," I said, "but perhaps a clue is."
-----()()()()()-----()()()()()-----
Next time: Hawke and Encisor go on, attempting to Destroy the Dracs, and find
out more about the whereabouts of Kyle!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Drow Temple
"It's True!"
Shouted the man as the nearly the entire tavern burst into
laughter at his tale. The only person in Strider's Tavern not laughing at
the poor fool was me. I had just spent a long, grueling day trying to help
purge Southwall of it's evils, but no matter how many I slew, the number of
monsters always seemed to grow. I had only just arrived, and hadn't heard
much of what the man had said. I had heard enough though, to want to ask
more.
I stood up and walked over to the table where it seemed
the fellow was still trying to pass his story off as truth. In a short while
the man, whose name was Harag, was sitting alone with me, sipping the mug of
dwarven ale I had bought him and reciting his tale. It seemed his paladin
brother Thad had heard of a drow temple hiddin in Southwall and decided to go
there himself. Before leaving, Thad had given Harag a map showing the temple
in case he did not return. "That was a month ago," explained Harag. "And me
dear Thad never did return." Here it was, I thought. A map leading to one
of the major sources of Southwall's evil sitting in the pocket of of a fat
merchant just across the table from me. "How much gold do you want for the
map?" I asked him. "Well my friend, we'll meet back here at sundown one
week from now. If you have proof that Thad is dead, it will cost you
nothing. If not, then you'll owe me 5 platinum." "Done," I replied. "I
swear to Mielikki that I shall be here when you require." The fellow
described his brother, gave me the map, said goodbye, and left. The I spent
the most of the next day sleeping, and set out on my quest shortly before
sunset. Three times I mad my way the drow temple, and three times I was
forced to flee the vicious blows of a huge Troll. I obviously needed help.
I wandered Southwall before coming upon a war party led by Alistersun
determined to find the Southwall Minotaur and kill it. I joined them, and we
fought many battles together before coming to the Minotaur's hidden lair.
But it wasn't there! We searched the entire room and found nothing. The
goal of the expedition had vanished along with the Minotaur, and I took the
oportunity to suggest we journey to the drow temple and rid Southwall of that
hideous evil. Of the original group of 5, only Rickster 27 and RY20X decided
to follow me. Somehow RY20X was lost, and it was just me, who was level
four, and Rickster 27, who was level 3.
Rickster and I stopped at an inn to regain our
strenght before continuing on. The night was dark and evil, and we faced
many Crocodiles, Orcs, Stirges, and Kraken Spys. All of these were slain on
my silver long sword or Rickster's +2 guisarme-voulge while
Rickster and I suffered small wounds or none at all. Finally we came to the
drow temple. Inside there was a large group of orcs, and one troll. Halfway
into the battle Zigzag SS came to our aid, but despite the invisiblity spell
he cast on Rickster, the valiant Rickster 27 fell. I was already wounded
when the Troll attacked me anew. Despite all my skill and speed, it wasn't
long before the Troll's twisted blade found it's way past my shield, through
my armor, and into my flesh. Badly wounded I fell unconsious and awkoke at
the gate to Neverwinter.
Sorrowfully I trudged back to the Red Mage Inn, thinking
my quest a failure. But inside I saw Rickster! He and I both wanted to
continue the quest, and after resting we returned to Southwall. But the evil
was all around us, and Rickster was forced to flee Kraken Spys. Before
leaving he shouted for me to wait here, and that he would be back. Rickster
27 did return, and we made our way into the the drow temple only to find
Zigzag SS once again in combat! Zigzag was badly wounded and had cast
invisible on himself to hide from the orcs and troll. He didn't dare engage
in close combat, but as we fought we drew a long composite bow let fly a
shower of arrows into the ranks of our enemies. The fighting was fierce, but
before long only one orc and the troll were left standing. Together Rickster
and I rushed the troll. I worked my silver long sword as fast as I ever had,
striking when and where I could, while barely managing to defend myself with
my shield. Rickster's guisarme-voulge was a blur as he fought the ugly beast.
Behind us Zigzag feathered the thing with deadly shafts, yet the troll still
managed to defend himself and strike out at me and Rickster. But then, for
one second, the troll faltered. I saw my chance and leapt in, thrusting my
sword into the thing's chest. Still the troll denied death until Rickster
delivered the killing stroke. After fighting the troll, the one remaining
orc was nothing to worry about and was killed quickly. Our small party sent
up a cheer. We had done it! Quickly we began to loot and destroy the
temple. While doing so I came across the mutilated body of what looked to be
a paladin. I turned the man over and sure enought I saw Thad's face just as
Harag had described it, his dead eyes staring at nothing. I knew we should
bring him and all the other corpses out of this unholy place, but our party
was badly wounded and we needed to return to Neverwinter quickly before being
attacked again. So we quickly dug a hole into which we placed the dead.
Leaving any kind of marker of tombstone couldn't be done; if flesh-eating
monsters found a grave of human warriors.... Instead we tried to make it as
unassuming as possible, and contented ourselves with praying for the souls of
the dead. Our small party departed and when I finally reached the Red Mage
inn at dawn, I collapsed on my bed before I could even remove my armor.
Five days later I was enjoying a mug of Frenzy in
Striders Tavern when I saw Harag approach. Without a word, I handed him
Thad's sword, cloak, and a ring he had worn. Harag looked at everything
carefully before saying, "These do be Thad's. He's dead then?" I nodded.
The man sighed. "Thank you friend, for laying this ghost of mine to rest. I
couldn't bear the thought that he might still be alive in the hands of evil.
I am forever in your debt." He tried to give me gold and platinum, but I
refused to take any of it. I did, however, allow him to buy another mug of
Frenzy.
(Written by Simarin)
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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:
March 12th, Sunday 12:00 PM ET - Join NW Triel for a tour of the Realm.
Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square
New Player Tour:
March 15th, Wednesday 8:00 PM ET - Join NW Jester for a tour of the Realm.
Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square
New Player Tour:
March 17th, Friday 7:00 PM ET - Join NW Thorn for a tour of the Realm.
Those interested should meet 2 steps east of NW Square
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<<>>March WWAI Night!<<>>
When: March 16th
Time: 10 PM Eastern time
Where:The Great Hall Tavern
Come join NW Aziza and NW Jester for the March edition of:
<<>><<>> Who/What/Am/I <<>><<>>
Prizes:
First Place: 25 Pearls + 4 hours
Second Place: 20 Pearls + 3 hours
Third Place: 15 Pearls + 2 hours
Check in the NW Events folder for the Rules!;D
Cya There!
NW Aziza and NW Jester
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
The Undead Threat Continues
One last healthy draught of....
the polished pewter mug and Bleeduhard was on his feet. The short
celebration he enjoyed after the the induction of two more knights into the
ranks of the Knights of the Eternal Flame had come to an end. The sun
setting over Neverwinter square was Bleed's signal to head on his scheduled
patrol. He congratulated the two new knights, X and Ikela, again on their
knighting, and asked leave of officer Huma. Huma dismissed the young knight
as Bleeduhard bowed and turned on his heels. He continued on towards Nasher's
castle, passing KEF Ferar, who had just gotten off his patrol and was
presently attracting a small crowd as he tried to balance upon on an
invisible keg of beer.
Bleeduhard had been fighting often lately with the recent proliferation of
undead throughout the realms and the toll was becoming apparent by his sullen
eyes and slower than normal gait. Yet Ferar's tasty ale was lifting his tired
spirits as he slipped by the golem gatekeeper and into the sewers. The first
leg of his patrol was uneventful as he secured the perimeter corridors that
led to the heavily used travel agent's office. Bleeduhard wondered how Arak
and Sons were still able to keep open a legitimate business in the sewers
these days, considering all the rampant evil.
As he started the second leg of his patrol which headed towards the infamous
beholder fight, he pondered on the undead's recent failure to capture a
scroll that was secreted away by guildmastress Sunglitz. A large showing of
knights at the Triboar arena had routed the undead with few losses and the
foul beings had been temporarily foiled. The arena, though, was now rutted
and it's earth scorched due to the heavy fighting. Bleed knew better than to
relax his patrols, well aware that the undead would still be quite active
since they did not possess Myrkul's scroll.
His ears picked up the distant din of battle as he crept by the gorgimera's
lair and rounded the corner. There, in the slime covered halls, one fair
lady Mioke was being accosted by a slew of evils. Bloodybone was was swaying
from side to side on his haunches like some rabid dog, a freshly chewed femur
raised threatingly in one hand. Evil Lore muttered incantations from behind
a screen of cloud giants and vilstraks, as spells from his hands flew at
Mioke. Stilborn and Gothmenes tattered dark robes were eerily still as the
undead lords moved towards their female prey. Bleeduhard immediately
channeled an intense magic that protectively bathed his body in a golden glow
as he entered combat with a KEF warcry. The next few minutes the air was
filled with holding magics as the combatants traded spells, none of which
took effect.
Bloodybone and an undead decided to test Bleeduhard's protective wards with a
series of failed yet image destroying lightening strikes. As Bleeduhard
backed away from the crumbling wall where the strikes had landed, he was
pleased to see an oddly dressed green skinned man whom he knew as Tyst of the
Protectorate and another armored man dressed all in silver whom he did not
know enter combat. Both seemed focused on the two undead nearest them,
although Tyst immediately began to head north where Bleed and Ikela stood
their ground.
A well placed hold by Tyst soon sent Bloodybone hurtling towards the gate as
a cloud giant smashed him flat, leaving just his splintered bones and
clothing behind. The hold also affected Stilborn, who was immediately dissed
by Evil Lore. Stilborn reglobed but was soon held again along with
Gothmenes, this time the hold sent from the unknown silver garbed man.
Another dispel landed from Evil Lore setting Gothmenes free but failing to
release Stilborn. A grin spread across Bleeduhard's face as he saw
Stilborn's protective globe drop and a lightening bolt from his silver friend
land effectively on the undead. With a few steps Bleeduhard sent his own
electrically charged bolt ripping through Stilborn's still reeling corpse,
pinning the now quivering undead against the wall. The death rattles that
overcame Stilborn were his last movements as he slumped to the muck covered
floor.
Much to Bleed's dismay though, the two dead evils were replaced by Sir Grumpy
and Lrd Cage who immediately globed upon entering and stayed south of the
melee, grinning evilly as they steathfully avoided some rogue cloud giants
and vilstraks. The next few rounds of combat had filled the corridors with a
series of stink clounds, delaying deadly efforts on both sides of the battle.
Gothmenes was then fumbled and a series of slays and cause wounds from the
goodies soon sent him collapsing to the ground where he would not get up.
The evils had their revenge as a feeblemind landed on Mioke with a subsequent
hold. As a freed vilstrak struck her down, the good side was rewarded with
Evil Lore's corpse as a cloud giant crunched the evil midget under her leg.
Bleeduhard turned his attention south again as he heard the KEF warcry and
saw brother Haldor and King Rogue entering battle and engaging Sir Grumpy and
Lrd Cage amongst the giants and vilstraks that had gathered there. With the
northern battle area now clear, Tyst and Bleeduhard turned their attention
south just as a hold landed on the mysterious silver man.
The pair's progress was blocked by a group of giants and the held silver man,
so slightly to the north of the melee they stood their ground. An
approaching giant soon took the life of the good aligned silver man as Sir
Grumpy fell to an onslaught of magic from the now tired goodies. Bleeduhard
could not believe his eyes as he saw the evils Hellion and Narog enter
combat. Thoughts of complaint never crossed young Bleeduhard's mind as he
would soon deal with the late entering evils on his own terms.
Lrd Cage was soon held be either the magics of either Haldor or King Rogue,
as Bleeduhard frustrated the new arrival Hellion with a series of stinks.
The stinkclouds forced Hellion to retreat right into a matching pair of held
vilstraks and giants whom Tyst soon released from their magic bonds. As
Hellion became entangled with the monsters, only one evil remained a concern.
Haldor then shouted the KEF warcry again and led the charge of goodies
towards the now unsure Narog. As a rampaging cloud giant slew Lrd Cage, a
series of mortally wounding magics were being cast from all sides on the now
crippled Narog. Within a few rounds the remaining two evils had fallen
either to what little good magic remained or the now bloodlusting monsters.
The frenzying monsters were dealt with by lightening strikes as the long
battle finally wound down, a victory for the good of Neverwinter. Haldor
smiled at Bleeduhard as the two knights shook hands on a bloody battle well
fought and nodded to Tyst as they excused themselves to finish the rest of
their patrols. The undead and evil in general had suffered another minor
setback this evening but Bleeduhard was sure the UDL would be out terrorizing
the good people of Neverwinter again until they possessed their most unholy
scroll . . .
Kingswill
KEF Knight of the Sword
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Gimme a Scoop! Enter the weekly News of the Realm contest by submitting text
for publishing. If your Announcement, Article, Helpful Hint, NW Abby
Question, Poem, Fiction, or Tidbit wins, you'll have won your choice of 4
Pearls or 2 Free Hours of Online time to be credited to your account! Submit
all text to screenname: NW NEWS.
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