1995-07-22
Recovered original text · preserved verbatim
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NEVERWINTER NEWS
Issue # 92
Week Ending 7-22-95
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FRONT PAGE
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Congratulations to Lian Storm for winning last week's News of the Realm
contest.
Lian Storm has earned choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of
Heroes) WTG!
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Congrats to Allan0n for winning the first of this month's GOH only booths!
Allan0n took a mere 35 pts of damage from 3 Ice Storm spells, to bring home
the pearls, WTG!!! The Frosty award goes to Tyst, who took 72 pts of damage
(is that a record? ;X). Congrats again Allan0n, and thanks to all the GOH
members who participated!!!
NW Kishpa
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Tonights WINNER of the CHARM BOOTH was ERIKDG.
Erikdg will recieve 4 pearls and 1 free hour.
WTG Erikdg!!!
Thanks to ALL that played tonight:>
NW Lenox:
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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:
July 23rd Sunday 4:00 PM ET - Join NWA Kregar for a tour of the Realm.
Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to
meet!;D
New Player Tour
July 27th, Thursday 10:00 PM ET - Join NW Hobbes for a tour of the Realm.
Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to
meet!;D
New Player Tour:
July 29th Saturday 8:00 PM ET - Join NWA Archer for a tour of the Realm.
Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to
meet!;D
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The Story of the Bracelet
Chapter 25: Face Off with Evil
(Submitted by Vallus)
Four of Mirage's Firecats streaked around the sandy-floored underground
room where Sadira practiced her sand-spells. Sadira herself hid behind an
overturned table while Leoster, Crystal, Jasmine, and Genie faced off with
the emerald-powered Firecats. These Firecats, which normally fed on fear, now
could face the bravest of heroes at full strength. This was not good news for
the three heroes and their magical companion. Leoster and Crystal swung at
the flaming felines with their ruby weapons but found it difficult to connect
and the speed of their opponents would make energy blasts impractical.
"Genie!" yelled Jasmine "I need a weapon!" "Right Jasmine!" came the
reply "I've got just the thing!" With that, Genie shot a ray of magic from
his finger which became a cloud of glowing smoke when it reached Jasmine's
outstretched hands. The smoke quickly coalesced into a red cylinder with a
black hose. "Just point the hose and squeeze the handle!" came instructions
from Genie. The Firecat that was attacking Jasmine leaped at her as she
squeezed the handle on the cylinder.
A wave of white foam sprang from the hose and washed over the burning
burmese. After a few seconds, Jasmine relaxed her grip on the handle and the
flood of foam stopped. A few ashes fell to the ground, all that was left of
the Firecat. Then, in a puff of smoke, Genie was wearing a yellow rubber coat
with yellow helmet and held another red cylinder. He shot a stream of the
white foam at his own Firecat with the same results as Jasmine's shot. This
gave Leoster an idea, he cast a spell and his own Firecat went out. Crystal
concentrated for a moment and frost appeared on her sword, she swung it and
bisected the last Firecat, it went out immediately.
"You fools think you've won?" laughed Mirage "I have many more Firecats
and you can't stop them all!" With that, a dozen Firecats streaked through
the portal. "Crystal!" yelled Leoster "You put out the Firecats and I'll get
the Power Emerald!" Crystal nodded and held her ruby sword straight up and a
fierce wind began to blow. At the same time, Leoster pointed his ruby dagger
at Mirage. The dagger glowed for a moment and a bolt of crimson energy shot
out from it. The energy struck Mirage right in her emerald belt buckle,
destroying it. "NO!" came the scream from the feline foe as she doubled over
in pain.
The Firecats immediately went out under the twin blows of the wind and
the loss of their source of power. "Go back to Morbia Mirage!" ordered
Crystal "You have no more power here. BEGONE!" with that, Crystal aimed her
sword at Mirage and fired a stream of energy at the crimson-clad cat. "You
can't get rid of me that easy." Mirage said through gritted teeth
"I..am..Evil..Incarnate!"
Leoster placed his amulet within Crystal's beam and it's power
increased, Mirage was pushed father toward the portal but held her ground on
the threshold. "Jasmine," began Leoster "we need your help." In response,
Jasmine concentrated on Mirage. A ray of energy flew from the sapphire in
Jasmine's headband and struck Mirage, flinging her into the portal. Suddenly,
the portal glowed green and in it appeared the image of Mozenrath. He said
"You are doomed."
The Lost Prophecy
When the Lord of Bones is enslaved in chains,
Priests will call, but blessings shall wane,
A Blue-White star breaks the balance of all,
War they will cry, armies answering the call.
The Tyrannical Triumvirate shall consist of three,
God of the Dead, Death, as well as Tyranny,
The Even-Handed, with his balanced scales,
Will oppose the three, promising to prevail.
The Blazing Sword, shall stand above the rest,
As the heavens are shaken, put to this test,
Taken by all, sacred oath has been broken,
Nine seals she will hide, as her final token.
His followers will search, to create the scroll,
The war will rage, souls of many the toll,
Streets of blood shall curse the town of time,
The Eternal Flame shall be emmersed in slime.
The Soldiers of Light shall oppose the horde,
As the God of Song plays a mournful chord,
Even the woods will echo the sounds of war,
As servants of the three look to settle the score.
Some will watch from behind the scenes,
Lord of Shadows, Lady of Forests green,
But to the end, they search for seals nine,
To release their lord from chains that bind.
Balance
(Submitted by TL 23)
It was early morning by the time The Council of the Select 7 had
adjourned, and considering the expressions of the men in attendence, it had
not been a pleasant one.
TL 23 was a young elf whose philosophy had always been rooted in the
hard honesty of balance, of opposites for every side, and in the impartiality
of the turning wheel. Indeed, it was hard for him to imagine how people
could place their faith in the irony of justice, or in the facade of tipping
the balance of the eternal struggle. His beliefs had always seemed true,
until today. This was why he had come to the Council of the Select 7, to the
Knights of Darkstar. He had come for Justice. He had come for Revenge.
"New Brother, we have asked you here to tell us of the cowardice you
witnessed in blood on the night of the new moon." Wiz X spoke from the head
of the council table. "Do not fear." he whispered gently.
TL 23 rose to address the Council. His face wore an expression of
stillness as he recalled the events, but his eyes glowed dully with a memory
of dried blood, and a hint of destruction.
"We were hunting outside of Southwall. The light of the new moon was to
scarce for my human companions to see by, and we were ambushed by a pack of
ravenous wolves. While in the midst of this battle, a stranger appeared. He
spoke only his name, 'Bend Over' and feigned his assistance. But he turned
on us then, and in the harsh cold light of the new moon, he slew my
companions, one by one, until only I was left. "What cowardice is this!" I
cried in despair, but he answered not. Then he bade the wolves attack me,
and stood by while they tore at me. I was left for dead."
"Council, hear me! My belief in the balance has been shaken beyond all
repair. Evil has too strong a hold in this realm, and I have known despair!
What say you?"
TL 23's question floated a moment in the thick haze of smoke above the
council, and then, as if the sheer weight of it's asking had been too
pressing, the Council members stood, raised their hands in oath and
cried,"We pledge ourselves to Justice! Let no Knight of Darkstar rest until
this Coward is brought to answer for his crime! Beware Bend Over, you are
marked!!!!"
Cerwynn's arrival in Neverwinter
(Submitted by Cerwynn)
Waving thanks to the farmer who had dropped him off near the gates of
Neverwinter, Cerwynn turned around and check out his new home. The walls were
formidable enough, no matter that they appeared to be scarred and blackened
from countless battles. Looking closer at a section, he noticed words that
could be faintly made out against the stone. "Kilroy Was Here!" was scrawled
in nearly indecipherable inch-high letters. Well, this Kilroy must be some
kind of local hero. Whistling to himself, he entered the main gate and asked
directions to an inn known as Striders. The old farmer had recommended it.
Striders turned out to be a fairly homey inn, located in the northwestern
part of the city, overlooking the Neverwinter river. Opening the door, his
nose was assailed by the smells of fresh bread and roast venison. The
combination made his mouth water. Looking around the common room, he noticed
a fair amount of men and women, most of whom appeared to be of the
adventuring sort. All carried weapons of some sort, and most looked well
used. Taking a closer look at some of the women, his thoughts of dinner for
one quickly changed to dinner for two. Striding (heh! heh!) over to a
particularly buxom lass, he leaned over and coughed to get her attention.
Turning from her table companion, she looked at him and asked "What can I do
for you?". "Well," he began, "I was hoping that you would consider joining me
for some dinner and dancing." Momentarily distracted by her pristine white
gown, and the figure beneath, he didn't clearly hear her answer. Looking up
he noticed she was smiling at him. "Uh, sorry. What was that?" he asked. "I
was telling you that my time is currently spoken for, however, you might ask
again at another time.". Another time indeed, he thought. Bowing and backing
away from her, he happened to bump into someone else sitting at a nearby
table. "What the, hey you watch where you're going!". Turning, he saw that he
had knocked a foaming mug of ale out of a guy's hand, and into his lap.
"Looks like ya wet yerself!" roared one of his companions. Seeing that things
were about to get ugly, Cerwynn started edging away. Not soon enough. Looking
for room to move, he didn't notice the roundhouse punch until it clocked him
in the side of the head, and back into the lap of the lady. Shaking the pain
from his head, he gave her a quick wink, and surged up to return the blow.
One of the serving girls just happened to walk in between at that moment,
caring a steaming tray of food, which he knocked out of her hands, and into
the other guys sitting at the table with Mr. Wet Pants. Howling with pain,
they started pushing chairs and throwing mugs. Ducking to prevent them from
denting his head, Cerwynn looked for an avenue of escape. This was rapidly
turning into a full-fledged brawl. More people entered the fray (some must
have been hit by those flying mugs and chairs). One daring young man swung
from a chandelier, and crashed into a table of clerics. Robes and sandals
flying everywhere, they too joined the fight. Out of the corner of his eye,
he caught another buxom lass waving for him to move in her direction. No
problem there. With a grin, he dodged a pair of the wrestling clerics, and a
paladin trying to look stoic with berry pie on his shining armor. She pulled
him down under a table. "Hi, my name is Sim!" she shouted (it was getting
quite loud). "Well met! My name is Cerwynn, but you can call me Cer". Her
reddish hair, blue eyes, and accent reminded him of women from the southern
regions. "So Sim, tell me a bit more about this place." Grabbing a bottle of
wine that rolled into reach, he uncorked it and gulped. Slender hands pulled
the bottle away. Taking a long draw from the bottle (it was his
favorite...elven firewine), she winked, and motioned him to follow her out
the back. By that time the brawl was in full swing. The lady in white had
disappeared, along with her companion. Following Sim out the back, he could
hear the cry and hue of the city guard arriving. Grabbing his arm, she pulled
him into a nearby alley, and up some stairs. Whispering in his ear, Sim
turned and went into a door close by. After looking down at the festivities,
he turned and followed her in. This town had possibilities, he thought.
Definite possibilities.....
A TALE OF TWO YOUNG PALADINS
(Submitted by Roaan )
During the reign of Lord Nasher, there was a certain loyal resident of
Neverwinter who had given up the skills of the sword and vowed to learn the
arts of magic. While practicing his first magic spell one morning in
Southwall, helping to protect the Old Bazaar, he met two young paladins.
These young paladins had heard rumors that there were more dangerous threats
to the security of Neverwinter than what they had encountered in their
training so far. They asked the mage, who had visited many parts of the
realm, to lead them to investigate these rumors. Seeing the loyalty and
dedication of these young paladins (and having been a paladin himself), the
mage agreed.
Right away, they encountered a large troop of thieves in one of the larger
buildings by the bazaar. With the help of the mage's sleep spell, the young
paladins dispatched these thieves. After the battle, they discovered one
remaining thief cowering in a corner. He begged clemency and said "Our
hideout, search to the west, the p.. password is BEH..". And a dagger
whizzed across the room and buried itself in his throat before he could
finish. He was not the last thief! The dark figure who had thrown the
dagger disappeared in the shadows. The mage and the paladins searched
diligently to the west as the dead thief had said. The mage remembered
someone mentioning that there was a trapdoor in that room but, to their
disappointment, they could not find it.
The mage thought it would be worth investigating if the troll had returned to
the room in the north east, through the secret passage under the drainage
works. The troop passed through a secret door and then another and the dank,
drippy passage and into the room. The troll had not returned. The young
paladins had been looking foreword to this battle, but acknowledged that it
was good that the troll no longer threatened the realm.
The mage decided that the paladins had displayed such skill and valor that
they were ready to confront larger perils. The mage led them through
Neverwinter Square and to the north. They stayed on the central road and
passed through the Warehouse District and crossed the river uneventfully.
The mage told the paladins that this winding trail through the green
countryside to Windy Cliffs was chronically plagued by lizard men and
dangerous pyro snakes. They planned their strategy, using the mage's one
sleep spell and the strong paladin sword arm. True to form, they soon met a
troop of lizard men and the fearsome snake. Their planning paid off and they
soon dispatched the foe.
The mage spied a secret passage in the greenery and ducked in to rest and
regain the spell. The paladins wanted to investigate this secret passage
further. The mage, knowing greater dangers lurked in these halls, led them
forward cautiously. The mage spied a second secret door and told the
paladins that many times, giant lizards and a beautiful but deadly cloud
giant lurked past this door. The mage advised avoiding this door, fearing
grave harm to themselves. But the paladins were very brave and said they
were sworn to protect the realm to the death. Seeing their valor and knowing
that if they could defeat the cloud giant, they would gain much experience,
the mage agreed to lead them into the room. There was the cloud giant as
soon as they entered the secret door, in all its blue splendor with its green
lizard escort! The mage was able to put two of the lizards to sleep and the
swords of the paladins were accurate and sharp. The mage was even able to
hit the cloud giant once with his dagger of striking. The foe was
dispatched! Celebration! The troop congratulated themselves as they healed.
Seeing they had all gained experience enough for promotions, the mage advised
marching back to Neverwinter as a victorious troop instead of seeking other
dangers immediately and possible ending up carried out to the door on
stretchers. This they did with banners waving high.
The mage smiled, knowing these two young paladins had a great future and
would distinguish themselves combating evil in the realm of Neverwinter.
THE QUESTS OF SHARNA TYR
(A Harper Adventure By: Sharna Tyr)
The Emerald Brooch: Part One
Sharna Tyr awoke to the sound of thunder. Rising quickly, she hurried to the
window of her bedroom, flung open the shutters and probed the night sky. Not
a cloud was in sight and the heavens above Longsaddle was encased in a jewel
bedecked blanket of stars. Shaking her head, she closed the shutters and
turned away from the window just as the thunder returned. Not from above,
but from the next room as someone pounded on the front door of her cottage.
Donning a robe, she reached for her long sword and rushed into the front room
of the house. "Who bangs upon my door in the middle of the night?" she
demanded. "Forgive me, Milady," a familiar voice responded, "It is I,
Minerva Snulgers." Sliding a large iron bolt to one side, Sharna opened the
door to reveal a pretty young woman in a soiled apron whom she recognized as
one of the sixteen daughters of "Trappy" Snulgers, proprietor of the Guilded
Horseshoe Inn.
"Sorry milady," she began, "I bear an urgent dispatch from HG Renik." Sharna
lowered the sword and beckoned the maiden to enter, "What could be so urgent
that it could not wait till morning?" she asked. "I cannot say milady," the
girl answered, offering a folded letter to Sharna. "Since his return from
Berun, M'lord Renik has spent most of the night drinking evermeade at my
father's tavern and, meaning no disrespect of course, I'm not sure he
realizes the time any longer. "Aye," Sharna laughed as she took the
parchment from Minerva's outstretched hand. "He does like his ale does he
not?"
"Shall I wait for a reply? Minerva asked when Sharna thanked her for
delivering the letter and began to show her out. "No, thank you. That will
not be necessary," Sharna smiled as she bolted the door after the girl left,
then returned to her bedroom.
Placing the sword back in its scabbard, Sharna lit a small oil lamp on the
night table and sat at the edge of the bed. Opening the letter, she began to
read . . .
Lady Sharna Tyr,
I have read yer introduction, methinks ye are worthy of a "Test". If'n
ye wish ta wear the Silver Harp, bring back to this hall the Emerald Brooch.
Ye may seek information where ye canst find it, but this quest is yers, an
yers alone. Harpers oft have to work alone, thus this mission is for thee.
Document the evils ye find on the way, as other's may have need of what ye
may find.
HG Renik
She read the letter several times before refolding it and placing it on the
night table. "The Emerald Brooch," she whispered, "so that is to be my
quest." Smiling, she turned down the lamp and slipped under the covers while
pondered the challenges and dangers that lie ahead of her. "Tomorrow," she
yawned, "at first light," then rolled over on her side and was fast asleep.
Black Friday
(Submitted by Phargus)
That was the day that everything changed. The bomb was dropped. In a
split second, 89 percent of earth's population was destroyed in a fiery,
radioactive explosion. A few survived in underground shelters and the rest
that did not die from instant annihilation were permanently mutated byhe
radiation. That was the day that the scientists named Black Friday. On that
day, the fate of man kind was unknown, but it would take more than nuclear
war to completely destroy the human race.200 years later
The pink sky was altered by the rising sun and changed to blood red. A
gentle wind blew across the chilling waste land where New York City once
stood. Only rubble and skeletons of buildings remained and the rest was
turned to dust. The land was silent. Suddenly a small hatch in the ground
opened and a strong young man arose from the abyss. His name was Alex
Buslander, a Colonist of the Alpha Bunker who saw the world for the first
time. He had only heard stories of the land above and what it was like
before Black Friday. He had been impatiently waiting for this day to arrive
since he was eight. Today was the day when the scientists told the people of
the Alpha Bunker that they could leave their establishment and explore the
altered world. Twenty other people wanted to explore the land above. They
all split up in different directions to cover more area.
As Alex looked around, he noticed that earth was not nearly as beautiful
as his grandfather told him. "Where are all the trees,where are the birds
and wildlife?" He wondered. He felt lonely and a little depressed for a
moment, but decided to start on his journey. He started down the lonely and
deserted street. He could only see what was left of cars and buses that were
smashed against buildings from the nuclear shock waves. He saw a building
that resembled a MacDonalds restaurant, which was a place of getting fast
food at little quality, according to his grandfather's stories. The building
was now eroded from the harsh radioactive winds that once blew over the
Earth's surface.
Alex walked farther and farther down the street and found not even a
milligram of organic life. This worried him. "Were the scientist wrong?" he
thought to himself. "Was there still a threat of radiation in the area?" he
though again. He wagered against that theory because if there was still
radioactivity in the area he would have felt the effects of it in his body.
When Alex began to walk down the street, he sensed that something following
him, but when he looked back he saw nothing. "This must my imagination" he
whispered, but the more he walked the more paranoid he felt. He heard foot
steps, not his own, growing louder and louder behind him. His swift walk
became a run. He ducked behind a large decaying building. The foot steps
had stopped. Five minutes later, he peered from behind the building and saw
nothing but dust and pieces of shattered pavement. "This is nothing" he said
reassuring himself and he kept on walking. He heard the foot steps again.
This time he was certain that something was stalking him. He was sure that
he was running for his life down what was once Wall Street and now found
himself trapped in an ally. Alex saw an opening in the ground and quickly
jumped down the hole which lead to the sewers.
The sewers were dark an unsettling. He looked around and saw a humanoid
figure standing about a 100 feet in front of him. There was barley enough
light to see what it was. It looked like a man about six feet tall. It was
wearing a cloak and a dark hood. "Who are you?" Alex screamed. The figure
said nothing. "Why are you following me?" yelled Alex again. The figure
said nothing. It approached Alex at a slow pace. Alex panicked and took out
his pistol. "Come closer and I will blow you away!" Alex screamed. The
figure just kept on getting closer and closer until Alex freaked and pulled
the trigger of his pistol. A loud bang echoed throughout the halls of the
sewers. The figure dropped in a heap. Alex then approached the figure. He
bent down and tore off the hood of the figure. The humanoid was his own
self, stone dead.
Starflash
The Sword of Agility
Chapter Three
(Submitted by Niasen)
Grath knew he should have spent a little more time practicing with the
bow. His first shot was high and went skittering harmlessly into the forest.
Julie was a little better and fired a streaking arrow into the shoulder of
one of the orcish attackers. This didn't seem to phase him. He left the
arrow there and the area around it became wet with blood; still the orc
charged with his companion, scimitars drawn. Julie fired another shot which
got caught in the jagged chain mail shirt of her first target. Both of the
orcs wore these shirts over their tough greenish skin. Any human would take
off this armor to find his chest had been ground away, but the orcs seemed to
have little trouble with it. Perhaps the most it could do to them was chafe
a little. The missile combat was over with. Grath hung his bow on his back
and drew his sword, Julie followed suit shortly afterward.
As the orcs came charging up there was a sudden look of horror in their
eyes. Grath glanced behind him just in time to see a bright flash of magical
energy blast forth from one of Inferno's outstretched hands. This short
burst plunged into the wounded orc's torso and the beast let out a crackling
shriek. He fell over in a heap with a huge black gouge burned into the mail
on his chest. Grath was somewhat startled by this show of magic. He turned
around somewhat startled to find the blade of a scimitar sliding downward in
a diagonal arc toward his chest. He attempted to step back as the blade cut
through his leather and sliced through his flesh. It wasn't too bad, Grath
had managed to lessen the damage by his backward movement. Yet the pain was
immense and the blood stained sword seemed to laugh as it danced back and
forth in the orc's hand. The big fellow was eyeing the group prepared to
block any swipe of a sword. A swipe he did not receive, rather a stab. The
menacing point of Shade's short sword came in from the side of the orc and
easily past his guard. Dark blood spurted from the creature's side. As the
orc turned to get a swing at the halfling, the quick little guy ducked and
jumped back. Grath could now think past the pain, and swung his sword
slightly upward, under the shirt of chain mail, and into the belly of the
orc. Jerking his blade free, Grath watched his opponent slump to the ground.
"Well...that does it for those two," Grath said triumphantly. Then he
dropped his sword and clutched his hand to his bleeding chest. His
expression was a grimace. He found someone supporting him at his side.
Judging from the size of this person....Grath thought.
"Your hurt," Julie said from his side, "you need help."
Well Grath already knew this, but he wasn't going to let her know that.
"It's not that bad, he just grazed me. I can make it back to town all
right." Indeed it was a graze, a fourth of an inch deep.
Julie saw that Grath was just trying to show off. She would have none
of it. "Bobby, can you help him?" She felt rather awkward questioning the
half-elf's abilities. Nevertheless, he nodded and moved near Grath.
"I said I was..." Grath started.
"Kirinth please help me to close his wound and give him health," Bobby
prayed. He put his hand into the blood and Grath felt the pain leaving him.
The blood remained, but the actual slice closed up leaving just a thin line
of a scratch behind. From this day forth Grath promised to be more
religious.
So the group had defeated two lousy orcs and taken little damage. Grath
felt ashamed. They had been lucky. Lucky that the orcs hadn't sounded an
alarm. Next time Grath was sure that they would have a bigger fight, but for
now they were going back to Chelcoth. The orcs held little cash, and yet
enough for Grath to spend one more night in the inn. The group turned from
the battle field and walked west with the sun just a little ahead of them.
The Reeve's challenge was going to be a worthy one.
(To be continued)
by Niasen of The Conclave
History of a Seeker
Part 1 - Training
(Submitted by Whiiplash)
The young apprentice gasped as fire ran down the lengths of his
outstretched arms and shot forward in a single, deadly bolt. Striking a
nearby rock, it exploded in a shower of flames, knocking the apprentice clean
off his feet. "Meargoth! I did it! Didya see? I cast flame bolt!"
A wizened old man, bent with age and clinging to a knarled old staff,
nodded in approval. He struggled to pull himself up to to the high rock on
which the young apprentice, Whiiplash, stood. Surrounded by woods, it was
called the high rock of sorcery, mostly because it was the only place where
casting by a non-master was permitted. "Magnificent, my boy. Come, let us
show your fine spellcasting to a true master. . . Perhaps you will be allowed
to don a blue robe. . ." With a mischievous grin he started toward the city,
dragging the beaming apprentice behind.
". . . And thus Whiiplash, apprentice to Maergoth, former Master of the
Academy, is granted the honor of donning the customary garb of a Student
Wizard. May the gods guide him to a position as a master of the academy."
With a short applause from the few gathered, Whiiplash slid himself into the
heavy blue robe and moved out of the way for the others graduating.
"Congratulations, " Maergoth whispered as the short ceremony drew to an
end.
"What's next? Summoning? Oh, I can't wait!" Whiiplash trailed after the
slow moving wizard, plagueing him with questions.
"All in time, my boy, all in time. . ."
After the graduation ceremony, in his small living quarters, Whiiplash
quickly slipped out of the blue robe and into his leather practice armor. He
nearly had to run to catch his class at the fighter's school. Whiiplash was
struggling to learn both the art of wizards and that of fighters, to one day
be granted the honor of being a "Battlemage", adept at both magic and
weapons. He grinned at the thought.
The fighting class had already begun by the time Whiiplash stumbled
through the low doorway. "Glad you could join us, " One of the weapons
masters said, motioning for him to join the others in practice melee.
Whiiplash, exhausted by his nearly endless training, collapsed on his
sleeping mat. His muscles ached from the vigorous physical work becoming a
fighter imposed, and his head pounded from the mental challenge of
spellcasting. "Tis a bad idea. . . I'm gonna die from all this work one of
these days. . . " Whiiplash mumbled to himself.
He was asleep not a moment later.
Whiiplash awoke to the sound of battle-horns sounding all across the
city. Screams echoed through the night, and the sounds of battle became one
thunderous roar. Scrambling from his mat, he threw open the window and looked
outside.
From his second story window near the center of the city, Whiiplash
could see the city was nearly overrun. Below him, soldiers sprinted down
streets, calling out to residents. "Flee! Mass near the temple of Tyr! Flee!
We are under attack! Mass near the..." Whiiplash quickly donned his practice
armor and searched for his sword.
Suddenly the floor outside his door creaked, sending Whiiplash into a
paniced frenzy. He spotted his shortsword and grabbed it, racing toward the
door. He gripped his sword so hard his knuckles hurt, and beads of sweat ran
down his face. Fear stabbed at his heart, and it pounded so hard he thought
whoever was outside must be have heard him and be reaching for the doorknob.
. .
The footsteps passed. Soldiers continued outside, yelling for everyone
to flee. People screamed and cried, and people could be heard outside,
running on sandled feet. Fighting back his fear, Whiiplash slowly opened the
door.
The corridor was silent. Sounds of battle carried into the building, and
the silence sent waves of adrenaline pumping through him. Slowly, controling
his muscles, he made his way to the stairs. People were coming up! Suddenly,
soldiers, wearing armor Whiiplash had never seen before, climbed around the
bend in the stairs. Whiiplash suddenly turned and bolted back into his room,
searching for an escape. The window.
Gritting his teeth and fighting back his fear, he climbed out the
window, and crouched on the ledge, jumped.
A Drow's Tale
(Submitted byMournbane)
"What are we to do with him?" The girl's voice was saying. As his fever
slowly faded, Mournbane lay on his side and feigned sleep while he listened.
"I am uncertain as yet," another voice, this one male, answered. "Only
two things are sure in this matter, that he is a drow, and that the drow are
evil. Still, we will await his waking and learn what we may, ere we finally
make this choice." There was a moment of silence, then he said, "Whatever did
this to him may still be in the area. I will seek for signs so that we may
know what it is we face here. Even if he wakes soon enough he may lie to us."
The sound of heavy footfalls faded away from Mournbane. He could still
hear the sound of light breathing from nearby. The girl, he decided.Other
sounds: the shifting of linked metal, the creaking of leather, made him
realize she was also a warrior. And she is watching me like a hunting
spider, he thought. Iblith! he swore in the darkness of his heart.
The young drow tried not to move overmuch as he tested his body.
Unfortunately, he was unprepared for the pain he stirred in himself, and
could not suppress a wince. His muscles were stone-stiff and his hands were
bound. His skin felt very tight and swollen. He stank of the kind of sweat a
perilous fever brings, and his mouth tasted of bile. Blood pounded in his
temples. At least, he thought, my bones are whole still.
"So, you're awake. Good," the female voice said to him, almost
concerned. Mournbane opened his violet eyes. Those eyes had branded him as
"lesser", and "tainted" among his kin. They were a throwback to some surface
dalliance of an ancestor. Their effect on this rivvil female seemed
different. She appeared startled.
Raising his head was too much of an effort for the dark elf, so he cast
about himself with his eyes.They were in a shallow tunnel. There was dim
light here. It was much brighter than the underdark he knew, and it made him
blink. The air was moved from time to time by gentle, wafting breezes. It
made the girl's dark hair flutter a bit. She tied it back impatiently.
He tried to appraise her abilities from the quality of her gear. She
was tall and well muscled, but she wore ordinary-looking chainmail and her
sword's grip looked unworn. She was young also. And in her eyes was a trace
of khaless: foolish trust.
She still has faith that the world will not leave her broken and
ruined, Mournbane thought. She will learn.
"We found you here, my companion Dellsen and I. My name is Surynra. We
tied you and took your gear because we know enough not to trust you," she
said. The tone of her voice was not as assured as her words, though. "You
were bitten many times by some creature or creatures, and though the wounds
were small, they appear to have been poisoned; but with a venom whose purpose
is not to slay, or else you would certainly have perished. The amount of
poison in your body has greatly sickened you even so."
Mournbane remembered. It was anything but pleasant. He suppressed a
shudder and asked,"Who tended me then? For I am put out of sorts by these
unhappy chances and know not if I was spared only to be put to some crueler
fate."
"Some of your wounds were already bound when we found you," she said.
"We thought you had done what you could for yourself and then fell, perhaps
overcome by the venom. If this is not so, then someone wrapped some of your
wounds in strong silk, while leaving others untended. Perhaps this unknown
ally fled our approach." Mournbane thought he detected a mocking quality in
her voice. Or maybe it was fear. He smiled.
He found that by determined effort, he could sit up, and felt sweat
break out on his brow for his struggles. His hands being bound almost
thwarted him. But his discomfort was easing, slowly. He eased his back
against the tunnel's earthen wall. He knew the effects of the poison he was
suffering from. This was a venom designed to subdue swiftly: to paralyze
prey. It was quick both in the onset of its effect, and in its purging.
Surynra studied him. "We weren't hunting for drow when we set forth.
There is a hill cat somewhere nearby that has killed a child from our
village. It now must needs be slain, for it shall not fear to do so again. If
we had not happened on this tunnel, perhaps you would have never waked
again." She looked both cautious and concerned. Whom the concern was for, the
drow could not tell. She only said,"Dellsen will be back soon. Then we will
decide what to do with you."
Mournbane closed his eyes, and waited.
The drow's rest was all too short, for the male rivvil returned only
moments later.
The man gave Mournbane a looking over and a parody of a smile. "Well met
indeed," he said.
"Vendui'," the dark elf returned.
The male turned toSurynra.
He said, "Of what did him ill, I found no trace. The hill cat that
killed the child is no more. I found its tracks and soon the beast itself. I
was loath to slay the creature, even for all it had done, but it gave me no
choice. I killed it with arrows even as it sprang upon me." Surynra nodded.
"It was well that you did so. Whatever you feel for animals, that one would
have proved a terror, I think."
This man is dangerous, Mournbane thought. He is resolute enough in
purpose to slay that which he prizes. How much easier it would be for him to
kill what he sees as having little worth. I must occupy them both while my
strength returns. And, he thought grimly, without making them suspicious.
The drow kept his face as steady and impassive as he may. Mournbane
said, "If I understand rightly then, your primary duty has been achieved. It
is unfortunate for me that I am now in the position reserved for the hunted
beast, awaiting the wisdom of another as to whether I should live."
Dellsen's jaw twitched. Surynra looked sharply at the dark elf. A
warning, Mournbane thought. She believes he will kill me, every bit as wholly
as I do. Alas that I must test that. I will give him the story he craves, and
though he will believe it not, it will buy me time.
"Your pardon," Mournbane said. "I fear that my events to tell you are
all of woe, and will do nothing but put the dread of deep things in your
hearts, and this should not be, for there are fair things below. They are
rare, yes, but it may be we cherish them the more for their rarity. Whatever
you may decide, what I say now is truth."
"Far down in the earth lies my once-home, Maerimydra; a place of
darkling splendor with glows of many hues to delight the eye. The cavern is a
world in itself, with columns and arches both natural and created, that give
testimony to the skill of our craftsmen and artisans. It was in this fair
land that I and my elder brother, Jeggred, grew to our adulthood in. He was
but two years my senior, and in all ways we were alike, save that his eyes
were red."
"We had the natural facility with magic that our race has been blessed
with, and both took to learning magery and warrior skills so as to better
serve ourselves and our people. Among my kind, males are the lesser sex, but
even the females recognize that we are by no means useless, and often employ
male guards. So we thought to enhance our worth."
Mournbane saw that both Dellsen and Surynra were focused on him. He let
the bitterness he felt in his heart creep into his voice as he continued his
tale.
"As Jeggred was my senior in age, so he was in magical skill as well. I
was just about to achieve the rank which he had just left when our dwelling
received a visit from the priestesses of Lolth's temple. The goddess demands
a test from among those that rise in power, you see, lest the "unfaithful"
gain some control of their own lives. Jeggred did not fear to go and take the
test, though. He felt, as I did, that by seeking to serve our people we were
being faithful to the goddess. We were utterly wrong. Jeggred never came
back. It was then I knew that I must flee or die in the attempt."
The drow saw concern in Surynra's eyes again. Even Dellsen's expression
had softened. Mournbane noticed the dim light was failing and his skin was
not so tight as it was. He felt much better. He readied himself, and
continued.
"Escape is not so easy as it may seem. One does not simply walk away
from the yathrins, the priestesses. Were I to take patrolled paths I would
certainly be caught, invisible or not, for our captains are crafty and fell
in their skills, and there are many traps laid for those who are unwary. I
chose to flee on the wild paths." He sighed. "There no patrols watch. But it
is also that there the driders are driven."
"The failures of the test are not slain, they are transformed. They are
warped into a form whose very existence is punishment. It is their bodies
that change, though, not their minds, and they keep their memories bitterly,
seeking death and to take as many drow with them as possible, and so end.
They lay traps also, though I guessed not as cunningly, for they have not the
materials. That thought gave me small comfort when, a few hours from the
city, I tripped one of them."
Mournbane felt the bonds on his wrists slip down over his hands; they
were no longer swollen enough to hold the loops in place. He exulted within,
but mastered his expression lest he betray himself. "My invisibilty was
dispelled by the violence of the trap. It was my attempt to shield myself
from it that was my undoing. No matter.
Four driders emerged from the gloom, and locked me in place with
powerful enchantments. I was ready to die. They began to feed on me, filling
my body with paralytic venom even as they slowly, torturously, began to drain
my blood. I felt myself swooning. I took only little physical damage, but so
much venom filled me as to render me insensate. At the last, I dimly recall
hearing a voice like unto my brother's. Then a rush of heat filled the air
with a stench, and darkness swirled down upon my eyes. I know not what
happened, or who saved me. I know only what my heart hopes; that Jeggred hath
not forgotten his brother as I have not forgotten him."
The humans looked upon him, unsuspecting that he was free. The cord now
useless in the sand at his back. Mournbane filled his hands with that sand.
He honestly thought he saw compassion on their faces. He knew he could not
take that chance. He had no khaless in him. It had been burned away.
"Do you have my gear?" Mournbane asked. It was Dellsen who
responded, "It's with our horses at the front of the tunnel. Listen to me
dark elf. I..."
Sand darted from the drow's hands; it was harmless, but it was blinding.
Dellsen managed to avoid most of it, Surynra got a mouthful in her
surprise.
Mournbane released the magic words his mind had held since before the
venom-fever took him. Both humans were locked unmoving by the same magics the
driders had used on him. He pitied them. He knew how much it hurt, to be
helpless. Never again will I be so, he thought. I hope Vhaeraun would be kind
enough to take my life first.
Their eyes locked on him in horror, thinking he meant to slay them. That
hurt the dark elf. Did these rivvil really think him a beast?
Mournbane told them, "I did not lie to you. I do not lie now. I will not
kill you. But I do not trust you any more than you did me, and I will not be
in your power. I will rule my own fate."
He drew Dellsen's sword from the human's scabbard.
"I also will not have you tracking me as a beast. This will heal, but it
will also delay you enough that you will never find my trail."
The drow said,"steel yourself, for this will be painful."
The man's eyes followed the blade as far as they could, then shut
tightly. Mournbane drew the blade across Dellsen's ankles, cutting into, but
not through, the thick tendon at the heel. He set the blade in the sandy
floor.
"The spell will pass soon, but I shall be long away from here. Seek me
not. If we again cross paths it shall be an ill meeting."
He stepped toward Surynra and said, "Alas that one of us is not other
than we are, for with our differences so great we shall never have more than
this."
Mournbane brushed the sand away from her lips, and kissed her. Then he
walked to the tunnel's front, and donned his gear.
In a few brief seconds the drow had made himself invisible and vanished
into the trackless forests of his new home.
/\/\ournbane
Sargtlin Faern
Bregan D'Aerth
Silent Strings
I walk alone in the Neverwinter Garden
As a new sun rises in the crystal sky
The birth of day, so quite and peaceful
The flame has been lost and I'm not sure why
Its frightening how it can all fade away
So slowly and subtle that you hardly know
Looking at me, what could you say?
Except "I love you"...before the tears came
I've walked many roads to today
And missed some that I wish to have taken
But my heart is strong and hope survives
These have yet to be forsaken
The flowers here have such a gentle beauty
Strange, I've never really noticed before
But the roses wilted for you and me
No water, or care could bring the color back
The argentine scale has finally tipped
And collapsed under the weight of our sadness
Solitude prevails now without regard
For the pain we have or what we miss
In the garden of truth, it becomes clear
As I stand on the edge of this lost love
Revealed to me is the sorrow of blinded men
Who doubt...what they are sure of.
By Morngrym Verigost
Knight-Commander
Bard of KORT
Survival Tip: Aiming Those BIG Spells!
One of the hardest things to learn starting out in spellcasting is how and
where to aim those big area spells, most notably Fireball! The easiest way
to learn to aim each spell is, of course, to practice! But, for the benefit
of the newer spellcasters (and those who travel with them!), here is a hint
for aiming that big ball of fiery death!
When you cast Fireball, you are allowed to move the cursor anywhere on the
screen starting on yourself. This is the key to quick and easy aiming. If
you are alone and need to aim close, go 3 squares DIAGONALLY from yourself in
the best direction for damage. That will keep you from getting hit and will
(hopefully) burn up the baddies! If you need to aim more precisely, remember
that the 3 squares in each corner from the center of a Fireball are safe and
this can also help. For instance, if you move the cursor at least 3 squares
away from you (or anyone) in any direction, you can keep yourself and others
safe from those deadly flames!
Just remember that magic number of 3 and you can make the casts that draw
great praise (and not death threats) from your fellow adveturers!!!
Jelek @--->--->--
Ranger Of The Green Rose
Realms Survivalist ;-)
FF Birthday
(Submitted by FF Tempest)
"Before anything was, there was chaos.
Out of that chaos came an order.
Out of that order came us."
In the begining there were three of them. Adriana, Arkyn and Lancer. They
came together and created this instiution that I now serve and lead. On July
27th of a year ago, the First army of NeverWinter, also known as the Fighting
First or FF, was founded. We have stuggled, we have prospered. We have seen
times both good and bad. I personally have only seen half of the history this
guild has, but I know much of it. It was only a week and a half ago that I
took command of this institution that is the FF. I am the first CinC that is
not one of the original three. But the past is the past, and while it is
ours, we can not change it or live in it. We look into the future, and the
path we will take does have dark spots on it. We shall percivere. But first,
we shall party! To celebrate our first birthday in NeverWinter, the FF is
going to be holding a BEACH PARTY on the 27th! YEA!!!!!! Although many evils
aren't happy with this, we refuse to die <weg> And if they like it or not,
we're going to be around for plenty more of these parties!!!!!
FEAR THE FIGHTING FIRST!!!!!
Gen. Tempest Birchbough
Here is Neverwinter Night's true defintion of chaotic evil.
Murrain..the Hammer of Loki. Banished to the realms of Neverwinter ...to
fulfill Loki's desire for spreading strife and mischief..he is seen here in
his most natural habitat..battle. Woe be the one who cast the fireball ..as
Murrain is about to please Loki by expiditing this unfortunate's most
unpleasant demise.
This portrait along with many others can be downloaded in the Guild Of
Heroes. Also in the Guild of Heroes you can find maps, magazines, contest
and other items of great interest to share and be shared!
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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 Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes) ! Submit
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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