1996-08-11
Recovered original text · preserved verbatim
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NEVERWINTER NEWS
Issue # 146
Week Ending 8-11-96
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FRONT PAGE
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Congratulations to TCS Elvin for winning last week's News of the Realm
contest for his story entitled "The Bonding".
TCS Elvin 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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Congratulations to the teams of:
Devon Tir & JP Jyhad
Sagx & Nikolbolas
Who each were able to assist Lord Nasher today and bring the trapper/furrier
Allwyn to safety, where he could tell his tale of strife and turmoil! This
eyewitness account will shed more light on the mysterious events surrounding
the threat to Neverwinter. Check the STORMBRINGERS! folder for his tale and
perhaps theirs!
For their quick wits and assistance, they each win 15 pearls and 2 free
hours!
Also.. congratulations to IvyLunett and to Dirk Dirty who each win 5 pearls
for their excellent roleplaying during the quest!
Well done all ;D
Regards,
NW Events
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JULY WWAI Scores
First--Llewdoc---25 pearls and 4 free hours
Second--Sylphee--20 pearls and 3 free hours
Third--Gherkin II---15 pearls and 2 free hours
5-pearl roll-off winer....Zandrakkas
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Fumble Booth Results - 8/13 10pm ET
The evening was clear; the desolate corner of southwall was deserted.
NW Frost, having spoke highly of his ability to fumble anyone, had his bluff
called. 14 of the realms sturdiest and save worthy members stepped forth to
challenge the legendary casting abilities of Frostie.
At stake were 2 pearls, failure to save against one of two casts of fumble
would earn the member ridicule ;) Frost, being the kind and generous person
he his, allowed SOME of the challengers feel as if they did good };>
Congratulations to:
Mech Grymm
KF Conan
Zelghina
N0R Helixx
ErikDG
Gandolf 2B
HCD Boru
Sir Carr
For they have won 2 pearls for having saved me generous casts ;)
Thanks one and all for attending Frosts last booth. It has been a pleasure
serving the Realms ;)
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August Trivia
August 6, 1996
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*** First Place - Cucumberus 35 points! ***
** Second Place - Llewdoc 32 points! **
* Third Place - Opslin 25 points! *
Random Drawing Winner - Opslin
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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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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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New Player Tours:
Join the following staff members for a tour of the Realm:
August 11th Sunday 11:00 PM EDT - with NWT Cyane.
August 14th Wednesday 9:00 PM EDT - with NW Mystek.
August 15th Thursday 10:15 PM EDT - with NW Lenox.
August 17th Saturday 4:00 PM EDT - with NW Lethe.
Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner
telling where to meet! ;D
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Gift to Lloth - Part 4
(submitted by: Mavralyn)
Returning to her rooms and ordering her servants to pack certain things,
Mavralyn stepped towards the small alcove that granted instant access to her
private chamber above. Appearing again in the elaborate playroom, she smiled
wickedly down at the slumbering human. So exhausted was he that it seemed he
had not moved since brought to this place.
Releasing Lrd Rathar from the leather straps that held him, Mav woke the male
with a light trailing touch down the scar that seemed to fascinate her. As
his eyes opened the emotions that flashed across his expressive features
caused the priestess to laugh softly. His nightmare had not ended upon
waking.
"I wish to know how dos got this," she asked in low husky tones. Not waiting
for a response she turned and settled herself upon a low chaise lounge. With
a slight smile playing about her generous mouth, she told the knight to come
stand before her. Slowly Lrd Rathar rose from the fur covered pallet and
stood in front of the reclining drowess.
Her amusement increased as she told him to turn slowly and a fiery blush
stained his entire body with a rosy glow. Letting her eyes travel slowly
over the fine physic she noted that no other imperfections seemed to mar the
fair skin that rippled over strong muscles. Chuckling softly at his
discomfort she admired this human she planned to prepare for Lolth. "Dos may
speak ussta inlul rothe; tell me of this scar."
Mavralyn listened to the deep voice as it cracked slightly at first then
smoothed out speaking with more confidence. His story seemed fantastic as he
continued talking of his past. Hearing him name Demigorgon as his father and
the one who had given Rathar his scar brought a slight glimmer of memory to
the sapphire eyes.
As the knight continued the telling of his tale, Mav summoned food and wine
with a wave of her hand and a simple word of magic. "Dos may sit near me,"
she purred as the tray of delicacies floated beside her. Pouring the light
golden liquid into two crystal goblets, she gestured at the tray inviting the
human to partake as well.
Reaching for one of the savory tidbits, Mav popped the morsel into her mouth
along with a small pellet and watched Rathar with hooded eyes. Rathar did
not notice the subtle move as he reached for a goblet and drank deeply of the
semi sweet wine sparkling within.
Mavralyn looked over at the handsome paladin as he finished the wine. She
knew the potent liquid had taken effect when she saw his eyes dilate
slightly. Her husky voice seemed to resonate through his soul as a momentary
fear flashed across his face, "Nau, I did naut poison dos ussta ssinjin
sargtlin rothe."
Relaxing slightly he looked around with a new sense of seeing as the drowess
led him back to the small pallet. The room had appeared dark and somber
before, now it seemed each piece of furniture glowed with subtle colors.
Turning his gaze back to the drowess that had captured him, his eyes widened
at the darkly beautiful aura that enhanced her exquisite charms.
Her sultry voice filled his ears with a mysterious hint of pleasures to come,
"Dos should lie down and rest some more ussta ssinjin." Nodding in agreement
he smiled and laid his tall frame upon the soft and silky fur. He had not
noticed how sensuous the texture was before! Now it seemed to caress his
sensitive flesh with a life of it's own.
She leaned over his prone body letting her lips linger on his in a promise of
passion and erotic desires. He tried to respond but found he had no wish to
move. Her light touch sent a shiver of delight through him as she bound his
wrists with the leather thongs. As her fingers explored downward in a slow
teasing of his flesh, an aching torment began to build within him again.
A low groan of disappointment caused her to laugh softly as she bound his
ankles to another set of rings. Looking upward at his glowing eyes her husky
laugh sent a shiver through him, "I have things to do ussta ssinjin and there
must be time for dos to rest and prepare for the next step of dossta
training."
Rathar tried to summon anger or defiance at her words of more training, but
the delicious sensations and heightened senses were too new an experience for
him. His mind was in a jumble of thoughts and emotions foreign yet familiar.
A thought crossed his mind that his father might find his predicament
amusing, then he wondered who his father was. Frowning slightly trying to
recall his father's name he realized it was too much trouble and relaxed
letting the thought go.
A low sultry voice that filled him with excitement whispered a soft "Aluve'
ussta pet, ........enjoy," and he longed for the voice to continue. The
sound seemed to caress the heated flesh of his body causing him to tremble.
Time expanded and contracted. His concept of time passing distorted by the
potion working within him. Various thoughts flashed through his mind yet
each only seemed to distract his concentration.
Ghostly fingers saw to his normal needs during the hours that passed. The
invisible servants ignored the low moaning pleas of the figure stretched out
on the bed. As unseen forms fed him delicacies they also gently washed the
naked figure. Their light touches sending currents of erotic pleasure
coursing through every nerve. No matter how he twisted and turned, the
ghostly fingers gave him no release and constantly tormented him with their
teasing caresses. A low guttural growl escaped as all stopped.
"Vendui' ussta pet, I hope dos missed me," the husky tone sent such a shudder
of pleasure through him he felt his heart stop briefly. Glowing eyes
searched for the source of that sound and fell upon a wondrously beautiful
vision.
"Dos may call me Jabbress, ussta pet," she laughed softly at the adoration
and curiosity shining in the paladin's eyes. The only thought in his mind
was his wish to please this goddess before him and he smiled then nodded,
"Anything for you Jabbress."
The clay was ready for reshaping.The Hunter - Part 5
(submitted by: Thorn Hawk)
The sun was just falling into the Western sky, when the small band of men
stopped and prepared to make camp. Tents were built, cooking fires were
made, and sentries were posted while a silent figure watched from the cover
of a light stand of ash trees off in the distance. The sentries were just
getting settled when the figure withdrew into the shadows and vanished.
A cloaked man made camp barely a mile distant from the band of murderers. He
ate a cold meal of way bread, washing it down with a drink of spring water.
This was the night he would attack the camp. He had shadowed them for two
days waiting for an opportunity to ambush them. The hours just before dawn
he would sneak into their camp and seek justice for the slaughter of a family
killed some days' travel to the West.
The figure woke to the bright light and explosion of a fireball off in the
distance toward the camp of his prey. Knowing something was happening, he
prepared for a fight and heading off at a run. If they were fighting some
denizen of the forest, they might be ready for a fight, but they might suffer
causalities and be easier to overcome. All this passed through the figures
mind as he raced toward the flashes of light. As he neared the camp, the
ranger caught the glimpse of a track during a brief flash of lightning.
Suddenly, he stopped. He knew the creature that produced that track and he
did not wish to meet it unprepared. Casting many spells of protection, the
ranger moved forward at a guarded pace with his sword drawn. The tracks were
that of an adult dragon.
Tiny fires dotted the camp, as the ranger made his way into the clearing.
Expecting to see a rampaging dragon, the ranger was surprised by the silence
that greeted him. The only sound was the cackling of wood while it burned.
Bodies lay scattered about the clearing, a testament to their struggle
against the dragon. Of the dragon, there was no sign. The ranger moved
around the camp looking for any survivors. He discovered the remains of the
dragon along with its slayer near the edge of the woods. A man lay dying
next to a large pile of ashes arranged in the shape of a dragon. Kneeling
down, the ranger turned the man over and held his hand, while his life slowly
drifted away.
The warming rays of the morning sun were just casting their brilliance
through the trees to the East when Thorn Hawk finished piling the bodies into
a stack. Casting a spell, the bodies were quickly consumed by a roaring
fire, consigning them back to the earth. The ranger moved off toward the
rising sun thinking of revenge, justice, and mercy . . .
~~~
He had been here for over three months learning all Tracker had to teach.
There was not much he could teach Thorn Hawk about tracking, sneaking, or
animals. These, he learned in the desert, but Thorn Hawk did learn about the
gods, the world outside the desert, and the many people that inhabited those
lands.
One morning, Thorn Hawk, awaking early, prepared to satisfy his curiosity.
For the past three months, Tracker had arisen early each morning and left,
coming back an hour or so later to waken his young pupil. After Tracker
left, Thorn Hawk dressed and silently followed. The tracks lead to the other
side of the village and a small pool. Thorn Hawk crept near the edge of the
old blacksmith shop and gazed down into the pool. A beautiful woman,
completely unclad, stood within the clear waters washing her hair.
"I was thinking you might follow me one morning," she said, turning to face
Thorn Hawk. "My name is Alisheen or Tracker if you like, Thorn." Blushing,
"I like Alisheen . . . but why the disguise?" asked Thorn Hawk.
"It is safer to be a gruff old man than a woman," she replied, getting out of
the pool and dressing.
"I......."
"It's fine, Thorn. It will take sometime getting used to, but I felt it was
time you knew. I have taught you all that I can about being a ranger and
what it means. I wanted you to know who I really am before you leave." "Is
it time?" Thorn Hawk asked, thinking of the restlessness that had come over
him the past month.
"I feel that it is. You are not yet a ranger and may never be, but that
decision is yours to make. You must walk many roads and see those things I
have told you of before you can decide. Being a ranger has nothing to do
with training, any man can track and hunt evil humanoids. Being a ranger is
a calling, not of the gods, but of your soul. It is being one with nature
and protecting all of her creatures from harm. It's a hard, lonely road that
few travel."
"But, how will I know?"
"You will know. Just trust me, but come, let us enjoy our last day
together," Alisheen replied in her familiar disguise as Tracker.
Tracker and Thorn Hawk spent the rest of that day hunting in the desert near
the village. They talked of many things, but neither mentioned their
parting. The following day, Thorn Hawk left that village behind while
Alisheen was off washing her hair. He didn't want to say goodbye to his
teacher and friend, nor did he know how.
Thorn Hawk,
Brotherhood of PathfindersA Rose for Earl - Part 1
(submitted by: Ldy Graye)
What is about to be told is not a mere story but a tale of unfathomable love
and sacrifice. It is a story of blood ties and the love of one dragon for
her child and husband. This is where my story begins.....RG
Melody had become increasingly weak the last few days, venturing out less and
less. Today, she thought, was just too beautiful to stay inside. She had
been walking out in the garden when the pain began. It was nothing she even
took notice of, just a mild ache she attributed to her human form. She had
met far worse in the sewers. Continuing on through the Garden, she admired
the Earl's handywork. Never had she seen beauty to equal that which was
contained in these gardens. Johan's roses were prizes of the realm, known by
all for their magnificence. They bloomed in a multitude of colors--blue,
red, yellow, and combinations fay and ornate. They were as colorful as
dragons themselves, but the thorns weren't as pronounced. It was a lovely
day and the sun shone down, warming her skin and illuminating the earth. In
a moment of thought she placed her hand on her round belly. "Ah, my
precious, someday you shall walk in this garden and bask in its beauty as I
love to." Continuing on through the garden, she could feel the baby growing
more restless. That's odd, she thought; the baby is never awake during the
day, only at night. She reached the entrance of the garden where the
fountain was set, surround by the red roses her husband bred in her honor,
the Melody. In a sudden movement, her unborn child became violent.
Melody looked down, both feeling and seeing the baby kicking the wall of
her stomach through her dress, as if it wanted to turn. Running her hands
gently over her stomach, she spoke softly as she had so many times before.
"Hush, little one. Be still." The baby settled down and she walked on. She
walked over to the fountain of the ninefold dragon god, Io. The Earl had
once told her the story of the fountain; it was a gift to his mother to help
her with her home sickness. His father had it made in the likeness of Io
himself. Though she had never seen Io herself, she took her love's word on
the fact. Shiver, a reluctant expert on theology, had agreed that the
fountain captured the avatar of Io. But she saw it as it was a gift of love
for a women by her man. With a warm smile she looked at the Blood Red Rose,
a gift from her husband, their contribution to the beauty of the garden.
Bending down she picked off a beautiful bud and held it in her hand,
wondering if she could create something so beautiful, so magnificent, such a
tribute to the Gods, and a representative of their love. She held the soft
silky petals of the rose in her hand, amazed at their very being when the
most violent pain ripped through her. Her muscles began to spasm, crushing
the fragile rose in her hand. The contractions came like a storm--she knew
something was wrong. It was too early. The baby was coming too soon. She
screamed as her water broke. The baby would never survive. What had she
done? She should have never left her bed in such a weakened condition. She
had condemned her baby to death. What would Johan do? Another lightning
strike of pain ripped through her, doubling her over on to the ground. CzJ
was not far behind and, hearing her scream, he came running to her side. The
bronze haired, seemingly young man, bent down, his eyes narrowed in concern.
"Go get Johan, CzJ!" Terrified, CzJ bent down to take the Lady into his
arms. "NO! " she yelled at him "Get Johan!" In a flash, he was gone.
CzJ barged into the study ranting and raving. "Johan, it's Mel! She's
in the garden!" He could feel the heat from the pedant he wore around his
neck. He knew instantly this was no bronze joke. Running down the hall, he
found the window that over-looked the garden and what he saw made his heart
stop and his breath catch in his throat. He reacted instantly, using a
dimension door to reach her. She was crumpled over by the fountain, the rose
curshed in her hand. Kneeling down, he lifted her, cradling her in his arms
and felt her soaked dress. His worst fear was confirmed. "Johan, the baby
is coming too early, isn't it?"
"Aye, dearest." By this time, CzJ had reappeared next to them. "CzJ,
thee must change to thy dragon form and quickly alert the Council. I shall
need their help. Get everyone thy can." Nodding, CzJ ran to the launch pad.
Holding the lady close, Johan dimension doored to their chamber. As he
held her, he could feel the contractions rack her fragile body. The Earl's
hair stood up on the back of his neck as he felt Melody's weak attempt at
healing. With the casting, her body calmed and she began to relax. "Rest,
dear" the Earl spoke into her ear. She could hear the control in his voice,
but see his face stretched with the effort. "Love, thou must nay cast
another spell. Thy strength is needed for the child. Already thou art too
weak, for this baby has taken too much."
Melody grasped wildly at his arm. "Never blame this child for anything
that is to come this eve. The baby has not taken anything that I would not
freely give it. If I must trade my life to bring this baby forth I will do
it without hesitation. Promise me never to blame this baby." The Earl
nodded, his composure strained. He undressed her and placed a warm robe
around her. He laid her back onto the bed and retreated to the basin to
fetch some water to clean her up a bit.
Returning to the bed side, he could see that she had weakened and the
spell had worn down already. She deteriorated so quickly it made him realize
it was worse than he was willing to accept.
As he began to wipe her down, the contractions started again. Her head
rolled back, sweat running down her face. She knew that the spell faded too
quickly and, looking up at Johan, she realized he did, too. "Johan, if there
be a choice to be made tonight, I shall make it easy for you by making the
choice now." He stared in shock that she was talking such nonsense. "The
baby, Johan. The baby." He stared, unable to comprehend what he was
hearing. "Promise me." He saw the dragon in her narrowed eyes.
His head began to shake back and forth. "Nay my, love" was all he said
as he lost his calm and tears slid down his face. "Nay, I wouldst nay let
thee go."
"Johan!" she grabbed his arms, her nails digging in. "This is not your
choice. It is mine and I have already made it. The baby comes first!"
With a look of dread, he whispered "but I am nay willing to make that
trade." She looked up at him with a look he had never seen before; it was
neither love nor fear nor anger nor joy; it was a look of all combined.
"Don't bring me back at the cost of my child. I would never forgive
you." Never had she spoken in such a manner to him. He knew better than to
disobey; she was no longer joking. (TBC)A Rose for Earl - Part 2
(submitted by: Ldy Graye)
Continued........He was speechless, his thoughts reeling. He was suddenly
brought out of the maelstrom of possibilities as another contraction started
and her nails dug into his arm, drawing blood. The blood ran down his arm,
pooling on top of hers. She laid back and spoke. "This is all wrong. The
pain is too fast and too sharp." Looking at Johan she reached up and wiped
his eyes. "I love you" was all she whispered. He smiled back through his
tears. Then a knock at the door interrupted them. Rhinard, The castle
wisdom and midwife had arrived to CzJ's call. She walked in the room. She
was old but wore it well, her frame grown a bit bent and heavier, though she
retained the strength of youth. She had been in attendance when Johan was
born. She spoke very little. She could already see the problem as she
began examining Melody. Johan watched every nuance of expression, trying to
read each frown.
She stepped away from Melody, indicating that the Earl should continue wiping
her with a cool cloth. Her voice was calm and lyrical as she began to speak
in the mist of this chaos. "I shall begin with what you already know... The
birthing has progressed too far and we will be unable to stop it. This baby
must be born tonight." Her voice seemed to echo.
"The problem lies in the nature of the birth. The baby is ill prepared to be
born and the babe has no real plan to be born. What has happened is the
Lady's body has become too weak and drained by this child and it has begun to
see the babe as a threat. Mel's body is acting in a survival measure; it has
deemed the babe a foreign threat and is trying to expel it."
Hesitating, as if her words were permeating ground already soaked from the
rain of a thousand heart breaks, she continued on. "So the problem arises in
the fact that the babe does not wish to be born and is not in the position
which is needed to be able to pass through. Yet her body is violently trying
to rid itself of the babe."
The Earl spoke almost to himself... "Oh, had I nay let her weaken so.
Should have known better, I should."
Rhinard looked up "No, my child, there is nothing you could have done. It is
the nature of the babe your wife supports in her womb. It is a conduit. The
more this child would be given, the more it would have drained."
"A Conduit" the Earl asked? Nodding, Rhinard continued. "They are rare and
seen only in the mixture of two separate powers. The lines of magic run down
strong in the lines of your families. Melody is the making of a bargain with
Rak, one of the most powerful Red Dragons to ever walk this earth, and you
are a mixture of.... well, your mother was a dragon. I am not sure what race
your father was. It was only a matter of time before a conduit was born."
Taking a breath Rhinard continue to explain. "The babe has the ability to
absorb the magic and energy from around itself and reamplify it. The babe
will be be able to send it out much stronger or place it inside another. But
this takes schooling, something this babe does not have. So it blindly
absorbs the magic that surrounds it, hence the quickening of the rate of
spell deterioration. The babe is taking the spells right from Melody." The
Earl went to ask a question when he was once again cut off.
Melody's scream over rode there conversation as her body once again tried to
bring forth this babe. Rhinard leaned over Melody and looked back at the
Earl. "You will need to stop her body from contracting long enough for the
baby to rotate and position itself to be born. You will need to do that and
support her since she is unable to it for herself. This will be a long night
for you. You will need some help."
"I have already sent for the Council and her human brother. They should be
here soon."
Suddenly, Melody's body flew back, ridged in pain as sweat covered her,
soaking her hair and robe. Rhinard yelled "You must stop her!" Instantly,
Johan cast and Melody fell to the bed. Her body relaxed, held by potent
magics. She faded into unconciousness as soon as the spell took effect. "We
must keep her body still while we wait for the child. Let's hope this babe
is not too stubborn."
<TBC>Top Ten List
(submitted by: Wgbt)
Ah, Melee PVP, with such a demand in Neverwinter it'd be here by now, but
just the same it seems that it won't arrive anytime in the near future. So
tonight, I, Wagebolt of the Winterguard, would like to dedicate this week's
top ten list to:
TOP TEN THINGS THAT SEEM JUST AS LIKELY TO HAPPEN AS GETTING
MELEE PVP IN NEVERWINTER ANYTIME SOON
10)Halflings rule Neverwinter
9)An NWA becomes a serial killer
8)The Wharves become a PVP area
7)The sewers stop smelling like sewage
6)KAAOS members stop smelling like sewage
5)Cones of Cold become the most popular PVP spell.
4)Trash Talk qualifies as sophisticated and enlightening
3)Everybody with three or more numbers in their name gets free boots of speed
2)LordNasher Shaves
1)Feebs make people smarter
::Wagebolt throws blue index card out the window::
<crash>
(WorldWide Plate)
"Plate-a-palooza"
Butterfly Evil
(submitted by: Zindio)
Zindio, the cadet of The Protectorates, Left the guild hall after
submitting his quest results with Star Aura. Exhausted and rather wrung out
from the frantic activity of the past few months, the half elf warrior headed
for the Lost Woods and its sylvan sanctuary. Thunderwing, his griffin, flew
high overhead shadowing his partner.
A huge orange orb rose over the vast forest, golden red rays of the
first light of day found their way through the trees and lit up the figure of
a man sitting crosslegged in front of an enormous ant hill. A rather large
griffin crouched a little ways from the man tearing at the carcass of a half
eaten frost wolf. A look of rapt fasination gripped the facial features of
the half elf warrior, Zindio.
"Look at them Thunder." he whispered, "Each one has a job and nary a
one of the thousands in this colony stray from it." The griffin looked up
briefly, snaped his beak in recognition of being spoken to, and resumed
tearing the flesh from the wolf's bones. "All working in harmony with each
other." he mused. A movement to the left startled Zindio out of his
contemplative demeanor, quickly he swung his trident to the right stopping as
he realized the focus of the movement was a rather large butterfly. A chill
came over him but he could see no reason for it. Thunderwing stopped eating
and nervously ruffeled his feathers, looking around warily. Zindio watched
intently as the colorful insect flitted over the ant hill.
The wings were edged in light lavendar, the inside was as black as
midnight, and throughout the black were spots of silver and gold. The main
body was as white as a banshee and slightly transparant. Enthralled at this
new wonder, Zindio stared watching the rythem of the wings, his eyes closing
as they would in sleep. Thunderwing's shrill cry jarred him back to reality
so fast his neck cracked painfully. The butterfly had poised itself over the
main entrance of the ant hill and sprayed a foul smelling acid liquid into
the holes. The sensitive ears of the half elf were assailed by the screams
of tortured ants in agony, then there was silence. The same silence of a
graveyard, thick enough to cut with a rapier, and cold as a frost wolf's
breath. There on top of the mound stood the girl.
Deep lavendar eyes, long blue-black raven colored hair, skin so
white, snow looked dark in comparison. Her hand lifted and Thunderwing was
froze as his wings started to lift him from this place. Her low melodious
voice caught Zindio off guard as he started to cast a fireball, a weak magic
missle stopped his cast. Her laughter rang through the forest, " Are you
going to hurt me my brother? After all we have been through." Her voice
ended pouting. "W0voka!" he gasped. "I thought ye were dead." " In a way I
was." she said, taking a feather out of the held griffin's wing. " But no
mind, I am here and you can't stop me." Her eyes glanced back at her half
brother, " I see you are still wearing that ridiculous hat that mother made
you. A pity." A look of hatred came across her face and she sat down toying
with the feather. "What has happened to ye my sister? Ye were carefree and
funloving the last time I saw ye and now ye burn with hate."
Carefully with measured precision W0voka looked up and cursed her
brother, she smiled and erased the curse. "You were always attempting to get
a good end out of everything, even when that elven father of yours was killed
and mother was tortured to death. Fun? I haven't been carefree since you
left and came here, and now I'm going to enjoy life and get rich and
powerful." She ended with a look that could have turned the undead.
Thoughts zipped through Zindio's head as fast as magic is cast. He
remembered the sister he left behind in Wienimer's forests, tragicly born
from the evil mage that had captured his mother and then killed her and his
father. It had made no difference to him that she was only his half sister,
he had brought her up and cared for her. Now, here she was, changed and
leaning toward absolute evil. Quickly the half elf took control of the
conversation. "What is it ye want my sister? Power? Riches? Or are ye
looking for recognition? Ye know that an evil alignment will only destroy
ye. Eh?" Face softening, W0voka looked at her brother and shook her head.
"Evil wins my brother. Join me, we can do it together. No more can we be
hurt. We made a good team you know." Sitting down beside her brother her hand
touched his shoulder. Zindio flinched from the icy touch. " Ye are not warm
me sister." Shaking his head sadly, " Ye have gone over to the side that we
fought together." Standing quickly she pointed her finger and said," Yes,
over, and that means I am on top. Anyway, I don't need you to get power.
Jasra Dark of The Temple of Lloth has told me she will help. And" Giggling, "
It seems that all I have to do here is mention your name and people give me
things."
Face darkning, eyes coal black, Zindio stood and cast a lightning
bolt, the girl screamed and tried to run. Six steps and she was stopped. "
Armor a bit heavy for ye eh?" attempting to find a hold spell in his scrolls
Zindio looked up and his sister had disappeared. Her voice came from behind
him. " Im sorry my brother, but I am going to crush everyone and everything
like those miserable ants and if you come inbetween me and that objective..."
Pausing, " Oh well." voice raised an octive. "I'm on my way to Jasra Dark
now, I'll be seeing you, I hope not." She said emphaticly.
The butterfly rose into the sky, Zindio watched the lost soul
dissapear, sadly he turned, freed Thunderwing from his spell and chuckeled a
bit as the griffin sat down hard on the ground, beak snapping and glaring
around for something to tear into. Looking at the griffin Zindio said" My
friend we are in for some hard times if that sister of mine reaches maturity
here in the realms, we must warn our friends not to give her any help, as
much as I hate to do it, we must warn Jasra also. My sister won't be stopped
and will turn on everyone, including her guild."
Climbing onto Thunderwings back, Zindio gave a signal and both rose
over the trees headed Northwest toward Neverwinter to warn his friends and
those that wern't his friends of this new danger to the realms.Conan's Quest
(submitted by: KF Conan)
The air grew damp, and the light dim. Every bone in his body trickeled as
Conan made his way through the huge wooden door. Having no idea of what lie
ahead, he cluched his flail, and made his way into the lower reaches of the
abandoned harbor. The harbor master above told him the story, of how the boat
came into the harbor, with no one aboard, but that could not stop him, for
Lord Nasher himself had sent young Conan on this quest, and the only thing
that could stop him now was death itself.
Taking a deep breath of the humid air, he began the long, slow walk down
the dimly lit hallway. He came upon a set of doors, but peering inside, found
nothing, so he kept moving, silently, down twoard the abandoned boat.
Creeping like a spider through the darkness, he came upon the doorway to
the boat. Nervously, he edged the door open......behind which was utter
darkness. Conan jumped back, seemingly startled by something. Grasping his
flail tightly, he edged in for a closer look....out of the shadows crawled a
tiny rat. Cursing himself, and letting a low laugh loose, Conan loosened the
grip on his flail, and walked into the main room of the boat.
Sensing, now that his guard was down, the little green, mutant like animals
made there move, jumping out of the shadows, behind the unsuspecting Conan,
and suprising him. Conan whirled, and was face to face with the little green
animals. He had heard of these before...Gnolls!
The gnolls threw there spears at the offguard Conan, but he was quicker,
dodging the the spears with ease, he lunged at the closest Gnoll, his flail
plastering it's head, and knocking it out. As soon as he pulled off, the
other three Gnolls were upon him, slashing at him with there claws. One of
the claws made it through through Conan's armor, percing his skin. Conan
retreated back a few steps. Clenching his wound, then looking up, he saw the
3 Gnolls approaching. This was his chance....he lifted his arms in the air,
and begun to chant in an ancient language. As the first Gnoll came within
arms reach of Conan, he flung his arms toward the gnolls, and his fingers
began crackeling and glowing. Just then, a huge bolt of lightning shot from
his fingers twoard the Gnolls.....In an instant, it was over.
Conan sat back, and began to bandage his wound. Slowly he stood up, and
made his way twoard the door. That is when he heard it. The loud roar. It
came from within the chamber, and sent shivers down the young Conan's spine.
Conan whirled....what he saw was unhuman. It was the biggest thing he had
seen yet in his young life. It was a Troll.....a mythical creature, but it
was now real! Conan grabbing his flail, lunged at the creature, bashing his
flail against the rock hard skin of the troll. The troll responded by
slashing Conan on the bisep. Conan retreated back in pain, and looking at the
troll, it seemed unhurt by his blow! Conan knew that his magics must bethe
answer. He began to chant, and the troll charged. Just as the troll jumped at
Conan, missles flew from his hands, blasting the troll. It fell to the
ground, seemingly lifeless. Conan walked over to the corpse, and looked at
it. The wounds were healing! Before Conan could react, the troll was on it's
feet, seemingly back to full health. It slashed at Conan's leg, ripping his
skin. Once again, he retreated back, but this time the Troll was quicker. He
lunged at Conan...Conan jumped, and the troll landed under him. Conan then
chanted a spell as fast as he could, and a black orb flew from his hands and
struck the troll....taking it's life. Conan fell to the ground, exausted, and
sighed in relief.
After his wounds were tended, he looked around the room, and something
caught his eye. He moved over to where it was...in the corner, and picked it
up. It was a Brass Button, with a familiar coat of arms on it. He put it in
his backpack, knowing that the information would be vital to Lord Nasher. He
headed out of the harbor, and back to the office of Lord Nasher in
Neverwinter..........
KF Conan
ScribeThe Master of the Night
(submitted by: Stalker352)
As Stalker walked the streets of Neverwinter, all heads turned. He had a
black and baggy cloak on concealing his features with something bulky was
under it. He walked using the blunt end of his spetum as a walking stick. He
was wearing all black, which went well with his jet black hair. Strangers
that walked past him put one hand on their purses, the other on the hilts of
their swords. He was an intimidating sight, tall and muscular with piercing
blue eyes like ice. The wind rippled his cloak, showing for an instant black
Plate Armor with a glowing blue symbol upon the front. Stalker was a sight
seldom seen in Neverwinter, preferring to spend his lonely nights in the
dangerous places where few men go. This night was different.
Stalker walked right through Neverwinter Square to the gate leading into
Southwall. He headed straight into a building. Once he entered Stalker
started a very thorough search of the house. He searched for hours, finding
nothing. Just as he was turning to leave he noticed it. A brick was out of
place in the wall, so slightly it was almost unnoticeable. He walked over to
it and looked closer. Stalker kicked it out of place and jumped back at the
same time, his spetum leveled at wall. A small section of the wall opened,
becoming a passage. He looked down, noticing that there was no dust, unusual
in a secret passage. He took off his cloak and laid it in front of the door.
Stalker walked forward carefully, his weapon drawn in front of him, the
magical Sigil on his chestplate glowing softly in the dark and damp passage.
He walked on, sweat freely rolling down his face. As he walked on the passage
gradually got wider. Stalker finally stopped at a door and reached out slowly
and opened it. He walked through slowly, this room was dimly lit by the
torches lining the walls. Stalker started walking for the end of the room.
When he got to the middle of the room Kobolds sprung up all around him. They
all started banging his armor with their short swords. Stalker sliced one
Kobold neatly in half, blood gushing from its chest. He let his momentum
carry his spetum around slicing all the kobolds around him. All of the little
creatures within distance went down, as Stalker was regaining his balance
from his swing a second wave of Kobolds came. One of the Kobolds struck at
one of the few vulnerable parts of Stalker's armor creating a deep gash on
his arm. Seizing the chance another Kobold darted in front of him and swung
wildly at Stalker's helm. Before the Kobolds swing could reach him, Stalker
gutted him. Stalker chopped at the remaining Kobold severing two limbs.
Stalker quickly turned as he heard a monstrous roar from behind. A Minotaur
was rushing towards him a huge runed Axe in its hands. The Minotaur swung his
Axe at Stalker, striking him hard in the chest, and creating a deep bloody
wound. Stalker struck back, swinging his Spetum at the Minotaur and catching
it in the arm. The Minotaur roared in anger More than in pain and swung at
Stalker who nimbly sidestepped the blow. Lashing out with his spetum, Stalker
caught the Minotaur off guard slicing open its stomach. The Minotaur dropped
to its knees before Stalker, clutching itself in pain. Stalker muttered a
prayer to Tyr, and swung his spetum at the Minotaur's head.
As Stalker walked back to the Red Mage Inn, in Neverwinter Square, he
contemplated why he had saved the town from the vile Minotaur. "Well" he
mused "it must be my good nature." With that he started laughing as he
entered the Inn. The people looked at him, bleeding on the doorway, a deep
gash in his chest, and laughing! They turned away talking quietly to their
friends about the crazy man, while a women walked up to him and helped him
in.
"Well, did you take care of the vile Minotaur?" she asked quietly.
"Of course m'lady" Stalker answered, sounding hurt "did you ever have a
doubt?"
"Well, if you must know-"
"Just get me some Ale" Stalker interrupted, sitting down at her
table.The Forest Path
(submitted by: Loraque)
The path through the forest is before me,
and I have walked many miles.
I have smelled fresh air in the spring,
and I have seen blooms after the rain.
I have drunk cool water in the summer,
and I have tasted ripened fruit.
I have heard the wind in the fall,
and I have felt the warm sun.
I have walked in the snow,
and I have known the silence.
The path through the forest is before me,
and I have traveled many years.
Wherever I looked, there was light,
and I always knew the way to go.
A light that guided and protected me,
and showed me hidden dangers.
A light that comforted me,
and showed me the forest's beauty.
Whenever I looked, there was light,
but now she is gone, and my heart aches.
The path through the forest lies before me,
and I will keep walking.
I will smell fresh air in spring,
and I will see bright flowers.
I will drink clear water in summer,
and I will rest in cool glades.
I will feel the wind in fall,
and I will hear the rustling leaves.
I will watch the snow fall in winter,
and I will know life is renewed.
The path through the forest goes on and on,
and I will be the light for the ones with me.
Loraque
Pirates of Neverwinter
New Starrs R Bourne
(submitted by: Aluric)
The sun was rising just above the tree tops on the largest of the lost
hills. Aluric looked up from where he had been preparing for todays
baptismal rites, to see the sun's first rays projecting into the private
garden of Try's Temple. Triboar was quite some travel from Never Winter
proper, which meant that everyone was most likely upon their way, save those
like the Lady Sunglitz and some other honored guests. Aluric thought again
of the airborne mode of travel that so many in the guild now used and decided
once again that safe though it may be, "terra firma" was all his for free!
Still he was gratefull for those honored guests whom offered to transport
today's service participants directly to the nearby arena. Thus saving them
the difficulties of traversing those hills, and an enormous amount of time.
Lady Ambrlin and Starbeard would insure all rested in comfort at the inn
until he called for them. The imposed penance of being forbidden from
churches during the performance of any religious service had been a stinging
slap in the face, but as was usual; Aluric found other ways to succeed in
service to his creator and friends. The Temple's high priest had been most
accommodating about this use of the outside garden with its private alter.
All was now ready. Satisfied Aluric went to rest and freshen up his
appearance for this days proceedings.
As the children arrived with their respective godparents, the sun
blazed high above, just short of its apex. It stood directly atop the
visually guarded entrance to the neither regions of the lessor Triboar, which
gave Aluric a bit more confidence in the success of what was to come. They as
a party walked through the secret gate to the inner garden within the temple.
where in, Aluric took each of the tiny babies in turn, placing them within a
creche he had constructed for just this event. Placing each of the god
parents at their respective points of the compass which he used as a visual
reference. This would form the lessor warding around the baptismal font.
Lady Ambrlin, Starbeard and the elegant Sunglitz where then shown to their
respective locations to make up the ward major that Aluric would use for the
rite. Aluric had chosen these 3 for the task, since they where already
accustomed to wielding major powers of the arcane. This was not entirely
like the spells of never winter but close enough that a worst all it would be
is unsettling with a mild to major headache. (It all depended upon how much
finesse Aluric would have with his not yet arrived guests.)
In fact Sunglitz had been with Aluric the very first time he had
attempted to work one of his wardings. The then guild mistress had been
guiding Aluric in search of the quests the Lady Mikrael had assigned. He
thought back to the fond memories of his now dead arch knight. His failure to
offer protection as her second in the duel arcane twixt her and Starbeard's
cousin Mav came in alongside the pleasant ones, as well. Remembering the
parting mental contact with her before she died brought new tears to Aluric's
eyes. Standing vigil, high atop the "Widows Walk", he was not even in the
same county when she fell before the superior use of arcane power by the dark
witch. A soft spoken "remember me well young one" was her last though to
him. The rage began anew, and it took a major portion of his will to calm
himself for what he must now do for these children. That was then and this
was now, nothing he could do would change the past, but he did learn from it.
The Lady Ambrlin called soft to Aluric, "What now?" which brought Aluric
back from his thoughts. With an apology for his distraction, Aluric then
laid out the process which would bring spiritual support from the divine
creator directly to the children. With the exception of Sunglitz, the others
looked to Aluric as if he where a few stones short of a full hod. "Why must
we stand atop these particular floor tiles again?" Aluric had expected this
and luckily had left time for these explanations. "If it please thee, I use
this place to leave never winter for the other realms i travel to. These
particular floor tiles upon which you stand are either focal points or
storage points for the magic's power. Half of which where already here when
I set out to travel. In fact these where so powerfully set they draw many to
this world via this place. So strong in fact I had to set up and construct
the other portals you all are using just to leave here. Though for some
reason even I cannot fathom, the original ones pull me back without warning
at the strangest times. All the spells of warding I have learned within my
monetary use these tiles, I suspect it to be closely related to the use of
somantics here, or like the wand and staves and such which permit the use of
magic without the use of your own powers. All could easily understand this;
and since they each had been rehearsed in their respective somantics and
incantations for this service Aluric had to but wait for the right moment.
The young Deacon/Knight didn't have long to wait. His timing for these
things had become impeccable. The rays of the sun just started peaking
through the tree cover, illuminating the baptismal font in a star like
pattern. Actually Aluric was amazed to find the description in the ancient
texts so accurately depicted what each present now saw. Aluric began with
the kyrie, the signal for the others to be ready for their parts. Lady Elayn
began the first spell of askance.
Come into our midsts sweet Zagzagel, angel of the creators wisdom,
interject and disperse thine knowledge unto these small ones and their god
parents. I ask for thine gift not for personal gain but for the benefit of
these small ones New to the harsh reality of life. Grant them thine wisdom
in years that they may find always the right. Please hear our prayers. All
answered amen, and waited for some sign of the angelic presence. A few heart
beats passed when the votive candle set to the north east corner of their
clearing burst into light. One which neither consumed nor gave off heat.
those new to Aluric's ways showed same with a intake of breath. But not a
pace was missed in this well rehearsed rite for timing was everything from
the way Aluric had explained the castings.
Dracn0w began his part. Being as the ladies always come first, it fell
to the godparents of the tiny Delphines to begin the rite and so it now went
woman to man each in turn. "Harken unto my desperate plea, angel whom is
destine to be the sustainer of mankind. Bring to each here that which only
you may impart. Bless and empower these children so they may be instruments
in the service to their creator." The votive set to the south west like the
first did illuminate. This having been accomplished the 2 now knelt upon the
marble section on which they had stood.
All present drew breath more severely save The lady Fair Star, whos turn
it was next. Events of recent past had brought concern and trepidation to
all now present. Though she had assured the proud parents time and again
that she was up to the task. And so It came to pass that the godmother for
Or1on Star called out to the angel Sandalphon; "You who are the divine
manifest power and glory, we implore you be with us and observe and bless
these proceedings. Impart upon all here your own special brand of love.
Grant us the will over evil to always chose the right path. Set In the north
west the votive there gave off its light, but not in the steady luminance as
its counterparts but with an occasional sputtering. All looked to Aluric,
who by now was feeling quite proud of the incantations being worked at his
behest in the name of their friend and guild master, Starbeard and his Lady
Ambrlin. Aluric could not hide his own look of concern but motioned to
Haldor to continue.
From Haldor came the next spell; " Hear us angel Akatriel, as the divine
revealer of mysteries you alone can give substance to that which might be.
Provide unto those gathered here insight and wisdom to find the right where
ever it may be!" At his words that votive located in the south east did
shine with light, like its former mates save the one which still sputtered in
the north west. Aluric's concern over this unusual happening was not lost on
the children's parents. Mentally Starbeard asked Aluric about it. "Most
likely mi lord tis an effect of nature, if you will note the rays of the suns
light cover this entire clearing save that one section. It shall be in full
light when the sun is directly overhead, at the baptism's concluding prayers
if i don't miss my own part here. But nought to worry over." Aluric turned
his attention to the Lady Mishikel who's somantics where coming to their own
apex, and had begun her incantation of summoning. Neither of the 2 had much
experience with the other since her coming to the Knights of the Eternal
Flame as a page in training. Aluric was concerned for her since she alone
had never witnessed the power channeled for these type of spells. As a
knight of the order thou he had faith in her abilities to adapt like her
fellow knights.
" Holy Uriel, warrior angel, strongest of the heavenly hosts, come into
our midst and lend us your strength, and impart unto those gathered here
before this altar of baptism a new strength. The strength of the angels, that
we may make our acts of love and devotion a thing long enduring in supreme
praise of our creator". To which all again answered "Amen"!
Now at the north edge of the baptismal font a small stack of black and
white cubes did begin to glow in a faint blue light. With this sending,
Aluric turned his gauze next upon his second longest friend in this world,
held dearly in his own heart as a brother in arms and in service to the
guild. If not for Elgiem, Aluric might not even be able to count himself a
member of this austere embodiment of the Knights of the Eternal Flame. The
remembering of the story brought a small tear of thanks to Aluric's eyes. The
distraction near causing Aluric to miss Elgiem's words.
"Beloved of the creator, angel of healing and knowledge come to us in
this service dearest Raphael, and give us your blessing as well and impart
that which only you posses. we humbly pray". As before the cubes at the foot
of the baptismal altar did glow as well. Now as the godparents of the 3
small waifs kneel atop their own separate parts of the singular floor, At
which Aluric stepped to the front of the Altar and sang in his boisterous
tenor voice.
"Lady Ambrlin and Magister Starbeard is it your wish to see these
children baptized and made one into our church"? The proud parents rose and
seeped to either side of Aluric and in one unified voice sang the reply. "
It is our right, it is our wish, it is the reason for which we have come. To
see our children joined into our church as one!" Starbeard did thou take
liberty to sing in counterpoint to the ladies harmony. This received a
raised eyebrow from Aluric but he proceeded on with his song's part; "The
bring into our gathering those of the beginning and the end and into the
books they carry thy children's names do thee send". T'was the Lady Ambrlin,
heard high atop the trees, "Angel Sopheriel Maeheyye, come into our
gathering, oh keeper of the book of life. let the names of my children be
set to its pages as servants of our creator grant us this we pray". Even as
the altar candel posted at her end sprang forth light, Starbeard had already
begun his part. "Sopherial Meneth, angelic keeper of the book of death, many
is the names recorded their by direct act of my hand and heart. Let not the
names of my children come to be recorded with those, but with all the names
of the angels and saints having entered into the pages of light recorded
there before them. We ask this favor as servants of our creator" even as
the unified amen escaped the lips of all present, the candle set out for him
had sprung to light.
As one the parents knelt in prayer. Aluric now called to the Lady
Sunglitz, Let us close this circle in a shield of power that we may be
undisturbed from outside influence. From above it would have appeared as if
a star had been drawn, etched into the earth, by the white powder Sunglitz
spread. She moved from votive candle to altar candle and back to another
votive so that the lines of force intersected and overlapped, with those
already having said their part at its center. All the while intoning her own
incantation. "Michael the arck angel, angel of repentance and chief of all
angels, come into our midst and bring your intercession that all may be
repentant and purified that we may receive the empowerment of our creator".
At its conclusion, Sunglitz found herself at the altar, opposite Aluric and
the parents. Several heart beats had spanned while the moisture of the body
did roll to the tip of Aluric's nose. All eyes where now on him. For the
expected fire of the one know as Saint Elms failed to appear as they had been
led to believe in there practice sessions. Aluric stumbled in the
uncertainty of this event, mentally running the list of summoning's, but all
had been preformed as was ordained in the ancient tomes he had been trained
with. Aluric could feel the power that they had summoned building to a
violent pitch, and now all could feel it too from the very ground upon which
they knelt and they could feel it ebbing slowly away as well. Just short of
panic Aluric had began a prayer of his own, pleading and begging with what
ever force or being that kept returning him to this world for some kind of
aid, or simply to slay him where he stood for his own impertance at his
assumptions to the right of this service he was attempting.
Just above their heads, in the rays of the sun now cresting there,
Sunglitz was the first to see her. Floating on something like to a cloud,
stood a young maid, maybe just gone to the age of a woman. Simple in look
and manner as it was, but floating there she was. One at a time each of
those participating looked up and saw her. All was so common about her as to
be beautiful in its simplicity. She spoke to them but none could here her
words. Still it raised a commotion, which caused Aluric to open his eyes and
gaze in the direction of the woman. A heart breaking cry escaped his mouth
but none could mistake the name he spoke, "Aurora Elayna!" It was to him she
spoke, and Aluric's face brightened, thou tears freely flowed from his eyes,
he continually nodded as if in understanding. Then more swiftly then it
appeared, the vision was gone.
Still openly sobbing and weeping, Aluric began a summoning
incantation, which they had not rehearsed, " I Aluric do here with summon
into our star and baptism, the angel Gabriel. Divine bringer of mercy, and
performer of vengeance. Come into our midst and purify with the creators
eternal flame, that which doth soil this binding. Come and claim thy toll,
let my life serve as payment for any misdeed here preformed or pertanance
assumed if it be thy holy will. Close in and protect these innocents that
they may see the rite of baptism concluded".
In a singular flash!, the white powder erupted into a tounge of
flame. and it grew, seemingly drawing in all the air around them, save for
that which now was sealed off from outside. Within the starlike pattern was
a small circle encompassing the service and its participants, glowing with
the same bright blue light as that which now shown forth from all the sources
of illumination within sight. Then from the flame ball descended a small
glowing sphere, near white as the sun, but having no visible effects from its
heat. It danced from person to person until it came to rest upon the
forehead of Fair Star. She writhed in the intense pain caused by the contact,
though none could see why. As they started to go to her aid Aluric screamed
out, "NO! Leave not your places lest lives pay forfeit! There is evil here
within this circle, and it cannot survive amid the presence of the powers we
have summoned, BUT we must finish. I have offered my life in recompense for
the vile act of calling the creator's most pure and godlike beings into the
midsts of such contemptuous thing as what wrought this. If Fair Star die so
to do I. I matter not but we must finish lest the children be harmed by the
dispersion of this power."
Aluric, reached out to each child in its turn, anointing their
heads, hearts, eyes, ears, and mouth. salt that they may know the bitterness
of life from ones who love them dearly, Sugar, that they may taste how sweet
life can be. Holy oils that all they see,hear,and speak be made to move more
freely and without restriction of will but come from their hearts in love.
Aluric did this first to Orion Star naming him to the church as is his
parents wish. Then he turned back to those in attendance, and seeing Fair
Star being upheld by Elgiem and Haldor, no longer in pain, he gave to her of
her new godson. "Remember, not the pain of dark deeds but the joy of this
little life. Guard, Guide and protect it well for it may one day come to
pass to be your own."
Next came Delphines, and the ritual was repeated upon the sleeping
babe, thou with the pouring of the holy water upon her head she did awaken
with a wail and shriek, settling right back into a restful slumber. Aluric
gave this child, to her godmother Lady Elayn, giving the same instructions
to her and Dracn0w. Aluric then turned and reached for the child called
Blazen Star, but feared to reach out for that flam which had set upon Fair
Star now rested in the center of the babes chest, thou the child showed no
signs of outward discomfort, it was as if something was being consumed from
within. Aluric finally mustered the courage to reach into the aurora which
surrounded the child and flam ball, being burned as the Lady Fair had, but
not incapacitated. As the child was taken up, the flame ebbs and died away,
Blazen Star gurgled happily in the crook of his arm. Aluric again repeated
that for him as he had for its siblings. Then placed the babe into the hands
of the awe struck Lady Mishikal, and his friend Elgiem. with the same
instructions.
This done Aluric cleared his throat, "Please there is not much time
remaining. Even now the suns rays do speed past the glory hole above us, and
we must conclude this rite before it's rays leave the edge of our star of
warding. I give thee a gift, from my travels outside this world. Let them
wear these chains about their necks, and for as long as they do they will be
in constant contact with their siblings, knowing their thoughts, hearts and
minds if the others do not expressly block the others out. So that as they
where within their mother growing, so too may they grow in this life".
Aluric placed a chain made of a white gold about the neck of each baby. One
bearing a medallion in the shape of Orion and a gem set into his belt. Like
wise for Delphines with her chain and medallion. But for Blazen Star who's
medallion was in the shape of a starburst. "This is my gift to you, thank
you my friends, I shall now dispel the wardings, I now not what thing of
evil caused this days difficulties but the 2 of you are free from it now,
burned out as if by you god's own love. For my part, I now fear there may be
a mortal price to pay but it was worth it. Maybe now I will be allowed to go
and join Aurora, thou i most likely will have to spend a few eon's in
repentance for my will full acts." Turning to the Lady Fair Star he spoke a
bit more. "Mi domi!" and dropping to his knees he took up her free hand and
kissed the upturned palm saying. "Wait for thy love if ye must, it is the
right thing to do. But I would not die without you hearing from my own mouth
the words I have so longed to say but dare not speak. You where not my first
love, that is reserved for Aurora. Yet I worship the very ground upon which
you walk. I am now and always will be your man. sworn in feality through
life into death. Mi amore, mi vita, per sempre!" The last sentence escaping
his lips where not meant for the others but he cared not if they now herd.
For he fell to the floor in a heap, eyes dulled, skin ashen and drained of
color, his breathing coming in rasping gasps, his body cold and clammy to the
touch. Aluric lay at lady Fair Stars feet convinced he was going to die. As
he closed his eyes, he could feel the power of the wards slowly, safely
slipping back from whence it had been drawn, and the sun sliding from the
view of the "glory Hole" as shade descended once again to the private garden
within the Temple of Tyr in the city of Triboar.
Mean while, in another place. Suddenly Mavryln found herself engulfed
in an ever consuming flame. The sensation of excruciating pain lasted but an
instant, and was easily blocked by her own powers, and it seemed to have no
outward lasting effects, but the source of this "discomfort" was
unmistakable, and they would be made to pay for this insolence, indeed!SOM's
Enchanted Evening
(submitted by: Iadris)
Excerpts from SOM's Enchanted Evening, The Musical
(Based on the musical "South Pacific")
By Iadris
********************************************************
SOM's Enchanted Outing (Sung to the melody of "Some Enchanted Evening")
SOM's enchanted outing
We gladly serve Mystra!
We spread her magic all across the land of Faerun
And somehow we know,
Deeply in our heart
That her touch and signs we'll see again and again.
SOM's enchanted outing
Someone may be ailing
We may hear a crying of adventurer in need of help
And night after night,
Or in the light of the day,
To ease despair we'll go forth yonder into the realms.
A circle of stars around a rising mist
Behold Mystra's symbol shining ever bright!
SOM's enchanted outing
Tonight we seek newcomers
Whether in the wild woods or inside a crowded vault
Then we fly to her side
To welcome her to SOM,
And to show her the ways of Lady of Mysteries
To serve our Mystra, into perils we go,
Servants of Mystery, onward we shall go!
********************************************************
Kraken Inn (Sung to the melody of "Bali Ha'i")
Mos' people want to go to a lovely island,
Rest in the middle of a tropical sea.
Mos' people long for a pretty island,
One where one can relax and feel free.
Kraken Inn can treat you,
Any night, any day,
It's true--and only a boat ride away.
So come away, come away.
Kraken Inn can pamper,
Grant your every wish
Go ahead, explore our little island
So come away, come away.
Your own special rooms, your own special views.
Lounge by de poolside and all you can eat!
It's truly an honest offer,
No spies allowed on grounds.
Come unwind on our special island
Come away, come away.
Kraken Inn, Kraken Inn, Kraken Inn!
Just for this weekend,
To celebrate our opening,
No ticket is required
For first fifty guests!
Our guide can help you,
And answer all your queries.
Listen to the island call you,
"Come to me, Here am I, Come to me!"
Don't delay, boat's waitin'
At the docks, near the Square,
Pack and go to your special island!
Come away, come away.
Kraken Inn, Kraken Inn, Kraken Inn!
********************************************************
I'm Gonna Kick That Drac Right Out-a Its Lair (Sung to the melody of "I'm
Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a My Hair")
I'm gonna kick that drac right out-a its lair
I'm gonna kick that drac right out-a its lair
I'm gonna kick that drac right out-a its lair
And send it on its way
I'm gonna help that drac tithe its hoard o' gold
I'm gonna help that drac tithe its hoard o' gold
I'm gonna help that drac tithe its hoard o' gold
I'm gonna help that drac tithe its hoard o' gold
And teach him how to share
Don't try to walk up,
Sneak up, scout first,
Silently, silently
Look around, look around
Signal to others, then go!
Yea, glory!
I'm gonna kick that drac right out-a its lair
I'm gonna kick that drac right out-a its lair
I'm gonna kick that drac right out-a its lair
And send it on its way
If you groan in frustration
At the length of people in line
Waste no time, camp right there
There's plenty to do to before a fight
Polish your mirror shield
And reflect back that fatal gaze!
If you're feeling very impatient
And too eager for the fight,
Remember now, sit right there
There'll be plenty of gems in store
Settle down and flip a coin
To decide who will trigger the fight!
You can light a fire and warm your toes,
You can sharpen your trusty sword,
You can prep with spells to improve your odds
While you wait your turn at the dracs
So eager for glory I charged into the chaotic fray,
Only to enter first next to dracs eager to devour
Oh no! Oh no!
If your eyes get dull and glazed
Due to drac's paralyzing stare
Take a breath and don't despair
Hope others can finish the fight
With you surviving at the end
While standing statue straight
Oh no! Oh no!
I went and kicked that drac right out-a its lair
I went and kicked that drac right out-a its lair
I went and kicked that drac right out-a its lair
And met it straightaway.
I went to help that drac tithe its hoard o' gold
I went to help that drac tithe its hoard o' gold
I went to help that drac tithe its hoard o' gold
And gated straightaway.
********************************************************
Give The Cash, Nash': A Quester's Complaint to Lord Nasher (Sung to the
melody of "Hit The Road, Jack" by Ray Charles, etc.)
~Chorus~ [SOM Members]
Give the cash, Nash, and don't you hoard the loot
No more, no more, no more, no more
Give the gems, Nash, and don't you hide them
No more
[Lord Nasher] What'd you say?
[SOMQuester] Oh, Nasher, how can you treat your quester so mean
You're the cheapest old ruler that I've ever seen
[Lord Nasher] People tell me that's so But I don't see how that can be so
[SOM Members] That's right
~Repeat Chorus~
[SOMQuester] Now Nasher, I came from Vilnask all this way, So I can give you
the magical dagger today
[Lord Nasher] Don't care if you did 'cause it's understood I ain't got no
money to give to you today
[SOMQuester] I guess if-a you say so I'll take the Dagger and just go
[SOM Members] That's right
[Repeat Chorus]
[Lord Nasher] What'd you say?
[SOM Members] We ain't gonna quest for you no more
[Lord Nasher] I didn't understand you
[SOM Members] We ain't gonna quest for you no more
[Lord Nasher] Oh m'lady, now please
[SOM Members] We ain't gonna quest for you no more
[Lord Nasher] Are you tryin' to bankrupt me?
[SOM Members] We ain't gonna quest for you no more
[Lord Nasher] Oh, m'lady, no [to fade]
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