1996-05-12
Recovered original text · preserved verbatim
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NEVERWINTER NEWS
Issue # 133
Week Ending 5-12-96
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FRONT PAGE
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Congratulations to Llucyana for winning last week's News of the Realm contest
for her two-part installment entitled "Acquisition".
Llucyana has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of
Heroes). Keep up the good work! ;D
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WWAI Official Winners from 4-18-96
First--Kh0lari--51 points--25 pearls, 4 free hours
Second--47--Darkthane--20 pearls--3 hours
Third--Zandrakkas--37--15 pearls and 2 hours (by roll-off tie over Sylphee)
Random roll off--Sylverion--5 pearls
-- NW Ulfius
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Location Hunt Winner!! -- 5/8
Tonight's winner of the Location Hunt was: Arouscher!
Arouscher found the vats of freshly-caught fish tucked away in the Wharves.
It smelled terrible in there, but he persevered and endured the smell just to
win those lil pearls. :)
-- NW Kel
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May Trivia
May 7, 1996
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*** First Place - Gherkin II 24 points! ***
** Second Place - Dirk Dirty 23 points! **
* Third Place - Snaak 19 points! *
Random Drawing Winner - Zanderkuld
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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
* Random Drawing - 5 Pearls
Congrats and thanks from NW Baldor and NW Strahd : )
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Location Hunt Winner -- 5/10 3am ET
The winner was.....Doh Steal....
Clue: "..as well as what appears to to be the remains of one of the cooks"
Southwall 11,4
-- NW Ulfius
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NEVERWINTER CALENDAR
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Keep an eye peeled for those Mini-Booths because they will appear when you
least expect in different areas of the Realms!
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!
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May WWAI Announcement!!!
When: Thursday, May 16th
Time: 10 PM Eastern time
Where:The Great Hall Tavern
Come join NW Ember and NW Ulfius for the May edition of:
<<>><<>> Who/What/Am/I <<>><<>>
Thurs. May 16th at 10 pm ET in the Great Hall Tavern.
Prizes:
First Place: 25 Pearls + 4 hours
Second Place: 20 Pearls + 3 hours
Third Place: 15 Pearls + 2 hours
Cya There!
NW Ember and NW Ulfius
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New Player Tours:
Join the following staff members for a tour of the Realm:
May 14th *Tuesday 12:00 AM EST - with NW Triel.
May 17th Friday 9:00 PM EST - with NW Thorn.
May 18th Saturday 6:00 PM EST - with NW Garion.
* Technically this is Wednesday midnight, but making it late Tuesday night
makes it easier for folks to understand and plan to attend. ;>
Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner
telling where to meet! ;D
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Congratulations to Llucyana for winning last week's News of the Realm contest
for the story "Acquisition".
Llucyana has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of
Heroes). Keep up the good work! ;D
Nyveristen Chronicles - Part Two
Arrival
(submitted by: Nyveristen)
As Nyveristen stepped away from Cragdyk's Arms and Armor, he headed for a
nearby inn: Mataga's Inn. Upon entering the inn, he saw three beautiful
elven women, whose skin was jet black. At first, he did not realize what
these women were, and so he bowed before them, humbling himself. Then, when
one turned to him, and spoke a language he could only guess was their native,
he realized his error. Straigtening quickly, he glared at the women.
"You are dark elves!" he spat at them, being careful to watch behind him. He
paced slowly around, then made his way to the table.
One of the three, and perhaps the most beautiful, turned to him, and spoke,
"Yes, we are Drow, and, though you may think otherwise, we are not evil."
A second, this one a young child, turned to him, and said, "It is the rivvin
who are evil, instead, for they would hunt down children, and attack us, when
we were alone!"
A third, this one an odd drowess that he had never heard so much as tale of
before, turned to him, and simply smiled wickedly.
Quite taken aback at their reactions, Nyveristen took a seat, and started to
question them about their race, and their ways.
The first drowess, Mavralyn, told him that they were neither evil, nor good,
and since they were causing no trouble, they were allowed to remain in the
city openly, as guests, and were not to be harrassed by members of the
populace.
Apologizing for his mistake, Nyveristen fell completely for the vile beasts'
lies. He spoke with them further, finding the name of the child to be
Abbigayl, and then, another, seemingly more important drowess entered the
Inn.
This new drow, Phyrra, was cruel, and did not even try to hide the fact that
she, like all the others, was purely evil. She spat at Nyveristen about
their Goddess, and sacrificing him thereto. Feeling insulted, and enraged,
Nyveristen rose against them. With a quick, overhanded stroke, Phyrra drew
out a cruel-looking, snake-headed whip, and struck him once, across the
chest.
Reeling in pain, Nyveristen fled the Inn, knowing he was too weak to stand
against them all, at the same time. As he fled, he did not notice that
Phyrra had taken the remnants of blood on the fangs of one of her
snake-heads, and had begun to use it in a spell. Within moments, a
simulacrum of Nyveristen had been formed, except that it was a perveted form,
and was twisted by dark magics so that it was a Drow. The Dark Nyveristen
smiled with glee, knowing its task, as the complete, and willless servant of
Phyrra.The Ballad of NWN
(submitted by: Lrd RAZ0R)
Neverwinter, always night.
Should you enter, should you fight?
Lurking evils, jumping fools.
Hackers disregarding rules.
Hours spent and battles won,
Lives are spent, and quests begun.
Watching over us, it seems:
Those with wit and suits of green.
Here's a place I'd like to stay,
Make my world this holiday.
In these realms I'd gladly be,
If I had a choice, you see.
Neverwinter, my delight
Addicted am I? Just a mite.
Leave you I to ponder here,
While I jump the goodies, near.
Lrd Razor
MASK
The Emerald Brooch
(submitted by: Lake Mist)
After fulfilling the Lifegiver quest...I went to my secret hiding place
within Neverwinter...I had been gone too long...thieves had found
it...ransacked...nothing left...Punt Thief...I saw his markings...
Bitter...frustrated...I stormed around Neverwinter for awhile...then
purchased a room at Mataga's Inn... I would get a good nights sleep...it had
been a long day...
I awoke the next morning...comtemplated what had happened...maybe this
was a sign from the goddess Mielikki...after all, it is not natural for
rangers to horde...with a smile I started the new day...
I would need to find another ticket...so it seemed natural that my path
led to Triboar...I was off...through Vilnask...then Crossergate...with a
quick stop to slay a few Dracolichs...that would stir the blood...
The the Lost Hills...had heard of the Emerald Brooch along the way...I
entered the Lost Hills and made my way northeast...I followed the path as far
east as I could...I had a decision to make...north or south...
I headed north...after slaying some Owlbears and recovering a Jeweled
Pendent...I roasted and made jerky with the help of a Fire Elemental...or
what was left of it...
Then I headed south...glancing around...I noticed a freshly broken
branch...a secret passage...I followed a path to the northeast...as I
turned...another secret passage...
I moved...and noticed a Centaur peeking from the edge of the
forest..."What do you want?"...nothing I proclaimed..."Rid these forest of
the foul creatures...and I will help"...
As he moved back into the forest...I moved away back on the path...I
moved back the way I had come...just before turning west...I noticed some
strange marks leaving the path...I entered...
Snakes...I hate snakes...a quick fireball burned all but three...cold
steel...slash...hack...and they too joined their kind...
After a quick rest...fix and mem...I moved back to the
path...hummm...turning, I noticed a path to the south...a dead end...or was
it...foot prints...big prints...lion?...
South through the brush of yet another secret
passage...Manticore...fireball again...all but one were consumed in
flames...rithing in their death throws...I closed...steel to body...it fell
also...
I fixed and mem'd...then traveled out of this dead end...turning, I
traveled till a turn south... turning...I found a dead
end...except...maybe...yes, another passage...
This glade was filled with poisinous Spiders...another quickly cast
fireball...all but two curled up in smoking black balls...these I rent with
cold steel...I was beginning to think myself invincible...
A third time I was able to rest...fix and mem...I traveled back to where
I had met the Centaur...maybe he could tell me if there were more of these
creatures...
The Centaur trotted out into the open this time..."Many thanks...I will
assist you as best I can...this forest has been cursed by a powerful
sorceress...she lives somewhere underground...take this rope"...
The Centaur returned to the forest as I turned to leave...back on the
path I decided that I had not fully explored the path south of where I had
met the spiders...
As I neared the end and a corner...I saw a man's figure ahead...he must
have heard me...he quickly disappeared from view...
I followed him west and saw the path turned...I found a stout tree with
a rope near it...worn and frayed, I tied the rope the Centaur had given me
with it...then both to the tree...I took a step...
Grasping the rope...and lowering myself through an opening in the
ground...I found myself standing on a hard rock floor...this place had the
look and smell of a dungeon...death played here...
A quick look around...I followed the twisting turning corridor...Umber
Hulks...Trolls...Minotaurs... this was not a nice place to be...
A secret door on my right...my ranger sense warned me...danger...I
passed this one by...another secret door on my left...this room revealed an
old storage area...
In the far corner of this room...yet another secret door...an unoccupied
barracks...that was good...moving back to the corridor...I again moved
southward...
Cell doors...I moved to the one farthest west and opened that
door...giants chained to the walls...my first instinct was to run...I managed
to free them tho..."Thank you...we shall help if we can...to remove this
debt"...
They moved off...I went to the next door east...my senses warned me to
leave this one alone also...south to the next door...dwarves...as they fled
past me..."Thanks...we'll find our own way out"...
Ogre prisoners...they attacked me as I tried to free
them...unprepared...it was not easy...they were weak from captivity and fell
quickly...
The last cell was the worst...dwarves...elves...humans...hanging like
slabs of owlbear...I freed them as quickly as possible...they left as well as
possible...one stayed behind...
"I am Borth Jhandelspar...a guide from Triboar...there are two exits
from down here...I know one is at the end of this hall south...a
trap...search carefully"...
As I moved out into the corridor and turned south...my hand touched the
east wall...something was there...a secret door...through this door...search
carefully...I tuned in my search abilities...
Moving...a door appeared to my right...as I stepped through it...it
closed and locked behind me...resting a second...tuning out search...a door
to the left...
As I opened the door and entered...a small army...two Mammoths, Goblins
and Zhentil Fighters...and a Fire Giant Shaman...cloudkill...two
fireballs...all but the shaman fell...spells and cold steel...
I was glad I had an Amulet of Health...it was what saved me that
time...this room had a door facing west...the next room was uneventful...with
a door on the west wall...
My senses went off again...I prepped for the worse...I opened the door
and entered...Trolls...Golems...and an Evil Mage...the man I had seen on the
path in Triboar...
"I don't know how you got here...but we'll go ahead and take you
now...Kracken victory"...he cast a spell...as it hit me...20 hp...it bounced
off the wall...20 hp again...must have been a lighning bolt...
A quick cloudkill over a Troll, the mage and the two Golems...fireball
took out the other Trolls...as the mage fell...the Golems unleashed on me...I
used the amulet...partially healed...
Fist to body...steel to whatever it was I was
hitting...earth?...stone?...stone...a glancing blow...the Golems finally
fell...crushed stone littering the floor...
I rummaged around the room...nothing...no other
doors...passages...wait...what had Borth Jhandelspar said...search well...I
again tuned in my search abilities...
A portal...I stepped through it...forest...fresh air...I checked my
bearings...looked around...I was back in Triboar...the path lead
northwest...as it turned...something dead...
I stopped...sniffed the air...decay...rot...death...there must be a
Dracolich near...I prepped...used cold shield...mirror image...stepped
east...
It was there...one Dracolich...alone...I looked to make sure...unleashed
a fireball...the Dracolich advanced...it touched my cold shield...reeled as
if in pain...and died...or at least quit moving...
I made a quick search...there it was...the Emerald Brooch...dragons and
their gems and jewels...I'll never understand the attraction...when I stood
up to leave...my head spun...the West Bridge gate...
Moving north...I went back to the Triboar
Inn...frenzy...food...frenzy...rest...I would travel to Neverwinter on the
morrow...see what Lord Nasher would give in reward...nite all...travel
well...Zindio Diary
(submitted by: Zindio)
4Mayo96
These few notes about this evenings disasterous results. Xvandor met
me at the vaults, my treasures I did turn over to him and in turn he
deposited them in the Guild's vault, to be used for the good of the
citizendry.
A +3 Bo stick he gave me to use; a mistake of the grandest proportions. The
Bo stick is not a weapon for rangers. An attempt was made to take me to
Crossergate but after two hours of fighting our way down the road I was
broke, bloodied, and had lost all weapons but what I was using. I finally
made it to The Red Mage Inn and will rest here and heal.
5Mayo96
Early in the dawn did I start out by meself on the road to Crossergate.
My wepon of choice this day are a shield,+3leather armor, and a trident.
Good choice, I made it into Crossergate by meself, Maybe this evening I can
help rather than impede my friend Xvandor.
The threads that link us to this world are frayed and missed my
appointment with Xvandor. Fought through Vilnast back to Lord Nashers Palace.
Put meself in Training and am now at level 3.
6May096
Patrolled the wharves today,found giant toads attacking traverlers.
Learned how to sweep and wiped them out. One adventurer was peeved that I
din't ask before joining fight. Perhaps he doesn't understand I must act
immediately, without thought to lawful order or law of chaos to achieve and
promote good. Crocs eating citizens is not good. Completed more training
today, am now at level 4.
Sent an official application to The Protectorate today for Guild
membership. Will meet Xvandor on the 11th, perhaps wew can make it into
Crossergate this time.Pentor's Quest
(submitted by: ABK Pentor)
At the temple of Helm, god of guardians, a lone figure kneels in a far
corner. Fully dressed in black, he prays silently to his god.
"Why has it come to this? Why?" tears roll down Pentor's cheeks as he
tries to hold them back.
"Forgive me my lord" Pentor cries aloud, choking and sobbing, the tears
flowing freely now. "Why couldn't there be another way? Why must I leave my
friends? Why does it have to end?"
Pentor recalls all that has happened to him in his two months at the
keep...
Sir Pentor, a young, bold man wanders down the road to Port LLast. As
he travels, he comes across a figure dressed in red and black. The man is
fighting off a hoard of rats and boars. Sir Pentor pulls out his longbow and
starts to aid the man. When all of the vermin have fallen, the man speaks.
"Thank you kind sir. I am in a hurry and need to get back to Neverwinter
to meet my friend. I thank you for speeding me along. Me name is Lord. I am a
devoted member of ABK."says the man.
"You are welcome, my name is Pentor, Sir Pentor. May I ask what ABK is?"
Pentor replies.
"The Army of Blood Keep!", Lord yells as he pulls out his sword
"How does one become a member of this army?", Pentor inquires.
"I am off to see Saint, he is our recruiter, he will help you. Please
come with me.", Lord says, sheathing his word.
Pentor was glad to be a member of ABK now. He felt accepted and
powerful. He was walking through the keep when the door burst open and an
impressive figure strode into the room.
"BLACK KEEP??? WHAT IS BLACK KEEP???"yelled the man. Garath was his name.
Pentor could tell it was Commander Garath just from his presence.
"I'm sorry m'lord. I meant no offense to the keep." Pentor managed to
whisper out. He was terrified. Garath scowled at Pentor and then stormed out
of the room.
Pentor was racing through the streets. He had to find Saint. He somehow
had to convince his friend to stay.
Pentor and Drixxt came out of the hall, dressed in their new ABK armor.
Luke was there, impressive as ever. Pentor admired Luke. He was everything
Pentor hoped to be someday.
"Just stay back and let me handle this," said Luke. Pentor was anxious
to prove that he was strong and paid no heed to Luke. He stepped forward just
as Luke finished his spell. The air around Pentor seem to suck the life out
of him.
Pentor slowly crept into the keep, careful not to let his burnt and
broken body be seen by his brothers. His new power had failed him as he
lightning bolted himself seven times.
Pentor walked side by side with Valeran. The two rangers looked almost
like brothers. Over the last week the two had become good friends. Suddenly,
three large Dracoliches appeared around the corner. Pentor and Valeran
exchanged smiles and then rushed forward to attack.
... Pentor came back to the present. The temple floor was cold and hard,
but Pentor did not notice. He gathered up his courage and said a final prayer
to Helm to aid him. Then Pentor left the temple. Blood and Psyko, his
recruit, were waiting for him. Pentor handed a bag to Psyko, "give this to
Duke please." and Psyko was off. "Come Blood, you will witness what is to
come."
Pentor walked down the road with Blood. He found who he was looking for
after a few minutes on the dusty roads. Pentor saw a rather large looking
cyborg with a strange glow in his eyes. "Honor?" Pentor thought silently.
"Not from a Mech though." Pentor shrugged and walked up to his foe. "I
hereby challenge you to mortal combat, do you accept, or dishonor yourself.?"
Pentor challenged boldly.
"I accept your challenge, but my honor is the same, with or without your
challenge." Mech Aztek replied codly. The trio set off. When they reached the
hills, Blood handed Pentor his staff and wished him luck. Aztek pulled out
his staff and the contest began.
It was a furious combat. Both combatants trying to defeat the others
magical defenses. Pentor was showing signs of fatigue, but Aztek stayed
strong. The punishment was great for Pentor, he fought to the last, but fell
at the hands of Aztek, and at the mercy of Helm. Aztek wiped his sword, and
saluted the brave man he had killed. Then he walked off into the woods.
Blood rushed over to his friend and tried to heal him. But, alas, Pentor
had been taken by Helm. Blood opened the note that he had been given by
Pentor. He had been instructed to open it after the fight had been ended. It
read...
<Blood, It has ended here for me. My soul has parted from this world. I
ask that ABK does not hate me for dying at the hands of a Mech. I ask also
that my friends receive my possensions. Please take my vault key from the
secret compartment in my belt and go to the vault. Give my scrolls to Lord
and thank him for me. Any other items I have, please give to Merlin and
Valeran to benefit the guild. Bring my body back to the keep. I wish for
Tjaden to arrange my funeral and burial. Your friend and brother, Pentor>
With that, Blood folded up the letter and put it back in his pocket. Just
then, Psyko rode up in a wagon....
He had been given instructions by Pentor to help blood with his
possesions and body. Together the two loaded the body into the wagon and
headed for home.
Pentor had seen the look of sadness on Blood and Psyko's faces. He had
also seen the look of honor upon the face of Aztek. Pentor realized in his
last moments as his soul drifted towards Myrkul's realm, that Mechs and ABKs
were similar. The honor that the two had, formed a bond between the two
guilds. The honor of them both, was what kept them fighting. The sacred
value, honor, was so important, that it blinded the two of their
similarities.
Helm had heard the prayers of his follower and observed the nights
events. He was impressed at the sincerity of the man and his final moments of
pure wisdom. Before Pentor had reached the afterlife, Helm saved him and
brought him before the god.
"YOU HAVE SHOWN GREAT COURAGE AND WISDOM TODAY. FOR THIS YOU SHALL BE
REWARDED. YOUR DESTINY IS NOT TO DIE AT THE HANDS OF YOUR ENEMY. YOU SHALL
WANDER THE REALMS AS A SPIRIT UNTILL THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO RETURN TO
YOUR BROTHERS. WHEN THIS TIME ARRIVES, YOU SHALL BE REBORN AGAIN AND FULFILL
YOUR DESTINY." Said Helm in the full glory of his godness.
And so it was, Pentor was to wander the realms until he could find a way
to return to his brothers. So off he went, back to the keep, to search, and
search, and search. He also wished to see his funeral, but by doing so, he
would lose his spirit, and fall to the underworld. He could only have faith
in his friend, Tjaden.
ABK PentorFriend's Help
(submitted by: LucasKhan)
When I first started off in Neverwinter I was confused. So many places to go
and things to do. I was a ill-equiped, undertrained and new to the world.
Then I found the secret to getting by in Neverwinter - Friends.
The first kind soul to help me did a noble thing. He gave me a magic Battle
Axe out of the Kindness of his heart. This weapon is a dear friend in battle
and as become my "friend to lean on".
I next met a man who was helping me and another adventurer out. He took me to
his vault and gave me the greatest set of armor I could have. This helped me
and got me out of my first hole:ill-equipped. I was now of an extremely low
level, and had great weapons.
The next friend helped me in an even better way. He showed me around. He
took me under his wing and helped me get experience. He showed me where to
go and how to get around and where to go. He gave me great tips. He showed
me where to get some experience and how to train. I now am not exactly the
greatest adventurer, but I'm working on it.
So if I could tell any of you new adventurers one thing, it would have to be,
get friends. It will help you out to an extent you couldn't imagine. Also
remember how much you were helped as a newbie and return the favor to another
kid. Remember, what goes around comes around.The First Wave - Part 1
(submitted by: DrkArcdRep)
The scouting party prepared itself. They had been summoned, all seven
of them, early that morning, to do business as normal, it had seemed. Now,
however, they had been given special instructions, and had been preparing for
the trip to Neverwinter, out on the Sword Coast. They were to be led by a
young recruit to the Dar'Cade, who was showing surprising promise. He was
one of several new recruits from a land that was dominated by mages. The
group did not know his name, and, normally would not care, except in this
case, they also knew he would be doing something that had not been done in
many years.
They were the advance scouting party for the Darke Arcade, an infamous
ring of smugglers, slavers, pirates, and other such "Businessmen". They were
to travel to Neverwinter, and report back the findings made there. For one,
they were to capture five to ten of the most able bodied citizens of
Neverwinter, and to bring them back to the main base, deep under the ground
near Tantras. They were also, after the initial scouting was done, to build
a keep somewhere in Neverwinter, and to fortify it. They were to proceed,
under the leadership of this young Dar'Cade leader, to build a Neverwinter
branch of their infamous organization.
The men looked around nervously, knowing that they would have to leave
soon, but, none of them had yet to ask the young man his name. Turning to
them, and staring at them with eyes that showed absolutely no emotion, he
spoke coldly to them.
"If you are wondering who I am, know this: I am your leader. Under me,
you shall fight to your utmost ability, even to the point of your deaths, if
it comes to that. Beside me, you shall help to build a new future for the
Darke Arcade. When we have finished here, I shall be made General of the
fort, and the seven of you shall be my lieutenants," the dark one said as he
turned to board the small boat.
Turning to each other, the group of seven smiled, knowing that they
would never serve under a more worthy leader. They turned to board the boat,
and began the long trip to Neverwinter...Dwarven Lullaby
(submitted by: AeKheled)
DWARVEN LULLABYE
Tha sky be's dark an' tha 'ills are wite
As tha storm king speeds frum tha nort' dis
noche..
An' dis tha song tha storm king sings...
As o'er tha werld 'is cloak he
flings...
"sleep, sleep, wee bairn, sleep"
'e rustles 'is wings an' gruffly
sing's
"sleep, wee bairn, sleep"
Wit'in tha mountain side a gem
'id in tha foot of' tha storm kings
'ome..
tha mount 'overs o'er tha tremblin t'ing
an' onlee tha gem cin 'ear 'im sing...
"sleep, sleep, wee bairn, sleep"
Wots ta fear in tha arm's o' tha king?
"sleep, wee bairn, sleep"
As tha storm king sin' 'is battle
fites
Tha gem, a lass!, sleeps well tanoche.
Wee kin, I pray ye days be blest
Weary dwarven bairn... kin, be's at rest.
"sleep, sleep, wee bairn, sleep"
Too soon will come tha time o' test!
"sleep, Pereedot, sleep"
AeKheled Goldsmith
Teen Angel o' Axepeak
Dwarven Glassblower
The Homestead
(submitted by: Sir Auggie)
Dragonflyr and Augustus of KORT
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sounds of stoneworking and construction had rung across the expanse of
the east woods for several days now... The most skilled dwarven craftsmen
were seen entering the fenced area each daybreak in their usual raucous
manner - awakening the native wildlife as they tromp heavily down the path.
Alongside them a team of stout ponies pulls huge loads of stone blocks.
When asked, they say nothing about what they build - and they guard the
entrances to the fenced worksight around the clock.
On the seventh morning a spire is raised to visibility above the treeline
around the area. A flagpole extends from its peak. At a quarter past
midday, the hammers fall silent. One by one, lively sparrows neturn to their
nearby perches and twitter musically as they chat curiously among themselves.
A horn blows in the distance and the sound of wagon wheels and horses hooves
approaches. The gates open silently as the wagons roll in. Through the
afternoon and into the night voices of young women and men float across the
wooded hills as they prepare for the arrival of their Lady and Sire.
At dawn of the next morn, a fanfare of horns awakens the forests.. A flag is
seen rising atop the spire raised the day before. As it unfurls in the
breeze it is seen to be the purple and gold banner of KORT...and who should
come riding up the path but Dragonflyr and Augustus... Their horses and
armor adorned in full pagentry colors.
They pause before the gate. Augustus sits back in his saddle and surveys the
surrounding countryside. He takes a deep breath of the fresh morning air and
turns to Dragonflyr...
"My Love.. this new home outside the city will give us just the privacy we
need. It's what I'd always hoped for.." She smiles back, "Oh yes ! It'll
be nice to settle down a bit as you get older milove..." :::she giggles:::
"Hrumpf.." Augustus feigns annoyance.. "If I remember milady, the clock
ticks for the both of us ;> 'Tis one thing we'll do together, like it or
not... "
He leans to kiss her.. and at the same time give her a good tickle.. ;> She
nearly topples from her steed before he pulls her close...
"Oh milady.. you bring such joy to my life.. and you have my loyal heart..
((( )))
They turn and enter the gate to their new homestead smiling happily.
5-1-96
Augustus and DragonflyrUpstarts with Odd Parts
(submitted by: MrBill888)
A cry arose throughout the lands
A deed's been done by dastardly hands
The stench is great throughout the city
And the roads and streets are no longer pretty
Flies are climbing into the sky
And the odor brings tears to every eye
For trash is strewn near everywhere
For the garbage bins are no longer there
A hue and cry rose to the heavens
For next we started missing ovens
Why the odd theft of these certain things?
An aura of oddness throughout this rings..
A discussion was held at OGS
And how to deal with this spectacular mess
For the wooden ale keg in the Golden Tap
Was also gone, "Hey we're sick of this crap"
We convened the council to discuss the specifics
On this heinous plot that's brought forth the horrifics
That has caused the pestilence to become so great
And to stop this theft before it is too late
Our scouts were sent to east and west
And from north to south, they would not rest
When they finally returned they looked haggard indeed
With the clue to this puzzle of larcenous greed
I said, "Dear friends please, won't you gather and sit down?"
"For you won't believe what we've found outside town"
They wondered if our scouts had found something so fell
As to frighten the denizens from the darkest deep hell
But my countenance changed when I started to speak
And "sit" now made sense for their knees soon grew weak
"I've found where the flower pots, trash cans and each stove
And spittoons are all going, they're in the MECH treasure trove"
"They are using them to built up their strange metal men
And the stuff that they use is "whatever they can"
They look quite amusing with a barrel for a body
And these guys can't be dangerous, they're just being naughty"
"For when one doth see the incredible junk
It's hard not to laugh at each poorly built hunk
Their members are made from our cans and our bins
So we must forgive them for their larcenous sins"
How can we fight this menage of stolen goods
Who use stoves for their bodies and spittoons for their hoods
One had a rain gutter he used for an arm
The laughter alone could all cause us great harm
When you see their War Master with a bed bucket head
I swear they won't kill us, it'll be the laughter instead
As they creak and they spin round the MECH assembly bay
It was so sad and pathetic, there is little to say
But Maethln responded, "Hey we can't let this lie,
Without our trash bins, HEY our cities a sty"
"And I can't bake more cookies" said Lady Mershu
For which I silently smiled, just between me and you
"And Zam's been insulted," said Varen with glee
"By a guy who's head's made from what used to hold pee"
With that there was laughter and guffaws from one and all
Oh, HOW THE WALLS SHOOK in the OGS hall
Let's wait for a little before we fight these upstarts
Whose bodies are made from trash barrels and old parts
For who wants for fight foes you can't see face to face
When we're laughing and reeling all over the place..
Mr.Bill888
OGS Warrior Poet
Changing Dawn
(submitted by: Morngrym)
There are scars across this land in which we live
As the titanic battles have been fought
One area, then another over the years
Taken and lost, reclaimed again
Upon the the shoulders of bold women and men.
The struggle shall not end with you and me
Though experienced and worn and old we may be
Legends are created and the makers are lost
Swept away in the tide...of our vast ocean
This vision is not so different than what has already been.
I saw the sun rise today over the walls of Neverwinter
A sight that has warmed my heart countless times
In the shadow of a era when little is certain
So many forces now in this whirlwind storm
Every disposition and weakness and strength of form.
But the children still play here and the workers carry on
They are hearty souls who were made to endure
The folly of our greatness and every repercussion
For the purpose is distinct and the slate often clean
In the threads of tales and things they've seen.
As so it goes as each season passes before us
Blades and armor crumble into rust
Whiles others are forged in the fires of combat
The ancient Knights remain as they have always been
Protecting this rugged land...and seeking salvation.
Morngrym Verigost
Baron-Knight
Bard of KORT!
Nighttime in Neverwinter
(submitted by: OMM Spunky)
Twas night time in Neverwinter and all through the town
not a creature was fighting no one typed a frown.
Everyone was excited, so they left out their gem
In hopes they would get a magic Item.
When out of the castle came a great big boom
everything was in panic, all thought it was their doom.
When out of the sewers...What can it be?
It is the hero of all, NW Snowie.
Everyone knew she liked this online game.
Then she called to each helper by name.
On Icarus, on Vorpal, on Baldor, and Cosmic
On Amaya, on Sparkle, on Tempus, and Mystek
Then they shot to the sky like a big super-ball
To help and protect Neverwinter and all.
~~~OMM Spunky~~~
Darkstar
The Coming Storm - Part VII
(submitted by: FrankSense)
Even though it was early evening and the stars were shining I knew we were
headed for my old familiar boyhood landmark. It was way off in the distance
yet, but I knew the signs well. It was a place I could run to in a day. Run
too, because that is exactly what I did. I ran. I would begin to run and
would not stop. I just loved to run, to feel the earth turn beneath my feet.
It was exhilarating. It was great to feel the air push back my hair, to
watch the animals and learn what the land would teach me from day to day. I
hadn't run like that for almost seventeen years. That last time I ran, I ran
away . . .away from everything, from home.
I looked at Pip. In the early evening moonglow on his face I detected
regained confidence. He was glad to see it too. He looked more comfortable,
like he had found something to reassure him. He was familiar with the tree!
This was his territory! We must be close to where we are going. We headed
for Druid's Tree, a mammoth lonely tree on top of the largest hill for miles.
Its trunk is huge, taking twenty people hand-in-hand to circle the base. It
is well over 1500 hundred years old. As far as any one knows it has always
been there. Some say it marks the ancient edge of Neverwinter Woods and will
not die until the woods return. Its gnarly roots and rough graybrown bark
give it a weathered yet authoritative appearance, one to respect lest its
branches reach down and cuff you, or worse.
This was my territory. This was a place I knew very well. I understood now
why we had been trimmed to a group of two, an appropriate size for journeying
through here. Larger groups of travelers should never camp around here
without at least a double watch. It is advisable that fires be doused, or
their glow hidden lest the light bring death from many miles.
It took us another hour and a half to reach the summit of the hill. It
wasn't really a hill than just a place where everything else around on three
sides sloped down and away. The plateau we had been walking over finally
gave way to valleys and lesser hills to the south and west. We had been
walking directly south away from the Woods across the flat grassy fields to
where the tree grew. In the daytime you could see a glimmering off the sea
to the west, and maybe, if the air was really clear some ruined towers far to
the south. You could climb the huge tree to get a super view but it wasn't
totally necessary, only if you wanted to look due east. There the land
stayed more even in elevation and you couldn't see as far. As far? Forty to
eighty miles was fine enough.
Being able to see that far, to see what is coming, gives one a sense of
power. I always felt that special sense here. Still, because it is so wide
open, precautions needed to be taken not to be seen, unless you didn't mind
company.
As we approached the moonlit silvery-blue leaves of the tree I noticed Pip
give a quick little sign with his hand. It was a Druidic warding sign like
one I used from my youth. I turned to Pip and queried, "You seem to know
this place. Do you know its name?"
"Yes, I have been here some," he responded looking westward into the stars.
"I know it as Druid's Tree, but most call it Devil's Ridge." He paused, then
added, "You been here before?"
"I'm familiar enough to know some of the locals call this Druid's Tree, but
those who don't know any better use other names. Sometimes Sentinel Ridge is
used too." I continued for some unknown reason, perhaps to impress the lad.
"A famous traveler I know says some used to call this area the Western
Gateway to the Dessarin, but now it is commonly called the Lost Hills."
"That's what I've heard," responded Pip. "But I've not ever been lost around
here," he laughed. "You know this is my territory don't you?" He paused,
raising his eyebrow at me. "Well, it doesn't matter. We'll be home soon and
you can head back to Neverwinter."
Pip ran over to the tree and began climbing it with an ease of familiarity.
"Graymantle, you're the experienced traveler. What should we do from here?
Rest, or go on?" He had managed to deftly prop himself into one of the lower
viewing points in the tree.
"Let us take a break here, but set ourselves up to arrive at your home
tomorrow," I began. "That will mean we have some distance to go yet tonight,
doesn't it?" I asked.
"You're correct, of course, sir," he responded, "but first, why don't you
join me up here and teach me what you can about what can be seen from here.
My folks never really say much when we're here."
I found myself climbing the huge old tree. The barkscent, and touch of the
worn lower limbs brought a flood of memories back to me. Handholds and
niches were where I remembered them. I felt strangely relieved to be in the
arms of the old druid once again. His branches soon parted to give me a
panoramic view of the moonlit plane beyond. The tree welcomed me home, like
a father welcoming a returning son. Pip listened.
"I've been here and watched storms materialize from blue sky. Even in summer
this land is known to have sudden storms and blizzards. To the southeast
weather may imperil adventurers making them get lost in the endless meadows
and hills. There are tales of entire valleys and keeps hidden away from the
knowledge of humans. There are also known ruins. Most have been stripped
bare of anything that can easily be carried off by raiding orcs. Now most
ruins are little more than heaps of stone, or graves and cellars largely
hidden by the grass."
"To the south, a day and a half run or so, would be Phandalin, or at least
what used to be Phandalin. It is located on an old road that runs northeast
from the High Road, which follows the coast running south from Neverwinter to
Waterdeep. Sometimes you can envision pieces of the old road from here, but
its probably just the way the grass is waving in the breeze. The old road
used to go all the way to Triboar and connect to the Long Road. (It also
leads to Waterdeep.) But the old road long ago faded away into a mere trail
and has even disappeared for great stretches. The orcs had paid human mages
to work powerful magic to destroy the villages along the route and even bury
the road itself to try to secure the area once they had conquered it. The
far eastern end of the road is the trail that is still used that leads into
Triboar. Phandalin had been an important farming center before the orcs came
some 400 years ago. When they were driven out, the village was left largely
in ruins, and it remains as we see it today. No one lives there now but
monsters, though passing hunters and rangers often camp in one of the more
secure buildings. It has three deep wells that can still be used."
"The orc attacks also forced gnomes and dwarves to abandon a mountain delve
near Phandalin where they were mining mithral together. Their last lode was
called Wavecho Cave because they say the roll and boom of waves beating on
the Sword Coast shore could be heard in the natural cavern. Rich stores of
mithral and magical items of gnomish and dwarven make were enchanted in
Wavecho by human mages allied with other races. Those enchanted items are
said to still lie in the caves and delvings. When the orcs attacked Wavecho
in force there was a spell battle between the defending mages and the wizards
hired by the orcs. The land was changed. The ceilings of many caverns and
chambers collapsed, and the very location of Wavecho was lost. There have
always been rumors of rich treasures lost in the fighting in the area that is
just waiting for a lucky or persistent venturer to find it."
I motioned to Pip to follow me to a different perch. I went ever higher to
eventually find a spot which gave an amazing view towards the east and
southeast. Pip did not say a word but was enthralled by my tutoring. I knew
the moonlight did not do justice to the daytime view, yet it was more than
bright enough to support my information. I continued.
"To the east and southeast are endless hills and meadowlands. There are many
small villages of only a dozen or so houses. Many are nestled in close to
the edge of neverwinter Woods. The farms grow crops to feed themselves, and
to trade with any travelers who may come their way. Travelers are usually
skirting the forest between the Coast and the Interior, following the safest
paths and not venturing too far south. Adjoining farms are separated by
cartpaths or trails like we have been following since leaving Thundertree.
They are largely self-sufficient, needing only to purchase linens and
finished clothing from peddlers."
"They need to protect themselves from trolls and brigands who lurk in the
hills south and away from the edge of the forest. At night, the farmers take
turns keeping watch from the rooftops of their homes. They arm themselves
with scythes, daggers, swords, and crossbows. They are known as excellent
shots, the local lads learning to shoot bow and use the sling almost before
learning to walk. Most clusters don't even have names but may be known for
their local specialty, such as a smithy's place, experienced carpenters,
wagon repair, or crossbow makers. They make terrible beer but produce
quality gin from a variety of local berries to get them through the harsh
winter days."
"Pip, have you heard of the Place of the Unicorn?" I asked.
I continued climbing higher. Pip followed quietly. I found an old favorite
southern viewpoint, better than the previous one, and the lad nestled in for
more.
"A lot of travelers look for it. It is farther south, east of Leilon and can
only be found at night. The wizards of the Coast believe that it lies in
another dimension, reached only by a Moongate, a magical gate that operates
only in moonlight. The Place is Sacred to Lurue, the unicorn of the Beast
Cult. It is a stand of trees whose leaves are brilliant blue, surrounding a
bluegrass meadow. Beings who rest therein are healed of all diseases,
poisons, curses, and insanity. Unicorns may also be healed of physical
damage. Beings who have no faith or are wavering in their beliefs often see
Lurue herself in the trees, and their reaction may reshape their lives. On
special nights, if you look just right, you can catch a glint of blue that's
not moonlight."
We both stood there turned southward, thinking about what I just said. The
second moon began to rise over the tops of the woods at our back. We watched
as a new shade of moonlight blue traveled from the south horizon towards us
at an amazing speed. In just seconds the moonlight had changed to be much
brighter. An eerie shadow of the tree reached out towards the southwest for
miles.
"Wow, a double moonlit night! Spectacular!" said Pip.
"Yes, it looks like we may have a double full moon tomorrow, the two largest
ones. That doesn't happen too often," I added.
<To Be Continued . . .>The Promise Land
(submitted by: KEF Irish)
Sien stood in a clearing in the woods that over looked a large estate of
land. The grass was emerald green and the trees that surrounded the estate
were strong oaks. This was his dream, what he had fought for. Sien spent
every gold piece he had for this land and now he could begin his work. As
Sien grinned at the beauty of the sight he heard a twig break and within a
second his sword was out.
" Sien its only me," Fien screamed," put your sword away."
" Ah lad, how is it my kid brother finds me in this place?" asked Sien.
" I , well I tried to track you, actually I plum ran into you after I got
lost." grinned Fien.
" Well since your here come look at our future my brother, many years I
have worked for this chance." Sien gestured for Fien to come forward. Fien
cam forward to look at the scenic area and was in awe. " What is it?"
" Fien, I ventured for years helping others and acquiring vast
treasures. Never was my goal to become rice, always I had others on my mind.
I spent all I gathered on this land before us. There is more land than we
need, which you probably noticed. In the center will be a enormous keep.
And it will house hundreds of families"
"What families, who , brother I am lost in your dream" Fien replies
puzzled.
" Brother, after i was forced to leave you and mother I lived without a
home, not knowing where my next meal would come from. Then I was befriended
by the Knights of the Eternal Flame. They seasoned me into a strong knight,
and I gained oppurtunities I never had before. And from the gold I gained I
planned on helping all those that I could. The keep my brother will house
hundreds of families that are less fortunate. The land will be theirs to
use, the timber theirs to cut, and the wealth will gained them the
opportunity to survive on their own. This is not charity, they will work for
a wage and I shall provide the materials. As years pass families will grow
strong and leave while new families come to begin. Those wishing to follow
the path of the flame can begin here, there will be great need to defend this
land fron bandits and barbarians. Brother, will you aid me in this quest?"
"Aye Sien, tis a noble and powerful plan", Fien Answered.
Sien walked down to the center of his dream while Fien remained atop the
hill still in awe of what he has seen. ", but Sien, there should be a woman
to share this dream. You cannot live all closed up forever" Fien whispered
to himself as he wondered how long his brother could survive without ever
feeling loved.Ilhar's Day, One Drow's Perspective
(submitted by: ShaperDef)
Shaper had learned a lot from the rivvin mage he had captured from Llast
harbor. He had planned on killing the mage as soon as he was outside the
town but then the mage started to plea for his life. He did not promise
anything or offer anything to Shaper. He just kept repeating over and over
again that he should be allowed to live until after Mothers day. This
confused Shaper, and peaked his interest. He would have to question this
mage to find out more of this strange custom called Mother's day.
At first the questioning was difficult, the mage kept talking about love. A
concept the young drow did not understand. After some probing Shaper looked
at the Mage and asked.
"Ye mean to honor or show respect to one's Ilhar?"
"Yes" replied the mage a look of relief on his face, "if Ilhar means mother,
yes to honor or show respect."
Shaper sighed finally understanding what the mage meant. "So rivvin your kind
does know how to show proper respect. I shall honor your words and honor
your Mother's day."
A look of relief flooded the face of the mage, then Shaper turned quickly his
Death lance flashing out quicker than the eye could follow relieving the mage
of his pathetic existence. Shaper turned and started to walk back to
Dur'Eben. Stopping a few meters away he turned and cast a fire ball
destroying the headless body of the mage. Looking down at the mages head in
his hands he thought "xas you will be a fine gift for my Ilhar, I thank you
for your insight on this special day." Laughing, he continued his journey
home.
Shaper entered a cave just outside the city. Here he started to prepare his
gift for his Ilhar. He cleaned the skull of the mage and removed the Crystal
globe he had found in the Dragons horde. He opened his spell book and
started to prepare his spells. He secured the Globe in the skull and cut his
arms letting the blood flow unto the Crystal, chanting a spell the crystal
absorbed the blood. He then fastened some gold carved spiders unto the base.
Then he carved in the runes of Dur'Eben thus completing the sequence to
ensure that only a Nobel of Dur'Eben could use the item. Smiling to himself
he wrapped the item in a cloak and continued his journey.
Shaper walked through the gates of Dur'Eben and levitated up to the upper
floor. Approaching his Ilhar's room he knocked.
The door swung open and his Ilhar's voice responded "Enter Shaper you are
late."
Shaper kneeled and greeted his Ilhar "Vendui' Malla' Ihalr I bring ye a gift
on this Ilhar's day".
Arielana looked at Shaper a bit confused "Ilhar's day what are ye talking
about Shaper?"
Shaper quickly explained the rivvin custom of honoring ones Ilhar's on one
given day a year. Quickly adding that he always honored his Ilhar ever day
but on this day he decided to show his devotion in the form of a gift.
Smiling evily Arielana replies "Then let us see your gift Shaper and I hope
it pleases me"
Shaper unwrapped the skull Globe and held it up. Arielana's eyes narrowed.
And in a low tone said "This is why you are late Shaper, for a mere skull of
a defeated foe." Shaking her head she grabbed the skull with the intention
of destroying it. As soon as her hands made contact with the skull she knew
its real purpose. A evil gleam shown in her eyes as she looked at Shaper.
With the Skull in her hands she could read his every thought. The meaning
was clear, the skull amplified her abilities to enter her son's mind. Shaper
was in his way showing his loyalty to his Ilhar and Dur'Eben.
ShaperDef
Ust Dalharuk (submitted by: CzJ)
Helpful hint for newbies:
There is a minotaur in the area just south of NW...he has a Battle Axe +1 and
it will carry you far until you can find a better weapon.
CzJ<><><><><>
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for publishing. If your Announcement, Article, Helpful Hint, NW Abby
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