SPACE STATION FLOATS ABOVE PORT LUSKAN!

by Alyra Moondancer
High above the bustling business district of Port Luskan, shrouded from view by clouds and the darkness, floats an awesome edifice, an ancient and arcane construction, totally alien to our sensibilities.

Space Station Interior View

Space Station, interior view. Painting by Alyra Moondancer

Sunday, the Port Luskan Aquarius Dance was suddenly and mysteriously transported to this setting which was far more fitting to its theme than any of us could have imagined or predicted. We found ourselves in the interior of this marvel, and although for some of us it was a terrifying experience, I believe all of us have had our curiosity piqued.

Dr. Karma Destiny, a prominent scholar and chief researcher of this "space station," has spent the last few weeks since it was discovered studying it, trying to determine its origins, history, and function. She presented some of her findings at Monday's Bardic Circle. This reporter had an opportunity to interview her informally:

Dr. Karma Destiny: Yes, question and answer time. You wanted to know more about my work on the station?
Alyra Moondancer: Yes, I do.
Dr. Destiny: What is it that you would like to know?
Alyra: What can you tell us? A story of the place, perhaps? How it came to be there? A tale of its people?
Dr. Destiny: The artifact was found by the dwarves, but it was the gnomes who really learned what they could.
Alyra: The story of your exploration? The tragic story of the guy you told me about last night?
Dr. Destiny: Hm? Oh, you mean Johnson? Yes, he stepped into the airlock and then opened it. Johnson-cicle I'm afraid. He didnt do enough research first. He was a nice man, but unfortunately, his dwarven nature wasn't as curious as a gnome's. Johnson had a heart of gold and [was] very good with mechanics; not very good with that kind of cold. However, we have found so much on the station recently.

Dr. Destiny continued to describe their discoveries, marvelous things: a garden where the plants grow entirely in water, with no soil; highly advanced technology beyond even what the gnomes are capable of; an "alien" language; and a "database" which apparently holds more information than a whole library.

"The puzzling thing," Dr. Destiny continues, "is that it was abandoned, and we havent figured out why yet."

Dr. Destiny has discovered a curious phenomenon, in that while people from our island are able to go up and walk about the station and experience its marvels, bringing materials down to earth is another matter entirely: "I have tried to bring things here from there and they do not work: the more techinical things, the databases and so on. But I can bring plants to and from [the station.]"

She promises that "the technology that that race had advanced to will open up a whole new world for us."

In conclusion, Dr. Destiny promised to come to future Bardic Circles and share what she and her team are learning.

We have learned a little bit about the culture of the ancients who created the space station. Apparently their habit in greeting was to shake each others' hands, a quaint custom in our land although it is common enough elsewhere in the wide world. Dr. Destiny has adopted this custom herself, and now uses it whenever introducing herself to someone new. It will be interesting to note whether the practice catches on.



The space station is not without its dangers. The aforementioned Johnson was killed when he neglected an important safety feature of the station. There has been some speculation as to whether his frozen body could be found and retrieved for possible resurrection.

In fact, despite the apparent ease of travel between the station and the ground, going there may not be a wise idea until it has been more thoroughly investigated and certain precautions for the safety of visitors put into place. When asked if he would care to visit the station, Port Luskan resident Abiorn Thor had this to say: "I prefer safe; well, safer. Here, I have unlimited run room. Up there: restricted. Imagine if the port was actually in the sea, under the waves. If something went wrong [i.e. if the sea were able to come in], where do you go?"

Nonetheless, some of us are game to go exploring. I took a tour of the place in preparing this piece, and came away with a couple of nice paintings. I did not have any mishaps with any "airlocks," although after riding the "space shuttle" (which takes you to a little building floating some distance from the main structure, and then back), I did wonder if perhaps I had taken a bigger risk than I realized at the time.

Space Shuttle (35K)

Space shuttle. Painting by Alyra Moondancer

Should the space station be declared safe, I highly recommend the trip. The view is superb, unlike anything we can see from Port Luskan: the stars surrounding it have an awesome beauty and majesty. And the interior has a cantina with a lovely dance floor, as well as a full compliment of shops. Dr. Destiny herself puts out a line of gowns and men's clothing which, dare I say, rivals the artistry of our own Suki Syakumi.



CONTENTS
Section Page
Headline News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Around and About Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Religion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The Three Realms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Local News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Monster's Den. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Culture and Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

WELCOME TO THE BEAT

by Alyra Moondancer
Welcome to the Port Luskan Beat!

The purpose of this paper is to bring you excellent reporting from a balanced perspective of the comings and goings and doings of the various communities of Port Luskan.

We will have features each week to help you get to know your island home a bit better, including information on individuals and realms you might not otherwise get to know. We will keep you informed on important events here, as well as providing an outlet for your creative impulses.

An important feature of any newspaper is the opinions page. We will publish your letters to the editor, and we encourage you to speak your mind.

The Beat is committed to balanced reporting and to providing equal opportunities for all of the island's many voices to be heard. So if you have something to say, speak up! Write us a letter expressing your opinion. If there's something you'd like to see covered in our pages, let us know. Contact one of our reporters for on the spot reporting, drop us a tip (anonymous or otherwise), or contact the editor if you would like to submit an item for publication.

The Port Luskan Beat - page 2

Calendar

*PORT LUSKAN BUZZ*

Activities in Port Luskan, Wed Feb 20 through Wed Feb 27, 2008

EVENTS

Friday Feb 22: Deadline for submission to the Port Luskan History Writing Contest

PORT LUSKAN RADIO

Centaur Programming (Starshine Merlin):
Friday 6:00 am - 8:00 am SLT
Saturday 5:30 am - 7:30 am SLT

You Never Know What You'll Hear Next (Alyra Moondancer):
Wednesday whenever she feels like it

24-hour streaming courtesy of Silver Aster



CHANGES


PORT LUSKAN STABILIZING AFTER DRAMATIC MOVE

Staff
After some weeks of almost deadly quiet, the new Port Luskan seems to be coming to herself, with a revival of some of the community's normal activities. This past weekend boasted a dance, a concert and a bardic circle, all popular events among Port Luskanites.

This seems to signal a reawakening of the island's vital forces after the traumatic flight at year's end from the crumbling foundations of our former home.

The new island, though somewhat more compact than the old, is a place of vibrant beauty and promises to hold just as many secrets and mysteries as ever. People have been observed not only roaming the streets of our newly rebuilt cities, but exploring the back woods of Drathir and combing the catacombs of the Dwarven mines and the Underdark for new adventure.

From the icy hills of Solice to the eerie depths of the Drow realm, the island provides not only challenge, but also all the comforts of home. Each realm boasts a fine tavern and ample accomodations for living and working. New shops are appearing, not only in the commercial district near the docks, but also locally in each of the towns. It is to be hoped that this enterprising spirit will benefit our land's economy.

Whatever challenges the citizens of Port Luskan may face, it appears they always do so with heart, and a firm commitment to preserving the home we have fought so long and so hard to build. Welcome home, Port Luskan.



ARCHMAGE DEPARTS

Staff
Archmage Lord Celelond Windang left Port Luskan in great haste at the year's start under mysterious circumstances. No one knows where the great mage has gone, or when or even if he will ever return. The official statement from House Windang is that Lord Celelond is not expected to return to Port Luskan in the foreseeable future.

Alyra Moondancer, Port Luskan bard and a well known member of the House, has been acknowledged as head of the House in his stead.



AROUND AND ABOUT US


AROUND US

DARKNESS CONTINUES

Staff
One of this reporter's personal hopes was that our new island home would boast the regular cycle of day and night as experienced in the wider world. Our former home, having had its sun stolen in midsummer, was plunged into darkness for many months. Only towards the end of its days did we seem to see a glimmer of light on the horizon; then it was swallowed by the final darkness that claimed the land and so much else. Unfortunately, the darkness seems to have followed us; or perhaps it is of much wider extent than any of us realized.



ABOUT US


A Piece of History: THE DRACOLICH OF CORMYR

as told by Abiorn Thor
Well, for those who do not know, Cormyr is a place that existed twice, recently to suffer the same fate as the last; I guess what they say about history and wheels might be true. The first time around is the one I was thinking on, the one where Prince Azorth ruled, a very fair and noble man. He was kind, and just, and if not for one thing, his god might well have allowed him to be a paladin.

You see, just and noble was all fine, and very easy for his kind, for he had made a deal with demons, so to say, and he knew none would ever take his lands. It's easy to be just and noble when you know you will not suffer for it.

To find the truth about the Prince we step back many years, to his youth, to a child seeking food in a broken and ravaged city, running from dark alley to alley, stealing what he needed, and sleeping wherever he found warmth.

This boy one night entered the wrong alley to sleep, and the thugs currently owning it were intent to make him regret it, regardless of his age.

They toyed with him a bit, beating on him lightly, passing him about; then as the lust in all bullies works, they went for their prey when he was weakest.

The poor sods never knew what hit them.

The boy looked up to see blood flying all over the alley, parts of his attackers splattered into his face; and then a bony clawed hand reached down to help him up, even before the last bully hit had stopped screaming.

The boy apparently remembered very little of that night after that, or so he later claimed, but we will get to that part.

The creature that helped him was something not all that alive. Yet, also, it seemed death had tried to claim it a few times and failed.

The creature took the boy back to his lair - I say "lair" only because the Prince later used that term.


The PORT LUSKAN BEAT

Published weekly on Wednesday

Publisher: Suki Syakumi
Editor-in-Chief: Alyra Moondancer
Calendar Editor: Starshine Merlin
Reporting Staff and Columnists:
  Elirien Alturas
  Stephenie Amat
  PurevilDarkelf Bulan
  Starshine Merlin
  Alyra Moondancer

All material copyright the respective writers; all rights reserved. All unattributed material copyright The PORT LUSKAN BEAT. Contact: Alyra Moondancer, Windang Tower, Port Luskan

Let's call the creature "Bob."

Bob was not the most caring or loving of the undead; his treatment of the boy's wounds was not conventional medicine. He used insects, and dark to fight dark, to restore the boy.

As the night passed, Azorth healed, and learned that the story of his heroic save was a lesson: Bob told him outright that he had sent those men, and about the lesson he had taught their clan, and the debt the boy now owed him.

As the boy listened it seemed that the layers to this creature were unending. To say that the boy was confused was an understatement.

While the child's mind reeled, Bob set himself before him, and told him how his life would be from now on: the way he would live, the people he would meet, and that he would create a city for most to feel safe in. All he asked was that when the time arrived, Azorth granted him one boon. One favor would secure the peace of the city this Prince would rule.

If he totally understood this, I guess we will never know, but for someone who said he never recalled the night, the prince did a rather good re-telling in my opinion.

The years passed.

The prince found nothing he did could go wrong. He charmed the ladies, and befriended the lords; none seemed to question his past for long. Rumors about him would fade and die fast. He was taken in by a lord and made his own son; his life, as Bob had promised, seemed to be blooming.

The lord, in time, became a king, as the others in line seemed to fall ill, or have accidents - terminal ones. Life was good for the young prince.

His father then seemed to grow ill. The wise of the court did not know the illness, and his time seemed short. The boy had loved the man dearly, and sought to help him. The prince, not the brightest it seems, was lost for the cause of his father's illness, so he prepared to travel the lands and seek a cure, any cure, to save his father.

The night before he was to leave, a tiny ball of green flame entered his room, and with no boom or burst of flame, Bob appeared before the prince, and bowed.

"I seek you now, my Prince, to honor your word to me, and grant me a boon."

The prince sat erect and nodded, a bit frustrated at the timing. Did this creature not know his father lay at the door of death?

Bob walked closer and sat at the prince's bed. Looking over he smiled, or would have, I'm sure, if he had had lips.

"I need you to seek and save a woman, a woman named Helotha, a princess to her realm. She is vital to my plans, and I cannot allow her to die. I ask you now, honor your word, and save her, and bring her back to this realm and keep her safe.

The prince seemed shocked at first. "Of course! Where is she, how many men will I need, and what threatens this princess?"

"She is within the caves, north of here, and the elves threaten her. You see, she is a Drow, and the surface elves are close to victory over her realm."

The prince almost spat at the word Drow, and his face turned a horrid red as he burst out, "You ask I forsake my pledge to save my father to face the noble elves, to save this spawn of the Dark Queen? NEVER!! Leave my lands, leave my life, I shall never aid anyone who calls the Drow 'Friend'!!"

The lich nodded "You were eager to forsake your father when you believed her Human. But very well young Prince, I leave you now. But our paths will cross, and no longer will it be as allies."

The lich then left him, and the prince, the next day, did as he promised his father, and left to seek a cure for him.

Half luck was with him, as it seemed the Dwarves were able to help at least some. They provided him a potion to touch to the lips of the King. It would ensure, for 10 years, that the King did not die, but neither would he live.

The prince took this time he was given to search more, but as the years passed, he could no longer look himself; he had to rule. Sending men to all corners of the world, he had them look for a cure. In the ninth year one scout returned, to tell of elves at war to the North, that might well know a cure, for all knew elven magic was powerful.

He sent men to talk, but the elves at this time were more concerned with their war, as they believed they were close to victory. They asked for aid to achieve this, and then they would help as they could, although they were not sure what they could do, as only a very powerful Priestess might be able to save his father.

The prince sent men, and as a show of Faith, he himself also went to help the elves in the hope they might achieve a quick victory and save his father's life.

The humans were shocked; weak as the elves might seem, both Drow and Surface, they were faster and more lethal than men in combat. Though wearing no Plate, they were hard to kill, and harder still to take alive.

Yet, as the war raged on, it seemed sure the Elves and men would win. Then, on the night before the final battle, a green flame entered the prince's tent, and Bob stood before the prince.

"Tomorrow, we shall battle, Prince, but I felt you should know who you were to kill."

The prince shouted for guards, and drawing his blade he charged the creature, as Bob vanished once again.

The day of battle arrived, and a dark day it was. The clouds never parted; light itself seemed to avoid this battleground, and Men and elves faced what seemed half as many Drow.

Battle was joined. As the Prince ran, nobly, into the fray, his glancing eyes saw two figures, at the edge of battle, one a female, wearing what he had learnt was priestess robes; the other, Bob.

The Female drow seemed in a trance, her body slightly waving as the battle was joined. The humans and elves cleaved at the Drow, magics flying overhead as the Drow were under a seeming torrent of fire, yet not a one fell. Their wounds healed as they fought; their dead stood up and fought again.

The prince knew only a priestess of great power would be able to do what he saw before him. His eyes turned to the female Drow even as his blade left his hand, and flew true to the Drow, plunging deeply within her body. The drow began to fall.

The prince grinned at his triumph, even as Bob's smile reached the prince's eyes.

The features of Bob shimmered, changed, and grew, grew very large, as bone-like wings grew, and a Draconic roar reached the ears of all.

Before the prince the Dracolich stood, a creature of horror.

The elves and men fled. They had won the battle, and wisely saw no reason to die at the claws of something few ever had a chance to defeat.

Many died fleeing, though not the prince. That night, he was alive to hear the news that his father lived no longer. His tears rolled freely as he sat at the war table with the elves.

They spoke of the day, of the creature. The prince's mind was moving slowly as he turned to ask, "Who was that woman, the priestess, the one able to raise her dead?"

One elf turned and answered "She was Helotha, High Priestess of the Drow, their Princess."

The Port Luskan Beat - page 3

Religion: Tyr's High Holiday: TYR, LORD OF JUSTICE

by Elirien Alturas
The next High Holiday of the human pantheon is Spring Equinox, sacred to Tyr*, Lord of Justice.

For Tyr, the highest and most essential qualities of an aware being's character are tolerance, compassion, honesty and courage. Tolerance, because preconceived notions of otherness cloud the ability to perceive with any accuracy. Compassion, because no one knows what another really thinks or feels; all suffer. Honesty, because ruthless scrutiny of an aware being's own agendas is required for accurate perception to occur. Courage, because an aware being must be able to judge and act with the knowledge that they can never know in advance if their actions are correct.

Tyr's symbols are a set of scales resting on the head of a sword, embossed onto a triangular shield.

*Tyr rhymes with tear


People: Getting to Know ALYRA MOONDANCER

by Stephenie Amat

First in a series of interviews with citizens and friends of Port Luskan.
Hello and welcome. This article is an interview with our fellow Port Luskanite, Alyra Moondancer.

Alyra is the founder and current Guildmaster of the Port Luskan Bardic Guild. She is a former priestess of Solice, a former shopkeeper, and one of Port Luskan's oldest residents, having resided here since very shortly after its founding. Alyra was one of Lord Celelond Windang's students and trusted associates, and it was she with whom he left responsibility for his House and property upon his departure from Port Luskan at the beginning of the year. -Ed.
* * * *
I made my way to her place and we sat in her sitting room, next to the fire, feeling very relaxed. Here is how our interview went:

Steph: What is your full name and position on Port Luskan?
Alyra: My name is Alyra Moondancer. I am the guild master of the Port Luskan Bardic Guild.
Steph: And please explain what that is exactly, just in case some of readers don't know.
Alyra: Well, it's an organization of professional performers, with a vested interest in teaching and promoting the performing arts.
Steph: So Alyra, that is interesting. And what type of arts are you promoting?
Alyra: We are musicians, poets, storytellers, dancers, and we even count an occasional actor in our midst. We perform, we write original works, and perhaps most importantly, we preserve the lore of the land and her peoples.
Steph: Well I know that you are good as I have heard your work, and may I suggest if anyone has the opportunity to attend one of Alyra's bardic circles, to take it up; it's a wonderful time.
Alyra: Thank you.

In preparation to discuss her personal history, I asked Alyra that dreaded question most women don't like to be asked:

Steph: If it is not so bold of me, how old are you?
Alyra purses her lips and thinks
Alyra: I am actually. . . not sure, Steph. I had a period of time in my life that I don't remember very well. So I am not certain of my exact age. But I know I am at least 38 or 39, and I don't believe I am much older than 41 or so.
Steph: Thank you.
Alyra: It's not reluctance, you understand. I honestly don't know.
Steph laughs
Steph: I believe you; not sure many others would.
Alyra: I have no reason to lie about my age.
Steph smiles
Steph: I am sorry Alyra. Only teasing you.

Steph: Well, can you tell us how long you have resided on Port Luskan?
Alyra: I have been in Port Luskan for about a year.

Steph: Can you please tell me about your life, what you remember before Port Luskan and how you came to be here?
Alyra: Well. . . my life. . . I spent most of it wandering. I left home fairly early, went adventuring, had that little mishap. . .
Alyra bites her lip
Alyra: Not so little, actually.

Steph: Please explain that for readers who will not know about your "mishap."
Alyra: I lost many friends, and a loved one, and never have known what happened. I only know that I will never see them again.

Steph: So that must have been a very difficult and lonely time for you.
Alyra nods
Steph: How hard was it to come to terms with that kind of loss?
Alyra: Fortunately I had my music, and my dancing. I spent the next ten years wandering, hoping to find my love, but I never did. I supported myself with my art. It was difficult. What made it possible was finally realizing that he was gone - dead - and I would never see him again. So then I began the long process of healing, but that. . . are you sure you want to know all this?
Steph: Yes, it will help the readers to understand the kind of person you are and maybe offer a slight glimmer of hope and maybe see how you have coped with hard times, and learn from this.
Alyra: I guess Port Luskan was the thing that healed me.

Steph: So how did you happen to come to Port Luskan?
Alyra: Celelond invited me.

Steph: Where did you meet Celelond?
Alyra: I had known him for some time. We met at one of my performances. He was in the audience. He liked what he heard, and came to tell me so after the performance.
We um, kind of hit it off, I guess. We ran into each other periodically over the next few months. . . became friends. When he came here, he asked me to come, and so I did. I think he knew what I needed. I needed a home, a place to let myself root. A family.

Alyra goes quiet for a moment, deep in her own thoughts. I grab her attention in order to continue with our interview.

Steph: Thank you for sharing your history with us Alyra. If we can look to the future now. Tell me, what are your plans for the near future on Port Luskan?
Alyra: Well, I will be giving a concert on Sunday, and other performances in the coming months. I plan to keep the bardic guild active here, and we will try to resume the bardic circles like we had last fall. Perhaps not as often, but fairly regularly.

Steph: So can I ask, Alyra-
Alyra: There are other things in the works, aside from the bardic guild. . . yes?
Steph: Do you have a love interest here in Port Luskan?
Alyra: No.

Steph: Please tell me more about the bardic works that you started to explain.
Alyra: We had started work on a play, before. . . before. . .
Alyra takes a deep breath
Alyra: We are starting a newspaper, which I expect my bards to have some part in. And which our readers are hopefully enjoying for the first time. We hope to provide information on the port and people who live here, things of import for all of our various realms.
Steph: And this will be part of it, getting to know those on Port Luskan.
Alyra: I think - I hope - it will help all of us to understand one another better, to have a better sense of what is happening around them. I hope that it will enable all of us to stay informed about things that may affect us personally or as a community. We intend to maintain a neutral stance in our reporting.

Steph: So this is very important to you then?
Alyra: It is.
Steph: So if anyone has any doubts about this, how would you reassure your readers?

Alyra: Well, I would say, stay informed, and help us to stay informed as well. If you have information you wish to share with the community, we would like to facilitate that. We will have a place for letters from our readers, where they can air their opinions. Our reporters will be available to talk to if something happens that you feel is important for the community to know, and we will have a place for paid advertising, if you have products or services of which you want the community to be aware. We are open to suggestions for features, so please let us know if there is something you want to see.
Steph: Great. I will make sure that all this goes in your article interview.
Alyra: Thank you, Steph.
Steph: What for?
Alyra grins, her old self apparent.
Alyra: It is a shameless plug.
Steph: And it is ok to do. I don't mind.
Alyra: I hope so. It's my paper!
Steph: True.

We shared a laugh, and then continued with the interview:

Steph: what is your favourite food?
Alyra (with a smile): Port Luskan bread! It's the best.
Steph: So do you make this yourself?
Alyra: Oh, heck no!
Alyra rolls on the floor laughing
Alyra: I found out Silver's baker, and I order it in. But it's elsewhere on the island as well. Good grief, I'm a bard, not a baker!

Steph: And where would you say your favourite place on Port Luskan is?
Alyra takes a deep breath, thinks a moment, and then speaks slowly and thoughtfully
Alyra: Were we on the old island, I might be able to answer that more easily, although there were many places there that I loved dearly, and miss deeply. I loved the Underdark, with its exquisite and eerie beauty. I loved the Stone Circle, where the moon shown on us as we danced upon the snow. I loved the flowing falls from Black Rock Mountain, and the solemn silence of the Drathir forest. The cobbled streets of Solice and her comfortable buildings brought solace to my heart; she was well named. And the dark tower, where I spent so many of my days. . . That was perhaps the most - that was my favourite place, I think. All things considered, I think it was. It was home. Here, I am still getting used to things. We have many places of beauty here. I think my favourite retreat now is my library here. Although the beauty of the Underdark is still. . . I still would go there, probably more than I should. And the center, over the lake, I think that is a beautiful place. But here is where I feel safe, where I feel at home.

For a slight moment Alyra shows a sadness only experienced by loss and mutters under her breath, "He left it. . . for me. . . just so. . ."

Steph: Alyra. . .?
Alyra: Yes?
Steph: Do you mind explaining who left it for you?
Alyra: Celelond.
Steph: It was good of him to do so.
Alyra: I think he knew I would need a place. It surprised me when we came here and this was the form his tower took. He never explained why. But I think he knew he would be going.
Steph: We can only hope that he will return one day when he has done whatever he needs to do.

Alyra once again mutters under her breath, "Must have known. . ." And that sadness in her eyes shows again. At this time I decide that it's time to change the subject:

Steph: So what is the best time that you have had on Port Luskan?
Alyra: Best time. . .? Oh, let me think. . . Best time. . .
Steph: Are there so many?

I can see Alyra thinking back over the year that she has been here, all the events. . . the concerts, the games, the dances; the dangers and triumphs.

Alyra: I think, if I had to point to a moment that brought me joy. . .
Steph: If you can not name one, briefly name a few?
Alyra: Oh, thank you. I think I shall! Dancing in the moonlight, under the stars, in the quiet beauty of the night. . . sitting cozy by the fire at home. . . the thrill of the moment when I first flew. . . that was a BIG one, I have to tell you! um. . . yeah, that's probably the one, right there. Playing with Deleol.

Steph: Deleol, who is that?
Alyra: That was really a lot of fun. And he was. . . Oh. You don't know, do you? Deleol was a "monster." He came to us last summer, and caused some problems, but he really was not a bad sort. He just was in a bind, I gathered, from things he said to us. Me and Silver. And Sam. Sam was there, too. You probably never met him, either. Silver was with us for a very long time. I think the loss of her home was probably more than she could bear, and she did not stay long with us here.
Steph: Yes, I miss her greatly
Alyra: Sam came and visited often. He was an odd sort, but a good man. He helped out some against the lich.

Steph: Lich?
Alyra: Lich.
Steph: What is a Lich?

EDITOR'S NOTE: At this point there was a breakdown in communication, apparently, and the definition of a lich was never addressed in the interview itself. Stephenie has kindly permitted me to address the issue here:

A lich is an undead creature, usually a powerful necromancer who uses magic to tie his or her soul to the physical realm, thus defying death. The soul of a lich is stored in a magical container called a "phylactery"; with the soul thus protected, the body and mind can never truly die. The only way to destroy a lich is to first find and destroy the phylactery, no easy task. Because of the nature of the process involved in becoming a lich, such beings are usually evil-aligned. Many of our citizens will recall the events of last summer when Port Luskan was witness to the activities of a lich in the making.

Alyra: where was I?
Steph: About Sam and the monster
Alyra: Oh, yes.
Alyra: Well, Sam and I figured out that it actually spoke a language, and it taught us a good many words and phrases. He. Deleol. Taught me and Sam. And Silver.

Steph: Interesting. So what did this language sound like?
Alyra: I still have the dictionary we compiled; was just looking at it this morning, in fact.
Steph: Maybe you can give a couple of examples for our readers?
Alyra: It um. . . it wasn't a "look like" language. I never saw it written. We learned by sounds. Ummm. . . let me see if I remember. . .
Steph: [That's a] shame. That would have been interesting.
Alyra: Well, no. You can speak sounds. There were two words for "friend," I remember. . . nowcle, and. . . and dorfn. Nowcle and dorfn both mean "friend." And "pojo" means fool. . . he called me that a lot.
Steph: I will have to remember that one.
Alyra: He was very funny.
Steph: I can imagine.
Alyra: I miss him. . .

Steph: So Alyra what would you say is your primary role within the Port Luskan community?
Alyra: I don't know. Let me think on that a minute. My role, I think. . . I am here as Cel was, to help maintain the balance. To provide a clear view of both sides, to understand how the different beings, different peoples, different approaches, all work together to make a whole. We may not like certain parts of that whole, but all are necessary. Our challenge as beings in this world is to learn to walk - to dance - through the different elements and emerge whole ourselves, while maintaining the balance.

Steph: And how do you feel that this could benefit the community?
Alyra: Well, when you have opposing points of view. . . often understanding is what is needed. An ability to step back from your own concerns and see the whole picture. See the other party's point of view. And then work together toward a solution that will benefit all.

Steph: I would agree with that; so do you see yourself as a mediator?
Alyra: Well. . . sometimes, but usually more an observer. Cel didn't interfere, usually. . . he let me do that, until I'd done enough. . . damage. . .
Steph: Would he then pick up the pieces?
Alyra: No. . . well, he might put me back together if I was in pieces, or get someone else to. He was not - he let me figure a lot of things out for myself. He was always there to bounce ideas off of, but he let me work it out for myself. And I am glad of that; it helped me learn to think better.
Steph: That is a good friend.
Alyra nods
Alyra: The best kind of friend.

We speak nearly simultaneously:

Steph: Well apart from my last question, we have nearly covered everything.
Alyra: You asked another question. . . I warned you I'm a mouthy bard.
Steph: No kidding.
Alyra: Alyra: Hey!
(laughter)

Alyra: Ok, you said one more question?
Steph: Do you have any current events or information that ones on Port Luskan should or need to know? Also any personal message for them?
Alyra: Not at the moment in the way of current events, except for my concert, and the starting of this newspaper.

Steph: So any personal messages?
Alyra: Personal message. . . hmm.. Well, I guess the most important one is, you all mean very much to me. This is my home, and you are my family. I'm not saying that lightly. I mean it. We have been through so much together in the past year, and especially in the past couple of months. Let us use the trials that have beset us to bring us closer together. And if you are struggling with your own troubles, remember that your neighbour may be having troubles, too; that you may not always see eye to eye, and you may not agree with everything each other does. But we all must live together here, and if you can look past yourself for a moment, and see that other person for who they are, we may all begin to understand each other a little better, and maybe get through the things that matter, together.

* * * *
At this point we take a break and continue the interview the day after. Once again I find myself in Alyra's sitting room; it is lovely and warm. Whilst we sit, Alyra decides to eat and she then realises that she has not stopped all day. She looks a little tired, but is happy to continue with her interview.

* * * *
Steph: Yesterday you spoke about Cel leaving this place to you. What is it like to run a Drow house as a human?
Alyra smiles slightly
Alyra: A bit unnerving. I was worried at first. But the other house members are loyal to Cel and honor his wishes. They will support me. And we are not a typical drow house, I don't believe. We are neutral.
Steph smiles
Alyra: I think we have a different attitude towards power and towards one another than many drow have.
Steph: I have noticed that.

Velendar Halberd joins us here.

Alyra: It is not a position I would advocate for most humans. And I would not have chosen to be in it myself. But I also am loyal to Cel and honor his wishes. So here I am, and here I will stay, as long as fate will allow.
Steph: So you say that the other Drow have accepted you then?
Alyra: Those of my House have, yes. Out of respect for Cel.

Steph: And yesterday also you spoke about writing a song. Can you explain how you come to do this?
Alyra: I have written many songs, Steph.
Alyra grins
Velendar Halberd: Yes she has.
Alyra: It's what I do.
Velendar Halberd: And some good ones, too.
Alyra: I'm a bard; I sing the songs, tell the tales, but I write my own works as well. I sing my heart.
Steph: The song you wrote that you where talking about, how did you come up with the idea?
Alyra smiles a bit, looking down, her eyes far away
Alyra: It is a lament. I wrote it because I have lost someone. And I just wrote what I felt at his leaving. That is where the idea came from. There are descriptive bits in there that speak to our particular setting and my situation, but the emotional aspects are probably very common to those who have lost someone. Some of them, anyway. I will be singing the song at my concert on Sunday. If you attend, you will hear it.
Steph: I look forward to it.

Alyra: In terms of the crafting [of a song], I almost feel a melody, and I usually get the melody and words together. Some people write words first and then a tune; others work the other way around, making words to fit a melody. To me they all come together, although once the tune is written, other verses have to be made to fit it.

Steph: So what musical instrument do you play?
Alyra: I play the lute, and the kithara, a Greek instrument. I also play the Celtic harp. I am a decent drummer, too, but my principle instrument is my voice.

Alyra offers to sing the song she just wrote for Velendar and me, and we listen to her perform it. I had tears in my eyes when she finished.

Alyra: It helps, writing a song like that.
Steph: I can see how it does.
Alyra: It's a way of taking what is inside you. . . letting it out. . . not as anger or sorrow, but as something beautiful.
Steph nods in agreement
Steph: It's a good way to get it all out.
Alyra cups her hands as if creating a snowball, then opens them, as if releasing a butterfly
Steph smiles warmly
Alyra: It's. . . cleansing, I guess.
Steph nods
Alyra: The ache in my heart will never go away completely, but it is eased by singing the song. It's part of why we have sorrow, I think. So that we can create something beautiful in response.
Steph: Yes, but I wish we didn't. Have sorrow, I mean.
Alyra nods
Alyra: I accept the sorrow. It is part of life. It is part of me.

Steph: Thank you so much for your time Alyra. I have really enjoyed interviewing you.
Alyra: You're welcome. Did I say in there somewhere that I love you all? If not, please put that in, too.
Steph laughs
Steph: Yes you did, I have it noted.
Alyra: Good.

* * * *
Well that's it, your first "Getting to Know." I hope that you have enjoyed getting to know Alyra better as much as I did interviewing her.. And don't forget to attend one of her concerts. I look forward to sharing my next "Getting to Know" with you in the next edition of the Port Luskan Beat.

Stephenie Amat is a long-time resident of Port Luskan. She will be interviewing Port Luskan residents and friends of the community as a regular feature in this paper. If there is someone you would like to "get to know," she welcomes your suggestions.



STAR'S GUIDING LIGHT

by Starshine Merlin

Dear Starshine,

I have my eye on this handsome Elf, but he's always too wrapped up in his dragon to notice I'm around. How can I get him to take an interest in me?

Longing in Drathir


Dear Longing,

Give up, you can't get the attention of a Dragonrider. They're hopeless, you'll always come second to the Wyrm. There are other handsome Elves in the world, maybe check out the Archmage Tower in Drathir? Good luck, girlfriend!

Starshine

The Port Luskan Beat - page 4

THE THREE REALMS


UNDERDARK QUEEN STILL MISSING

Staff
Queen Amante Barra has not been seen since December 25, 2007, mere days after the tragic events that sent Port Luskanites packing from their homes as their former island home collapsed around them. Sources say the Underdark was hardest hit by the tragedy, and even now it is uncertain how many of its inhabitants remain behind, perhaps lost forever. The Drow leader may have experienced difficulties as she strove to bring the last of her people to safety.



The Monster's Den: GARGOYLE

by PurevilDarkElf Bulan

Pure waves a stoney claw.

Hi! Welcome to a nice new article on everyone's favorite topic: TADA! Monsters. Rawr?

A monster is defined as "any of a large number of legendary creatures that usually appear in mythology, legend, and horror fiction. The word originates from the ancient Latin monstrum, meaning 'omen,' from the root of monere ('to warn') and also meaning 'prodigy' or 'miracle' " (Wikipedia). Basically, a monster is anything not normal that is terrorizing and can destroy the delicate balance of everyday life.

Gargoyle perched and watching
Gargoyle perched and watching. Painting by PurevilDarkElf Bulan
This time I am going to cover the gargoyle. These stoney beasts have sat atop castles, buildings, mausoleums and graveyards, and over cathedrals for centuries. But at night, these silent guardians come to life and prowl the skies, watching over their homes, being made in a time when homes needed more protection from invaders and those who came to destroy.

They come in many sizes, shapes and styles. Doesn't everything? Almost all of them can fly, and spit water. Pure sprays you, laughing. They have sharp claws so strong they can climb solid stone (leaving some damage along the way), and they have a screech so terrifying it could chill you to the bone. Fast flyers, strong claws, and they travel at night - why wouldn't they make would-be invaders turn tail and run!

Now, you ask, how does one handle a gargoyle face to face? That depends on the gargoyle, now, doesn't it? Some are intelligent; others are just sheer monsters whose only thoughts are to defend their home, although that type is more rare. Usually if you show them that you mean no harm (meaning don't shout and pull a sword), they will walk away.

Come the rising sun, they return to their perches and are silent watchers once more. They give a final warning screech that they watch all and know all that happens within their home before settling into a fearsome pose for the daylight hours, apparently defenseless to all, and counting on the home they just protected to now protect them as well.

Now you might think, awake only at night? Weakness! Ah, but there is a trick. There are a few rare species who are awake at all hours, and merely sit as still as statues until they are needed or up to mischief. And there is no telling them apart. But those are very rare - aren't they?

PurevilDarkElf says of her interest in monsters, "it takes one to know one." She is taking suggestions for monsters to showcase here in her weekly column.



CULTURE AND SPORTS


AN EVENTFUL WEEKEND


Port Luskan was rocking this past weekend with a whirlwind of social and musical events.


Karma Destiny reports on Sunday's festivities:
If you weren't here, you missed the fun! In the morning, Alyra Moondancer gave a wonderful bardic concert in the elven lands. Then Glenndog provided live djing in the Cantina on the space station. Finally, we had an Aquarius Dance organized and run by Tajmania! Thank you to all the folks who aided in anyway in making this a very fun day! If you weren't here, you missed a FANTASTIC fun day!


Alyra Moondancer reports on Monday's activities:
Monday was just as eventful, with a full day of activities. In the morning, Starshine Merlin hosted Centaur Radio and the tunes just kept on coming for hours. At noon, Alyra Moondancer hosted a bardic circle which also lasted for several hours and was extremely well attended, with guests from across the sea as well as our own creative Port Luskanites. Several poems were recited, and Abiorn Thor told an intriguing tale of ancient history. You can read his story of "The Dracolich of Cormyr" in today's *Beat*! Later in the evening the circle reconvened as a renowned Celtic harpist from a faraway land came and beguiled us with his exquisite playing. A rare treat, his appearance will hopefully be repeated at some point in the future so that more of you may experience his artistry. Then there was more music at Port Luskan Center, hosted once more by the fabulous Starshine.

All in all, a very satisfying, creative weekend!