shadowtalks

Jan. 1993
Feb. 1993
June 1993
July 1993
Aug. 1993
Sept. 1993
Oct. 1993
Nov. 1993
Dec. 1993
April 1995

Shadowtalk
by
Randal & panther

    "Lord Randal, what do you want to put in the column this month?" Panther questioned.
    "You know, that story," Randal responed without answering.
    "Which story is that?" Panther had hoped for a quasi-clear response.
    "The one with that guy in it, it's in that book on the shelf in my library. Now stop procrastinating and get the job done," he ordered.
    "But!"
    "Now!"
There was no more to talk about. So here is that story Panther found in Randal's book of rambles, He appologizes if its the wrong one.

The Sword of Kings

    Long, long ago there was a goddess of honor and valor named Aurora, and she spread her influence throughout the lands. However, there came a time when these great attributes were not so common. There were few men who deserved to be her followers, but throughout this time there was one man who's deeds shined through the darkness. King James was an honorable, just and valiant king, who ruled firmly but fairly and exceeded Aurora's standards in every way.
    "This man deserves a gift," she said. And so, speaking through an oracle, she told him of a magic sword hidden deep in the depths of an old dungeon. "You may have the sword if you survive the quest," she told him. She wanted him to prove himself. She observed him as he fought his way to the core of the dungeon and in the face of certain death, James performed calmly and boldly. When he reached the final chamber he faced the mighty dragon known as Strathmore. The two acknowledged each other before engaging in a long bloody battle. Both combatants were mighty, but James' skill prevailed. Disappearing in a puff of smoke, Strathmore vowed to get revenge.
    As James collected the sword Aurora appeared to him "You have founf the Sword of Kings. You deserve it, for it is a sword of honor. In addition, I grant you immortality in order to insure the security of the sword. Your body will not live forever but you will. You will grow old and die and be reincarnated one year from your death only to grow old again and repeat the process. This cylce will continue for as long as your soul wishes.
    King James returned home and informed his knights and people that he completed his quest, and protecting the sword would now be part of their duty. Years went by and upon his death bed James called his knght commander to his chambers. There he told him of his gift of immortality and that in a year's time he would contact the knight. He presented his sword to the knight and asked him to bear it until his return.
    This cylce went on for genernations until it happened that the king returned to find all his knights dead, save one, the one with the sword. His land had been split and conquered. So the reincarnated king and the last knight traveled alone looking to find worthy people to knight in an effort to retake and return honor to the dying land. However, before he could carry out his plan into effect, they found themselves being attacked in the wilderness. The battle left the remaining knight dead and the king mortallly wounded.
    James spent his life's last efforts continuing onward through the woods. Knowing he was going to die, he realized he must place the sword in someone's care until he could return. At this time, Randal the Light was wandering aimlessly, yet with a point, when he happened upon the dying James.
    "You there," said James, "you are my last hope, so I must trust you. Take this, it is a magic sword. Use it to continue an order of knights called the Knights of the Crown. They should be people of true honor and valor in order to be worthy. Give the sword to the first person you knight, and ask him to weild it in my place." James coughed, fell to the ground, and died. Randal prepared a burial for him and turned his attention to the sword. Packing it away he, wondered which way he came from or if he was coming or going. Not being able to decide, he chose to return home to Shadowhawk....if he could only remember the way.

Shadowtalk
by
Randal & panther

    "Randal did you hear?!" Panther asked excitedly as he rushed into the room.
   "Of course I heard. I hear everything. Now just tell me what we're talking about and I'll tell you what you really heard," Randal replied. This almost confused Panther to the point of no response. However, he was getting used to it.
    Panther's usually carefree mein was covered by a dark shadow. He was obviously concerned. Randal didn't seem to notice. "My lord," Panther said, "I've heard that..."
    "Where have you been all day?" Randal interrupted.
    "But Randal, I..." Panther pleaded.
    "Don't you know there's work to be done?" Randal asked.
    "Well, where were you?" Randal persisted.
    "Well, I was in the forest along the trail, when some goblins walked by," Panther stated, hoping to get his point heard. He would have no such luck.
    "Did they attack you?" Randal jumped in.
    "Well nooo." Panther replied.
    "Why not?" questioned Randal.
    "They couldn't see me," said Panther, trying to move the conversation along.
    "How could they not see you?" Randal asked with an amused look on his face.
   "Well, I wasn't exactly on the path. You could say I was close to it." Panther guiltily explained.
    "Why?" quizzed Randal.
    "To watch the travellers," Panther stated hesitantly. Randal eyed him curiously. "So I could get an idea of who comes and goes around here. Yeah, that's it." Panther continued.
    "What was your point?" Randal interjected, "Oh yes, you were telling me something I already knew."
    "Yeah the goblins," Panther responed with a sigh of relief.
    "What goblins?" Randal asked with a fuzzy haze in his eye.
   "On the trail," Panther cried.
    "Oh yes, go ahead," Randal stated with a yawn. At that moment a young woman with a sword on her side stormed into the room.
    "I can't take it Alentria yelled, "you better talk to your little brat before I kill her!"
    "Calm down, I'll be with you in a second," Randal responed to his overzelous follower. "Panther, I've got to go...family business," Randal explained.
    "But Randal, what about the news?" Panther begged.
    "Don't worry, it can wait until next month," Randal concluded.

Shadowtalk
by
Randal & Panthe

The View as I see it

   "Hey Dec!"
   "Yeah, Randal."
    "Nevermind, wrong column.
                *Click*
So, we're elves raised by dwarves and dwarves raised by elves, right? I think I may be having an identity crisis!
                *Click*
   Hiccup! I am the Lord of this castle with my trusty steed. Hiccup! Where'z my mug? Hiccup! I'd like to talk to you about safety. Hiccup! Stumble, trip, fall, accidentally pull live steel. Hiccup! Remember, never drink and ride! Squire, where'z my mug?! Hiccup! Anyone for a glorious battle?
                *Click*
    On the 936th day after the fall, after the 935th day and ominously prior to the 937th day, a dark cloud filled the sky. Once more, my thoughts brought me to my father. I can still hear him saying, "Luke, I'm your father." And the clouds became even darker. I sensed deep within my soul that I should return to my home of Doomghaurd. My decision was made when it began to rain.
                *Click*
    Lost: Desperately seeking my lost virtue. Last seen at the Irish Wake. Large reward for it's return or if you help me lose it again.
                                                                                                    —An anonymous Ex-knight of Fairhaven
                *Click*
    Garb can be made out of almost anything. You can use ordinary household items. For the lady Cassia look, a bootlace should be sufficient
                *Click*
    I would like to state that the opinions of this column are not necessarily that of the editor. Hi dad!
                *Click*
    Just Wondering: Is anyone taking this seriously?
                *Click*
    Do you have the spoon? No, but I can get a fork from swan.
                *Click*
   Excuse me! Where is the Road to Valhalla?
                *Click*
    "So, Panther. Did you write this month's column?"
    "No, did you write it randal?"
    "Um, then what are we gonna do?"
    "I dunno!"
                *Click*
Beastiary: The Fenmerian has been known to be found inhabiting swamps, alcohol infested areas, and in really neat places to party. They can be identified by a distinct odor.
                *Click*
    It slices. It dices. It hacks through armor, and look what it does to this tomato. To order your set of Teng Hua Steak Knives...
                *Click*
    [To the tune of American Pie] "And Folkestone was singin', Bye Bye pol Coville's gonna die. Cost our buddy his life, now he's gonna fry."
                *Click*
    Insert art here. Calm down, Steve it's a joke!
                *Click*
    "I think your unsafe."
    "Well, I think your unsafe."
    "Want to fight about it?" [Punch, kick, Eye Gouge, Blood, Gore, Guts]
    "Hey wanna get a beer?"
    "Sure!"
                *Click*
    It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye.
                *Click*
    "Hey, Callin."
    "Yes Panther."
    "Um, don't forget the most important part."
    "Oh yeah, Panther want me to remind everyone that he's not a thief."
                *Click*
    What's all that clicking?"
                *Click*
    He's an Amazon, she's an Amazon, wouldn't you like to be an Amazon too!
                *Click*
    Out of deference and fear, we aren't going to make any jokes about Lance or his columns.
                *Click*
    "Hey Randal"
    "Yeah Callin."
    "You're a jerk, Randal. You too Panther."
                *Click****************

Shadowtalk
by
Randal & panther

Right here in Shadowhawk, we have rules and responsibilities, just like in other places. For some reason though, I believe they may be slightly different from the rest. Hopefully, this information will give outsiders some insight into the workings of our machine. Here's a list of the basic law of the land.

Rule #1: Don't touch Randal's stuff.
Rule #2: Lord Randal is always right.
Rule #3: Do as Lord Randal says, not as he does.
Rule #4: Shadowhawk had nothing to do with it.
Rule #5: When in doubt, refer to rule #2.
There are others but I can't seem to remember them.

So there you have it, the primary laws of Shadowhawk. You may think the rules are slightly less than ideal, but they work for me. We also have some beliefs that we try to build into our members. Honor and fairness are stressed, along with many other principles, like not getting caught. However, in the end a person must choose his own path. Our way is that of freedom. We accept all. Wemay not shine yet, but we are working on it. If you have any problems with any member of Shadowhawk, please speak to Sir Randal the Light. If by chance he is the person you have greivnaces with, please refer to Rule #2.
Remember: Honor all those deserving of it, be fair to all (lex talionis is our law), respect your equals, follow your heart (not your pockets), and be loyal to those you have promised such an honor. Walk this life in the light, for it may be the last chance you get.

—Sir Randal the Light
KoEF
Non-PC Lord of Shadowhawk
King of Fools
Drow Friend (what have they done?)

Shadowtalk
by
Randal & panther

From memoirs of a Wondering Soul

At this time of loss, we may feel grief, but we musn't fall apart. Okay, you all must be wondering how it feels to have pieces of your soul scattered across the land. I still haven't been able to put it all together. With any luck, some really brave people who are good at jigsaw puzzles will get me back into shape. I've heard all of the king's horses and all of the king's men have scrambled for help, but their ability is far from eggselent. Hopefully, there won't be any of those people who hide a piece to a puzzle so that they can be the one to finish the puzzle. It becomes problematic when more than one person has this idea. I suppose there's always a hole in the plan. On the bright side, at least I'm not part of the church of the catlord.
I've been torn apart by Evil in this land. No one person can save me. If I am to be rescued from my present fate, people are going to have to work together. Floating across the universe, I've had the time to reflect, unlike a vampire. People used to say that I wasn't all there because I thought I could live forever. Well, they sure have evidence to support their claim.
Have hope and remember: "If they say that I've lost my mind, maybe it's not lost, just a little hard to find."
—The Spirit of Randal

Shadowtalk
by
Randal & panther

I'm back! For those who helped in the quest for my recovery, I am very grateful. I've returned to a land that, as always, has problems. Unfortunately, I will be unable to assist you at this time, with many of them. Life is a circle. My time of arrival is also my time of departure.

When people forged forward in the quest for my life, they did so with much courage and selflessness. However, they saw the results of disease without noticing its cause. I have been healed, but the power which attempted to destroy me still lurks in this land. As you released me from imprisonment, claws clutched the throat of my friend. So, as one quest ends another begins. Two attempts have been made to scatter the soul of Sir Gunnar, as mine was. It shall not stop with him. The land must be saved from this menace.

The Evil Mage Lives.

Many secrets lie in lands far away. I shall attempt to uncover any information that can be useful in the destruction of the Evil Mage. In may absence, Panther, Hands of the Hawk, first and only member of the Talon Guard, shall watch over my land Shadowhawk. I shall miss many of you, but the call cannot be ignored. I will send word of my discoveries if I am able.

One last thing, I'm damn proud of a lot of you. keep up the good work.
—Lord Baron Sir Randal the Light
KoEF
Lord of Shadowhawk

P.S. Just in case any of you don't know, I'm going to school for a while in England. I'll probably be back in January or July. Since I'm not exactly sure where I'm going to be for a month, I'll skip the address. I'll drop it off later, just in case any of you want to keep in touch. Gotta run. Now, which way was I going?

Shadowtalk
by
Randal & panther

    On occasion, while my father is off traveling, I will be writing for him. He promised to write; but he is ofttimes forgetful and I imagine frightfully busy. Panther is also very busy with the new duties that have fallen into his lap (or so I'm told). Therefore, this is yet another job that has fallen upon my shoulders. I wish it to be known that in father's absence I (not Panther) do most of the work. My father's second makes elaborate schemes and plans, and it's usually my duty to make sure they are carried out properly. Partly this is due to location. Panther lives in a small cottage on the outskirts of this land, while I live in my tower in the keep. Therefore, I'm closer to the people and get to hear all of the complaints. Oh well! I guess that it is my lot in life to be over-worked and under-appreciated.
    For those curious souls who have been asking about my whereabouts of late, I have been studying. Shortly after I was kidnapped, father realized that he did not have enough time or resources for my growing need to be educated. So, he sent me off to another dimension where there were many books and people of philosophy as well as many other things. All in all it was a very rewarding experience. The time that I spent there now eludes me. It felt as though it was many long years; but it seems now as if mere months have passed.
    To those of you who helped in the questing for my father's soul, I am forever in your debt. Not only did you save my dear benefactor and guardian; but the only person who could bring me back. I wish that there was some way that I could express my thanks. However, rest assured if you need anything that I can provide, consider it yours. Know that you are in my heart and in my prayers.
—Kaitlyn

Shadowtalk
by
Randal & panther

    On occasion, while my lord is off traveling, I will be writing for him. He promised to write; but he is ofttimes forgetful and I imagine frightfully busy. Kaitlyn is also very busy with the new duties that have fallen into her lap (or so I'm told). Therefore, this is yet another job that has fallen upon my shoulders. I wish it to be known that in my lord's absence, I (not Kaitlyn) do most of the work. My lord's daughter makes elaborate schemes and plans, and it's usually my duty to make sure they are carried out properly. Partly this is due to location. I live in a small cottage on the outskirts of this land, while she lives in her tower in the keep. Therefore, I'm closer to the people and get to hear all of the complaints. Oh well! I guess that it is my lot in life to be over-worked and under-appreciated.
    For those curious souls who have been asking about my whereabouts of late, I have been studying. Shortly after I was kidnapped, father realized that he did not have enough time or resources for my growing need to be educated. So, he sent me off to another dimension where there were many books and people of philosophy as well as many other things. All in all it was a very rewarding experience. The time that I spent there now eludes me. It felt as though it was many long years; but it seems now as if mere months have passed.
    To those of you who helped in the questing for my lord's soul, I am forever in your debt. Not only did you save my lord and my knight, but you also helped me to complete my quest for initiation into the Talon Guard; Shadowhawk's elite. I wish that there was some way that I could express my thanks. However, rest assured if you need anything that I can provide, consider it yours.
—Panther

Shadowtalk
by
Randal & panther

   Well, now that Panther has had his fun mocking me I will return to writing the column. Unfortunatley, I am at a loss as to what to write about. I feel that the happenings of my life are not important enough to discuss. And no exciting events have occured in our land. So, I guess I will discuss a situation that occurs in the realms on a regular basis that vexes me.
    It seems to me that some of the nobles do not inform their followers well enough. Their followers just blindly swear their fealty away as if it meant nothing at all. In speaking to some of theses newbies, they do not know what their leaders stand for. They know very little about their leaders at all, except for their names. Also, they do not seem to understand the protocol involved with speaking to nobles from other lands. Many of these followers do not even know the proper rules of the realms (I'm not speaking only of safety rules and rhino-hiding). Lastly, they seem to be recruited only to swell the numbers of the group. They are brought to events, handed a weapon, and left to fend for themselves (with only their leaders name to protect them).
    All they seem to know is that they must protect this leader. That if need be, to give their lives for them. They also know that any command given should be followed with no questions.
    My father has always made it clear to his followers what is expected of them. He also lets them know what he stands for; what lands he is allied to, and to ask many questions of him. Our land is based on the concept of individualtiy. We do not follow blindly any command, we do not believe in large numbers for the sake of large numbers, and we have harsh training sessions before you can even see an event. We teach the history of the realms, the history of ourselves, our religion, the laws of the lands, and the rules of the realms. We may disagree and argue but we would fight to the death for any one of out crew. That's the way it is and always will be.
    I realize that I may be upsetting a few people with my words, but this is a situation that I am very familiar with. And I understand that the world is not perfect. I feel that some things must be said for it breaks my heart to see so many uninformed followers running about, helpless. Maybe it is that I do not understand the ways of others. I may be prejudice towards the way I was taught.
—Kaitlyn

Shadowtalk
by
Randal & panther

Elbow Room

    "Hey Randal!"
    "Yeah Panther?"
    "Did you make the announcement?"
    "I've made plenty of announcements, you'll have to be more specific."
    "Well, did you make the new one about the merger?"
    "Oh yes, of course." Suddenly Thomas Althorne hurried into the courtroom.
    "Randal! Where do you keep the Militia?!!" A loud crash could be heard coming from upstairs.
    "Oh, I know the answer to this one," Panther interrupted, "you keep them out. That's why we have walls and a drawbridge." Thomas only blinked once or twice, not really knowing how to address what he heard. Since he was in a hurry, he continued to address Randal.
    "I'm talking about the militia that's here—"
    "THERE'S A MILITIA HERE," Randal screamed, "quick, raise the drawbridge! Call out the militia—"
    "Yes! the Militia, WHERE DO YOU KEEP THEM?" Thomas was getting anoyed.
    "He isn't here," Panther offered more to Randal than Thomas.
    "You have a one-man militia?!" asked Thomas.
    "Who's not here," Randal questioned. (THIRD BASE)
    "Quick" Pather said. "You know you just asked him to raise the drawbridge. Well he can't, he's not here."
    "Look," Thomas said sternly, "do you have a militia here in the castle, or not?"

    The members of Shadowblade had recently set up shop in an old castle which was centrally located within the new borders. It was a bit run down, like most places in the wastes, because the last owners were run off by goblins long ago. Since then, it has housed less civilized creatures of all types. Now, the castle, like the government, was under reconstruction.
    "Well, do you or don't you?" Thomas persisted. Randal looked around for a moment, then gave Panther a shove forward.
    "Here's your man." The expression on Panther's face made it clear the whole idea was new to him. Panther looked at Randal, trying to tell if he was serious, and Randal looked at him as if to say, it was too late; it had already been said. There was another loud crash.
    Thomas, thankful for the chance to get a word in, continued to tell Randal his story.
    "Talon is upset. he is tearing apart a room upstairs, because you stripped away all the titles form the former Shadowhawk and Broken Blade."
    Panther shot a shocked glance at Randal, "You stripped our titles?!"
    Randal ignored Panther and addressed Thomas, "You know him better, can't you control him?"
    Panther was trying desperately to get Randal's attention, "So I'm not a knight?"
    "To tell you the truth, Randal, I've never really had that much control over him."
    "And my knightly gloves don't work..." Panther stood dismayed, realizing that no one was going to pay attention to him, and continued to think out loud.
    "After a period of deep thought, Randal came to a conclusion, "we'll have to start by selecting new people for a militia."
    "By then talon will have destroyed the whole west wing!" Thomas exclaimed
    Panther suddenly snappped to attention, "Did you say the west wing?"
    "Yeah the room at the end of the hall."
    "THAT'S MY ROOM!!" Panther screamed, running off to confront Talon. Randal and Thomas were left alone in the partly furnished courtroom.
    "So, tell me more about this decision to strip the titles." Crashing sounds still came from upstairs.
    "What decision?" Thomas rolled his eyes. "Oh, that one," Randal remembered. "I felt it was necessary to set everyone equal to one another, due to the meshing of our lands. We need to make a fresh start. Our entire hierarchy must be restructured, and I invite everyone to compete for positions."
    No one noticed the noise from the west wing had stopped until Panther returned. He had a lump on his head, and he was dragging a table leg in one hand and a piece of cloth in the other. The table leg was splintered and bent at an angle. He trudged past the other two without a word and stopped behind the throne.
    "I recoved this from my old room," he raised the banner over the throne displaying the new mark of Shadowblade. The three of them stood silently, their eye glued to the flag.
    "Long live Shadowblade," Thomas whispered.
    Panther turned and dragged his battered and bruised body towards the door on the other side of the courtroom.
    "If anyone needs me I'll be setting up a new room in the east wing."
    "What happened upstairs?" The others asked
    "We worked it out," Panther said flatly. As he released his grip on the table leg, it fell to the floor with a loud clatter. "Talon is resting comfortably in his new room."