==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 157 Week Ending 10-27-96 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Exegete for winning last week's News of the Realm contest for his multi-part story entitled "The Kender Affair". Exegete has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes). Keep up the good work! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> Location Hunt Winner - 10/20 Congrats to Opslin for correctly knowing the clue "A sign above the door read: "Ghaliver's Grain Storage" was 12,6 Westbridge. Opslin wins 4 pearls for his efforts ;) NW Garion <><><><><> <><><><><> New Player Tour NW Triel put out a call for adventurers to head to Crossergate to help the Centaur that was in need of some our aid. Folks came and agreed to the journey. I headed out of the city with the help of Arag0rn 1, Willimote, BadDawgie, JFCyberGuy, SilverCros and Mott the H. We got through SouthWall without any mishaps and then on through Vilnask with only a few cuts and bruises. We stopped at the Vilnask Inn to rest and relax for a bit before continuing on our journey. We entered Crossergate with little resistance but then we happened upon a pack of wolves assisted by their cold-climate cousins. But we did manage to dispatch them with little trouble. We made it to the Crossergate Inn to rest before searching for the hidden door we had heard about. We found the door and wandered through the halls fighting off the minions of the evil Cleric that we had heard about from the locals. We found the centaur and aided him in dispatching the Minotaurs and their aids. Listening to the centaur, we found the area of the cleric to be guarded by some fire hounds which we quickly dispatched. We got through the door and I then told my companions that I believed that was where the cleric was holed up. That's when we prepared for battle so as not to lose the fight at the last moment. There he was...The evil cleric we had heard so much about, but he wasn't alone. We quickly and efficiently dispatched the cleric and his aids. Then we found the note that would aid Lord Nasher in his fight against evil. We quickly headed back to NeverWinter City to take care of the business of letting Lord Nasher know of the plans. A fun time was had by all who kept me company on this quest. -NW Triel <><><><><> <><><><><> *** October WWAI Finals!!! *** First--Darkthane--46 points---25 pearls and 4 free hours Second--Loraque--31 points(won tie-breaker)--20 pearls and 3 free hours Third--Cucumberus--31 points---15 pearls and 2 free hours Roll off winner---Bamek---5 pearls -Ulfy <><><><><> <><><><><> Hold Monster Booth Results - 10/23 Contestants Save Winner bl00dg0ul - - Yes drk legacy - x No delracnid x - No jnar4u - - Yes vlarr kom x - No sednablood - - Yes mech havoc x - No mech 8ball - x No tac nomed - - Yes teewolf - x No lamyre - x No valgren - - Yes luthyen - - Yes thorn hawk - x No shirl kom - - Yes 7 winners of 2 pearls and 9 losers.. Better luck next time for those who lost.. <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* NEVERWINTER CALENDAR *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Keep an eye peeled for those Mini-Booths because they will appear when you least expect in different areas of the Realms! Can you be at the right place at the right time when the NW calls for a location? Keep your eyes and ears open for these events! Watch for the banners! <><><><><> <><><><><> New Player Tours: Join the following staff members for a tour of the Realm: October 30th Wednesday 9:00 PM EDT - with NW Oberon. November 2nd Saturday 4:00 PM EDT - with NWA Rex. Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> It is with deep regrets that I must announce the passing on of one of the finest writers in the Realms. Angilynne (who was also MECH Alita) passed onward to a far better place a couple weeks ago. Her death made no sense at all to those who loved her. Angilynne had twice won the News of the Realms contest this year; her last being the multi-part story entitled "Shadowmaster's Fall" in the September 15th edition of the News. Sing on forever in heaven, Angilynne. It is the angels up there who shall be truly blessed listening to what we've known for years -- your words, music and talent. Myrkul's Coming (submitted by: Dirk Dirty) Three humanoid shapes were present in the middle of the rain soaked road. Their silhouettes were gloomy and dark, no thanks to gray fog. Instantly, they crawled up groaning from their tight muscles and aching backs. Anyone who saw them immediately recognized them. The man with long brown hair was the infamous Dirk Dirty. The well dressed individual was Llewdoc. The assassin with his face covered in cloth was Opslin. A very odd group indeed but something united them. From the path they walked in silence to the nearest inn. There they obtained separate rooms and washed themselves. Except for Dirk, he began drinking at the bar swearing it is bad to be clean. When they regrouped in a dark corner, hushed voices and murmurs where sparsely heard. They talked about their last encounter, and the next one they would have with an essence. All three, while unconscious, seemed to have had the same reoccurring dream. It was agreed then where the next location was and they departed for Floodblest. The village of Floodblest was plagued by their well. Many deaths occurred because of the water hole. It does not contain water anymore. It recently went dry and started the towns ill-luck. The trio decided this was the best place to start. They descended to the murky caverns below. As they walked through the cooridors many owlbears and other petty monsters proceeded to try and stop them. The scent of burned hair was now present in the air. Quickly, they came to an anteroom that lead into a room with some different perspectives. A mage and his little army stood in their way. The wizard cast a few spells and then fled leaving them with his sentries. After the battle they searched the room discovering a secret door. It let to gold, or in this case the rogue's office. Soon, a journal was found. The reference to undead slaves was made and they knew they were close. Opslin became enraged and batted the desk out of the way frantically looking for clues. A trap door under the once vacant desk swung open with a click. A grin of uncertainty passed over their lips. Inside was a small altar. Two jagged platinum rods which split on the end to form a fork you would roast a pig on held a grey crystal about an arms length long. Slowly and carefully, Llewdoc reached in, secured a grip, and lifted it out. Just like the other crystal, it was gray and sucked in light. It had no glare and appeared dry. Unlike the previous one, it did not require all three to carry it like it was lead. They began to study it once again noting features that were the same and different. This time it contained a skull. The skull has eyes in it and was smiling. Impossible they screamed in unison! On eye rolled around which they took as a wink. Then change happened. A rough and strong breeze ripped through the room tearing the door from its hinges. It pushed them into the corner, scrunched with no movement. The walls began to shift and change, slowly getting smaller. Fear ran through all their hearts simultaneously as they realized what was about to happen. They could not move! A bright flash blinded them and they were teleported to a room; an exact replica of the one they were just in. In the corner were three skeletons. Laughter echoed off the walls from an unknown source. It adruptly ceased. "You have seen into the future. Remember you fate!" They stood there, apparently paralyzed wondering if they should continue their quest.The Kender Affair - Chapter Five (submitted by: Exegete) Numard Feathertouch reflected, and not for the first time either, that being smallish for a Kender could be quite an advantage at times. He sat under one of the buffet tables and looked at the glittering amulet he had just "borrowed" from the Lady Wraith. It was a lovely thing indeed. Made of purest silver and encrusted with various jewels and diamonds and weighing; he hefted the amulet experimentally in one hand; about 22 ounces. He looked at the broken clasp on the ornate chain and immediately saw that it had broken because of a flaw in the workmanship. Numard clucked his tongue and shook his head over the one flaw in an otherwise apparently flawless piece. He slid the amulet in one of his pouches and removed the ring of invisibility from his hand, glancing back toward the area of the room where the Lady Kholari had fainted. The noise level was definitely growing there. He smiled at his fortune at having been emerging from the netherworld beneath the buffet tables just in time to see the amulet break as the Lady Wraith was fondling it admiringly. She had given a little yelp in alarm and her husband had turned and said a few words to her. The end result had been that it had been placed in a pocket and Numard had had the opportunity to "examine" it. He had never been able to understand the ruckus that humans raised when things turned up missing. they obviously had no appreciation of the transient nature of things. He shook his head once again. It was plainly getting too active at that end of the room for him to slip out there. He looked down the branch of the table where he had come from and heard the dim noise of his pursuer begin to approach from that direction. He briefly considered using the trap door he was sitting on, but then ruled it out as well. There was another whole branch of the table that he hadn't explored yet, and his Kender instincts and curiosity compelled him to explore that direction, so he did. Yes, shortness was definitely an advantage in some situations he mused as he went quickly down the south branch of the underworld of the buffet tables at a kind of bent over lope. Sir Exegete Nicator De La Forge was getting distinctly tired of crawling around on his hands and knees. He paused and rolled over on one hip for a rest. He heard the ruckus growing off to his left and tentatively parted the skirt of the buffet table discretely to look in that direction. He saw a bunch of people, mostly BDA's and their attendants milling about at the far northern edge of the buffet table. As he watched, the group moved about and then several of the group, Kholari, Absstain, Glaeros, and two or three others, stood up, pointed in what Exegete thought was his direction, and started moving toward him (or so he thought at the time). Exe gulped and closed the table skirt quickly. Exe decided that discretion was the better part of valor and began to crawl rapidly to the east, toward where he thought the Kender had gone, but now thinking little of the Kender, and concerned mainly with preserving his life. He moved fast, not really careful about what he bumped against and as a result, several of the guests around the buffet table were treated to helpings of various foodstuffs they either were or were not (mostly were not) considering. Some of the samples even ended up on the plates. A particular favorite was the Macadamia nut and pickle surprise that ended up leaking into Squire Valeana's new boots as she considered what to add to the pile of food on her plate. Her fellow Squire, Hakar, looked over at her in surprise as she was normally very delicate and tidy in her affairs. "Valeana", he said in a shocked voice, "Dag told us to be careful". He raised a further eyebrow as Valeana murmured an oath in a low voice. "That would be extremely uncomfortable and besides, I don't think I can reach" he said mildly. Valeana put he plate down on the table and turned towards Hakar. "If you're gonna be clumsy, be clumsy on yourself next time!" she said vehemently. "I didn't do it" Hakar protested. "Don't blame it on me!" Valeana looked around the area carefully, seeing no one else near. She shot Hakar another furious look. "You're lucky that we're on our best behavior bub" she said and turned her back on him, to head for the ladies lounge to clean up. Now, as we have mentioned, there are times when the fates work in almost demonic coordination. The very moment that Valeana turned away from Hakar the table lurched again (Exe was just leaving that particular area) and a large platter of egg and raspberry jam tort (with that delicious cucumber dressing) fairly leapt into the air directly toward Valeana's back. Hakar, mystified about all of this, saw it and, quick lad that he is, reached to grab the platter. Unfortunately, he'd already seriously depleted the ale supply and his coordination was not quite what it should be. He did succeed in grasping the platter with one hand, but only just after it struck Valeana in the back and was about to fall to the floor. Valeana's back froze, and not because of the temperature of the contents of the platter. She spun around, flinging chunks of egg and raspberry jam in all directions and confronted Hakar, now standing just three feet from her, holding the dripping platter in his hand. A sickly smile spread over Hakar's face. "Heheh" he managed as Valeana's temperature visibly rose, coloring her face an increasingly raspberry-like shade of red. "Now Valeana, this isn't what it looks like" he stammered, backing away from her. "Now, Now, Dag told us to be on our best behavior, remember?" He said. "I didn't do it, the platter jumped. . ." he stopped, realizing how ridiculous that sounded. "I caught it. . ." he stopped again, still retreating. He put the platter on the nearby table, and looked back at Valeana, and noticed she had lost her angry look and was staring over his shoulder. He cast a quick glaze over his right shoulder and was startled to see an advancing group of very angry looking BDA's. "Ruh Roh" he murmured in a low voice. "You can say that again" Valeana echoed. And they both turned and headed for the main group of KORT'ers further down the buffet tables. Sir Dagron, just a few moments before had turned back to his group of Knights standing in a cluster and walked quickly to their side. "You know, at this moment, all things considered, I'd rather be in. . .well, almost anywhere." he said, following it with a sigh. He looked down at the buffet table extending to his left and noted the vibrations and jumps that would soon result in the incident between Hakar and Valeana. The other Knights waited patiently for him to continue, several taking the opportunity to pop various and sundry tidbits into their mouths. Dagron looked back at the group. "Somebody's gonna have to go under there after him" he said resignedly. As a unit, all mouths in the group froze into immobility. A trickle of anchovy sauce trickled unheeded out of the side of Slen Star's mouth. Sylphee noticed it and absently dabbed at it with a napkin. Tuvor began muttering the words to a group invis spell, but was startled out it by an elbow from Allsfaire. "Tuvor" Dag said, "You and Ganzelle will go after him" he continued decisively. "And don't bother complaining about it" he went on dangerously. Tuvor's mouth opened and then closed. Ganzelle just grimaced "You two were with him at the beginning of this mess, and you'll be the ones to find him and end it." Dagron said. "This is now a KORT discipline matter and I want it brought to a close quickly" he commanded. "And quietly" he concluded in a firm voice. The other Knights formed a kind of shield around the two, and in a moment, they disappeared under the table, the gazes of the other Knights following them into the darkness. Akumu was the first to look around, noticing that Hakar and Valeana had just joined the group. he looked Valeana over, noting her condition, and then looked up and thus was the first to spot the approaching BDA's. "Um, Dag" he said, tugging on Dagron's tunic. "Do you know if Nasher's insurance is paid up?" Dagron straightened up and turned in the direction Akumu was looking just in time to see the group of BDA's come to a stop a few meters away, BDA Kholari at the head of 8 other BDA warriors. "A word you Dagwuss" Kholari arrogantly demanded. "Aw Jeez" Dagron said. "Why'd I even get up this morning?"Election (submitted by: Aluric) Aluric went to church. Inside the empty cathedral, before the tabernacle, laying prostrate upon the cold marble, face to the stone, Aluric prayed. "Mea culpa, mea culpa mea maxima culpa! Adsum Domine.... " and so it went on for what seemed like an eternity to the arch-high priest standing in the doorway of the sacristy. Peader had been at the priedieu completing the vespers devotion, when he heard the sound of a body thrown to the stone before the altar. But with Aluric's prayers he knew he was at least alive. Concern for his friend kept him stone still until Aluric rose to his feet. Then he cleared his throat a bit loudly. "Oh Aluric what is it that could bring you here in such a state?" Startled, Aluric stumbled backwards down 2 risers from the altar in a state of sheer panic. Peader rushed towards his friend, attempting to catch his fall before he broke something vital. He almost broke something himself in the act, as Aluric attempted to push the priest away from him. They now cascaded down the long marble stairway up to the main alter of KEF's cathedral. Coming to a stop upon the main floor, they where a jumble of arms, legs, and vestments. Finally they where able to separate and stand on their own. Aluric could not bring himself to look directly into the eyes of his long time friend. "Well what is the meaning of this? I half expected you to rise and begin the 'purification rite'. Shall I go an fetch a quirt?" Aluric's face went ablaze with scarlet, plainly seen even in the dim candle light. Seeing this shocked the older man even more, but also left him greatly intrigued as to what this could mean. "Aluric as you confessor, I think perhaps it is time you seek council from a man of god other than your self." Taking the arm of his "guest" Peader drew him aside, "shall we avail ourselves of the confessional? It does oft' times help to cleans the mind as well as the soul my friend." Aluric stood ram rod stiff; "My confessor and friend you may be but please make not light of my distress." Then ashamed of his self righteous smugness he cooled greatly. "Mayhaps you are correct my wise friend. I need to speak with you tis true but not here, not out in the open. Can we retire to you quarters?" Peader was now truly aghast at what this might possibly mean. "Certainly, certainly... come we will talk no more till we are behind the door. In silence then did 2 men pass out to the rectory and in thru Peader's private entry way. When each had taken their customary seats, (as in the past), Aluric began. "Nome e di patri et fili et sancti tuti. Bless me Father for I have sinned!" Peader stopped him before he could continue. "Why the formalities, can we not do this in our usual fashion. It can't be all that bad Aluric. I refuse to believe it of you. Anyone else mabye but not you. Now why not start at the beginning. The deacon paladin composed himself once more, then leaving go of a long plaintive sigh he started over. "Today I broke with my self imposed physicial restrictions. This morning I committed one of the seven deadly sins. As I ate my morning meal with you, in my mind I was already contemplating the most pridefull and wanton act. Aleast since I was freed from the control of the demon which did possess me in my youth. Then tonight in the garden I was ashamed to be true to my own hearts desire, displaying cowardice in the face of one whom did need me to be strong. And just a short time ago I fled the field. I had come to the house of our creator seeking solace. Begging for some sign that I am worthy in some small way. I fear I am steering towards the shoals in uncharted waters." He would have continued but Peader cut in. "Aluric what could you have done? So many sins in such a short time. Come, it cannot possibly be all that bad. It's not like you proposed to the guild's own royalty is it?" Peader had been softly chuckling this statement, but he choked on his porter when Aluric replied; "It is!" "YOU...YOU DID WHAT!?" The high priest had forgotten himself, spraying his fine porter across the room. Standing to aid in the clean up, Aluric was firmly ordered to remain as he was! Peader attended to the effects of his own loss of control. "Now pray thee, make sure I understand you exactly. To be more specific, let me repeat what I just heard lest I have misunderstood. Did I just hear you to say you have proposed to the Lady Elayn?" Aluric had his head in hands, and was shaking it from side to side in the affirmation of a negative response. "Good then why must you be so melodramatic? So you finally agreed; I am right. You are a creature of the divine! And as such, have decided to unite in holy matrimony with some pretty fair maiden of noble birth. Its all perfectly normal, no need for this self recrimination. Now who is the lucky girl? Lord Nasher's own niece I'll wager you. I understand these things thou. From the confessions of certain alter boy's who we know must remain namless, she is a fine specimen of our Lord's wounderous creations." His attention had been temporarily diverted to some droplets of porter now staining the rug. Turning to face the other man, He was again stunned to see Aluric still as he had left him, shaking his head "No!"." "All right I am sitting, and my drink is on the table beside me not in my mouth. Could you please end my torture. Plainly tell me what; in the name of any angel you please, is going on." Aluric rose, (against Peader's insistent gestures to remain seated), and went to the window. Looking out into the dawn's early rays, he absently remarked "tis near call for prime!" Peader had started to interrupt but Aluric continued without hesitation. "You have heard of the events during the baptism. True it was my fault entirely." Peader was quick to attempt to minimize this; "We have been over that, I told you, the arcane is no place for a deacon to dabble." "No! I had the right spell, and the correct angels. Everything!! Everything that is except me. I was blinded by my love for another; not Aurora. Yet her dead spirit came in a vision, with the resolution, a way to turn my magic spell gone wild. Actually I thought I was going to die. That was no spell they heard, but me confessing my love for her. BUT I didn't die, I awoke several days later back in my originial world; inside the only haven permitted me. Trapped in the world of my banishment, the good abbess did care for the host of my spirit. But she could not awaken my mind. Someone else did that. By recalling me to this time and place I awoke from the inbetween where I was traped. Yet before we where separated it was the mother superior who made me see the obvious. I let my feelings blind me from my common sense. I should have known to be cautious using Fair Star in her questionable state of mind for a summons. If not for Mishikal and her own power of spirit to feed some to the demands of the spell me, however unknowingly, there would not have been enough of me to fill the void usinging Fair Star's clouded mind had created. I let this happen because I would not admit I loved her. I could have killed everyone. All because I could not admit I could come to love someone else besides Aurora. You know sometimes I think I would have been better off if my father had slain me; instead of the other way round. But I must now go on living and repay my many debts with service in kind until the day I die as our Creator wills. I returned to here and now because some here cared for me more than I cared for myself. I was brought back by Elgiem's efforts to save me from myself." "Aluric I still don't see it. Who are you in love with? Who? Mishikal? Gads man she was due to be wed this Sunday, and you've consented to perform the rite for her no less. Are you insane? You really should get a hold of yourself. Most likely a vacation away from here is in order, Ill work it out and you can be gone with the first call to vespers. That should solve your problem. It is Mish? isn't it Aluric?" "No father; Fair Star. I am in love with the Lady Fair Star." Aluric turned at the sound of the earthen stein crashing apart upon the carpet covered portion of the slate stone slab floor. "That is the reason for my odd behavior of late. Only just this morning before we had breakfast had I resolved to go and tell her. I had gone to Ambry to get her opinion; but I suppose I had already decided to speak my mind, and speak with Fair about it." "Aluric this is no game! Don't toy with me. Fair is engaged to Sir Huma if I am not mistaken, and most likely would have married him by now if not for the emotional ties to her first suitor. And now even he has returned from the dead as it where. Puma is back Aluric! Are you listening to me? Wait!.... What about?.......; Aluric you are sworn to be her man! I witnessed your fealty oath. No! You cannot do this! As the arch-high priest I forbid it! Did you hear me Aluric? I forbid you to marry Fair Star. Or are you casting aside you vows as a deacon paladin, into the same trash heap as your fealty oath? Do this and your no better than the rest of the casual church goers. I cannot let this stand!" "Friend Peader now who's the melodramatic one? If I may be permitted to speak in mutual defense of the involved Oh high priest! On the first order: I am no better than the lowliest of men; for all intensive purposes I am worse. That being the case, you are the one not thinking clearly. The elections proceed for the Knights of the Eternal Flame even as we speak. Starbeard and Fair Star seek to return to the ranks. She will be my Liege Lord no more. That was set me to such a bad humor, the more I though of being away or apart from her the more I was driven to lunacy. She could decide to leave the order then where would I be. Hellwraith seems to have some sway with her thinking, you have said it yourself. I will surely die inside if she leaves. I only just came to admitting it to myself. As for the noble Huma and Puma, they are near sainthood while walking the earth. I would not begin to try to be their equal. But for what ever reason drives their own mental demons, they have not sealed the union with Fair! This is unseemly, tell the truth! Would you have stood for this if it where any other? I give you that Fair Star herself has sought not the release from the promise. But who else dared to challenge it? Understand me, I do challenge the promise of a future marriage the likes of thoes! If she would have me, I am the here! I am the now! I have asked for nothing save her permission to court her Honorably; in the way of old, chaperon and all! You cannot stand in my way! Nor in truth do I think you want to! As I see it I can do all this and more and still remain true to my word. In fact I think this course gives proof as to my honor and intent. If this is to come between us, then it is you!; who have put our friendship and my service upon the headman's block. "Peader please if you think this is bad for our order, how much worse can it be for me? While I admit it may have a bad sounding ring to it, if this where any other order of knight hood it would not even raise an eyebrow. I need clear, dispassionate advice, not more of my own hysteria." As was his habit when empashioned Aluric had been yelling and pounding the oak side table between them. Emotions with him where easily set ablaze and he knew hew was about to cross the line. Attempting to bring calm to the both men, Aluric sat back in his seat. "Peader, I would ask you as my church minister, as my priestly superior, and one of only a handful of old friends, wont you be my rock. That I may navigate round the shoals." Peader took several breaths before speaking once more. Totally ignoring the porter now truly soaked into the yarns under their feet. "Let me get this correct. You would not take any action until after the elections? Then you will hold at courtship until she should chose to abandon the promised dowry of Sir Huma. As well you would give equal weight to Lord Puma and his possible attempts to rekindle any emotional ties he may have. Add to that the requirement for tempered dealings with this vile spawn of the dark, Hellwraith? You may not take any action directly against him until Fair Star should ask you to. Can you agree to that as well?" Aluric had a small smile about his face as he nodded in the affirmative. Not so much as a scratch, do you hear me?, Aluric do you understand? Let the younger colts have at'em, so long as you take no part direct or otherwise. Your hands must remain clean if he comes to ill, I will not concience any thing less. I of course give you leave, if Hellwraith should decide to play by different rules then he has so far. Until there is stone cold factual evidence he is responsible for her mind set you must steer clear of any possible contamination. I'll not have it rummored such things as may be contrived by tounge wagers. Still visibly skeptical, Peader pressed the issue further." You say you will abide by all the customs including chaperons? Do I know the girl? Will Fair Star agree to take her on as a lady in waiting?" Aluric was now surprisingly calm; "Yes to the first and second, as for the third I do not yet know." "Come Aluric, what game is this?" "No game magister, I can assure you. I have seen to it that Lady Tonacca would willingly function as chaperon, she saw fit to also include Tanessa as well. Fair Star has not as yet accepted my offer of courtship. Nor has she said if she would take them on as ladies in waiting, even at least for the duration of the courtship. They have agreed to report directly to you at my behest if Fair does not take them in. I have not even spoken to Starbeard about it, choosing to wait instead on her decision. If she rejects me the point is moot is it not?" "You should have said something to him already I think. But that is your choice. I take it you still intend to remain his man? Even I had forgotten youre allegiance to him in all this. I don't envy you Aluric, Starbeard is as goodly sweet as they come till it hits close to home. Still I am sure he would love to see his cousin well cared for. May I be there, when you ask him for her hand? It could prove to be the event of the year, save one of you ceremonies of course. Does Fair realize your his man even after he leaves office? This gets better with every step doesn't it?" Aluric sat still smiling but not quiet as in control as before. In fact, Peader thought he might be squirming about now. Leading him to decide to play out the rest of the cards he had been holding, and see if he still held trump. "While I will not require you to remind Lady Fair Star of the specific effects of you being Starbeard's man, since it is obvious to anyone who might sit down and think it through. I do not envy you if it should occur to her that it makes her subject to his will. That is assuming of course she should sgree to this courtship, and more so if you should woo and marry the lady. Also it assumes she would go down to the farm without a fight as the saying goes. No matter, it seems you have in fact handled this with honor, attempting to protect all save you. Since you have the most to lose in this I shall permit it. But before you go out into the night with carefree thoughts of "your Lady Fair". I think you should see this, it came some time before I went to finial vespers. Here read it." Aluric took up the scroll with the broken seal. He recognized the seal of the office of scribe for KEF. As he began to unfurl the bannered poster, he read the first line. " I Brother Stephan do here with nominate to the high office of assistant guild master the one know as..." Aluric froze where he stood. he could not bring himself to open it beyond the start of the top of the next line. Peader came to help!, opening it completely before Aluric on the table. It continued; "....Aetheluric Lundonie, of the shire of "Frosted Hills"; Member of the House DeLondress, servant to the House of Starr's and its lord Starbeard". Below that set to the parchment appeared the line for a seconding signature, but it was blank. Aluric blinked twice more, then looked to Peader. "Yes it is real, " Peader said; "and authentic. In fact it was sent to your office to witness and forward for seconding. In your absence the staff sought me out for direction. Seems Sir Meane has thought about sending in your name as well, but our Brother Stephan beat him to it. They where unsure if they should direct it to him or hold it and wait. So what say you good fellow?" Aluric had remained stock still, but now sought the chair once more. "I have only dreamed of being so honored by those I serve. In truth I am not sure I am up to the demands. I have heard talk of a nomination to Knight of the Rose being considered for me. Then when our Master at Arms did seek my council for this nomination. I expressed my reservation, seeking a vote of confidence of sorts from others. But this means I could actually be called to serve in the office. I don't know! What does one do when offered a chance at heaven for the second time in a single passing of a day. I am no fool, I would still have to win the popular vote, assuming those I have asked, felt I was up to the demands of the office. I am not sure I am. Yet I live but to serve! So if this is seconded who would I be to refuse. I will await on the pleasure of the masses. If it is so ordained, then the creators will be done. Perhaps this is the sign I had sought." "Begging you leave Mi'lord but I think I should go. They new day dawns, and I hear the call to matins. I should go and pray, I must give thanks for my salvation, for my fortune, and for divine guidance thru all this. Aluric rose to leave when a knock at the door stooped him. Peader called out "Who?". From the outside came a high squeak of some young page. "If you please sir, a missive from the office of Scribe. I was directed to you apartment". Peader opened the door, and saw several scrolls in the lads hand. "Magister Aluric, I had not known, I am sorry these where to be for you, but none knew where you where." "You have carried out your assignment as ordered. These things happen, I will handle them from here. You may return and continue with your usual duties." The page spun about and left, leaving the pair looking at each other. Breaking the seals, they found 2 scrolls where seconding nominations for Aluric to the Assistant Guild Master position. Another was a recommendation from the only person to be nominated so far for the Guild Masters chair. There was another scroll from the Office of Warlord. Haldor had accepted his own nomination to re-elect him to the post, this was a misssive expressing concern for whom would take up the call if Aluric should be elected. Aluric had not even though of that. "Being Assistant Guild Master would require him to give up his post as scribe. Aluric had so loved being able to see all the goings on in the guild from his abstract position. It was comfortable if very busy. Still in the new position he would have a direct hand in chosing his replacement. It would fall to him as well to train the new scribe and staff. Aluric told Peader, "no need to open the other 2, there actually from me. I wanted to nominate Elgiem for the Knight of the Rose post, the other should be my report to the guild hall of the election nomination results to date. I confess I do not know how it came to be in this pile. No matter, it is old news now since it does not have these in it. I will be taking leave now if I have your permission. "I will take these with me and see to business first, then morning mass. By the way I actually would like your company later if you can spare me the time. I arranged a spell or 2 to que me once Fair Star makes a decision. If she denies me, I will sorely need a good friend, If she accepts me, you will want to be there when I approach Starbeard I guess. I would like your support it might help ease my discomfort, not thay I am entitled. I would understand if you prefered to absent your self with duties of your office." Peader sent Aluric on his way with a nod. This had been a busy day for all. At the moment he was in need of a nap. Maybe he was getting to old for all this excitement. Not likely! As Aluric went out into the courtyard, Peader could not wait to see where all this was going to lead. He chuckled to himself once more; "Having a church man upon the high council even a layman as Aluric would open countless new possibilities. I wonder what the next act will bring?"The Disease of the Mind: Part 1 (submitted by: Shacel) "Gosh, Oonga. I hate it the way we're hunting these days, running around in freezing swamps!" "Wait for food, Oonga, Borga. The humans and other things will come soon, and we'll eat 'em." "Ya said it, Toris, but it's still cold and wet! I sure hope something interesting happens soon." Suddenly they heard a rustling in the brush. The trio quickly turned, and beheld a tall, black robed figure. "Something interesting will happen very soon, my fine to-be-fried lizard friends." The last thing they heard was a cackling laughter and electricity coursing through their bodies. "So as you see from the bodies of these lizard men, this massacurer is not on any known enemy side," Inspector Holmes reported. "As I was saying earlier, Krakens and Zhents have been killed in the same manner, either great amounts of electicity, like these and that snake, slashed to dust or finer by a bladed weapon, sharper than any we've ever possesed, or both. Not someone you want to meet at all." "Only a powerful mage could do this, and by the looks of the blades, probably drow. Who else could posses so much magic and such a thin blade? Maybe our target is a group." "I hear you specialize in killing mages. Find the drow or drows that did this, and you may choose your reward," Lord Nasher stated grimly. The Party of Undead Slayers stood in the swamps just outside Windycliffs. The sky was very overcast, and it had rained heavily during the morning. Flies and mosquitos were everywhere, especially on the three charred lizard men and the bits of a pyro snake. Crud was waist deep, mainly because of the large amounts of hurricanes during the past two weeks. The Party of Undead Slayers consisted of a quick, both in wit and sword, human palidin known as Samuel Haigits, whose holy avenger had turned multiple liches into piles of flesh. The elven ranger Dinin had tracked salmon through high speed rivers before, even when the fish had been there a week ago, and his flame tongue had burned away many vampires. Kiltaim, the deadly and short dwarven warrior, known as a battlerager by some dwarves, had two deadly axes that had cut through so many armies of mummies and zombies that they were permanently foul smelling. Sarah Half/elven's glib bardic tongue had once bored an ancient dracolich to death. Finally, there was Storan. It was unknown what "he" was, but he had proven his skills as a good cleric. His strange mace had crushed many dracoliches to dust. "I think we should start by finding a trail leading to this mage," Samuel Haigits declared. "It think we should first look in the sewers. Perhaps we could then find a way to the Underdark." After everyone had arrived in Neverwinter and Inspector Holmes and Lord Nasher ahd left them, the planb was elaborated. First, an abanded sewer grate would be found. Next, they would enter it and look for an Underdark entrance. Then they would find a Temple of Lloth and listen in on their murderous plans. Perhaps the killer or killers could be found. The perfect spot was found outside the ruined Potter's Guild. They quickly entered. "What a wonderful smell we've discovered!" Kiltaim comlained. "My, it's moist in here!" The stone passage they were in was absolutely covered with sewage. On top of the knee-deep water was at least six inches of sewage. Three of the sides were walls, but to the south was a tunnel. Near the end of their vision it turned left. Movement was slow, mainly due to Kiltaim's continuous complaints and the crud. Splish, splash, splush. Samuel Haigits stopped, and everyone else stopped almost instantly. Splish, splash, splush. The sound kept getting closer to the up coming turn, but when they stopped, the sound kept coming closer. From around the corner came an old crone. She was clad in gray cloaks. "So you come to stop the killer, hmm? He he he. It's like nothing you've ever seen before," she cackled. "Much like Storan, it is, yes? Perhaps you can catch it. It seems very poss..." Much louder splashes came from the corner. Black shapes started appearing in the shadows. Storan through up his hands. A huge sphere of light appeared above him. The shapes were now easily seen. These creatures had rat heads as large as a giant rat's. Below that was a human-like shape covered with glistening black fur. There was a look of madness in their blood-shot eyes. In their clawed hands were twin long, jagged swords. They hurled themselves forward in a crazed frenzy, cackling. Kiltaim attacked the rat-like creatures, quickly taking down two of them. Both Samuel and Dinin took on one, but these were obviously more powerful than the ones Kiltaim attacked. Two circled around Storan, always closing the circle. He began scrutinizing one of the wererats. Suddenly, it dropped its blades, grapsed the sides of its head, and screamed. The outline of it started wavering, and it was no more. Next, he glared at the other one. It screamed in terror. Sarah and the crone were not so lucky. Three wererats circled around them, jabbing their swords in and out at them. Sarah Half/elven was able to use a lightning bolt on one, but was being slashed too much too use anymore magic. Dinin, Samuel, and Kiltaim came and started tearing on them. After all the wererats had shifted back into humans, Storan started healing, but he couldn't save the crone. Her last words were "And so the cycle begins anew, but not here." The passage kept continuing, far past the site of the crone's demise. Things had gotten a little drier, since they had unanimously agreed to go through a side passage with shallow water and rock walkways along the small stream of crud. With in an hour down this new passage had no sewage and was also drier. At first it gently sloped down, but it kept getting gradually steeper and moister. Everyone slipped a little, especially Kiltaim. "It's just too hard to stay up!" he complained. "Just be grateful you're not swimming," Storan replied. It kept getting steeper and steeper and slicker and slicker. They decided to tie each other together. That proved to be a mistake, for when Samuel started slipping and jumped back, he hit everyone else. Soon the Undead Slayers were in a big pile. They, unfortunatly, rolled down the slope. After a while, it was realized. Instead of tumbling down a slope, they were falling. Submitted by "King Author and the Knights of the Round Mouse"Woodpiles (submitted by: Morngrym) Tender and silent, the shadows grew unimpeded, until they just touched the edge of the sturdy pale showing much more rust than the spring before, it was so pivotal in caring for this small garden which really did produce a stunning bounty This moment of autumn serenity cool decay lending a "helping hand" to things that may have wished to prosper just a short while longer no control over natural whims and cycles It has always been intriguing these stark differences confident thoughts growing like the garden in the rays of the mid-afternoon sun shivering like November's abandoned crop in the uncertain coolness of the night each vulnerable, under the reaching sky Now squirrels horde acorns in the yard while the trees strip for all to see retaining little for a season that requires so much We've never been skilled at reasonable judgments just the right time or proper response when temperatures are so changing unpredictable and wavering So pumpkins thrive here on display lounging amid crawling vines and corn husks that still prove useful this rotund indulgence has always been encouraged believing in some reciprocation as the nights grew lonely and days sparse The ground became hard once again and a new frost gently settled in upon us what was not taken in was quietly sacrificed though no one would admit to the oversight beneath the amber visage of the harvest moon casually removed, eternally bored with all of it Whispering briskly, this northern air presented itself herald of the stifling blanket we would wear without which we would surely freeze among those who had been unconditionally provided for evergreen trees that were hardly noticed morose in a flowery, leafy paradise seem more intriguing here than we could have known their fortitude truly inspiring The roads are carpeted with those who have fallen so many different colors, detached and tread upon through centuries of cycles so often abused Now the possibilities of beauty furiously sleep hidden just below the surface with discretion that is almost frightening carefully planted in a distant time of devotion when the soil was moved and handled before it was abandoned to dormancy and it continues still though the sturdy pale has yet to be emptied sitting quietly, filled with slowly melting snow caressed by the pale rays of a distant sun occasionally seen, almost forgotten each drop, free...then freezing again. Amacheriel (Fireside Memory) (submitted by: Kikuriel) Amacheriel.... the word drifts away down the memoried paths... the sweet lament of long years falling like the white hair by my side. Amacheriel--heart's beloved Forbidden word, forgotten word buried in centuries' legacy of sacrificed blood and festering hatred-- but there was no other word to describe you. We called it ssinssrigg-- greed, dark lust, fiery desire, destroyed passion-- but whispered promises in Narbondel's cool shadows found the sweetly bitter, bitterly sweet truth. The years swept by around us-- so many grains of sand flowing through a broken glass. quiet walks in the softly glowing mushroom groves; musical laughter drifting through the spires of Sorcere-- until one black dawn shattered our world. Drow are forbidden to love. It is a weakness, an unforgivable flaw in the adamantine armor of our souls. The faint, delicate traces of what might once have been love are burned, frozen, purged from their hearts. Ah, my amacheriel-- I remember the day we fled the city fled the priestess' curses and the blademasters' swords-- you a commoner, and I the noble daughter of House Aleval. Even now the memory brings me pain. I remember the dirge of the hounds as they brought us to bay-- the amber fire in your eyes, your swords twin blurs of black steel and hissing blood-- and you bade me run. I fled the never-ending night of the deep never more to return, never more to know your gentle caress, your laughing eyes-- all I have is my memory, and the fireside, and the whispered breath of a word: Amacheriel. ~Kikuriel Copper-Talon First Daughter of House Aleval Master Bard of the Star Riders It is with Great Sadness that the Empire of MECH must say goodbye to one of it's own. MECH Alita, A Mighty Warrior, Friend to Many, both in and out of the Empire, passed away recently. Perhaps it was fate...Perhaps it was not. Either way, with her passing, there gapes a hole within the Empire's being that can not be healed. Her Accomplishments were many, her PVP skills were valued, her advice in all things was without question, her strength of character was unmovable. In all things, Alita was a true friend and great companion to anyone. But how to mourn her passing? The Leaders of the Empire considered many options in deciding how to approach her death. The Quad Teams have dedicated the entirety of their Season in Homage to her and what she meant to us all. Her name has been added to the Ranks of the Elders of Legend so that everyone will remember her name and what she had accomplished during her time in this realm. And finally, in tribute to the Original Battle Angel of the MECH Empire, Emperor Deuce, Empress Lotus, and Admirals Ember and Aztek have commissioned a Special Remembrance to MECH Alita. Namely the Society of Battle Angels..9th Flight of the MECH Empire. The Society strives to uphold the ideals of MECH and to uphold those things that Alita held dear...Honor, Friendship, Loyalty, and Strength. Strength of Character and Strength of Heart. The Society will be a Bond between the sisters....an unbreakable bond that will see them further the cause of the Empire and further the cause of the Female in a Male dominated realm. The Brotherhood of MECH shall defend their sister's rights and stand behind them in whatever endeavors they take up. Alita, dear sister and friend, the Empire Misses you dearly, and our only hope is that you will bless this Society that you yourself wanted for sometime. We are with you always. Fly free dear one. It is always upsetting when a close friend passes away. More so when the person who passes, slips to the other side before their time or by dishonorable means. Upon hearing how Dear Alita died...I guess I should say murdered or perhaps slaughtered...I at once became rather upset at how cruel this world could be sometimes. For someone to take the life of another, a life that had so much to offer the world, I can only hang my head in shame. To the person who killed her, I certainly hope you can live with the shame of destroying a life that had touched so many other lives. To Alita's family and friends, I offer my sincere condolences. Though I did not know her as well as others, she was special to me. I was proud to call her a Sister. Alita, looking down from the heavens, know that we will never forget what you meant to us. Fly free Sister....Fly Free. Aztek Admiral Albino Monk-Napalm Monks Sagx, XO2 Zeus, and Abzzsta1n dragged another bulging bag into the Bregan cavern. Sagx set another trophy on the shelf and looked around the room. "Hmmm, Del probably doesn't have room in the cookpot for all these new heads. I guess we'll have to think of something else to do with 'em." They frowned and thought hard for a while, but nothing came to mind. Until ... "I've got it!" Zeus cried. "Field goal practice!" He threw open the sack and dragged out the complete body of Haldor the KEF, which the drow had left intact because one of Zeus's attacks had left a cool "Z" mark. Zeus dragged Haldor to the end of the room, then propped him up in a standing position with the arms out to each side. He ran back to the sack, yanked out ITB Hate's head by the hair, and squatted down close to the floor. "HIKE!" Zeus shouted, and snapped the head back to Stain, who was crouching on one knee. Stain caught the head, spun it deftly (faces out), and held it up with one finger. Sagx kept his concentration, took a couple of steps ... then .... ::BBBBOOOOOOOTTTTTTT:: ... ... ... "It's long enough! ..." Zeus shouted. ... "It's high enough! ..." Stain cried. ... ::SPLAT:: Sagx raised his arms in victory. "IT'S GOOOOOOD!!!" A while later, with three ITB heads, three UDL heads, and three Grey Co. heads scattered around Haldor's slumping body, the three drow admired the new trophy. "Who's Azuth, anyway?" Stain asked. "You don't know?" Zeus asked. "Why, he's the Patron Saint of Placekickers!" "Hmmm, makes sense," Sagx grinned. "Beats punting every time." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sagx, XO2 Zeus, Abzzsta1n ~ Champions of Azuth's Challenge II ~ ~ BDA ~(submitted by: Thorn Hawk) SouthWest Wood~ The Wedding of the Season took place here Tuesday night with the joining of Luthyen Tynuviel, Lady Invokeress of TP of the Protectorate and Thorn Hawk, Ranger of the Brotherhood of Pathfinders. Despite a late start due to Spells of System Disruption, the joyous occation went forth as planned in a wooded clearing, glorious with the colors of the autumn foliage against a backdrop of evergreen. The bride was given by her father, LafeL, Magelord of the Protectorate, nattily clad in a Black Satin Tux with lavender cumberbund. The Bride wore a gown of ivory silk with seablue trim, and a single jewel, bound in Mithril and glowing with greens and deep blues upon her brow. She was attended by Aryanna, Ranger Scout of the Protectorate, and Queen Tarma of the Dryads. The Groom was replendent in a white silk shirt with blue accents. Groomsmen were Lake Mist, Liason to Neverwinter and Verdagris, a ranger, both of the Brotherhood of Pathfinders, in matching autumn crimson and white. The Ceremony was conducted by Lady Whisp, Keeper of Mielikki's Faith and Jecele, Elder of TP. The ceremony called the blessings of Meilikki, Goddess of the Wood, and Elbereth Star Lady, upon their followers who were joined by the two Clerics. Rings were exchanged, commemorating the lasting bond between Thorn Hawk and Luthyen. The vows, written by the couple, brought tears to the eyes of many of the attendees. The Newlyweds celebrated their marriage by conducting two booths jointly sponsored by the Brotherhood of Pathfinders and the Protectorate. They were ably assisted by their wedding party. The Charming Bride booth, held in Floodblest, and the Fumbling Groom booth, held in Triboar, both had brisk attendance from the citizens of Neverwinter. NW Hobbes provided logistics and support. Winners of the Booths, respectively, were NM Gaidyn and MityMantis. Names in the Guest Book included Aryanna, Abzzsta1n, Abzzcesse, BroKB, Barthonis, Carnivorok, Chrysiana, Conwin, CyaneNymph, Dhaunae,DryadTarma,Drag0nklaw,Dark Mask, Erevain, FoxyCat 2, Firef0rged,FuzyDoggy, Jecele, Jedi Chris, JT Dace, Lady Jnar, Lady Ellyn, Lafel, Lake Mist, Ldy Brook, The Makery, Lil Skrib, Lord Turin, NyxNexus, NW Hobbes, Phantra, Sir Gavan, Skribbles, Swordshere, Talgar, TP Flirt, TP Krenn, TP Tec, TroutRasta, TruStrik, Tyst, UDL Slayer, Verdagris, Wisp, Xvandor, and XO Zeus. [Editor's Note: I was there in spirit!! Congrats, you two!! {{{}}} -- Newsie] After a honeymoon touring the remote regions of the Realms, the couple will return to take up their Guild duties, Thorn Hawk as wandering ranger of BoP and Luthyen as TP Academy Representative. A Wedding Reception is planned for their return, coordinated by Master of Ceremonies Swordshere. When not journeying through the Realms upon these duties, Thorn Hawk and Luthyen reside in Meilikki's Grove of the Dryad Wood, or in Castle Stalker by Neverwinter City. Luthyen and Thorn Hawk<><><><><> <><><><><> 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. <><><><><> <><><><><> MONTHLY CONTEST!! Win Pearls for your Guild! Participate in the monthly News of the Realms "Newsworthy" contest. Each month, 4 pearls will be awarded to the account of the Guild with the most "newsworthy" articles for that month! We're looking for works of art, articles of fine literature, helpful hints of extraordinary brilliance, poetic works which stir the soul, etc. The key word here is "newsworthy"... only articles with substance will be counted in the contest! To participate you need to: - Indicate with your submission the name of your SANCTIONED guild. Only Sanctioned Guilds are presently eligible to receive pearls for a Guild pearl account. - Write something!