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[Usurper]

She dropped an Elven Chain and Kivan's bow.





Gameplay note: Those of you thinking that Kivan already had his bow, you're right. Here's the bow that he's been carrying around ever since the Bandit Camp.



So it looks like he made a +1 THAC0 +4 damage bow in his youth, and after he got married, Deheriana made him a +1 THAC0 +2 damage +1 AC bow. Typical woman to sacrifice damage for protection.

We are just settling down in the Elfsong when Gavin speaks up.



You think? We should be careful, but we can't hole up in a comfortable tavern and wait for everyone to get nice and happy again.

No, but I would still try talking to some of the townsfolk, maybe find out why everyone seems edgy.

And finding a nice, safe base of operations might be a good idea. Taverns are good for that, because people come and go without a lot of awkward questions.

Any recommendations?

Well, the patrons of the Blushing Mermaid are used to seeing the unsual, so we would be unlikely to draw much attention, but we'd blend in just as well at the Blade and Stars, I think. The Elfsong is more respectable, but they do get a few exotic travelers, so we would probably not stand out too much. I don't think I've ever been in the Splurging Sturgeon or the Drakon Tavern, so I can't advise, there.

I've had enough low-lifes for a while. How about the Elfsong?

The Elfsong is in East Baldur's Gate. Sorcerous Sundries is there, too. You might find that palce interesting.

I'll have to check it out, old friend. Then I go and get my next shipment of people. They don't seem too impressed with the place.



On my next trip, I finally have to confront Xan.



Yes, and very well.

What could it be? There is nothing about me that you do not know, and as for you, I hope to discover all there is in my own time - if you allow me, that is.

However... yes, perhaps it is best to mention it now. You know that we may not see tomorrow, do you? So, in case our enemies unceremoniously rob you of my company even today, I'd like to remind you - all that I own will become yours.

Even your moonblade?

It does not 'belong' to anyone in the sense you are implying. But, broadly speaking - yes.

You are an outsider, and... there are complications. But, ironically enough, if I die, you will indeed be admitted to Evereska. Perhaps not permanently, but still, according to our lore, a moonblade wielder's last word is law.

But I must ask you one thing. Whatever you do, do not try to claim my blade as I have done. You... you cannot imagine... please, don't.

My foes are many and strong, you know this. I might need it.

And do you need centuries of imprisonment, alone and torn, as well? Syvishtar, to anyone else I would say "be my guest," but to you - to you I cannot.

But enough of my ramblings. We will talk later, when - if - there is time.

We travel the long, long road to Baldur's Gate. When we get there, Imoen starts up a conversation with Xan.



What is it this time? Can't you see I'm trying to be alone? The bustle of the city makes me feel insignificant.

Hmm, no, that looks too drab, but the other one doesn't go with his eyes. Hmm, maybe if I did this... No, that's not it. Oh, sorry there. Did you say something?

What ill-omened scheme are you up to now!?

Ill-omened!? What do you take me for, some evil witch or something?

Remember how I said I'd cure you of your depression? Well, guess what? You're going to be getting a new outfit! Yep, all courtesy of me. No, don't thank me, it's my duty to get you out of the slums you're in.

Well, I think the tailor can weave some of this purple in with the pink and the white outline. *starts peeling off some of Xan's outfit.*

We'll need to get your hair dyed pink with a stripe of yellow, maybe. Of course, your nails will have to be done in pink as well, though maybe light blue... for a clash with your new robes, to help highlight them. We can try both!

Some jewelry would be nice also. Earrings sound fine, but men usually don't wear more than two of 'em, so I'll ask one of the elven merchants which is best, but make sure it has a good amount of pink and gold.

And, of course, we can't forget to add some necklaces and rings and bracelets. Not enough to look like some god-awful snotty nosed rich person (I can't stand them), but just enough to brighten up those dreary looks of yours. I'll have to do some research, cuz I don't know that many pink stones. I'm sure there are some, but if not some glass baubles will work decently enough.

I like my outfit just the way it is. *attempts to back up slowly in alarm, but Imoen grabs at him* Besides... besides, there is no such thing as the Pinkcloaks of Evereska...

Course then we'll need to do your shoes. The ones you have will clash horribly with your new outfit. And then maybe change some of your personal items. I mean your backpack is dreary... A little color here...

Imoen keeps on like that, but Kagain speaks up and I turn to him instead.



Huh? I never knew you cared about the poor.

I've a great care not to become one of them. This place has its snares to drop you own amongst 'em, too, so let's watch where we step, eh?

[Usurper]

I can barely take a step before Imoen goes back to attacking poor Xan.



Why must I suffer doubly with knowing we're all doomed, and having to wear such... overwhelming clothing?

I already told ya. It's for your own good. Once you're out of your dreary self-pitying attitude, I'll give you back your stuff, if you still want it.

So you admit that my belongings were not "lost", as you said before? *sighs* These humans... Please, return my possessions.

I dunno... you still seem rather downbeat. I mean, just a moment ago you were still complaining we were all doomed...

We are, and wearing this motley clothing will not change it. *shrugs* Our foes know us all too well to be tricked now in believing that we are a traveling circus. Please, do me a courtesy and allow me to die in an Evereskan GREY cloak.

Gameplay note: This is too funny not to keep.

Imoen does have a point. And besides, it's just clothing. Remember it's all in the way you view it that will determine the way you die, not what you wear.

Whatever you may say... but would you be willing to prove your point by wearing this... motley cloth?

Definitely, I wish Imoen had done the same for me.

Really? I can do you next time if you want. It's no problem for me, in fact it's quite fun, actually.

Sure! I'd love to do that!

Alrighty! I'll have to do some work, as you're obviously a different person than Xan here, so it'll take some time.

Oh, Corellon, why must I spend my last days in this band of lunatics and circus freaks?

Gameplay note: They did it! They really did it! The modders changed Xan's portrait! I did not expect this at all.



Then I take everybody to the Elfsong. Imoen loves it.




Celebrate? What's the occasion?

Your birthday, of course! Happy birthday, Syvishtar!

Hmmm... 13 Mirtul is not my birthday, Imoen.

It could be! How do you know, huh? Today's as good as any I say! Besides...

The nice thing about not knowing your birthday is that you can celebrate it whenever you want! Let other people have their boring old same-day-every-year birthdays. My way is more fun!

Here! Take this. It's yer birthday present! Um... I know, we have lots of money and stuff, but I didn't want to spend *our* gold on *your* present. Soooo... I made it myself! Whatcha think?

It's... um... er... what is it, exactly?

It's a necklace, goofy! Or amulet, if ya like. Here. I'll put it on ya.

It's perfect for you. Really brings out the color of your eyes. Goes well with any outfit, too! Hehe!

And this part, here. These pieces? They were... it was Gorion's. I found it on his... that night, ya know? I woulda given it to ya earlier, but it was all broken. So sad, like that...

So! I made a necklace out of it! It's got some pretty rocks, and some beads, and some nice silk string I've been saving... oh, lots of stuff! I hope you like it. Wear it, won't ya? It'll protect ya... Gorion's spirit and such.

My eyes are clouding up. I don't know why.

It's lovely. I will wear it always, Imoen. Thank you very much.

My throat is getting scratchy. What's going on?

Sure thing! Heck, 'twas nuthin'.

This calls for a round of drinks! And some cake! Oooh... and candles too!

I look down at a bleary-eyed, wet hand, in which is contained the most beautiful piece of jewelry I have ever seen.



Gameplay note: Putting it on gives me a +1 AC boost, so I guess its equivalent to an Amulet of Protection +1.

Screw Ulcaster's Amulet, I'm wearing this forever. The corners of my mouth keep twitching up for no reason, all the way back to Beregost...

When I get there, I only have 3 more people to escort.



But Bardo just won't come.



I don't know what to do with the guy. I think I might just have to write him off. I consider what to do on this next-to-last trip. I can't think of any solution though.

When we get to Baldur's Gate's... gate, this time, I decide to be friendly and talk to that little guy we keep passing.



I am proceeding in a westerly direction this day.

Ah, my loutish friends, that is my direction too. Fate has crossed our paths and we could all benefit by traveling together. It will be the classic pairing of you, the stalwart adventurers, and I, the intelligent one. How could you refuse?

Whatever. Come if ye must, but watch your mouth.

Well I suppose I'll be on my way then you idi... you said YES! I mean, of course I'll come with you. My intellect and skill as a cleric will undoubtedly make your group much better than it is. Onward.

Gameplay note: Quayle is the one and only Cleric/Illusionist we may ever see. Only gnomes can be specialist multi-class cleric/mages.



He can cast up to Level 5 mage spells, just like me, and in addition he can also cast up to level 4 cleric spells, just like Yeslick. He's two, two, TWO characters in one!

We decide to take him to the Elfsong Tavern with us. When I get back, it seems that most of my companions are favoring the downstairs to the upstairs. I don't want them to form into two camps and start bickering, so I go upstairs and bring the ones up there back down.

Then I take a look around, and smile again. This place is starting to feel like home!



All I have to do is go back and get the Golden Company, and we're good to go.



Gameplay note: I tried attacking the coven of witches in the back room second floor of the Jovial Juggler, but they wiped out my entire party in one round with a Death spell, and then killed me a few rounds later. Note to self: Kill witches someday.

I want to stop by Taerom's first, though, to finally get some of that wyvern armor he's always talking about.



Sounds like a worthwhile offer.

Then consider it done. I'll have it done within moments... I have a mold of armor that is just in need of special material for its padding... There, all done!

I take a look at the armor. It's pretty good!



Just not as good as the elven chain we are already wearing. Golden Company endures!

[Usurper]

I also ask Taerom about the sword I'm carrying.



I have with me a rather strange sword. Would you mind looking at it?

Huh? Cursed, this blade is! I would think it best that you rid yourself of it lest you accidentally draw it in the heat of battle, my friend!

Thank you for your concern, but I was hoping to gain more information about the origins of this sword.

I am afraid I cannot tell you anything other than what you already know about it... but, if you are really keen on learning more about it, I think the artificers in the Temple of Gond may be able to help you there.

The same thing that Thalantyr said. I guess I'll have to go check out the Temple of Gond. I also look over Thunderhammer's wares and end up buying a Case of Plenty for 2375 gold and The Stalwart Defender for 5700 gold.





I think Finch might like the shield. Or someone will. We do have a lot of buckler usage in our party. I'm tempted to buy the Red Fist Sabre too, which is a stunning long sword, [stuns 30% of the time for one round], but I think I'll conserve my money for Thalantyr's shop. Because when we get there, I buy the Fragment of Enlightenment.



I also get the Deep Red Ioun Stone, mostly for Imoen.



And finally, I buy myself the Claw of Kazgaroth.



Arrows are pretty much the only things that bother me these days. Now they won't.

I spend the rest of my money stocking up on new spells. Because Firebead is an Enchanter that can't scribe Evocation spells, and because he can only scribe up to level 5 spells, I buy:

• Ajandurah's Ice Shard
  
• Deafness
  
• Detect Invisibility
  
• Friends
  
• Halt Undead
  
• Identify
  
• Invisibility
  
• Invisibility Sphere
  
• Luck
  
• Mage Armor
  
• Minor Globe of Darkness
  
• Minor Spell Deflection
  
• Protection from Cold
  
• Protection from Fire
  
• Protection from Petrification
  
• Skull Trap
  
• Sleep
  
• Thunderslap
  
• True Strike
  
• Vampiric Touch

After paying for Firebead to scribe them all out, we have 6,384 gold left. Wow, it all goes so fast. Then, with one last look around the place, we head out.



Jaheira and Yeslick seem to be getting along pretty well.



Aha! Ye wants ta 'talk shop', does ye, misses Jaheira? They work grand together... as some of me kin might say, like beddin' down in a dark chamber veined wi' gold. Better, if one did not bed down alone, they'd add - and were a good 'alf-century younger, p'raps. Aye.

Or as some of us would say: like a walk in the park.

Eh? Who needs ta bed down in a...?

No, no, no - a park within a city, thus we get the benefits of both the city and the forests. *sigh* Some jests are best not explained. I'm afraid I'm not very smooth at delivering others' jokes.

Oh... right... eh, ta get back to me thoughts... I can crack skulls *and* heal meself afterwards. There's a fine thing, right there! But... I feel I'd be nay much use to any'un as just a basher o' skulls *or* a healer o' thews. *sigh* I ain't the best at one nor t'other...

There's no shame in what you say, Yeslick. The marriage of our disciplines result in a force greater than the sum of its individual parts. I am glad, for example, that unlike most of nature's servants, I am trained to wear plate armor. Nature's own hides be damned when you're about to be skewered with a sword!

Heh! *There's* somethin' I take fer granted. Where I grew up, ye couldn't move fer all the mail n' plate 'bout the place... Persn'ly, I'd just as soon ask Clangeddin fer the bean ta clog more noggins, but then I s'pose I got more stone an' iron in me blood than ye.

When we get back to the Elfsong Tavern, I notice Quayle standing there. I begin to think...

Gameplay note: Ok, we picked up another new face this update, Quayle, the Cleric/Illusionist. He can cast up to 5th level arcane spells and 4th level divine spells. The question is, therefore, Should we use Quayle now?

NO, leave him in the Elfsong.
YES, add him to the party, and have him replace...

A. Indira. Fighter/mages suck!
B. Jaheira. She's already insufferable.
C. Edwin. Why have *just* a mage when you can have both a mage and a cleric?
D. Seafoam Wonderbounce. The bouncing gets old.
E. Yeslick. Fighter/clerics suck!

[Aliya]

Oh sweet lord, no. This guy is more insufferable Jaheira. And that's almost impossible as it is.

Golden Company, ftw!

[hook71]

NO but use him to replace the next companion that dies.

Edited by hook71, 21 October 2012 - 09:45 AM.

[AmyAE]

Yes, B. One insufferable NPC for another!

[Lurker of the north]

Yes, C

[Fred The Archer]

No, let him be first in line to replace any casualties. Interesting to see if the wyvern armour can be worn by anyone. In my game the armour was broken, no one could wear it.

[Sanctifer]

YES oh oui, and D !

[Justify]

No, let him replace the next deader.

[Crazee]

Yes D

[Usurper]

Ok, the final votes are in:

Should we use Quayle now?

NO 		...........................
YES 		..........................

A. Indira	
B. Jaheira	........
C. Edwin	..
D. Seafoam	................
E. Yeslick	..

Leaving Quayle for now wins by 1. I'll continue soon!

[Usurper]

Sorry been so long, got a new job, this girl keeps coming over to my place, and yadda yadda I hate excuses. There will be another update in a few minutes!

[Usurper]

21 Mirtul, 1370

It's true. I'm not a hero. I am some kind of death engine. I shouldn't pretend. I shouldn't forget. I shouldn't try to right wrongs. The best I should hope to be able to get away with is to save people from myself.



I hope I can keep them all alive, somehow. To do that I'm going to have to be familiar with my environment. This city is so big it's intimidating. Maybe I can just break it down into smaller chunks, and explore one little piece at a time. So I take the Golden Company out in the early morning and we look to see what's what.



We walk the streets trying to take in all the sights.



Take this gold coin.

You're a saint, milady.

No, I'm not. I'm really not.



Heh, at least he's okay with it!



They weren't heroes. Trust me.



Speedy? That information is about nine months old isn't it? The roads must have been impenetrable for this guy. After exploring this area near the east gate, I think I finally have a handle on it.



And now that I know the layout of the area in general, I'm curious about the different shops and establishments. I decide to start near the gate and work my way clockwise. This discount store seems interesting.



But Yeslick seems greatly disturbed by something.



What? Why do you curse in my direction, dwarf?

Yer hands! *Look* at yer hands! Not a callous or a scar on 'em! They're smooth as a bloody babe's! Moradin's hammer, Edwin, have ye never seen a day's work in your life?!?

Dwarf, a sophisticated and well-bred man such as I will never let his hands to show the signs of manual labor. Indeed, I feel I should keep them in perfect shape, if my spell gestures are to be equally perfect!

My 'day's work' is far more esoteric, far more subtle and powerful than merely hitting rocks with sticks or carrying this and that, and there are plenty of those whose station in life it is to do such things, after all. (Oh yes, there *will* be... one day...)

'In perfect shape', says ye? An' here's me thinkin' ye mages mess around wi' widdle o' bat an' tail o' rat an' suchlike ick. Dirty business is spellcastin', or so I've always thought. Persn'ly I'm amazed ye keep yer girly red robe clean, wi' all the muck ye must have ta handle ta chuck them spells o' yers.

Dwarf, I feel magnanimous today... and so here is my advice to you: do not try to comprehend what is beyond your limited imagination. Dig your dirt, and leave it to the enlightened people to discuss magic. (And this unwashed digger is about as unenlightened as they come, hah.)

I think ye'd be amazed jus' how much wisdom there is ta be found in good honest dirt 'n' rock. I say a day in th' mine'd do ye the power o' good, Edwin, but who am I ta advise the 'enlightened', eh...?

With that little diversion over, we walk into Lucky Aello's Discount Store.



Your pickled brain, if you please, and a thousand gold, as a reward for removing the worst merchandise in your store for you.

I swear, sir, it is not quite as bad as it er... appears.

So you've got the cheapest goods around? Let's have a look.



He has a lot of cursed scrolls, but he also has a Silver-black Ammo Belt and some Potions of Perception. If I could only find a golden ammo belt, I'd be the happiest elf there is. But with no golden ammo belt, there's no sale. So we just go back outside and start to work our way around the area.

Just a little southwest of Aello's is the central park area, with Winorma and Magnad, still looking for me to find their kids somewhere north.



I guess I should, uh, get on that. Maybe. Then I continue southeast and enter the first Inn just south of the gate.



It seems like it is a tavern.



Yes.

They don't even have any rumors here though. The place is kinda empty and scary. Upstairs there are some games tables, though.



My sword doesn't seem to like this place.



Next to this Inn is the Shop of Silence.



Inside, we are not actually welcome.



Here is your 5 gold.

After paying the fee, we get to browse her wares. She has some strange stuff here.



I don't even know who Sime is. Why is her stuff for sale here?



That's interesting. Rogues don't often wear things on their heads. It costs more than I can afford, though. There are other rogue-centric items for sale here like a Lesser Ring of Perception, an even more expensive Rogue's Hat, and some bullets and darts and poisoned daggers. No wonder the lady is paranoid about her customer base, they're all thieves! I'll have to take Imoen here sometime.

We leave the store and go back to exploring this area. In the southern section we find a weapon shop!





His wares are entirely unremarkable though. All non-magical. The only thing I'd consider buying from him would be his throwing axes or throwing hammers. Actually Yeslick seems to be eyeing the throwing hammers, so I buy 50 of them for him.



Then we leave. Throwing axes and hammers - good for dwarves. I'll have to remember this place. Next door to the dwarf weapon shop is some kind of house.



I wish Imoen were here.

This group be a damn sight better off without you!

Watch what you say. Good-natured I am, but I swing a mean hammer where evil's concerned.

Perhaps this group needs not quite as much help as I thought.

I'm starting to feel some dislike in the ranks...

The houses in the southwest corner of this area are either locked or abandoned.



Rather than leaving the immediate area of the Elfsong tavern and perhaps getting lost, we turn back north and head towards the big circular building.

[Usurper]

We see someone interesting in the street on our way there.



Who is Shaella?

It is Shaela, Most High Middling Priestess of the Mistshadow, who is here before you, speaking through the mists of Leira.

Leira? Who's that?

Leira, Lady of Mists, Mother of All Illusion, the Guardian of Deception, the Mistshadow. Some say she died in the Time of Troubles, killed by Cyric, betrayed by Mask. Some say she loved Mask and loves him still. Some say gods can die. Some say gods can be born. Some say gods can live. Some say gods are an illusion we create for our own contentment. Some say gods are an illusion we create to disguise our fear of living, our fear of dying, our fear of being. If gods are a disguise, if gods are an illusion, then perhaps Leira is the only beacon of truth in our entire pantheon of lies. But if gods are real and true and all-knowing, then Leira cannot be a god and must be dead if indeed she ever lived at all.

But how can you worship what you cannot know?

More or less precisely my point.

But I don't understand.

Ah, then you are truly one of us, you are truly with Shaella in the Mists of Leira. May Shaella grace you with a quest from the Lady?

I think I know how this is going.

I'm not sure.

Ah, indeed. you walk well with Shaella in the mists of Leira. Forgotten deep in the library of Candlekeep, lies the Great Book of the Unknowing. Bound with the chameleon's hide, it too walks in the mists of Leira, changing always, as does Shaella. Ask no one there of it for all who have touched it are blessed with the ignorance it grants. But you can always find it somewhere in the inner rooms, wreathed in the mists of Leira. Go to it, make your pilgrimage, and you too may be blessed with unknowing.

Have you ever seen the Great Book of the Unknowing?

Perhaps I have. Perhaps a thousand times.

Unknowing sounds pretty good right about now. But I doubt I'll ever be able to get back into Candlekeep. Shaella is probably fine with that, though. She seemed to be right crazy. We keep on our course and arrive at the gigantic shop, Sorcerous Sundries.



The inside looks just as cool as the outside!



I first talk to what looks to be another patron.



I guess if these two necromancers are causing rumors to go flying around about them I should definitely check them out. But for now, I want to see what this place sells.



Let's see what you have, then.

The number of items for sale is quite frankly staggering. Some of the more interesting items include a Red Wizard Spell Book,



an Elven Lute,



(I didn't even know luthier was a word!) and even exotic spells like Fiery Cloud.



There are also all sorts of potions, magical ammunition, wands, spell scrolls, and other miscellaneous magical items. More than we could ever buy in a million years. I'm going to be coming back to this place a lot, I can tell right now.

I'm also very curious about the second floor.



I don't like what I find, though.



What do you mean your space? This is a store and I'm a customer.

Thank you for that wonderful display of simian logic, now scram.

For your information, a number of important sociological and psychological theorists have posited that stores exist in an intermediate space, neither private nor public in nature, but combining elements of both. Displays in store windows, for instance, can best be viewed as mental constructs projected onto the public consciousness as a means of engendering mass conformity derived solely from the supposedly private domain of consumer choice...

Ack! It's enough to drive one mad... Make it stop, make it stop!

Um... that's not where I was hoping to go with this line of conversation...



Indira rushes in first and that's when we notice that there are four mages.



One of them, foolishly, doesn't put up any spell protections, and Jaheira smashes him to the ground with a column of fire.



A moment later I throw Dispel Magic at them from Rhialto's Spell book, and we have three naked juicy mages in front of us.



Two things happen next. I cast Confusion and Lady Wonderbounce casually walks up in the general vicinity of the mages. William Garst is instantly smitten.



Wonderbounce whispers into his ear that perhaps he should cast a Skull Trap at himself and his friends. He nods eagerly and we retreat as he does so.



But at the same time one of his friends casts Confusion at us. Can we withstand it?



Turns out Jaheira and Seafoam can't, but neither can Wheber Ott withstand Indira's longswords. And even though Edwin can't withstand the Confusion either, he stays on target and casts Burning Hands right in Neimain's face. The poor mageling falls.



A moment later Indira hits William hard enough to make him explode into chunks. Damn.



Now, if we can only survive the rest of our Confused party, we'll be in the clear.



Yeslick burns his Dispel Magic to save Jaheira and Lady Wonderbounce, who had entered into a shooting match against each other.



And Edwin manages to work off his own Confusion alone in the corner.



These mages are rather disappointing. They only have a few scrolls of Luck and Spider Spawn, and robes of Fire, Electrical, and Cold Resistance. For such weak-as little apprentices that they were, they should have been a lot more polite when a senior mage walked in the room. Too bad for them. I'll have to give Spider Spawn to Firebead later.



Nobody seems to care when I get back downstairs that I did murder upstairs. Well, self-defense. A necessity, really. I won't mourn them. We walk out and head north from the store, finding an open door in a block of houses just across the road. We investigate.



Inside, we meet hostility.



Password? Why would I need a password? What in the Nine Hells are you talking about?

Yer in the wrong place fella. I'd get out while yer still able. I might not be able to stop a buncha well-armed adventurers, but if you cause any trouble in the guild, don't be expecting to walk out in on piece.

OHHH!!! Must be a thieves' guild. Yeah, Imoen wouldn't want me messing up her reputation with the local theives before she even has a chance to meet them. I smile, nod, and go on my way.

[Usurper]

Back outside, I do see someone to talk to though.



Aye, you're a fine group o' mercenaries are you? Leastwise that's the word on the street, that you do the odd job here n' there? I've a boss who'd like to have a word wit you if you can spare the time. He don't ask fer free though, and here be 50 gold just to hear him out.

50 gold may get one ear, but I've another to support as well.

The gold be a gift o' my employer. Do you not think it right rude to ask fer more without even speaking to him? No more from me, so follow or don't.

I'll follow, I'll follow. No need to get snippy.

A wise choice o' action. Now just follow me, an' I'll show ya the way ta the Guild. If yer asked the password, it's 'Fafhrd'. When yer in the guild just look fer the man named Alatos 'Ravenscar' Thuibuld.

Then he walks off to the next door over from the one we went in already.



This time I know what to do.



Ya, I know the password.



Fafhrd

That's right fella. Ya all can go in now.

And so we do. My sword senses something incoming, perhaps death.



What we find is a very interesting base-cum-tavern within the former walls of the houses.



We find Ravenscar pretty easily.



I simply must apologize for the manner of my theves. I suppose a thieves' guild must keep a measure of malice about it, but it does tend to put a cloud over introductions. I am Alatos Thuibuld, though I thank you not to mention that too often. You are Syvishtar of course. Be not surprisd, there are very few people in Baldur's Gate I cannot name. You have been here for only a few days, and have already made quite a stir.

Your interest in me is flattering, though I question your intent.

Oh I don't intend to flatter, merely to assure you that you have been watched since you entered the city. As for my intent, I do have a proposition for your group to consider. A small task really, best suited to someone unknown here.

I am quite sure that the membership of a thieves' guild would include several people capable of whatever you ask. Danger of being recognized seems a minor concern if one is able to not be seen at all. Why do you need me?

Shrewd, very shrewd. I do indeed have many fine individuals of exceptional skill, but a large number of them are vacationing at the garrison this season. The guard have been exceptionally vigilant, what with the banditry on the roads, and to their credit they have captured several of my best people. I am sure that in the history of guilds, we are the first to experience a shortage of thieves.

What exactly is it that you would have me do? And what would be my reward for this service? How well can you afford to pay?

It's quite a bit of intrigue actually. A local wizard by the name of Shandalar makes his home in a moored Halruaan skyship. It would appear that he has the knowledge to reproduce these flying marvels, and is currently organizing the sale of the recipe to Grand Duchess Liia Jannath. He has drawn up a set of rituals and has procured an artifact fragment and an ancient statuette vital to the spell that keeps the ships aloft. These has divided amongst his daughters until the deal is to proceed. I have been contacted by a representative of the Halruaans, and they have no wish to see scores of flying ships manufactured in every port. You are to infiltrate the place of exchange, steal the ingredients, and return here with them. Simple enough. You would be well paid. Enough gold to give you a backache and, if I am well pleased, mayhaps a magical weapon or two. Perhaps a little more, perhaps a little less. It entirely depends upon your performance.

Seems a fairly straightforward bit of burglary, and well within my ability. I accept this challege, and hope it increases my standing within the guild.

As it should be! Now that you have agreed, the facilities of the guild are at your disposal. Feel free to make use of them, and make your presence known to the other members. You have my permission, so they ill be less likely to kill you on sight. As for your mission, you have a tenday to complete it. Informants have told me that the Duchess intends to take possession of the components that tenth day, and the exchange will be hosted by Oberon at his estate. As I see it, you have several options. Directly 'persuade' any of the involved parties to hand over the items, or burgle them out from under their noses. Good luck.

I smile. Guild facilities at my disposal! Cool! I turn to talk to the guy next to Alatos, but he takes my smile right away.



Isn't Halruaa the nation ruled by wizards? I wonder if I can get this guy to take me there! Maybe if I do a really good job on this he'll take me under his wing, whisk me away to a land of magical enchantment, and I can live out my days getting closer and closer to the Weave! That would surely be a change.

I try to put that out of my mind for now, though, and find out what the word in the thieves' guild is.



Well that should be fixed now.



Aww, how sweet.



Hasn't iron gotten to Baldur's Gate yet? Bah, it takes them forever to do anything down in Nashkel.



I don't know why this guy looks so important if he has nothing to say. Hrm.



Okay, what do you have to say?

You'res the mercs who'ves beens tangling with -hicc- the Iron Throne, aren't you. -buuuurp- Wells, I'm Husam, and I'ves kepts informed on most of your doings. Listen well to whats I gots to tells ya.

Ya's know whats? I hates the Iron Throne. They's took my store, my money and my wife. They's took my whole life, they did. -buuuuuurp- 'scuse me. Now all I've gots is this damn horse piss. To think I used to works for those manure piles.

Get on with it! What did you want to talk to us about.

Wells I wanted to talks about the Iron Thrones. Ask me anythings about -hic- those manure eaters and I'lls tell ya. I workeds for them, 'member?

Okay - Husam, who are the leaders of the Iron Throne?

The leasders of the Iron Throne, ha! There's Rieltar Costashck, he's the big guy, sents by the evens bigger guys down in Sembia. This wholsh operashion is his baby. Hes has two other guys, Brunos and Thaldorn. Brunos is a big dumbsh drunk half-orc, damn half breeshd could never hold his liquor. Thaldorn'sh a pansy. Ohhhh ya. I nearly forgotsh, there's Sarevok, he's the son o Reiltar. He's a mean cuss.

Ish that enough for you guysh, or do you wants to know more?

What are the Iron Throne's plans?

The Throne'sh plans. Theys wants to make money, alwaysh more mone. Buts I know thish, they're leadersh, the big three uns, they're going to CandlesKeeps, yes they are. -buuuurp-Something big, something's huuuuuuuge's going to happens there.

I'm tired now, I needs to go home and sleep. If youse ever needs me ya can find me at the Elfsong Tavern. Good bye. -buuuuuurp-

Oh great, he's going to be stinking up the place. He isn't getting my room that's for sure! It is quite interesting that the leaders of the Iron Throne are going to Candlekeep though. What could they possibly want there?

We go out the way we came in.



Man. We've got ten days to steal some major shit from some major players and get that stuff back to here. We need a thief. As I look at the list of things to do on a piece of paper in my pocket, I sigh. Coming to the city was not the vacation I was hoping for.

Inside Baldur's Gate

* Find Aranor in the Blushing Mermaid in Baldur's Gate
* Investigate Seven Suns compound
* Investigate the Iron Throne
* Get involved in Arkion and Nemphre's feuds
* Steal a telescope
* Show the cursed sword Vampire's Revenge to the priests of Gond in Baldur's Gate
* Tell Entar Silvershield that his son is dead
* Steal the skyship plans from the Oberon estate for Alatos
* Pick up a book for that old dude way down in the Cloudpeak mountains

Outside Baldur's Gate

* Finish exploring Gullykin some day
* Go back and kick Daer'Ragh's ass
* Track down and rescue Magnad and Winorma's children in the Fields of the Dead
* Kill the witches in the top back room of the Jovial Juggler
* Find the Great Book of the Unknowing
* Kill ogre-magi in the southwest corner of the Wood of Sharp Teeth for Shilo Chen

Gameplay note: We, uh, seriously need a thief in our party. If we don't complete a bunch of thiefly sidequests for Narlen Darkwalk before the ten days are up, not to mention actually complete the main theft of the Halruaa skyship parts, we'll have the entire thieves' guild after us. But Narlen will only give the sidequests to a thief in our party. So we need one. Our thieves, in order of popularity, are Imoen, Mur'Neth, Coran, Tiax, Skeezer Lumpkin VI, and Safana. Bardo is out. Now Imoen has already died, but she has also got a popularity score of 54, whereas the next-most-popular thieves are Mur'neth and Coran with 7. So I'll include her in this three-part vote.

Should we replace one of our party members with a thief temporarily for the next ten days to help us pull of this heist?
Answer YES or NO.

If YES, which thief should we use?
1. Imoen
2. Mur'Neth
3. Coran
4. Tiax
5. Skeezer Lumpkin VI
6. Safana

If YES, which party member should we replace? (Please note that this is only temporary until the thieves' guild quest is done, and will return to the party after 10 days)
A. Indira
B. Jaheira
C. Yeslick
E. Lady Seafoam Wonderbounce
F. Edwin

Let me know what your votes are!

[Crazee]

Yes 6 E

[SapphireIce101]

Yes, 3, E.