Chaotic Good Fighter/Mage - Roleplay, Minimal Reload BG/BG2EE Playthrough
Selerel
Member Posts: 172
Hello,
I generally don't stick to a character longer than three or four months at a time, so even though I was in the latter half of TOB, it was time for me to switch from my Berserker and roll a new character.
I know Fighter/Mage combos are a little overdone, but honestly I can't remember the last time I played one personally. There's a whole library of self-casted defense spells that I barely ever touch with my NPC mages, so it will be nice to really get to know all of those protection spells over the course of a playthrough (PFMW? Come on!). I won't get into how I choose a new character, but it was basically between this guy and a Sun Soul Monk, but I went with this guy.
Just as an intro, here are my guidelines when I play:
-PLAYTHROUGH. The entire Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition saga from BG1 to TotSC to SOD to SOA to TOB. Core rules...unmodded. Official vanilla. Once I can get through the whole thing without a reload, I’ll think about upping the difficulty!
-ROLEPLAY & MINIMAL METAGAMING. I try to flesh out as realistic a character as possible and roleplay that. I try to come up with a unique personality and Candlekeep-based biography to match. I generally think about it for a day or so before I start a new character. I pick their class, possible dual class, weapon specializations, and thief skills if applicable, but beyond that I don't keep any specific plan for the playthrough. Respond naturally, as I think the character would in that moment, and see what happens. In practice, this determines dialogue choices, what companions I keep, and my specific prioritization of quests, battles, and area explorations. I make the most in-character choices, even if I'm aware it may lead to not getting a quest or losing out on a companion or whatever. E.g., I may have had hopes for weeks of getting a certain companion in my party, only to realize when I finally meet them that's there's no realistic way to get them to join with the dialogue options provided. And I have to suck it up and move on...so I really don't have any idea how the playthrough is going to go when I start up. After all this time playing BG I do appreciate random unfortunate events that throw a wrench into my plans.
-MINIMAL RELOAD. I know that has different meanings to different people, but to me it means I reload when charname dies, but I roll with anything else that might happen. This means I may have a catastrophe where my entire party dies, and it would be easier to give up and reload...but as long as PC still stands, I'll fight the temptation to bring up an earlier save (I don't count gameplay bugs or real-world distractions). And as far as charname deaths, well I just believe there are a hundred or so alternate realities, most of which charnames dies and never ascends to Bhaal's throne, but I'm writing about that one universe where he succeeds. The fact is, I very much don’t want my PC to die (that’s just called playing the game)…but moreso, I want to take the character through the entire saga while having as natural and non-metagamed experience as I can. I started logging every time my PC dies, so I’m hoping the subtle shame of having to broadcast my failures will give me extra motivation to stay alive!
Some other minor playing habits:
The new character:
Wybrough
Half-Elf Fighter/Mage
Chaotic Good
Enneagram Personality Type 8w7
STR: 18/93
DEX: 18
CON: 16
INT: 17
WIS: 10
CHA: 9
Weapon specialization priorities: Axe, Flail/Morning Star, Two Weapon Style
Bio:
Being raised by a caring Gorion, you were taught to always do the most good for the most people you could. It was clear you were a powerful, smart, and unique child growing up (with shocking blue skin that has only ever been attributed vaguely to your mysterious heritage), and you repeatedly were taught the lesson that the greater good of the world is the most important thing, regardless of the sacrifices that the good people may have to make to see it happen. You believed very early on what Gorion taught you, and saw it clearly in the example he set. You knew you would be a force for good in the world as soon as you were able. As you grew up, you excelled both in traditional melee combat, but also in the spellcasting world of mages and wizards. Many in Candlekeep could easily see your formidable potential.
Although inside the walls of Candlekeep you’ve barely been tested, you’ve learned to tune out your own pain and suffering during training, by focusing on the underlying reasons you’re doing the things you’re doing: to fight against evil in the world. You truly want to make the world a better place, and see yourself as an advocate for those being wronged by evildoers: a soldier fighting the good fight and protecting the innocent. In fact, you believe it’s your most important role in this world. It’s not something you’re especially prideful or haughty about; more of a solemn responsibility that you felt you had no choice but to accept due to who you are and how you were raised. Your attitude can often be described as grim.
Having control of a situation is very important to you. You don’t trust other authority, and know that sometimes those in power can be the greatest committers of atrocities. You act at the direction of your own conscience and your own priority for what’s best for the world, and trust yourself more than almost everyone else. You’re tough and confrontational, but smart enough to know that there are better ways to get what you want sometimes than fighting a losing battle straight on. That being said, your temper is known to flare up enough that you’ve been called hot-headed.
You’re a big-picture thinker and tend to have your eyes on large-scale goals, always knowing the endgame is the most important thing. You always run though many scenarios in your head, and more often than not you’ve planned out several contingencies. There’s always a plan cooking in the back of your mind. You’re not always beholden to traditional path, and have no qualms dealing with shady or less-than-lawful sources or contacts, as long as you know the greater good is being served. In fact, at times you deal better with those on the outskirts of society than those who fit in perfectly.
You’re perfectly alright to act alone, and sometimes you know this is the best way for speed and efficiency. You may even struggle occassionally with recognizing when you need help, and can be very afraid of showing vulnerability. But in general, you have no problem taking others under your wing to teach the same mentality and responsibility. You can be a great coach, leader, and mentor.
You’re extremely logical, clear-minded, and well-balanced in your life habits, although your manner and disposition can be very blunt and rough at times. You don’t see the point ever in sugar-coating words, and believe it’s best for people to hear the truth as clear as possible. This can lead some to see you as cold and distant and has strained relationships in the past.
Regardless, you’re definitely able to engender the fierce loyalty of your companions, and your friends and companions receive yours as well. An “us vs. them” mentality can take root very easily in your circles, as you may see yourself and your companions as courageous soldiers in an outnumbered war against evil. Even if that descriptions has been mostly hyperbolic while within the Candlekeep walls, that attitude is truly is a fundamental part of your nature.
To catch up:
Baldur’s Gate 1 Recap:
I generally don't stick to a character longer than three or four months at a time, so even though I was in the latter half of TOB, it was time for me to switch from my Berserker and roll a new character.
I know Fighter/Mage combos are a little overdone, but honestly I can't remember the last time I played one personally. There's a whole library of self-casted defense spells that I barely ever touch with my NPC mages, so it will be nice to really get to know all of those protection spells over the course of a playthrough (PFMW? Come on!). I won't get into how I choose a new character, but it was basically between this guy and a Sun Soul Monk, but I went with this guy.
Just as an intro, here are my guidelines when I play:
-PLAYTHROUGH. The entire Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition saga from BG1 to TotSC to SOD to SOA to TOB. Core rules...unmodded. Official vanilla. Once I can get through the whole thing without a reload, I’ll think about upping the difficulty!
-ROLEPLAY & MINIMAL METAGAMING. I try to flesh out as realistic a character as possible and roleplay that. I try to come up with a unique personality and Candlekeep-based biography to match. I generally think about it for a day or so before I start a new character. I pick their class, possible dual class, weapon specializations, and thief skills if applicable, but beyond that I don't keep any specific plan for the playthrough. Respond naturally, as I think the character would in that moment, and see what happens. In practice, this determines dialogue choices, what companions I keep, and my specific prioritization of quests, battles, and area explorations. I make the most in-character choices, even if I'm aware it may lead to not getting a quest or losing out on a companion or whatever. E.g., I may have had hopes for weeks of getting a certain companion in my party, only to realize when I finally meet them that's there's no realistic way to get them to join with the dialogue options provided. And I have to suck it up and move on...so I really don't have any idea how the playthrough is going to go when I start up. After all this time playing BG I do appreciate random unfortunate events that throw a wrench into my plans.
-MINIMAL RELOAD. I know that has different meanings to different people, but to me it means I reload when charname dies, but I roll with anything else that might happen. This means I may have a catastrophe where my entire party dies, and it would be easier to give up and reload...but as long as PC still stands, I'll fight the temptation to bring up an earlier save (I don't count gameplay bugs or real-world distractions). And as far as charname deaths, well I just believe there are a hundred or so alternate realities, most of which charnames dies and never ascends to Bhaal's throne, but I'm writing about that one universe where he succeeds. The fact is, I very much don’t want my PC to die (that’s just called playing the game)…but moreso, I want to take the character through the entire saga while having as natural and non-metagamed experience as I can. I started logging every time my PC dies, so I’m hoping the subtle shame of having to broadcast my failures will give me extra motivation to stay alive!
Some other minor playing habits:
- My PC gets the best equipment available to them (for their role in the party). For “secondary” gear that remains, I balance it among companions.
- I generally don’t buy scrolls or equipment for companions either…I use merchants only for the PC’s equipment. The exception is for what I call situational & utility spell scrolls and items–e.g., Remove Fear, PfE, Dispel/Remove Magic, any protection-disablers, any resistance-lowerers, Simulacrum (including Vhailor’s Helm), Haste, Improved Haste, Spell Sequencers, and any others of that nature that I decide fit this bread-and-butter miscellaneous category.
- I WILL forge items for companions if I have all the components.
- I don’t recharge items by selling them to merchants and buying back.
- If I have a specialist mage (PC or companion), all of their spell slots are used for the spells of their school that force a saving throw. The exception are the situational & utility spells as described above, which can take up slots too. That means a Conjurer (who knows Grease) will have all their Level 1 spells be Grease, unless I want to throw in a few PfEs or Protection from Petrifications. A playthrough where Edwin is my only mage? That’s a playthrough without magic missile.
- All characters need to have at least one proficiency point in the weapons they use, unless it’s temporary and there’s no choice.
The new character:
Wybrough
Half-Elf Fighter/Mage
Chaotic Good
Enneagram Personality Type 8w7
STR: 18/93
DEX: 18
CON: 16
INT: 17
WIS: 10
CHA: 9
Weapon specialization priorities: Axe, Flail/Morning Star, Two Weapon Style
Bio:
Being raised by a caring Gorion, you were taught to always do the most good for the most people you could. It was clear you were a powerful, smart, and unique child growing up (with shocking blue skin that has only ever been attributed vaguely to your mysterious heritage), and you repeatedly were taught the lesson that the greater good of the world is the most important thing, regardless of the sacrifices that the good people may have to make to see it happen. You believed very early on what Gorion taught you, and saw it clearly in the example he set. You knew you would be a force for good in the world as soon as you were able. As you grew up, you excelled both in traditional melee combat, but also in the spellcasting world of mages and wizards. Many in Candlekeep could easily see your formidable potential.
Although inside the walls of Candlekeep you’ve barely been tested, you’ve learned to tune out your own pain and suffering during training, by focusing on the underlying reasons you’re doing the things you’re doing: to fight against evil in the world. You truly want to make the world a better place, and see yourself as an advocate for those being wronged by evildoers: a soldier fighting the good fight and protecting the innocent. In fact, you believe it’s your most important role in this world. It’s not something you’re especially prideful or haughty about; more of a solemn responsibility that you felt you had no choice but to accept due to who you are and how you were raised. Your attitude can often be described as grim.
Having control of a situation is very important to you. You don’t trust other authority, and know that sometimes those in power can be the greatest committers of atrocities. You act at the direction of your own conscience and your own priority for what’s best for the world, and trust yourself more than almost everyone else. You’re tough and confrontational, but smart enough to know that there are better ways to get what you want sometimes than fighting a losing battle straight on. That being said, your temper is known to flare up enough that you’ve been called hot-headed.
You’re a big-picture thinker and tend to have your eyes on large-scale goals, always knowing the endgame is the most important thing. You always run though many scenarios in your head, and more often than not you’ve planned out several contingencies. There’s always a plan cooking in the back of your mind. You’re not always beholden to traditional path, and have no qualms dealing with shady or less-than-lawful sources or contacts, as long as you know the greater good is being served. In fact, at times you deal better with those on the outskirts of society than those who fit in perfectly.
You’re perfectly alright to act alone, and sometimes you know this is the best way for speed and efficiency. You may even struggle occassionally with recognizing when you need help, and can be very afraid of showing vulnerability. But in general, you have no problem taking others under your wing to teach the same mentality and responsibility. You can be a great coach, leader, and mentor.
You’re extremely logical, clear-minded, and well-balanced in your life habits, although your manner and disposition can be very blunt and rough at times. You don’t see the point ever in sugar-coating words, and believe it’s best for people to hear the truth as clear as possible. This can lead some to see you as cold and distant and has strained relationships in the past.
Regardless, you’re definitely able to engender the fierce loyalty of your companions, and your friends and companions receive yours as well. An “us vs. them” mentality can take root very easily in your circles, as you may see yourself and your companions as courageous soldiers in an outnumbered war against evil. Even if that descriptions has been mostly hyperbolic while within the Candlekeep walls, that attitude is truly is a fundamental part of your nature.
To catch up:
Baldur’s Gate 1 Recap:
- After Gorion’s murder, my focus was to find his killers, avenge his death, and figure out their motive. Taking Imoen along with me, I immediately went to find Khalid and Jaheira, thinking they would have information (they didn’t). Regardless, I allowed them to join me although I had no desire to go to Nashkel.
- In the attempt to find where the killers came from, I investigated the area of Gorion’s murder, High Hedge, and Beregost. In Beregost, I rescued and then recruited Neera the Wild Mage and also joined with Kagain the mercenary. For different reasons I thought they would both be useful for my search.
- Khalid and Jaheira, wishing to give up the search for Gorion’s killers, grumbled about wanting to travel south. I allowed them, parting with them in Beregost. The rest of us travel north to Baldur’s Gate, meeting and recruiting Ajantis on the way. He is eager to fight evildoers.
- Ajantis and Kagain are both killed by ankhegs (non-permanently) in the dangerous trip to Baldur’s Gate, and we found out the city is closed off anyway. With no leads on Gorion’s killers, I determined my best course of action is to work on solving the bandit crisis in the region.
- I left Ajantis to stay with Firebead Elvenhair in Beregost and re-recruited Khalid and Jaheira who hadn't yet left Beregost. The six of us (including Imoen, Neera, and Kagain) traveled south for Nashkel.
- We defeated Mulahey in Nashkel and solved the crisis in the mines, learning about the “Iron Throne” for the first time. Via Tranzig’s information, we spent days traveling and searching for the bandit camp in the northeastern wilderness. When we found it, we blended in for a short time, but a major fight eventually pointed us to Cloakwood.
- In preparation of Cloakwood, I traveled to Beregost, Nashkel, and Adoy’s Enclave (in an unsuccessful attempt for Neera to learn to control her powers). At some point, I explored the Ulcaster ruins as well.
- Eventually I parted ways with both Neera and Kagain, then recruited Baeloth, a Drow sorcerer I had previously met in the Woods of Sharp Teeth. Baeloth, Khalid, Jaheira, Imoen, and I made the journey into Cloakwood.
- Although Khalid died during the Cloakwood expedition, we eventually found and defeated Davaeorn. Rather than flooding a much-needed source of iron, I left Jaheira and Faldorn to guard the mine–I brought Faldorn there after Davaeorn had been defeated. Imoen, Baeloth, and I returned to the Coast Way in a long, dangerous trip. (Khalid's remains were left with Jaheira.)
- I visited Nashkel again and recruited Branwen, needing a loyal healer. I had rescued her from stone a few weeks earlier. We were now a foursome: myself, Branwen, Imoen, and Baeloth.
- We traveled back to Baldur’s Gate now that the drawbridge was down. Although he stopped and questioned us, I avoided speaking with the Flaming Fist Commander Scar as much as I could.
- I soon got into a major scuffle at the Iron Throne headquarters, killing top lieutenants and learning the rest of the leadership is currently staying at Candlekeep. I also learned that they’ve infiltrated opposing trading rosters with dopplegangers, so I slay the monsters at the Merchants League and Seven Suns over the next few days. I stayed far away from the Flaming Fist, not trusting them or wanting them to interfere.
- Traveling back to Candlekeep, I realized I have no way to get in while the Iron Throne plots inside–save offering some tome of great value in return for entry.
- In attempts to find a sufficiently valuable book, we returned to Baldur’s Gate. We visited mages, notable estates, temples, and other locations that would conceivably have book collections, forcibly entering and using stealth when we had to.
- Over several days, we got into altercations with Iron Throne assassins, Water Queens priestesses, a Drow-hating paladin, Ragefast and Ramazith, the Thieves Guild, Degrodel, and multiple Flaming Fist Enforcers, to name a few. Unfortunately, our search came up empty and I decided that Ulgoth’s Beard and the eastern dungeons (Firewine, Durlag’s Towers) would have to be the next destinations.
- In Ulgoth’s Beard, I learned from Mendas of an uncharted island and the possible existence of Balduran’s Logbook, a tome that could possibly get me into Candlekeep. I soon retrieved the Sea Charts from the Counting House and set sail within a few days…
- Total Reloads: 9
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Prologue
[Day 0]
7AM. Gorion, clearly troubled, tells me to make haste for a journey that the two of us will be going on. I know this is no holiday or leisure trip–something is drastically wrong here. I know I must do as Gorion asks and start to steel myself for whatever trouble lies ahead…
I summon my familiar and purchase some combat equipment from Winthrop, then look to quickly tie up whatever loose ends I have left here in Candlekeep this morning.
Current party:
Wybrough, Level 1 Fighter/Level 1 Mage (Battle Axe and Flail)
Reputation: Average (11)
8AM. I make a last roundabout of Candlekeep, realizing a threat may be moving in, and knowing I’ll need as much advice, help, and information as possible–Gorion doesn’t seem to want to spill much himself, but maybe others know a thing or two? I should be ready to go in an hour or so.
My suspicions were correct–some brigand named Shank tries to kill me with a rusty dagger in the Priests’ Quarters. I’m frustrated not knowing what’s happening, but I know enough to take it deathly seriously.
Baldr863.jpg
Chapter 1
[Day 1]
7AM. Another weak thug made an attempt on my life, but Gorion still decided to leave at night, thinking it safer that way. But we were ambushed by some type of mercernary group–who ended up killing Gorion. They even asked for me personally, but I was able to get away. I should have stayed to help Gorion, but I can’t change that now.
I’m completely shattered, but I try to gather myself to think of my next steps, while my fury continues to rise at my father’s murderers. Who were they and what did they want? Were they the ones Gorion was trying to elude? I know without him it will be difficult to barter my way back into Candlekeep, but I wouldn’t dream of running back there now anyway. I need to bring these killers to justice, and that starts with finding them and figuring out what the hell they wanted with me.
Imoen had snuck off and followed us out, seeing what had transpired. She’s an old friend and wants to get involved in this conflict with me? Fine–I can use the help of a thief. I hope she’s ready for this…
My answers are out there somewhere, not back in Candlekeep. Gorion had friends at the Friendly Arm Inn that he told me to find, so after I inspect the battle site for clues, I’ll start with traveling there.
I was leary when a traveler told us about a pair of strange strangers up the road, so I immediately investigated. I met Xzar and Montaron, but their concerns were far away from mine for the time being…
[Day 2]
1AM. Our trek to the Friendly Arm Inn was mostly eventless, but as we approached the entrance, there was another killer waiting for us. A mage named Tarnesh. He put Shank and Carbos to shame, but ended up being not that strong ultimately, and we managed to put him down before he could do too much arcane harm to us. From a note he had, it looks like there is indeed a lawless bounty on my head. I’ll have to continue to be wary.
[Welp, if this was a no-reload playthrough, I’d be done. Couldn’t kill the dreaded Tarnesh my first try. I use the magic missile wand to interrupt his first spell…after that, neither Imoen nor I could get a hit in, and he eventually cast Fear then easily killed me. I had tried to interrupt again with magic missile wand before he cast again, but was too late. For my second try, PC landed a hit that killed him after the initial magic missile wand interrupt.]
I enter the Inn itself, trying to stay by the walls and out of sight, looking for Gorion’s friends. I spot them quickly and we introduce ourselves. As Gorion’s note hinted at, it unfortunately doesn’t seem like they have information about the circumstances or motives of his death.
They do mention that they plan to head to Nashkel, apparently one of the sources of the bandit and iron crises of the Sword Coast. As they said, somehow helping with these problems would be a fitting tribute to Gorion, as he always taught me to take action in the world where I could. And in my circumstances, it’s best I have battle-ready companions by my side; I’m sure I’ll be seeing more bloodshed by the end of this. So Khalid and Jaheira agree to travel with me.
But with this bounty knowledge, it feels like there are vultures circling me. I still need to get answers about Gorion’s killers, so I have trouble just running away down south to Amn. I’ll explore the Inn and the surrounding area a bit more, looking for more bounty hunters, or at least clues or witnesses from that night. Sooner than later, we’ll make our way to Beregost, the nearest town to Candlekeep. After that, the city of Baldur’s Gate may have to be an option too, depending on what shakes out. If Khalid and Jaheira aren’t understanding, that is fine.
11AM. Overnight, I sleet in a bed outside Candlekeep for the first time in a long time. I’m going to talk to the locals, and explore a bit of the surrounding area.
[Day 3]
6AM. We fought some hobgoblins outside Friendly Arm, but it’s time to move on. The four of us made the journey south into the evening, then made camp under a cliff face off the Coast Way. I awake determined to have a more purposeful, thorough search around these parts, and to the west, before continuing on to Beregost.
[Day 4]
3AM. After a day in the wilderness near where Gorion’s attack happened–dealing with bandits, thugs, and small monsters–we made camp. High Hedge to the southeast intrigues me, and it’s on the way to Beregost…we wake up in the very early morning to begin the journey there.
2PM. In High Hedge, we were thrown into a series of battles with skeletons, gnolls, and spiders, and we have injuries to show for it. There are some other travelers about–Permidion Stark and Kivan–but I keep them at a distance after exchanging some brief words. I do hear that there’s a powerful mage nearby, possibly guarded by magic golems? Well, I mean him no harm, and surely he’ll have information on powerful mercenaries that may have been in the area recently?
However, before I play my hand here, I want to make sure we’re ready for any fight that comes along. We’re hurt as it is; so I may call it an early day and make camp until tomorrow while we tend to our wounds.
[Day 5]
7AM. I met Thalantyr, but he had no information for me and was only interested in buying and selling magical items–so still some value. He has a large scroll selection for sale; I don’t need any right now, but I’ll make note to travel back out here at some point.
12PM. I arrive in Beregost from the west at noontime. I’m going to get the lay of the land, but I’ll be certain to dig in about any local happenings with mercenaries, bounties, and the like. I’m thinking it’s likely that Gorion’s killers passed through Beregost at some point. If not, then they would have had to come by way of the Gate.
From some commoners, I hear about Thunderhammer Smithy, Feldepost’s Inn, the Jovial Juggler, the Red Sheaf, and the Burning Wizard. I’ll keep my eyes open for all these “destinations” for possible rumors and information...
1PM. I saw Feldepost’s Inn and decided to enter. Almost instantly, a town drunk named Marl picks a fight with me. Rather than kill him, we knocked him unconscious–but it wouldn’t stop the idiot from attacking us. Khalid and I led him out to a cow field and put him down again (unconscious). The brute was able to injure us pretty badly, unfortunately and Jaheira is out of healing spells. I may take a room for the rest of the day to recuperate and take stock of Beregost later this evening.
10PM. Feldepost’s was of no use for information, so I went out to some of the other taverns and inns…
[Day 6]
12AM. By midnight, I had visited Firebead Elvenhair and the Jovial Juggler, and cleared Landrin’s house of the spider infestation in a unexpected vicious battle, and even talked to some courtesans. But no one had the slightest idea about the group of killers that I’m looking for.
In the Red Sheaf, I ran into another bounty hunter looking for me, Karlat! I tried to reason with him to see if he’d provide anything useful…but he wouldn’t have it. He was a very strong warrior and it took all of Jaheira’s healing magic, as well as a potion or two, to keep us alive. Jaheira was using the magic missile wand, and Imoen eventually ran out of arrows and started attacking with her short sword. Eventually Khalid landed a critical strike and took out the threat.
Hmm, the notice of the bounty he was carrying went out to all “appropriate guilds”...as in thieves’ guilds? Assassins’ guilds? I’ll be on the lookout for any type of guild lead, or guildmember of this nature. It still drives me mad: Why did they kill Gorion and why did they try to kill me??
1AM. Back on the streets, I encountered Neera and had to defend her from some treacherous wizards who were looking to experiment on her…some untapped, wild mage potential inside of her. She offered to join our adventuring party and I accepted, fearing what fate could await her if those Thayans catch up to her again and there’s no one to protect her–besides, with some control, she could be a powerful resource in our fight to come.
Injured from the Thayan bodyguards, it’s time to call it a night to get some rest and healing. I plan to wake in the morning and continue to see what I can uncover in Beregost…
Current party:
Wybrough, Level 1 Fighter/Level 1 Mage (Morning Star and Battle Axe)
Khalid, Level 1 Fighter
Imoen, Level 2 Thief
Jaheira, Level 2 Fighter/Level 2 Druid
Neera, Level 1 Wild Mage
Reputation: Average (12)
10AM. I’m inquiring about the town more–seeing if *anyone* here has information I can use. I keep hearing about the mad cleric Bassilus and his crimes against nature. Could he have some connection to the pack of villains that ambushed us? However unlikely, it doesn’t even matter, as I don’t have a lead on him either.
12PM. After visiting the temple, I’d figure to take a look around the eastern outskirts of town, in case there might be any unsavory parties camped about. I did eventually stumble upon some hobgoblin bandits, but it turned quickly to violence.
2PM. I spotted a Vampiric wolf while roaming the area, and luckily it did not catch our blood-filled scent: I knew we had no way of fighting the creature without magical weapons. I called a retreat, realizing this was no longer the outskirts of Beregost, but actually the wilderness. I returned to town (after fighting a few more hobgoblins), and started visiting some of the locals door to door, to see if anyone has some answers.
3PM. I enter Kagain’s shop and realizes he runs a mercenary business–could be very useful. He doesn’t have any information on the group I look for, as he’s currently concerned about a different attack that occurred on the Coast Way. Apparently it involved the possible murder of the son of a Baldur’s Gate Duke, another notable Sword Coast resident, much like Gorion was. Could THIS be connected? I don’t have much hope, and it’s likely just part of the general violence along the Coast Way. But I don’t mind doing some work for Kagain in the event I can use his some of his mercenary connections later on…I accept the job despite the relatively paltry money, and Kagain joins our travel party.
6PM. There’s no information about Gorion’s killers anywhere in Beregost after searching for over a day. I DO have the knowledge that the bounty on my head is still very much active.
If Gorion’s killers didn’t come by way of Beregost, they must have traveled through Baldur’s Gate at some point. It’s already been almost a week, any trail from that night has likely run cold. But I’d rather at least try to face the trouble head on. I can’t bring myself to just shrug and give up. However unlikely, there may be some clue or some witness yet on the trail north to the city. I may encounter other mercenary or bandit groups of the Sword Coast, of which theres’s been no shortage recently. And if I can make contact with a thieves’ guild or a kill-for-hire guild, answers may be closer than I realize. I owe it to Gorion to keep working at it.
Quite frankly, Khalid and Jaheira are more disinterested in finding his killers than they ought to be. I know they have pressing business with the mayor of Nashkel regarding the iron crisis there, and I’ve committed to help them in Gorion’s honor (of all things). In good faith, I do think they believe this is the best way to honor his memory. The crisis in the mines is bleak, it seems, and it’s been impacting much of Sword Coast.
For that reason, I won’t ask them to come north with me. Jaheira already has been grumbling on about not moving faster south. So it’s important they continue on to Amn. I’ll part ways with them here in Beregost, and hopefully we can reunite again in Nashkel later. I don’t anticipate an extended stay anywhere, so this journey to the city may only take Imoen, Neera, Kagain and me a couple days (depending on what we find). In any case, we’ll leave Beregost this evening as soon we’re able.
(We’ll also keep our eyes open for Kagain’s missing caravan, it may actually be the wreckage we saw on our way down here.)
I entertain the thought of leaving Neera in Beregost too? Her wild magic is too unpredictable and now’s not a good time to add additional enemies to the list of those already hunting us. But I can’t quite bring myself to leave the poor girl alone and undefended…so she can stick around for now until I figure out what to do with her.
11PM. Oneof the raided caravans we observed on the way south was indeed the one Kagain was looking for. Seeing now that his reputation is in the trash heap, he wants to join us permanently. He surmises we’re out to fight bandits, and I guess it’s not too far from the truth–it’s been made very clear how much they’ve been ravaging the Coast, and Gorion’s murderers are likely involved in some way. Yes, I can still use his skills for the journey ahead, and maybe even his mercenary contacts at some point.
[Day 7]
4PM. After camping overnight on the road north, we arrived in Friendly Arm Inn. I was able to perform a few favors for some guests here, so let’s see what comes of it.
I think I’m going to push on to Baldur’s Gate, potentially not getting there until in the early hours of tomorrow. It may require traveling at night; but that may actually be preferable for my purposes.
9PM. On the roadway north, I met Ajantis, a young squire paladin of Helm. We decided to ally our forces: He was looking to fight bandits, something we would no doubt continue doing, and our party could use a dependable companion, especially one with some limited healing magic. The five of us pushed on.
I heard about some trouble with the gods from a group of fishermen–doesn’t seem like a good situation any way you look at it. I’ll keep my eye out for this priestess to see what’s going on…
11PM. A portion of the Coast Way is infested with monstrous ankhegs; one or two bad strikes could kill any one of us. We were able to kill two of the beasts after casting Sleep spells…but we only had two Sleep spells memorized between Neera and myself.
Kagain, due to his exceedingly good constitution, can regenerate his injuries must faster than the rest of us, so I’ll remember to let him lead the charge if we encounter any more of these.
…And it looks like we will. I meet Farmer Brun and hear him sob about his missing son. *Sigh* I’ll see if I can help him; I suspect the son may have fallen prey to the ankheg nest a short way to the west, so I’ll try to get some answers there. I don’t see how this man’s going to get help from anyone else. It appears the Coast Way is filled with tragedy.
[Day 8]
12AM. Gah, Kagain has been killed in the ankheg nest! He was not able to retreat fast enough after suffering some injuries, and took a fatal hit from that disgusting projectile acid saliva. The rest of us put down the insect, but it’s unsafe to continue.
Fine, the plans have changed. I’ll make camp out here before reaching Baldur’s Gate, then make another go at helping Farmer Brun in the morning. But I’ll also make sure to scout the rest of this immediate area before calling it a night…
10AM. We made camp outside the farmer’s house for the night, then surveyed the rest of the surface before attempting another incursion into the ankheg next.
As we fought more of the bugs I realized very quickly: If they are not caught by the Sleep spell, it’s likely they can kill us–Ajantis died in the nest, just like Kagain. At this point, any futher exploration is likely a death sentence for the three of us still alive. It’s doubtful the farmer’s son is still alive in here somewhere…but hopefully I can return at some point soon when I’m more capable, to get answers and to put the old man at peace. I can’t do it now.
My best play is to hurry to Baldur’s Gate, and look for a temple there to resurrect my companions as soon as I’m able.
2PM. To my dismay, Baldur’s Gate is closed to visitors. I won’t be able to revive Kagain or Ajantis here, and after scouting the nearby area I truly have no direction to look for Gorion’s killers. And the reason the city’s closed is due to the bandit crisis! Gah, I could have been helping more this whole time instead of focusing on the fool’s errand of tracking down Gorion’s killers… Looks like Nashkel is part of the reason there’s a crisis, as it has to do with the iron shortage. So yes–we’ll double back and catch back up to Khalid and Jaheira.
3PM. I met the witch of Umberlee that the fishermen were complaining about. She is only a child, and I believe her story of the fishermen abusing her mother’s divine power. I will have a word with them..
[Day 9]
5PM. We kept getting run off by ankhegs that wouldn’t stop sprouting out of the ground. I sure didn’t want to be carrying more than two sets of companions’ remains, so I made sure we kept our distance when we’d see one...but sometimes they’d spot US too. So in time, we returned to the Friendly Arm, had Gellana Mirrorshade revive and heal Kagain and Ajantis, and then rested and returned to Farmer Brun’s land. I wasn’t going to let this go.
7PM. I snuck by as many ankhegs as I could in the nest (and fought the rest), and eventually did recover Nathan’s body. Good! We can put this to rest. My only remaining loose end is to make right with that Umberlee girl up north a ways…
[Day 10]
8AM. I returned the elemental summoning bowl to Tenya. Kagain was killed again by ankhegs. I’ll be steering clearing of this area for the foreseeable future–this area has been exceedingly dangerous for us.
[Day 11]
6PM. I returned to Beregost by way of Friendly Arm Inn (where Kagain was brought back to life)…and it was a rather eventless journey beyond that.
To my surprise, Khalid and Jaheira were still in Beregost. It’s been five days and still they’ve not made their way south? They must think that whatever they go to face down there, they won’t be able to handle it alone. While it would have been nice to get some advance information on situation in Nashkel…it’s fine they waited, I suppose. It’s good to get them back on board in any case.
So my group of companions is getting rather too large at this piont for what a proper adventuring party should be. Ajantis was a loyal sword arm for a few days, but we’ll split ways with him in Beregost. He can continue to keep eyes on the bandit situation from up here, and I may reconnect with him at some later point. I introduce him to Firebead, someone I can marginally trust, before saying farewell.
[Day 12]
8AM. On my way to Nashkel, I ran into a trio of Flaming Fist accusing us of banditry. I sighed and tried to pay him 50 gold to stop bothering us, but that only served to anger them further…and they attacked us. Tensions are running high it seems, especially as we get closer to the Amnish border. Luckily we were able to get them all magically sleeping and then just simply walked away, avoiding having to really harm them. I don’t know how this situation is going to play out if we try traveling back north and they’re still palling around…but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
Chapter 2
10PM. We arrived in Nashkel very late in the evening. Rather than head directly to the inn, I prefer to scout around a bit to get to know my new surroundings.
11PM. Although it was coming up on midnight, the mayor of the town Berrun Ghastkill was still up and about fortunately. He spoke to us in more detail about the trouble in the mine–and it looks like grave trouble indeed. Could it be bandits or mercenaries further stoking fires…or something even more sinister? I’ll have to learn more about how the conflict is affecting people down here in Amn as we get closer to the mine.
[Day 13]
12AM. After taking a brief walk around the nearby area, we finally entered the inn–but it was inside where trouble was waiting. Another bounty hunter! We were able to defeat this one, although we had some close calls with her spells. Imoen used a new magic missile wand we have to interrupt her again and again, but at one point it wasn’t looking possible…so the six of us burst through the doors back outside to avoid whatever affects had been cast.
I’m still very much a wanted half-elf. Maybe the answers I seek will end up finding me one way or another, regardless of whether I have a lead or not. (I did try to offer gold to this one too to give some info but it wasn’t any use.)
We rested at the inn for the night. Overnight during a dream, I gained the ability to cure light wounds once a day.
Current party:
Wybrough, Level 2 Fighter/Level 2 Mage (Morning Star and Morning Star)
Kagain, Level 2 Fighter
Jaheira, Level 2 Fighter/Level 2 Druid
Khalid, Level 1 Fighter
Imoen, Level 4 Thief
Neera, Level 3 Wild Mage
Reputation: Average (12)
9AM. Awakening, we started seeing what information could be gleamed in the town. I met Rasaad the Sun Soul Monk, and visited the store, the temple, and the bounty collector.
Unfortunately, the morning darkened as a local insane person named Minsc tried to kill me, and it ended fatally for him. I’m not sure if he was prone to violence prior, but the townsfolk seemed to recognize this as an act of self-defense for us. It’s unfortunate, but the Sword Coast and its denizens are in deep turmoil.
12PM. We traveled to the carnival to see if there were any goings-on of note there, before we make the trip south to the mines.
I do spot someone petrified, being hawked for sale by a halfling. That’s no happy fate, I think to myself. I won’t give this halfing the 500 gold, I can find a Stone-to-Flesh scroll for much cheaper; and then I’ll return.
2PM. I entered an open tent, and there was another crazed villager. This time it was a mage, threatening us that he would kill another mage woman–that he already seemed to have decided he would kill anyway. He couldn’t be reasoned with, and eventually murdered the woman in front of us before turning his wrath on us.
He was a powerful mage and was able to magically panic most of us. Khalid and I stayed fighting, downing a potion of strength and an oil of speed respectively, knowing we couldn’t retreat and leave the party to be slaughtered. He killed Khalid, but not before I was able to put him down permanently. This delays our plans a bit.
[Second reload of the campaign. Zodral, gah! He’s tougher than I ever remember. I got caught with panic the first attempt, and kept getting hit with acid arrows. Only Khalid and Neera were left unfazed but they couldn’t do any damage. The second time, my PC saved against the fear and I was able to drink healing potions when my HP got low. Honestly, I probably should have ducked out of the tent to avoid the magic effects, like I generally do with Neira at the Nashkel Inn…so this one was really avoidable.]
3PM. Back in town, I resurrected Khalid. He was very weak and injured, so I decided to rest in town for the rest of the day to heal from the bloody encounters we managed to get into. I’ll leave for the mines at nightfall…it might even be advantageous for us that way, with regards to Imoen’s stealth.
[Day 14]
2AM. On the way to the mines, we were ambushed by a pack of bandits. We were aided by Dorn, a half-orc blackguard I had observed days earlier at the Friendly Arm Inn. We left on amicable terms; he’s unsavory and downright evil, but his skills might one day be put to good use with strong enough leadership…
4AM. I found Prism, the hapless, wanted artist. He just wanted to sculpt, but was under constant fear of violence from this rather nasty bounty hunter Greywolf. Well, I couldn’t bear to just leave this poor man to Greywolf’s mercy, so I decided to defend him from the imminent attack. Of course, this got us into quite the battle with Greywolf. He was close to killing a few of us, more than once…but we were able to eventually defeat him with strength in numbers. One less violent thug on the Sword Coast, as far as I’m concerned.
1PM. We rested outside the mines until the afternoon, recovering from the Greywolf fight that had taken a lot out of us.
Chapter 3
[Day 15]
12PM. I methodically cleared the mines of the kobold trash (and a few other monsters), resting and healing on the first level overnight when our injuries became too burdensome.
Eventually we found Mulahey, the “brains” behind this whole operation. We fought him to the death (both his and Neera’s), but his letters revealed a large and intriguing plot by bandit groups to disrupt the entire Sword Coast. Very interesting…and very troubling. This is truly a sad time for the region.
With these threads of evidence in hand, there’s no doubt we have a responsibilty to see this through and hopefully restore some peace where we can. As we dig deeper into this bandit underworld, I may be able to find new information about Gorion…but now, at least, I have a direction. There’s a supposed “Tranzig” in Beregost that we need to pay a visit to, so we’ll head back north soon.
From Mulahey we rescued Xan, an Enchanter traveling from a foreign land investigating the bandit crisis. While he may have been a useful ally, my group is already too large and unwieldy at this point, so I could not invite him for the long term.
So it appears Mulahey had a nice abode set up for himself down here; with my group badly hurt from fighting his horde of kobolds and skeletons, I’ll rest here before pushing on to see if there are any more clues in the rest of the mines…
10PM. Traveling through the rest of the mines, we went through a pathway that caved in behind us–somehow putting us about eight hours east of Nashkel. No matter I thought; our next stop was Beregost.
Unfortunately, another pack of bounty hunters was waiting for us almost directly outside…these led by a Lamalha. These mercenaries mentioned the name “Iron Throne”--finally, some kind of lead! They’d been tracking us a few days; well before we arrived in Nashkel and started prodding the Sword Coast bandits, so unlikely this could be related to anything other than the business that had gotten Gorion killed in the first place. What could he have been plotting against this Iron Throne to warrant not only his death, but the death of his ward? And more importantly, why?
I’m not sure how they found us all the way out here but they were extremely dangerous enemies, so we immediately retreated after they spotted us. Two Glyphs of Warding were cast towards us, but I drank our Potion of Absorption moments before it hit, and Jaheira was saved from the magical effects, and we were able to lose them in the surrounding wilderness. Minutes later, we re-approached and and sent two large fireballs their direction before they could spot us. We torched them so badly, we were able to defeat whoever was left in straight combat despite some nasty poison.
I’ve no idea if the Iron Throne and Mulahey’s gang are connected, but as outlaws in overlapping territories, I’m sure someone like Tranzig has the information I need. As night falls, I may take a look around the surrounding area to see what clues they may have left behind, or to see if they have any other friends in the area…
Current party:
Wybrough, Level 3 Fighter/Level 2 Mage (Morning Star and Morning Star)
Kagain, Level 3 Fighter
Jaheira, Level 2 Fighter/Level 2 Druid
Khalid, Level 2 Fighter
Imoen, Level 4 Thief
Neera, Level 3 Wild Mage (DEAD)
Reputation: Popular (14)
11PM. Exploring the surrounding rocklands, I know I have a little time before needing to get to Beregost. As of right now, no one other than Xan knows that we’ve stopped the source of the trouble in the mine, so Tranzig should be caught completely unaware when we catch up to him. We’ll see where that takes us…
[Day 16]
4AM. We spent the night scouting around the area. The dangerous lands were ripe with undead and and other unnatural jellies, thanks to the mad experimenter Narcillus. But once I sensed dawn was breaking, I knew it was time to make camp. Our concerns lie to the north.
[RELOAD again, gah, I’m sorry, but I have to admit it. That is 3 now. My PC failed the save vs. the Green Slime exploding poison death. I was shocked as this had never happened in previous playthroughs (that I remember at least). This was a real lame (aka avoidable) death, because generally I’ll look up creatures on Fandom–i.e. reference my Candlekeep knowledge–if I’m not sure what they do, and I just didn’t this time out of laziness I guess. I didn’t realize they have this weird permadeath attack. So the second try, I took half of them out with a fireball, then retreated a bit to make it easier to take them on one at at time.]
(I made a note to myself to return to High Hedge when I’m in the area; I’ll need to buy some second level spells from Thalantyr.)
Since we’re out this far east already, sixteen hours from Nashkel, I decide we’ll make the trip to Beregost by cutting up through the wilderness. It’s faster as the crow flies, and it won’t hurt to scout around for more mercenary or bandit gangs that may be making camp just off the Coast Way.
There’s no need to spend the extra time making the return trip to Nashkel for now, I don’t want to risk the extra time for Tranzig to hear the news about Mulahey. I may return someday soon to the troubled area, when higher priorities aren’t urgently calling.
[Day 18]
7PM. The journey to Beregost took over two days, but we were able to take out some bandits, ogres, and other monsters on our way up through the wilderness.
We immediately smoked out Tranzig in Feldepost’s, but he was more of a messenger boy than any kind of higher-up–but the good news is he pointed us up to the northeast, by the Peldvale and Larswood regions, where the main boss Tazok seems to reside. THAT’S our next stop, then, to get to whoever’s behind this whole scheme. Whether by Gorion’s inadvertent doing or not, I may get a chance to take out this Sword Coast bandit threat at its head. The scourge of these criminals and murderers must end, and this half-baked plot to suffocate the Sword Coast’s iron should come crashing down.
I’ll be sure to make sure to take out as many of my foes as I can, hopefully not alerting the leader’s camp to my presence, while I stealthily approach…but I have some business in Beregost first before I head north.
As I headed to the Temple, a child stops me to tell me that a Flaming Fist officer is looking for me at the Joval Juggler. Huh. I give the child her gold piece, but I don’t know if I have time for this “Officer Vai”. Looks like I’ve already gained some notoriety for saving the Nashkel mines (word spread even more quickly than I thought it would) and I don’t need some *mercenary* group either trying to get information for suspicious purposes, or thinking they can tell me what to do. I know corruption runs deep in the Flaming Fist…so ehh, I’ll keep the Officer waiting for now.
4AM. After resurrecting Neera, identifying our assorted magical treasure, and spending the night at the Red Sheaf, I did eventually drop in on Officer Vai. I was extremely skeptical at first…but looks like she’s just paying gold for bandit scalps. But fine, she doesn’t seem corrupt. I had just sold the few scalps I had collected at Feldepost’s, but I’ll make note of her for the future…
[Day 20]
4AM. I decided on my approach to the bandit camp…it would start east of Beregost, then head up to Peldvale and Larswood from that direction. This would give me a chance to get eyes on the entire bandit operation in this area.
I took out the vampiric wolves outside Kelddath’s temple, then fought gnolls and basilisks farther east. My familiar, a petrification-resistant fairy dragon, made dispatching of the basilisks borderline trivial.
7PM. Through the morning, we carefully fought many more basilisks, eventually along with a mad wizard who was herding them.
Neera had mentioned a wild mage she knows about–Adoy–that may help her control her wild surges. This could be very useful for her, so I agree to head back down south at some point. At this point, however, the mission is still to make our way to the bandit camp.
We also met a warrior woman named Shar-Teel while roaming the area. She challenged Kagain to a dual and lost heartily, thereby vowing her swordarm to our cause. However, our party was large enough as it was, so I sent her on her way. May have been useful at one point, but not today.
We made camp around midday, then set northeast in the evening.
Current party:
Wybrough, Level 4 Fighter/Level 3 Mage (Morning Star and Morning Star)
Kagain, Level 4 Fighter
Khalid, Level 4 Fighter
Jaheira, Level 3 Fighter/Level 4 Druid
Imoen, Level 5 Thief
Neera, Level 4 Wild Mage
Reputation: Heroic (17)
10AM. We traveled east of Larswood, and were attack by several powerful spiders and ettercaps throughout the morning. While we were attempting to take out an ettercap, Kagain was struck and killed by a bolt of lightning. A freak accident–but it had been storming for some time. As we gathered his belongings, I thought about the next chance we would be in civilization with the opportunity to resurrect him…
In the meantime, I decided to make camp. The five of us still have strength and energy to continue on, but it’s probably smartest to make camp for the day while we ride out the storm. We had traveled overnight, anyway.
8PM. Later in the evening, we encountered some Red Wizards of Thay that immediately tried to kill us; with Neera’s web-casting, that ended up being a lethal mistake on their part. Looks like there’s no shortage of killers and outlaws on the Sword Coast…although so far, none of them have given up anything more useful information than the mercenaries that came before them did.
9PM. Before moving closer to the region where Tranzig said the bandit camp was, I decide I’d keep Kagain in tow. He knows the lay of the land with these mercenary types, and he may even have contacts inside the organization, which can only serve to help our cause. Of course, it’s not like any useful connections of his have sprung forth so far, so I am slowly losing hope day by day…
Regardless, I’ll head back to Beregost to visit the temple and also conduct some business in town. I’d rather head back there than the Friendly Arm, so as not to give any bandits undue notice that I’m back up north looking for them…
[Day 23]
6AM. We returned to Beregost, got Kagain resurrected, and spent the night at Feldepost’s. In the morning I checked in with Firebead and Ajantis, who is still quartering there with Firebead. I decided to use the upstairs chest in Firebead’s house as a stash spot for now, mainly for a magical dagger, wazikashi, and two-handed sword we had recovered in our travels. I didn’t really trust that the weapons wouldn’t get looted if I kept them in Kagain’s shop…either by Kagain, or some mercenary that knows about us.
We fought a few vampire wolves several days ago, and a wraith spider more recently. I felt the pain of not having a magical weapon–so I bought a magical axe from Feldepost.
[Day 24]
2AM. It’s night in Larswood, and I’m stealthing through the foliage (with Imoen scouting as usual), taking out patches of bandits. They’re becoming higher rank (and the battles are becoming tougher) as I dig into the woods. The wolves are also quite deadly.
I met a Drow sorcerer, Baeloth. Sorcerers are quite powerful, and he potentially could be a great use to our cause; but now’s not the right time with Neera in tow. I told him to go wait outside the Friendly Arm Inn, so there’s a small chance I’ll run into him again if the fool listens to me…
[Day 25]
8AM. We eventually met a group of bandits led by some lieutenant Teven. Instead of an immediate fight, we were able to convince him we wanted to be bandits ourselves. He didn’t quite believe us, but brought us to the camp anyway as prisoners (it was over a day’s journey, and we are exhausted). Tazok–the Ogre leader, finally revealed–ended up being impressed enough with us that he let us join the scourge. He left camp for another bandit base, so it’s clear this operation is larger than this single camp, and Tazok clearly isn’t the one on top of the pyramid.
I didn’t want to simply walk up to the camp uninvited, so meeting this Teven was very fortunate. I thought it would take us several more days of roaming and dozens of additional bandit encounters before we’d find one with the means and inclination to get us to the bandit leaders…but now we have what we want. I plan to get all the information I can when I’m here, when I’m right under their oblivious noses.
9AM. I quickly spoke to the bandit bosses, including “Tenhammer” Khosann. He let slip the name of the organization the Iron Throne! At least some contingent of bandits during this crisis is being put to work because of that dastardly group, whoever they are. Aha, my gut was right: Gorion’s murderers and these plotting bandit mercenaries are all in bed together, one and the same. Good! And I’m right here in the thick of it with them. I’ll bring down these bastards and figure out the real truth of what Gorion was trying to do! But I’m already getting the idea.
6PM. I stayed in camp for a day, resting and recovering from the march out here and the fighting beforehand.
I truly began my information gathering by the hobgoblin side of camp; in particular, I was interested in poking around the hobgoblin tanner’s tent. Possibly I could find receipts for materials, or other clues? I was planning to leave no stone unturned in that damned camp.
Well, my aggressive opening of chests and containers angered the hobgoblins greatly, and maybe I should have seen that in retrospect. Within minutes, a giant battle forms, both inside and outside the tent, as my group starts fighting the bandits.
8PM. Through the battling, eventually we had to confront Tenhammer. He may have been the strongest foe I’ve faced yet…thanks to Neera’s fire wand, we were able to slay him and stay alive. I really should retreat, rest, recuperate…but I can’t risk any evidence in the leader’s tent being moved or destroyed. I’m going to burst and see what I can find.
Chapter 4
8PM Continued. After a fight with the rest of the bandit leadership in this region…it turns out that, of course, I’m not able to bring down the entire operation from this one bandit tent. This was just a temporary base of operations all along anyway. But I have another direction now: the Cloakwood forest, and a more permanent “Iron Throne” base where they are stockpiling iron for some nefarious purpose. And it looks like I’ve made quite a name for myself with these groups, as they are sending correspondences to each other, worried about my adventuring party specifically! How ironic for them that the young ward whose father they killed just a few weeks ago grew so quickly to become this nasty thorn in their side! Like foster father like son, it seems.
Davaeorn, Sarevok, Nimbul…these are all Iron Throne names that I need to be on the lookout for.
Heavily injured, I decided to retreat a short ways from the camp for now…I’m sure there are still bandits and other monsters lurking about, but I can return in the morning to see what else of use I can pull from the ruins of that place.
[Day 26]
9AM. After finishing off the rest of the bandit presence at the camp, we collected ourselves. A final confrontation with my enemies seems to be precipitating. Some of those in the Iron Throne employ have been quite powerful, Tenhammer and Tazok in particular, and I can bet there will be scores of others like them as I fight my way up the chain. I need to make sure we have the means to defeat whatever evil I find in that forest.
So for that reason, I won’t rush into this. We’ll head back south to Nashkel and the surrounding area, where we have some loose ends to take care of…including finding this “Adoy” of Neera’s, and finally checking in with Berrun Ghastkill about his mine to make sure they’re seeing improvements after we slew Mulahey. We’ll make sure we’re adequately for this raid.
Now, we’ll travel by way of Peldvale to drive out whatever bandit rot may be lingering around those parts…
[Day 27]
6AM. While in Peldvale (after expectedly fighting several groups of bandits), I had an encounter with a drow named Viconia and a Flaming Fist mercenary. The drow was fearing for her life, and the mercenary came to kill her in cold blood–no bounty nor proof of wrongdoing, and no true justice served. I couldn’t allow for that, so defended the drow. I tried initially to avoid killing the mercenary, but it became clear this would be a battle to the death for him.
I offered to help her, but truly my group was too large and she would not be a…good fit for the current team. So inevitably we had to go our separate ways. I’m not sure if she’d been making permanent camp there in Peldvale, but she seems to be residing there at least currently.
11PM. Traveling through Larswood, back towards the direction of the Beregost temple, we ran into a desperate, raving druid named Osmadi. He was traumatized by bandits murdering his fellow druids and attacked us with a savage pack of bears. Kagain was killed in the struggle; good thing we are on our way to Kelddath’s Temple of Lathander…
[Day 29]
5PM. With Kagain resurrected, we had spent a day or so in Beregost and High Hedge to conduct business…but now will journey southeast to where Neera says Adoy’s Enclave is. I’ve decided to travel by way of the Ulcaster ruins, which may prove interesting.
Current party:
Wybrough, Level 4 Fighter/Level 4 Mage (Quality Morning Star and Battle Axe +1)
Kagain, Level 5 Fighter
Khalid, Level 5 Fighter
Jaheira, Level 4 Fighter/Level 4 Druid
Imoen, Level 6 Thief
Neera, Level 4 Wild Mage
Reputation: Heroic (17)
4AM. While traveling near the ruins of the Ulcaster school, we ran into the ghost of Ulcaster himself. He went on about lost knowledge and lost tomes below. Seems like he’s been going on about this for some time. While it would be nice to bring some peace to the lands, this may not be something we have time for as the main focus still needs to be on the bandit crisis and preparing to face the Iron Throne–but we’ll still investigate if time allows.
4PM. After battling some monsters on the surface, I did after all decide to take a look inside the ruined school itself. After encountering Icharyd (and claiming his magical flail!), I realized there very well may be more evil laying in wait down there, ready to prey on unsuspecting travelers–of which there are quite a few, it seems. Might as well clear it out as best we can; I don’t mind sparing a few hours on our journey for this.
Imoen has been focusing on stealth and lockpicking, so Jaheira divinely detects traps right behind her. Her divine connection for trapfinding won’t last forever, so I’m being as brisk as possible in exploring this kobold-infested undead lair…we fight evil wolves while Imoen and Jaheira try to press on quickly afterwards.
5PM. Imoen and Jaheira had not yet developed their tactics perfectly, and triggered not one, but two fireball traps. They were injured (burnt) pretty badly from the mishap, but survived. The lesson is we need to move through these places more slowly. We may have been lulled into a false sense of security from the lack of traps in the first two thirds of the place.
7PM. We fought our way through the dungeon, and feel all the more accomplished for it. A place of evil has been cleaned out…at least for the time being. Time to continue on our journey to Adoy’s enclave…
[Day 31]
10PM. Passing through the Firewine Bridge ruins, I became intrigued again at the prospects of evil-infested ruins and possible treasures that lay underneath. There is enough danger on the surface, so some monster slaying at the source can only make it safer for Sword Coast passers-by. At this point, I’m not even sure what’s beneath this bridge…least of all whether there are monsters to slay there…but I’ll investigate more of the surface before heading inside.
11PM. In the valley below the bridge, we unfortunately ran into a woman named Carsa, possessed by a powerful Ogre Mage named Kahrk. We could not save the woman, and Jaheira herself was killed in the ensuing battle. The ogre’s magic was extremely offensive and damage-causing, and he almost killed the three of us fighters still standing.
Neera was able to end it with her wands…summoned monsters to distract the beast long enough until her Aganazzar’s Scorcher could do its work. The column of flame was won a fair number of battles for us in these past couple of weeks.
[Reload number 4 of this playthrough. In the first attempt vs. Kahrk, my PC took too much damage from what appeared to be a magic missile spell? I was definitely not expecting all the HP loss at once and it came as quite a surprise. I kicked myself because I should have been using better magical arrows and different potions etc., etc.]
But gah! I got too ambitious with our dungeon-crawling and Jaheira is dead. I won’t venture on without our healer, so I’ll return to civilization and have her resurrected. This will cost us several days of travel time, while the Iron Throne continues to sit happy upon their stockpile of iron. I am very frustrated to say the least.
To Adoy and to Nashkel. Maybe one day I shall return to Firewine…
9AM. I returned to Nashkel, where I hadn’t seen Berrun Ghastkill since before I entered his mine. It looks like things are truly turning up for Nashkel though, and he had a nice reward of 900 gold waiting for me…just a little more than what it will cost to resurrect Jaheira. But that’s only in jest; I didn’t do it for the gold.
I also had some respectable words with Rasaad, who still seems to be hanging about Nashkel without direction. Nevertheless, he appears a sturdy enough warrior.
10AM. Speaking to Volo and those at the Belching Dragon…it seems as though while Nashkel’s local fortunes are looking up, the paranoia between Amn and Baldur’s Gate is at a fever pitch. The Sword Coast bandid crisis is just getting worse–I need to make my move on the damn “Iron Throne” in Cloakwood already as they seem to be the ones behind most of this.
We’ll still have to see if we can get Neera to control her powers, so again I’ll head back north by way of Adoy–we WILL make it there intact this time. After that, however it goes, we’ll plan out our mission into Cloakwood.
6PM. After resting in and around the Inn for the day, we headed east through the carnival. I did some business with the merchants there, and freed the “maiden in stone” that I had first encountered some weeks ago (I didn’t want to enable the halfling’s behavior by paying the exorbinant fee for his scroll).
She introduced herself as Branwen, a warrior-priest of Tempus. Tranzig was the one that froze her, and she was quite happy to hear that justice had found him. She offered her services to our cause; I was tempted to have her join us, but as of right now I’m not going to make any major changes to the makeup of our party. She looks to be staying in Nashkel, and I make note of it.
[Day 34]
7PM. We made the march to Adoy’s enclave, and met the Wild Mage himself amongst a horde of goblins–some, but not all, he had summoned inadvertently.
The man was absent-minded, craven, and absolutely no use. And then he disappeared? Maybe I should have expected this nonsense from the get-go. Looks like Neera will have to accept the “bad with the good.” However, I really don’t like taking that gamble as I head into Cloakwood to face my father’s murderers…hmm.
At least we were able to force a confrontation with Ekandor, the seeming leader of the Thayan Wizards who were after Neera…and we made sure he wouldn’t be hunting Neera anymore. There may be others after her, but this should buy her some amount of peace for the time being.
[Day 35]
4AM. I was originally going to leave the goblins in Adoy’s enclave in peace, as they were leaving us in peace in return. But on speaking to Magreb on the way out, I realized that passive to me or not, goblins have been killing innocents. So I took the rest of the evening and cleared them all out, before using their camp to rest overnight. Next destination is Beregost, as I now focus on Cloakwood…
[Day 36]
2PM. In Beregost, I decided I’d not have Neera accompany us into Cloakwood. Her unpredictable magic being just one of the reasons, but mainly we simply don’t need a wild mage right now. At first I took her along for her own protection, but she’s become much more capable in the short time I’ve known her. Even so, I thought it best to have her stay with Firebead and Ajantis, and keep tabs on the bandit situation from centrally-located Beregost. However, the free spirit (fool?) she is, she immediately left for the Friendly Arm after I broke the news to her. Maybe she thinks I’ll change my mind about needing her while in Cloakwood, and she wants to be nearby when I do?
Next, I made the same decision about Kagain. I originally brought him along because his mercenary connections may have been useful; they never turned out that way, and I’ve been sensing for a little while now that he was on the outs with the group. His primary concern is always going to be to enrich himself and at some point I’m going to need some higher loyalty. His regenerative abilities from his high constitution will be missed, but he’s just outgrown his role in the party. When he originally joined us, he was trying to dodge those in the employ of Entar Silvershield, but that danger may have blown over at this point. If it’s still an issue for him in the future…well, he needs to face that head on and stop running from it. I dropped him off at his shop (I wouldn’t ask him to stay with Firebead and Ajantis), but he seemed to take his leave of that place very quickly. Not sure I’ll see the dwarf again…
11PM. With this new foursome, we rested at Feldepost’s. This is a smaller, more tactical and agile group. Imoen is coming into her own as a multi-talented thief, Jaheira is a skilled priest, and Khalid’s two magical longswords are a boon in battle (and he comes along with Jaheira).
I have another idea, one farther up north…
12PM. Overnight, we made the journey up to the Friendly Arm for a specific purpose. Not wanting to tip off any possible Iron Throne spies that I was near Cloakwood, I stayed outside the walls this time…and found Baeloth.
The Drow sorcerer had indeed done what I told him and made his way out here. And I am glad we were able to catch up to him. I can only imagine what type of trouble and chaos this dark elf could cause up here on the Sword Coast, especially in a time like this. But if I can give him a purpose–a role in our group, fighting a bandit threat–maybe that can straighten him out for his “new” life here on the surface? In any case, it will let me keep my eye on him for the time being. I won’t deny, his powerful sorcerer magic will be a big advantage when we start fighting our more powerful enemies. The simple question is, can he be trusted to take orders?
I know the average Sword Coast denizen (and even Khalid and Jaheira, unfortunately) will look at me with derision for keeping a Drow as a companion…but I couldn’t care less.
[Day 38]
6AM. We made our way to the Cloakwood, again traveling overnight and arriving in the outskirts of the forest before dawn. I met a “hunter and archer” Coran, looking to get us roped into some side adventure wyvern quest with a promise of gold (I made sure it didn’t relate to any local bandit groups whose base happened to be hidden out here). No thank you–I’m going to stay wary of all strangers here and stay in the shadows as much as possible, as I try to ferret out the location of the Iron Throne base…
7AM. I then met Aldeth Sashenstar outside his cabin. He’s some Baldur’s Gate noble and I don’t much doubt the druids’ claims about the murdering and defiling of nature. Again, though, I couldn’t just allow retribution in cold blood and looked for some way to keep everyone alive…Jaheira fortunately knew Seniyad the druid, and we were able to calm the situation. Aldeth was no victim here, and definitely not a hero…but his life was at least spared. Hopefully that’s for the best.
[Day 39]
12PM. We continued to push on westward, eventually traversing a heavily spider-infested section of the forest. Not only were there several packs of spiders and ettercaps, but they had also laid web traps. As I wrote earlier, Imoen can’t detect traps well, so Jaheira follows behind her after having cast Detect Traps–it had limited success, but their method IS getting more reliable.
Baeloth also cast Haste on the party for the first time, and the power of the spell was made clear to all of us…yes, bringing the Drow along has so far been a good decision.
At some point in the early morning, we had to finally make camp.
Current party:
Wybrough, Level 5 Fighter/Level 4 Mage (Flail +1 and Battle Axe +1)
Khalid, Level 5 Fighter
Jaheira, Level 4 Fighter/Level 5 Druid
Imoen, Level 6 Thief
Baeloth, Level 6 Sorcerer
Reputation: Popular (16)
2PM. We pushed on through the forest, slaying spider after spider. Once Jaheira could no longer Find Traps, I decided to just give Imoen, our scout, a Potion of Invisibilty. If she activates a web trap while those arachnids are nearby, she may have some time to drink the potion before she’s completely immobilized–thereby keeping her safe until she can find her way out.
3PM. We soon discovered a giant spider mound ruled by some grotesquely disfigured spider-like humanoid, which seemed to be the heart of the problems in this area of the woods. After a large and intense battle, complete with creatures summoned from our wand, we had slain the monsters.
Last night I had promised a young traveler that I would try to rescue his lost brother…unfortunately, his brother had already been killed, and here was his body. We gathered up his remains from that vile place and returned them to his brother.
[Day 40]
8PM. As we searched another day farther west into the forest, now along the coastal areas, we encountered another traveler named Eldoth. Much like the hunter-archer I had met previously, I’m going to stay away from these lone strangers who keep trying to get me involved in some side-scheme.
I haven’t heard anything about the Iron Throne yet, despite meeting more travelers than I anticpated, and I haven’t seen yet the slightest clue about the presence of an iron mine.
9PM. No sooner do I say that than I run into yet another traveler, Laskal; this one in fact says he has a message for the Iron Throne. Thinking this could very well be a substanial clue to track down their mine, I lied and said I did count myself among their ranks.
However the stubborn Shadow Druid was just laying a trap for us, or so he thought. In a fit of rage he attacked us for being members of the Iron Throne, and simply could not be talked into reason. However unfortunate the encounter–it gave me the information the Iron Throne is indeed a scourge of these woods and the nearby Shadow Druids here may have information about their location and plans. But since I’ve killed one of their own now, I’m not exactly sure peaceful relations are going to be an option.
10PM. I soon met a woman named Faldorn, and it seems my fears about Shadow Druid hostility may have been unfounded. She confirms her kind is waging war against this Iron Throne incursion, and was incredibly eager to join our party and storm off after their fort–which I know now is back east of our current location.
She’s not a fit for our group right now…but she is definitely interesting as a potential ally down the road. This may not be the last time I see her, depending on how protracted my confrontation with the Iron Throne becomes.
I soon discovered the threat of violence is unique to each individual Shadow Druid; her nearby companion Takiyah attacked me before I could get a word in, simply due to the presence of the more “practical” druid Jaheira.
Still, it makes sense to push into their tree dwelling to see if there’s anything we can learn about our enemies–and the same thing happend with Takiyah’s boss Amarande inside. Unfortunately the bloodshed led to nothing of value gained in our fight against the Throne; but at least it gets rid of the chance of these Druids being on our heels while our focus is in a different direction.
Faldorn may have been on the outs with the rest of her clan here anyway, or not that close to begin with. She, like me, must see the logic in joining forces to destroy a strong enemy.
[Day 41]
6PM. Continuing along now in the direction that Faldorn gave us, our search for the Iron Throne dragged on. As evening started to roll in…we were waylaid by a pair of fully grown wyverns. These monsters hit hard and their poisonous barbs are lethal. I immediately remember Coran the hunter-archer mentioning how wyverns have been terrorizing the surrounding region…argh, he wasn't wrong.
Khalid was killed. Too much poison was injected into his system by the winged lizards. With Baeloth’s magic missiles and some desprate fighting, the rest of us survived. We gathered up our belongings, and I decided to continue on to the Iron Throne, instead of losing a week to return to the Friendly Arm Inn to get him resurrected. Who knows what spies have seen us? And if they have seen us, I couldn’t give them days and days of extra time to prepare for my infiltration attempt…our success might be doubtful in that case. No, the four of us will continue on. We consist of fighters, healers, thieves, and mages and we are too close to our enemies to turn back now.
[Day 42]
5AM. Shortly before dawn of the following morning, we discovered a wyvern nest…this must be the source of the reptilian scourge. Imoen, attempting to get eyes on exactly how many creatures are down there, alerted one of the adult wyverns to her presence while stealthing about. She ran out and managed to elude it (only with a foolishly curiously baby wyvern to end up following her off to the rest of us).
The adult wyvern is now riled up outside its nest. This just makes it clear we’re going to have to deal with these creatures and clean out the nest. It’s no small endeavor, but it really must be done. If not for our own safety, then at least to stop these beasts from killing other innocent travelers. They have nothing to do with the Iron Throne, but I’d feel craven to continue on and let these monsters continue to kill.
Though without much magic left, this may have to wait until after mid-day…this is unfortunate, as now it is clear as day that the Iron Throne mine is nearby, as we encountered a pack of armor-wearing guards, no doubt in their employ.
3PM. After a much-needed rest for our party, we have slain both wyverns and their spawn. It’s good we were able to get this done concurrently with our hunt for the Iron Throne. I’m holding onto to the wyvern skulls as these may be valuable; they’re heavy, so I’m not sure if I’ll be able to keep onto all four for the duration of the trip…
9PM. We eventually tracked down the Iron Throne outpost–good! We quickly cleared the patrols in the nearby woods, then started our assault as night fell…
10PM. We were able to take out some mercenaries and mages at the gate using mostly Baeloth’s Webs and Fireballs. After the battle, I recovered a note–the Iron Throne was indeed preparing for us, and I learn another name: “Rieltar”...
[Day 43]
12AM. After some more resistance, I infiltrated the mine itself. We slew our fair share of Iron Throne guards, as they were looking to do to us. My first order of business is to find who’s in charge and figure out exactly what their angle is here. Obviously any organization that has a large source of good iron in times like this can leverage its power it in all sorts of nefarious ways.
On speaking with some of the miners, it appears they have been captured and enslaved here against their will, and that they truly hate their evil captors. Ah, what a vile group this Iron Throne is…revenge for Gorion and all the rest of this ugliness cannot come soon enough.
2AM. I’ve learned that the mine’s master Davaeorn is on the fourth level, so I continue to descend. On the second level, Jaheira and Imoen working together are able to find and disarm some traps..but soon, we stumbled onto a large contingent of Blacktalons led by a powerful mage named Hareishan. While trying to draw out one or two at a time via distraction and carefully placed missile attacks…the whole room got alerted; maybe I should have seen this coming, but a battle was eventually going to be forced one way or another.
We had barely any magic left when this happened; we hadn’t rested since we were many hours west of the mine, yesterday morning. A tactical retreat was in order, but as we rushed out and up to the first level, Hareishan cast a Lightning Bolt that ricocheted between the narrowly dug pathways and almost killed Imoen and Baeloth.
We kept on running. As opposed to fleeing up to the surface, I decided to stay put on that first level–not willing to give up the progress we made here underground in our fighting. We eventually were able to lose our enemies in the tunnels…several miners know our whereabouts, but I have faith they won’t tell their slavers. The Throne guards have sentries posted, and I may expect a handful of search parties…but we may be sufficiently burrowed that we could take the several hours we need to heal and re-learn our magical spells. And I don’t have much fear of reinforcements from the outside; this base is deep within the Cloakwood, so I doubt new troops are common.
12PM. After healing and composing ourselves, we were able to re-emerge from the tunnels and take out Hareishan and the rest of the large war party–this time, we were expecting them. We continued to press on, eager to overcome whatever remaining defenses my enemies have…
Current party:
Wybrough, Level 5 Fighter/Level 5 Mage (Flail +1 and Battle Axe +1)
Jaheira, Level 5 Fighter/Level 6 Druid
Imoen, Level 7 Thief
Baeloth, Level 6 Sorcerer
DEAD:
Khalid, Level 5 Fighter
Reputation: Popular (16)
1PM. We discovered some small holding cells for prisoners. One was Rill, the leader of the slaves–he said he would rally up the other slaves and bribe whatever guards are left alive, and help them all make their escape.
I also met a dwarf Yeslick, whose clan this mine once belonged to. It had been hidden until recently, when the Iron Throne decided to start sowing their chaos. He was tortured for its location by Davaeorn and imprisoned ever since.
The dwarf offered to join our cause, but we had no reason to add a fighting cleric to our party at the time; between Jaheira and I, his skills, if any, would have been redundant. He was confident he could make his way out on his own and I know there’s plenty of equipment strewn about which he can use to arm himself.
6PM. After hours of battling down through guards and large packs of hobgoblins…I descended to the fourth level, where Davaeorn supposedly has been residing this entire time, since I began my siege of this damn place.
But I looked at my party: Jaheira and Imoen were in need of healing, and we had already spent all of our spells. Jaheira could no longer cast Find Traps either, and who knows what types of security measures this Iron Throne boss takes?
So after consideration, I thought it wiser to wait until after midnight to attack. We have him pinned down there, and trapped–if he hasn’t yet figured out an escape route since I began my attack last night, then I don’t think a few more hours will change anything. I’ll return to the third level and find a room to barricade ourselves while we rest and collect ourselves. I don’t doubt there will be a few packs of hobgoblin guards that try to attack us, but we’ve taken care of most of the heavy resistance down here.
[Day 44]
3AM. In the evening as we rested, we were actually attacked by a very large group of relatively tough Iron Throne guards–a dozen or more. They barged into the room and we were able to hold them off in a bloody battle. Maybe these were guards and reinforcements I may have missed on the surface, or from elsewhere in the mine, and were able to regroup? Either way, that was the only offensive mustered against us. In the early morning, we made our way to the final confrontation with Davaeorn…
Chapter 5
4AM. I have slain the master of the mine, Davaeorn–he had no willingness to talk, and simply attacked us as he’d presumably been preparing to. I KNEW this evil plot couldn’t end with him…and the letters on his body and my urgent conversations with his apprentice Stephan confirmed that.
The Iron Throne’s plan was indeed to leverage all of their ill-gotten iron production in a twisted plot to bring themselves to ultimate power…appearing as saviors to this crisis that they themselves are causing. It’s a good thing we were able to majorly disrupt their plot here, but was it too late? They may already have gained all the political leverage they need in the months this plan has been working. If Gorion had known about this plan and had been working to foil it, I can see why he would have been in danger.
The main villains left appear to be this Rieltar and Sarevok, and their trail leads to Baldur’s Gate and intrigue among the trading rosters there (they already have a spy in the Seven Suns organization, apparently). Weeks ago the city was closed off; maybe the clearing out of the nearby bandit camp has relieved some of tension outside the city? If not, I’ll have to figure out another plan to get in…
And about this mine: While the slaves and the dwarf want it flooded, they are not seeing the bigger picture. It may still be weeks or months before Nashkel can produce iron like they used to, and banditry on the Coast Way will linger for a long time. The Sword Coast may NEED this Cloakwood iron–perhaps honest merchants and laborers and can take it over one day?
The only problem is how do I ensure the Iron Throne doesn’t creep its way back to running it with some Davaeorn replacement in charge? I’ll do my best to make sure the slave labor has dispersed….and I also have another idea.
8AM. Traveling west from the mine, we were waylaid by a pair of wyverns again. We were able to slay these without much issue, bringing our total kill count up to half a dozen now. I have no way to carry these skulls; I’m already carrying four.
12PM. I returned to the Druid Grove and recruited Faldorn. I decided I want someone who I know will fight to make sure the Iron Throne doesn’t make its way back to her forest. I’m going to travel with her back to the mine, and she’ll act as a guardian against our mutual enemy…
[Day 46]
5PM. We returned to the entrance to the mine fortress, where we rested and recovered from our travels the past day or two.
Faldorn by herself isn’t enough to guard this place, I know. I’m not even sure she won’t do something unexpected, even though I’ll be keeping the river plug key. These Shadow Druids are not the most logical or understanding. As a substantial decision–and the best option we have right now–I ask Jaheira to stay out here in Cloakwood WITH Faldorn to prevent the return of the Iron Throne, and ideally the oversight of the mine will be turned over to a reputable party eventually.
The two of them should be a force enough to be reckoned with, as the rest of us bring the fight to the Iron Throne itself in Baldur’s Gate. I’ll be without a healer for a time, but I also have a plan for that…as long as we can escape out of this blasted forest.
I was planning to bring Khalid’s remains back to civilization to resurrect him, then allow him to leave the party and reunite with Jaheira. However, it appears Jaheira insisted on keeping Khalid’s remains, and resurrecting him on her own terms. As it suits her.
[RELOAD! 5th death of the campaign so far while traveling back to civilization. I got waylaid by the 4 ettercaps on the return from Cloakwood. It wasn’t the Web trap that got me, but it was the poison. My special ability to cure poison got interrupted, and I knew at that point it was going to be over since I wouldn’t even be able to drink a potion in time…]
[Reload Number 6 - Giant Spider poison this time (!) as I try to make my way out of Cloakwood and keep getting the waylays! This one is embarrassing, but no antidotes left and my cure poison got interrupted again. Couldn’t chug potions fast enough…Gotta keep pushing through, though. Really might start just fleeing these encounters, unfortunately. It’s in-character to stay and fight so I don’t know.]
[Day 49]
10PM. It took Imoen, Baeloth and me more than three days to make our return to the Coast Way, but we eventually ended up at the gates of the Friendly Arm, exhausted and no doubt haggard-looking. We had been attacked by wyverns, giant spiders, and ettercaps on the way there, as we seemed to get deeper into the forest before we found our way back east again. It will be good to sell the wares that we’re overstuffed with and identify the bulk of the magical equipment we found.
Beyond that, my plan is to travel south again before traveling north to confront the evil Iron Throne.
[Day 51]
8AM. I made the journey to Thalantyr in High Hedge, and purchased the Robe of the Good Archmagi for myself. This is a strategic upgrade for me, and it will mean I’ll no longer need to memorize my Armor spell.
1PM. In Beregost, I took care of important business, such as depositing magical weapons and armor into my stash at Firebead’s, selling more wares to Thunderhammer, and informing Kelddath that I’ve slain as many wyverns as I could find–eight total if I recall correctly, though I only had four skulls to show for it. I received a reward for vanquishing the beasts, and sold the rest of the skulls I had at Feldepost’s. Clearly Coran the Archer never had any luck with this, but I hope at least he stayed alive for his troubles.
Rather than stay the evening in Beregost, I kept on south to Nashkel. My goal, if it hadn’t been clear, is to recruit Branwen. She vowed her services to mine about two weeks ago, and I have a good feeling she is still in Nashkel waiting for me. We can surely make use of a pure priestess that can not only cast high-level divine spells, but also wear heavy plate armor and use magical protections to absorb enemy blows in battle when needed.
6PM. On the road south, I saw the same trio of Flaming Fist mercenaries that had tried to accost me over a month ago. I could have slipped by, I figured I’d put ‘em to sleep magically. At least give some peace to other travelers they might try to harass in the near future.
[Day 52]
4PM. Branwen was indeed still living in Nashkel, and was at the carnival again when I caught up to her late in the night. As expected, she was eager to join forces and combat villainy. I believe she’ll be a valuable contributor to our party.
We rested for the morning into the late afternoon, and it was time to head back north again.
[Day 53]
4PM. We arrived back in Beregost in the morning. I was able to equip Branwen with a magical war hammer and ankheg armor. We spent most of the day resting in Feldepost’s, but we’re going to get back on the road for Baldur’s Gate imminently.
Current party:
Wybrough, Level 5 Fighter/Level 5 Mage (Morning Star +1 and Flail +1)
Branwen, Level 6 Priest of Tempus
Imoen, Level 7 Thief
Baeloth, Level 7 Sorcerer
Reputation: Popular (16)
11PM. After checking in with Gellana Mirrorshade at the Friendly Arm, then Farmer Brun on the road farther north, and fighting through almost a dozen ankhegs…we arrived back at Baldur’s Gate. My goal, simply, is to topple the Iron Throne and destroy their evil machinations, and I’m looking to do that as swiftly as possible. My initial inclination after Gorion’s death was to look for his killers in this city, and it looks like my gut instinct wasn’t far off. Their headquarters is in the southwest portion of town, it seems. But my first priority is to gain access to the city itself…something I wasn’t able to do all those weeks ago.
Fortunately, the bridge was lowered. The clearing of the bandit camp in the Woods of the Sharp Teeth may have helped.
I was stopped at the entrance to the city by the Flaming Fist. Luckily, it was brief. A Commander “Scar”, the purported second-in-command of the Flaming Fist, was on the lookout for our party, and seemed to be stationed there to accost groups of travelers as they come into the city. I was able to evade detection mostly due to their ignorance, but it’s a bad sign if I’m being looked for here. I don’t trust the Flaming First one bit–they’re a mercenary group after all–and my assumption will have to be they’re in league with the Iron Throne until proven otherwise.
We’ll know now to lay low…but we won’t be deterred from taking care of our business.
[Day 55]
12AM. I met a gnome named Quayle outside the gates, eager to join our adventuring party. Not only did I not trust the gnome, I couldn’t figure out a use for him that would have been worth it.
I also met Elminster at the gate, almost as if her were waiting. He is Gorion’s old friend and seems to have been meddling about just out of sight for some time now. I trust he means well–but damn his obtuseness. I know he knows more than he lets on; why does he not reveal it?! What does he have to gain from this? He vouches for Commandar Scar and Duke Eltan…hmm, we’ll see.
I look to explore the city overnight and into the morning, to see if I can get eyes on this Iron Throne headquarters and start thinking up some plans on how to deal with it.
1AM. The eastern part of town by the gates seems to have many merchants and shops…it may be wise to return here in the daytime when the situation allows for it.
I also run into an Entillis Fulsom, who claims to know Elminster (although Elminster mentioned nothing about him, and was so close by). He also urged me to trust Scar and Eltan. I’m not sure if this is some long-hatched plot against me or there is some merit to it…but my best bet is to get along without needing their help to begin with.
3AM. I found the looming Iron Throne building. I will do a small amount more reconnaissance, but I figured any additional time I give them is time for them to prepare for me.
Before dawn, I’ll open up the doors and see what I can find out on the inside…
4AM. Outside, I ran into a gnome named Tiax, a cleric of Cyric, and a thief. He had a loose grip on reality and even put himself under the momentary impression I had invited him to join our traveling party. He seems to be lingering around the Flaming Fist headquarters for the near future…
7AM. I entered the Iron Throne building, preparing for a major confrontation…and that’s exactly what I got. There was a strong party of Iron Throne loyalists on the top floor that attacked me almost as soon as they saw me. Through a long and harrowing battle, amongst the top two floors of their compound, we were able to defeat them. Due the casting of magical Haste, more than once, we are fatigued and exhausted and will need to find an inn to rest in as soon as possible.
[TWO more reloads with this fight–numbers 7 and 8. This is generally one of the hardest fights in BG1 so this is somwhat expected, if disappointing. Both PC deaths happened with Hold or Confusion on my PC. With the first attempt, we were literally only a fraction of a second away from total victory…but the last enemy only died from a fire wand a moment after he landed a killing blow on my PC. My lessons learned with these reloads are that (1) Minor Spell Deflection has its major limitations, especially when faced with two mages; I need to rely on my anti-magic comsummable potions until I have better magical defense spells…and (2) that there’s no shame in the divide and conquer, stealth and lure method, especially when you have multiple zones/levels to use to your advantage.]
I found Thaldorn, one of the supposed leaders, but he was useless. I would have slain him for his crimes…but somehow I believed he was more of a foolish pawn than an evil mastermind. He did confirm that Rieltar and Brunos, the two real Iron Throne leaders, were currently in my childhood home of Candlekeep working out another dastardly trade deal. They would have physical evidence of all their evil plans and plots. What irony they would be in MY home! As long as I bring these murderers to justice I will be satisfied, but that physical evidence of theirs may be useful to bring down the wider organization, which I’ve learned is established and legitimate.
Interestingly, the one named Sarevok already had claimed to kill me, likely looking for favor with the other two. But those are the three–Rieltar, Brunos, and Sarevok–that must pay for what they’ve done regardless of their inner politics.
So I must journey back to Candlekeep to head them off. I keep being led on a chase throughout the Sword Coast it seems.
As I emerge onto the morning street, the Flaming Fist admit they’ve been watching me and have seen what’s gone on. Again–I’m trying to stay as far away from this other mercenary group as I can, as I have no idea where their loyalties lie and I can only imagine them bringing trouble. Not to mention I get the sense they are trying to lure me into a trap.
4PM. After resting and healing for the day in an inn by the entrance to the city, I will attempt to further disrupt the Iron Throne’s plans. I realize that besides taking out some guards and mercenaries, the financial machinations of the organization are unhindered. I know they have a spy in the Seven Suns, so I will see to that before leaving Baldur’s Gate. I may let things cool down for the evening before heading back to that section of the city…
6PM. After a lethal scuttle with some aggressive mages that seemed unrelated to the Iron Throne….I met some more thugs that DID in fact work for the Iron Throne: Marek and Lothander. They seem less capable and less intimidating than the band I just took out at their headquarters, so I didn’t give them much of a second thought. I would have tried to fight them for information if they didn’t scurry off into the shadows.
8PM. I purchased the Cloak of Protection from the Shop of Silence, and now I can continuously wear Edventar’s Gift, a Ring of Free Action–I’ll just need to remember to slip it off when Baeloth casts Haste. I also purchased the Thresher from Sorerous Sundries for my main hand.
[Day 56]
5AM. Rather than stay and rest in the city overnight, I thought it smarter to journey outside a bit–I know I’ve ruffled some feathers in the day I’ve been here, and I’d rather not be watched, assessed, and attacked in my sleep. At least if we get some distance between us our Iron Throne fights, we can regain some of the element of surprise when we make our visit to the Seven Suns.
We eventually stumbled upon some undead-infested land (that we cleared), and made camp in the early morning when we were well north of the city.
[Day 57]
8AM. I waited until the next morning to look into the Seven Suns.
Almost immediately, we discovered most of the merchants had been replaced with doppleganger monsters. These are the spies that the Iron Throne is using? They’re replacing their competitors with face-stealing, soulless monsters?! There is a human prisoner in the basement, Jhasso, but he seems too petrified with fear to even speak…hopefully he’ll get ahold of himself eventually.
But I think of Aldeth Sashenstar’s request to look into strange happenings at HIS trading roster, the Merchants League. It stands to reason that the Iron Throne would attempt the same evil plan at other guilds.
10AM. As I suspected, the same plot was afoot at the Merchant’s League–and to a much larger degree. I worked with Aldeth to clear the monsters there from his guild, and I’m hoping this is a major setback for the Iron Throne here.
12PM. I know the Merchant League has another counting house under its control. I take it as my own responsibility to go and make sure there’s no doppleganger infestation there too.
The guard, Jacil, was not a doppleganger, but attacked us anyway–we did pick the lock in order to break in, so I do understand if he thought we were burglars. I did not want to kill him, so I had Baeloth cast Dire charm, and I had him go sit in a far room’s corner; hopefully unaware of us when he regains himself.
We did have to slay his large pack of blink dogs. They were put to sleep magically…but that didn’t stop them from teleporting, amazingly.
I went to confirm the second floor would only be merchants and common folk, then headed back on out of here. I did manage to grab a scroll of Chaos while I was in there; it will be better used in my hands undoubtedly, and we are fighting a common enemy in the Iron Throne.
And we are going to journey back to Candlekeep with all haste to confront the Iron Throne leaders…it has been almost two months since I hurriedly left with Gorion, Iv’e grown much in that time.
[Day 60]
6AM. After about three days of travel, we arrived at Candlekeep. And a worry I had deep in my gut turned out to be absolutely true: I wouldn’t be allowed passage back into Candlekeep. Without Gorion as my protector, there is no room for me according to the scholars’ strict rules. Damn Ulraunt! Fiends and monsters conspire behind his walls, and I’m kept out like some enemy invader!
How long will Rieltar and the others be in Candlekeep?! They are fortified from danger here, and can clearly conduct their business in peace. They may have already heard what transpired with their headquarters in Baldur’s Gate–so why leave the relative safety of Candlekeep?
I might be able to wait them out, but my constitution doesn’t allow for it. So with a bit of anger at this setback, we travel for some time south down along the coast. The idea is the Iron Throne may be keeping some forces in the greater region outside Candlekeep, to act as reinforcements for the leaders inside? Even though it’s unlikely, I’ll take a look for any clues or possibilities.
In the end, I might just have to find a tome of sufficiently great value and get my own invite inside. I’ll use this time to think about next steps.
Current party:
Wybrough, Level 6 Fighter/Level 5 Mage (The Thresher +2 and Morning Star +1)
Branwen, Level 6 Priest of Tempus
Imoen, Level 7 Thief
Baeloth, Level 7 Sorcerer
Reputation: Heroic (17)
[Ah. So staying true to character, I’ve been barreling through the main plot. I did Ulcaster and Adoy’s Enclave, and a handful of wilderness areas, but not much beyond that. No Firewine/Durlag’s, no Gnoll Stronghold, nothing west of the Coast Way for that matter, barely anything in the southeast, only a very small part of Baldur’s Gate… So this all means I feel a bit underleveled, and may be missing out on some equipment that might be very beneficial at this stage of the game...]
[But this! A turning point that gives me a good RP excuse to start adventuring more around the Coast Way. My PC’s going to try to find some damn tome on his own that’ll get him into Candlekeep! He’ll use all his intelligence and plotting ability to figure out where he could get one of sufficient value. The private collections of mages and the rich in Baldur’s Gate? Treasures from the north that merchants in Ulgoth’s Beard may have? The vast dungeons and ruins in the eastern wilderness?]
[Of course we all know if Wybrough only goes to the Flaming Fist compound and asks for help, he’d gain entrance to Candlekeep almost immediately. But this is where his achilles’ heel comes into play…thinking only HE knows best, only doing things HIS way, and not relying on help from any supposed “authorities”...it allows me to pull solid content and xp out of this BG1 playthrough.]
[It remains to be seen if I’m going to make the trip all the way out to Balduran’s Isle, since Balduran’s logbook is logically very valuable, or if it makes sense just to try to Scar/Eltan before that occurs. Or if I’ll even get the conversation option from Mendas. It seems crazy to go seafaring before checking in with the FF. But I guess I’ll only know when I get to that point, I try not to think ahead too much!]
3PM. There doesn’t seem to be much Iron Throne activity in the coastal areas south of Candlekeep. There were sirines, packs of ogres, and a handful of touched hermits, but any mercenary activity that ever may have been here is long gone.
So huh! How can I infiltrate Candlekeep? I will have to find a tome of great value in the meantime until I can think up a way to get through the walls. For that, my best source seems to be where I had just come from: Baldur’s Gate. Between the rich noble’s collections and the powerful mages and scholars that reside there, I should be able to shake something out.
[Day 62]
11AM. Traveling by way of High Hedge, we arrived back in Beregost. I plan to spend a bit of time organizing my “armory” currently stashed upstairs in Firebead’s house–where Ajantis is still living.
[Day 63]
7PM. I arrived back in Baldur’s Gate. I immediately traveled to the Iron Throne to see if any of their leadership had returned…but it looks like it’s business as usual, as I expected. All those fat, complicit merchants are still inside–I want to see them running and screaming, but I know these low-level villains aren’t capable of much violence. Whatever scruples they lack, they’re likely not much different from the other merchants in town. Either way I can’t justify violence against them.
I double checked their library for valuable tomes, but as I suspected, there’s nothing here worth entry to Candlekeep.
[Day 64]
4AM. I began the morning very early, and started scouting out the rest of the city–especially the inner city. ’Where would valuable tomes be available?’ I think to myself
I soon run into another early riser, a Lady Hannah. She complains of a mage named Ragefast in the northwest of town, holding a nymph captive for his sick pleasure. Huh, that seems as good of a place as any to start my search for a valuable book–I may be able to solve a problem or two while I’m at it.
As I was at the marketplace first, I decided it was worth a look around. At this point I see Lothander, one of the Iron Throne thugs who already threatened me. He claims that Marek has poisoned me. I’m very skeptical–but moreso, I’m intrigued as to what his plan might be and what his angle is here. I can play along until I understand what exactly these so-called assassins are trying to pull…so far, I just have to speak to a nearby Diviner.
So, imagining the Diviner is in on the scheme, apparently they want me to go talk to Jalantha in the Water Queen’s House. I have some vague curiosity now about what exactly the Iron Throne wants me to do there–it was a big enough setup after all–but whatever it is, I’ll be certain I don’t act as their puppet in any way.
5AM. I visited Jalantha as the Water Queen’s House…this convoluted plot continues, as now I’m asked to retrieve the “Book of Wisdom” from the Temple of Tymora, the Lady’s Hall. Is this item of power what the Iron Throne thugs are after? They’re using me to get it? I don’t know where the Lady’s Hall is, but I’ll check in when I find it to see what more I can find out. It goes without saying that “Book of Wisdom” might possibly be a way inside Candlekeep, too, depending on how much of this whole story ends up being true.
6AM. Interestingly, a young boy summons me to a dire priest of Tymora, asking me for help to recover the body of a child that had been killed by the Water Queen priestesses. I initially thought these two might be part of this elaborate Iron Throne hoax as well, but at this point I feel there is a larger feud between the Umberlee temple and the Tymora temple, and this child’s murder doesn’t have anything to do with Lothander (who may just be trying to use me to retrieve this Book of Wisom for the Iron Throne).
In any case, I’ll return to the Water Queen’s House to get to the bottom of it.
7AM. I found the Lady’s Hall (luckily!) and paid it a visit. I asked for the Book of Wisdom. Whether it’s wanted by the Iron Throne or about to be stolen by Jalantha…it’s best I hold onto it. It cost me 500 gold, but it was something I could afford. (Once identified, I quickly made the determination a Tome of Understanding would not gain me access to Candlekeep.)
8AM. Returning to Jalantha–things turned bloody, quickly. She at first wasn’t willing to speak with me about the dead boy, probably sensing I possessed the Book of Wisdom. Once I stashed it outside and made it clear I needed first to talk about the murder–she attacked (after ransoming the remains). She must have felt I would not be cooperating with her; unfortunately she picked a poor target for her harsh “sentencing” and I had to slay her and her priestesses, leaving only one survivor. I was able to retrieve the boy’s body, and I’ll be headed back to Tremaine’s house.
I did also retrieve a Geas Removal scroll from Jalantha. Could Lothander have been telling the truth this entire time? Even if my party is not truly poisoned, it appears he wants to be free of a Geas. There’s value in possibly getting a former Iron Throne assassin on our side.
9AM. Upon meeting back up with Lothander, he scampers off once his hide is saved…but not before giving me some great information: his ex-partner Marek’s staying at the Blushing Mermaid Inn. Looks like there’s at least one more thug to track down to see if he can offer anything of value about the Iron Throne leaders.
10AM. I hear again about Ragefast the troublemaking mage, this time from another mage, Ramazith. It may be interesting to see what these mages can offer me in terms of magical tomes, so I agree for now to help him. I was going to end up paying Ragefast a visit anyway.
11AM. Soon, I found the Blushing Mermaid, and Marek within (after having to slay an ogre bounty hunter on the lower level). Marek attacked before offering up anything useful, but he did also mention the poison, and I recovered a supposed antidote from his body. Hmm…I’ll keep these vials close by, but I’m not sure it’s anything we need.
And no sooner do I begin to ponder the Ragefast-Ramazith rivalry than I’m approached by another mage, Bielbara, and hear about her own arcane-wielding enemy. Her daughter seems to be sentenced to death by a mage named Yago. My gut says I should see to this immediately, as a child is in danger, much like the priest’s boy only a few hours ago. I have no choice but to trust Brielbara for the time being; I know where the Low Lantern is, so I should be able to find Yago and make sense of the situation shortly.
5PM. Yago was truly a villain, and I was able to save Brielbara’s daughter by recovering his spellbook of curses. What true depravity lurks in this city!
As I explored the city, I became involved in a major battle at the Helm and Cloak Tavern. A belligerent party of adventurers decided they’d try to kill us, so we had no choice but to fight back. The fiends were killing commoners indiscrimiately during our fight; it’s good we were able to put an end to their reign of terror.
With Branwen now quite fatigued, I should try to find a place to rest until tomorrow…
[Day 65]
3AM. I paid an early morning visit to Ragefast. It was true what people were saying about him keeping a nymph captive…although it was slightly more innocent than I would have originally believed. I convinced the mage to let her go. I received no tome of great value for my troubles, but at least the creature is free.
I plan to go speak with Ramazith on this matter when the sun rises.
11AM. At some point throughout the course of the morning, we all felt extremely sick. It was clear at this point that Lothander was telling the truth about him and Marek poisoning us. The effects finally kicked in. Luckily, I have been holding onto the antidote, and we were cured.
1PM. On conversing with Ramazith, he attacked me under the pretense I had somehow betrayed him. He had of course simply wanted to steal the nymph for his own personal use, and he flew into a rage when he realized it didn’t pan out that way. I had to fight through his tower of monsters, but eventually we defeated him. There were no tomes of value here that could get me into Candlekeep, but there was certainly some treasure in its own right.
2PM. I eventually visited the High House and Hall of Wonders of Gond. No valuable books in there, at least none on display.
3PM. At Jopalin’s Tavern in the Docks, I see Yeslick, the dwarf I freed from captivity from Davaeorn in Cloakwood. It’s good he made it out and to safety.
4PM. At a different tavern and inn (I’m paying a visit to each one I see today, trying to keep my ears open for useful information), I get into a conflict with a paladin named Phandalyn. He immediately attacks to kill Baeloth, the “evil” drow in our group. I was honestly expecting more resistance to the drow since we’ve been here in the city, but it’s actually been quiet…most commoners and Flaming Fist avert their gaze as our adventuring group marches by. But our luck on that front finally ran out, and we ended up killing the paladin in the ensuing battle.
To my understanding he was well-known and well-liked in these parts, and his death will not be well received. My mostly heroic reputation on the Sword Coast is now washed up, it seems. Fortunately, I couldn’t care less. Baeloth has shown me much loyalty in our time together and I owe him the same.
7PM. At the Elfsong Tavern, I meet a halfling Brevlik who’s attempting the theft of one of the gnomish artifacts in the Hall of Wonders. He wanted to pay us to do it; I entertained his offer until I realized it wouldn’t get me the treasure I actually wanted…
And yes, it’s turning out to be more difficult to track down a tome of sufficient value than I initially thought. So with a bad taste in my mouth, I’ll try the Thieves Guild and see what rumors or information may be helpful for my cause. I’m not sure I’ll be allowed in, but I’ll figure that out when I get there.
9PM. I invited myself right inside and sniffed out Alatos as the leader very quickly. He had nothing to say about books of great value (or any way into Candlekeep for that matter), but instead wanted my help robbing some mages in the city of some magical artifacts. I declined, but Alatos saw it more than a simple “request”...more of something I was required to do. As soon as I realized this, I pushed back harder. I knew I was going to regret coming to this hive of villainy, and I did.
Alatos decided in a moment he would rather kill my party. He claimed he didn’t want this location to be made known, but I scoffed at that. Maybe he recognized there was more value for him in killing an enemy of the Iron Throne right there? He risked the lives of his entire guild just to try to murder a well-armed adventuring party. Truly touched.
In the short time I wasn’t an enemy, these thieves had more information on the Iron Throne than I had–Rieltar’s last name, the fact their bosses are in Sembia, that Sarevok is Rieltar’s son…it’s a shame Alatos forced it come to this violent brawl. Husam, though, was the one who seemed to have knowledge. He slipped out before the violence and said he’d be at the Elfsong. I went there to continue the conversation, but he was ultimately useless beyond what he gave me.
10PM. Gah! The longer my search continues, the longer I realize the unlikelihood of some book laying around in a shop in Baldur’s Gate that doesn’t have a copy already at Candlekeep. Meanwhile, the Iron Throne continues their machinations unhindered while war brews on the Coast.
My interaction with Alatos got me thinking: Of course there are more mages, bookkeepers, and prominent collectors in this city, but what reason would they have to open their doors to me? So I may have to plan to make my “own” time to visit some of the richer, more notable estates in this city and see what they might be keeping inside. The city guard likely won’t support it, but we'll continue to steer clear of them as best we can. We'll get this search done as swiftly as possible.
[Day 67]
1AM. Imoen had some injuries that we could no longer heal, and since she’ll be doing much of the stealth and infiltration work, so we waited until the next night before we began our “visits”.
My first target was the largest–Entar Silvershield’s estate. Despite being the middle of the night, we were able to convince the servants at the main entrance that we were visitors from Waterdeep with urgent business. At first a single guard caught on, but we were able to put him to sleep magically and move along. Imoen managed to slink off into the shadows while the rest of us stayed on the first floor. She evaded some other guards and residents, and had to even bribe another when she was caught in the kitchen.
For all the trouble, the two rarest books Imoen was able to pull were the History of Estagund and the History of Durpar and Var the Golden. Unfortunately, I know Candlekeep already has copies of these.
Of course, other than books, we didn’t take anything from the house…we are not robbers.
Next is the Degrodel residence…
Current party:
Wybrough, Level 6 Fighter/Level 6 Mage (The Thresher +2 and Morning Star +1)
Branwen, Level 7 Priest of Tempus
Imoen, Level 8 Thief
Baeloth, Level 8 Sorcerer
Reputation: Average (9)
2AM. Imoen picked the lock to Degrodel’s residence to check this notable estate for any possible tomes of great value…and to my shock, the house was full of Doom Guards and Helmed Horrors. I know they were keeping to their own business, but these murderous monsters are a threat to every innocent commoner in this city. It’s just good fortune that I was able to discover this place and put an end to the threat. Yes, it was all behind locked doors, but it was only a matter of time before it spilled out and wreaked all sorts of havoc, accidental or no. What type of person keeps these hostile creatures around? Well, I’ll be sure to find out…once I destroy them.
When I finally confronted the mage inside–Degrodel–he threatened us then attacked. Clearly he skewed homicidal and was up to some nefarious plot. That it had to end in his own death is unfortunate, but we had no choice. Ultimately it seems like the city will be better off for it.
[Reload 9. Died while attempting to fight Degrodel. When I aggroed him and he summoned the three more monsters, I had Imoen backstab him immediately. Concurrently, I had my PC cast Blindness on Degrodel after moving back a bit while standing in the doorway. That was the stupid fatal mistake which I realized immediately. Casting Blindess really served no upside since my plan was to retreat anyway and take the fighting to the street…the delay in retreating and clogging the doorway caused me and Imoen to get trapped in that damn room. I eventually got cornered by two of Doom Guards/Horrors and it was a wrap. On the next try, I didn’t bother with the Blindness and just fled. Imoen failed her backstab THIS time but I was able to get her out too.]
10PM. Degrodel was a tough battle, so we rested for the day in the outer city until night fell again. Once it did, we went back to the northwest; I want to take a closer look at the Helm and Cloak. I had seen an hidden compartment in a painting prior, but didn’t pay much mind to it. But who knows what could be in there?
I accessed the compartment and saw a magical, unidentified helm. However intriguing–this is not a tome. I left it.
11PM. At the Blushing Mermaid, I directed myself towards the Undercellar. This may be simply a den of vileness, but I’ll take a brief look to see if anything may be helpful in my quest.
[Day 68]
12AM. Looking around, I find a sewer portal from the Undercellar, to the west. There was an Ogre Mage encamped, with a swarm of Carrion Crawlers. We took out the monsters.
1AM. Another sewer entrance; I scouted in the nearby area, just to see if any monsters or unsavory creatures were waiting in the shadows here too, to hurt witless innocents that may happen to stumble out of the wrong entrance. I immediately find two bodies–is something else killing people around here? This is entrely different section of the sewer system than I was just in.
I ended up killing a rather large pack of kobold commandos.
3AM. A few hours later, I headed to the Hall of Wonders. I want to get a closer, unsupervised look at what items of value they have here. As usual, I don’t have high hopes that I’ll find an invaluable tome, but I’m sure going to take a look. Imoen was adeptly able to sneak around and pick the locks of all internal compartments to sadly confirm this.
There was a mysterious halfling inside–she almost caught Imoen, but Imoen evaded her and hid back in the shadows. I had half a mind to keep moving on tonight…but maybe this “Alora” knows something valuable, so I decided to talk to her. She wasn’t guarding the place obviously; rather, trying to rob it. I didn’t want to get any more involved, already having picked all the locks and left the treasures untouched…
4AM. The estates of Felonius Gist and Oberan were my next targets, in the center of the city. Luck has not been on my side; if there’s going to be something that can get me into Candlekeep, these are likely my last two chances.
Felonius Gist ended up having no valuable book collection. On the other hand, the crowded Oberan house had multiple floors of bookshelves and tomes. Among the rarer ones that Imoen found were History of the Red Ravens, History of the Last March of the Giants, and History of the Dragon Coast. All of those, though, I know are already in the Candlekeep library. No luck anywhere in this damn city!
Imoen was spotted briefly by Oberan himself in his study, and a small contingent of Flaming Fist were called…Imoen eluded them initially. Surely at this point there’s talk amongst the guard about all of the house invasions, but it was all a waste anyway.
7AM. As a last resort, I visited the warehouses in the city in the event the gods were smiling upon us and a large and valuable book collection happened to be accessible for browsing…but I just found mercenary trouble and a basilisk. I must face the fact now that my key to Candlekeep might not lie within the walls of Baldur’s Gate.
In addition, I have a substantial number of Flaming Fist Enforcers looking to cleave us limb from limb, and a bribe went wrong caused my party to be generally disliked now amongst the commonfolk. It’s probably a good time to get out of the city for a little while.
Despite my efforts, I still have no way to enter Candlekeep. My frustration makes me want to camp out on the Lion’s Way and wait weeks, months, or longer for them to show their faces. But in the meantime, their evil plans may just come to fruition again and again. No! I must do SOMETHING.
For my return to my childhood home…I need a tome that is truly new, undiscovered, something novel. I have to leverage the fact that I’m an adventurer. I know there are vast dungeons in the eastern wilderness. Firewine and Durlag’s Tower come to mind. It’s time to revisit the area and see what treasures (and tomes) may exist out there.
Before going south, I will make the detour to the village of Ulgoth’s Beard. There will be merchants there from farther-off lands there, so it’s worth taking a look before I go south. I understand this entire journey may take a few weeks. There is always the chance Rieltar and Brunos will emerge from Candlekeep at some point, so I’ll make sure to never lose focus on that.
[Day 69]
12AM. I arrive in Ulgoth’s Beard at midnight. There are more people than I expected still awake in the town square. I meet some of them, including the mage Shandalar. He has a quest for me to retrieve some item of magical power–but he won’t say more about it at all. He’s a powerful mage and potential useful ally…but without information, don’t know if this would be worth my time. In the morning I’ll make a decision.
I purchased the Cloak of Displacement from the innkeeper.
9AM. I visit the rest of the village in the morning. There is a strong connection here to Durlag’s Tower, a dungeon I will soon be raiding if things go according to plan. But as soon as I think that, I meet a reclusive scholar named Mendas.
We finally catch some good luck. Mendas speaks of an island off the coast that was recently rediscovered that can be used as a trading waypoint. More importantly, it’s ALSO the site of Balduran’s famous shipwreck–which would likely contain his LOGBOOK. This would be a priceless piece of Sword Coast history if found–but would Candlekeep consider it a true “tome”? If so, it must be worth entry. If not–well, it’s still the best path forward I have right now.
I will have to acquire the Sea Charts from the Merchant’s League first. I was at the Merchant’s League Counting House two weeks previous and I know there were no Sea Charts onsite then, so this discovery must have happened very recently.
I’ll have to get my hands on the Sea Charts first and take it from there. I will head south to Baldur’s Gate this morning; Shandalar’s quest can wait.
[Day 70]
2AM. I arrived back in Baldur’s Gate in the middle of the night and headed straight to the Counting House. Imoen snuck around, or blended in well enough with the common crewmates, but the Sea Charts weren’t left in any desk or shelf…they must be on someone’s person, if they’re truly here.
Since Imoen doesn’t have any pickpocketing skill, looks like I’m just going to take the direct route and say hello.
3AM. Ulf and the guards on the first floor attacked me. I used Horror and Emotion-Hopelessness, as well as some Blindnesses and Glitterdust, to spare all their lives. I knew the Captain was on the second floor, and he’s likely the one with the charts.
Once I talk to him, I learn I may still be able to avoid bloodshed…but it looks like I’ll have to sneak up his flagon of ale past the first floor guards (that already recognize Imoen).
(I've checked some past runs. My "Wee Cant Spell" run, with a mixed party in 2.5, used Phandalyn to drop from 18 rep to 15.)
Also, I'm thinking now that the reputation loss was actually hardcoded before. Which - sure, it makes sense that they'd change that. But changing the amount, too? I don't agree with that part.
The 2.6 update added two new creature scripts to BGEE. "murder1.BCS" causes rep loss equivalent to killing an innocent if you kill that creature, and "murder2.BCS" causes rep loss equivalent to killing a guard if you kill the creature. The former is used for Phandalyn, Tremain Belde'ar, and the chapter 6 versions of Arkanis and Deder. The latter is not assigned to any creatures.