...In my journal meditations I find that BG offers little explanation for why Charname and Imoen don't simply take Gorion's body back to the Temple of Oghma for Ressurection---!! Perhaps Zarevok has carried off his head to prevent such a course...
The game handles this in a rather unsatisfying way by telling you that you're not allowed back in because you don't possess a tome of great knowledge. In the beginning of this journal I was focusing on demonstrating the mechanics of cards and dice at the point they found Gorion's body. But that's a really good point that from a RP standpoint you have to come up with a reason why some attempt isn't made to take him to a temple for a res attempt. If Gorion was beheaded that would certainly take care of that.
... restoring the Town to the kind of status it enjoyed during the School of Ulcaster days...
This sounds like a fun hook! A restoration of the school could even be possible, at least as a goal for the PC. Although because of the tremendous spell energy that was unleashed there during the great battle 300 years prior, it seems to have a lot of bad mojo. In canon the Song of the Morning temple of Lathander (a faith that would seek to eradicate the presence of Undead) is basically right next to the ruins. They seem unable to have purged ghosts from it; or more to the point, to have solved why it remains haunted.
According to the source material for the region circa 1368, which is Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast, Beregost is a thriving trade center for a wilderness region. It grew out of a small farming village partly because the mage academy was nearby, but it also became a bustling caravan way point in its own right. Beregost is well positioned for such a purpose along the Coast Way. It kind of sounds like the mage academy was relatively short lived. Beregost grew in size over time after the mage academy was destroyed by a mage battle, expanding only on the west of the Coast Way because the hills where the school's ruins on the eastern side continue to be haunted. The Song of the Morning grazes sheep there and keeps an eye on it. But its each player's game to "DM" in a RPed game, so this is modifiable according to taste.
(When I built this town as a NWN persistent world server region for ALFA way back in the day, I placed the Ulcaster ruins on a bank of rolling hills that overlooked the town from the east. The Song of the Morning priests tended sheep on it.)
Re: Gorions body - IIRC there was a dialoge in vanilla where Imoen asks if they should bury it or something (altho doing so was not an option) - not sure why it might have been removed - it didn't answer the question about why you couldn't rez him but it at least somewhat answered the question of why your only choice is to take his things.
Yep, I'm recalling too that that Gorion's burial belongs to the BG1 NPC Project. I can't remember if the option to say yes to burying him results in the area then being replaced with a version that has a grave there... (or maybe that's just something it occurred to me they could do).
I guess they could have spent hours clawing at the dirt. Some protagonists might try to dig a grave with their hands, but mine in this game would not.
For my own game here, I would just assume that when the PC and Imoen tried to get back into Candlekeep and were denied, they first said, thanks for nothing; and then oh yeah, if you have any heart at all (which evidently you don't) you might want to retrieve Gorion's body and give him a proper burial. Schmucks.
Actually, a much more satisfying reason for the Gatewarden to give is that Ulraunt forbids your return because your presence at Candlekeep now poses a very serious threat to everyone within. That could also be the real reason behind why the Gatewarden denies you entry; even though he says you can only get back in with a tome of great value, he's just following orders and won't say why, for whatever reason.
How much Gorion shared about the PC's history with Ulraunt we'll never know. Based on the manual's description Ulraunt is high level and one badass wizard, though.
There is a dream later where the PC possibly remembers Gorion and Ulraunt arguing over him, and Ulraunt clearly isn't pleased that CHARNAME is being sheltered at Candlekeep. It is implied that that's a memory. But again, that's up to the player to decide, I guess.
The dialoge I'm thinking of there was no option to bury him that I recall-
it was just a comment from Imoen about "should we bury him or something" and the answers were all some form of no - some kind - some not - typical good - nuetral - jackass style
I was pretty sure it was in Vanilla - I didn't use any mods until the last year or so I played - not sure if I used NPC project or not I might have - and of course my memory is about as reliable as Nashkel Iron these days...LOL
[While the party rests, Imoen again tries her hand at some more burglary. She returns to the three remaining target homes on the north end of town that she had cased earlier. Because the hour is late, and even moreso since she doesn’t wish to push her luck, she decides to rob only one house.
[Roll 1 d4 where 1 = easternmost two-story home, 2 = three-story home directly across from the “duplex” i.e., 3 = two-story manor with stable and mill , 4 = reroll.
Result: 2, three-story home directly across from the “duplex”.]
Imoen figures it’s safest to burgle the upstairs only, and finds nothing of value on the upper floors of the three-story home. This takes fairly little time, though. She still has time to try one more...
Imoen then moves around the corner with the thought of possibly hitting the manor. As she does so she spots Neera, looking distressed about something. Imoen considers that maybe the young woman noticed her coming out of the home she was just in. But after a moment or two of observation Imoen feels relatively secure that she (Imoen) has remained hidden, and whatever this stranger feels may be wrong is not about her (Imoen). Imoen (who is Neutral Good) wonders if the maiden is okay. She ponders whether to ask her if she needs assistance.
[Does Imoen ask Neera if she needs help? Red card = yes.]
Imoen speaks with Neera and the encounter ensues. During the battle Imoen is killed by the Thayan wizard, but resurrectably so.
Oracos would have likely have been sleeping lightly because he was worried about Imoen going out burgling again. At that point I left it up to chance as to whether Oracos would awake and notice that Imoen was gone.
[Does Oracos wake up and notice Imoen missing? Red card = yes.]
After a very short period of restless sleep I awoke to find Imoen’s bed empty. I was somewhat torn then about what to do. But my instinct to protect my friend easily won out over letting her practice her thief skills.
[This I felt was what CHARNAME would indeed do here, though I could have turned a card.]
I awoke Jaheira and Khalid and advised that I needed their help to look for Imoen. Jaheira was clearly peeved by this development. Khalid simply grabbed his gear without a word, and acted more or less impassive about it—although I think he too was concerned. I suspect that Jaheira likely was a bit worried for Imoen's wellbeing as well, honestly, despite her annoyance.
[Here I just pretended that they did a search without using any dice rolls for direction, etc. They’d find her body eventually, however they went about it.]
We wandered the streets for a fairly short distance, and found Imoen’s lifeless body to the side of one of the streets!
There were no marks on her. Whatever ended her life would appear to have been magical in nature. Or maybe an assassin had poisoned her.
I was very concerned that something like this could happen to Imoen, and chided myself for giving her tacit permission to do something this risky. But I was in any event relieved that her remains were perfectly intact. I advised Jaheira and Khalid that we would carry Imoen to the Song of the Morning right away.
As I picked Imoen’s body up, we heard an earnest but frightened voice pipe up from the shadows nearby, thanking us effusively that our friend had protected her! We investigated in the direction where we heard the voice, and found a shivering young woman crouching behind a stairway.
She was a half-elf, with pinkish white hair peaking noticeably from within her hood. The young maiden told us her name was Neera. She related that she was being chased by a number of men who meant her harm. Imoen had noticed her in need and had offered to help her. To her horror Imoen was killed by a spell cast from one of Neera’s pursuers. Neera recounted that she had managed to run just out of sight and hide when Imoen became the target of the mage’s attacks.
This whole event probably happened but a very short while ago, Neera said; although it felt like ages, as Neera felt literally too frightened to move until day broke and people began moving about town at dawn.
The young lady asked if she could join us, at least long enough to escort her to some kind of safety.
I briefly tried to assess what had happened here. This clearly could have be a ruse for another assassination attempt. But it seemed rather unlikely that they would leave Imoen’s body lying on the road for a good citizen to stumble upon and notify the Lathanderite clergy about. I shared that thought with Jaheira and Khalid.
“I think we should bring her with us,” Jaheira said to me in a hushed voice, leaning toward me, with Khalid leaning in as well to listen. “It's only a short walk to the temple. Then when we restore Imoen to life we can find out if she‘s telling the truth.”
I responded in a whisper that it also seems doubtful that this Neera would risk coming with us to have Imoen resurrected if she had been involved in her death. Jaheira and Khalid nodded in agreement to this. So we told Neera she was welcome to accompany us to the temple to get our friend brought back to life. Neera thanked us with what seemed to be genuine relief.
Perhaps not more than a dozen strides later we were accosted by a warrior and a wizard!
“I’m so sorry! These are the men who are after me!” cried Neera. If she was only acting as part of a plot to kill us, this Neera was a skilled actor. Her words had a ring of conviction. They seemed to me more likely true than false. But Neera ended this instant of speculation about her motives by casting the spell Pink Energy Darts spell from her fingertips at the warrior with a sword.
Khalid and Jaheira advanced at the brigand and I threw a dart at him. But at this moment a mage appeared from the darkness behind the approaching warrior and cast a spell I was unfamiliar with [Melf’s Acid Arrow] at Neera. The spell killed her instantly!
I tried Blinding the mage, but evidently it didn’t work because the wizard cast another Magic Fingertip Darts spell that jolted Khalid badly.
Khalid was hurt rather severely at this point in the battle, but he kept fighting his foe, even if it was all he could do to block strikes with his shield.
“I’ll heal him!” I shouted to Jaheira, and ran to Khalid to do so. Jaheira then cast her Despair spell at the mage. This spell must have succeeded, as the wizard instantly fled and vanished from sight.
I healed Khalid, who was still fighting bravely even with his substantial injuries; and once renewed to full health Khalid cut down the enemy with a swift stroke.
We moved cautiously a bit down the street to see if our attacker who had fled might yet be lurking. There we found yet another warrior who ran at us with sword drawn. I threw two darts at him. I am proud to report that the second one struck him fatally in the eye before Khalid and Jaheira could even reach him!
Now we went to examine the body of Neera, and confirmed that she was dead. I voiced that it now seemed clearer that she had been telling us the truth. I wasn’t sure if any information of value may come of learning more about Neera. But I felt it was worth the relatively modest amount of gold it costs to Raise her from the dead at the temple to find out. Plus despite the fact that she had gotten us drawn into her fight, she had assisted us when we were attacked. So perhaps she had earned at least that much.
Jaheira approved of the plan, observing that the entire event could all be a ruse. Zhents spies had already been placed already among us. And assassins and bounty hunters hired by them were after us as well. So it would be prudent to question Neera a bit further.
When we arrived at the Song of the Morning we had only enough gold to resurrect Imoen. The price had doubled since we paid to have Xzar raised from the dead! (Jaheira did the negotiating.)
Once returned to life, Imoen related her adventure earlier that night.
In return we expressed to Imoen some of the thoughts we had about whether the entire event might be a set-up. Upon hearing this, looking a little sideways at Jaheira, Imoen offered that it seemed doubtful to her that this was some sort of an elaborate scheme…
Unfortunately the temple wouldn’t buy the gear we had stripped from our attackers last night, and that we still had from our encounter the day before with the skeletons outside of High Hedge. But the clergy did agree to keep Neera’s body until we returned the next morning with sufficient funds to have her restored to life.
Our party then returned to the Burning Wizard and slept the rest of the night.
A 'Wild Magic' Mage Needs Our Help - Part 2
In the morning we went to the Thunderhammer smithy and sold the gear we had looted from slain enemies. Unfortunately we raised the total in our purse only to 45 gold pieces. We needed 200.
We then looked through Neera’s belongings and found quite a bit of value. She had a gem bag that we felt could actually be quite convenient based on our experience thus far with rings, necklaces, gemstones, and the like cluttering our packs. We were a bit reluctant to sell that for our own selfish reasons. And the price Taerom was willing to pay for the bag wouldn’t raise sufficient funds to pay to have Neera returned to life anyway...
Neera had also in her possession a wizard’s robe that was enchanted to protect slightly against missiles. And finally she had an enchanted staff that… well, it seemed a rather poor weapon, actually. The staff could deliver a burst of fire when it hit. But it might also burn the wielder! Probably not the best weapon for someone such as a mage, unless of course protected from fire by some means.
Either of the latter two items alone would pay for Neera’s resurrection. Certainly Neera was unable to choose which one for herself right now!
Given that we had rescued Neera and were bringing her back to life, she had little right to be upset about which belonging of hers got sold. But not wishing to be presumptuous about it I pulled a rune stone.
[Sell either Neera’s Staff or Traveler’s Robe, where red card = staff, and black card = robe. Result: black card. Party sells her robe.]
We sold the robe for a hefty three hundred gold. When we returned to the temple, Imoen did our negotiating as before. She was clearly better at it than Jaheira, and got the price back down to 100 gold pieces.
Then upon restoring Neera to life we healed her wounds. We explained to Neera what had happened, in response to which she exclaimed she was eternally grateful. I asked her if Imoen might hold onto her gem bag, as an act of appreciation—it would be of great use to her. Neera said she was only too happy to be alive, and that she was happy to give it to Imoen for her so bravely rescuing her. And indeed for us all to have done so.
I told Neera that we would like for her to return to the Burning Wizard with us to sit down and chat, so that we could ask her some more questions. Neera appeared relieved overall but also looked slightly anxious at this offer. After just a moment she brightened and said she was happy to do so.
“It isn’t like I have a lot of options, right now,” she laughed. “If I can travel with you all I’m sure I’ll be safer than if I go it alone.”
That elicited a small chuckle from the entire group. Neera looked a little perplexed at our response.
“We just have to find out more about what is going on with you before we can consider having you join us,” I replied, smiling.
Back at the inn we found a table. I asked Neera to tell us her story. She recounted a most unusual tale.
Neera is originally from the High Forrest, of land of which I have read. But as she was trained to use her blossoming skills in magic she accidentally injured a friend and later caused a fire in the forest. The combination of events had led to her expulsion, and she has been wandering ever since.
Neera told of her Wild Magic and its utterly bizarre and quite often very dangerous results. She said she was able to cast spells far beyond her the ability of an ordinary caster by using the Weave in this unusual way. The problem was that her attempts often resulted in things that were, well, not very desirable.
I asked her to give me examples. She thought for a moment and said the fireballs she had mentioned, as an example of something really bad... But sometimes something good happens! For example, once highly nutritious berries that have healing properties appeared in her pockets! (At this Jaheira rolled her eyes and lowered her forehead onto her folded arms.)
The half-elf went on to recount that during her travels some Thayan Red Wizards appeared who for some odd reason wished to take her captive to study her magic skills. They have been pursuing her ever since, she said. Neera added that the reason for their tenacity is hard to fathom.
“I don’t understand why they don’t have anything better to do with their lives than to chase after me,” she said. “This is the scariest thing I’ve ever gone through in my life!” she added quietly.
At this point, it seemed that the weight of all that Neera had undergone in the past several months was about to collapse upon her. Neera’s lip began quivering. Imoen instantly drew her hand to her own heart, her own eyes welling up, and clearly about ready to cry along with Neera. Imoen quickly put her arm around Neera, and whispered a few words of comfort.
Then Imoen looked toward me with an expression that unfortunately I know all too well from her: the ‘I have an idea that’s going to get us both into trouble’ look.
“Hey, this is just like us, Oracos!” Imoen observed with a tone of excitement. “She should come with us! Can she, please?” Imoen implored.
“Silence little girl!” Jaheira interrupted with surprising force. “We need tell her nothing of our affairs.”
“J-j-heira, perhaps we can be a bit more civil, p-please,” Khalid interjected, to a look or irritation in response. Khalid did not lock his eyes with her, simply satisfied to have made his point.
I gently asked Neera to please remain where she was while we spoke amongst ourselves. She nodded. Then I, Imoen, Jaheira, and Khalid stepped toward the fireplace and commenced our private discussions.
Jaheira spoke first. “If she joins us, then we’re going to be chased by both the Zhentarim and Red Wizards of Thay!” she said. “This would be utter madness. I strongly urge you not to do this, Oracos.” She paused only for a second and assumed a somewhat gentler tone. “We can suggest that she seek refuge at the temple. The Lanthanderite priests will surely protect her… Or maybe she can visit Thalantyr and seek his aid.”
“She’s not really an adventurer, Jaheira,” I answered. “She’s a maiden in distress. I don’t think Thalantyr would necessarily be inclined to help her. It would be a big gamble for her to go to the trouble of taking a day’s travel there, in any case.” But I added “If we don’t take her with us, she sure enough could seek refuge at the temple...”
“I think we should help her!” Imoen blurted. “She’s got nobody! At least we have each other!”
“It w-w-would be the honorable thing t-t-to d-do,” Khalid managed to stammer out. “But I d-d-do see Jaheira’s point,” he added. “I th-think the decision is yours, Oracos,” he concluded. “As it sh-should be.”
I then shared a consideration that I felt we should make: having someone in our party with Neera’s unique spellcasting abilities could prove a tremendous boon. Neera can cast spells of much higher level than most mages of her meager experience. Certainly much higher than me. This ability could prove extraordinarily helpful. It may even save our lives in some situations.
“Did you not hear what she said?” Jaheira asked in an agitated tone. “Her spells can result instead in giant fireballs that could either seriously injure or even kill us! That does not sound like a risk worth taking!” Jaheira caught herself and calmed down a little. “There is really nothing but risk that I can see here! Please let us take her to the temple and let’s be done.”
I looked at the party and said “You all know what I’m going to do, right?”
Jaheira seemed clearly still perturbed. “As much as I respect the gods… and I really do… this is not something that I think should be left to chance.”
“It is not left to chance,” I said calmly. “We are merely seeking direction. The question is actually whether you trust my powers to reveal what the gods wish us to do.”
“Fair enough,” Jaheira said. And she sounded sincere. “You appear to have done well enough in divining our course thus far.”
I then sat at a table next to the fireplace and cast my runes.
[Does the party take Neera along? Black card = no.]
The runes revealed that it would not be advisable for us to take Neera at this time.
When I told Imoen she was visibly distressed. But I reminded her not to overlook that we had saved Neera’s life. And I added that Neera seeking refuge at the temple should provide her more protection than we ever could. Neera was in fact at greater risk by traveling with us, what with the bounty on my head.
Imoen conceded that all this was true, but it still did not sit right with her all the same. I nodded and said that I felt much the same. But I trusted that the gods’ direction here.
Imoen was about to sulk but stopped herself and stopped herself as if a thought had arisen to cheer her. She asked that if we stopped this way again, perhaps Neera could still join up with us later if it looked like the Red Wizards were no longer chasing her. I said that was certainly a possibility.
We returned to the table where Neera still sat and I told her of our decision. I simply said that we felt it was just too risky for her to travel with us. I asked her if she would like us to walk her to the Song of the Morning and there we would request of the Governor that the temple provide her some protection. Although she would likely have join the church in the bargain.
Neera was saddened by our decision. But she said that she was nevertheless grateful for what we had done to help her. Imoen quickly added that we might still come back and ask her to join us if it looked like the Red Wizards were no longer bothering her. I then stated also that in order for us to know that, we would only ask that Neera stay at the Song of the Morning so that we would have a reliable source of information about whether indeed the Thayans’ attacks had ceased. Neera’s shoulders slumped a bit in response. Just as quickly she gave a shrug.
We walked Neera to the temple. On the way Imoen offered to give her back her gem bag.
[Does Neera accept the bag? Black card = no]
Neera said, no, it was fine that her new friend Imoen use it for now. Neera said she probably wasn’t going to need it, tending to the vegetable gardens of the temple, or whatever else they might have her doing. “At least I’ll have safety and meals other than nuts and berries,” she said.
We spoke with Kelddath, and related our concerns for Neera. Kelddath had heard of our adventure at the mines, and on that basis said he would be willing to look after Neera.
We said our goodbyes. Imoen gave Neera a big hug and said “Dontcha’ worry! We’ll be back!” Neera smiled wanly. Yet she seemed to look faintly hopeful that we might.
It was now mid-day. I asked that we return once more to the Burning Wizard so that I could cast my runes once more: this time about where we shall attempt to hide out from the Zhents.
I also advised that we have 245 gold left. We could do one of two things. First option: spend it all to get whatever provisions we may need. Out in the wilderness we would eventually run out of arrows, darts, and sling bullets. But we should also explore the town for any other things that may be of use to use. Second option: we could return one more time to High Hedge and there purchase one more spell that I will eventually be able to use when I gain just a bit more skill with the Weave.
I stated that we were pretty well stocked for now. I felt that overall it would probably be more beneficial for us to get the spell. Especially the one that I had seen work on Jaheira and Khalid in the tent at the Nashkel fair! I also added that while wished to hold onto the potion we bought at the Nashkel carnival, Thanalntyr was quite interested in it, so that would give us a bit of a cushion if we became desperate. And we could always make a return trip here as the situation may demand.
Perhaps I should not have given the reminder of Jaheira having become panicked by the spell at the fair. Jaheira responded flatly that she felt that supplies was a more certain asset. So she favored us getting ammo, plus any other type of equipment that may prove helpful in wilderness.
[Does the party buy gather get provisions or another spell at High Hedge? Red card = spell, black card = ammo. Results: Imoen = red card, Khalid = black card. The vote is evenly split. Party leader’s vote is tie breaker, so they venture to get the spell.]
[Note: had the party gone looking for provisions they may well have found Kagain and Firebeard.]
Khalid sided with Jaheira, and Imoen agreed with me. So as had become our custom now, my vote broke the tie.
We all sat down as I cast my runes about what to do next.
[Do we go to Baldur’s Gate or try to hide in the wilderness? Red card = Baldur’s Gate, black card = wilderness. Result: Red card. The party travels to Baldur’s Gate.]
The runes showed that we should go to Baldur’s Gate.
Jaheira seemed pleased. Khalid said he preferred the "sunny out-of-doors" and that cities in general made him feel a bit nervous—but the decision felt sound nonetheless.
Imoen was not as happy as I thought she might be, as she had earlier suggested that we try to board a ship in Baldur’s Gate and sail somewhere far away where no one would find us. But she was still sulking a bit over the loss of a potential new friend.
Myself, I was relieved to be going to a city rather than trying to rough it in the wilderness.
And with that we embarked yet again to High Hedge, figuring that we would arrive there around dusk. (Hopefully we can stay the night at High Hedge!)
Heh, nope, you're right, one can't get into BG city until chapter four is completed. But the party would not know that. I'm just roleplaying based on what they know, and using cards and dice, and seeing where it all takes them! Sort of makes it all an adventure all over again. Even though I know what will happen as the party comes to this turn, that twist, or some fork in the unfolding story, the characters don't.
I'm actually a little worried now that they will somehow make it to Ulgoth's Beard; and if so, and if they find Mendas there, that they would take his quest (i.e., Imoen has suggested fleeing the area by sea, and Oracos likes that idea).
Think I had a genuine emotional response over the game-twist of escorting Neera to Song of the Morning Temple after Imoen, who had died trying to protect her, was strongly in favor and Jaheira strongly opposed. Blessings upon her!!
Doesn't really matter if they take the werewolf quest (that's the Mendas one right?) as they cannot go to the island without getting the charts from Baldurs gate.
Think I had a genuine emotional response over the game-twist of escorting Neera to Song of the Morning Temple after Imoen, who had died trying to protect her, was strongly in favor and Jaheira strongly opposed. Blessings upon her!!
As a player I wanted to keep her in the party because I think her Wild Surge spells would be a blast in a game like this.* But the PC believes in his runes. So I had to follow through with what the runes directed (i.e., the card I flipped over). The PC and Imoen both wanted her to join, although the PC recognizes the additional peril in adding her. He's more risk-averse than Imoen.
I really hope to eventually add Neera later on, luck permitting. If so, I may level her up at least one level from practicing her spells.
Actually, this scenario provides an opportunity for this gaming technique (this may be going overboard but it I think it would be pretty easy to do):
There's a strong chance that Neera could get herself expelled from Beregost too from practicing her magic and something going terribly awry. When I next return to Beregost I'll see what's happened with all that:
- Let's say she practices spellcasting 1 spell per day - 1 in 3 times that she practices her magic skills she attempts Nahal's Reckless Dweomer, with Chaos Shield (she wouldn't get Improved Chaos Shield at L1, right?) - 1 in 20 chance of a surge for normal spell castings - ? chance of surge when casting Nahal's/Chaos Shield - not sure what the odds are here - for each day that she's been missing upon the party's next I next return to Beregost I can roll a 1d100 (via dice roller app at WotC) to see what surge results she got - depending on the outcomes I will RP what I imagine Kelddath would do (and if in doubt draw a card)
Believe it or not, all that would only take a few minutes of dice rolling.
If Neera gets expelled from Beregost, I'm not sure what she would do... She would most likely wander off never to be seen again by the party. Seems unlikely that she would set out to try to find the party... Or at least very low odds that she would, I think...
But if she does it would definitely be fun.
Using this game's techniques I could flip a card for whether she tries to find the party if Kelddath gives her the boot. Then the chances of her succeeding in finding the party later on would seem to be pretty remote. Far less than a 50/50 card flip. I guess I could use a 1d100 to determine that outcome as well, based on a percentage (say, 5% chance that she locates the party each day?).
Actually. it may be simpler to roll this for Neera each day that passes as the game progresses 'in real time' while the party is off on its adventures.
Anyway, if all this comes to pass I'll have to do some things mechanically that are 'out-of-game' re: the story: 1) Ctrl+Y Neera at the SotM, 2) if she does somehow miraculously find the party again, CLUA her back into the game, 3) Ctrl+Y the Thayans that are scripted to appear, 4) edit Neera's inventory with EEKeeper, 5) click through the dialogues to re-add her.
* I.e., minimal reload (really, only when the PC dies), roleplaying all the characters reactions, and using cards and dice when in doubt about character reactions.
Yeah, here she didn't say a word when I removed her from the party. I think it's either a bug or the most recent patch changed her kick-out dialogue and script. But more likely the former, I would think.
In my game the encounter with Neera became disjointed when Imoen encountered Neera alone--and then got killed. Imoen was out burgling while the rest of the party stayed back at the Burning Wizard. When Imoen died, the screen she was on disappeared and then the screen for CHARNAME appeared. I had no idea what happened to Neera at that point. The rest of the encounter then played out after the party then went o find Imoen's body (loot drop) and found Neera there as well. So my guess is that chain of events broke something in the 'leave party' script for her.
In my RP now for Thalantyr, I'm trying to remember what he says about the skeletons roaming around outside of High Hedge for the Melicamp quest. Can anyone remember if Thalantyr comments on why the skeletons are there in such numbers outside of his fortress?
Edit: Oh well, I made up my own reason for it in all events.
We arrived at High Hedge thankfully just as the sun was going down, in the last waning light of the day. Imoen scouted the area just outside the fortress where we had earlier encountered skeletons and gnolls, but none were found.
Thalantyr didn’t seem bothered in the slightest to see us again so soon. He even seemed in the mood for company.
Unfortunately, I had misremembered the price of the spell I wanted. We hadn’t enough money in our coin purse to buy the Horrification spell scroll. Thus, reluctantly, I sold the potion I had purchased at the Nashkel fair. Thalantyr paid 250 gold for it. (That’s more than six times what I had paid for it.)
I successfully scribed the spell.
We were now to journey on to Baldur’s Gate. But given that we had encountered undead not far from the fortress, Khalid asked Thalantyr if it was advisable to travel at night in this particular region. Thalantryr replied that the skeletons may have appeared as an unintended consequence of some of his magics, but more than that he cared not to say.
I asked Thalantyr to do us the favor of allowing us to sleep inside his fortress. The Conjurer chortled that he could never make an exception to his long held rule on this subject. No, he could not allow that. He was not running an inn! Otherwise before long adventurers would hear tales of his hospitality and an inn is essentially what his fortress would risk becoming.
Thalantyr added that we seemed a capable lot. Nevertheless we could camp on his steps if we really felt the need to.
Feeling a little less adventurer-like at that suggestion, we thanked Thalantyr and began to take our leave. But just as we were exiting his work area a towering and hulking humanoid wearing naught but a loin cloth lumbered past us. It clearly did not pose a threat to Thalantyr, who ignored the thing.
We were awestruck at the sight of it. It was constructed of stitched together body parts. Most hideous looking it was and more than a bit foul smelling. Jaheira commented that it was called a “flesh golem.” She explained that she had seen some before in her travels. She said they possessed almost unimaginable strength, and a single blow from fist of one of them was enough to kill most men instantly.
Thalantyr overheard our conversation and called out from his work area (where he was concocting potions) that he had a number of them roaming around his fortress.
We turned then back towards Thalantyr to listen to him tell of the creatures. Thalantyr said they followed his directions faithfully—and indeed could do no other, as they had no mind of their own. They weren’t really even conscious in the sense of any sort of mindfulness as we know it.
Thalantyr continued that the souls of the bodies used to make these golems were securely and happily in the afterlife, and bore no attachment of any sort to their former shells. So he now used them necromantically to guard his tower. Thalantyr added that there was quite a colorful story behind how they bodies came to be used by him as such, but he would save that for another time.
I mentioned that we had heard the townsfolk tell that High Hedge was protected by some very strange and powerful guardians, and evidently these were it! Thalantyr smiled back as he continued adjusting a beaker.
I then added casually that when we first approached the tower the day before yesterday I assumed a very stern looking elf with a halberd to be one of the guards of the place.
At this statement Thalantyr cocked his head slightly and widened his eyes. He then slowly shook his head as he gazed carefully at his shelf. “No, that’s not one of mine,” he said. "I have no idea who on Toril that would be.” He added that it may well just be another adventurer roaming the woods in search of Bassilus, given the huge bounty Kelddath had posted.
“I know Kelddath is fit to be tied about the mad cleric. As if the problems with bandits in the area weren’t enough,” he muttered. Then he measured out a pungently musty ingredient into a stone dish and began pulverizing it with a pestle.
Imoen then asked Thalatyr why he hadn’t sought the bounty for Bassilus himself. Thalantyr gruffly reminded her that he was retired from adventuring.
“Um, oh, I know you’re retired and all,” said Imoen. “To help your friend, the Governor, I mean.”
Thalantyr said that adventurers would eventually stop Bassilus. That’s what adventurers do.
“But to do that one would have to be an adventurer, eh?” the old mage said pointedly.
Best to let that follow its own course, he said.
Thalantyr went on to tell us one more thing before bidding us a good eve.
“There is an old house a bit to the west of here that rangers sometimes use. Whoever dared build it long ago has long since abandoned it, or perhaps been slain. At any rate, I have heard the owner has been absent for over a decade now. I visited it once. The home was well constructed. You might be able to seek shelter there,” he said.
We bid a good eve to Thanaltyr and continued on our journey.
Once outside on the steps to High Hedge I asked the group how they felt about seeking the ranger’s cabin for the night. I stated that felt that it would be wise, since Imoen’s ability to scout ahead during the day has steadily improved to the point that the cover of night isn’t as crucial for her now. I would rather have the daylight working for Imoen and I.
Imoen agreed. (She added that she really appreciated the ring we got from Nimbul that she briefly wore earlier!) I noted that there is a spell I can learn to cast that will help one see better in the dark—and it belongs to my specialization, actually. But at least for the time being, there are far more useful spells for me to prepare in order to try to improve our chances of survival.
In any event, Jaheira and Khalid seemed to understand this concern, and were not troubled by the plan to seek shelter in the nearby cabin, which was to the northwest.
So we agreed to have Imoen scout ahead and see if we might find this bit of shelter. We decided to head back around the way we had come, earlier, as that was at least somewhat familiar.
As we made our way around the stone fortress, Imoen returned from her explorations to tell us that the elf we had seen a few days ago had made camp at the same spor where we saw him before.
I asked the others if they felt we should approach him to ask what dangers may lurk ahead. It seemed to me an acceptable risk, I said. He hadn’t attacked us before, I noted. Not everyone on our path is bent on killing us, I observed. Some may even be helpful.
Jaheira, who was raised in an elven forest herself, noted that the Tel-quessir are typically at one with the wilderness; when we passed him before she had observed that this one had such a look about him, and as such would probably be better source of information than most. Imoen and Khalid agreed it was an acceptable risk to speak with him.
We anticipated that given the elf’s keen senses he already knew we were there. We slowly strode up to him in a relaxed and friendly manner. If he had any concern about us it remained concealed by his hardened look.
I introduced the party to him, and he told us his name is Kivan. The elf shared his deduction that we were new customers of Thalantyr, judging from the two visits we had made.
Kivan said that he had set up camp outside of High Hedge because was seeking to join with a capable band of adventurers. He said he was in need of assistance with a quest of his own. If a group of adventurers was willing to help him, then in exchange Kivan would help them with whatever they might need. Within reason, of course, he added.
The rugged elf proceeded to tell us a most tragic tale. He is a Sy-tel-quessir, or ‘wild elf’, who hails from the great elven Forest of Shadows in far eastern Amn. Several years ago he and his beloved were on a journey together and they were waylaid by brigands who tortured them both, for no better reason than their own cruel pleasure. His mate, whose name was Deheriana, did not survive. Kivan himself managed to escape. But he has never forgiven himself for allowing their capture and the loss of his betrothed. He has been deeply haunted and driven ever since to avenge her death.
Kivan told that he had tracked down and killed each and every one of the bandits involved save the leader, who has somehow continually managed to elude him. Kivan’s final quarry is a half-ogre named “Tazok.” Kivan added that he suspected Tazok to be somewhere between Beregost and Baldur’s Gate, but thus far he has been unable to discover his hiding place.
At the mention of this name, we all looked at one another and I hoped that our faces had not then betrayed a subtle reaction of surprise. I asked the elf to repeat the name to confirm what we had all heard, which he did. In the next instant I asked him to please wait a moment as we consulted among ourselves. “As you wish,” he replied.
A good number paces away we began our counsel at a low volume, lest Kivan’s keen elven ears overhear.
As I gathered my thoughts, Khalid ventured his own. “I th-think this elf might be a w-welcome addition to our party,” he offered earnestly. Jaheira smiled little at this, and turned her head to Khalid with nod of approval.
“I agree,” Jaheira said simply.
“But we’re goin’ to Baldur’s Gate…” Imoen observed with a slightly pensive tone. “Unless this Tazok’s in Baldur’s Gate we’re not gonna be any help to Kivan.”
I took my turn to speak. “We don’t even know if the one this elf seeks is the very same Tazok that has orchestrated the iron crisis and has been sending mercenaries to kill us,” I reminded her. “Though none of us shall be surprised if it be the same one. In both cases there is a common link of banditry.”
“We should have the elf join us and learn what we can of our common foe!” Jaheira exclaimed. “Even though we seek to elude Tazok, it behooves us to learn everything we can about him. This wild elf has been tracking him literally for years. He probably knows much of him by now. Even in our introductions just now we learned that Tazok is half-ogre, for example. Knowledge of the enemy is always an advantage.”
I stood for a moment contemplating this counsel as the others exchanged their views. And something quickly occurred to me that should have been immediately obvious as a Diviner who looks to omens. This elf, standing on our path right here and now, with his very own quest that is so strongly linked to our plight, is almost certainly a sign in itself.
Rejoining the conversation I said to Jaheira “I agree that we cannot ignore this opportunity.” And at this she turned from Khalid to listen attentively. “But the question is whether we act in good faith with Kivan from the outset. He seeks to find and kill the very enemy that we hope to evade. If we tell him that we are hiding from Tazok then I expect that will not be to his liking…”
And the next thought I found placed us in a bit of a quandary...
“I agree that we should have him join us for the reason you stated,” I continued. “But in order to glean from Kivan what he knows about Tazok, I think we would have to deceive him that we believe Tazok to be located now in Baldur’s Gate.”
We then looked at one another, aware of the implications of such a plan. It would be a form of betrayal of this new ally.
“Spinning such a web of lies will be a chore,” I felt it important to add. “And as a skilled tracker, Kivan could well see through our lies very quickly. He will hardly be pleased. And let us not overlook that this elf is given to revenge.”
“Th-that is if we stick to our current p-p-plan, Oracos” Khalid said amiably. “M-may we not c-c-consider altering it?”
“You mean help him track down and kill Tazok?” I asked.
“Perhaps,” Khalid said quietly.
Imoen frowned at this, as if clearly perplexed now. Jaheira seemed to be formulating thoughts of her own in response.
Before anyone could speak I found myself suddenly envisioning a satisfactory solution. “Just now, for a moment, I thought to consult the runes,” I said. “And perhaps it would be wisest if I did.”
I paused then, the others anticipating the implicit ‘but’ that seemed forthcoming.
“However sometimes omens are plain as day, and I must heed what is directly and unmistakably right in front of me…
“We shall tell Kivan the truth,” I advised. “The decision whether to join us shall be his.”
Imoen responded that she felt this was a good idea. Jaheira seemed to struggle at the thought of this plan, and was about to speak to it. But Khalid, put his hand gently on her forearm, and nodded for her not to. “This is the w-w-ise and honorable thing to do,” he said. She sighed and glanced back at him with apparent resignation that her words to the contrary would probably be wasted here. She held her tongue.
We walked back over to Kivan and I told him our tale, though only in broad strokes. He was happy to hear that we would be strongly motivated allies. But he appeared disconcerted by our plan to try to avoid our attacker. He seemed to agree with one point, however.
“He is a powerful enemy,” Kivan acknowledged softly and with a smoldering hatred. “He surrounds himself with lackeys that he ensures complete loyalty from. If I were to attack him alone the risk of being overwhelmed is too great.”
I reminded the elf that our plan was to evade Tazok. But I added that Kivan now having appeared on our path I took as an omen that may perhaps alter this course. I told Kivan that if we can learn more about Tazok from him, and detect a vital chink in Tazok’s armor, then perhaps we may reconsider our plan to leave the Sword Coast. It is conceivable that we might then kill Tazok before he kills us.
“The main problem that I see with trying to kill Tazok is that he would seem to have the entire organization of the Zhentarim behind him… and that is more than a little intimidating!” I opined.
“Tazok a Zhent…” Kivan said, with a grimace. “I’ve been tracking him for two years now... Hmph. Maybe.”
Kivan recounted that in his tracking efforts to the south of the Cloud Peaks he had heard of Tazok recently having been seen with several different evil bandit groups. But to his knowledge no group that was clearly aligned with the Zhentarim, however.
“Exactly which groups did you see him with?” asked Jaheira.
“We can talk about that in time if I decide to stay with you,” Kivan replied.
Kivan then directed a rather pointed question at me. “You are a Diviner… Why don’t you use your magic to see why Tazok wants your head?”
I responded honestly that I most certainly wished it was that easy as well, but that my powers were not yet that great. Perhaps in time, as my ability grows, I said.
Kivan was silent for a moment but seemed content with that answer.
“In time, you may be able to see Tazok’s location then?” Kivan asked.
“It is my hope that we will live long enough for me to gain the power to do that, yes,” I said with a smile.
“I will join you,” Kivan said. “At least long enough to learn what I can from you as well. But I will not venture farther than Baldur’s Gate. Unless it is to follow Tazok’s trail.”
So it was that Kivan joined our party in a mutually cautious pact.
Since Kivan is a ranger of the wilderness, I sought his counsel about our plan to stay in the nearby cabin at night. He responded that he had seen the home, but naturally hadn’t bothered to seek refuge there. Kivan agreed however about our concerns for the skeletons in the area. He said if it was our wish to stay there he would scout ahead to make sure the path to the cabin was safe.
Kivan returned several moments later to report that some skeletons lurked ahead in the trees. He added that they should pose less of a threat with their swords drawn than when hurling daggers at us. He said he had already seen that Imoen was our scout; the two of them would sneak up and surprise then into hand-to hand combat. The half-elves could then charge them.
Feeling left out, I added that I could throw my darts.
“Mhhm,” Kivan grunted quietly.
“You haven’t seen him throw a dart yet!” Imoen said of me proudly, patting my back.
Kivan was no longer there, however, having slipped into the night.
“I gotta go!” Imoen said with a grin. I told her to be careful, but she too vanished before I could complete the sentence.
Jaheira and Khalid crept forward and beckoned me to follow. With their half-elven vision they apparently could at least see the direction Kivan and Imoen had gone.
Imoen and Kivan returned a short while later to report that the skeletons seem to have roamed off. But there were now a couple of gnolls near to the cabin. Kivan recommended that we creep close enough to strike with ranged weapons and for all of us to fire upon them when he gave the signal.
[Note: I had saved the game at the point Kivan scouted out the skeletons and returned to report it. But days later when I opened the save to resume the game the spawns had changed. No more skellies.]
As quietly as we could, we carefully followed Kivan to a position right next to the cabin wall. Kivan motioned for us all to target the one to the left. He let his arrow fly, and we loosed our missiles at the gnoll as well.
The two gnolls charged at us. During their advance the one we targeted fell. The other quickly closed on us with his halberd, and Kivan and Khalid switched to their melee weapons. Imoen, Jaheira and I continued with our ranged attacks.
The beast performed the same tactical maneuver we had seen from his fellows, requiring that Imoen and I regularly fall back to stay well out of the reach of his mighty halberd. Kivan and Khalid pursued the creature with their melee attacks on him as the gnoll pivoted about awkwardly. Jaheira exchanged her sling for her club and ran toward the brute to help Khalid and Kivan. But before she could reach them, Imoen’s arrow pierced its way straight through the gnoll’s throat from the side.
Khalid gathered up their haberds, a bit of coin, and a gem from their slain bodies.
The cabin was dark and appeared uninhabited. But better safe than sorry. So Imoen ever so slowly pulled the front door open and entered the home to scout it out first. She returned to the door a moment later and waved us in. The cottage was empty. And it was certainly useable. It was equipped with some lamps and candles that we lit. A very large, heavily fortified, and locked chest was there that Imoen hadn’t the skill to unlock.
It was very late. We immediately retired for the evening to spend an uneventful night’s sleep there.
[Note: You can’t sleep indoors here. So I positioned the party just outside the door and had the party sleep, with an out-of-game plan that if there was a spawn they would instantly reenter; then in-game they would hear something outside, which would be an attack on the cabin. But in any case there was no spawn during sleep.]
Just at full sun the next morning we embarked on our way back to Beregost. After the long hike back we arrived in town by mid-afternoon.
We first stopped at Feldepost’s to sell what trinket gems we had. The gems didn’t amount to much, only about 7 gold pieces.
[At this point I figured I would give the party a shot at the scroll case. Does the party learn from innkeeper that Firebeard has a home across the street? Black card = no.]
Next we went to visit Taerom Thunderhammer to sell the haldberds. While there Khalid and Jaheira persuaded Kivan to purchase a metal skullcap to wear under his hood. By the same token I asked Imoen to please get a buckler to use when she’s fighting with her short sword, which she did. We also stocked up on ammo.
As Imoen was arranging her pack she noticed the letter we had found on the road from “Roe” to “Mirianne.” She asked Taerom if he knew of a Mirianne in town.
[Does Taerom know of Mirianne? Red card = yes.]
Taerom replied that he most certainly did. She had been worried sick about her husband, who traveled to Amn to try to broker a trade deal there months ago, and no word has been heard of him for several months. Imoen showed him the letter and he laughed. With his deep voice resonating low in his barrel chest he commented happily that this was welcome news indeed. He said would deliver the letter if we wished.
Imoen responded that she had carried the letter for so long now that she almost felt an attachment to this Mirianne. She asked if we could quickly deliver it before venturing forth.
Taerom told us where Mirianne lived, and it was a location we recognized from our travels to the temple. The party nodded that this was a fine thing to do. Kivan surprised me a little by voicing his approval in particular, as he seemed prone to few words and a brooding nature.
Upon delivering the letter and the news to Mirianne, the woman was extremely relieved. She said she had feared her Roe had fallen prey to bandits on his journey south. But now at least she knew he had arrived safely and would not attempt return until later in the year.
Mirianne said she was profoundly grateful to Imoen for carrying the letter throughout our travels. She said the letter gives her peace, as she had lost much weight and slept little for months worrying about Roe.
Imoen asked if Mirianne needed anything further from us. Wiping a silent tear of joy from her eye, Miriannne gently placed a ring in Imoen’s hand, and lovingly held Imoen’s hand with own. Mirianne she said the ring would help protect us. She bid us a farewell.
As we walked away from the home back toward the street I asked Imoen to please show me the ring. It was clearly enchanted, but I would need a spell to tell how.
We continued through town to main road, the Coast way, and north along it to the great city of Baldur’s Gate.
[Note: for this day Neera at the SotM practiced casting one spell, and it did not result in a surge. 1d20 where 20 = wild surge and I rolled a 14.]
It depends on the surge results. If it's bad enough Neera will get expelled from the Song of the Morning. And if that happens I'll turn a card as to whether or not she seeks to find the party.
If the card is a black suit (no) she's gone for good.
If I turn over a red card (yes) and she does try to find the party, the odds of success would not be good. Maybe a 5% chance? (That's probably generous.) I guess I'd roll a 1d20 each day for a while as to whether she finds them. After about 5 days I figure she'd give up. And then if she doesn't find them she's gone for good that way as well.
Come to think of it... Really, how long would someone like Neera stay there before moving on anyway? (Let's not forget that she's CN.) Before too long I should probably roll for whether she gets bored with life at the temple, as well.
Just a couple more observations to make about this gaming technique, as I continue the game.
I guess it's obvious to anyone reading the entries, but the journaling aspect kind of forces one to really think about story and character elements that would ordinarily never come to mind. For this I try to draw on the lore resources at my disposal first (bios, alignments, in-game journal, manual, FR source materials), and then use my own imagination from there. That's fun (for me) but it takes much more time.
In contrast, I have another totally casual game going on iPad to test out a particular character build (and how the game plays on iPad), in which I'm rifling through the various high value quests and meta-gaming to beat the band. The latter is definitely fun too in its own way. But it highlights for me how much deeper the investment is in this game when you're 1) journaling, 2) RPing all the characters, 3) striving not to reload, and 4) being forced to use only the equipment that you can acquire through the dice, cards, and RP.
Anyway, the journaling is enjoyable but quite time consuming as well. So a game like this is a slow boat to China. It's truly interesting enough not to be a chore, thankfully.
And--at least playing with this particular PC--this technique looks like it will likely result in a relatively low-magic game. In terms of things like weapons and armor, that is. Oracos' personality isn't given to embarking on the usual side-questing that we players usually do to pick up a lot of great gear. For example: per the cards and RP the party didn't even speak with Oublek in Nashkel to get the Prism quest! (Although I could have flipped a card each time they passed Oublek, when they did so they were preoccupied with something or had a sense of purpose about proceeding toward a particular goal). And even if they had spoken with Oublek, it would remain to be seen what each character's RP is in response, and the final decision re: whether they would seek that bounty or not.
I'm sure the Easter eggs that are well off the beaten path (eg, ankheg armor in the Nashkel farm field) will never be found.
Anyway, this makes magic items all the more precious when the party does get something. I think it's very possible that this party could end the game with some characters still using normal weapons.
All of the nail-biting tension for early low level play is brought to the fore here. (Due to the minimal-reload approach in combination with less uber gear.)
And I think another aspect worth noting is how very different this game could play out with another sort of protagonist. Use your own imaginations for that, of course. But depending on what makes the main character tick, how the story unfolds could be radically different.
@Lemernis - This is a really interesting read. I love Khalid almost-sort-of standing up to Jaheira (without meeting her eyes and probably silently praying for his own safety)... I did have two thoughts to take or leave at your leisure (before, of course, venturing forth)
1) As for the Oublek bounty, I would think that the party's desperate financial situation might lead them to go after that.
2) Should the party mess with Bassilus, that would lead you back to the temple and potentially give another chance to bring Neera. Even if there were no major surges, surely she might be a slight bit of trouble to those at Song of the Morning and maybe want to join (Imoen would be strongly for this)
@Lemernis : You mention FR source materials. I assume that is Forgotten Realms as an AD&D Adventure World and the setting of various Fantasy Novels. I have one of the basic work-ups of Forgotten Realms in a traditional manual format which devotes 3-5 pages to each of @12+ regions beginning with The Dales. Do you know of any more detailed database developed by a Gaming Community of one sort or another.
I am continuing to work on the idea of a Re-development dream for Beregost and how it might become a political and economic reality within other larger balances of power. I am particularly interested in whether local mineral and forest resources are already spelled-out/copyrighted. And also whether there are any particular former partially fortified Manor Houses on the site of now abandoned and possibly haunted Estates within a 10mile radius.
Also: Does Candlekeep have anything like Docks, Harbor Warehouses, etc??? Or do all its supplies arrive from N or S via the Coast Road...
Charname's early ideas focus on A.-PublicRelations/Chamber of Commerce stuff headed by the dude who greets you just to the North of Beregost upon your first arrival. B.-Security in the form of a local Constabulary of Gendarmes and Rangers headed by Minsc, Garrick, Marl, and Bjornin. C. Practical Education-Imoen and Mirianne. D. Health, Nutrition and Sanitation under the direction of Jaheira-Khalid. D. A Coffee-shoppe run by Neera, Dynaheir and Branwen which gradually popularizes caffeinated beverages. E. Agriculture and a Castle--being Charname's main focus with Composting and Erosion control as primary innovations.
Neera and Garrick it seems are going to be tempted by Black Market entanglements of some kind in the near future as the "Powers-that-be" start manouvering for a 'piece of the action'. And Imoen, who knows what she is really up to. I mean -- she runs a One Room Schoolhouse fer heavens sake...!! What better reason for "Interviewing" various oddities and VIPS to add some heightened interest to her World Geography Parliaments on Tuesdays, with the special Muffin-treats. Such Devotion!
Population will increase at a rate of @5% annually after a 10% jump from small tribes of Halflings, Gnomes and Dwarves specifically invited by Charname-Thalantyr-Taelrun-Keldath-Firebead who have formed a strong bond in an as yet unpublished defiance of the forces responsible for the wanton slaughter of Gorion. Enough is Enough!!
I give it 2 years tops before something else completely different turns the game back to the Main-Line encounter or some variant thereof...
And then I will probably discover that BG2&3 Canons make the whole premise out of the question but still it will have been a fun way to proceed...
Oh yeah, forgot that the Dwarves are expert Masons-Stone Quarrymen [for the Castle] so they could also start a Brewery [with financing from Feldepost Inn and Firebead] on Charname's Estate [@500Acres]
... I did have two thoughts to take or leave at your leisure (before, of course, venturing forth)
1) As for the Oublek bounty, I would think that the party's desperate financial situation might lead them to go after that.
2) Should the party mess with Bassilus, that would lead you back to the temple and potentially give another chance to bring Neera. Even if there were no major surges, surely she might be a slight bit of trouble to those at Song of the Morning and maybe want to join (Imoen would be strongly for this)
It's probably getting to be a lot to sift through by now, but prior to investigating the Nashkel mines the party did attempt to find Bassilus. They discussed it and the PC cast his runes (I flipped a red card, meaning answer: yes, seek the bounty). Remember, with this gaming method I'm trying not to use any meta-knowledge. So I used the dice to determine which direction they would explore (Oracos cast his runes). With a 1-in-4 chance it should come as no surprise that the direction yielded by the 1d4 was exactly opposite where they needed to go. But that's okay, actually, since the this gaming technique is designed to let fate take them where it will, versus the rote way of playing the game.
Here traveling east took them to an encounter that got Xzar killed. From the RP standpoint Oracos wondered then if Xzar's death was an ill omen. He cast the runes to see if they should indeed continue trying to bring Bassilus to justice, and the runes said no (i.e., I turned over a black card for that). And at that point four of the six party members had it as their mission (as Harpers and Zhents) to investigate the mines to begin with--so RPing their reactions, they were good with that. Among those four, only Monty was gung-ho to try to collect that bounty from the RP standpoint. (He was disappointed at the decision to abandon the Bassilus quest.)
The party continued to be attacked by powerful assassins. And the encounter outside the Nashkel mines exit was especially brutal. This main character is at this point simply doing the smartest thing he can think of to survive. And Oracos recalled Gorion's plan when they left Candlekeep to either try hiding in the wilderness or seek to disappear among the throng in Baldur's Gate. The party had a counsel about what to do. Oracos cast his runes as well, and it was determined that they would flee the area and try to lay low in Baldur's Gate. So that is their primary mission right now from the RP standpoint.
Mind you, at this point the party still doesn't have any idea that Oublek offers bounties. To them he's just another resident of Nashkel milling about the town. Although using the gaming technique that I'm testing here, it's fine to imagine that that the party easily might overhear Oublek discussing a bounty when they pass by him; and as such I could flip a card for whether they overhear such a conversation each time they pass by Oublek. (I've turned a card for that only once so far, and the answer was no. I could have done it more times though.)
Similarly, if the party were to have drinks in the Nashkel tavern or inn they might at least learn of the bounty for Brage. (Maybe for Prism also? I forget if that quest can be discovered via buying drinks.) And then I would RP that whoever told them that at the tavern or inn would direct the party to Oublek for more information.
But the goal of investigating the mines was front and center early on, so the party was quite focused on that initially. And then they had to try to recover Monty's body after he got killed when they exited the mines. And then Xzar and Montaron stole nearly all of their gear the next night. And honestly, by the time they completed the mines and learn that Tazok is sending assassins to kill them, the PC is feeling more than ever that they just need to do what seems to be the smartest thing--hide out. Not go about collecting bounties. (Talking here about this particular PC's personality.)
Jaheira has arrived at the incorrect conclusion that Tazok is a Zhent. So the party now believes that this vast and powerful evil organization is sending deadly effective assassins to try to kill them. If you have 18 Int and 18 Wis, and you are a Diviner who is not at all interested in bloody battles and playing the hero, what would be your next move (knowing only what you can know about all this in-game)?
Kivan joining the party (with his quest) has definitely added a new wrinkle, though!
I feel like Kivan is pushing them to confront Tazok.
Yeah, it's going to be interesting to RP this tension. As Harpers, Khalid and Jaheira are very much about learning everything they can about Tazok at this point. So the they are inclined to follow this major lead and at least try to learn about Tazok's operation, if not to kill him. Kivan is very useful to them for that purpose. As I see J. & K., given that they are spies, after all, they would support Kivan to achieve their own ends. The PC and Imoen, on the other hand, hope to leave the region entirely. And remember too, that Jaheira and Khalid pledged to Gorion that they would protect his ward, come whatever may. And then their is the 'wild card' of the rune casting.
How will it all play out? I'm fascinated to see myself!
Comments
According to the source material for the region circa 1368, which is Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast, Beregost is a thriving trade center for a wilderness region. It grew out of a small farming village partly because the mage academy was nearby, but it also became a bustling caravan way point in its own right. Beregost is well positioned for such a purpose along the Coast Way. It kind of sounds like the mage academy was relatively short lived. Beregost grew in size over time after the mage academy was destroyed by a mage battle, expanding only on the west of the Coast Way because the hills where the school's ruins on the eastern side continue to be haunted. The Song of the Morning grazes sheep there and keeps an eye on it. But its each player's game to "DM" in a RPed game, so this is modifiable according to taste.
(When I built this town as a NWN persistent world server region for ALFA way back in the day, I placed the Ulcaster ruins on a bank of rolling hills that overlooked the town from the east. The Song of the Morning priests tended sheep on it.)
I guess they could have spent hours clawing at the dirt. Some protagonists might try to dig a grave with their hands, but mine in this game would not.
For my own game here, I would just assume that when the PC and Imoen tried to get back into Candlekeep and were denied, they first said, thanks for nothing; and then oh yeah, if you have any heart at all (which evidently you don't) you might want to retrieve Gorion's body and give him a proper burial. Schmucks.
Actually, a much more satisfying reason for the Gatewarden to give is that Ulraunt forbids your return because your presence at Candlekeep now poses a very serious threat to everyone within. That could also be the real reason behind why the Gatewarden denies you entry; even though he says you can only get back in with a tome of great value, he's just following orders and won't say why, for whatever reason.
How much Gorion shared about the PC's history with Ulraunt we'll never know. Based on the manual's description Ulraunt is high level and one badass wizard, though.
There is a dream later where the PC possibly remembers Gorion and Ulraunt arguing over him, and Ulraunt clearly isn't pleased that CHARNAME is being sheltered at Candlekeep. It is implied that that's a memory. But again, that's up to the player to decide, I guess.
it was just a comment from Imoen about "should we bury him or something" and the answers were all some form of no - some kind - some not - typical good - nuetral - jackass style
I was pretty sure it was in Vanilla - I didn't use any mods until the last year or so I played - not sure if I used NPC project or not I might have - and of course my memory is about as reliable as Nashkel Iron these days...LOL
[While the party rests, Imoen again tries her hand at some more burglary. She returns to the three remaining target homes on the north end of town that she had cased earlier. Because the hour is late, and even moreso since she doesn’t wish to push her luck, she decides to rob only one house.
[Roll 1 d4 where 1 = easternmost two-story home, 2 = three-story home directly across from the “duplex” i.e., 3 = two-story manor with stable and mill , 4 = reroll.
Result: 2, three-story home directly across from the “duplex”.]
Imoen figures it’s safest to burgle the upstairs only, and finds nothing of value on the upper floors of the three-story home. This takes fairly little time, though. She still has time to try one more...
Imoen then moves around the corner with the thought of possibly hitting the manor. As she does so she spots Neera, looking distressed about something. Imoen considers that maybe the young woman noticed her coming out of the home she was just in. But after a moment or two of observation Imoen feels relatively secure that she (Imoen) has remained hidden, and whatever this stranger feels may be wrong is not about her (Imoen). Imoen (who is Neutral Good) wonders if the maiden is okay. She ponders whether to ask her if she needs assistance.
[Does Imoen ask Neera if she needs help? Red card = yes.]
Imoen speaks with Neera and the encounter ensues. During the battle Imoen is killed by the Thayan wizard, but resurrectably so.
Oracos would have likely have been sleeping lightly because he was worried about Imoen going out burgling again. At that point I left it up to chance as to whether Oracos would awake and notice that Imoen was gone.
[Does Oracos wake up and notice Imoen missing? Red card = yes.]
After a very short period of restless sleep I awoke to find Imoen’s bed empty. I was somewhat torn then about what to do. But my instinct to protect my friend easily won out over letting her practice her thief skills.
[This I felt was what CHARNAME would indeed do here, though I could have turned a card.]
I awoke Jaheira and Khalid and advised that I needed their help to look for Imoen. Jaheira was clearly peeved by this development. Khalid simply grabbed his gear without a word, and acted more or less impassive about it—although I think he too was concerned. I suspect that Jaheira likely was a bit worried for Imoen's wellbeing as well, honestly, despite her annoyance.
[Here I just pretended that they did a search without using any dice rolls for direction, etc. They’d find her body eventually, however they went about it.]
We wandered the streets for a fairly short distance, and found Imoen’s lifeless body to the side of one of the streets!
There were no marks on her. Whatever ended her life would appear to have been magical in nature. Or maybe an assassin had poisoned her.
I was very concerned that something like this could happen to Imoen, and chided myself for giving her tacit permission to do something this risky. But I was in any event relieved that her remains were perfectly intact. I advised Jaheira and Khalid that we would carry Imoen to the Song of the Morning right away.
As I picked Imoen’s body up, we heard an earnest but frightened voice pipe up from the shadows nearby, thanking us effusively that our friend had protected her! We investigated in the direction where we heard the voice, and found a shivering young woman crouching behind a stairway.
She was a half-elf, with pinkish white hair peaking noticeably from within her hood. The young maiden told us her name was Neera. She related that she was being chased by a number of men who meant her harm. Imoen had noticed her in need and had offered to help her. To her horror Imoen was killed by a spell cast from one of Neera’s pursuers. Neera recounted that she had managed to run just out of sight and hide when Imoen became the target of the mage’s attacks.
This whole event probably happened but a very short while ago, Neera said; although it felt like ages, as Neera felt literally too frightened to move until day broke and people began moving about town at dawn.
The young lady asked if she could join us, at least long enough to escort her to some kind of safety.
I briefly tried to assess what had happened here. This clearly could have be a ruse for another assassination attempt. But it seemed rather unlikely that they would leave Imoen’s body lying on the road for a good citizen to stumble upon and notify the Lathanderite clergy about. I shared that thought with Jaheira and Khalid.
“I think we should bring her with us,” Jaheira said to me in a hushed voice, leaning toward me, with Khalid leaning in as well to listen. “It's only a short walk to the temple. Then when we restore Imoen to life we can find out if she‘s telling the truth.”
I responded in a whisper that it also seems doubtful that this Neera would risk coming with us to have Imoen resurrected if she had been involved in her death. Jaheira and Khalid nodded in agreement to this. So we told Neera she was welcome to accompany us to the temple to get our friend brought back to life. Neera thanked us with what seemed to be genuine relief.
Perhaps not more than a dozen strides later we were accosted by a warrior and a wizard!
“I’m so sorry! These are the men who are after me!” cried Neera. If she was only acting as part of a plot to kill us, this Neera was a skilled actor. Her words had a ring of conviction. They seemed to me more likely true than false. But Neera ended this instant of speculation about her motives by casting the spell Pink Energy Darts spell from her fingertips at the warrior with a sword.
Khalid and Jaheira advanced at the brigand and I threw a dart at him. But at this moment a mage appeared from the darkness behind the approaching warrior and cast a spell I was unfamiliar with [Melf’s Acid Arrow] at Neera. The spell killed her instantly!
I tried Blinding the mage, but evidently it didn’t work because the wizard cast another Magic Fingertip Darts spell that jolted Khalid badly.
Khalid was hurt rather severely at this point in the battle, but he kept fighting his foe, even if it was all he could do to block strikes with his shield.
“I’ll heal him!” I shouted to Jaheira, and ran to Khalid to do so. Jaheira then cast her Despair spell at the mage. This spell must have succeeded, as the wizard instantly fled and vanished from sight.
I healed Khalid, who was still fighting bravely even with his substantial injuries; and once renewed to full health Khalid cut down the enemy with a swift stroke.
We moved cautiously a bit down the street to see if our attacker who had fled might yet be lurking. There we found yet another warrior who ran at us with sword drawn. I threw two darts at him. I am proud to report that the second one struck him fatally in the eye before Khalid and Jaheira could even reach him!
Now we went to examine the body of Neera, and confirmed that she was dead. I voiced that it now seemed clearer that she had been telling us the truth. I wasn’t sure if any information of value may come of learning more about Neera. But I felt it was worth the relatively modest amount of gold it costs to Raise her from the dead at the temple to find out. Plus despite the fact that she had gotten us drawn into her fight, she had assisted us when we were attacked. So perhaps she had earned at least that much.
Jaheira approved of the plan, observing that the entire event could all be a ruse. Zhents spies had already been placed already among us. And assassins and bounty hunters hired by them were after us as well. So it would be prudent to question Neera a bit further.
When we arrived at the Song of the Morning we had only enough gold to resurrect Imoen. The price had doubled since we paid to have Xzar raised from the dead! (Jaheira did the negotiating.)
Once returned to life, Imoen related her adventure earlier that night.
In return we expressed to Imoen some of the thoughts we had about whether the entire event might be a set-up. Upon hearing this, looking a little sideways at Jaheira, Imoen offered that it seemed doubtful to her that this was some sort of an elaborate scheme…
Unfortunately the temple wouldn’t buy the gear we had stripped from our attackers last night, and that we still had from our encounter the day before with the skeletons outside of High Hedge. But the clergy did agree to keep Neera’s body until we returned the next morning with sufficient funds to have her restored to life.
Our party then returned to the Burning Wizard and slept the rest of the night.
A 'Wild Magic' Mage Needs Our Help - Part 2
In the morning we went to the Thunderhammer smithy and sold the gear we had looted from slain enemies. Unfortunately we raised the total in our purse only to 45 gold pieces. We needed 200.
We then looked through Neera’s belongings and found quite a bit of value. She had a gem bag that we felt could actually be quite convenient based on our experience thus far with rings, necklaces, gemstones, and the like cluttering our packs. We were a bit reluctant to sell that for our own selfish reasons. And the price Taerom was willing to pay for the bag wouldn’t raise sufficient funds to pay to have Neera returned to life anyway...
Neera had also in her possession a wizard’s robe that was enchanted to protect slightly against missiles. And finally she had an enchanted staff that… well, it seemed a rather poor weapon, actually. The staff could deliver a burst of fire when it hit. But it might also burn the wielder! Probably not the best weapon for someone such as a mage, unless of course protected from fire by some means.
Either of the latter two items alone would pay for Neera’s resurrection. Certainly Neera was unable to choose which one for herself right now!
Given that we had rescued Neera and were bringing her back to life, she had little right to be upset about which belonging of hers got sold. But not wishing to be presumptuous about it I pulled a rune stone.
[Sell either Neera’s Staff or Traveler’s Robe, where red card = staff, and black card = robe. Result: black card. Party sells her robe.]
We sold the robe for a hefty three hundred gold. When we returned to the temple, Imoen did our negotiating as before. She was clearly better at it than Jaheira, and got the price back down to 100 gold pieces.
Then upon restoring Neera to life we healed her wounds. We explained to Neera what had happened, in response to which she exclaimed she was eternally grateful. I asked her if Imoen might hold onto her gem bag, as an act of appreciation—it would be of great use to her. Neera said she was only too happy to be alive, and that she was happy to give it to Imoen for her so bravely rescuing her. And indeed for us all to have done so.
I told Neera that we would like for her to return to the Burning Wizard with us to sit down and chat, so that we could ask her some more questions. Neera appeared relieved overall but also looked slightly anxious at this offer. After just a moment she brightened and said she was happy to do so.
“It isn’t like I have a lot of options, right now,” she laughed. “If I can travel with you all I’m sure I’ll be safer than if I go it alone.”
That elicited a small chuckle from the entire group. Neera looked a little perplexed at our response.
“We just have to find out more about what is going on with you before we can consider having you join us,” I replied, smiling.
Back at the inn we found a table. I asked Neera to tell us her story. She recounted a most unusual tale.
Neera is originally from the High Forrest, of land of which I have read. But as she was trained to use her blossoming skills in magic she accidentally injured a friend and later caused a fire in the forest. The combination of events had led to her expulsion, and she has been wandering ever since.
Neera told of her Wild Magic and its utterly bizarre and quite often very dangerous results. She said she was able to cast spells far beyond her the ability of an ordinary caster by using the Weave in this unusual way. The problem was that her attempts often resulted in things that were, well, not very desirable.
I asked her to give me examples. She thought for a moment and said the fireballs she had mentioned, as an example of something really bad... But sometimes something good happens! For example, once highly nutritious berries that have healing properties appeared in her pockets! (At this Jaheira rolled her eyes and lowered her forehead onto her folded arms.)
The half-elf went on to recount that during her travels some Thayan Red Wizards appeared who for some odd reason wished to take her captive to study her magic skills. They have been pursuing her ever since, she said. Neera added that the reason for their tenacity is hard to fathom.
“I don’t understand why they don’t have anything better to do with their lives than to chase after me,” she said. “This is the scariest thing I’ve ever gone through in my life!” she added quietly.
At this point, it seemed that the weight of all that Neera had undergone in the past several months was about to collapse upon her. Neera’s lip began quivering. Imoen instantly drew her hand to her own heart, her own eyes welling up, and clearly about ready to cry along with Neera. Imoen quickly put her arm around Neera, and whispered a few words of comfort.
Then Imoen looked toward me with an expression that unfortunately I know all too well from her: the ‘I have an idea that’s going to get us both into trouble’ look.
“Hey, this is just like us, Oracos!” Imoen observed with a tone of excitement. “She should come with us! Can she, please?” Imoen implored.
“Silence little girl!” Jaheira interrupted with surprising force. “We need tell her nothing of our affairs.”
“J-j-heira, perhaps we can be a bit more civil, p-please,” Khalid interjected, to a look or irritation in response. Khalid did not lock his eyes with her, simply satisfied to have made his point.
I gently asked Neera to please remain where she was while we spoke amongst ourselves. She nodded. Then I, Imoen, Jaheira, and Khalid stepped toward the fireplace and commenced our private discussions.
Jaheira spoke first. “If she joins us, then we’re going to be chased by both the Zhentarim and Red Wizards of Thay!” she said. “This would be utter madness. I strongly urge you not to do this, Oracos.” She paused only for a second and assumed a somewhat gentler tone. “We can suggest that she seek refuge at the temple. The Lanthanderite priests will surely protect her… Or maybe she can visit Thalantyr and seek his aid.”
“She’s not really an adventurer, Jaheira,” I answered. “She’s a maiden in distress. I don’t think Thalantyr would necessarily be inclined to help her. It would be a big gamble for her to go to the trouble of taking a day’s travel there, in any case.” But I added “If we don’t take her with us, she sure enough could seek refuge at the temple...”
“I think we should help her!” Imoen blurted. “She’s got nobody! At least we have each other!”
“It w-w-would be the honorable thing t-t-to d-do,” Khalid managed to stammer out. “But I d-d-do see Jaheira’s point,” he added. “I th-think the decision is yours, Oracos,” he concluded. “As it sh-should be.”
I then shared a consideration that I felt we should make: having someone in our party with Neera’s unique spellcasting abilities could prove a tremendous boon. Neera can cast spells of much higher level than most mages of her meager experience. Certainly much higher than me. This ability could prove extraordinarily helpful. It may even save our lives in some situations.
“Did you not hear what she said?” Jaheira asked in an agitated tone. “Her spells can result instead in giant fireballs that could either seriously injure or even kill us! That does not sound like a risk worth taking!” Jaheira caught herself and calmed down a little. “There is really nothing but risk that I can see here! Please let us take her to the temple and let’s be done.”
I looked at the party and said “You all know what I’m going to do, right?”
Jaheira seemed clearly still perturbed. “As much as I respect the gods… and I really do… this is not something that I think should be left to chance.”
“It is not left to chance,” I said calmly. “We are merely seeking direction. The question is actually whether you trust my powers to reveal what the gods wish us to do.”
“Fair enough,” Jaheira said. And she sounded sincere. “You appear to have done well enough in divining our course thus far.”
I then sat at a table next to the fireplace and cast my runes.
[Does the party take Neera along? Black card = no.]
The runes revealed that it would not be advisable for us to take Neera at this time.
When I told Imoen she was visibly distressed. But I reminded her not to overlook that we had saved Neera’s life. And I added that Neera seeking refuge at the temple should provide her more protection than we ever could. Neera was in fact at greater risk by traveling with us, what with the bounty on my head.
Imoen conceded that all this was true, but it still did not sit right with her all the same. I nodded and said that I felt much the same. But I trusted that the gods’ direction here.
Imoen was about to sulk but stopped herself and stopped herself as if a thought had arisen to cheer her. She asked that if we stopped this way again, perhaps Neera could still join up with us later if it looked like the Red Wizards were no longer chasing her. I said that was certainly a possibility.
We returned to the table where Neera still sat and I told her of our decision. I simply said that we felt it was just too risky for her to travel with us. I asked her if she would like us to walk her to the Song of the Morning and there we would request of the Governor that the temple provide her some protection. Although she would likely have join the church in the bargain.
Neera was saddened by our decision. But she said that she was nevertheless grateful for what we had done to help her. Imoen quickly added that we might still come back and ask her to join us if it looked like the Red Wizards were no longer bothering her. I then stated also that in order for us to know that, we would only ask that Neera stay at the Song of the Morning so that we would have a reliable source of information about whether indeed the Thayans’ attacks had ceased. Neera’s shoulders slumped a bit in response. Just as quickly she gave a shrug.
We walked Neera to the temple. On the way Imoen offered to give her back her gem bag.
[Does Neera accept the bag? Black card = no]
Neera said, no, it was fine that her new friend Imoen use it for now. Neera said she probably wasn’t going to need it, tending to the vegetable gardens of the temple, or whatever else they might have her doing. “At least I’ll have safety and meals other than nuts and berries,” she said.
We spoke with Kelddath, and related our concerns for Neera. Kelddath had heard of our adventure at the mines, and on that basis said he would be willing to look after Neera.
We said our goodbyes. Imoen gave Neera a big hug and said “Dontcha’ worry! We’ll be back!” Neera smiled wanly. Yet she seemed to look faintly hopeful that we might.
It was now mid-day. I asked that we return once more to the Burning Wizard so that I could cast my runes once more: this time about where we shall attempt to hide out from the Zhents.
I also advised that we have 245 gold left. We could do one of two things. First option: spend it all to get whatever provisions we may need. Out in the wilderness we would eventually run out of arrows, darts, and sling bullets. But we should also explore the town for any other things that may be of use to use. Second option: we could return one more time to High Hedge and there purchase one more spell that I will eventually be able to use when I gain just a bit more skill with the Weave.
I stated that we were pretty well stocked for now. I felt that overall it would probably be more beneficial for us to get the spell. Especially the one that I had seen work on Jaheira and Khalid in the tent at the Nashkel fair! I also added that while wished to hold onto the potion we bought at the Nashkel carnival, Thanalntyr was quite interested in it, so that would give us a bit of a cushion if we became desperate. And we could always make a return trip here as the situation may demand.
Perhaps I should not have given the reminder of Jaheira having become panicked by the spell at the fair. Jaheira responded flatly that she felt that supplies was a more certain asset. So she favored us getting ammo, plus any other type of equipment that may prove helpful in wilderness.
[Does the party buy gather get provisions or another spell at High Hedge? Red card = spell, black card = ammo. Results: Imoen = red card, Khalid = black card. The vote is evenly split. Party leader’s vote is tie breaker, so they venture to get the spell.]
[Note: had the party gone looking for provisions they may well have found Kagain and Firebeard.]
Khalid sided with Jaheira, and Imoen agreed with me. So as had become our custom now, my vote broke the tie.
We all sat down as I cast my runes about what to do next.
[Do we go to Baldur’s Gate or try to hide in the wilderness? Red card = Baldur’s Gate, black card = wilderness. Result: Red card. The party travels to Baldur’s Gate.]
The runes showed that we should go to Baldur’s Gate.
Jaheira seemed pleased. Khalid said he preferred the "sunny out-of-doors" and that cities in general made him feel a bit nervous—but the decision felt sound nonetheless.
Imoen was not as happy as I thought she might be, as she had earlier suggested that we try to board a ship in Baldur’s Gate and sail somewhere far away where no one would find us. But she was still sulking a bit over the loss of a potential new friend.
Myself, I was relieved to be going to a city rather than trying to rough it in the wilderness.
And with that we embarked yet again to High Hedge, figuring that we would arrive there around dusk. (Hopefully we can stay the night at High Hedge!)
I'm actually a little worried now that they will somehow make it to Ulgoth's Beard; and if so, and if they find Mendas there, that they would take his quest (i.e., Imoen has suggested fleeing the area by sea, and Oracos likes that idea).
I really hope to eventually add Neera later on, luck permitting. If so, I may level her up at least one level from practicing her spells.
Actually, this scenario provides an opportunity for this gaming technique (this may be going overboard but it I think it would be pretty easy to do):
There's a strong chance that Neera could get herself expelled from Beregost too from practicing her magic and something going terribly awry. When I next return to Beregost I'll see what's happened with all that:
- Let's say she practices spellcasting 1 spell per day
- 1 in 3 times that she practices her magic skills she attempts Nahal's Reckless Dweomer, with Chaos Shield (she wouldn't get Improved Chaos Shield at L1, right?)
- 1 in 20 chance of a surge for normal spell castings
- ? chance of surge when casting Nahal's/Chaos Shield - not sure what the odds are here
- for each day that she's been missing upon the party's next I next return to Beregost I can roll a 1d100 (via dice roller app at WotC) to see what surge results she got
- depending on the outcomes I will RP what I imagine Kelddath would do (and if in doubt draw a card)
Believe it or not, all that would only take a few minutes of dice rolling.
If Neera gets expelled from Beregost, I'm not sure what she would do... She would most likely wander off never to be seen again by the party. Seems unlikely that she would set out to try to find the party... Or at least very low odds that she would, I think...
But if she does it would definitely be fun.
Using this game's techniques I could flip a card for whether she tries to find the party if Kelddath gives her the boot. Then the chances of her succeeding in finding the party later on would seem to be pretty remote. Far less than a 50/50 card flip. I guess I could use a 1d100 to determine that outcome as well, based on a percentage (say, 5% chance that she locates the party each day?).
Actually. it may be simpler to roll this for Neera each day that passes as the game progresses 'in real time' while the party is off on its adventures.
Anyway, if all this comes to pass I'll have to do some things mechanically that are 'out-of-game' re: the story: 1) Ctrl+Y Neera at the SotM, 2) if she does somehow miraculously find the party again, CLUA her back into the game, 3) Ctrl+Y the Thayans that are scripted to appear, 4) edit Neera's inventory with EEKeeper, 5) click through the dialogues to re-add her.
* I.e., minimal reload (really, only when the PC dies), roleplaying all the characters reactions, and using cards and dice when in doubt about character reactions.
Or are you just RPing leaving her at the Temple and then perhaps RPing "finding her" at FAI at some point later in the game (if the fates so rule)?
In my game the encounter with Neera became disjointed when Imoen encountered Neera alone--and then got killed. Imoen was out burgling while the rest of the party stayed back at the Burning Wizard. When Imoen died, the screen she was on disappeared and then the screen for CHARNAME appeared. I had no idea what happened to Neera at that point. The rest of the encounter then played out after the party then went o find Imoen's body (loot drop) and found Neera there as well. So my guess is that chain of events broke something in the 'leave party' script for her.
Edit: Oh well, I made up my own reason for it in all events.
We arrived at High Hedge thankfully just as the sun was going down, in the last waning light of the day. Imoen scouted the area just outside the fortress where we had earlier encountered skeletons and gnolls, but none were found.
Thalantyr didn’t seem bothered in the slightest to see us again so soon. He even seemed in the mood for company.
Unfortunately, I had misremembered the price of the spell I wanted. We hadn’t enough money in our coin purse to buy the Horrification spell scroll. Thus, reluctantly, I sold the potion I had purchased at the Nashkel fair. Thalantyr paid 250 gold for it. (That’s more than six times what I had paid for it.)
I successfully scribed the spell.
We were now to journey on to Baldur’s Gate. But given that we had encountered undead not far from the fortress, Khalid asked Thalantyr if it was advisable to travel at night in this particular region. Thalantryr replied that the skeletons may have appeared as an unintended consequence of some of his magics, but more than that he cared not to say.
I asked Thalantyr to do us the favor of allowing us to sleep inside his fortress. The Conjurer chortled that he could never make an exception to his long held rule on this subject. No, he could not allow that. He was not running an inn! Otherwise before long adventurers would hear tales of his hospitality and an inn is essentially what his fortress would risk becoming.
Thalantyr added that we seemed a capable lot. Nevertheless we could camp on his steps if we really felt the need to.
Feeling a little less adventurer-like at that suggestion, we thanked Thalantyr and began to take our leave. But just as we were exiting his work area a towering and hulking humanoid wearing naught but a loin cloth lumbered past us. It clearly did not pose a threat to Thalantyr, who ignored the thing.
We were awestruck at the sight of it. It was constructed of stitched together body parts. Most hideous looking it was and more than a bit foul smelling. Jaheira commented that it was called a “flesh golem.” She explained that she had seen some before in her travels. She said they possessed almost unimaginable strength, and a single blow from fist of one of them was enough to kill most men instantly.
Thalantyr overheard our conversation and called out from his work area (where he was concocting potions) that he had a number of them roaming around his fortress.
We turned then back towards Thalantyr to listen to him tell of the creatures. Thalantyr said they followed his directions faithfully—and indeed could do no other, as they had no mind of their own. They weren’t really even conscious in the sense of any sort of mindfulness as we know it.
Thalantyr continued that the souls of the bodies used to make these golems were securely and happily in the afterlife, and bore no attachment of any sort to their former shells. So he now used them necromantically to guard his tower. Thalantyr added that there was quite a colorful story behind how they bodies came to be used by him as such, but he would save that for another time.
I mentioned that we had heard the townsfolk tell that High Hedge was protected by some very strange and powerful guardians, and evidently these were it! Thalantyr smiled back as he continued adjusting a beaker.
I then added casually that when we first approached the tower the day before yesterday I assumed a very stern looking elf with a halberd to be one of the guards of the place.
At this statement Thalantyr cocked his head slightly and widened his eyes. He then slowly shook his head as he gazed carefully at his shelf. “No, that’s not one of mine,” he said. "I have no idea who on Toril that would be.” He added that it may well just be another adventurer roaming the woods in search of Bassilus, given the huge bounty Kelddath had posted.
“I know Kelddath is fit to be tied about the mad cleric. As if the problems with bandits in the area weren’t enough,” he muttered. Then he measured out a pungently musty ingredient into a stone dish and began pulverizing it with a pestle.
Imoen then asked Thalatyr why he hadn’t sought the bounty for Bassilus himself. Thalantyr gruffly reminded her that he was retired from adventuring.
“Um, oh, I know you’re retired and all,” said Imoen. “To help your friend, the Governor, I mean.”
Thalantyr said that adventurers would eventually stop Bassilus. That’s what adventurers do.
“But to do that one would have to be an adventurer, eh?” the old mage said pointedly.
Best to let that follow its own course, he said.
Thalantyr went on to tell us one more thing before bidding us a good eve.
“There is an old house a bit to the west of here that rangers sometimes use. Whoever dared build it long ago has long since abandoned it, or perhaps been slain. At any rate, I have heard the owner has been absent for over a decade now. I visited it once. The home was well constructed. You might be able to seek shelter there,” he said.
We bid a good eve to Thanaltyr and continued on our journey.
Once outside on the steps to High Hedge I asked the group how they felt about seeking the ranger’s cabin for the night. I stated that felt that it would be wise, since Imoen’s ability to scout ahead during the day has steadily improved to the point that the cover of night isn’t as crucial for her now. I would rather have the daylight working for Imoen and I.
Imoen agreed. (She added that she really appreciated the ring we got from Nimbul that she briefly wore earlier!) I noted that there is a spell I can learn to cast that will help one see better in the dark—and it belongs to my specialization, actually. But at least for the time being, there are far more useful spells for me to prepare in order to try to improve our chances of survival.
In any event, Jaheira and Khalid seemed to understand this concern, and were not troubled by the plan to seek shelter in the nearby cabin, which was to the northwest.
So we agreed to have Imoen scout ahead and see if we might find this bit of shelter. We decided to head back around the way we had come, earlier, as that was at least somewhat familiar.
As we made our way around the stone fortress, Imoen returned from her explorations to tell us that the elf we had seen a few days ago had made camp at the same spor where we saw him before.
I asked the others if they felt we should approach him to ask what dangers may lurk ahead. It seemed to me an acceptable risk, I said. He hadn’t attacked us before, I noted. Not everyone on our path is bent on killing us, I observed. Some may even be helpful.
Jaheira, who was raised in an elven forest herself, noted that the Tel-quessir are typically at one with the wilderness; when we passed him before she had observed that this one had such a look about him, and as such would probably be better source of information than most. Imoen and Khalid agreed it was an acceptable risk to speak with him.
We anticipated that given the elf’s keen senses he already knew we were there. We slowly strode up to him in a relaxed and friendly manner. If he had any concern about us it remained concealed by his hardened look.
I introduced the party to him, and he told us his name is Kivan. The elf shared his deduction that we were new customers of Thalantyr, judging from the two visits we had made.
Kivan said that he had set up camp outside of High Hedge because was seeking to join with a capable band of adventurers. He said he was in need of assistance with a quest of his own. If a group of adventurers was willing to help him, then in exchange Kivan would help them with whatever they might need. Within reason, of course, he added.
The rugged elf proceeded to tell us a most tragic tale. He is a Sy-tel-quessir, or ‘wild elf’, who hails from the great elven Forest of Shadows in far eastern Amn. Several years ago he and his beloved were on a journey together and they were waylaid by brigands who tortured them both, for no better reason than their own cruel pleasure. His mate, whose name was Deheriana, did not survive. Kivan himself managed to escape. But he has never forgiven himself for allowing their capture and the loss of his betrothed. He has been deeply haunted and driven ever since to avenge her death.
Kivan told that he had tracked down and killed each and every one of the bandits involved save the leader, who has somehow continually managed to elude him. Kivan’s final quarry is a half-ogre named “Tazok.” Kivan added that he suspected Tazok to be somewhere between Beregost and Baldur’s Gate, but thus far he has been unable to discover his hiding place.
At the mention of this name, we all looked at one another and I hoped that our faces had not then betrayed a subtle reaction of surprise. I asked the elf to repeat the name to confirm what we had all heard, which he did. In the next instant I asked him to please wait a moment as we consulted among ourselves. “As you wish,” he replied.
A good number paces away we began our counsel at a low volume, lest Kivan’s keen elven ears overhear.
As I gathered my thoughts, Khalid ventured his own. “I th-think this elf might be a w-welcome addition to our party,” he offered earnestly. Jaheira smiled little at this, and turned her head to Khalid with nod of approval.
“I agree,” Jaheira said simply.
“But we’re goin’ to Baldur’s Gate…” Imoen observed with a slightly pensive tone. “Unless this Tazok’s in Baldur’s Gate we’re not gonna be any help to Kivan.”
I took my turn to speak. “We don’t even know if the one this elf seeks is the very same Tazok that has orchestrated the iron crisis and has been sending mercenaries to kill us,” I reminded her. “Though none of us shall be surprised if it be the same one. In both cases there is a common link of banditry.”
“We should have the elf join us and learn what we can of our common foe!” Jaheira exclaimed. “Even though we seek to elude Tazok, it behooves us to learn everything we can about him. This wild elf has been tracking him literally for years. He probably knows much of him by now. Even in our introductions just now we learned that Tazok is half-ogre, for example. Knowledge of the enemy is always an advantage.”
I stood for a moment contemplating this counsel as the others exchanged their views. And something quickly occurred to me that should have been immediately obvious as a Diviner who looks to omens. This elf, standing on our path right here and now, with his very own quest that is so strongly linked to our plight, is almost certainly a sign in itself.
Rejoining the conversation I said to Jaheira “I agree that we cannot ignore this opportunity.” And at this she turned from Khalid to listen attentively. “But the question is whether we act in good faith with Kivan from the outset. He seeks to find and kill the very enemy that we hope to evade. If we tell him that we are hiding from Tazok then I expect that will not be to his liking…”
And the next thought I found placed us in a bit of a quandary...
“I agree that we should have him join us for the reason you stated,” I continued. “But in order to glean from Kivan what he knows about Tazok, I think we would have to deceive him that we believe Tazok to be located now in Baldur’s Gate.”
We then looked at one another, aware of the implications of such a plan. It would be a form of betrayal of this new ally.
“Spinning such a web of lies will be a chore,” I felt it important to add. “And as a skilled tracker, Kivan could well see through our lies very quickly. He will hardly be pleased. And let us not overlook that this elf is given to revenge.”
“Th-that is if we stick to our current p-p-plan, Oracos” Khalid said amiably. “M-may we not c-c-consider altering it?”
“You mean help him track down and kill Tazok?” I asked.
“Perhaps,” Khalid said quietly.
Imoen frowned at this, as if clearly perplexed now. Jaheira seemed to be formulating thoughts of her own in response.
Before anyone could speak I found myself suddenly envisioning a satisfactory solution. “Just now, for a moment, I thought to consult the runes,” I said. “And perhaps it would be wisest if I did.”
I paused then, the others anticipating the implicit ‘but’ that seemed forthcoming.
“However sometimes omens are plain as day, and I must heed what is directly and unmistakably right in front of me…
“We shall tell Kivan the truth,” I advised. “The decision whether to join us shall be his.”
Imoen responded that she felt this was a good idea. Jaheira seemed to struggle at the thought of this plan, and was about to speak to it. But Khalid, put his hand gently on her forearm, and nodded for her not to. “This is the w-w-ise and honorable thing to do,” he said. She sighed and glanced back at him with apparent resignation that her words to the contrary would probably be wasted here. She held her tongue.
We walked back over to Kivan and I told him our tale, though only in broad strokes. He was happy to hear that we would be strongly motivated allies. But he appeared disconcerted by our plan to try to avoid our attacker. He seemed to agree with one point, however.
“He is a powerful enemy,” Kivan acknowledged softly and with a smoldering hatred. “He surrounds himself with lackeys that he ensures complete loyalty from. If I were to attack him alone the risk of being overwhelmed is too great.”
I reminded the elf that our plan was to evade Tazok. But I added that Kivan now having appeared on our path I took as an omen that may perhaps alter this course. I told Kivan that if we can learn more about Tazok from him, and detect a vital chink in Tazok’s armor, then perhaps we may reconsider our plan to leave the Sword Coast. It is conceivable that we might then kill Tazok before he kills us.
“The main problem that I see with trying to kill Tazok is that he would seem to have the entire organization of the Zhentarim behind him… and that is more than a little intimidating!” I opined.
“Tazok a Zhent…” Kivan said, with a grimace. “I’ve been tracking him for two years now... Hmph. Maybe.”
Kivan recounted that in his tracking efforts to the south of the Cloud Peaks he had heard of Tazok recently having been seen with several different evil bandit groups. But to his knowledge no group that was clearly aligned with the Zhentarim, however.
“Exactly which groups did you see him with?” asked Jaheira.
“We can talk about that in time if I decide to stay with you,” Kivan replied.
Kivan then directed a rather pointed question at me. “You are a Diviner… Why don’t you use your magic to see why Tazok wants your head?”
I responded honestly that I most certainly wished it was that easy as well, but that my powers were not yet that great. Perhaps in time, as my ability grows, I said.
Kivan was silent for a moment but seemed content with that answer.
“In time, you may be able to see Tazok’s location then?” Kivan asked.
“It is my hope that we will live long enough for me to gain the power to do that, yes,” I said with a smile.
“I will join you,” Kivan said. “At least long enough to learn what I can from you as well. But I will not venture farther than Baldur’s Gate. Unless it is to follow Tazok’s trail.”
So it was that Kivan joined our party in a mutually cautious pact.
Since Kivan is a ranger of the wilderness, I sought his counsel about our plan to stay in the nearby cabin at night. He responded that he had seen the home, but naturally hadn’t bothered to seek refuge there. Kivan agreed however about our concerns for the skeletons in the area. He said if it was our wish to stay there he would scout ahead to make sure the path to the cabin was safe.
Kivan returned several moments later to report that some skeletons lurked ahead in the trees. He added that they should pose less of a threat with their swords drawn than when hurling daggers at us. He said he had already seen that Imoen was our scout; the two of them would sneak up and surprise then into hand-to hand combat. The half-elves could then charge them.
Feeling left out, I added that I could throw my darts.
“Mhhm,” Kivan grunted quietly.
“You haven’t seen him throw a dart yet!” Imoen said of me proudly, patting my back.
Kivan was no longer there, however, having slipped into the night.
“I gotta go!” Imoen said with a grin. I told her to be careful, but she too vanished before I could complete the sentence.
Jaheira and Khalid crept forward and beckoned me to follow. With their half-elven vision they apparently could at least see the direction Kivan and Imoen had gone.
Imoen and Kivan returned a short while later to report that the skeletons seem to have roamed off. But there were now a couple of gnolls near to the cabin. Kivan recommended that we creep close enough to strike with ranged weapons and for all of us to fire upon them when he gave the signal.
[Note: I had saved the game at the point Kivan scouted out the skeletons and returned to report it. But days later when I opened the save to resume the game the spawns had changed. No more skellies.]
As quietly as we could, we carefully followed Kivan to a position right next to the cabin wall. Kivan motioned for us all to target the one to the left. He let his arrow fly, and we loosed our missiles at the gnoll as well.
The two gnolls charged at us. During their advance the one we targeted fell. The other quickly closed on us with his halberd, and Kivan and Khalid switched to their melee weapons. Imoen, Jaheira and I continued with our ranged attacks.
The beast performed the same tactical maneuver we had seen from his fellows, requiring that Imoen and I regularly fall back to stay well out of the reach of his mighty halberd. Kivan and Khalid pursued the creature with their melee attacks on him as the gnoll pivoted about awkwardly. Jaheira exchanged her sling for her club and ran toward the brute to help Khalid and Kivan. But before she could reach them, Imoen’s arrow pierced its way straight through the gnoll’s throat from the side.
Khalid gathered up their haberds, a bit of coin, and a gem from their slain bodies.
The cabin was dark and appeared uninhabited. But better safe than sorry. So Imoen ever so slowly pulled the front door open and entered the home to scout it out first. She returned to the door a moment later and waved us in. The cottage was empty. And it was certainly useable. It was equipped with some lamps and candles that we lit. A very large, heavily fortified, and locked chest was there that Imoen hadn’t the skill to unlock.
It was very late. We immediately retired for the evening to spend an uneventful night’s sleep there.
[Note: You can’t sleep indoors here. So I positioned the party just outside the door and had the party sleep, with an out-of-game plan that if there was a spawn they would instantly reenter; then in-game they would hear something outside, which would be an attack on the cabin. But in any case there was no spawn during sleep.]
Just at full sun the next morning we embarked on our way back to Beregost. After the long hike back we arrived in town by mid-afternoon.
We first stopped at Feldepost’s to sell what trinket gems we had. The gems didn’t amount to much, only about 7 gold pieces.
[At this point I figured I would give the party a shot at the scroll case. Does the party learn from innkeeper that Firebeard has a home across the street? Black card = no.]
Next we went to visit Taerom Thunderhammer to sell the haldberds. While there Khalid and Jaheira persuaded Kivan to purchase a metal skullcap to wear under his hood. By the same token I asked Imoen to please get a buckler to use when she’s fighting with her short sword, which she did. We also stocked up on ammo.
As Imoen was arranging her pack she noticed the letter we had found on the road from “Roe” to “Mirianne.” She asked Taerom if he knew of a Mirianne in town.
[Does Taerom know of Mirianne? Red card = yes.]
Taerom replied that he most certainly did. She had been worried sick about her husband, who traveled to Amn to try to broker a trade deal there months ago, and no word has been heard of him for several months. Imoen showed him the letter and he laughed. With his deep voice resonating low in his barrel chest he commented happily that this was welcome news indeed. He said would deliver the letter if we wished.
Imoen responded that she had carried the letter for so long now that she almost felt an attachment to this Mirianne. She asked if we could quickly deliver it before venturing forth.
Taerom told us where Mirianne lived, and it was a location we recognized from our travels to the temple. The party nodded that this was a fine thing to do. Kivan surprised me a little by voicing his approval in particular, as he seemed prone to few words and a brooding nature.
Upon delivering the letter and the news to Mirianne, the woman was extremely relieved. She said she had feared her Roe had fallen prey to bandits on his journey south. But now at least she knew he had arrived safely and would not attempt return until later in the year.
Mirianne said she was profoundly grateful to Imoen for carrying the letter throughout our travels. She said the letter gives her peace, as she had lost much weight and slept little for months worrying about Roe.
Imoen asked if Mirianne needed anything further from us. Wiping a silent tear of joy from her eye, Miriannne gently placed a ring in Imoen’s hand, and lovingly held Imoen’s hand with own. Mirianne she said the ring would help protect us. She bid us a farewell.
As we walked away from the home back toward the street I asked Imoen to please show me the ring. It was clearly enchanted, but I would need a spell to tell how.
We continued through town to main road, the Coast way, and north along it to the great city of Baldur’s Gate.
[Note: for this day Neera at the SotM practiced casting one spell, and it did not result in a surge. 1d20 where 20 = wild surge and I rolled a 14.]
If the card is a black suit (no) she's gone for good.
If I turn over a red card (yes) and she does try to find the party, the odds of success would not be good. Maybe a 5% chance? (That's probably generous.) I guess I'd roll a 1d20 each day for a while as to whether she finds them. After about 5 days I figure she'd give up. And then if she doesn't find them she's gone for good that way as well.
Come to think of it... Really, how long would someone like Neera stay there before moving on anyway? (Let's not forget that she's CN.) Before too long I should probably roll for whether she gets bored with life at the temple, as well.
I guess it's obvious to anyone reading the entries, but the journaling aspect kind of forces one to really think about story and character elements that would ordinarily never come to mind. For this I try to draw on the lore resources at my disposal first (bios, alignments, in-game journal, manual, FR source materials), and then use my own imagination from there. That's fun (for me) but it takes much more time.
In contrast, I have another totally casual game going on iPad to test out a particular character build (and how the game plays on iPad), in which I'm rifling through the various high value quests and meta-gaming to beat the band. The latter is definitely fun too in its own way. But it highlights for me how much deeper the investment is in this game when you're 1) journaling, 2) RPing all the characters, 3) striving not to reload, and 4) being forced to use only the equipment that you can acquire through the dice, cards, and RP.
Anyway, the journaling is enjoyable but quite time consuming as well. So a game like this is a slow boat to China. It's truly interesting enough not to be a chore, thankfully.
And--at least playing with this particular PC--this technique looks like it will likely result in a relatively low-magic game. In terms of things like weapons and armor, that is. Oracos' personality isn't given to embarking on the usual side-questing that we players usually do to pick up a lot of great gear. For example: per the cards and RP the party didn't even speak with Oublek in Nashkel to get the Prism quest! (Although I could have flipped a card each time they passed Oublek, when they did so they were preoccupied with something or had a sense of purpose about proceeding toward a particular goal). And even if they had spoken with Oublek, it would remain to be seen what each character's RP is in response, and the final decision re: whether they would seek that bounty or not.
I'm sure the Easter eggs that are well off the beaten path (eg, ankheg armor in the Nashkel farm field) will never be found.
Anyway, this makes magic items all the more precious when the party does get something. I think it's very possible that this party could end the game with some characters still using normal weapons.
All of the nail-biting tension for early low level play is brought to the fore here. (Due to the minimal-reload approach in combination with less uber gear.)
And I think another aspect worth noting is how very different this game could play out with another sort of protagonist. Use your own imaginations for that, of course. But depending on what makes the main character tick, how the story unfolds could be radically different.
1) As for the Oublek bounty, I would think that the party's desperate financial situation might lead them to go after that.
2) Should the party mess with Bassilus, that would lead you back to the temple and potentially give another chance to bring Neera. Even if there were no major surges, surely she might be a slight bit of trouble to those at Song of the Morning and maybe want to join (Imoen would be strongly for this)
I am continuing to work on the idea of a Re-development dream for Beregost and how it might become a political and economic reality within other larger balances of power. I am particularly interested in whether local mineral and forest resources are already spelled-out/copyrighted. And also whether there are any particular former partially fortified Manor Houses on the site of now abandoned and possibly haunted Estates within a 10mile radius.
Also: Does Candlekeep have anything like Docks, Harbor Warehouses, etc??? Or do all its supplies arrive from N or S via the Coast Road...
Charname's early ideas focus on A.-PublicRelations/Chamber of Commerce stuff headed by the dude who greets you just to the North of Beregost upon your first arrival. B.-Security in the form of a local Constabulary of Gendarmes and Rangers headed by Minsc, Garrick, Marl, and Bjornin. C. Practical Education-Imoen and Mirianne. D. Health, Nutrition and Sanitation under the direction of Jaheira-Khalid. D. A Coffee-shoppe run by Neera, Dynaheir and Branwen which gradually popularizes caffeinated beverages. E. Agriculture and a Castle--being Charname's main focus with Composting and Erosion control as primary innovations.
Neera and Garrick it seems are going to be tempted by Black Market entanglements of some kind in the near future as the "Powers-that-be" start manouvering for a 'piece of the action'. And Imoen, who knows what she is really up to. I mean -- she runs a One Room Schoolhouse fer heavens sake...!! What better reason for "Interviewing" various oddities and VIPS to add some heightened interest to her World Geography Parliaments on Tuesdays, with the special Muffin-treats. Such Devotion!
Population will increase at a rate of @5% annually after a 10% jump from small tribes of Halflings, Gnomes and Dwarves specifically invited by Charname-Thalantyr-Taelrun-Keldath-Firebead who have formed a strong bond in an as yet unpublished defiance of the forces responsible for the wanton slaughter of Gorion. Enough is Enough!!
I give it 2 years tops before something else completely different turns the game back to the Main-Line encounter or some variant thereof...
And then I will probably discover that BG2&3 Canons make the whole premise out of the question but still it will have been a fun way to proceed...
on Charname's Estate [@500Acres]
Here traveling east took them to an encounter that got Xzar killed. From the RP standpoint Oracos wondered then if Xzar's death was an ill omen. He cast the runes to see if they should indeed continue trying to bring Bassilus to justice, and the runes said no (i.e., I turned over a black card for that). And at that point four of the six party members had it as their mission (as Harpers and Zhents) to investigate the mines to begin with--so RPing their reactions, they were good with that. Among those four, only Monty was gung-ho to try to collect that bounty from the RP standpoint. (He was disappointed at the decision to abandon the Bassilus quest.)
The party continued to be attacked by powerful assassins. And the encounter outside the Nashkel mines exit was especially brutal. This main character is at this point simply doing the smartest thing he can think of to survive. And Oracos recalled Gorion's plan when they left Candlekeep to either try hiding in the wilderness or seek to disappear among the throng in Baldur's Gate. The party had a counsel about what to do. Oracos cast his runes as well, and it was determined that they would flee the area and try to lay low in Baldur's Gate. So that is their primary mission right now from the RP standpoint.
Mind you, at this point the party still doesn't have any idea that Oublek offers bounties. To them he's just another resident of Nashkel milling about the town. Although using the gaming technique that I'm testing here, it's fine to imagine that that the party easily might overhear Oublek discussing a bounty when they pass by him; and as such I could flip a card for whether they overhear such a conversation each time they pass by Oublek. (I've turned a card for that only once so far, and the answer was no. I could have done it more times though.)
Similarly, if the party were to have drinks in the Nashkel tavern or inn they might at least learn of the bounty for Brage. (Maybe for Prism also? I forget if that quest can be discovered via buying drinks.) And then I would RP that whoever told them that at the tavern or inn would direct the party to Oublek for more information.
But the goal of investigating the mines was front and center early on, so the party was quite focused on that initially. And then they had to try to recover Monty's body after he got killed when they exited the mines. And then Xzar and Montaron stole nearly all of their gear the next night. And honestly, by the time they completed the mines and learn that Tazok is sending assassins to kill them, the PC is feeling more than ever that they just need to do what seems to be the smartest thing--hide out. Not go about collecting bounties. (Talking here about this particular PC's personality.)
Jaheira has arrived at the incorrect conclusion that Tazok is a Zhent. So the party now believes that this vast and powerful evil organization is sending deadly effective assassins to try to kill them. If you have 18 Int and 18 Wis, and you are a Diviner who is not at all interested in bloody battles and playing the hero, what would be your next move (knowing only what you can know about all this in-game)?
Kivan joining the party (with his quest) has definitely added a new wrinkle, though!
How will it all play out? I'm fascinated to see myself!