Have you ever gotten so busy that you neglect to take care of yourself, only to find yourself downed from starvation or exhaustion before you realized what's happening? Well don't worry, you're not alone! It could happen to anyone.
One Port Luskan citizen found this out the hard way on Saturday, February 23. Velendar Halberd, known to many as Vel, had been working hard on a healing elixir when he suddenly collapsed. Luckily, Alyra Moondancer had just dropped in to talk with him moments before his unexpected death; she and Vel's familiar Nippers, using a handy scroll of resurrection (provided by newcomer Keldrahir Aeon), were able to revive him.
"He said, 'What the heck happened?' " Alyra remembers, "and I told him he died because he didn't eat, and he said, 'Damn.' "
This reporter dropped by Velendar's tower in the evening of the same day. Vel kindly agreed to an interview. As I mentioned my purpose behind the article - to hopefully remind all our readers to take care of themselves - Vel excused himself and ran to grab some dinner. Apparently he'd forgotten to eat again.
There is, in fact, a perfectly good reason why Vel keeps finding he's accidentally starving himself: a very high metabolism.
Vel explained, "You see, us goblins have huge appetites, but we burn it up quick. So we get full quick and empty fast, too."
He has been working hard on "a very complex elixir" for healing, as well as a line of protective rings and amulets to serve as "magical armor." Vel said he plans on opening a kiosk in the near future, and expanding to shops. But while concentrating on his creations, he forgets to eat.
It certainly doesn't help him that Nippers, his familiar, never reminds him to take frequent meals. Vel's familiar is only a Construct, an animated "shydoll." Because he doesn't suffer hunger, he is no help at reminding Vel to eat.
I asked Vel as an aside what his favorite food is. "The bread the baker makes here in town," was the reply, "But I like a good sandwich now and then." Ham sandwiches, to be precise.
Similar unfortunate surprises have happened to others around the Port as well. Storm Jervil confessed to having passed away from hunger at least once. On another occasion she saved her best friend Glenndaugion DeCuir from a similar fate by force-feeding him donuts. What a great way to be revived! With this self-inflicted famine having struck Port Luskan, we should all keep a pocketful of our favorite foods on hand - just in case. I'll bring chocolate.
Alyra Moondancer, Editor-In-Chief of the Port Luskan Beat, said that she has herself suffered from lack of food and sleep while working on the newspaper. And this is extremely unfortunate, seeing as this paper will never get printed without her. Not to mention, she has a bowl of delicious oranges in her study and a plate of hearty bread on her table. One wonders how she could miss them. . . .
(This reporter shamelessly sneaks in an ad: Join The Port Luskan Beat! Be a paid reporter! Save Alyra from overwork and self-destruction!)
Even I have found myself suddenly with a rumbling stomach or lightheaded from exhaustion after hours of practicing my drumming or mandolin. Luckily so far I have avoided accidental death. . . but there's a first time for everything!
Remember folks: it isn't just forgetting to eat that will down you, forgetting to rest can be just as deadly! "Awareness" is the word. Be aware of your limits, and don't overstep them.
Running around battling monsters, or practicing at the Arena? Take some time out to find a nice quiet bench. Partying with friends for long hours at a time? Sit in a comfy chair every once in a while. Burning the midnight oil while working on some important project? Go take a nap, before you find yourself passing out from exhaustion or even worn down to a potentially lethal level. And while you're at it, grab a turkey leg. Or some of that famous bread!
This reporter thinks congratulations are surely due to the local baker, Ginafae Starbrook. Not only is her bread Vel's favorite, it is rumored to be our dear editor Alyra's as well! Certainly it is excellent for a famished belly, and one of the first food items many Luskanites find themselves reaching for in a pinch.
Plates of bread or other foods can be found in all four taverns around the Island, and even in the Space Station's Cantina - although this reporter prefers oranges and wonders if she could sneak some from the editor's desk while dropping off this article. . . Er, you didn't hear that!
Not only do each of the taverns of the surface realms have free food, they also sport lovely benches for resting. Or if you don't want to go hang out in a noisy tavern, come by the bardic guildhall or up in the bardic pavilion and use one of our benches! If you're lucky, you may just run across one of us bards practicing some music! And if none of these places sounds like a nice locale to rest in, there's always the fire circle outside the Ebon Rose where you can toast yourself some marshmallows.
If you are injured or feeling sick, use one of the healing springs. That's what they're there for! There are at least three of them around the island, one for each realm. The healing springs are located in the temple areas, so if you don't know where those are, contact your local ruler or high priestess to find out.
Nobody likes to die, especially by accident. So take care of yourself and STAY HEALTHY! Nobody likes a nag either - but you'll thank me for this later! Eat, rest, and heal, that's all it takes to stave off accidental death. BE AWARE!
And now we close, with a word from our Editor:
"All right, all you readers out there, this is your MOM speaking. EAT, fer gods' sake, or all the starving children in. . . in. . . well, all the starving children somewhere will. . . still be starving whether you eat or not, so I guess it doesn't much matter. . .
"What? I'm an editor, not a. . . not a MOM!"
Ceridwen Rowanstar is a bard of Port Luskan with an acute sense of wanderlust. Her travels keep her moving, but when she stops for long, this is the place.
| CONTENTS | |
| Section | Page |
| Headline News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . 1 |
| Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | . . . . . . 2 |
| Changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | . . . . . . 2 |
| Around and About Us . . . . . . . . . . . | . . . . . . 2 |
| People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | . . . . . . 2 |
| The Three Realms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | . . . . . . 4 |
| Local News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | . . . . . . 4 |
| The Monster's Den. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | . . . . . . 4 |
| Culture and Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . | . . . . . . 4 |
| Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | . . . . . . 4 |
| Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | . . . . . . 4 |
Port Luskan is not necessarily the most hospitable place for all beings, as this reporter discovered this morning. Something about the land is hostile to certain individuals. One recent Port Luskan visitor shortened his stay here, and has informed me that at least for the time being, he plans to give the island a wide berth due to the difficulties he encountered here.
Belial Hammerer, a demon who has spent much time dwelling in this plane, told me this morning that Port Luskan was not his cup of tea. I had come down to the dock to check the newsstand before breakfast, and I found him preparing for his departure. "I can't seem to be in the area without problems," he told me. "Something affects me too much, and I don't know what it is. Dunno what exactly, but it slows me down, and I lose sense of direction; also the limits the land puts on me. . ."
I recalled the day before when he had seemed to have a terrible problem with hunger while we were exploring an area near the Dwarven Mines. I queried him on the matter:
Me: You mean like the food thing?
Belial Hammerer: Part of it, but it's cause I'm demon, and we hunger fast.
Me: We have some other folks here who seem to have that problem as well.
Belial Hammerer: It's why some demons tend to kill people
Me: They get short-tempered because they're hungry? Or. . .
To be honest, I had a very strong feeling that that wasn't the answer, and he corroborated my suspicions:
Belial Hammerer: They just do it to eat. Demons in this plane tend to hunger fast -
or at least in this land.
Me: I um. . . I see. Well. . . so food is a problem. We have had some problems here with people forgetting to eat. Anything like that ever happen to you?
Belial Hammerer: No, but I have not been here long enough to really tell.
Me: Something you said to me, when we started that foray into the "hollows" - you said you sometimes got distracted and needed people to tell you if you were looking unwell, so you could tend to your injuries. Does that happen often?
Belial Hammerer: well, I do get distracted when researching, and investigating, and I seem to ignore my own health.
Me: Is that more likely to happen at some times than others? Or is it kind of a general tendency?
Belial Hammerer: More when I'm intrigued, and wanna learn about something. I get caught up in it.
Me: That seems to be the phenomenon we are all facing. We have seen people dropping from lack of food, lack of rest. . . and I suppose that could happen from lack of healing as well. I guess the real question is, do people get distracted enough to die from wounds as well as from starvation and fatigue? Do people run a risk of *needlessly* dying from injury as a result of neglect on their part?
Belial Hammerer: there is a chance. Healing is slow sometimes, and not everyone takes time to heal, thinking the battle is almost done.
Me: And even if you have the means to heal yourself, sometimes you may not think about it, or realize it's necessary, until too late. Would you say that's true?
Belial Hammerer: Yes.
I wished Belial well on his travels, and then realized that I needed to go eat, before I got distracted - again.
So there you have it. Next time you're in battle, don't wait to seek medical attention until you drop dead from your wounds! Seek out a healer, or give yourself first aid. Bandages are a dime a dozen, but scrolls of resurrection are a bit more difficult to come by. And I suggest that next time you see a demon who seems intent on killing someone, or who even just seems to be in a bad mood, give him a turkey leg. Or a loaf of bread. Or a donut. Anything. He may just be hungry.
A long-time Port Luskan resident and accomplished bard, Alyra Moondancer is Editor-in-Chief of the Port Luskan Beat.
Activities in Port Luskan, Wed Feb 27 through March 5, 2008
none scheduled
Tajmania (Tajmera Zabelin): Friday 6:00 am - 8:00 am SLT
~with some new hip-hop from Art In Action
Radio Kajira (Meadow Theas): Saturday 5:30 am - 7:30 am SLT
~mostly Middle Eastern, traditional to modern
You Never Know What You'll Hear Next (Alyra Moondancer):
Wednesday whenever she feels like it
24 hour streaming by Radio Silver (Silver Aster)
The Port Luskan Arena (formerly Solice Arena) has been rebuilt and relocated by powerful magic up in the sky.
Trojen Jun will be returning to guide the warriors of Port Luskan in training for combat. So far the monsters seem to be leaving us well enough alone, but a well-trained team of warriors will help us all feel more secure.
The latest in a series of interviews with citizens and friends of Port Luskan.
As you have most probably guessed, this week's interview is with Abiorn Thor. . .and I as the interviewer would like to say before you read this, that this may be one of the hardest "Getting to Know" pieces I have attempted to date. Abiorn has been with Port Luskan now for a couple of weeks, and you will see from his interview that he likes to observe.
I sent an invitation to Abiorn to come to my home in order to go through the interview and I had forgotten that Nippers - Velendar's familiar - was still with me, deciding to stay instead of leaving with Velendar.
Abiorn was not too pleased with this and insisted that Nippers be removed before we started the interview. Personally, I don't understand why, as the interview would be going into the Port Luskan newspaper.
Here is how the interview went:
Steph: Hello Abiorn, please take a seat.
I notice Abiorn glance at Nippers.
Abiorn: Hello, it seems occupied.
At this point I did offer to change seats and sit next to Nippers myself, but Abiorn was not for this.
Abiorn: Well, I was under the impression it was only you and I; you are aware Mages can see and hear through their Familiars?
Steph: No I was not, hold on a moment.
I sent Nippers on his way home, and Abiorn took his seat.
Steph: So can you please tell me your full name and position in Port Luskan?
Abiorn: Abiorn Thor, urm, Observer I guess?
Steph: Observer?
Abiorn: Well, I watch a lot, I don't hold any position I'm aware of.
Steph: Ah, so what do you watch?
Abiorn: The races about here, events and the interplays.
Steph: So what race are you?
Abiorn: I guess I am Human and maybe Elf, since I think I have lived a long life. I don't rightly know my race, or youth.
Steph: Please tell me what you remember?
Abiorn: Moving about a lot, I do recall seeing very many places, over many decades. Mostly moving, people, I guess that's why I like to watch; I used to do it a lot.
Steph: What about yourself? Your history? What you recall?
Abiorn: The same, I spent a lot of time moving to places, learning their tales and histories.
This reporter at this time is starting to feel that this is not going to be easy.
Steph: Let's put it another way. Where did you grow up? Where were you born?
Abiorn: I said before, I don't know my youth.
Abiorn Thor tilts his head slightly.
Steph: What do you recall from your past?
For some reason Abiorn finds this line of questioning funny and chuckles to himself
Steph: What is funny?
Abiorn: My dear, you're looking for more than there is. My past is, as I said, boring really, moving about a lot, places, people, and stories.
Steph: And you're being very aloof, seeming to me like you don't want to give the details.
Abiorn: If you ask more specific questions, I can.
Steph: Ok. What places have you been to? And I know you have travelled a lot; please mention a few places?
I notice at this point that Abiorn is giving a lot of thought to the places that he has visited and I wait patiently for an answer. I am also starting to feel a little frustrated at the way the interview is going.
Abiorn: Well, Cormyr, Hilp, Tasseldale, Deepingdale, Harrowdale, Ylraphon, Calaunt. Need more?
Steph: Ok. . . tell me about Cormyr. What type of land was that? What type of people did you meet there?
Abiorn: Well, when I was there last, it was reliving its original sin. You recall my tale at the circle?
[This story was published in last week's Beat.]
Steph: Yes it was very good. You tell a good story
Abiorn: Well it seems the sins of the father, if you will, passed down. The creature "Bob," I found, revisits the places and destroys bits every few decades.
Steph: Oh. And you were there when this was happening?
Abiorn: I arrived to see a part of it, but to say I saw more would be false. I guess I saw as much as any other person there that actually lived.
Steph: How did it make you feel to see that?
Abiorn Thor (shrugging): It was their fate.
Steph: So you were not affected by their terrible fate? To see that pain and suffering, I mean?
Abiorn: Well, seems to me they not very bright anyway. I mean, he comes back time after time, so why stay there?
Steph: I can understand your saying that, but is there no way they can stop him coming back?
Abiorn: He's a dracolich, an Undead Dragon.
Steph: Yes?
Abiorn Thor: It is hard enough to fight any Dragon. Now you ask they fight an undead one?
Steph: Well are there any magic practices there?
Abiorn: Many, yes.
Steph: Well surely they can put their power together to try and beat it?
Abiorn: A dracolich, well any lich I guess, is mostly magic already. Dragons are magical creatures
Steph: Yes I understand that, but you can fight magic with magic?
Abiorn: You can try, and they have, in the past.
Steph: And what happened when they did?
Abiorn: Well, he still comes back, and they no longer try; guess it never worked out too well.
Steph: Do you ever interfere when you travel, I mean with the locals?
Abiorn: I do [my] best not to. I try to understand their lifestyle, and interfering would, in my opinion, not give me a true view of them and their lives.
Steph: You say you try your best not to. Have you ever done so?
Abiorn: Yes.
Steph: And what happened?
Abiorn: You went to the Goblin Mage.
Steph: Pardon?
Steph: Do you mean Vel?
Abiorn: Yes. Well, he was more Hal at the time.
[He refers to an incident in which he made a suggestion regarding a situation with one of the mages here in Port Luskan.]
Steph: Is that the only time? And thank you by the way. I was very scared.
Abiorn: It is the only time I recall.
Steph: So I know that you have travelled as you have said. Why [stop in] Port Luskan?
Abiorn: It was where the ship docked.
Steph: So you decided to stay a while.
Abiorn: I stay at most places a while, so yes.
Steph: Just back-tracking a little: The other place you mentioned where the lich dragon goes. . .how often have you been there when there has been an attack?
Abiorn: I never mentioned others. The last time only.
Steph: Only the last time? When was the time before that, do you know?
Abiorn: They said every few decades, I would guess 20 years ago then.
Steph: And how long into your history do you remember?
I notice again Abiorn's delay in giving an answer and wait patiently.
Abiorn: Offhand, I recall. . . hm, good question, I don't really take note of time. Five. . . maybe six hundred years I recall reasonably well; before that, not a lot.
Steph: Five to six hundred years! Wow, that is a long time.
Abiorn Thor: Not really.
Steph: No?
Abiorn: It's only a lot when you think about it. Live it, and it's not.
Steph: Ok I understand. So, how far back do you recall of those years?
Abiorn: I thought that was the last question.
Steph: No, that one was not as open, and you did not really answer it the first time.
Abiorn: The answer is still the same. Are you under the impression I am playing word games?
Steph: Not word games, no! But you are not being forthcoming.
Abiorn: Then I do not understand, I am answering as you ask. If you want detailed answers, ask detailed questions.
I feel my frustration growing again at this point and in my own way tell this to Abiorn:
Steph: You're not easy.
Abiorn: I am not trying to be hard, but your questions are vague.
Steph: I ask that type of question so that it will give you opportunity to open up a little. You know, embrace-
Abiorn: No.
Steph: Open your heart- No?
Abiorn: You ask someone who makes a habit of trying not to be open, to prevent distortion, to be open?
Steph: Ah. Why is it that you feel that you should hide who you are?
Abiorn: Urm, I already answered that.
Steph: No, you said that you prefer to watch people. That is not explaining properly why you don't want to open up. Have you ever got close to anyone?
Abiorn: Check your notes. My last words: "To prevent distortion."
Steph: Why would there be distortion?
Abiorn: Any interaction beyond the required would distort.
Steph: Distort what? You?
Abiorn: That is the nature of existence.
Steph: Or their impression of you?
Abiorn: No, the people, or race, I watch.
Steph: I know that you said that you do prefer to watch and not interfere, but what about love? Have you ever loved?
Abiorn: No, it seems something races with emotional dependencies require.
Steph: So you do not have that type of emotions?
Abiorn: Not that I have encountered, no.
Steph: I feel that is quite sad.
Abiorn: I don't.
Steph: Why?
Abiorn: I don't experience sad.
Steph: So, no emotion at all then?
Abiorn: No, just the more extreme ones.
Steph: Like what?
Abiorn: Love, hate, joy, sadness. Ones like that.
Steph: I am sorry, you have confused me a little. You say that you have not experienced love, you don't seem to have that emotion, but then say you only experience the more extreme ones and mention love within them.
Abiorn: No, I don't experience the more extreme.
Steph: Ah, I understand now. Sorry about that; thanks for clearing that up for me. So if you don't have them, what do you have?
Abiorn: The one I experience most is contentment.
Steph: I have noticed.
Steph: Are there any others [that you experience]?
Abiorn: Yes. Curiosity, purpose, and to a lesser degree, anticipation.
You: Anticipation. Hmmm. Does that mean that you have a feeling of what is going to happen before it does?
Abiorn: I am sure I experience more, but at the moment, they are at the foremost. No, I at times wish an event would happen I know will happen, even if it is day away, only to see its results.
Steph: Please explain further what you mean? You say that you wish for an event to happen that you know will happen. . .?
Abiorn: The best way would be like a talk, let's say; do you mind if I use you in this example?
I agree to this only to have a proper understanding of the point that Abiorn wants to make, and don't realise how personal he would be getting in these circumstances.
Steph: No, it may give me more insight to how you do think. I mean, I don't mind.
Abiorn: Let's assume you are at a crossroads, hm, ah, let's say you have a dilemma. You feel something for Vel, but there is Hal, and you are unsure what to do. Now, an intelligent person would know they are only able to deal with themselves, so you would decide, in time, to talk to Vel, and ask what he thought. If I was you, I would look forward to that talk, before it happens.
I lean back and take in what Abiorn has said.
Abiorn: Does that explain it better?
Steph: I did try to speak with him earlier, but I suppose it will have to be done another time. Yes. So, you prepared yourself for this interview?
Abiorn: Oh, I never realised it was at that point yet.
Steph: What?
Abiorn: Your talk. I imagined it would be best to do after the lunar time.
Steph: Why after the lunar time?
Abiorn: Demonic power would be less.
Steph: Ah. I know what I want to say to Vel and what I want to question. I will do this when he is ready to discuss it. I don't think he is ready yet; maybe that is why.
Abiorn: Hm, have you just asked?
Steph: About Hal and him, you mean?
Abiorn: No, if it was a good time to talk.
Steph: No. I sometimes cannot help myself and just ask. I know that he would tell me if it was not a good time. So, did you prepare for today? Did you expect me to ask the questions that I have done?
Abiorn: There was nothing to prepare for.
Steph: Ah. Ok. So, do you have any spectacular powers that we don't know about?
Abiorn: Excuse me?
Steph: You know, powers?
Abiorn: I am able to defend myself, if that is what you are asking.
Steph: Well, no, but thanks for telling me. I mean what type of powers do you have?
Abiorn Thor: Hm.
Abiorn Thor seems to consider a moment. Suddenly I see magic coming from Abiorn and descending upon me. Not fully understanding what is happening, I laugh, but I do feel that he has a strong power about him, and I experience a physical weakness afterwards.
Abiorn Thor: You mean like that?
Steph: Yes, like that. What spell was that?
Abiorn: No spell; a reaction.
Abiorn Thor: I am no Mage.
Steph: A reaction? But you have power?
Abiorn: That was not power? I am confused now.
Steph: That makes a change; it's usually me.
Abiorn: Something you and Alyra share, then.
Steph: Yes you could say that. Maybe we are rubbing off on you. You called it a reaction. What did you mean?
Abiorn: My mind reacts. I was looking to show you something without harm, and that happened.
Steph: Well that is magic is it not? It was putting your thoughts into action.
Abiorn Thor: Is that magic?
Steph: Yes, I think so. Did you not know?
Abiorn: Are you sure?
Steph: It is a power of the mind. I don't know; I will check.
A confusion had set in with me at this time: I doubted my own little knowledge. But I have since recalled that this is truly a form of magic.
Abiorn: Oh, is that an Elven view? Interesting view; I should look into it more.
Steph: You have much power and magic in you then. What else are you able to do?
Abiorn: I don't know. It would depend on the situation, I guess.
Steph: Can you tell me? Maybe show me some? But nothing further to cause me harm, please.
Abiorn Thor: I don't know. I would guess the same would happen. It's not a toy.
Steph: Ok. What have you been able to do in the past then? Maybe when you have been in a situation where you have felt threatened. . .?
Abiorn: Move though space is all I really did; if the need to leave was urgent, I left.
Steph: Urgent? To leave where?
Abiorn: Anywhere. A dracolich tearing the city apart seems an urgent reason to leave for me.
Steph: Ah. I understand what you mean now, I think. . . that when you have been somewhere and it's got dangerous you have left?
Abiorn: Correct.
Steph: So have you ever used your power unintentionally, apart from on me?
Or you have on someone else, or something else?
Abiorn: Only on you; no one else ever asked.
Steph: Ok; it's good to know I bring the best out in a person.
Stephenie Amat laughs
Steph: So how long have you been in Port Luskan now?
Abiorn: A week or two?
Steph: And what have you experienced or seen since you have been here?
Abiorn: We don't have enough time to cover it.
Steph: It's ok; you can start and if we run out of time, we can do this again and get the rest.
Abiorn: Let me rephrase: I don't have the time.
Steph: Surely you will have the time again?
Abiorn: Why would you assume that?
Steph: I don't know. You like to watch; well just sitting here, I am sure that you are learning and observing. I may not be the most interesting subject, but I do enjoy this chat with you and I hope to learn more about you. And you may have contempt for me, but maybe that will change and we will become friends.
Abiorn: It does not explain your assumption, but no, I generally do not have time.
Steph: Ah. . . that is a shame.
Steph: Can you relate a couple of experiences?
Abiorn: I would suggest, as a reporter, you view Port Luskan life yourself for that information?
Steph: Yes I do, or try to, but it would be interesting to hear it from a stranger's point of view. And if you are so good at observations, you will have plenty of insight, so who better to ask?
Abiorn: Seems to me you're having someone else do your work.
Steph: No, not at all. But the only way to find things out is to ask questions as well as watch.
Abiorn: Now, my time is done. We have progressed long over the hour I allocated for this chat.
Steph: You watch all the time, so I ask you questions. I'm not asking you to do my job for me. Well, can we meet again? I still have some questions to ask of you.
Abiorn: I wish you the best in your work, and hope it brings you comfort. As for Vel, you might need to consult with your friend, whoever advised you to talk to him; you need their aid again.
Steph: Thanks. . . But can we meet again to finish off? I promise it won't be a long time.
Abiorn: I will see.
And that was it. . .with that Abiorn left me. I felt that he has put me well and truly in my place. And even though I felt a lot of frustration at the time, I do feel that there is so much more about Abiorn to learn.
And if you read this article Abiorn, which I hope you do, I would still like to interview you again and maybe get some more insight into the type of person you are.
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.
Dear Starshine,
There's a cute little Elf hanging around Drathir, and I think she kinda likes me. I've been standoffish though, because my Dragon gets really jealous. What should I do?
Dragonrider in Dilemma
Dear Dilemma,
Remember that you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup. I would recommend stocking up on Scale Balm and setting that cute Elf up with an unattached friend. I've heard there's a scrumptious Archmage in that tower in Drathir. . .
Good luck,
Starshine
Dear Miss Starshine,
I recently discovered I was very different from those who raised me. My height for one, but they tell me I am an elf and not a gnome. I just always thought I was a tall gnome. No matter, I was wondering, how can I find someone in my own race that is as gifted with knowledges as I have been raised with?
Gnome mind trapped in an Elf body
Dear Gnome/Elf,
I'd start with a personal ad in the Classified section of The Port Luskan Beat. The rates are reasonable and the circulation excellent. Many elf races are into the changeling thing and you might just get lucky the first week.
All the best,
Starshine
Dear Missy Centaur,
I recently lost my home and family. . . again. . . but have a new family. . . again. . . which is really the normal for me as I survived to the age of 10, which means I am awsome! But anyways, I was wondering, because I got a new family and there are no adults, how come all the adults try and make you do stuff like go to bed at a decent hour. . . I mean c'mon, how come! I made it to 10 on my own! I am now 13 and a half! I should be able to make my own decissions like whether or not to pick a pocket or move on to the next vi. . . err to help the person donate to the causes I stand for or not, yup, thats the way to put it!
Sincerely,
Anony Mouse
Dear Anony,
Yes, you are awesome. And I'll tell you a secret. What adults want kids to do is really hard. Most grownups can't do it. When they send you to bed, they're still up, right? And when was the last time you saw a grownup go to school? And the hardest thing of all for grownups is to hear other opinions about what they want to do. Grownups are terrible at hearing other points of view. That's one of the reasons they go to war all the time. But since grownups usually mean well when it comes to kids, even if they have lousy follow-through on those good intentions, they try to get you to do what they can't.
The other thing grownups can't do is make your decisions for you. Not really. If you go to bed at a decent hour, get your rest and then are strong and refreshed for another day of mischief, that's your biz. So I'm gonna say beat 'em at their own game. Rest, learn and hear other points of view before you decide how you're gonna act. It's your decision.
Love,
Starshine
Since our hurried departure from the old Port Luskan islands, many of our number have experienced delays or difficulties in finding us, and we always rejoice when one of our number is finally able to rejoin us. Today there was celebration when Safeira, one of the great dragons of Port Luskan, finally found her way to us.
She landed gracefully among the tall trees of Drathir, greeted heartily by a small band of Port Luskanites who had gathered for the occasion. Present were Port Luskan residents Stephenie Amat, Glenndaugion DeCuir, Karmas Destiny, and Alyra Moondancer. Newly come to the islands, Keldrahir Aeon, a young dragon from across the sea, was especially invited to be on hand to meet one of his kindred.
Safeira is paired with Prince Limrie, a dragon rider. We did not see the prince on this occasion, and in our delight at seeing the dragon none of us thought to ask after him. But as Safeira did not appear to be dismayed or distressed, in all likelihood the prince is well and will be joining her at some point.
The return of Safeira may be an indication that the other dragons of the island will also find their way to us.
Hiyas everybodies.
I is Glenn and I is a special reporter for der Port Luskan Paper, I speak fer der kids of der Island collectivly we is called der Port Luskan Massive or der Drow Street Brat pack. We is der future of der island so we got issues dat we need to tell all yer big peoples and yer better listen our survival depends on it.
To much work makes Glenn, Taj, Stormy, Cerci, Toxian, Emrys and Ade a dull life, we likes ta have fun so yer gotta learn ta live wif it. Day say music makes der world a better place and we is hardcore, we will fights to save our homeland wif our lives all you big peoples have lived life ta der full well except Miss Thel she is a andraline junkie and Mister Vel he got two sides ta him what he gotta realise is Nippers is der Port Luskan Massive Mascot and yer gota let him have fun to. We lives on der edges dats how we likes it, do not ignore us.
Der Tzarina is going to be having a baby soon day will be part of der Brat pack to is ok tho cuz we will look after dem. Der Port Luskan Massive HQ is being refurbished at der moment but will be ready soon unfortunately only Brat pack Members and selected big people is allowed der. If yer get an invite den yer can come.
I met Mister Abi der ofer day he a weird one but he quite coolies he got down wif us at our last Dance. I gotta fank Miss Karmas for der decor at der massives club it called Port Luskan Cantina yer know and it is real coolie beans. Anyway der kids of der port fank yer for letting us have a voice, till next week dis is special reporter Glenn signing of.
Glenndaugion "Glenndog" DeCuir is one of the leaders of the Port Luskan Massive and the Drow Brat Pack. Savvy and intelligent, Glenn is studying magic and is a talented illusionist. He is also responsible for caring for Port Luskan's many animals.
Welcome back to The Monster's Den. This week we cover the lich. What is, or was, a lich? And how does one deal with it?
A lich is an undead, or rather, a reanimated corpse. In life a lich was often a powerful magician, or made a deal with one, to bind their powers and soul to their body long after death. This gives them a type of immortality, although the 'body' is still degenerating and will rot away till there is naught left but bones. Most are extremely intelligent and extremely evil. The rituals they use to stay alive after death are complicated and cost many their lives.
At times they are also powerful necromancers, raising legions of undead, wights, corpses, and the like, long after the dear souls' departure, in order to harvest their energies or use them as servants, often times in wars.
Now this seems fairly frightening, does it not? Imagine walking across the battlefield to face legions of rotting corpses and skeletons with flesh still clinging to their bones, at their helm a powerful Necromancer who is still a corpse himself, face half rotted away. Magic spells and chants thicken the air like heat to reanimate those who barely let loose their final breath, bringing their freshly slaughtered corpses back, blankly staring as they are set upon you to fight. Your own fallen brethren are now your enemies. This tactic most often sends companies running off, or worse, set to attacking each other and ending up dead themselves for the necromancer's uses.
Not all are like this. I myself have known a lich, and she was, in life, gorgeous. In death she was no less charming, because it was her mind that drew attention, though being in a state of rotting did not help her win friends. She had been, in her lifetime, a powerful drow priestess. An untimely death led to the activation of a phylactery, reanimating her corpse and bringing her back. In death she was bitterer than in life, yet wiser.
Some time ago, I heard rumors of another lich, which appeared in Port Luskan. My Friend Sam Milner had sent me word of an everlasting darkness brought on by a lich. I came in search of it but was unable to locate such a creature. To make an everlasting night was truly a good show of power.
A phylactery is an object, any object, into which the lich or soon-to-be lich places a part of their soul. They then hide the phylactery away from the world. Sometimes, though rarely, a lich may have more than one phylactery. The more you have the less likely it is that you will ever die. But splitting your soul too much destroys it and yourself, leaving you very well empty and hollow, which is why most liches do not want to make more than one or possibly two phylacteries.
If you can find the lich's phylactery and destroy it, you can defeat the lich - maybe. These items are well protected by charms, curses and traps, and often the lich has guards on the phylactery as well, either willing, or controlled by spells. You can attempt to destroy the lich's body, if you can get close enough, but if you fail you may end up as their next vessel or toy after your death. Who can know?
As for making any deals, well, can you trust a creature with their body rotted away?
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.
Port Luskan hosted a special guest performer this afternoon. At Alyra Moondancer's invitation, her friend Marae Arizona, a "country" singer from a distant land, made an impromptu appearance at the Luskan Station Cantina, where she seemed quite at home among the shiny buttons and puzzling equipment.
Ms. Arizona performed a number of her own compositions, as well as covers of popular songs from her land. She also had "recordings" of other singers from beyond the island. As a special gift she provided Alyra with a recording of her song "Spellbreaker." Alyra closed the show with that recording.
"It will never replace live performance," Alyra commented, "but it is nice not to have to be quite so dependent on my fellow bards every time I want to perform something with more than one voice."
Welcome to the second edition of the Port Luskan Beat.
I wanted to make a statement here about the paper, its purpose, and its stance.
We are the first and currently only newspaper in Port Luskan. I founded the Beat because it seems to me that we need a means of disseminating information to island residents, keeping each other informed about important events and providing a forum for commentary and discussion of important island matters. In addition to information, I hope we also provide you with some entertainment, and with some insights into each other's lives, insights which may help us to better understand and get along with each other.
The Beat is a neutral paper. We do not take sides, we do not promote causes. We provide a forum for others to do so if they wish. The opinions expressed in these pages are those of the individuals who write the articles, make the paintings, submit the advertising. The editorial staff does not necessarily share those opinions, and the Beat does not espouse them. The Beat provides a place for opinions to be expressed, and our commitment is to present all ideas and opinions fairly and without bias. We are also dedicated to balance and integrity in our reporting, that is to complete and honest presentation. "Balanced reporting from the Neutral Zone" is our motto, and we aim to stick to it.
That said, as we are only two issues old, we are still quite young and our staff is small. We hope that as time passes we will have more contributors from a wider range of viewpoints. We also hope that our readers will take the time to write us and share their own thoughts and concerns. The Opinion Page is your forum, to speak your mind and make your voice heard. We encourage you to do so.
Alyra Moondancer
Editor-in-Chief
WANTED: A piece of the Blarney Stone. Will pay a fair price for a chunk that is authenticated with a known provenance. Contact Huw Llanfair, Solice, the house with the horse banner.