1996-10-20
Recovered original text · preserved verbatim
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NEVERWINTER NEWS
Issue # 156
Week Ending 10-20-96
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FRONT PAGE
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Congratulations to Kikuriel for winning last week's News of the Realm contest
for her poem entitled "One Last Howl".
Kikuriel 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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New Player's Tour - 10/13
It was a crsytal clear morning; the sun was shining bright in the crisp
Autumn air. Lord Nasher had given me two recent reports and assigned me to
investigate them along with the assistance of as many volunteers as I could
muster. One report contained information on a possible evil temple just
outside the town of Crossergate. The other documented a disturbing report of
brigands in Southwall and a prominent member of the city government. It was
not long before BNicexxxxx, Barek96, Grey 12345, and Geltan B answered the
call. With a modest level of experience we chose to investigate the evil
temple rumored to be in the Crossergate area. Needing a quick rest and
refit, we set out for the Red Mage Inn before heading out on Lord Nasher's
missions. But the omens were not good for the brave band as Geltan B and
Grey 12345 fell victim to the incidious punt monster.
At the Red Mage Inn we met up with GreatAzuth and DA14U3, an eager, but
very young adventurer. We headed south through Southwall to the Vilnask Inn
without incident. But the bad omens continued as Barek96 went to the back of
the inn and was not seen again. On the road south from the inn BNice advised
us that he would have to tend to family matters before long. This indeed was
not good for traversing the dangerous areas around Crossergate. With the
dwindling party's strength tapped by the forces of nature and circumstance,
we reconsidered our mission. We headed back toward Southwall. The fickle
finger of fate struck me hard as that infamous punt monster reared its ugly
head again, driving me from the realm instantly. Gating back to the Savage
Frontier, I managed to locate again DA14U3 and GreatAzuth. A screaming
banshee and Krackens sadly struck down BNice. GreatAzuth chose to hunt
dracoliches that had recently been sited in the Vilnask area.
This left DA14U3 and myself to investigate the siting of Lord Nasher
having dealings with a band of thieves in Southwall. Northward bound on the
High Road we happened upon Queen Azul, CoaqSpawn, Xena 8, and Iceman 2, all
of whom were eager to rid the area of the brigands and prove that Lord Nasher
was not in kahoots with them. Acting on a lead that NW Snowie provided, we
were searching a vacant building in the southeastern quadrant of Southwall
when we were ambushed by eight thieves. Queen Azul's staff sling was dealy
accurate as she dispatched two before they knew what hit them. CoaqSpawn cut
down the nearest thief, DA14U3, Iceman, and Xena threw all their might into
the fray. When it was over, CoaqSpawn began interrogating the lone surviving
thief who was tired and wounded, but able to talk. The brigand spilled out,
"Search to the west..p..password, BEH...", when a searing dagger flew through
the air striking him in the throat. He died in a gurlgling mix of blood and
air coming from his lungs and throat.
Westward we sped, following the blackrobed figure that launched the
deadly missile at the now dead thief. Iceman crashed though a door, nearly
knocking down Derhig, who was on the other side. Quickly explaining our
mission, Derhig joined us in our chase. We followed the assassin to a
ramshackle building just west of the High Road. The punt monster struck
again as DA14U3 stood stock still while fighting some orcs, then
dissappeared. I fell in a hole in the floor and was struck by that same punt
monster again. When I gated back into the realms yet again, I found the
group all together with the exception of Iceman X2.
We began searching the building again; CoaqSpawn and Queen Azul said,
"Look here!", but as I turned to look, they were gone, and were not seen
again. We met up with Iceman again, and searched that building one more
time. Xena found a ladder going down into the floor...we went in. Derhig
never made it down the ladder; we didn't see him again. I reached the bottom
and deftly gave an old grizzled thief the password and ran headlong into Xena
and Iceman fighting for their lives. Iceman fell to the backstabbing of the
vicious brigands and Xena must have slipped away during the fray. When the
dust settled, I was the only one standing. I made my way back to the High
Road and found Xena out of breath, but alive, at the gates to Neverwinter.
Tossing him a few jewels to pay the training master, I waited outside
the hall as Xena 8 scribed a new spell that was offered. When he emerged he
seemed more confident of his abilities and promised to investigate the
Thieves Den again soon. It had been a long and grueling day for all
involved, and it seemed the random forces of nature were against us from the
start. But we had put a good dent in the number of brigands operating out of
Southwall. The next expidition I am sure will have it much easier than we
did.
* * * * *
Thanks to all that participated in the tour. The punts and lockups were
frustrating, I know. And the next time hopefully we'll have better luck with
that, and bring Lord Nasher the information he was looking for.
NWA Donagh
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Charm Person Booth - 10/15 midnight
Well, talk about one of the rougher booths to run. A hearty band of 10 tried
their best to resist the charms of Mystek. ;> Using a myriad array of
charms on the various individuals, I did 3 rounds of charming on the ten
participants. After 1 round, it was down to 7, after 2 it was down to 5.
After 3 it was just Mavralyn, Sagx and Drk Fiend left.
I had to try something to break the tie between the three, so I cast one hold
on each, Mav failed. I then cast a poison, Sagx and Drk Fiend both saved. I
tried another hold, they both saved. I then proceeded to cast LB, they both
took same damage. ::sigh:: Finally cast an ice storm and Drk Fiend took the
least damage (7) than Sagx (24). Don't ask me why they were different
without being a multiple of each
other.
Drk Fiend wins the 4 pearls and one hour online.
Thanks to all for showing incredible patience during the booth. ;>
Mystek
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Rigors Booth Results - 10/16
Constitution....that was the keyword of the day as Lord Nasher
challenged fifteen brave and hardy adventurers to test their health and
stamina against the rigors of electricity, fire, and ice.
"So you want to be an adventurer, eh?" the goodly guard, Donagh was heard to
say as he brought the first of the fifteen up to take his three dangerous
casts.
"Bzzzt", was heard by the onlookers as blue arcs danced in the room as
Donagh grasped each participant....
"Kaboom" was heard as a red glow came from the room every time...
"Woosh" came the wind and the ice as a winter storm brewed fifteen times.
In the end it was NOR Alkins that emerged from the unhealthy confines
boasting only a tingling in his left hand, what looked like a mild sunburn,
and holding a glass full of iced tea.
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Thanks to all of the following who participated in the booth:
K1ng Kobra, Shivan0, Lorendal, Drk Fiend, Seldon RA, Missum, WOL Dragon, NOR
Alkins, V Lazerus, LdyKatryna, Musashi599, DarkCyborg, Vet V1c, Tomp7777, and
Warr Deths.
And a congratulations to NOR Alkins who came away from the booth sporting
only 41 points of damage and 5 new pearls!! ;D
NWA Donagh
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October GoH Booth #1 Results!!
"October's first GoH booth had Strahd challenging GoHers to step forward and
get battered by magic missiles! The ones taking the least and the most
amount of damage from the missiles would win pearls.
Congratulations to Glaeros, who took the least amount of damage, and
Allsfaire, who took the most."
-- NW Strahd :)
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winner #1: Glaeros
prize: 6 pearls
winner #2: Allsfaire
prize: 3 pearls
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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:
October 22nd Tuesday 4:00 PM EDT - with NW Thorn.
October 25th *Friday 1:00 AM EDT - with NW Mystek.
* This is midnight on Friday heading into Saturday, folks. Just to let you
know! ;D
Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner
telling where to meet! ;D
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The Wedding - Part 2
~The Gift~
(submitted by: Thorn Hawk)
The woods were quiet in the gray darkness before dawn. Tendrils of mist
floated from the warm waters of a small lake while a lone figure stood nearby
his form hidden by the darkness and mist. He came here to reflect and wait
out the dawn. Today was his wedding day.
A noise from the trees caused him to smile. It seemed his sister was looking
for him and her skill in the woods was great for a priest but could never
match that of a ranger. He didn't turn around as she approached just stood
staring into the water. He fingered the small ring in his hand as she spoke.
"About time I found you."
"What are you doing out here?"
"Just thinking Whisp"
"Having doubts are you?"
"No, never that," he sighed, "just thinking about why I'm getting married."
She sat on a log sending ripples out into the lake where it entered the dark
waters and waited for him to continue.
He just stood there a dark shadow and fingered the diamond ring. Soon, his
voice, barely a whisper above the wind, started to tell a tale.
Once, when I first met Luthyen she introduced me to her father and mother. I
had only known her a short time and it was like an audition. I sat there as
her mother watched me like a hawk and her father fired questions at me.
There was one question . . . He knew I was a priest of Mielikki in my own
way and asked if ever I had to choose between my Goddess and Luthy . . . I
sat there for a moment not because I didn't know the answer, but I feared
saying it. I glanced at Luthyen then back at Lafel her father and told him I
would choose my Goddess. Luthyen jumped to my defense immediately to my
surprise. I never knew what Lafel or Luthyen thought of my answer as more
questions followed.
The few faint stars twinkled in the night while the sun brightened the
eastern sky. Whisp sat there a soft smile on her lips. She listened to the
confessions of a ranger and those of her brother.
We traveled much in the weeks following my meeting with her family. As time
passed, I grew to love this woman I traveled with. I loved her passion, her
spirit, and kindness. I knew she grieved for the loss of another and had no
hopes she would ever grow to love me in turn. I still remember the day she
told me. The day she spoke words of love. My spirit soared on the winds and
I knew happiness that I had never felt before even with Kaylean. I was
happy. Wanting to share my life with her, I asked her to marry me fearing
that she would say no since we had never talked about my choice. When I
finally asked her and knelt there waiting, my heart sank as each second
passed and still she didn't reply. She eventually spoke and the word she
voiced broke my heart. Yes, she softly said.
The ranger turned away from the water and faced his sister so she could see
him in the faint light. Tears rolled down his face as he continued his tale.
She loved me and wanted . . . Wanted to marry me knowing that one day I
might leave her without even a goodbye following the will of my Goddess. I
have no words to tell how that makes me feel. It is rare that you find love
like that. Someone willing to love you for whom and what you are. It is the
most precious of gifts, unconditional love and for that I am blessed. She is
my life, my love, and a part of myself and I'll love her all the days of my
life.
"It's time brother," whispered Whisp.
"Let us go then and greet the dawn," he replied taking a deep breath.
They left the clearing and the shores of a small northern lake deep within
Neverwinter Woods heading south as a hawk cried its welcome to a new day and
the sun peeked above the horizon casting its warm glow on the mirrored
surface.
Thorn Hawk,
Brotherhood of PathfindersFeast of Love
(submitted by: Sir Lords)
Neverwinter has always been a place of kinship and mercy, but never before
has the great city shown its heart like the night it entertained the feast of
love.
Anson was a young man, not impressive by any means, but young and energetic.
The kind of lad one expects one day to grow old as a teacher or perhaps a
polititian. Anson had firm beliefs in the structure of law and chaos...a
place for everything, and everything in its place, he believed.
His mother, quite atractive for her years was Anson's mentor. Wise and
thoughtful, she led Anson through his hardship and triumph. She wanted her
boy to leave this place and go on to bigger and better things. Always making
up character building excercises, she would have him do extrordinary
feats...hang the NW Royal Banner by himself or shake hands with an HONEST
man. (Harder than you might think!) So it was on this day that she told her
son to go into the woods and befriend on who has no friends. A simple task,
thought Anson.
The next morning, Anson wandered deep into the NW Woods in search of one who
had no friends, though this morning, fortune seemed to frown upon him...the
woods were empty. Anson began to wonder where everyone went. The woods were
usualy full with travelers, caravans and the like, but today...nothing. So
was it that Anson sat down to rest. Within seconds, he heard the warm sound
of bells in the near distance. The bells grew louder with every moment until
into view came a jeweled cariage, drawn by 4 grey mares. Anson was
immediately enthrawled with the beauty of this coach. He stood up, and
inside was a young girl age 12-15, hard to tell due to the viel over her
face. Anson removed his filthy hat as the caraven passed by.
His heart began to beat when he heard her voice order the carriage to stop
right then and there. The coach came to a stop, and Anson was in a stupor.
Why would such a chariot stop for him? He door opened and a young hand
beconed him inside. Barely able to walk, he fumbled his way inside. There,
in front of him sat a young girl covered with expensive clothes and jewlery,
with face hidden by a heavy veil. The coach began to move onward, and the
two began to talk. First to family, then to political dealings, then finally
to education went their conversation. Soon, Anson began to talk about his
schoolmates, and he could hear the strain of tears in the girls voice as she
told him that she was always kept from schools and was only allowed to sit in
on adult parties and discussions.
Soon an hour passed, and another, until it was nearly dark. The two children
would laugh,complain and share silence together. Before long, the carriage
returned to the spot where Anson was oriigionally picked up. The young girl
huged Anson and as he steped down from the coach, he asked the girl about her
viel. She was reluctant, and then slowly removed it. For the first time,
Anson was utterly thrown from his senses. She was so...different! In fact,
his uncle the cleric would call this being "slow in the head". So!! She was
retarded! But hadn't he learned that such people were stupid and
uncomprehensive? Well that just wasn't...couldn't be true! She was so
smart...so...so ALIVE! Everything Anson ever hoped to be!
Anson Smiled at her and then asked her to come to dinner. She graciously
regrused, as she was not allowed such things. Anson understood this and they
embraced as she rode off in her jeweled coach.
Inside the coach, the litle girl wiped a tear from her eye, for this was the
first time she was ever asked to dinner for the sake of friendship and not
for the sake of family status. You see, she had never experienced a FEAST OF
LOVE.
Sir LordsSongs of the Wind - Part 17
~Search for Cerdith~
(submitted by: Zeb Canon)
Hearing the deep breathing from Lake Mist, Zeb knew that he was sound
asleep. Looking over the edge of the blanket Zeb saw Ender Bay looking over
the sleeping rangers as a father looks over his sleeping children. Proud of
each in there own way.
Standing up, Zeb nods to Ender and moves off to the shelter of the woods
but staying in sight of the camp. Ender silently moves over to were Zeb is
and asks, "Okay Zeb whats wrong the others said that you have been tossing
and turning all night."
"Ender, my friend, remember the night that I was brought into the
Brotherhood?"
"Aye Zeb I remember. Neerdowell stating your case. Cerdith presiding
as the representative of Mielikki and conducting the ritual. The party after
words I am still not to clear on but aye I remember. So what is this about?"
"Ender, I am no longer a ranger."
"What are you talking about of course you're a ranger."
"No! I am one no longer. I have lost the ability to make the plants
grow and move at my command. No longer can I make the fairy fire light up
around living things. I have lost the touch with the animals. It was only
that I knew that the hawk was Thorn's and it would not attack that gave me
the strength to fetch the note."
"But Zeb you still track as well a ever and I have seen you guide others
on adventures as well. This is just in y...."
"No! It is much more." Zeb says with a hiss of anger. "I guide only
where I have already been. Look at how many of the new brothers and sisters
are receiving the Title of Wayfarer as well as the new scouts and guides.
What comes natural to them I have to work very hard at. As for tracking I
rely on others to see and then pose as I already knew and was waiting for
them to find it."
"Remember the class I gave on being a ranger to the young ones. Wonder
why it was so powerful. It was because when you lose something dear to you
and it leaves you hollow inside. Then you appreciate it the more and it
always hurts to see others take it for granted. Also I can barely touch a
sword any more and a bow is out of the question. All sharp pointed objects
bring a strong feeling of unease to me. Look I carry a fail now or mace.
And I have the young ones bring me scrolls that they can not read but I have
no problem in understanding."
A small smile begins to work its way to the corners of Ender's mouth.
Seeing a faint glow beneath the shirt of Zeb, Ender pokes the hidden
medallion with a finger. "And what of the path Zeb. The path that is here
deep in your heart. Is it gone also?"
"No Ender it is not. If anything it is stronger and clearer. Why do
you ask?"
"Just curious Zeb. You are the only one I know of that has seen the
goddess more than once. We all hear her and see her in the things of the
forest but only a few have ever seen her. You on the other hand have seen
her several times and will probable see her many times in the future. So go
pray to her and she will guide you. Just remember that as long as the path
is in your heart you are still a ranger. Now get some rest there is not much
left of the night and we travel hard at dawn."
"Okay Ender but promise me that you will not tell the others of what I
have lost. I don't think I could bear them knowing. Not yet anyway."
"I promise Zeb. I will tell no one till you give me leave."
With that Zeb turns and moves back to the camp but does not hear the
final whispered words of Ender Bay. "I bow to you new Cleric of Mielikki."
As the false dawn lightens the sky Ender wakes the others with a new
smell in the camp. Primrose asks, "What is that delicious smell in the air?"
"Tis something a sailor friend of mine gave me. It came from Waterdeep
but he said that it was brought from over the sea. I think he called it
coffee."
"Everyone come over here please." calls Zeb.
"What is it Zeb?" asks Lake Mist.
"Aye Zeb what has you so excited?" asks Trout.
As they gather around Zeb, he takes out his medallion and pours water
into a bowel. "Now watch the water." Closing his eyes, Zeb begins to chant
and slowly the reflection of trees and sky fades to white. As everyone looks
closer the white scene clears some to show several very crude lean-tos and
huts. Snow whipped by the wind flies past them. Half covered bodies lay
buried in the snow. Then the vision focus on one hut and a blast of wind
slams the door open for a second and just as fast closes the door. But all
see Cerdith sitting and rocking back and forth as if listening to a favorite
song. In that brief glimpse there was no doubt that Cerdith was close to
death. Her skin was pale and there were signs of frost bite on her face.
Gaunt and very thin she was as if she had not eaten for weeks.
A gasp was heard from Primrose as well as a whispered "No" from Ender.
But the vision did not end it changed to the scene of woods with a mountain
in the background. Then Thorn Hawk entered the image and was moving toward
the mountain but he looked as if were asleep. With that the vision ended.
"That is what our goddess has shown me in my dreams. We must hurry
before it is to late."
With that Ender Bay commands but two words, "Break Camp!"
Zeb Canon
Brotherhood of PathfinersSongs of the Wind - Part 18
~A Hidden Trail~
(submitted by: Thorn Hawk)
Two days had passed since the hawk left with a message for Ender Bay.
During that time, Thorn Hawk had searched the area around the mountain for
some sign of Cerdith. It was not until late this afternoon that he came upon
a small track hidden from view by overgrowth. Following this nearly
invisible trail, he found his first sign of Cerdith, a pathfinder's trail
marker marking the trail as unexplored. With determined steps, Thorn Hawk
returned to his camp.
As he sat near his banked fire, Thorn Hawk wrestled with his emotions.
He had promised to wait for help, but Cerdith might be close to death . . .
His brothers might not make it in time to save her . . . The priest had
told him not to brave the enemy alone . . . What if the hawk never reached
Ender . . . ? He had made a promise . . . , a promise to save Cerdith taken
months ago just before he left the bunkhouse. With a fiery luster in his
eyes, Thorn Hawk started checking his gear.
The predawn shadows found Thorn Hawk, on the slopes of the mountain,
moving cautiously up the hidden trail. A faint breeze tickled his face
bringing with it the subtle notes of a song. He continued to follow the
trail looking for signs of Cerdith's passage when, two days later, he came
across a stone tablet. Bending over the stone, he was unable to make out the
weathered markings on its worn surface, but there was a presence of old
magic. He had felt magic like this in the desert when a young man. With
renewed apprehension for his adversary, he continued.
He was not sure when the music had become the center of his awareness,
but the song filled his mind with its sweetness. A faint discordant note
could be heard in the background, but if he concentrated, the song seemed to
swell, drowning out that one note. Suddenly, something hit his head causing
the music to falter, but its power returned to capture his heart. Again,
something hit his head, but this time causing Thorn Hawk to cry out in pain
breaking the song's spell. An enraged cry moved Thorn Hawk to turn his head
to the sky. Above, soared a gray hawk. Shaking his head to clear the last
vestiges of the song, he quickly made his way toward the valley floor far
below.
Thorn Hawk,
Brotherhood of PathfindersSongs of the Wind - Part 19
Dragon's Flight
(submitted by: QuadSF)
It was one of those frustrating days where nothing seemed to go his way.
Steelflight was coasting on the air thermals, looking for possible places
where Cedrith might be. As usual, there were too many. Sighing, he looked
further in the mountains and felt a nostalgic feeling. Down below was a group
of mountains, one of them shrouded in mist. His mind felt back to when he was
home, in the palace near Mist.
Shaking his head, he coasted down toward that mountain. The mountain had
an odd tone around it, which got stronger when he got closer. When he was a
league away, he could hear faint music. His intuition told him that this
wasn't ordinary vapor, yet he felt tired after his flight. Perhaps he could
land on a ledge somewhere . . .
As he went into the mist, Steel's mind felt like a gut tie loosening.
His mind drifted to his happier days, when his father and mother were alive.
He missed them terribly, but his instincts told him to get out. With a
desperate change in course, he managed to get out of the mind-fogging fog and
hover in clearer skies.
He pondered a bit. It was a mystery, having to know why such a thing
existed. Perhaps for safekeeping of an artifact? Or security? Or, and Steel
shivered at this, was it alive? Whatever it was, it wasn't safe to have it
lying around. He would have to find out how to remove it.
And that meant help. Spell-casters were spell-casters, and they would
know how. The Brotherhood harbored such dual-classed people, and he'd hoped
that some were around here. Carefully scanning the grounds, he noticed a
ranger in a small clearing below.
As he thought, the ranger was Thorn Hawk. He was pacing the forest
floor, waiting for someone. Most likely his friends, thought Steel. So, he
slowly hovered over the area and changed. Thanks to magical influence on the
world, he slipped into human form without a hitch. As Thorn was facing the
other way, Steel landed nimbly on his feet from the great height . . .
Thorn wasn't easily surprised, as the ranger suddenly had a sword to
Steelfight's throat. "Calm down, my friend-in-arms. I, too, am seeking
Cedrith. Who are you waiting for?" Thorn sheathed his sword and replied, "Not
anyone that I know of. Perhaps Ender or some of the more experienced ones.
I'll tell my story once they get here."
It wasn't long before a group of dirty (mostly) travelers came along.
"Hail, Ender. Did the hawk bring you here today?" asked Thorn Hawk.
Ender replied, "Yep. You said that you knew where Cedrith might be, and
let me guess. That mountain?" He pointed at the misty peak.
Thorn said yes, and he proceeded to tell his short tale of his travels.
At the end, Steel put in: "Now that we are here, does anyone here know how to
pierce this fog? It seems to be there for some purpose. And if Cedrith is up
on the mountain . . . " He left the sentence hang, for everyone knew what the
answer was . . . Songs of the Wind - Part 20
~The Gathering~
(submitted by: Thorn Hawk)
Two days passed as the band shared stories of their travels to arrive at
this lonely mountain deep within the woods of Neverwinter. They prepared for
the journey to come each in their own way. The rangers looked over their
armor and weapons while the clerics meditated and communed with higher
powers. In the trees above, two birds eyed each other along with keeping a
keen lookout for trouble.
As the moon rose full in the sky, the small band numbering seven were
joined by three others, Barthonis, Thralos, and Riverswift. Many somber
welcomes were passed as the group sat discussing the following morning's
assault. "I think I have something that might help," ventured Primrose
holding forth a lump of bee wax. "If we put this in our ears, maybe it will
help keep the song from affecting our minds."
Zeb Canon, sitting on the edge of the fire, nodded his head in
agreement, "I think that would be wise and Rose and myself both have spells
to block out the song."
"Is that truly a wise thing to do Zeb? Won't the spell keep us from
hearing danger approaching?" asked Ender Bay our leader on this quest.
"I think we must take the chance Ender for Cerdith's sake."
"One thing we must do is stay in a close group during the climb. It is
easy to succumb to the effects of the song, but it can be countered by sharp
pain. A quick slap should suffice in causing the person to regain control of
their thought," suggested Thorn Hawk moving into the firelight.
"That settles it then. We need to get some sleep if we are the scale
that mountain tomorrow," replied Troutrasta.
"Not yet Brother. There remains one last thing. We must send a note
back to the others in case we don't make it back," remarked Lake Mist casting
a forbidding silence on the group.
After writing the note, Lake Mist gave the note to Ender Bay who gave
the note to his gull. The gull looked back at his friend and let out a faint
squawk. Rising into the air, the gull headed toward the coast. "Fair
travels, my friend."
The sun had just risen when Neerdowell opened the door to the bunkhouse
and saw a small rolled note laying on the threshold next to a gray feather.
Puzzled, he reached down and began to read the elegant script.
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Dear brothers and sisters,
We feel we have found the place our lost sister Cerdith is being held.
We have assembled us few to try and save her. All fear her time is short so
we could not ask for assistance. We are not sure if we will succeed or not,
but we must try for her life hangs in the balance. If you do not hear from
us after a week's time, assume the worst. Wish us luck and pray for our save
return.
Your brothers and sister,
Barthonis, Thralos,
Ender Bay, TroutRasta,
Lake Mist, Thorn Hawk,
Primrose, Steelflight,
RiverSwift, Zeb Canon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thorn Hawk,
Brotherhood of PathfindersSongs of the Wind - Part 21
Ice Peak
(submitted by: Lake Mist)
After having met Calinor at the Rankled Boar in Floodblest, we had made
our way west and then north through Windycliffs and Port Llast to the outpost
at Luskan. No where along the way could we find anyone who had seen Cerdith.
Nor were there any clues or markers that could lead to her.
Calinor had left Luskan the night before, headed back to the south,
perhaps to search Southwall, or further south. I had decided to stay a
little longer just in case something turned up. It had turned out to be a
quiet night.
As I left the tavern in Luskan on a bright and brisk spring morning,
about to start my long journey back south, I overheared two gentlemen in a
conversation.
"I heard someone speaking of Ice Peak the other day. Seems there is a
renewed interest in finding the ancient gem that is said to be hidden there."
"Aye," said the other, "but it is only legend. And besides, they say it is
protected by an ancient magic, more fierce than any we have down here."
As I start off west, I catch a glimpse of a far off twinkle as the
morning sun catches the ice and snow on the top of Ice Peak. How far away to
the north and east is that mountain, I wonder.
A few steps further and I suddenly stop dead in my tracks. Looking
north-east again, I wonder if Cerdith has been drawn to this ancient and
mysterious mountain. No one has seen her anywhere within Neverwinter for
months.
With a renewed energy, I again step off. I must get back to the
bunkhouse and check the ancient tomes and maps for any clues to Ice Peak and
it's mysteries. Maybe some of the older rangers know something about it.
Urgrue is back, I'll ask him when I get there.Songs of the Wind - Part 22
A Little Sleep
(submitted by: Cerdith)
The music had filled her mind and her soul... the harmonies were inescapable.
She had struggled, something deep inside had moved and fought, had screamed
of danger, had pleaded with her to remember her brethren, to remember her
Goddess. She had tried so very hard... but the song was so perfect, so
precise.. it knew her and welcomed her.
The Lady had been in her mind again, breaking through her blindness.... but
it was so hard to see anything but the beauty of the song. She just wanted
to sleep a little, to rest... but the Lady wanted her to do something too.
It was so hard.. so confusing. Maybe a little nap, a little rest and then
she could do the task that the Lady had asked of her.
Struggling unknowingly against the enchantment, Cerdith's strength was nearly
done. The song altered in that moment, changed to a soft gentle lullabye....
Just a little nap....Songs of the Wind - Part 23
A Gathering
(submitted by: QuadSF)
The small band of rangers woke up one morning to a cold and cloudy
morning. Everyone ate breakfast and tried to keep up a light banter to
improve their moods. It didn't work. Eventually camp was broken, and they all
looked up the trail. "Well, everybody, let's stop up our ears," replied
Ender. Most of the group did so, save Rose, Zeb, and Steel.
"Steel, why aren't you using the earwax?" asked Zeb. "I can create a
force field to stop any magic from reaching me. Just something I learned."
said Steel. And a shimmering white field surrounded him.
"Let's hurry up the trail. The faster we can get to her, the better."
Thorn was the first to start up the hill, with the other following suit. The
trail was hard to see, and soon only one person could go on it without
falling off the ledge. It became treacherous at several points, where someone
would lose their footing. Fortuantly, no one lost a life, though three had to
pull up Thralos before his handhold was gone.
The mists continually tried to coherce them into staying right where he
was, but many an earwaxed one would sport bruises for a day or two. Often the
fog would make them lose their path, forcing them to backtrack. Along the way
they saw the bones of humans, demi-humans, and and the ocasional troll or
ogre. Trout once nearly stumbled upon a pile of dragon ribs.
Constantly, Steel had this nagging suspicion that somethng wasn't right.
But, then again, the mist wasn't vapor. Sooner or later, they would find the
truth...
Steelflight
Dragoon RangerSongs of the Wind - Part 24
~Night on the Trail~
(submitted by: Thorn Hawk)
I sat next to the fire watching the others relax. We had traveled far today
and hopefully with Mielikki's blessing we shall overtake our enemy. We had
tracked him to this solitary mountain. His identity, strengths and
weaknesses were unknown to us, but we were able to pursue him because we
followed our sister, whom he held captive somewhere above us. He attacked
our minds continually with a song born on the wind. It robbed us of thought
and the desire to live. Reaching up to feel the wax in my ear, I smiled
slightly remembering the looks the others had given Primrose when she
mentioned the idea of bees wax. Everyone appeared to be holding up well and
their spirits were still high which was a good sign. Reaching into my pack,
I pulled out a small whetstone and took hold of my sword.
Sliding the stone along the length of the blade, I was greeted by a sound
that brought back memories of my life. There was something about the sound a
whetstone made when stroked along the edge of a fine steel blade that soothed
the mind and relaxed the body. I remember the first time I heard the sound.
I was sneaking in the shadows listening to the warriors talk around the fire
about fights they had won and battles they had fought while a soft undertone
could be heard. The sound of a whetstone being scrapped across a blade. I
remember other times not so happy. The night I sat with Kalean before she
died. Again, I am the one sitting next to the fire, sharpening my sword,
thinking of battles to come. I am not sure why I do this thing. My sword
has never had a nick or a burr, but still I drag the stone across it. I
spend hours doing this thing and all I accomplish is to slowly wear the stone
away. Glancing up, I see Primrose fall into a meditative trance as she prays
to Mielikki for spells. Maybe, this is why I do this thing. It is my
meditation, my way of focusing, cleansing my spirit of all but the task at
hand.
Something on this mountain is holding Cerdith captive. I know a battle will
come and I will be ready. In the still silence of the night, I put my
whetstone away.
Thorn Hawk,
Brotherhood of PathfindersSongs of the Wind - Part 25
Compilation
(submitted by: Cerdith, Ender Bay, Lake Mist, Primrose, QuadSF, Thralos,
Thorn Hawk, Zeb Canon.)
Barthonis silently walked among his sleeping companions waking them. Their
camp, nestled between two twisted trees, was shrouded in mist. A wind blew
through the camp that all could feel, but none heard its mournful cry. Zeb
Canon and Primrose promptly restored their silence spells, while others made
sure their more mundane methods of blocking sound were in place. A haggard,
weary array of rangers and clerics resumed their trek each looking into the
eyes of their fellows searching for solace and reassurance. Their journey
had taken nine days and they had seen many markers of ancient nature. The
markers, there meaning unclear even to the most learned and traveled of the
group, had instilled a foreboding fear in their hearts. They knew they were
on the right track after seeing the small temple, newly concentrated, only
four days ago.
They had to find her soon before their wills gave out and they too became
ensnared by the song on the wind. Slipping, Thralos struggled up the narrow
path following the dimly seen figure of Zeb Canon. Troutrasta quickly
reached the kneeling form of Thralos and helped him up. Smiling his thanks,
Thralos continued shuffling up the trail. Each member watched the back of
the person in front because without sound sight became more important to
their survival. It was their worst enemy, the silence. It robbed them of
sense and orientation. Each fought a personal battle against depression and
feelings of isolation. Zeb Canon and Primrose handled it better than the
rest. There training in the clerical arts allowed them to withstand the
rigors of losing their hearing. Ender Bay, their leader, moved with staunch
determination. Near Ender Bay, Thorn Hawk traveled with grim purpose. Last
was Lake Mist, his face a mask of stoic resolution. Each had their own
strengths and desires to sustain them.
The company had traveled most of the day when they entered a sheltered
clearing dominated by twisted trees and clusters of bushes. Something was
wrong. Each pathfinder felt it in the center of his being, a disturbance in
the natural order of things. Without directions, each member began moving
through the clearing looking for the origin of this wrongness. Steelfight,
walking next to a bush, noticed a glimmer within its confines. Kneeling
down, he saw bits of armor and white bones. Saying a small prayer to the
deceased, he frantically motioned the others over. After the others gathered
around the refuge and looked inside, they began inspecting all the shelters.
Thorn Hawk dropped to his knees next to a well-crafted shelter. Inside sat
the swaying figure of Cerdith, her serene face starring off into the
distance. She was wrapped within the confines of her elfin cloak making her
body hard to define, but her hollow cheeks a testament to her condition after
weeks without food or sleep. Thorn Hawk slowly reached out to her. His hand
stopping mere inches from her face unable to touch her. His heart broke.
Anguish at seeing Cerdith in this state for the first time, the ranger was
helpless. He had not expected this and as tears fell from his face, none
heard the cry of pain that escaped his lips.
Mists float by the party of rangers as they each try to look in the door of
the hut to see Cerdith. The wind making the mists seem like phantoms moving
through the pass. Riverswift rushed over, sliding to a stop, before the
still form of Cerdith his face a mask of rage and frustration. Primrose
stood silently by, tears streaming down her face, while Lake Mist moved to
her side. Barthonis and Troutrasta, kneeling down next to Cerdith, wrapped
their cloaks around her. Off to the side, stood Zeb a look of worry on his
face. There was something wrong here. He could feel the evil of this
place. Looking at his brothers and sisters, Zeb could see that the bees wax
no longer stopped the music of the song. Each starts to get a glazed look on
their face then snap out of it, but each time the blankness last just a
little longer.
***
Moving away from the group, I start to look for the cause of the song. Then
with a strong gust of wind the mists part and I begin to see the mountain
walls around us. Shacks and lean-tos line the pass on both sides except near
one point that looks like a cave entrance. Now as I watch the mists leave, I
begin to see features above the cave. Other holes and outcroppings start to
make the figure of a giant face set into the mountain wall. As the features
become clearer, it takes on the form of a giant skull.
Ender heard a voice in his head . . . he paused momentarily to sort out the
noise. The songs they had heard earlier were very intense here. In fact, he
could hear them through the beeswax in his ear quite easily now. The music
was beautiful . . . The songs were so intense now that he could barely hear
the voice in his head . . . at first he thought it was Quad. He had been
amazed at the young ranger's ability to speak in his mind.
Running over to Ender Bay, I shake his arm to get his attention. Seeing that
he is slowly being overcome by the song, I move in front of him. Seeing that
he is staring down at Cerdith and that tears are running down his face. He
nearly became entranced with the music . .
But this voice was the voice of a woman and although he hadn't heard it
before, he recognized it soon enough. The Lady was instructing him to
destroy the evil here and restore this mountain to her wilderness domain! In
that instant Ender suddenly recognized the music as not beautiful at all. He
heard the lyrics and was horrified!
Knowing that I must break his concentration I reach back and give him a
resounding slap across his face. Thanks to Cerdith having reconsecrated the
nearby shrine in Mielikki's name, the goddess had more control here than
before. It wasn't much, but it was enough to snap the spell and stop the
effect the music was having on Ender. Suddenly the near blank expression
turns into a murderous rage as his eyes leave Cerdith and focus on me.
Ender's hand moves slowly toward his belt knife but recognition also works
its way into his eyes and he begins to relax.
Ender nodded, pointed at the others and then pointed outside toward the
mountain pass. Everyone removed their packs and readied their weapons. Zeb
and Primrose put a second silence spell around Cedrith, then everyone exited
and entered the pass.
Ender was worried about Cerdith and he could tell by the look on Riverswift's
face that he was worried too. He knew the two were old friends, so he
gestured to River to go be with Cerdith. With Cerdith as safe as they could
keep her, Ender's thoughts turned toward the other tiny shelters gathered
around the clearing. Wondering if someone else might be alive here, Ender
gestured to Thralos, Bart and Quad to split up and the four of them would
search the rest of the clearing.
With Thralos, Bart, Steel, and Ender searching the other huts, Lake Mist,
Primrose, Thorn Hawk, Troutrasta and Zeb went over to the mouth of the giant
skull and entered. It was not a cave but a passage that led down into
darkness. Lake Mist, lighting a torch, took a few steps down the passage.
The walls of the passage were smooth and untouched by age. Scattered along
the walls were runes of a language that was long dead.
As we moved down the passage, the light from the cave entrance grew smaller
and smaller. Then the passage leveled out and after a short walk we entered
a vast cavern. Mighty pillars that reached up into the darkness were set in
rows that moved deeper into the chamber. Standing in the entrance of the
chamber, we could all feel the unearthly cold of the place. A cold that went
deep into the bones. The smell of death and rot clung to everything. Soon
all the others joined us and we all knew that this was a temple devoted to an
old and terrible evil.
Inside the temple, the air seemed to be still. It was dark and moist, and at
the far end sat an altar. It was a large stone block, with a statue of a
long-forgotten god standing behind it. Ancient blood stains covered the
statue in strange lines, like writhing snakes. Troutrasta was the first to
approach the altar, and bent down. He put his hand on a series of carvings
inscribed there, and waved the others over.
Everyone ran over, and looked at the inscriptions. It was written in a form
like no other, with the glyphs still sharp. Zeb and Primrose both shook
their heads, indicating no understanding. Lake Mist walked over to the
statue and looked at it. He shook his head, and, as he walked back to the
others, he noticed a tiny point of light near the bottom of the altar. A
small wisp of smoke seemed to flow out of the light. Suddenly being curious,
he reached over and touched the light. Primrose looked up frustrated, unable
to decipher the glyphs only to see Lake reach toward the altar. As she opens
her month to yell out for him to stop, she suddenly realizes that she and Zeb
are silenced and can't use their spells. The instant Lake's finger tips
touch the source of the light a shock passes through his body. The others
saw him recoil in pain, obviously unprepared for the attack by the evil magic
that lurks here. He appeared relatively unharmed, but he looked dismayed.
Troutrasta looked up at Zeb Canon. The Pathfinder's War Captain, a proud and
able cleric of Mielikki, was staring back at Troutrasta with a determined
look. Troutrasta simply pointed to the Altar and Zeb knew exactly what to
do. He had heard the Lady's voice too . . . as had Primrose. While the two
clerics prepared to perform the ceremony to reconsecrate this temple in
Mielikki's name, Thorn Hawk silently slipped back outside to guard the
entrance.
Moving silently to the altar, Zeb and Primrose take out vials of holy water
and different herbs to begin the ceremony. As Primrose begins to pour the
holy water on the altar, Troutrasta shouts, "Zeb there is someone or
something out in the middle of the temple floor."
Then a voice echoes in the temple cavern. Words just barely understandable,
echoing in their minds, come from a cloaked figure. "So you have come to
pray to my god have you!" says the gravelly voice.
Laughter fills the cavern as the figure moves closer to the altar. With each
step it gets bigger and bigger. Twice the height of a man the figure stands.
Pulling the hood of the cloak back, the Cloud Giant Shaman speaks.
"I knew that you would come to save Trollsbane. My god requires fresh blood
now that he is stronger. Do you like his singing? Enchanting is it not but
then you humans always were easily distracted."
"Why? Why are you doing this?" thought Primrose.
"Why! Because, female, long before you humans came to the Forgotten Realms,
we giants ruled this land. Our gods were strong and they made us strong.
Then from across the Trackless Sea and the Great Desert you came. Raising
great cities on the coast like Waterdeep, Neverwinter, Port Llast and others.
While from the east Longsaddle and Triboar grew. More and more we were
pushed further into the wilderness. Ogres, Hill Giants, Trolls, Ettins and
Dragons were hunted and killed."
"But no more! We have awakened the old ones and they make us strong again.
Look at Burrun. The town is no more than a ghost town and we run free. As
more of you weak humans enter the woods to feed our god, his power will be
heard even in the cities and before long we will rule again."
With a might stamp on the temple floor the cavern starts to shake. Unable to
keep our footing, we fall to the floor and roll away from the altar. Putting
a giant gnarled hand on the altar, the Cloud Giant Shaman raises his eyes to
the idol behind the altar and starts to chant in a strange and eerie
language. As the quaking of the chamber subsided, the Cloud Giant gives one
last tremendous scream that echoes throughout the mountains.
The rangers hurriedly searched the clearing for other survivors . . . but
their search was abruptly halted! The ground underneath them shook violently
for several moments and there was a great rumbling sound coming from within
the temple. The rangers outside all looked at the temple with worried eyes.
Before they could act, there was a great bellowing by what sounded like a
horrible beast coming from inside the temple. It was speaking in a language
that none of them knew . . . but it definitely sounded like magical commands
of some sort.
Thorn Hawk had just reached the entrance to the temple when the ground shook
terribly knocking him to his knees. Rising, he gazed back toward the temple
and his companions, but his duty was to guard the entrance so the ranger
pressed on.
In that instant, Ender realized that the music had stopped and though they
still had wax in their ears, they'd be able to hear each other if they
shouted. "River," he yelled, "Stay put! Steel and Thralos, follow me into
the temple! Bart, don't move without us!" As Ender drew his long sword and
started for the temple, he heard a crackling sound behind him. He turned to
see Quad hadn't moved . . . his bastard sword was drawn and he looked as if
he was ready for combat. Looking the other way he saw Thralos with his
two-handed sword in the ready position and Bart was holding his trident in a
white knuckled grip. River was now standing over Cerdith, weapon drawn, and
a look of horror was on his face. Cerdith had collapsed from fatigue . . .
apparently unable to even sit up without the songs there to hold her.
Then he saw what the others saw . . . skeletons of the deceased, some in
varying states of decay, were rising out of their shelters. At first it just
seemed like there were a few of them . . . but right in front of his very
eyes Ender witnessed the few quickly multiply into what looked like dozens!
The sight made his stomach turn. These were the corpses of innocent
travelers who stumbled upon this evil place by accident. Now the evil that
held this place and sucked the life force from these good people was using
their corpses to defend its temple! Still, there was little other choice . .
.
"Defend yourselves!!!!"
With that, Ender charged the nearest skeletons . . .
Raising his two-handed sword above his head, a look of fire burns into his
eyes as he strides forward resolutely. With powerful blows borne of a
desperation and the strength of a faith borne of Mielikki, Thralos began to
shatter the skeletons.
Thorn Hawk entered the clearing to see total chaos. Skeletons were
everywhere, walking out of the various huts and shelters that dotted the
clearing. He watched as Ender Bay and Thralos battled skeletons back to back
both swinging their swords in great cleaving arcs. Barthonis stood alone
surrounded by skeletons sweeping his trident like a staff. Knowing he must
guard the temple, but wanting to help his companions, the ranger took out
his ebony bow and drew a white fletched arrow.
Just then, a crashing noise was heard coming from the trees behind Cerdith's
shelter. Drawing his bow and taking aim, Thorn Hawk saw the head of a
mountain troll as it entered the clearing ahead of its brethren.
Grabbing Zeb's robes she pulls him away from the others, while with her other
hand races into her skirt pocket searching for the right scroll. Zeb tries
to brush her away as he readies himself for battle, but seeing the frantic
look on her face as she silently mouths one word, throws down a scroll and
pulls out another, it dawns on him what they must do. Lake goes to follow
Zeb and Primrose, only to have her push him away, franticly shaking her head
at him.
Suddenly, Lake Mist realizes the dismay that is showing on Primrose's face.
Shifting his long sword to his left hand, he readies himself to cast dispel.
Watching Primrose try to grab Zeb Canon and drag him aside, Lake Mist is
readied.
As Ender and Thralos raced toward the skeletons, Steel looked behind his
shoulder. He wasn't surprised to hear a loud, clanking noise echoing up the
path. Looking around, Steel noted the size of the clearing and the position
of Cedrith's hut.
Before long, the bony head of a dracolich peered behind the rocks. It gave a
roar and charged toward the lone ranger. Steel knew that fighting it would be
deadly, as he had noted a few times before. He recalled an old adage from a
past master: "Always look for a way to neutralize the enemy's and your
differences."
The harmonies intertwined, cascading in a ever changing woven melody,
soothing her mind and soul. The Lady's voice murmuring urgently faded away,
slipped into her unconscious mind. It was so hard to concentrate, to hear
the words. She wasn't even sure she wanted to risk losing the music, but
there was something important.... A shifting, something had changed, the
harmony was different now. Angry, fierce, protective... and there was
another presence. Confusion filled her, the Lady's voice was clearer but the
words were still indistinguishable.
Struggling to understand, suddenly filled with a need to hear the words
Cerdith was completely unaware that her brothers of the Path had entered the
clearing and found her wasted body. She had no idea that it was their
presence here, their strong unified faith in Mielikki which had opened this
tiny little hole in the wall that had isolated her from the Goddess' voice.
Though fighting raged about her and she was moved and jostled, Cerdith's
battle was internal. If she could not win her own fight, her body would be
nothing but a shell for a damaged and mangled soul.
At that same time, Steel rushed over and touched his hand to Cerdith's
forehead. It was cool, a dangerous sign. He concentrated, feeling her mind
and looking at her mental state. As he removed his hand, he projected his
thoughts: *She is not doing well. There is very little energy in her, and
moving her would kill her. We must remove the mist, then let her heal long
enough for us to take her back to the bunkhouse. After that, well . . . who
knows?*
Written by,
Cerdith, Ender Bay,
Lake Mist, Primrose,
Quadrillian Steelflight, Thralos,
Thorn Hawk, Zeb Canon.Songs of the Wind - Part 26
Cerdith & Swifty
(submitted by: Cerdith)
The sudden silence was devastating. The harmonies and images they wrought in
her mind were ripped away, the pain of that parting was excrutiating as the
strands of the song which had woven through her soul were wrenched and jerked
away. Her scream was silent too, though it resounded throughout her being.
Agonized and horribly maimed, she tried to hear something, anything in the
featureless void which surrounded her.
~~~~~~~~~
Over Cerdith's prone and terribly wasted body, unaware of the internal
struggle and terrible pain his sister was enduring, RiverSwift stood
watchfully. The skeletons which had sought to break through the companions
had been destroyed rapidly, the bones that were all that remained of others
who had listened too long and too deeply lay crushed upon the ground.
Straightening carefully, he risked a glance downward with troubled eyes.
~~~~~~~~~
The pain surrounded her, numbed her as she fought to find something to hold,
something real in the blackness. She couldn't hear anything, she couldn't
see or smell... all her senses were gone except the burning sensation that
permeated her being, seared her soul. Struggling stubbornly, forcing herself
to seek a way through this to find a path.....
~~~~~~~~~~
Cerdith's face was almost blank in its bizarre expressionless state. It hurt
RiverSwift just to see that lack of emotion in the features of a sister known
for her humor and playfulness. Crouching for a moment, he brushed her hair
back gently from her face and brushed his finger along her cheek. How could
this have happened, what had happened to transform Cerdith into this?
Troubled and disturbed by the lack of reaction, RiverSwift looked away, just
in time to see the huge fist, which when it impacted slammed him to the
ground at his sister's side.
~~~~~~~~~~
Was that a light? Maybe not a light perhaps but less of a darkness,
something in the void... something NOT the void? Straining, she reached
through the pain toward the something.... that tantalizing something.....
~~~~~~~~~~
Rolling sideways, Riverswift dodged the next fist as it swung viciously
through the air above his face. Talons glittered as they swept past raking
the ranger as he struggled to rise and face this new and sudden threat.
Staggering, RiverSwift managed to stand and lift his two-handed sword. A
tremendous mountain troll towered above him, drooling and howling in hunger.
Two more were closing rapidly, shuffling toward the wounded ranger with
impossible speed. Knowing that he could not concentrate to summon magic to
aid him, RiverSwift feinted to his right as though he would flee and then
darted back to the left as the troll lunged to capture him. His sword took
the huge creature squarely in the back of the head, knocking it sideways and
eliciting a howl of fury.
Then the others were upon him. Dancing sideways, spinning and twisting with
all the skill and knowledge that his ranger training had given him,
RiverSwift dealt terrible wounds to the trolls. But, his efforts to keep the
creatures from Cerdith were costing him tactically, and he was struck several
more times by fists and gleaming talons. Already the first troll was rising
again, its unnatural healing powers restoring it rapidly to full strength.
Blood ran from a cut above his eye, blinding him, even as his muscles began
to scream in protest at the efforts he demanded of them. A duck under one
swing and his sword sliced the second troll's hamstring. It fell, gibbering
in anger and clutching its wounded leg. RiverSwift knew it would return
though, if he could not stop the regeneration. The third troll moved
sluggishly, cut in several places and near incapacitated. If only he could
gain a moment, he could cast and destroy these creature's ability to heal.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Almost there, she could almost see... the pain was receding or she no longer
noticed it. There was something there! She knew it... she just had to push
a little farther, just try a little harder and she could grasp it. Forcing
herself forward, in this featureless and directionless place, she reached
with trembling fingers toward the lightness, toward the path.....
~~~~~~~~~~~
Jumping back, another swipe of talons narrowly missed eviscerating him.
RiverSwift gave up on fighting cleanly and resorted to every trick he knew.
Stabbing with the tip of his sword he impaled the trolls foot and twisted,
using the length of the two-hander for leverage slicing tendons. Screaming
now, the third troll fell into his downstroke, beheaded immediately by the
magical sharpness of the blade. Smiling grimly in satisfaction, RiverSwift
turned to deal with the first troll which was advancing once more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Suddenly, everything was very clear. Her feet rested firmly upon a road, a
dirt track surrounded by towering pine and lofty cedar. Wildflowers nestled
here and there amidst the ferns, purple, white and pink flowers hidden in the
foliage. She took a deep breath, inhaling the sweetness of the forest's
scents. Her body felt strange, not pained nor even hurt, just odd. Stepping
forward tenatively, Cerdith was suprised to realize that still she could hear
nothing. Though she could see the birds and she could imagine their chirping
songs, she could not hear them. She could feel the breeze upon her face,
could see the pine needles rustling in the wind, but could not hear.....
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stepping forward, RiverSwift brushed his sleeve over his face to clear his
eyes of the stinging sweat and blood. The troll, frustrated with this
creature's defiance and getting hungrier by the moment charged with a blood
curdling howl of rage. RiverSwift crouched then spun sideways intending to
let the creature rush past and then slipped on the blood-soaked bones which
littered the ground. His knee twisted at an unpleasant angle and a jab of
pain filled his leg. Struggling to rise before the charging troll, he found
he could not stand at all and watched helplessly as the creature closed.
Murmuring a prayer, he set the pommel of his sword against the ground, braced
tightly and held on, with the point aimed straight for the mountain troll's
belly. Furious and too stupid to notice the danger, the creature impaled
itself upon the blade, driving itself forward with its own momentum until the
cross pieces of the sword stopped it. The hilt of the sword was wrenched
from his grasp as the monstrous creature's full weight fell upon it and then
upon RiverSwift's wounded leg, knocking him down beneath its bulk.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Following the road, Cerdith travelled as quickly as she could. The lack of
hearing was very strange, accustomed as she was to the sounds of the forest
and its creatures. Still, she knew that she needed to hurry... that
something needed her to hurry. Stepping around a curve in the road, she saw
movement ahead. A man and a young female stood on the road too. They walked
hand in hand, the girl chattering excitedly pointing here and there. She
couldn't hear the words but she could tell that the man answered patiently.
Smiling, Cerdith thought how much this reminded her of..... of something,
something strangely elusive.
The two travellers walked right past her, never noticing her at all. Strange
though that was, Cerdith was still puzzled by an unusual prickly feeling.
Just as they turned to round the corner, huge towering forms stepped out of
the underbrush. The man turned suddenly, a hammer coming to his hand as he
pushed the girl behind him protectively. The ugly creatures advanced, one,
two... ten.. .more than ten of them closing around the travellers. The man
backed away, always keeping the child behind him. Suddenly, the monsters
charged! The man fought, doing terribly damage with his little hammer,
dodging the creature's attacks gracefully. The girl stood horror-struck,
then turned to heft a stone. The man was struck over and over by the
creatures claws... he yelled over his shoulder to the child, gesturing wildly
for her to flee.
Frozen, watching this terrible scene unfold Cerdith couldn't move. The child
stepped back for a moment clearly torn between what she was told to do and
what she believed was right. Then, a sudden fury blazing in her eyes, she
pulled a small knife from her belt and charged the nearest monster. It
batted her aside without even looking and then rejoined its companions who
had knocked the man to the ground and were pulling his joints from his body.
She couldn't move! She had to move... she had to do something!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Crawling forward, the last of the trolls which could move closed on the
nearly unconscious RiverSwift. It couldn't move quickly yet, but it was
healing. This creature had hurt it and it wanted to rend and tear the flesh.
Cerdith lay motionless still, RiverSwift's body barely three feet from hers
and buried under the bulk of a mountain troll.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The child staggered to her feet, eyes glittering strangely. Screaming in
fury she charged again. This had to stop now! This couldn't happen... not
again.. .again? Cerdith found the words of a spell upon her lips and chanted
them swiftly. The girl fell slowly to the ground, even as the world erupted
in flames around her. Fire tore through the creatures, the towering
vicious... the... trolls? TROLLS? TROLLLLSSSSSS!!!!!
Awareness slammed through her and then was swept away again as the battle
fury overtook her. Blinking she looked about her. She lay upon the ground
signs of battle everywhere. A creature moved, another... a TROLL! The
familiar rage of the berserker filled her, lending her strength and vitality
where she had none. Staggering to her feet, her gaze narrowed with hatred,
Cerdith hefted her trident and screamed her war cry,
"AAAAAIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!". The troll had time to glance upward
as the trident impaled it over and over, driving its body into the ground.
She struck till it moved no longer... then collapsed into the heap of bodies
as the the rage left her.The Kender Affair - Chapter Four
(submitted by: Exegete)
"He's gonna pay for these leggings" Sylphee said, fuming over the stained
legware she was wearing.
"Now we don't know that Exegete had anything to do with it" Akumu began in a
dubious voice.
"Oh puhleeeez" Corwin interrupted. "This has Exegete written all over it."
he went on firmly.
"Hmmmmmm" was all Dagron said, looking suspiciously at the buffet table
before him, noting Slen Star making his way down the far side toward the
little group.
"I really don't need any trouble here" Nalika contributed. "Even some
'innocent' trouble like a practical joke." She looked around the hall.
"Where's Tuvor, if Exe is involved, then Tuvor can't be far away." She
sighed. "This was supposed to be a good day for me" she continued. "I feel
a headache coming on".
Dag patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry Nal, we'll put a stop to it,
whoever's behind it."
Nalika looked at Dagron dubiously. "Last time you tried to stop one of
Exegete's practical jokes we had to pay to rebuild Strider's east wall." She
said. "Not to mention defumigate the entire area. That old lady still
cusses at me when I pass her house." she said accusingly.
"Let's not go over all that again." Dag said. "I didn't know that stuff was
flammable" he alibied. "I still don't understand how he got all that in such
a small package." He continued.
"Ruined my best tennis racket too" Akumu said ruefully.
"Well, anyway. . ." Dagron said, snapping his attention back to the present.
"Let's see if we can find brother Exegete. I have a question or two for
him." he said, a dangerous gleam in his eye.
Vinman approached the group in time to hear that last comment. "Uh. . ." he
began. "I just . . . ah . . ." He gulped seeing Dagron's mood. "I was just
talking with Tuvor & Ganzelle over in the alcove there. . ." he stammered.
"and. . .ummm. . ." he swallowed. "Oh hell" he said.
"TuvorandGanzellesawExegetecrawlingundertheBuffettablejustafewminutesago" he
finished in a rush and ducked behind Sylphee who looked at Dagron in alarm.
Dagron looked over at Tuvor & Ganzelle, back to Vinman, and then back over to
Tuvor and Ganzelle. Tuvor and Ganzelle saw his stern gaze and waved and
smiled weakly. With a crooked finger, Dagron motioned them over to the
group. Tuvor looked behind him and then over at Dagron, then at Ganzelle and
pointed at him. Dagron shook his head. Tuvor looked around the area once
again. He pointed at a waiter just leaving a pantry and pointed to him.
Dagron, with exaggerated patience, shook his head once again. Tuvor looked
around once more and with a sickly smile, reluctantly pointed his finger at
his own chest. Dagron smiled a chilling smile and nodded twice, & winked,
wiggling his crooked finger once again.
Tuvor made a grab at Ganzelle's arm, but Ganzelle had developed a sudden
interest in the potted plant in a nearby corner, so he missed cleanly. He
smiled weakly again at Dagron, standing patiently with arms folded across his
chest. S l o w l y, he began to walk over to Dagron, trying to appear
nonchalant, only the dryness in his throat preventing him from whistling as
he walked. Sadly, it took but a few moments for him to cross the distance
between he and Dag.
"Hieeah" Tuv began. He cleared his throat. "Hi Dag, nice reception huh?" he
said, laughing nervously.
"Hi Tuv" Dag said, cleaning his finger nails with his dagger. He absently
trimmed a wayward cuticle and then, after taking an exaggerated look at the
blade, put the knife back in its' sheath. He smiled at Tuvor, a frosty smile
that lower the temperature in the immediate area significantly. "Where's
Exe, Tuv?"
"Exegete?" Tuvor said questioningly. "You know, I haven't seen Exegete in
quite a while now". He looked around the hall innocently. Dagron growled.
Everyone else in the little party took two giant steps away from the two.
"Heheh" Tuvor said. He coughed and cleared his throat once again and tried
to look serious. Dagron waited, not so patiently this time.
"Vinman told you, huh?" Tuvor asked.
A single nod of the head was Dagron's only reply.
"He's under the buffet table somewhere" Tuvor said with resignation. "I
haven't the foggiest notion of what, when, where, or why" he went on quickly.
"All I know is the who part Dag, really!"
A dangerous light smoldered in Dagron's eyes. "You know how important today
is for Nal" he said indicating Lady Nalika, now back with Lord Nasher. "Not
to mention for KORT and our reputation" he continued.
"I know, I know Dag" Tuvor said placatingly. "I swear, I don't have anything
to do with whatever Exe is doing. On my honor" he finished, drawing himself
to attention.
Dagron sighed. "Well" he said, "perhaps it will work out OK" he continued.
"Could be he's just taking a nap or something". he went on.
Sylphee snorted in derision. "In a Troll's eye" she said under her breath.
"What was that?" Dagron said sharply, looking in her direction.
"Uh. . . not a good reason why" she said quickly "Not" she added belatedly.
"We'll wait and see what happens" Dagron said wearily. "If any of you see
him, put him on notice" he concluded and started to head back toward Nalika.
You know those times when it seems that an unseen hand is guiding events and
managing the timing of things, causing them to happen at worst possible
times? The phone rings in the shower, the doorbell when on the toilet, kids
act up when on the phone, etc.? Well, this was one of those times. Dag had
just turned back toward Nalika and Nasher when two things happened is short
succession. The first was bad enough, though comical in a odd sort of way.
Several members of the Dwarven Clan Axepeak were rummaging through the food
in the "Demi-foods" section of the buffet table (which, oddly enough, most of
the rest of the guests avoided. Four Dwarves, Tohrm, Durgath, Noahwest, and
Ruhq suddenly drew their weapons and began to hack and slash at the buffet
table. Screaming something about "Dees be debil voices" and talking horses
hooves, they were quickly subdued and escorted out of the hall by the Palace
Guard. Dag stopped and looked back at the small group of KORT-ers. He shook
his head and looked at the ceiling. He seemed ready to turn back to the
group, but then turned back toward Nalika. He went precisely one step when
the second thing happened, with far more serious and dangerous implications.
Madame Kholari, wife of Kholari, the GM of the BDA, put her hand on her
purse. At least she put her hand into her dress' pocket where she was under
the impression that her purse should be. As anyone would, she simply grasped
at where it should have been and pulled her hand back up to her face, to look
in the purse for something. Her hand came up quickly and confidently (she's
a bit on the arrogant side, haughty, you know the type) and nearly hit
herself in the face with a large piece of cooked trout Confronted with a
rather large fish, seemingly looking her straight in the eye, she did the
only logical thing. She screamed in alarm, dropped her glass of red wine,
and then fainted dead away.
"Oh My god!" Dagron said in a resigned voice.
"Nice looking piece of fish" Akumu offered
"Probably undercooked" Allsfaire observed, approaching the group
"Wonder what's in the other pocket" Corwin said.
"Cocktail sauce if she's lucky" Vinman answered with a grin.
"I didn't know there was seafood. . ." Slen Star said in a cheated voice.
"Tsk, tsk," Sylphee chided "Red wine with fish?" she said raising a
disapproving eyebrow.
"Don't you just hate a dull party?" Ganzelle said will a grin, having
approached from the other direction.
"Exe, you better hope Dag never sees you again" Tuvor whispered.The Wedding -
Part 3
(submitted by: Luthyen)
Luthyen sat alone in the tent to one side of a large wooded clearing. She had
journeyed here alone to await the coming of the others she now heard outside.
She heard laughter and the soft whisper of voices as the many guests gathered
for the Celebration soon to begin. It was her wedding day.
She had spent much time alone in thought preparing for this day, when her
path would join that of another. She had not expected it to happen to
her...her heart, freshly wounded by loss, had not thought to be given again.
But a gentle Ranger's quiet caring had begun a healing in her, and when her
heart was made whole, to her surprise, it contained a part of his.
She smiled gently as she shook her head and thought of her beloved. She
remembered when he had first met her parents, and the questions they had
asked. True heart, he had been steadfast in his devotion to his Goddess and
Guild, and she loved and respected him for it. She remembered the times that
devotion, or the needs of his Guild brethern, had taken him from her, often
with but a brief goodbye. And she remembered the times he had understood when
she had been called to aid one of the Cadets, to answer a question or solve a
problem when they had been about to journey together. Often, he had journeyed
with a cadet or recruit, or rescued one from some peril or another.
Their life would be like that, she knew. Their times together would be stolen
from time spent on the duties of Guild and Goddess. She touched the gem that
glittered on her forehead. A deep green spark throbbed there, growing in
brightness within the gem since that time in the Troubles when she had given
its mate to Thorn Hawk. Through the Elfstone she could sense him, and the
warmth of his love. He was approaching the clearing; it was almost time.
She heard a quite cough outside the tent, and a voice said, "Sis?"
"Come," she replied, and smiled as Firef0rged ducked his head and entered.
"It's almost time, Sis. Are you ready?" her brother inquired. " Lafe is out
there pacing like he was the one getting married..." Fire grinned. "The
nervous Pop! Star can hardly contain him..." He held out his hand to help
her rise, smiling at the sight of her in her wedding dress. Carefully, so as
not to crush the silken gown, he hugged her close.
"Be happy always, " he whispered. She rested her head against his shoulder
for a moment, then stood away and gave him a radiant grin. He draped her hand
over his arm, and escorted her from her tent, and to the first step of her
new path.
~Luthyen
The ProtectorateLocation: Berun
Event: Tavern Brawl
Time: 10pmEST
Date: 10/12
Prizes: Necklace of Icestorms and 2 hour gift certificate
Winner:
Sir Rellik
***Notes: We had a very good turn out. The feed back was more than
positive. This event will be held again.
Contestants:
ellidis
cheff remo
augurer
xo2 zeus
drk fiend
lukky dog
norshanare
tp tec
llewdoc
modalex
erezendes
abzzsta1n
warr alpha
zanithar
riklaun
hangmon
veridienne
guthwolf
cheff jr
redecynne
ebon asha
zoriax kyr
lannata
***** The follow is for the benefit of those who did not attend the Brawl
-- News ;D
Event Rules and Story:
Tavern Brawl
The scenario -
A group of jolly fellows are sitting in the Tavern when a bunch of ruffians
jump in. They start fighting one another and causing a tremendous upheavel
in the tavern. The innocent citizens are running about trying not to get hit
by the spells these ruffians are casting. You are called to protect these
innocent citizens and get rid of the ruffians.
The cast of characters-
4 fights with 7 people in each fight and 1 MECH referee in each fight
Object -
To be the last fighter standing at the end of the event
Location -
Berun 2,9
Berun 0,9
Berun 1,7
Berun 0,5
QUEUES-
We will post that we will be having a PVP Event on whatever date we can get.
The first 28 contestants to send MECH Event and MECH Deuce E-mail will be
que'd for this event. We will also be taking 8 alternate contestants as
well. If your name appears in the TO section of the mailing list, then your
name has beeen que'd on the list. If your name appears in the CC section of
the list, then you will be an alternate in case people do not show.
Contestants will recieve the rules and fight locations for the fight once
they have signed up for it.
Rules -
All spells are allowed except silence and feeb [dir dis is allowed]
All items are allowed
No casting on NPC's direct or indirect. Basically they cannot be affected by
the spell what so ever. If a spell touches an NPC the caster will be ejected
from the fight. No rebounds of LB's no radius affect of FB's and so on. The
NPC's are the innocent bystanders, they are the ones you are trying to
protect.
e.g., rebound of a lightning bolt into an npc is a disqualification
npc getting caught in the radius of a fire ball is
disaqualification
npc getting fall off from a dis is a disqualification
npc being casted on directly is a disqualification
If a npc gets touched by any spell at all, it is a
disqualification
No attacking the NPC in melee or the attacker will be ejected from the fight.
e.g., if you gaurd and the npc comes near you and is attacked, is a
disqualification
attacking a fleeing monster is a disqualification
head on attack is a disqualification
No casting on the MECH referee or the attacker will be ejected from the fight
[ref = NPC]
No tag teaming [players work alone]
there will be no ganging up on one particular participant, if
it is
obvious that a participant is being singled out by two or
more
participants then they will be disqualified.
Only the last fighter can kill the NPC's with the MECH referee's help
e.g., when all participants are killed, the standing participant can
then kill the npc's.
Once the four fights are over and there are four survivors then the four will
rest and MEM their spells and enter into a fight consisting of the same rules
as above.
***NOTE*** An ejected participant will need to flee the battle, if fleeing
isn't an option then the participant will need to qts/cad on his/her next
turn.
Referee interference -
The referee has the right to dispell anyone that comes within range of
his/her position.
The referee has the right to stink anyone that comes within range of his/her
position.
The Awards -
2 hours of online gift certificate
Necklace of Icestorm
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