The record of the entrants of the first (of many) I.P.A.'s Impromptu Poetry Contest! As organized by Luclin Faydwer, a very gorgeous person and all around cool bean.

Dirgesinger Nilraghar, the victor: (As he gave a very dramatic performance, the writing in italics describe his actions accompanying his words, and are necessary to the overall feel of the piece.)

He traces his right hand along his helm slowly, where his cheek would be if he was not wearing his helm

I weep, and weep, and weep.

He then punches his hand into the air, and clenches his fingers into a fist

You cannot even spare a smile.

But you... he stays silent for several moments in my heart, I will forever keep.

I know that in the end...it shall not be worthwile...once again he pauses for several moments before continuing

Your sublime beauty, forever in my sight, your brilliance forever in my mind.

My senses grasped he accents the word 'grasped', and clenches both of his hands into a fist overwelmed with nothing but plight, as I realize that for an eternity-

My love, you will remain blind.

Certain words are best left unspoken.. he holds out his right index finger and points it upwards as he holds it to where his lips would be

Such a truth shall bring only more pain... he holds his right hand across his heart and falls to his knees

I wish... his tone abruptly becomes lower I wish not to be more broken.

I am damned...forever...into this miserable bane.

Rosenqvist, the Egon: (Interesting Fact: Throughout his performance, Egon juggled three daggers flawlessly, earning him many cheers of adulation and amusement.)

I'd like to dedicate this to the goddess Lurue, but also to a very special Council candidate!

See if you can guess who!

And now, the POEM!

There was a young gnome from Dunwarren, Whose mushroom crop always was barren, 'Til he used for manure, The shit talked about Lower, And the spores rumbled out, BY THE GALLON!

Sheva, the Crimson Poet:

All the kings of the realm...all the citizens as well...but something travels with dark intent tonight...

It's power unmatched, few could even look past...their shoulder before it takes all their lives

Armies always fear it...citizens never speak it...it's might is spoken upon evily...

But one I may know, who lives far North in the snow...he always thought it was cleaning...

The one known as Chuck, always sitting in the muckk...few ever realized his wickedry

The sod stayed for years, doing no more than offering tears...to all who dared to ask

Twas a power kings would fear, where armies would flee in fear...for they knew not to look when at last...

It made its strike, faster than the blink of an eye...and no one ever knew...

How their joyful king died...was it too much spice? No I'll tell you now it was...

The assassin

Mr Greyhawk, the top-class merchant: with an exceedingly handsome mustache

Let me tell a take my fine friends, a tale known to few, and brings a smile to tools,

I fiddled with a lyre, for I was quite a liar, causing a stir with a fine poetic dire.

Watching over my flock, checking the clock, realizing it was time for the fire.

Instead of starting a fire, I decided to be a dryer, and set the clothes afire!

I was punished quite sorely, my friends quite...sortly. However, I can say that I was as free as the wind for the following week, and I never been finer.

And now for performances from two of the judges, and another performance from Sheva

Luclin, all around Cool Bean:

holds a hand to her chest, head cast down with a serene, mournful look

Reverse Vampire. Reverse Vampire. Cursed to expire by stake or by fire, but nigh unto nothing worse can befall you. Reverse Vampire. Lurking by sunlight or bonfire. Soaking in rays of brightness and beauty, through me you stare, as you are a vegetar-...ian.

lifts her hands to the sky, looking towards the heavens

Reverse Vampire. You hire yourself as a squire. The paladins love you of course. You toss a mean salad in meals, three-course. The holiest of holy's, your goal is only to please and twist the perceptions of those, your most scornful hosts. Reverse Vampire...

clenches her fist tightly

On trial. Your file, immense. No recompense for the sin of your merest being was hence given value, I'll tell you, poor Reverse Vampire, he's over the fire, the barrel, the fence! His fate in the hands of the damned, the TRUE vampire, lurking in the shadow, a cowardly force to be sure, it's his will that Reverse Vampire most perspire...then expire!

takes a step forward, looking into the audience. In a low, sad tone;

Reverse Vampire...what have they done?

Sheva, Royalty Slaughterer:

Look around children...what do you see? Darkness has engulfed you- and me

Is this a tragedy...is this bad? Without a doubt...so get ready to be sad

The horrors around wish to snuff us out...make our lives miserable- and eat our poor hounds...

But the gods have not forsaken us...

No no

They remain... pure and true

You ever wonder... will you see the sun again? This I tell you is true...

The light is darkest, before the dawn... one day you'll all be free...

Tread carefully out...remain stout..and freedom shall flow to thee

The light is darkest...just before the dawn...this we all know to be true

For a century it's been gone...the sweet beautiful sun...but it's out there, we know it's true

And though there may be times...

When we all get a fright...

From the creatures we hate... who wish to enslave... we know we'll make it through, we know...

The light is darkest... before the dawn... nothing else can be said...

Stay true to your faith...believe all that is said...I promise you...you will see the surface- again!

And finally, Geffin:

Those of noble blood, despair! The chance you have is not close to fair!

A potion, a bodyguard, an army, procure!

For swift are her feet; And your flesh is meat!

Sheva will feast tonight for sure!