1996-12-29
Recovered original text · preserved verbatim
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NEVERWINTER NEWS
Issue # 166
Week Ending 12-29-96
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FRONT PAGE
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Congratulations to V Memoria for winning last week's News of the Realm
contest for her story entitled "Not All Triangles Have Corners".
V Memoria 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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As I'm sure many of you realize, the Pearl Plan data conversion has been
completed and the hold on pearl transactions has ended. You are welcome to
submit purchase and transfer requests! I'd ask however, that you please hold
off on requesting pearl account balances as we will be sending a transaction
summary and balance to each and every screen name that holds an active pearl
account or registered pearl only items. When you receive that mail, please
report any discrepancies you find by January 15th at midnight ET. We'd like
to make sure everything has transferred properly into the new database! If
we don't hear from you by that date then the account stands as we have it.
Please do not send mail UNLESS you find a discrepancy.
NW Oyster and I have been working to get all the mail out and deal with
reported discrepancies. If you haven't received your mail yet, please do not
worry, it's going to be in your box very soon. With over 2600 accounts to
process, we're working from both ends of the alphabet and hoping to meet
somewhere in the middle! Please be patient and understand that we're working
as fast as we can to get this information out and adjusted!
Thank you all for your understanding and patience! ;D
Regards,
NW Events
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~*~*~Santa's Christmas List~*~*~
There are full write ups in the "Santa's Yearly Visit" folder in the Event
Announcements & Discussion area. -- News
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Happy Holidays all and congratulations! ;D
To Frothgar, who's been so very helpful to new people, Bracers AC 3!
To Scylore, a lad of generous spirit, a shiny new Flail +3!
To Vaderian, whose efforts to "try" to be good have gained him notice, Plate
+3!
And to Mcwhirt Jr, 2 pearls to save toward something nice!
To Stagen, whose goodness shines about him, 6 pearls! Use them in good
health lad!
To Alisbyre, a drow lass who's too little to do any of that nasty heart
ripping stuff, GOH Access!, Enjoy!
To Guthwolf, who's never been good... well, except this morning helping a
bro, 2 pearls and 750 jewelry!
And to Maccleric, 2 pearls for a winter's day!
To JP Force, a very good lad who's been helping new people learn their way, a
Necklace of Ice Storms!
To ERS Rune, who was so happy to see Santa he began speaking in tongues, 4
pearls!
To Ravenioft, a man of few words, a Cloak of Displacement!
And to FPL11350, 2 pearls to keep for a warmer day!
To Bloodaria, a ranger lad who has been escorting others and being very
helpful, a Girdle of Fire Giant Strength! Santa thought perhaps he liked the
gift, use it to protect the forest.
To Kwicwinds, a paladin who naturally has been very good, access to the Guild
of Heroes! Well done.
To LOK Patryn, a "dark" paladin who's "mostly" good, a gift to help him turn
from his evil ways through self reflections, a Mirrored Shield +2!
And to Fizzbane, a special gift of 2 pearls!
To Thayia, quickest of feet and seriously full of spiced egg nog, a Necklace
of Ice Storms!
To V Insanity, who has helped a bit... sometime, maybe last week, 4 pearls!
To Lev1ath0n, who helpfully has been assisting people to the gates safely, a
diamond ring of her own!
And to TP Tec, 2 pearls to save for something very nice!
To Nashire, who happened to be in the right place at the right time, who's
been a very good lad this year, helping new travellers - Bracers of Defense
AC 2!
To Sylverion, whose definition of "nice" and Santa's didn't entirely agree,
but who has helpfully been showing new folks the gates, a Girdle of Frost
Giant Strength!
To SOM Keffer, a good if softspoken lad, his very own Necklace of Ice Storms!
To Martgwyn, who told Santa how very good he has been... 2 pearls!
And to Sir Ngalot, 2 pearls for a winter's day!
To V Chyanna, congratulations and Happy Holidays, lass! Your goodness and
generosity have earned you admission to the Guild of Heroes during my visit
to the Tavern. Well done!
To SK Wraith, a goodly lad of quick wits and feet, a Flame Tongue Sword!
To Wizzgig, something he can use in return for his generousity, a Clerical
Scroll (Cause Critical Wounds x3)!
To Icey Wind, a paladin of stunning charisma and not altogether subtle
persuasion, a suit of Elvin Chain +3!
To G0d1va, a lad with an "interesting" sense of humor, a Wand of Lightning!
To Dryn Taryk, a soft spoken ranger lad, who does the best that he may with
what is given him, a beautiful set of Bracers of Defence AC 3!
And to MPeters699, 2 perfect pearls!
Congratulations all!
~ Santa
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Follow, Follow, Follow, Follow, Follow the Blood-Slicked Road!
NWA Drake's Tour of Despair to the Floodblest Well!
For the sins I've commited, may Tyr have mercy upon my soul. Having
been entrusted with the crucial task of leading an expedition from the
peaceful confines of the Neverwinter gardens to the well in the village of
Floodblest, to bring to justice a certain mage rumored to be working foul
magics upon the same, I quickly found myself blessed with a veritable army of
eager and brave adventurers. Little did they know what foul darkness awaited
them.
Traveling through the desolate and crowded combat zone that Floodblest
has become of late, our faces grim with battle lust as we hacked and slashed
our way through a teeming ocean of lizards and snakes, we arrived at our
goal. Covered in the dark ichor of many vanquished beasts, our group slid
down into darkness -- our numbers already having been decimated in a long
trail of death that marked our passage back to the very gates of Neverwinter
itself. No picnic was this.
Death lurked around every corner. Spells flew untrue, casting made
treacherous through the dark arts of our nemesis -- The Dark Mage of
Floodblest. My heroic companions cast stinking clouds that enveloped
themselves, fireballs that covered all in a searing conflagration, leaving
all of us broiled to a crisp. Owlbears appeared before us with the
impossible strength of twenty men, then fell to our equally terrible
vengeance. As we toiled through those dark caverns, life took on a sick
nightmarish quality of its own -- a twilight world where death seemed the
only solution. There was no quarter given, and none asked for -- they fell,
as did we.
When at last we had nearly reached our goal, the footsteps of the dark
mage so close we could smell his stench whip our bloodlust to a frenzy, we
were ambushed -- bamboozled, if you will, by creatures so horrifying and
loathesome, we could think of little else to describe them than simply
terrible. And blue. And large. They savaged our numbers, leaving sad ashen
reminders of their murderous ways, and we pushed on -- there was no time to
mourn.
But, when at last victory seemed assured, when the reason for our dying,
and our killing was at hand -- the devious beast escaped, leaving us to our
sorrow and our anger. We flew through floodblest in a rage, driving before
us all that tried to slow us down like leaves before a storm, and never did
we stop until our shattered remnants of a once-invincible army returned to
the soul-soothing confines of Neverwinter city, wherein we did report of our
dark tragedy, and vow to someday return to extract vengeance.
Just as soon as we could find another few dozen brave souls to sacrifice
in the process.
Here be scribed the names of those that joined us during the course of
our Jihad -- may the Minstrels sing of our fallen for many seasons to come.
Warlock222
Shadwcstr
Brza
Meames1298
Kaz23
Chad15803
TPA Noob
Spoonlord1
Cer0 Grene
Scratt
SSB Remo
Ky III
Franyang
Bella Red
NWA Drake
Dreadlord Duck
Neverwinter Nights Remote Staff
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Pain Booth Winners - 12/24
Merry Christmas to all and a lil announcement that tonight's Booth of
Pain winners here SSC Shana with a low score of 24 and ABK T Hntr with the
high score of 42. Congratulations to you both..
NW Hobbes
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Lightning Bolt Booth Results - 12/28
Feeling electric today, I put out the call to the Realms to have brave souls
test my lightning bolts. A crowd quickly gathered in the Warehouse District
and one by one they stepped forward to try their luck.
Those participating were: Sir Lerick, SOL Prism, BoboFetts, ITB Pompey, LOK
Sengir, Jay Kom, Ist Hazard, Gumples, LOF Haplo, SOL Apollo, Brick59151, SOL
Elr0nd, Maveric931, Storm Kom, and Burning Sun. I caught LOF Haplo and
Maveric931 unawares during their first rounds, damaging each for a whooping
75 total points!
In a "cast-off", Maveric931 staggered away the victor of the "Highest Damage"
category, taking 71 more points of damage. Gumples (spelled right this time
;>) didn't even appear to notice my bolts, walking away strongly with only 33
points of damage and winner of the "Lowest Damage" category.
Congrats to both and thanks to all who played. :D
NW Sparkle
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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:
December 29th Sunday 4:00 PM EST - with NW Ember.
January 2nd Thursday 7:00 PM EST - with NWA Drake.
January 4th Saturday 12:00 PM EST - with NW Kishpa.
Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner
telling where to meet! ;D
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Yule week was off to a hot start with the Tavern Game of Ice Hoops.
Thirty-four patrons asked Spryte for a chunk of ice to toss into the floating
circle in the hot tub...LRD XCEED was closed to the mark with a toss of 5.
The night of Yule observed the Winter Solstice, and celebrated the Spirit of
Giving as well. Throughout the Taverns, gifts were given. GreySavant had his
magic sashling, and his well-thought-out gifts were appreciated by all and
sundry. NW Santa even made an appearance, providing V Chyanna with a magic
scroll entitling her to GOH access. In celebration of the Yule, there were
two winners of the evening, the two equal distances from NWT Mystri's magic
number: SK Majystc & Cujo1127.
Friday night kicked off with a wedding before hours, as LightFox and Lord
Gunnar were joined by GreySavant. During regular hours several new songs were
heard, from OMM Clong and GreySavant, as bards KiheBard, V Memoria, Dreadl0k
and others cheered the Tavern with their music. The dance floor was busy as
well..
Next week,the Yule celebration is continued with Soal Cakes; break them open
to find the number inside, and if it matches Spryte's roll, it will win the
prize! On New Year's Night, tell of the Quest you plan and post about it,
and you will win the prize of the evening. Friday night is Paladin Knight, as
those most fair of Knights join us for an evening...best Paladin role play
will win that eve.
The Sisters' Tavern in the Great Hall is open MWF from 11pm to 1am EST in the
Great Hall..Join them for an evening of fun, frivolity, and great RP!
~The Roving ReporterA Single Kiss
(submitted by: GreySavant)
Talanithus walked through the Great Hall Tavern doors, the chill winter wind
blowing fierce behind him. His shifting black cloak was pulled tight about
his body, doing it's best to preserve what warmth remained after Tal's
evening journey. As he threw his cloak back to greet the warmth of the
Tavern's fires, Grey's beautiful Blue Crystal plate mail's many facets began
to twinkle and shine in a blue aura about him. With hands still numb from the
season's fury, Talanithus unstrung his great black bow and placed in his
quiver across his back. Then he turned to the Tavern's patrons, and through
lips still numb from the arctic winds, spoke, "Vedui' Tel'Mithrim, and
Greetings to all of you Edan."
Tizer, the guildmaster of the Tel'Mithrim, spotted Grey's form in the Tavern
door and called out his own greeting, "Vedui', Grey... Come sit with us!"
His cry, however, fell upon deaf ears, for Talanithus was intent upon only
one body in the crowded hall. His keen Tel'Quessir eyes had spotted the form
of the lovely Spryte, her face aflame with her exertions and eyes glowing
with a beautiful inner light. Ignoring the hails from the rest of his friends
and companions, Tal walked over to where Spryte stood by the fire, his face
intent as he reached into his magical sashling and pulled out a black box and
a single red rose. He laid the box on the counter and turned to Spryte with a
wry grin on his features.
"These are for you, a small gift to bear testament to the love I hold
inside." said Talanithus, stepping closer as he presented the rose, "a red
rose, to symbolize my heart, which beats only for you..."
Spryte looked upon the rose, a blush crossing across her features as she
lowered her eyes and reluctantly grasped the rose by it's stem. "Thank you,
heruamin. I,.. I do not no what to say...."
"I do not wish for you to say anything, my love. Simply grace me once again
with your kiss, that I might feel the sweet nectar of the gods again."
Spryte's blush turned even redder, her face turning away from the tavern as
she sought a response to Tal's bold plea... Before her heart could find her
words, Tizer had clad out again, "Grey!!! Come here, this man needs your
priestly help!"
Talanithus, distracted by his Heru's call for his powers, turned from Spryte
to look upon a strange scene. A human stood before the Tel'Mithrim table, a
tattoo of Lloth's Spider Demon prominent upon his forehead. His countenance
was dark and twisted, and it appeared that he was set to wreak some sort of
havoc... Tal turned once again to Spryte's lovely form, only to see her
wrestling still with the words of her reply.
"Forgive me, my sweet lovely one, but Coreelon's duty requires my presence.
Please pardon my abrupt withdrawal." said GreySavant with a quick bow. Then
he turned and sprinted to his comrades side, throwing his cloak back and
readying his sword for battle.
Tizer stood before the table, one hand upon the Lady Nalynn's arm, as the two
stared with disbelief and recognition at the stranger who stood before him.
"This man looks to be Nalynn's past husband, long since lost in battle."
"That is not my husband!!!" yelled Nalynn, her face flushed with anger, "He
would not wear the symbol of the Dark Spider Queen upon his brow! Who ARE
you!?! Why do you come as such!? Do you seek to trick me with sorcerer's
games?"
Tal stood confused, uncertain of how to approach this strange situation, yet
sure his powers were needed. "Use Coreelon's power to see what evil holds
this man!" yelled Tizer as he pushed Nalynn behind him and prepared to draw
his sword.
Tal stood before his Tel'Mithrim brothers, his fury dark upon his grey
countenance as he raised his hands forward and yelled to the dark figure,
"CORELLON!!! Master of the Tel'Quessir, Guardian of the Tel'Mithrim. HEAR my
CALL! Give me sight, so that I might perceive the evil before me! Give me
knowledge, so that I might bring glory to your name!! Render your infinite
power unto me, so that your people might TRIUMPH!!"
With the last word, a strange blue light began to play about the circlet
bearing Corellon's symbol upon Tal's brow. Tal's eyes began to glow with that
same blue light, and it appeared almost as if he were growing, his body
becoming larger and more powerful. Two blue rays of fire bolted from
Talanithus' eyes to strike the creature, outlining him in a mystic blue fire.
"He is possessed by the Spider Queen!" gasped Grey as his sword whipped out
in a lightning fast arc, "A minion of her foul service, no doubt, come to
seek vengeance on those not of the Mori'Quessir!!"
Then the man began to glow with a sick black aura, his form shifting from
human to that of an enormous spider. His black mandibles dripped a poisonous
ichor as his multi-faceted eyes swiveled to face Nalynn. Then it began a slow
advance across the tavern floor, spitting out dusky grey webs as it's
multiple legs pushed its way to before the Tel'Mithrim table.
With that, the other Tel'Quessir who sat around the table left off any
pretense of guarded wariness, blades drawn forth with the intent to slay
Lloth's servant. Jared Syn and the Huntress stood side by side, longswords
laid bare to the Tavern's fiery light, as VonWildcat Strongbow took Nalynn's
opposite flank, ready to defend her from this beast. Strick Lightheart leapt
upon the table, his fingers gathering components as he prepared to cast a
spell as Laerithil strung his bow from the Tavern's rafters and prepared to
loose his deadly fire.
"WAIT!! Wait!!" yelled Spryte as she ran between the upcoming melee, "There
can be no fighting here. Bare no Blades and Cast no Spells... Stop this at
once!"
Confused by the sudden appearance of his lovely Spryte, Talanithus leapt
before the waiting Tel'Mithrim, his only thought to prevent the harm of his
dearest love. As he leapt before the beast, the pale fire again took hold of
his form, and Tal began to scream into the air, "CORELLON!! I, your servant
call upon your power! Free this man from the Spider Queen's chains! I COMMAND
you, spawn of Lloth, BEGONE!!!" His guild mates streamed past him to bear
upon the form, wrestling the creature to the floor. If they could not use
sword and spell, they could at least use arm and elbow... But their wrestling
was all too short-lived, for the creature began scream, a keen wail that sent
shivers across ones neck, and it's violent twitchings prevented any from
gathering to close.
The Spider began to pulse, it's body twitching even faster as the Blue Fire
again raced again across it's grotesque form. A foul black smoke began to
fill the air above it as it's piteous screams filled the Tavern with their
pain. Soon the smoke covered everything, and all stood in tense expectation
of what had happened to the Spider.
The smoke slowly began to clear, revealing the form of the same human, this
one without the Spider tattoo upon his forehead. Nalynn still filled with
anger that someone would use the form of her past husband for such a purpose,
was bent on destroying it, butt Tizer's calmer request bore out more heed.
"See what is left of Lloth's power, good Talanithus." said Tizer as he placed
his arm about Nalynn's shaking shoulders.
Trembling with the efforts of calling down such power as he had, Talanithus
once again opened his sight to Corellon's vision. His face betrayed a strange
complexity as he peered closely to the unconscious human, a frown etching its
way across Tal's fine features.
Turning back to Tizer and the others, Tal spoke, "Melloneamin, I do not
understand what has happened here, but that Edan no longer bears the stink of
Lloth. In fact, the only thought upon his head is that of Nalynn. He seems to
know,.. ah.. remember you. His aura holds your trace. Do you know him?"
Nalynn turned back to the unconscious human, her face drawn tight with the
what appeared to be fear. "No... It can't be. He's dead! He died, I saw
him... die.. to those horrible..." her speech broken as she begins to sob
into Tizer's shoulder.
Talanithus turned to his Lord Tizer and spoke, "Heru, I do not pretend to
understand what has happened here this eve, but Corellon has showed me that
this man is no longer Lloth's slave. His heart has been freed by Corellon's
mercy, and that mercy points to Nalynn. What this all means is beyond me.
Perhaps.."
Tal's reply was silenced by allow moan from the strange man's lips. All
turned to watch as his eyes began to flutter and a deep breath passed through
his body. "Nall..yyynnn" was the quiet word that passed through his lips, a
sound so faint that only those close could hear.
"No," croaked Nalynn, tears still bright upon her lovely cheeks, "It CAN"T
be. I don't believe it!"
"Its mee.... ! Torm!" was the strangers weak reply, "was... captured...
healed.. tortured... come home... Nalynn it is I!"
The Tel'Mithrim stood shocked about this stranger, who appeared to be far
more...Tal, not knowing precisely what was going on, but certain that this
man needed to talk to Nalynn, reached out to touch him upon the forehead that
once bore Lloth's dark taint, saying "Corellon, Heru of all Tel'Quessir, give
unto this Edan the gift of life, as he spring flows from winter's cold."
The man once again was flushed with the bright blue flames of Corellon's
magic, his pale face glowing brightly as the fires burned about him. As they
left, his expression turned to one of wonderment as he looked deeply into
Talanithus' eyes and said, "You god must love you greatly, for I have not
felt this good in many weeks, Grey one."
Talanithus nodded wearily as he stood, wishing to himself that he felt the
same... The Tel'Quessir gathered close about the man, helping him to a chair
as they pulled his story out from him. Tal, weary from his summonings,
wearily tracked his way over to the fire to rest and recoup.
As he approached the warm blaze, Tal noticed the beautiful Elven Lady
Memoria, her lute and flute resting near her as she sat by the fire.
Summoning a smile to his tired body, Tal walked forward and bowed before her,
saying "Vedui' Memoria. How fare you this cold wintry eve."
Memoria glanced up at Talanithus' frame, outlined as it was by the fire's
fiery light, and smiled that ghostly smile that seems so pretty on her pale
features. "I am well, my lord. How are you?"
A tired grin flew across Grey's countenance as he kissed Memoria's hand and
said, "Well... I would not be lying if I said I had better days..."
Memoria laughed and lowered her gaze, resting her arm upon her lap and idly
stirring her fingers across her lute's strings.
"Do you mind if I sit, fair one?" asked Tal as he reached for a glass of Fey
on a nearby table.
"Please, mellon. I do not mind at all." was Memoria's fair reply.
With a practiced ease that belied the tired limbs Tal now bore, he bowed and
sat beside Memoria upon the hearth. His fingers reached to pull his own harp
from his magical sashling. "Do you remember your promise to me, fair
Memoria?" asked Tal as he began to tune his instrument.
"Yes, my Lord." was Memoria's timid reply, her eyes again downcast as she
turned to face Tal, "I remember, but are you certain you wish for me to play
with you?"
"But of course, fair one. You are the very spirit of life when your fingers
play across your instruments form. I could not ask for a greater compliment
then your presence at my side."
It was then that Tal began to notice a stranger upon a table close to the
Taverns hearth where Memoria and he now sat. He seemed very intent upon
Memoria and his conversation, and was playing with a slim dagger in his hands
as he stared intently at the two. Tal was not quite sure, but he think he saw
the glint of fangs in the stranger's mouth... yet then again, the light was
quite bad and he was some distance away... Perplexed, he turned back to
Memoria.
"This is the music for tonight's little celebration, perhaps you would like
to look at them while I speak with the lovely Spryte about the timing of our
performance." said Tal as he passed her a simple parchment scroll bearing the
symbol of a crescent moon.
Memoria nodded, her eyes still downcast as Tal stood and kissed her hand
again.
Grey weaved his way through the tavern's busy crowd, for they seemed to flock
within the Tavern this evening. Spryte was so busy that Tal had to wait quite
a few minutes before she could speak to him.
"Spryte," Tal asked, "I must ask you for a favor. A boon if you will."
"Ask anything, heruamin, and if it be in my power it is yours." was Spryte's
fair reply.
"Well, I ask permission to sing a song for you,.. or rather,.. a song about
you. As a small pittance of the affection I hold for you."
Spryte's fair cheeks began to blush, till her face almost matched her auburn
hair's brilliant beauty, her emerald eyes sparkling demurely as she stammered
out, "My.. my lord. You may sing what you wish. I will not stop you."
Tal reached down, his hand grasping one of Spryte's fair shoulders and
pulling her close to him as he whispered, "But my love, I wish to sing only
your desires... Can you not see that?"
Spryte pulled away from Tal's grasp, her hands fluttering to her mouth as she
jumped back into her work, clearing tables and grabbing empties with her
golden red hair flying behind her.
"Yes, Grey! Sing us a song!", yelled Tizer from where he sat at their table.
His call was soon followed by other's of the Tel'Mithrim, each also begging
to hear a song from the Tel'Mithrim Bard.
"Very well then, I shall sing you all a song. But NOT the one for Spryte, it
is not quite time for that one." said Talanithus as he glanced at Spryte's
lovely form. "I shall sing you something from the early days of the
Tel'Quessir, when we were the only ones to yet walk beneath Sehanine's fair
moon and the forest's were rich for the singing of our voices. I will sing to
you of the days when Corellon still walked the Realms, his wisdom passed to
his bright children so that they might come to understand their beauty.
Talanithus began to tune his harp again, saying, "The original name for this
song has been lost in the history of the Tel'Quessir. From what we do know,
it was written by the great Tol'Kien, a master bard whose magic brought
happiness to many. I have named this piece, after embellishing a bit upon its
wonderful framework, "Evermeet Beneath the Stars".
In Evermeet ,where all Elven folk's roads end, however long,
There is a sound of faint guitars and distant echoes of a song,
For there the Tel'Quessir gather in rings
Round the moon's fires whilst one sings
And all about is Sehanine's night
Not night as ours, unhappy folk,
Where nigh the Earth in hazy bars.
A mist about the springing of the stars,
There trails a thin and wandering smoke
Obscuring with its veil half seen
The great vastness of Arvandor.
A globe of dark glass faceted with light
Wherein the splendid winds have dusky flight;
Untrodden spaces of an odorous plain
That watches for the moon that long has lain
And caught the meteor's fiery rain -
Such there is night.
There on a sudden did my heart perceive
That they who sang about the Eve,
Who answered the bright -shining stars
With gleaming music of their strange guitars,
These were his wandering happy sons
The Tel'Quessir on those aerie leas
Where Corellon's unsullied garment runs
In glory down his mighty knees.
As the song ended, Tal stood to the quiet applause of the tavern crowd, and
made his way back to the Tel'Mithrim table. As he sat, noticed that he no
longer felt wearied from his past actions, and thanked Corellon for the gift
of his strength.
"What!" said one of the tavern patrons, "no dancing music?"
"Yes," replied the crowd, "play something we might dance to!"
"All right," said Talanithus as he stood again, taking just enough time to
finish a glass of fine Fey, "I will play something for you all.." Then he
whipped up his harp and began to play a lively tune his fingers dancing once
again as he offered his praise to his Lord Corellon in song and dance.
The Tel'Mithrim began to walk onto the dance floor, hands about each other as
they strove to forget tonight's strange events. Some of the patrons were even
so bold as to ask the Ladies of the Tel'Mithrim to join them upon the floor.
Tal stood from his seat, harp still ringing with his song, and followed his
guild brothers onto the floor, dancing with them as he played his heart's
song. Too those who danced close to him, he appeared to be lost, almost as if
In a trace, his eyes closed and fingers strumming their lilting tunes.
As the song began to progress, Talanithus moved in front of Memoria's seat,
his opening to focus upon her seated form. "Come, Lady Memoria, pick up your
flute and play. Let the heart free from its constraints to sing upon this
evenings air..."
With a smile and small nod, Memoria picked up her exquisite flute, its ruby
gems winking in the tavern's fire light. Her nimble fingers sped along in a
quick melody, matching so perfectly with Talanithus' harp that the two seemed
halves of the same instrument. Then her pace began to quicken, taking a
challenging tone to Tal's slower harp, and Tal redoubled his efforts, fingers
whirling as he sought to surpass Memoria's flush of speed.
The game waged back and forth, each seeming to gain first one advantage, and
then the other. Then Memoria stopped with a laugh and said, "It is not fair,
Heruamin, for me to tire you so when you have yet to finish the song you have
begged my help for."
Talanithus bowed before Memoria, an easy grin splayed across his features as
he continued to play upon his harp, "Yes, my lady. Your words speak true....
Yet I am loath to leave my companions without a bard to ease their spirits."
Then he bowed close to his harp, blue fire again racing through his dashing
fingers, and the harp itself began to glow!
Talanithus placed the harp next to Memoria, his fingers reaching once more as
he bowed and kissed her hand. Yet, though Talanithus no longer played his
silver harp, it continued to play. It's notes echoed across the Tavern's
hall, each as lively as if Tal had played them himself, and yet there he
stood, his instrument some distance away, and played still. It was a most
beautiful magic, as only the Tel'Quessir could truly appreciate.
Talanithus strode back to the Tel'Mithrim's table, his eyes again spotting
the strange man whose gaze followed him from Memoria to his seat. Disturbed
at why this man should watch him so, Tal mad a point to observe him
throughout the eve, and poured himself a glass of Fey as he talked with his
friends and guild mates.
Tizer explained to Tal that Nalynn had gone running from the Tavern , her
heart so sorely confused by the night's strange events that she could not
understand the truth of her husband's return. Torm stayed the night through,
though, and the Tel'Mithrim learned much of Nalynn's past.
It was then that Talanithus began to notice an argument in the room. Lost in
his conversation with Tizer, he had not noticed that the stranger and Lord
Randym of the Camarilla were fighting among each other. What was even more
perplexing was that they seemed to be fighting over Memoria! The strange man,
who was named Tabbas, was telling to Lord Randym to stay away from Memoria,
while Memoria sat beside the verbal argument in a state of almost tears.
Tabbas claimed that he did not fear Randym's power, and that he would stand
against him, if he had to. Lord Randym, was as pale as a banshee, his body
trembling as he sought to uphold the Sister's peace within the Tavern. Lady
Chyanna stood near to Randym, her hand upon his arm, and spoke soothing to
word to calm his rage. Then the stranger, Tabbas, streaked out the door.
Leaving a startled wake of shivering patrons as the wintry air blew harsh
into the Tavern's warmth.
Talanithus, fearing that his presence with Memoria was the cause of this
trouble, proceeded to stride quickly into Lord Randym's audience, kneeling
before him with head bowed. "Forgive me Lord Randym and lady Chyanna, I feel
perhaps that I may have been the cause of that man's ignoble outburst, for I
noticed him watching as I spoke with Lady Memoria this eve."
Memoria also bowed before Randym, her voice shallow and quiet as she said,
"No, Lord Randym, it is I. I had no idea that Tabbas would be so... so...
jealous. Please forgive me."
The rage in Lord Randym seemed to quickly pass, his eyes coming to rest on
Tal and Memoria's forms, "Nay. It is not you who have offended me so, Grey
and Memoria. You have nothing to ask my forgiveness for." Then he turned back
to his Lady, and they seemed lost to each other.
Tal took Memoria's arm and pulled her to a corner of the room, where a quick
and whispered conversation ensued. Tal seemed relieved of some burden, for he
straightened his shoulders and laid a consoling arm upon Memoria's shoulder,
who was only now gaining back her regal composure. With a another bow and a
kiss to Memoria's pale forehead, Talanithus stood and retrieved his harp,
stilling it's music with a soft word.
Talanithus walked to the bar, his eyes seeking Spryte's lovely form as he
began to mutter a quick spell. As he reached the bar, the din of the patron's
speaking and carousing began to quiet, until when he reached Spryte's side
there was a strange quiet all about.
Tal kneeled down upon one knee before the beautiful Spryte, his hands
cradling his harp as he turned and motioned for Memoria, who followed him
with lute in hand. Slowly and quietly they began to play an achingly
beautiful song, their music weaving together like dancers under the Moon's
full sky. Then Talanithus began to sing,...
A feast for eyes, that all behold,
With hair as burnished autumn's gold
Her beauty fair hast stolen my heart,
Every eve that closes I loathe to part
I cannot think where thought hath flown
To leave me bereft of what time has sown
Careful years have massed their strengths
Yet blown away in all their lengths
Spryte's most casual endearing glance
Has lost me in it's timeless trance
I pledge to you, in Corellon's name
To never give your heart a shame.
Just kiss me once, that's all I ask
So I might feel love's tender grasp.
His words echoed throughtout the silent hall, their presence a poignant
testament to the depths of Talanithus feelings. Applause drifted from the
hall as patrons began to shake of the reverie the music had lulled them into,
and not a few eye's were found christened with tears. Memoria bowed and
unobtrusively made her way back to her fireside seat, leaving Talanithus
kneeling still before her form.
Tal's hand reached out to grasp Spryte's hand, his voice wavering with
emotion as he spoke, "Spryte, know that I love you. I want more then anything
to realize that love with you. To fufill our greatest destiny as we stride
into a future together. I want to hold you, to love you, to be everything to
you. Kiss me, Spryte. Let me feel those strawberry fields once again. I
cannot live after this, for I have tasted the nectar of the gods in your
sweet lips and I will never be the same."
Spryte stood before Tal, her face flushed red from the force of Tal's
feelings. Her voice seemed unable to speak as she stammered,.. "Ohh..
heruamin. I need time! I cannot be so free with my love that I... that I...."
"That you what! That you allow yourself to Love! What do you fear, that I
cannot protect you against. What danger lurks, that I cannot conquer! I am
yours, my lady. Command me. You have but to seal my heart with your sweet
kiss."
Spryte, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions that poured over her, wrenched
her gaze from Tal's bright stare, her emerald eyes searching for peace in a
Tavern of onlookers. Her fingers picked at the rose Tal had given her, yet
she could not find peace. Tal grasped her hand and said, "Spryte. I need to
know your heart is true. I feel in my soul that you are to be one with me,
yet I see nothing but distractions in your words. Give me some hope that I
may love you still, and I will love you evermore!"
"Oh, heruamin. I am so drawn, yet I fear... I do not know what I fear, but I
fear it so..." and with that she tore from Talanithus' grasp, and fled to her
tables to loose herself in her work.
Talanithus looked on, his eyes grown cold as he watched Spryte leave. Then he
spoke in a soft voice as he rose from his knee, "So be it." With a glance to
the box he had brought for Spryte earlier, Talanithus Tarant gathered his
cloak close and walked into the misty night's winter chill. He had left
behind the warmth of Tavern and friends, and perhaps he left more then that,
for his heart was colder then any wind that blew across his path. He had
loved and lost once, and now it seemed he was to loose yet again what he
cherished so.... May Corellon help him...
Your Humble Servant,
Talanithus Tarant
The Grey Savant of the Tel'Mithrim
Priest of CorellonLost
(submitted by: NorValjean)
I find myself alone for the day, the land is full and they are not
admitting anyone else to enter the gates of the ancient city of Never Winter.
I can not say my day was uneventful, to tell the truth much was accomplished,
as usual I woke up early to do my typical paper work, a little more then
usual but after a few hours my desk was clear. Quickly getting dressed I ran
out to go in search of a little green guy from some old Christmas tale, the
little thief had stolen all of Duke Raider's Christmas gifts and managed to
hide them. Well, today would be different, close on his tail, I followed him
to South Wall, astounding enough before I could catch up to him, he assaulted
Squire Court Solon by calling him names and then high tailing it out of
there. Once I arrived, the discouraged Solon looked at me strangely, "Funny
you should arrive, the thief just came through here, and I think he vanished,
and now you stand before me?" Fumbled, I did not know what to say, I merely
explained that I was hot on his trail, and it led me here, I was excited he
had seen the thief for it was only yesterday that he had feebleminded me with
a brick, attaching a clue to his whereabouts. Not to my surprise Solon did
not believe me, but I was momentarily distracted by messages from Port Llast
that Squire Court Fax was hot on the foot steps of a thief named GrinchNor
that fit the descriptions he had. None the less I had to swear to both these
young eager adventures that I was not the thief, with my word as a Count of
the Guild of the New OutRiders taken, Squire Honor Durbin and Squire Jag also
helped in finding the next clue, which read, "You stand accused of being a
thief, the secret to Crossergate will spell relief." At the top and bottom we
found the numbers 13 and 3, located on the back the word Book was circled,
leading us to believe the thief would be in Vilnask tomorrow.
Giving the hunt up for the day, I returned to my duties, I found one of my
young recruits, Sir Darka, awaiting to travel with me some more, but I had
better plans, we traveled to the beautiful gardens of Never Winter where a
ceremony was held. Many other guild brothers and sisters joined us, after
all had arrived I started the ceremony that would Squire NOR Darka into our
fine guild, making friends quickly they suited him up with proper armor and
took him off to get him some experience in the realm of beasts and monsters.
It was late in the evening and still no word from my fiancee, I was not sure
if I could go a whole day without at least hearing her voice, I daydreamed of
her beauty as I made my way home to Port Llast. Running into OOR Babble at
the inn, I asked how there guild was getting along, I was happy to find out
he said they were doing well, he told me of his adventures with Squire Court
Liam, and there run of the triple, I was happy to here of there questing and
wished him the best as I bid him farewell.
With my tasks all done it was time to have a little fun, I had just recently
lost my bracers, and being a cleric/magic user, this was not a good thing,
not to mention just the other night I had applied to join the NOR PvP ladder.
This was the last day to free fight for placement on the ladder, but I was
not going to fight with such high AC, I would be griffin meat to the crit.
spell, I was lucky though, a good friend had a spare set of bracers for me, I
only had to meet up with her. Waiting for my love and a friend, I decided to
help the new Squire Darka get some experience while we collected scrolls for
him to learn from and myself to store up for future battles. Fight after
fight we collected our loot and decided to head back to the inn for him to
train and myself to rest, but luck was not with me on this day, for admits
the struggle with some mages I was struck on the head, and when I awoke I
found myself outside the gates of Never Winter, pounding on the door they
told me the city was full and to come back another day.
I pleaded with them that it was my home, but they laughed and said that they
had not heard that one before, I found myself walking all alone again,
thinking of my missed love, wondering where she could be. Not too far from
the city, I don't know how I found her, but there was my fiancee, Faith,
sitting, angry, sad, and hurt. Worried I asked her if she wanted to go
search strange lands, this took our minds off the chaos of our normal lives
and brought the two of us closer together, but alas it was to late in the day
to go adventuring again. Nothing I could say or do would cheer her up, it
seems she was hurt emotionally by someone dear to her, and she sought only
escape to cure her pain. Not wanting to hurt friends, she was unsure she
should leave. Even worse she did not think could make it through the winter,
and I too had noticed her health deteriorating. Oh, what a glow I found in
her, vibrant, her fiery auburn hair and emerald eyes enchanted me, only being
able to tell her how much I loved and cared for her, there was nothing I
could do but listen to her story of sadness. In the end she told me she
loved me and that she needed to be alone right now, and before I could return
my love, she was a whisper in the night, and gone from my sight, alone in
the darkness, I sat and looked up at the moon, over the years I search for
one such as she, and I will wait even longer for her return.
Faith, I Love You!
NOR Valjean
Count of Port Llast
New OutRider
Fiancee to FaithThe Image Reborn
(submitted by: Sol Image)
The morning air had set in....the air was fresh...the river's water gently
moving....animals gently grazing on pastures that had been perfected over
time....awakening were three young boys....all of which had been worked for
their lives....in the arts of literature....and combat. Of the three
brothers....one seemed to excel above the others....they all had certain
skills the other did not....and together were a well built force....but one
was still excelling in the arts that neither the other could begin to touch.
The father would always sit back....while doing chores with his wife...and
marvel at the boys progress and work....they all lived in a time of
peril...where one day everything was quiet and the next....danger was nipping
at your feet....he had loved to just watch these three young boys... but he
could never understand why one stood above the other two...each were taught
the same techniques and same fighting styles but this one...he knew
more...wanted more...not a lust for power...but....knew more....he was more
powerful then the other....in fact...the father one day even admitted to the
wife...he had never seen anyone any more skilled...all was loving.
The ages were dark indeed....taxes were heavy on the land....the surrounding
farmers had always wanted to take up arms against the landlords to attempt to
lower taxes....but....it was never done....nothing was ever done. Then one
day....the lords did what they had always feared....they had wanted all
crops....and money...then they would distribute them back....the way they
thought would be fair to all....the farmers....would take a stand...
The father met with the other farmers of the community...each having his own
land...they decided to go and approach the land lords...tell them what they
thought of what they were doing...and if it came down to it....a
fight.....fight they would do....for what they thought they had to fight for.
For the next few months....all the farmers gathered near the house....the
brothers.....always helping brothers....trained the others..helping the
others... and even willing to learn from the others if need be....the farmers
knew...they were no match for these landlords with their army...the landlords
were even supported by the military controlling army....this also dampened
the moods within the farmers....soon...their was bickering amongst
them...they didn't want to die...
The farmers found a sort of council....the father was among them....he wanted
to act....the others did also...a few....would not want to....with all the
farmers in the community and their able family fighters they still only
numbered a good two hundred....a small amount indeed....the military control
was near a thousand in this sector...they would try to confront them by means
of talk first is what was decided.....the council selected three men to
go....among these three the father was chosen...to accompany these would be a
small regiment of soldiers. These were chosen among the most able
fighters...one of the brothers was chosen for his ability to manipulate his
words and fight....the other two..including the one that excelled at
everything would stay behind.....
It came time for departure....familys exchanged concerned looks while
exchanging hugs...kisses....if only they knew....the crew left....a total of
twleve men. The men approached castle of the landlords....a white flag
signaling peace was high in the air....the father looked to the son....his
look told his son all was not right. As the little group got closer to the
castle...the father's look had proved correct.... the smell of death reaked
the air.....people lay clustered on the floors....the gates were swung wide
open....death....decay....rotting corpses....the sight was terrible..but
nothing more terrible then what would happen next.....
The group upon talking for a few moments decided to investigate the
castle....as they got within fifty feet of the walls....mists starting
swirling....fog had suddenly appeared to materialize out of nothing....the
twleve quickly took arms and armed their selves to their teeth.....the
men.....thinking...what could have destroyed the land and the castle of over
one thousand men...warlords... with such ease....then like in unison...each
mouth of the twelve men....dropped open....they sank in their saddle.....some
dropped weapons....one....dropped dead at the site....the father yelled to
turn their horses...the ones with their wits still intact...did....only three
would....one was the father....hooves beat the earth rapidly...shaking the
land.....once a distance away.....the father stopped...his son was still up
their....the other two stopped also....and all three....watched in horror.
The remaining few finally caught gaurd of what was happening....and dropped
down from their horses....they gave tribute to their gods.....and rushed into
a blanket....blanket of death.....the father from a distance saw his son
slashing striking....and dying....he knew his son was lost....the men were
lost in a matter of minutes....the soldiers that died had managed only
three...maybe four kills... the father couldn't see.....they had to get back
to the town....
As they raced back to the town......he couldn't help but think what had
brought them back....what had happened that made such a resurgence that they
could be swarming like that....never before had he seen such a sight... Once
into town....they quickly got the remaining council together...and easily
decided to move to the next town....this one alone would stand no match...
and then once into that town....they combined and moved to a third...and a
fourth...and a fifth town....each time...their number grew....for what
cause... only to die....they awaited.....atop the hills....they could see
them moving...such a distance they were....yet still so many and so
powerful....they could be seen for miles....tremors riped through peoples
hearts at what thoughts came to them....they had finally come together....not
the good folk....not the evil folk....but the undead folk.... after so many
years of struggle...one person had brought them all together....and they were
swarming....and....mighty..
By morning....the force was within range.....of attack.....and everyone knew
their intentions.....they wanted one thing....and one thing only....total
domination of all living.....their was no hope they thought.....but they had
to fight...and fighting was their only hope....the previous night...a
wall....not a sturdy one...but a wall...was put up.....just yards in front of
the towers over watching the beautiful city.....children...elders...and women
were rushed to the house basements.....all food and livestock was slaughtered
and given evenly for rations should they be down long....mages and the few
wandering wizards were hurried to the front...all paladins and warriors next
to them....hidden among spots of land...were the elves...with their fine
equipment and bows... dwarfs were also near the front.....priests and
clerics...the most vital tool all stood near the middle....they would
determine the battle....everything was set. During the night....traps were
also set....to slow hinder and slow down the mass of undead troops.....it was
simply amazing that one man had brought these troops of undead together like
this.....they moved.....the war had begun.
As the army set forth.....spells flew through the air...the mages released
simple spells....spells of fire....and lighting....they sat atop the walls
and targeted the leaders...but they could not find them.....thousands of
undead approached... many fell to the wizards....but it wasnt even enough to
make a difference....the father thought....one killed....was one less....they
had to kill.....soon...the wizards had exhausted their long range
spells...and prepared for close combat...they to....would be vital....clerics
and priests began enchantments of protection for its army....and they all
readied their undead spells...as the army got within two hundred
feet...archers sprang up from all around...killing....shooting.....and then
fleeing to their next postition....the army sprang into action....they moved
so quick.. as quick as any man....these were not zombies...these were just
undead people.
Elves ran for their lives...and were chopped down by the many warriors of the
God Myrkul.....spells flew through the air...as undead mages sprang their own
spells of death....just as deadly....these spells were aimed not for the
common...but for the many priests and clerics waiting....they went down....
they scattered....and they flurried....the two sides rushed for each
other...the father and the two brothers yelling for their god to give them
strength...they engaged....it was like a swarm of bees....everyone
swinging....hitting....being hit.... killing... chopping....
dropping...blocking.... knocking.... mages were in the battle
hitting...casting....clerics unleashed a first wave of their undead spells
and saw many undead fall.....then they rushed with their blunted weapons to
deal death to all.....dwarves flurried into the battle crushing
many....raining all hell down to the undead....they kept coming....so many
had died already but so many were still alive....still outnumbered by eight
to one....they pushed on they had to....it was their only choice....
The father and sons fought by each other.....each always looking over in the
others direction to assure themselves they were each okay....the father was
fighting like a crazed man...dropping undead left and right....one
son...fighting... barely holding on to life...constantly avoiding death...the
other...always the quick.... was swooping down undead as easily as if they
were kids....he was holding something back...but he didn't know what it
was....he wanted....he felt he had to unleash it....but he didn't know
how....then...the leaders targeted the three.... the three together had
dropped over a hundred undead....and for the first time... the lords had
shown themselves.....the good mages cast spells of flame....hurt... and
anguish at these.....dodged easily....elves...the ones remaining had taken
high to the trees and were now picking off undead....it looked as if they
were winning....but each warrior knew they were not....
They were also dropping like flies....going down in every direction... heads
flying....bodies tumbling....fighters held their own back to back...each
looking for some type of advantage to help them....clerics had used all their
spells and were now holding on for dear life also....dwarves were falling
dead... humans....falling like livestock would to a butcher....the leaders of
the undead stood tall amongst their own number....each over seven feet
tall...walking.... lumbering....full of strength....and full of
death....their were four of them.... fighters rushed to them.....and were
chopped down as easily.... mages..... casting the last of the spells they
had.....also fell to these...dwarves attempting to get in low.....were
crushed under their boots....one leader was driven back.... and he was
surprised...one human.....one alone...had rendered him to fall back into
battle...and he had kept the pursuit up....he chopped and swung...dodged...
and parried....and then.....he fell....it took two lords to chop this human
down... and the two people watched this unfold.....they watched this one man
go down... a flood of memories came into the minds of the two...of everything
they had done... the fun...the sad...they remembered.....as they watched
their father go down....the mother sitting in one of the basements felt
something inside her let go...and she sank to her knews....sobbing....
Tilin one of the brothers rushed over to attack the two....the brother wanted
nothing more then to kill....people rushed to attack those infront of
him...they wanted to use his rage...maybe to some avail.....the other brother
rushed after him. Image was close on the heals of his older brother....he
saw one undead making a swipe that would have cut his brother in two...but he
threw his blade with all his might...and watched the undead's head fall
off....he ran to the blade....he still had one in his hand....he always
fought with two blades....the brothers arrived at the lords and began a
momentous attack on them....both fighting in unison and surprising the undead
lords...driving them back...Image fought with something that he had never
known before...and he finally unleashed it....watching his father fall...was
something that he could not bear...and it unleashed what he was feeling
growing inside of him....as he went in low with dual blades...he came up high
with one and low with the other...knocking the lord offbalance... The lord
sat on the ground watching in horror....as Image....looked down... and said
one single word.....one word that would change his life forever... the lord
was dead instantly...not feeling a thing....Image...had used magic...
People around him saw this....and rejoiced.....they wished they had had a
clam to help them fight these vile creatures...and now he was there.....Image
rushed over to his brother and quickly finished the other lord. Just as
everyone thought the tide was turning....mages releashed a spell that had not
been seen in decades...they were making still features out of the warriors
allowing their own to strike them down with no fight...they were holding the
good....people all over fell pray to this....the few priests and clerics left
unleashed many dispel spells....and then rejoined the fray...then it
happened... the shift in the balance had gone towards the evil once
again....as hundreds of new warriors ran from all directions charging the
many warriors left.... These new combatants were not undead...but the evil
from the world....joining the fight to help rid the land of good....
People quickly went down.....Image and Tilin still fought all around...
killing those that opposed them....Image cast spell after spell that he never
knew he knew....Tilin was glad though...it was helping them....but it was
lost... a lost cause....the thousands of new warriors that had entered the
fray would only take minuted to finish the tired and beaten good.....only two
mages still stood.....a few dwarves scurried the land still fighting for it
was their nature.. elves were all lost....all priests lay on the
ground...clerics still fighting....humans... all around....fighting....but
fading quick.....the cause was lost....lost.....Image thought to
himself....one brother...one father...for what....he knew the answer...and it
made him feel better....the answer...was freedom....he and Tilin quickly
moved back into the middle....both awaiting their deaths....still fighting
wickedly.
Image was swinging his blades in an arc....and it caught a light....a light
that shined in his eyes...he thought it was him that caused it...but it
happened again....he saw on the undead's face...a light...and he struck it...
cleanly cutting the head in half....and Image turned around....what he saw
made a tear drop his eye.....Tilin also looked..and they both....stood
still... undead all around looked...but still pressed on....from the
north...east..south... and west....were thousands.....and thousands....of
horseback riders all glimmering in light bound armor....shining in the open
sun.....they crashed into the ranks of evil and tore lines through
them....within minutes....they had cleared off many of the evil
warriors....their was no retreat for the evils... the new allies were coming
from all angles and were cutting them down...
When the mists cleared....after the last undead and few evils were chased
off....everyone seemed to at the same time...lay and rest....the fields were
stricken with blood...good and evil.....bodies lay everywhere....women came
out to help the dead...and the living....so many had died...and so many had
given all they had for one thing...their own freedom.....freedom to live...
Image walked with Tilin amongst the dead...and finally came upon their lost
brother and father...they carried them off and buried them......later....they
were talking....and Image had told Tilin how he was leaving....Tilin would
become the town mayor...seeing that the last one had died....it had turned
out...that the goods of the land had gotten together when they heard of this
death force and were going to meet them head on....only they didn't know that
their were so many towns along the way....and those towns probably saved
thousands and thousands of lives even though many were lost....Tilin asked
what Image was going to do....and he told him that he had to go and study his
new found art... Tilin understood fully saying that thats what father would
have wanted....they exchanged hugs....and Image kissed his mother
goodbye....and Image left....
Later that night....Image walked into a new town...he had never been here..
but it was rumored to be a great town...with many Soldiers of Light presiding
here.. that was not his target ...but thats what he found....one such
Soldier....approached him.. and introduced himself as....Abysss....three
friends were with him.....Rascal...Mioki... and Phoenx....they all quickly
became good friends....and they asked Image to join their fighting
group....he accepted....from that day forth...he was a Soldier of Light...
The day was bright.....he had spent the whole previous evening sharing his
story with some new Soldiers...they listened with open interest....and he
encouraged each of them to tell their own stories....and each said...they
would in time....the present day Sol wasn't quite like the old days...but it
was still good to be a Sol.... lately many things had gone wrong....Image had
made his journey back to Sol... he had taken a short leave for reprieve of
his sins....he spent many evenings since his return helping the many new
friends and family members he had made....but he still wondered one
thing....where had so many of his old friends gone...there seemed to be only
two or three left....that was ok though....he stretched.... and headed
out....grabbing two war blades on the way out....
End
Image
Soldier of Light
Soldier of DominanceTale Three
Getting to Know You
(submitted by: OOR Babble)
She awoke with a bright and cheery, "Lo' Cutie" in her head. She sat up
covering herself not knowing for sure if the voice was in her head or if a
person was in the room. Looking around the room and deciding that she was
alone, she got up and hurriedly dressed. While dressing, the voice continued
talking to her, her head was clearing from the dreamlike state she was in and
she made out the voice, it was OOR Oracle. OOR Babble said Good Morning back
to OOR Oracle and asked how he was. He relayed that if he was in the re-roll
booth in Neverwinter, that he was disappointed with the damage that he could
take if caught in a fight. The re-roll booth was where one went to seek the
trainer's aide in improving one's abilities. This made OOR Babble do an
inner review of herself and while looking in the full length mirror - turning
this way and that, she decided that she was as near perfect as one could
get. The Elven blood that coursed through her veins was the best from her
village near Water Deep. The one area that required more fine tuning was in
the strength area, she could hold her own in a fight but if the battle went
into overtime, she found her flail arm got tired. So with this inner review,
her first priority was to strengthen her arms. She offered her services to
OOR Oracle, to travel with him to get his skills where he would be happy. He
accepted her company and said he would meet her in Southwall at the Inn
there.
She totally forgot about her sister OOR Melody, was she still here and would
she want to travel south of Neverwinter and assist OOR Oracle. She gathered
her belongings and went downstairs, the inn was bare and quiet as she made
her way to the Innkeeper. The Innkeeper greeted her with a big bowl of
steaming hot oats and mug of thickly dark coffee. OOR Babble accepted both
and asked the Innkeeper if he had seen her sister yet this morning. "OHHH",
he laughed, "good thing you remind me.. mumbling something about ....if my
head wasn't attached to my shoulders.." and with that he disappeared to the
back room and within a minutes time returned with a note and slid it her way.
OOR Babble opened the note and read that OOR Melody had in fact departed at
first light to travel to Triboar, a town south of Long Saddle. That she had
a wonderful time getting to know her new sister and welcomed her to the
family of OOR's. After reading the note, she folded it and placed it in her
bag for safe keeping.
OOR Babble communicated with OOR Oracle that she was on her way to Southwall
through the Berun, Triboar, Lost Hills, Crossergate and Vilnask route. He
warned her to be safe for the route that she had chosen through Berun and the
Lost Hills was one where trolls lived and where raiders and bandits team up
to attacked weary travelers and rob them of them wits as well as their
belongings.
OOR Babble had prided herself with the wisdom and intelligence that her Elven
ancestors has passed down to her. The thought that one could with a single
incantation make her stupid made her quake in her boots. She was told by OOR
Oracle if that did happen, it would cost her 5,000 gold pieces for the
healers at the temples to cure her of this spell. Straightening up and
pulling together all the courage she could mustered, she said that she would
flee like the wind through these woods, that was one advantage she had over
the humans.. Her being an elf and raised mostly around wooded areas, she had
learned the dexterity of any animal that dwelled within and this was her
strongest trait.
She left Long Saddle and headed south through Berun, a town that had once
been a thriving community of social friendly adventurers until the day the
hordes of monsters came and set up residence here. Even though, the shops
and inn are still visible from the main street.. it is best to just keep
moving.. do not rest or try to buy anything here. The new owners of these
establishments would just as soon slit your throat than give you the time of
day. Knowing this, she ran through this town as quickly as she dared,
hoping not to encounter the new occupants. Luckily, for this day, she made
it through with any injuries. Although, near the south entrance into
Triboar, she did run across a secret entrance that she so badly wanted to
explore but knowing this was not the time.. made a note to explore it at
another time.
Her next stop was the inn at Triboar, there she rested up and ate another
great meal. She asked the Innkeeper if OOR Melody had a room, that she
wanted to go say hi, but the innkeeper just shook his head, "HMMM, No OOR
Melody is registered but we have an OOR Rascal and OOR Outlaw - friends of
yours?" OOR Babble knew OOR Rascal but had not met this OOR Outlaw but she
confidently said , "Yes they also are my family." The innkeeper then relayed
that they had rooms but were not in.., "Might be in the arena fighting. A
lot of that going on these days, keeps me establishment in the black and in
the red, if you know what I mean..hehhe. with all the blood and such ....
but that's why I have me barmaids for.. to clean up the stains..hehehe" With
that he was off greeting another customer and left OOR Babble thinking about
this new OOR - this Outlaw.
As soon as the question of who this Outlaw was, she heard "Reach for the
Sky!!". Startled, she raised both hands into the air and stood there
motionless, then she slowly turned around to face the person that said this.
When she turned around to face the spokesman, there was no one there. She
looked both ways but no one was near, she felt foolish standing there with
her arms raised into the air but, luckily for her, no one saw her, this time.
She slowly lowered her hands to her sides and then asked, "Who said that?"
It is I, OOR Outlaw, and yes, you may lower your arms if you have not done
so." I sensed you were in the area and wanted to say hello and get to know
our new member better. "So what are you up to tonight?" he asked. OOR
Babble told him that she was making her way to Southwall to get OOR Oracle
and help him train. OOR Outlaw and OOR Babble spoke for several minutes,
she asking him if he was in fact an outlaw wanted by the militia and Lord
Nasher. With this he laughed and said, "There are no Stagecoaches to ambush
in the woods. How can I be an outlaw, in the true sense of the word, with no
stagecoaches to rob?.." OOR Babble pondered this but then relayed -- "But..
if OOR stands for Our Own Reality.. then if your reality dictates there be
stagecoaches, then by golly, there should be stagecoaches." About that time,
OOR Babble heard a commotion outside in the street, she went outside and was
standing in the middle of the street trying to pinpoint the sounds that was
increasing with every second. It was a new sound that did not register with
her memory and not only hers but others as well were looking up in the sky
awaiting for a dragon to appear while others were pointing down the street.
People starting getting off the roadway and onto the sidewalks. OOR Babble
was transfixed by the ball of dust heading her way down the middle of the
street and did not move. Hypnotized with the nearing of this dust ball, the
new sounds that was growing forever louder in hers ears. She could hear OOR
Outlaw vaguely in her head warning her to take cover. But, by the time, the
warning he heeded took root, it was too late. A huge stagecoach with a team
of 4 horses came bellowing down and nearly ran her over. The wheels did run
over her right foot but did no damage. Was the stagecoach real or an
illusion? For the monstrous contraption went speeding around the corner and
was out of sight before all could make sense of what just happened.
OOR Babble was helped up off the ground and back inside the Inn. A healer
was there and had witnessed the whole ordeal. She examined OOR Babbles'
right foot but found no injuries where injuries should have been. "Must have
been an illusion", the healer summarized, but this caused many questions
from other town folks to start popping up.
OOR Babble thanked the healer and gathered her belongings, paid the innkeeper
and seeing the look on the innkeeper face, knew it was going to be a good day
for him and stealthily departed the inn with heavy discussions going on
inside -- was it real or was it not. She smiled and said to herself, "It was
real for it was OOR."
OOR Outlaw and OOR Babble had a good laugh over this.. they said their good
byes to each and all was quiet once more for the voices in her head.
Leaving Triboar and entering the Lost Hills, she readied the map that OOR
Oracle had given her on first arriving to Neverwinter. She studied the paths
and decided on the quickest route and she set out. She encountered many
strange creatures here, Griffins, Wolves, Ice Hounds, Earth Elemental, Giant
Lizards, Hippogriffs, Margoyles to name a few. OOR Babble must have had the
blessing of the gods with her that day for she nearly made it though the Lost
Hills without any injuries but over confidence bested her. She entered a
fight with scorpions and banshees, she attempted to flee the fight as OOR
Oracle had advised but every turn she was blocked. She ran north, east,
south and west -- all to no avail. She turned and faced the creatures that
was making their way toward her. She studied the woods and took up the best
defense she could muster with the surrounding landscape. She pulled out her
spell listing but she had not memorized the spells required for combat. She
put away her spell book, making a mental note to take the time soon to
re-memorize her spell and then took a big breath and pulled her flail that
OOR Jacko had given her. The workmanship of this flail told her that it was
crafted with magical properties. She tested the flail in her hands, it
seemed to have made especially for her hand. She smiled and thanked OOR
Jacko for such a wonderful weapon. She stood at the readied and waited for
the encroachment of the creatures.
As she had expected the fight lingered into many rounds of attacking and
counter-attacking scenarios. Her arms were tiring with each blow she gave to
these monsters. She had beaten down the banshees and three of the five
scorpions, the two remaining scorpions must have been the leaders of the
pack for they were very cunning in their attacks. They had somehow gotten
OOR Babble out into the open spaces without the cover of the trees to defend
her backside. Each made their move and surrounded OOR Babble on either
side. OOR Babble knew that she could not flee or they would get free attacks
and she was wounded enough to know that her only chance to live was to muster
all her strength and face them off one by one. The flail was true for her,
it hit and did damage each strike - another one goes down. It must have been
the mate of the remaining one for such a squeal came bursting forth from the
surviving creature - it was one filled with such sorrow, sadness, rage and
grief -- all these emotions rolled into one scream. It was deafening and it
saddened OOR Babble to think that she had killed its' mate. This was just
enough distraction the last remaining scorpion needed for with it's full rage
it attacked OOR Babble so quickly and with such force that OOR Babble last
thoughts was one of reject.
When she awoke, she was surprised that she lived, she gingerly propped
herself up against the wall and surveyed her injuries. She could tell that
there were no broken bones but she was in need of an inn. She was very weak
for her energies having been drained from the fight. Her second thought was
how did she get to this gate, she saw a shack on her left and a gateway
saying "To Crossergate" on her right. She went through her belongings,
nothing was taken except a few pieces of coins. She thanked the kind unseen
traveler than brought her here and just took enough coins to satisfy maybe a
good meal and stay at the inn.
She made her way to Crossergate's Inn and paid to rest there until her wounds
were healed. It was quiet at the inn for most were on their way to the
Dracoliches that had taken up residence here but this town said no way they
would become like Berun. This was their home and they would not be run out.
So they were gathering every conceivable weapon and heading to keep the
Dracoliches from making our home their lair.
After recuperating, OOR Babble set off north toward Vilnask where Dracoliches
were also trying to make that their new residence. Again the townfolks as in
Crossergate will not let this happen. OOR Babble wished the town folks the
best of luck but regretted that she had an appointment in Southwall and was
already extremely late. She reassured the people that she would be back to
help with this fight of ridding the town of the Dracoliches and Ghouls.
The sign at the next gate read "Southwall - Home of Camelot" . She walked
through the gate, the inn was the second door up on the right hand side.
Before entering, she straighten her soiled garb and ran her dirty fingers
through her unkempt hair. She took a deep breath, let it out slowly and just
prior to entering the inn, OOR Oracle mumbled, "C'mere, you're fine".
He was sitting by the fireplace with two glasses in front of him, he motioned
for OOR Babble to come join him which she did. She sat down across from him
and he pushed the glass of Elven mead her way without saying a word. She
took it and sipped - savoring the taste of such an exquisite drink. She sat
the glass down and looked into his eyes, the eyes that knows all. OOR
Babble started off by saying, "Let me tell you of my trip", when he held up
the hand and smiled. "No need for you to", he stated, "for I was getting to
know you better". This made no sense to OOR Babble and started to question
the seer when she noticed his eyes begin to twinkle and she saw in them her
trip - her whole adventure of getting to this place from waking in Long
Saddle until the moment she was standing outside this inn.
The EndAn Excerpt from the Liber Mortis
(submitted by: SUB SKIN)
Its amusing to see, ones who come our way
Battered lives we've abused each day,
We tear at your mind, and fill you with hate,
you curse our names as you worship the gate
You come to us, we don't have to come to you,
Smashing your hopes and dreams, through and through,
Whining and crying you stomp your feet,
To our delight, a delicious treat
Dominating pride, brings you back
only to hit the gate again, with a bigger smack
You'll come again, for more and more,
destined to try and settle the score,
Hurling insults, hate, and the anger that now runs you,
Perhaps a day will come when you understand,
You only do, what we want you to do;>
~Subskin
~DEMON Scribe
~SATAN
Santa Wage Pays a Visit
(submitted by: Santa Wage)
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the Guild Hall
Not a Guardian was stirring, from each wall to wall.
The weapons were hung on their hooks by each bed,
With never a worry and never a dread.
It was a good night, for the peace that was sought,
Though visions of excitiment, roamed in each thought.
They were all asleep, after a night with much booze,
Even the gaurd keeping watch, had begun to snooze.
When up on the roof there came such noise,
The GM, Leora, sat up with great poise.
She looked out the window, first nothing was seen,
Though another noise roared, that could turn a face green.
When what to her wondering eyes should behold,
But a miniature sliegh and eight flying kobold!
The driver was an elf, slightly tall for his seat,
it was Wage alright, what was this feat?
Wage stood in the sleigh, which still steadily came,
And called out the odd titles, the kobolds were named.
"Now Bubba! Now O.J.! Now Gilligan, Mary Ann!"
"On Granite! On Limbaugh! On Tom and Rossane!"
On the roof he somehow landed, which was really *some* trick.
being the guild hall roof, was a dome that was slick!
Then in a quick shuffle, with yelling and swears,
Down in the chimney Wage dives, and then declares:
"Ouch, damn why is there a fire in here?"
"Nobody needs one when the main-hall is clear!"
Wage crawled from the fireplace, a little bit scortched,
but the bag that he held was not at all torched!
His clothes were real baggy, and also quite red
Where the once was a bare face, there was a fake beard instead.
He wore a large hat, that kept slipping a bit,
Which nearly drew the elf into a minor fit.
Wage didn't smoke, but held a pipe made from willow,
and his humongous coat, was stuffed with a pillow.
Wage seemed to be agitated, a bit reckless himself,
So Leora had to laugh at the sight of this elf!
Wage wiped away all the soot, that was on his head,
and said,"Hey look! It's Leora the Red!"
"I've got a present for you, and everyone here,
So you'd better gather everyone near!"
But the comotion had already brought everyone out,
wondering what the Hell Wage was upto no doubt!
The elf grinned, and slung 'round his ol' bag,
digging into the sack, (Which was made of old rags)
"For Dun, a new kilt, that I got from the Gap,
This one with pockets, and a shoulder strap!" :)
"For Rhymell, a nifty thing called "Noseplugs of Yore"
For even for miles away, you can hear him snore." ;>
"For JB, something called,'Nasher's armor shine,'
all you need do is apply it, and yer armor looks fine!" :-)
"For RouseE, a coupon for 'Huggies' it is,
For his parenting needs, with that kid of his!" ;D
"For Sir T0L, just a few more "Engineer jokes,"
Fun for the humor that comes from 'dem blokes!" :)
"For Speaker, a brand new bottle of wine,
(Which by the way cost me $3.99!)" ;->
"For Yoji 'n' Leo, a book called ,'Doin' it Right,'
So maybe you two can have, yet more fun each night." ;>
"For Tarlyn, A collar, with a huge shiny bell,
and it comes with a freshner! (To lessen the smell)." ;-x
"For Jaywing, some shoes that have soles made of springs,
To make her bouncing, an even more prominent thing!" ;)
"For Wrathmont, So interesting X-ray glasses,
So he may have fun and look at some lasses!" ;->
And with that Wage bounded, all the way back up,
The kobolds were waiting, one throwing up.
Then he dashed in his sleigh, and hollered aloud,
"Merry Christmas to all! And remember, be proud!"
An SSB Night Before Christmas
(submitted by: SSB CyLntKt)
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the castle. Not a Banshee
was stirring, had no one to hassle. The stockings were hung by the chimney
with care. In hopes that ST. WARZ soon would be there. The adventurers were
nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of Drac fights danced in their
heads. And TIGGERO in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down
for a long punt monster's nap. When out on the moat there arose such a
clatter, I sprang from my cot to see what was the matter. Away with a haste
spell I flew like a bloke, Tore open the shutters and threw up my new cloak
(from Sturgo). The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, gave the lustre
of mid-day to wolves standing below. When, what to my wondering eyes should
appear, but a minitature sleigh and eight mighty Blades standing near. With a
grand old driver, that's ancient with lore , I knew in a moment it must be ST
WARZ. More rapid than Stirges his curses they came. And he whistled and
shouted, and called them by name--Now, FALCON! Now, HERO! Now, TUMAS! and
NITRO! On, NICKFU! On RAGNOR! On, MEDAR and VENGER! To the top of the castle!
To the top of Triboar! Now gate away! Gate away! Gate away WARR! As dry
bones that before the wild fireball fly, when they meet with an obstacle, ice
storm it or die. So up to the castle-top the curses they flew, with the
sleigh full of magic, and ST WARZ too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on
the roof. The stomping and clawing of each little Blade hoof. As I drew in my
hand, and was turning around down the chimney ST WARZ came with a great big
hell hound. He was dressed in white fur, from his crown to his boot. And his
clothes were of Plate, a magical suit. Abundle of items he had flung on his
back. And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes--how they
burned! He caught me just staring! His biceps were iron, his breath like a
herring. His staff that he carried was wonderous and bold. Many PVP villains
had he laid cold. The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth. And the
smoke it did smell like rich roasted boar meat. He had a broad sword and a
little round shield. That reflected Dracs' stares when they just wouldn't
yield. He was stern and fair, a right jolly drow elf. And I laughed when I
saw him, in spirte of myself. A wink of his eye and a twist of my neck. Soon
gave me to know I had better stop quick. He spoke of long travels and quests
for great rubies. And filled all the stockings for each hearty newbie. And
laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he
rose. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all
flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he flew out of
sight, HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-FIGHT!
Neverwinter Wonderland
(submitted by: Jasm1n)
Swordplay rings, are you listening?
In the lanes, armor's glistening.
Whatever it takes, to get thru the gates,
To our NeverWinter Wonderland!
Thru the hills, evil's hiding,
In PVP, they're delighting.
They'll wait for you, thinking you're through,
But we'll gate 'em back to Wonderland!
In the Square "NW"'s try to help us,
Some are simply there to have some fun.
But we should be on our best behavior,
Or they'll TOS us out before we run!
Later on, by the fire,
We can laugh, sing, and conspire.
With no punt in sight, we'll party all night,
In our NeverWinter Wonderland!
Leaving
(submitted by: Xenobea)
She sat in her room alone, thinking. She examined the furnishings.
She did not belong there. She would watch the others when she met them,
trying to discern whether or not they were happy, but she never could tell.
She did as she had been taught at an early age, keeping her expression
neutral, rarely giving information that should not be given, masking her
impatience with the time that a simple task should take. She observed
formalities painstakingly, and never betrayed her irritation on the several
occasions when she was falsely accused because someone else had not been
paying enough attention. She stayed silent around them much of the time, for
fear of saying something wrong. She only relaxed when she was with those who
were not associated with the temple. Occasionally she would see someone
alone and relax, but this was terribly dangerous, she knew.
It seemed she gave displeasure. Some were irritated when the decisions she
made were not the ones they wanted. She knew how much her relatives hated
that she had gone to Lylyl, and would probably never even see why she had
done so. She was told that she should have known many things, but how was
she to know things that people did not tell her directly? They must think
she was quite a skilled mind-reader, when in fact she was much simpler than
they imagined.
She was miserable. She hated having to watch her every move, and she hated
the lies, the secrets, the spying, the manipulation. She resented the way
she was treated by almost everyone. She dreaded them finding out what she
was like inside, that she was not at all like them.
Most of all, she hated the way she still felt alone after all this time.
There was only one who could take that pain away from her, and it was he who
finally put it to her that she should leave if she was so very miserable.
The only thing that kept her there was the trapped feeling. This was what
she had been born to. If only she had left when her mother disappeared, it
seemed as if things might have been smoother. If only she had not been so
frightened then, if only she could have seen things more clearly... what she
wanted to do with her life, who she wanted to be with.
Now she knew these things for certain, and she knew that there were only a
few people whose opinion mattered to her. For some time she had lived with
this knowledge, dreading the thought of breaking the news to her. She tried
to do it one day, she was ready to speak, when she was told that she was a
gift. It would have been terribly difficult then to say what she knew: that
she had to leave.
So she did nothing, and she did not leave, even when she knew in her heart
that she should. All that kept her from it was the difficulty in writing the
letter. Now she felt she had the strength to write it, so she did.
***
Malla Ilharess,
I have thought long and hard about this, and I am convinced that I do not
belong here. I am so very sorry to disappoint you, as it was very kind of
you to open your heart and your home to me. Know that I do not wish to
abandon you, and I suspect that this may be a bad time, but I know in my
heart that I cannot stay. It is nothing against you personally, or Lylyl.
If there is anything that I can do to assist you, please let me know. You
will always have my highest regards.
Love,
Xenobea Xorlarrin
***
She took the scroll and placed it with the amulet and cloak that Indi had
given her when she arrived. She wished again that she had it in her to stay,
that things had worked out differently...Aluve' Rilauven - Part 1
(submitted by: Mavralyn)
Long shapely fingernails tapped thoughtfully on the smooth surface of the
mahogany desk as the beginnings of a headache ran fingers of pain from temple
to neck. Finished finally with the pile of reports, rumors, and current
business dealings that accumulated each day, Mavralyn leaned back with a
tired shrug of the slender shoulders. Something nagged at the back of her
mind, yet she could not summon the energy to puzzle out the pieces.
Mavralyn rose wearily from her chair and moved quietly through the dark
passageways towards her room. Dismissing the servants and slaves abruptly,
she did not bother with the normal sleep time rituals. Instead she lay down
upon the silken bed sheets and allowed herself to slip into a trance like
state of awareness. The pounding headache dimmed as the lines of strain
smoothed away from the delicate features and the Ilharess dreamed........
*************************
"........... iaren," the soft whisper of sound brought Mavralyn awake. The
throbbing pain that assailed her had left without trace as the drowess
stretched drowsily feeling refreshed and alert. Recalling vividly the
visions and dreams, she swiftly rose from the warmth of the bed and prepared
for a new day. A firm resolve filled the slim form as she dressed and
summoned her Ust Dalharil to join her in the private chapel.
When Katishya arrived, the unnatural darkness of the small chamber let her
know that her mother had used the innate ability of all drow. Not
understanding the reason behind the summons, nor why her ilhar would wish
complete absence of sight, she entered cautiously and found her way to the
tiny altar. As something brushed past her face, a small painful prick from a
sharp instrument drew a bead of blood from her slender white throat.
Stiffening at the unexpected attack, the husky voice of her ilhar whispered
quietly into her ear, "Do naut move dalharil or dos are dead."
"It is naut always our enemies that bring death ussta dalharil. Sometimes it
is one that dos are closest to," the sharp object disappeared from Kati's
neck as the darkness spell faded and allowed her to see once more. "Another
lesson malla ilhar?" Kati inquired nonchalantly, though the flush of heat in
her face and rapid beat of her pulse took time to return to normal.
"Xas Kati, another lesson. One dos should remember always." With a sudden
change of expression that took the beautiful albino's breath away, Mavralyn
turned and knelt before the altar. As the Ilharess bowed her head and prayed
silently to the dark goddess, the younger drowess slowly knelt beside her.
Confusion churned within her mind yet her features remained impassive,
waiting for Mavralyn to tell her what this private meeting was about.
Finally rising, Mav turned towards Kati as she too started to rise, "Remain
kneeling dalharil. I have something to give dos." Slowly the Ilharess began
to remove the ornate ring crafted for her as the matron mother of Elythanar.
Reaching for the alabaster hand of her daughter, she slipped the heavy band
upon Kati's finger.
"The ruling council meets this eve. After business is concluded, I shall
request that dos are named Ilharess d'Elythanar ussta dalharil. Dos may rise
now and know that we are equal. It will be a formality only that the mantle
is placed upon dossta shoulders tonight." The firm conviction of Mavralyn's
voice finally penetrated the fog that surrounded Kati at her mother's words.
To Be Continued......
Mavralyn Elythanar d'Xol'Niaren
Yathtallar d'Lolth
Ilharess d'Xol'Niaren
Ust Qu'ellar d'Velkyn-TirithFriends Abound
(submitted by: Songshine)
It was the usual balmy evening in Neverwinter as I made my way from my
tower in the Southwest woods to the little tavern that I fondly thought of as
my second home. Bright lights and the sounds of laughter drifted through the
night air greeting me with their familiarity. I approached the tavern door
and slipped inside, peering around quickly to see who all was present. I saw
many old friends and a few new faces as Spryte and Mystri greeted me with
Yuletide wishes. I stopped by the bar to grab a goblet of Frenzy, then made
my way to the pile of cushions by the fireplace that I often occupied. After
making myself more comfortable, I proceeded to make conversation with the
patrons of the tavern, all the while watching for a certain gentleman to
walk through the door. I reached my hand to the pocket of my dress to feel
of the two small packages I had prepared earlier in the week. I smiled at the
reassurance that the gifts I had prepared were still safe and sound. My mind
drifted back to Monday, when I had tended to a special someone by the name of
Amra. "Ammy", as I had now affectionately come to know him, had given me a
special gift of friendship for aiding him from the tavern floor. I looked
down at my ruby ring and watched it dance with its inner fire as it rested on
the ring finger of my right hand. GreySavant noticed me gazing and smiling
at the bauble and motioned for me to join him at his table. He asked me to
tell him who I was waiting for. He also had his own story of love to tell
me concerning the lovely Spryte. As we visited, the din of the crowd grew
louder and I turned to see none other than Santa and Snowie enter the tavern
with a flourish. After a moment of excited greetings from my fellow patrons,
Santa started to give out some last minute gifts while Snowie passed out
candy canes. I excused myself from GreySavant's company and approached Santa
and Snowie through the crowd. After a brief conversation with Santa on the
special gift I had been hoping for all year, I accepted a candy cane from
both he and Snowie. I returned to my cushions to chat some more with others
around me, all the while watching the door of the tavern.
As the night grew late and my hopes of delivering my gifts started to
diminish, a breeze blew through the tavern as Amra finally came through the
door. Trying to contain my excitement, I jumped up and greeted Ammy. A few
hugs later we made our way to a quiet table for some wine, Umber steak and
conversation. Just as I was about to give Amra his gift, another dear friend
of mine came into the establishment. It was Mortis! Amra and I stood in
greeting and bid Mortie to come join us both at the table. I was extremely
pleased at this addition to the table because it meant that I did not have to
make a seperate trip to deliver the second of my two gifts I still concealed.
After a few minutes and a few more glasses of wine, I made a small
speach to my two friends and pulled the packages from my pocket. The first
one I handed to Amra. He opened it and grinned as he pulled out a small pin
with a single emerald in the middle of a gold setting. I explained that this
pin was a special reminder for him to wear on his jacket. I continued on by
telling him that as long as I was alive the emerald would sparkle with the
fire of friendship, and he would always know that I was well. This made him
happy and comforted him a bit, because he had been worried for my safety
during my upcoming journey to a far off land. I leaned over and kissed his
cheek, then turned my attention to Mortis. Mortie had become a dear friend
in the time that I had known him, teaching me many things and coming to my
rescue in the realms more than once. I bade him to open his own package, a
sly smile stealing across my face. His eyes widened as he too lifted a small
pin and held it up to inspect it further. It was a gold shield, with an
emerald-encrusted sword upon its face.
***
I explained that this special pin was for him to wear on his jacket as a
reminder of my appreciation for all he had done for me and for others in his
tireless service to the realms. I then leaned over and kissed him on the
cheek, giving him a quick hug as he searched for something to say.
The sisters were making thier last calls for drinks, Mystri was putting
up her ouji board, and the night was coming to a close. Mortie bid me a fond
farewell, promising we would speek again soon. As he headed out the door, I
too was making my farewell wishes known to those around me. As I linked my
arm with Ammy's to head out the door, GreySavant stopped me short. He pulled
out a package and offered it to me. I was pleased and a bit surprised as I
pulled out a small elven harp. I assured him that I was quite grateful for
the thought that had went into the gift and promised to try to learn to play
it while on my journey so that I might accompany my singing in the tavern
with its melodious chords. With a quick hug and a final goodbye to all, I
headed out the door and over to the COR guildhall to take care of some last
minute business.
I arrived at the door of my tower safe and sound a little while later.
I checked on my security system, then went to the mantle of my fireplace and
made room for the harp's new resting place. As I nestled down in my covers, I
smiled and agreed with myself that this had indeed been a wonderful Christmas
season indeed.Auld Lang Syne - Neverwinter Style!
(submitted by: BD Piper)
Auld Lang Syne is that renowned song we all sing at New Years, 'cept nobody
knows the words to it after the first two lines....so's here is the
NeverWinter rendition to the song (if anyone wants a copy of the lyrics of
the true version, just email me BD Piper).
Auld Lang Syne was written by Scotsman Robert Burns (1759-1796).
Welp here goes:
Auld Alliances 'o NeverWinter
Should auld alliances be forgot,
And never brought tae mind?
Should auld alliances be forgot,
And the days 'o Guild wars past.
For auld alliances, me friend
For auld alliances.
We'll raise 'ooer swords once again,
For the auld alliances.
And sure ye'll be true tae yer heart,
And surely I'll be tae mine!
And we'll raise 'ooer swords once again,
For the auld alliances.
We twa hae fought mighty battles, me friend,
And crushed thy enemy fine,
But we've lost 'ooer strength again,
Sin 'tis an auld alliance.
For auld alliances, me friend,
For auld alliances true.
We'll raise 'ooer swords once more,
For the sake 'o the auld alliance.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Adopted from Robert Burn's Auld Lang Syne
by BD Piper
Happy New Year!
The Adventures of Mat Cauthon
(submitted by: Mat cathon)
It was a gloomy night in the great hall of Neverwinter, Mat Cathon
sat drinking a mug of ale and there was a calm all about the inn. Then as if
the dark one himself entered the hall, all hell broke loose. Three well
armed and muscular men entered the hall. Mat overheard one of the men say,
"Where is Mat Cathon?" too the man at the bar. The bartender, fearful for his
life pointed a shaky finger in Mat's direction. The three men pushed and
shoved their way through the throng of people on the dance floor and came up
to Mat's table. As the men came closer Mat remembered who they were. A day
earlier he was dicing in Daglow's inn with these same men, and after winning
almost ten throws in a row they had become angry for losing so much money.
Sensing their disquiet Mat ran away as fast as he could but the men chased
him all the way to the gardens, where he hid in the shadows of an old oak
tree. But this time there was no escape from the men he diced with. Mat
tried to remember the man's name, thinking to himself.
"Was it Hamer or Hamond or something like that."he mumbled to himself
under his breath.
No sooner had he remembered, the three men approached his table.
"Remember us Mat?" the largest man said.
"Well, i don't remember your names if that's what you mean."
"Trying to be a wiseguy huh. Well i suppose i can tell you my name
before I kill you for cheating us. It's Harmond, and this is Durford and
Jak." Harmond said motioning to his left and right.
"Why do you have to kill me, is there anything I can do?? PPlease...
I don't want to die." Mat replied in a desperate voice.
Harmond stood thinking for a minute, as if it was hard for him to do.
"Well there is one thing you could do that would erase your debt to
us, in the area of the lost hills far south there is an item of great power.
Some say it can control mens minds. If I were to have this item i could be
the strongest man in the world."
Mat thought to himself for a second after Harmond told him about the
item. "Maybe if i found this item i could use it instead of Harmond." he
thought.
"Umm, what exactly is this item, i mean what does it look like?" Mat
asked.
"Well it is a jeweled pendant and it is rumored to be in the eastern
section of the hills."
"Well then, I accept this mission, when do you want it by?" asked
Mat.
"If you get it to us by the end of the week we will not search for
you and kill you." said Harmond.
With that the men departed and Mat began to think how he would find
this pendant of power. He finished his drink and left for his room in the
inn. That very night he had a dream that he was lord of the land and that
every woman from all over came to his palace and begged for marriage. His
dream was interupted when the chambermaid came into his room and dumped a
bucket of water on his head it seemed Mat had forgot to pay up his room for
an extra night and they wanted him out.
After leaving the inn he traveled to his personal vault and grabbed
some equipment he would need for his adventure. He picked up his quarter
staff that was magical and his leather jerkin. And with that he set off
south toward vilnask.
When Mat arrived at the gate to southwall, the guards waved him
through like they waved everyone else through and he came to a stop. Ahead
of him there were three adventurers new to the realm beating up on on lonely
orc. He figured to himself that these newbies were all set so he snuck
around to fight. Mat made it through the rest of southwall without another
problem.
As Mat entered the wooded section of vilnask, he could already hear
the howling of wolves in the distance. He picked up the pace a little
fearing that the wolves were behind him. Luckily he was not bothered by any
wolves and made it safely to the vilnask inn where he stayed the night.
Having no money, Mat had to sing and entertain the people of the inn for room
and board for the night. The innkeeper had no problem with this because the
morale in his inn was at an all time low and people were becoming more and
more afraid of the monsters out in the night. But Mat's singing and dancing
brought up their spirits a little. Mat fell right asleep in his bed he
earned and didn't even dream.
Leaving the inn in the morning was not a problem at all. The
remaining villagers and the innkeeper waved goodbye and said to come back
again, and that they enjoyed his tales and songs. Mat proceeded through the
southern woods of Vilnask. Suddenly he heard a shriek in the distance, but
it did not sound human Then Mat remembered, Banshees inhabited the southern
woods of vilnask. Mat ran as fast as he could, still hearing the banshees to
the rear. The entrance to crossergate was just a little bit more. He knew
that the guards would clse the gates after he entered. The banshee was right
on his tail now and gaining. Mat huffed and puffed. (this was the most
running he had ever did in his life) Finally he made it to the gates of
crossergate. The banshee suddenly stopped when it saw the guards raise their
weapons and then it fled back into the woods.
After resting a while and having polite conversation with the guards,
Mat continued on his quest, for he knew it was far from over. As he left
the guards warned him of wolves inhabbiting the woods of northern
crossergate, and that he should be careful on his journey. As he started
into the wood Mat thought it may be best if he walks in the woods, that way
the wolves will have a harder time finding him because he was not on the main
road. Sure enough his plan worked. As he walked by, he saw many travelers
in battle with wolves, just because they insisted on traveling the main road.
As he walked into the main section of crossergate, Mat took a look around.
He heard rauscous laughter from the inn. Mat took a step towards the inn and
then remembered his quest, the jeweled pendant. He started east and followed
the path to the place called "the lost hills". He approached a large wooden
gate that had the words "to lost hills"scribed into it with a knife or
dagger. Mat opened the gate and continued on his quest.
As he stepped into the wood, he suddenley felt a chill down his
spine. The same chill he got whenever someone around him used magic. He
walked down the well worn path and came up to a building. When he opened the
door he was abashed at what he saw. There were several adventurers in the
room with him, but instead of fighting enemies, they all fought each other.
Making through the room so he wouldn't be seen, Mat snuck out the other door.
He thought to himself"my this place is crazy."
After continued through the woods, he came upon many other adventures
like the ones he saw in the building before, carefully he snuck around each
and every one of them. Then after going through many paths he saw the
building. It was the largest building he had ever seen, possibly even larger
than Lord Nashers palace. He went up to the front door and opened it.
Suprisingly he by several owlbears and a large flaming thing.
Melee erupted immediatly. Mat swung his quarter staff swiftly and
willfully. Several owlbears went down and then it was only Mat and the fire
fiend. They circled around each other deftly each testing the others skill
in battle. But then the fire fiend made a mistake, it lunged too far in for
Mat and at that instant mat tripped it and shoved the point of his staff
through the back of a creatures head. He had defeated the monsters but, now
where was the pendant?
Searching after battle revealed a secret door on the left side of the
room. In it was a human skeleton a chest and a letter on the chest. Mat
picked up the letter reading it. it said: "To whoever finds this chest. I
was a former magic user until I got captured and put in this room with the
owlbears to guard me I believe it was the Zhentarim who did it but I was not
sure. I kept the chest hidden under the floor boards until they departed and
left me with no food or water. I assume I will die here but when you get the
item in the chest know this. It is just a simple piece of jewelry, I had
spread the rumor that it could control people because I wanted to catch a
fair price for it. I am so sorry for the trouble that has gotten me into.
Pleas, destroy this item or keep it hidden to avoid all further trouble with
the Zhentarim."
Thinking to himself mat smiled wickedly, if he gave this pendant to
the men who were after him then they would be chased by the zhentarim and his
worries would be over. Hurrying out of the room, mat started on his way back
to Neverwinter.
Once back in Neverwinter, Mat went to the great hall. It had been
about a week and Harmond would be looking for him. Then as he looked up from
his drink he saw harmond there. He began to speak but got cut off by
Harmond.
"Do not talk. Turn the pendant over to me now.", he instructed.
Mat complied and with no further words the men left as quick as they
came. Feeling a great weight off his back Mat leaned back and ordered
another glass of wine. There would be much rejoicing, and dicing to be had
tonight.The Temple
(submitted by: Charrisa)
Charrisa sat in her chambers at Faen Tlabbar, contemplating the days events.
Sleep did naut come to her this night. She thought over and over again of
the waela mistake she had made earlier in the day. She had learned well, and
would ever be aware of her surroundings from here forward. Never again would
she approach an area without first being aware of who was present. Though her
mistake was naut intentional, nevertheless, it occurred. And she had naut
only earned a swift and just punishment, but had incurred the displeasure of
the Ilharess by her failure. She absently touched her cheek where the blows
at the hand of the Malla Yathin had fallen. She had taken her punishment
without uttering a sound. It was deserved, and she knew it.
The remainder of her punishment was to spend a week cleaning the House
Temple. This she would do, from top to bottom, taking great care in her
effort. Sighing deeply, she surveyed the chamber which was now her home.
The ancient walls of the cavern glowed eerily in the light of faerie fire.
Knowing with certainty that it was useless to attempt sleep, she rose and
pulled her cloak about her against the chill. Taking up a bundle of soft
cloths, she exited her chamber to begin her task.
Passing the sargtlin strategically stationed along the passageways, she
nodded absently to their greetings as she moved along the tunnels of Faen
Tlabbar. The corridors of the cavern twisted and turned upon themselves, in
and out of common areas, and private chambers. Had she naut become familiar
with her surroundings she would have become lost in the maze. She stopped
briefly to obtain a few items to assist her in her task. This she would do
manually, the rivvil way. Although it had naut been specified how she was to
complete the task, she had decided that she would scrub every inch of the
temple with her own hands, meditating and praying to Lloth that the Ilharess
would see fit to forgive her lapse of ettiquette.
She had become well accquainted with the passageway leading to the temple,
spending a great deal of time there in meditation since her coming to Faen
Tlabbar. Though there was nau faerie fire present, her natural infravision
allowed her to see clearly as she wound her way toward the temple.
Approaching the heavy doorway, she pushed through and entered the massive
chamber. This was by far the largest area of the House, the walls reaching
to heights uncertain in the darkness above. Benches (pews) lined both sides
of the temple, leading to an immense altar, of black onyx and gold. The
ancient walls, smooth from centuries gone past, glistened without the
presence of faerie fire or other lighting. She faced the altar, dropping
into a deep curtsey in honor of the Quarval-sharess, Lloth. The statue, in
the likeness of the Spider Queen loomed at the center of the altar, the eyes
glowing red as Charrisa approached slowly. She would begin here.
Charrisa paused at the base of the statue, placing a soft rag into a solution
of herbs combined for the purpose of cleaning. Before removing the rag, she
said a prayer to Lloth, asking her tolerance of the touch that would be
necessary in completing her cleansing of the statue. She knew, her answer
would come with first contact of her hand upon the likeness. Many an
unsuspecting drow had fallen at Her will at the mere approach of a sacred
statue let alone the touching of one. If Lloth's answer was "Nau", the Malla
Yathrin would find her lifeless body at the foot of the statue, when the
House awoke for morning vigil. Having saturated the rag, she briefly closed
her eyes, incanting the spell which would allow her to levitate. She felt
the emptiness below her feet, as she slowly rose to the level of the eyes of
the statue. She paused briefly, taking a deep breath, before reaching out
tentatively to gently begin the process of cleaning the likeness of the
Spider Queen.
Her breath caught in her throat as she made contact with the statue. If Lloth
willed her life to end at this time, she would receive her answer soon
enough. Closing her eyes, she allowed her empty hand to come to rest against
the face of the likeness of the Spider Queen. Moments passed, and Charrisa
realized she had naut taken a breath. Slowly, she exhaled, opening her eyes
to meet the glowing eyes of the statue of Lloth. As if in answer, the fire
faded briefly, and then rekindled to its former brilliance. Charrisa had
survived the contact.
Taking the soft cloth clutched in her other hand, she began to gently wash
the face of the statue, her touch almost a caress. The aroma of the
cleansing herbs permeated the air around her, as she worked her way from the
head, across the shoulders moving slowly, careful to clean every inch of the
likeness. The black stone of the statue seemed to take on an incandescence
as she progressed. Charrisa's task took the remainder of the night, reaching
the base of the statue as the first sounds of the House coming awake echoed
through the caverns. She stepped back critically, surveying her night's
work. The likeness of the Spider Queen virtually sparkled before her,
glowing with a black mirrored brilliance. Satisfied that she had begun
satisfactorily, Charrisa curtsied deeply again, in honor of the
Quarval'sharess, picked up the supplies she had carried with her and left the
temple, to bathe and dress for the new day.
Charrisa passed her day in studies, and in training with the Malla Yathrin
Zelghinia. While traveling to Port Llast, they spoke briefly about
Charrisa's night spent in the temple. There was some concern as to the
acolytes naut keeping up with their duties in cleaning the area of the altar.
This had been evidenced by the neglect of the area she had discovered when
she cleansed the likeness of the Spider Queen. Charrisa assured the Malla
Yathrin, that the standard would be set by the end of the week. She intended
to scrub every inch of the temple, and if the Malla Yathrin desired it, she
would oversee that the upkeep of the area was naut neglected in the future.
As the day progressed, the lack of sleep began to take its toll on her.
Several times in their travels, Charrisa found herself mouthing a "dispel
sleep" spell to ward off the weariness that threatened to interrupt her
concentration. This she did subtly hoping that the Malla Yathrin would naut
take notice. As the time drew near for the completion of her training for
the day, Charrisa took her leave of the Malla Yathrin, and proceeded to the
temple to work through the night. She carried with her the supplies and soft
rags she had used the night before.
Again, she curtsied deeply in honor of Lloth as she approached the altar.
She smiled to herself, seeing the mirrored brilliance of the likeness of the
Spider Queen glistening in the darkness. She hoped the Malla Ilharess would
be pleased with her work.
The sacrificial altar was her next undertaking. Again, before beginning, she
asked the Quarval-sharess' forbearance at her touch of the sacred area. The
altar stood at the center of the raised dias, with the likeness of the Spider
Queen overlooking the sacrificial slab. Made of black volcanic rock,
overlain with black onyx and gold leaf, the stone altar was an ominous
presence indeed. Charrisa again saturated one of the soft rags, and began
cleansing the altar, scrubbing and scrubbing until her fingers began to
bleed. All the while, she meditated and prayed to Lloth for the forgiveness
of the Ilharess. Each time she rinsed the rag, the cleansing herbs stung at
her wounds, her blood turning the solution pink, then red as she progressed.
Still she scrubbed, unaware of the pain, unaware of her wounds, so focused
was she on her meditation and prayers.
The front of the altar was adorned with a raised carving of a spider in a
pure gold web fashioned from the purest of gold, found only in the deepest
recesses of the realms. Charrisa spent the remainder of the evening
cleansing every crack, and crevice of the carving, until the gold sparkled
with the luminescence of its original state. The Spider resting in the web
virtually glowed in the darkness. Having finished the altar, Charrisa looked
around her as to where next to proceed. There were still a few hours until
the House would awaken. Mechanically, she passed her hand before her face
again, "dispelling sleep" as the weariness threatened yet again.
She surveyed the room, turning a full circle. The dias was bordered by the
rounded wall of the cavern, housing a maze of webs woven in intricate silken
patterns by the spiders who had made the area their home. She would leave
that wall untouched, that she would naut disturb them. Her gaze traveled the
expanse of the room, eyes coming to rest on the ancient ebony wood of the
benches, having long lost their luster. Smiling, she nodded. That would be
her next task. With that, she picked up her supplies, curtsied deeply again
in honor of the Quarval-sharess, and exited the temple. There was still an
hour before the house would awaken. She would sleep briefly.
Charissa continued to spend her days diligently studying and training under
the guidance of the Malla Yathrin Zelghinia. And her nights cleaning the
temple. Seven times, did she visit the "Assigner of Stats", seven times did
she attempt to advance herself beyond the 5th level at an acceptable status.
Seven times the "Trainer" held back the desired 10's, offering her 4's and
5's instead, costing the life of one Horace Murtlefrost, at the Training
center in Port Llast. Each time, sighing in defeat, she returned to the
"Assigner of Stats". And on this day, late in the afternoon, Charrisa entered
the dungeon, housing the "Assigner of Stats", putting her fate in his hands
once again.
Absently she waved a hand before her face. To the others passing by her, it
would appear she was just brushing the flowing hair away from her face. But
in reality, she had cast a "dispel sleep" yet again, having slept only an
hour in the past 4 days. As she repeated the processes over and over again,
from which the "Stats" were assigned, Charrisa's mind drifted to the night
before in the temple. She allowed herself to float outside the tedium,
smiling in recollection of her task the night before.
She had decided upon restoring the benches lining the sides and center of the
temple, seeing how dull and worn they had become over years of use. She had
discovered a trader in Llast who specialized in the rejuvenation of
furnishings. He used a special combination of scented herbs, and Umber
blubber to make an oil, which when rubbed into a surface, would restore the
natural luster of the wood, yet would not leave a residue behind. She
purchased a generous amount of this solution, and returned to Faen Tlabbar
and the temple.
After a deep curtsey in honor of the Quarval-sharess, Charrisa proceeded to
the front of the temple, beginning with the first bench. Thankful that she
had access to an unending supply of soft cloths, she took up the first one,
spilling a liberal amount of the solution onto it, and began rubbing it into
the ebony colored wood of the bench. The dry surface seemed to drink up the
oil as she progressed, polishing in small circles. The benches were
beautiful, the arms, legs and backs carved in intricate designs. Charrisa
smiled in appreciation of the craftsmanship. As the oil began to sink in, a
radiance returned to the wood making it shine as it must have done when first
placed in the temple.
Seeing the result of her labor spurred her on with renewed energy, as she
moved from bench to bench. She hardly noticed the passage of time, so
engrossed was she in her task. And as the first sounds of the awakening
house echoed through the caverns of Faen Tlabbar, Charrisa finished the last
of the benches. Standing, she turned to examine her nights work. The ebony
benches shone with a deep rich luster, reminiscent of their original state.
Smiling, she curtsied deeply again to the Quarval-sharess and turned to
leave. She had almost reached the door when she stopped, placed the items
she was carrying to the side, and walked back down the isle toward the altar.
Kneeling on the first step of the dias, Charrisa raised her eyes to the
likeness of the Spider Queen, spreading her arms wide in complete
submissiveness. Humbly she asked Lloth's blessing upon her next visit to
the "Assigner of Stats". She rose, curtsied, and retrieved the items used in
her night's work, and headed toward her chamber to wash, and dress for the
coming day.
The sound of the approach of the "Assigner of Stats" broke her reverie,
bringing her back to the present. Charrisa took the scroll he offered her,
containing reference to her intellect, wisdom, dexterity and constitution.
Hesitating, she broke the seal and unrolled the parchment to read what he had
given to her. A grin lit her face, as she nodded to him, turned on her heal
and hastened to her studies.(submitted by: DAN0TH)
1. If you find yourself unable to get into Neverwinter during peak hours,
make use of this time to read up on the information about Neverwinter.
Numerous guilds make use of web pages full of information for those new (and
not so new) to Neverwinter.
2. Don't waste your time waiting for hours inside the game to get to well
known highly populated areas. Explore areas you never go to. It's
surprising what great places you'll find that are uncrowded during even the
heaviest usage hours.
3. Avoid triggering fights on crowded throughways at all costs. It blocks
the road and sucks in unwilling participants. With the current system
crowds, fights involving several participants are painfully slow, both to
those inside and outside the fight.(submitted by: MR TESH)
Greetings, everyone! It's Merry Christmas time, and you know what that
means....... help with finding just the right gift at the last minute. Well,
fear no longer my friends, cause it's Santa Tesh to the rescue! Now for some
suggestions for those hard to buy for guild friends:
(It seems that Tickle-Me-Elmos are a real hit with the evil guilds when you
can find them..... something to do with ritual, so I am told)
<Please note that no harm or malice is intended toward any member of any
guild, just a bit of fun in this merry season>
1) Bards Guild - try the all purpose 10 in 1 presto chango multi purpose
instument, for those hard to please crowds.
2) BDA - a toughie....... how about those prepaid disposable pearl cards,
easliy transferred and ah..... borrowed.
3) BOP - a book of 1001 extra tough find the exit puzzles.
4) Clan Axepeak - the infamous moodstone works well here.
5) COR - a session for a self portrait in their favorite crusading pose.
6) GOC - one of those sealed snow globes of NW, this way they can keep
unsettling NW even while they're home.
7) ITB - a personalized studded leather choker and bracelet set..... a sure
hit!
8) KAAOS - a set of goodie guild weebles; so they can knock them down any
time and the're back up instantly for more.
9) KEF - a miniature Olympic torch.
10) KORT - one of those hot shot basketball games so they can bring along the
home KORT advantage anywhere they go.
11) MECH - rockem sockem robots are a perennial favorite
12) NOR - a mini voice recorder for those times when they are sick and need
to say "hail nor!"
13) Night Masks - get them a lord nasher mask for their next costume party.
14) OGS - try the do it yourself gold electroplating system.
15) PON - a 7 day collection of colorful bandanas.
16) SOM - a designer hat, pipe, and magnifying glass set.
17) SOL - a glow in the dark tabard to brighten any dreary night.
18) TOL - a teeshirt with "we luv paladins, we really do!" on it.
19) The Camarilla - a picture of them on a hand mirror so they can look at
themselves when they wake up at night.
20) The Grey Company - a magic mouth singing their favorite greatful dead
song (I'm sure we know what that is).
21) TP - a box of disposable shoulder pads to hand out to protect from those
hard gate crashes.
22) The Shadow Alliance - a do it yourself course on shadow boxing, cant miss
with that!
23) The Spirit Lurkers - how about a bottle of the fragrance "hidden mist"?
24) UDL - a recruitment banner saying "don't get a life, join UDL".
25) White Mages - a bucket of whitewash to make everything prettier.
Well, there ya have it........ if ya still stuck for that favorite sanctioned
guild member of yours, well at least I tried. Anyone appreciating this list,
please send me some earplugs for Christmas, so I dont have to hear it from
all that didn't. <heh>
Be well and have a wonderful holiday!
Tesh >>>> KORT Squire to Sir Vinman(submitted by: KEF Tobias)
Here is the Top Ten Folly list! Just so you don't think that only newbies
screw up, there are some high level characters, low level characters, and
even a guildmaster in here!
10-Ldy Luna, was attempting to flee a fight and walked through a cloud that
killed her.
9-Stalker352, attempted to go to Berun where he couldn't run into anything
major, he went the wrong way into Westbridge and was killed by a Dragon.
8-Ldyambrlin(gm), cast Hold on herself and was killed the next round by a
wolf.
7-Ldyambrlin(gm), cast a Fireball on herself that did a good amount of
damage, and later claimed her finger sliped.
6-Stalker352, cast Shocking Grasp on himself, which killed him.
5-RJEOK, cast heal Serious Wounds on a troll which saved the Troll who was at
3 Hitpoints, who killed RJEOK the next round.
4-KEF Pier, cast a Lightning Bolt on himself, the bolt reflected and hit him
again which killed him.
3-Stalker352, cast Enlarge on the thief instead of himself.
2-Jtandia, cast Sleep on herself and was killed the next round by a Minotaur.
1-Jtandia, cast Sleep on herself again in the fight directly after the one
mentioned before!Gimme a Scoop! Enter the weekly News of the Realm contest
by submitting text for publishing. If your Announcement, Article, Helpful
Hint, NW Abby Question, Poem, Fiction, or Tidbit wins, you'll have won your
choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes)! Submit all text
to screenname: NW NEWS.
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MONTHLY CONTEST!!
Win Pearls for your Guild!
Participate in the monthly News of the Realms "Newsworthy" contest. Each
month, 4 pearls will be awarded to the account of the Guild with the most
"newsworthy" articles for that month! We're looking for works of art,
articles of fine literature, helpful hints of extraordinary brilliance,
poetic works which stir the soul, etc. The key word here is "newsworthy"...
only articles with substance will be counted in the contest!
To participate you need to:
- Indicate with your submission the name of your SANCTIONED guild. Only
sanctioned Guilds are presently eligible to receive pearls for a Guild pearl
account.
- Write something!
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