1997-01-12
Recovered original text · preserved verbatim
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NEVERWINTER NEWS
Issue # 168
Week Ending 1-12-97
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FRONT PAGE
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Congratulations to Ulhendl for winning last week's News of the Realm contest
for his story entitled "One for Another".
Ulhendl 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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Pearl Plan Transaction Form!!
Greets all!
I'm happy to announce that a new Pearl Plan Transaction Form has been linked
into our main Neverwinter Nights screen (Keyword: AD&D). This form was
specifically designed to deal with the most frequently requested
transactions. It automatically generates a mail message and sends it
directly to NW Oyster and NW Events. It is our hope that the use of this
form will assist you in providing all of the necessary information for each
type of transaction, thereby expediting the entire process and allowing us to
respond more quickly to your requests.
Please note that the use of this form REQUIRES that you be logged onto the
system and using the screen name whose account you wish to be effected by the
transaction request. Be sure to confirm which screen name you're signed on
with before using the form! Please do NOT use this form if you have no ideas
what pearls are and how they might relate to Neverwinter Nights or you do not
have a pearl account. You can find information about the Pearl Plan at
Keyword: AD&D in the Neverwinter Nights Events area.
Full details and instructions for the form are located in the Neverwinter
Nights Events area in the article "Pearl Plan Transaction Form Instructions".
(Keyword:AD&D >> Neverwinter Nights Events >> Pearl Plan Transaction Form
Instructions)
Thanks to the folks that suggested that this kind of a form would be helpful!
;D Happily we were able to get it setup though not QUITE in time to coincide
with the Pearl Database e-mails. Ah well... still, it's there now! It's
pretty basic, without the bells and whistles, but.. it works and we have
great hopes that it will help us toward our goal of improving the pearl plan.
Regards,
NW Events
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December WWAI Winners!!
1st---Darkthane--25 pearls
2nd--Cucumberus--20 pearls
3rd---Loraque in tiebreaker over Dwyvyrn----15 pearls
Draconight--random roll winner---5 pearls.
No hours were awarded due to new pricing plan, and players were informed it'd
be just pearls.
-- NW Ulfius
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Mystri's Poison Lipstick Booth Results!!
Mystri was given a tube of lipstick by the Drow to have some fun with. After
doing some simple tests on the lipstick it was east to see that it was
poisoned. She decided that she would try it out to see just how dangerous it
really was. The call for volunteers went out and those brave enough to test
the tempting treat came to a secluded area of Port Llast.
Since there were a few brave females, each "tester" was given a choice of
kissing Mystri or letting her mix a small amount of the lipstick into a
potion.
All Mystri could promise was that those lucky enough to survive would receive
2 pearls in payment for their services and those not lucky enough to survive
would gain an "intimate" knowledge of the Port Llast gate.
15 brave souls showed up to try the tempting treat.. a kiss with Mystri.
Thank you to those that assisted in the test: Lord Zeem, Kincaid476, WG Wage,
NOR Beal, LOM Snorex, Katishya, EW Calista, MDG Xar, HG Rath, Warr Fist,
Itharr KOM, King Nashr, SEB Vexed, Zandrakkas, and Genocidist.
A very special congratulations to those seven survivors of Mystri's Poison
Lipstick:
WG Wage
LOM Snorex
Katishya
EW Claista
Warr Fist
King Nashr
Genocidist
A fun time was had by all. Most of the ones that fell to the poison kiss
said that the experience was worth it. ;>
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Magic Missle Booth Results - 1/5
NWT Spryte, always on the lookout for new drinks, invited adventurers in Port
LLast to join her and make new drinks for her. The strongest drink would win
an award of Pearls, and to have the Drink served in the Tavern. Many
adventurers braved the fierce beasts to provide Spryte with new inspiration.
Drink strengths varied, though all were tasty indeed:
Zelghinnia-59
Wickedcrow-46
SSB Nickfu-66
Vlarr KOM-72
UDL Charon-61
HG Eltan-67
WARR Devyl-68
Rhys K0M-57
OMM Cabot-65
COG Exi1e-71
AKH Zzeus-59
LOK Juilin-62
The best, though, with his Water of Life, was Vlarr KOM. THIS one will
definitely be added to the Tavern Repertoire. Casting Cure Hangover on
herself, Spryte returned with the recipie in her pouch and decided that the
next drink hunt should be Mystri's job...
~NWT Spryte
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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:
January 14th Tuesday 6:00 PM EST - with NW Vic.
Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner
telling where to meet! ;D
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Monday in the Tavern brought the discovery that thieves had somehow
ransacked the place, stealing assorted valuable liquors, glassware, and most
precious of all, Spryte's Spell-Sung figurine of a Dancer, made for her by
GreySavant. A rescue party was assembled to recover the figurine, and
suggestions taken for ways to make the Tavern more theft-resistant. JAMESKJV
was chosen as prize winner for his imaginative trap.
Wednesday the Tavern saw many talented individuals attempting to open a
treasure chest..the lovely Songshine successfully opened it to win the
treasure of the evening. Finally Friday saw many thieves in the Tavern,
displaying their craft. Meanwhile GreySavant had recovered the Figurine from
the thief hiding in Windycliff and was returning to restore it to its proper
place in the Tavern.
For QUITE a change of pace, next week is Clerics' Week at the Sisters.
Monday night these Deity directed display their bond with their god or
goddess by offering a prayer to the one of their choice. The one receiving
the greatest blessing (as determined by Mystri's Random Roll) will win the
prize of the evening. Wednesday the Clerics among us have the opportunity to
describe their Deity..the best RP and Post of the evening will win the prize.
On Friday, the Clerics conclude their week of recognition in the Tavern with
free-form RP. The best wins the GOH access offered as prize.
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Join the Sisters and their Patrons for Free-Form Role Play in the Sisters'
Tavern in the Great Hall, M-W-F 11pm-1am Eastern time.
~The Roving ReporterPendants Trilogy - Part 1
(submitted by: AbkS1rJake)
The complete tale of the Six Pendants of Magic (Part 1)
Notes
First off, I would like to say I've had a lot of fun with writing this.
Although parts one and two were released 5-6 months ago and I haven't had the
chance to post anymore on it. Since it has been so long, and things are
different from when I wrote half of this, below is a timeline. Remember this
as you read, it will save you from A LOT of confusion. Now I am happy to say
the Pendants are back in full force, and this is all six parts of the tale!
Enjoy the Trilogy.
-Time Line-
Parts One and Two
These were written June-July of 1996, of course part one gained more
recognition than part two, but now both are here, and when I say they come
from 6 months ago that is all you need to know.
Parts Thee and Four
These were written about a month or so ago. This was just after Sonja/Sonya
left ABK, and although she is back now I can not make changes to this. -Sorry
Sonya
Parts Five and Six
Written last week, enough said. :)
Part One - The Beginning
Long ago, right after the gods had created good and evil, humans and
demihumans, and such the god Tyr created a magical pendant. Deciding it was
to great for the gods to control he had this pendant entrusted to the five
wisest members of the good people that Tyr ruled over it was entrusted upon
them. This pendant with the power to control the five powers of Air, Water,
Fire, Lightning, and Shadow, which is what all things upon earth are balanced
upon, was kept a secret between Tyr and its keepers due to its power, and
pleased with their loyalty Tyr granted them near immortality. With no fear of
dying from age these people hid so they would have no fear of dying from the
evils of the world either; and as these people hid they were never seen, so
they kept their sanity by learning the pendant's powers. Each one learned a
different power, and in time wore a pendant for their specific power only.
But what was left was who would wear the ultimate pendant? Deciding that
no single person could behold the pendant they sealed it in a magical box,
which only all of their pendants together could unseal. For many aeons these
people lived in hiding, advancing their powers even more while the evil
outside grew even greater. One day these five sacred people were blessed with
a child, in which they sensed powers that not even they could begin to reach.
After this child had grown old enough the people slowly taught him all five
of the powers. They continued to live in peace until one night the child
decided to look outside.
The door, which had not been opened for many milennia, make a loud
echoing sound throughout their abode; rushing outside after the 6th member of
their group the keepers found him gazing up at the sky. Luckily, the trail
had not been used in quite awhile, so the group was not seen.
"What is it?" The eldest of the six asked the younger member.
"The reddest star in the night sky," he said pointing at a large red
light, "it is going to fall upon us and cause fire to rain from the sky. No
mortal being on this planet will be safe, except for us. That star represents
pure evil, and we might not even be safe from its power."
The elder headed back for the door, "At least he has imagination!" He
chuckled, and the rest followed him inside.
Before closing the door the youngest looked up at the star, which seemed
to be quickly growing closer to the planet, "Tyr help us." He whispered and
closed the door.
The next day the six awoke to a bright red outside, and rushing out the
door they saw it. A large red glow crashed into the ground many hundreds of
miles away, but was so bright it could be seen by everyone. The bright red
glow burrowed into the ground, and soon was gone with the earth closing up
behind it, as if nothing had ever happened. "It must have been some mage
putting on a show, let us return." One of them said, and they returned to
their hide away for over one million more years.
That's the day it began, the keepers found out. Deciding to see what the
planet had became for the first time in a billion years they went out to
explore, only to find the earth was full of greater evil than when they had
went into hiding. This was the day of the god's judgement, a great red being
arose from the very crust of the earth with a high pitched squeal. Fire
rained from the heavens destroying almost everything, houses, forests,
cities, people.
The keepers, who were unaffected, watched as people ran by them
screaming as they were pelted with intense rains of fire and ash. Great
voices boomed around the world shaking the very ground, "PEOPLE OF EARTH! YOU
HAVE FAILED THE JUDGEMENT! NONE OF YOU HAVE A BIT OF PEACE WITHIN YOUR SOULS,
SO THE GREAT ARMEDES HAS ENDED THE GOD'S SUFFERING." By the time the great
rains if fire had ended the planet had been levelled, smoke rose to the sky,
and the keepers were the last people left. With this they built their own
settlement upon the blackened soil, and the great pendant was given to the
young member of the group. It did not take long for the gods to recreate the
races of humans, elves, gnomes, and so forth. But before they set these
beings back upon the earth they had to get rid of Armedes, but it had grown
too powerful to simply eliminate.
That is when Tyr called upon the keepers to eliminate Armedes, and this
they went to do. Tyr bestowed upon the keeper of the ultimate pendant a great
sword named "FURY", and a bright swirling portal with more colors than one
could imagine opened before them. Stepping into the portal they travelled
down a bright tunnel of the swirling multicolored light, and when it ended
they were in a place with black and grey waves of energy, and a red creature
with spikes covering its entire body was before them. It was solid red, with
yellow, black, blue, and white constantly running through its body.
The creature let out a high pitched squeal as the six prepared, the
youngest armed himself with FURY and the master pendant. Fire rained upon the
party, causing minor to damage to the keeper of fire and the master pendant,
while it caused serious damage to the others. The younger held FURY in the
air, "Lightning Strike!" FURY and the younger slowly raised in the air as
lightning struck its tip, and then showered upon Armedes.
The keeper of fire began casting with his pendant, "Fire Bomb." A red
dome rose around Armedes and gave off intense heat, yet did no damage to
anyone. Armedes then used another spell and a multicolored light struck
everyone, making them all as weak as possible.
"It's the time!" The younger called to the others, "We must do this
now!"
The elder slowly stood, "Agreed."
The younger stabbed FURY as deep into Armedes as he could and the whole
group began casting with their pendants.
A moment later they shouted in unison, "Heaven's FURY!!!" With that
several beams of colored light struck the sword. First blue, then red,
yellow, black, then white; after those had struck the sword's handle a larger
beam swirling with all these colors struck it also. The energy from the beams
slowly channeled down the sword as the creature screamed, and then a bright
flash!
The younger awoke in a small village, a middle-aged man entered with
water. "It's about time you woke up, you've been asleep for almost a whole
day."
The young keeper looked around the small bedroom, "Where am I?"
The middle-aged man handed him the water, "You're in the home of the
family Dagsson, we found you lying outside and brought you in from the
storm."
The keeper shook his head, "It's all so vague.."
The elder awoke in the woods, it seems several wolves had dragged him
here to make a meal of him. Before he had time to do anything else several
large wolves pounced on him! He was trying to keep them from biting him but
there was to many, when suddenly a burst of heat scattered the wolves. A
young man engulfed in a firey like energy set down next to the keeper, and
the energy disappeared.
"Are ye alright?"
The elder started to stand, "Yes, I am fine for now. Who are you?"
The young man held his lance high, "I am the Guardian of Good, I had the
feeling it was of great importance I be here."
The elder began to weaken, "You must.. accept these.." he said, giving
the Guardian the pendants of Fire, Lightning, and Air. "They have great
power.. but you may only wear one, and once you have chosen one you must
stand by that decision for life.. if you hold a pendant, it will tell you
about itself, choose the one best for you, the pendant you wear then becomes
a part of you, if you're seperated it could be deadly... please, seek out the
master pendant, along with shadow and water..." With that the elder
disappeared.
The young keeper had been talking to the Dagsson person for a long time,
and finally decided what was right. "I am.. a keeper," he said, "I have three
of the Six Pendants of Magic."
A look of surprise crossed Jonheson Dagsson's face, "The Six Pendants of
Magic?! Those are only fairy tales!"
The keeper shook his head, "Tis true, but I am soon to die, I must find
a new person to with hold the master pendant, shadow, and water. Jonheson
Dagsson, please keep these safe from evil for as long as you live." The
keeper told him and gave him the pendants along with the same instructions
the elder gave the Guardian, then vanished. Jonheson Dagsson decided he could
never behold one of the pendants, so he locked them away.
A long time has passed since then, and now we return to the present day
in Neverwinter. Jake, the Guardian, has used fire well over the centuries;
and is soon to entrust lightning to Storm, and air to Sonja, both from the
Army of the Bloodkeep. D'haren Dagsson, an abandoned elf taken in by the
Dagsson family as a child, has worn the master pendant wisely, but recently
had it stolen and is now beginning to have slight problems with his health,
which will grow worse until he recovers it. Knowing who has it once he gives
the pendants of shadow to Lord Jim and water to Ariel, his bride to be, hopes
to take it back from the one that took it.
As for now... no one knows what's in the future for the new keepers...
Part Two - Lost and Found Pendants
Jake Bashir floated high above the ceremony for Storm and Sonja, who
were being married. He watched them, knowing that this was a day of happiness
for them, but the gifts he had for them were going to change their lives
forever. It seemed forever before they finally finished, Jake landed and the
fire-like aura around him slowly vanished. He went up to the two, "'Tis a
joyous day for you both, and to mark such a day I have the rarest gifts in
Neverwinter." Bowing before Storm he held out his hand revealing a pendant
with a bright yellow glow on top of two scrolls, the picture was of a sword
in the ground which had energy channeling through the blade and streaking
towards the sky was on it.
Storm seemed amazed, "Jake, it's an honor."
Jake told Storm, "These pendants with hold great power, it is explained
on the scrolls with them. When you put it on, do not lose it for it can be
dead, as the pendant becomes as vital a part as the heart that beats within
you." Sonja gasped, worry in her eyes. Jake continued, "Storm, your pendant
controls the might plain of lightning, it is deadly and must always be used
with good in your heart. I will teach you your first spell now. Copy my
actions.."
Jake held his hands high in the air and began a low chanting, which
Storm copied perfectly. Jake said the words "Star Beam" as clearly as
possible, followed by Storm. They both slowly floated into the air as several
rays of light spun in front of them both, simultaneously they reached out and
covered the light with their hands, turning towards an unpopulated direction
they both thrust their hands forward, two globes of beautiful light emersed
from the ground then disappeared, leaving no trace.
"Good, you have already bonded with the pendant. It told you the spell
before you even knew all of it." Jake said, receiving a nod from Storm.
He turned to Sonja and continued the bow, "For you, m'lady, I also have
a pendant like Storm's." He gave her a pendant with a white aura, it's
picture descripted a gentle breeze blowing through the trees, with a powerul
tornado on the horizon. He gave her the exact same warning, and then went to
teach Sonja her first spell. Jake took his pendant in his hands and brought
it to his lips, and began a silent prayer, which Sonja copied. Finally, the
words "Zephyr Wind" emerged from them and they started a slow spin, which
eventually became faster. Finally two swirls of beautiful multi-colored light
surrounded them, and journeyed to their target area. After a moment it ended
and no one was effected, not even the casters were dizzy from their spin.
The next night a young half-elf headed towards the wedding of Jim and
Ariel. He was one of the pair's best friends, and he carried the two pendants
for D'haren who had became to ill to attend himself. Jon Wildcat walked
along, carrying the magically sealed box with Shadow and Water in it. Jon
wondered off into thought, but his thought was soon interrupted when he felt
a strong energy hit him, knocking him down! Jon looked around at a green
globe surrounding him, which was slowly collapsing.
Through the globe he saw a figure, which demanded "Give me the box!"
Jon stood, "No, I promised to deliver these."
The person outside chuckled, "Either give me the pendants or die! Oh,
wait, either way you *WILL* die." The figure chuckled evilly. Jon reached
back and drew a lightning arrow and knocked it in his bow. The drow outside
laughed some, "I don't suggest that. This globe will send that arrow back and
forth through you many times, so unless you feel lucky.."
Jon grinned and put the lightning arrow away, and drew a fire arrow. He
knocked the fire arrow and aimed for the globes wall, "I hope this works!" He
released the arrow and immediately leapt after it. The globe filled with
raging fire in which it seemed nothing could withstand!
Kurrwyn, the drow, chuckled, "Wael!" He looked down at a small yellow
housecat with black stripes down its back, "What's this?" The housecat
suddenly morphed into a large golden mountain wildcat with black stripes and
crimson eyes. Kurrwyn laughed and threw a spell at the cat, which it dodged.
Jon, the wildcat, lept at Kurrwyn slashing! But it was to late, Kurrwyn's
sword buried deep in his side, sending him to the ground, but still alive.
Jon morphed back to human form as Kurrwyn ran off with the box.
Kurrwyn headed for Berrun, but in the Lost Hills he saw fire streak
across the horizon. "It's nothing." He thought, when suddenly he heard the
words "Fire Bob!" and a red globe sent him to the ground. Jake, The Guardian,
landed in front of him, his fire aura at full intensity, the glowing lance
"Vengance" raised high.
"Evil, I suggest you return to me the pendants!" He aimed Vengance at
Kurrwyn, his eyes beginning to glow a blood-like crimson.
Kurrwyn laughed, "I have three pendants, you have one! You don't stand a
chance!" He took the Master Pendant and casted a spell at Jake, "Fire Blast!"
A bright red beam struck Jake, but left him obviously unaffected.
"Fool! I was born of the flame!!!" Jake grasped the Master Pendant and
prayed this worked. "Ultra Strike!" Jake went flying back from Kurrwyn and
placed the index and mid fingers of his right hand over his heart, he then
brought them straight forward as if slashing at Kurrwyn. A sword of ice
struck Kurrwyn! Jake then brought his fist to his fore head, then threw his
arm forward and flung his hand open, a dagger of flame buried into Kurrwyn.
He then brought his arm down slowly while closing his hand into a fist, as a
globe of lightning closed in on Kurrwyn. Finally, Jake brought his hand up
and slowly opened it, as if holding something, a dark dome surrounded Kurrwyn
and when it ended he had fallen. Jake dashed towards Kurrwyn, Vengance held
high, "Now I will end your reign!"
Kurrwyn lept up and threw the box towards Jake, "Take them, but I will
keep the Master!" Kurrwyn used the pendant and had disappeared. Jake took the
box and lifted into the sky, to deliver the pendants to their true keepers.
Several days later Jon was walking through Neverwinter, and saw Storm.
"Hello Storm!" He said, but Storm ignored him. "Storm, are you mad about me
losing the pendants?" Storm said nothing, Jon looked a little mad, "Look,
Storm, it's not my fault he jumped me and took them!"
Storm glared at him, "You should have kept closer eye on them!"
A passerby stopped, "Who took these pendants of yours?"
Storm looked towards the ground, "Care to explain, Jon?"
Jon nodded, "I do, the evil Kurrwyn attacked me while I was delivering
them to their new keepers, and I almost died protecting them, but he doesn't
understand that!"
The passerby continued, "Oh well, not my problem."
Storm continued, "Jon, perhaps you should be more careful next time!"
Jon began to get angry, "That's enough!" Jon turned back into his
wildcat form, and glared at Storm whose eyes became wide. The gold and black
wildcat slowly inched forward, then pounced at Storm, pinning him to the
ground leaving him helpless! Someone noticed the attack and tried to tackle
Jon off of Storm, but Jon threw his paw into the adventurer and sent him
flying. Jon's crimson eyes stared deep into Storm's, sensing the fear.
Storm's eyes seemed to plead for mercy, and the giant cat shook its head and
jumped off, then morphed back to its half-elven form.
Storm stood, and dusted himself off, still trembling a small bit from
the event. "Storm, you must be faster, smarter, and braver than the other
person!" Jon told him, "I am neutral in nature, so I could have killed you
just now, but you are destined for something greater."
Storm silently thanked all the gods for being spared, and then, "The
pendant, I have become to dependant on it in combat, I am beginning to regret
my decision of accepting it."
Jon turned to him, "You're having doubts because you're dependant,
Storm, it is like your heart, you need your heart to live, the pendant now
keeps you alive also."
Storm looked around, "But if I lose it, I'll die! Either if I had chose
to take it or not, it was my destiny to keep it!"
Jon shook his head, "You chose your own destiny, and with doubts you are
destined to die. Perhaps Jake made a bad choice."
Jon turned into the wildcat and ran off. Storm tried to keep up but
couldn't, "But.. Jon? Jon!"
Jake floated down behind Storm, "Hey, Storm!"
Storm turned, "Hey, you just missed Jon."
Jake's fire aura disappeared, "What? That half-elf won't stay still long
enough."
Storm looked around, "Well, he's to hyper, he should consider decaf, he
attacked me!"
Jake's eyes widened, "He attacked you?!" Jake smacked his forehead,
"Don't tell me you was on his back bout the pendants!"
Storm hesitated a second, "Well, yeah."
Jake shook his head, "Not smart, he has very few regrets, but that was
one. He could have killed you without a second thought."
Storm looked surprised, "Now you tell me! I had to find out the hard
way! But he did express some disagreement with your job as of late."
Jake shook his head, "OK, Storm, what did you say?"
Storm quietly told him, "Nothing."
Jake looked into Storm's eyes, which showed a guilt, "Storm, you do not
hide a lie well, not tell the truth."
Connor, another member of ABK came up and waited for the conversation to
end. Storm lowered his head, "I.. said I am doubting my choice of becoming a
keeper."
Connor rushed over, "What?"
Jake fell to one knee, only Vengeance, his lance, keeping him from
falling over, "You said WHAT?"
Storm looked completely guilty, "That I doubted my decision of becoming
a keeper." He began to weep openly from it.
Jake told him, "Storm, Jon knows more about this than you, and possibly
even I do."
Storm blankly said, "I only know half of it all," and he totally phased
out, "Only half.." He suddenly snapped out of it as Jake stood. Jake held
Vengeance above Storm, its glow changing from a fire red to bright yellow.
"Storm, you have three options now. You can have Vengeance remove the
power of your pendant making it safe to take off. You can simply remove your
pendant and suffer the consequences, or you can rid yourself of all doubt and
accept the destiny you have chosen!"
Storm held his pendant tight in his hand, and looked to Connor.
Jake told him, "This is not Connor's decision, or my decision, or even
the decision of the gods who rule us, it is your's Storm."
Storm replied, "I know, and I choose to accept my destiny!"
Jake removed Vengeance from above Storm, "It's good to see you have the
determination to hold on to your piece of the gods' powers! Together we will
eliminate all!" His lance went back its fire red, and Storm stood. Jake
continued, "But you should not hold something against Jon that can be easily
corrected, m'friend!" Jake held up a magical box, and the pendants reacted
with it, making it open. Jake turned the box to Storm revealing the black
glow of the Shadow pendant and the blue glow of the Water pendant!
"Where did you get them? What of the master?" Storm asked.
Jake told him, "I defeated Kurrwyn for them, but I failed to get the
Master. Without it D'haren will soon die." They both frowned.
Storm broke a moment's silence, "At least we have a fighting chance now!
Jake, deliver these to their new keepers, for we are prepared to go after
Kurrwyn!" Jake nodded and flew off to deliver the pendants to their new
owners....
Jake caught a glimpse of Jim and Ariel from above, and seeing it was
alright to confront them he landed upon the ground. He nodded to them both,
"It has been a task retrieving your gifts, but now accept them." Jake smiled
as he gave Jim a black aura'd pendant which was nothing but pure black,
representing shadow. "Jim, your spell to first spells are simple, you have
Storm's, and learn Ariel's first, and I will teach you one. For all three
make shadow, while it has its own powers too." Jake simply began a quick
chant, in which almost immediately a black globe appeared, pulsating with
energy. When it ended Jake turned to Jim, "That is called Dark Globe. Use it
well. Now for my spell." Both began lifting their arms up and down, silently.
Finally the words "Fire Bomb" become plain and domes of fire arose, followed
by fire rains from the sky. Jim quickly did Storm's spell and prepared for
the final. Jake handed Ariel a pendant with a blue aura, it had a river
running through wildlife with a waterfall in the distance. Her first spell
was "Draining heal." In which they practiced the cast for. Jake told them how
to use it, "It's easy, simply touch anything to drain part of its life then
choose something to put that life in to." After a little more conversation
both parties went their seperate ways, not knowing that the mysterious Jon
Wildcat had been watching over them, or what their mysterious future held for
them.Pendants Trilogy - Part 2
(submitted by: AbkS1rJake)
Part Three - The Battle Begins Anew!
Jake sat in the corner of the inn, watching her carefully. She would be
a perfect choice for the Air Pendant. Since the first keeper, Sonya, was gone
now he had to find a new keeper. She was still alive, yes, but she would not
be here for the upcoming battle. He stood and confronted Lila, the pendant in
his hand.
"M'lord!" She smiled as he approached.
Jake smiled and bowed, "Lady Lila."
"Jake, what do ye have there?" She asked, motioning to the pendant in
his hand.
"See for yerself." He took her hand and put the pendant in it.
D'haren sat outside the gates of Camelot, shaking his head furiously. He
could not find anyone worthy of or willing to take the Water Pendant. It had
recently appeared and fell in his hands, Ariel was missing. He looked up and
noticed someone moving through the gates, Valeana. He owed her for what he
did under the spell of evil he was recently under, he followed her inside
Camelot.
Once inside he approached her, "Vendui' m'lady." He said and bowed.
Valeana curtsied and returned the greeting, "How can I help thee today,
D'haren?"
"The keeper of the Water Pendant, Ariel, is missing. Valeana, I was
wondering if you would consider taking her place?" He held up the Water
Pendant, "It is powerful, but I want someone I know to control its healing
powers."
Storm stood outside a door, waiting alone. He ignored the cold night air
and watched for someone coming. Then he two several things at once, the
hooves of two horses were approaching, and a red streak was heading his way
from the starry sky. "Jim!" Jim stepped from the shadows. "They're coming."
Storm told him.
The group was ready, the six keepers were about to face a challenge and
they knew it. With several whispered warnings they silently went into the
darkness of the building before them. Suddenly, the room lightened, revealing
Kurrwyn on the far side. "You finally got here." He said, turning.
"Yes, we are." D'haren replied, "Brother, I want to give you one more
chance, please, give us the pendant and join us."
"I'd prefer to fight." He said, looking the group over. He caught sight
of Lila then glanced away from the entire group. "But I will not. Either way
I lose."
A sigh came from the shadows as a form emerged from them, "You
disappoint me, you were always a weakling Kurrwyn." The evil one frowned. He
held a red and black mace in one hand, the only real feature on his cold
white face was solid black eyes.
Kurrwyn looked over at the new comer, "Endrek, what is this?"
Endrek settled his gaze upon Kurrwyn, "You think I would help a traitor of
hell? This was all a plan, giving you the spell book, everything! Despite
your failure Arcitis will rise, and after he destroys mortals then hell will
rule earth again!"
Kurrwyn's eyes turned red, "You forgot one thing."
Endrek became silent, "What?"
Kurrwyn began to cast, "Me!!!!"
Endrek laughed, "I'm greater than you, weakling."
Jake silently began to cast a spell.
Endrek chuckled, "I knew you would use their help."
Kurrwyn held up his hand and stopped Jake, "I need no help. The only
reason you won that battle is because you had the devil himself with you, I
was always stronger!!!" He cast the spell and a black beam shot into Endrek,
it threw him far against a wall.
Endrek stood up and laughed, "We'll see!" He made the same cast and
threw Kurrwyn through a wall! Endrek began to laugh, but became silent when
Kurrwyn shakily stood back up.
"That stung a bit!" He chuckled, and cast another spell. Kurrwyn became
surrounded by a grey glow.
Endrek cast a spell and a grey dome surrounded Kurrwyn, but it had no
effect. Endrek shook his head, "A battle of blades? So be it!" He lept at
Kurrwyn, swinging his evil mace.
Kurrwyn dodged aside and buried his sword deep into Endrek. Endrek
landed, his black blood flowing from the wound, he slowly stood and turned.
Endrek sighed as he slowly fell to the ground, "We all have someone that is
stronger than us, remember that." His eyes turned white, and his body
disappeared.
D'haren walked over to Kurrwyn, "This is what has haunted you for so
long?" He asked his brother.
Kurrwyn nodded, "I am finally free from the curse, no longer will I
serve evil." He threw his dark red sword down on the ground as it
disappeared, "No more does innocent blood stain my blade, the battle began
anew, but the ending is different."
A voice came to everyone's mind, "But the battle is not over!" It said,
as the gold and black wildcat, Jon, lept through the hole in the wall. It
changed into its half-elven form, "Prepare for Arcitis!!!" Is all he could
say before the rumbling began. The red glow in the floor began to get bigger,
until the ground itself broke open!
Jake asked Jon, "What is this?"
Jon was preparing for the fight. "The son of Armedes! He is corrupt, and
is going to destroy everything on this planet that it can, unless we stop
it!" Jake nodded.
Kurrwyn heard what Jon had said, "You mean this monster, what I helped
bring, is going to end all that I know, and love?"
Jon told him, "Not unless we stop it."
Kurrwyn replied to him bravely, "So be it!" He pulled the master pendant
from his neck and threw it to D'haren, "I believe this is yours, brother."
D'haren put the pendant around his neck and smiled, "I think I had something
like it, once."
Just then the blue flash occured, and everyone found themselves in a
nexus, in front of them was what appeared to be Armedes, but it was larger,
and the magic was more intense. Jon stepped forward, "Arcitis, you are here
to destroy this planet, why?"
A booming voice rang in everyone's ears, "YOUR KIND DESTROYED MY FATHER.
UNLIKE YOU THOUGHT THEY ALL ESCAPED, AND NOW I AM GOING TO REPAY YOU, BY
DESTROYING EVERY MORTAL THERE IS!"
Kurrwyn stepped forward, "Not as long as I, or anyone else before you,
is alive." A red energy came from Arcitis and struck Kurrwyn, sending him to
the ground, motionless.
Jake said, "I guess we know what he says." He then flew upwards, and
called upon the ultimate attack. "By the planes of magic and pendants which
control them; by FURY and Vengance, the weapons we wield; upon the honor and
magic of myself, the Guardian; with the strength and spirit of us keepers;
and all of the gods I hereby vanquish you!" He said loudly, and with that
the pendants began to glow, as did the keepers, Vengance and FURY joined in
the glow, and a flash of many different colors struck Arcitis!
Jon watched in amazement at what was happening, as did Kurrwyn who was
beginning to wake. Jon put an etheral arrow in his bow and fired at Arcitis,
over and over, as Kurrwyn stood and began to cast spells himself. When all of
it had ended Arcitis still floated there, weakened. Its voice boomed, "IS
THAT ALL YOU HAVE? TRY THIS!" The flashes pierced through everyone, they felt
the intense pain of magic surging through them, ripping away their very
souls. Jake managed to use a spell, and wall appeared, blocking Arcitis's
magic, but it obviously was not going to hold. He looked around at everyone,
who had fallen, as the voice boomed again, "I HAVE WON! ALL MORTALS WILL NOW
DIE!" Jake used another spell, and a gate opened, he looked around. "Not
enough power left," he told himself, "one must stay behind, and.. die." He
looked over everyone before him, and shook his head. The gate engulfed
everyone but himself, he quickly threw Vengance and the Fire Pendant in, just
before the wall collapsed and the magic surged through him, tearing him into
nothing.
The magic also hit the gate before it close, inside D'haren was the only
one that was even the slightest bit conscience. He saw a swirling tunnel, but
suddenly it flashed many different images, and started to collapse as things
went black, the last thing he asked himself was, "What will happen now?"
Part Four - Shattered Time
D'haren slowly opened his eyes, all he saw was solid black ground. He
sat up and looked around, the sky was red. Past a hill he saw smoke slowly
rising, and he also saw Kurrwyn, who was studying two pendants and FURY.
D'haren stood and walked over, "You didn't attack me while I was out." He
said, and Kurrwyn looked over at him, his eyes were no longer dark and
misted, like they once were. They were now white and silver.
"Why would I? Killing my own brother is an act of evil." He smiled.
D'haren looked shocked, "It.. wasn't a dream?"
Kurrwyn shook his head, "Where do you suppose we are?"
D'haren looked around, "From what I can see, the past, not long after
Armedes first destroyed everything. Why are the pendants and FURY so dull
looking?"
Kurrwyn shrugged, "Vengeance is like that too."
D'haren's eyes widened, "Vengeance? Is Jake, or anyone else, here?"
Kurrwyn shook his head, "Noone was here when I awoke, it would appear
Jake's dead."
"Then that explains it," D'haren said, sitting down, "Jake is the Lord
Guardian, holder of all magic. When he died so did Magic."
Kurrwyn shook his head, "But I can still use spells."
D'haren nodded, "But all the magic in items is gone now. That means I
can't remove you from the master pendant's spell."
Kurrwyn didn't look at D'haren, he asked, "What about you?"
D'haren looked out at the smoke coming from behind the hill, "As long as
I wear the pendant I am fine," he looked at the Fire Pendant, then a thought
struck him, "that's it! You can wear the Fire Pendant, until we return things
to normal. Since its power is drained it will do as well as the master
pendant."
They both smiled, and Kurrwyn said, "Maybe we should go see what the
source of that smoke is beyond that hill."
D'haren nodded as he picked up the now lifeless FURY, and Kurrwyn picked
up Vengeance, then they headed across the hill.
Storm awoke as the loud sound raced through him. He looked up and saw a
strange figure fly overhead and away, it didn't look like anything he'd ever
seen before. He watched as it pointed towards the ground and two objects came
from under its wings, when they hit the ground explosive fireballs rose high
into the sky, as the strange creature flew away. Storm slowly stood and
looked at his surroundings, everywhere there was nothing but battle, smoke
filled the entire sky. "Where am I?" He asked himself, just then another one
of the creatures came flying towards him, suddenly, it pointed its nose down
at him! Storm, after seeing what the first one did, immediately began to cast
at the strange monster.
"Strike Two, this is Neverwinter Attack Center, we detect strange
emissions within your area." The sound came to the pilot's ears as he made
his plane dodge Storm's spells. "NWAC, Strike Two, I'm under fire, source is
unknown, but it appears to be using 'Magic'."
The pilot heard the NWAC operator laugh, "Magic was lost when Arcitis
destroyed us, you know that. Strike Two, you have permission to engage, you
may attack at your own discretion. Extreme prejudice is advised."
The pilot watched as a Magic Missile struck his right wing tip,
"Negative, NWAC. Permission to investigate."
The operator did not seem to care as his voice came back, "Do as you
wish, we're all gonna be dead in a few days anyways."
Storm watched as the strange object stopped in mid-air, then slowly set
down on the ground in front of him. He prepared for a fight, just in case.
Just then, part of the thing opened, and another person jumped out, a strange
device in their hand which looked like a crossbow, without the bow part.
"Who.. no, what are you?" The stranger asked him.
At this moment all Storm could think was "It sure is hot here". He
looked up and was blinded by the sun, it was a billion times closer to the
Earth than in the past.
The intense heat around him woke Jim up, he slowly sat up, in his human
form, and looked around. He appeared to be in Neverwinter, but everything was
different. Bodies lie all over, either burnt or burning; The sky was now of a
pure black, as the ground was red from blood, like the waters. He recognized
what was Lord Nasher's palace, which laid in ruins, fire still burning in it.
Jim turned into his dragon form and took to the sky, looking down he saw
nothing but miles of destruction, not a single living thing. He did notice
how all the items he carried had lost their magic, he told himself, "This is
odd." Jim landed where Vilnask once was and changed back to a human.
Suddenly, he was grabbed from behind and pulled into some kind of secret
passage! When he was back in the light he looked at the raggedy person that
had dragged him here, "Who.."
She immediately cut him off, "Be quiet, before Arcitis realizes we still
exist. You are not like us," she whispered quietly, "where are you from?"
Jim looked at her oddly, "Question is, where am I?"
The woman stared at him as if he was crazy, "This was Neverwinter, until
Arcitis destroyed it a week ago, now the entire world lays in ruins, with all
magic gone we live in fear." Jim then realized it, "We failed.." he whispered
to himself.
Valeana opened her eyes and looked around, she appeared to be in
someone's home. The lighting was minimal, but everything could still be seen.
Just then an old man hobbled in, "You've awoken." He said, stopping at her
side.
"Where am I?" Is the first thing she asked.
The old man sat down, "You are in our home, we found you out in the
bushes, unconscious." Valeana checked, she still had everything. The man
stood and said, "The pendant you wear, we have one like it, but it has
magic."
Valeana stood, "Let me see it." She demanded. The old one shrugged and
made his way towards a door, followed by Valeana. The door opened to reveal a
room with five others, each one had a pendant, she then realized it, these
are the original keepers!
Lila stood in a strange room, at the far end was a door, the rest was
just brown walls. She went to the door and opened it, going through she found
herself standing on a flat floor, no walls, no ceiling. All around there was
nothing but blackness, except for at one edge there was someone there,
looking out into the endless night. She walked over to them, who turned to
her when she got there.
"Who are you?" She asked Lila, "I don't get many visitors here."
Lila looked around, "Exactly where is.. here?"
The woman turned to look back into the darkness, "The beginning of
time."
Lila looked into the blackness, seeing nothing. "How did I get here?"
The woman looked at her, then down at the pendant, "My pendant! It
appears a little.. dull."
Lila looked down at the pendant, "I remember, Arcitis. Last thing I
remember was that energy blast."
The woman looked at her carefully, "You're new to its power, right?"
Lila nodded and told her, "I only know three spells."
The woman looked shocked, "Only three? That is a short time, perhaps I
should teach you the rest?"
Lila glanced over at her, "Won't that take a while?"
She nodded, "But it seems we have time for it." The woman smiled.
Jon woke in the same setting as Sonja, a plain room with a door at one
end. He stood and went to the door, and afer opening it he walked out to see
someone. "Where am I?"
Someone told him, "The end of time, who are you?" They turned around,
and when they saw Jon they smiled, "Hey, Jon!"
Jon looked at them carefully, "Water-boy!"
The person shouted, "Hey, everyone, it's Jon!"
Two others came out and asked, "What Tryn? Did you say Jon? As in
Wildcat?" They seemed to be in a state of shock.
Tryn told them, "Yes, Jon!"
The female looked up and ran to Jon, hugging him, "I thought we'd never
see you again!"
The younger one, Marc, went to Jon and hugged him as well, "Father!"
Jon was shocked, "It is said you all died after Armedes!" He said,
shedding a slight tear.
Sara told him, "No, we ended up here, somehow. The others, including
you, were missing. What happened to them?" Jon shook his head, "Fire is dead,
he was corrupt. I don't know about Air." Sara smiled, "It doesn't matter,
we've missed you so much!"
D'haren and Kurrwyn had crossed the hill leading to the smoke, down
below they say a town on fire, its people lie everywhere, dead. A sad look
crossed Kurrwyn's face, "I remember this place," he told D'haren as they went
through the ruins, "it was a long time ago."
A voice shouted behind them, "Stop!" D'haren turned to see four riders,
Endrek, Kurrwyn, someone he didn't recognize, and at the head of the group
was the fourth rider, the prince of darkness himself. The devil glared at
D'haren, "Who are you, and what do you mean by bringing your good souls
here?"
Kurrwyn turned and saw the riders, he looked them over carefully, as
they did him. The mounted Kurrwyn looked in awe at the second one, "What is
this? A trick?"
Kurrwyn raised Vengance up, "No trick."
D'haren stopped him, "We don't need a battle, we don't know what will
happen if we change history."
Kurrwyn put it away, "You're right. Let it take its course." He casted
and him and D'haren disappeared.
Storm looked the pilot over carefully, "Where am I?"
The pilot told him, "Four years after the Apocalypse, now who are you?"
Storm hesitated, but eventually replied, "I am Storm, leader of the Army
of Bloodkeep."
The pilot motioned towards the plane, and Storm reluctantly boarded it,
still not knowing what it was.
The pilot sat down and NWAC came through, "Strike Two, report."
The pilot chuckled, "You should hear this guy, real psycho."
NWAC came back with orders, "Report back to base, we'll find out then."
The pilot replied, "On my way." Storm looked around as it slowly lifted
into the air, then darted forward at a blinding speed. Eventually it came to
a stop at what was once Neverwinter, it was now a battle ground. The whole
way the pilot had been telling him, "If you are from some other time, then
you should know. After Arcitis destroyed everything all the towns and cities
in the world built their own armies and went to war with each other. Right
now, Neverwinter holds these parts fairly well, but that's because almost
every other town has been destroyed."
Jim looked over the small group of people before him, most of them were
in bad condition. They hardly had anything to eat or drink, it was obvious it
was going to be hard to survive here. They told him, "Arcitis destroyed all
that there was, we are all that is left. All magic and good is gone because
the Guardian died fighting Arcitis, and now they say the sun will fall and
destroy the planet in four years."
Jim asked, "Why?"
The people told him, "The Guardian is born of fire, he/she is what keeps
the sun in the sky and protects the good of all, Vengance is what holds all
of the magic on the planet, if the Guardian does not have it then magic
disappears. Without a Guardian there is no magic, no future."
Jim sighed, he simply told them, "There is always a future, sometimes
you just have to make one."
Valeana looked the people over, she recognized noone. She had been
careful the whole time, trying not to tell them anything of the future. She
had been there several days now, and they had been very kind, they shared
everything they could, and never got angry with her or anyone else. Except
they never went out, they stayed at home all the time, just as the stories
had said. It had seemed like weeks that she'd been there now, and the six
treated her as if she was family. However. everday she asked herself over and
over, "What happened to the others?"
Jon and the others had been talking over things that they had missed,
when suddenly Tryn mentioned something about, "Remember that strange girl who
suddenly appeared outside about a week before Armedes? The one that wore a
pendant like mine."
Jon looked over at Dester, "Oh, yeah! She was the new keeper of your
pendant, just before Arcitis."
Tryn looked over at Jon, "Seriously?"
Jon nodded, "I understand what happened now."
Marc looked at the group curiously, "What?"
Jon told them, "The same thing with Armedes! Everyone there got sent to
different points in time! And when we lost to Arcitis, the same thing
happened!"
Tryn asked, "Arcitis?"
"Yeah, the son of Armedes, he was evil and wanted to avenge his father's
death."
Dester looked down towards the ground, "And you lost?"
Jon quietly nodded, "The new keepers were not experienced enough..."
Sara cut in, "We understand."
D'haren and Kurrwyn walked through Keeper's Village, the one which the
original keepers had made after Armedes' death rains. It was empty, they had
not seen anyone. It was then they heard noise from one of the small homes,
they both silently went to the door, D'haren peeked through a slight crack,
but he only saw darkness. Suddenly someone opened the curtains covering a
window on the far side, letting light fill the home. D'haren saw someone in
front of the window, but couldn't tell who it was. They turned around where
he could see them, looking away he put FURY back in its sheath. "Put the
lance away, brother. There's no threat."
D'haren knocked on the door, and a voice called out, "Who's there?"
Kurrwyn looked over at D'haren quizzically, "Is that..?"
D'haren answered the voice, "Your allies, Val."
The door opened, and Valeana looked at the two, "I didn't think any of
the others were here!"
Kurrwyn shook his head, "Even if they are we have more important
business."
Storm was escorted down a hall, at one corner was a picture of Jim, which
said "The Savior". Storm asked one of the people near him, "What did he do?"
The person looked at him as if he was crazy, "Where have you been? Four
years ago he told the survivors of Arcitis that they made their own future,
then helped free them from Arcitis. They then developed what you see now."
"What happened to him?" Storm asked.
They sighed, "Arcitis killed him as it died."
D'haren, Kurrwyn, and Valeana searched through the forests that are to
become Berrun in the future. D'haren asked Kurrwyn, "So, what was my real
name?"
Kurrwyn continued looking around, "We never gave you one."
A saddened look crossed D'haren's face, "I have no real name?"
Kurrwyn sighed, "We could always give you one."
D'haren shook his head, "It wouldn't be the same."
Valeana cried out, "I found it!"
They rushed over to where she was, and looking around they saw what
appeared to be Arcitis, but was much smaller. "What are we here for, now?"
She asked.
"We can use Arcitis to revive Vengance's magic and return to our time,
and maybe revive the Guardian."
D'haren jabbed the lance into Arcitis's shell, and the light flowed out
all around. The magic ran through it briefly, but soon ended. The three
immediately raced from the creature, before it could release an outburst of
magic. D'haren looked the lance over, "Only enough magic to get us back to
our time. But then we can bring Jake back to life, hopefully." Kurrwyn and
Valean nodded, and prepared for the time gate. D'haren lifted Vengance high
and cast the spell, the same portal that Jake had used appeared before them,
and they quickly lept in before it closed.
The portal opened and dropped the three down onto the empty Neverwinter
street. D'haren told them, "Follow me." He lead them to the Temple of Tyr.
When they arrived there they headed for a door in the back, but one of the
Acolytes stopped them.
"Innea ch'reas?"
"Schunci la'resn." D'haren replied.
"Crefolit?"
"Kan."
The acolyte let them pass into the room, where the saw something
amazing. The last Phoenix Gate in existance. As he stared at the fire rising
from the ground in the shape of a Phoenix Kurrwyn asked, "So what do we do
now?"
"Someone must go into the gate with Vengeance and the Fire Pendant. Only
problem is is the person will die."
Valeana stepped forward, "I'll do it."
D'haren shook his head, "No m'lady, I will."
"But.." The arguement was cut short.
"Neither of you is doing it, I am." Kurrwyn said, taking an amulet from
his neck he tossed it to D'haren, "Make sure Jake sees this gets to the right
place." Kurrwyn vanished into the gate. Moments later, with no sound and no
notice, everyone was there with D'haren and Ariel, even Jake. But Kurrwyn was
dead, he would not return. Time had been reunited by the loss of D'haren's
brother.Pendants Trilogy - Part 3
(submitted by: AbkS1rJake)
Part Five - The Destined Land
There they stood, reunited again. Jake, Lila, Jon, D'haren, Storm,
Valeana, Jim, Sara, Marc, Tryn, and Kya. They wasted no time returning to
Berrun. The evil Arcitis floated before them, it seemed like an eternity they
had stood there, neither side moving. Then Jake's wings unfolded and he shot
straight up into the air, he flew straight at Arcitis with his fire aura
raging. He crashed into Arcitis' shell and bounced off, not leaving a mark.
As he began to regain his sense he watched D'haren lift FURY into the air and
a white streak of magic fly into Arcitis, but it looked like it had as much
affect as Jake did. Storm prepared for the next attack, but before he could
cast a black beam from Arcitis sent him into the ground. Jon helped pick
Storm up as Lila prepared to attack.
Marc joined in Lila's attack with his own, and instead of getting one
spell effect they got both. As the swirling tornados of the Zephyr Wind spell
took effect, a great wave of water rushed in to join them. Tryn took
advantage of it and threw a spell into it, causing lightning energy to surge
all through the tornados as they struck Arcitis. It fell back from the triple
attack, but quickly recovered and fired a beam at D'haren. FURY was quickly
up in front of him and absorbed the blast, almost knocking D'haren back.
"What was that spell?" He asked the sword.
"Death Blast." It replied in a loud, clear voice.
"It talked?" Jon asked, but noone could reply before a large blue light
sent them all off their feet. Jon was the first to his feet and took out his
etheral bow and arrows, he quickly fired a shot at Arcitis before dodging
another spell. Jim lifted his hand and shadoe energy covered Arcitis until it
was completely black. Suddenly Arcitis absorbed the energy and laughed
loudly, "NICE OF YOU TO RESTORE ME TO FULL POWER, WEAKLING. NOW, ALL OF YOU,
LET'S RETURN TO MY LAND. I SHALL GIVE YOU A CHOICE THERE." Arcitis slowly
lowered towards the ground, Jake still under him. Jake looked up, fearing
this gigantic thing would crush him. Then he saw something, this part wasn't
covered by the shell! Suddenly it stopped and a green flash blinded Jake and
everyone else. Everything became blurry, then turned black.
When Sara woke a few minutes after everyone else she felt disoriented
for the first few seconds. Jon was sitting next to her, he smiled, "Are you
ok?"
"I'm not sure, I seem to be in one piece, but I don't feel like it."
"Well, you're still whole, but we have to prepare." He said, helping her
stand.
"For what?" She asked him and Jon helped her over to the edge of the
cliff.
"That." He said, pointing down at a forest, parts of it freshly burned.
The burned parts made out a letter:
"This is your version of paradise, I give it to you because you are the
strongest competition any of my family has ever had. You now have a choice,
stay here and live in total peace and tranquility forever and let me destroy
your world. Or you can be fools and come fight me, it's your choice. To fight
me just follow the trail here"
A long trail leading into the mountains came from the last "e" of the
letter.
"So what are we going to do?" Sara asked Jon.
"It's decided, we fight Arcitis." Another voice broke in as Storm came
over to the two. "If either of you have wings now is the time to use them,
because the other option could be suicide."
"We'll WHAT?!?" Jon asked, then laughed at the plan. "You mean, we're
just going to float down to the ground?" He managed to stop his laughter
some, "And if we concentrate on one other thing we could fall?"
"That's right." Kya said.
"No way. I'd rather stay here, there's nothing in Neverwinter I care
about anyways." Jon said.
Sara stood and backed away from Jon. "How can you be so greedy?"
"I'm not being greedy, I have nothing to gain either way. Except if I
stay here I'll live."
"But well over billions of people will die, Jon. Ye can stay here if ya
want." Jake said, standing. "Everyone here now has two choices, stay here and
be alone for all eternity. Or ya can fight Arcitis, return to the realms and
be with people ya know, and be remembered for all eternity!"
Lila stood and went to Jake, followed by Storm and Valeana. Sara shook
her head at Jon and went with the rest. D'haren was sitting at Jake's feet,
and that's where he stayed. Jim too went with the others, Tryn and Kya stood
by Jon. Marc simply stood in the middle, he could not decide. Marc finally
joined Jake, Lila, Jim, Storm, Valeana, D'haren, and Sara's side.
Jon shook his head, "I hate it when I'm outnumbered." He stepped over to
the others, reluctantly Tryn and Kya joined them.
"That's better." Jake said. Walking over to the edge. "I guess we're
ready."
"Hey Jake."
Jake turned to face Tryn, "What do you want?"
"Remember when I was involved in killing your family a few billion years
ago?"
"Yes I do." Jake growled, "Never mention it again."
"Fine then, just thought I'd finish the job." Suddenly Tryn's foot met
with Jake's stomach and he went to the edge. Staggering Jake knew he would
not keep his balance, reaching out he grabbed Tryn and they both fell.
The kick had knocked all of the breath out of Jake as he fell, but still
he clutched Tryn tightly. As he rapidly approached the ground Jake managed to
start breathing again and his fire cloak unfolded into wings. He sailed down
towards the ground, preparing to land. "Thank you for flying Air Jake,
traitor." He dropped Tryn, who hit the ground hard, then landed. He turned
and readied Vengeance, Tryn was beginning to stand.
"I never knew you could fly."
"There's a lot of stuff ya don't know about me."
Tryn cast a spell and a wave of water came from nowhere, knocking Jake
into a nearby tree. Jake stood, "Great, now ya got me wet." He cast his own
spell and a small glowing red ball came out of the sky and struck Tryn,
knocking him down. Without even getting up Tryn used another spell and Jake
fell, severely weakened.
"How does it feel to have almost every fluid in your body drained?" Tryn
asked as he got up.
"It feels wonderful." Jake kicked Tryn with no effect as he arrived.
Shaking his head Tryn took out a sword and lifted it, "I now declare the
last of the Bashir family DEAD!"
"Wrong again, pal, I have a son."
"A son?!?" Tryn lowered his guard, allowing Jake to bring Vengeance
around and sweep him to the ground.
Jake stood over Tryn, "Yes, a son." Tryn leapt up and swung the sword at
Jake, who used the trident to block it.
"You're kidding?"
"No, it's true." Jake knocked the sword from Tryn's hands. "Now I
declare the last of the Tryn family.. dead!!!" He brought Vengeance down
against Tryn's head with great force. "I always knew you were evil, fool."
Jake slowly staggered over to a nearby stream and kneeled to get some water.
Everyone had looked over the edge in shock. They did not know whether or
not to think if either of the two were alive or dead. "Concentrate." Lila
suddenly said, "We're going down there!" She waved her hand and a spell took
effect, a white glow surrounded everyone. Slowly they floated down to the
bottom.
When everyone landed they looked around, there was the body of Tryn,
it's head basically split in half. They heard movement behind them and
turning the first thing they saw was a lance jabbed into the ground, then
Jake standing behind it. "Miss me?" Lila ran over to him and wrapped her arms
tightly around him.
She was about to speak when lightning filled the air and the sky turned
green. Out of nowhere Arcitis appeared, seperating Jake and Lila from
everyone else. "Not again!" Jim yelled.
"I know his weak spot! Aim for.." An orange beam from Arcitis made both
Jake and Lila vanish.
Arcitis chuckled, "I TOLD YOU YOU WOULD DIE."
"You mean..."
"THEY ARE DEAD!!!" Arcitis turned and sent a volley of spells into the
remaining group, scattering them.
"Not one of the wisest choices thee could make, evil being." D'haren
leapt through the air and slammed FURY against Arcitis' shell, but did no
damage. The same orange beam caused Jim, D'haren, Valeana, and Kya to vanish.
Jon, Marc, and Sara were the next to vanish, leaving only Storm.
"Uh oh." Storm barely dodged the orange beam, turning back to Arcitis he
cast a spell. "I'm gonna fight to the end!"
"THE END IS NOW!" A spell from Arcitis sent Storm back against a rock.
Storm felt his right shoulder broken, and he could not move his right leg.
"Just kill me quickly. At least I know I died a warrior."
Before Arcitis could do anything something struck his top, a spell of
such beauty it could amaze anyone who saw it, but with such power it flipped
Arcitis over. "What the.." Storm began to say.
FURY buried deep into the soft part of Arcitis in a forty-five degree
angel, followed by Vengeance which did the same, crossing FURY perfectly. As
they met sparks of magic began flying from them, then shield dug into Arcitis
behind them. A voice yelled, "Strike!" Storm saw nine figures falling towards
the ground. From them came a set of spells that struck Vengeance and FURY,
then a loud lightning surge hit with them, causing Arcitis to explode,
causing Storm to black out.
Part 6 - Aftermath
Moments later Jon was holding Sara and Marc to him closely, neither one
moving. He tried to hide it but there were tears in his eyes. Feet away was
the body of Kya, more badly mutilated from the explosion than Sara and Marc.
All three were dead, and they were the only ones who died in the explosion.
The only difference was, instead of being in Arcitis' world, everyone was in
Neverwinter Square.
Storm woke to a familiar scene, Blood Keep. He sat up, "Where am..?" He
fell back to his bed with severe pain in his right side.
"Easy man!" Jim said as he helped Storm lay back. "You been out for an
hour!
Jim and D'haren healed Storm's broken bones. Slowly Storm sat up and saw
Jon in the corner, his face buried in his hands. "What's wrong with him?"
"Sara and Marc died." D'haren said.
"So?"
"Sara was once his wife, Storm, and Marc was his son. Even after not
being with them for eight billion years it made him sad."
"I see, who else died?"
"Just Kya, everyone else is alive."
"Then we should be thankful, for more people are alive than they are
dead. Now begins a new day, it is time to embrace it." Storm said, then
smiled slightly. Then he thought, "Wait a second, I thought Arcitis killed
all of you?"
"No way." Jim grinned, "It just imprisoned us inside it, Arcitis didn't
expect ye to fight back, so in order to fight back he had to release us."
Storm sat up, "Then why do I still have a pounding headache?"
"Take two heals and call the temple in the morning, bro."
"Thanks, I'll try to forget that."
Like all battles, Arcitis had its aftermath. Jon lost Sara and Marc, and
was saddened more than he thought possible. Although darkened some he still
journeys through Neverwinter as the freelance he is. Jake had finally avenged
the death of his family, and now it is time for him to plan his wedding with
Lila. Lila, of course, is a bit shaken by the loss of her ex-husband, but is
glad she has Jake to be with now. D'haren got his pendant back, but at the
cost of his brother, and now him and Valeana return to the mighty Camelot
with pride at their victory. Jim is still himself, as is Storm, who is now
happy at being reunited with Sonya again. As for Kurrwyn, he may've died, but
he did it saving the world, and Tyr is a forgiving man. In future events he
might just be seen again..
Until then everything is back to normal, but the way Neverwinter is, not
for long.
<THE END>
----------------
Here's our lovely cast folks, just so you don't get any names confused.
(Note - Three of these screen names can not be found nowadays, at least not
by me)
Ariel = Ariela4u
D'haren = Sir Dharen
Endrek = Endrek Sahr
Jake = S1r Jake, Lord Jake, AbkS1rJake
Jim = ABKLordJim, LJ718
Jon = Sir Jon W
Kurrwyn = Kurrwyn
Lila = Ldy Lila
Sonya = ABK S0nya
Storm = ABK Storm
Valeana = Valeana
Hope everyone enjoyed reading this as much as I did writing it, I mean
that.Beginnings and Endings
(submitted by: ABK Mellow)
ABK Mellow was sitting in his room at Bloodkeep. Surrounding him were all
the caskets and kegs of ale, Bloodred wine and other assorted ABK drinks. He
was deathly bored today. "I shall go to the garden." he thought.
Flick
Standing on a battlefield more red with blood than green with the springs
grass, ABK Mellow led the thousands of screaming humans, clad in all sorts of
mismatched armour. Heading over the hills, Mellow finally saw the encampment.
It was teeming with all sorts of evil. Cloud Giants guarding sentry, Kobolds
sharpining the cursed weaponry, and even humans, long since given their souls
to the beholders.
Flick
ABK Mellow sat up with a start. This hadn't happened. Here he was still
in his small cramped room. Getting up he decided that he would walk to the
library. It was quiet there. Perhaps he was catching the bug that had been
going around.
Flick
With a roar of "JUSTICE FOR THE DEAD! HOLD HARMON"S FIELD!!" Mellow flew
into the enemy camp. Wheeling about with his sword, Mellow felled creature
after creature. His men were a dull roar now. He turned to see many of them
fall to the Cloud Giants. Beholders had entered the fray and blood covered
everything. Mellow knew that if he just reached the High Evil, King of all
that is dark, and killed him that this bloodshed would be ended. Taking off
at a run he headed for the middle of the camp. As he got there he noticed a
Golden chair on a pedestol. "There", he thought "is a throne great enough for
a King."
Flick
ABK Mellow was quite worried. The library was ahead of him. His head
was splitting now. Clutching at his head he staggered the steps to the
library. He couldn't remember why he was here. Walking along the hundreds of
shelves covered in books he snached one from the stand. Not knowing why.
Fick
The shadow that had been covering the throne seemed to have become a
solid. A caped figure with the hood thrown back. Its head was a normal human
face. But there was something terribly wrong with it. Something Mellow
couldn't see. The thing laughed and a voice spoke inside Mellows head,
mingling with his own thoughts "Serve me, you shall become one of my
favorites. Men will curse your name forever in fear. Stand with me or
perish." With a roar of pure rage Mellow shouted "If I stand with you may I
never have been born!!!" With that, sword thrusting outward, Mellow charged.
Flick
In the library, Mellow opened the book. It was covered in dust and was
intitled "The Begining of Bloodkeep"
Flick
Hurling himself at the thing was something Mellow was even surprised of.
His sword fluidly began hacking and sliceing. The evil one felt none of it
but snarled. Then Mellows sword struck home. The odd human face fell away and
underneath there was a face made of pure blood.
Flick
Opening the book Mellow blew off the dust. He had no idea what he was
looking for. He tuned a page and on the following one had been left blank.
Only now shadows of letters had appeared. Mellow rubbed his eyes.
Flick
Heaving his blade toward the horrid face Mellow screamed. The sword
hit the evil one and heaved the thing backwards. But at the last moment, a
porthole opened and the Dark one stepped inside. He flung a firebolt at
Mellow as he tumbled inside it. Mellow flew backwards as the fireball hit
him. His blood began seeping onto the ground. As he lay there dying...
Flick
Mellow was thrown to the floor by an unknown source. He felt entirely sick.
Now as the blackness began to cover his eyes Mellow skimmed the now clear
wording on the page. His lips moved as he erad "Bloodkeep founded on Harmon's
Field. We will always mourn the fallen that painted the field red with their
blood in the battle to uphold truth". With that Mellow sighed. His headache
was gone but all was going black. He thought "Sleep. Yes sleep would be
nice." He fell asleep. Unaware of the group of ABK that now surrounded
him.Rumors in Crossergate
(submitted by: Jedi Chris)
The evening was filled with an erie mist that seemingly blocked out all of
the light from the full moon far above. Lord Nasher sent word to the
Protectorate guild hall. His request was for a small band of scouts to
verify a rumor. The word was out that an evil cleric was massing troups in a
secret temple hidden somewhere in Crossergate. One of the Protectorate
AGM's, Jedi Chris, accompanied by a few of his guildmates, TP Havok (Lord of
Paladins), Marla TP, and Tanandae . The small band sought the aid of a few
trusty swords, for there is strength in numbers. With the help of Sir Arias,
QPheonix01, ZZutam, Lowlandr, and Gemdragon9, the group was able to rescue a
young Centaur from an army of gnolls and ogre mages. In return for our help
the Centaur pointed us in the direction of the hidden temple. Once inside we
crossed swords with the evil cleric. Our new comrades fought bravely and
with honor. We easily dispatched the cleric and his small band of troops.
However, in the remains we found a Scrawled Note detailing the hordes of
beasts which were to converge on the town as reinforcement troops for the
cleric. We quickly returned back to Neverwinter to warn Lord Nasher of the
oncoming army.
Thanks to Sir Arias, QPheonix01, ZZutam, Lowlandr, and Gemdragon9 for all
their help....you have served Lord Nasher well :)
Jedi Chris
AGM of The ProtectorateThe Shadow
(submitted by: Tyst)
The dreams had been bothering me for many nights.. I would awaken, sweat on
my brow and my body shaking. Always the same vision would come to me.....
~~ Within a darkened forest, somewhere to the east a Shadow roamed though the
brush. I was there, the shadow had taken one of my brethren and had
possessed two others. I laid helpless as the Shadow began to...~~
It was always then, that I would come out of the dream. I knew the place of
my dreams and it was time to find the answers.. A trip was planned and I
along with TP Havok, Dantbh1 and Luthyen we set out to find the vision in my
dream. We must stop whatever this dark force is that has invaded my sleep.
But still visions of my dream were all too clear..
~~ Havok was the first to fall. He felt the shadow approaching us and began
his incanation. Fire built up on his fingertips and a massive fireball began
to form. A laugh seemed to come from the Shadow. A wall of some force
seemed to envelope Havok, as if the forest had magic resistance. His
Fireball closed in upon itself and a Shadow formed in its place. It is
mostly a blur, but the Shadow entered Havok and his eyes went gray.. He
turned to the other two and said, "The Shadow will guide you now foolish
ones, you shall all become part of the downfall that awaits all in this
world.". The Shadowed Havok then turned and headed North, deeper into the
forest. The remaining two Protectorates followed, hoping for some clues on
how to stop this darkness that was growing. ~~
The four of us had made good time and had traveled far when we began to
notice slight changes in the landscape. The long abandoned town we passed
through seemed to be darker than the night it was named after. But we
pressed on. Once into the forest, a presence seemed to follow us, like a
tiger stalking it's prey. At the northern gates, we knew that we were
nearing its home. The Shadow felt us approaching, it must have. Out of
nowhere, a large tree began to fall, Lady Luthyen at the time was examining
some tracks on the tundra at her feet and did not see the gargantuan piece of
lumber falling towards her. I acted fast without thinking and pushed her out
of the way, only to feel the brunt of a 2 ton log wedge me between two
boulders. A errie laughter swept through us all and a cold chilling breeze
lifted fallen leaves into the sky. Hours passed as our group tried to move
the tree away, but to no avail. All the time the errie laughter taunted us to
enter its lair. "You must go ahead without me. This shadow is gaining too
much power. It is midweek and the height of the dark powers is great. By
midnight, only the strongest of wills will be able to fight this thing. GO,
go ahead as I hope others may come after, I shall send them to aid you when I
see them."
~~ Luthyen and Dantbh1 followed the possessed Havok to a clearing. The gray
eyed one turned and proclaimed, "Here is my place, the Shadow shall conquer
all. The Shadow will sacrifice the Lady to the beasts and come to full
strength." Dantbh1 had enough, he could not stand to see his brother used in
such a way and intended to exorcise the Shadow from Havok's soul. Beginning
his chant, one he felt would remove the beast, he stepped forward, "Dispel
Evil!" he cried as he laid his hands upon his Shadowed brother. A small
spark came from his touch and then turned gray as the Shadow split and leapt
into Dantbh1. Dantbh1, eyes now a shallow darkened gray turned to Luthyen.
"Now the Shadow will taste your soul!!."~~
I laid there for hours, tending my wounds. Some damage I had taken, but my
wounds were tended, if only I could get free of this tree. The errie
laughter had stopped not long after Havok, Luthy and Dant had stepped though
the gate. It was only then that I knew that the visions in my dream were
coming to pass. This darn tree, I must go to help them. Help is needed. I
heard a rustling down the path, brandishing my Flail I prepared to defend
myself., when TP Tec appeared around the bend. "Bro.. Bro!", I yelled.
"M'Lord what has happened. I heard you headed out this way and came to join
you.. Where are the others. What has happened?". I quickly explained to Tec
about my dreams and what I feared had befallen our comrades who had gone into
the Shadows lair. Tec stood, "I shall go save them..". "No, Tec.. I would
wait. I fear that you alone, even with your might can stop what is going on
here. Head back to the TP Castle and wake everyone up. It is still early..
It is Mid Week and I expect many to be around.. Get them here by 10:00 p.m.,
I will be okay.. I shall let them know what to do at that time." Hesitantly
Tec responded, slowly at first, then quickly, he ran back home to call a
massing of TP'rs to save the day..
~~The Shadowed Dantbh1 approached Luthyen. M'Lady stood tall, courage in her
heart, fear not existant and defiance of evil in her soul. She made no
movement. The Shadow leapt into the air but could not penetrate her guard.
A squeal emerged from both Havok and Dant, one of frustration. "This one is
very pure". said Havok. "The Shadow shall possess her. The Shadow will
possess you female. Cast upon us, strike at us to defend yourself.".
Luthyen's voice spoke up, a fire in the Darkness of the Shadow lair, " I
SHALL NOT." Holding her hands out, "Oh poor brothers, I cannot do what you
have done, If I cast a spell I shall also become possessed. I cannot lift a
weapon and strike at you who mean so much to me, possessed or not
possessed.." Dantbh1 grabbed some rope and quickly fastened it to Luthy's
hands. "Then you will be the Shadows captive till the time of sacrifice is
here." said Dantbh1 as he tied Lady Luthyen to a tree. Havok turned down
the path, "I shall patrol the road. No army can penetrate the Shadows home,
but solo travelers may find a hole in our defenses. IF any do, I shall bring
them here to be tested. Perhaps the Shadow can take more into our
possession..".. Shadow Havok and Dantbh1 began to laugh, as Luthyen watched
the horror of the Shadow that has posseser her brothers. "Help will be
coming, help will be coming", she said to herself.~~A Dream of the Past
(submitted by: Halur Arrg)
Halur carefully makes his way silently along the hillside path placing each
tread of his booted feet so as to leave no trace for the ruffians he knows
lurk and attack without warning. Many times he has been the subject of
their aggressions. Many times has a young spoiled apprentice sprung from
the bushes with a new found magic stick and scorched his beard. He was
determined it would not happen this night.
And as he rounds a bend in the trail, the warm river breeze carries voices to
his ears. He pauses a moment and listens to the faint sound. Not
breathing, he begins to make out the gravelly laughter, the clanking of
mugs, and the sounds of a dialect he has long ago forgotten in his travels.
He smiles... "Heh.. this be my kin..."
He moves closer and spies through the branches a distant open window lit by
the flames of flickering wall-torches and oil lanterns. He can smell the
feast they share and his stomach growls. "Ah, Me daern.. me kin.."
But knowing he is a stranger in this land now, he does not approach. Rather,
he finds a secluded staghaven between several large rocks and spreads his
bedroll quietly. He leans back against a rock and listens to the voices
which come to him over the gentle chirping of chicada in the distant wood.
Halur is exhausted from his many days travel and within minutes, he drifts
into a light dozing... accompainied by dreams...
He is a youngster, three days before his thirtieth celebration of birth.
And he sits upon the stone terrace his father has built atop a precipice
outside their home overlooking the city. His favorite pet, Ichzanno the
lizard, is chasing a large arachnid to which he has tied a thread around its
leg. Each time Ichy prepares to pounce, he gives the thread a tug, much to
Hal's amusement Ichy does somersaults trying to catch it.
Then steps his mother from the house onto the patio. "Halur G. Arrg..!!
I told ya o'er an o'er nae ta tease yer Ichy..!!! When 'e gets big he'll
want ta bite fer sure."
Hal cowers knowing what comes next. She grabs him by the nape of the neck
and places him firmly inside the threshold.
"Now gets ta yer room and don comes out til yer fa'er is 'ome an ya hears
me call ya ta tha table.!"
He obediently goes to his room and looks out the window. A strange dark
cloud looms on the horizon and billows unnaturally. Halur feels a cold chill
as the wind suddenly picks up and the cloud casts a dark shadow over his
home... Horses' hooves gallop along the slopes toward his home... and then
he is grasped from behind by unknown hands...
He finds himself upon the docks... A soft voice speaks "Halur.. Thy mother
and father are lost.. Do not return there. There is nothing but death."
A silent hand leads him to a ship's catwalk. He boards and climbs below
deck. At the first port he signs on as a steward and takes the life of a
seaman. The crews are amused at his deft climbing of the sailropes and
treat him well, although he is often made the object of jest. He speaks
rarely as to not call attention to himself...
<<chip, chip, chip>>
<<chip, chip, chip>>
Hal awakens slowly to see an unsuspecting wood squirrel chipping away at a
kernel. He looks up into the tiny black eyes, and the squirrel freezes in
the realization that someone is there. At Hal's first breath it scurries
away.
Hal looks to the window that he saw the night before. All is quiet.
"Heh.. gonna finds me a stream, and washes me beard.. then be introducin
meself to me kin wit a knock on tha door." He grins as he rolls his bed and
sets out to prepare for the meeting...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Me kin.. ther's me tale.. I hope ye see fit ta let's me inta tha clan so's
I can lern tha ways o me kin ;)
Humbly,
Halur Arglar ;)
(the gift of the slaughter)Thorn's Journey
(submitted by: Thorn Hawk)
I slipped through the gates of Neverwinter just as Nasher's elite guards
closed them for the night. Traveling west from the woods following my wife's
trail, led me to this city, our second home and Castle Stalker. If there was
anyplace in Neverwinter she would go, that was the place with its grey stone
walls and shadowed corridors. I still couldn't stand staying there for more
than a few days even after all this time, but it was to that edifice of the
protectorate that I found myself journeying.
The city was crowded, very crowded in fact for a winter night. Nasher must
be planning something for the spring to bring in all these adventurers and
mercenaries. Shrugging, I made my way to Castle Stalker near the wharves.
Walking through the halls, I noticed much activity had taken place recently.
It looked like an expedition was put together.
"Now where could my wife be going?" I thought walking into the courtyard.
A light shower started as I made my way back to the heart of Neverwinter
thinning the crowd along with the coming of night. Pulling my cloak tighter
about my body, I headed for the square and the guard that patrolled there.
There were few things in Neverwinter or the surrounding areas that the guard
on duty was not aware of and if my wife had passed through on some journey
surely this guard would know about it.
"Sir, have you heard about the tavern?" asked a young cleric.
"The tavern?"
"Yes sir, it was robbed it was."
"What!" I replied not waiting for an answer as I made my way to the tavern
near the river that had become a home for me of sorts. His reply was lost in
the crowd and rain.
"Have you seen my wife, Luthyen Tinuviel?" I asked the guard, a new one by
his dress.
"No Thorn Hawk, I have not."
"Are you ok, Thorn?" asked Mystri.
"Huh?" I replied as the noise from the tavern returned to assaulted my ears.
"You just looked lost for a second."
"I was thinking about my journey here and my wife," I answered looking around
the tavern and the many patrons.
"Speaking of your wife, Thorn, she left these here earlier," commented Spryte
setting a plate of brownies before me.
"Thank you Spryte."
I began eating the brownies while Spryte refilled my mug with the firewater
frenzy that JJ had made earlier in the evening. It was a spicy frenzy that
seemed to warm a chilled body nicely. I will have to thank JJ again when I
see him, I thought.
"Don't eat them all bro," remarked Ellyn climbing out of the hot tub and
dressing before joining me at the bar.
I slid the plate down the bar in front of the stool next to me as Ellyn sat.
It had been long since I was last in the tavern and the company and food had
helped to relax me after spending more than a month in the north on patrol.
"Evening all," yelled Dragn over the din as he approached the bar.
"Good evening to ya Dragn."
"Thorn," he responded sitting in his customary spot.
I glanced over to the fire to see Elvinhawke trying to talk Pandora into
leaving the tavern and going for a walk. My eyes fell upon Wrymsilver
pushing an orange around before biting into it with his small teeth. A table
near the fire was occupied with Tel'mithrim talking in hushed tones.
Ellyn said something I didn't catch as I lifted my mug to my lips, when the
elfstone I wore under my tunic flared to life drenching the tavern in azure
light. The stone was a link to my wife and I felt her keenly as the light
pulsed in time to her heart. A searing pain exploded in my chest, the mug
falling from my numb fingers, sending me crashing to the floor as the light
from the stone turned black casting the tavern into deep shadow. I felt
Luthyen calling my name, fear in her voice along with desperation. I had the
vague impression of people over me calling, talking, but nothing penetrated
the black shadow that surrounded my body.
A faint green pulse grew from the elfstone as I fought against this shadow of
darkness. I felt drained from the attack and knew with certainty my wife
fought something dire. The green glow expanded in time with the beat of my
heart until I could breathe again. The noise for the tavern became clear.
My last impression before the bleakness faded was of my wife being bound in a
place I knew well.
"A'maelamin Luthyen . . . ," I whispered hoarsely.
Ellyn stood over me calling, talking about Luthyen being in danger while
Dragn helped me to my feet. Feeling drained of life and spirit, I knew I had
to find Luthyen before it was too late. Reaching for the nearest mug, I
drained it dry to ease the tightness in my throat.
"I . . . must . . . go," I croaked pushing away from both Dragn and Ellyn,
"she is in danger . . . grave danger."
"Luthy?" cried Ellyn, "how can I help bro?"
Staggering to the door, "find our brothers and follow."
"Thorn, take this," offered Dragn holding forth a silver ring, "it is a ring
of invulnerability."
Placing the ring on my finger, "Thank you Dragn," I responded.
I reeled into the street, the elfstone beating with the time of my heart
healing, guiding, protecting me as my journey began again. Steadying myself
on the corner of the tavern, my head having stopped spinning and some color
returning to my skin, I felt Destiny resting in her scabbard knowing she
would be needed and headed east toward the woods and my home perceiving that
Luthyen was fighting for her life and spirit.
Thorn Hawk,
Brotherhood of PathfindersA King's Fate
(submitted by: KEF Tobias)
A King's disgrace was his alone,
To feel the burden of his throne,
Tyranny led to those of grace,
Who couldn't look each other in the face.
Power hungry was the lord,
And vast was his unworldly hoard,
Taxing those without mercy,
Even those of the Clergy.
For his family he did not care,
Even in times of great despair,
Following blindly without hope,
Head's low, knowing they could cope.
High and mighty off his ego,
There he was standing very regal,
Smiling at the peasants tortures,
Caring nothing of there orchards.
Now completely mad by power,
Never thinking to guard the tower,
Came across the castles' moat,
Was the start of the peasants revolt.
There the King stood with wide eyes,
For his power became his own demise,
There the peasants stormed the throne room,
Sticking his head on a royal balloon.
A tyrant's rule now in ashes,
Now to start over without ruling classes,
The peasants now reign supreme,
To end this tale of goldless gleam.
KEF Ode to Ale
(submitted by: KEF Tobias)
Ale, ale that wonderful drink,
The more you swallow the less you think!
The less you think the better you feel,
So lets have Ale with every meal!
KEF Ode to Ale Tieg's Shadow
(submitted by: Tieglin)
The figure crept down the passage of the TP Keep, avoiding all activity.
It had been difficult to enter the fortified stronghold without attracting
notice, but he'd managed it with a good bit of skill and a small amount of
luck. The main hall and vault area were alive with the flicker of torches
and the ring of enchanted steel. The Protectorate, it seemed, had a busy
night ahead of them.
The figure smirked, considering the fun he expected them to have later.
"The woods," he'd heard shouted across halls and courtyards, "Tyst is in the
woods..." His mission, however, was too important for the fun in the woods.
The door he sought was strong oak banded with iron, nestled in a far corner
of the Keep. Frowning in concentration, the dark one muttered an incantation
quietly and hurled the magical energy against the door. Invisibly and
silently the spell-lock shattered, rent asunder by the power--and more
importantly, the driving need--of the spellcaster. A simple lock was no
match for three wires and nimble fingers, and the figure slipped into the
Paladin Lord's chamber.
The moonlight off the moat sent patchy silver across the stone ceiling of
the room, and the figure paused for a moment to adjust his vision. Quickly
he moved toward the bedside, where he suspected his target to be. Silently a
dagger slid from it's sheathe. One quick flick, and it would be over.
A figure on the bed stirred, and a feminine voice...Marla's...mumbled,
"Havok?" Smirking once again, the figure reached his position...
"Sleep well, m'lady" he whispered, and the dagger slid home.
The tip of the dagger popped the bedstand lock, and the drawer slid open.
Inside lay the target...a silver-blue, Mystra-blessed ring. The figure
carefully retrieved the item, dropping it into a hidden pocket inside his
tunic. Tieglin stepped to the bedside, mischief and moonlight twinkling in
his eyes. Carefully he leaned over, and kissed Marla gently on the forehead.
She stirred faintly and tried to reach for her betrothed.
"Go back to sleep, dear," the paladin whispered gently, and the lady
quieted.
Tieg chuckled as he set a note on the bedstand and slipped silently from
the room, resetting the lock and the spell. "Havok'll kill me in the
morning," Tieg snickered as he trotted back down the hall.
The note read:
"Sorry for the intrusion, bro, but I had to get the ring tonight. I've
managed to stay near the keep for two weeks now, and find it more and more
important to stay. By the way, congratulations on your "conquest," I hope ye
two are happy together.
Tieg
P.S. Is there any way I might get a room here? Recent events have left my
pockets light, and rent at Daglow's is getting expensive...."The Childling
Awakens
(submitted by: Jaliycia)
Christmas morning came and the childling awoke in her rooms. The night
had birthed some strange dreams...if she counted them, then Santa had arrived
over twenty separate times during the night. Either Santa Claus was really a
very senile human, or her friends were playing through the night. Secretly,
Jaliycia hoped that the second was true...for she worried about the adults
around her...so many had forgotten what it was to just play, and she could
not remind them all. If they were playing, then maybe Yuletide gave them a
gift as well...the gift of imagination.
Looking around her room, Jaliy's blue eyes grew bright with wonder.
The room was full of toys...and if she looked just right, an illusion hung in
the room that made it appear as though she were reading a M. Sendak
book...unlike a little boy's jungle, her room was a garden paradise begging
to be explored (Siexas)! To one side of her, Jaliycia found her nutcracker
doll, with a nut in its mouth and a beautiful dwarven-crafted doll that she
immediately named "Tyriana"...or "Tyri" for short (N0VA Asha). To the other
side, a small wolf cub stirred; its mind touching hers with a soft
sending...asking her to run and play with him (Wolf MKII). Beside him, lay an
owlbear stuffed toy that she declared was to be called "Terror" (Llewdoc) and
a teddybear woodsman who would be known as "Thorne" (WGW Thorn). She
whispered a mental reply of "Soon...I promise" to the little wolfling and
wondered what her garou-cub playmates would think of her wolf friend.
Glancing quickly around the rooms, Jaliycia was thankful for the
enchantments that her mother laid on the rooms...ensuring that no one would
tamper with the gifts left. The spell ensured that no gift could be damaged
or destroyed...and though she noted a few less appealing gifts (like the
'fake' head of Santa Claus) she was sure that the redcaps would not mind
desposing of them for her when they came to wish the childling a Festive
Yule.
Upon closer examination, the childling was overjoyed to find such
treasures as a matching amulet and ring of silver and star sapphires (the
first fromHC Amroth, and the second from GreySavant). The notes left with
each pleased her, and the princess set them in a wooden box on her
desk...each note and tag followed those, so that by the end of the morning,
she had quite a collection.
And that was not the only collection started that morning. A group of
snowglobes were beginning to line up along the top of her roll-top desk too.
The first, a delicate unicorn dancing in the snow...it looked very much like
her friend, Shirian (Luchsaugig). Next to it, sits a glob with a tiny girl
enjoying the snow...appearing much as she did on the night before, with the
gift of the snow falling around her (the snowglobe, from Chad15803, and the
snow on Yuletide Eve from Tesssser). After that in the growing line, was
placed a wonderous globe with a colorful unicorn playing with a
butterfly...her name inscribed in its base...this one caused Jaliy to sigh
each time she looked at it (Xylot). Following that one, sat a globe that was
slightly chill to the touch, as if it held real snowflakes falling around a
glowing angel (NOR Divine). The last globe was not quite a snowglobe, but it
held a gift under glass...a seed that was slowly sprouting into a flower (Sir
Paxus). Sitting on the desk itself...the gift from her tiefling friend
rested, something he called an Orb of Chaos (Lord Zeem); she didn't
understand it...yet...but promised to herself that she would in time.
Other boxes waited to be opened as well. The first of the boxes held
an odd crown. It was stunning to look upon and Jaliy set it aside...with a
proclamation that it was much too pretty to wear (ITB Xavier). It would get
placed in the treasure vaults of the Freehold later that day with a note on
it stating her wishes. Floating around her, Jaliycia noticed and began
whispering greetings to a tiny fleck of light...it revealed itself as a
Starling...and awaited a name. The tiny creature flittered and glittered in
the morning light, so she declared his name to be "Twinkle" (SR Stellar) and
felt its pleasure through the ties that formed. Another box held a tiny
amulet of light which glowed and lit her features with its magic (Solmonius).
Yet another box held an intricate doll that transformed, much like her
friend, Jase. The doll was a Garou doll...and Jaliy set it aside to figure
out later (Fang Lupus). "I have to be sure to keep the Nockers away from
you, or else they may take you apart to find out what makes you tick!"
Jaliycia giggled.
Behind her, something whirred and ticked...! Looking up to the
mantle above her fireplace, she squealed with delight at the wonderous
clockwork hawk that perched there (Brinburu). She named him "Talon" right
away and felt a bond grow with the creation. The stockings were full, and
the princess giggled at the tiny bites left behind in the cookies and
carrots...Wyrmsilver was here, they screamed...atleast he left a cookie or
two for the real Santa. Inside her stockings, she found more gifts...the
wooden wand was set aside to examine with her instructor, Kerrgon, later
(Wyrmsilver). A bracelet wrapped with a note, told of a promise that the
wearer would find dreams fulfilled with the item (WARR Shirm). Fluttering
above it, Jaliycia found a fairy. She held a letter from her rescuer and
promised a tale of her ordeal (OOM Breeze)...but first she had to talk to the
Queen. The childling nodded and told the tiny creature how to find her
mother's chambers; watching it fly off to awaken Ilysianna.
Turning around, Jaliycia opened the biggest box of all and her eyes lit
up at the wonderous doll house that was hidden within. It's note called the
structure a "House of Dreams" (ABK Wilson). Jaliy levitated the house into
her Playroom...and sat it next to her ToyCastle. Now the dolls would have a
winter home as well as a summer one!
The sound of Jaliy's parents stirring reminded the childling that the
most important tradition had yet to be observed. With a wave of her hands,
all of the gifts were replaced in the boxes and the wrappings restored. Each
note was reattatched, and Jaliycia rushed to climb into her bed
again...nearly knocking the "Tickle Me Elmo" doll (Delrond) to the floor in
her rush. A final glance around the room confused the childling for a moment
as she noted a fiddle laying next to her lute...it looked familiar...and made
the girl feel uneasy (Fianna McD).
Shaking it off, she discovered a tiny candy cane and remembered one of
a number of dreams that were had during the night. With this gift, there
was the whispered promise of a friend...something the child longed for most
of all (BH Malkav). "Now what shall I dream about, while I wait?" she asked
herself. Dreams of stories and tales full of magic crossed through her
mind...memories of things half recalled and not quite experienced waited for
the childling to enter her dreamscape. Should she dream about the rainbow
wish for peace (Excalibur and LadyDRealm) or the Yuletide tales (KiheBard) or
their 'disproof discertation' (V Randym) or maybe of the real Santa's visit
(NW Santa)? Or should she just let her mind wander? The latter choice won
out, and the princess began to dream of a grove and a stable that was lovely
enough for her unicorn-friend to call 'home' so that he would never leave her
(ElvinHawke).
Settling under the covers again, her room restored...Jaliycia fell back
into dreams and waited for her parents to wake up. Every child knows that
they arent allowed to open gifts until their parents are awake, fed and
present...hehe.
Jaliycia
Littlest Sidhe of the Seelie Court
Princess of the Kithain
(Friend to all who Dream)WGW/Mech War
(submitted by: WGW Marty)
WGW Withstands Torrid Mech Assault On the Woods
Five days ago, in the Woods far to the East of Neverwinter, talk of war
turned into bloody reality. Just before the witching hour, a small band of
the Mech, led by their Guildmaster, Mech Aztek, clashed with a small group of
Warriors and Guardians of the Woods, led by WGW Z Man. Neverwinter spies had
been reporting that the Mech, a group of beings which are part human, part
machines, were planning an assault on the Woods for the past few months. When
the two groups encountered each other, those plans blossomed. Seeing a
chance to overwhelm the humans, and follow through with their plans to
"purify" the Woods, the Mech called forth all available units.
WGW was not unprepared. A similar number of human warriors had been
garrisoned at WGW's guild hall, and the two guilds clashed. The Mech, using
their bizarre technologies, hammered at the WGW Warriors with blasters,
lasers, and other manufactured weaponry. WGW called forth the power of
nature and the Woods, hitting the Mech with fire, lightning, ice, and other
magicks. Both guilds fought with skill and strength, in their own ways.
When the battle had ended, 34 Mech lay destroyed or too damaged to function.
WGW's losses were nearly as bad -- 32 humans were killed or injured. WGW
held the battlefield, but at a horrible cost.
The Mech had sent a terrible message; the WGW/Mech War had begun and would
not end soon. Both guilds are said to be preparing for the next battle, and
both have sworn revenge for their lost comrades. Only the fates know who
will control the Neverwinter Woods in the months to come.
WGW MartyThe Dance of a Dragon
(submitted by: Kin Gaidin)
"What land is this, My Lord," the Lady Mesingw asked, riding her
beautiful elven Steed and following Kin's lead through the wilderness. She
spoke with the excitement of wanderlust and the feeling of seeing for the
first time. It was evident in the way her eyes danced, and in the timbre of
her voice. She had called Kin with mind-speak from the Inn in Triboar, and
had asked him to guide her through the lands to the south. With the day
given to him to train as he thought best, he agreed gladly, enjoying those
areas and the beauty they offered. Besides, these lands were surely no place
for one unfamiliar to go alone.
Several hours later found him leading Shirak, down a dim path in the
land's surrounding Westbridge and approaching the town carefully. The Town
had long been under a terrible curse and it had driven most of the natural
wildlife away from the forest. The only creatures left were those of the
dark, those that basked in the ill of the curse. Those, and dragons gone
wild from the water... maybe they had always been so, but their evil ruled
the countryside.
The uncanny silence in the woods grated upon Kin, it wasn't healthy for
a forest to be so quiet. He said a short prayer to Tyr, and closed his eyes
for a moment. Opening them, Kin loosened his blade in its sheathe and spoke
quietly over his shoulder to Mesingw. "M'lady," he said, "Beware." He
ground-reigned Shirak and walked cautiously forward. The horse would go
nowhere without his command to do so, that being one of the first lessons
taught a Shienaran War Horse.
He rounded a slight curve in the path ahead and stopped, for there in
front of him was a huge, ancient Dragon... her scales glistened in the
noon-day sun as she rested lightly on two legs and balanced with her wings.
She was beautiful, painfully so, and surely a greatest Wyrm... Proud,
Indomitable, and purely Evil. Kin sighed painfully as the waves of evil
radiated from the drake in intense waves, and he slowly drew his blade. It
pained him to destroy these creatures, for any reason. Surely if only he
spoke their language they could be reasoned with. If only he could do so, he
would no longer be forced to do battle against them.
He heard the quick intake of breath behind him as Mesingw also rounded
the corner, and felt her hand take hold of his arm. He was surprised, for
the elf maiden had never shown the slightest hint of fear before, but he
understood. Twas an incredible sight indeed, and many a brave heart had
trembled before even a lesser dragon... and this one was largest he had ever
seen. He started to speak to her over his shoulder, assuring her that he
would protect her from harm, but she spoke before he was able.
"By the Light, she's the most beautiful sight in all of Neverwinter."
Her delicate voice echoed his own thoughts, and Kin realized that he had done
her a great injustice. It wasn't fear which had made her gasp, but
pleasure... and awe. She removed her hand and started to walk past Kin
towards the Dragon, and the Dragon smiled. Casting a quick enchantment to
protect him from the Dragon's magicks, Kin sprang past her and assumed the
Void. Entering the form 'Whirlwind on the Mountain', Kin engaged the beast
in melee...
The Dragon had not lived this long by happenstance, and the fight raged on.
Tooth, Claw, and Breath met Blade, Skill, and Faith; with each almost
reading the other's thoughts. Form after Form, Kin used every scrap of skill
he possessed, and was met at every turn. The melee continued for well over
half an hour, both sides showing fatigue, but neither giving into it. Until
finally, the dragon made a mistake. A slightest over-extension, a smallest
delay in returning to a defensive position, and Kin now saw his chance.
Immediately going into 'Ribbon in the Air', Kin delivered a thrust so
strongly that it pierced the Dragons diamond-hard scales and into its heart,
killing her instantly.
Kin stood for a moment over the fallen wyrm, trying to remember the
evil he had felt in her a few moments before... but he could not. He heard
the Lady Mesingw approaching, but did not turn. She placed her arm on his
shoulder, and turned him to face her. She did not use strength to do so, but
her presence and her touch alone forced Kin to be led. Looking into Kin's
eyes, the elf seemed to share his pain. "You had no choice, Kin
al'Shinowa... we both know that."
She looked past him at the Dragon while she spoke, and a tear fell
down her cheek to the ground below. They spoke not another word as they
gathered their horses and skirted the Dragon's resting place though the
woods. They continued their journey to Westbridge with no words passing
between them... lost instead to self-reflection, and to the beauty of a
memory.
In the Light, Blessed of Tyr,
All Glory to the Tower.
Kin al'Shinowa
Afterwards
The spryte came upon the fallen dragon by following the powerful scent of
battle as only these creatures can wage it. It was enormous. Still
smoldering from the nature of its life, Spryte examined the huge husk of the
once vibrant being. He found the death wound. "Only a Blademaster could
have delivered such a blow!"
He cast a spell and entered his faerie trance, and whirled backward in time
to witness the events embodied in this piece of land. Seeing from the
dragon's eyes, the Lady's face was his first vision. Even for an elf, she
was beautiful. Then, the cold dragon hatred radiated from the ground, trees
and air. An ancient red dragon, her size and vitality a shock and a force
even in this dream state. And there, facing her, the human Kin al'Shinowa.
Spryte felt the attack as it boiled in her hatred and blasted out of her at
the warder.
Their death dance was spellbinding. Never before had he seen a human touch
on faerie grace in his movements! Carried by the energy and time currents,
Spryte floated through the battle, fighting against the puny human as the
dragon's great power caught him in its ferocity. Enraged at each moment the
precision of the human attacks held their brief advantage. Moment to moment
Spryte floated and was carried by the burning time-energy wind. Until...
Weary, wounded and disbelieving, he felt the death blow pierce his heart
along with hers and died in the release of her spirit force through the
forest. Then a deep sadness, and the dream faded.
The Rainbow ImpThe Luskan Alliance
(submitted by: AdamB12345)
These are the Heroes of Waterdeep
Sir Latro - The Leader of the Group. He is a Paladin of high honor. He does
not believing in fighting unless it is for the power of good and even then he
would rather talk then fight.
Adious - This is Sir Latro's best friend. He is a Elf He believes in the
rules of a knight. Adious is a Ranger sharp with a sword and bow, but slow to
the tongue. He dislikes being in any community bigger then a city but he
will enter them. Laura is his sister.
Sauron - A Half - Elf that is a Cleric / Fighter / White Mage he is the
smart one in the group. He always thinks before action. He can all ways find
an enemy's weakness. He doesn't trust everyone he meets Until he knows them
better.
De Natrous - A Human Red Mage he believes Life is a challenge that most be
fought all the time. He is the careful one who always questions an action or
an idea. Give the red Staff of Fire when help liberated Throtl.
IronFire - The Oldest Member of the Group He is an Old Dwarf Fighter /
thief. He Is less trusting then Sauron. His favorite weapons is his Battle
Axe. He believes fight then ask questions.
Taran - An elf. Taran is a Fighter / Wizard of the Sphere. He is an old
friend of Sir Latro. He believes in the code of chivalry he is in love with
Laura an elf. He will sacrifice him self for the power of good and love.
Laura - A elf in love with Taran. She is a master Cleric / White Mage she
is skilled in wisdom and she is very graceful. She is a great Adious' sister.
She unlike her brother likes the big city.
The Story Begins in the city of Neverwinter. "How much would be the
apple" says someone in the background.
"Aggrrrhh their are to many people here " Says Adious. " Why are we here
Latro?"
"I told you already we are here to get some rest " Says Sir Latro.
"Ah Women " says Taran then looking at Laura.
Laura does nothing but just frown. The Party walks up to the White Mage inn.
"That will be 1 platinum piece". Sir Latro pays the man "Any door is good"
mummers the innkeeper.
"Let me at less go to armor and Magic shop " cries Adious.
"GO please stop whining " says Sir Latro " come back so you can rest.
Adious walks out the inn. Hmm 2, 3, 6, 8 counts Adious in his mind. He
continues walking down the street ladies and children run around buy and
selling goodies. Adious sees man selling pastry. " Are those Vanilla bocliia
" asked Adious. " Yes the are one for 1 for 2 silver coins or 6 for 1 gold
coin" Adious buys 12. and gives the man 3 gold coins and tells him to keep
the change. Adious finds the the armor a Dwarf is talking to the shopkeeper.
"What 100 gold, "forget it the Gods will punish you, you thieves!" yells the
Dwarf. Then he storms out.
"I am sorry "
" Thats ok everyone gets angry " replies Adious " how much are your arrows?"
"Normal arrows are 1 gold piece for every 20 arrows, Silver are 2 gold for
every 20 and Arrows + 1 are 10 gold pieces for every 10 arrows"
Adious buys a few magic and silver arrows as he leaves the sun is nearing
down. he continues to the Magic shops. A young elven woman holds the shop.
"Hello their me lady " says Adious
"Hello " says the lady very surprised to see anyone.
"My name is Aloya " says the woman
"Oh I am know as Adious, Do you have any uh-uh magic " asks Adious
"Ok course this is a magic shop, how long are you in town "
"How do you know I don't live here in town " ask Adious
"You're the heroes of Krynn "
"Here is my address", Aloya hands Adouis a paper with the a number and a
street name on it. She says, "well now, magic. I have potion of healing,
Cleric scrolls, White and Red Mage scrolls and magical mace. The Potion and
Scrolls are 200 gold coins and the Mace is about 700 gold coins."
Adious says "I'll have mace 2 potions 2 cleric scrolls and 3 white mage
scrolls 2 red mages."2,500 gold coins are exchanged. Adious runs back to the
inn.
"Sir Latro is sleeping be quiet and Taran and Laura are somewhere in town. "
says Ironfire. "
Ok I bought gifts". He gives Ironfire 4 of the vanilla bocliia he bought and
he puts four on Sir Latro desk and eats one. He gives De Natrous and Sauron
their scrolls and places the others on Taran's bed. Then wraps up the mace
and puts near Laura's pillow.
Laura and Taran come in a few minutes and Thank Adouis for the gifts.
"I have found a lady love today in the Magic Shop I have to go"
Adouis lives and Laura is shocked to hear it because Adious is not a real
people person.
"Sir Latro is still asleep and I think we should sleep " says Sauron
The Party wakes up a hour after noon and they find Adouis still not has
arrived from his date.
"Where is Adouis " ? asks Sir Latro curiously.
"He meet a young lady last night " said Laura...
Adouis walks through the door a few minutes later " there is a emergency at
Lord Nashers palace. He is requested all heroes come to the palace. We should
go as soon as possible"
"What is the matter Adouis" Sir Latro ask.
"I do not know " replied Adouis.
The party picks up there equipment and rush to Lord Nasher's palace.
"Thank you my friends for coming , This is a emergency. Follow me " Lord
Nashers says. Lord nashers leads the party to a secret room in the palace.
My friend look at this map.
"I am afraid the Draconian army and Zhenthil armies are marching to
alley with Luskan and then attack us and take over Waterdeep. I am asking
you to find out their action and stop them if you can. Please for all of the
good alliance."
"Dear God! Zhent's and Dracan's together ". said Sir Latro.
"I thought Dracanions could not stand humans?" asks Lauara.
"Ah, lass, Dracanions believe evil should rain supreme and don't care how it
happens " says Ironfire.
Lord Nasher gives the Sir Latro that map. The Party leaves Neverwinter
moments later. In minutes the party runs though Neverwinter forest. And Pass
though Port Llast. They see the Gallant Prince.
"Time after time I have heard stories about Luskan, the five captains are
either pirates or High Lords of Bane " says Laura.
"Let's continue " says Sir Latro.
A few days later the reach Luskan.
"Ahhhhh the city of Greed " says Laura " Do you think we just knock or go
in".
They party enters the city see man people either waiting in Line or bowing to
man in silver or Gold.
"I heard even the Clerics in this city are evil " says Laura.
The party moves into the Town council. as the party enters the see many
Dracanions Zhenthil fighters and sorceress and Luskan army. They seem to be
talking.
"Let's get out of here " says Taran.
As the party backs out a Draconian sneaks up on them.
"SPIES " screams the Draconian
They rest of the Zhent's Dracanion's and Luskan's army turns around and grabs
a sword and rush at the party.
"Look out behind you!", screams everyone.
As loud as the noise was Adouis could see this was an illusion. The
Dracanions Luskan and Zhethel army disappears.
"Look " says Sir Latro " On the other side I saw a man run in the other room
".
The group moves in to the other room.
"This is not an illusion " says IronFire.
A mage wearing blue robes Says a word and a fireball hits the party.
"No, Laura!" yells Taran. Laura falls.
Sir Latro, Aduois, and IronFire duck and cover. Taran gets brushed by the
fireball. Taran charge at the Mage and the mage duplicates himself.
"Find me and the truth will be known " says the mage.
"I have him " says Taran, " Nor to hi as vor mhi lol rothy cropthyed ". With
this Taran's hand turns into fire. He then blows on it and a cloud of smoke
and flame covers the room. When the room clears there is the blue mage all by
himself. Ironfire throws a dagger at the Mage. and The Mage falls down dead.
"I found a scroll on his person " whispers Taran. Taran Picks it up and it is
a cleric scroll of Raise the Dead. Sauron picks it up and cast it and Laura
wakes up tired and weak but alive.
"Let me heal you " says Sauron. Sauron begins casting.
"Thank you " replied Laura.
The party notices a desk in the room. Sir Latro looks over the desk see the
papers but not able to red it he ask De Natrous to decode it.
"It says, To Lemoir The trouble has grown. Waterdeep and Neverwinter have
sent would be heroes to stop us. Meet me and Xerio in the Mountains of
Martia. Please hurry. " says the letter.
"Ok lets go to the, Martia mountains " says Adouis happily.
"Adouis maybe you should lead for You are a ranger " says De Natrous.
Sir Latro agrees. Adouis leads the part to the Martia Mountains.
"Look there " Adouis says.
The Party has climbed the trees to get an advantage.
"There are five Dracanions and a dozen humans and wizards I say" says
Ironfire.
"I think your right " says Adouis " Lets surround them ".
The party moves around the small group. The Dracanions look up but do
nothing. The Party jumps down and surprises everyone. Laura cast a hold
person, and lighting bolt. Taran cast a ice storm. De Natrous throws a
fireball. Three of the five Draconian falls and half the humans fall. A
sorcerer throws a rock at Sauron interrupting his spell. The Dracanions rush
at Sir Latro and Adouis. The Claw Sir Larto and almost knock him out.
"Behind you " screams Adouis fight a Draconian and three Luskan guards.
Sir Latro twirlers his sword. And hits his attacks and almost kills most of
them off, he makes them unconscious. De Natrous cast a lighting and kills
the rest off.
"Hey! These are high generals " says Ironfire.
"Do you think we destroyed their plan " ask Laura.
"For now with out leaders how can you have a society " replies Taran
The Party goes back to Neverwinter to tell Lord Nasher what has happened.
"I'll send out an Army, since the Luskan Draconian and Zhenthil alliance is
weaken we can crush them. The realm thanks you and I have a reward for you."
says Lord Nashers. He hands Sir Latro a Sword of holiness, Adouis a long bow
of power. He hands Sauron a magic book with 100 pages of mage and 129 cleric
magic spells. He gives De Natrous Bracers AC0. He gives Iron A battle axe of
hurling. He Gives Taran a wand of Fireballs and ice storm. He gives and Laura
a Plate mail of protection. The party thanks Lord Nasher and Lord Nasher
thanks them and the leave on there way.The Shadow Saga
The Light Shines Through
(submitted by: Zindio)
The screams of the last Medusa died out. Deathly silence reigned.
The Ranger-scout of The Protectorates, Zindio, took several more steps and
was embrolied in yet another battle. The evil clerics of Port Llast were no
match for the half-elf and they too met their gods.
Sweat, blood, and bits of bone were being wiped off the Trident
when something shiny in the corner caught his eye. Zindio walked over and
reached for the object, a brass button. As he examined it a sharp pain
coursed through his head fron ear to ear and down the back of his neck. Pain,
fear,and depression recognized not as his own, but that of one of his own
brother Protectorates. TP Havoc! Concentrating through the pain a vision of
the west woods and north of there materialized. Havoc' s pained thoughts
came through. "Help us. Luthyen captive. Tyst hurt." A blurry picture of a
hugh tree eating at Tyst's body, then darkness. Cold malevolent. Darkness so
black even Zindio's infrared vision couldn't penetrate. Then nothing.
Concentrating, Zindio esp'd Tyst. Faint echoes of his boss came
through,"Meet here,West woods,fast...must free our bretheren..."
Without another thought Zindio quickly invised himself and ran south
into Windycliffs, south to Neverwinter, east into Nightsedge. Pausing at the
temple in Nightsedge Zindio esp'd Tyst. "Meself be coming boss hang on!"
Still invised, Zindio slid into the West woods. Puting his nose close
to the ground the Ranger-scout headed in a northerly direction, a faint trace
of Tyst, and Thorn Hawk were sensed. Cautiously Zindio crept into a Drac
den, looked around and quickly backed out. No brethren here, he mused. A
faint echo of Tyst's thoughts entered his conciousness, "North Gate." Running
as fast as possible Zindio reached the central north gate, looked around and
sniffed the air. Mumbling to himself,"No one here and no one has been here."
Taking his wine skin the half elf took a long pull at the spicy liquid.
"About time bro, but ye are a bit off track." The loud voice startled Zindio
and he almost dropped the wine skin,Almost. Turning around to face the
speaker relief washed over his features as he saw Thorn Hawk standing relaxed
several steps from him.
"Come my friend we must hurry, follow me." With that Thorn headed south,
then west, then North to the other gate. There, under a tree, lay Tyst.
Pinned by the hugh Arbor. Even in pain he looked up and said,"Glad ye could
make it Zin.." Zindio poured some spiced elfin wine on his fallen friend's
lips. Tyst rested again.
With a start Zindio spied TP Havoc standing by the gate. Eyes grey and
blank, a sound of laughter rolled from deep within him like a stampede of
mammoths rolling over the undead. Chills went down Zindio's spine and he
looked to Thorn for an answer. Thorn filled him in on what was happening and
told him only by a collective effort tonight could TP Havoc have his soul
back.
"No magic must you use bro, a strike with magic will only cause your soul
also to be imprisoned."
At this time Feldspar, son of Luthyen, came up breathlessly, and cast
dispell upon Havoc. The demone inside laughed and taunted Feld saying his
mother and the rest of The Protectorates would be his tonight. Zindio sat
crosslegged on the ground, drew a circle in the dust and started an ancient
elfin chant. Feldspar started another spell but was stopped by Thorn who
again advised no magic spells. Stubbornly Zindio continued his chant and
reached into his herb bag, blowing magic dust into Havoc"s nostrils.
"Blow more of your elfin dirt at me and ill eat that bag and confine your
furry soul to a level of hell ye have never seen!" growled the darkness.
"Good", thought Zindio, "it be having an effect."
Sensing another person in the area, Zindio looked up and saw Aryanna,
his Ranger Captain glide across the meadow, and Lord Swordshere, from the
other end, trudging down the path with JTDant behind him and Lord Jedi Chris
appeared. The Protectorates are here in force.
Standing, Zindio positioned himself between Havoc and Captain Aryanna,
fearful the shadow might try to strike her down too. Stern features softened
and Aryanna placed her hand on Zindio's Trident arm and bade him to wait,
lest he injure TP Havoc's body. The Trident came down and Zindio waited.
Thorn was speaking now. "All of us must travel through the gate into the
northwest woods with This demonde and go to Luthyen, listen to her words an
perhaps collectively we will be able to defeat this abomination that has
taken so many souls. Again I insist, no magic use," glancing at Feldspar and
Zindio, " he will be able to take over your souls if you do." Feldspar you
go first, esp us if you are able." With that Feldspar went through the gate
with hope in his eyes that his mother was still alive.
What seemed like eternity for Zindio he at last heard the words," Your
turn my friend, Take care." Walking through the north gate a chill overtook
Zindio and he was being dragged deeper into the woods. Casting a globe of
prtection Zindio heard the malevolent spirt occuping Havoc's body say, "You
will be mine you puny furry elf, you are not as strong as me. Muhahahahaha!"
Suddenly Mages surrounded him and lepords leaped out at him, without thought
a fireball blasted from Zindio's fingertips, and the spirit laughed. "You
shall be mine." A magic ball was aimed in fear at The Shadow, and Havoc's
body jerked. Remembering Thorn and Aryanna's words, Zindio stopped, cast
invis, and ran. Wounded and breathless he came through the gate and dropped
at Aryanna's feet. Lord Jedi stepped up and healed Zindio and at that moment
The Dark Shadow came through and said" I lost the one called Zindio...." He
stopped as he saw the half elf staring at him. "You must try again Zindio,"
Thorn said, "we must all be there to free ourselves and the Realms of this
poison."
Zindio followed Havoc back into the woods and this time came into a
clearing and saw Luthyen bound in the center of the clearing. Laughing, the
Shadow let loose Griffens that charged Luthy, quickly Zindio fired an
electric bolt through four of them, his magig seemed to dissapate and the
pained look on Luthyen's face told him what he needed to know....
Magic, although taught, is part of the spirit and physical properties of
the user, therefore all magic used againist The Shadow was being caught and
controlled by its malevolence. Zindio ran at the nearest Griffen full bore
with his Trident, the scream of the dying animal shattered the forest, others
ran out of the woods, JTDant, Jedi, Aryanna,Swordshere.... The Griffens died,
Luthyen's bounds disolved..... And the elfstone glowed bright green.
Thorn and Luthyen, JTDant, Zindio, and the rest of The Protectorates
chased TP Havoc south with the full light of the elfstone on him... Minators
appeared, they too fell to thier death as The Protectorates cut them down.
Havoc spoke, "Help me..." Shards of black fog left his body and scattered
to other dimensions. "Noooooooo you cant, you have defeated me,
impossibbbleee..."
Silence. Havoc was back, Luthyen was in the arms of her son and her
husband, the realms were safe now, for awhile by the light of truth.
Zindio surveyed the pleasant scene, turned and slid into the darkness to
Nightsedge to rest..Bonding
(submitted by: Xenobea)
She could feel the pain inside her that night, and she could see it in his
eyes as well. She tried to think what she could do to make things different,
where things had gone wrong. "Why do we do this to each other?"
He shook his head, remaining silent.
She paused, watching him for a moment before continuing, "it is because I
care for you so deeply that I get upset so easily.... Remember how easy it
used to be when we didn't speak of our feelings?"
He nodded. "Shall we distance ourselves again?"
She frowned. "I don't see how I can distance myself from you." She tried to
give voice to her thoughts. "It is when I knew that I loved you that you
gained this power over me, to hurt me with a look."
"I don't want power over you, I want power with you."
She spoke almost without thinking. "Let's try then... we have to... there is
something we need to do..." She caught him looking deep in her eyes and
stared back. "We need to do something... to... solidify our bond... to
strengthen our trust... to make it so that neither of us ever doubts the
other..."
He slowly slid to his knees. "Xeno... my heart... my soul... my life... I
ask that you would bond with me... for all time... I know we have talked of
it... but I want to show you the strength of my love for you. I can't stand
the moments without you. I need you here... in my life... I... I love you.
More than my own life."
She felt her heart racing, and then blackness. Slowly she came to, to find
him staring down at her. "What did you say?"
He chuckled. "I stood here looking at you. I spoke of loving you.. more
than my own life. And that if you would give me a chance... I would try to
make you happy for the rest of our lives."
"And did you speak after that?" He nodded. "What did you say?"
"I was sorry for not loving you as I should have... wasting time fighting
when we could grow in each others hearts." She stared at him, feeling the
wooziness leave her. When all is ended... it's only the time that we spent
together... and how we spent it that matter after our lives end. "Well, if
you will have it.. I offer my life to you."
She felt her heart racing again. 'Yes, Modalex." She caught her breath and
got to her knees, next to him. She watched his eyes sparkling as he stared
at her, and she brought a hand to his cheek. She brought her eyes to his
then. "I wil take your life to be lived with me. You will promise to stay
beside me forever... nothing will make you waver from this."
A smile played across his lips. "Nothing, love."
"As long as you live, I cannot think of being apart from you."
He was smiling, pulling her to him, laughing.
"I will never doubt your love for me, as you will not doubt mine."
He was slowly leaning to her, and then stopped. "I promise this to you... to
honor the words you have spoken."
She gazed into his eyes. "Does this cover everything?"
She felt the gentle brush of his lips against hers. "Shall we wait to
finalize it?"
"Wait until?"
"In front of everyone... we could do something now."
"What would you have me do?"
"I am not certain what is proper." She stopped, thinking back to the books
she had read when she was very young. She remembered seeing something in a
rivvil book. "I have heard of a private ceremony..." She lifted her dress,
pulling the dagger from the sheath on her thigh, and holding it against her
wrist. "We could do this... this is all I know of."
"We can do this."
She found herself staring into his eyes again, and tore them away to look
back at the dagger, making a cut on her wrist. She looked up again to see
him watching her, and held her wrist out to him. "Drink"
He gently took her wrist, sucking softly on the cut. She handed him the
dagger. He took it, and without moving his eyes from hers, he drew the blade
across his wrist, and then held his wrist out to her. "Drink." She brought
her lips to the wound and tasted his blood.
He felt a part of his magic flow from him into her with the blood.
"My life into yours, your life to mine, I swear to be true." He repeated the
words after her.Shadowed Thoughts
(submitted by: KEF Shadow)
After a long and ardous trip to the outer reaches of Mirabar and Orlumber, he
is glad to finally see the gates of Longsaddle. He had gone to these areas to
scout activities he had heard about, it would seem there is an uprising of
Kraken spies and mages that are harassing the town folk. He was unable to
find out why the Kraken have suddenly taken an interest in these places, he
would have to inform his guildmistress of these activities. He would only be
able to stay a short while, for he needed to find out why this is happening.
Acknowledging the guards at the gate he proceeded onward towards the
Longsaddle Inn, the guards knew him and therefore did not ask who he was nor
what business he had in Longsaddle. After all, this was his home.
Upon entering the Longsaddle Inn he asked the barkeep to bring him an Ale,
looking for a table to sit, he noticed a couple of his guild sisters and a
brother. "Hail me friends!, tis good ta see ye" bowing to them, for some are
ladies and the brother is a senior Knight in the guild. "How fair ye today
miladies and lord" They respond with greetings and bid him to take a seat and
enjoy an Ale with them. Only a few minutes after sitting down, did one of his
sisters reach out and touch his right arm, "is this a favor from the Lady".
"Aye that it is milady, do ye know her?"he said. "Hmmmm..interesting, very
interesting"she said. Looking at the lady, not understanding her statement.
"what is so interesting milady"he said. She spoke to the other lady there and
turned back to him and said "milord, what is your intentions towards the
Lady" completely bewildered now, he asked "we are very close, why do ye ask".
Again speaking with the other lady, she asks, "do you plan on courting her".
"Forgive me miladies, but I nay understand why ye are so interested in my
intentions" looking to the other lady who only nods, she says "milord, it
would seem that there are at least three other Knights in our guild who wear
a favor like this around their arm as well, and I know that one of them seeks
to court the Lady". After some continued discussions with the ladies, he
decides that he will have to delay his return trip to Mirabar for a time, it
would seem there are some other matters he must attend to.
Leaving the Inn at Longsaddle heading to the city of Triboar, he tries to
understand the meaning of what he has been told. If what his guild sisters
told him is true, then there are some things that the Lady must answer to
him. Awakened from his thoughts by a mental message from his Squire, he
stops thinking to hear the missive. "G'day milord, I am heading to the city
of Triboar and was wondering if ye could assist me in answering some
questions." This was not really a good time for a session such as this, but
he had sworn to help his Squire when needed. He projected back to him, "aye,
I am on my way there as we speak". Another thought, "I will meet you there
then milord".
Arriving ahead of the Squire, he gets another Ale and sits at a table just
away from the door. While waiting he takes heed of the people coming and
going, unconciously looking at each of their arms, wondering if there are
others that wear the same favor he wears. After a short time his Squire
arrives, with a Page of our guild in tow. He did not know this Page, but he
did know that there was something they both had in common, as with the others
coming and going, he looked at this Page's arm as well. There on his right
arm was a familiar favor, it was the same as the one he wore. Turning
slightly so that his right arm was not in view of either of the lads, he
greeted them. "Have a seat and enjoy an Ale with me", feigning a smile.
Thinking to himself, I have to find out what is going on, it would seem that
I as well as some others are being mislead by this lady. I knew when we first
met that she was a tremendous flirt, but had I known this was going on, I
would not have taken her so seriously.
After answering some questions of his Squire, he then decieded to go to
Neverwinter city and seek out the Lady. Giving his Squire some missives to
tend to and sending him on his way, he departs the Triboar Inn. Not noticed
by anyone, there under the table, was a silken scarf with the symbol of the
Lady. No matter the outcome, that was something he would not wear again.
~Shado~
One of the manyA Knight's Love
(submitted by: Naglox)
T'was just a look that had captured the knights's heart. One seemingly
endless look from the beautiful blonde across the road. His whole life flash
in front of him, never had he been affected this way. This knight had seen
things in battle that could stop a person's heart. However, all it took to
stop his own heart was a innocent blonde girl casually walking down the road.
All his memories were based on battle, that may be why it was so easy for him
to fall in love with a girl he did not even know. Maybe he desired a chance
at a more peaceful life, a house and children. Who knows, but this day would
be etched in his heart and mind more than the worst battle he had ever been
in. He had become used to the emotions of battle, fear of death did not
exist. For some reason tho he felt a new fear, a new sensation. He could
not move his body, a body that flowed like a melody in battle, but now he was
as frozen as a block of ice. Then it was over, she had passed out of sight
and he had regained his senses.
However no matter where he went he dreamnt of her, he longed to be with her.
To give her all she ever wanted. Finally he had found a person to open his
heart to, a person he could confide his deepest fears to. He rode his horse
for days, searching his soul for what to do. He had never been in such a
state, never felt so vulnerable, he couldn't find words to describe it.
Then he realized, he may have found what deep inside every man wants, a true
love. The knight turned his mount and headed back to the small village he
had seen his soulmate, he had no idea what the future had for him but he must
follow his heart.There's No Place Like Clone
(submitted by: WyrmSilver)
Silence and stillness were the primary themes for that morning. Were anyone
present to view the room, that person might say that no more peaceful place
could exist than the small, sun-drenched attic room. Cushions rested neatly
in place on the sheeny silk sheets of Marknight's neatly made bed. All the
books of the elf's library were resting in their proper spaces on their
dusted shelves.
A slight breeze from the many paneled window ruffled Kyrssi's fur as she
snoozed lazily on a soft pillow. The tressym loved sleeping in the rays of
the first morning light, and even as a kitten she had slept long after her
elven companion had left his room. Nearly fully grown now, the winged cat
hadn't given up the habit, and even the brisk winter air that breathed over
her couldn't foil the sun's warming rays.
Across the room, perhaps eight feet away, a wooden stand stood, its well
polished arm which extended five feet off the floor held a small woven basket
aloft, in which another small winged creature rested. Wyrm hung his head
over the edge of the basket and surveyed the room below him with a reptile's
detatchment. Seeing him resting there, in his natural reddish-brown state,
one would never have guessed that he held an opinion entirely contrary to the
room's mood.
He couldn't stand the noise.
For two long weeks now his elven companion, the adventuring warrior-mage
known as Marknight on this world, had had a terrible personality disorder.
Not that anyone could blame him, of course; anyone with four bodies would
have some trouble keeping track of all the thoughts that poured through his
four minds. It was also Wyrm's problem. His telepathic link to Marknight
meant that every thought his four selves thought when in range were
unconsciously communicated to the poor familiar.
Mornings were the worst. Even though two of the Marknight clones hadn't
slept at all, and the other two were just waking, all four were in range, and
Wyrm felt like stinging each of them into a silent catatonic state. One
Marknight was raiding the pantry for breakfast, flirting politely with a
cook, and tap dancing. Another was playing solitaire backwards in the
meeting hall. A third was returning from a night of carousing spent with
Roguewing and Baronhaplo. Yet another was even at that moment heading up the
stairs to meditate and recuperate.
Narrowing his eyes, Wyrm looked across the room at Kyrssi's prone form. A
mischievious grin flashed across his scaly countenance, and opening his mouth
slowly, he took a deep breath.
"SQUAWK!" The pseudo-dragon's call rang out, and the winged cat jumped three
feet into the air, where she hovered a moment, looking around in surprise.
Wyrm's mood had lightened only slightly, but his tail flicked back and forth,
hanging off the other side of his basket nest. Kyrssi howled her rage, and
darted across the room, silvery wings shining in sun where the rays trickling
through the window struck them.
Catching Wyrm's tail in her mouth, she kept flying, and pulled the surprised
pseudo dragon right out of his nest. She was immune to his poison, and
Wyrm's twitching tail was a constant target for her cat-like hunting
instincts. The two tumbled through the air, Wyrm's weight pulling them
towards the ground because he could not fly backwards. Just then, the door
opened, and the two tumbled into their drowsy elven friend.
"Oof!" Marknight gasped, catching his familiar and companion in surprise.
"Hey hey! Oh good, you're up. Why don't you go find somewhere to play...
I'm going to take my reverie now." The two animals looked at each other,
then up at Mark. Kyrssi saw an opening while Wyrm was distracted, and dove
after him, chasing the miniature dragon over Mark's shoulder and out the
door. "Heheh... silly kids..." Marknight chuckled, and closed the door so he
would have peace.
Outside, Wyrm landed on the top step and looked back. The well cared for
oaken door was smallish, and rounded at the corners, giving it a well worn
look, and fit snugly into the opening made for it in the huge trees that grew
up through the building and walled the attic of the Hall of Justice.
Kyrssi tackled the pseudo, but Wyrm didn't fight back, and she paused,
concerned. The tressm was also telepathic, and the two creatures could
converse easily, in their fashion.
*You thinking about four Elf mans again?* Kyrssi asked in Wyrm's mind, while
relaxing, and laying down right on top of the reptile. She had grown quickly
in the last seven months and was larger than Wyrm was now, not counting his
long whiplike tail. She also let him know it.
"Yeh..." Wyrm chirped out loud. He had enough mental communications going
through his mind at the moment. "Ark issa Rrrowk."
*I only hear them when I want,* the Tressym purred while batting at Wyrm's
tail. *You not listen too.*
If only it were that easy. Wyrm was bound to Marknight through the magic,
and their minds were as nearly one as any two creatures' could be. He had
loved adventuring with the elf, and all the yummy treats he gleaned along the
way, but this was too much. Something had to be done.
*Let's run away,* Wyrm suggested. *Let's go far away for a while, just to
take a rest from the noise.*
*Away?* Kyrssi asked, shocked. She sat upright and began licking her paw,
her tail leaping back and forth, unable to hide her confusion. *No. I like
here. You go, I get more pettings.*
Wyrm growled at her in irritation, and rolled over onto his belly. The winged
cat was always so stubborn and aloof of his suggestions, refusing to go along
with any plan.
*Fine. You stay. I'm going to have fun.* He sent with a telepathic burst.
Leaping off the stair, and soaring down the circular staircase, he fluttered
through the hall. Soon he had passed through the Hall's big, heavily
reinforced doors and was outside. The men-at-arms politely waved to him, and
smiled as he flew out. They knew him and treated him as just another
resident of the Hall as was proper... after all, he ran the place.
Wyrm wondered momentarily what the knights would do without him reminding
them what food supplies to order, and cheering them up when they were in low
spirits. Dragonista would surely miss him, since he was her only peer in the
building full of humanoids.
He also couldn't help but think about what kinds of trouble Marknight might
get into without his brave dragon protector. The elf was prone to more than
his share of mischief, and with Wyrm's help was treated as a curiosity by
Neverwinter inhabitants rather than a threat.
The pseudo dragon flew high over Neverwinter as he went, looking down on the
sleeping city below. It was a weekend morning, and the inhabitants were
waking up slowly, loath to go about their chores and face the cool dawn.
Soon Wyrm was out of telepathic range, and the last thoughts of Marknight
playing cards left him. He was alone at last.
Wyrm fluttered happily through the town and visited various people he knew.
He stopped at Mataga's and squawked his early morning greetings through the
old man's window. The muttering inkeeper met his greetings with a thrown
shoe.
"Eeep!" Wyrm screached, ducking away. He must still be sore from that spilt
stew incident, Wyrm thought.
A short burst of flight brought him to the temple of helm where a priest was
throwing crumbs to pigeons. Cooing happily, wyrm fluttered in amongst them,
scaring most of them away. They recognized a preditor when they saw one.
"Awk! Awk!" Wyrm greeted the woman, who stopped throwing crumbs and regarded
him sternly.
"Little one, these crumbs are for the birds who have nothing. Doesn't your
master feed you?" She asked, hand feeding him a few of the stale pieces of
bread. "Go now... let the birds have some."
"Awrrr," Wyrm cooed sadly. He thought about the yummy brownies Marknight
always fed him even though the elf constantly claimed to have him on a diet.
But there were other places to get those!
Wyrm fluttered away and landed in the window at NWT Mystri's bedroom. The
barmaid was one of the two women who ran the Sisters' Tavern, and was always
ready with wonderful treats for Wyrm.
"Awk! Awk! Awk!" Wyrm cried his cheerful morning greeting.
"Wha-- who?" Mystri asked, squinting toward where Wyrm hopped up and down
outside the frosty glass of her window. Seeing who it was, she sighed
sleepily. She had been up late the night before entertaining the most
questionable conglameration of thieves, cutthroats, and pickpockets... not an
easy task even for the tireless tavern mistress whose business savvy led her
to throw the most outlandish promotions for her establishment.
"Wyrm..." she started, shaking her head. "Not now little demi-dragon... the
tavern isn't open! Why don't you bother Marknight?" With that, she plunked
her head back down on her pillow and tried to sleep throuh the
pseudo-dragon's pitiful moans.
After realizing his whines were doing him no good, Wyrm fluttered away to
Windycliffs. There had to be someone up this time of morning! At the Inn
there, he found Sabretta sitting at a table, drinking early. Lady Sabre was
always a good one to count on for a treat!
Wyrm fluttered into the bar and landed at the table in front of her, and she
laughed with delight to see him. She fed him a few buttercups and bluebells
she just happened to have handy, and they sat and talked for a while... Wyrm
mostly chirping happily, telling stories he knew, and Lady Sabre shaking her
head in confusion, but scratching and petting him all the while. Soon,
though, she stopped feeding him any more.
"No more, Wyrm," she scolded. "You're going to become too fat to fly!"
Again, no amount of whining and pleading would do. He insisted that he could
eat as much as he wanted, but Sabretta wouldn't hear of it. He had had
enough.
The pseudo-dragon continued to enjoy her company for a long while, until she
had to go. Cooing sadly, he licked her face and flew out. He flew a little
lower with the added weight, but he was still on the lookout for more.
Wyrm's eating binges only happened periodically, when he would stuff himself
until he bloated up like a snake, and then he wouldn't eat a thing for a few
days. Wyrm loved Neverwinter for this very reason. It was full of his
friends who would give him things for free and let him eat off their plates,
so that he didn't have to hunt. Life was good.
On the way back into town, Wyrm stinged several rowdy lizardmen into
submission. The silly reptiloids didn't even listen when Wyrm explained that
he meant them no harm, so he left them lying catatonic on the side of the
road. In a few days they would wake up, fully recovered from his stinger's
poison, and wondering what happened.
He flew all around NeverWinter at that point, and found no one to talk to.
The town was filled with fresh adventurers looking for fights, who were too
busy begging for items to enjoy the fresh morning air. Wyrm sighed, and
filched a few small things from the vaults for some people he liked. Lord
Nasher was a nice enough fellow, and his guards were quite dim-witted. They
never seemed to question the scrolls and wands as they flew past them and
into the hands of the young mercenaries that begged for them.
These young ones seemed to be rapidly becoming the face of Neverwinter. They
were myriad, countless, and unpredictable. "Lead me, oh master dragon!" one
would cry out, and when Wyrm asked for a mere brownie or buttercup, the same
newbie would say "What?! Speak English!" Wyrm always cooed sadly at that
point, and fluttered away. His best efforts to speak common were failing
him, and they wanted to learn a third language too??
He perched on the peak of a roof overlooking the Neverwinter River. Perhaps
he had judged Marknight too harshly. The elf had always been his most
trusted friend, and for all the racket and trouble he caused, he was fun to
be around. He was also fairly intelligent, for a humanoid, and Wyrm could
talk to him without any misunderstandings. There were other humanoids whose
goodness or constant affection had won his heart, but Marknight was his
humanoid companion; his chosen bondmate.
Abruptly Wyrm fluttered off, returning to the Hall of Justice. As he came
near, he saw Kyrssi sitting on an upper branch of the trees that grew out of
the Hall's roof. She regarded him with her aloof gaze and licked her paw.
*Got some milk this morning,* she bragged in his general direction. Wyrm
chuckled inwardly, not even deigning to mention the 4 brownies, 6 buttercups,
and handful of bread crumbs he had already eaten that morning. The tressym
was young yet... she would learn how it was done.
But still, her bragging gave her an idea. He zipped in through the main
doors to the Hall, and once again received the respectful wave from the
Man-At-Arms, who Wyrm thought might be named San or Sam or something like
that. He flew about, licking the faces of anyone who got in his path, and
landed at the small table where Marknight was playing cards. The thoughts he
picked up from the elf told him he was cheating again.
"Rownee?" He asked, sitting up and begging cutely.
"Hehe... now Wyrm, have you been a good boy?" Marknight smiled, digging into
his bag.
"Yeh!" Wyrm claimed, of course.
"Alright then... here you go." The Marknight held up a brand new Luthyen
brownie and hand fed it to Wyrm, scritching the little dragon's head and
neck. Wyrm ate it and cooed politely. "Now no more until tonight... I can
see you've already been eating today."
Wyrm just nodded happily, licking the chocolate off his teeth and nose, and
fluttered off, surprising the elf at his obedience. Perhaps he was finally
controlling himself, Marknight thought.
The pseudo-dragon flew into the kitchen to where another Marknight was just
finishing breakfast. "Awk!" he squawked, flying up, and was met with a
tossed piece of bacon.
"Catch Wyrm!" Marknight chuckled, and as Wyrm caught it, the elf clapped.
"Good boy! Here's another. Ready?..." Wyrm caught the next as easily, and
the next, swooping in circles about the elf until all his left overs were
gone. Just then the cook came up, and scolded the elf for giving his food
away. She would put some meat on his bones yet!
Wyrm flew out, leaving Marknight to receive his lecture. he swooped into the
library where a third Marknight was reading a book on drow society; not that
Wyrm could tell you this, since he can't read, but that's what Mark was
reading. Wyrm landed on the table next to the huge armchair Marknight was
sitting in, and chirped a few happy greetings before the elf noticed him and
looked up from his reading.
"Shhhh, I'm studying Wyrm." The elf said, looking like a child in the chair
which was large even for human sized readers. "Here... be good and you can
have some popcorn." Music to Wyrm's ears. Mark hadn't even looked up to see
the miniature dragon's bloated belly when he placed his everful bag of
popcorn on the table.
Wyrm sat and "studied" with Mark for quite a while before finally deciding he
had had enough. The Pseudo dragon left the serious elf to his reading and
waddled out of the room, too heavy to fly. He climbed up the long flight of
stairs (was it this long going down?) and went back to Marknight's attic
room. The door was ajar, probably opened after he left by the Marknight in
the library, so he went right in.
The little dragon crawled over to the down mattress where Marknight lay
meditating, and climbed up next to him, curling into a little scaly coil, and
deciding to wait until the Marknight snapped out of his reverie to beg for
even more food. As he dozed off, at a semblance of peace at last, he
reassessed his situation.
Yes, he thought, Kyrssi could definitely learn a few things from the
master... having four Marknights around might not be such a bad thing after
all.
>Birp!<
THE END
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WYRM the Everhungry
Balfni Benron Gri'Tinriss
(submitted by: Tizer)
I have prepared this treatise on the behavior of feebed humans for your
enjoyment.
TomP2534: Where do I find magic stuff??
Tizer: Usually on an Elf.
Tom: What does "Tom is stupid" mean?
Tizer: The little voices in your head are speaking to you again.... Heed
their advice! Accept the inevitable.
Tom: I wanna kill stuff, but it won't let me. What am I doing wrong?
Tizer: Well, you could try sneaking up from behind. If you're really quiet,
those pesky orcs won't even notice you.
Tom: How do I make a guild? I already have lots of neato friends that would
join. Gandalf3453, PWRRNGR13, and BadDad69 said they thought it was way
kewl.
Tizer: Well, here are the steps....
1. Think up a name.
2. Gather more than three members.
3. Put in a request for a guild folder in the non sanctioned guild area.
4. After ITB and MECH take over your folder, repeat steps one through three.
Tom: How do you PvP? Some guy from the Spirit Lurkers took my +1 Battle Axe
and I wanna get it back! I'm almost level 3, I know I could beat him!
Tizer: This one is very simple. You ask the nice SL member to escort you to
the Lost Hills where he can prep you for combat. Then, after you use up your
sleep and magic missile spells, you die and reenter the fight. Just repeat
this procedure until your mind becomes enfeebled from excessive use (See
above).
Tom: What's a pearl? I want pearls!
Tizer: With pearls you can buy magical items of extraordinary power.
Tom: Wow, that's awesome! Where do you get them?
Tizer: I'll tell you a little secret..... Just because I like you.... you
see, the other people don't know about this, but I can tell you really are an
intelligent person that would use this procedure to its best potential. In
Floodblest, which you can reach when you raise a few more levels, the mayor
gives out pearls if you keep entering his room. Now he may be reluctant at
first, but if you keep heckling him, rest assured that some of the little
white treasures will be yours.
Tom: Can you buy guns here? I want a gun!! Yeah, guns are kewl!
Tizer: You can ask any ABK or LOK member. Though I have yet to find out what
one of these "guns" is, I hear that the ABK's and LOK's pull them out in the
Great Hall Tavern all the time. Apparently you "shoot" them at others like a
bow. However, I still have not seen one of the mysterious devices.
Tom: Can I have a Ring +2?? DRGSLYR94852 told me they were good and that I
need one.
Tizer: I'm sorry =( I reserve my rings for sentient beings, but I know where
you can find some... There are two places where they can be obtained.
1. There is this shack in the Lost Hills. That is where the most generous
players in the realms gather to give away all of their excess magical items.
I'm sure you'll find many pleasant surprises while in the shack.
2. In the Warehouse District, there is a special magic shop that only a lucky
few can find. It moves around constantly, but if you search long enough,
you're bound to find it. They sell Rings +2 as well as pearl items. Be sure
to spend most of your time searching, for if you don't, you'll really miss
out!
Tom: Hey Elf! Why are you here? Shouldn't you be up in Santa's workshop?
Tizer: I hear rumors of this "Santa Claus" from human lore. 'Tis a travesty
if he has indeed enslaved members of my race. However, if he comes to
Neverwinter, know that he will not live long. I shall spill his insides upon
the ground like a bowl full of jelly. Hmm... that sounds familiar...
Tom: What does ": )" mean? It just looks like a colon and one of those curvy
things to me.
Tizer: I'm smiling at you, ya dolt! :D Now I'm laughing. ;p
Faithfully submitted, ;>
Tizer
The Helpful Elf
TGC
(submitted by: Bloodglade)
O.K. my lost little flock of misguided Newbies, always remember that
Bloodglade is here to help. This week's question concerns trading. A fine
young paladin approached me and said that he was having problems trading. He
said that someone had given him a +1 Battle Axe and that he was having
problems trading it for a +2 or +3 weapon. This is another very good
question. Newbies, don't be afraid to take notes here.
First of all, that +1 Battle Axe is a valueable commodity. You can't find
one just anywhere, ya know. I can't imagine why people aren't throwing +2
and +3 weapons at you. But... if I had to hazard a guess, I would say that
you might be trying to trade with the wrong people. Allow me to make a
suggestion...
There is a guild of adventurers in NWN known as the "Spirit Lurkers". Now
the Spirit Lurkers are very shy, so it might take quite a bit of coaxing to
get them to trade. But the good news is that I have never met a Spirit
Lurker who didn't have an item that I was looking for. Let's just say that
they make it their business to have what you need. Isn't that great?!
Now don't be surprised if they suggest you add something else to the trade,
like gems, jewels, or magic items. After all, you can't blame them for
trying to drive a hard bargain. Also, don't be surprised if they insist that
you pass your items first... remember they are very shy.
Well there you are newbie traders. March right down to the vaults and shout
"I wanna trade with a Spirit Lurker!" You won't be disappointed.
No, no, no. No need to thank me. Helping newbies is thanks
enough.(submitted by: REPO2TWO)
One day while I was running around the realm a newb came up to me and asked
me, "Where am I?" And it hit me, all newbs basically say the same things.
So, my 50 year quest (exaggeration) to collect research and to study the new
began. And here are my preliminary findings. So, I decided to share them
with you all. The newb is a different race than the rest of us, and these
phrases should help you to discover them as they tried to hide themselves in
our midst.
Top 10 Newb Phrases
10.I trained and I lost all of my xp.
9.Can you take me out to get some xp?
8.Wow! How'd you do that?
7.How do I sneak?
6.I am not a newb! I just rerolled.
5.Can I borrow some magic stuff?
4.Can I borrow some money to train?
3.Can you take me to dracs..
2.What does __?__(any guild name) stand for?
1.Can you invis me?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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