1997-02-09
Recovered original text · preserved verbatim
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NEVERWINTER NEWS
Issue # 172
Week Ending 2-9-97
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FRONT PAGE
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Congratulations to Augustus 5 for winning last week's News of the Realm
contest for his poem entitled "A Winter Too Long".
Augustus 5 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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Greets all!
I'm sure many of you have noticed the problems Neverwinter is presently
experiencing with players being punted from the game. To clarify, it seems
that AOL has made an "improvement" which sends a message every 45 minutes
asking if you'd like to remain logged onto the system. If you do not reply
immediately it logs you off. Further information about this feature can be
found in the AOL Insider (Keyword:AOL Insider).
In some parts of the service and while doing various tasks (uploading a file,
browsing the web, and I'm sure others), you never see that message, are
unable to respond, and lose your connection. Games are affected, Neverwinter
of course is affected by this improvement.
Unfortunately, until AOL does make a change and either backs that new usage
timer out of the system, or make some other remedy, you're advised to QTS
(Quit to System) every half hour or so. You might even want to log off and
back on again to be certain that you won't be punted. It's my understanding
that these punts are causing a variety of problems, the least of which are
massive ghosting in the game, the greatest of which are the loss of
experience and items.
I'm sure we all realize how impossible it is to conduct any sort of event in
the game while these punt conditions are in effect. <FONT COLOR="#000000"
SIZE=3>As a result of these technical problems and until further notice, ALL
in-game events are cancelled. These include Tours, Mini Booths, Mini
Festivals, and Location Hunts. Additionally all Guild Sponsored In Game
Events will be cancelled. Unfortunately, this situation has also resulted in
the postponement/cancellation of the "not quite announced yet" Winter
Celebration. As soon as we have some remedy for the situation, I'll get
those events rolling again.
Note that all events OUTSIDE the game will continue as normal. WWAI, Trivia,
the Great Hall Tavern and the News of the Realms contests will occur as
scheduled.
Neverwinter is NOT the only area affected and we have strongly expressed our
concerns to AOL. As soon as we have any futher updates, we'll advise you
all.
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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January WWAI Final Results!!
First -- Cucumberus -- 15 pearls
Second -- Tyo Ark -- 12 pearls
Third -- Darkthane -- 9 pearls
Fourth -- Sylphee -- 7 pearls
Fifth -- Loraque -- 5 pearls
Stumper Winners -- Sylphee and Cucumberus -- 2 pearls each.
Roll-off Winners -- Opslin (2 pearls) and Ru1ner (4 pearls or GOH access).
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NEVERWINTER CALENDAR
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Greets all!
I'm sure many of you have noticed the problems Neverwinter is presently
experiencing with players being punted from the game. To clarify, it seems
that AOL has made an "improvement" which sends a message every 45 minutes
asking if you'd like to remain logged onto the system. If you do not reply
immediately it logs you off. Further information about this feature can be
found in the AOL Insider (Keyword:AOL Insider).
In some parts of the service and while doing various tasks (uploading a file,
browsing the web, and I'm sure others), you never see that message, are
unable to respond, and lose your connection. Games are affected, Neverwinter
of course is affected by this improvement.
Unfortunately, until AOL does make a change and either backs that new usage
timer out of the system, or make some other remedy, you're advised to QTS
(Quit to System) every half hour or so. You might even want to log off and
back on again to be certain that you won't be punted. It's my understanding
that these punts are causing a variety of problems, the least of which are
massive ghosting in the game, the greatest of which are the loss of
experience and items.
I'm sure we all realize how impossible it is to conduct any sort of event in
the game while these punt conditions are in effect. As a result of these
technical problems and until further notice, ALL in-game events are
cancelled. These include Tours, Mini Booths, Mini Festivals, and Location
Hunts. Additionally all Guild Sponsored In Game Events will be cancelled.
Unfortunately, this situation has also resulted in the
postponement/cancellation of the "not quite announced yet" Winter
Celebration. As soon as we have some remedy for the situation, I'll get
those events rolling again.
Note that all events OUTSIDE the game will continue as normal. WWAI, Trivia,
the Great Hall Tavern and the News of the Realms contests will occur as
scheduled.
Neverwinter is NOT the only area affected and we have strongly expressed our
concerns to AOL. As soon as we have any futher updates, we'll advise you
all.
Regards,
NW Events
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How to Train Itty's
(submitted by: OGS Jester)
There's always one question which I have asked of me
And that question is just how to train ITB's
There are quite a few people whom throughout this place
Who would like to own one of the ITB race
Well, here's my suggestions and here are my rules
Just in case you would like to go catch one of these fools
First my dear friends you must write out a list
And check off these items, there's not one you should miss
First you must go set a corner aside
For your pet ITB to go run and to hide
For when they are bad and you whip on their tail
Your Itty's must hide so they can sob and can wail
Next you must have some fresh milk in a plate
If they're not properly fed, their sad cries you will hate
You may also feed Itty's some good solid food
For when they eat so, they are often less rude
Now when you say "stand", and they don't jump right up
You must most quickly swat them just like any pup
But afore ye strike them make sure it's on paper
For they may then pull off some "watery caper"
Some Itty owners ask, "do I need a leash"?
I say, "not if you're quick to spank your Itty beast
No you don't need a leash, and you don't need a chain
They will quick fall in line if you cause then some pain
Now when they do whine and they cry and they shriek
Don't stop disciplining and don't show you are weak
Their pitiful tears and their sad droopy eyes
Are simply a ploy, they are wickedly wise
On occasion they'll ask if they can go out and play
Take heed of my words as I strongly now say
Don't let them out until you've cleared out your yard
And don't let them gather, for they separate hard
To clean your new Itty just turn on a hose
For it's too hard to wash them while holding your nose
As they're washed down they must strip down while squirming
And throw them clean clothes, cause their old's filled with vermin
If you follow these rules Itty's can be quite fine pets
Just get them their shots, and have them checked with your vets
But if their mouths foam there's just one thing to do
You must step hard and squash them, and then wipe clean your shoe
OGS Jester
Mess with the Jest, Cry like the Rest
I OWN THE ITTIES
(:>) (:>) (:>)
The Lost Passage - Part 2
Change of Plans
(submitted by: Lake Mist)
TroutRasta and Lake Mist marked the trail periodically so that the
others would know exactly which way they were headed. They were headed
generally back the way they had come, but were following a more direct
north-west direction to where they had been. By sunrise they had traveled
several miles from Longsaddle and were ready for breakfast.
Barthonis rose early, before sunrise, and wanted to head back up the
mountain. He thought it wise to discuss his plans with TroutRasta first
though. When he knocked on the door he got no answer and found it ajar.
Entering, he noticed the room was empty and had apprantly not been slept in
that night. He rushed to Thralos' room and knocked. There was some
grumbling from inside and as the door opened he heard "This had better be
good, who ever you ar.......ah, Barthonis, what is it?"
"TroutRasta is gone," replied Barthonis. "What? Rouse the others and
let's meet downstairs for an early breakfast. I'll be right there."
Barthonis headed off to wake the others as Thralos gathered himself.
At the noise from upstairs, the Innkeeper and his wife stirred. "Not
even sunrise. I may never let another ranger stay here," he replied as he
rose to prepare the morning meals, grumbling about tree huggers. His wife
smiled as she rose to gather eggs and milk the cows. She knew he loved
rangers and would never turn one away, no matter what the reason.
As the rangers gathered in the great hall, Barthonis came walking up
"Lake Mist is missing also, but I found this note attached to the hearth,"
he replied.
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Thralos,
Be not alarmed or to mad, for we have left this eve to rejoin Ender Bay
and Thorn Hawk in the rescue of Zeb Canon. Cerdith and Primrose are out of
immediate danger now that we have made civilization. We will travel a more
direct route and mark the trail ever so often so that you may follow once you
return from the temple. Travel well and may Mielikki bless thy path till we
meet again.
TroutRasta and Lake Mist
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As they sat at the table, they looked at each other in dismay. "They
place themselves in danger," replied Thralos. "Aye," remarked RiverSwift,
"we must change our plans, I think. To stay close, within a day or two of
them, we must travel the woods to Nightsedge and the temple there." "I
agree," replied Steelfleet, "we could possibly catch them within two days
from there. But they need to know our plans."
At that, Barthonis jumped up, "Let me go." he injected, "I can catch
them within this day with this news." Laughter erupted from the table,
"Catch those two within this day? Brother, they are faster by far than you
give them credit. But if you wish, what do you think RiverSwift?" asked
Thralos. "I think we reduce our number by yet another, and our first concern
must be our sisters. Those two decided on this foolish venture themselves,
without asking for advice or assistance. But, be that as it may, they are
our brothers. Aye, someone needs to let them know we have changed our plans,
and they may need yet another blade on this quest before we can return. I
say send Barthonis," replied RiverSwift, "But you let them know how foolish
they were and that they still may have to answer for it." Cerdith and
Primrose sat silently and listened, neither wanting to say what they really
felt, that they should all head back up the mountain. Cerdith could see the
worry in Primrose's eyes. Lake Mist was still recovering from his wounds and
TroutRasta had been pretty badly beaten by that stone golem.
Barthonis rushed to his room to gather his gear and headed back to the
table. "I will see you all very soon, travel well," he said as he headed for
the door. As they waved and wished him well, Steelfleet remarked, "He's
going to be real hungry in just a little bit. Should have at least eaten
first." Laughing, Thralos replied, "Aye, but he's young and eager for
something important to do. I think maybe this will be good for him." They
all smiled as the Innkeeper served breakfast and they dug in with appitites
born of many days on the trail. Cerdith and Primrose eating slowly, both
from being tired and sore, and worried. They decided to stay one more day at
the inn before heading out. That would give everyone a chance to heal and
rest a little more.
What none of the group knew, was that Neerdowell had grown worried when
he had not heard from any of them in over a week and had sent out parties to
try and locate their path. He had sent KaeBe and HENRO to Luskan, Urgrue and
Anna Muir to Nightsedge, and Dragonklaw and Calinor to Longsaddle. His lost
rangers had to show up in one of those towns if they were still alive. He
was hopeful that they were only a few days late.The Lost Passage - Part 3
Entangled
(submitted by: Lake Mist)
As dusk neared, TroutRasta and Lake Mist were looking along the way for
a place to make camp for the night. Concealed, yet as comfortable as
possible. As the path turned west and then north-west again, Trout touched
Lake on the shoulder and indicated behind them. Lake immediately blended
into one side of the path as Trout took to the other.
Minutes later, a figure could be seen making it's way along the path
that they had just traveled. And it was obvious that whoever, or whatever it
was, was stalking the two rangers.
Barthonis had picked up the two rangers trail quickly and followed it
most of the day. The markers they left made it easier for him to make good
time. He only lost their trail once during the day. He had just walked
right by where they had turned off, daydreaming of how he could have helped
Zeb Canon with that cloud giant if he had been closer when the battle had
started. He just knew that Zeb was in trouble because he had let him down.
And that's how he had missed the turn and found five griffons and a margoyle.
His anger at himself already at a peak, his sword had barely cleared
it's sheath when it cut the first griffon nearly in half. As he moved
forward, two griffons talons started to tare at his flesh. Spinning to the
right, he killed one and got the other as came about. The margoyle made a
menacing gesture trying to frighten Bart, but found the cold steel of Bart's
blade buried in his belly.
As Bart turned to finish off the last two griffon's, he noticed that
they were already yards down the path. He started to pursue them, and then
noticed the marker that he had missed earlier. He slumped to the ground and
sat there a moment. Looking at his sword, he started to clean it and
realized that he had to put his anger aside. Carelessness like this could
cost him catching his brothers, or his life.
Sheathing his sword, he looked up and noticed it was about noon. Then
he realized that he hadn't eaten breakfast. Hunger can be a most ferocious
foe, so he decided to eat here before heading up the right trail.
After he had eaten, he started up the trail and decided to be much more
careful.
He had been following the two rangers trail all afternoon and it was
about dusk. He hadn't seen a marker for quite awhile and hoped he hadn't
missed their camp. He was looking down as he turned a bend in the trail.
Just as the figure turned the bend in the path, Lake cast entangle and
Trout cast fairy fire. The vines on each side of the trail shot out and
secured their stalkers arms and legs as his body began to sparkle with an
erie blue glow. Two vines encircled his ankles and jerked his body off the
ground and suspended him upside down in the center of the trail.
As Trout and Lake came out of hiding and made their way toward their
stalker, a grin started to form on Trout's lips as he realized who it was.
Lake was moving closer with his broad sword at the ready when Trout touched
his arm and indicated all was safe. As Lake sheathed his sword, he bent
almost over to look in the eyes of their pursuer. "Oh, hi Barthonis. How
are - er - things - er - hangin'," remarked Lake. Both he and Trout burst
into laughter at the sight of Bart hangin' there like a side of owlbear.
Bart started to struggle, "Hey. Get me down, will ya?" he asked, almost
pleading.
Just as Lake cast dispell on Bart, Trout's two handed sword flew upward
and blocked the blow that was coming from behind, knocking him to his knees.
Lake spun around, broad sword in hand, to face three bearded trolls. As
sword blows were starting to be exchanged, Bart freed himself from the last
of the vines and put his sword into the mellee.
As Trout was rising, he noticed an electric spider coming out of the
brush to the left. As he moved forward, he swung to his side severing all
four legs on one side of the spider, the shock nearly numbing his hands.
Seeing the wounded spider, Bart darted around one of the trolls and severed
the tendons of the knee closest to the spider. As the troll started to fall,
the spider, sensing the danger sent out a charge of electricity to try and
ward off this threat. The troll was dead as it landed squarely on the
spider, ending it's life at the same time.
The sword cut a long furrow down Lake's right arm as he moved to get
advantage on the troll. The laughter coming from it's lips suddenly stopped
as the broad sword entered it's belly and cut upward, blood spewing forth on
it's slayer. Knowing these trolls can regenerate life, Lake withdrew his
sword, spun quickly about, severing the head from his victim, and facing the
last troll.
As Trout moved in on one side and Bart on the other, the troll began to
speak "Kill me puny humans. You know not what waits for you. The mountain's
your doom, just as our master has sealed the fate of your fellow. You are
powerless to stop our coming." Laughing, he charged Lake Mist just as swords
from three sides cut him down.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Lake looked around, "Tis time to seek a camp
my brothers." Trout looking at the cut on Lake's arm, agreed, "There was a
good place just back down the path. Sheltered on three sides, with a good
wind break, and our smoke won't be seen."
As they headed back down the path, they were all thinking of what the
troll had said about their fellow. Zeb? They weren't sure, but the words
were to close to what they had just gone through. It would be a long
night.Lady Fair & Aluric
(submitted by: Aluric)
The evening sun had set well behind the distant mountains, when Aluric had
found his squire now Knight errant Dquar, and summarily joined him for a
light sortie into the surrounding country side with Dquar's own page, Jmoore.
Before they could depart the gardens where they met in conference, a
knight from a different guild, had lain challenge at Aluric's feet. Not
actually prepared, nor in the mood, Aluric accepted the challenge rather than
be discourteous to this unknown knight.Aluric provided instructions to
Dquar, as his acting s second, in case something go amiss. First order the
knight errant brought into focus was the location. "Magister Aluric, begging
your pardon, but does not Lord Nasher himself forbid personal combats
between the rivaling knights within the city and surrounds?"
"In truth Dquar, you are correct, for the most part, use of arms and spell
between knights within the city walls is forbidden, and South Wall doth fall
within those confines. But exception is given in this case as it is agreed by
both parties, and held out of harms way from the general public. In fact
that is the reason for the seconds such as your self. You will be there more
to insure the safety of the non participants then my own safety and honur."
They where still engaged in a discussion of Aluric's choice to go into
this joust with minimal preparation, when another impatient page of the
challenger came with a repeat of the summons. Not wanting to be
disrespectful, Aluric made off with this page, leaving instructions for Dquar
and his page to follow as soon as they where able.
By the time the knight errant and his page closed off the area of
combat, the joust was well under way. Aluric presented little by way of a
looming physical presence, and he had been afield for some time time. So his
usual polish was some what lacking from the norm. As the monsters where
set loose on to the dueling pair, Aluric prepped, permitting his opponent the
same opportunity. The opposing knight, chose however to take the offensive,
laying damage about the assistant guild masters body, in volumes quantity.
Aluric went reeling back from the force of the blow, rolling through a nearby
open doorway. The monsters where upon him in the blink of an eye, biting
great gouges into his thigh and legs. Aluric lost the spell he had been
about to cast, and the poor timing cost him still more. The two circled each
other ignoring the beasts striking and parrying spell and sword. In the
meantime however, the reptiles where not so polite. Having the sent of
Aluric's blood fresh in their mouths, and on the air.
Dquar, was concerned for Aluric, and this new page stood beside his arch
knight aghast, at the bloodshed the reptilian creatures where accomplishing.
The opposing knight continued to use this to his advantage, pressing on with
his attack from a distance. Aluric was never able to recover let alone gain
an equal footing. Lack of practice cost him several spell casts as he fumbled
with the somantics of the offensive spells he attempted to work.
In short order it was over, Aluric had been defeated once more upon the
field of battle. The victorious knight, while not rendering aid to his now
fallen opponent, saluted the vanquished Aluric. Rising from the ground where
he had come to rest on something a bit harder than his own laurels. Aluric
returned the courteous salute; "Vulneratus aut victus non mori" (wounded and
defeated, but not dead yet) sir knight, the field of victory is your this
day!
Once the wounds had been dressed and healed, the trio made out for the
woods of Never Winter. Along the way thou in the town of Nightsedge, they
became separated. Unable to locate the 2 newer members of his order, Aluric
made his way to the nearby Mayors quarters, with the intent of delivering
his report. Hoping to gain some word of his guild brothers or their where
abouts. As was typical of this outpost, things where not going well. Not
gaining any information, Aluric concluded his report and departed for Never
Winter, escorting some displaced fighters and other various visitors to the
area that should not have been out this far with out some protection.
The return journey was fraught with skirmishes, the group attracting and
dropping stragglers along the way. Mostly due to the conditions afield and
not the flower and fauna native to the region. Aluric kept coming across one
particular individual, who requested assistance. Into the fray once more
charged the Knight of the Eternal Flame. Not wanting another loss at his
hands, Aluric suggested the other knight keep back apace, and not directly
confront the present monster. The other took offense; "Knights of my order do
not flee from danger!" Aluric calmly pointed out that keeping back enough to
keep ones opponent at swords point was not fleeing from danger but proper
application of the tools of their chosen profession. Before he could finish
his remark, the beast had fallen, and died in a proper fashion. Aluric turned
round to find the chap he had rescued for the 5th time this journey already
gone on ahead.
Growing concern and a need for the dispatches he carried to be delivered
in a timely manner required Aluric to try to quicken the pace. Most of those
he was now escorting chose instead to hang back, and forage for experience in
the surrounds. Being once more freed of the burden, Aluric made good time
until yet again he came upon a certain knight about to become the victim of
some of Never Winter's varied reptiles. Again hearing Aluric's offer of aid,
the young fellow replied yes to the need of assistance question. Aluric
closed to just outside the outer ring of the foe's formation, and using his
powers called down the flames aid to clear the way. The ball of fire laid
out all but one of the reptilian escorts that clung to the pyrosnake. Haste
was paramount. When the other knight asked what Aluric had used to smite
these beasts, Aluric took better stock of this young fellow. Seeing more
clearly now the true composition of this knight, it was all he could do not
to suggest this lad seek the comfort of his mothers bosom, instead of
traipsing round in his fathers armor. Aluric became distracted with concern
for the hour, as he was due to perform a knighting for the guild shortly this
day. But when he went in search of the lad he was gone on ahead once more.
Just outside Never Winter proper, the messenger caught up with Aluric.
It seemed, his "domi" awaited him beside the docks in Never Winter. The mere
thought of the Lady Fair Star gave wings to his feet. Racing on he pressed
his mount to a true froth, dropping is reports and dispatches with Lord
Nashers Guard. At the end of the street, he jumped from the roan charger,
passing the reigns to a page of KEF who happened to be passing by. Placing
his equipment on top of his saddle, Aluric made himself presentable and sent
the page and horse, back to the keep.
He found Starbeard's fairer cousin, enjoying the evening breeze in
the company of another. Though not the lady Tonessa, still honor would be
served, and so Aluric excused himself for the interruption. Kneeling before
Fair Star, Aluric presented himself; "Mi Domi, are thee well, for naught can
be truly wrong if all is well with thee!" Fair Star moved her hand so as to
cause Aluric to think he had leave to rise before the woman whom he had come
to worship. But seeing some discomfort reflected in her eyes, he withdrew a
pace as she attempted to hand him something. A flash of fear passed before
him, as he considered the possibility of what he dreaded and hoped it might
be.
Fair Star gently chided the knight, t'was only the ring of office he had
inherited from her. Fair had meant to pass this token of office on to him
during the induction ceremony, but things had gotten a bit disrupted. In
turn it had been all but forgotten till now. Aluric accepted the ring of
office, happy since it would be necessary if he was to perform the upcoming
knighting. Once it was firmly in place upon his hand, Aluric attempted to
turn the conversation to more light things. But his heart spoke instead of
his mind, and he made reference to the gift of the bottles he had gifted the
lady. Fair Star latched upon this and the look that had come to her face was
one of pain. At the possibility that this was also Aluric's fault he again
dropped to his knees before this goddess among the living, begging her
forgiveness. Reaffirming his devotion to her and his intent to include her
in his oath of feality to his master Starbeard. So that he would never cause
any distress to her by a direct act of will on his own part. He told her one
more time that he was content to wait upon her will as to which bottle she
chose to open. And would never again bring the matter into discussion in her
presence.
The Lady Fair Star calmly explained her plight as one of past deeds. She
had been discussing the matter even with her cousin, and now was fraught with
inner turmoil at this apex. Aluric attempted to dissuade her from making a
choice if it caused her discomfort. But it seemed Fair Star had made her
choice, and was now prepared to act upon it. The assistant to Lady Ambrlin
began to become physically ill, illusions of immense incandescent globes
floated in and out of Aluric's peripheral vision. His knees became weak at
the possibilities he considered. Even he did not know the effects of the
spells should she open the bottle signaling her refusal of his desire to
court such a divine creature. Aluric could only begin to pray for the bliss
he envisioned might become his should she decide to open the bottle which
would signal her acceptance of his attentions.Aluric wanted to turn and
leave before her choice made, as he had done in the garden that first night,
but the presence of others and the regret of his actions the last time Fair
Star had been ready to make her choice bolted him to the earth beneath his
feet. Fair Star was saying something, but Aluric could no longer comprehend.
Her hand drifted to the bag which contained his destiny. Fair Star's lips
moved in words unheard, all he could see was her hand moving unerringly
towards her bag.
She removed the box that contained that which Aluric had been praying his
fondest prayers of desire for. Aluric had failed his first love miserably.
Nearly losing his own soul in the process. Now the maiden held his life in
her hands. It lasted only a second or 2 at most. But for him it was an
eternity. Aluric caught his breath waiting for Fair Star to open the box and
make her choice. The red or the blue bottle which would she open first. Why
didn't she open the latch and open his heart. The time had finally come, he
could not understand what she waited for. She had nothing to fear from him.
His mind raced with the thoughts of how he might prove his love for her. In
the next blink of his eyes the box was in his hands!
"WHAT?, HOW?, WHY? NOOOO! THIS CANT BE!!!!!" Aluric had sank to his knees,
the wetness around the rims of his eyes showing clearly in the moons light.
"Lady please I beg you, do not do this. Please reconsider, you can take as
long as you like. But not this I beg you. He was holding the box before
him, at the same time pushing it away from him. Trying to wish it back into
Fair Star's possession.
"Aluric. Aluric!" Fair Star had called him back form the brink of his
personal hell. "Aluric, I know you don't want this but I must do this. Now I
must ask you, are you still my man, sworn to me in all things? He could not
bring himself to look directly into her eyes. So deep in color, he could lose
himself in them for two eternities, but now he was lost in the moons
reflection in the finish of the box.
Carefully and deliberately Aluric replied; "Yeri, oggi a domani!";
"This was the oath I gave your cousin and his house, and so I have given to
you. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. For me tomorrow will never come. I
will die inside for the want of your love till my last breath. With my last
breath time will stop, but tomorrow will never come. So even now I am yours
to command."
"Then Aluric I give you one more instruction, knowing you will
carry it out as if your very life depended on it." "Mi lady may well command
me to go and slay the devil himself! It is all the same with out you". "No
Aluric, as my man, I remind you of your promise of fealty to Starbeard and so
to myself, and instruct you not to mourn for me nor may you mourn over the
loss of me. This you must do! I forbid you to grieve over this." Stunned
silence swept over the wharf where they stood. Then Aluric stood, now
placing the box within his own cloak. "Lady, you have done what no other
could. and you forbid me my own feelings?" He straightened his garment,
ordered his accouterments, and wiped the moisture from his eyes, grasping his
nose between his forefingers. "I am bound by oath and honor, to obey you and
your instructions. This my mind can do! Outside these people here now,
none will ever know my pain, for my mind will block it from outward sight.
But no one, no one human with a beating heart, can bestill the wound inside
me. It shall be as you have ordered. I shall not mention it again outside
the seal of the confessional. Which if I have your leave, I shall now go and
avail myself of. The knighting will shortly come upon me, and I must go
there now lest I not be fit for the performing of the duties of my office."
Aluric did not look directly into the face of the beautiful lady, who
with out meaning ill, had just condemned him to a slow death. But he knew
she had nodded her assent. So he turned to depart, begging leave of the
others. Lord Arcane of the ITB guild, stopped Aluric, before he could get
clear of the dock side.
"Yer pardon if I may Lord Aluric! But could I possibly have that box,
with thoes potions. It would seem you need them not now." Aluric found some
internal source of strength, and turned towards this new distraction. "What
possible use could you have of these sir? They where made at my behest, and
specifically attuned to the Lady Fair Star and myself. Even I do not truly
know what the actual repercussions of their use might bring. Let alone what
could be the consequences should someone other than their intended owners
free their stoppers, and set loose the magics contained there in."
Arcane in feigned innocence replied; "I merely though they might
bring the price of a good drink at yon pub, and since you'll have no need for
them now.... "Aluric's hand had been moving toward the hilt of his sword,
but the icy glare from Fair Star's eyes chilled the member of the ITB guild,
to his core, and Aluric saw its effects reflected in Arcane's own pained
expression.
"Then good sirs and Lady Fair Star, if there is nothing further, I bid
you, Vive, and Vale! Aluric departed, heading toward the keep and his
unexpected future hell on this planet. Behind he imagined the howls of
laughter coming from the mouths of the ITB clansmen. SO be it what did any of
them know of honor and duty. The knight of the flame was bitter, cold, and
lifeless in his heart as he stormed across the Never Winter landscape, in his
march to the keep. Many saw the knight moving with some strange directive,
most gave way without question. The few who would have asked after the
problem, quickly reconsidered before voicing a word, withdrawing out of the
way as well.
Arriving at the gates of the keep, Aluric stormed through, on his way.
Paying little heed to the watch, save the required formalities. Thankfully
there had been no one to show up for the knighting that had been scheduled.
Leaving Aluric free to go about other business. Some one had attempted to
join Aluric into their conversation, asking after how thing had gone with
Lady Fair Star. Aluric had begun to reply, attempting to hide a pain that
apparently was thoes around him. But Fair Star herself, was among the
gathering, and felt it necessary to remind Aluric of his oath.
INDEED! Aluric's rage was now boiling within. He replied in as flat a
tone as any could remember, in as short a sentence as any have ever heard the
vocal knight use in all the time any had known him. " I know my place."
Aluric, furious with himself for a lack of foresight. Wanting to
explode with the fire that now rapidly consumed him. Blinded by his hearts
betrayal of his own needs. Spun about and stormed off towards his quarters,
without so much as a "good night", not that any there would have wanted to
speak to him, given his obvious ill temper. He didn't think any thing of it
at the time, but there was no one about the halls as Aluric transited towards
his apartment. Ascending the stairs, a full flight at a time, the wounds of
the previous joust had begun to tear open and freely bleed. Sweat from the
expending of energy as Aluric stormed the stairs; like he where mounted on
some invisible wild stallion; poured salt into the newly opened wound. It
mattered not. Mercifully, every person that resided in this section of the
keep seemed to be out for the evening. His internal furnace fueling the
exorbitant t amount of digestive juices, so that it felt he was about to
explode by the time he reached his own room. Tears now ran down his face, but
he was safe behind his own walls, none would see. The fury burring in his
soul seethed to break free of his mental controls. Aluric could not give in
to this temptation, he had given his word. The inner conflict was quite
literally tearing his inside out. Aluric had freely given his promise, Fair
Star had done nothing wrong here. He was always the champion of the "no
decision is a valid choice" cause. Discretion was supposedly the better part
of valor.
NO!! This all was his own fault. He neglected to consider this
possibility, and had refused to consider the possibility he might not be up
to the ladies standards at all. Aluric found he now hated himself for so
smugly trying to cheat fate, and decide the course of love for not just
himself but for Fair Star as well, how presumptuous could he get. The
stabbing pain in his stomach, doubled him over, bringing him to his knees.
Sweat soaked his garments mixed with the blood from a newly opened wound or
2. Aluric crawled to the kneeler in the near corner of his apartment,
attempting in prayer to gain more control of the demon he perceived was
getting lose inside him. With each verse, he gained on the conflict, but with
each new breath he lost ground to the burning ache. Vertigo was taking him,
when Peader found his friend.
"Aluric? Aluric may I come in?" Having heard no reply to his knock,
Peader had entered through the portal to Aluric's apartment. Luckily Aluric
never locked the door. He attempted to be quiet, Aluric was kneeling in
prayer he could plainly see that. Planetively Peader moved into the anti
room of Aluric's apartment, intending to wait on Aluric's completing the
devotions in which he was now engaged. As the distance closed, Peader could
now see the crimson stains at Aluric's sides. He could not help noticing the
parade dress equipment strewn aimlessly about the floor. More concerned now
he attempted to reach out for his friend, but drew back as Aluric spun on
him. It was then he noticed the wooden box inlaid with stones and gold
filigree, that Aluric clutched in his left-hand, with white knuckles. The
hand was shaking, Peader inocently reached out to take the box to a safe
place. Only the creator truly knew what might happen if something amiss
where to happen to it now. He thought it a poor idea when Aluric went in
search of the old woman in the wood. He would speak to Starbeard about this
later. It sounded much like the one whom had caused him so much trouble. It
was in fact where Aluric had come up with this crazy notion. If not for the
confessional, Peader might never had know, but he must get the box away from
Aluric. He almost had it when Aluric sprang to his feet, amazingly. Aluric
snatched the box from Peader's grasp, whirling about like some moon crazed
lunatic.
"PEADER! MY FRIEND! DO YOU KNOW WHAT SHE DID! YOU'LL NEVER GUESS IN
A THOUSAND YEARS! SHE FORBID ME FROM GRIEVING OVER THE LOSS OF HER HEART!
SHE HAS TURNED MY OWN WORDS AGAINST ME!. HOW COULD I HAVE BEEN SO BLIND!"
"She has rejected me, my dreams, my plans and schemes! Fair Star, could
not be bought, or tricked, or swayed by me. You where right my friend. SO
right. AND ME the fool for it all. I should have listened to you, and stayed
out of the woods. Better I had never sought out Starbeard's old witch
friend. Mikrael was lost to him and now Fair is lost to me. And to top it
off I shall not be permitted to grieve over it. Who now shall I play the fool
for? It would seem I have done a fine job playing for myself. Aluric sat
upon the floor, wobbling to and fro. Peader, speaking in a calming voice,
tried to cajole his friend. Leaning out to take this box he perceived to be
the root of the problem. Lest it fall and unleash something only the creator
could know what. "Aluric, you've opened your wound from todays fighting
anew, come let me attend you and help you rest. You can sort this out in the
morning, but you need to rest and clear you mind."
"You just don't get it do you Peader! Its all my fault. Aurora's death,
the priest, the monsenigor, all of them my fault, all over an affair of the
heart. Or some other such glandular nonsense called love. Just when some one
might find me acceptable, maybe even come to enjoy my company. I have to go
and stir the soup with this hair brained scheme." Peader almost had the box
in his hands now; "Aluric it was not harebrained, but an act of love.
Nothing could be further from the truth."
"TRUTH, what truth?", Aluric sprang back on his feet, removing the box
from Peader's reach. "Truth is I tried to buy my way into Fair Star's heart
with money, Isn't that the same as trying to win Aurora's heart by trying to
use the demon? Of course it is! Nothing has changed. Nothing! I am still
the same low life. now all those people have died trying to save something
not worth saving." Aluric rested against the stone wall beside the fireplace
mantel, panting heavily. Peader stood and began walking towards his
friend, "Aluric I wish you would give time a chance and get control of your
self. Come a sit on the bed and rest a bit."
"Wish?, you know what I wish friend Peader?" Aluric stuttered "I, I, I
wish I had never been born. I wish the seed which brought me life had
sought some place else beside the woman who bore me. Perhaps then they would
all still be alive, Then I would not be guilty of murder. I wish I had
never sought out that witch. I wish I had not the money I used to buy this
so called gift. But most of all I wish I had never come to love her as I do,
even without this box I have caused nothing but pain and suffering to her and
myself. I wish I had never cared for her!"
Just as Peader had reached Aluric's side Aluric flung the box into the
fireplace. The flasks shattered on opposite sides of th e walls in the
hearth. The wooden box now providing fuel for the flames therein. The
separate liquids drizzled slowly stone by stone down the their walls. Until
they came to pool in the hearth in one sputtering mass upon the fire heated
stones at the bottom. The joined fluids immediately began to boil, giving
off an orange and green smoky haze. As the vapors reached the ceiling beams
a soft laughing could clearly be heard by both the men in the room. The
laughing took on a mournful tone as it headed to some of the most sorrow
full sobbing. As a man of the cloth Peader had never know a love of the
flesh as a man and woman might share. Suddenly he was glad for the lack of
it. Nor had he even known what love of the heart between the 2 sexes might be
like, and again he was glad. For this sobbing now provided a insight into
what pains might accompany such emotions. He never wanted to know such things
again. Strangely Aluric had stopped moving. He was still breathing, that was
obvious, but the blank stare on Aluric's face, made the priest fear for his
own mortality. It was like coming upon a strange house in the dark night. The
lights are on, but no ones at home.
Then the voice of a woman could be heard speaking to Aluric, but Peader
was sure he heard it. Sweet and mellow at the same time full of pain and
remorse. "I warned ye young one I did! This was not the sort of thing to be
meddling in for the likes of you. But heed me not you did. And what has
become of you and your lady friend? What fools you mortals can be. Even I
cannot change what has befallen you in your past little bird, but you shall
get what you paid for. So I grant you your wish in a manner. You acted out
of love and so I can forgive that, but you destroy my hard works with out so
much as a single care, and that I can not forget. So it shall be likewise for
you and your dreams. That was the nature of the bottles. Your heart will
always know the pain of your loss, but added to the pain you already carry,
its only a trifle. Your mind shall forget what pains you in your waking
thoughts, freeing you till you dream.
Little bird I can nothing for the demon that haunts your dreams. It
hungers for your soul. You have kept it at bay, outside that door, but it
shall not rest till you met your maker. So again this small added burden
should be nothing. You who call this lost one friend; say nothing to him of
this. Let it be our little secret. I will not have those of less character
seeking my magics. If you can, forget you ever heard any of this, or if you
cannot then carry our little secret to you grave. Your life and his may well
depend on it. I can do nothing for his demon, but if he should come to love
another again, maybe it will relieve his pains, and release his demon. It one
of his own making you know. Try to tell him that I did, but like the rest
of your kind he would not listen to an old woman. His hearts desire has much
the same problem, of that I tried to warn him as well. But no one ever
listens do they?
The voice from with in the mist at the ceiling began to change into
something sweet and young, and through the haze Peader thought he could see a
woman's outline. "Your kind like to walk on paths, proud in their glow of
the lights cast. I would recommend you keep it that way and stray not on to
the darker paths. Your light might not be so helpful then. "Peader would have
sworn there was something of a witches cackle in the voice then.
"Who knows I might not be so incline to be kind. Maybe next time he
walks down my path, I might just clip this little birds wings and keep it in
a cage for myself. Or maybe another just like him? As the ghostly
apparition in the cloud at the ceiling drifted off into the night breeze, the
last thing Peader heard was the words of a beautiful woman; "Remember to
forget........"He was still trying to recall the vision, beautiful beyond
anything he had ever seen, but he could not recall any specific features.
Praying a prayer of blessing for his deliverance from what ever demonic
creature it must have been. He concluded it with Aluric's stirring about.
Helping his friend to the bed, he opened the blood stained cassock only to
find the wounds healed closed once more. If Peader had not know any better
he could have sworn that the outline of a feline form faded away from the
scar on Aluric's side, but it must have been his imagination. That's it it
was all a delusion, or was it. At that moment Aluric chose to ask Peader
"What happened?" Peader replied simply and truthfully; "I don't know, I
really don't know!"A Neverwinter Collage
(submitted by: TP LdyJNar)
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>The breath of a drac, the gaze of a holder,
A spell called haste and you're suddenly older.
Medusas who flash you and hounds that breathe ice,
Stopping a Neverwinter to ask for advice.
Cloud giant shamen and soldiers of Zhent,
Curing feebs at a temple is money well spent.
Dashing thru the hills at a breakneck pace,
Hoping the evils won't jump on your case.
Booths to win pearls and nights at the tavern,
Cleaning the sewers, exploring a cavern.
Banshees and yetis who give you a fright,
Driders and clerics and a dragon of white.
1000 in plat. for a trip to the isles,
Huge purple worms with poisonous smiles.
Golems and owlbears and crawlers that sting,
A cloak of protection, a magical ring.
Guilds for all alignments,classes, and races,
Adventures that take you to far away places.
A password to give, a rope to climb down,
Being swallowed alive by a shambling mound.
Esp messages that drive you to drink,
"The time on yer clock is the answer I think".
Friends that stick by you and some that depart,
....All pieces of Neverwinter, dear to my heart!
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
TP LdyJNar
Ode to OGS
(submitted by: ITB Skorp)
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
The eternal fools a guild they are
A guild of fools who gaze from afar
And stare in awe at what they wish to be
A powerful , glorious ITB
They run, they hide under a rock
Or in a cupboard beneath the crock pot
They pen their notes of envy and fear
But to a pvp zone they do not travel near
The peons who worship the golden staff
Wake in the morning and suckle like a calf
They try to do with bad poetry and hand
What they cannot do with sword, not even a frostbrand
Ask yourselves this, and cower in shame
When was the last OGS in the hall of fame
Come, challenge us on the field of battle
For, we are quite amused at you cowardly prattle
Shall we snap you again like when we met last in war
Kicking your worthless hides right out of the door
Or shall you hide behind notes penned with fear
And keep holding your blankies...oh so very near
Punt Monster
(submitted by: UDL Redrum)<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
The eyeless sockets of of Redrum's skull inquisitively searched the
hills. There was a terrible old enemy about who seemed to be getting
stronger by the day, the Punt Monster. He could be hiding anywhere, in the
form of anything and strike without warning at anytime. He had fallen to
this beasts deadly bite to many times to count. But today was different. He
thought he was prepared.
Then he felt it, the stillness in the air that betrayed the beast.
Swirlling on his heels, cape snapping at the dense air, Redrum raised his new
shield of 28.8 modem in hopes of fending off the deadly blow he knew was
coming. The force of the blow was great, knocking him to his back. But the
shield held, and Redrum was still intact. Shaking the cobwebs from his mind,
he scampered to his feet. Suddenly there was an ear shattering rumble.
Everything seemed to be shaking. The Realms seemed to be coming apart. And
as far as Redrum could tell, they were. Before him was an ever growing
crevace. A crack in the world coming straight for him and seeming to intent
on swallowing him whole. Quickly he dodged to the right. With his new boots
of 16mb ram/processor upgrade. Even as he left the ground the earth was
dissolving beneath his feet into a seemingly empty void. Skeletal arms
raised above his head and forward he leaped through the air.
Barely grasping the edge of the earth, his boney hand dug into the soil
of the edge of the crack. His body slammed against a wall of rock and earth.
Quickly he pulled himself up and went to his feet in a defensive posture. He
tried to scream a shout of mockery at the beast, but nothing escaped his
skinless grin of a mouth. And once again all was quiet. He waited.
Then, before him and above him, two large smoldering red eyes appeared.
And before he could even comprehend what he was looking at a beam of energy
was shot from the eyes. Smashing into his chest, the beam was hot and
seemed to be pushing him back to the new void in the earth behind him.
Redrum was sure that the beam would have destroyed him if he was not wearing
his new breastplate with arcane runes engrave on it. The runes were special
spells of new hardrive and modem strings. His breast plate was seemingly
absorbing the awesome energy of the floating red orbs. His bones threatened
to burn with the heat of the breast plate. He wasn't sure how much more he
could take, and leaned hard into the force of the beams.
Then as suddenly as they appeared, the eyes dissapeared with the power
beams. Redrum fell forward. Sprawled out and nearly exhausted. He layed on
the ground for what seemed like a hour tryint to regain the strength to
stand. But he felt good, thought s of actualy killin this beast danced in
his head.
Then, as he was just about to stand again, it came. A spear of "get
punted every 30-40 minutes was plunged through his back. Pinning him to the
ground. He had been defeated. And once again all faded to black as Redrum
awaited the deadly bite of a beast he knew all to well.
UDL Redrum
-Skeleton Punter- Darkness to Infinity III, The Hunt
(submitted by: KelliByrom)<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
I know not how long I lay in my semi-concious state. I wasn't even aware
of a conventional awakening, I was just suddenly aware that I was sitting up
and was back in my conventional reality. I had not thought to ever regain
conciousness, as I had not eaten in I could not remember how long, and had
long ago run out of what little water I had thought to bring with me.
Coupled with my total exhaustion, I was quite sure I was dead, and in my
mind, this vision of some foreign god only confirmed my belief. But upon
awakening, I found not only was I well rested, but I was neither hungry nor
thirsty. Before I could bring myself to wonder at this miracle, a glint of
steel caught my eye from the center of the clearing.
Standing where my daughter had been crucified was now a mound of freshly
turned dirt. In my heart I knew it was my daughter's grave, but for the life
of me I couldn't think who could have buried her. I brought my gaze up to
what was resting atop the grave, the glint of steel which had caught my eye.
Laying there, as if a body had only recently vacated them, was a full set of
armor. The plate leggings were of a plain silver, but the scale shirt was a
deep, forest green, emblazoned with the emblem of a silver snake biting its
tail in a perfect circle. At the left sleeve was a shield of the same dark
green, with a border of deep black. At the right sleeve was a rapier-like
sword, only the end was thicker than normal, adding weight, and thus power,
to the swing. At the head of the shirt was a silver circlet, no wider than
my smallest finger, completely plain in every detail. It was, in my
experience, an expenzive set of equipment. In my days as an adventurer, I
would never have hoped to have owned such a fabulous set. But even having
never seen the suit before, I knew it was mine.
I took the time to quickly place the suit over what close I had that were
appropriate, discarding random articles as appropriate. At the next town, I
would need to buy an appropriate set of clothes to wear with the armor.
Maybe some new boots. Somehow mine felt, for lack of a better word,
unworthy.
I found the armor to be both incredibly light and comfortable to wear,
which was quite outside of my experience. Any armor I had managed to own had
been a chore to wear.
As I placed my sword at my belt, I noticed for the first time a small
pouch, already hanging from belt belt. As I reached for it, it made a
pleasant jingle that I hadn't heard, at least at this magnitude, for some
time. I found it to be filled with a wide variety of coins, mostly gold.
Easily a small fortune.
For the first time since I had entered my home in what now seemed ancient
memory, I headed towards my destiny with some hope. Not in the conventional
sense, I wasn't happy for the day, or looking forward to a night on the side
of the road, but I had a motivation to keep my going. As I set myself on the
trail of my enemy, I could think of nothing else. I would have my
venegance.The Forgotten Village
(submitted by: JJervis126)<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
My dreams were cut short by the cries of the innocent being
slaughtered. As I jumped to my feet, I snached up my bow and quiver.
Getting a bearing from the abbreviated screams, I ran as fast as my feet
would carry me. When I approached the clearing from wince the cries came, I
dropped to my belly and lowcrawled to a concealed position at the edge. What
I saw horrified me.
A patrol of Zintish soldiers had captured a village. There was a huge
pit dug in the center of the village. The Zintish Patrol were lining up the
villagers and pushing them into the pit ten at a time. A mage stood at one
end of the pit with two wands. after every ten villagers were pushed into
the pit the mage would launch a fireball or a lightningbolt into the masses
in the pit. The smell of brimstone, burnt flesh and the acidic smell of the
lightning combined to form a noxious vaper that corroded anything it touched.
Weighing my chances I was about to attack when I noticed a rather
important looking soldier approach a strange looking coach. Slipping back
and around closer to the coach I heard a small part of the soldiers
conversation with the occupant of the coach.
"We've found it sir!"
"About time, take me there."
Keeping to the shadows and the woodline I followed the two Zintular to a
small graveyard shadowed by a canopy of trees.
"It's over there sir!"
"Good, go get the groundskeeper."
An old man was brought into view.
"Please! Please! Let her rest, do not disturb this place I beg of you!"
Two Zintish soldiers started to dig up a small poorly marked grave.
"Stop that!! Do you fools think that after coming all this distance
that a mere six feet of earth can stop my pet? Arise my pet! Return to your
Master!"
After a few short moments the ground began to trimble, then a hand shoy
up through the dirt. I shuddered in revulsion as the undead terror clawed
it's way to the surface.
Saying a prayer to Meilikki, I readied my weapons.
"Lieutenant, you know what to do."
As the soldier reach fo rhis sword his hand was stopped by his
commander.
"That is too clean a death. Use the shovel please."
The brutality of the three hits it took to sever the old man's head
froze me in place, that is until I saw what they had unearthed and reconized
it's ilk. The vampiress desended on the corpse of the old man. I found
myself free to move again and without thinking rushed into the graveyard
screaming the battle cry of my brethren.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
The three Zintish soldiers went down before they even knew I was there.
as I wheeled to face the Vampiress and the Commander, the holy symbol of
Mielikki, emblazoned on the left breast of my armor, flared with Holy light.
When the light from Meilikki's symbol passed over the vampiress, she turned
into gas and ran. Facing the Commander alone now, I could hear more soldiers
running down the path towards us.
"You've done it now, you medling ranger. You couldn't just walk away
could you?"
"No," I replied, "I couldnot. I couldn't stand back and watch you kill
more innocent people, nor could I let that abomination go loose to murder in
this realm."
Charging the Commander I led with both of my swords, only to have him
teleport at the last instant, to only the gods know where. Turning I saw the
first of the reenforcements enter the graveyard. Cursing my anger for
letting me leave my bow behind in the brush, I ran into the forest making no
attempt to hide any noise. Quick as I had lost sight but not sound of the
soldiers I dropped and rolled under a bush by the path. Offering a quick
prayer to our Lady of the Forest to protect and guide me, I felt the forest
come to life. I rolled back into the open to discover that all but two of
the Zints had been killed by the forest itself. The soldiers that had
escaped death were busy triing to free themselves from the tangled roots
around their legs. I offered up a heartfelt prayer of graditude to my
Goddess to give thanks for protecting her lowly servant, then went to
question the Zints.
So far all I have discovered is the location of their headquarters.
Still no trace of the Commander or his pet vampire. I shall give a full
report on completion of my quest.Whispers
(submitted by: Auber0n)<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
Auberon sat in his favorite chair in his suite in Mataga's, an overstuffed
blue velvet chair that was always relaxing to sit in. He stared into the
heart, the orange flames licking at the wood, devouring it. In his lap was
the book that Memoria had just given him, "Knight's Songs", in honor of his
recent promotion. Seven new Songs were in the book, and he was excited as he
poured over the contents, committing the notes and lyrics to memory,
strumming the notes on the lap harp he had next to the book. He paused, a
memory flitting across the edge of his mind. He fingered the silver band
that he wore on his index finger, the ring that Brenna had given him when
they had decided to get married. As he stared into the flames, his thoughts
wandered and drifted back to one of the times that he and Brenna had been in
the clearing that they had claimed their own.
Auberon lay next to Brenna, one of his arms draped lazily across her stomach,
his head resting on her shoulder. She was gently stroking his hair as the
two of them stared up at the night sky, the stars twinkling and flashing, the
moon shining in all of her resplendent radiance upon the two lovers.
"Auberon, when I die, I want you to love again and be happy."
Auberon frowned, unsure of where that remark had come from. He flicked his
wild blonde hair out of his face, and turned to look up at her. His lips
were pursed in an expression of troubled curiosity.
"Why do you say that, my Love? We will live together forever, we promised
each other."
"But my sweet, you are an elf, I am a human... It is natural that you outlive
me. I'm, gonna grow old and disgusting, and you are going to remain as
beautiful and youthful as you are right now. Eventually, you will have to
find another, I really am not going to be around for as long as you are."
Auberon sighed, Brenna was so stubborn sometimes. He had already promised
her to write a Song that would keep her as youthful as a elf, so that the two
of them could live out their lives in happiness. But, he couldn't press the
point, and he knew it. Trying to argue with Brenna was like trying to
convince a mountain that it belonged somewhere else, and though he knew there
were some people that could do it, he wasn't one of them. He ran his finger
up and down her stomach idly, kissing her neck tenderly.
"Promise me, Auberon Starweaver, or I am going to leave you."
She had the stern look on her face that signaled he had no choice in the
matter. He knew that his answer would be half-hearted, the love he felt for
Brenna would last beyond her death, of that he was certain. He was also
certain that he would never learn to love again, Brenna had all his heart,
and all his soul.
"I promise, Sweet Brenna D'Tarliss, I promise."
He leaned up and kissed her, the full strength of his love for her filling
that kiss. His hands swept up her sides to caress her cheeks, and he leaned
back, gazing down into her eyes. Their emerald depths reflected all the
light of the stars, and all the love he felt for her. He sank down to her
side, pulling her tight in a loving embrace.
"Oh, my beautiful human, how I love you."
"And I you, my handsome elf."
This time it was Brenna that pulled away to look into his eyes. She
whispered a phrase in the fluid language of magic, and her brilliantly
colored shoulder bag, the one he had woven for her himself, floated from its
place at the edge of the clearing to her outstretched hands. She reached
into it and pulled out a book that looked a lot like the spellbook she kept
near her always. She held it out to him, biting her lip in anticipation of
his response. When she realized, after a moment, that he wasn't sure what it
was, she explained it to him.
"It is a journal, my love. I enchanted it myself so that it will never run
out of room for you to hold lyrics, notes, spells, Songs, anything that you
wish to keep in it."
She handed him a small silver locket, in which was a even smaller key,
obviously the key to the silver lock that was on the journal. Auberon's eyes
filled with unshed tears, and he turned the small key in the lock, the soft
shimmering the sign he had deactivated the magical safeguards placed on it.
On the inside cover of the exquisite book was the inscription :
'For the man I love, and his passion -
Brenna'
Tears of joy slipped down Auberon's cheeks, and he leaned over to kiss Brenna
again, the tender caress of his lips against hers further proof of the love
he felt for her.
Auberon felt the tear hit his hand, and was jerked from his flashback. He
looked down at the book in his lap, and a pleased smile rose to his face.
The image of his new love, Memoria, was floating in his mind. He looked into
the fire, and twisted the silver band on his finger.
"I did what you asked, Brenna... I have found another..."
The tears began to fall in earnest, one rolling after the other. Auberon
placed his head in his hands and sobbed, the Song of his first love fading
away, the Song of his new love rising in a crescendo until it was all he
could hear, and feel. That, and the tears of sadness at his lost love... And
the tears of joy that fell for the new.
***********************************************
Auberon
Unseelie Sidhe Knight
The KithainHouse ITB, Between You and Me
(submitted by: OGS Jester)
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
Aspirsions have been cast on the OGS group
And I may have invoked them so for this let's recoup
There are many fine guilds in this land where we game
But we're one of the best, to think other's insane
Now as to record of the OGS guild
They're beloved in the realms, and for that I am thrilled
I am new in the guild under this Jester name
And had little to do with this prior years fame
I have won near 20 pearls under two separate titles
But don't feel that's the issue between our guilds that are rivals
The legend of our guild is both proud and tall
By helping the weak, and by aiding the small
So it's the future we quest to and it's glory we seek
I won't live in the past nor dwell on the bleak
The direction we go is now to look to our futures
And any evil in our way will need plenty of sutures
Tis not disease worship to purge out foul cancers
But is good for the body of the OGS lancers
My place is not to speak for my brothers and sisters
But if I have my way, we will pierce you like blisters
House ITB has a rep that's profound
But it's former dark glory does leave many to frown
Hold tight to the trophies you've won from the past
For it could just be that they're simply the last
OGS Jester
Mess with the Jest, Cry like the Rest
Moonlight
(submitted by: Rounlin) <FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
And the moonlight shines upon myself. The light guides my way as I pass from
one town to the next. The air is damp and muggy. My sweat beating from my
brow. I can taste the salt from my own body. My clothes soaked from that
afternoon's downpour from the heaven's above. "I must change into some dry
clothes,"I think to myself. But I press on to Crossergate.
The thrill of conquering all evil who stand in my way makes me press onwards.
I have learned that the evil Zhenterium has taken over some part of
Crossergate. I must go there for my "gift" forces me. I wish for the evil
to end, but it will not. How many times must I be tested? I ask. These
tests as I call them are what my life is all about.
Theses days I grow weak from destroying evil. But I must go on. I hope
someday I will put an end to these tests. Somedays I wish that the evil
would overcome me and end everything. But then I would live no more. And my
soul would not be with my Goddess; Mielikki. I yearn to live. I live
everyday like it is my last.
The new friends that I have made these past weeks have made the evil a little
less on myself. I miss my wife and children more so than ever these days.
And I will avenge their deaths until every last piece of foul, rotten,
Godforsaken EVIL has benn sent to the Gates of Hades.Writing
(submitted by: Rounlin)
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
If I give you a clean sheet
What will you write?
Will your words
be long and graceful
or short and sweet?
Will it be poetry or brute instinct?
If you have something to say
best say it now
for soon,
always too soon
my sheet will be filled
and this chapter will end
as sure as the next will begin,
with a clean sheet
new authors
and a million
possibilities.
The Early Years
(submitted by: LOKANLOAD) <FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
The pain is intense..
They are beating me because I didn't fight up to their standards. The whip
they beat me with has shards of pottery stuck all up and down the length of
it, and it leaves deep gashes and angry red whelts where it hits...
I have been their prisoner now for 3 years..my life before that is only a
haze. I remember my parents, but only as vague impressions. They were good
to me, I remember that, much better than the Masters treat me. Both my
parents were killed when the Masters took me as their own.
I no longer have a name, I'm only called slave... or boy. They force me to
fight in the arena once a week, sometimes more. This particular beating was
brought about because I refused to kill a fellow slave. I have been in this
place for a while, and the slave they wanted me to kill was here before even
I got here. I am getting good at fighting in the Arena, one of the best here,
I think...but sometimes I lose myself in the battle, let the bloodlust rise
to block my vision and lose all control of myself. I beat the slave, but the
bloodlust was not upon me, since the fight was not even close. The Masters
ordered me to kill him, since he is no longer profitable for them to keep,
but I refused. They are punishing me now for what I did.
The beating finally comes to an end. My back is hanging in ribbons, but I
feel not the pain of the beating. The only thing I feel is an immense
pride...I have stood up to my captors, and I have won. I am alive, even
after having directly disobeyed them. Either my skill in the arena makes me
valuable to them, or they don't wish to waste someone with potential like
mine just because of one incident. Either way, that means that they want or
need me around, and I am now one of the elite (if there is such a thing)
slaves.
The arena fighter training continues, and I apply myself and learn all I can,
because I know that other slaves would gladly kill me to improve their
standing with the masters. I must be strong, and win every time, or my life
will end....
Arena fighters usually have one fight a week, so it surprised me when they
scheduled me for two fights in two consecutive days. The fight master told
me that I was a draw, and they wanted to make more money off me, and that's
why they scheduled it like that. The fights are scheduled on the days when
most people come to watch, so I guess it makes sense.
In the first fight, I have to fight against a man who only arrived in the
arena a week ago.. these fighters can be dangerous, since you don't know
exactly what kind of training they have, and they are more desperate than
someone who has survived a few fights here...
I enter the arena to cat calls from the crowd. I suppose they weren't happy
that I spared the slaves life. It doesn't matter to me, I have done what I
felt was right.The Wedding
(submitted by: OOR Babble) <FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
The day before the wedding of OMM Mentor and OMM Wynd was a busy one. There
were arrangements to be made, the reception hall in Windy Cliffs where the
wedding was to take place had to be set up and cleared out of the purple
worm.
OOR Babble had received her invitation by messenger a couple of days prior.
She was elated that she was even on the invitation list to attend. She had
only recently befriended some OMM's (Order of Might and Magic) while visiting
West Bridge. She was there fighting the giants trying to recover intelligent
and wisdom stones that the giants had stolen from the wizard's tower. While
there she met OMM Mentor and some other OMM's, so when she received the
invitation, it came as a pleasant surprise. She must had made an impression
to receive it so soon after meeting them. After the fight with the giants
and finding no stones on them, disgruntled, OOR Babble decided to go to the
inn and revamp her attack plans.
OOR Babble saw Bannwyn at the Triboar Inn. Bannwyn was celebrating for he
had been commissioned by Lord Nasher to check into the slave market that had
recently raised it's ugly head in Neverwinter. Unsuspecting individuals,
ladies mostly, were being sold on the black market by sources unknown.
Apparently, Lord Nasher felt that Bannwyn, with his connections, would be a
good person to get to the bottom of this racket. OOR Babble had remembered
running across a young lady, IB A PALMU, who was sold to a FF Seal for jewels
- 10 of them, a +3 Long Sword and a Roast Pig. Bannwyn said from his
reliable source, that the roast pig was the turning point of the sale. OOR
Babble never got the whole story from IB A PALMU but from the bits and pieces
she could put together, IB A PALMU was at the Vilnask Inn having tea and the
next thing she remembered IB A PALMU awoke shackled with a chastity belt on.
Bannwyn was there, IB A PALMU recalls, but he could not give her anymore
information on how she got into the compromising position that she had found
herself. But Bannwyn assured her that he would get to the bottom of it.
Guess Lord Nasher had heard that Bannwyn was already checking into it and
that's why he chose him. No matter, OOR Babble was sure that the ladies and
gents were now safe from the slave block as long as Bannwyn was there
watching. OOR Babble celebrated into the night as well with Bannwyn and
forgot about the giants for the time being.
The next day when she woke from a horrendous hangover, she made her way to
Neverwinter to go shopping for a wedding gift, she ran across OMM Wlfgar, OMM
Hthomp, and Rune Magic who also was out in town seeking something special for
this new union. OOR Babble wanted to go see Lord Nasher because OOR Babble
had a jewel that she wanted to turn in, she thought maybe Lord Nasher would
give her something special in it's place but again he was overly kind with
another magical weapon, +2 military pick. OOR Babble thanked Lord Nasher but
inwardly was grumbling, she was hoping for a bag. Oh well, maybe next time.
She reunited with the others to continue their search for a special gift.
They sat at Lord Nasher's place for quite a while conversing. There was a
brief misunderstanding at first among OMM Hthomp and Rune Magic, they thought
the wedding bells were for OMM Wlfgar and OOR Babble. After much
light-hearted dialog back and forth, it was made clear that they were just
friends and no wedding plans were in affect for either of them. OMM Wlfgar
shyly admitted that he was too young to settle down quite yet. OOR Babble
had too much to see and learn right now to settle down.
OOR Babble her head still throbbing from the night's festivities with Bannwyn
decided it would probably be best for her to make her way to Windy Cliffs
this day rather then waiting till the next - the day of the wedding.
The others said what a wonderful idea and accompanied her toward Windy
Cliffs. Just outside the gates of Windy Cliffs, there was a gate fight -
apparently someone had tried to rest at the gates and was an easy mark for
the wondering creatures to take advantage of and attack. This caused quite
a back up on the roads for one cannot get around a gate fight easily. It is
like the scent of blood is in the air and all converge to take a lick, then a
feeding frenzy starts.
The Neverwinter guards constantly post for travelers not to stop and rest at
the gates but the signs are constantly being torn down or just not heeded.
Anyway, OOR Babble was leading this merry party to the wedding site when she
was uplifted into the air by the most feared creature of all - the punt
monster This creature has no preference on who it's next victim is. At
times - this creature is not alone - it brings others and can swoop down and
carry away several at one time. Well, in this instance, it took OOR Babble
and deposited her back inside the safety of Neverwinter. Strange creatures
these Punt monsters - you never truly know where they will deposit you. They
don't really harm you - they just lift you up and carry you away. This made
OOR Babble think that maybe they think they are helpers. That in their
minds, they see people in need - even though no need is required - or that
they are out of place and need to be deposited where they think the
individual should be.
Once making her way back to Windy Cliffs and sneaking by the gate fight that
was still in progress, or was a new fight, she did not know. She made her
way to the secret entrance in the hedges and picked the lock. She went ahead
and cleared the way to the entrance of the wedding site, knowing the worm was
inside... she waited on the outside and mentally made contact with OMM
Wlfgar. OMM Wlfgar told her that he and OMM Hthomp were caught up in the
gate fight and they would be there directly. The punt monster had accosted
Rune Magic and deposited her as well back inside Neverwinter. OOR Babble
told OMM Wlfgar that she's waiting for them at the entrance to the worm, and
for them to take their time and be safe, the roads are quite busy this
night.
OMM Wlfgar and OMM Hthomp waited for Rune Magic to catch up with them, then
all three proceded to OOR Babble who had set up a small camp site near the
entrance to the room. She was in deep thought when they approached and
startled her when they came into the clearing. "Well, now that we're all
here time to clean up", OMM Hthomp said. With that the campsite was
extinguished and they readied their weapons and entered. Sure enough the
worm was home with some guests; ogre mages and trolls. With a quick Hold
Monster and a couple of well placed Fireballs, the room was emptied quickly.
They agreed that this was a nice wedding gift and began to sweep out the
carcasses. Rune Magic was wanting to catch the worm and tame it for them as
a wedding gift. So they could travel around the realms in style. The worm
did not want to be tamed and had to be put down. During the cleanup
proceedings, OMM Hthomp who loved to danced; took OOR Babble and Rune Magic
and danced around the room with each.
OMM Hthomp did more dancing than cleaning but no one minded. It was fun
watching him spin around the room dancing with invisible partners.
"Practicing for tomorrow", he would snicker. They were all so bushed from
cleaning up after the worm and his nasty guests, that they decided to sleep
there. This was two fold - 1) to ensure no other nasties came during the
night and wreck their clean room and 2) to ward off any strangers or
undesirables that may wish to disrupt or sabotage the wedding. Not that any
would do such a thing in Neverwinter.. but.. precautions were precautions.
The big day finally arrived and all were up at the crack of dawn. OOR Babble
and Rune Magic made a quick breakfast for all and then everyone departed to
the inn to freshen up before the ceremony.
When OOR Babble returned, there was already a house-full assembling; outside
the door LOK Oswald and LOK Shirak were checking invitations. Some worms
were making their way back to their lair but LOK Oswald and LOK Shirak were
ensuring that none interfered with the festivities happening inside.
Besides, they had a nice pit fire going and there was an abundance of
finely-rotisseried worm meat to go around at the reception. Although there
was quite a bit of taste testing before the reception. Worcestershire sauce
was being passed around by the bottle as well as a plentiful supply of ale,
mead and wine. OMM HB2H, OMM Nob2, OMM Ryd1a, and Forgon II were inside the
room with the bride and groom OMM Mentor and OMM Wynd.
The first sight that OOR Babble saw was the stunning outfits that the bride
and groom had on. Both dressed in a wonderful combination of white and
black; very rich and elegant looking. She went up and hugged both
affectionately. OMM Wynd looked absolutely radiant while OMM Mentor looked a
wee bit on the nervous side but, all in all, in good form. They made a
handsome couple.
Babble asked Wynd, "Are you going to do the vows yourselves or have someone
oversee it?" OMM Wynd answered a little saddened, "ABKReality was to do the
honors but with the time approaching I don't think she will make it." OMM
Wynd leaned forward and whispered to Babble, "ABKReality was his idea",
nodding toward OMM Mentor, "I wanted Forgon II from the beginning. Maybe he
will do it after all", she ended smiling.
Babble smiled and looked toward Forgon II, who like the rest was having a
grand time already before the ceremony even began. The tankards of drinks
were going around the room and toasts were being made one after another.
Babble noticed that OMM Wynd was not partaking of drink, she passed nearly
every glass that passed her way. Babble grinned thinking to herself, "Now
there's a smart lady.. keeping under control for now." but Babble knew that
once the reception started , OMM Wynd would no doubt loosen up and get a
couple of tankards in her as well.
Babble saw OMM Wynd approach Forgon II who was downing yet another flask.
She saw him nod, blush and embrace OMM Wynd. She went back to stand next to
OMM Mentor's side and whispered to him. OMM Mentor looked around the room
and then kissed her on her cheek and nodded as well.
Forgon II stepped forward and was offered another flask as he passed the
table with the drinks but he raised his hand and said, "Can't drink
anymore...Flekeppomderst." All looked at him and shrugged but did not press
the issue.
OK Shirak, who is LOK Oswald's liege, said he had brought the fireworks and
was rummaging through his robes. OOR Babble suggested maybe to hold off on
the fireworks till after the ceremony. LOK Shirak just mumbled and continued
searching inside his robes.
OMM Ryd1a looked nervous and Babble approached her, "You look like you're the
one about to get married. Are you okay?" "Oh, does my nervousness show? I
am the ring bearer for OMM Wynd and I don't want to mess anything up", she
replied. "You'll do fine.", Babble assured her. They both stood there
observing the room filling up more people. It dawned on Babble that she had
some messages to deliver to the bride and groom to be. She told OMM Ryd1a
she'd be right back and approached OMM Mentor and OMM Wynd.
"I have a message for you two from two individuals that could not make it
today. Basically, the message is the same and that is; They wish you two the
happiness you deserve and best wishes on this wedding day. For the both of
you to always be in love as you are this moment, etc. etc." Babble said
smiling. They looked at her and said thank you for the message, "but who are
they from?" Babble laughed and said, "ohhhh.. from Bannwyn and OMM Wlfgar."
They again thanked her for the message and were then pulled away by others
wishing them congratulations.
Babble smelled the aroma of the roast worm seeping into the room filling her
nostrils. She headed toward the door when she overheard OMM Nob2 slurring,
"Pass that Wistwhatever sauce." She smiled thinking, "Yep, it's gonna be a
good party."
OMM Lugh had arrived as with OMM Ihopol and OMM Bnice. She greeted them as
she passed through the door to go grab a piece of that delicious smelling
meat. She nearly plowed into another figure that was there in the shadows...
to her surprise it was Bannwyn. So elated that he got to make it after all,
Babble turned around and shouted to Wynd and Mentor, "Look who made it!"
When she turned back to take his arm and pull him into the room, he was gone.
She shook her head and rubbed her eyes. "He was here, really he was", Babble
stated shaken. OMM Wynd said, "I saw him as well, I don't know where he got
off to." Then others reassured Babble that she was not hallucinating that
indeed Bannwyn was there. Ahhh, that put her mind to ease. She was
thinking... "Not only do I hear voices in my head but I see ghosts now." She
decided that she might ease off on the mead herself and switch to something a
little less potent.
Music had started and all eyes were drawn into the room. People stopped what
they were doing and gathered inside around the couple. Forgon II was
standing on the podium platform with OMM Mentor and OMM Wynd. Guess he was
doing the ceremony after all.
He asked if he could get everyone's attention and then it began:::, "In honor
of a momentous occasion, we gather to join in a ceremony that none should
take lightly. We ask that this union be blessed and sacred, that honor love
sprout from this day. To be seen and spread through this land"::
OMM Ryd1a and OOR Babble started tearing up.
Forgon II continued, "OMM Mentor on this day you ask that OMM Wynd be bride
to you and who gives this woman?"
OMM Nob2 stared up at the ceiling at this point. LOK Oswald handed Babble
a hankie.
OMM HB2H said, "Women." Then nudged OMM Ryd1a and said, "I think that's your
cue Ryd."
OMM Ryd1a pops out with, "ME!"
Forgon II smiled, "Thanks."
OMM Ryd1a still not sure if she was to say more said, "I DO!"
OMM Mentor spoke for the first time and leaned toward OMM Ryd1a, "Only plan
on marrying the one woman." pointing to OMM Wynd.
Blushing OMM Ryd1a said, "Sorry."
"Tis all he can handle", OMM Wynd teased.
Forgon II regaining control of this solemn moment, "and who would stand for
this man in his word and deed?"
Snickers rang from almost every corner. Ryd1a and Nob2 must have known an
inside joke about this question and passed it around but had forgotten to
tell Babble. Babble stood there in amazement and wonderment. Then over the
snickering, a booming voice was heard.
"I, OMM Lugh, shall stand for this man.. should there be a lack of others."
The snickering settled down and Forgon II, trying to once again gain control
said, "Okay, okay, okay."
OMM HB2H and OMM Hthomp helping OMM Nob2 came forward and in turn declared,
"So will I", "I will stand beside Mentor", "Me too".
Forgon II looked at these three then around the room and resumed his role,
"Mentor, do you take this woman to love, protect, and honor through the days
of trial and the days of challenge as well as during the good?"
OMM Mentor looked into OMM Wynd's eyes and smiled, "I do."
"OMM Wynd, do you take this man...."
Babble noticed that OMM Hthomp had tears falling on his cheek. How sweet she
thought.
Then her attention went back to the ceremony at hand, ".....to love, honor
and abide with for whatever challenges you meet?"
OMM Wynd looked up at OMM Mentor and lovingly said, "Aye, I do."
OMM Nob2 looked back at the ceiling. OOR Babble as well looked at the
ceiling but saw nothing out of the ordinary. She shrugged and figured that
was his way of dealing with the emotions he was feeling at this moment.
Heck, she was seeing ghosts and hearing voices.. maybe.. he was talking to
his God.
Forgon II continued, "We ask then in the name of the One that this union stay
bonded and happy. That no one person or monster ever come between them.
These two who freely give themselves to each other. May I see the rings in
this ceremony?"
OMM Lugh came forward and gave OMM Mentor his ring. OMM Ryd1a waited for
Wynd to turn and take the ring but did not so she nudged OMM Wynd and brought
her back to this world. OMM Wynd blushed and then accepted the ring from
Ryd1a.
"The rings symbolizes purity, honor and belief in each other", Forgon II
stated, "Mentor, please put this ring on Wynd to symbolize the oath you have
taken this day."
From the back of the room, OMM Bnice started crying which started even more
sniffles to be heard around the room. LOK Oswald was handing out hankies
rather quickly now.
OMM Mentor gently took her hand and slipped the ring on her finger
whispering, "With this ring, I thee wed."
"Wynd, please take this ring and give it to Mentor to symbolizes the oath you
have taken this day", Forgon II instructed.
She took his hand and slipped onto his finger the ring saying, "Till death do
us part."
Forgon II finished the ceremony by saying, "By the power of the Great One we
honor and the laws of Neverwinter; I say ye are now man and wife. Ye may
kiss the Bride."
OMM Mentor lifted Wynd's veil ever so seductively, pulled her close into his
chest and kissed the most passionate kiss that Babble had ever witnessed.
Cheers, claps, shouts of joy, sounds of sobbing filled the room. It was
deafening.
OMM Lugh lobbed a well-placed fireball into the air to illuminate the
mornings' sky.
LOK Oswald drew his sword and others followed suit and did a Knight's salute.
It was a very impressive display of love.
LOK Shirak still rummaging through his robes - finally came out with a wand
"Ahhh, this will do", muttering to himself. He pointed it into the morning
sky, chanted a few words and a brilliant fireball filled the air. He
repeated this action until the sky was filled with fireworks that he had
promised he would do.
Celebrations began officially with the cutting of the cake. All gathered
around the cake and watched as OMM Wynd took the knife and skillfully sliced
a piece away from the main body. She held it up gingerly to OMM Mentor's
lips for him to take his bite and without any warning or notice, she slammed
and smeared the piece all over his face.
Gasps went around the room, comments that he had gotten a hold of a live wire
with this one rang out, laughter followed and the party began.
OMM Lugh's family were tap dancers so he performed a wonderful dance while
Forgon II showed his other talent as a fiddle player. One brought out the
spoons and joined in. Dancing was happening, good food, good friends. What
a way to start the day and for two of Babble's friends to start their lives.
Celebrations went on throughout the day and when word got to Lord Nasher and
the guards on duty.. Banners were displayed to show this union. Before long
everyone in the land knew of this marriage.
Witnessing this kind of love between two people, made OOR Babble think..
"Hmmm.. I wonder if there is someone out there for me?"
The EndEncounter with a Paladin
(submitted by: W0voka) <FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
The Realms were especially noisey this night with the sounds of swords
clanging in the distance and screams of injured and dying Dracs and soldiers.
W0voka hurried into the caves to see if she could help. There, dressed in
Red, was a Paladin soldier casting fireballs upon a dreadfuly ugly Dracolich.
He paused, searching for something else to cast, Sir Brand lay at the
Drac's feet smouldering. W0voka walked up behind The Red Knight and cast a
Lighting bolt of such power the Drac screamed all the way to his gate. The
Red clad personage turned, bowed, and said,"Thank you M'Lady." and with a
smile on his lips sprang forward to strike at a troublesome banshee
accousting another member of the party.
"Be careful!" W0voka yelled, and followed behind the brave Knight. His
weapon struck out at the evasive creature and swept through empty air.
Quickly W0voka's fireball filled the area where the Banshee was dancing, only
to miss. The Red Knight struck again, this time killing the ghostly figure.
Back at the camp The Red Knight introduced himself to W0voka, The Ghost
Dancer and told her the story of The Knights Of The Rising Moon. "If thee
wish M'Lady come and visit us at our castle, we would like it very much if Ye
would consider joining us in our fight against evil in The Realms. Giggling
slightly from embarrasment, W0voka promised she would visit and discuss the
matter further.
As she walked into the night she considered carefully the words of KRM
Vorpal and started searching for the path to the castle to meet with him and
Dragon.Tale of Good and Bad
(submitted by: Songshine) <FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
There once was a man. This man had a horse <That's good> The man had a son,
and the son loved to ride the horse. <that's good> The son wanted a horse
of his own, but the family was too poor to buy a second horse. <that's bad>
One day, the horse got out of the corral and ran away. <that's bad> Later,
the horse returned back home, and it had another horse with it. <that's
good> But the second horse was a wild horse and wouldn't let anyone ride
it. <that's bad> So they put the two horses in the barn, but the wild horse
kicked down the barn doors! <that's bad>
That night, there was a mysterious fire in the barn, <that's bad> but
because the wild horse had kicked down the barn door the two horses were able
to get out of the barn alive. <that's good> The boy was so happy that the
horses were alive that he tried to jump on the wild horse's back and ride
him. But the wild horse threw the boy off and the boy broke his leg. <that's
bad>
The next day, the king's soldiers came to the town to take all the
able-bodied young men to fight in a war and possibly die for their country.
<that's bad> But because boy had a broken leg, he was spared from having to
go into the royal army <that's good>
The moral of this story: There is no real ending to this story. Life is a
journey that you just keep on living. And sometimes seemingly bad things
turn out good and good things turn out to be bad.
*Note: I did not write this very short little piece, but I thought it would
be something different for folks to think upon. In light of the recent
problems, it might give them a different view of things.
SongshineJester
(submitted by: OGS Jester)
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
Aspirsions have been cast on the OGS group
And I may have invoked them so for this let's recoup
There are many fine guilds in this land where we game
But we're one of the best, to think other's insane
Now as to record of the OGS guild
They're beloved in the realms, and for that I am thrilled
I am new in the guild under this Jester name
And had little to do with this prior years fame
I have won near 20 pearls under two separate titles
But don't feel that's the issue between our guilds that are rivals
The legend of our guild is both proud and tall
By helping the weak, and by aiding the small
So it's the future we quest to and it's glory we seek
I won't live in the past nor dwell on the bleak
The direction we go is now to look to our futures
And any evil in our way will need plenty of sutures
Tis not disease worship to purge out foul cancers
But is good for the body of the OGS lancers
My place is not to speak for my brothers and sisters
But if I have my way, we will pierce you like blisters
House ITB has a rep that's profound
But it's former dark glory does leave many to frown
Hold tight to the trophies you've won from the past
For it could just be that they're simply the last
OGS Jester
Mess with the Jest, Cry like the Rest
I'd Walk a Mile for a Smile
(submitted by: OGS Jester)
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
I am pleased and full of joy at the response I receive
From House ITB and it's members I grieve
Many speak out in anger and others speak out in jest
The former I laugh at and the latter I best
There are many who smile and I know this is true
And I'm amazed at the response I receive out of you
But we must all keep perspective in regards to one thing
That when all's said and done this is only a game
To fight and prevail and to conquer the beasts
Is an amusing pastime and does offer release
Yet when you return to reality
That's where you live and where you're truly free
These realms are a diversion, a way to meet others
In land where all gather and become sisters and brothers
So enjoy this land and have fun while you're here
Please just keep it in mind that you're not really here.
OGS Jester
I'd walk a mile, to raise a smile
Angel
(submitted by: Bertil Fox)
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
I saw her standing in the square,
her armour geaming every were.
though cold and unfeeling she looked,
with raw desire my body shook.
once was human
now much more
cold unfeeling
to the coor
In a battle she's death
this lovely thing
my life to her
nothing
once was human
now much more
cold unfeeling
to the coor
but my life to her i would give
never would I raise arms
that I may live
her metalic beauty will save my soul
once was human
now much more
cold unfeeling
to the coor
but my love for her
shall stay with me
for with the mechs
is were she be
once was human
now much more
cold unfelling
to the coor
you will always be my shining light
in my dreams every night
my mechanical lover
on a cold dark night
once was human
now much more
cold unfeeling
to the coor
fight on my love
never will you know
that the battle angel
has a place in my soul
Bertil Fox
Knight Errent - KEF
Rage
(submitted by: FDR Marcus) <FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
He awoke with the same feeling of dread and helplessness that had plagued him
for the past month and a half. The dream was the same. He was reliving his
worst memory over and over again and he saw no relief in sight.
He was a warrior. He was as ready for combat as anyone ever can be. But he
and his friends had been utterly surprised that day. Now he was the only one
alive. He envied them.
His name was Rutger. He was born and raised on a farm just east of
Neverwinter. He had helped his father until he was 18 and then moved on to
get a taste of adventure. He entered the town of Neverwinter with hope and
excitement. This was where he would make a name for himself he was sure.
But of course the town was cruel to a naive and young man like himself. From
the veteran adventurers who had no patience for his kind to the thieves in
the night. Rutger had a tough time adjusting to the change of lifestyle.
Until he met Quinn.
His life entered a whole new era traveling alongside the kind and fun-loving
half-elf. Quinn never judged Rutger. And never expected anything in return
except friendship. He taught Rutger the ropes. Helped him around the town
and with his growing skill with the long sword. The sword being a gift from
Quinn who said that it was taking up space in his vault. It was of fine
craftsman ship, possibly elven. Rutger proved to be rather good with it.
Life on the farm had made him strong and disciplined. And Quinn was a fine
teacher.
Quinn was a ranger of sorts. But Rutger was nowhere near as good with
animals as Quinn. Sometimes Rutger would marvel at how Quinn could coax a
squirrel to take food from his hand.
Rutger and Quinn were good friends for little more than two months when they
went on their first real adventure and met a new friend.
Her name was Alexandria. A human mage who had run out of spells and also run
into some trouble with some gnolls. They had her cornered when Quinn and
Rutger had come and stumbled into the encounter. Quinn didn't hesitate to
draw his sword when he noticed the young woman's predicament. But she
defiantly told him that she didn't need any help which was an obvious lie.
Now Rutger had been told that mages tended to be arrogant but he found this
woman rather amusing. So without further hesitation he drew his blade and
waded into the fray.
There were three of the canine faced creatures. Quinn, being more
experienced, took on two while Rutger got the third. They turned out not to
be interested in the two new strangers so they fled. Rutger began to chase
after but Quinn halted him with a gesture.
"Let us see to the magic-user shall we?" Quinn said without waiting for a
reply.
"I had everything under control," she said defiantly. With a mean look on
her face she began to gather herself up and to leave.
Quinn stopped her and said, "You are most welcome my lady."
She looked at him with hatred and turned from him quickly. She was obviously
more arrogant than most mages that Rutger had heard of. Which was all the
more amusing.
"I guess you want me to thank you or something? Well forget it!" She began
to leave again when Quinn replied.
"Perhaps you would like to join us on our way back to neverwinter?"
She turned and looked at him with an expressionless face. "Only if you pay
for the inn."
Rutger tried to hide his smile. This one had also run out of money as well.
He was wondering how she got out here in this dangerous area when Quinn
spoke.
"But of course my lady. But only if you grace us with your presence in the
future" He smiled. "We are just two muscle brained berserkers who may need
the guidance of one with your intelligence." He was definitely a smoothy.
"Two fighters eh? Well I may be in need of such skilled swordsmen." She
then smiled for the first time.
Rutger finally realized that it was all a game of sorts. They all needed
each others help and were reluctant to ask for it outright. He began to
laugh and didn't notice his two companions staring at him with questioning
looks. He stopped immediately and cleared his throat uncomfortable with the
attention.
So the three adventurers headed for one of the many inns in neverwinter.
While inside they sat down at a table and got to know each other a little
better. It turned out that Alexandria was a rather experienced mage who had
been returning from a rather bad encounter with an evil mage that just
happened to have something that she wanted. Alex lost of course and had not
prepared for that. So she was low on supplies returning. But she had quite
a bit of wealth in her vault. She said that she new of a treasure to the
east. And that she knew of a thief who would help then immensely with
information and skills. He was a dwarf who's name was hard to pronounce so
everyone called him Buddy. Unlike the thieves who preyed on the weak and
defenseless, Buddy preyed on the evil and wicked. He was a seasoned
adventurer also. Traveling with many other groups in his life. Alex said
that she would make arrangements and that they should meet back at the inn
the next evening.
Quinn insisted that they rest here tonight and Alex agreed as long as it was
separate rooms of course. Much to the disappointment of Quinn.
The next evening Rutger, Quinn, Alexandria, and Buddy all sat at the table
together while Buddy told them of the treasure and what they may run into.
Fire giants were rumored to be in the area of the treasure along with many
orcs. The companions were confident that they could slip in and out with
minimum fuss.
They were wrong.
The treasure was heavily guarded it turned out by fire giants AND orcs. It
was almost as if they had been expecting trouble.
But the companions were prepared.
Rutger and Quinn established a front line and engaged the enemy so that Alex
could get off some spells. While Buddy moved in and out of the battle
striking unprotected flanks.
Alexandria launched a ice storm spell perfectly into the mass of fire giants
and orcs cutting their numbers down drastically. While Rutger, Quinn, and
Buddy made short work of the ones foolish enough to survive the frosty blast.
She wasn't done yet. A fire giant and several orcs had lined up almost
perfectly. Too perfectly for Alex to resist sending a lightning bolt through
their ranks.
They all died before they hit the ground. Their chests burnt form
electricity. But it wasn't over yet.
Before it was over Alex was out of spells having launched her last magic
missile into the face of an oncoming orc who had decided to take her out of
the fight. He would never live to make the same mistake. Rutger and Quinn
were exhausted but continued until the last of the enemy were dead. Buddy
had been grazed along the side and was trying to stem the bleeding, off to
the side. Alexandria went over to see if she could help.
"That wasn't so bad," Quinn said while panting and wheezing.
Rutger and the others looked at him with puzzled looks on their faces. Then
Buddy reminded them of the treasure and they went to what appeared to be the
only door other than the one they had come through.
Imagine their surprise when upon opening it they laid their eyes upon mounds
and mounds of glittering riches. And among the piles was an ancient red
dragon who was all too ready for them having listened to the fighting in the
first room. Without hesitation it unleashed a blast of scalding heat at the
four friends. The three in front had no chance. But Rutger had been in the
back watching the rear. He heard the sound of the dragon breath before he
actually saw it and his reflexes saved his life.
He dove to the side. The flames licking around the doorway. melting the
stone. Rutger scrambled to the far wall and noticed a crack in the wall.
Upon a closer look it revealed itself to be a secret door they hadn't
noticed. He quickly pushed his way through and closed the door behind him.
On the other side he heard a sickening sound that could of only been the
dragons laughter. It hadn't noticed him! Or was it pretending not to have
noticed his presence? He didn't waste anytime wondering. He gathered what
strength he had left and ran down the corridor he found himself in. It began
to climb slightly and came out on the surface. He was welcomed by a starlit
sky. But that gave him no comfort. His friends were dead. They were all
dead.
That was what he had relived every single night for a month and a half. But
during the day for that month and a half Rutger had been making some
arrangements. With his ten new traveling companions he planned on killing a
certain dragon.Daylight
(submitted by: Rounlin) <FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
As the sun rises across the horizon. My only thought is of my dead wife and
children. How they were butchered by the evil that now spreads across the
Lands. I have recently destroyed the evil Zhentrium Bane Temple in
Crossergate. A lone Zhentrium cleric, his guards, ice hounds, hellhounds,
seahags, owlbears, a cyclops, among other evil creatures. Destroying these
evil creatures brings me one step closer to avenging my wife and children's
deaths. But the evil still lurks in these Lands. I still don't know who or
what killed them. With the guidance of my Goddess Mielikki and with the help
of my friends, I move closer to discovering the truth of my loved ones
deaths.
Today is a day of happiness. Last night I watched two combatants pound each
other until there was one victor. I can remember when I took my wife to her
first one of these such events. She was so enthused that she lost her voice
afterwards. When we got back to our log cabin in the woods, we made
passionate love together. The memory makes me feel warm inside. But there
is that dark hole in my soul from my "gift". It drives me to press on
against all evil that has taken my wife and children from me. Today I must
meet some of my friends in the Great Hall Tavern. I suspect that there will
be lots of women and wassail. I have lost interest in women these days. I
don't know why; I love women. I guess it is because that I will not share my
love with anyone else except for my wife and children. And the drinking only
makes me more enraged. But some good rest and relaxation with my friends
will do me some good. For these days I grow tired of the evil. I wish for
it to end. Alas, it will not. I just hope that one day it will cease. I
look forward to that day.The Fall of House Ravenmane
(submitted by: Centruo) <FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
Centruo looked happily upon his daughter as he awaited the announcement
she was about to make. The only way things could be more perfect was if his
wife could have been there to see it with him. She had awakened Marknight
with a kiss, and sent one of her toys to find someone, and all seemed almost
in order.
Marknight seemed to be saying some sort of poetry, and when he snapped
out of it, Jaliy asked him to do her a favor and Mark seemed to calm down.
However, after a short conversation with his familiar he placed Wyrmsilver on
Jaliy's head and teleported out of the freehold.
Suddenly a loud explosion came from one of the rooms and Centruo turned
to look, as did most others. He stepped toward the explosion and noted that
it seemed to radiate from Veriatus's room. He took another step towards the
commotion when he happened to look around. All around him it seemed the very
walls were fading.
His face dropped suddenly has he realized what was happening. "Get
out..." he murmmured.
"What?" someone asked.
"GET OUT, QUICKLY!" He shouted to the inhabitants, who began to do just
that. The problem was that people were rushing out one way, but he had to
make his way in the opposing direction. He had to see for himself what he
feared was happening. He looked and saw that Jaliycia was frozen as she
watched everything she'd worked for begin to crumble around her. He knealt
quickly and turned her to face him as he spoke, "Jaliycia, you've got to get
out of here quickly. There's no telling how long the freehold will remain or
what will happen once it's gone. Rally the others outside and see that no one
gets hurt."
Tears threatened to make come to the fore but his daughter choked them
back and nodded and hugged her father as she began to do as she was told.
Meanwhile, Centruo continued towards Ilysianna's chamber. He couldn't
possibly allow this to happen without knowing for certain that the passing of
Ilysianna was true.
He stormed through her door and into her unoccupied room. Though
everything was intact, Ilysianna was nowhere to be found. Upon her bed rested
her black spider-silk scarf and gloves. He knealt beside her bed and took
both of these into his hands has his own tears threatened to defeat him.
Regaining his composure quickly, he looked around and drew his sword.
Thrusting it into the ground he was surprised to see that he remained where
he was. Apparently this was too cataclysmic, or he was too taken with
Banality at the moment, to use Glamour, so he had to rush quickly outside.
He ran as fast as he could, and upon reaching the door, dived through
what was now a semi-permeable membrane of his former home. He hit the ground
with a roll and turned to watch the freehold quickly fade from existance,
leaving only a small, violet flame to mark the spot where the Freehold once
stood. The Ignis Vesta, or Balefire stood and burned, lighting the prior
guests of the freehold in an earie purple glow.
A slight tug on his shirt brought his attention back to his daughter,
and looking down, he took his daughters hand and shook his head. "Father?
Where's mother at?" she asked.
Looking back up at the Balefire, a single tear made it's way down
Centruo's cheek. "I couldn't find her. I couldn't do anything. I was totally
helpless."
"So, Mother's gone?" Jaliycia asked.
Centruo nodded and picked up his daughter who hugged him around the
neck. He returned the hug warmly, still holding to the spider-silk cloth in
his hand. "We'll see her in our dreams, Jaliycia. Just remember that." He
whispered to her and watched the Balefire burn with the others.My Ode to the
Timer
(submitted by: EB Quija)
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
For long time now you see
they have bothered you and me.
We nag, complain and even yell
but its clear that Neverwinter is going to hell.
What can we do to stop this beast?
To slow it down at even the least.
Shall he stop its inhuman feast?
On mages and clams like you and me.
When we log on for even awhile
the beast gets more vicous. Its certainly vile
For we can only come and stay
for forty five minutes an hour each day.
Oh what will they do to help me and you?
Oh what would they do if they could fit our shoe?
They'd fuss and whine and bicker then yell.
And say Neverwinter nights is certainly going to hell.
EB Quija/MyLove
A Crock for the Doc
(submitted by: OGS Jester)
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
Egads, there's a sickness, a virus gone mad
It's going to make Dr. Dumpers quite glum and quite sad
A fever, an infection, parasitic perhaps
It starts in our fingers and flows out through our yaps
It's rhymatic infestation that is sweeping our order
And in the land of the sane we've gone over the border
I'm contagious, STAY OUT, Keep away, QUARANTINE
It's the worst spread of prose Dr. D has yet seen
What once was an art, is now considered a plague?
Methinks Dr. D's poetic conceptions are much less than vague
Doc, ye'd best cancel your prescription and throw in the towel
For the rhyme doth flow free with each consonant and vowel
OGS Jester
Homopathic humor will cure any tumor
Dr Dunker is not a Clunker
(submitted by: OGS Jester)
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
Dear Dr. D, I'm quite busy you see
And find the calm here quite releasing to me
I work 18 hours, each single day
But most quick to type out the things that I say
The email I get and the letters received
Show that those I poke fun at are much less than grieved
The smiles that I share and the laughs I bring forth
Are the way that I measure my my value and worth
And I'm timing the time that I take to write this
And right now I'm at three minutes, not much time that I'll miss
So please don't you worry and don't you despair
Unless you're a liberal and you hear my shows on the air
(:>) (:>) (:>)
OGS Jester
I'd walk a mile, for a smile
Birth of the Punt Monster
(submitted by: JJervis126)
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
The Eternal female groan'd!
It was heard all over the earth...
Shadows of prophecy shiver
along by the lakes and rivers,
and mutter across the ocean.
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed,
And everywhere the ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate
intensity.
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
slouches towards Neverwinter to be born?
Thou thou art worship'd by the names of hell
Of Satan, and Darn Beast,
Thou art still the son of Aol, as weary travelers decline,
The lost traveler's nightmare under the town.
Freefighter's Song
(submitted by: JJervis126)
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
Death rides all in plate and his tall horse is black.
He leads every charge and his bowstring's never slack
He stalks every camp. He rides every raid.
His steel harvests warrior and merchant and maid.
Death rides a tall, black horse and we are all sworn to his service.
A freefighter rides for Blood and Death.
JJ
BoPer
The Badlands
(submitted by: RayDogg 79)
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
Having traveled along a path quite jagged,
The weary young man, worn and ragged,
Stopped to rest and gather himself.
Why o why did he leave that kind elf?
He thought about how mere days before,
He sailed from far to Nasher's shore.
To earn his name and gain his fame.
But of these things he cared no more.
He'd been ragged upon and he'd been cheated,
And his soul by this had been defeated.
But one day at Stryder's as he begged for food,
He met the elf in umber hood.
The one that came from elvenkind,
of the boys bad luck he was not blind.
He bought him food and bought him board,
and the following day he shared his hoard.
Some Waldemar Scale, enchanted with might,
And an oaken club that glowed with eerie light.
The young cleric was given a shield, twice blessed,
By the mighty elf ranger whose vault was a mess.
Speaketh the elf, "Young one, tis this you must heed,
I offer you a hand-- to adventure I'll lead.
But foolishness has once too oft been confused
For bravery, and with that death has often ensued."
Back to the wood of NeverWinter we go....
To a boy who weeps by a campfire's glow.
Abandonee to the being who'd sought only to help,
He was lost in the Badlands, oh sad, tragic whelp.
An abiding soul he wished he'd been,
as from the woods he heard a din.
A thrashing so loud to wake the dead.
But 'twas dead who made the sound instead.
The boy's pained peace was soon disrupted.
The youth didst jump as ghouls erupted,
From the wood, their souls corrupted.
Their whim? To feed upon fresh flesh.
His stomach didst turn with their putrid stench.
His heart briefly in his throat he moved not an inch.
But fear adrenalized him and he ran from their harms,
knowing full well the cost of being tangled in their arms.
His cause for fear was earnest, aye perhaps 'twas even grave.
Forgive the pun dear listener, lets continue to the cave.
A musty smelling lair of rock was what the youth hid in.
He crouched in the cold corner, and sweat ran down his chin.
Above him was a ledge of rock which he quickly caught sight of.
He grabbed, and raised himself up high, and slid on with a shove.
'Round the corner of the chamber, which by luck alone he'd found.
He saw what looked like golden torchlight and he though he heard a sound.
He sprinted to the light only to have his hopes destroyed.
Twas Fire Giants who'd been his beacon, and they were overjoyed.
He saw naught but their hair, 'twas a violent conflagration.
Of their stout and blackened bodies, he could only guess location.
The lad's last moments were, sad to say, a frenzied panic.
As the giants chased him back to death from sane he went to manic.
He'd trespassed on their grounds and for that he'd dearly pay.
Back down he went unto the ghouls...and that was his last day.
But then...maybe not...
I met that lad again that nite, his taste for blood attained.
Undead-- he'd be forever. Sigh, no mind, but heart still pained.
Of the ghouls that I encountered, I slew him best I could.
Hoping to reverse the irreversable as I thought I rightly should.
To no avail....he still unlives....and thats why to this day,
I take no youngsters in the wild, it hurts much less that way.
<<<The elf finished drinking his mead and departed from the tavern. I could
only stare in wonder at him. Then I quickly finished scribing his words into
my journal.
I popped by gnomish knuckles ridding myself of writers cramp. I felt for the
elvish ranger....twas a sad story...but like he said... too oft had
foolishness been confused with bravery...and many a green hero hath perished
that way. I bid the tapster and Stryder goodnight.
Outside the door I saw a young dwarf in virtual rags wearing a shoddily
smithed suit of chain. He looked at me with proud...sad eyes. I grimaced
and thought....was there any way to win? I unhooked a bag from my belt and
tossed it to the dwarf who caught it without removing his eyes from me. I
tried to think of something to say....All that came to mind was: "Don't
spend it all in one place." I left for home leaving the dwarf with a smile
and myself with a troubled heart.>>>
How to Cure an ITB
(submitted by: OGS Jester)
<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3>
Ye seem bent on a course like it's some unholy mission
Have you been a victim of abuse or mayhaps some gastric fission?
When your keepers let you out of your pen where you stay
Do ye prattle, "lessee what I can lie about today?"
It's okay my old friends as you bend and you twist
'Tis the nature of evil, yet something's amiss
Since I have returned as the bold OGS Jester
Your memories are lax so on that subject I'll pester
I do clearly recall the ladder of singles and doubles
And I saw OGS and your guild with no trouble
For we both made the bulk of the rungs of the ladder
So your lax memory is pathetic, it can't be sadder
But unlike your people whose sad futures are bleak
We did not run and print every victory, that's weak....
Our guild stands for it's own on the laurels we've achieved
Not by leaving the helpless poisoned, feebed, and bereaved
In the past I've applauded your guild's pvp
But I'll no longer do that because I'm tired you see
Of the ego and bravado as you raise yourselves up
When in truth you're not other than pavlovian pups
So I've a suggestion as to just what to do
That would be the best way to help you and your crew
Take your guild members and go in mass to a shrink
He will cut a group rate for each pathetic sad fink
As you share your sad fantasies of conquest and glory
He'll even write a new book called the "ITB Story"
In this book he'll expound on the misfits he treats
And how once you all were cured, you were fit for the streets
Yet if that doesn't work, there is one last recourse
As I shudder to tell you, but it might be your last course
You could all have operations to remove half your brain
And then you all can jump on board of the "UDL train"
OGS Jester
Mess with the Jest, Cry like the Rest
Stealth's Last Journey
(submitted by: LOKANLOAD)
At last, I have found the people who killed my family. As some of you may
already know, my quest has been to hunt the murderous Krakens who attacked my
families caravan when I was but a boy and slew everyone. I was the sole
survivor, and I saw them kill my younger brother and both my parents.
Now, after having ventured all throughout NeverWinter, I have finally found
their hideout. Their base of operations is on an island just across the
harbor from NeverWinter proper, and I shall go there and avenge my family.
As I gather my equipment for the final assault on the Kraken Keep, I think
back on the times I have had here in NeverWinter. I recall Connor and
Duncan, and how they accepted me into the ranks of the rangers without
hesitation. I think of the times we spent seeking out the evil orc hordes,
and drawing closer and closer to the final discovery of the keep. Now that I
have found the location of the evil sorcerers of Kraken, I know that I must
put every ounce of my strength into the assault of their stronghold.
Now, the time has arrived for me to head to the island. As the sun sets on
NeverWinter, I wonder if I will ever see it's beautiful shores again.
"That's for the Gods to decide" I think as I pay my toll and step onto the
boat. When I reach the shore, I am immediately beset by lizard like
creatures that attempt to turn me to stone with their very gaze. These
creatures are easily dealt with by my combination of ranger and mage
abilities, but I can tell that this is a very inhospitable place!
I catch my breath in the inn there on the island, then go out into the night,
searching for a way into the keep. After searching most of the night, I
finally find my way into the evil place where my enemies reside. I walk down
a long corridor and find myself facing the fiercest creatures in all of
NeverWinter: Beholders!! Not just that, but theres a lot of them. "Hmm", I
say to myself, "maybe I should back up so they can't zap me and fill them
full of arrows". That's exactly what I did, and to my surprise, all but one
fell to my barrage. It must be this new bow I picked up out in Red Larch.
The one remaining eye beast, along with his friends the cloud giants, hurt me
badly before I could finish them off. Limping now from a particularly nasty
bash a cloud giant got on me, I know that if I don't find my target soon, all
may be lost.
As I'm walking, I feel a sensation that I can't describe come over me. I
feel a force guiding me towards a blank stone wall. I see nothing on the
wall, so I decide to examine it closer. What a surprise it was to me to find
a secret door hidden in the very wall I had walked up to. I suppose someone
is guiding me towards the final encounter. I only wonder if the spirit that
is guiding me is benificial or banefull... it matters not to me, as I have
wagered my life on finding the people who orphaned me, and I will willingly
give it to see them brought to justice on the end of my sword.
Once through the secret door, I can hear the sounds of laughter coming from
somewhere ahead. Quietly, I sneak forward to find out more of what I face.
In this room, I see a collection of motley characters. Around a rectangular
table, I see gathered what I can only assume are the leaders of the Kraken
cult here in NeverWinter. I see black robe mages, evil clerics, kraken
spies, and even some Zhentil fighters gathered around the table discussing
their plans for domination.
"I say that we need more slaves for our enjoyment" says a black robe mage at
the head of the table. A cleric near to him agrees "Aye, that last bunch
didn't last nearly as long in the pits as I thought they would". This remark
was greeted by a general roar of laughter around the table.
Closer to my hiding spot, I hear a black robe mage talking with a Zhentil
fighter. "My friend, you should have been with me when I went to Krynn" the
mage says, smiling. "I ransacked three caravans full of travelers, and my
orcs killed everyone there" he continued. "I'm telling you, it was glorious,
I had the orcs drain the blood of the youngest and I bathed in it, and it was
absolutely devilish" he finished with a grin. "Aye, my friend, it sounds as
if you had the time of your life. You must remember to bring me along next
time you do something like that, I would certainly like to particapate!!
"You're in luck, my friend, because I'm going to head back to Krynn as soon
as the old windbag over there finishs talking, and bring back some slaves
this time!" the mage said.
All this time, I was standing in stunned silence. Could it be that I have
finally found the man who murdered my parents. Could my luck be so great??
Then the same feeling I felt back in the hall descended on me, and I knew how
I had been led to this room. My parents were leading me to their killer, so
that I could render the justice that had been denied them. As I realize
this, two apparitions materialize in front of me. A middle aged couple stand
before me, transparent and floating an inch above the floor. I can't recall
my parents features, but I know this must be them. I feel the emotions well
up inside me as I see my parents for the first time in my adult life. I know
that I must avenge their loss at any cost, and with tears in my eyes, I walk
into the room behind the assembled Krakens and shout "I am here, and I am
your executioner".
Shocked, most of the men at the table just manage to look over their
shoulders and gawk at me as I cast my first spell into their midst. A
fireball of blazing fury rips into their ranks, leaving smoldering remains in
many chairs. I begin to cast my next spell, a cone of blistering cold
energy, when the Krakens finally manage to snap out of their shock. As the
first few get up, I let loose the cone and leave more corpses on the floor. I
notice that the Zhentil fighter and the black robe mage that were talking so
casually about my parents demise are still alive, and double my efforts to
reach them. Now, I have Kraken spies and Zhentil fighters surrounding me,
and I dare not cast a spell, for fear that they will disrupt it. I lay about
me with my trusty longsword, and soon five more have joined their friends in
death. I see that there are mages and clerics in the back of the room, and
they are preparing to cast spells my direction. The mages attempt to hold
and feeblemind me, but they are not successful. The clerics cast damaging
spells and manage to silence a nearby Kraken spy, rendering my spells useless
to me until I can rid the world of that spy. I am feeling weak now, and I
know that I don't have much energy left to finish my task.
I kill the silenced spy, and before the Krakens get a chance to attack, I
cast a spell to quicken my step and increase my attacks. This will be my
last attempt, as I can feel the blood draining from the evil clerics spells
of wounding. I hack a path towards the evil spell casters, and I can see
them preparing further spells to try to take me down. To my surprise, one of
the evil mages cast a fireball, killing all his underlings and greiviously
wounding me. I know that I am on my last leg, but at least the barrier of
flesh between and the spellcasters is now gone.
I race forward, almost as fast as thought, and hack a black robe mage to
shreds. Unfortunately, it is not the murderer who took my family from me. I
see him towards the back of the casters, and begin to hack my way back to
him. The spells are falling away from me like water, and each round a mage
or an evil cleric falls before my sword. I feel the pain from the spells
they cast on me, but I don't seem to be taking damage from them. I can't
explain it, but it must be a destiny fulfilled. As I finally reach the mage
who killed my family, I shout at him "Now you shall pay for destroying my
life!". His grin warns me, but not in time, as the fighter he was talking to
attacks me from behind. The fighters sword enters my back and I feel an
intense pain, unlike any I have felt before.
But still, I have energy to fight on. I turn around to the amazed fighter,
and with one stroke of my blade, I separate his head from his body. Drained
and exhausted, I turn back towards the mage. In the time the fighter bought
for him, he has prepared a spell, and as I turn, he hits me with the full
force of it. A spray of many colors burst forth from his hands, and I feel
the magical energies course through my body. I resist all the effects of his
magic, and continue forward towards him. I know in my mind that I should
have died half an hour ago, but my body continues to operate, and I move
forward to complete my one goal in this lifetime.
"Please spare me" the wretch cries, on his knees. "I was only doing what I
was told" he adds, as I draw back my sword and skewer the mage through his
evil mouth, so that he will never utter another word. I leave the sword
where it is, and stumble back out into the hallway where I listened in to the
evil meeting.
My parents are back, in their ghostly bodies, and they smile at me as I fall
back against a wall. "My son" my father says, "you have brought us rest from
this cursed existence. That mage had held our souls in bondage since the
time of our deaths. He has used us as servants, and worse, he has forced us
to use our powers as ghosts to age prisoners and enemies of the Krakens.
Now, since he is dead, no one holds power over our souls. I am sorry that
you have given your life to free us, but now we shall be together forever."
"What the heck are you talking about, father?? I haven't given my life, I'm
still here, and I've even managed to stand up. I'm going to be allright. I
just need some rest." My fathers gestures to the spot where I was resting,
and I see to my dismay that I am still sitting there, with my eyes closed and
a peaceful look on my face. "As I said, my son, I am sorry you had to give
your life for us, but now we will be together forever in the afterlife. You
have set us free from a fate far worse than death, and I will make sure that
all remember what you have done."
Having said this, my father floats up in the air and begins to pass his hand
over the wall.
I look at what he is doing, and see that he has written the story of what
happened in this room in the wall. As he passes his hand over the wall,
letters appear as if freshly chiseled in the wall. The last sentence he
writes into the wall, in remembrance of me, is this:
For a family's love, Lok Stealth gave up all he had.Darkwater
(submitted by: ABK TRUTH)
It was the time before man, before the Dwarves, the Gnomes, the Halflings,
the Goblins, and even the race of Humanity. One race alone populated the
world, that of the long lived elves, but it was not the world of peace and
tranquillity the supposed texts of the ancients had depicted. In reality it
was a world of petty skirmishes, where civil wars were proclaimed for minor
and insignificant reasons.
The elf, Hollapo, stood silently on the shoreline of the sound, around him
stood brethren of many sizes and statures. He wore a gold armband on each
wrist, and an anklet on his left ankle. His fellows also wore similar
clothing, some fancier and more ornate, and more simple and elegant. It was a
rag-tag bunch indeed. But despite their differences in appearance, they all
wore the deep wine colored tunics that were the symbol of the Slyvan militia.
Well-the former Slyvan militia was probably a better description. Since the
Grand Master had fallen, they had been in chaos, without a leader or a
purpose-but when they learned that the missing Master might not be dead at
all it spurred in them a new hope, a chance that the one they looked up to,
made them strong was yet alive. For the time of the Master's absence an
ambitious young elf, Grengor, was in command. The attack was to be held at
night under cover of darkness-the supposed captors, the Elven clan of
Deepwater, their home compound on Darkwater island.
The shallow open boats shook ceaselessly in the turbulent under-toe of the
sound. It would be a treacherous 4 miles but there was no way by land to the
island expect the enchanted land-bridge that appeared only once a decade at
the call of the most powerful priests of the land. The Quisnost were a
warriors pack, not to be trifled with the evils of magic and thus would take
the water route.
"Onward Quisnost!" was Grengor's cry. They were instructed not to speak
unless direly necessary once in the water to keep the element of surprise on
their side. They would be outnumbered perhaps as much as 2 to 1 and without
the one advantage they held in their hands, surprise, the battle would be
difficult indeed.
Hollopo spoke to his brother, Genosis, for a moment wishing him luck and
glory in the battle ahead. The men were all briefed in the main objective of
the plan for the 2nd and last time: to liberate Toril, the grand master, and
escape before the dreaded mages could cast their evil magic's.
The boats at last after extensive talking and planning put out into the
stormy water. The siege had began! The trip was turbulent and silent. For an
hour they crept at almost a snails pace across the sound. When they were
with-in a fourth of a mile from the isle the fog that for the last hour had
permeated the air, seemingly melted away into nothingness.
The spire of an island that was Darkwater rose high above the water at what
seemed an impossible right angles. It seemed clear even to the eyes of a
layman this structure was not the result of nature alone. There was a sole
low area on which the boats could be placed, and as such was most likely the
most heavily guarded area of the entire island. Confirming this supposition
on Hollopo's part were 3 small lights that flickered in the distance in the
darkness.
The ships pulled up to the shoreline but as soon as they hit hard earth the
guardians were upon them. Arrows flew about and lights that had been
nonexistent moments ago flared into reality. Soon the brunt of the island
force would be upon the intruders. The first 4 of the 5 boats were swiftly
emptied of their crew. This included Hollopo, his brother, and Grengor
himself.
Arrows flew and left many on both sides down, the remaining forces of the
Quisnost drew their swords and sieged the main building. Again arrows flew
from both sides, but this time the arrows designs and goals differed widely.
While sharpshooters in the manor shot directly at the incoming invaders with
iron tipped arrows, those of the invaders were wrapped with oily cloth and
lit aflame. Their purpose to destroy the Waterdeep manor and flush it's
occupants out. Grengor and Genosis entered the main compound through a side
entrance. Hollopo unable to follow fought on rasing his sword to challenge an
incoming foe.
About 4 minutes later Hollopo had at last gotten victory over his foe but at
the cost of numerous cuts to his extremities. In pain that was horrible yet
manageable the elf trudged into the building. To his surprise no arrows were
aimed at him any longer. The building was quiet. Soldiers of the enemy lay to
both sides, with magical burns in various places on their bodies. But what
force could accomplish this? His answer was given to him shortly as he
entered the room at the end of the hall. It flaunted a high vaulted ceiling
and a strange crystal chandelier. There stood, with arm's outstretched
grengor, to his immediate front was Genosis, blade in hand.
Genosis spoke softly with quiet fury. "Traitor! You led us to believe that
Toril had been taken away by force! But that was a lie like so much else was
it not? You needed him out of the way for ultimate promotion. But he learned
of your ambitions and escaped your grasp. You have risked all of our lives to
this evil end. Over half our clan if dead as is theirs."
Grengor smiled a toothy grin, "Heheheh your grasp is true, but simplistic. I
ask you why was I such a threat to Toril? He is or should I say was, heheh,
the best swordsmen in the land, what would he have to fear from me? And
moreover why is he not alive now assuming everything I say is true? What you
do not know, I will show you." His finger cracked light and it spewed forth
hitting Genoisis squarely. The latter simply, ceased to exist. "Heheheh! You
fool, I am no Quisnost, I am Celok high mage of Waterdark! Now I have under
my control both Quisnost and Waterdark, others will fall soon. My magic has
proved after all, unlimited." He whirled around and found he had not been
talking to nothingness after all. "I see you now know the extent of my powers
and my identity, serve by me and you will not meet the same fate as that of
your brother."
"You know I can not do what you wish of me." Hollopo added in mocking cold
fury.
"As you wish, your petty swords will do you little, wait, I will give you a
chance, while I am not the better of Toril, I do lay claim to the title of
best swordsmen yet living. Heheh. Come." He said gesturing with his sword
near the very end. "The loser will die, and the winner will sleep in the most
wonderful bed." He said gesturing to the next room.
It was a good bed indeed, Hollopo agreed.(submitted by: Bloodglade)
Sorry little newbies but I forgot to publish an article last week. Now don't
be so disappointed, because this week a newbie posed an interesting
challenge. After reading my last article, the young little nipper challenged
my statements that it is possible to max a character without receiving help
from anyone. He said it could not be done. Well take notes, because you are
about to learn how. Not only will you max by yourself, but you will not have
to travel more than two areas.
First of all, I would not recommend you try this until the 45 minute timer
problem is resolved.
Anyway, you are currently character building at your own risk, but this is
how you would go about doing it. Now this advice will work for any
character, however, some characters are easier to max on your own than
others. For the newbie, I recommend you roll an elf (male or female), and
choose Fighter/Mage or Fighter/Mage/Thief. I will wait for a newbie to ask
about character stats before I go into those. So, you have your elf, what
next?
Go to any armory and purchase yourself a long sword, shield and banded.
After you get some plat from battles, sell your banded and buy some plate.
Now if you want to participate in the slacker newbie tradition of begging
like jackels outside of the vaults, you can get yourself a magic sword, magic
shield and magic armor. Obviously, magical items will help you.
Now that you are outfitted, head to an inn. You have the ability to memorize
one spell. Memorize sleep. Some pinhead will tell you that a magic missle
is better, ignore this person. Memorize sleep. Chances are, it may already
be memorized for you, almost as if the game is saying "look little newbie,
this is what you should do."
Ok, leave the inn and head for the wharves. See all the pretty buildings?
Ignore them. You are wasting your time in the wharves. Head straight for
Floodblest. See all the pretty woods? Well these are filled with lizards
and pyrosnakes. Find a secluded corner somewhere in Floodblest which yields
a liz/snake battle. There are many places, find one you like. How do you
trigger it, simply rest and you will trigger it. Don't trigger if someone
else is on your square or in the middle of the paths. This is considered
rude. Find a secluded corner. There are several.
See the green lizards and the pretty snake? Can you hear the pinhead telling
you to put the snake to sleep right away, or for clerics, charm the snake
right away? Once again, ignore the pinhead. The snake is your friend. He
doesn't have a high THACO, and when he does hit, it isn't for a lot of
damage. And what really makes him your buddy, is that he is very careless
with his breath attacks. Do not kill that snake!
Now this next part assumes that you can count to three. Let's give it a try
shall we? One... two... three! Very good. Feel free to write that down as
well. Three is the number of breath attacks the snake has. So as soon as
the fight starts, you run up to the lizards and corner them between yourself
and the snake. This will keep the snake from finding room to get a free shot
at you. Well guess what? This aggravates the snake and he starts belching
fire at you anyway. But you have the lizards trapped in the way. Oh what
luck! The lizards are hit with the fire instead of you. Damage is typically
7 or 15 points and lizzies average 11 hit points. After three snake attacks,
no more lizzies.
Shall we answer some of the annoying questions? Yes, I know you have only 7
or 8 hit points. You will not win every battle. Luck will play a big
factor, especially in your level one battles. Level two will bring you more
hit points and an additional sleep spell, which makes this battle almost too
easy. You will have to reposition yourself as the battle progresses, or even
use your "delay" command to make sure the lizzies are in the way and the
snake gets its breath attacks. Yes, running right up to the lizzies gives
them the ability to attack you, but what do you think is going to happen
anyway? Trap the lizzies up against the snake. After the snake has belched
three times, now use your sleep spell on the lizzies and snake. I hit the
lizzies first because of the weak tooth/claw attack of the snake. Finally,
when the snake is last, take up a position behind the snake if possible. The
snake will run when seriously injured, this allows you a back-stab before the
snake gets away.
With luck, you've won your first battle and have received the 800+ experience
for this battle. But your screen only said 300 or 400. Oh my goodness!
Something must be wrong. No. If you have multiple classes, the experience
is divided between your classes. After 3 to 4 battles, you should have
enough to advance a level. Do so immediately. Your fighting skills have now
improved and you can mem another sleep spell. Isn't life wonderful? Now
that lizzie/snake battle looks easier doesn't it? Well don't just sit there,
do it again. In very little time you can acquire 4th level.
Are we fourth level yet? Good. Mem one enlarge, two sleeps and 2 stink
clouds. Let's go big game hunting, shall we? Return once more to
Floodblest, but at night. "But Bloodglade, it's night out but I couldn't
trigger the battle you talked about." Doh! When I say night, I mean NWN
night. Not looking out your home window! Look at the sky on your monitor.
When it is black... that's night! Go up into the village area of Floodblest
and go into one of the local empty rooms. You will learn which ones, because
they will be packed with other newbies. Learn which ones, and log on at odd
hours. What exactly are you looking for?.... Cloud Giants!
This battle is a Cloud Giant and Bugbear fight. Before triggering, cast
enlarge. Now walk into the room wall repeatedly. The fight will trigger.
You should have initiative. Run right up to the bugbears and cast sleep.
DON'T HIT YOURSELF, silly newbie. This should knock out about half of the
bugbears. Next turn, put the other bugbears asleep. Now pay close
attention. Kill one bugbear at a time. Ignore the Cloud Giant, let him run
back and forth. However, kill the bugbears in a manner which prevents the CG
from reaching you. The CG needs two spaces fit through, don't give him that
space. Once you have killed enough bugbears without opening yourself up to
an attack from the CG, now's when we take on the CG. Get two spaces away
from the CG and cast your Stink Cloud on him. With luck, he may even move in
and out of it a couple of times. Didn't work? Well then cast your second
one! If lady luck is on your side, you will have a choking CG who is ripe
for killing. Kill it! Finish off the last bugbear or two. Once again you
will have to refine your tactics and will need a little luck. But, this
fight leaves.... 6000+ experience!!!! The best and easiest around... all
things considered. Now you should be gaining levels like crazy. You may
even be able to take the CG toe to toe at a high enough level with enough hit
points.
So there you have it little newbies. You can max without the assistance of
any other player. No begging, no dividing battle experience with 6 other
people. It can be done!
No, no, no. No need to thank me... helping newbies is thanks
enough.(submitted by: Tizer)
From the memoirs of Tizer the Helpful Elf
Vedui' mellonea ar'gothrimamin,
This week I have prepared a special treat for you all. Wandering about
the realms I have heard many words that are overused by silly humans and
demons from various guilds, sanctioned and non-sanctioned, that shall remain
nameless (or mostly nameless) -mischevious grin-. Below is a list of the
words that I have carefully selected for ridicule in the order of their
idiocy and overuse.
10. BAKkers - This Elf still has yet to learn the true meaning behind this
mysterious phrase. I hear it used often among the members of NOR, ABK, LOK,
and the like.
Ex: "Bakkers!! My mom made me get off while she made a phone call."
9. Hook - Often used by new players who want to grab the leg of a seasoned
adventurer so that they might hitch a ride to Vilnask.
Ex: "I want magic stuff(see below)!!! Can I hook???"
8. Hack - Sounding similar to the previous term, its meaning is drastically
different. This word is shouted frequently by young adventurers after their
own errant fireball lands squarely on them instead of the pesky ITB standing
nearby. This word is also used in reference to a previously existing
nonsanctioned guild who recently lost their posting board for unknown
reasons.
Ex: "I wanted that fireball to hit you!! You're a hack! You're a
hack!"
7. Stuff - Listening to the use of this word throughout the realms, I have
not once heard it used constructively. One indirect cause of this lack of
creativity may be the fact that all beings I have encountered who use the
word "stuff" have several numbers tattooed on their foreheads. This, I have
learned, is a sign of what the politically correct call "slow learners."
Ex: "Can you take me to the warehouse district? There's supposed to
be kewl(see below) stuff there!"
6. Kewl(cool, cewl, and all variations) - This is both an expletive and an
adjective used by a large group of humans that generally lurk around
Neverwinter Square and the vault area. They tend to have low brows and a
vacuous look in their eyes. In addition, small flecks of spittle may be
dried to their chin and small insects may buzz about their heads.
Ex: "Yeah.... I just got a battle axe +1. Pretty kewl, huh?"
5. Jerk - This word is a puzzle. I have heard it used as a noun and verb,
and the meanings change depending on the context in which it is used. As a
noun, it results in the same net effect of the word "wuss"(see below). As a
verb, it can mean to pull quickly on something, such as a drawstring to a
pouch, or other things that are more appropriate to discuss in the KAAOS Hell
Hole.
Ex: (n) "You stupid(see below) jerk!" (note the use of the word
"stupid" in the same fashion as it is used below)
(v) "Stop jerking me around! (This, the figurative use, is
shouted by new adventurers when being conned by a Spirit Lurker.)
4. Hail - The first word of greeting that a young child utters excitedly to
the passing folk in town. Unfortunately, many members of ABK never grow out
of this stage and thus retain the primitive salutation. It is also very
popular among those of NOR, but the "hail" is usually accompanied by a myriad
of bizarre symbols.
Ex: "Hail /*/NOR!!!****///***"
3. Stupid - One of the most lackluster derogatory adjectives that exists in
the common tongue. It is usually used in conjunction with "wuss"(see below)
and is tossed at someone with the intent of insulting their intelligence,
though the irony in the use of this word is astounding.
Ex: (see below)
2. Wuss - The most popular insult used by newly inducted members of any PvP
guild. You can hear members of KAAOS, ITB, and MECH throwing around words #3
and 2 just about any evening you encounter them in a state of revelry.
Collective Ex: "You stupid wuss!" (While this example seems brief, it
is often the extent of a new PvPer's arsenal of negative endearments)
1. Newb(newbie, newB, and all variations) - This word is perhaps the most
overused of any that this Elf has heard in his lifetime. It is used by both
the young and old, the sanctioned and nonsanctioned, the humans and the rest.
However, there is one thing that all users of the word "newb" have in common.
They all deserve a good horsewhipping for lack of verbal imagination! So, if
you hear anyone using the word "newb," be it in public or private, give them
a kick in the pants and tell them Tizer sent you!
Ex: "Those dern newbs are always filling up the game. I can never get
in!! Help me!!!" (directly quoted from an interview with a human named
PJones6358)
These pearls of wisdom I have collected for your enlightenment and
enjoyment. Use them well (the pearls, not the words) and you will risk not
the embarassment of having a poor command of the common tongue.
Faithfully submitted, as always,
Tizer
The Helpful Elf(submitted by: Kai Thai)
For those of you that still can't see that activity timer window after
exiting the game, I've timed it. By working backwards from 40 minutes, I've
found that QTS after 30 minuted garauntees my seeing the box. You'll have to
wait around for 15 minutes, but it's better than getting punted and fighting
your way through the busy singals all over again.
I'm using Win 3.1. Of course, you Win95 types can multitask in and out of
the game without any problem
KaiGimme 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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