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[Usurper]

Back in the temple, we find a few replacement defenders.



After we kill them, we see some interesting detail around the main room.



This book is written on human skin!



And I have no idea what these pools are for but its disgusting.



Hrothgar runs into a trap, but it doesn't affect him.



There are a few undead in this room. Not many, though.



There is a trapped altar!



It contains a Protection from Magic scroll. Very handy.

In the opposite room, Hrothgar springs a trap and it DOES affect him.



By the time we are done looting the room, Hrothgar returns.



Unfortunately Imoen only finds a masterwork long sword.

After that, we try one of the doors along the side, but it doesn't budge.



Its opposite opens just fine, though.



Accalia gets going with the burnination.



The furthest part of this room hides yet another skeleton warrior.



But they aren't so scary when they're alone.

In the sarcophagus Imoen finds Gauntlets of Parrying!



We give those to Hrothgar, too. Dude needs to stop dying.

Imoen also finds the Priest's Key there.



The Priest's Key opens up the door on the opposite side that we tried to go through before.



There are some pretty powerful-looking ghouls in there.



But ghouls... ghouls aren't immune to magic. Not even the lords.





Oh yeah. That's the stuff.

We find a Short Bow +1, which I give to Shar-Teel, and in the final sarcophagus, we find the equipment of a priest and a Holy Symbol of Myrkul.



It is reasonable to assume that this temple is dedicated to the lord of death. Aren't you supposed to, like, cleanse those?

We gather together in fighting formation in front of the door.



There is probably an unimaginable horror back there. Although, I've seen a lot. I can imagine a lot. But maybe I'll be surprised? Let's see.

A terrifying skeleton archer attacks us!



Then we find ourselves faces with 3 passageways.



We send Imoen up the left one first. The passage bends and then leads to more sarcophagi.



Imoen investigates the room. When the touches the sarcophagus, secret doors open and we are ambushed!



I tell everyone to run back down the hallway, but Imoen doesn't make it.



I'm about to fall to the same fate, so I run into a closet and cast Invisibility.



I have no idea how we would even survive this Vale of Shadows without Accalia.



I lean out of my closet and add some spiders into the fight.



And then speed everybody up.



The clerics do their kill-and-heal routine again. Now at double-time.



In the sarcophagus we find Protection from Fire, some coins, and a ring that I cannot identify.



It is has been so very long since I didn't know the magic properties of something I am simply dumbfounded. And I didn't memorize any Identify scrolls, so I'll have to figure this out later. When we resurrect Imoen.

After a few interruptions by lone skeleton warriors, we finally rest and memorize new spells.

[Usurper]

Imoen comes back as inquisitive as ever.



(*She turns a couple of pages*) Hrmph... Today Hrothgar... Hrothgar said... Hrothgar... Hrothgar... Hrothgar, and more Hrothgar!

(*Giggles*) It looks like our lady priest has got a crush on Hrothgar. And him being so old... yuck!

(*She turns another page*) Now this is more like it... "Imoen, a charming enough rogue" ... she actually likes me! Well, I'll be darned...

(*She reads on*) "... should really learn to grow up and realize life out here is not a playground." What?! Why the...

Imoen, you seen my journal anywhere?

(*Quickly stuffing her hands behind her back*) Er... no, Accalia.

Strange, I don't remember dropping it or leaving it anywhere. I'll have to ask the others if they've seen it.

You do that, Accalia. (*smirking*) Why not ask Hrothgar? He might know.

Mmm, I may just do that. Before I do, I thought you might like this clasp, Imoen. See how beautifully it compliments your hair... don't you think?

(*Quickly holding out her hands for the clasp, dropping the book as she does*) It's beautiful Accalia, thank... oops!!

(*Smiles knowingly*) Now where did that fall from? Some magpie passing overhead, or was that a gust of wind I felt?

(*Blushing*) What this book... is it yours? I only just found it and haven't had time to find out who it belongs to yet. And I certainly have not had enough time to read it. (*Picks up the book and gives it to Accalia*)

Yes, I do believe it is mine. Thank you for finding it for me. I will have to try and not be so careless in the future and tighten my pack better. Wouldn't you agree, Imoen?

Right you are, Accalia. Thank you for the clasp and I'm glad you got your journal back.

So am I. Before I go, a little bit of advice for you Imoen: "Eavesdroppers never hear any good of themselves." And I should imagine it's true of those who read other people's journals, too.

I would never read your journal, Accalia. As you said, it's private.

I also am able to identify the ring. It is a Ring of Shadows.



I am still unused to not having any equipment. Imoen doesn't have any rings at all! This will be her only one!



How far the Golden Company has fallen. Just 5 ragtag fools, nearly naked and dying deep underground. How can I get out of here?

Later, Imoen says she found a cool secret door.



We open it to find a mummy. Great.



Again, we are able to take it out before anybody gets sick. Mummies are slow. On an altar back there we find a Robe of Cold Resistance, some low-level spell scrolls, a few coins and jewelry, a tome that I can't identify, and a Mausoleum Key.



Great! I was freezing my balls off up here!



Again, I'm going to have to rest before identifying this one.



At the end of the hallway we find a door that looks like it goes down to another level.



Looks like we've cleared out the first level of this temple.



I feel as though we are a little out of our depth when I see the form of a god opposing us. Is that... Myrkul?



He doesn't hurt very much, so we take him out. But he was wearing Full Plate Mail +2 and wielding a Flame Blade!



Hrothgar puts it on, and gives his old platemail to Shar-Teel. Now hopefully both will die less often.

Also, this flame blade doesn't seem to have a name on it, but I still snatch it up all the same. I am back in business!



Gameplay note: The Flame Blade doesn't have a description. But NearInfinity says that it makes it 50% harder for me to hide in shadows, gives me the CLERIC_HALLOWED proficiency while wielding (whatever that is), and protects me from web and fireball. Not sure what to make of a descriptionless sword though.

Then we send Imoen forward to scout while invisible. She comes back wide-eyed and frightened. She says something about a demon spectre casting level 8 spells!



What?! How can we...

what?!

Gameplay note: It took me several reloads before I gave up on a frontal assault and remembered that demons can't see someone protected from evil. It was sicknasty. A real slaughter.

Hrothgar steps up. He says that the presence of a demon requires Protection from Evil. He says that this is something he must take care of on his own.

He casts Protection from Evil on himself and walks up to the demon. There are, of course, several skeleton warriors in the area who DO see him.



He leads them back to us. It is an optimal slaughter.



That is, until the demon shows up...



We run back up the stairs, and the demon doesn't follow. Hrothgar casts Protection from Evil upon us all.



Then we return to the fight.

Uhh... looks like Hrothgar forgot to protect Dar!



We need... we need a more permanent solution here. I tell everyone to retreat. We're going back to town.



When we get there, everyone prepares a lot of Protection from Evil spells, and Accalia and Dar prepare some of the big ones, Protection from Evil 10' Radius.

I am also able to finally identify the Tome I found. It is a Tome of Leadership and Influence!



Also, we sell all the stuff we collected and now have 8115 gold!



We make it back, Accalia casts Protection from Evil 10' Radius, and we're ready to go!



Even though the demon can't see it, it still manages to hurt us as soon as we walk down the stairs.



Also, it is physically blocking the doorway, so we can't walk through it. Imoen summons in some monsters to move the demon.



It takes the bait, rushing into the room to destroy the ogres.



Thre are skeleton warriors right behind him that crowd the door when he rushes in, so our divine meleers smash one to bits to get us through.

[Usurper]

As the demon kills the ogres, I give him some spiders to keep him busy, and we rush out just in time.



As we kill the second skeleton warrior, my confused spiders come after us. Great.



The important thing right now is to get as far away from the demon as possible, so we just keep running.



But I worry that the demon will follow the spider, so we take a stand and kill all enemies.



There. That should give us some peace and quiet.

Deep in the north side of the temple we find yet another key.



And behind a banner-hung column we find a lever that doesn't move.



In the center of the main area, we find some very interesting items.



We find a Potion of Memory.



Two potions of Magic Dispelling.



And a scroll of Cloudkill.

Imoen idly wonders if it would work on the demon spectre. I decide to try it out.

I don't estimate the range right, and I find myself in my own cloud! Also, the demon casts a Magical Sword, which comes after me.



I make a quick retreat and then peer into the cloud, hoping that something is happening. But nothing is happening.



Ugh. I look the other way. There's a huge door opened by many gears. I bet we have to find more keys to get in there.

On another altar we find another book.



After the Cloudkill disperses, we go looking for the demon, but we can't find him. So we decide to check behind these huge doors.



Imoen almost doesn't see three traps near the door.



Behind that is a spectral Black Wolf Guardian. I guess an old guardian of this temple?



He talks big, but he doesn't actually DO anything.



Behind him, on a long-dead body, is a Black Wolf Talisman and a cursed protection scroll.



Accalia has her Ironskins, and Dar has his Endurance of Ilmater. So I give this to Hrothgar, again. Let's hope his decked-out self can finally stay alive.

When we have the talisman, the lever works, and the doors open.



Screw this place!



We find ourselves in more temple.



The demon spectre is here too!



Thank the gods we are still protected from evil.

[Usurper]

Wait.. did I say demon spectre? I mean demon spectres, plural!



Dar says if they cannot see us, we can destroy them! And he attacks. But that doesn't seem like a good idea.



So instead we go exploring.

We eventually find one of the demon spectres has come back from Shadow Door. So, Imoen idly wonders if a Nishruu would work against them. She decides to try it.



Some kind of sword made of negative energy surrounded by yellowness attacks the Nishruu. The demon spawns both types of Fire Shield and summons a Magical Sword to aid it.



I really feel like summoning a Fiend on these guys. Fuck them, seriously. The Magical Sword follows us around while we're exploring, but doesn't really hurt anyone.

Eventually we come to a door with a wolf's paw mosaic in front of it.



Then, an unfortunate coincidence happens. Our Protection from Evil wears off and immediately a Demon Spectre teleports in to murderize us.

As soon as Accalia sees the teleport magic, she begins to cast another Protection from Evil 10' Radius. I shout out for everybody to just FREEZE and don't move. Nobody does, except Accalia of course. I guess that's why the demon targets me.



I'm struck blind, just as we are protected from the demon again. I guess this is one of those ironic vengeance type of demons.

Imoen takes my hand, and together we all walk up to the door.

Imoen tells me that there are more pools of green liquid, a magical sword is chasing us once again, and there's yet another demon standing at the front of the temple.



Great. Imoen goes to check out the sarcophagus next to the demon. But he speaks to her. How... how could he know?



If it is evil that you seek, then you need look no futher. I stand here before you. However, I am not the one who plagues Kuldahar. For that evil, you must look elsewhere.

Why should I believe you to be innocent, spirit?

I care not at all whether you believe me, adventurer. I am centuries dead and bound to these halls for eternity.

I care even less for the living or their gathering places. If your Kuldahar is beset by evil, it is not my doing. Go seek your villain elsewhere.

If not you, then who is responsible?

Who indeed... I can answer your question, but I require a boon first. Perform a task for me, and I will answer you.

What task, spirit?

Auril, the ice goddess, is worshipped by some here in the cold norh. Auril commands her followers to extinguish all fires, to open structures to the cold winds, and to deny warmth a place to gather.

As you can see, my tomb would be an abomination to a follower of Auril.

I concede your point. Go on.

A priestess of Auril has stood at the threshold of my tomb and gazed within. Recently she attempted entry, but my guardians foiled her.

Now that you have slain my guardians, there is nothing to prevent her from returning and carrying out the will of Auril.

I do not wish to spend eternity in a cold, lifeless hell. Find this Aurilite... and slay her. Only then will I answer you.

I am no assassin, spirit.

Know this, adventurer. Your precious Kuldahar is just as much an abomination to Auril as this tomb. Think of the great tree, the circle of warmth, and the tenets of Auril.

How will Kuldahar fare under Auril's cold gaze? Find this Aurilite and slay her. Only then will both of us feel safe and only then will I answer you.

Very well. I will find this priestess and deal with her.

Excellent. Be quick about the task, for even now I sense her presence within the Vale. Return to me when you have dealt with her. Until then, I hae nothing more to say.

Farewell, spirit.

Walking away and letting the demons live really rankles the hides of the divine ones, I can see.



But I guess, uh, I guess we have a new target?



I also find out that the second tome is a Tome of Understanding.





Gameplay note: We finally have something to vote on! We have found two Tomes within the Black Wolf Temple, a Tome of Leadership and Influence (+1 CHA) and a Tome of Understanding (+1 WIS). So let us vote.

1. Who should get the Tome of Leadership and Influence, raising his or her Charisma by one point permanently for all time? It can be anyone currently in the party or someone we will meet some day, even!

2. Who should get the Tome of Understanding, raising his or her Wisdom by one point permanently for all time? It can be anyone currently in the party or someone we will meet some day, even!

Edited by Usurper, 10 January 2015 - 10:05 AM.

[Usurper]

also, is there any way to kill these demon spectres? They are pissing me off!

[Yovaneth]

Syvishtar gets both. A strong leader with high charisma and all that

 

-Y-

[hook71]

Yeah, Syvishtar gets both.

[Lurker of the north]

Yay, you're back!!!

Syv gets both.

[Usurper]

21 Mirtul, 1281

So... Aurilite priestess eh? Making things cold, eh? We should buy more spells to deal with her.



But I get distracted by conversation with this mage. He is studying interesting things.



My studies revolve around the arcane lore that deals specifically with the creation of mythals. A mythal is a powerful elven enchantment that is essentially a weave of protective magic that can be cast over a vast area. I've discovered numerous historical accounts of elven mages laying such mythals over an entire city.

Interesting. Tell me more.

The details of the accounts are vague at best. The mages of the old elven kingdoms vanished long ago... retreating to the safety and isolation of the isle of Evermeet. It seems that all their written knowledge of mythal enchantment has vanished with them. For over a decade, I have traveled the realms, searching for remnants of this forgotten lore. That is what brought me to Kuldahar.

You think the answers you seek are here in Kuldahar?

Not exactly. While exploring the fabled ruins of Myth Drannor, I came across an old, tattered manuscript buried amid the rubble of an abandoned library. The manuscript made several references to an elven outpost located somewhere within the Spine of the World Mountains. Naturally, I came here to find the settlement. Thus far, I've been unable to locate it.

Well, if I come across any elven ruins, I'll be sure to let you know.

I appreciate your interest. If, by some miracle, you find this lost elven outpost and happen upon any materials regarding mythals, please deliver them to me here. I am willing to pay a handsome reward for such a service.

I'll remember that. Before I go, I would like to purchase some spells.

I see. Well, you've come to the right place. I can certainly provide you with a number of useful spells for your spellbook. Of course, I am only willing to offer you certain spells. I fear much of the knowledge I possess is beyond your comprehension. Perhaps, in the future, you may be worthy of such advanced knowledge.

Very well. What do you have to offer me at the moment?

I feel like I've been neglecting Imoen's magical studies. But also, she seems to be... not as smart as she used to be? We should probably wait until she has a Potion of Mind Focusing ready.

So I just buy spells for myself. I get Enchanted Weapon and Spell Immunity. Unfortunately, I cannot afford Summon Beholder, Mantle, or Finger of Death. Maybe next time!



I can cast four level 4 spells, but one of those is Stoneskin, which I need. So I can make three +3 weapons per day. Awesome! Hrothgar already has a +3 axe, but nobody else does. We're totally going to rox sox now!



Popular options that I learned about in Candlekeep are Immunity: Necromancy and Immunity: Evocation. Of course if you're trying to hide from someone, Immunity: Divination also works wonders.

Since we're going up against a priest, we have to prepare new spells, which leads to conversations around the fireplace at the Inn.



Think nothing of it, Accalia. I would not have suggested it had I not thought you would be a valuable companion.

I am not discontent with my duties with Everard, please do not think that Hrothgar. It is just... my faith in Tempus has driven me to believe that my way is the way of the battle priest.

You do not have to justify your faith to me Accalia. I have seen the look that leaps to your eyes when you hear of the need to take up the fight in Tempus's name, and I have also seen the disappointment come into them when you learn that it is not Tempus's will that you should join the rest of the faithful in battle.

I did not know that it showed so plainly in my face. Tempus knows the way of my heart, but he also knows that I serve him in whatever task he choses for me, no matter where I might feel my true path lies.

And that is why I am glad to have you with us. I could not wish for a more stalwart and honest companion at my side in these evil times, Accalia.

I thank you for the compliment, Hrothgar. Be assured that I will not let you down.

I will always give praise where praise is due, and from what I have come to know of you, Accalia, you are more than worthy.

While they talk, I read the Tome of Understanding, and then the Tome of Leadership and Influence, late into the night.





Hmmm, so just *wanting* something to be true doesn't actually *make* it true? The universe doesn't care about me or owe me anything at all? I guess the book has a point.



And then, the other.



Sooo, *complimenting* people makes them more likely to *do more* for you, eh? Iiinteresting.



I gotta go try this out! To the tavern with us!

Gameplay note: Going to Root Cell Tavern turns out to be essential to progress the game.

[Usurper]

I will help you if I can. What would you like to know?

Who are you?

I'm Lysan, the barmaid. If I may be of service to you, you need but ask.

What do you do here, Lysan?

As I said, I'm a barmaid. I help take care of the customers. I serve food and drinks, chat with folks, and listen to what they have to say. You learn a lot if you take the time to listen.

Have you heard any rumors you can share with me?

Well... I hear tales. Folks have been talking about the recent avalanche, the haunted vale, missing folks, monsters, and Arundel.

What are they saying about the avalanche?

I hear it was a bad one. The pass out of the valley's been blocked and won't be open again until... who knows when? Some folks are trapped here and none too happy about it. Not much that can be done though, just wait for spring and see if it clears enough for travel.

You mentioned a haunted vale. Can you tell me about it?

Most folks call it the Vale of Shadows. It's always dark there, like twilight or a moonlit night. Anyway, there are those who say spirits of the dead wander the vale. Folks don't go there anymore. They're afraid to. Maybe someone should do something about that...

Who is this Arundel you mentioned?

Arundel.. he's the local sage or hermit. I don't know rightly what to call him. Folks have a lot of respect for him though. Anyways, I guess he's taken an interest in a lot of the goings on around here of late. He's been seen out and about more than is usual for him. That's all I know.

I believe you said monsters were of concern. Are they a problem here?

A sore subject that one is... It seems they're on the rise lately. More monsters are spotted in the surrounding countryside every day. Orcs, goblins, you know the like. It has people worried.

What can you tell me about this tavern?

Why, this is the best tavern in all of Kuldahar. The food is good, the ale isn't watered down, and the service is friendly.

I would like to know more about Kuldahar.

I don't rightly know what to say about Kuldahar. It's a bit of a wonder, I'll give it that. The only thing that allows the town to survive is the great tree and the warmth it provides... It doesn't seem right, somehow.

Not right? What do you mean by that?

Oh, nothing really... I'm just... awed by the tree and all. Did you have more questions?

No, I think not. Farewell.

So... I can't even tell if my newfound charisma helped at all there. Also, why did she just up and leave immediately after that conversation?



Isn't she supposed to be the barmaid? Hmmmmmmmm....

Oh well, lets go "deal with" this Aurilite priestess.



Lysan?!?!?!?!?!???!!!!???!!!111eleven

I seek a priestess of Auril. Would that be you?

Hmm... I am somewhat familiar with Auril. The Frostmaiden is not very popular among most peoples. Many worship her out of fear rather than love or devotion. Her truly faithful are rare and secretive, to say the least. Why do you seek such a person?

I must speak to her about a matter of some importance.

Really? Hmm... I must admit that I am bursting with curiosity. I can't imagine what is so important that you would seek out a follower of Auril... Would you care to enlighten me?

It is a private matter that I can only discuss with the priestess.

I see... Very well, let us end this charade. I am Lysan, servant of Auril. You have found your priestess. Now, state your business with me...

I have come on behalf of the spirit in the tomb here. He is worried about your intentions toward his resting place.

I know nothing of any spirit, but I am familiar with the tomb you speak of. It is an abomination in the eyes of the goddess. I intend to make it more... pleasing to Her tastes.

There is a spirit bound to that tomb. He does not wish to spend eternity in the cold and dark.

I could care less what this spirit wants. He is dead, is he not? What do the dead care for light or dark, cold or warmth? They are beyond such mortal concerns.

What about the people of Kuldahar? They are not dead, nor are they beyond mortal concerns. Would you deny them the warmth and protection of the great tree?

Kuldahar, the great tree, and the circle of warmth are an abomination in the eyes of Auril. Kuldahar shall embrace the winter in Her name or perish in the cold wastes! The will of Auril shall be done.

Freezing to death is too horrible a fate to contemplate.

I cannot allow that to happen, Lysan.

Oh really? How sad. I shall have to kill you then. Prepare to meet your fate, fool!

So be it!

Gameplay note: Goddamnit. In the original game, she only summons yeti.



Ha! I successfully Hold my first undead.



Hrothgar gets Confused and Flamestruck.



But we somehow manage to muddle through and strike down the evil barmaid!



On the way back to Kresselack, I notice that I had missed out on one area of the first level of the temple. I go to check it out, you know, just to be thorough.

[Usurper]

There's a strange undead monstrosity sitting there.



Who are you again?

I am Bone Dancer Mytos, priest of Myrkul.

What is a bone dancer?

A Bone Dancer is a servant of Myrkul. It is our duty to raise guardian dead to protect places of importance to the faith. It is I who raised the guardians of this tomb.

I am not familiar with Myrkul. Can you tell me of him?

Can it be that you know nothing of the Lord of the Dead? Ah, well. It matters not. All things living know of Him eventually.

So, Myrkul is a death god?

No. He presides over the dead, not death itself. Death is nothing more than a simple transition from the world of the living to the world of the dead. Death is fleeting, where Myrkul is eternall.

Can you tell me about this place?

There is nothing I can tell you. You are not of the faith and are therefore not privy to such information.

I must leave now. Farewell.

No, You may not leave here until you have surrendered the keys you have in your possession.

Well, I've already opened up every part of this tomb... I don't see why not.

Well, you may take them. I really apologize for all these disturbances I cause to your... hmm... 'people.' I don't actually want to continue this quest, and I don't wish to go in more troubles than I have.

It's really wise from your side. But I don't need your apologies, and I simply don't like your tone. It seems to me you're preparing another ambush here. So don't think it will be so easy. This conflict was inevitable... Guardians! To arms!

So be it.

Ugh. More fighting?



We retreat and summon ogres into our path. This should give us some breathing room.



Taking out the skeleton warriors is a cinch, even though all the ogres are frightened. But then I feel the telltale tingle of magic being unleashed, high-level magic by the feel of it. And yet, nothing happens.



Gameplay note: TIME STOP?! WTF?!?!?! Thankfully we retreated so far back that Mytos isn't in range of anyone. Or he would have murderized us for sure.

We go to take out Mytos. Accalia dies when she springs a trap near the mage.



Hrothgar throws his undead-destroying axe at Mytos, and he explodes in a shower of moldy bones. But then he appears again in the middle of us, and stuns everyone.



Gameplay note: Must have been an invisibility/simulacrum combo. Simulacrum? Time Stop? What the hell kinda lich are we dealing with here?!?

I feel like I can't move, but Imoen throws out a Remove Magic. 'atta girl, she'll get us fixed right up. But something happens that I have never seen before in all my days of spellcasting. Her Remove Magic... doesn't work!



Hooooly shit how powerfully does the Weave have to be wrapped around this guy for Imoen to be unable to deal with it? She's only slightly less powerful of a mage than I am. If only I could move...

Dar wails on the mage, but he can't seem to hit him. He just gets burned by the mage's flames. Then, the wizard casts Maze on Dar! He disappears into a nightmare dimension of the mage's own design.



Imoen throws out a perfect spray of protection scrolls, and we all catch them. She shouts out for us to cast them on ourselves. I look at mine. It is Protection from Undead. Good idea.

Meanwhile, Mytos points a finger at an ogre berserker and it drops dead.



After Protection from Undead is cast, the lich no longer seems to see us. So I have everybody stand back as Hrothgar throws his anti-undead axe at the lich repeatedly. Eventually, it works.



Again he explodes in a musty shower of old bones, but this time he doesn't come back. I look at the statue behind him.



I guess he's gone to meet his god.

Ok, back to our regularly scheduled meeting.



Yes... I no longer sense her presence. You have done well, and I thank you. As a reward, you may take what you find in my sarcophagus.

You said you would tell me who is responsible for the evil that plagues Kuldahar.

Yes... so I did... The truth of the matter is that I do not know who is responsible. I can only assure you that it is not I, nor is it anyone in this vale. Were it to be otherwise, I would sense it.

That is not the answer I was promised, spirit.

Promised? I made you no promise, adventurer. As for your answer... knowing where your enemy is *not* is as vital as knowing where he *is.* Think upon that.

Very well, spirit. Farewell.

Hrothgar seems to take those words of wisdom to his deepest heart.





Gameplay note: Level 10, the first time a paladin can cast spells. Yay Hrothar!



Ok, we know that Kresselack isn't the big bad guy. The question is, though, do we try to kill him and his demon spectre minions? They are extremely terrible, OP entities and I want to see them go down. But hey, maybe everybody else is bored with the Vale of Shadows and wants to continue on the main plot as soon as possible? So lets vote.

A. Kill the demon spectres before you go! My daddy told me to never let a demon go un-killt!

B. Get on with it already! To the next plot point, post haste!

[hook71]

I'm voting for B. Time to move on!

[kreso]

A) I like your battles.

[Yovaneth]

As Kresselack is not the bad guy and has done nothing to Kuldahar, then B.

[Lurker of the north]

A... Because reasons.

[Usurper]

Well, here's how the votes stand:
 

A. Kill demon spectres .................
B. Get on with it man! .............

So I'll try to kill the demon spectres first. Let's do this.

[Usurper]

21 Mirtul, 1281

So since this demon spectre has generously allowed me to access his loot without killing him first. How nice! I wonder what he's got?



That's... that's not what happened at all. Or is it still to happen? How are those thieves going to loot his plate when I've just looted it right now? Have I created a paradox? Are Inevitable coming for me now?

Anyways, it is a pretty respectable plate mail, dark in color. Equal to what Hrothgar is wearing, so I give it to Shar-Teel.



Kresselack also has a sword.



I also give that to Shar-Teel. She has respectable cold resistance now, in addition to her innate fire resistance.



Kresselack's helm is also most suitable for Shar-Teel. And aptly named, too.



There is also a ring, one that I think Shar-Teel needs.



Ok, what Kresselack is teaching us is that Shar-Teel is, or should be, an antipaladin.

The final item in Kresselack's tomb is a hefty tome.



Ooh, interesting! I wonder who I should give this book to?

But before I go, there's one more thing I want to try. I need to get rid of these demon spectres. Hiding from them is just not good enough!



Getting too close to them looks dangerous. We should all use ranged attacks.

Spiritual Hammers, Hrothgar's new returning throwing axe, Melf's Minute Meteors, and simple arrows fly from us, we whom the demon cannot see. It wanders around confused.



It eventually responds by going invisible.



We just switch targets to the other demon spectre. It summons a magical sword that can actually hit us, but is otherwise still very confused.



Then it, too, goes invisible.



Nobody has Detect Invisibility memorized, so Accalia takes this opportunity to refresh our protection from evil.



The two invisible demons both summon magical swords to attack us. We run around for a while and they eventually disappear.



This is the most boring fight possible. I give up and decide to redo our spell list.



When we return the demon spectres are still invisible. I reveal them with a spell.



Enough spiritual hammers seem to hurt them.



Unfortunately the Spiritual Hammers go away before the demon is destroyed.



And Dar's most impressive attack does nothing.



Thank Tempus that Accalia has like 3 more Spiritual Hammers as special abilities!



Strangely enough, the demon spectres are not immune to magic missile! The wand that I gave Shar-Teel is quite effective!



Finally, Accalia's spiritual hammers take the demon down. I feel like this is an entirely appropriate end to the beast.



The demon drops a single gem. What evil could be distilled down into gem-like form? What despicable drop of evil would fall from the clutches of such a creature?

Oh, a Ziose Gem.



Just for a change of pace, I tell Imoen to summon in some mooks for the demon to beat on. They disappear as soon as they appeared in a shower of gore.



Things go from boring to horrifying when Imoen summons some more mooks and the demon spectre targets them for a Dispel Magic, which hits all of us and removes our Protection from Evil. Imoen pays for that idle mistake with her life.



Thankfully Dar manages to put us all back under another Protection from Evil, as the demon wastes time protecting itself from spells.



We manage to trap the demon spectre into a corner, and because it doesn't seem to react to it, I let everyone pound away at it. In fact, that's how we defeat it.



I guess that was the key, then. Protection from Evil makes demons trivial and boring. I decide not to try it on Kresselack. He already gave us his loot, what else would we need from him?

[Usurper]

Instead, we go back to report a job well done.





Then the true source must lie elsewhere. I sense this evil has taken great care to conceal itself from prying eyes. I fear that by the time we discover it... it may be too late.

So what are we to do?

There may be a way to find that which does not wish to be found through magical means. However, to accomplish this, I *will* need your help.

Do we have any other choice?

Of course you do. I can only show you the path. I would not presume to choose it for you. You can either choose to help me, thereby helping yourself, or you can choose to allow your fate to be determined by forces you do not understand.

Some choice. Very well, we'll help.

Then here is what must be one. I need you to find an ancient druidic artifact known as the Heartstone Gem. It is a powerful scrying stone that can be used to divine the location of this evil.

Long ago, the Heartstone rested here, within this shrine. The druids of Kuldahar used its power to gain insight on the balance and to look into the affairs of men throughout the realms.

Then, one day, an initiate of the shrine stole the Heartstone and fled Kuldahar. The young druid had grown impatient with the humble teachings of his mentor, the Archdruid, and hungered for power of his own. He disappeared into the mountains, along with the artifact, and was never heard from again.

A few short years after the theft, there were rumors of a strange cult establishing a temple in these mountains. It is conceivable that the rogue druid may have been connected in some way with the emergence of this new cult. If so, then it is possible that the Heartstone Gem may still be found within this temple.

The temple is rumored to lie in a canyon far to the east of Kuldahar. Since the northern pass has been blocked by the avalanche, and we have sealed the western pass to prevent monster intruion, where you have to find your way to the temple. Journey to the temple and discover if the Heartstone is indeed there. If so, return it to Kuldahar and I shall use its power to find the answers we seek.

Very well. We shall do as you ask.

Gameplay note: Then there is a fade to black and a chapter end movie. However, there is no narration or anything but weird celtic music playing as the words scroll by, so it basically only warrants a screenshot.



We travel far to the west and eventually find ourselves in the snow somewhere. Why this snow is different and significant from all the other snow I do not understand, and yet here we are.



Ok, I guess I can concede that this particular patch of snow being a giant highway is interesting enough to warrant a stop.



Red Toe has no time to speak with puny peoples. Must run away.

Run away from what?

Red Toe running from holy place. He runs so he no die like others.

What others? What are you talking about?

Others. Inside holy place. Red Toe not go back there. Not safe for verbeeg anymore.

Holy Place? You mean the temple over yonder?

Yes. Red Toe was guard for friend priests in holy place. But then bad priests come. Begin killing friend priests and other verbeeg guards with hurtful magic. But Red Toe smart. He falls on ground and makes priests think he's dead. When they gone, Red Toe gets up and runs from holy place.

Tell me about these "bad priests." Why did they attack the temple?

No! Red Toe done talking! Now he runs. Runs away before bad priests come back and kill him too!

When giants are afraid then it is a sign for us to proceed with great care, my friend.

Well whatever it is, it has to face us now, not giants scared of their own shadows.

Giants do not scare easily. Size alone makes them formidable foes for any creature, so whatever has these on the run will not be frightened easily.

We need the heartstone gem, so I guess its onward and upward, or should that be upward and onward? No matter, forward will do!

Arundel seemed sure the gem was here. For Kuldahar's sake I pray he is right and we can return it to him swiftly.

The stone statues don't help me feel better about this place.



Gameplay note: I've got to go to sleep now, so I'm going to call it. Should I even bother asking who gets the strength tome?

[Usurper]

22 Mirtul, 1281

So... abandoned temple maybe?



I'm sure we'll just be able to walk in and have a reasonable conversation and then...



Silence! Think you that the children of the Forgotten God are fools enough to be deceived by such lies twice in one day? Now you shall pay for your trespasses! Guards! Guards! The intruders have returned!

I fear that we are being played for fools here Syvishtar.

How so Hrothgar?

Syvishtar, you heard that cleric. He said they weren't going to be taken in by the same story twice.

It looks like we've gone and stepped in it again.

I try talking with the acolyte again, but he says nothing. Instead, a hulking form shows up.



The halberd he was carrying was masterwork.



All the others have masterwork halberds too. One of the chests holds a magical sling, which I find is called Giant Killer!



How convenient, since we are going up against giants right exactly now. I think I'll give it a try myself.

This whole place is actually pretty sad. There's dead verbeeg corpses and dead acolytes everywhere. I wish they would just stop attacking us... HEY!



Accalia gets flamestruck. Ouch! We still take them out, but that was just rude. I feel less bad about looting their Robes of Cold Resistance now.

Their library is full of books about the history of the north. Apparently this land used to be filled with gold elves. Humans advanced up the coast and dwarves lived below ground. The elves fought with each other all the time, doing magical disasters unto each other. Eventualy the human towns became cities and joined together as Netheril. Oh, so Netheril is from around here? Maybe I'll find some good loot! Eventually the elves left this area and mostly went to Evermeet. Eventually a huge desert advanced and destroyed the nation of Netheril. Then apparently orcs killed everybody. Well, mostly everybody, because we're still here.

There's also a history of how the drow came to be. I just glance at it. Drow are so over-dramatic even their history is unbearable.

Aww, man. Now I miss Finch and Viconia. I wonder if Viconia is alive during this time? Maybe she's queen-bitching-it-up in the Underdark somewhere?

After killing more acolytes, I find that one of them was wearing green moccasins!



I give them to Imoen.

We look silly when we rush down some trapped stairs to kill an acolyte and accidentally make Hrothgar fall asleep.



At the back of the temple, we predictably find a stairway leading down further.



I imagine we must take it. But first, we go outside and camp out more. We need more spells!

After we do, Dar addresses Hrothgar.



We do Dar. We both came to our respective towns by chance. I ended up in Easthaven when my adventuring days were coming to an end and Arundel, when he was placed as keeper of the great oak. Neither of us has deemed it necessary to move on.

I see the same protective light leap to his eye when Kuldahar is mentioned that I see in yours whenever you speak of Easthaven. I would love to feel that passionate about my home, but how can I when I do not have a home.

You will, Dar, trust the word of Hrothgar. Your struggles, I am sure, have not gone unnoticed. The gods watch over the faithful and their devotion is always rewarded.

Unfortunately the gods' rewards usually come at the end of one's life, not halfway through it. I have hopes of finding some peace and acceptance before my time is over. I long for the end of my lonely road, Hrothgar.

Look around you. You are no longer on a lonely road, my friend. You are among people who have not given a second though to your heritage. They see past the outer packaging to what is inside.

Then if I do not find a home, I can at least say I have found friends. To have lived and realized half a dream is better tan dying having achieved nothing.

You have achieved plenty, Dar. You have become accepted as an equal in this group, and you did not once let the cruel abuse that you have suffered at the hands of others destroy that which is human in you. Your road can only get easier from now on, my friend.

Somehow I believe you are right, Hrothgar. You have given me renewed hope, and my heart is lighter for your words. Thank you, my friend.

With that touching interlude out of the way, we go down to level 2 of this stubborn temple.

You know, I really like the decor of this place. The subtle blues and sandstone really complement each other.



In one of the treasure chests down here, we find a flail called Tombsweeper.





An excellent weapon for Dar! I give it to him.

[Usurper]

Then we stumble down the wrong hallway, as evidenced by the huge amount of forces arrayed against us!



In a panic, I throw a Glyph of Wild Magic at them and call a general retreat.



Accalia is Flamestruck to death, but the acolytes are not doing so hot either.



We are able to team up on the only verbeeg that is not afraid of the wild magic.



Then I cast random magic at the group.











Haha! Another falling cow! It has been tooo long.



Ok, my job here is done. I'll let the normals clean up.



Looks like they were trying to protect a door and a coffin.



You know, I really have no desire to kill these people. Why do they insist on fighting the inevitable? OOoh, lava chasm!



Did they just want to keep this kickin' rad view to themselves?

When I cross the bridge, I see a tragedy.



I really feel terrible about rubbing salt in this organization's wounds. As we advance into the room, Hrothgar speaks.



Are you sure Arundel is playing with a full set Hrothgar? Could he not be getting senile? He seemed pretty old to me.

(*Smiles*) What strange terminology you use, Imoen. "Play with a full set"?! I can assure you Imoen, Arundel has never played with anything less than "a full set" and his mind is as astute as any of ours here.

A strange vial of some kind of liquid is lying down beside the body of the main guy.



And, of course, nothing else of value is here.



As we leave, I glance at the statue near the front of the temple.



With nothing left to do, we just head back to Kuldahar. I guess?



We report our failure to Arundel.



Ah, this is terrible news. Did you find any clues as to who these mysterious thieves may be, or where they might have taken the Gem?

I found the body of a Talonite priest among the corpses of the slain cultusts and their verbeeg guards. He was carrying this vial of strange liquid.

Hmmm. The liquid appears to be a form of undiluted snake venom. No doubt this priest of Talona was carrying it for use as a poison. You did well in bringing this to me. This may be just the clue we neded.

What do you mean?

You see, once extracted, venom such as this tends to lose its potency rather quickly... usually over the course of a few days. So, it follows that this Talonite must have obtained the poison from somewhere within these mountains. There is only one place where poisonou reptile could thrive in these cold, wind-swept mountains.

And that place is?

Dragon's Eye. It is a vast network of caverns that lead deep into the bowels of a dormant volcano. The entrance is barely a day's journey from here. I suggest you continue the search for the missing Heartstone Gem there. I shall mark the location for you on your map.

Very well. To Dragon's Eye, then.

Take care. The caverns of Dragon's Eye are fraught with many perils. Tread lightly, and be wary of the creatures that dwell within its depths.

Thank you. Farewell.

And without further ado, we head off.

Gameplay note: We are subjected to another chapter-end scroll. This one has lots of drums.