9AM. As I was surveying the grounds, an idea came to me. I realized Nalia is a thief and mage and has been asking to join our adventuring party since I first met her. So I'm going to let her follow me...she's already working for me now at the Keep after all, so why not accompany me on my travels and cast a spell every now and then? The Majordomo and Captain seem more than competent enough to look after the affairs of the land without Nalia here. She's soft and naive alright and I have no idea what kind of antics she could stir up if I leave her alone here. I'll drag her along with us and maybe she'll toughen up. And best I keep her close, so I'l be the first to know if she comes up with any more "clever" ideas about what to do with her family's stronghold. She may even be able to spot some traps along the way.
1PM. I come to realize, too...the magical axe and bow that I had left in place aren't in the Golem Room anymore (neither are the golems). I can see why the guardians may have dispersed...but the treasure itself? Did some of the servants or extended family walk away with these treasures--MY treasures? It causes me to...distrust...these people already, and I'm none too happy about it.
I moved my stash point to the second floor; the two chests before the entrance to the central chamber.
9PM. After feeling satisfied with my new Amnish holdings...my wind wandered again to the damn wizards back in Athkatla...and how a certain Valygar could be the key for "negotiations." Deciding we'd travel overnight, the four of us moved on east...
[Day 10]
9AM. We make to to Imnesvale, in the Umar Hills, after traveling overnight. The townsfolk are in a panic, something about repeat killings during the nights. Wolves or ogres or somesuch, and the mayor can't even keep control over his own town. Yes, I did remember hearing something about this back in Athkatla. Eh, no matter, I couldn't care less. I'm in this backwater village for one thing: Valygar Corthala. Haven't heard any mention of him yet...and definitely don't want him to catch wind that I'm here to give him a chance to run off, so I want to track him down sooner than later.
10AM. I see a trio of merchants, where I sell some gems and treasure I've accumulated; I'm also able to use their magical identification services. Things seems to be going smoothly, until I see the gnome merchant. He yells and insults me...ME! I don't know what tiny village I've wandered into, but it is not ready for Ethal Jo. Thinking it a bit too harsh to simply murder the gnome, I put down my maces and beat him bloody with my fists. The other merchants scurry away, horrified. Ha! He'll think better of it. I don't mind destroying my relationships in this dump of a village.
Speaking of which, I speak to Minister Lloyd, but he has no information on Valygar. And like I said, I could care less about his village's problems and the tiny amount of gold I may be able to squeeze out of them. Nalia doesn't like it...but she'll learn to shut up.
11AM. While asking around, I meet the Wizard Jermien. He's a Cowled Wizard, huh? The first I've met outside of Athkatla. He's of no use in the information I seek, and I keep flashing back to killing all those green cloaks in the streets of the Slums and the Docks. Not only that, he tells me himself he would hamper me if he could; if he know how to reach Irenicus, he wouldn't tell me. My heart rate grows as he's droning on about his Golem...I will kill him where he stands! Making sure the Cowled Wizards continue to fear me...
But he does mention a magical sword he would reward me with, actually owned once by Tolgerias--he's another Cowled Wizard I know--if I just find him mimic blood. Hmm, the reward here might be worth it; and I can still kill him anyway afterwards if I want. But for the time being, I'll let him slide. Looks like there may be a peaceful way out of this for Jermien..
I find it odd that he and the rest of the villagers have no idea about Valygar, however. I'll have to do my own scouting in the surrounding Umar Hills...
A short way out of town, we ran into a band of ogres, minotours, and other monsters. Like all of these types of monsters I've seen before them, I was gearing up for a fight. They said something or other to me, but I wouldn't be caught hesitating. I told them I'd destroy them, and they attacked--proving me right!
12PM. I found the Ranger cabin. Not Valygar's...but hmm. Looks like whatever adventurers that were here before me zeroed in on the cause of the disturbances going on around here. Useful information to have...not sure what I'll do with it yet.
1PM. Ah, some men-at-arms who are clearly in league with the target Valygar! Great news, I thought as I slaughtered them...getting closer.
2PM. Finally tracked down the Stalker in his cabin...he explained to me just why the Cowled Wizards were after him: his body apparently opens the Planar Sphere that was in the slums, and it's most likely full of valuable treasure from across the ages. And regardless--the Cowled Wizards want in, so that makes it valuable in itself. As opposed to needing to use Valygar as a bargaining chip, I'll just claim the REAL prize they're after, which is what's inside the Sphere. They'll be begging me to let them give me info on Irenicus soon...
He led me to believe that he would have to be alive for it to work. Hmph, so be it. I will "escort" him back to Athkatla.
3PM. I went back to Imnesvale. I got the mimic blood to Jermien, and they all slipped away happily before I could get anything more beyond the magical sword (I looted the rest of the house, of course).
I also figured I'd tell the mayor that I took care of those ogres causing problems north of town...but he couldn't even come up with my reward until seven hours from then. Hmm, this damn backwater dump, wonder if I'll get it at all. I was planning on resting the rest of the day anyway, before the trip back west with Valygar.
[Day 12]
7AM. We traveled back to Athkatla, stopping at my Stronghold to rest and check in on things. We arrived at the city gates in the early morning and were unmolested initially. We made our way to the Copper Coronet; I wanted to make sure Joluv was still selling my Mace and root around in my stash of items. Since I'm so despised, I'm not afforded great pricing in the city--so Jerrod's Mace will have to wait until I can restore my reputation.
But regardless, I'm headed straight to the Planar Sphere first since I have the damn magic-blooded Ranger in tow.
As soon as I emerge into the morning sun--a gang of guards and Cowled Wizards are waiting for me. I knew I was a wanted criminal, but even Athkatla can't afford these bloodbath battles day in and day out? Maybe they are determined to see me stopped and won't let up until I make right with the churches, no matter the cost in lives to them. I appreciate the need to make a point and I'm starting to respect their tenacity. It does look like I'll eventually have to cough up some of my gold to settle tensions around here. I'm an Amnish Lord now, as it happens.
Sigh..but none of that right now. I have no problem continuing to kill these Wizards until I can make sense out of what they want with the Sphere; then I'll take it from there. Remember, they are the ones attacking me.
9PM. Entered the planar sphere and ported away from the material plane, inadverently. We weren't having much trouble mowing through the cannibalistic halflings, until one of them retreated into a pack with a priest and a mage. I went berserk, but not before Nalia and Korgan were stunned shoulder-to-shoulder, blocking the narrow bridge--and cutting off Valygar and myself from Viconia.
I was hit by a flame column for a life-threatening fire injury, but was able to drink enough potions to heal myself. Valygar was Mazed and taken out of the equation for a substantial period of time. Viconia did admirably, keeping a stunned Nalia alive and casting spells as needed. When I became Charmed by the last standing mage, it was almost too late. Nalia and Korgan were killed, and I shot Valygar dead myself. At the last minute, the Charm wore off and I was able to smash down the mage, leaving only myself and my Drow healer alive.
[I really thought I was going to have to reload here, but the charm clicked off my PC in time enough for me to kill the mage and end it.]
I retreated to the quarters of the Knights of Solamnia, knowing Viconia could resurrect and heal my followers, even if it takes a whole day or longer to recover from this. There doesn't seem like too much choice other than to make camp here. Once we recover, we'll keep pushing forward. While I still don't trust Nalia to run off if we do something her conscience doesn't agree with--I decided to have her try to memorize one of our Breach scrolls, knowing it would have been useful in the last fight and will be useful going forward. I even gave her a potion to drink to increase her intelligence...luckily for her, she scribed it correctly.
[Day 13]
12PM. We battle down further into the Sphere. I eventually find Lavok and we give him a good beatdown...he says we have to find a demon heart to get back. Huh, not sure I believe him, or Valygar, so I'll continue to look around this vessel until I'm sure that's the right course of action. I wish I had purchased that damn Jerrod's Mace, if it comes down to having to kill a demon.
And well, well, well--I find Tolgerias of the Cowled Wizards himself, looking to lay claim to this place. Looks like we can just push the conflict to its resolution. Tolgerias wasn't ready to talk about anything and was only interested in getting killed. I could have potentially offered him a portion of this damn place for information on Irenicus or Imoen; or SOMETHING of value, at least. Now that I'm thinking about it, not ever sure who among the Cowled Wizards I'll even be able to deal with now. Just Corneil?
10PM. I dug deep enough into what looks like the engine room. I can't make much sense of what I'm looking at it, but it seems apparent something powerful and not of this plane of existence will be required...somewhat confirming what Lavok told us.
11PM. Having fully canvassed the interior, I decide to venture outside--and I see Lavok was right; we are far from Athkatla.
[Day 14]
1AM. After scouting the area in the immediate vicinity of the sphere, it didn't take long for me to find a tanar'ri. Valygar was paralyzed in place, but the rest of us were able to slay the demon before he could do much more harm, taking his heart afterwards. In a battle fervor, I took more time looking around this new plane of existence and even found another tanar'ri to battle, retrieving TWO demon hearts now--I've been to Avernus before, so none of this is shocking or frightening to me.
I spotted a third tanar'ri, but thought better of it and turned around to the sShere. Korgan and I are both very injured, and Viconia is out of healing magic.
12PM. Huh...so after escaping the Sphere, that's the end of what Valygar and the Sphere can offer. For all my troubles, I got more treasure and gold than I can even hold onto, so it was far from a waste. But I don't see what other use I can get out of this strange vessel...and not sure if anyone from the Cowled Wizards will even care much about it now, since it can no longer travel between planes. Valygar was a passable companion, and his stealth skills were useful, but now that he's served his use, I don't need some good-acting Ranger following us around...the road's going to be too rough for that. I'll make note that he's in Athkatla if I ever need him, but I ended up telling him to wait at the Copper Coronet.
I even went to see Corneil, the only other Cowled Wizard that I can track down, but he had nothing to say about the Sphere or the recent death of his colleague (does he know?). This all means dealing with the Cowled Wizards directly might be a dead end. At the end of the day, they're just the type of mages that want to fight and kill--fine by me.
After two weeks I'm doing quite well for myself down here in Amn, but there's still no way I can look the other way from what Irenicus did to me. The affront was just too much to bear, and I need to make sure he pays for it.
But gah, I'm loathe to be extorted by that sniveling Thieve's Guild. I need to re-acclimate in the city for a few days to think about my next moves. Likely I'll throw some gold to the temples to establish my new reputation as an Amnish Lord (to stop being portrayed as a criminal should put an end to these endless skirmishes with the town guard), and look to upgrade my equipment from the various merchants in town, before paying a visit to Gaelan.
[Day 15]
4AM. After a night at the Copper Coronet, we made an early morning trip to the well-polished Temple district, to give a sizeable chunk of my gold to some of the richest people in the city. The Temple of Helm won't deal with me until I help with with their Cult problem, and the idiot Talos priest was still sleeping...the damn fools. But the Lathander priests were more than willing to open their coffers. Just as good.
Now that I spread my gold around, about 4-5K total...I purchased Jerrod's Mace from Joluv and headed to the Promenade; I still have my eyes set on Balduran's Plate and Vhailor's Helm, but I'm not going to spend more of my gold quite yet.
9AM. I bought Vhailor's Helm (for Korgan to wear when it is not needed), and realized my non-magical full plate with my ring of protection was better defense overall than what Balduran's Plate would offer. So now having purchased the highest end equipment for myself that this city has to offer, I went off to "talk" to Gaelan in the slums. His offer dropped to 15,000 gold, but my blood boils still, seeing how being forced to cough up gold to the Thieves' Guild still is my only option to find that damn Irenicus after my dealings with the Cowled Wizards ran their course. I went to see Renal Bloodscalp but he was worthless.
I can still see what else shakes out in this city. The Temple is still having trouble with that blind Cult that seems to be taking over--they won't promise me gold up front, but I know they have money--a lot of it--at the end of the day. Hell, I just gave them a good chunk of mine. So might be worth seeing what's going on down there and how I can use it to my advantage.
I also remember hearing about someone else looking for work, only available in the graveyard after dark. It's morning now, but I think I'm gonna see about that tonight...
10AM. Checked in with the Temple of Helm to make sure they knew I would be very disappointed if they didn't come through with a suitable reward for my efforts. Experience has also told me that there's a good chance I'll be enriching myself with whatever spoils that religious cult is keeping down there.
The Temple told me of a certain "Keldorn" who was on the same mission as us. Well, we may or may not have met him when we went back down to the sewers. Some pompous jerk was down there, barking questions, obstructing our pass, and ultimately threatening us! Well, we put him down just like that other gang we ran into a week or so ago.
12PM. I found the Cult of the Unseeing Eye, and realized they are worshipping a Beholder. I intimidated Gaal enough that he let me pass into the inner chambers of the cult; some guard eventually questioned me, I just let him know Gaal was alright with me wandering around, which he apparently agreed with. Yes--looks like they're tolerating me, knowing the opposite will likely end up with many of them dead.
1PM. Gaal eventually let me in on a scheme to recover some religious artifact for the Beholder. Nalia pointed out the obvious, which is that this artifact must be extra powerful...good, good. Once I take possession of it, I can decide what I want to do.
As we delved further, I set off a trap that energy [level] drained me--I'll know to have Nalia start detecting for traps in that area. Frustrated but knowing that I wouldn't be at my best if we continued, we surfaced back to the Temple district and I was Restored by the Talos priests. Unfortunately, looks like I'm going to have to rest some more before heading back down. May give me a chance to check in on this "Valen's mistress", if she's even still around.
2PM. Decide to stay at the Five Flagons through the evening--and I see the planar portal is still open. Speaking of riches, I can't imagine there wouldn't be something valuable on the other side of that. But that's for consideration later, I decide.
10PM. I met Bodhi, Valen's mistress. Rather than an offer for paid mercenary work, as I thought it would be--she seems to have some type of counteroffer for the same information that the Thieves Guild might give up. She'll match Gaelan's 15,000gp. Good, ha! That's probably the reason he preemptively lowered his bid.
Well, I'm still not interested in giving my hard earned gold to ANYONE yet, I have a few things to settle between Athaktla and my Keep before my focus turns back to that bastard Irenicus.
I head back to the sewers...
[Day 16]
12AM. After exploring more of the sewers, I find some refugees of the cult, saying how there are two pieces of this rod, and the Beholder already has one. They're worried I'm going to give this other half to the Beholder, but that's a joke. More than likely, I'll get the other half from him.
There was a sarcophagus there; not knowing what else these sewer dwellers may be hiding (it might even have been the rod!), I threw open the top and woke up a Shade Lich. Between Korgan and I, we were able to use our berserk rage to effectively kill the undead creature, but it took us three separate retreats to wait out its defensive magic, after realizing our weapons couldn't hurt it. But eventually we crushed it.
[Had to reload twice; damn. In both instances, I took too much spell damage before I could retreat far enough away. Dumb deaths here as I should have been more prepared to take damage. Felt I was invincible with Berserk..]
Viconia is out of healing, and Nalia is on the verge of death. Killing a lich should have earned a night's rest as a reward, at least. I'll keep searching for the rod in the AM.
This also reminds me of the lich in the Crooked Crane, knowing now I can slay those creatures. If the fool lich is still there, it'll be destroyed soon...
10AM. Killed another lich at the Crooked Crane. Berserker rage is key; although I know I can always cast Protection from Undead now from a Vhailor's Helm simulacrum to truly counter any lich threats I come across.
Going to rest up for some more the day back at the Five Flagons.
7PM. Well, I should have seen it coming, but Korgan finally pushed me too far. He started going off on some foolishness, and when I pushed back on him (insulted him), he couldn't bring himself to back down. He just could not control himself and forgot who's the "alpha" here; instead, he attacked me like an idiot, and we had to put him down. We had a bloody run, the Dwarf and I, but I guess it's hard to keep two berserkers together for too long. A clash of personalities.
A replacement? Valygar was a decent enough swordarm (and good at stealth), and Dorn seems to be milling about the Temple district as he was when we last got into a fight. If I recall, I had beaten him lifeless after harsh words turned into another conflict. He must have got himself resurrected somehow[?]. But ehhh, I don't need either of them. I have my Drow Cleric and my Wizard-Thief estate holder--they should be sufficient.
However, having looted my armor and equipment back from Korgan's sewer-laying corpse (and pulling my best items out of my Copper Coronet stash earlier), I may put a pause on the search for the Beholder rod until I can regroup with this new setup. Our inventory is overflowing with treasure and I had the idea anyway to start moving my valuables to my Keep, where I haven't been now for several days. The only other person who could have found the rod, knowing its power...was Keldorn. So I don't think I have much to worry about with my plans being ruined if I step away for a day or two from these moron cultists and their ilk.
[Day 17]
5AM. Not looking to wait around, we marched overnight back to my hold. First thing in the morning, there was a merchant waiting for me that lost his caravan to bandits. Gah! Bandits?! On my land?! How day they. My blood boiled and I would look to go kill them all myself right now...but the majordomo tells me it'd probably be faster to hire some mercenaries--fine, that's exactly what I'll do.
I didn't like the tone of the merchant himself, so I only repay him half of what he's lost. I'd be angry too--but he understood the bandits were the real enemies here. The other half will go to paying those mercenaries (who dare not fail). Any more attacks on my land and I will take it personally.
10PM. After resting for the rest of the morning at the hold and dropping some equipment, I wanted to get back to Athkatla. We made our way back and entered the sewers, looking to continue to the mission for the magical artifact.
1AM. I dug into the Lower Reaches under the city, and encountered all types of undead and poisonous spiders. Eventually, I had to answer some riddles for a haunted bridge and I stumbled upon some Gauths and Beholders...
I could no longer use my berserker rage ability, so I decided to fall back after aggravating the monsters by having Nalia cast Cloudkill. They chased us out of the Lower Reaches...but I'll be back after resting for the night.
[Reload once: My character tried to fight a pack of Gauths and Shadows that had been injured in the Cloudkill...without berserker rage...I rolled the dice to see if I could finish them off, but couldn't. Got held and killed.]
2AM. I emerge from the sewers to rest at the Five Flagons. I got into a close call with a Kobold shaman and his minions, but I'd prefer not to even talk about that.
I see another encounter between a Shadow Thief and a creature of this new upstart guild. I'm realizing now I can hitch my wagon to either of these groups with the 15K I'll provide them, and then they'll have the honor of providing information to me and working with me from there. If you asked me tonight, I'm inclined to put my stakes in the new guild. They seem to be doing quite well for themselves and quickly taking over the city. I'll never be a Shadow Thief and or be accepted as one...but I might be able to push them out of the city altogether. I don't like them at all after my dealings with Gaelan and Mae'var and my...frustration...has just been growing. This whole thief war may be a very good opportunity for me to come into power along with the new guild...
3PM. Rested and returned to the Lower Reaches--this is still the priority. Deep down, I eventually figured out I had to have Viconia HEAL the emphathic manifestation, and I got one half of the rod artifact. With this, I finally went to speak seriously to the cultist refugee, who told me how to access the actual lair of the Unseeing Eye via Tad. Good!
At this point, I only have my eyes on this fully put-together rod, as it seems exceedingly powerful and expensive. The god with his miserable followers below...he seemed to think I would return to him to have him destroy it. Highly doubtful!
And I know the Church wants me to take out the Cult too. I'm assuming killing their God will do just that, which it's looking like I'll have to do to acquire the other half. If I have to further "scatter" the remaining cultists with my maces...so be it.
5PM. After some hard fought battles with Beholders and Gauths, I recovered the rift device and I did indeed have to use it against the Unseeing Eye--the three of us were all injured and our spells and abilities were spent for the day, so I had no other option.
[A reload while going through the Beholder cave...a Gauth froze me and killed the rest of my party. After a while, I heard the sound effect that the Hold was released and the spherical symbol above my avatar's head disappeared, but for some reason the Hold stayed. The symbol on my portrait and the notation on my character profile were both still there, though. Maybe I want to say this was a bug or something? I know it's unlikely, but it did feel like it lasted way too long. I'm probably just making excuses for myself. The Gauth was near death and if I had been released, I'm sure I could have killed it, then used Vhailor's Helm and my Resurrection Rod to bring back Viconia and Nalia...hmm.]
On my way out, some more Gauths and a Beholder spotted me, and chased me back up into the sewers, through another secret entrance I hadn't had access to. The Beholder continued after us and turned Viconia to stone. I can't risk taking on the monster right now, without any berserker rage or usefel Nalia spells, so I'm going to retreat back to the surface and rest; I'll come back for the Drow later.
On the warning from Sassar, I thought better of surfacing with the fully formed rift device, and I decided to keep it hidden down in the Lower Reaches. This required passing by the Beholder again, but Nalia and I managed to come through it alive. We'll return to kill this Beholder soon enough...still a problem even if its overlord is dead.
[A reload here that I have to count...tried to keep the rift device on my person, very in-character...died in a cutscene upon emergence from the lower levels...]
[Day 19]
12PM. Having recovered ourselves at the Five Flagons, Nalia and I headed back to kill the Beholder that had frozen Viconia, and turned Viconia back to flesh. The previous evening, the Church had recognized that I had killed the Cult's God, and rewarded me with Ardulia's Fall, a mace. Nothing breathtaking, but I will be using it in my offhand--so the excursion was worth it.
The real spoil, though, is that rift device. I stored it in the Lower Reaches, so I still want to recover THAT and kill whatever remaining monsters are down in that hive. I'm not going to surface with the device...but maybe some members of the ex-cult may know some key to its true power? I'm not sure if there are any cultists left there; but we'll check it out sooner than later and see what answers they can give me.
2PM. There were cultists leftover--no doubt bewildered and directionless as to what to do next, seeing how much of them are blind. They let me pass, but once Gaal saw us, he tried to attack us. We killed his God, so what else could he do. We put him down, as well as about four of his elite guard...and the rest just ran away before I could do the same to them. So no luck getting help with this artifact here.
Last stop is back at the underground temple. I know the avatar wants to destroy the rod, but I'll destroy him if I have to, to keep that from happening...
3PM. I returned to the diseased ones, and was finally convinced that the rod had no more use or value. I relinquished it and watched as the avatar and his followers disappeared. Sigh, what a waste--at least I got Ardulia's Fall out of this, and good amount of gold and gems. With the sewers mostly clear of trouble, I'm looking forward to surfacing and heading to the Coronet.
[Day 20]
1AM. After resting (with Cominda again), I decided that yes, I was going to side with the rival upstart guild. Sure, Valen's mistress wants the same amount of gold as the Shadow Thieves, but they were just looking to counter Gaelan's original offer--and did so successfully. The Shadow Thieves will be very sorry they ever tried to extort me initially. Soon, them, and Irenicus too, will all be under my boot. I didn't forget about him!
I headed to the Graveyard and that was precisely Bodhi's plan too. It looks like she's looking for that bastard Irenicus too, just like me--so probably needs my help getting to him, past whatever Cowled Wizards may be guarding him. The fact that she lacks the muscle for it is very revealing, I think to myself.
Chapter 3
3AM. Ah, I've allied myself with vampires. This is the dark magic I've heard rumored about. Very well--I'm more than capable of holding my own against these undead creatures if it ever were to come to that. Which it very well may--there is already an unacceptable delay in providing the information I paid for, which is making me angrier and angrier by the second. But they say they are looking to gain my trust first...hmm.
Bodhi wants me to confiscate a Shadow Thief shipment at the docks overnight. Bah, should be simple enough, but I'm not appreciative of the small errand; I'm a Lord now after all. But I suppose it won't be too difficult to swing by the docks tomorrow night. Killing Shadow Thieves will keep me occupied...but Bodhi should know, the same fate will await her ilk if she's not careful.
For the day, I believe I'll make a trip back to my Keep...some things to check in on.
12PM. At noontime, I arrived back at my stronghold. I am mainly here to raise taxes. It's something I should have done last time and it's been pestering me ever since--this is to recoup my losses from hiring mercernaries to fight bandits and paying out that blasted merchant who got raided. It put me back a thousand gold, and I've only received five hundred so far from the current taxes. I am NOT prepared to take a loss with this business with the Hold in any way, so using my own gold to finance it is out of the question.
I also needed to retrieve Vhailor's Helm, which I left in storage upstairs. Don't know why I kept it there, and I realized it when I had to purchase a Stone to Flesh scroll. I suppose I'll blame Viconia's thoughtlessness, she was holding onto it at the time.
9PM. I only made a brief visit out to the Hold before headed back to Athkatla for the shipment intercept...as I made my way to the Docks, I passed by the Shadow Thief guild hall. Looks like word got around very quickly that I had thrown my lot in with the upstart vampire guild, and the Thieves stationed outside attacked us! I slaughtered all of them in the street, then figured, if it's a fight they want, I'll give it to them! I entered the building and took out the mages and other defenses they had. I ran upstairs looking for Renal Bloodscalp, but looked like they had cleared out already. As I left the bloody hall, I thought, Aha! They got the message that I'm their enemy now.
I know Mae'Var's guildhall is also down the street, and there will be many Shadow Thieves slinking about there...but that will be for when Viconia can cast True Sight again. Let me get this shipment and then call it a night.
11PM. I fought and killed more shadow thieves and intercepted their cache of vampire-killing supplies--I'm no fool, I know exactly what it is. I bring it to Bodhi, but let her know very clearly she needs to give me information NOW. But still she holds out; wanting me to assassinate a noble here in the city. Gah, getting this run-around treatment is insulting, and I had thoughts of killing one of her henchmen, Cohn or Meredath...but I thought better of it. I'm going to find an Inn and rest for the rest of the night, and look at my options in the daylight.
My current party is:
Ethal Jo, Level 13 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Ardulia's Fall)
Viconia, Level 12 Cleric
Nalia, Level 4 Thief>Level 12 Mage
Reputation: Disliked (7)
[So, I'm going to keep going logging my playthrough, even if the board is down for a few weeks. I will post when the board returns, and even in the meantime...]
[THREE more reloads during this session unfortunately, but only at FIVE total since I started up again a month ago, so I'm doing allllright by my standards. One of those was emerging with the rift device--I knew it would kill me, but that's "no metagaming"...]
[A reload while going through the Beholder cave...a Gauth froze me and killed the rest of my party. After a while, I heard the sound effect that the Hold was released and the spherical symbol above my avatar's head disappeared, but for some reason the Hold stayed. The symbol on my portrait and the notation on my character profile were both still there, though. Maybe I want to say this was a bug or something? I know it's unlikely, but it did feel like it lasted way too long. I'm probably just making excuses for myself. The Gauth was near death and if I had been released, I'm sure I could have killed it, then used Vhailor's Helm and my Resurrection Rod to bring back Viconia and Nalia...hmm.]
Looking some things up ... gauths actually have two rays that can freeze you. There's the beholder paralysis ray and also the beholder Hold Person ray. Details of those spells:
- Beholder Paralyzation (SPIN990): Save vs spell at -1 or be held for 20 rounds. All non-immune creatures. Does not apply an overhead effect, relies on system-generated "Held" message and portrait icon.
- Beholder Hold Person (SPIN988): Save vs spell at -1 or be held for 10 rounds. Humanoids only. Also applies an explicit portrait icon and an overhead effect, plus a double "Held" message.
So, it sounds like what happened is that the gauth got you with both rays. The Hold Person ray's effect expired, but the Paralyzation ray's effect was still going.
There is a bug associated with the Hold Person ray, but it's a strictly cosmetic one with minimal effect - that double message. The same bug applies to the cleric and mage Hold Person spells.
Yeah I figured it wasn't a bug, realized it was likely a "different type" of Hold when Nalia/Viconia got Held later on, without the overhead symbol. That's the photo right before 2pm on Day 19.
So blah, two reloads here because I tried to fight Gauths without Berserker rage.
[Hello, welcome back everyone! I've been continuing along with this playthrough on tavernrpg, but I'm going to catch back up with the posts on this forum. I just got to TOB so I'll be posting a little more frequently until I'm caught up...]
[Also, new update, I started using spoiler tags for the pictures...]
[Day 21]
8AM. Over the course of the night, I got more and more furious thinking how Bodhi wouldn't give me what I paid for. I headed back there in the morning to see what else I could do; I would smash all those creatures in there if they would just give me half a reason...but I doubt it would do much anyway to give me the information I want. I'm starting to think it may be worth it anyway.
But gahhh, I thought. Screw the vampires. I'll just do this MY WAY. I already took out as much of the Guild Hall as I could, and killed Mae'Var and his lietenants a few weeks ago...but whatever's left of Mae'var's twerps are about to feel some hurt. We head over to the docks...
9AM. As I'm killing my way through Mae'Var's old guild hall, I reach the top floor...and find Edwin the Red Wizard! He was one the wizards in my war party on the march north and siege of Dragonspear. He's working for the Shadow Thieves apparently...but I'm sure he saw what was about to happen if he kept up any allegience with them. Instead, he claimed to be relieved, claiming my killings dispensed justice...and even congratulating me and offering to work for me! Aha, he played his cards right. I know he's a very capable Conjurer, and I'm constantly suspicious Nalia will get too scared at something I do and run away with her tail between her legs. So I let Edwin switch to the winning team as we finish clearing out the Shadow Thieves.
11PM. With all the Shadow Thieves that I know about dead...it looks like I just have to kill that politician Vulova like Bodhi wants, so I rush to do that as night falls. It's a veritable bloodbath...and THEN I head back to the vampire's lair.
[Day 22]
12AM. Huh, Edwin mentions a certain "Nether Scroll", a powerful artifact supposedly in the Lower Tombs. I thought I had cleaned most of the graves and tombs out, but maybe we'll take a second look? When things have calmed down.
Bodhi reminds me--Gaelan Bayle. The original scum Shadow Thief I met. For some reason I had neglected to show him the lethal end of my maces...right! Supposedly he has a key to get to the true Shadowmaster, some man named Aran Linvail.
Bodhi tries to tell me the Shadow Thieves may have been an obstacle in my way to find Irenicus, and that's why she can't reveal the information she owe me--the Shadow Thieves need to be out of the picture first...I'm not sure if I believe that, but I'll kill them all nonetheless.
8AM. With rage, I stormed through the basement of the Shadow Thief Hall all night into the morning, eventually finding Aran Linvail and slaughtering him (he summoned some type of cacofiend...when we saw that, we headed out and closed the door on the rest of them to deal with it). With the Shadow Thieves now gone from the city, I can certainly lay claim to much of it. I'm going to return to Bodhi soon, to see what she has to say. But as far as I see it, at this point, SHE is working for ME.
9AM. Bodhi finally laid out the information I needed, and even more than I thought she would have. I had been blinded with anger, I did not stop to think about WHY Irenicus was experimenting on me. Yes--I am the child of Bhaal, and my soul and blood is valuable because of that. But Bodhi said he found "something" out that may be of interest to me, maybe unlocked some key to greater power, huh? Well, when I find him he should spit it out quickly becuase it's very likely I smash his skull as soon as I see him. I agreed to not harm Irenicus in order to secure passage to the pirate isle that holds him (so Bodhi can have him)...but I doubt it's going to work out that way.
At this point, I can leave whenever I want to go hunt this bastard down--that's why my gold went towards, so at least now I don't feel as much that it was wasted. I will head out there sooner than later to exact my revenage, but first I have some business to take care of, identifying and selling my spoils. I'll probably spend a day or so at my Hold as well to make sure its affairs are in order...and of course, there's that Nether Scroll.
[Day 23]
12PM. I relaxed at the Coronet and sold my wares among the merchants of Athkatla. My party divided up the new equipment we had looted and Edwin learned some new spells. Soon enough, we headed out to my Hold with the remainder of the items I had stashed in the city in tow; we rested until midday, and I considered my next move...
12PM. With my Keep in order, I considered the surrounding lands: Trademeet was a large settlement to the east, I haven't paid it a visit yet. It's only half a day's journey away, so very close to my lands and holdings. There are also temple ruins to the east, where villagers in Imnesvale indicated some strange goings-on there. Finally, I also seem to remember a large sum of money to be paid out by some Lord in the Windspear Hills--ogre troubles or some such. For ten thousand gold, it'll serve me well to remember this opportunity...as well as my wealthy noble neighbor.
But all of these things that bring me farther into the mainland of Amn are not urgent right now. They seem to be causing no trouble in my lands for the time being, so it's something to deal with after I've settled my score with Irenicus. And come to think of it, I wouldn't mind getting Imoen back either. I've always seen her as a foolish child, but she's loyal enough to break me out of prison, at the least. Who did the Cowled Wizards think they are, taking her from me?
8PM. Returned to Athkatla. Yes, I'm going to set sail for Spellhold soon--but that will be tomorrow morning. I'll spend a few hours this evening searching for this Nether Scroll that Edwin told me about. Seems powerful enough and it may even come in handy against this so-called powerful wizard I'm hunting--otherwise, Edwin will have wasted my time. But retracing my earlier exploits through the lower tombs shouldn't prove difficult.
9PM. After a short while, we did indeed find the lich with the Nether Scroll--he must have been hiding the first time I came though, or else Edwin helped elicit the creature somehow. Edwin's holding onto the scroll for now...but its POWER is under Ethal Jo's control, and it's important Edwin realizes that. It looks like it needs some studying anyway before anything can be done with it.
Chapter 4
[Day 32]
12AM. We set sail and after a long journey we arrived in Brynnlaw late at night. Bodhi had hired Saemon Havarian to be our captain, and made the journey along with us. My plan is to knock some heads around this pirate town to see how to get into Spellhold. With all the random attackers on the streets, it looks like that's won't be out of place here.
I entered the Vulgar Monkey to see what the locals knew about the asylum to the north; quickly, I spotted a mage and assumed he'd be a good pick to give me information about the mage prison. Indeed, it seemed like he knew how to get in and was willing to help, but was assassinated by a Lady Galvena for some local nonsense. Apparently his wife may have some information too, and she's currently in the hands of Galvena.
I don't even know what information I need yet--my plan is to head north and see what's going to prevent me knocking down the front door if they don't let me in.
1AM. I located the bridge to Spellhold, but I saw a magic shimmering across the bridge, and had the sense that crossing it would be lethal. Huh, looks like I'll have to find Sanik's girl and make her talk. I'm not in the mood to deal with any pushback from this so-called Galvena.
[Reload here. Very in-character, I ignored the warning signs and just tried to walk across the bridge with Berserk. Insta death!]
2AM. I killed Galvena, her mage, and most of her guards in my quest to find Claire--and good thing, she was about to be executed. She herself was worthless, but eventually directed me to a Cowled Wizard who live here in Brynnlaw, and has wardstones that let him come and go as he pleases. Fantastic--I'll just take those from him. His name is Perth the Adept; I don't know where his house is, but this place is small enough that I can go door-to-door. It's in the middle of the night so he should be home.
3AM. I found Perth the Adept, killed him, and took his wardstone. Three hours after we docked, I have the means to cross into Spellhold. Anticipating aggression and a lot of mages fighting back--I decided to stay for the rest of the night at the Vulgar Monkey. Whether I show my face tonight or after the sun rises, it doesn't seem like they're going to stop me from coming in...
2PM. Infiltrated Spellhold, but was captured again by Irenicus. This time, he apparently took my soul from my body. At least, that's according to Imoen. I have lost the vampiric and "horrifying" abilities I've developed since I left Candlekeep, so maybe there's something to it; but beyond that, I feel as strong--and angry--as I've ever been. I still owe vengeance to Irenicus, so despite what that traitor Bodhi wants (my death), I will break out of this asylum and find the wizard again, killing all in my way.
Imoen was back in my group for a very brief amount of time; she's much more skilled than Nalia in trap-detecting and lockpicking, so I made her my primary thief. Almost instantly, a trap killed her--she detected it, but the walls smashed in on her as she tried to disarm it. I held off on resurrecting the foolish girl in case I had to use Vhailor's Helm at some point later on (I always use a simulacrum version of the resurrection wand so as not to run out of charges). Our party has been fine up until this point with just the four of us, so Imoen can stay dead for now.
5PM. I found a room or two containing statues and riddles...magical in nature. I answered one or two, then thought better of the foolishness. Maybe this is some test required for exit? Until I know, I won't waste time.
[Day 33]
9AM. Having battled through the first level of the Asylum, I had been comfortable enough in our domination of the dungeon thus far to rest overnight--we were out of spells, both healing and arcane, and this would give me a chance to resurrect my third mage Imoen.
1PM. I finally found Bodhi, hiding out and waiting for me. Something...unexpected happened. I lost control and transformed into "the Slayer"...some likeness of my father Bhaal. Apparently now that Irenicus has my soul, that creature will be bubbling underneath the surface, ready to fill in the vacuum that my soul left. This is if I fall too much into my rage...hmm, THIS is what Irenicus has done to me? Ahaha, my enemies will quiver at this--including that bastard sorcerer when I catch up to him. Imoen talks of an emptiness without our souls, and I know that soon I'll take back what Irenicus stole from me...but whatever emptiness I now have, I know I can fill it with blood and pain of my enemies.
4PM. After deciding to kill whatever monsters and loot whatever treasure I could from the Asylum--having no patience for any of the games and riddles of this place, and leaving the statues and puzzles on the first level still undone--I headed upstairs to confront Irenicus. (I did use the mithril token machine to get two pairs of nice magical boots because I had been accumulating these token; but I did not cooperate in the least with the spectral coordinator who attempted to judge me.)
When I got upstairs, I knew Irenicus was in the main chamber, where he had again been experimenting on me. I wanted nothing more than to kill him and reclaim my soul, but somehow I knew I stood no chance against his magic. I may listen to that traitor Saemon and see if I can release these insane prisoners on him to act as a distraction, while I go in for the killshot.
[Reload once. Again, as a very in-character move, I entered the main chamber without speaking to any other prisoners. Insta-death for entire party.]
7PM. With the distraction of the Spellhold prisoners, I fought Irenicus and crushed him down, but the damn mage escaped using his powerful magic. Not only that, I'm now sealed within Spellhold. Even though I was victorious over those who imprisoned me, I'm furious to see I'm still imprisoned.
There is a magical portal that Irenicus used to flee, to the Underdark it seems? I scared away Saemon with threats of death, but his offer of a ship back to the mainland wasn't good enough anyway...I want my revenge on Irenicus and it shouldn't be so easy for him as to run away.
So from what I can see, there's nothing left alive in Spellhold. I'll rest for the night in the master chamber, then continue my chase of this bastard through that portal.
[Day 34]
4AM. An imposing dream (a look within my mind perhaps) gave me reason to believe that this new "Slayer" ability I have...it is actually another enemy looking to take control of me. The purified essence of Bhaal trying to take me over and turn me into nothingness? I won't allow that, just like I haven't caved to anything else my "father" has wanted. But, putting that to the side...
Chapter 5
...I continue my hunt of Irenicus. We travel through the portal into the Underdark.
Before we entered, I had thoughts of leaving Nalia stranded there in Spellhold; our travails in the asylum proved that with Edwin and Imoen, she really has no value in the group anymore. And if she's "away" somewhere an a hidden island in the middle of the ocean, there's no way she can cook up any type of scheme in Amn that jeopardizes my control of the Keep and estate. I still don't really trust the do-gooder. But I eventually thought better of it; I may still need her thief skills down the road, who knows what's going to happen to Imoen. If Nalia really gets to be a problem, there's always the *permanent* way to send her away, so I'm not worried about it.
But here we are now, in the Underdark. Viconia, scared and worrisome, warns me of the dangers of its denizens. Eh, foolish Viconia still doesn't get it after all this time: Someone should warn them about ME, if I don't find Irenicus fast.
5AM. After killing some Mind Flayers that were lurking around a corner, I found some duergar merchants. I got a lead very quickly--looks like Irenicus and Bodhi went to the Drow city, wherever that is. Good enough. I've killed my share of Drow before, so I have no fear.
One of them also mentions another mage of some ill repute who got himself magically trapped "in a cavern north" of there--he must have been searching for some powerful artifact, and Edwin agrees (I tend to agree with Edwin on matters of magical treasure). I'll keep my eyes open.
8AM. After fighting a small group of Drow, I stumbled upon a dark gnome village. They were peaceful and compliant at first, and confirmed the rumors I heard about Irenicus and Bodhi being in Ust Natha, the Drow city. He said there was someone who could get me inside--but I'd have to help him first, before he could give me access. Well, the fool revealed that I just needed to take some sort of Light Gem from him to set these wheels into motion. I demanded it, he fought back, and I ended up killing him and his friends. I have the Light Gem now.
[Oh man, I actually felt bad about this--especially his surprise when I said I would just attack him to take the gem. Don't know what's happening to me! Maybe I'll go back to a a good character next haha.]
10AM. Now that I have my goal in mind--getting into Ust Natha, or finding someone that will make that happen--I explored more of the Underdark, looking for the city. I found some magical geometric prison, and slew the freed inhabitants when none of them had any reward for my good deed--except one dark gnome who managed to talk himself out of it. The Underdark has quite the reputation on the surface, although thus far I'm the most violent thing I've met down here...
12PM. Imoen was killed in a skirmish with some Kua-Toa. I already used my Vhailor's Simulacrum today to use a Protection from Undead scroll while fighting a lich. But seeing how my spellcasters are almost out of spells and all of our inventories are full, I'm going to double-back to the duergar merchant. I may then see if I can make camp in the gnomish settlement, after I had cleared them out. I'll resume my hunt for Irenicus overnight.
[Just realized I somehow forgot to go into the room in Spellhold that has the Bag of Holding. Complete whiff, because I thought I had cleared out the whole first level, but forget that one room. Gahh!! Looks like I'll have to wait until TOB.]
[Day 35]
6AM. After resurrecting Imoen, thus making whole my trio of mages, we rested for the rest of the day and then overnight into morning, not that it makes a difference down here. We were attacked in the empty gnomish settlement a few times by lizard men and umber hulks as we made camp, but we dispatched them with ease.
Eventually I found the entrance to Ust Natha; I killed the Drow at the gate but had no way into the city; I entered a nearby dark cave, knowing I'd have to keep searching around this damned place to gain entrance.
I then met Adalon, the Silver Dragon that the gnome had mentioned could get me into Ust Natha. And she wants her eggs back; apparently Irenicus and Bodhi stole them and gave them to the Drow. For "reward" for their return, she'll show me a way out of the Underdark that leads somewhere close to Irenicus? And huh, she'll also give me some kind of weapon. Is this supposed to mean that Irenicus has already LEFT the Underdark? Gah, if that is the case I need to leave as soon as possible, damn this dragon's eggs. I don't much trust the silver lizard in any case--once I get her help to get inside of Ust Natha, I'll do my own looking around for my enemies.
The dragon seemed to bargain from a position of weakness, so this might be my best option. She used her illusion magic to make us sound and look like Drow ourselves, even disguising Viconia with proper house insignia. And it doesn't look like Adalon's treasure hoard is nearby--fortunately for her.
9AM. Under the disguise of a Drow party, we entered Ust Natha and I began to check around the dark city for Irenicus and Bodhi--but the denizens were useless. I got roped into fighting monsters for gold in the tavern; but still, no one there had any type of information about those I hunt--apparently they passed through here in great secret.
10AM. Barging into the Temple of Lloth--looking for SOMEONE who was high enough up that would have the information I need--it looks like I stumbled upon where Adalon's eggs are being kept. As of right now, I'm going to need a very specific key to get in, and I'm not sure who has it. But this is good to know.
I also met a Solaufein--ugh, he was the one supposed to be responsible for herding the Ched Nasadran visitors, the original ones who were killed by Adalon, who we are impersonating. Viconia continues to worry about missteps, but there's no way I'm doing any errands for these drow scum. Unless, that is, they can give me what I want: Irenicus and Bodhi.
11AM. I've scoured the city, and entered everywhere that didn't have magical wards preventing me from entry, but it seems like no one is talking about Irenicus and Bodhi whatsoever, and I'm growing frustrated. I may spend some gold drinking and seeing what else I can learn at the tavern.
Solaufein's handmaiden contact Imrae may soon put me in touch with someone who may know something here. But if it's true Irenicus and Bodhi are already gone; well, I don't even know why I'm wasting time. Getting involved in some drow and illithid conflict while my enemies' trails run cold...
8PM. I spent the day drinking myself into a stupor and really hearing the rumors at the tavern--but still, absolutely nothing about two visitors! I stumble off to the lust chambers, wanting to get my full experience in this Drow city...
Awakening in the evening, I weigh my options--and there's really only one option: I need to keep climbing up the chain of command in this city until someone points me towards Irenicus. Failing that, I need to find the key to get into the egg chamber, so Adalon can point me towards Irenicus.
I can always look for my own way out of here, screw the dragon and the Drow--but I don't think that's going to get me any closer to the bastards that I hunt.
10PM. I easily dispatched of some mind flayers outside the city and rescued some Drow princess named Phaere. She is daughter to Ardulace--the "matron mother"--one who would seem to know about dealing with Irenicus.
When we returned to Ust Natha, it looked like my next mission for Phaere and Ardulace won't be prepared for another few days. Argh, these damn Drow wear my patience. However, I AM starting to blend in...I placate some of my anger in the fighting pits, then will be looking to drink and retire to the lust chambers again.
[Day 36]
7AM. I considered exploring the tunnels myself--to find some Irenicus clues myself, or at least my own way out of this damned place. But it looks like Phaere has already set up my next job ahead of schedule--good! The faster I can talk to the person in charge, the better, and ingratiating myself with these people looks to be the way to go.
The job involved simply killing a Beholder in the city, and after that I was told to wait THREE more days! So yeah, there's no use waiting around in this unholy dump Ust Natha while Phaere makes her preparations. I'm getting rather annoyed with these Drow.
8AM. Not an hour later, I see Phaere back at the tavern and I go talk to her. She must have sensed that I was demanding my next job--whatever small job that was required to continue to build trust with these scum, she just gave it to me. It was to slaughter the gnomes in their settlement--I had already done that. Maybe some had returned, so I set back out to see what was going on there.
But almost as if fate was sensing my impatience with this whole endeavor--some duergar slave in the bazaar shouted at me to speak to some fish monster in a tank. I almost killed the sniveling slave, but somehow he (or his fish lord master) was able to alert the entire city about our real identities. Well, the plan to get more information about Irenicus just erupted into violence. I had a skirmish in the bazaar, then, still feeling strong, I headed north to the tavern to see if I could get one last word with Phaere.
9AM. It turned out--I couldn't get one last word with Phaere. She was attack-to-kill like the rest of the Drow in the tavern, so I killed all of them (though I left the House DeVir prisoners alive upstairs in their cage). Looks like I'll have to just listen to what the dragon says--Adalon told me that she can put me right on Irenicus's heels. But for that, I'm still going to need those eggs. Maybe one of the Lloth priestesses or egg guards in the Temple has the key to the room I need to get into? Since I'm spilling so much blood this morning it makes sense to make my play for the eggs, too. I may not be able to return to Ust Natha once I leave it.
10AM. Assaulted the Temple of Lloth and retrieved Adalon's precious eggs. Quite a valuable commodity. I leave a quiet and blood-stained path on my way out of Ust Natha.
Solaufein may still be waiting by the gnome village, I thought. I might have to see if I can find him to press him for whatever he might know. I tracked him down quickly, but he proved useless and I slew him.
12PM. So after returning Adalon's damn eggs, she has teleported us to the exit out of the Underdark--supposedly close to where Irenicus and Bodhi escaped from as well, if they truly even left.
Chapter 6
1PM. I surfaced and met an Elven war party from Suldanessallar, who were concerned with Irenicus as well--so it turned out that Adalon did not lead me astray. After consulting with Elhan and his war sages, it seems the most likely location of Irenicus is within the hidden Elven city of Suldanessallar--tracking with what the coward Saemon had blurted out to me back in Spellhold. However, without some magical lantern stolen by a thief of Irenicus, it doesn't look like ANYONE can enter due to the wizard's illusory magic.
So that means in order to find Irenicus, I need to find this "Rhynn Lanthorn" first. The location? It could be anywhere that's not "elven"--which leaves the whole of Amn. Argh!
Before I begin the search in earnest, I'll head to my Keep. It's been almost two weeks since we set sail for Brynnlaw, it's important I return there at once to get a handle on the goings-on there.
[Day 37]
10AM. I got to the Keep late last night and my party sorted its treasure and rested. In the morning, I checked with the majordomo, and it looked like I had to execute a guardsman-turned-thief. I knew I was gone too long, and my influence was clearly missed. Let his execution be an example to others that there won't be any tolerance.
Apparently this will build resentment among the people. Ehh, they'll get over it. They should know, it's much worse to allow thieves and criminals to do whatever they want than to hang them right there on the spot. This is a new Lordship, and I really don't want to hear anything about the last guy, de'Arnise. And it reminds me, ever since Imoen was returned to me, I had thoughts about dropping Nalia, and that's still my plan.
She's too unpredictable to leave at the Keep, or even in Athkatla anywhere, not knowing what nonsense she might get into with other nobles. So where do I put her? I know of Neera's hidden enclave, but I'm sure that may be a moment away at any point from being discovered and attacked. Same with the Elven war party stationed outside the Underdark entrance: too dangerous. No--I'm going to make use of Valygar's cabin (he owes me). It's holed up and far enough away from anyone important that I think it's a great new home for Nalia. I don't hesitate in making the trek out there.
10PM. We arrive in Imnesvale at night. Edwin can't wait but to read his Nether Scroll, so I encourage it. But it backfires on the fool! It turns him into a woman. Hilarious, and a fate I'm sure he (she?) deserves. I don't particularly mind looking at her now, either!
[Day 38]
7AM. After leaving Nalia in Valygar's cabin, the rest of us spent the night at the Inn.
As far as I see it, I still owe an urgent skull-cracking to Irenicus. I also need to recover my divine soul, lest I transform into a murderous demon. To find the wizard, I'll have to find that magic lantern Elhan told me about--before he advised me to track down more of Irenicus's allies.
I think Irenicus must still have pals in the Underdark...those like Ardulace, who gave him safe passage. Maybe the lantern thief brought it underground somewhere to prevent the surface elves from coming for it? The only other Irenicus allies I know were those vampires in Bodhi's lair in the Athkatlan graveyard. On the off chance those undead cowards haven't tucked tails and ran off, I'll pay them a visit to next time I'm in the city.
But other than that, I've been in Amn only a little over a month. There's still trouble to the west of Imnesvale, in the Windspear Hills, and in Trademeet--all adjacent or nearby to my new holdings. Since my subjects are still reeling from the troll invasion, it's a good idea to to resolve nearby trouble before it spills over into my lands, especially if I can enrich myself in the process. As a supposedly soulless monster (ha!) now's my chance to make a strong first impression on my "neigbors" and back down any local threats before they can cause me headache. My travels in Amn might also shake out some information on the location of the Rhynn Lanthorn, something I'm sorely lacking; there might be more Irenicus allies and spies hidden throughout the countryside.
So I'll take a detour though the supposedly "haunted" temple ruins on my way back to the Keep, to see what the trouble really is going on there.
12PM. As we entered the dark forest of the temple ruins, I hunted down a werewolf Anath, who spoke about a Shade Lord who recently took up residence to the east. Hmm, looks like I'll have to investigate.
Knowing the murderous and animalistic nature of werewolves firsthand, I couldn't allow her to get out of their alive, so we smashed her down.
3PM. Entering the Sun-turned-Shadow temple, I found Mazzy Fentan rotting in a cell. The halfling had some good info for me--but I didn't trust the little runt enough. Maybe she was a trick of the Shade Lord--or maybe she's just looking to grab whatever treasure's in this place for herself! Nope, I'll keep her in her jail cell for now while I investigate further. Throughout my life, delving farther down into haunted dungeons has only led to gold and wealth! When I catch up to this "Shade Lord", we'll see what he can offer me.
6PM. After I fought through more undead (mostly using Edwin's Projected Image-manifested Protection from Undead scroll), I stumbled on some ghosts of Amaunator, looking to get some bones of some type of child prophet delivered to them. They couldn't promise gold or treasure, so I almost left them--but they did mention a way of combatting the Shadow Dragon, another monster I heard about being farther down. So seeing how it was a quick trek back, I delivered the bones, and received a wardstone.
7PM. After passing a few more foolish dungeon challenges, we are able to access the lair of Thaxll'ssillyia, the Shadow Dragon. I knew I had the means to bypass the dragon and reach the Shade Lord. But what would that leave me? An evil dragon causing chaos on the borders of my land? The de'Arnise people still haven't recovered from the trolls, I can't have worries of a dragon attack. No--I'll make camp on the level above, to give my mages a chance to memorize spells to kill a dragon when the morning rolls around. Just wouldn't feel right sneaking by.
[Day 39]
4AM. I slew the Shadow Dragon. I was empowered with Protection from Evil, Improved Haste, and of course my Berserker rage. With Doom casted by Viconia, multiple Lower Resistances casted by Edwin, and a series of summoned creatures brought in by all my spellcasters...the dragon fell.
Baldr538.jpg
Interestingly, I recovered a Crom Faeyr scroll; instructions for creating a warhammer of godly power. I already have the Gauntlets of Strength, but it looks like I'll need this Hammer of Thunderbolts and a Girdle of Frost Giant Strength, and I have no ideas where these items are. I will keep my eyes open wide for them in my travels...
9AM. I continued on to destroy the joke of a Shade Lord, "cleansing" the land of this undead mischief. Feeling quite the hero, I even remembered the halfling I left in the cell. I went back down to let her out, letting her know I killed the shadow monsters with ease. She didn't look like she could give me much at all, in the rags of a prisoner--but apparently she is important in Trademeet. Ah, the nearby settlement I had been meaning to visit soon anyway. This gives me another reason to travel there--to get whatever Mazzy owes me for her life.
On the same note, I know the mayor of Imnesvale had once promised me a reward then withheld it. Well, in this case I'm positive I put an end to his trouble, so he'll need to cough up something...or ELSE. I turn back east to pay a visit.
2PM. Mid afternoon I arrived back in Imnesvale. The mayor could only cough up 100 gold and some leather armor that no one in my party will even be wearing! I tore open the chests and drawers in his house--right in front of him--but these villages have the wealth of beggars. Gah, so much for my troubles. I may go poke around the Inn, too. ALL these people owe me.
3PM. The Inn was almost worthless, but I found about 500 gold in one of the guests cabinets. Good! My tax on Imnesvale.
The gnome merchant in town has always been hostile to me after our first encounter. Usually he just runs the other direction since I beat him unconscious after our first meeting. This time I took out some more of my frustration on him on my way out of town by giving him another beating--he was blocking the inn doorway and I just wanted to get out of this backwater dump. Apparently Nelleck saw this and didn't take a liking to it. I don't know if he got a rush of courage, but he started shooting crossbow bolts at me! When I approached, he took out his sword. Maybe he was tired of being bullied around? Either way, he didn't survive. I'll doubt I'll be back here again, though words of my deeds here have already spread.
[Day 40]
12PM. I arrived back my Keep in the very early morning. I immediately rested with my group before conducting business at noontime of the next day...
I've been hearing the people are souring and fearful of my rule. Bah! I just slew a dragon to keep them safe. They must learn to keep their mouths shut and to be loyal, lest justice come down on them.
My next order of business is to return to Athkatla after all this time. I want to speak to Cromwell the Blacksmith--both on what he can do with these Shadow Dragon scales, and what he knows of this Crom Faeyr scroll. Also I'll see what's left of Bodhi's lair, if I can scrounge up any clues from there about the location of that lantern that's going to lead me to Irenicus.
The damned elves of Suldanessallar have been sending me dreams about the destruction Irenicus is causing. Bah! I don't work for those weakling elves, I couldn't care less about their damn little tree village. I'll take care of Irenicus in my own time. My own business comes first and foremost before I hop to their beck and call.
[Day 41]
3AM. Returned to Athkatla in the late evening; too late for the Promenade and for Cromwell's, so I decided to go straight to Bodhi's lair, before they had any kind of chance to prepare for me.
Well, what a surprise. I killed Bodhi after fighting my way through her lair, and recovered the Rhynn Lanthorn. She was a fool for keeping it in such an obvious location, one in which I would eventually be looking. Imoen got her soul back supposedly, but she doesn't seem any better off. In fact, the girl is still ability-drained.
With this "priceless" elven artifact now in my hands, I can go to confront and kill Irenicus at the time of my choosing. It'll be sooner than later, but my Keep must be well-protected and defended first, and I will not set out for days and day again while there may be trouble on my borders. The people are already unhappy. There are wilderness attacks in Trademeet and the Drow excursions not far to the south, not to mention the ogre raiders in Windspear farther east. Need to make sure none of this nonsense will turn into a threat to my lands.
[Day 42]
1PM. Visiting Cromwell, he didn't offer useful information about the Crom Faeyr; only confirmed that it would be a powerful weapon should I find all of the components. As I feared, he couldn't give any information about where the hell the belt or the hammer are, but I will be visiting some new places in Amn in the next several days so like I stated before: I'll keep my eyes open.
I stayed at Cromwell's for a day, as we crafted the Shadow Dragon armor out of the scales I pulled from Thaxll'ssillyia. None of us will even wear it...but better I get something potentially useful from that dead wyrm. Frustrated, I think it's time I make my exit again from the town.
Irenicus looms large, but the bastard can wait in his tree for now. I must get to securing the immediate affairs of my Keep.
[Day 43]
6AM. Back at my Keep, I decided to take in a Cleric of Tempus to set up a temple. This has already been a great decision--he can identify magical items and buy and sell wares from my adventures. The people of the lands should be lucky to have a ruler like me.
Today, I will finally visit my neighbors in Trademeet.
7PM. I arrived in the evening and entered a melee between some guards and some homicidal woodland creatures. The militia captain then shouted at me to begone, accused me of banditry, and raised their weapons against me! This fight came quick, but we easily slew the guards we just helped against the animals--our reputation will take a hit from this.
Imoen, the coward little girl she is, ran off. She "didn't like" the way we're going about things, so she leaves the group and runs off. So she gets her soul back, and abandons me not a couple days afterwards? And this is not the first time she ran away. I never expected much out of Imoen and this just proves me right. She made the mistake of telling me where'd she be staying (Copper Coronet), so I might just teach her a "lesson" next time I'm in the city.
I may have to go back to the Umar Hills and bring Nalia back into the fold. But do I even need a thief of such mediocre skills as her? Eh, I'll get by.
8PM. As I walk into the pub, I learn the rest of the town won't be so hostile. People seem to think this animal trouble is caused by druids--makes sense. But also I hear about genies restricting local trade, so nothing's for sale? A merchant outside told me the same thing. Gah! Acquiring new magical equipment is a major reason I made the journey here!
I meet the mayor and then head of the merchant's guild. I did like their tone so I left them there to wallow in their troubles; but yes, some genies are indeed encamped nearby, and they're strangling trade in the city. I can't have that, not one bit. Almost as bad as a Shadow Dragon living on the border.
I also meet Rasaad, but I consider him more of a joke than anything else. I had met him in Nashkel and then again during the march to Dragonspear, but the absent minded fool just forgot. I think he's a joke. Fists?!
I also found Mazzy's house and invited myself in. She and her family were there, but she stormed out pretty quickly. I ransacked what I could as the helpless little family watched on, but I was only able to take a few gold coins and a jewel or two. Why did I end up ever helping such a poverty-stricken impostor adventurer?
9PM. Apparently the djinni are holding the town hostage for a specific purpose: They want someone to hunt down a rakshasa thief they're after since they're incapable of doing it themselves. Nope, I won't do doing any little bounty hunter errands for them. I fight and kill the three genies, expelling them from town. With my victory here, I decide to rest for the night. Maybe I'll be calmer when I face the mayor again tomorrow morning...
[Day 44]
6AM. With the genies gone, the merchants were able to restock their wares overnight (I imagine they looted much of the genies's possessions, wherever they were stored.) My eye immediately catches on the Belt of Inertial Barrier--a powerful belt that can protect me against magical damange [since I missed underwater city and the Clock of Mirroring, I'm definitely gonna need to pick this one up...]. Unfortunately, since I defended myself against the town guardsmen that attacked me when I arrived, I'm somehow seen as a despised criminal once more, and the ungrateful merchants charge me prices to match. I have not much to do but throw some of my hard-earned gold at this damn Temple of Waukeen to bring up my standing in the eyes of the caravan traders...it infuriates me, but the prospect of wearing that belt into battle keeps me focused on the task at hand.
7AM. With my donations to the temple, my status in Amn rose from despised to merely disliked. I bought the Inertial Barrier belt I wanted and went to speak to the mayor. I eventually figured out, between him and his prisoner Cernd, that there are in fact twisted druids causing problems. With them gone, the trade in Trademeet can be fully restored. I'd have wanted to keep Cernd prisoner there, but he would only show the way to the Druid grove if released...fine, but I think he's likely tricking us, and it'll be his misfortune when I found out.
I don't hesitate to head out east to clean up another mess for an undeserving town. I want to make sure these druids never get a chance to encroach onto my lands.
6PM. I entered the druid grove and slaughtered the trolls in the troll mound. With Imoen's old equipment, our inventories are all full, so I decided to stash some of our equipment in one of the troll mount stashes. I'll be sure to come back with it when my dealings are done with the druids here. I neglected to find a stash spot in Trademeet when I was there, but it's for the better--I don't trust anyone there.
8PM. I found Faldorn--a Shadow Druid I have some history with; another coward I encountered along my path, that is. She challenged me to try to attack her, so I readily accepted. I was able to kill her followers and adherents--but she could not be stricken down. She also seemed to have and endless supply of spells. Maybe it is true that she's invincible here in this grove...Garr! I'll have to see what that slimy character Cernd can do about it, he did in fact show his face out here and not just slink off when I let him go from Trademeet.
[Reload here! I had a long streak going here without a PC death, but the first time I attacked Faldorn--the Creeping Dooms were just too much, and took down my HP faster than anything I could do to restore them. For the second try, I had summonses take most of the close range action; and I opened the fight with a Symbol: Fear from Edwin.]
9PM. I told Cernd to go challenge Faldorn to end her madness. I observed the combat trial, keeping Cernd at an arm's distance. I had the backup idea of using Jaheira if I had to. Luckily, he was able to shapeshift into a werewolf and obliterate ol' Faldorn. Hmm, useful skill I suppose--I was cursed with lycanthropy once myself, but had to break that spell with my maces against some werewolf skulls. I can transform into the Bhaal Slayer now if I wish; much more powerful than a werewolf. Either way, it looks like Cernd will be staying around here if I ever need a healer.
Wanting to get out of this disgusting marshland as soon as possible, I go to collect my belongings I left in the troll mound...then make camp in the Grove.
[Day 45]
6AM. I plan to head back to Trademeet by way of the Windspear Hills--a four hour detour to the north. A "neighboring" Lord told me he'd give 15K to anyone who could kill some Ogres. Worth too much money for such a simple task, and I likely won't be out this far east anytime soon.
My current party is:
Ethal Jo, Level 17 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Ardulia's Fall)
Viconia, Level 18 Cleric
Edwin, Level 16 Conjurer
10AM. In the Windspear Hills, I find a group of Ogres--well, at least three--and some other monsters. We killed them handily, but somehow they seemed to transform back to human knights upon death. Some fool observer hiding and watching the fight seems to think I was tricked by some illusion magic into kililng Radiant Heart paladins. They're going to hunt me down, apparently. HA! I'd like to see them try. Viconia is the worrier as always, but I'm more sure that this Garren is trying to scam me somehow.
So does that mean this group of thugs were the ogre bandits that Firkraag's going to pay me for? Regardless of who turned them into Knights, I WILL get my 15K for dispatching of them.
The thought struck me that more ogres may still be out there--maybe even "real" ones. I'm going to trek around some more today to make sure I clear out any trouble I can find, before heading back to Trademeet.
I barge into Garren's cabin, seeing what other information he might come up with about what exactly the hell is going on around here. He's eager to tell his story: Firkraag (the Lord who said he'd pay me 15K gold for these ogres' deaths) had Garren discredited and stole all of his land. Hummm, he says he's trying to do the same thing to me, that's what this whole ruse is about. My thoughts immediately go to: he's looking to see if he can squeeze me out of my Keep, so he can claim it! Agh, the idea of it! I see red and my blood boils for an instant--time to go pay a visit to Firkraag. This is going to cost him a lot more than 15K now if it turns out to be true. We spend the rest of the day resting in the cabin, waiting for information from Garren on Firkraag's potential whereabouts.
[Resting here for the day is so out of character, unfortunately there was no choice. I don't even know if that was a good RP way to explain it.]
7PM. We are attacked in the evening by weak hooligans sent by Firkraag. Ah, so he tries a blatant attempt on my life. I slaughter these attackers and vow to kill this Firkraag as soon as I can; my lands and holdings are at stake, and this fool thinks he can attack me without repercussion like I'm some commoner. I don't remember there being any "Firkraag" estate back in Athkatla, but the old beggar Garren says that he may be to the ruins to the northeast. Good! I hope I can resolve this swiftly and brutally.
(I also stashed equipment and loot in a nearby hollowed-out section of a boulder, hidden from the view of a passerby. I will make sure to return for whatever we can carry before we leave these damn hills.)
8PM. I enter a faerie grove, and the dryad Vaelasa attacks--shouting something about Irenicus and how I killed her sister dryads. Huh, that rings a bell...I was killing everything that moved in that place.
I eventually find a large but ruined complex--I can see why Firkraag wants to strongarm his way into a new Keep, the way this one has fallen into disrepair. But unfortunately he picked mine, and he's going to pay for that.
[Day 46]
1AM. Yes, it looks like Firkraag calls a monster-infested dungeon his home. It was a hive of orcs, golems, werewolves, and undead, and we fought hard through the night.
Golems killed Viconia, but a Projected Image version of Edwin was able to resurrect her--as well as summon some hasted Mordenkainen's Swords to finish off the guardians. Eventually, some vampires energy-drained me as I could no longer launch into a berserker rage after all the fighting...but Viconia was able to Turn Undead and single-handedly take out most of the undead pack.
On my way out to rest, I ran into a certain "Samia", an alleged treasure hunter. She told me about some treasure--and then her group attacked us! I was in no position to fight any arcane-wielding group at the time, so we retreated back. We'll have to spend some time recuperating at Garren's house, the idea of which frustrates me greatly. Gah! I have to stay out here in the eastern hills much longer than I wanted to and I curse those I've met here. I remember though--it's worth it to put a nail into the coffin of these Firkraag matters.
[Day 47]
1AM. It's been a full day later. We had rested back at Garren's, then continued our business in the dungeon. It was ripe with magical equipment and treasure. Although many battles were hard-fought, we triumphantly continued our slaughter until we found Firkraag himself--a red dragon!
But bah, I don't care what he is. It looks like the creature doesn't have designs on my lands, instead his motives were to torment and attack me for his interest in both my father Bhaal and warden Gorion. Regardless, I won't be made to suffer these insults--including the attempts to kill me. He already owes me a large sum of gold for coming out here, and he thinks he can just dismiss me? I'm going to chop this lizard's head off and make myself whole in one way or another--I won't be made a fool of.
I also picked up a sewer passage key off his henchman Tazok--could this be a key to one of Firkraag's treasure hoards? There are no sewers here, but I know that bastard would spend time in Athkatla...and I know of a few locked passageways down there. Interesting.
Firkrag also let slip that the deed to these land is currently held by Garren. I see an opportunity here if all shakes out right--Garren gives me the deed in payment after I kill his arch-nemesis. My lands will then include de'Arnise and Windspear. Aha!
11AM. I climbed the stairs up and rested in the jail cells, preparing anti-dragon magic for the rapidly approaching confrontation. I've already wasted enough time all the way out here, so what's another eight hours to make sure I can put the dragon down without too much risk?
I slew Firkraag handily. As I feared, he has no hoard here, so that sewer key may very well lead to something extremely valuable...I may return to Athkatla sooner than later to take a look.
1PM. I decided to let Garren's daughter out of her cell--ensuring that he'd owe me for *everything*. But when I see him back at his cabin...there is a severe lack of gratitude. I just KILLED a dragon and saved his daughter's life...and I was very much expecting the deed to his lands as recompense. He was already retired and "at peace", so why not hand over your lands to the warrior you owe a great debt to?
I told myself this venture to Windspear would be fruitful one way or another. So in an instant--I killed both Garren and his daughter and took his deed for myself. Now with the vacuum of power out here, and the deed in my possession, I'll be able to tell whatever authorities come asking that Firkraag killed Garren, but not before Garren granted me his lands.
It had to happen this way--the man was already weak and defeated, and made a fatal mistake in trying to get one over on me.
11PM. I finally left the hills to return to my Keep; by way of Trademeet, first. Not only do I expect a reward for killing those druids from a few days ago, some more trade caravans should have reached the town by now. Even though I may possibly have the key to a dragon hoard, I can tell from the way that the streets are paved that there's good money to be had in Trademeet too.
It's very late in the evening, but I was right! I speak to the mayor and not only do they pronounce me hero of Trademeet, they went and made statues of me and my party too! Ha, along with 10K in gold in reward!
I'm then approached by the Lurraxols and the Alibakkars. Rich nobles here it seems; and they're willing to pay for some work getting done. If I can take some more gold from these fools when I'm in town, I'm going to do it. I didn't like Alibakkar's threatening manner, so I went to talk to Lurraxol first.
[Day 48]
12AM. It's midnight. I retrieved the precious mantle for Lurraxol, but her and the other one started attacking me for it...so I had to kill them both and their respective house guards.
Eh, looks like nothing out east is going to be any kind of trouble anytime soon. I'm going to rest here for the night, check with any new merchants in the morning, then head back to my stronghold.
[Day 49]
7AM. With no trouble expected from the east for a while, I think on the Underdark entrance that's only a half day's journey to the south...about the same distance as the Shadow Temple and Trademeet are from my Keep. And Drow raiding parties in my lands would be worse than shade lords and attacking forest animals combined.
I left the Underdark in a relative hurry last time, thinking Adalon would put me right on Irenicus's heels...but that was almost two weeks ago now. It's a good idea to return to ensure that there aren't other invaders on the brink of surfacing. The Tethyr elves could barely handle themselves as it was, so I can only imagine what type of disaster is swelling down there. I know I can send the dark elves back reeling on their heels--making sure they remember me from my last visit. I might not be able to find Ust Natha again, but I'll dig down as deep as I need to...
When I'm confident my lands are in a secure position from all this surrounding Amnish nonsense, then I'll turn the whole of my fury on Irenicus. When I travel to Suldanessallar I may be gone for an extended period of time, if my last hunt for him was any indication, so my affairs best be in order.
I'm going to make a detour to Athkatla for the day, before turning back down south--want to see about Firkraag's key (before anyone else has a chance to steal whatever hoard he might have kept)...and also talk to Cromwell about those red dragon scales.
4PM. In Athkatla after making the day-long trip--and aha, the sewer key DID work in that locked passage I had discovered weeks ago. It was not a dragon hoard apparently, but the treasure was worth it anyway. It was some kind of mind flayer lair--I quickly slaughtered the monsters and their human followers, and claimed the Hammer of Thunderbolts for myself. This is the Hammer that can become the Crom Faeyr. Ah, the fates are smiling on me! I will just need the Girdle of Frost Giant Strength now, and Cromwell will be able to forge the weapon. I'll continue to keep my eyes open during my travels...
Speaking of Cromwell, I decide to visit him next about these red dragon scales..
[Day 50]
8PM. Red Dragon Scale armor is mine...but it still can't beat the protection from full plate and a ring of protection--for both me and Viconia. Ah, it's still good to add to my collection of magical treasure and equipment back at the Keep.
I'm going to rest at the Copper Coronet for the night, then travel down to the Underdark entrance--approaching by way of the North Forest and Small Teeth Pass to ensure there hasn't been any Drow incursions that far north.
I see Imoen there, where she said she'd be. And like always, she's desperate to follow me again. But no, I have no use for the foolish girl. Viconia has been casting Find Traps and Sanctuary, and Edwin has been memorizing a few spells of Knock every day.
[Day 52]
3PM. I arrived at the Underdark entrance after journeying through North Forest and Small Teeth Pass as I said I would. No Drow, but I dispatched some other monsters in the area.
I see Elhan and the elves have it seemingly under control on the surface, but I don't fully truth their strength. I'm going to dig back in and break up any war parties I come across...making sure they never get the chance to raid my lands, and make the rest of them think twice about surfacing.
I don't care much about mentioning the Rhynn Lanthorn to Elhan. My affairs and my lands' security comes first.
5PM. After killing some Kua-Toa scum, I stumbled upon a "Demogorgon" statue and altar. Thinking that trouble (and treasure) could come pouring out, I did as the inscription said and had Edwin summon an spider to serve as the animal sacrifice.
The Demon Knight ambush that occurred next was a tough battle, and Viconia was stunned and cut down while I was busy smashing demons on the other side of the room. No matter--she's resurrected with ease.
And what's this? Ahh, the Girdle of Frost Giant's Stength! The final piece of Crom Faeyr. The pieces must have been together at some point recent; they hadn't scattered far from each other. I can now imagine the strength of the legendary weapon in my hand--I'll have to go back to Cromwell as soon as I wrap up here.
(As it happens, the girdle is temporarily going to be worn by Edwin until the Crom Faeyr is forged. For both me and Viconia, the offensive benefits of the belt aren't better than the defensive magic of our current belts.)
It doesn't seem like too many Drow are lingering near the service. I'll keep my "crawl" going through the night...but it looks like I've successfully backed down any threats near to my stronghold, at least for the near term.
6PM. I realized I could place the corrupted tadpoles in that pool I found by the Kua Toa Prince earlier...and it corrupts their entire pool! Aha! I don't know the details, but I know that'll slow 'em down from trying any type of attack, too.
I also eventually got to where in the Underdark I knew I was. Remember, I had been transported to the exit by Adalon previously. I haven't seen a hint of a Drow yet, which is all very good, very good. Being early in the evening, I do think I'll push on a bit farther just to be sure.
Remembering the Duergar telling me about the Imprisoned mage, I decided to buy a couple of scrolls of Freedom from them. I had Edwin cast one--and a mage was indeed released. His name was Vithal and he went on needing his spellbook to release some extradimensional creatures. I would get the spoils of combat. Huh, I recognize his name because I do have his spellbook--but it's in storage at my Keep.
Eh, none of this sounds worth it and the mage doesn't even look like he has anything valuable on him. Maybe one day I'll feel differently and return here with the spellbook.
7PM. I went to see if Adalon was still rattling around, but the Light Gem was also in storage so I couldn't even get by. Fine, it'll spare me listening to that insufferable lizard, if she's even still there.
It's early in the evening still--going to head back to the Ust Natha entrance, see if I can hit the Drow in the teeth so to speak...so any inkling of thought of raiding Ethal Jo's territory is squashed from their minds. I came all the way out here, it's a waste if I don't kill at least some Drow!!
9PM. As I entered Ust Natha, we were stopped by Degardan, an enemy of Edwin. He must have stalked us underground. It seems Edwin's order of Red Wizards is after him for extended leave from his duties! Ha, yes--he works for Ethal Jo now of course. We killed the Thayan interloper easily, but not before he reversed Edwin's sex change, making him a male again. Despite his foolish chatter, Edwin's followed me into Hell before (truly), so I give him a bit of leeway when it comes to distractions and attracting enemies...but for his sake he should hope we don't have to deal with much more of this.
The rest of Ust Natha was much more desolate than I remember; they must still be licking their wounds from my violent attack from weeks' past. I was able to kill maybe half a dozen Drow that were still creeping around, the ones who didn't get a chance to run and hide when I entered...but it was mostly quiet walkways and smashing giant spiders. Looks like whatever plans they might had to invade the surface must have been dealt a killing blow back then when I fought them. Good! Ha, Ethal Jo, Conqueror of the Drow! I had no desire to explore the rest of the Underdark...maybe another day when I have the urge to hunt for more treasure and gold.
I take a deep breath, knowing the damned troubles surrounding my Keep and my lands have all been beaten into submission. The dragons are slain, the shadow druids are dead, the shade lord is destroyed, the Trademeet genies were expelled, and the Drow have been routed. Looks like no one in Amn had the mettle to take on any of this before I showed up. Of course more troubles will rear their ugly head as time goes on, but Irenicus still likely remains the greatest threat of all. I'm going to forge Crom Faeyr, and then find the bastard to crush his skull with it.
[Day 53]
7PM. I'm back in Athkatla, and realize this damnable dwarf can't make me the Crom Faeyr without the scroll I got from the Shadow Dragon. Gah! Should have known not to trust this half-sized fool. I'll return to the Keep immediately for this component...
[Doy...this was my oversight. You might be able to tell, this was a long playing session and clearly I'm getting tired haha..]
[Day 55]
8PM. Ah, Crom Faeyr! The legendary weapon is mine; my enemies will tremble, more than they already do! I stayed with Cromwell for a full day to forge it, and I do not consider the time wasted.
Without her gauntlets, Viconia can no longer wield the Flail of Ages, nor stay unencumbered in full plate mail. I'll get her re-armored back at the Keep with lighter, magical platemail.
[Day 57]
8PM. After returning to my stronghold, Viconia was re-outfitted (with Firkraag's scales), and I prepared for my confrontation with Irenicus in Suldanessallar. We journeyed south without incident and eventually gave Elhan his precious Lanthorn. Show us the way to Irenicus now, elf!
Chapter 7
8PM. When we enter the hidden city--it looks like Irenicus has laid total claim to it, although there has been some elven resistance that has lingered on for the past few weeks; mostly inside their houses and structures. The elves were pointing me this way and that way to priestesses and the like--but I have no need for that. I'm going to go platform to platform and hunt down my nemesis!
[Day 58]
12AM. I fought Irenicus's monsters for the entire evening. The Golems hit hard, but between summoned magical swords and Crom Faeyr, even the Adamantite Golem were destroyed. None of this got me closer to finding who I seek, though. The damn elves were holding out information on me--Irenicus is in the palace, but they won't tell me how to get inside. I couldn't care less about their little struggle and refuse to be some errand boy for their forest deity.
Well, after raiding all the buildings I could, I collected whatever important-looking items I could find, and I even had Viconia try to figure out the trapped rune box riddle after we protected her from acid--eventually, I got the talisman. Unfortunately, that did not open the Palace door, either.
10AM. After making camp for the rest of the night to prepare for the fight...we attacked Nizidramanii'yt, Irenicus's black dragon, and killed it.
[A PC death and reload here. Remove Magic from the dragon got rid of my Improved Haste, and I just wasn't able to do enough DPS before I was cut down. I really just wasn't being careful--just tired I guess. On my next (successful) attempt, I sent the summons in first by about a half round or so, avoiding the Remove Magic, and had Viconia summon additional help as one of her first spells. Much easier that second time.]
[So this was my first reload in a long while. In fact, I just checked, this is my first PC death since Chapter 5 in Spellhold, and that was kind of a purposeful roleplayed insta-death--trying to charge Irenicus's chamber before releasing the prisoners. In fact, if you don't count "in-character" insta-deaths (crossing Spellhold bridge without wardstone and emerging from sewers with Beholder rift device), the last time my PC was killed by enemies was back in Chapter 2 when I got stunned by a Gauth near the Unseeing Eye, I was level 12 or 13. Pretty good streak! I'm not quite a no-reloader yet though haha.]
I eventually realized I could not get into the palace without cooperating with Demin the Priestess. I couldn't figure out whatever damned elf rituals were needed, so she instructed me on how to tap into the divine power source (tree god?) to grant me access. Luckily, I already had collected all the artifacts that were needed. The summoning of the spirits seemed to bring the rest of the elves out of hiding...and more importantly, I can now finally get into the Palace to kill my enemy the "Exile".
My current party is:
Ethal Jo, Level 20 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Crom Faeyr)
Viconia, Level 21 Cleric
Edwin, Level 18 Conjurer
4PM. I eventually found and slew Irenicus. His Absolute Immunity and Spell Trap were hard to overcome, but using magical summonses and a series of Dragon's Breath from Edwin, he was eventually killed.
Apparently my essence is still tied to my soul, which Irenicus apparently still maintains control of. The three of us are dragged to hell; luckily, Edwin and Viconia have been to Avernus with be before and handled themselves respectably.
I took the staircase to my left after exploring this small nether-realm, and found a demon named Pride. This place is of my own creation, supposedly, and I in fact RULE here. Alright, and all I have to do to get out is retrieve these "Tears of Bhaal". He tells me some monster behind him has one of them; well, that's all he has to say--I kill the black dragon behind him.
I then went through some more tests, but they were mostly trivial. I took a magical cloak that renders one immune to fear, and gave it to Edwin to wear before killing some Beholder creatures.
I was given the choice of sacrificing something of myself, or allowing the death of Viconia. Well, I saved Viconia's life multiple times before, so she's on borrowed time anyway. There's no way I'm losing any part of myself for that Drow. The demon's threats were hollow anyway--I was able to resurrect Viconia afterwards.
[I'm on core rules so was expecting Viconia's perma death. I even double checked my settings. Very strange, not sure what happened here--but I'll take it. I thought I was going to lose Edwin anyway, so this is pretty good news. Vic has 70 magic resist and 110 fire resist, so maybe that had something to do with it? Trying to kill her with column of fire or whatever...]
I then killed the Enslaved Genie--I don't want any tormented souls lingering around this damned place. Finally, some wraith version of Sarevok was conjured up--he begged me to turn into the Slayer, but with Edwin's Improved Haste, I was able to crush him down in my "human" form anyway. The Slayer form will be reserved for "special" circumstances...
Finally--completing the "trials of hell" without any further rest--I disabled the eye-wards blocking my progress, and fought and killed the Slayer version of Irenicus, one final time. The bastard was hard to put down and it took many attempts all over Amn, but it looks like he's finally been crushed.
Final SOA Party:
Ethal Jo, Level 21 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Crom Faeyr)
Viconia, Level 21 Cleric
Edwin, Level 18 Conjurer
Throne of Bhaal
Chapter 8
[Day 59]
7AM. The Elves love me for what I did, and give me a a very powerful Amulet of Seldarine...but beyond that, I think I should be compensated more for what I did for them. Unfortunately I'm whisked out of that damn city as soon as I've healed...but I'll keep it in the back of my mind that the elves of Suldanessallar continue to owe me a debt...
Beyond that, with my arch-nemesis crushed and my Amnish lands and holdings in good order, my purpose now should be to continue to defend my land and amass my wealth and power throughout Amn. I am the son of the God of Murder and have proven my power time and time again--it's important to ensure my position in Amn is not to be trifled with. I have no doubt now I can back down any challenge or obstacle that comes my way...and that includes the mythical fortress Watcher's Keep, which is on the path back north. No doubt heaps and heaps of magical treasure lie within those walls...
As I exited Suldanessallar, the spirits of the Forest of Tethir spoke to me about some prophecy of Bhaal--that there is a traitor of some sort, Bhaal's servants are causing bloodshed, and on and on. I didn't pay too much attention to it as it's the same babble I've been hearing for months. If more threats come my way having to do with my heritage--I'll stamp them out like I've always done. And at that moment...I'm attacked. Illasera is another Bhaalspawn, hunting down other Bhaalspawn apparently. As soon as I kill her...I'm knocked unconscious and transported to another realm!
I'm furious I'm stranded here. I know it's an outgrowth of my own power, but I'm frustrated I can't control it completely. The spirit of my dead brother Sarevok has somehow wormed his way inside this plane; he promises he can get me out, if only I cut a deal with him. Gah! I'm loathe to do that to this worthless enemy of mine.
I am going to set up camp in this place; the Solar who is so interested in my fulfilling my destiny should intervene soon enough if my role is that important...
4PM. Gah, there is no way out but through Sarevok. He mentioned that any Bhaalspawn would do, to give up a portion of their soul to him; and I already knew that I could summon certain companions and other characters I've encountered in my jouneys. Therefore, I brought in the girl Imoen, the constant hanger-on who owes so much to me--remember, I got her soul back for her, and she abandoned me in Trademeet only a few days later when I killed a few guards. Well, here's how she's going to repay me: she gives up a part of her soul to Sarevok, so he agrees to show me the way out of this blasted place.
6PM. From my "Pocket Plane", the fates themselves push me to the so-called prophecized town of Saradush. It's a dump of a southern town, full of more Bhaalspawn than I knew existed...and under siege from some kind of fire giant army. Bah, I don't want anything to do with these people's problems and don't want to be forced by some higher power to break this siege, which is what that Solar and all the rest of trying to get me to do. I try to port back to the Pocket Plane, or find some physical entrance to escape the barricaded city...but no, frustratingly it looks like I'll be forced at the very least to kill this "Gromnir" in charge and fight my own way out of this damn town...
In the Pocket Plane, I summoned Nalia. I don't want her in my party, but I didn't want her causing any trouble with my stronghold in Amn while I'm down south (like giving it away to some other adventurer)...so she can wait here in my abyssal dimension.
Imoen is also here waiting for me; I'd send her away at the first opportunity, but her Bhaalspawn blood is valuable enough that she can bide her time here where I can keep an eye on her.
Realizing I need to resolve this Saradush situation, and that I want the use of a thief for my trials ahead....I turn to my half-brother. He's a fine enough figher, and I make him swear an oath to serve me, likely holding him under a divine geas. Since he has the strength and dexterity for it, I decided to make him the THIEF of my party [i.e. dual class]; something I am sorely missing, and I'm loathe to turn back to Nalia or Imoen, or even the fools Jan or Yoshimo (who I barely know) for that matter. Fumbling around as a novice thief at my command will be a humbling experience for Sarevok, and even if he is able to break his geas and betray me, I'll be able to smash him down without a problem.
7PM. I care little of the townsfolk here, other Bhaalspawn or not. I don't care about Lazarus and his spell store, or anyone else. I see a barracks of Gromnir's soldiers, though--that looks like a good place to start getting answers. I bust through the locked door and kill all of them, who foolishly thought they stood a chance against me. I eventually find a key in a chest, but don't know what it's for.
8PM. After asking around aggressively in the tavern, I speak to the proprietor of the place, who tells me of a secret passage in the jail that leads to the throne room. Aha, good! Apparently the priestess of Waukeen has the key...she'd rather die than give it up, so that's exactly what happens.
[Day 60]
12AM. I found and killed Gromnir. In another world, maybe I would have tried to reason with him. Instead, my anger at being trapped in this city is focused on him; and he attacks me before I can say a word, anyway. I know that his death will open up new pathways for me here...
I finally paid attention to Melissan...she seems to be buzzing about constantly, seeing to the concerns of the Bhaalspawn. This fire giant is sieging the city...he's a Bhaalspawn too, and apparently his army is swelling and will eventually overtake even me. Huh, I highly doubt that! But I'll take a look before I get out of this place.
2AM. The magic of the pocket plane released me from the confines of Saradush, and placed me about eight hours to the east. Ah, finally, free. I don't mean to be at the whims of some divine plan, and definitely don't want to serve that damned Solar. I had my eyes on the dungeon of Watcher's Keep after I killed Irenicus, so I'm going to travel back that way.
I took out a rather large contingent of Yaga-Shura's troops at the place I was dropped; I've not rested since waking up in Suldanessallar, and it's time I made camp, for at least my spellcasters to re-learn their spells and for my berserker rage to regenerate. I teleport us back to my pocket dimension, appreciating the privacy and my complete rule of the place.
I'm tempted well enough to try to kill this fire giant Bhaalspawn, or at least to see how much of a threat he really is. I don't care about Saradush, but better to investigate (and crush) any potential rival now. Good thing Yaga-Shura's siege camp is on the way to Watcher's Keep.
7PM. I traveled back to Faerun, outside of Saradush, then journeyed to confront Yaga-Shura. It seems that woman Melissan was right and he is invulnerable to harm; I eventually ported away. Gah! I don't like this one bit; someone thinking they're invincible, claiming they're a more powerful Bhaalspawn than me. Ha! No I'll have to prove him wrong one way or another. What did Melissan say about keys to defeating him...forest temples and mountain lairs to the east? I may have to pay a visit--best to quell this threat while I'm still nearby.
5AM. We marched eight hours to the east to a haunted temple of Bhaal that Melissan told us about. Some key to rendering Yaga-Shura killable might be found here. Well, I met the insufferable witch Nyalee--either fear from me or desire for her own revenge got her to cough up the information I needed. I have to go to his Fire Giant lair, even farther to the East, and find his magically-protected heart, apparently bathing in fire right now.
Nyalee's heart is there too, she says, and she wants hers back if she's going to help me. She claims there's some magical protection spells she would still have to break, even once I had his heart in my possession. Gah, I despise having to need her, and suspect she is up to something. I'll see if there's some way I can destroy the heart or if Edwin or Viconia can figure something out with it. So without delay, I travel further east.
12PM. It's a four-hour journey to Marching Mountains, and the whole place is infested with fire giants. These bastards hit VERY hard, and their brute force is a match for mine. After finding the fire temple, I tried to get in as far as possible, but I was only able to keep fighting until noon...with no more summonses, high level abilities, or heal spells, I ported us into my Pocket Plane for a rest.
[Reload once...the initial fire giant "swarm" battle when you enter the temple. I always have trouble with this one...it's like the "welcome to TOB!" fight for me always...]
[Day 62]
1AM. I returned and fought my way through the fire-powered monsters of the temple and conquered the upper level. Eventually recovered the hearts of both Yaga-Shura and Nyalee...
I have no way of destroying this heart myself, it seems. Nyalee said she knew the spells to de-power it. I hate having to do what this witch commands me! But I have her heart too. I'll pay her a visit on my way back to Saradush...
6AM. I returned to Nyalee in the Forest Temple--she still would not negotiate without being given her own heart, so fulfilling her request was my only option. Well she did as she said she would, and rendered both hearts cold--and their associated hosts vulnerable. She got some last second pangs of regret and attacked me, but I was able to kill her. Unfortunately I had no way of countering the damn Shambling Mounds. I could barely harm them, so we retreated and ported away. Gah, very frustrating just like Yaga-Shura!
I'll rest in my Pocket Plane and return to finish off these beasts. Want to make sure this temple is entirely clear of any enemies I might have...
4PM. I had to take Blackrazor from Sarevok (a type of weapon I'm not entirely skilled with [0 points]) to cause any harm to the Shambling Mounds. But eventually, I cut them down. I feel satisfied; after all, I couldn't leave them. It was a challenge from nature at that point, even if Nyalee had been put down much earlier in the morning.
With Yaga-Shura now supposedly vulnerable, I travel to confront him again at the Siege Camp as swiftly as possible.
[Day 63]
1AM. I attacked Yaga-Shura and his army at night, and slaughtered him. Ha! Looks like this Bhaalspawn challenger wasn't all he was talked up to be! The Solar who's been tormenting me in my Pocket Dimension...she is very pleased and tells me killing these other powerful Bhaalspawn is my fate. And what do you know? Back on the material plane that annoying, untrustworthy Melissan points me in the direction of two more Bhaalspawn, supposedly raising their own hellish, unstoppable armies farther south. Sendai and Abazigal are their names.
But bah! I very much don't like being pushed around or told what to do. I'm already at my wit's end with this Solar summoning me at her will..I have the blood of a God, I won't be intimidated by one such as her! And it seems like that priestress Melissan may not fully know of my repuation with the way she speaks to me. I'm not some scared errand boy that gets frightnened into action. The dungeon of Watcher's Keep is even closer and I've already decided I'll conquer that legendary fortress first. To hell with what anyone else wants--my concerns come first.
No, I'll journey to Amkethran of my own volition and on my own time. It's less than a day's journey south, so I'll likely go there before returning to Amn. I want to get a better idea of the threat that these Bhaalspawn warlords truly pose and not just rely on that fool Melissan.
First, it looks like I may need to resolve some trouble in my pocket plane...
12PM. I arrive at Watcher's Keep, initially assuming the group gathered there is some ratpack of adventurers trying to lay claim to the place...but no. They are of an Order of Helm, and are looking for some stronger warriors to reseal some wards and read some rituals. Nah, I have no interest in this. I'm going to raid and plunder this place and see how much treasure I can shake out of it...and these people better just stay out of my way.
I soon realize I can't even access the place without their help, so I agree to help them out--when it comes time, whether I do it or not...I'll make that decision then. They already told me NOT to kill a monster, so I'm already discounting what these fools say.
I killed Yaga-Shura much earlier this morning...but with that battle still fresh on my mind, I push into the first level of Watcher's Keep...
6PM. I fought and killed my way past the monsters on the first level. I had little patience as I stormed my way through, and eventually pieced together the steps of the ritual that will grant me access to the lower levels...
11PM. Continuing my rampage, I started clearing out the second level. The Chromatic Demon was observing me throughout all of this, but I refuse to help that monster. I'll see how far I can get by bashing my mace and warhammer around.
I'm collecting the "masters'" old notes; and it's seemingly true that some of these beasts here are invincible, or eternally regenerating. I destroyed the air elementals, but the green slimes kept coming. I'll look to get some useful information from these tattered notes...
[Day 64]
3AM. Late night, after killing the rest of the filth in the second level, we were completely spent on both memorized spells, healing magic, and special abilities. We had been fighting all these Watcher's Keep beasts on the fumes of the adrenaline of killing Yaga-Shura--but we hadn't even rested since then.
I teleport back to the Pocket Plane so we can recuperate. It's likely we'll have to kill the Chromatic Demon next--if me and my companions are rested, we should make short work of the beast. Nothing will stop our progress deeper into this infernal place!
12PM. I slew the demon and took the portal key from his corpse. Still feeling the effects of Edwin's Improved Haste, I pushed on into the third level, and quickly encountered a bumbling mad elf. I took a quick look at my surroundings: portals in every direction. But I chased down the elf through the one he went through, thinking that's where the action would be.
However, he ended up being mostly useless. Told me something about needing a scepter and three gems to move down to the next level. I decided to let him live, after looting his tent and finding that scepter, along with his journal with some type of directions scribbled in.
2PM. I realize the quickly that the portals connecting the chambers do not lead back into each other; and in fact, this entire level is like an evil maze, full of demons and other extraplanar creatures. In some areas, Edwin's and Viconia's magic doesn't even work, on induces violent wild surges. Gah, more useless than usual, those two! No matter, though. I may be slow to navigate this damn place, but I will kill and conquer anything in my way.
[First Watcher's Keep reload! My PC got smashed by the Tieflings in melee. I was smarter about it the second time--having Edwin summon a Golem from his book...]
4PM. I stormed chamber to chamber but could not seem to make sense of the place--at least I was able to kill anything I came across; I decided to keep the heart of an arch-demon Ka'rashur that I slew.
5PM. I allowed a succubus to kiss me--enraging myself first to be invulnerable to whatever foul magic she sends my way. She didn't cause any harm to me--but she barely kept up her side of the bargain herself...merely beckoning to the portal I just stepped out of. Huh! I was ready to start fighting...but she and her gang teleported away.
[Edit: She may have taken gold? I was like down to 22K next time I noticed...but I really haven't been keeping track so who knows.]
[Reload during the 5xCambion fight...my PC got nailed with a Death Spell, damn! I made sure to go Berserk on the second go-round, even though it was my last use. I roll the dice on my survivability, trying to save skills and abilities for some future encounter. Always gets me! I don't have that super no-reload mentality yet!]
[Day 65]
12AM. I fought into the late night again. Frustrated with the maze, I eventually started to use the madman's scribbled directions...and finally encountered Aesgareth, the Cambion. He told me he had the third gem that I was looking for--he tried to get me to play some type of game with his "Deck of Many Things"...but after some quick thought, I decided it was a much better gambit to just attack him and his entire crew, and take whatever artifacts he was holding onto. I had no fear of him.
I summoned some creatures to help me, but his group immediately attacked them. I took offense to that! But used the time to reposition my companions. While they were a strong group of monsters--they stood no match for me.
5AM. I continued to battle throught he early morning, making my way down to the Machine of Lum the Mad--under the effects of Viconia's final casting of Chaotic Commands, and my berserker rage exhausted, I exterminated the mind flayers making their home here on the fourth level. I started fighting Githyanki, but at some point my psionic defenses expired, and it was time to rest again in my Pocket Plane.
6AM. Knowing Aesgareth spoke highly about the "Deck of Many Things"...I decided to look into the power of this artifact myself while in my lair in the Abyss. It first bestows me with a handful of fine gems! Aha, good. I'll see what else it can do...
3PM. Rested, we return to Watcher's Keep to fight the Githyanki stranded here...
[Level 27 for my PC was big because I got Grandmastery in Warhammers, so can put away that damn Mace +3 (I never got the Mace of Disruption)....beyond that, Sarevok regaining his fighter levels--along with 2H sword usage--will be the next and last big group upgrade, barring unforeseen developments.]
[So now I really just have the late game encounters ahead of me---Demilich/Saladrex>Watcher's Keep 4th Level>Demogorgon/Knights of the Vigil>Sendai>Draconis>Abazigal>Balthazar>Ravager>Melissan...so true endgame now. Not as many roleplay choices happening these days, although there are some...(I mean I had a NG wizard slayer>thief recently that didn't kill Saladrex or Demogorgon OR the Knights of the Vigil.)]
[Soo....I'll wait to look forward to that. I switch characters every three months or so, and it just about happens to be time. I'll likely be coming up with a new RP playthrough soon in a different thread. So if it's not next week for one last update, I WILL return to Ethal Jo another day in the future, sooner than later...I think I started him about a year ago, and my playthroughs tend to linger on...]
[My notes got disappeared due to a sync error or something with my note-taking app, so I’m jumping in time about a day and half, but going to give the recap of what happened…]
1AM. The previous evening, we conquered the Githyanki, then slew Saladrex the Dragon and the Demilich. Found a note too that told me how to get into the Machine of Lum the Mad using the Crystal Mallet that I had eventually discovered. I tried to force Carston to tell me how the Machine worked, but he was useless, so I disposed of him. Luckily I figured out from his journal how to open the portal to the next level; and also what all those handwritten notes were for that I had Viconia collecting. I used this Machine to increase all my attributes and receive the “Storm Star” mace! Ahh, the rewards.
On the fourth level, I continued to battle the monsters that infest this place. I refused deal with the Ghost who wanted me to “prove myself” for its trials...so I saw how far I could get without him. I even found a mechanism that could summon increasingly powerful creatures for me to slay and pillage! Eventually though, I had to agree to go along with his tests in order to move further along.
[Death & reload here fighting the Beholders from the color sphere summoning…of course after all my explaining how I really wanted to avoid deaths, my PC dies fairly quickly. But this is actually relevant to my last PC death, and it’s actually not due to carelessness. The big reveal for me was that Berserk rage does NOT make you immune to Death magic. I was under the assumption I would be protected with my Rage activated; but nope, I got zapped with one again and failed the save. For my last reload, I was going on about saving my Berserk rage and that’s why the Cambion killed me with a Finger of Death. In actuality, I would have been killed anyway, even with Berserk activated. The key is Potions of Invulnerability, I guess (I don’t think I want to keep the spell memorized…).]
I had transformed Sarevok into my utility thief ever since granting him his life back when I created my Pocket Plane…but at some point leading up to these Seal battles, he finally mastered those skills and was able to combine them with his past fighter prowess. I outfitted him with the Psion’s Blade and the Helm of the Rock.
With more rest in the Pocket Plane, I crushed my way through the Final Seal battles. With most high-level spells and abilities spent, I didn't yet want to face the final “Imprisoned One” in the depths–where clearly this last portal led–but I felt strong enough to travel down at least to lay eyes on the beast, to see what I was dealing with.
I learned it is Demogorgon, Prince of Demons–not only this, he reveals to me the Knights of the Vigil were trying to betray me! I wasn’t planning to read their damn scroll anyway, but likely it would have sealed me in here forever. Huh?! I knew I didn't trust them from the very outset–really would have been better if I slew them all as soon I saw them, as was my original inclination.
Regardless, I still decide to kill this monster, not seeing how I can leave it here still breathing. I am the Slayer of Belhifet, Son of Bhaal after all.
However in this initial encounter I barely escaped with my party, although I was able at least to take out his Marilith minions during this time. I will still have to rest before facing him again.
I emerge and confronted the Knights of the Vigil on their pathetic attempt at treachery, but they storm in to the Demogorgon's lair themselves before I can stop them. Just then another Helmite ghost appears...apparently I can seal everyone in. But I don't get ANY reward that way, and I sure won’t leave without destroying the Prince of Demons.
I port back into the lair a second time just to see what the siutation is...but don't see any evidence of the Knights, just the Demogorgon's horde of demons again. Apparently it has designs on escaping... But as long as it's still there after we re-collect ourselves in the Pocket Plane, then I'll come back and slay the beast. I’ll kill the damn Knights too if I find them, but don’t see how they wouldn’t have been torn to shreds already.
So now in the middle of the night, I go to confront the beast, if it is even still there…
[So now, I’m in a bit of a planning quandary for the Demogorgon fight because of various in-game reasons...I killed the two mariliths, so I'll be dealing with a Glabrezu horde. More importantly, Edwin doesn't have Pierce Shield memorized (and no scroll) and since Demogorgon is immune to level 6 spells and below, I have no real way of lowering MR enough to harm him magically. I don't have access to Arcana Archives either, as I skipped that quest in Saradush and didn't get to Amkethran yet either. Sarevok just turned level 18 thief so Spike Traps are still a long ways off. So it will have to be a straight melee battle. I think it will be difficult to do with the Stoneskins and the Implosions etc...glad Sarevok has his levels back, I guess. This should be his first time getting IH get cast on him. Maybe Viconia gets it too?!]
[FYI this is all written up before my first attempt…]
2AM. After a brutal, vicious battle, with Viconia getting herself killed, I stand triumphant over Demogorgon and his Glabrezu horde.
I do realize now the Knights of the Vigil were indeed torn to shreds earlier in the day as their equipment lies all around the chamber…but Odren still draws breath. Likely he was being kept alive and tortured by the demon. He begged for forgiveness from me right before he finally expired. Didn’t feel as good as killing him myself would have, but at least he got what was coming to him.
[Reloads before I got it right: 3. This was definitely my toughest fight with Ethal Jo since probably back in BG1. My PC died 3x first, but it was more or less like I described above. IH for Ethal Jo, Sarevok, Viconia…I had a small army of summonses (Swords, Golems, Fallen Deva) head down the northern stairs with Edwin in tow; PC, Sarevok, and Vicona down the southern stairs. I had the summonses go in first, drawing the Glabrezus that direction. My three party members attacked from the west–Berserker Rage from Ethal Jo and Defensive Harmony from Viconia were the initial skills/spells used. Edwin just kept summoning more Swords from the staircase and kept sending them down–I got two extra from his simulacrum earlier. On the fourth try, Sarevok and I were able to finish him off after Viconia was killed. I think I just got better attack rolls on the last attempt, but also learned to micromanage the chaotic melee combat a little better. Previous attempts involved keeping injured characters in melee for too long I think...]
1PM. Aha, now that I’ve conquered the legendary Watcher’s Keep–I think back to the other Bhaalspawn armies that the Solar and Melissan wanted me to confont. That was about four or five days ago now.
How much of a threat could they possibly be to me? I’ve conquered and destroyed all enemies I’ve come across–I'm not scared of them in the slightest. But in the back of my mind, I know I don't want them knocking on my door someday…especially knowing how close I am to them right now. One thing I learned is that Bhaalspawn like killing each other off. I can bring the trouble to them first.
Since I'm already here in the south, I'll make the trip down to Amkethran to see the value in killing Sendai and Abazigal. But I'm making the journey for my OWN reasons…regardless if it also happens to be in Melissan's or whoever else's interest.
Comments
9AM. As I was surveying the grounds, an idea came to me. I realized Nalia is a thief and mage and has been asking to join our adventuring party since I first met her. So I'm going to let her follow me...she's already working for me now at the Keep after all, so why not accompany me on my travels and cast a spell every now and then? The Majordomo and Captain seem more than competent enough to look after the affairs of the land without Nalia here. She's soft and naive alright and I have no idea what kind of antics she could stir up if I leave her alone here. I'll drag her along with us and maybe she'll toughen up. And best I keep her close, so I'l be the first to know if she comes up with any more "clever" ideas about what to do with her family's stronghold. She may even be able to spot some traps along the way.
1PM. I come to realize, too...the magical axe and bow that I had left in place aren't in the Golem Room anymore (neither are the golems). I can see why the guardians may have dispersed...but the treasure itself? Did some of the servants or extended family walk away with these treasures--MY treasures? It causes me to...distrust...these people already, and I'm none too happy about it.
I moved my stash point to the second floor; the two chests before the entrance to the central chamber.
9PM. After feeling satisfied with my new Amnish holdings...my wind wandered again to the damn wizards back in Athkatla...and how a certain Valygar could be the key for "negotiations." Deciding we'd travel overnight, the four of us moved on east...
[Day 10]
9AM. We make to to Imnesvale, in the Umar Hills, after traveling overnight. The townsfolk are in a panic, something about repeat killings during the nights. Wolves or ogres or somesuch, and the mayor can't even keep control over his own town. Yes, I did remember hearing something about this back in Athkatla. Eh, no matter, I couldn't care less. I'm in this backwater village for one thing: Valygar Corthala. Haven't heard any mention of him yet...and definitely don't want him to catch wind that I'm here to give him a chance to run off, so I want to track him down sooner than later.
10AM. I see a trio of merchants, where I sell some gems and treasure I've accumulated; I'm also able to use their magical identification services. Things seems to be going smoothly, until I see the gnome merchant. He yells and insults me...ME! I don't know what tiny village I've wandered into, but it is not ready for Ethal Jo. Thinking it a bit too harsh to simply murder the gnome, I put down my maces and beat him bloody with my fists. The other merchants scurry away, horrified. Ha! He'll think better of it. I don't mind destroying my relationships in this dump of a village.
Speaking of which, I speak to Minister Lloyd, but he has no information on Valygar. And like I said, I could care less about his village's problems and the tiny amount of gold I may be able to squeeze out of them. Nalia doesn't like it...but she'll learn to shut up.
11AM. While asking around, I meet the Wizard Jermien. He's a Cowled Wizard, huh? The first I've met outside of Athkatla. He's of no use in the information I seek, and I keep flashing back to killing all those green cloaks in the streets of the Slums and the Docks. Not only that, he tells me himself he would hamper me if he could; if he know how to reach Irenicus, he wouldn't tell me. My heart rate grows as he's droning on about his Golem...I will kill him where he stands! Making sure the Cowled Wizards continue to fear me...
But he does mention a magical sword he would reward me with, actually owned once by Tolgerias--he's another Cowled Wizard I know--if I just find him mimic blood. Hmm, the reward here might be worth it; and I can still kill him anyway afterwards if I want. But for the time being, I'll let him slide. Looks like there may be a peaceful way out of this for Jermien..
I find it odd that he and the rest of the villagers have no idea about Valygar, however. I'll have to do my own scouting in the surrounding Umar Hills...
A short way out of town, we ran into a band of ogres, minotours, and other monsters. Like all of these types of monsters I've seen before them, I was gearing up for a fight. They said something or other to me, but I wouldn't be caught hesitating. I told them I'd destroy them, and they attacked--proving me right!
12PM. I found the Ranger cabin. Not Valygar's...but hmm. Looks like whatever adventurers that were here before me zeroed in on the cause of the disturbances going on around here. Useful information to have...not sure what I'll do with it yet.
1PM. Ah, some men-at-arms who are clearly in league with the target Valygar! Great news, I thought as I slaughtered them...getting closer.
2PM. Finally tracked down the Stalker in his cabin...he explained to me just why the Cowled Wizards were after him: his body apparently opens the Planar Sphere that was in the slums, and it's most likely full of valuable treasure from across the ages. And regardless--the Cowled Wizards want in, so that makes it valuable in itself. As opposed to needing to use Valygar as a bargaining chip, I'll just claim the REAL prize they're after, which is what's inside the Sphere. They'll be begging me to let them give me info on Irenicus soon...
He led me to believe that he would have to be alive for it to work. Hmph, so be it. I will "escort" him back to Athkatla.
3PM. I went back to Imnesvale. I got the mimic blood to Jermien, and they all slipped away happily before I could get anything more beyond the magical sword (I looted the rest of the house, of course).
I also figured I'd tell the mayor that I took care of those ogres causing problems north of town...but he couldn't even come up with my reward until seven hours from then. Hmm, this damn backwater dump, wonder if I'll get it at all. I was planning on resting the rest of the day anyway, before the trip back west with Valygar.
[Day 12]
7AM. We traveled back to Athkatla, stopping at my Stronghold to rest and check in on things. We arrived at the city gates in the early morning and were unmolested initially. We made our way to the Copper Coronet; I wanted to make sure Joluv was still selling my Mace and root around in my stash of items. Since I'm so despised, I'm not afforded great pricing in the city--so Jerrod's Mace will have to wait until I can restore my reputation.
But regardless, I'm headed straight to the Planar Sphere first since I have the damn magic-blooded Ranger in tow.
As soon as I emerge into the morning sun--a gang of guards and Cowled Wizards are waiting for me. I knew I was a wanted criminal, but even Athkatla can't afford these bloodbath battles day in and day out? Maybe they are determined to see me stopped and won't let up until I make right with the churches, no matter the cost in lives to them. I appreciate the need to make a point and I'm starting to respect their tenacity. It does look like I'll eventually have to cough up some of my gold to settle tensions around here. I'm an Amnish Lord now, as it happens.
Sigh..but none of that right now. I have no problem continuing to kill these Wizards until I can make sense out of what they want with the Sphere; then I'll take it from there. Remember, they are the ones attacking me.
9PM. Entered the planar sphere and ported away from the material plane, inadverently. We weren't having much trouble mowing through the cannibalistic halflings, until one of them retreated into a pack with a priest and a mage. I went berserk, but not before Nalia and Korgan were stunned shoulder-to-shoulder, blocking the narrow bridge--and cutting off Valygar and myself from Viconia.
I was hit by a flame column for a life-threatening fire injury, but was able to drink enough potions to heal myself. Valygar was Mazed and taken out of the equation for a substantial period of time. Viconia did admirably, keeping a stunned Nalia alive and casting spells as needed. When I became Charmed by the last standing mage, it was almost too late. Nalia and Korgan were killed, and I shot Valygar dead myself. At the last minute, the Charm wore off and I was able to smash down the mage, leaving only myself and my Drow healer alive.
[I really thought I was going to have to reload here, but the charm clicked off my PC in time enough for me to kill the mage and end it.]
I retreated to the quarters of the Knights of Solamnia, knowing Viconia could resurrect and heal my followers, even if it takes a whole day or longer to recover from this. There doesn't seem like too much choice other than to make camp here. Once we recover, we'll keep pushing forward. While I still don't trust Nalia to run off if we do something her conscience doesn't agree with--I decided to have her try to memorize one of our Breach scrolls, knowing it would have been useful in the last fight and will be useful going forward. I even gave her a potion to drink to increase her intelligence...luckily for her, she scribed it correctly.
[Day 13]
12PM. We battle down further into the Sphere. I eventually find Lavok and we give him a good beatdown...he says we have to find a demon heart to get back. Huh, not sure I believe him, or Valygar, so I'll continue to look around this vessel until I'm sure that's the right course of action. I wish I had purchased that damn Jerrod's Mace, if it comes down to having to kill a demon.
And well, well, well--I find Tolgerias of the Cowled Wizards himself, looking to lay claim to this place. Looks like we can just push the conflict to its resolution. Tolgerias wasn't ready to talk about anything and was only interested in getting killed. I could have potentially offered him a portion of this damn place for information on Irenicus or Imoen; or SOMETHING of value, at least. Now that I'm thinking about it, not ever sure who among the Cowled Wizards I'll even be able to deal with now. Just Corneil?
10PM. I dug deep enough into what looks like the engine room. I can't make much sense of what I'm looking at it, but it seems apparent something powerful and not of this plane of existence will be required...somewhat confirming what Lavok told us.
11PM. Having fully canvassed the interior, I decide to venture outside--and I see Lavok was right; we are far from Athkatla.
[Day 14]
1AM. After scouting the area in the immediate vicinity of the sphere, it didn't take long for me to find a tanar'ri. Valygar was paralyzed in place, but the rest of us were able to slay the demon before he could do much more harm, taking his heart afterwards. In a battle fervor, I took more time looking around this new plane of existence and even found another tanar'ri to battle, retrieving TWO demon hearts now--I've been to Avernus before, so none of this is shocking or frightening to me.
I spotted a third tanar'ri, but thought better of it and turned around to the sShere. Korgan and I are both very injured, and Viconia is out of healing magic.
12PM. Huh...so after escaping the Sphere, that's the end of what Valygar and the Sphere can offer. For all my troubles, I got more treasure and gold than I can even hold onto, so it was far from a waste. But I don't see what other use I can get out of this strange vessel...and not sure if anyone from the Cowled Wizards will even care much about it now, since it can no longer travel between planes. Valygar was a passable companion, and his stealth skills were useful, but now that he's served his use, I don't need some good-acting Ranger following us around...the road's going to be too rough for that. I'll make note that he's in Athkatla if I ever need him, but I ended up telling him to wait at the Copper Coronet.
I even went to see Corneil, the only other Cowled Wizard that I can track down, but he had nothing to say about the Sphere or the recent death of his colleague (does he know?). This all means dealing with the Cowled Wizards directly might be a dead end. At the end of the day, they're just the type of mages that want to fight and kill--fine by me.
After two weeks I'm doing quite well for myself down here in Amn, but there's still no way I can look the other way from what Irenicus did to me. The affront was just too much to bear, and I need to make sure he pays for it.
But gah, I'm loathe to be extorted by that sniveling Thieve's Guild. I need to re-acclimate in the city for a few days to think about my next moves. Likely I'll throw some gold to the temples to establish my new reputation as an Amnish Lord (to stop being portrayed as a criminal should put an end to these endless skirmishes with the town guard), and look to upgrade my equipment from the various merchants in town, before paying a visit to Gaelan.
[Day 15]
4AM. After a night at the Copper Coronet, we made an early morning trip to the well-polished Temple district, to give a sizeable chunk of my gold to some of the richest people in the city. The Temple of Helm won't deal with me until I help with with their Cult problem, and the idiot Talos priest was still sleeping...the damn fools. But the Lathander priests were more than willing to open their coffers. Just as good.
Now that I spread my gold around, about 4-5K total...I purchased Jerrod's Mace from Joluv and headed to the Promenade; I still have my eyes set on Balduran's Plate and Vhailor's Helm, but I'm not going to spend more of my gold quite yet.
Current Party:
Ethal Jo, Level 11 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Krotan's Skullcrusher)
Korgan, Level 11 Berserker
Viconia, Level 11 Cleric
Nalia, Level 4 Thief>Level 11 Mage
Reputation: Disliked (6)
9AM. I bought Vhailor's Helm (for Korgan to wear when it is not needed), and realized my non-magical full plate with my ring of protection was better defense overall than what Balduran's Plate would offer. So now having purchased the highest end equipment for myself that this city has to offer, I went off to "talk" to Gaelan in the slums. His offer dropped to 15,000 gold, but my blood boils still, seeing how being forced to cough up gold to the Thieves' Guild still is my only option to find that damn Irenicus after my dealings with the Cowled Wizards ran their course. I went to see Renal Bloodscalp but he was worthless.
I can still see what else shakes out in this city. The Temple is still having trouble with that blind Cult that seems to be taking over--they won't promise me gold up front, but I know they have money--a lot of it--at the end of the day. Hell, I just gave them a good chunk of mine. So might be worth seeing what's going on down there and how I can use it to my advantage.
I also remember hearing about someone else looking for work, only available in the graveyard after dark. It's morning now, but I think I'm gonna see about that tonight...
10AM. Checked in with the Temple of Helm to make sure they knew I would be very disappointed if they didn't come through with a suitable reward for my efforts. Experience has also told me that there's a good chance I'll be enriching myself with whatever spoils that religious cult is keeping down there.
The Temple told me of a certain "Keldorn" who was on the same mission as us. Well, we may or may not have met him when we went back down to the sewers. Some pompous jerk was down there, barking questions, obstructing our pass, and ultimately threatening us! Well, we put him down just like that other gang we ran into a week or so ago.
12PM. I found the Cult of the Unseeing Eye, and realized they are worshipping a Beholder. I intimidated Gaal enough that he let me pass into the inner chambers of the cult; some guard eventually questioned me, I just let him know Gaal was alright with me wandering around, which he apparently agreed with. Yes--looks like they're tolerating me, knowing the opposite will likely end up with many of them dead.
1PM. Gaal eventually let me in on a scheme to recover some religious artifact for the Beholder. Nalia pointed out the obvious, which is that this artifact must be extra powerful...good, good. Once I take possession of it, I can decide what I want to do.
As we delved further, I set off a trap that energy [level] drained me--I'll know to have Nalia start detecting for traps in that area. Frustrated but knowing that I wouldn't be at my best if we continued, we surfaced back to the Temple district and I was Restored by the Talos priests. Unfortunately, looks like I'm going to have to rest some more before heading back down. May give me a chance to check in on this "Valen's mistress", if she's even still around.
2PM. Decide to stay at the Five Flagons through the evening--and I see the planar portal is still open. Speaking of riches, I can't imagine there wouldn't be something valuable on the other side of that. But that's for consideration later, I decide.
10PM. I met Bodhi, Valen's mistress. Rather than an offer for paid mercenary work, as I thought it would be--she seems to have some type of counteroffer for the same information that the Thieves Guild might give up. She'll match Gaelan's 15,000gp. Good, ha! That's probably the reason he preemptively lowered his bid.
Well, I'm still not interested in giving my hard earned gold to ANYONE yet, I have a few things to settle between Athaktla and my Keep before my focus turns back to that bastard Irenicus.
I head back to the sewers...
[Day 16]
12AM. After exploring more of the sewers, I find some refugees of the cult, saying how there are two pieces of this rod, and the Beholder already has one. They're worried I'm going to give this other half to the Beholder, but that's a joke. More than likely, I'll get the other half from him.
There was a sarcophagus there; not knowing what else these sewer dwellers may be hiding (it might even have been the rod!), I threw open the top and woke up a Shade Lich. Between Korgan and I, we were able to use our berserk rage to effectively kill the undead creature, but it took us three separate retreats to wait out its defensive magic, after realizing our weapons couldn't hurt it. But eventually we crushed it.
[Had to reload twice; damn. In both instances, I took too much spell damage before I could retreat far enough away. Dumb deaths here as I should have been more prepared to take damage. Felt I was invincible with Berserk..]
Viconia is out of healing, and Nalia is on the verge of death. Killing a lich should have earned a night's rest as a reward, at least. I'll keep searching for the rod in the AM.
This also reminds me of the lich in the Crooked Crane, knowing now I can slay those creatures. If the fool lich is still there, it'll be destroyed soon...
10AM. Killed another lich at the Crooked Crane. Berserker rage is key; although I know I can always cast Protection from Undead now from a Vhailor's Helm simulacrum to truly counter any lich threats I come across.
Going to rest up for some more the day back at the Five Flagons.
7PM. Well, I should have seen it coming, but Korgan finally pushed me too far. He started going off on some foolishness, and when I pushed back on him (insulted him), he couldn't bring himself to back down. He just could not control himself and forgot who's the "alpha" here; instead, he attacked me like an idiot, and we had to put him down. We had a bloody run, the Dwarf and I, but I guess it's hard to keep two berserkers together for too long. A clash of personalities.
A replacement? Valygar was a decent enough swordarm (and good at stealth), and Dorn seems to be milling about the Temple district as he was when we last got into a fight. If I recall, I had beaten him lifeless after harsh words turned into another conflict. He must have got himself resurrected somehow[?]. But ehhh, I don't need either of them. I have my Drow Cleric and my Wizard-Thief estate holder--they should be sufficient.
However, having looted my armor and equipment back from Korgan's sewer-laying corpse (and pulling my best items out of my Copper Coronet stash earlier), I may put a pause on the search for the Beholder rod until I can regroup with this new setup. Our inventory is overflowing with treasure and I had the idea anyway to start moving my valuables to my Keep, where I haven't been now for several days. The only other person who could have found the rod, knowing its power...was Keldorn. So I don't think I have much to worry about with my plans being ruined if I step away for a day or two from these moron cultists and their ilk.
[Day 17]
5AM. Not looking to wait around, we marched overnight back to my hold. First thing in the morning, there was a merchant waiting for me that lost his caravan to bandits. Gah! Bandits?! On my land?! How day they. My blood boiled and I would look to go kill them all myself right now...but the majordomo tells me it'd probably be faster to hire some mercenaries--fine, that's exactly what I'll do.
I didn't like the tone of the merchant himself, so I only repay him half of what he's lost. I'd be angry too--but he understood the bandits were the real enemies here. The other half will go to paying those mercenaries (who dare not fail). Any more attacks on my land and I will take it personally.
10PM. After resting for the rest of the morning at the hold and dropping some equipment, I wanted to get back to Athkatla. We made our way back and entered the sewers, looking to continue to the mission for the magical artifact.
My current party is:
Ethal Jo, Level 11 Berserker
Viconia, Level 12 Cleric
Nalia, Level 4 Thief>Level 11 Mage
Reputation: Disliked (6)
1AM. I dug into the Lower Reaches under the city, and encountered all types of undead and poisonous spiders. Eventually, I had to answer some riddles for a haunted bridge and I stumbled upon some Gauths and Beholders...
I could no longer use my berserker rage ability, so I decided to fall back after aggravating the monsters by having Nalia cast Cloudkill. They chased us out of the Lower Reaches...but I'll be back after resting for the night.
[Reload once: My character tried to fight a pack of Gauths and Shadows that had been injured in the Cloudkill...without berserker rage...I rolled the dice to see if I could finish them off, but couldn't. Got held and killed.]
2AM. I emerge from the sewers to rest at the Five Flagons. I got into a close call with a Kobold shaman and his minions, but I'd prefer not to even talk about that.
I see another encounter between a Shadow Thief and a creature of this new upstart guild. I'm realizing now I can hitch my wagon to either of these groups with the 15K I'll provide them, and then they'll have the honor of providing information to me and working with me from there. If you asked me tonight, I'm inclined to put my stakes in the new guild. They seem to be doing quite well for themselves and quickly taking over the city. I'll never be a Shadow Thief and or be accepted as one...but I might be able to push them out of the city altogether. I don't like them at all after my dealings with Gaelan and Mae'var and my...frustration...has just been growing. This whole thief war may be a very good opportunity for me to come into power along with the new guild...
3PM. Rested and returned to the Lower Reaches--this is still the priority. Deep down, I eventually figured out I had to have Viconia HEAL the emphathic manifestation, and I got one half of the rod artifact. With this, I finally went to speak seriously to the cultist refugee, who told me how to access the actual lair of the Unseeing Eye via Tad. Good!
At this point, I only have my eyes on this fully put-together rod, as it seems exceedingly powerful and expensive. The god with his miserable followers below...he seemed to think I would return to him to have him destroy it. Highly doubtful!
And I know the Church wants me to take out the Cult too. I'm assuming killing their God will do just that, which it's looking like I'll have to do to acquire the other half. If I have to further "scatter" the remaining cultists with my maces...so be it.
5PM. After some hard fought battles with Beholders and Gauths, I recovered the rift device and I did indeed have to use it against the Unseeing Eye--the three of us were all injured and our spells and abilities were spent for the day, so I had no other option.
[A reload while going through the Beholder cave...a Gauth froze me and killed the rest of my party. After a while, I heard the sound effect that the Hold was released and the spherical symbol above my avatar's head disappeared, but for some reason the Hold stayed. The symbol on my portrait and the notation on my character profile were both still there, though. Maybe I want to say this was a bug or something? I know it's unlikely, but it did feel like it lasted way too long. I'm probably just making excuses for myself. The Gauth was near death and if I had been released, I'm sure I could have killed it, then used Vhailor's Helm and my Resurrection Rod to bring back Viconia and Nalia...hmm.]
On my way out, some more Gauths and a Beholder spotted me, and chased me back up into the sewers, through another secret entrance I hadn't had access to. The Beholder continued after us and turned Viconia to stone. I can't risk taking on the monster right now, without any berserker rage or usefel Nalia spells, so I'm going to retreat back to the surface and rest; I'll come back for the Drow later.
On the warning from Sassar, I thought better of surfacing with the fully formed rift device, and I decided to keep it hidden down in the Lower Reaches. This required passing by the Beholder again, but Nalia and I managed to come through it alive. We'll return to kill this Beholder soon enough...still a problem even if its overlord is dead.
[A reload here that I have to count...tried to keep the rift device on my person, very in-character...died in a cutscene upon emergence from the lower levels...]
[Day 19]
12PM. Having recovered ourselves at the Five Flagons, Nalia and I headed back to kill the Beholder that had frozen Viconia, and turned Viconia back to flesh. The previous evening, the Church had recognized that I had killed the Cult's God, and rewarded me with Ardulia's Fall, a mace. Nothing breathtaking, but I will be using it in my offhand--so the excursion was worth it.
The real spoil, though, is that rift device. I stored it in the Lower Reaches, so I still want to recover THAT and kill whatever remaining monsters are down in that hive. I'm not going to surface with the device...but maybe some members of the ex-cult may know some key to its true power? I'm not sure if there are any cultists left there; but we'll check it out sooner than later and see what answers they can give me.
2PM. There were cultists leftover--no doubt bewildered and directionless as to what to do next, seeing how much of them are blind. They let me pass, but once Gaal saw us, he tried to attack us. We killed his God, so what else could he do. We put him down, as well as about four of his elite guard...and the rest just ran away before I could do the same to them. So no luck getting help with this artifact here.
Last stop is back at the underground temple. I know the avatar wants to destroy the rod, but I'll destroy him if I have to, to keep that from happening...
3PM. I returned to the diseased ones, and was finally convinced that the rod had no more use or value. I relinquished it and watched as the avatar and his followers disappeared. Sigh, what a waste--at least I got Ardulia's Fall out of this, and good amount of gold and gems. With the sewers mostly clear of trouble, I'm looking forward to surfacing and heading to the Coronet.
[Day 20]
1AM. After resting (with Cominda again), I decided that yes, I was going to side with the rival upstart guild. Sure, Valen's mistress wants the same amount of gold as the Shadow Thieves, but they were just looking to counter Gaelan's original offer--and did so successfully. The Shadow Thieves will be very sorry they ever tried to extort me initially. Soon, them, and Irenicus too, will all be under my boot. I didn't forget about him!
I headed to the Graveyard and that was precisely Bodhi's plan too. It looks like she's looking for that bastard Irenicus too, just like me--so probably needs my help getting to him, past whatever Cowled Wizards may be guarding him. The fact that she lacks the muscle for it is very revealing, I think to myself.
Chapter 3
3AM. Ah, I've allied myself with vampires. This is the dark magic I've heard rumored about. Very well--I'm more than capable of holding my own against these undead creatures if it ever were to come to that. Which it very well may--there is already an unacceptable delay in providing the information I paid for, which is making me angrier and angrier by the second. But they say they are looking to gain my trust first...hmm.
Bodhi wants me to confiscate a Shadow Thief shipment at the docks overnight. Bah, should be simple enough, but I'm not appreciative of the small errand; I'm a Lord now after all. But I suppose it won't be too difficult to swing by the docks tomorrow night. Killing Shadow Thieves will keep me occupied...but Bodhi should know, the same fate will await her ilk if she's not careful.
For the day, I believe I'll make a trip back to my Keep...some things to check in on.
12PM. At noontime, I arrived back at my stronghold. I am mainly here to raise taxes. It's something I should have done last time and it's been pestering me ever since--this is to recoup my losses from hiring mercernaries to fight bandits and paying out that blasted merchant who got raided. It put me back a thousand gold, and I've only received five hundred so far from the current taxes. I am NOT prepared to take a loss with this business with the Hold in any way, so using my own gold to finance it is out of the question.
I also needed to retrieve Vhailor's Helm, which I left in storage upstairs. Don't know why I kept it there, and I realized it when I had to purchase a Stone to Flesh scroll. I suppose I'll blame Viconia's thoughtlessness, she was holding onto it at the time.
9PM. I only made a brief visit out to the Hold before headed back to Athkatla for the shipment intercept...as I made my way to the Docks, I passed by the Shadow Thief guild hall. Looks like word got around very quickly that I had thrown my lot in with the upstart vampire guild, and the Thieves stationed outside attacked us! I slaughtered all of them in the street, then figured, if it's a fight they want, I'll give it to them! I entered the building and took out the mages and other defenses they had. I ran upstairs looking for Renal Bloodscalp, but looked like they had cleared out already. As I left the bloody hall, I thought, Aha! They got the message that I'm their enemy now.
I know Mae'Var's guildhall is also down the street, and there will be many Shadow Thieves slinking about there...but that will be for when Viconia can cast True Sight again. Let me get this shipment and then call it a night.
11PM. I fought and killed more shadow thieves and intercepted their cache of vampire-killing supplies--I'm no fool, I know exactly what it is. I bring it to Bodhi, but let her know very clearly she needs to give me information NOW. But still she holds out; wanting me to assassinate a noble here in the city. Gah, getting this run-around treatment is insulting, and I had thoughts of killing one of her henchmen, Cohn or Meredath...but I thought better of it. I'm going to find an Inn and rest for the rest of the night, and look at my options in the daylight.
My current party is:
Ethal Jo, Level 13 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Ardulia's Fall)
Viconia, Level 12 Cleric
Nalia, Level 4 Thief>Level 12 Mage
Reputation: Disliked (7)
[So, I'm going to keep going logging my playthrough, even if the board is down for a few weeks. I will post when the board returns, and even in the meantime...]
[THREE more reloads during this session unfortunately, but only at FIVE total since I started up again a month ago, so I'm doing allllright by my standards. One of those was emerging with the rift device--I knew it would kill me, but that's "no metagaming"...]
Looking some things up ... gauths actually have two rays that can freeze you. There's the beholder paralysis ray and also the beholder Hold Person ray. Details of those spells:
- Beholder Paralyzation (SPIN990): Save vs spell at -1 or be held for 20 rounds. All non-immune creatures. Does not apply an overhead effect, relies on system-generated "Held" message and portrait icon.
- Beholder Hold Person (SPIN988): Save vs spell at -1 or be held for 10 rounds. Humanoids only. Also applies an explicit portrait icon and an overhead effect, plus a double "Held" message.
So, it sounds like what happened is that the gauth got you with both rays. The Hold Person ray's effect expired, but the Paralyzation ray's effect was still going.
There is a bug associated with the Hold Person ray, but it's a strictly cosmetic one with minimal effect - that double message. The same bug applies to the cleric and mage Hold Person spells.
Yeah I figured it wasn't a bug, realized it was likely a "different type" of Hold when Nalia/Viconia got Held later on, without the overhead symbol. That's the photo right before 2pm on Day 19.
So blah, two reloads here because I tried to fight Gauths without Berserker rage.
[Also, new update, I started using spoiler tags for the pictures...]
[Day 21]
8AM. Over the course of the night, I got more and more furious thinking how Bodhi wouldn't give me what I paid for. I headed back there in the morning to see what else I could do; I would smash all those creatures in there if they would just give me half a reason...but I doubt it would do much anyway to give me the information I want. I'm starting to think it may be worth it anyway.
But gahhh, I thought. Screw the vampires. I'll just do this MY WAY. I already took out as much of the Guild Hall as I could, and killed Mae'Var and his lietenants a few weeks ago...but whatever's left of Mae'var's twerps are about to feel some hurt. We head over to the docks...
9AM. As I'm killing my way through Mae'Var's old guild hall, I reach the top floor...and find Edwin the Red Wizard! He was one the wizards in my war party on the march north and siege of Dragonspear. He's working for the Shadow Thieves apparently...but I'm sure he saw what was about to happen if he kept up any allegience with them. Instead, he claimed to be relieved, claiming my killings dispensed justice...and even congratulating me and offering to work for me! Aha, he played his cards right. I know he's a very capable Conjurer, and I'm constantly suspicious Nalia will get too scared at something I do and run away with her tail between her legs. So I let Edwin switch to the winning team as we finish clearing out the Shadow Thieves.
11PM. With all the Shadow Thieves that I know about dead...it looks like I just have to kill that politician Vulova like Bodhi wants, so I rush to do that as night falls. It's a veritable bloodbath...and THEN I head back to the vampire's lair.
[Day 22]
12AM. Huh, Edwin mentions a certain "Nether Scroll", a powerful artifact supposedly in the Lower Tombs. I thought I had cleaned most of the graves and tombs out, but maybe we'll take a second look? When things have calmed down.
Bodhi reminds me--Gaelan Bayle. The original scum Shadow Thief I met. For some reason I had neglected to show him the lethal end of my maces...right! Supposedly he has a key to get to the true Shadowmaster, some man named Aran Linvail.
Bodhi tries to tell me the Shadow Thieves may have been an obstacle in my way to find Irenicus, and that's why she can't reveal the information she owe me--the Shadow Thieves need to be out of the picture first...I'm not sure if I believe that, but I'll kill them all nonetheless.
8AM. With rage, I stormed through the basement of the Shadow Thief Hall all night into the morning, eventually finding Aran Linvail and slaughtering him (he summoned some type of cacofiend...when we saw that, we headed out and closed the door on the rest of them to deal with it). With the Shadow Thieves now gone from the city, I can certainly lay claim to much of it. I'm going to return to Bodhi soon, to see what she has to say. But as far as I see it, at this point, SHE is working for ME.
9AM. Bodhi finally laid out the information I needed, and even more than I thought she would have. I had been blinded with anger, I did not stop to think about WHY Irenicus was experimenting on me. Yes--I am the child of Bhaal, and my soul and blood is valuable because of that. But Bodhi said he found "something" out that may be of interest to me, maybe unlocked some key to greater power, huh? Well, when I find him he should spit it out quickly becuase it's very likely I smash his skull as soon as I see him. I agreed to not harm Irenicus in order to secure passage to the pirate isle that holds him (so Bodhi can have him)...but I doubt it's going to work out that way.
At this point, I can leave whenever I want to go hunt this bastard down--that's why my gold went towards, so at least now I don't feel as much that it was wasted. I will head out there sooner than later to exact my revenage, but first I have some business to take care of, identifying and selling my spoils. I'll probably spend a day or so at my Hold as well to make sure its affairs are in order...and of course, there's that Nether Scroll.
[Day 23]
12PM. I relaxed at the Coronet and sold my wares among the merchants of Athkatla. My party divided up the new equipment we had looted and Edwin learned some new spells. Soon enough, we headed out to my Hold with the remainder of the items I had stashed in the city in tow; we rested until midday, and I considered my next move...
My current party:
Ethal Jo, Level 13 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Ardulia's Fall)
Viconia, Level 13 Cleric
Nalia, Level 4 Thief>Level 12 Mage
Edwin, Level 13 Conjurer
Reputation: Disliked (7)
12PM. With my Keep in order, I considered the surrounding lands: Trademeet was a large settlement to the east, I haven't paid it a visit yet. It's only half a day's journey away, so very close to my lands and holdings. There are also temple ruins to the east, where villagers in Imnesvale indicated some strange goings-on there. Finally, I also seem to remember a large sum of money to be paid out by some Lord in the Windspear Hills--ogre troubles or some such. For ten thousand gold, it'll serve me well to remember this opportunity...as well as my wealthy noble neighbor.
But all of these things that bring me farther into the mainland of Amn are not urgent right now. They seem to be causing no trouble in my lands for the time being, so it's something to deal with after I've settled my score with Irenicus. And come to think of it, I wouldn't mind getting Imoen back either. I've always seen her as a foolish child, but she's loyal enough to break me out of prison, at the least. Who did the Cowled Wizards think they are, taking her from me?
8PM. Returned to Athkatla. Yes, I'm going to set sail for Spellhold soon--but that will be tomorrow morning. I'll spend a few hours this evening searching for this Nether Scroll that Edwin told me about. Seems powerful enough and it may even come in handy against this so-called powerful wizard I'm hunting--otherwise, Edwin will have wasted my time. But retracing my earlier exploits through the lower tombs shouldn't prove difficult.
9PM. After a short while, we did indeed find the lich with the Nether Scroll--he must have been hiding the first time I came though, or else Edwin helped elicit the creature somehow. Edwin's holding onto the scroll for now...but its POWER is under Ethal Jo's control, and it's important Edwin realizes that. It looks like it needs some studying anyway before anything can be done with it.
Chapter 4
[Day 32]
12AM. We set sail and after a long journey we arrived in Brynnlaw late at night. Bodhi had hired Saemon Havarian to be our captain, and made the journey along with us. My plan is to knock some heads around this pirate town to see how to get into Spellhold. With all the random attackers on the streets, it looks like that's won't be out of place here.
I entered the Vulgar Monkey to see what the locals knew about the asylum to the north; quickly, I spotted a mage and assumed he'd be a good pick to give me information about the mage prison. Indeed, it seemed like he knew how to get in and was willing to help, but was assassinated by a Lady Galvena for some local nonsense. Apparently his wife may have some information too, and she's currently in the hands of Galvena.
I don't even know what information I need yet--my plan is to head north and see what's going to prevent me knocking down the front door if they don't let me in.
1AM. I located the bridge to Spellhold, but I saw a magic shimmering across the bridge, and had the sense that crossing it would be lethal. Huh, looks like I'll have to find Sanik's girl and make her talk. I'm not in the mood to deal with any pushback from this so-called Galvena.
[Reload here. Very in-character, I ignored the warning signs and just tried to walk across the bridge with Berserk. Insta death!]
2AM. I killed Galvena, her mage, and most of her guards in my quest to find Claire--and good thing, she was about to be executed. She herself was worthless, but eventually directed me to a Cowled Wizard who live here in Brynnlaw, and has wardstones that let him come and go as he pleases. Fantastic--I'll just take those from him. His name is Perth the Adept; I don't know where his house is, but this place is small enough that I can go door-to-door. It's in the middle of the night so he should be home.
3AM. I found Perth the Adept, killed him, and took his wardstone. Three hours after we docked, I have the means to cross into Spellhold. Anticipating aggression and a lot of mages fighting back--I decided to stay for the rest of the night at the Vulgar Monkey. Whether I show my face tonight or after the sun rises, it doesn't seem like they're going to stop me from coming in...
2PM. Infiltrated Spellhold, but was captured again by Irenicus. This time, he apparently took my soul from my body. At least, that's according to Imoen. I have lost the vampiric and "horrifying" abilities I've developed since I left Candlekeep, so maybe there's something to it; but beyond that, I feel as strong--and angry--as I've ever been. I still owe vengeance to Irenicus, so despite what that traitor Bodhi wants (my death), I will break out of this asylum and find the wizard again, killing all in my way.
Imoen was back in my group for a very brief amount of time; she's much more skilled than Nalia in trap-detecting and lockpicking, so I made her my primary thief. Almost instantly, a trap killed her--she detected it, but the walls smashed in on her as she tried to disarm it. I held off on resurrecting the foolish girl in case I had to use Vhailor's Helm at some point later on (I always use a simulacrum version of the resurrection wand so as not to run out of charges). Our party has been fine up until this point with just the four of us, so Imoen can stay dead for now.
5PM. I found a room or two containing statues and riddles...magical in nature. I answered one or two, then thought better of the foolishness. Maybe this is some test required for exit? Until I know, I won't waste time.
[Day 33]
9AM. Having battled through the first level of the Asylum, I had been comfortable enough in our domination of the dungeon thus far to rest overnight--we were out of spells, both healing and arcane, and this would give me a chance to resurrect my third mage Imoen.
1PM. I finally found Bodhi, hiding out and waiting for me. Something...unexpected happened. I lost control and transformed into "the Slayer"...some likeness of my father Bhaal. Apparently now that Irenicus has my soul, that creature will be bubbling underneath the surface, ready to fill in the vacuum that my soul left. This is if I fall too much into my rage...hmm, THIS is what Irenicus has done to me? Ahaha, my enemies will quiver at this--including that bastard sorcerer when I catch up to him. Imoen talks of an emptiness without our souls, and I know that soon I'll take back what Irenicus stole from me...but whatever emptiness I now have, I know I can fill it with blood and pain of my enemies.
4PM. After deciding to kill whatever monsters and loot whatever treasure I could from the Asylum--having no patience for any of the games and riddles of this place, and leaving the statues and puzzles on the first level still undone--I headed upstairs to confront Irenicus. (I did use the mithril token machine to get two pairs of nice magical boots because I had been accumulating these token; but I did not cooperate in the least with the spectral coordinator who attempted to judge me.)
When I got upstairs, I knew Irenicus was in the main chamber, where he had again been experimenting on me. I wanted nothing more than to kill him and reclaim my soul, but somehow I knew I stood no chance against his magic. I may listen to that traitor Saemon and see if I can release these insane prisoners on him to act as a distraction, while I go in for the killshot.
[Reload once. Again, as a very in-character move, I entered the main chamber without speaking to any other prisoners. Insta-death for entire party.]
7PM. With the distraction of the Spellhold prisoners, I fought Irenicus and crushed him down, but the damn mage escaped using his powerful magic. Not only that, I'm now sealed within Spellhold. Even though I was victorious over those who imprisoned me, I'm furious to see I'm still imprisoned.
There is a magical portal that Irenicus used to flee, to the Underdark it seems? I scared away Saemon with threats of death, but his offer of a ship back to the mainland wasn't good enough anyway...I want my revenge on Irenicus and it shouldn't be so easy for him as to run away.
So from what I can see, there's nothing left alive in Spellhold. I'll rest for the night in the master chamber, then continue my chase of this bastard through that portal.
[Day 34]
4AM. An imposing dream (a look within my mind perhaps) gave me reason to believe that this new "Slayer" ability I have...it is actually another enemy looking to take control of me. The purified essence of Bhaal trying to take me over and turn me into nothingness? I won't allow that, just like I haven't caved to anything else my "father" has wanted. But, putting that to the side...
Chapter 5
...I continue my hunt of Irenicus. We travel through the portal into the Underdark.
Before we entered, I had thoughts of leaving Nalia stranded there in Spellhold; our travails in the asylum proved that with Edwin and Imoen, she really has no value in the group anymore. And if she's "away" somewhere an a hidden island in the middle of the ocean, there's no way she can cook up any type of scheme in Amn that jeopardizes my control of the Keep and estate. I still don't really trust the do-gooder. But I eventually thought better of it; I may still need her thief skills down the road, who knows what's going to happen to Imoen. If Nalia really gets to be a problem, there's always the *permanent* way to send her away, so I'm not worried about it.
But here we are now, in the Underdark. Viconia, scared and worrisome, warns me of the dangers of its denizens. Eh, foolish Viconia still doesn't get it after all this time: Someone should warn them about ME, if I don't find Irenicus fast.
My current party:
Ethal Jo, Level 15 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Ardulia's Fall)
Viconia, Level 15 Cleric
Nalia, Level 4 Thief>Level 13 Mage
Imoen, Level 7 Thief>Level 13 Mage
Edwin, Level 14 Conjurer
Reputation: Disliked (7)
5AM. After killing some Mind Flayers that were lurking around a corner, I found some duergar merchants. I got a lead very quickly--looks like Irenicus and Bodhi went to the Drow city, wherever that is. Good enough. I've killed my share of Drow before, so I have no fear.
One of them also mentions another mage of some ill repute who got himself magically trapped "in a cavern north" of there--he must have been searching for some powerful artifact, and Edwin agrees (I tend to agree with Edwin on matters of magical treasure). I'll keep my eyes open.
8AM. After fighting a small group of Drow, I stumbled upon a dark gnome village. They were peaceful and compliant at first, and confirmed the rumors I heard about Irenicus and Bodhi being in Ust Natha, the Drow city. He said there was someone who could get me inside--but I'd have to help him first, before he could give me access. Well, the fool revealed that I just needed to take some sort of Light Gem from him to set these wheels into motion. I demanded it, he fought back, and I ended up killing him and his friends. I have the Light Gem now.
[Oh man, I actually felt bad about this--especially his surprise when I said I would just attack him to take the gem. Don't know what's happening to me! Maybe I'll go back to a a good character next haha.]
10AM. Now that I have my goal in mind--getting into Ust Natha, or finding someone that will make that happen--I explored more of the Underdark, looking for the city. I found some magical geometric prison, and slew the freed inhabitants when none of them had any reward for my good deed--except one dark gnome who managed to talk himself out of it. The Underdark has quite the reputation on the surface, although thus far I'm the most violent thing I've met down here...
12PM. Imoen was killed in a skirmish with some Kua-Toa. I already used my Vhailor's Simulacrum today to use a Protection from Undead scroll while fighting a lich. But seeing how my spellcasters are almost out of spells and all of our inventories are full, I'm going to double-back to the duergar merchant. I may then see if I can make camp in the gnomish settlement, after I had cleared them out. I'll resume my hunt for Irenicus overnight.
[Just realized I somehow forgot to go into the room in Spellhold that has the Bag of Holding. Complete whiff, because I thought I had cleared out the whole first level, but forget that one room. Gahh!! Looks like I'll have to wait until TOB.]
[Day 35]
6AM. After resurrecting Imoen, thus making whole my trio of mages, we rested for the rest of the day and then overnight into morning, not that it makes a difference down here. We were attacked in the empty gnomish settlement a few times by lizard men and umber hulks as we made camp, but we dispatched them with ease.
Eventually I found the entrance to Ust Natha; I killed the Drow at the gate but had no way into the city; I entered a nearby dark cave, knowing I'd have to keep searching around this damned place to gain entrance.
I then met Adalon, the Silver Dragon that the gnome had mentioned could get me into Ust Natha. And she wants her eggs back; apparently Irenicus and Bodhi stole them and gave them to the Drow. For "reward" for their return, she'll show me a way out of the Underdark that leads somewhere close to Irenicus? And huh, she'll also give me some kind of weapon. Is this supposed to mean that Irenicus has already LEFT the Underdark? Gah, if that is the case I need to leave as soon as possible, damn this dragon's eggs. I don't much trust the silver lizard in any case--once I get her help to get inside of Ust Natha, I'll do my own looking around for my enemies.
The dragon seemed to bargain from a position of weakness, so this might be my best option. She used her illusion magic to make us sound and look like Drow ourselves, even disguising Viconia with proper house insignia. And it doesn't look like Adalon's treasure hoard is nearby--fortunately for her.
9AM. Under the disguise of a Drow party, we entered Ust Natha and I began to check around the dark city for Irenicus and Bodhi--but the denizens were useless. I got roped into fighting monsters for gold in the tavern; but still, no one there had any type of information about those I hunt--apparently they passed through here in great secret.
10AM. Barging into the Temple of Lloth--looking for SOMEONE who was high enough up that would have the information I need--it looks like I stumbled upon where Adalon's eggs are being kept. As of right now, I'm going to need a very specific key to get in, and I'm not sure who has it. But this is good to know.
I also met a Solaufein--ugh, he was the one supposed to be responsible for herding the Ched Nasadran visitors, the original ones who were killed by Adalon, who we are impersonating. Viconia continues to worry about missteps, but there's no way I'm doing any errands for these drow scum. Unless, that is, they can give me what I want: Irenicus and Bodhi.
11AM. I've scoured the city, and entered everywhere that didn't have magical wards preventing me from entry, but it seems like no one is talking about Irenicus and Bodhi whatsoever, and I'm growing frustrated. I may spend some gold drinking and seeing what else I can learn at the tavern.
Solaufein's handmaiden contact Imrae may soon put me in touch with someone who may know something here. But if it's true Irenicus and Bodhi are already gone; well, I don't even know why I'm wasting time. Getting involved in some drow and illithid conflict while my enemies' trails run cold...
8PM. I spent the day drinking myself into a stupor and really hearing the rumors at the tavern--but still, absolutely nothing about two visitors! I stumble off to the lust chambers, wanting to get my full experience in this Drow city...
Awakening in the evening, I weigh my options--and there's really only one option: I need to keep climbing up the chain of command in this city until someone points me towards Irenicus. Failing that, I need to find the key to get into the egg chamber, so Adalon can point me towards Irenicus.
I can always look for my own way out of here, screw the dragon and the Drow--but I don't think that's going to get me any closer to the bastards that I hunt.
10PM. I easily dispatched of some mind flayers outside the city and rescued some Drow princess named Phaere. She is daughter to Ardulace--the "matron mother"--one who would seem to know about dealing with Irenicus.
When we returned to Ust Natha, it looked like my next mission for Phaere and Ardulace won't be prepared for another few days. Argh, these damn Drow wear my patience. However, I AM starting to blend in...I placate some of my anger in the fighting pits, then will be looking to drink and retire to the lust chambers again.
[Day 36]
7AM. I considered exploring the tunnels myself--to find some Irenicus clues myself, or at least my own way out of this damned place. But it looks like Phaere has already set up my next job ahead of schedule--good! The faster I can talk to the person in charge, the better, and ingratiating myself with these people looks to be the way to go.
The job involved simply killing a Beholder in the city, and after that I was told to wait THREE more days! So yeah, there's no use waiting around in this unholy dump Ust Natha while Phaere makes her preparations. I'm getting rather annoyed with these Drow.
8AM. Not an hour later, I see Phaere back at the tavern and I go talk to her. She must have sensed that I was demanding my next job--whatever small job that was required to continue to build trust with these scum, she just gave it to me. It was to slaughter the gnomes in their settlement--I had already done that. Maybe some had returned, so I set back out to see what was going on there.
But almost as if fate was sensing my impatience with this whole endeavor--some duergar slave in the bazaar shouted at me to speak to some fish monster in a tank. I almost killed the sniveling slave, but somehow he (or his fish lord master) was able to alert the entire city about our real identities. Well, the plan to get more information about Irenicus just erupted into violence. I had a skirmish in the bazaar, then, still feeling strong, I headed north to the tavern to see if I could get one last word with Phaere.
9AM. It turned out--I couldn't get one last word with Phaere. She was attack-to-kill like the rest of the Drow in the tavern, so I killed all of them (though I left the House DeVir prisoners alive upstairs in their cage). Looks like I'll have to just listen to what the dragon says--Adalon told me that she can put me right on Irenicus's heels. But for that, I'm still going to need those eggs. Maybe one of the Lloth priestesses or egg guards in the Temple has the key to the room I need to get into? Since I'm spilling so much blood this morning it makes sense to make my play for the eggs, too. I may not be able to return to Ust Natha once I leave it.
10AM. Assaulted the Temple of Lloth and retrieved Adalon's precious eggs. Quite a valuable commodity. I leave a quiet and blood-stained path on my way out of Ust Natha.
Solaufein may still be waiting by the gnome village, I thought. I might have to see if I can find him to press him for whatever he might know. I tracked him down quickly, but he proved useless and I slew him.
12PM. So after returning Adalon's damn eggs, she has teleported us to the exit out of the Underdark--supposedly close to where Irenicus and Bodhi escaped from as well, if they truly even left.
Chapter 6
1PM. I surfaced and met an Elven war party from Suldanessallar, who were concerned with Irenicus as well--so it turned out that Adalon did not lead me astray. After consulting with Elhan and his war sages, it seems the most likely location of Irenicus is within the hidden Elven city of Suldanessallar--tracking with what the coward Saemon had blurted out to me back in Spellhold. However, without some magical lantern stolen by a thief of Irenicus, it doesn't look like ANYONE can enter due to the wizard's illusory magic.
So that means in order to find Irenicus, I need to find this "Rhynn Lanthorn" first. The location? It could be anywhere that's not "elven"--which leaves the whole of Amn. Argh!
Before I begin the search in earnest, I'll head to my Keep. It's been almost two weeks since we set sail for Brynnlaw, it's important I return there at once to get a handle on the goings-on there.
[Day 37]
10AM. I got to the Keep late last night and my party sorted its treasure and rested. In the morning, I checked with the majordomo, and it looked like I had to execute a guardsman-turned-thief. I knew I was gone too long, and my influence was clearly missed. Let his execution be an example to others that there won't be any tolerance.
Apparently this will build resentment among the people. Ehh, they'll get over it. They should know, it's much worse to allow thieves and criminals to do whatever they want than to hang them right there on the spot. This is a new Lordship, and I really don't want to hear anything about the last guy, de'Arnise. And it reminds me, ever since Imoen was returned to me, I had thoughts about dropping Nalia, and that's still my plan.
She's too unpredictable to leave at the Keep, or even in Athkatla anywhere, not knowing what nonsense she might get into with other nobles. So where do I put her? I know of Neera's hidden enclave, but I'm sure that may be a moment away at any point from being discovered and attacked. Same with the Elven war party stationed outside the Underdark entrance: too dangerous. No--I'm going to make use of Valygar's cabin (he owes me). It's holed up and far enough away from anyone important that I think it's a great new home for Nalia. I don't hesitate in making the trek out there.
10PM. We arrive in Imnesvale at night. Edwin can't wait but to read his Nether Scroll, so I encourage it. But it backfires on the fool! It turns him into a woman. Hilarious, and a fate I'm sure he (she?) deserves. I don't particularly mind looking at her now, either!
[Day 38]
7AM. After leaving Nalia in Valygar's cabin, the rest of us spent the night at the Inn.
As far as I see it, I still owe an urgent skull-cracking to Irenicus. I also need to recover my divine soul, lest I transform into a murderous demon. To find the wizard, I'll have to find that magic lantern Elhan told me about--before he advised me to track down more of Irenicus's allies.
I think Irenicus must still have pals in the Underdark...those like Ardulace, who gave him safe passage. Maybe the lantern thief brought it underground somewhere to prevent the surface elves from coming for it? The only other Irenicus allies I know were those vampires in Bodhi's lair in the Athkatlan graveyard. On the off chance those undead cowards haven't tucked tails and ran off, I'll pay them a visit to next time I'm in the city.
But other than that, I've been in Amn only a little over a month. There's still trouble to the west of Imnesvale, in the Windspear Hills, and in Trademeet--all adjacent or nearby to my new holdings. Since my subjects are still reeling from the troll invasion, it's a good idea to to resolve nearby trouble before it spills over into my lands, especially if I can enrich myself in the process. As a supposedly soulless monster (ha!) now's my chance to make a strong first impression on my "neigbors" and back down any local threats before they can cause me headache. My travels in Amn might also shake out some information on the location of the Rhynn Lanthorn, something I'm sorely lacking; there might be more Irenicus allies and spies hidden throughout the countryside.
So I'll take a detour though the supposedly "haunted" temple ruins on my way back to the Keep, to see what the trouble really is going on there.
My current party is:
Ethal Jo, Level 16 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Ardulia's Fall)
Viconia, Level 16 Cleric
Imoen, Level 7 Thief>Level 14 Mage
Edwin, Level 15 Conjurer
Reputation: Disliked (7)
12PM. As we entered the dark forest of the temple ruins, I hunted down a werewolf Anath, who spoke about a Shade Lord who recently took up residence to the east. Hmm, looks like I'll have to investigate.
Knowing the murderous and animalistic nature of werewolves firsthand, I couldn't allow her to get out of their alive, so we smashed her down.
3PM. Entering the Sun-turned-Shadow temple, I found Mazzy Fentan rotting in a cell. The halfling had some good info for me--but I didn't trust the little runt enough. Maybe she was a trick of the Shade Lord--or maybe she's just looking to grab whatever treasure's in this place for herself! Nope, I'll keep her in her jail cell for now while I investigate further. Throughout my life, delving farther down into haunted dungeons has only led to gold and wealth! When I catch up to this "Shade Lord", we'll see what he can offer me.
6PM. After I fought through more undead (mostly using Edwin's Projected Image-manifested Protection from Undead scroll), I stumbled on some ghosts of Amaunator, looking to get some bones of some type of child prophet delivered to them. They couldn't promise gold or treasure, so I almost left them--but they did mention a way of combatting the Shadow Dragon, another monster I heard about being farther down. So seeing how it was a quick trek back, I delivered the bones, and received a wardstone.
7PM. After passing a few more foolish dungeon challenges, we are able to access the lair of Thaxll'ssillyia, the Shadow Dragon. I knew I had the means to bypass the dragon and reach the Shade Lord. But what would that leave me? An evil dragon causing chaos on the borders of my land? The de'Arnise people still haven't recovered from the trolls, I can't have worries of a dragon attack. No--I'll make camp on the level above, to give my mages a chance to memorize spells to kill a dragon when the morning rolls around. Just wouldn't feel right sneaking by.
[Day 39]
4AM. I slew the Shadow Dragon. I was empowered with Protection from Evil, Improved Haste, and of course my Berserker rage. With Doom casted by Viconia, multiple Lower Resistances casted by Edwin, and a series of summoned creatures brought in by all my spellcasters...the dragon fell.
Baldr538.jpg
Interestingly, I recovered a Crom Faeyr scroll; instructions for creating a warhammer of godly power. I already have the Gauntlets of Strength, but it looks like I'll need this Hammer of Thunderbolts and a Girdle of Frost Giant Strength, and I have no ideas where these items are. I will keep my eyes open wide for them in my travels...
9AM. I continued on to destroy the joke of a Shade Lord, "cleansing" the land of this undead mischief. Feeling quite the hero, I even remembered the halfling I left in the cell. I went back down to let her out, letting her know I killed the shadow monsters with ease. She didn't look like she could give me much at all, in the rags of a prisoner--but apparently she is important in Trademeet. Ah, the nearby settlement I had been meaning to visit soon anyway. This gives me another reason to travel there--to get whatever Mazzy owes me for her life.
On the same note, I know the mayor of Imnesvale had once promised me a reward then withheld it. Well, in this case I'm positive I put an end to his trouble, so he'll need to cough up something...or ELSE. I turn back east to pay a visit.
2PM. Mid afternoon I arrived back in Imnesvale. The mayor could only cough up 100 gold and some leather armor that no one in my party will even be wearing! I tore open the chests and drawers in his house--right in front of him--but these villages have the wealth of beggars. Gah, so much for my troubles. I may go poke around the Inn, too. ALL these people owe me.
3PM. The Inn was almost worthless, but I found about 500 gold in one of the guests cabinets. Good! My tax on Imnesvale.
The gnome merchant in town has always been hostile to me after our first encounter. Usually he just runs the other direction since I beat him unconscious after our first meeting. This time I took out some more of my frustration on him on my way out of town by giving him another beating--he was blocking the inn doorway and I just wanted to get out of this backwater dump. Apparently Nelleck saw this and didn't take a liking to it. I don't know if he got a rush of courage, but he started shooting crossbow bolts at me! When I approached, he took out his sword. Maybe he was tired of being bullied around? Either way, he didn't survive. I'll doubt I'll be back here again, though words of my deeds here have already spread.
[Day 40]
12PM. I arrived back my Keep in the very early morning. I immediately rested with my group before conducting business at noontime of the next day...
I've been hearing the people are souring and fearful of my rule. Bah! I just slew a dragon to keep them safe. They must learn to keep their mouths shut and to be loyal, lest justice come down on them.
My next order of business is to return to Athkatla after all this time. I want to speak to Cromwell the Blacksmith--both on what he can do with these Shadow Dragon scales, and what he knows of this Crom Faeyr scroll. Also I'll see what's left of Bodhi's lair, if I can scrounge up any clues from there about the location of that lantern that's going to lead me to Irenicus.
The damned elves of Suldanessallar have been sending me dreams about the destruction Irenicus is causing. Bah! I don't work for those weakling elves, I couldn't care less about their damn little tree village. I'll take care of Irenicus in my own time. My own business comes first and foremost before I hop to their beck and call.
[Day 41]
3AM. Returned to Athkatla in the late evening; too late for the Promenade and for Cromwell's, so I decided to go straight to Bodhi's lair, before they had any kind of chance to prepare for me.
Well, what a surprise. I killed Bodhi after fighting my way through her lair, and recovered the Rhynn Lanthorn. She was a fool for keeping it in such an obvious location, one in which I would eventually be looking. Imoen got her soul back supposedly, but she doesn't seem any better off. In fact, the girl is still ability-drained.
With this "priceless" elven artifact now in my hands, I can go to confront and kill Irenicus at the time of my choosing. It'll be sooner than later, but my Keep must be well-protected and defended first, and I will not set out for days and day again while there may be trouble on my borders. The people are already unhappy. There are wilderness attacks in Trademeet and the Drow excursions not far to the south, not to mention the ogre raiders in Windspear farther east. Need to make sure none of this nonsense will turn into a threat to my lands.
[Day 42]
1PM. Visiting Cromwell, he didn't offer useful information about the Crom Faeyr; only confirmed that it would be a powerful weapon should I find all of the components. As I feared, he couldn't give any information about where the hell the belt or the hammer are, but I will be visiting some new places in Amn in the next several days so like I stated before: I'll keep my eyes open.
I stayed at Cromwell's for a day, as we crafted the Shadow Dragon armor out of the scales I pulled from Thaxll'ssillyia. None of us will even wear it...but better I get something potentially useful from that dead wyrm. Frustrated, I think it's time I make my exit again from the town.
Irenicus looms large, but the bastard can wait in his tree for now. I must get to securing the immediate affairs of my Keep.
[Day 43]
6AM. Back at my Keep, I decided to take in a Cleric of Tempus to set up a temple. This has already been a great decision--he can identify magical items and buy and sell wares from my adventures. The people of the lands should be lucky to have a ruler like me.
Today, I will finally visit my neighbors in Trademeet.
7PM. I arrived in the evening and entered a melee between some guards and some homicidal woodland creatures. The militia captain then shouted at me to begone, accused me of banditry, and raised their weapons against me! This fight came quick, but we easily slew the guards we just helped against the animals--our reputation will take a hit from this.
Imoen, the coward little girl she is, ran off. She "didn't like" the way we're going about things, so she leaves the group and runs off. So she gets her soul back, and abandons me not a couple days afterwards? And this is not the first time she ran away. I never expected much out of Imoen and this just proves me right. She made the mistake of telling me where'd she be staying (Copper Coronet), so I might just teach her a "lesson" next time I'm in the city.
I may have to go back to the Umar Hills and bring Nalia back into the fold. But do I even need a thief of such mediocre skills as her? Eh, I'll get by.
8PM. As I walk into the pub, I learn the rest of the town won't be so hostile. People seem to think this animal trouble is caused by druids--makes sense. But also I hear about genies restricting local trade, so nothing's for sale? A merchant outside told me the same thing. Gah! Acquiring new magical equipment is a major reason I made the journey here!
I meet the mayor and then head of the merchant's guild. I did like their tone so I left them there to wallow in their troubles; but yes, some genies are indeed encamped nearby, and they're strangling trade in the city. I can't have that, not one bit. Almost as bad as a Shadow Dragon living on the border.
I also meet Rasaad, but I consider him more of a joke than anything else. I had met him in Nashkel and then again during the march to Dragonspear, but the absent minded fool just forgot. I think he's a joke. Fists?!
I also found Mazzy's house and invited myself in. She and her family were there, but she stormed out pretty quickly. I ransacked what I could as the helpless little family watched on, but I was only able to take a few gold coins and a jewel or two. Why did I end up ever helping such a poverty-stricken impostor adventurer?
9PM. Apparently the djinni are holding the town hostage for a specific purpose: They want someone to hunt down a rakshasa thief they're after since they're incapable of doing it themselves. Nope, I won't do doing any little bounty hunter errands for them. I fight and kill the three genies, expelling them from town. With my victory here, I decide to rest for the night. Maybe I'll be calmer when I face the mayor again tomorrow morning...
[Day 44]
6AM. With the genies gone, the merchants were able to restock their wares overnight (I imagine they looted much of the genies's possessions, wherever they were stored.) My eye immediately catches on the Belt of Inertial Barrier--a powerful belt that can protect me against magical damange [since I missed underwater city and the Clock of Mirroring, I'm definitely gonna need to pick this one up...]. Unfortunately, since I defended myself against the town guardsmen that attacked me when I arrived, I'm somehow seen as a despised criminal once more, and the ungrateful merchants charge me prices to match. I have not much to do but throw some of my hard-earned gold at this damn Temple of Waukeen to bring up my standing in the eyes of the caravan traders...it infuriates me, but the prospect of wearing that belt into battle keeps me focused on the task at hand.
7AM. With my donations to the temple, my status in Amn rose from despised to merely disliked. I bought the Inertial Barrier belt I wanted and went to speak to the mayor. I eventually figured out, between him and his prisoner Cernd, that there are in fact twisted druids causing problems. With them gone, the trade in Trademeet can be fully restored. I'd have wanted to keep Cernd prisoner there, but he would only show the way to the Druid grove if released...fine, but I think he's likely tricking us, and it'll be his misfortune when I found out.
I don't hesitate to head out east to clean up another mess for an undeserving town. I want to make sure these druids never get a chance to encroach onto my lands.
6PM. I entered the druid grove and slaughtered the trolls in the troll mound. With Imoen's old equipment, our inventories are all full, so I decided to stash some of our equipment in one of the troll mount stashes. I'll be sure to come back with it when my dealings are done with the druids here. I neglected to find a stash spot in Trademeet when I was there, but it's for the better--I don't trust anyone there.
8PM. I found Faldorn--a Shadow Druid I have some history with; another coward I encountered along my path, that is. She challenged me to try to attack her, so I readily accepted. I was able to kill her followers and adherents--but she could not be stricken down. She also seemed to have and endless supply of spells. Maybe it is true that she's invincible here in this grove...Garr! I'll have to see what that slimy character Cernd can do about it, he did in fact show his face out here and not just slink off when I let him go from Trademeet.
[Reload here! I had a long streak going here without a PC death, but the first time I attacked Faldorn--the Creeping Dooms were just too much, and took down my HP faster than anything I could do to restore them. For the second try, I had summonses take most of the close range action; and I opened the fight with a Symbol: Fear from Edwin.]
9PM. I told Cernd to go challenge Faldorn to end her madness. I observed the combat trial, keeping Cernd at an arm's distance. I had the backup idea of using Jaheira if I had to. Luckily, he was able to shapeshift into a werewolf and obliterate ol' Faldorn. Hmm, useful skill I suppose--I was cursed with lycanthropy once myself, but had to break that spell with my maces against some werewolf skulls. I can transform into the Bhaal Slayer now if I wish; much more powerful than a werewolf. Either way, it looks like Cernd will be staying around here if I ever need a healer.
Wanting to get out of this disgusting marshland as soon as possible, I go to collect my belongings I left in the troll mound...then make camp in the Grove.
[Day 45]
6AM. I plan to head back to Trademeet by way of the Windspear Hills--a four hour detour to the north. A "neighboring" Lord told me he'd give 15K to anyone who could kill some Ogres. Worth too much money for such a simple task, and I likely won't be out this far east anytime soon.
My current party is:
Ethal Jo, Level 17 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Ardulia's Fall)
Viconia, Level 18 Cleric
Edwin, Level 16 Conjurer
Reputation: Disliked (5)
10AM. In the Windspear Hills, I find a group of Ogres--well, at least three--and some other monsters. We killed them handily, but somehow they seemed to transform back to human knights upon death. Some fool observer hiding and watching the fight seems to think I was tricked by some illusion magic into kililng Radiant Heart paladins. They're going to hunt me down, apparently. HA! I'd like to see them try. Viconia is the worrier as always, but I'm more sure that this Garren is trying to scam me somehow.
So does that mean this group of thugs were the ogre bandits that Firkraag's going to pay me for? Regardless of who turned them into Knights, I WILL get my 15K for dispatching of them.
The thought struck me that more ogres may still be out there--maybe even "real" ones. I'm going to trek around some more today to make sure I clear out any trouble I can find, before heading back to Trademeet.
I barge into Garren's cabin, seeing what other information he might come up with about what exactly the hell is going on around here. He's eager to tell his story: Firkraag (the Lord who said he'd pay me 15K gold for these ogres' deaths) had Garren discredited and stole all of his land. Hummm, he says he's trying to do the same thing to me, that's what this whole ruse is about. My thoughts immediately go to: he's looking to see if he can squeeze me out of my Keep, so he can claim it! Agh, the idea of it! I see red and my blood boils for an instant--time to go pay a visit to Firkraag. This is going to cost him a lot more than 15K now if it turns out to be true. We spend the rest of the day resting in the cabin, waiting for information from Garren on Firkraag's potential whereabouts.
[Resting here for the day is so out of character, unfortunately there was no choice. I don't even know if that was a good RP way to explain it.]
7PM. We are attacked in the evening by weak hooligans sent by Firkraag. Ah, so he tries a blatant attempt on my life. I slaughter these attackers and vow to kill this Firkraag as soon as I can; my lands and holdings are at stake, and this fool thinks he can attack me without repercussion like I'm some commoner. I don't remember there being any "Firkraag" estate back in Athkatla, but the old beggar Garren says that he may be to the ruins to the northeast. Good! I hope I can resolve this swiftly and brutally.
(I also stashed equipment and loot in a nearby hollowed-out section of a boulder, hidden from the view of a passerby. I will make sure to return for whatever we can carry before we leave these damn hills.)
8PM. I enter a faerie grove, and the dryad Vaelasa attacks--shouting something about Irenicus and how I killed her sister dryads. Huh, that rings a bell...I was killing everything that moved in that place.
I eventually find a large but ruined complex--I can see why Firkraag wants to strongarm his way into a new Keep, the way this one has fallen into disrepair. But unfortunately he picked mine, and he's going to pay for that.
[Day 46]
1AM. Yes, it looks like Firkraag calls a monster-infested dungeon his home. It was a hive of orcs, golems, werewolves, and undead, and we fought hard through the night.
Golems killed Viconia, but a Projected Image version of Edwin was able to resurrect her--as well as summon some hasted Mordenkainen's Swords to finish off the guardians. Eventually, some vampires energy-drained me as I could no longer launch into a berserker rage after all the fighting...but Viconia was able to Turn Undead and single-handedly take out most of the undead pack.
On my way out to rest, I ran into a certain "Samia", an alleged treasure hunter. She told me about some treasure--and then her group attacked us! I was in no position to fight any arcane-wielding group at the time, so we retreated back. We'll have to spend some time recuperating at Garren's house, the idea of which frustrates me greatly. Gah! I have to stay out here in the eastern hills much longer than I wanted to and I curse those I've met here. I remember though--it's worth it to put a nail into the coffin of these Firkraag matters.
[Day 47]
1AM. It's been a full day later. We had rested back at Garren's, then continued our business in the dungeon. It was ripe with magical equipment and treasure. Although many battles were hard-fought, we triumphantly continued our slaughter until we found Firkraag himself--a red dragon!
But bah, I don't care what he is. It looks like the creature doesn't have designs on my lands, instead his motives were to torment and attack me for his interest in both my father Bhaal and warden Gorion. Regardless, I won't be made to suffer these insults--including the attempts to kill me. He already owes me a large sum of gold for coming out here, and he thinks he can just dismiss me? I'm going to chop this lizard's head off and make myself whole in one way or another--I won't be made a fool of.
I also picked up a sewer passage key off his henchman Tazok--could this be a key to one of Firkraag's treasure hoards? There are no sewers here, but I know that bastard would spend time in Athkatla...and I know of a few locked passageways down there. Interesting.
Firkrag also let slip that the deed to these land is currently held by Garren. I see an opportunity here if all shakes out right--Garren gives me the deed in payment after I kill his arch-nemesis. My lands will then include de'Arnise and Windspear. Aha!
11AM. I climbed the stairs up and rested in the jail cells, preparing anti-dragon magic for the rapidly approaching confrontation. I've already wasted enough time all the way out here, so what's another eight hours to make sure I can put the dragon down without too much risk?
I slew Firkraag handily. As I feared, he has no hoard here, so that sewer key may very well lead to something extremely valuable...I may return to Athkatla sooner than later to take a look.
1PM. I decided to let Garren's daughter out of her cell--ensuring that he'd owe me for *everything*. But when I see him back at his cabin...there is a severe lack of gratitude. I just KILLED a dragon and saved his daughter's life...and I was very much expecting the deed to his lands as recompense. He was already retired and "at peace", so why not hand over your lands to the warrior you owe a great debt to?
I told myself this venture to Windspear would be fruitful one way or another. So in an instant--I killed both Garren and his daughter and took his deed for myself. Now with the vacuum of power out here, and the deed in my possession, I'll be able to tell whatever authorities come asking that Firkraag killed Garren, but not before Garren granted me his lands.
It had to happen this way--the man was already weak and defeated, and made a fatal mistake in trying to get one over on me.
11PM. I finally left the hills to return to my Keep; by way of Trademeet, first. Not only do I expect a reward for killing those druids from a few days ago, some more trade caravans should have reached the town by now. Even though I may possibly have the key to a dragon hoard, I can tell from the way that the streets are paved that there's good money to be had in Trademeet too.
It's very late in the evening, but I was right! I speak to the mayor and not only do they pronounce me hero of Trademeet, they went and made statues of me and my party too! Ha, along with 10K in gold in reward!
I'm then approached by the Lurraxols and the Alibakkars. Rich nobles here it seems; and they're willing to pay for some work getting done. If I can take some more gold from these fools when I'm in town, I'm going to do it. I didn't like Alibakkar's threatening manner, so I went to talk to Lurraxol first.
[Day 48]
12AM. It's midnight. I retrieved the precious mantle for Lurraxol, but her and the other one started attacking me for it...so I had to kill them both and their respective house guards.
Eh, looks like nothing out east is going to be any kind of trouble anytime soon. I'm going to rest here for the night, check with any new merchants in the morning, then head back to my stronghold.
[Day 49]
7AM. With no trouble expected from the east for a while, I think on the Underdark entrance that's only a half day's journey to the south...about the same distance as the Shadow Temple and Trademeet are from my Keep. And Drow raiding parties in my lands would be worse than shade lords and attacking forest animals combined.
I left the Underdark in a relative hurry last time, thinking Adalon would put me right on Irenicus's heels...but that was almost two weeks ago now. It's a good idea to return to ensure that there aren't other invaders on the brink of surfacing. The Tethyr elves could barely handle themselves as it was, so I can only imagine what type of disaster is swelling down there. I know I can send the dark elves back reeling on their heels--making sure they remember me from my last visit. I might not be able to find Ust Natha again, but I'll dig down as deep as I need to...
When I'm confident my lands are in a secure position from all this surrounding Amnish nonsense, then I'll turn the whole of my fury on Irenicus. When I travel to Suldanessallar I may be gone for an extended period of time, if my last hunt for him was any indication, so my affairs best be in order.
I'm going to make a detour to Athkatla for the day, before turning back down south--want to see about Firkraag's key (before anyone else has a chance to steal whatever hoard he might have kept)...and also talk to Cromwell about those red dragon scales.
4PM. In Athkatla after making the day-long trip--and aha, the sewer key DID work in that locked passage I had discovered weeks ago. It was not a dragon hoard apparently, but the treasure was worth it anyway. It was some kind of mind flayer lair--I quickly slaughtered the monsters and their human followers, and claimed the Hammer of Thunderbolts for myself. This is the Hammer that can become the Crom Faeyr. Ah, the fates are smiling on me! I will just need the Girdle of Frost Giant Strength now, and Cromwell will be able to forge the weapon. I'll continue to keep my eyes open during my travels...
Speaking of Cromwell, I decide to visit him next about these red dragon scales..
[Day 50]
8PM. Red Dragon Scale armor is mine...but it still can't beat the protection from full plate and a ring of protection--for both me and Viconia. Ah, it's still good to add to my collection of magical treasure and equipment back at the Keep.
I'm going to rest at the Copper Coronet for the night, then travel down to the Underdark entrance--approaching by way of the North Forest and Small Teeth Pass to ensure there hasn't been any Drow incursions that far north.
I see Imoen there, where she said she'd be. And like always, she's desperate to follow me again. But no, I have no use for the foolish girl. Viconia has been casting Find Traps and Sanctuary, and Edwin has been memorizing a few spells of Knock every day.
[Day 52]
3PM. I arrived at the Underdark entrance after journeying through North Forest and Small Teeth Pass as I said I would. No Drow, but I dispatched some other monsters in the area.
I see Elhan and the elves have it seemingly under control on the surface, but I don't fully truth their strength. I'm going to dig back in and break up any war parties I come across...making sure they never get the chance to raid my lands, and make the rest of them think twice about surfacing.
I don't care much about mentioning the Rhynn Lanthorn to Elhan. My affairs and my lands' security comes first.
5PM. After killing some Kua-Toa scum, I stumbled upon a "Demogorgon" statue and altar. Thinking that trouble (and treasure) could come pouring out, I did as the inscription said and had Edwin summon an spider to serve as the animal sacrifice.
The Demon Knight ambush that occurred next was a tough battle, and Viconia was stunned and cut down while I was busy smashing demons on the other side of the room. No matter--she's resurrected with ease.
And what's this? Ahh, the Girdle of Frost Giant's Stength! The final piece of Crom Faeyr. The pieces must have been together at some point recent; they hadn't scattered far from each other. I can now imagine the strength of the legendary weapon in my hand--I'll have to go back to Cromwell as soon as I wrap up here.
(As it happens, the girdle is temporarily going to be worn by Edwin until the Crom Faeyr is forged. For both me and Viconia, the offensive benefits of the belt aren't better than the defensive magic of our current belts.)
It doesn't seem like too many Drow are lingering near the service. I'll keep my "crawl" going through the night...but it looks like I've successfully backed down any threats near to my stronghold, at least for the near term.
6PM. I realized I could place the corrupted tadpoles in that pool I found by the Kua Toa Prince earlier...and it corrupts their entire pool! Aha! I don't know the details, but I know that'll slow 'em down from trying any type of attack, too.
I also eventually got to where in the Underdark I knew I was. Remember, I had been transported to the exit by Adalon previously. I haven't seen a hint of a Drow yet, which is all very good, very good. Being early in the evening, I do think I'll push on a bit farther just to be sure.
Remembering the Duergar telling me about the Imprisoned mage, I decided to buy a couple of scrolls of Freedom from them. I had Edwin cast one--and a mage was indeed released. His name was Vithal and he went on needing his spellbook to release some extradimensional creatures. I would get the spoils of combat. Huh, I recognize his name because I do have his spellbook--but it's in storage at my Keep.
Eh, none of this sounds worth it and the mage doesn't even look like he has anything valuable on him. Maybe one day I'll feel differently and return here with the spellbook.
7PM. I went to see if Adalon was still rattling around, but the Light Gem was also in storage so I couldn't even get by. Fine, it'll spare me listening to that insufferable lizard, if she's even still there.
It's early in the evening still--going to head back to the Ust Natha entrance, see if I can hit the Drow in the teeth so to speak...so any inkling of thought of raiding Ethal Jo's territory is squashed from their minds. I came all the way out here, it's a waste if I don't kill at least some Drow!!
9PM. As I entered Ust Natha, we were stopped by Degardan, an enemy of Edwin. He must have stalked us underground. It seems Edwin's order of Red Wizards is after him for extended leave from his duties! Ha, yes--he works for Ethal Jo now of course. We killed the Thayan interloper easily, but not before he reversed Edwin's sex change, making him a male again. Despite his foolish chatter, Edwin's followed me into Hell before (truly), so I give him a bit of leeway when it comes to distractions and attracting enemies...but for his sake he should hope we don't have to deal with much more of this.
The rest of Ust Natha was much more desolate than I remember; they must still be licking their wounds from my violent attack from weeks' past. I was able to kill maybe half a dozen Drow that were still creeping around, the ones who didn't get a chance to run and hide when I entered...but it was mostly quiet walkways and smashing giant spiders. Looks like whatever plans they might had to invade the surface must have been dealt a killing blow back then when I fought them. Good! Ha, Ethal Jo, Conqueror of the Drow! I had no desire to explore the rest of the Underdark...maybe another day when I have the urge to hunt for more treasure and gold.
I take a deep breath, knowing the damned troubles surrounding my Keep and my lands have all been beaten into submission. The dragons are slain, the shadow druids are dead, the shade lord is destroyed, the Trademeet genies were expelled, and the Drow have been routed. Looks like no one in Amn had the mettle to take on any of this before I showed up. Of course more troubles will rear their ugly head as time goes on, but Irenicus still likely remains the greatest threat of all. I'm going to forge Crom Faeyr, and then find the bastard to crush his skull with it.
[Day 53]
7PM. I'm back in Athkatla, and realize this damnable dwarf can't make me the Crom Faeyr without the scroll I got from the Shadow Dragon. Gah! Should have known not to trust this half-sized fool. I'll return to the Keep immediately for this component...
[Doy...this was my oversight. You might be able to tell, this was a long playing session and clearly I'm getting tired haha..]
[Day 55]
8PM. Ah, Crom Faeyr! The legendary weapon is mine; my enemies will tremble, more than they already do! I stayed with Cromwell for a full day to forge it, and I do not consider the time wasted.
Without her gauntlets, Viconia can no longer wield the Flail of Ages, nor stay unencumbered in full plate mail. I'll get her re-armored back at the Keep with lighter, magical platemail.
[Day 57]
8PM. After returning to my stronghold, Viconia was re-outfitted (with Firkraag's scales), and I prepared for my confrontation with Irenicus in Suldanessallar. We journeyed south without incident and eventually gave Elhan his precious Lanthorn. Show us the way to Irenicus now, elf!
Chapter 7
8PM. When we enter the hidden city--it looks like Irenicus has laid total claim to it, although there has been some elven resistance that has lingered on for the past few weeks; mostly inside their houses and structures. The elves were pointing me this way and that way to priestesses and the like--but I have no need for that. I'm going to go platform to platform and hunt down my nemesis!
[Day 58]
12AM. I fought Irenicus's monsters for the entire evening. The Golems hit hard, but between summoned magical swords and Crom Faeyr, even the Adamantite Golem were destroyed. None of this got me closer to finding who I seek, though. The damn elves were holding out information on me--Irenicus is in the palace, but they won't tell me how to get inside. I couldn't care less about their little struggle and refuse to be some errand boy for their forest deity.
Well, after raiding all the buildings I could, I collected whatever important-looking items I could find, and I even had Viconia try to figure out the trapped rune box riddle after we protected her from acid--eventually, I got the talisman. Unfortunately, that did not open the Palace door, either.
10AM. After making camp for the rest of the night to prepare for the fight...we attacked Nizidramanii'yt, Irenicus's black dragon, and killed it.
[A PC death and reload here. Remove Magic from the dragon got rid of my Improved Haste, and I just wasn't able to do enough DPS before I was cut down. I really just wasn't being careful--just tired I guess. On my next (successful) attempt, I sent the summons in first by about a half round or so, avoiding the Remove Magic, and had Viconia summon additional help as one of her first spells. Much easier that second time.]
[So this was my first reload in a long while. In fact, I just checked, this is my first PC death since Chapter 5 in Spellhold, and that was kind of a purposeful roleplayed insta-death--trying to charge Irenicus's chamber before releasing the prisoners. In fact, if you don't count "in-character" insta-deaths (crossing Spellhold bridge without wardstone and emerging from sewers with Beholder rift device), the last time my PC was killed by enemies was back in Chapter 2 when I got stunned by a Gauth near the Unseeing Eye, I was level 12 or 13. Pretty good streak! I'm not quite a no-reloader yet though haha.]
I eventually realized I could not get into the palace without cooperating with Demin the Priestess. I couldn't figure out whatever damned elf rituals were needed, so she instructed me on how to tap into the divine power source (tree god?) to grant me access. Luckily, I already had collected all the artifacts that were needed. The summoning of the spirits seemed to bring the rest of the elves out of hiding...and more importantly, I can now finally get into the Palace to kill my enemy the "Exile".
My current party is:
Ethal Jo, Level 20 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Crom Faeyr)
Viconia, Level 21 Cleric
Edwin, Level 18 Conjurer
Reputation: Disliked (6)
4PM. I eventually found and slew Irenicus. His Absolute Immunity and Spell Trap were hard to overcome, but using magical summonses and a series of Dragon's Breath from Edwin, he was eventually killed.
Apparently my essence is still tied to my soul, which Irenicus apparently still maintains control of. The three of us are dragged to hell; luckily, Edwin and Viconia have been to Avernus with be before and handled themselves respectably.
I took the staircase to my left after exploring this small nether-realm, and found a demon named Pride. This place is of my own creation, supposedly, and I in fact RULE here. Alright, and all I have to do to get out is retrieve these "Tears of Bhaal". He tells me some monster behind him has one of them; well, that's all he has to say--I kill the black dragon behind him.
I then went through some more tests, but they were mostly trivial. I took a magical cloak that renders one immune to fear, and gave it to Edwin to wear before killing some Beholder creatures.
I was given the choice of sacrificing something of myself, or allowing the death of Viconia. Well, I saved Viconia's life multiple times before, so she's on borrowed time anyway. There's no way I'm losing any part of myself for that Drow. The demon's threats were hollow anyway--I was able to resurrect Viconia afterwards.
[I'm on core rules so was expecting Viconia's perma death. I even double checked my settings. Very strange, not sure what happened here--but I'll take it. I thought I was going to lose Edwin anyway, so this is pretty good news. Vic has 70 magic resist and 110 fire resist, so maybe that had something to do with it? Trying to kill her with column of fire or whatever...]
I then killed the Enslaved Genie--I don't want any tormented souls lingering around this damned place. Finally, some wraith version of Sarevok was conjured up--he begged me to turn into the Slayer, but with Edwin's Improved Haste, I was able to crush him down in my "human" form anyway. The Slayer form will be reserved for "special" circumstances...
Finally--completing the "trials of hell" without any further rest--I disabled the eye-wards blocking my progress, and fought and killed the Slayer version of Irenicus, one final time. The bastard was hard to put down and it took many attempts all over Amn, but it looks like he's finally been crushed.
Final SOA Party:
Ethal Jo, Level 21 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Crom Faeyr)
Viconia, Level 21 Cleric
Edwin, Level 18 Conjurer
Throne of Bhaal
Chapter 8
[Day 59]
7AM. The Elves love me for what I did, and give me a a very powerful Amulet of Seldarine...but beyond that, I think I should be compensated more for what I did for them. Unfortunately I'm whisked out of that damn city as soon as I've healed...but I'll keep it in the back of my mind that the elves of Suldanessallar continue to owe me a debt...
Beyond that, with my arch-nemesis crushed and my Amnish lands and holdings in good order, my purpose now should be to continue to defend my land and amass my wealth and power throughout Amn. I am the son of the God of Murder and have proven my power time and time again--it's important to ensure my position in Amn is not to be trifled with. I have no doubt now I can back down any challenge or obstacle that comes my way...and that includes the mythical fortress Watcher's Keep, which is on the path back north. No doubt heaps and heaps of magical treasure lie within those walls...
As I exited Suldanessallar, the spirits of the Forest of Tethir spoke to me about some prophecy of Bhaal--that there is a traitor of some sort, Bhaal's servants are causing bloodshed, and on and on. I didn't pay too much attention to it as it's the same babble I've been hearing for months. If more threats come my way having to do with my heritage--I'll stamp them out like I've always done. And at that moment...I'm attacked. Illasera is another Bhaalspawn, hunting down other Bhaalspawn apparently. As soon as I kill her...I'm knocked unconscious and transported to another realm!
I'm furious I'm stranded here. I know it's an outgrowth of my own power, but I'm frustrated I can't control it completely. The spirit of my dead brother Sarevok has somehow wormed his way inside this plane; he promises he can get me out, if only I cut a deal with him. Gah! I'm loathe to do that to this worthless enemy of mine.
I am going to set up camp in this place; the Solar who is so interested in my fulfilling my destiny should intervene soon enough if my role is that important...
4PM. Gah, there is no way out but through Sarevok. He mentioned that any Bhaalspawn would do, to give up a portion of their soul to him; and I already knew that I could summon certain companions and other characters I've encountered in my jouneys. Therefore, I brought in the girl Imoen, the constant hanger-on who owes so much to me--remember, I got her soul back for her, and she abandoned me in Trademeet only a few days later when I killed a few guards. Well, here's how she's going to repay me: she gives up a part of her soul to Sarevok, so he agrees to show me the way out of this blasted place.
6PM. From my "Pocket Plane", the fates themselves push me to the so-called prophecized town of Saradush. It's a dump of a southern town, full of more Bhaalspawn than I knew existed...and under siege from some kind of fire giant army. Bah, I don't want anything to do with these people's problems and don't want to be forced by some higher power to break this siege, which is what that Solar and all the rest of trying to get me to do. I try to port back to the Pocket Plane, or find some physical entrance to escape the barricaded city...but no, frustratingly it looks like I'll be forced at the very least to kill this "Gromnir" in charge and fight my own way out of this damn town...
In the Pocket Plane, I summoned Nalia. I don't want her in my party, but I didn't want her causing any trouble with my stronghold in Amn while I'm down south (like giving it away to some other adventurer)...so she can wait here in my abyssal dimension.
Imoen is also here waiting for me; I'd send her away at the first opportunity, but her Bhaalspawn blood is valuable enough that she can bide her time here where I can keep an eye on her.
Realizing I need to resolve this Saradush situation, and that I want the use of a thief for my trials ahead....I turn to my half-brother. He's a fine enough figher, and I make him swear an oath to serve me, likely holding him under a divine geas. Since he has the strength and dexterity for it, I decided to make him the THIEF of my party [i.e. dual class]; something I am sorely missing, and I'm loathe to turn back to Nalia or Imoen, or even the fools Jan or Yoshimo (who I barely know) for that matter. Fumbling around as a novice thief at my command will be a humbling experience for Sarevok, and even if he is able to break his geas and betray me, I'll be able to smash him down without a problem.
7PM. I care little of the townsfolk here, other Bhaalspawn or not. I don't care about Lazarus and his spell store, or anyone else. I see a barracks of Gromnir's soldiers, though--that looks like a good place to start getting answers. I bust through the locked door and kill all of them, who foolishly thought they stood a chance against me. I eventually find a key in a chest, but don't know what it's for.
8PM. After asking around aggressively in the tavern, I speak to the proprietor of the place, who tells me of a secret passage in the jail that leads to the throne room. Aha, good! Apparently the priestess of Waukeen has the key...she'd rather die than give it up, so that's exactly what happens.
[Day 60]
12AM. I found and killed Gromnir. In another world, maybe I would have tried to reason with him. Instead, my anger at being trapped in this city is focused on him; and he attacks me before I can say a word, anyway. I know that his death will open up new pathways for me here...
I finally paid attention to Melissan...she seems to be buzzing about constantly, seeing to the concerns of the Bhaalspawn. This fire giant is sieging the city...he's a Bhaalspawn too, and apparently his army is swelling and will eventually overtake even me. Huh, I highly doubt that! But I'll take a look before I get out of this place.
2AM. The magic of the pocket plane released me from the confines of Saradush, and placed me about eight hours to the east. Ah, finally, free. I don't mean to be at the whims of some divine plan, and definitely don't want to serve that damned Solar. I had my eyes on the dungeon of Watcher's Keep after I killed Irenicus, so I'm going to travel back that way.
I took out a rather large contingent of Yaga-Shura's troops at the place I was dropped; I've not rested since waking up in Suldanessallar, and it's time I made camp, for at least my spellcasters to re-learn their spells and for my berserker rage to regenerate. I teleport us back to my pocket dimension, appreciating the privacy and my complete rule of the place.
I'm tempted well enough to try to kill this fire giant Bhaalspawn, or at least to see how much of a threat he really is. I don't care about Saradush, but better to investigate (and crush) any potential rival now. Good thing Yaga-Shura's siege camp is on the way to Watcher's Keep.
7PM. I traveled back to Faerun, outside of Saradush, then journeyed to confront Yaga-Shura. It seems that woman Melissan was right and he is invulnerable to harm; I eventually ported away. Gah! I don't like this one bit; someone thinking they're invincible, claiming they're a more powerful Bhaalspawn than me. Ha! No I'll have to prove him wrong one way or another. What did Melissan say about keys to defeating him...forest temples and mountain lairs to the east? I may have to pay a visit--best to quell this threat while I'm still nearby.
My current party is:
Ethal Jo, Level 22 Berserker (Mace +3 and Crom Faeyr)
Viconia, Level 22 Cleric
Sarevok, Level 17 Fighter>Level 10 Thief
Edwin, Level 19 Conjurer
Reputation: Disliked (6)
5AM. We marched eight hours to the east to a haunted temple of Bhaal that Melissan told us about. Some key to rendering Yaga-Shura killable might be found here. Well, I met the insufferable witch Nyalee--either fear from me or desire for her own revenge got her to cough up the information I needed. I have to go to his Fire Giant lair, even farther to the East, and find his magically-protected heart, apparently bathing in fire right now.
Nyalee's heart is there too, she says, and she wants hers back if she's going to help me. She claims there's some magical protection spells she would still have to break, even once I had his heart in my possession. Gah, I despise having to need her, and suspect she is up to something. I'll see if there's some way I can destroy the heart or if Edwin or Viconia can figure something out with it. So without delay, I travel further east.
12PM. It's a four-hour journey to Marching Mountains, and the whole place is infested with fire giants. These bastards hit VERY hard, and their brute force is a match for mine. After finding the fire temple, I tried to get in as far as possible, but I was only able to keep fighting until noon...with no more summonses, high level abilities, or heal spells, I ported us into my Pocket Plane for a rest.
[Reload once...the initial fire giant "swarm" battle when you enter the temple. I always have trouble with this one...it's like the "welcome to TOB!" fight for me always...]
[Day 62]
1AM. I returned and fought my way through the fire-powered monsters of the temple and conquered the upper level. Eventually recovered the hearts of both Yaga-Shura and Nyalee...
I have no way of destroying this heart myself, it seems. Nyalee said she knew the spells to de-power it. I hate having to do what this witch commands me! But I have her heart too. I'll pay her a visit on my way back to Saradush...
6AM. I returned to Nyalee in the Forest Temple--she still would not negotiate without being given her own heart, so fulfilling her request was my only option. Well she did as she said she would, and rendered both hearts cold--and their associated hosts vulnerable. She got some last second pangs of regret and attacked me, but I was able to kill her. Unfortunately I had no way of countering the damn Shambling Mounds. I could barely harm them, so we retreated and ported away. Gah, very frustrating just like Yaga-Shura!
I'll rest in my Pocket Plane and return to finish off these beasts. Want to make sure this temple is entirely clear of any enemies I might have...
4PM. I had to take Blackrazor from Sarevok (a type of weapon I'm not entirely skilled with [0 points]) to cause any harm to the Shambling Mounds. But eventually, I cut them down. I feel satisfied; after all, I couldn't leave them. It was a challenge from nature at that point, even if Nyalee had been put down much earlier in the morning.
With Yaga-Shura now supposedly vulnerable, I travel to confront him again at the Siege Camp as swiftly as possible.
[Day 63]
1AM. I attacked Yaga-Shura and his army at night, and slaughtered him. Ha! Looks like this Bhaalspawn challenger wasn't all he was talked up to be! The Solar who's been tormenting me in my Pocket Dimension...she is very pleased and tells me killing these other powerful Bhaalspawn is my fate. And what do you know? Back on the material plane that annoying, untrustworthy Melissan points me in the direction of two more Bhaalspawn, supposedly raising their own hellish, unstoppable armies farther south. Sendai and Abazigal are their names.
But bah! I very much don't like being pushed around or told what to do. I'm already at my wit's end with this Solar summoning me at her will..I have the blood of a God, I won't be intimidated by one such as her! And it seems like that priestress Melissan may not fully know of my repuation with the way she speaks to me. I'm not some scared errand boy that gets frightnened into action. The dungeon of Watcher's Keep is even closer and I've already decided I'll conquer that legendary fortress first. To hell with what anyone else wants--my concerns come first.
No, I'll journey to Amkethran of my own volition and on my own time. It's less than a day's journey south, so I'll likely go there before returning to Amn. I want to get a better idea of the threat that these Bhaalspawn warlords truly pose and not just rely on that fool Melissan.
First, it looks like I may need to resolve some trouble in my pocket plane...
12PM. I arrive at Watcher's Keep, initially assuming the group gathered there is some ratpack of adventurers trying to lay claim to the place...but no. They are of an Order of Helm, and are looking for some stronger warriors to reseal some wards and read some rituals. Nah, I have no interest in this. I'm going to raid and plunder this place and see how much treasure I can shake out of it...and these people better just stay out of my way.
I soon realize I can't even access the place without their help, so I agree to help them out--when it comes time, whether I do it or not...I'll make that decision then. They already told me NOT to kill a monster, so I'm already discounting what these fools say.
I killed Yaga-Shura much earlier this morning...but with that battle still fresh on my mind, I push into the first level of Watcher's Keep...
My current party is:
Ethal Jo, Level 24 Berserker (Mace +3 and Crom Faeyr)
Viconia, Level 24 Cleric
Sarevok, Level 17 Fighter>Level 13 Thief
Edwin, Level 20 Conjurer
Reputation: Disliked (6)
6PM. I fought and killed my way past the monsters on the first level. I had little patience as I stormed my way through, and eventually pieced together the steps of the ritual that will grant me access to the lower levels...
11PM. Continuing my rampage, I started clearing out the second level. The Chromatic Demon was observing me throughout all of this, but I refuse to help that monster. I'll see how far I can get by bashing my mace and warhammer around.
I'm collecting the "masters'" old notes; and it's seemingly true that some of these beasts here are invincible, or eternally regenerating. I destroyed the air elementals, but the green slimes kept coming. I'll look to get some useful information from these tattered notes...
[Day 64]
3AM. Late night, after killing the rest of the filth in the second level, we were completely spent on both memorized spells, healing magic, and special abilities. We had been fighting all these Watcher's Keep beasts on the fumes of the adrenaline of killing Yaga-Shura--but we hadn't even rested since then.
I teleport back to the Pocket Plane so we can recuperate. It's likely we'll have to kill the Chromatic Demon next--if me and my companions are rested, we should make short work of the beast. Nothing will stop our progress deeper into this infernal place!
12PM. I slew the demon and took the portal key from his corpse. Still feeling the effects of Edwin's Improved Haste, I pushed on into the third level, and quickly encountered a bumbling mad elf. I took a quick look at my surroundings: portals in every direction. But I chased down the elf through the one he went through, thinking that's where the action would be.
However, he ended up being mostly useless. Told me something about needing a scepter and three gems to move down to the next level. I decided to let him live, after looting his tent and finding that scepter, along with his journal with some type of directions scribbled in.
2PM. I realize the quickly that the portals connecting the chambers do not lead back into each other; and in fact, this entire level is like an evil maze, full of demons and other extraplanar creatures. In some areas, Edwin's and Viconia's magic doesn't even work, on induces violent wild surges. Gah, more useless than usual, those two! No matter, though. I may be slow to navigate this damn place, but I will kill and conquer anything in my way.
[First Watcher's Keep reload! My PC got smashed by the Tieflings in melee. I was smarter about it the second time--having Edwin summon a Golem from his book...]
4PM. I stormed chamber to chamber but could not seem to make sense of the place--at least I was able to kill anything I came across; I decided to keep the heart of an arch-demon Ka'rashur that I slew.
5PM. I allowed a succubus to kiss me--enraging myself first to be invulnerable to whatever foul magic she sends my way. She didn't cause any harm to me--but she barely kept up her side of the bargain herself...merely beckoning to the portal I just stepped out of. Huh! I was ready to start fighting...but she and her gang teleported away.
[Edit: She may have taken gold? I was like down to 22K next time I noticed...but I really haven't been keeping track so who knows.]
[Reload during the 5xCambion fight...my PC got nailed with a Death Spell, damn! I made sure to go Berserk on the second go-round, even though it was my last use. I roll the dice on my survivability, trying to save skills and abilities for some future encounter. Always gets me! I don't have that super no-reload mentality yet!]
[Day 65]
12AM. I fought into the late night again. Frustrated with the maze, I eventually started to use the madman's scribbled directions...and finally encountered Aesgareth, the Cambion. He told me he had the third gem that I was looking for--he tried to get me to play some type of game with his "Deck of Many Things"...but after some quick thought, I decided it was a much better gambit to just attack him and his entire crew, and take whatever artifacts he was holding onto. I had no fear of him.
I summoned some creatures to help me, but his group immediately attacked them. I took offense to that! But used the time to reposition my companions. While they were a strong group of monsters--they stood no match for me.
5AM. I continued to battle throught he early morning, making my way down to the Machine of Lum the Mad--under the effects of Viconia's final casting of Chaotic Commands, and my berserker rage exhausted, I exterminated the mind flayers making their home here on the fourth level. I started fighting Githyanki, but at some point my psionic defenses expired, and it was time to rest again in my Pocket Plane.
6AM. Knowing Aesgareth spoke highly about the "Deck of Many Things"...I decided to look into the power of this artifact myself while in my lair in the Abyss. It first bestows me with a handful of fine gems! Aha, good. I'll see what else it can do...
3PM. Rested, we return to Watcher's Keep to fight the Githyanki stranded here...
My current party is:
Ethal Jo, Level 28 Berserker (Crom Faeyr and Runehammer)
Sarevok, Level 17 Fighter>Level 16 Thief
Viconia, Level 28 Cleric
Edwin, Level 22 Conjurer
Reputation: Disliked (6)
[Level 27 for my PC was big because I got Grandmastery in Warhammers, so can put away that damn Mace +3 (I never got the Mace of Disruption)....beyond that, Sarevok regaining his fighter levels--along with 2H sword usage--will be the next and last big group upgrade, barring unforeseen developments.]
[So now I really just have the late game encounters ahead of me---Demilich/Saladrex>Watcher's Keep 4th Level>Demogorgon/Knights of the Vigil>Sendai>Draconis>Abazigal>Balthazar>Ravager>Melissan...so true endgame now. Not as many roleplay choices happening these days, although there are some...(I mean I had a NG wizard slayer>thief recently that didn't kill Saladrex or Demogorgon OR the Knights of the Vigil.)]
[Soo....I'll wait to look forward to that. I switch characters every three months or so, and it just about happens to be time. I'll likely be coming up with a new RP playthrough soon in a different thread. So if it's not next week for one last update, I WILL return to Ethal Jo another day in the future, sooner than later...I think I started him about a year ago, and my playthroughs tend to linger on...]
[My notes got disappeared due to a sync error or something with my note-taking app, so I’m jumping in time about a day and half, but going to give the recap of what happened…]
1AM. The previous evening, we conquered the Githyanki, then slew Saladrex the Dragon and the Demilich. Found a note too that told me how to get into the Machine of Lum the Mad using the Crystal Mallet that I had eventually discovered. I tried to force Carston to tell me how the Machine worked, but he was useless, so I disposed of him. Luckily I figured out from his journal how to open the portal to the next level; and also what all those handwritten notes were for that I had Viconia collecting. I used this Machine to increase all my attributes and receive the “Storm Star” mace! Ahh, the rewards.
On the fourth level, I continued to battle the monsters that infest this place. I refused deal with the Ghost who wanted me to “prove myself” for its trials...so I saw how far I could get without him. I even found a mechanism that could summon increasingly powerful creatures for me to slay and pillage! Eventually though, I had to agree to go along with his tests in order to move further along.
[Death & reload here fighting the Beholders from the color sphere summoning…of course after all my explaining how I really wanted to avoid deaths, my PC dies fairly quickly. But this is actually relevant to my last PC death, and it’s actually not due to carelessness. The big reveal for me was that Berserk rage does NOT make you immune to Death magic. I was under the assumption I would be protected with my Rage activated; but nope, I got zapped with one again and failed the save. For my last reload, I was going on about saving my Berserk rage and that’s why the Cambion killed me with a Finger of Death. In actuality, I would have been killed anyway, even with Berserk activated. The key is Potions of Invulnerability, I guess (I don’t think I want to keep the spell memorized…).]
I had transformed Sarevok into my utility thief ever since granting him his life back when I created my Pocket Plane…but at some point leading up to these Seal battles, he finally mastered those skills and was able to combine them with his past fighter prowess. I outfitted him with the Psion’s Blade and the Helm of the Rock.
With more rest in the Pocket Plane, I crushed my way through the Final Seal battles. With most high-level spells and abilities spent, I didn't yet want to face the final “Imprisoned One” in the depths–where clearly this last portal led–but I felt strong enough to travel down at least to lay eyes on the beast, to see what I was dealing with.
I learned it is Demogorgon, Prince of Demons–not only this, he reveals to me the Knights of the Vigil were trying to betray me! I wasn’t planning to read their damn scroll anyway, but likely it would have sealed me in here forever. Huh?! I knew I didn't trust them from the very outset–really would have been better if I slew them all as soon I saw them, as was my original inclination.
Regardless, I still decide to kill this monster, not seeing how I can leave it here still breathing. I am the Slayer of Belhifet, Son of Bhaal after all.
However in this initial encounter I barely escaped with my party, although I was able at least to take out his Marilith minions during this time. I will still have to rest before facing him again.
I emerge and confronted the Knights of the Vigil on their pathetic attempt at treachery, but they storm in to the Demogorgon's lair themselves before I can stop them. Just then another Helmite ghost appears...apparently I can seal everyone in. But I don't get ANY reward that way, and I sure won’t leave without destroying the Prince of Demons.
I port back into the lair a second time just to see what the siutation is...but don't see any evidence of the Knights, just the Demogorgon's horde of demons again. Apparently it has designs on escaping... But as long as it's still there after we re-collect ourselves in the Pocket Plane, then I'll come back and slay the beast. I’ll kill the damn Knights too if I find them, but don’t see how they wouldn’t have been torn to shreds already.
So now in the middle of the night, I go to confront the beast, if it is even still there…
[So now, I’m in a bit of a planning quandary for the Demogorgon fight because of various in-game reasons...I killed the two mariliths, so I'll be dealing with a Glabrezu horde. More importantly, Edwin doesn't have Pierce Shield memorized (and no scroll) and since Demogorgon is immune to level 6 spells and below, I have no real way of lowering MR enough to harm him magically. I don't have access to Arcana Archives either, as I skipped that quest in Saradush and didn't get to Amkethran yet either. Sarevok just turned level 18 thief so Spike Traps are still a long ways off. So it will have to be a straight melee battle. I think it will be difficult to do with the Stoneskins and the Implosions etc...glad Sarevok has his levels back, I guess. This should be his first time getting IH get cast on him. Maybe Viconia gets it too?!]
[FYI this is all written up before my first attempt…]
2AM. After a brutal, vicious battle, with Viconia getting herself killed, I stand triumphant over Demogorgon and his Glabrezu horde.
I do realize now the Knights of the Vigil were indeed torn to shreds earlier in the day as their equipment lies all around the chamber…but Odren still draws breath. Likely he was being kept alive and tortured by the demon. He begged for forgiveness from me right before he finally expired. Didn’t feel as good as killing him myself would have, but at least he got what was coming to him.
[Reloads before I got it right: 3. This was definitely my toughest fight with Ethal Jo since probably back in BG1. My PC died 3x first, but it was more or less like I described above. IH for Ethal Jo, Sarevok, Viconia…I had a small army of summonses (Swords, Golems, Fallen Deva) head down the northern stairs with Edwin in tow; PC, Sarevok, and Vicona down the southern stairs. I had the summonses go in first, drawing the Glabrezus that direction. My three party members attacked from the west–Berserker Rage from Ethal Jo and Defensive Harmony from Viconia were the initial skills/spells used. Edwin just kept summoning more Swords from the staircase and kept sending them down–I got two extra from his simulacrum earlier. On the fourth try, Sarevok and I were able to finish him off after Viconia was killed. I think I just got better attack rolls on the last attempt, but also learned to micromanage the chaotic melee combat a little better. Previous attempts involved keeping injured characters in melee for too long I think...]
1PM. Aha, now that I’ve conquered the legendary Watcher’s Keep–I think back to the other Bhaalspawn armies that the Solar and Melissan wanted me to confont. That was about four or five days ago now.
How much of a threat could they possibly be to me? I’ve conquered and destroyed all enemies I’ve come across–I'm not scared of them in the slightest. But in the back of my mind, I know I don't want them knocking on my door someday…especially knowing how close I am to them right now. One thing I learned is that Bhaalspawn like killing each other off. I can bring the trouble to them first.
Since I'm already here in the south, I'll make the trip down to Amkethran to see the value in killing Sendai and Abazigal. But I'm making the journey for my OWN reasons…regardless if it also happens to be in Melissan's or whoever else's interest.
My current party is:
Ethal Jo, Level 31 Berserker (Crom Faeyr and Runehammer)
Sarevok, Level 17 Fighter>Level 19 Thief
Viconia, Level 31 Cleric
Edwin, Level 24 Conjurer
Reputation: Disliked (6)