==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 112 Week Ending 12-17-95 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Iadris for winning last week's News of the Realm contest with "Neverwinter Christmas Gift List". Iadris has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes) WTG! <><><><><> <><><><><> December GoH booth #1 Who could withstand the test of energy deflection in this Magic Missile booth? Participants had to try and have the lowest total damage from the Magic Missile casts. My casts were strong this day, and not many were able to deflect much of the damage. Except for Kh0lari, who only had 32 damage from both casts! Congratulations to Kh0lari, who wins 5 pearls :) -Strahd" <><><><><> <><><><><> This weeks winner of GOH access from the Great Hall Tavern is... WOL Ulath! ~NWT Cyane <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* NEVERWINTER CALENDAR *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Be on the look out for those Mini Booths that seem to pop up out of nowhere! Can you be at the right place at the right time when the NW calls for a location? Keep your eyes and ears open for these events! Watch for the banners! New Player Tours: December 18th Sunday 10:00 PM EST - Join NW Elspeth for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D December 21st Thursday 7:00 PM EST - Join NWA Shaka for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D December 23rd Saturday 10:00 PM EST - Join NW Frost for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> When: Thursday, December 21st Time: 10 PM Eastern time Where:The Great Hall Tavern Come join NW Ember and NW Ulfius for the December edition of: <<>><<>> Who/What/Am/I <<>><<>> Thurs. December 21st at 10 pm ET in the Great Hall Tavern. Prizes: First Place: 25 Pearls + 4 hours Second Place: 20 Pearls + 3 hours Third Place: 15 Pearls + 2 hours For complete rules, please read the WWAI folder in the Events area. Cya There! NW Ember and NW Ulfius <><><><><> <><><><><> Yuletide is fast approaching! As always, our own beloved NW Santa will be making stops in NeverWinter all throughout the month of December. The jolly old elf will have goodies in store for those smart and quick enough to find him, as he visits various locations in the realms. Each time Santa enters the realms, he will give a clue to his current location. The first three players who find Santa first will get gifts from him. Additionally in each visit, santa will randomly pick out a lucky adventurer who will also receive a gift. So, keep your eyes peeled, and those ears attuned to the sound of reindeer, and you may just find yourself going home with a shiny new item thanks to the man in red. NW Events <><><><><> <><><><><> Top Ten CLAM Pick-up Lines (Submitted by: Wgbt) ::Wagebolt enters Lord Nasher's Palace once more with a blue index-card held high once more:: "Welcome everyone to the lateshow with Wagebolt! And now, straight from the home office from Berun...tonigths top ten list!" For tonights top-ten list we have: ('ere we go again) Top Ten evil CLAM(Cleric/MU) Pick-up lines "Oh Yea! And by the way! We have a special geust this evening, who payed his way into stardom! (And fits the theme quite well) A certain evil CLAM by the name of J0vial Sin!" ::J0vial Sin the evil CLAM steps up from beneath the door in the back and take the stand:: "And now J0vial Sin, will read you tonights top ten list!" The Top Ten CLAM Pick-up lines: ::J0vial Sin begins reading:: 10:"take a peek in these robes and see for yourself." 9:"Who needs a little black book when I've got a grimoire!" 8:"Hey, wanna see my quarterstaff?" 7:"Gimme ten seconds and you'll be babbling like a feeb!" 6:"Let's make some magic!" 5:"Paladin's aint got nothin' I don't." 4:"Lemme heal that for ya." 3:"Time to bring out my magic flail!" 2:"My wand is headed your way baby!" "And now...the #1 CLAM Pick-up line!" 1:"They call me Mister Fingers!" ::Wage throws the card out the window:: The Thieves (submitted by: DethWarr69) The Thieves I couldn't believe my eyes. I had just stumbled into this town, and already I was under attack by wolves! I didn't think too much of them, anyhow, for they went down very easily under my Silver Long Sword. After only one minute of fighting, I had managed to cut down four wolves. After defeating the wolves, I collected my bounty and marched into the town. * * * * I was almost to town, when up ahead I heard the sounds of a great battle going on. I drew my sword out of it's sheath and crouched down, ready to take on some more wolves. I moved silently through the trees, only to find my friends taking care of the "threat". I decided to sneak by, but saw no way to sneak, so I setup a small camp and waited the fight out....... ******* The blue walls of this town gave off an eery feeling. It was old and run down but alot of people still remained. I was searching for the Lost Hills, and I had strayed off pretty far, but I'm still not for sure. I decided to goto the Inn and get some rest before taking off towards land unknown, but had little or no luck sleeping with the sounds of windows breaking and screams all through the night.... I had to find out what this was. I quickly pulled open the window and jumped out of the Inn to find out what was going on. ************ I traced the sounds to a house a few steps away from the Inn. My hand tightened around the hilt of my sword, but I kept calm and quiet. I knocked on the door and heard something frantic going on in the inside. "What do you want? Are you one of those thieves? Please leave us alone!" Came the cry from the person inside. I could hear crashing on the inside. I decided to take a look. There I was ambushed by a group of thieves and their Ice Hound. "Wrong time, wrong place, man." Said one of the thieves. Apparently their leader. "I don't think so. Let's dance." I replied, pulling my sword out of the sheath..... ****** The thieves quickly surrounded me, and I saw no apparent escape at the time. I didn't need one. The thieves took the initiative and attacked me, a few slashes came acrossed my arms, but no real damage. I swept my sword acrossed a line of thieves, and aside from feeling the blood squirt in my face, I heard their screams as they fell down dead. A new line of thieves lined up to attack and I hacked them down too. It felt like forever, but eventually I was standing in a pile of blood and bones. Except for one thief. "Please don't turn me in! They made me do it!," He said, frantically. "I'll tell you anything." I looked him right in the eyes, and he stared right back in mine. That's when I pulled out a small club and smashed him acrossed the temples, knocking him out. I drug him to the local authorities, and I turned him in. I got a 100 gold piece reward for it too. But the only thing I could think of then was to get back to bed and rest soundly. DethWarr69.... The Lord and Protector of Light and Deth Look to Yer Heart - Chapter 4 (Submitted by: HG Tarl) Tarl's midnight-blue leather leggings were stiff and coated with ice by the time he finally reached Trappy Snuggler's Gilded Horseshoe Inn. As he stood before the roaring hearth, pin prick's of sharp pain laced his legs as the ice melted and water pooled around his waterlogged boots. In his trembling large hands, he held a steaming flagon of spiced ale that served to warm his innards while the fire quickly dried his garments. The heat of the fire and ale-induced warmth from within and soon had Tarl's mind returning to thoughts of the recent turbulent events that had brought him to Neverwinter. Three ten-day's had elapsed since the untimely demise of Tarl's life-long friend, and the Harpers of Neverwinter's Council leader, HG Renik. Ordered to travel north by the High Lady herself, Tarl sped from Twilight Hall in Berdusk, the nerve center of Harper activities in Western Faerun, to offer what assistance he could to the small, but growing band of Harpers in Neverwinter. "Renik," Tarl thought, a smile spreading across his rugged, yet handsome face as he looked across the hall, his eyes falling upon Renik's portrait which hung above the large semi-circular hearth. "Ye shall forever be missed my friend," Tarl stated, raising his drink towards the portrait before gulping it down. "Ye knew Renik well, did ye?" a voice asked from behind. Turning, Tarl faced the gray bearded innkeeper and smiled. "Aye, we were friends since childhood," Tarl replied, "it is a long story." "Well," Trappy responded placing a fresh tankard of ale in Tarl's hand, "the inn is closing and I've nowhere pressing ta go. Why don't ye tell me about it?" he concluded falling into a large high-backed chair adjacent to the fireplace. Tarl smiled. "Very well, I could use someone to talk with just now," he said moving towards the hearth and looking up at Renik's piercing-blue eye's which seemed to leap out from the picture. "Renik and I go back a long way," he began. "In the year of my thirteenth winter, my father sent me to the Phlan Military Academy. The same school he had attended as a lad, and where he met and befriended the solitary deep-woods Ranger, 'Ren-O-The-Blade.' It was there that I began what was to be a life long friendship with Renik, Ren-O-The-Blade's tall and gangly eldest son." "So ye hit it off immediately, did ya?" Trappy asked. "Heh, not exactly," Tarl chuckled. "Being raised in the great city of Berdusk, Renik felt that he had to show the 'city-boy a thing or two' and spent that first summer diligently teaching me the "Way of de Wood", as he was oft to say. But during the next seven years, our rivalry turned to bonding as I eagerly returned to 'Ren's Valley' and shared many nights in the family lodge or beneath the glorious Faerun skies. We would set camp early, allowing time to fish the many clear, cool mountain streams that seemed too numerous to count. As night fell, we would stare up at the heavens with wonder as the "Tears of Selune" tracked their way across the shimmering, velvet-blue background of the warm summer-night sky." "While the Academy disciplined me in the arts of war and death, it twas Renik that taught me to love and respect nature and life. Soon, we were in inseparable and people began to think of us as brothers." Tarl paused and frowned, seating himself in the chair opposite Trappy before continuing. "What?" Trappy queried in response to the obvious look of grief on Tarl's face. "Forgive me," Tarl apologized, "My life as it was then changed forever during the Harvest of my twentieth winter when I received word from Berdusk of my father's death. Unknown to many of our friends and family, father was a Harper agent and he had been murdered in a foul Zhentarim plot to usurp power and wealth in Berdusk to support their evil and dark deeds." "Ahh," Trappy said rising from his chair and placing his hand upon the young Harper's shoulder. "I immediately left the Academy to return home to Berdusk, and Renik, my self-appointed guardian, tagged along at my side. During my father's wake, we learned more of the Harpers, their role in defeating the Zentarim plot, and in avenging my father's murder." "We were advised to visit the 'Running Stag Inn,' a well-known Harper haunt. It was there that we met up with Obslin, a grizzled Harper veteran. Unbeknownst to us then, Harper mages hidden nearby took a good measure of our fortitude and ambitions." "It was then that ye both became Harpers?" Trappy asked. "Aye," Tarl replied looking up once again at the portrait. "That night changed both our life's forever." "We soon found ourselves at Twilight Hall and face to face with the beautiful Cylyria Dragonbreast, High Lady of Berdusk. After some intense questioning, the 'the Silent Lady' as she is known, nodded her approval and we soon found ourselves deeply immersed in learning the ways of Those Who Harp". A resounding 'pop' from the crackling fire reverted Tarl back to the present. Trappy grasped the young Harper by the shoulder and thanked him for relating the tale to him before taking his leave. "Nay, thank you friend, for allowing me to rattle on and clear my head." Tarl stated as Trappy closed the door, leaving the Harper in solitude. Wiping a gleaming tear that began to form in the corner of his eye, he once again turned his gaze to Renik's portrait. "My brother," he began, heaving a great sigh as he struggled with his churning thoughts and emotions, "What would ye have me do? It seems I've fallen in love with the Lady ye loved so true." he confessed to his friend. "I've no right to love Sharna so, but ye know that in me heart I could never lie to you." "Tarl?" Tarl pivoted, his hand on the hilt of his blade. "Who's there?" he challenged, his steel blue eyes searching the seemingly empty common room of the inn for the source of the voice. From the cloaking dark recess of a secret passage that connected the inn to Harper Hall, the figure of a man stepped into the room and glided across the floor to stand directly in front of the troubled Harper. "I do not mean to intrude mefriend", HG Shadow began in his hushed whispering voice. "I too was one of Renik's closest friends and one of his first contacts here in Neverwinter. I do believe that I know what he would tell thee." Taking a firm hold on Tarl's large muscular shoulders, Shadow's steel-gray eyes penetrated deep into his soul. "Search yer Heart, and ye will know what to do." Shadow said. Then, as swiftly as he had appeared, Shadow was gone, leaving Tarl alone once again, the haunting words still echoing in Tarl's heart and mind. HG Tarl Undermountain Reunion (Submitted by: Kaeyne X) ... The drow patrol guided their new companion back to thier temple/fortress, the Promenade of the Dark Lady. They passed several sentry posts guarded by contingents of drow and human mercenaries. Kaeyne smiled inwardly - if they needed help from the Rivvil, they must be desperate indeed. Built upon the remains of temples to Ghaunadar and Moander, the Promenade was a place to rest and recover for those few fortunate enough to find it. Along with the drow priestesses and warriors, a score of wounded humans inhabited the temple. With the hired mercenaries, the temple boasted a fighting force of over 80 individuals. Kaeyne quickly considered his options. A direct assault by his small band of sailors would fail by sheer weight of numbers. No, a steathy approach was warranted. His guides bid him to wait while they summoned their leader. Kaeyne glanced around. An assault on the defenses would be pointless, but maybe there was a back door... And he found it! The Promenade touched upon the Sargauth, the River of the Depths, in several places. He could bring his spelljammer up the river and assault the temple with the aid of his ship's weaponry. He must first inspect the River approach for possible traps and defenses. At that moment, Iliryztara approached... but it was not Iliryztara... "I am Eresseae Qilue Veladorn, Daughter of Iliryztara," she said. Kaeyne raised an eyebrow, as Iliryztara was known to have no children. In response to the unsaid question, she continued. "My mother was pregnant when she fled her city, and died in childbirth. I grew rapidly due to a magical effect I care not to discuss. Why are you here?" "I came here to ask my sister to return to her House," said Kaeyne. Qilue gasped, "Uncle?" Kaeyne nodded. "Your mother was foolish to leave her House. It fell due to her betrayal. But, since we two of royal blood survived the attack, we may return to claim the right of destruction on the attackers. Will you return with me?" .... to be continued The Stormlord of Talos (Submitted by: Bloodr0se) Chorus: Kid Storm was a Pirate by right and by deed So children you listen and maidens take heed To the tale of his daring in our hour of need. His voice boomed like thunder it rose and it fell, The enemy has fallen. This truth I do tell. For Talos has chosen his Stormlord. First verse: The oceans they boiled and the heavens surely wept As children were taken from their beds as they slept. The Spectre had come looking for the child that they kept, Hidded in shadows and surrounded by stone. The child mayhap lonely, but never alone. Villages were razed and homes they were burned His wrath he did level as his efforts were spurned The Spectre it kept looking, through the night air it churned. The children discarded ghostly white in their death Terror and fright as he claimed their last breath. The Spectres minions they searched through the day and the night, Til a rumor they heard of the small child's flight. The pirates they sheltered him, secure in their might. The trail they did follow, though hidden in stealth Was the child they would capture for position and wealth. The child strongly warded from death's cold stare. Too strong for Spectre's probing. Kid Storm set his dare. They met dressed for battle in a dream forged with care. A challenge brought forth by the Spectre with will A promise he laid out with cunning and skill. Hearty laughter rang out at the Spectre's lies end. "You'll have naught that is mine or those I defend. I'll give you this chance your plans to suspend. For my wrath you will face, my strength you will see, If you return to this place...you will fight me!" Chorus: Kid Storm was a Pirate by right and by deed So children you listen and maidens take heed To the tale of his daring in our hour of need. His voice boomed like thunder it rose and it fell, The enemy has fallen. This truth I do tell. For Talos has chosen his Stormlord. Second verse: From the dream he awoke quite unable to sleep The shadow he cast made a pure maiden weep. He had plans to make, dread promises to keep. Spells of warding and fire, traps of metal and will He empowered the keep with a devious skill. The child he sent forth with his love newly pledged She warned him against dying, or a scratch that had bled. She hid from the night, to her family she led. The night it fell quickly as shadows claimed the keep Cold foretold Spectre's coming through the walls it did seep. The keep fought back first with the traps they had laid Soon the screams of men dying echoed and played Through the halls of the keep and to Talos he prayed. The Spectre it found him with it's minions pushed first. It's eyes filled with hunger, an unquenchable thirst. Quick as lightning he moved, loud as thunder his voice Kid Storm threw his will forged to conquer the ice. The Spectre turned to meet him armed with weapon of choice. Molten flame passed icy death as to their targets they flew The Spectre engulfed and Kid Storm peirced through. He felt the spectre weaken as the poison set in. Fire peirced Spectre's armor, Kid Storm battled within. The cold poison claimed his strength turned white his skin. The Spectre did escape while Kid Storm his will fought. To the Wicked Wench he returned for time he had bought. Chorus: Kid Storm was a Pirate by right and by deed So children you listen and maidens take heed To the tale of his daring in our hour of need. His voice boomed like thunder it rose and it fell, The enemy has fallen. This truth I do tell. For Talos has chosen his Stormlord. The Twelve Days of Christmas (Submitted by: LinnaStar) On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a scroll of invisibility. On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 2 stinking clouds and a scroll of invisibility. On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 3 lightning bolts, 2 stinking clouds and a scroll of invisibility. On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 4 ioun stones, 3 lightning bolts, 2 stinking clouds and a scroll of invisibility. On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, five +3 rings...4 ioun stones, 3 lightning bolts, 2 stinking clouds and a scroll of invisibility. On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 6 bears a-bugging, five +3 rings...4 ioun stones, 3 lightning bolts, 2 stinking clouds and a scroll of invisibility. On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 7 wizards wizzing, 6 bears a-bugging, five +3 rings...4 ioun stones, 3 lightning bolts, 2 stinking clouds and a scroll of invisibility. On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 8 cloudkills killing, 7 wizards wizzing, 6 bears a-bugging, five +3 rings...4 ioun stones, 3 lightning bolts, 2 stinking clouds and a scroll of invisibility. On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 9 pledges pledging, 8 cloudkills killing, 7 wizards wizzing, 6 bears a-bugging, five +3 rings...4 ioun stones, 3 lightning bolts, 2 stinking clouds and a scroll of invisibility. On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 10 squires serving, 9 pledges pledging, 8 cloudkills killing, 7 wizards wizzing, 6 bears a-bugging, five +3 rings...4 ioun stones, 3 lightning bolts, 2 stinking clouds and a scroll of invisibility. On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 11 sages saging, 10 squires serving, 9 pledges pledging, 8 cloudkills killing, 7 wizards wizzing, 6 bears a-bugging, five +3 rings...4 ioun stones, 3 lightning bolts, 2 stinking clouds and a scroll of invisibility. On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 12 CLaMs a-clamming, 11 sages saging, 10 squires serving, 9 pledges pledging, 8 cloudkills killing, 7 wizards wizzing, 6 bears a-bugging, five +3 rings...4 ioun stones, 3 lightning bolts, 2 stinking clouds and a scroll of invisibility Atli (Submitted by: ES Flight) As I listened to the high council speak of how they would act about the current situation, I slowly became a pool of rage, as if each word that they spoke was another drop in the pond that was my anger. There had been plenty of words tonight. And for what? The answer was clear enough, smash the up risers, what more was there? But no, the council had to look at all sides of the issue, they had to spend hours debating what should be done. The answer was so clear, why were they so blind? "We must be careful how we deal with these followers of the Snake, they mean us harm. And like a snake their bite can poison..." rattled one of the Councilmen. "ENOUGH!" I screamed, finally being able to take no more. "Is it not obvious what should be done? They have made a blatant attack on our honor, they have told us to step out of the way or be destroyed! What choice is there? Such insolence must be crushed, any man knows that!" "Well, Atli, you must look at all sides of the issue.." started one of the councilmen. "What sides you feebleminded fool? There is only one side and that is the side of death to those Snake people who would challenge us in such a blatant manner." I yelled at him, how could he be such an idiot? "What would you have us do Atli? Commit an act of violence because of some foolish Snake man's words?" This man I did recognize, he was Maidu, the infamous drunk. How had he become a councilman anyway? "I can take no more of this, while you prattle, I shall go and do battle as this situation demands." With that I sprang to me feet and departed from the council teepee. ****** Quickly striding to my teepee, I gathered my things and prepared myself for battle. I would have to take matters into my own hands this time. By the time the council had decided things, it would be too late. Finishing my preparations, I left the village behind me. Arrow notched to bow and in the position of a hunter I slunk down the trail. Through the trees I could see the campfire of the sentries of the Snake people. Stupid they were, sitting there and drinking while staring into the fire. How could such men even possibly think of fighting my tribe? They were fools of the worst kind. Raising my bow, I aimed at the first of the two fools. "Tinmaiqpak, katpak uvaqu qagruq." Translation - Eagle, guide my arrow Death was quick for the two followers of the Snake; an arrow in the throat of each. Having penetrated the Snake peoples outer defenses, I continued towards the main village. There I would exact my revenge, and prove to them that idle threats to my tribe would be dealt with in a manner fitting to such boasts. Up ahead I could see the buildings, fools they were to live in these mud huts. Living in dirt and filth they were. What kind of people were these? To live in hovels and make idle threats. Idiots they were. Suddenly I heard a cry of alarm from somewhere to my right, I realized that I had been found out. Suddenly the village was alive, men rushed from their mud hovels barely dressed and carrying their weapons at ready. Realizing that I had not much time, I dispatched of the few men closest to me. Then, spinning on my heel I ran for the forest, there were simply to many of them to stand and fight. My feet pounding, I realized the rashness of my attack. What was I doing attacking unsupported? Without my tribesmen to back me up? Yes, I might be a grand warrior, but that did not make me qualified to take on a whole horde of snake people. Burning pain shot through my leg and I stumbled to the ground. Quickly looking at the source of my pain, I found that I had been hit by a stray arrow from the Snake men. Again realizing the foolhardiness of my plan, I resorted to the only thing that could save me from this mess. Closing my eyes I prayed. "Tinmiaqpuk, I anaiyyu mmi nute. Unnuapak I qaq pined miit qinnak. I apigi qiv nute mmi aat uvana mmi aullaaq." Translation. "Eagle, I pray to you. Tonight I have acted in anger. I ask of you to take me to camp." Suddenly, I felt the wind on my face. Opening my eyes, I saw myself to be lying on Eagle's Peak, the lights of the village below me. The pain in my leg was still there, and looking down I once again saw the arrow which had struck me down. Looking at it, I suddenly realized what I must do. Reaching down, I pulled the arrow from my wound with not a second thought to the pain that it caused. Rising to my feet I walked to the edge of the cliff that was Eagle's Peak. Looking towards the stars, my hand with the arrow outstrectched towards the moon. I yelled, "Tonight Eagle I have found my destiny, tonight is the start of my life. I thank you Eagle, for with this arrow, I have realized that which I am and that which I must do." And I stood there, silhouetted against the moon; A single man, ready to face the world and bring justice to my tribe - Eagle Shamans. Looking at the bloodied arrow in my tightened fist, I saw it for the first time. The feathers on the arrow were black.... ES Atli Follower of the Black Feather The Rules of the Hunt (Submitted by: JMaher4735) Although the stars were quite beautiful on this particular night, Kolek paid them no heed. His quarry was approaching now, through the tangled mass of growth the locals called Zalek's Forest. He had heard a sound that most people would have dismissed as a small creature venturing from it's burrow. However, Kolek was not an ordinary person, but this also alerted him to the fact that his quarry was good. Very good in fact, for if his quarry had not made that sound to discourage hunters from following him, he would have entered the clearing while Kolek was still unprepared. Slowly, his prey ventured into the clearing Kolek was watching. Although the dwarf was a burly fellow, he was slow. This had allowed Kolek to make a hit with one of his arrows. In fact, the same arrow was still protruding from the dwarf's arm, trickling blood down his sleeve. Kolek nocked an arrow on his short bow and brought the fletching to his shoulder. In the split second between nock and fire, Kolek realized something. This dwarf had done nothing more than steal food for his family. Kolek probably wouldn't be here if the dwarf hadn't stolen from a baron's wagon. Great, he thought, a noble thief. Kolek knew what he had to do. This thief had honor. He deserved an honorable death. Not at the point of an arrow, but at the blade of a sword. Kolek drew his sword and was preparing to make his challenge to the dwarf, when he realized the dwarf had seen him and had a light crossbow trained on his head. No time to renock an arrow, Kolek thought. One chance. Kolek jumped out and grabbed a tree branch. Using the momentum from his jump, he swung upward on the branch and at the apex of his swing, let go. Though the dwarf tried to track him, his shot went wide. Kolek then spun around while still in the air so that when he landed he faced the dwarf. Putting his sword in front of him he charged the dwarf. It wasn't until he could see his sword protruding from the dwarf's back that he realized the dwarf had thrown away the crossbow. Oh no, Kolek thought, what in all the seven hells have I done? Quickly withdrawing his sword from the dying body , he assessed the wound. Realizing that he had very little time left, the dwarf withdrew a small pouch from his person. "Here, " he said "get this to Alisa Goraff." Using all of his remaining strength the dwarf uttered one word. Wife. Standing, Kolek said out loud "Baron Rienov, I will have your head for this!" With a second glance to the body lying prone on the ground, Kolek left the clearing in search of two things: Vengeance and Alisa Goraff The Story of Leisel - Part I (Submitted by: LunarSword) Leisel was born into a large family in the town of Sanchen. She was the youngest child and her parents loved her very much. Her father was a woodcutter, and her mother was the town's midwife. Leisel would often come along with her mother to pick the magical herbs surrounding Sanchen and to heal or help the sick and injured people of Sanchen. Leisel learned all there was to know about the healing properties of the herbs she collected, and had a bedside mannor that healed better than her medicine. One day she was healing the town crier of his larengitus. Her family had gone to work. Her two brothers had joined her father in the forest, and her three sisters were caring for her mother, who was sick with the flu. Leisel was just about to apply the mint essence to the crier's throat when her oldest sister burst into the room crying. "Come quick!" cried her sister, gasping for breath after her run to find Leisel. "It's father," she continued, "he was hit...by a tree!" Leisel grabbed her basket of medicines and bid the crier farewell. She fled from the village into the surrounding woods. The weight of her basket seemed to slow her down. She wanted to be at her father's side as soon as possible but she knew her herbs were necissary if she wanted to have a chance at saving her father. She arrived in a small clearing. She saw her father, his chest caught under a massive pine trunk. She knew all the men of the village together could not move the giant from her father's chest. She dropped to her knees beside her father's head. His face was covered in scrapes and cuts. Sweat beads were pouring from his forehead. His lips were parched and attempting to speak, but his lungs could not fill because of the tree surpressing them. "Get him some water!" Leisel ordered to her brother, who was standing helplessly nearby. But Leisel knew there was nothing she could do. "It's going to be alright, father" she told him, holding his head in her lap. "It's going to be o.k." To Be Continued Loss (Submitted by: T GrayWolf) Loss Harpers, a truly unique group. The views held by these folk are amazingly elven in outlook. A balance between all the living beings of Faerun, between civilization and wilderness. The idea that all deserve the freedom to live as they wish, whether they be sentient beings, animals, or even plants. Many elves do indeed name themselves Harpers, and most elves would readily aid the Harpers in a worthy cause. But the fact that soo many Harpers are human warms the heart. It is good to see that some humans can come to understand the basic facts of life, that all life can interact without destroying other life. Many of my best human friends are or have been Harpers. I recall my latest visit to Harper Hall in Longsaddle. Many times I traveled there to share a drink with good company after some adventure or the other. What I saw in the Hall made me nervous from the moment I entered. I glanced around again, thinking that something seemed out of place. There, above the fireplace, I saw it. The picture was new, and showed a middle aged man that I knew well. Renik was a Harper, one of the founders of the Neverwinter branch of the organization. I had known Renik's father and could remember when Ren had been born back in Phlan. I had known him for thirty years. It seemed like I had known him forever. Seeing his picture like that made me wonder. The Harpers were slightly secretive, it was unlike them to hang pictures of members in the Hall. A nagging suspicion tugged at the corners of my mind, but I had to know for sure. In the corner of the room, sitting alone at a table, I saw Quill. Quill had not been around here in a long while, but I knew he was a close friend of Ren's. I walked over and joined him. He too looked saddened. I asked only one word, "Ren?" He nodded, and raised a mug in toast. "To Renik," he slurred. "How?", I had to ask. He told me that Renik had been challenged to a duel by Gammadrac, and had died at his hands. This news hit me hard. As an elf, I expect many of my non-elven friends to die of old age. As an adventurer, I also fear the death of friends from less than natural causes. But the death of Renik came as a complete shock. That he should die in battle with an evil foe is somehow fitting I suppose, since that's how he lived his life. I wish I had been there. Had I been at the duel, I might have helped save his life, as I had done before many times. It would be easy for an elf to sink into a weary despair over the losses of friends or from the destruction of cherished places. But, that is not why we are here. We must enjoy life while we have it. I know that Renik enjoyed his short life. I would dishonor him by living in grief. Loss is part of life. Loss, however, does not have to ruin life. Grief over losses or fear of losing something is the true tragedy. Remember what was lost. Keep it alive in tales to those who have no memories of it. But do not fall into remorse. Do not let your own spirit to live die. That is to admit defeat, to say that the evil forces who strive always to posses or destroy everything they can have beaten you. Much as I would like to withdraw from the Realms, return to live with my kin in peace, I cannot. I cannot allow loss to defeat me. I must not allow the dread of loss to prevent me from staying here and sharing in the lives of those around me, even those whom I know I will outlive by centuries. This is the burden of the elves remaining in the Realms. Not always an easy burden to bear. To Renik, your memory shall not fade. Thranduil Graywolf Ohtar-Istar-Wethril-Ethir Megilindar en Tel'Mithrim Her Wandering Sons (Submitted by: Lake Mist) In Neverwinter Woods, beneath the stars Where all roads end, however long There is a sound of joyous guitars And distant echoes of a song For here wanderers gather into rings Round their fires while voices sing The night is ours, happy folk Where lies the woods in hazy bars A mist rises about the stars Here trails the thin and wandering smoke Hiding with it's veil half seen The sharpened sword's hidden gleam A mug of dark glass faceted with light Holds the splendid frenzy in dusky flight Untrodden paths across the plain With owlbear jerky in our bellies lain For quests and wars we must train But not this night Of a sudden did my heart percieve That those who sang of this eve Who answered to wood and stars With gladdened music on their guitars Were Her wandering sons Encamped upon the grassy seas Where Mieliki's unsullied garments run In glory and splendor across the breeze. Lake Mist Bieres de la Meuse Banerd Dies! - Part 1 (Submitted by: LordBanerd) Banerd Rex awaited aboard his ghostly vessel the Gallant Prince making final preparations for the feast day of Orcus. The massive creature stood gently fondling the skull tipped scepter like wand that had been given to him long ago by his master when last he sojourned within the abyss. As he sat in remembrance, he heard a commotion coming form outside upon the deck. Making his way for the door he drew forth his runeblade and stepped out into the bristling night. On the deck was waging a high pitched battle between his creatures of the night and what was obviously the standards of the Knights of the Eternal Flame, the Knights of Justice, and the Order of the Golden Staff. Although somewhat tattered, each valiantly flew onwards. Banerd Rex stood and rushed to the attack against a Knight of the Eternal Flame squire who was carrying their standard. There was a snapping sound as black justice bit through the haft of the standard. The squire bellowed in fear at the sight of the monstrous horror, yet flailed fervously against him. Banerd Rex gripped the squire by the throat letting his runeblade fall to the deck beside him. As he raised the helpless human to meet his snarling gaze he had not even taken notice to the eerie mist that had begun to surround the battle scene. In one massive flurry of fangs and a spray of blood the squire hit the deck with a gut renching scream and a solid thud. He did not kill him yet. He only played with him before the combatants aboard the ghost ship, so that all may know the wrath of the Rex. He reached down to the squire whose face was now disfigured and brought him to meet his gaze once more. "Please mylord....if ever you were a knight grant me mercy. I... I beg of ye" "SILENCE! Insolent ygg. You who are without har are not worthy of mercy. Mercy is for those who wield power." The squires eyes widened at the harsh tones in the words as the claws slowly began to sink into his flesh. There was another spray of blood, followed by a gasping scream. The squire was loosed to the deck once more, and then kicked solidly in the ribs by the massive creature. "MUHAHAHAHAHA! Is this the power of good? Shall I slay you now? No, not yet. You must suffer more yet. When I am done with you, your soul upon so shall I feast. MUHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Banerd Rex swung his blade in a leisurely manner, as if he was enjoying his work. He was. The squire screamed and bellowed out in torrents of pain. He reached down and the pulpy mass of flesh that was still breathing and in a conscious state and brought it to his gaze once more. There was a thud which followed hollow laughter as the squire was dropped to the deck once more with a groan of pain. Reaching down yet again, he found his hand upon black justice. By the time he had noticed the battle seemed far away but cared not. He raised the blade overhead for its final stroke. The squire gave one last scream of pain as the runeblade bit deep through flesh and bone. Black justice drank of his soul and fed Banerd Rex with it. "The power of life. This is the true value of good. To feast upon such souls, Muhahahaha." The battle seemed to be over now, or so it seemed since the shouting of men's voices had come to a halt. finally the mists cleared and he then knew something was definitely not right. He wasn't aboard the Gallant Prince anymore. What magic is this he thought. Looking around he saw the spires of an ominous castle looming off in the distance. Below him lay a village. As he caught his bearing he noticed himself to be in a clearing of sorts by a nearby roadside. He new that the answers he sought must lay within those castle walls. It was then he stepped upon the road and began to walk that long winding path. As he walked its length he could hear the rushing of the falls beneath the cliffs upon which the nearby castle stood. As the twilight passed, a carriage without a driver pulled by a pair of sable horses wound its way down the road towards the lone figure walking the roadside. Banerd Rex came to a halt as the carriage drew near to him and halted before his eyes. He peered inside as the door opened seemingly beckoning him. Lost in thought he surmised that the driverless carriage must somehow be connected with the lord of the nearby castle as well as his mysterious transportation to this strange place that he now found himself in. Stepping into the plushness of the coach, the horses whinnied once and spun around heading for the drawbridge to the great castle. As the carriage stopped before the bridge which spanned a massive chasm, the door opened silently as if awaiting for the disembarkment of its passenger. Banerd Rex stepped forth and began to cross the eerie drawbridge that creaked and groaned with each passing movement. As he was crossing, he looked down but once to see no bottom of the cravace; only swirling fog some hundreds of feet below. Finally reaching the other side, he began to make his way across the courtyard. As he crossed, he noticed the stained glass windows and the perching gargoyles that seemed almost to watch his every movement. Reaching the large set of double doors, he opened them with ease and stepped into the gloomy castles embrace. Once inside he took note of the marble flooring and heard the sound of a pipe organ playing off in the distance. Banerd Rex followed the sound of the music which led him to another set of double doors in an adjacent hallway. As he drew them open he saw the form on the other side of the room playing away at the organ with a thriving passion. At first the primal rage began to boil, feeling cheated of victory over Neverwinter. Then curiosity overtook him and he awaited the culmination of the songs end. Thusly the sable cloaked form stood and turned to meet his visitor. He stood at approximately six foot in height with dark eyes and dark hair which was slightly grayed in the temples. He also had pointed ears and was dressed in the attire of nobles. His ruby brooch hung and cascaded against the blackness of his overcoat. "Good evening, and welcome to my home. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Strahd Von Zarovich, Lord of Barovia." "Harless Ygg, you shall answer me or meet hangagud this day, of this I tell you." Strahd smiled wildly allowing the sharp protrusions within his mouth show their horror. His eyes flashed with a crimson glow as he laughed gently. "You see Banerd Rex, all is not as it seems. I have summoned you to my home for a reason, and a very good one at that." "Speak swiftly vampire, I have no time for such senseless banter. If your tongue is not swift, be assured my dark powers shall be" Banerd Rex's eyes narrowed as he looked on against the vampire. "I know all I need of you. You have something I want, and I have something you want. I know of the whereabouts of the one thing that can destroy you Banerd Rex." Banerd Rex freed black justice from its scabbard and loosed a low rumbling demonic snarl. "Away with your weapon......for now. Shazars Banestone is here. I admit, Dorvinion played you and the rest of all Neverwinter as a master musician plays his instrument. He had possession of the banestone all this time. He was nothing more than one of the Visitant, in servitude to me. I have grown powerful with the lands. I am the ancient, I am the land. I will willingly give you the banestone to do with as you will, on one condition." "And what condition do you speak of vampire?" "You must slay the priest of the village below. I have allowed the banestone to fall into his hands. This priest has interfered with me on many occasions and as well holds a seal which would open a gateway that allowing you to return to your precious city. So you see Banerd Rex, your coming is not of uselessness. Go and slay Goriel of Hoar and return here with the seal that he bears. It will be then that I will use the seal to break open the doorway to your homeland." "Muhahahahaha. I agree, but on one condition." Banerd Rex smiled savagely freeing the many salivating fangs from his maw. "Your condition is, Rex?" "No treachery. If there is any, I shall give you such unforgettable torture that you will beg of your very destruction at my hands. Do you understand me?" Strahd smiled slightly as he began to speak, yet maintained his coolness. "There shall be no treachery....on my part. Heheheh. Till we meet again, and may it be soon" "The sooner the better Von Zarovich, the sooner the better." Hours later Goriel knelt before the altar in the church in deep meditation to Hoar the Doombringer. In his mind he saw a swirling mist of chaos of which the powers of hell and of damnation flowed within. Goriel snapped awake from his vision and reached to his pouch for the softly glowing emerald stone within his pouch. The banestone swirled with a bright encompassing light and was the size of a clenched fist. As he pulled it about his neck an unholy bellow from beyond the church walls tore into the night. The priest of Hoar lurched to his feet and pulled his mace from his side as several stained glass windows shattered and lumbering forms of the recently deceased poured through. Goriel had no time to reach for his holy symbol. Before he knew it he was ducking an incoming blow from one of the creatures. As he entered into the fray and stood atop several bodies the doors were torn asunder as a large shadowy humanoid form standing seven foot in height with glowing red eyes glared in. Banerd Rex saw and recognized Shazars Banestone immediately upon sight. Before Goriel new what had was happening, the well muscled hands of Banerd Rex were clutched around his throat choking the very life from him. As he gasped, he allowed his mace to collapse to the floor with a clatter as he reached for the now burning stone against his chest and pressed it solidly into the side of his relentless adversary. Banerd Rex howled with unrelenting pain as his grip was loosed from his opponent and sent swiftly to his burning wound. Goriel lay with his back against the altar and struggled to his feet while the amulet continued to scorch his hand. "Plen tnium' ardere' mortier fortious mewere" As Goriel finished loosing the final words past his lips, the banestone flared violently with raw magical power. As the bright luminescence filled the room, the remaining zombies that were lumbering towards their target fell to the ground in an ashen heap smitten down by the power of the mysterious artifact. Banerd Rex howled with such ferociosnouss that even the darkest of hearts would have been stricken afeared. His glowing moonpendant which hung about his neck spilled forth its crimson light, yet was drowned out by the power of the banestone. The moonpendant flared once more as Banerd Rex reached back with one taloned hand high into the air, as he began to allow it to fall upon its prey going straight for the heart. Banerd Rex jerked in midswing as arcing pain coursed through his veins. The moonpendant which was wildly dancing about his neck, sputtered one last ray of its ruby red light and then swiftly died out. The Rex howled in the darkness of the void of the Banestone as he was torn from the body of Banerd. Smoke poured from the orafice of Banerd Rex and flowed into the banestone as the body began to twist and change. There was a bright flash of light which blinded the priest which was followed by a thud as a body hit the floor. Banerd awoke with his body wracked in pain being nurtured by a young man no older than his mid twenties tending to him. Goriel was quite stout and wore his auburn hair loosely at his shoulders. His dark brown eyes looked on his he wiped away the beads of sweat from his patient. "Alas I am free, Tyr be praised I am free. I am in your debt good sir, wait....hast thou a mirror? I must see...I....I must see, I implore thee" "Hold, you are quite weak my friend. The beast that haunted your mortal form is no more." Banerd attempted to struggle to sit up but found himself too weak to be able to. "Worry not friend, in time. In time indeed." The priest smiled as he wiped another bead of sweat from Banerds forehead. Banerd Dies! - Part 2 (Submitted by: LordBanerd) As time passed Banerd regained his strength and became very close with Goriel. Banerd was as he was long ago. He no longer bore the semblance of a drow or of some demonic hordeling. He stood as he was in his beginning. He was Banerd Baneslayer once more. As he had been purified by the Banestone, Tyr had restored to him his former grace as a man of his cloth. This day was a great day of rejoicing. It was this day that Banerd fell before the awesome presence of great Grimjaw and wept before the tender mercies of his god. It was that eve that Banerd dreamed of the night and how it seemed to swallow him whole trying to drink of his very blood. Yet in the dream there was a light. Banerd saw but two roads. One lead to the place of safety and comfort and one lead to the place he now was in his dreary vision. Standing up he drew forth a gleaming sword that flared with the light of the heavens and slashed deeply into the night which fled as the daylight shone about him in a pillar of golden light, banishing the nights hold upon him forever more. Later on Goriel also informed Banerd of the seal which he possessed that could open a gateway into other worlds from within the bowels of somewhere inside the depths of castle Ravenloft, home of Strahd Von Zarovich. Banerd knew he must return to his homeland. He must return to the great hall of justice, but he also knew that the devil Strahd must come to his end for his vile tyranny and curse upon the land. It was then that he swore an oath to slay this fell beast or die trying. Having discarded black justice, his black plate armor worn of the Rex, and entrusting the Wand of Orcus to Goriel to see to its demise, he garnished his arms and armors that were a boon to him from the priest that he might slay the fell vampire lord. Goriel had also entrusted one other important object; the seal. With this, he departed his newfound friend and said his final farewells, returning into the confines of castle Ravenloft once more. Once inside, Banerd drew his silvered longsword and began to work his way through the foul place. As he walked the hallway he came to a set of stairs descending down into torchlit depths. He entered the descending steps only to find himself landing within the entryway to the crypts deep beneath the castle. The sound of slight screeching came all around from within the eerie place. Looking up he saw hundreds upon hundreds of bats seemingly covering the ceiling for all he could see. Banerd bit his teeth and tightened his grip on his blade as he stepped within the confines of the rolling fog that flowed gently among the crypts. Trudging onwards he heard the voice of Strahd speaking somberly off in the distance. To whom Banerd did not know, but he knew Strahd was his answer and it was Strahd Von Zarovich that would give it. Banerd set his backpack to the ground and rifled through its contents. Shazars Banestone, the moonpendant which had been given to him by Kain Lupis and later used by the Rex to possess Banerd, and finally the object of his search. The seal given to him by Goriel. Banerd removed it from his backpack, which was then drawn shut and reslung across his back. As he made his way to the sound of the hushing tones, Banerd moved with extreme caution. Making his way down another set of grand steps that were alight by a pair of candelabras he saw the form of the lord of castle Ravenloft kneeling before a grave. The vampire looked up from his long deceased mothers grave upon smelling the blood, as Banerd stepped into the room. Strahd Von Zarovich stood slowly and turned to face his visitor. "Well Banerd Rex you are quite different from when last we met. I do believe you have what you promised me." "NAY SPEAK OF THAT BLASPHEMY UPON ME! Fell beast of ineffable darkness. I come to this abode for but one reason. To but cleave the evil and despair from this castles bosom. Alas creature of the night, I am nay the one called Rex no more. I am but as I twas within the beginning, purified am I by mylord Tyr. For it tis I who am but his servant. Yet this eve rest assured, for most assuredly thou shall be freed from thine eternal torment and sent to rest with thine mother upon this hallowed night, for this eve thy tyranny upon the land so does end." "So I do see that the banestone has taken its hold upon you....Banerd. Well then, you have the seal before my very eyes, and if it is me you want than you shall have me..... that is, if you can best me mortal fool! The seal shall be mine and it is I who shall walk free from these lands that at last I may lay claim to the vast lands that await me and the feast that awaits my thriving hunger." Strahd snarled and leashed a feral growl as he smelled Banerds blood flowing through his veins. He could hear the sound of his beating heart that swelled within his preys chest. Banerd unleashed a raging battle cry and charged forward against his opponent. Strahd stepped to the side and swung wildly with open claws. The vampire spun yet again and incanted briefly, from which followed a series of five azure bolts of light which solidly tore away at Banerds flesh reaping wounds across his body. Banerd shrugged away the pain and buried his silvered longsword into the vampire. Strahd winced once and sent his opponent to the ground with the back of his hand. Banerd incanted and gestured with one free hand allowing his blade to lay where it had fallen while keeping the seal within his other. He lashed out against the dark creature as he finished his spell impacting a glowing hand against his target. Strahd bellowed in pain as bloodless wounds tore open all across his body. In a rage of pain a series of claws bit deep past Banerds armored form sending pieces of chain mail sailing through the air along with a spray of blood. Knocked to the floor again by the powerful blows of the vampire Banerd began to wonder if he was finally at his end. Strahd lifted him from the ground and sent him sailing through the air and impacting solidly into a wall. Reflexively Banerd reached for the seal that had slipped from his hands during the combat as the vampire reared in to finish off his prey, even now Strahd could taste the blood. He reared back as if to strike with one claw and stopped in a cry of fear as the seal was pulled up between his flailing claws and their target. "You fool! What are you doing? To shatter the seal you would destroy us both!" Banerd stood pulling himself to his feet realizing there was no way he could possibly survive against Strahd. "I have lost everything in my life. My one true love, my precious brothers and sisters of the order of justice, my paladinhood stolen by the Rex, even my heart and mind is tortured as I am forced be bear witness to the plaguing memories of that which the Rex bestowed upon me. All that is left is Tyr. And so it is for Tyr I stand here now before thee fell beast. It was Tyr who saved me from death that perhaps one day I may be rejoined with my one true love. And it is for Tyr this day I die!" Banerd lifted the seal and shattered it against the ground. "NOOOOOOOO!", Strahd screamed as the magical energies exploded all around them. Within seconds the it was over. Strahd Von Zarovich was gone, yet within the rubble of the room was a crumpled form that lay in a heap upon the floor. Despite the agonizing pain, Banerd was still conscious. Swirling lights filled the room. He was not sure what was there before him. His vision was increasingly blurring and whatever the source of the light was that lay about, had now become indiscernible as he now struggled for conciousnous. Banerd tried to struggle to his feet but had not the strength. His legs had been crushed beneath the rocks and falling debris of the explosion. his left arm horribly mangled and the right side of his ribcage was completely shattered. As he embraced the cold dark void of death he spoke his final words with a gurgle of blood. "Tyr why? Why this fate of mine? Why?" Banerd rested his eyes and loosed his last breath through his body in a hushed tone, "Let justice be done." The final tears fell from his eyes of his last thought was of his one true love and how he had been torn apart from her. If ever he had but one wish it would be granted to him, yet only in his death. So Banerd Baneslayer, High Judicator and father of the Knights of Justice ascended into Tyr's embrace forevermore. The small cog quietly sailed across the river Styx. At its bow lay the body of a Knight whose crest bore the symbols of the scales of justice with the chesspiece of a knight upon either scale. The left one white and the right one black. Within the arms of a fair maiden in a long flowing white gown with auburn hair he lay in his eternal slumber. "My sweet love, what is this that has been done to you?" A single tear drifted down her cheek splashing against the knights black and white tabard. She looked on at the form of her lost love and kissed him gently upon the lips. "Till we meet again my love, till next our hearts do meet." On The Search for the Great Ripe Banana (Submitted by: Ceribus) Nasher closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. Ever since he had heard that some idiot or other was looking for some kind of banana, Nasher just knew that they'd somehow end up in his office. With great reluctance he opened his eyes... And was greeted with the sight of a human-monkey absently scratching under his arm, drooling out one side of his mouth, and wearing a foolish grin. Sensing Lord Nasher's gaze, the monkey stopped scratching his armpit, and started to politely pick his nose instead. Nasher dropped a long-suffering gaze over the uncouth monkey. "Your name is SOM Monkey, is it not?" Lord Nasher asked. "Ooh? Oh! Oooh OOK ook, hack," Monkey ended his brief statement by coughing up a hairball. With a mild look of disgust, Nasher continued, "Yes, well I've collected reports that the mage in the Floodblest well might have some information that should lead you to a banana tree." Nasher rose, but decided better of shaking hands with a monkey that was even now scratching itself in an indelicate place. Ecstatic, the SOM Monkey bounded out the door. His search for the Great Ripe Banana had finally begun. * * * * As Nasher walked over to close the door, he sighed. As he walked back to his desk he absently called out, "All right Wonder Monkey, it is safe." In one corner of the room a form wavered, and came out of invisibility. It revealed itself to be a nearly 6- foot tall elf, with a slim body, angular face, pointed ears, flowing brownish - black hair, and emerald green eyes that were flecked with gold. He was Ceribus the Wonder Monkey, 3 Headed Suicidal Protector of Idiots, Newbies, and Neverwinter. And he was back. "Does the mage truly know where a banana tree is at?" Cer asked, though he knew damn well that the mage had next to no information about bananas of any sort. Floodblest was Cer's home, and the well was his specialty. "You know very well he doesn't," Nasher scowled. "But the mage is starting to act up again, and hopefully SOM Monkey can put a stop to him. Cer let forth a resigned sigh. "I guess I'd better go watch over him, he's always been a little too hot- tempered for his own good." With a swirling of lights, Cer was gone. * * * * * "Wot do we 'ave 'ere mates?" The guard was backed by three of his buddies, and given those odds he didn't fear only one monkey, even if this one WAS a little over 5 feet tall. "It looks like a bleedin' gorilla!" His faithful morons laughed dutifully, and one said, "Does the monkey want a banana?" You have no idea, SOM Monkey thought. He was beginning to tire of this group of morons. They were sweaty, and their armor creaked a lot because of all the belts that was strapped here and there. Monkey felt his patience burn off under the heat of his mounting anger. He didn't mind the childish jokes really, but these guys were trying to stop him from his quest! "Hello gentles! I suggest you leave both me and my protege alone." Ceribus said with a tight smile. The guards had gone for their weapons when they first saw him teleport in, and Cer mumbled, "Or we COULD do things the hard way." Abruptly a quarterstaff appeared in his hands. It seemed to fairly vibrate with power. "You still wanna play?" Cer asked with a truly wicked grin. They took one look at the mage's readied weapon and the size of the monkey's fists, and took of running. Cer nodded, as if they should have done that in the first place. He grabbed hold of Monkey's arm and dragged him to the gardens. They walked behind some rather tall plants, and Cer looked around to see if anyone was around. Finding no one around he told Monkey, "Okay, the coast is clear. We need to talk." Monkey nodded in understanding. He looked at Cer, and his eyes quietly changed from the drab brown of a monkey, to the bright green eyes of an inquisitive young man. "What for this time?" Monkey asked. "You have to try and be a little more polite to Lord Nasher's Guards, Monkey. I admit that that group probably deserved whatever you were planning on doing to them, but that's still not enough reason." Monkey idly picked a flower that had a hollow stem attached to the bud of the flower. He stuck it in his mouth, and replied nonchalantly "They were trying to keep me from finding the Great Ripe Banana." Each time he blew out through his mouth the flower would make a weird, trumpeting noise. The effect was not lost on Ceribus. He knew it was pointless, but he was about to try something new when a pair of female rangers walked by. Now, of itself this wasn't that strange. What made both the Wonder Monkey and SOM Monkey go on point was what these luscious rangers were wearing. Each was clad in a chain mail bikini. The two monkey's looked at each other, and raised their eyes in appreciation . SOM Monkey took off aftre the lady rangers. "Good luck Monkey," As he said this, he heard a whisper of silk as someone moved up next to him. "Hail Wonder Monkey." she said. "Hail and well met Lady Victoria." Ceribus greeted. "Where is your erstwhile companion going?" asked the Lady Victoria, of the many secrets. "He's looking for the Great Ripe Banana." Seeing the lost look on Lady Vicki's face, he continued, "Its something that's very rare, especially around here." He looked nervously at where SOM Monkey had left at. "I'm afraid that, if left alone, he will do something without thinking. So if you'll excuse me." With that, Ceribus let the Faerie Mists take him. * * * * SOM Monkey paused for reflection outside the well. His mind wandered a lot when he was in this form, and now proved no exception. His name was SOM Monkey, but he wasn't a true monkey. Normal monkeys didn't grow to be around 6 feet tall. And the same for his elven friend, Ceribus. Many called him the Wonder Monkey, but he was, in truth, not even slightly related to monkeys. Humans were, but Elves came directly from the weave of magic. He and Cer didn't mind being called monkeys, in fact, they kinda liked it. (Although Ceribus liked to be called Cer better.) All these thoughts about monkey's lead his mind to banana's. With a roar of glee, he took off through the well going as fast as he could. * * * * * SOM Monkey hesitated. He almost headbutted this door open as he had done the others, but something felt different about this one. Instead, he reached up and turned the door handle. The door was flung open, and the mage sneered down at him. While the mage was deciding what to do about the monkey, SOM Monkey headbutted him. Monkey walks over to the dazed man, and lets his eyes turn human. "Where is the Great Ripe Banana at mage?" He made the word sound like a curse. The mage made a few incomprehensible sounds, but somehow managed to indicate that he didn't know what in the world this idiot monkey was talking about. Disgusted, Monkey threw the mage at the closest wall. As the mage took out the wall, Monkey stood staring. He hadn't meant to bring the wall down. As he walked up to the new door, Monkey saw the mage's foot twitch. Well, at least he was still alive. Before Monkey could figure out if that was good or bad, the mage disappeared. Underneath where he had been lying was a desk, with all sorts of papers on it. Monkey hadn't searched for long before he found a map from Floodblest to the banana tree in Neverwinter Woods. Monkey raced out of the well. Letting his mind slip back towards the monkey, he took off, swinging through the trees. * * * * * One left. Two rights. One right, left, then two rights, and then the tall oak tree. Hmm, o-kay. One right, Two lefts. Right. Another two lefts. Back to the right, and you do the hoki poki...right into that same friggin' oak. SOM Monkey had been wandering around for the better part of 2 days since he had found that map. But, unfortunately, he had the stupid thing upside-down. When he figured out that the map was upside down, he accused it of not wanting him to find the Great Ripe Banana, and the he ate it. The map that is. In retrospect, he thought, that was a bad idea. Monkey swallowed his pride, and bellowed out, "Wonder Monkey! Get your sorry elvin self out here and HELP ME!!!" No sooner had the words left his lips than a mist started to form over everything. From the center of the mists Cer walked out to greet the Monkey. The mists swallowed back in on themselves, and Cer started easily, "Leira sends her greetings." "Spare me, I've been wandering around for 2 whole days and all you want to do is talk about the Guardian of the Mists?" Monkey seemed livid, but then a thought came to him, "What was she wearing" Grinning, Cer started to reply, but was cut off by a magic missile. That wasn't too bad, because he was Globbed, but it was definitely unexpected. Cer started a spell, and Monkey let his mind slip back into a monkey. Meanwhile, the two upstart mages that had attacked were busily trying to weave some spells faster than Monkey was walking. Cer cast a hold monster on them, and Monkey took the opportunity to tie the two would-be mages together in a way that suggested unprintable things. Satisfied, Monkey turned to Cer. "Ook Oko?" Cer looked around, trying to appear nonchalant. "I've never been through Neverwinter Woods by myself, and, well, that means I don't have the faintest idea where to go." SOM Monkey just stared. "Oooook." He growled dangerously. "Now hold on, it's not that bad. I'm sure that if we just keep walking we'll find your tree." Reluctantly they set off, leaving their foes behind. * * * * * Whistling, the duo walked through the forest. They both had monkey somewhere in their names, but one looked just like his name-sake. "I think we're getting close." Ceribus said happily. SOM Monkey didn't say anything, but he nodded his sentiments. They rounded a corner... And came face-to-wand with about 20 ticked off people. "Uh, oh" the two monkey's muttered together. "You have humiliated two of our guild-mates. Who are you?" Asked the leader (he had the biggest wand.) Ceribus thought for a minute. Should he say "We are Ceribus the Wonder Monkey and SOM Monkey, currently serving the Servants of Mystery.", or should he say something else? He looked over at Monkey, and noticed that the eyes were green. A plan presented itself. "I shan't ask you two imbeciles again, who are you?" Major League Jerk asked. "Hey Hey we're the Monkey's! People say we monkey around!" Both of the outnumbered SOM members started to sing, they even started a little dance to go along with it. Fuming, the head-dork dude shouted "KILL THEM!" Instantly, something hit the two would-be singers on the back of the head. They went down like a ton of bricks. But then Monkey saw through their ranks. Directly behind the advancing foe was the banana tree. But more importantly, he could see the Great Ripe Banana! Instantly he turned into a whirling berserker. Mages tried to hit him with spells, but he would move at the last minute and the spell would end up hitting someone else. Then Cer woke up, and the carnage started anew. * * * * * SOM Monkey looked around at his surroundings. Cer was off chasing a small group, but everyone else seemed to be down. Grimly satisfied, Monkey looked at the tree that held the Great Ripe Banana. The emotions were many and varied as he gazed upon his goal. He started to take a step towards it, but stopped short in amazement. As he watched, two young men walked up to the banana tree. Without hesitation they picked the Great Ripe Banana, and sat down. What they did next left the SOM Monkey stupefied. They produced a match, and took turns smoking the Great Ripe Banana! Monkey was too shocked to react in time. But after the initial shock wore off, he became VERY angry. With murderous rage, Monkey started to stalk towards the idiots who were smoking his prize. . . And he was stopped by an outstretched hand. Scowling, he followed the hand up to its owner's face. But instead of one face, this person had 3! The head in the middle was still Cer's elvish face, but the head on the right was a monkey, and the head on the left was that of a very large dog. As SOM Monkey watched, Ceribus' heads all became those of a dog. Monkey was amazed. Never before had he seen Ceribus lose his control this much. For as SOM Monkey represented his name, Ceribus was beginning to look like the 3-Headded Suicidal Protector of Idiots. The three heads were apparent now, and he figured that those two boys just HAD to be idiots to smoke a banana. And Cer was definitely suicidal for thinking he could stop SOM Monkey from taking revenge on the desecrators of the Great Ripe Banana. "Hold, my protege." the middle head growled. The left head calmly started a spell, and the right head went to sleep. "Those two poor, defenseless idiots had no idea that they should have left that banana alone," the middle head continued "Therefore, I am telling you to leave them alone. The left head left the spell completed except for one word, and the right head started to whine in its sleep. As the two members of the SOM sat in a stare off, the two young men who had initiated it scampered off. Cer's body started to blur, and his elven form blurred into that of a very large war-hound. With the only notable difference that it's shoulders reached SOM Monkey's stomach, and it had three heads. "You win, their gone." Monkey said distastefully. Nodding in satisfaction, the left head completed its spell, but instead of casting it at SOM Monkey, it cast it at the still forms of the brigands that ambushed them. The fireball blossomed, and completely desecrated the corpses. "You chose...wisely." And with that, the 3-headed protector turned around and ran towards the banana tree. Halfway there it lept, and on its way down the monstrous 3-headed dog was taken by the mists. "Show off." Monkey muttered. * * * * * A piercing ray of sunlight stabbed down through the clustered foliage, flitting this way and that as if searching for something. Of a sudden, the feeble ray of sunlight found a face, which was serenely asleep. As it was wont to do every morn, the sun kept this ray of light burning bright. Unfortunately for the sleeping figure, the light chose to stop right when it had reached the eyes. With a muffled curse, SOM Monkey awoke, cursing the sunlight. As if the sun could hear him, it chose that moment to shed its full light into Monkey's humble abode. "OOOOK! Oooke ouk ohh ah waaa!" Monkey wailed. Which, translated and somewhat nicefied , means "Ah well, I wanted to get up anyway." It had taken him most of the night to get back to Ceribus' small house. He had a standing invitation to stop by any time that he needed to, so he decided to take him up on the offer. The swing over here had given Monkey enough time to think on all that had happened. From what he had read on the back of the map, there was another tree. But since he had eaten the map, he knew not exactly where it was at. He knew where he might be able to find out some information pertaining to banana trees, but it was expensive dealing with those guys. Sometimes they took money as payment, but recently they started wanting all manner of magic items. In any case he would need money. Fortunately Cer always had a little money lying around. He was once a very wealthy noble, but then his vault had gotten destroyed. So now he works at regaining his lost wealth through the buying and selling of cleric scrolls. He had found that an armorer would pay well for cleric scrolls, and the more they had on them, the more they were worth. He used to give the scrolls away, but there had been an influx of cleric scrolls and no one wanted any. So that solves the money problem, Monkey thought. Next for the image. A five and a half foot tall monkey would meet with open hostility, so he'd need something else. With a deep sense of reluctance he reached up to his throat. He hesitated, he liked this form and was reluctant to just discard it. But the only thing that really mattered right now was the Great Ripe Banana. He closed his eyes. Slowly, his thick fur began to pull back into his body. As it came in, the absence of fur revealed magical chain mail that he had received from Sir Adler. His legs lengthened, and his arms became a little shorter and more muscular. His sword came into view, also a gift from Sir Adler. In his hand he held a startling amethyst medallion. His back lost its hunch, and he straightened to his full 6-foot height. His face pulled in and thickened into the face of a human male. His hair changed to the luxuriant black that was reminiscent of Ceribus' hair color. All in all he had a ruggedly handsome face. He opened his eyes, and they shone forth as brilliant green. He looked like a human version of Ceribus. SOM Monkey looked at himself. Satisfied that he was indeed human again, he took some of Cer's money and headed towards Neverwinter. * * * * Well that was a wasted trip, Monkey thought. He turned the corner to the vaults. It didn't appear that anyone knew where another banana tree was at. He sighed. Well, at least he still had some money left. He worked his way through the crowds that had gathered in front of the vaults. After he had deposited the jewels and gems remaining to him, Monkey re-worked his way through the crowd of people that were asking for things. Suppressing his disgust, SOM Monkey started off for Neverwinter castle. He walked on past it, and looked for the alleyway between two of the temple's. He liked this area because people rarely ventured in here. He reached to his neck for the amethyst colored stone. Time to change back into a monkey again. * * * * * "Ahh! Oook ooka OOK AAAAHHK!" Ahh yes! To be a monkey once again! SOM Monkey felt the last tickles of fur ripple through his body. Nearly time to find Cer again. "Oh ho ho gentlemen! We've our monkey!" Monkey cringed. Those foolish guards were back. "Wot tcha gonna do now that yer buddy aint 'ere?" the lead guard asked. SOM Monkey perked up. That was right! Ceribus wasn't here! Monkey looked at the guards, or, more accurately, at all the belts that held their armor together, and he had a perfectly devious idea. Minutes later SOM Monkey was heading off towards the wharves to search for the other banana tree. * * * * * * The mists swirled around him. AHH to be elven again! 'Twas most disconcerting to change so abruptly, but it was over now. Thanks to a certain Guardian of the Mists. He looked to the side, where she lay next to him. She was sleeping, and since Cer didn't want to awaken her, he just sat there and admired her beauty. The mists were, as usual, covering her form. But Ceribus didn't really need to see her body . He looked at her face. It was too beautiful to be a human face. No, an elf she was, and she had the most perfect face that Cer had ever seen. Long, luxuriant hair. A small, pert nose. Small, delicate lips. She was the most beautiful creature that Ceribus had ever seen. As if sensing his gaze, Leira softly awoke. When she saw Cer looking at her, she smiled, an effect that sent a trill of pleasure into all of his extremities. "I have to go check on my protege." Cer said sadly. "Well, before you go, let me at least give you a proper good bye." Leira, the Guardian of the Mists said as she pulled Cer close . . . On The Search for the Great Ripe Banana - Part 2 (Submitted by: Ceribus) The mists left him outside of the Floodblest inn. OH, to have more good-byes like that!, Cer thought. Even now he could remember . . . Apples. Aye, apples were a good fruit. It didn't do any good to try and stop thinking about something, you had to think about something else entirely. Ah well, back to the here and now. He was supposed to find Sir Adler, but he just didn't feel like it today. Maybe tomorrow. Cer looked around for the door to the inn. When he was facing the door he turned right, and walked straight. He got to an area that was enclosed on three sides. He didn't care though, he walked kept walking straight, right through the wall. Then he took a 2 lefts. Taking a deep breath, he took one step forward into his house. And was promptly attacked by his house guard. Gods spit! Why these fool things attacked sometimes and not others was beyond him. Calmly, Cer cast a fireball. He followed that spell up with a cloud kill. This left one lizard and a wounded hippogriff. Originally there were 3 hippo's and 3 lizards, so this was an improvement. He finished off the remaining monsters and relaxed. His house was, literally, right next to the inn. But in order to get here you had to go through 3 secret doors. All in all he enjoyed his small home. Then a smell hit him. He amended it to : He enjoyed it when Monkey didn't stay here overnight. Cer looked around. Yep, sure enough, some of his money was missing, his bed had been slept in, and there were banana peels all over the place. Well, no one ever said that monkey's were cleanly house guests. There was also a feel of foreign magic in the air. Either someone else had wandered into his house and fought the guards, or SOM Monkey had done something. Although what, exactly, was open for discussion because Monkey was merely a low level ranger that hadn't yet gained the ability to cast spells. Sighing, Cer twisted the ring of spell storing on his finger. As the lights of the teleport started to whisk him away, he thought about SOM Monkey. With any luck he would be brought to an area near Monkey. * * * * * He shook his head to clear it from the grogginess familiar to teleporting. He looked at his surroundings. He appeared to be between two temples. Ah well, must have just missed him. Cer turned around, and immediately started laughing. Yes, Monkey had definitely come this way. In front of Ceribus were the four guards that had stopped SOM Monkey. Their armor was lying in a heap on the ground, and they appeared to be unconscious. Each of their arms and legs had been tied with some belts off of their armor. The ends of each of the belts were then tied around the beams that ran along between the roofs, and the resulting image was that each guard was doing a swan dive towards their armor. No doubt they would be mad when they came to, Cer thought. He sighed, he really should chastise Monkey for doing this. But when he thought about it, Cer didn't have the heart. After all, he thought it was pretty funny! Deciding to congratulate Monkey instead, Ceribus went off in search of the runaway SOM Monkey. * * * * * Monkey ambled down the wharves. So far nothing. He turned back toward Neverwinter thinking to rent a room at an inn, and hibernate till morning. What he found instead was a mage. "Ah! A monkey has escaped from the zoo! Happy days!" The mage cackled. Not giving SOM Monkey a chance to become even partially human, the mage cast a Hold Monster spell at him. As Monkey glowered, helpless, the mage pulled out a wand. He pointed it at Monkey, and spoke the command word. The wand levitated the immobile Monkey. With a maniacal laugh, the mage directed Monkey into a waiting cage. * * * * * When the mage had the cage in front of Nasher Castle, he lowered it with the wand's magic. "Now don't go anywhere!" Laughing, the cruel mage turned, and walked into the castle. Just then Cer walked up. Seeing that Monkey was held, Cer cast a dispel magic on him. SOM Monkey's eyes turned green, and he gratefully said, "Thank you Cer, can you get me out of here?" Laughing, Cer did just that. "I really shouldn't after that mess that you left at my house." Sheepish, Monkey replied "Sorry 'bout that. I took some money too, but I want you to know that I'll . . . pay . . . you . . ." Monkey trailed off. As Cer turned to see what SOM Monkey was looking at, Monkey rushed past him. And then everything was made clear. The ancient trees in front of Nasher palace held the second banana tree. And in SOM Monkey's triumphant grasp was the last Great Ripe Banana. Cer respectfully turned away from SOM Monkey's moment, and found himself looking into the face of the mage that had imprisoned Monkey. "Where is my monkey?" screeched the mage. With a sense of satisfaction, Cer cast a Hold Monster spell on the mage. He then placed the mage in the cage, and cast an illusion on the mage to make him appear to be a very tall monkey. Ceribus snickered. "Mate, I thank ye fer catchin' this munkee fer us. But he disgraced me and me men, he's ours." Cer looked, and saw the leader of the guards that Monkey had left hanging around. "Alright," Cer said, "Since my protege has wronged you and your men, you have my blessings to do as you want with him." And he gestured towards the Monkey in the cage. "He's held by my magic right now, so you shouldn't have any trouble with him." Grimly satisfied, Cer let the Mists take him. With blood thirsty looks, the guards looked at the mage-turned-monkey. "Now it's our turn." Snarled the leader. The monkey would have whimpered if he could have. * * * * SOM Monkey reverently peeled the Great Ripe Banana. He bit into it, and enjoyed every bite. His long- time search for the Great Ripe Banana had finally come to a pleasurable end. In order for this story to be accepted in NW NEWS I had to cut out a few parts. If you truly wish to read the story in its entirety look at the unsanctioned guilds for the Servants of Mystery. Besides being a good guild I posted the entire story there. May the Gods smile upon thee. Ceribus the Wonder Monkey, 3-Headed Suicdal Protector of Idiots, and current SOM Jester. Christmas Tree (Submitted by: Wintera) Wintera Mountainsong took the last Christmas ornaments out of a wooden box and put them on the large evergreen that served as her Christmas tree. She stood back and admired her work with a smile. She was well known in her family for her decorating. Now only one thing was left to do. That was to put the star on the Christmas tree. The star she was going to use had been in her family for a very long time. Only she knew where it was. It was kept well hidden from thieves for the bright gold star was worth more money than even the wealthiest dared to dream of. Happily, Wintera walked into her room and with much effort pushed a large trunk away from it's place at the foot of her bed. Underneath was a small trap door. She lifted the door and took out a small steel box. Slowly she opened it and smiled. In the soft light of the candles the star seemed to glow. She carried the star to her Christmas tree and set it on the very top. Now the Christmas tree was complete. She turned and began to decorate the mantle . . . Wintera woke up suddenly in the middle of the night, unable to determine exactly what had caused her to awaken. It did not take her long to figure it out, though. There were voices coming from another room in her house and she had a feeling that it wasn't her cat. Quietly she slipped out of bed and took her sword from where it was propped up in a corner of her room. She followed the sounds and found that they were coming from the same room as the Christmas tree. She hid in around the corner and peeked into the room. She saw two figures, but that was too dark to tell if the figures were male or female, much less who they were. She knew she had only one choice. She had to protect the star. Wintera sprang into the room and swung her sword in a great arc at the two figures, but they were quick. They narrowly missed getting cut in two by her sword. One couldn't save their robe, though, and a large piece that was pinned under Wintera's sword was ripped off. The shriek that followed this told her that at least one of the figures was female. The other figure sent a small lightning bolt in her direction. She ducked and the bolt hit the wall behind her. She could smell smoldering wood. Meanwhile the female had pulled a dagger from a pocket in her robe and lunged at Wintera. She succeeded in cutting her arm. Wintera slapped the female's hand with the flat of her sword, knocking the dagger to the floor. She kicked it across the room. The female cursed and crawled to the other side of the room in search of it. The other figure had a short sword and swung at her. She could hear it wizz by her face. Wintera darted forward and managed to slash the intruder's midsection. The figure cried out and she learned this one was male. The male gave up and clutching his middle ran out the door. The female, sensing her partner had gone, followed suit. Wintera sighed and walked around the room, lighting candles. When all the candles were lit, she stood in the middle of the room and surveyed the damage. The was a black circle on the wall where the lightning bolt had hit. Wintera was grateful that the lightning bolt had been so weak. The wall hadn't caught fire and now it was cool to the touch. She looked over at the tree to see if the star had been damaged and almost fainted. The star was gone! For a moment Wintera stood there, dumbfounded. "How could this have happened?" She asked herself out loud. She walked outside and summoned one of her servants from the small cottage they lived in behind her large house. She quickly gave the servant a message to take to her brother, Berii, requesting that he was to come to her house immediately. Berii, Wintera knew, was the only person she could trust not to tell everyone else about the missing star. She also needed his help. She couldn't find the star by herself. After the servant was gone, Wintera looked around the house for clues. She found two; the dagger and the cloth. The dagger looked familiar to her, as if she had seen it before or one like it. She examined it carefully and suddenly she realized who it belonged to. It belonged to the Blackheart family . . . A longtime rival of Wintera's family. Those Who Harp (Submitted by: HG Sharna) "Where are you?" the disembodied voice asked. HG Sharna stirred. "I am here," she replied groggily, slowly opening her clouded jade green eyes to seek out the source of the voice. There was no one in sight. In the dim light of dawn, the young Harper council leader awakened from a deep, healing sleep; her back resting against the cold stone wall near the gate that separated Longsaddle from the East Central Woods. "Damn!" she groaned , as along with the return of consciousness, remembrance of the nights events weighed heavily on her soul. "Where are you?" the voice repeated. "It is I, Tomorss, are you all right M'lady?" Leaning on her enchanted +3 mace for support, the battered Harper slowly raised herself up to her feet and closed her eyes to convey a reply using her extra sensory perception abilities. "Aye Tome. I am fine," she lied, bruised in body, mind and spirit. "I am sorry M'lady," a new voice said, "The battle did not go well." Sharna recognized the voice as that of Tarl, the Harper from Berdusk. "Are ye certain that ye are all right?" Tarl asked anxiously. "Me heart dropped when I saw ye fall." "Yes, I am fine," Sharna responded disheartened, looking down at her blood encrusted dress. "It is my pride that is hurt more than anything else. I'm afraid, though," she continued, frowning, "that this dress has seen better days." ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The evening had begun as a celebration for the Harpers of Neverwinter. Tomorss, the apprentice Harper paladin had completed his training and was ready to dual to mage. The occasion called for merriment of the highest order, and so the small band of Harpers had left Longsaddle laughing and singing, bound for the lively inns and fest halls of Neverwinter. They had not traveled far into the east central woods when they heard a cry for help and the accompanying snarls of hungry beasts. On the road ahead, a lone warrior they recognized as Realmsleader was being pursued by a pride of tigers that sought to make a palatable meal of the noble warrior. "Lo!" Sharna exclaimed as the party drew closer and watched several dark figures emerge from the woods and enter the battle with evil intent. Suddenly, the resonant sound of metal clashing upon metal was added to the struggle. "We are needed," Tarl declared, drawing his weapon and leading the Harpers forward into the fray. Although Sharna could hold her own in battle against the deadliest of creatures in the realms, her fighting skills by comparison with that of the seasoned evil villains was sorely lacking. And yet, without ample time to prepare, Sharna found herself thrown in to the heat of battle. In the corner of her eye, Sharna watched UDL Diablo skirt the tigers and take up a defensive position behind a grove of trees, HG Tarl in close pursuit. "Tymora protect us this night!" she prayed silently to herself, and following the evil Diablo's example, rushed north to seek the cover of the stately oaks where she could cast preparatory spells. As she reached the temporary shelter of the trees and began to intone a haste spell, she observed Realmsleader strike a tiger with the flat of his blade, knocking it for a full somersault. It landed on a second tiger and both went down in a snarling tangle, jaws locked together. Off to the west, Tarl had caught up with Diablo and the clerics were locked in an exchange of combat spells. A haste and globe of invulnerability spell cast, Shar heard a twig snap behind her and whirled about to see a second, then a third shadowy figure approach. "Fear not mortals!" Xenach, the Wraith Priest professed, followed by an evil laugh that permeated the cold wind that swept across the battlefield. "Your immortal souls will soon belong to UDL!" A sinister leer etched upon her dark skinned face, UDL Dspair rushed forward and cast a spell that engulfed Sharna in a yellow, noxious cloud while Xenach cast a lightning bolt that bounced harmlessly off her back. The globe was holding, but that was soon to change. Seeing Sharna surrounded by the ravenous tigers and unable to cast, UDL Dspair attacked with a fumble spell that stuck and before long Sharna was held. "Heh," Xenath sneered. Tarl gasped as he looked over his shoulder and observed what had occurred. Hurdling over the tigers that stood between him and Sharna, the snarling kitties roared as he passed, teeth bared and claws slashing through the air. But it was too late. A flash of blinding light exploded before Sharna's eyes as another lightning bolt was unleashed by the evil Xenath. A searing pain ripped through her and she fell to the ground, seriously wounded. Pain ran up and down the Harper's body as she struggled in vain to regain her feet. Tarl grimaced as he watched a second lightning bolt fired at Sharna hit its mark. The evil Xenath relished in her suffering, uttering his heinous laugh as he watched Sharna stumble forward as the electrical charge passed through her. Darkness ensued. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ After resting undisturbed and attending to her wounds, Sharna returned home to her small cottage nestled amongst the forest that rings the hamlet of Longsaddle. Immersed in a tub of warm, scented water and sipping elvin wine, she reflecting on the events of the evening. "Thanks be to wisdom of Tymora for eliciting stalwart men and women to step forward and be counted among 'Those Who Harp.' Whilst I may have fallen this night, I shall again pick up the Harper standard as long as I live to fight again tomorrow. A battle has been lost, but not the war and we have demonstrated to the pestilence that infests these realms that we will not cower in fear before them when the safe passage of the good citizens of Neverwinter is threatened." ~HG Sharna~ Foolishness and Folly (Submitted by: Wld Wil) A resounding voice echoed across the canyon, "Ezekiel !! Zachariah !! Where are you ?!? " The only retort was a faint mocking echo asking the same unanswered question. Muttering to himself, the aged father grumbled, "Foolishness and folly, both small and great. Why can they not see it? Why do they not listen?" Only a fortnight had passed since he was comfortably seated in front of a blazing fire listening to a rumor, most likely tale, being told. An old acquaintance happen to stop by with news of fearsome beings that had thought perished out because of their own foolish majesty and folly. These creatures were the most dangerous ever known to the world. Many colored hues they came in. Their scales were hardened as any metal or stone. Their bite could pierce one deeply. Rumors were whispered at night that they had the ability to practice magic and gathered hordes of treasure. True these beings once numbered like the stars, but now... rare was it to hear about them other than in stories. But good stories they were. He headed down the canyon with an escaping sigh,. No doubt his boys had gone off in search of adventure and treasure. Zeke and Zach, as they were commonly called, were two youngsters of the same birth who had a bit more gumption then that of others. They always pushed the limits and lived on the edge to see how much they could do. Zeke was more brawny and bulkier than Zach and laid claim of wiping out a band of orcs, single handedly. Zach made up for his slighter build with magic, especially his favorite spell, Fireball. Together they made a fearsome pair. Even the creatures of the woods did well to scurry quickly out of their path and avoid them. Still their father was larger then Zeke and more powerful then Zach, but rarely ventured anymore. It seemed he preferred to sit home these days to tell stories and study history of days gone past. What could be learn from that and how dull it was. This is why they just had to sneak out and challenge these legendary creatures. This type of thinking usually led them into trouble. No matter how much their father lectured on the times gone past with kings, monarchs, conquests and wars, they truly felt that together they were unbeatable and indestructible. Doom and danger were far from the boys' thoughts this eve. Evening dusk settled softly across the land. They had left hastily and ill prepared for this adventure, which was common for the two, causing their stomachs to now growl with hunger. Fortunately a large group of wild boar were bedding down for the night in a nearby hollow. The brothers could not come to an agreement on how the hogs should be dispatched for their evening meal. Zeke simply wanted to run yonder and slaughter, while Zach figured a single fireball would suffice. After much debate, they agreed upon Zach flaming the edge of the group, Zeke could have the pleasure of finishing off the wounded. However, taking this opportunity Zach caused the fire to explode in the midst of the boars sending them scattering and in flames. Zeke immediately went into a beserker rage and slaughtered not just the wounded but the entire herd until every last one was dead. "Fool!" yelled Zach, "What would father say about your unwanted slaughter?" Zeke retorted back, "Father would say, 'Foolish Zachariah your aim is terrible." How wasteful you are'." Lunging through the air at Zeke, Zach exclaimed, "No, you were the wasteful one you fool!." It was only a matter of time before Zeke, being the larger, was on top and had Zach in a painful hold, asking, "Now what do you have to say?" "Well, I'd say that one of those boar's heads you lopped off... is still grinning at you like a fool." Laughing he pushed his brother off. "Did you see their expression?" Having settled this dispute in their own typical fashion, both brothers searched for a boar, precooked from the fireball, to their own liking. There was so much carnage left and waste, but neither gave a thought and simply figured there would always just be more. The rising sun brought with it renewed vigor for the hunt and the duo set off. Little did they know their father was nearing in his search for them. Upon entering a canyon, they saw smoke rising from the open mouth a cave which must be serving as the beasts' lair. From the nearby creek, splashing could be heard by one of the monsters Setting up a game plan, the brothers circled and attacked. Charging the stream they ran around a boulder and came face to face with the beast. Zeke smirked with a wicked grin, "It doesn't look so terrible to me. Zach, this one is mine." It was not to be that simple. Cornered, the monster was more ferocious than thought possible. Zeke's slashes and jabs were being deflected and blocked by the creatures tough hide and armored scale. Twice the creature bit down hard with his single tooth on Zeke's shoulder causing him to yell out. His armor dented and feeling pain only made Zeke fight that much harder. Zach, did not like how this was progressing and against his brother's wish began the casting of a spell. The ground erupted below him causing him to lose concentration and the gathering of magic forces. A second beast had appeared from its lair and cast its own spell. Being rallied from the noise and commotion, it came prepared. This battle was far from over. Suddenly, out of nowhere appeared the boys' father. While striking the second beast, who cast the spell, he shouted one word, "Clear!" The boys knew what this meant and dived for cover. A monstrous fireball unlike most ever seen would surely be on its way. A fireball this size could only come from one who spent years and decades in the studying of magic. The blast disintegrated the first creature. Even its armored hide could not protect it from this amount of force. Spinning towards the other, he caught it in a charm spell, and it waited to be commanded. The aged one simply said, "Go" and the creature fled for its cave. Turning towards the subdued boys, he simply commanded, "Come." They knew better to argue or complain about their soreness and interrupted fight. The old father knew his boys would be wondering why he allowed the beast to live. After a ways down the path, the he paused and responded, "We need those creatures to remind us." "Remind us of what? What kind of beasts are they? Never before have we been set back, though I'm sure we would have bested them." Scowling, their father responded, "Foolishness and folly, that is what they are. Those that still live must be preserved to remind us of that." Zeke, his shoulder still aching stopped for a rest to work it out. Looking at his father and mentor, he humbly stated, "Go ahead Father, we will try to listen better to the story this time." Zach solemnly nodded in agreement. The father sat with a slight grin hoping maybe this time it would sink in. The father, an ancient red dragon, reached out with its massive talon, about the size of a full grown tree trunk, and delicately straightened the dented scales on his son's shoulder with unexpected grace. The son grimaced but did not udder a word of complaint. The fathers voiced finally rumbled, "Now listen then.... Once upon a time it is said that these humans numbered across the world as stars in the sky and were its ruler. But then one day those foolish humans in their folly ............. " The Eternal Quest (Submitted by H McDeath) Chasing Through the days I go Looking for him He waves as he comes Not for me but my friends And enemies alike Walking down the path He sits on the side of the road Glinty eyed he watches me A sneering grin plays across his pale face Knowing the meaning of his gestures The coldness of his flaming red eyes I ready for battle He smiles as he collects those who have fallen Onward I travel Waiting, watching For him to take me Forever following DEATH! Announcement! (Submitted by: Bloodr0se) The Gilded Lady Tavern would like to announce a contest! This being a tall tales contest and yer all invited ta participate! Jes write up a tale as long and as tall as ya cen spin it and post it in the Pirates of Neverwinter folder for submission. Entries will be accepted until Jan 20th at midnight EST and tha winnas will be announced tha following eve, Jan 21st at the Gilded Lady Tavern. The Tavern is located in the Triboar Arena. Specific times will follow later. ;D Tha judges will be tha Tavern staff and prizes will be awarded to tha top 3 entries. Post em here too. Cen't hurt ; PvP Article (Submitted by: ES Flight) "The battlefield was strewn with the corpses of mages and fighters who had spent their lives striving to win a futile battle. Spread out like a carpet they were. There I was, the solitary figure amongst it all. Standing upon a heap of bodies, I surveyed the scene and realized what I had become." From the journal of ES Flight. Such is the goal of every PvP'er: To win against any odds. To show that one's skill in combat is unsurpassed. To prove that you are the one and only master. PvP is a term used to denote combat that occurs between two or more people in a multi user dungeon on America On-line and it has increased in popularity over the last two years. With this increased popularity has come the proliferation of PvP ladders. The concept of the PvP ladder was to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt who was the strongest PvP'er in the realm. The idea was of grand intentions as well as proportions. The idea was well met by many and thus the ladder took off like a rocket, gaining popularity quickly. Competition was fierce on the ladder, for each thought themselves to be the others better. People trained hard and long to become the ultimate killing machine. Expertise in the field of battle was the only way in which to gain respect. To lose was to drop in the eyes of your peers. To win was to become closer to an almost God-like status. People at the top of the ladder were looked upon with the utmost reverence and respect. To anger them meant certain death. Such was the way of the PvP ladder and so it remains. I joined the PvP ladder a month ago. I had trained for months to become a hardened warrior. Feeling myself ready, I joined the ladder and began my ascension to respect, fortune, and grandeur. I received the rules of the ladder and read them eagerly, wishing to become familiar not only with how to beat, but how to be diplomatic as well. I began challenging people higher than myself to gain rank quickly. I did this with ease, for as a caption in the rules read, "The cream shall rise to the top." Dancing and casting, I quickly climbed up the ladder. My record of wins to losses was astronomical, a stunning eight wins and one loss. Yet over this period of time, I began to realize several things about the ladder. Not only did rank on the ladder mean success, but also the record that a person possessed: To be fifty-nine wins, ten losses, and twentieth on the ladder could command as much respect as first and only thirty wins, twenty losses. I began to wonder how this flip flop of wins/losses and rank could matter. How could someone with fifty- nine wins and only ten losses be lower then someone with thirty wins and twenty losses? The answer came to me while I was pondering my own record. Who had I fought? People low on the ladder, yet higher than myself. I had beaten them easily, climbed the ladder quickly and acquired a respectable record. I had fought people both low on the ladder and inexperienced in the art of PvP. I realized now that things would be much more difficult; I would be facing harder opponents and losing more often. Such was to be expected, as the opposition was stiffer near the top of the ladder. But, if people were losing more near the top of the ladder, how were they keeping their records high? I suddenly realized what they were doing. They were challenging people low on the ladder to keep their win/loss ratio high! Like a gambler hedging small bets around one primary bet to make sure to come out as least even. Issuing a challenge to the person above them for rank, they then challenged people they knew they could beat. Then if they lost the rank fight, no big deal, they had already beaten enough people to keep their record steady. Seeing that such a tactic was a sure fire way to maintain a good record and still climb the ladder, I began using practicing these methods. Needless to say, they worked well. I'd issue the rank challenge and hedge it with about three easy fights. Guarantying that I would come ahead with at least three wins, one loss. The tactic worked well, as I knew it would. I quickly gained an even better record and continued to climb the ladder. Yet, now when I look back, and as I have written in my journal, I see that what I did to be questionable at best. In my need to become the ultimate machine, the one with the best record, I forgot that which makes me a man, that which I should have taken pride in over any status. I forgot the feelings of others and I lost any sympathy for those lesser than I. They were to be used as tools to further my own advancement. This first occurred to me when I had finished fighting a lesser opponent. He asked, "Why me?" I was dumbfounded. Why him indeed? I had no good reason to fight him other then to inflate my own ego. Coming upon this revelation with a jolt, I replied to him, "Because I needed the win for my record." He just laughed and bid me good day. Yet, I could not just laugh off this question. For it struck at the very heart of what I had become. A machine killing in an organized and emotionless manner to become respected and admired. But, I realized at the same time that by becoming such a machine, I lost all that was worth being respected and admired for. I still fight on the ladder and I still issue challenges below me. However, I do it in a careful manner, never repeatedly challenging someone I have beaten before, and never acting in an egotistical manner. I fight people closer to my own rank, because it is not only more gratifying to have a good fight between equals, but because it is the right thing to do. I do not wish to be considered a cold heartless killer. I wish to be considered a friendly man, who enjoys a good fight. That is what the ladder is about, not seeing who is better then who, not seeing who can challenge the most new people and beat them into bloody pulps. Fighting on the ladder is for fun, rank and record come along with that. So often this is forgotten in many sports and events. We lose the overall concept the game for the details, namely statistics, rank, and numbers. These details overcome us and we become just a calculating machine. Such has been my experience in the PvP ladder. I hope that I shall be able to use this event in my life in a positive way, one in which I can approach events in my life, not as a win or loss, but as how I played the game. The Great War - The Final Conflict (Submitted by: ITB Skorp) It was time. The ITB Warlord Skorp approached the Knights of the Eternal Flame's besieged keep. As he approached, KEF Kings came out to meet him. The two discussed terms of surrender for KEF. The knight laughed openly at this idea. The two discussed the ITB's withdrawl with honor. Skorp turned his head and spit at the thought of this. Finally, the ITB knew that the time for talk was over. Taking King's by surprise with a sucker punch, Skorp called for the attack. The initial ITB wave was met with no resistance, and soon the ITB horde was through the gates and over the walls. The Knights quickly mustered and recovering from the surprise attack they began what at first was a valiant attempt at defending the Keep. The Knights were able to briefly turn the ITB's. Briefly. The ITB forces soon regained their momentem, and pressed the attack again. The Knights fell consistently now to the overwhelming strength of the realm's mightiest fighting machine. For every ITB loss, KEF took 4 losses. Soon there were no more defenders, and the KEF keep was taken. Soon the ITB masses turned their forces to Neverwinter. It was all theirs. There were no more opponents. 19 guilds had fallen, but House ITB stood. Stood Alone. Stood Proud. House ITB 8, KEF 2 ITB with its defeat of OGS, TP, SA, Masks and finally KEF has conquered all in The Great War! Thanks to all 20 guilds for their participation, and I hope you all enjoyed it! See Ya next year! Skorp Warboss House ITB <><><><><> <><><><><> Gimme a Scoop! Enter the weekly News of the Realm contest by submitting text for publishing. If your Announcement, Article, Helpful Hint, NW Abby Question, Poem, Fiction, or Tidbit wins, you'll have won your choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes) ! Submit all text to screenname: NW NEWS. <><><><><> <><><><><>