I wake up in a wood, which was familiar a little. With some inspection from a tall tree (don't like tree climbing) i see the hulking form of High Hedge to the northwest. So Beregost must be to the north. This is good fortune! Maybe i can get back Myrtle, my pony and don't have to torture my legs further! However, with these "wake up elswhere, than i rested" thing i don't know, how could i keep something, that bigger than my backpack with me. At least my basic cooking gear is with me!
18. entry /part1/
After some walking i arrived to Beregost. First i went back to the Red Sheaf, to see if Myrtle is still there. I tried to hide myself, because i didn't wanted to cross with a bounty hunter this time. I went first to the stables. I didn't find my pony, but something other! While i inspected the horses in the stable a familiar voice sounded up behind my back: - Oooh, thanks Tymora! Cluck. You come back! Cluck,cluck.-
So, the chicken named Melicamp find me again. He told me (oh, this so odd), that he had came after me to warn me, that a man asked about me at Thalantyr. He told the mage, that he can be find in the Red Sheaf inn, if Thalantyr hear anything from me. After this Thalantyr told Melicamp, that if he want to be an apprentice, here is the first thing to learn: sense of responsibility. So the chicken come after me to the Red Sheaf, but at the time he arrives i was nowhere to find, but he recognized Myrtle in the backyard. Once a burly dwarven stranger came, and took away my pony, he knew there's something trouble. He heard that i was killed, but my corpse vanished mysteriously. He spent several days in the backyard, and didn't dare to speak to anyone. He just planned to leave and try to go back to his master on his own, when i popped up out from nowhere. I told him to be patient for a little more and wait there, while i explore Beregost better. I totally forget from this chicken! Maybe he earned somehow Vergadain's favor, haha! I will miss Myrtle...
So i went and tried to find some more welcoming inns, than the Red Sheaf. I asked around, if anyone heard about Imoen. There's little chance for this, i know, but i must try at least.
First i went to the Jovial Juggler, it has a good name! I chatted with the people in the bar, but no one seemed to meet or see Imoen. One man have met recently with angry halflings,
he claimed, that the halflings attacked him with bows. I wonder how can he anger so the little folks. From his story that creaturs were rather kobolds, than halflings.
Another man told an interesting story about the Ulcaster ruins.
Fortunately i never met with any two hundred years old undead, so i don't have any knowledge of such a creature mental state. However, i read in Candlekeep from an ancient gnome mummy, who raised cauliflowers, and invented spells to exterminate broccoli in several ways. But that's not relevant, because that story was in a vegetarian cookbook. Who can not eat meat and remain sane? That, and the fact, that those undead was a gnome makes this example unreliable.
There were some people, who worried about Bassilus, the mad cleric.
I wonder, that they heard not from Bassilus death, and assured them, that they don't have to worry about him anymore.
I met a tall blonde warrior named Bjornin.
It was kind from him, to think, that i can get rid with half-ogres, but i don't want to risk my life needlessly, thanks.
Next i spoke with a fellow who lost his cloak in cloakwood! What a story, haha!
His name is Gurke, and it seems, that he have also some interest in cookery, haha! I could teach him some recipes, liver with some fava beans, mmm! I ate that wonder so long ago!
18. entry /part2/ The bartender mistakes me with some drunkard.
Generally i don't take insults easy, but this time i was in a good mood, so i let it go. I ordered some drink, and chatted with the innkeeper, who was more polite now, seeing my purse of gold. He spoke from the Naskel troubles too.
After that, i met a strange fellow on the upper floor:
There's too much insane people out the world nowdays, i say! That Oogie man seemed innocent at least, but who knows? This monkey business sounds fishy to me...
I had explored the Jovial Juggler, so i moved on. I heard from someone, that old Firebead is Beregost, so i decided to visit him. First i mistake the house:
,but my second attempt was succesful! It was good to see an old face from the past. He heard from Gorion death, and the assasination attempt at the Red Sheaf too, so he was surprised to see me alive. We had some friendly chat, but i didn't bother him with my general problems. He asked me for a book, and fortunately i had it with me, so i can give it to him. He give an interesting book in exchange:
I will examine it later.
It was night, when i depart from Firebead, and on Beregost's street walked only the local girls, whom wanted some fresh air after the inn's heat. I was never a fun of their services, but their wisdom entertains me always:
I entered the the tavern in front of me, to seek some other entertainments, and rushed in a big burly and dumb man, who picked up a quarrel with me for nothing! Maybe he drunk more than what he could bear sane, but that was too much! I tried to lesson him with one of my surprise gear, but it broke and wounded me! Cursed coins! This iron business goes on my nerves lately, next my own trap will kill me!
So i must get rid with this Marl fellow later, but i write him on my to do list...
To calm my nerves down i ordered some curing liquid from the bar.
I look for some drinking company after that. I failed my firs two attempt:
,but at last i found a like minded fellow:
With some bottles later it turned out however, that Hephis isn't from the gentle folk too:
so i went on to search for another drinking partner. And to my surprise i found a noble lady Gyllian, who prove to be the only friendly person in the tavern!
She even asked me to teach her the old dwarven drinking song:
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the one! One is friendship, good fellowship, Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the two! two keg good ale, from the barrel, Let us drink it, bless you! *here the singers consume their cup's content* One is friendship, good fellowship, Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the three! three are the battle in the dales two keg good ale, from the barrel, Let us drink it, bless you! *here the singers consume their cup's content* One is friendship, good fellowship, Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the four! four are the craftsman's instruments three are the battles in the dales two keg good ale, from the barrel, Let us drink it, bless you! *here the singers consume their cup's content* One is friendship, good fellowship, Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the five! five are the good-natured races four are the craftsman's instruments three are the battles in the dales two keg good ale, from the barrel, Let us drink it, bless you! *here the singers consume their cup's content* One is friendship, good fellowship, Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the six! six are the jester's jokes five are the good-natured races four are the craftsman's instruments three are the battles in the dales two keg good ale, from the barrel, Let us drink it, bless you! *here the singers consume their cup's content* One is friendship, good fellowship, Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the seven! seven are Moradin's boons six are the jester's jokes five are the good-natured races four are the craftsman's instruments three are the battles in the dales two keg good ale, from the barrel, Let us drink it, bless you! *here the singers consume their cup's content* One is friendship, good fellowship, Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the eight! eight are the abysmal caves seven are Moradin's boons six are the jester's jokes five are the good-natured races four are the craftsman's instruments three are the battles in the dales two keg good ale, from the barrel, Let us drink it, bless you! *here the singers consume their cup's content* One is friendship, good fellowship, Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the nine! nine are the great tacticians eight are the abysmal caves seven are Moradin's boons six are the jester's jokes five are the good-natured races four are the craftsman's instruments three are the battles in the dales two keg good ale, from the barrel, Let us drink it, bless you! *here the singers consume their cup's content* One is friendship, good fellowship, Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
And so on, but here Gyllian fell asleep.
I visited the upper rooms, but after i met another rude guy:
i decided that i'm not sleepy and left the inn.
Than it came to my mind my promise to the talking chicken, so i sneak back to the Red Sheaf and left for High Hedge with Melicamp. I took my chance against a skeleton, what lurked near Thalantyr's tower, to take it's skull, and Vergadain's luck was with me! I managed to defeat the boned monster!
On my way to the mage i met with another rude stranger:
Seriously, everyone is rude nowdays? Or everyone have problem just with me? Damn caves...
In the end, we arrived to Thalantyr, who succesfully restored Melicamp's human form:
And now i should rest, but i'm not tired. Yes, i'm not sleppy atttal..
The morning mist is a little cool in the open air, and Vergadain should really be so attentive to provide me a mattress and a blanket at these teleports! Nevermind ... I made the few things, which was with me together, then carefully went through the trees. Caution was necessary: by the next clearing, as i observed from the sheltering trees, a drow woman ran over chased by a soldier. Showed clearly that this is not my business, so I quietly go further. I aimed at a nearby high ground from which I could take a look around. It seemed that my luck again driven me close to the Friendly Arms Inn: not far to the west of me loomed the walls of the fortress of the host. Soon I reached the inn, the guards greeted by the usual cordiality:
I thought i ask around again, if anyone saw Imoen since my last visit, but at this time I was unsuccessful too. I have met, however, with a woman, Joia, Who had a task for me:
I finally decided to give it a good time to practice the melee fight, and despite it promised no reward I took it. The hobgoblin robbers was not difficult to find. They were camping near the northern route, where last time I met them. Guaranteed by a few traps and Vergadain power, large part of them were dealt with and i lured the rest near the gate of the inn, and fortunately the guards helped finish the fight. I gave the flame dance ring back to Joia's (it was really by the hobgoblin bandits), then sat down at the bar and drank some jug of liquor. After a while, Bentley refused my further orders:
, so I retired to my room. This constant jumping is a difficult thing. I have to admit to myself, I'm afraid of the fact, that where I'm going to wake up the next time. And i feel quite lonely. I hope my life's cost will be not my sanity. What do Vergadain plan with me? And why me? I hope i find the answers to these questions with time.
When I woke up I found myself in the middle of a desert, next to a giant cactus. Not far from me was a dry river bed,an old bridge spanning it. I found nearby stone road signand according to it I am at the Firewine Bridge. I thought about the cactus is an interesting recipe I have long wanted to try: cactus bean soup Ingredients: 1/4 kg of high-eyed beans, wash down 1/2 cup cooking oil 1 onion, cut up to 1.5 liters of water 3 cloves garlic 4-5 opuntia Back Let the water mixed with the beans, oil, 1/2 onion, 2 cloves of garlic comminutioned, cover and cook over a slow source until the beans are tender and the juices congealing slightly. Do not add salt to it! Stir often. Meanwhile, clean the shaft opuntia members and cut 1/2 inch cubes, boil separately, salt, 1 clove crushed garlic, 1/2 onion until soft. Before serving stir in the cactus cubes into the soup.
While i was dealing with collecting the cactus there came a strange man and adressed me.
As it turned out his name is Bentan and he is a follower of the crying god. He was babbling a lot something about suffering, wisdom and sorcery but honestly, i couldn't concentrate on his speech, those prickly goodies took all my attention. I told him that instead of the word salad it would be kind from him if he could provide some wild meat to my cactus soup. He left resentfully for some reason after this. According to the stone a village called Gullykin lies to the north, so I take that direction.
21. entry
The road sign proved to be correct, after a few hours of walking (it makes me always sad to think of the time when Myrtle was still with me) I arrived to Gullykin, which proved to be a nice little halfling village. The leader of the community greeted me kindly and asked me to stay a little in the village, tell about the news around the world and he told me to feel myself at home.
Such hospitality is rare on the Sword Coast! After I spoke the halflings about my journey and some of my adventures, Gandolar Luckyfoot mentioned that they had trouble recently with the kobolds of the nearby Firewine Ruins. After some persuasion, I agreed them to help in solving the problem.
Before diving to the catacombs for the goblin hunt, I decided to look around a bit in the village. I talked with the locals:
and finally had time to read also:
But most importantly, one of the halfling burrow provided a surprising discovery:
The halfling proved to be a tough opponent, he also gave me a serious sting in my side, but I finally came out victorious from the battle. Fortunately, the local priest tended and healed my wounds quickly and safely.
Few minutes later i reported Gandolar what has happened. After the treacherous halfling was no more and they knew where the goblins come to the village the little folk have been able to close off the secret entrance and they have not to be afraid of another sudden attack, at least for the time being. In the evening the halflings held a small ceremony for me. These tiny folk can make some whoopee! What a dance!
One woman even helped me with some ingredients and we prepared the cactus soup! I added a little brandy to the recipe and it was all delicious, although it lacked some basilisk meat i think. Now I rest and get ready for another magical travel.
Before awakening i had some disturbing dreams this time, about some ancient grave, and people going mad. And then i run into a real madman. What should you do if you meet a big angry madman with big sword in the wilderness? Play some quiz with him!
After some game he ask me to escort him to Naskel to his execution. I mentioned him another option with helping people and managed to convince him the sanity of my alternative solution for his problem.
I planned to visit Nashkel anyway, so we travel there together. The sword will be a perfect offer to Vergadain.
23. entry I left the captain in the temple of Helm, Nalin the priest was generous and gave me the bounty for Brage! Nice. As i had left the temple and was amusing myself with reading the old epitaphs in the local graveyard a hard looking man with grey hair came to me and accosted me:
It must be a really desperate situation, when he must ask strangers such as myself for help. But the handsome reward part sounded good, so i tossed a coin to decide what to do, and it turned out, that it's Vergadain's will for me to investigate the Nashkel Mines.
Thanks @Ravenslight and all who read this. Journaling is hard for me, it demands a lot of time to write these shorty posts. I tried to improve my work with writing it on my native language, put the text in google translator, then edit the obvious mistakes, but that even more time-consuming. I wonder how can players like @semiticgod or @Blackraven do so much progression in so short time. I bow before their might So Papaver arrived to Nashkel in his journals, but he is at the last part of the tale in the game. Only the ToSC content and the final boss fight are remaining and the palace fight with the dopplegangers. I try to close up with the journal, but promise nothing
I have a thing to decide: should Papaver go for Durlag tower or not? I know that it will be a pain with Papaver, but there are some nice magical items to offer for Vergadain : ) So i'm undecided on that matter yet. Same with the werewolf island.
I exactly concur with you, @lolien , on that: documenting your run is very time-consuming in the first place, and when we add to this the fact that you have to check for the right translations and mistakes the work becomes even longer. It's one of the reasons why Yahiko's run hasn't been one of the fastest in the Universe.
But in the end of the day, it is worth it because overall it helps you to improve your writing skills and teaches you English : ) Communicating on this forum does it and writing about your playthroughs does it in particular.
Reading other peoples' playthroughs is so fun! And not only it's fun from the "following the game" part, it's also fun because people try to search for the best words, for the language they use. From this point of view, @Blackraven 's, @Lemernis 's, @semiticgod 's, @rufus_hobart 's, @deltago 's, @Sniiiimon 's @typo_tilly 's and @Nonnahswriter 's playthroughs and novelizations are somewhat English lessons for me, and most excellent ones.
@bengoshi and @lolien, one reason I've stopped doing truly roleplayed no-reload playthroughs with extensively narrated journals is time constraints (the failure rate of those playthroughs is a factor as well though hehe). I'm saving my creative writing for Ánhaga, but often find myself more eager to play than to continue his adventure (which involves much more time using Word than actually playing the game).
Even my more straightforward updates, like those on Norgath, can easily take an hour or two (sorting out screenshots, giving truthful combat descriptions, adding the occasional 'irrelevant' detail for flavor).
Anyway, it's a good thing to know that there are people out there like you guys who appreciate the effort. I in turn wonder how you keep track of everything and where you get the time to read it all. Props for that!
Before heading to the mines i thought i gather some information from the people around the village.
Then i decided to do some questioning at the near carnival too. The Carnival is huge, a little village on its own, maybe more people here than in Naskel. I always liked poems, so i listened to a performer with some talent:
From the mines i heared only frightening tales, but nothing concrete facts.
25. entry
In the carnival i entered the wrong tent. Madness and sorcery is a bad combination, especially, when you face it in your foe. Bad, but unfortunatelly not rare as i experienced by.
So Vergadain had to save me again.
After i had felt the pain of the mage's damaging spell i felt the hot pain of the coin embedded in my chest also. The world got blurred and with a breathtaking fall-like sensation i found myself in a different place again. I thought that i will test the patience of my god, and try to rescue the damsel in distress. That will be a painful and exhausting experience, but what can i lose? First i reappeared relatively close to the Carnival. The mage was somewhat astonished, when i entered in his tent second time, but he made me to travel nevertheless. This time i arrived near the Friendly Arms Inn, it is north from here, when the road sign is right. I recently spoke with a strange wizard-like old man, who fortunately turned out a friendly, however somewhat odd one.
I travel back to the Nashkel Carnival, i will have time to work a better battle plan against the mad mage on the road there.
26. entry
I decided to use my culinary finesse against the mage. But preparing the proper recipe, and observing the mage's daily routine will take time, and resting can mean a lot of walking thereafter to travel back to the carnival.
27. entry (part one)
From the scent of the salt water i thought that i get far from Nashkel this time, and my guess proved to be right. I was on the coast and i met there with a talented gnome bard called Mad Arcand:
On my way back to the Carnival i run across the man and the excavation from my dream, where the workers got mad. I was curious what will happen this time, and strangely events repeated my dream:
However i was alert and get rid with the posessed laborers. The ancient idol will go to the collection of magic items for Vergadain.
Back in the Nashkel Carnival, while i prepared my "gift" for the mad mage happened some strange thing. Another talking chicken!
Either the magic traveling gone to my mind or i spent too much time in the company of Melicamp. Or maybe both.
My customized chicken pie recipe worked a little slow, so i used some divine flame to hasten the roasting process. Sorcery is good, but there are some trick up in the sleeves in such young cook as i too...
Ok, i admit that i never had a chance to defeat this Zordral without the help of Vergadain. It was quite painful to taste again and again his magical arsenal, but his every time more irritated face worth the pain. After the carnival i retorn to the town, and in the inn i met with another bounty hunter.
After quick thinking i decided, that i can't have more information from the mines here in Naskell, so i left the inn with haste and stealth, leaving the attacking women for the guards. On my way to the mine i met with some other bandits, but fortunatelly a helpful half-orc warrior made some distraction, and i could leave the scene in time.
After some time i reached the mine. I got the permission for entry from Emerson, the leader of the miners. With the help of the miners i found the entrance to the lower levels quite easily. On my way i returned the dagger of an old miner.
While i explored the lower levels keeping myself in the shadows it became obvious, that kobolds cause the problem in the mine, and with the ore. To tell the truth, there's enough kobold here to overrun more than one adventurer party! And on the third level of the mine they were organised too, patrolling up and down the dark tunnels, which was crowded with traps. Thanks to Vergadain and the Sanctuary spell, what he provided for me i managed to find the hideout of the kobold's leader. Here i met with a prisoner.
Who was not to grateful for his freedom. Now i must rest. I use my last sanctuary spell to keep my nap undisturbed by the scaly dogs. But i prepared some gift for them first. We shall see where my god guides me with this rest.
Something interesting occured to me. I wake up exactly where i've fallen asleep! Hah! It feels weird. Fortunatly the sanctuary provided by Vergadain protect me from the unveiling by the kobolds. And neighbour the cavern (in where i found the ungrateful lankear) i met the leader, who was behind the iron conspiration here in the mines. But, as it turned out, he just obeyed to others:
It was not simple task to get rid with the half-orc priest. I failed more than once against his undead and kobold horde... but Vergadain was with me! And this time after my fall i ended up in the same place in the caverns, where i set up my sanctuary beforehand! With this i could slowly degrade the kobold army, and i could prepare a trap (a little landslide), and the cyric worshipper was vanquished.
In his chest i found the documents, what he was speaking of, with a name and a place, where i can continue my investigation.
It's nice pic, but why is it here?
But i found something else, what made me even more curious! A spell scroll... with familiar scribbling on it's back!
"Today that smelly oaf captured another one. His name is Xan, and he would be quite handsome... But he's NO FUNNY at all! I know, we are captured and all, but even old Ulraunt have more cheerfulness than him! Ok, maybe this not true, but one must always have hope, not? This is not the adventure, what i planned. Tis' something most unnatural here, and I want no part of it. Anyhow, the orcy-porky told me"
28. entry (part two) And here the writing abruptly ends. But i would recognize this handwrite even without the telling details everywhere. This means that Imoen was captured here too. The question is: where is she now? It seems, that i must follow the bandits' track back to Beregost to this Tranzig fellow. So get back to the roads... but first i make my offer to Vergadain for my success from the treasure of the half-orc, and use the sanctuary to have another undisturbed rest. Yes, and i must to examine these two little barrels too.
"Fifteen men on the dead man's chest ...Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum! Drink and the devil had done for the rest ...Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!"
29. entry I came back to Nashkell and get another nice sum for another holy symbul of an evil priest. Maybe i should collect these! At the entrance of the local inn waited for me two bounty hunter now:
Fortunately with my help in the mines there were no question from the local guards in helping me, and they did the dirty job for me, while i sought for a more calm place to rest my tired feet.
It seems the local people do recognize me too now:
If this is a good thing, i'm not perfectly sure.In the Belching Dragon tavern i met with no other, but Volothamp Geddarm, the great and famous critic of the culinary art! The bartender was not amused with him:
but i was eager to discuss some interesting recipe with the well known traveler. In fact he is kind of paragon for me. But, to tell the truth, his lore in the local events was a little bit outdated:
We have tales, meal and drink to share nonetheless.
I enjoy reading this journal a lot. To me, it doesn't matter when you finish it. I enjoy the process, not the result (although the result is very important for you, of course;)
29. entry The Coast. Fresh air, the smell of the salt, the beautiful landscape. And hobgoblins. a pack of them. Yes after waking up on the seashore i bumped in a pack from these ugly creatures. I tried to hide in the shadows and get through them without trouble, but they were too many, and i must flee. And i would have, if strangers didn't stopped me for idle chat:
Whatever. Just let me RUN PLEASE!
In the end i managed to escape and to find the way to Beregost, where my only hope to find Imoen wait for me in the form of an evil mage named Tranzig. I find him without much trouble. The problem was not to find him, but to make him speak about the bandit's hideout. My first try was unsuccesful, but Vergadain saved me succesfully. Then i decided to soften the mage with some traps. For this i had to rest, and i didn't got too far from Beregost this time. However my dream was not totally calm:
These weird dreams also bring inexplicable magical abilities for me.
In the end i got back to the inn, and i had find Tranzig still there. His overconfidence was his doom:
Sadly neither he, neither his belongings could tell me anything about Imoen. Maybe at the bandit camp!
30. entry It was a long time before, that i could grab my quill and journal to write about my adventures and tribulations. A lot of things happened since...
First, after a rest in Beregost, and accidentally left there my journal, i went out in the wilderness in search of Imoen and the bandit camp. And i found it without much hassle. I managed to decieve the bandits in the area and join in their ranks for a couple days. This was enough for me to slip into their leader's, Tazok's tent, where i set free a prisoner and found some documents from Tazok's correspondence with his superiors, without taking anyone's attention in the camp. The freed lass told me about the true force behind the iron crisis: The Iron Throne (an expressive name). He also mentioned me about a young girl, who was here with him for a little time as a prisoner, after i had asked about Imoen.
I left for Baldur's Gate to visit the Iron Throne's headquarter, but the city gates were closed, because of the bandit activity in the region. So i went to the other place, where i had some chance to obtain information from my enemy: to the Cloakwood area, where -according to the documents, what i found in the bandit camp- the Iron Throne operated a mine under the guide of Davaeorn.
I would like to go back and fetch my journal at Beregost. On my way to the village i crossed High Hedge, and i decided to visit Melicamp and Thalantyr. Which decision proved to be a dangerous mistake... Thalantyr had wanted to eliminate me for some reason. He said he have some unfinished business with my original father. It all makes sense now, but i was totally confused about this that time. I had to kill him, and his apprentice Melicamp. He gave me no other choice. I fled for Cloakwood.
After several days of sleepless journey i reached the mines, where another party of assasins waited for me. I stalked my way throgh the mine to the wizard Davaeorn. My only choice was to kill him, and i did that. He was a tough one. but i stole his spellbook, and after he had waste his memorized spells and i'd rest under the sanctuary of Vergadain the odds turned in my favour. Without his spells he couldn't made any threat to me, and the guards could not catch me in the dark tunnels, no matter how strong they tried. With Davaeorn dead i helped the prisoners to escape and flood the mine for the advice of a fellow dwarf, Yeslick.
In Davaeorn letters i find the names of the leaders of the Iron Throne, so i went back to Baldur's Gate, and this time the gates were open. I even got help for my investigation against the Iron Throne from no others than the Flaming Fist, and the Grand Duke! After i revealed a doppleganger conspiracy in the town, i managed to break into the Iron Throne headquarter too, and found evidences against the leaders. But they had left the town for no other destination, than Candlekeep! The Grand Duke asked me to follow them there, and gave me a book for the entry fee. I managed to enter my former home, but something was not right there. Soon i found out, that dopplegangers infested the keep too. And i found something more. A letter from Gorion, what he had wrote before his death.
I'm the child of the dead God Bhaal.
It's insanity, but it explain so much. Starting from the ambush at the night Gorion died, and what was all for me. My dreams and the odd abilities, what seemed to come from that dreams. The loyality of the dead priest of the dead god, Korax the ghoul. My talent in raising undead warriors lately. And the malignity of the former adventurer Thalantyr, who despised the followers of Bhaal in the past with passion, and who saw a possible threat in me, after he get to know about my dark lineage from the assasins, who were after me. It's a hard truth.
It was all a nightnmare then. Against all odds, i found the Iron Throne leaders, and again, they leave me no other choice, than kill them. Then i was caged and sentenced to death for this kill. Fortunately my old tutor Tethtoril was not under the influence of the dopplegangers and beleived in my cause. He helped me to escape through the old catacombs of the keep. I don't remember much from that place. It was filled with dopplegangers, undead and other monsters.
I escaped. Now i'm here in Beregost, where i'm despised too for my murder against the local mage.
31. entry I went to the leader of Beregost, the head priest of the local temple, to clean my name. I thanked him for listening my story with some generous donation. He was so kind, that he warned me, that there is a new price on my head because of the killing of the Iron throne leaders.
And now the leader is Sarevok, Rieltar's son.
I thoght, that it's dangerous to go back in Baldur's Gate now, so i went for tending some unfinished business in the statue garden. Vergadain gave me strenght to defeat the numerous basilisk infestation in the regio and the mad gnome, whith whom i met before. It seems ages...
A bunch of whaterdavian fool youngling tried to mock with me, but they found me in bad mood.
I teached them not to mock with a dwarf, however weaponless may it seems.
Back in Beregost i met with an old "friend", the bounty hunter Karlat. He surely knew about the raised price on my head, so our meeting was not a friendly one.
Hard to keep up a cheery face in these days. And i fear that Imoen is now in Baldur's Gate too with this misterious Sarevok. We shall see where vergadain guides me tommorow.
32. entry Sleep eluded me, so i thought that i should fetch something to eat. And so two things turned up in my mind: one the request of an old gnome lady from the Friendly Arms Inn, the other a recipe, what i had to try out since some times. I got up and went to Landrin's house at once:
The cooks in the village were not too helpful with preparing my multilegged meal, but i could gather the ingredients at least. So i put up an open fire on the central square of Beregost, and prepared this delicacy with the help of my undead minions. I even managed to gain help from a young chap on the square, he accepted to help me in change of helping him in an other business.
After appeasing my rumbling belly, i went with the young chap named Garrick to his employee, a women with the name Silke. Honestly i couldn't understand everything what she said because of her annoying voice hindered my understanding. But then she asked me to kill people for no apparent reason. When i asked for reason she turned to be angry, and tried to attack me. I don't know what she suspected to accomplish against five men and two armed undead.
And my spell was the faster.
I thought that i go to the FAI and report Landrin that her house is safe now. After some disturbance (an odd pink haired girl needed my help in a hare and hounds game with some thayan wizards),
i arrived to Bentley's inn without further trouble, and managed to speak with the gnome lady.
I still couldn't sleep, but neither could i do anything sensible at this point. So i end up just wondering around the inn and admiring the paintings on the walls.
I prefer practical things, but some arts may worth the time making.
I could not postpone my sleep forever of course.
And now i'm in the city of Baldur's Gate again, and i know what i'll do. Seek Sarevok, and hopefully Imoen too.
Comments
I wake up in a wood, which was familiar a little. With some inspection from a tall tree (don't like tree climbing) i see the hulking form of High Hedge to the northwest. So Beregost must be to the north. This is good fortune! Maybe i can get back Myrtle, my pony and don't have to torture my legs further! However, with these "wake up elswhere, than i rested" thing i don't know, how could i keep something, that bigger than my backpack with me. At least my basic cooking gear is with me!
18. entry /part1/
After some walking i arrived to Beregost. First i went back to the Red Sheaf, to see if Myrtle is still there. I tried to hide myself, because i didn't wanted to cross with a bounty hunter this time. I went first to the stables. I didn't find my pony, but something other! While i inspected the horses in the stable a familiar voice sounded up behind my back: - Oooh, thanks Tymora! Cluck. You come back! Cluck,cluck.-
So, the chicken named Melicamp find me again. He told me (oh, this so odd), that he had came after me to warn me, that a man asked about me at Thalantyr. He told the mage, that he can be find in the Red Sheaf inn, if Thalantyr hear anything from me. After this Thalantyr told Melicamp, that if he want to be an apprentice, here is the first thing to learn: sense of responsibility. So the chicken come after me to the Red Sheaf, but at the time he arrives i was nowhere to find, but he recognized Myrtle in the backyard. Once a burly dwarven stranger came, and took away my pony, he knew there's something trouble. He heard that i was killed, but my corpse vanished mysteriously. He spent several days in the backyard, and didn't dare to speak to anyone. He just planned to leave and try to go back to his master on his own, when i popped up out from nowhere. I told him to be patient for a little more and wait there, while i explore Beregost better. I totally forget from this chicken! Maybe he earned somehow Vergadain's favor, haha! I will miss Myrtle...
So i went and tried to find some more welcoming inns, than the Red Sheaf. I asked around, if anyone heard about Imoen. There's little chance for this, i know, but i must try at least.
First i went to the Jovial Juggler, it has a good name!
I chatted with the people in the bar, but no one seemed to meet or see Imoen.
One man have met recently with angry halflings,
he claimed, that the halflings attacked him with bows. I wonder how can he anger so the little folks. From his story that creaturs were rather kobolds, than halflings.
Another man told an interesting story about the Ulcaster ruins.
Fortunately i never met with any two hundred years old undead, so i don't have any knowledge of such a creature mental state. However, i read in Candlekeep from an ancient gnome mummy, who raised cauliflowers, and invented spells to exterminate broccoli in several ways. But that's not relevant, because that story was in a vegetarian cookbook. Who can not eat meat and remain sane? That, and the fact, that those undead was a gnome makes this example unreliable.
There were some people, who worried about Bassilus, the mad cleric.
I wonder, that they heard not from Bassilus death, and assured them, that they don't have to worry about him anymore.
I met a tall blonde warrior named Bjornin.
It was kind from him, to think, that i can get rid with half-ogres, but i don't want to risk my life needlessly, thanks.
Next i spoke with a fellow who lost his cloak in cloakwood! What a story, haha!
His name is Gurke, and it seems, that he have also some interest in cookery, haha! I could teach him some recipes, liver with some fava beans, mmm! I ate that wonder so long ago!
The bartender mistakes me with some drunkard.
Generally i don't take insults easy, but this time i was in a good mood, so i let it go. I ordered some drink, and chatted with the innkeeper, who was more polite now, seeing my purse of gold. He spoke from the Naskel troubles too.
After that, i met a strange fellow on the upper floor:
There's too much insane people out the world nowdays, i say! That Oogie man seemed innocent at least, but who knows? This monkey business sounds fishy to me...
I had explored the Jovial Juggler, so i moved on. I heard from someone, that old Firebead is Beregost, so i decided to visit him. First i mistake the house:
,but my second attempt was succesful! It was good to see an old face from the past. He heard from Gorion death, and the assasination attempt at the Red Sheaf too, so he was surprised to see me alive. We had some friendly chat, but i didn't bother him with my general problems. He asked me for a book, and fortunately i had it with me, so i can give it to him. He give an interesting book in exchange:
I will examine it later.
It was night, when i depart from Firebead, and on Beregost's street walked only the local girls, whom wanted some fresh air after the inn's heat. I was never a fun of their services, but their wisdom entertains me always:
I entered the the tavern in front of me, to seek some other entertainments, and rushed in a big burly and dumb man, who picked up a quarrel with me for nothing! Maybe he drunk more than what he could bear sane, but that was too much! I tried to lesson him with one of my surprise gear, but it broke and wounded me! Cursed coins! This iron business goes on my nerves lately, next my own trap will kill me!
So i must get rid with this Marl fellow later, but i write him on my to do list...
To calm my nerves down i ordered some curing liquid from the bar.
I look for some drinking company after that. I failed my firs two attempt:
,but at last i found a like minded fellow:
With some bottles later it turned out however, that Hephis isn't from the gentle folk too:
so i went on to search for another drinking partner. And to my surprise i found a noble lady Gyllian, who prove to be the only friendly person in the tavern!
She even asked me to teach her the old dwarven drinking song:
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the one!
One is friendship,
good fellowship,
Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the two!
two keg good ale,
from the barrel,
Let us drink it, bless you!
*here the singers consume their cup's content*
One is friendship,
good fellowship,
Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the three!
three are the battle in the dales
two keg good ale,
from the barrel,
Let us drink it, bless you!
*here the singers consume their cup's content*
One is friendship,
good fellowship,
Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the four!
four are the craftsman's instruments
three are the battles in the dales
two keg good ale,
from the barrel,
Let us drink it, bless you!
*here the singers consume their cup's content*
One is friendship,
good fellowship,
Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the five!
five are the good-natured races
four are the craftsman's instruments
three are the battles in the dales
two keg good ale,
from the barrel,
Let us drink it, bless you!
*here the singers consume their cup's content*
One is friendship,
good fellowship,
Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the six!
six are the jester's jokes
five are the good-natured races
four are the craftsman's instruments
three are the battles in the dales
two keg good ale,
from the barrel,
Let us drink it, bless you!
*here the singers consume their cup's content*
One is friendship,
good fellowship,
Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the seven!
seven are Moradin's boons
six are the jester's jokes
five are the good-natured races
four are the craftsman's instruments
three are the battles in the dales
two keg good ale,
from the barrel,
Let us drink it, bless you!
*here the singers consume their cup's content*
One is friendship,
good fellowship,
Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the eight!
eight are the abysmal caves
seven are Moradin's boons
six are the jester's jokes
five are the good-natured races
four are the craftsman's instruments
three are the battles in the dales
two keg good ale,
from the barrel,
Let us drink it, bless you!
*here the singers consume their cup's content*
One is friendship,
good fellowship,
Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
My friend, my friend, my good friend, tell me what's the nine!
nine are the great tacticians
eight are the abysmal caves
seven are Moradin's boons
six are the jester's jokes
five are the good-natured races
four are the craftsman's instruments
three are the battles in the dales
two keg good ale,
from the barrel,
Let us drink it, bless you!
*here the singers consume their cup's content*
One is friendship,
good fellowship,
Let it takes forever, forever'n always hey-hey!
And so on, but here Gyllian fell asleep.
I visited the upper rooms, but after i met another rude guy:
i decided that i'm not sleepy and left the inn.
Than it came to my mind my promise to the talking chicken, so i sneak back to the Red Sheaf and left for High Hedge with Melicamp. I took my chance against a skeleton, what lurked near Thalantyr's tower, to take it's skull, and Vergadain's luck was with me! I managed to defeat the boned monster!
On my way to the mage i met with another rude stranger:
Seriously, everyone is rude nowdays? Or everyone have problem just with me? Damn caves...
In the end, we arrived to Thalantyr, who succesfully restored Melicamp's human form:
And now i should rest, but i'm not tired. Yes, i'm not sleppy atttal..
zzzzz
it was just superb!
Again, I woke up in the middle of the wilderness:
The morning mist is a little cool in the open air, and Vergadain should really be so attentive to provide me a mattress and a blanket at these teleports! Nevermind ... I made the few things, which was with me together, then carefully went through the trees. Caution was necessary: by the next clearing, as i observed from the sheltering trees, a drow woman ran over chased by a soldier.
Showed clearly that this is not my business, so I quietly go further. I aimed at a nearby high ground from which I could take a look around. It seemed that my luck again driven me close to the Friendly Arms Inn: not far to the west of me loomed the walls of the fortress of the host. Soon I reached the inn, the guards greeted by the usual cordiality:
I thought i ask around again, if anyone saw Imoen since my last visit, but at this time I was unsuccessful too. I have met, however, with a woman, Joia, Who had a task for me:
I finally decided to give it a good time to practice the melee fight, and despite it promised no reward I took it. The hobgoblin robbers was not difficult to find. They were camping near the northern route, where last time I met them. Guaranteed by a few traps and Vergadain power, large part of them were dealt with and i lured the rest near the gate of the inn, and fortunately the guards helped finish the fight. I gave the flame dance ring back to Joia's (it was really by the hobgoblin bandits), then sat down at the bar and drank some jug of liquor. After a while, Bentley refused my further orders:
, so I retired to my room. This constant jumping is a difficult thing. I have to admit to myself, I'm afraid of the fact, that where I'm going to wake up the next time. And i feel quite lonely. I hope my life's cost will be not my sanity. What do Vergadain plan with me? And why me? I hope i find the answers to these questions with time.
When I woke up I found myself in the middle of a desert, next to a giant cactus. Not far from me was a dry river bed,an old bridge spanning it. I found nearby stone road signand according to it I am at the Firewine Bridge. I thought about the cactus is an interesting recipe I have long wanted to try:
cactus bean soup Ingredients:
1/4 kg of high-eyed beans, wash down
1/2 cup cooking oil
1 onion, cut up to
1.5 liters of water
3 cloves garlic
4-5 opuntia Back
Let the water mixed with the beans, oil, 1/2 onion, 2 cloves of garlic comminutioned, cover and cook over a slow source until the beans are tender and the juices congealing slightly. Do not add salt to it! Stir often. Meanwhile, clean the shaft opuntia members and cut 1/2 inch cubes, boil separately, salt, 1 clove crushed garlic, 1/2 onion until soft. Before serving stir in the cactus cubes into the soup.
While i was dealing with collecting the cactus there came a strange man and adressed me.
As it turned out his name is Bentan and he is a follower of the crying god. He was babbling a lot something about suffering, wisdom and sorcery but honestly, i couldn't concentrate on his speech, those prickly goodies took all my attention. I told him that instead of the word salad it would be kind from him if he could provide some wild meat to my cactus soup. He left resentfully for some reason after this.
According to the stone a village called Gullykin lies to the north, so I take that direction.
21. entry
The road sign proved to be correct, after a few hours of walking (it makes me always sad to think of the time when Myrtle was still with me) I arrived to Gullykin, which proved to be a nice little halfling village. The leader of the community greeted me kindly and asked me to stay a little in the village, tell about the news around the world and he told me to feel myself at home.
Such hospitality is rare on the Sword Coast! After I spoke the halflings about my journey and some of my adventures, Gandolar Luckyfoot mentioned that they had trouble recently with the kobolds of the nearby Firewine Ruins. After some persuasion, I agreed them to help in solving the problem.
Before diving to the catacombs for the goblin hunt, I decided to look around a bit in the village. I talked with the locals:
and finally had time to read also:
But most importantly, one of the halfling burrow provided a surprising discovery:
The halfling proved to be a tough opponent, he also gave me a serious sting in my side, but I finally came out victorious from the battle.
Fortunately, the local priest tended and healed my wounds quickly and safely.
Few minutes later i reported Gandolar what has happened. After the treacherous halfling was no more and they knew where the goblins come to the village the little folk have been able to close off the secret entrance and they have not to be afraid of another sudden attack, at least for the time being. In the evening the halflings held a small ceremony for me. These tiny folk can make some whoopee! What a dance!
One woman even helped me with some ingredients and we prepared the cactus soup! I added a little brandy to the recipe and it was all delicious, although it lacked some basilisk meat i think.
Now I rest and get ready for another magical travel.
Before awakening i had some disturbing dreams this time, about some ancient grave, and people going mad. And then i run into a real madman. What should you do if you meet a big angry madman with big sword in the wilderness? Play some quiz with him!
After some game he ask me to escort him to Naskel to his execution. I mentioned him another option with helping people and managed to convince him the sanity of my alternative solution for his problem.
23. entry
I left the captain in the temple of Helm, Nalin the priest was generous and gave me the bounty for Brage! Nice. As i had left the temple and was amusing myself with reading the old epitaphs in the local graveyard a hard looking man with grey hair came to me and accosted me:
It must be a really desperate situation, when he must ask strangers such as myself for help. But the handsome reward part sounded good, so i tossed a coin to decide what to do, and it turned out, that it's Vergadain's will for me to investigate the Nashkel Mines.
Hmm… I couldn’t help but wonder if kobold meat could be substituted for the basilisk. Nah… would probably be to salty.
So Papaver arrived to Nashkel in his journals, but he is at the last part of the tale in the game. Only the ToSC content and the final boss fight are remaining and the palace fight with the dopplegangers. I try to close up with the journal, but promise nothing
I have a thing to decide: should Papaver go for Durlag tower or not? I know that it will be a pain with Papaver, but there are some nice magical items to offer for Vergadain : ) So i'm undecided on that matter yet. Same with the werewolf island.
And Animate Dead is OP.
But in the end of the day, it is worth it because overall it helps you to improve your writing skills and teaches you English : ) Communicating on this forum does it and writing about your playthroughs does it in particular.
Reading other peoples' playthroughs is so fun! And not only it's fun from the "following the game" part, it's also fun because people try to search for the best words, for the language they use. From this point of view, @Blackraven 's, @Lemernis 's, @semiticgod 's, @rufus_hobart 's, @deltago 's, @Sniiiimon 's @typo_tilly 's and @Nonnahswriter 's playthroughs and novelizations are somewhat English lessons for me, and most excellent ones.
Even my more straightforward updates, like those on Norgath, can easily take an hour or two (sorting out screenshots, giving truthful combat descriptions, adding the occasional 'irrelevant' detail for flavor).
Anyway, it's a good thing to know that there are people out there like you guys who appreciate the effort. I in turn wonder how you keep track of everything and where you get the time to read it all. Props for that!
Before heading to the mines i thought i gather some information from the people around the village.
Then i decided to do some questioning at the near carnival too. The Carnival is huge, a little village on its own, maybe more people here than in Naskel.
I always liked poems, so i listened to a performer with some talent:
From the mines i heared only frightening tales, but nothing concrete facts.
25. entry
In the carnival i entered the wrong tent. Madness and sorcery is a bad combination, especially, when you face it in your foe. Bad, but unfortunatelly not rare as i experienced by.
So Vergadain had to save me again.
After i had felt the pain of the mage's damaging spell i felt the hot pain of the coin embedded in my chest also. The world got blurred and with a breathtaking fall-like sensation i found myself in a different place again. I thought that i will test the patience of my god, and try to rescue the damsel in distress. That will be a painful and exhausting experience, but what can i lose? First i reappeared relatively close to the Carnival. The mage was somewhat astonished, when i entered in his tent second time, but he made me to travel nevertheless.
This time i arrived near the Friendly Arms Inn, it is north from here, when the road sign is right. I recently spoke with a strange wizard-like old man, who fortunately turned out a friendly, however somewhat odd one.
I travel back to the Nashkel Carnival, i will have time to work a better battle plan against the mad mage on the road there.
26. entry
I decided to use my culinary finesse against the mage. But preparing the proper recipe, and observing the mage's daily routine will take time, and resting can mean a lot of walking thereafter to travel back to the carnival.
27. entry (part one)
From the scent of the salt water i thought that i get far from Nashkel this time, and my guess proved to be right. I was on the coast and i met there with a talented gnome bard called Mad Arcand:
On my way back to the Carnival i run across the man and the excavation from my dream, where the workers got mad. I was curious what will happen this time, and strangely events repeated my dream:
However i was alert and get rid with the posessed laborers. The ancient idol will go to the collection of magic items for Vergadain.
Back in the Nashkel Carnival, while i prepared my "gift" for the mad mage happened some strange thing. Another talking chicken!
Either the magic traveling gone to my mind or i spent too much time in the company of Melicamp. Or maybe both.
My customized chicken pie recipe worked a little slow, so i used some divine flame to hasten the roasting process. Sorcery is good, but there are some trick up in the sleeves in such young cook as i too...
Ok, i admit that i never had a chance to defeat this Zordral without the help of Vergadain. It was quite painful to taste again and again his magical arsenal, but his every time more irritated face worth the pain.
After the carnival i retorn to the town, and in the inn i met with another bounty hunter.
After quick thinking i decided, that i can't have more information from the mines here in Naskell, so i left the inn with haste and stealth, leaving the attacking women for the guards.
On my way to the mine i met with some other bandits, but fortunatelly a helpful half-orc warrior made some distraction, and i could leave the scene in time.
After some time i reached the mine. I got the permission for entry from Emerson, the leader of the miners. With the help of the miners i found the entrance to the lower levels quite easily. On my way i returned the dagger of an old miner.
While i explored the lower levels keeping myself in the shadows it became obvious, that kobolds cause the problem in the mine, and with the ore. To tell the truth, there's enough kobold here to overrun more than one adventurer party! And on the third level of the mine they were organised too, patrolling up and down the dark tunnels, which was crowded with traps. Thanks to Vergadain and the Sanctuary spell, what he provided for me i managed to find the hideout of the kobold's leader. Here i met with a prisoner.
Have a round of whisky with Dorn in FAI to celebrate it.
Something interesting occured to me. I wake up exactly where i've fallen asleep! Hah! It feels weird. Fortunatly the sanctuary provided by Vergadain protect me from the unveiling by the kobolds. And neighbour the cavern (in where i found the ungrateful lankear) i met the leader, who was behind the iron conspiration here in the mines. But, as it turned out, he just obeyed to others:
It was not simple task to get rid with the half-orc priest. I failed more than once against his undead and kobold horde... but Vergadain was with me! And this time after my fall i ended up in the same place in the caverns, where i set up my sanctuary beforehand! With this i could slowly degrade the kobold army, and i could prepare a trap (a little landslide), and the cyric worshipper was vanquished.
In his chest i found the documents, what he was speaking of, with a name and a place, where i can continue my investigation.
But i found something else, what made me even more curious! A spell scroll... with familiar scribbling on it's back!
"Today that smelly oaf captured another one. His name is Xan, and he would be quite handsome... But he's NO FUNNY at all! I know, we are captured and all, but even old Ulraunt have more cheerfulness than him! Ok, maybe this not true, but one must always have hope, not?
This is not the adventure, what i planned. Tis' something most unnatural here, and I want no part of it.
Anyhow, the orcy-porky told me"
And here the writing abruptly ends. But i would recognize this handwrite even without the telling details everywhere. This means that Imoen was captured here too. The question is: where is she now? It seems, that i must follow the bandits' track back to Beregost to this Tranzig fellow. So get back to the roads... but first i make my offer to Vergadain for my success from the treasure of the half-orc, and use the sanctuary to have another undisturbed rest. Yes, and i must to examine these two little barrels too.
"Fifteen men on the dead man's chest
...Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!
Drink and the devil had done for the rest
...Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!"
29. entry
I came back to Nashkell and get another nice sum for another holy symbul of an evil priest. Maybe i should collect these! At the entrance of the local inn waited for me two bounty hunter now:
Fortunately with my help in the mines there were no question from the local guards in helping me, and they did the dirty job for me, while i sought for a more calm place to rest my tired feet.
It seems the local people do recognize me too now:
Congratulations!
I enjoy reading this journal a lot. To me, it doesn't matter when you finish it. I enjoy the process, not the result (although the result is very important for you, of course;)
The Coast. Fresh air, the smell of the salt, the beautiful landscape.
And hobgoblins. a pack of them.
Yes after waking up on the seashore i bumped in a pack from these ugly creatures. I tried to hide in the shadows and get through them without trouble, but they were too many, and i must flee. And i would have, if strangers didn't stopped me for idle chat:
In the end i managed to escape and to find the way to Beregost, where my only hope to find Imoen wait for me in the form of an evil mage named Tranzig. I find him without much trouble. The problem was not to find him, but to make him speak about the bandit's hideout. My first try was unsuccesful, but Vergadain saved me succesfully.
Then i decided to soften the mage with some traps. For this i had to rest, and i didn't got too far from Beregost this time. However my dream was not totally calm:
In the end i got back to the inn, and i had find Tranzig still there. His overconfidence was his doom:
It was a long time before, that i could grab my quill and journal to write about my adventures and tribulations.
A lot of things happened since...
First, after a rest in Beregost, and accidentally left there my journal, i went out in the wilderness in search of Imoen and the bandit camp. And i found it without much hassle. I managed to decieve the bandits in the area and join in their ranks for a couple days. This was enough for me to slip into their leader's, Tazok's tent, where i set free a prisoner and found some documents from Tazok's correspondence with his superiors, without taking anyone's attention in the camp. The freed lass told me about the true force behind the iron crisis: The Iron Throne (an expressive name). He also mentioned me about a young girl, who was here with him for a little time as a prisoner, after i had asked about Imoen.
I left for Baldur's Gate to visit the Iron Throne's headquarter, but the city gates were closed, because of the bandit activity in the region. So i went to the other place, where i had some chance to obtain information from my enemy: to the Cloakwood area, where -according to the documents, what i found in the bandit camp- the Iron Throne operated a mine under the guide of Davaeorn.
I would like to go back and fetch my journal at Beregost. On my way to the village i crossed High Hedge, and i decided to visit Melicamp and Thalantyr. Which decision proved to be a dangerous mistake... Thalantyr had wanted to eliminate me for some reason. He said he have some unfinished business with my original father. It all makes sense now, but i was totally confused about this that time. I had to kill him, and his apprentice Melicamp. He gave me no other choice. I fled for Cloakwood.
After several days of sleepless journey i reached the mines, where another party of assasins waited for me. I stalked my way throgh the mine to the wizard Davaeorn. My only choice was to kill him, and i did that. He was a tough one. but i stole his spellbook, and after he had waste his memorized spells and i'd rest under the sanctuary of Vergadain the odds turned in my favour. Without his spells he couldn't made any threat to me, and the guards could not catch me in the dark tunnels, no matter how strong they tried. With Davaeorn dead i helped the prisoners to escape and flood the mine for the advice of a fellow dwarf, Yeslick.
In Davaeorn letters i find the names of the leaders of the Iron Throne, so i went back to Baldur's Gate, and this time the gates were open. I even got help for my investigation against the Iron Throne from no others than the Flaming Fist, and the Grand Duke! After i revealed a doppleganger conspiracy in the town, i managed to break into the Iron Throne headquarter too, and found evidences against the leaders. But they had left the town for no other destination, than Candlekeep! The Grand Duke asked me to follow them there, and gave me a book for the entry fee. I managed to enter my former home, but something was not right there. Soon i found out, that dopplegangers infested the keep too. And i found something more. A letter from Gorion, what he had wrote before his death.
I'm the child of the dead God Bhaal.
It's insanity, but it explain so much. Starting from the ambush at the night Gorion died, and what was all for me. My dreams and the odd abilities, what seemed to come from that dreams. The loyality of the dead priest of the dead god, Korax the ghoul. My talent in raising undead warriors lately. And the malignity of the former adventurer Thalantyr, who despised the followers of Bhaal in the past with passion, and who saw a possible threat in me, after he get to know about my dark lineage from the assasins, who were after me. It's a hard truth.
It was all a nightnmare then. Against all odds, i found the Iron Throne leaders, and again, they leave me no other choice, than kill them. Then i was caged and sentenced to death for this kill. Fortunately my old tutor Tethtoril was not under the influence of the dopplegangers and beleived in my cause. He helped me to escape through the old catacombs of the keep. I don't remember much from that place. It was filled with dopplegangers, undead and other monsters.
I escaped. Now i'm here in Beregost, where i'm despised too for my murder against the local mage.
I went to the leader of Beregost, the head priest of the local temple, to clean my name. I thanked him for listening my story with some generous donation. He was so kind, that he warned me, that there is a new price on my head because of the killing of the Iron throne leaders.
And now the leader is Sarevok, Rieltar's son.
I thoght, that it's dangerous to go back in Baldur's Gate now, so i went for tending some unfinished business in the statue garden. Vergadain gave me strenght to defeat the numerous basilisk infestation in the regio and the mad gnome, whith whom i met before. It seems ages...
A bunch of whaterdavian fool youngling tried to mock with me, but they found me in bad mood.
I teached them not to mock with a dwarf, however weaponless may it seems.
Back in Beregost i met with an old "friend", the bounty hunter Karlat. He surely knew about the raised price on my head, so our meeting was not a friendly one.
Hard to keep up a cheery face in these days. And i fear that Imoen is now in Baldur's Gate too with this misterious Sarevok. We shall see where vergadain guides me tommorow.
Sleep eluded me, so i thought that i should fetch something to eat. And so two things turned up in my mind: one the request of an old gnome lady from the Friendly Arms Inn, the other a recipe, what i had to try out since some times. I got up and went to Landrin's house at once:
The cooks in the village were not too helpful with preparing my multilegged meal, but i could gather the ingredients at least. So i put up an open fire on the central square of Beregost, and prepared this delicacy with the help of my undead minions. I even managed to gain help from a young chap on the square, he accepted to help me in change of helping him in an other business.
After appeasing my rumbling belly, i went with the young chap named Garrick to his employee, a women with the name Silke. Honestly i couldn't understand everything what she said because of her annoying voice hindered my understanding. But then she asked me to kill people for no apparent reason. When i asked for reason she turned to be angry, and tried to attack me. I don't know what she suspected to accomplish against five men and two armed undead.
And my spell was the faster.
I thought that i go to the FAI and report Landrin that her house is safe now. After some disturbance (an odd pink haired girl needed my help in a hare and hounds game with some thayan wizards),
i arrived to Bentley's inn without further trouble, and managed to speak with the gnome lady.
I still couldn't sleep, but neither could i do anything sensible at this point. So i end up just wondering around the inn and admiring the paintings on the walls.
I prefer practical things, but some arts may worth the time making.
I could not postpone my sleep forever of course.
And now i'm in the city of Baldur's Gate again, and i know what i'll do. Seek Sarevok, and hopefully Imoen too.