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[Usurper]

11 Kythorn, 1370

Aranor won't speak to me.



I struggle to remember why this is important. I look around, slightly confused. I feel as though some sort of huge sluggishness has clouded my brain, as if I have been asleep for months, and am just now barely waking up. But that can't be true. I traveled straight here from ... from... why can't I remember?



What?



Oh, right, there was a demon...



I almost died... or was that my Image?



AHH yes, moon horrors!

And then, there was more...



Oh of course, a squirrel that heals. But we also have a mission from Pheirkas... don't we?



And now here I am, standing in the Blushing Mermaid, trying to talk to a mage that won't speak. Aranor. Right. I suspect it has something to do with the fight that we got into upstairs, and the Confusion, and the fact that Jaheira executed a few peasants. Why did I come here again? And why is that guy looking at me so funny?



Wait, didn't that bard down in the Nashkel Fair give me a letter to give to this guy? Where did I ever put that? No, its not in my Bag of Holding... Where is it?



Oh, here it is! I had put it in the saddlebags that are hanging on the mule in the interdimensional hotel room in which I also store my pet scribe, Firebead Elvenhair!



Yes, of course! How could I ever have forgotten? Silly me, forgetting the basic facts of life like how I have an interdimensional hotel room that I teleport to on a daily basis, and that I keep things in the saddlebags of the mule that I have left there permanently, which is in turn taken care of by the friendly neighborhood mage Firebead, who does not have a teleport key of his own and must needs stay here unless I let him go.

Yes.

I'm quite dumb to have forgotten that.

While we are here, let's relax for a few hours.



And let's have Finch read us another story. It has been so very long since I've heard one of hers... almost a week. Right? She chooses to read the History of Calimshan to us.


 

...from the Plane of Fire. Some say this is where the bitter hatred between djinni and efreeti started, though others contend this was just a result of a hatred that was already there. Whatever the cause, the battle was long and bloody, and took over 100 years to complete. The Djen finally routed the attackers, but were greatly weakened in the attempt. They slowly declined, and the last mention of the Djen is just under 6,000 years old.

For the next 4,000 years Calimshan was dominated by nomadic tribes of humans. Tribes from various places - Chult, the Shaar, The Shining Plains, Chondath, even Amn and Cormyr - took turns dominating, only to be conquered by the next, nearly identical tribe.

SLowly, the nomadic nature of Calimshan began to change. As explorers and traders from Amn, Waterdeep, and Cormyr discovered the wonders of the area, some tribes began to settle down and develop new means of support, like fishing, farming, or trading. These communities began to band together for mutual protection, and soon a civilization was born. It was only 1,300 years ago that the Shoon Empire (now called Iltkazar) came into being.

The Shoons were a grand and glorious empire, and their excesses were the foundation of Calishite snobbery today. They grew wise and powerful in the ways of magic, and ships and caravans bearing the Shoon flag traveled across the Forgotten Realms. Shoon himself, a particularly powerful mage, created a book of great power during this time called the Tome of the Unicorn. The exact location of the Tome has been lost in time, but since the book is 2' by 3' and made of pure metal, it is likely to still be around... somewhere.

900 years ago the Shoon empire abruptly vanished. A great magical upheaval was suspected at first, but learned mages of other lands dispute the claim. A force that great, they say, would have disturbed magical powers and beings throughout the Realms, and that didn't happen. Sages who have studied the Shoon at great length have reached no definite conclusions, but the most popular theories today center around a plague or disease that decimated the population.

Today, the Shoon impact on Calimshan is still great. The grandeur of that empire is responsible, more than anything else, for the strong national character of Calimshan today. The ruins of the Shoon's greatest city, Monrativi Teshy Mir, can still be found in the wilderness to the west of the edge of the Forest of Mir (see below for more on Monrativi Teshy Mir).

Since the fall of Shoon, no orce or people has risen to soley dominate the land. There are a half dozen or so major cities, each of which exerts its power over its own area. About 170 years ago, a man in Calimport amassed a large army and declared himself "Pasha" over the land. Before that army could march, however, the representatives of each major city met and agreed to recognize the Pasha's authority in limited areas, and to pay a small tribute to him; enough top ay for the works the Pasha was expected to do. The oldest son of each Pasha inherits the title; if there is no son, the mayors of each large city select a new one. The current Pasha, Rashid Djenispool, has ruled over 18 years, and is the grandson of a pasha elected by the mayors of Calimshan 44 years ago.

Such a far away place. But I think I heard Khalid mention once that he was born there. Sometimes I feel so tied down by location and geography. Am I ever going to be able to travel so far away? I feel my heart rise up in sudden, strange longing. I just want to get out of here. As soon as I talk to Aranor, and get some stuff done here regarding the merchant guilds, and maybe one other thing. Then its off to Calimshan for me! Maybe.

With the letter in hand, I return to Aranor. I don't see any frightened commoners around. Maybe he'll talk to me now?



OK, I'll have a drink with you; hand me the bottle.

There you go stranger, take a good swig.

Now take it easy, its strong stuff. Too much and you'll be asleep all week.

Strong stuff! I needed it, thanks for sharing it with me. You wouldn't be Aranor by any chance, would you?

I am the man you seek. What is it you require that is of such importance?

I have journeyed from Nashkel to deliver this letter to you. It's from a bard named Cearwin. Do you know him?

I have known Cearwin for many years. I have been waiting several weeks for a message from him. No doubt the message you hold is of great importance. YOU had best hand it over to me.

As you wish. Here it is.

So the stone remains in place. This is not the news I was expecting. The elves are very adept at keeping their secrets hidden.

What is this stone you speak of? Why is it so important?

The story of the stone is this. A long time ago before the retreat of elves, the Wood of Sharp Teeth was known as Askavar, a now-ancient elven community. Over time, Askavar fell into ruin, overgrown by the forest and overrun by dire wolves and other strange beasts. Last Erastide, a scroll was discovered in the area, giving details of a stone buried deep beneath the ancient settlements. Believed to hold awesome powers, in the wrong hands it could sway the balance of power in the region. As you know, we have tried to recover the stone, but until now our attempts have failed. The loss of the Talismans can only mean that the enemy are aware of its existence.

Is there another way to retrieve the stone?

Without the Talismans there is no way that you can enter the underground chamber. Having all five talismans will release the wards and make the entrance visible. To my knowledge, there is no other entrance. No doubt the talismans were stolen by Teldorn's men. I have heard rumors that some of his Black Gauntlet are in the area. The enemy may not be aware that the Talismans are the key. If you wish to help, go back to Cearwin and see if he's had any luck locating them. Once you have the Talismans try to gain access to the underground chamber and retrieve the stone.

Nashkel? Again?

It's a long journey to Nashkel. I would need provisions and they cost money.

I will give you 100 gold now. If you retrieve the stone I will give you 3500. So... are you interested?

I accept your offer. I'm sure I can find a diligent party to help me.

You are indeed a savior. Make sure you are will equipped for the task. Bane's followers will be tracking you, so keep your eyes peeled.

Well then. Off to Nashkel!

Gamplay note: I think this is a great way to get back into the swing of things, because I've never done this mod before. Off we go into the mutual unknown!

It is a long trip.



But it is good to once again visit this pastoral scene. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Baldur's Gate itself, this place is positively paradise.



When we get to Cearwin, he seems happy to see us.



Yes, I have spoken to Aranor. Having learnt the secret of the stone, I have decided to join your cause. Aranor believes Teldorn and his Banite followers were responsible for the loss of the talismans. Did you find any information on them?

It's good to have you with us. We need all the help we can get in our fight against Teldorn and his Banites. I've only been able to trace four of the Talismans. Luckily, Teldorn's agents were unaware of their importance, and sold them to a merchant in Beregost. However, the merchant has sold them in turn, so you will have to try and recover each one in turn. The fifth I was unable to locate, and can only suspect that it is still in the hands of the enemy. I have made a note from the sales ledger - it will tell what you need to know.

My spies have also heard rumors of a small group of mercenaries somewhere to the east, near Dystra's old watch tower. Kalindra, one of our agents, has already been tasked to investigate the area. She may need your help, so I suggest you travel there and have a look around.

Looks as if I've got my work cut out for me. Tell me more about Dystra's old watch tower.

There's not much to tell. Dystra was an old wizard who beleived the Zhents were planning an invasion of the western heartlands. He built a watch tower so he could detect any invaders coming from the Darkhold fortress. Most thought he was mad but considering the recent events, maybe he wasn't that mad after all.

If these mercenaries are Teldorn's men, we must act quickly to neutralize the threat. No doubt they'll be after the stone as are we. There is much to do, so I will bid you farewell.

Before you go, take this mirror with you. It will aid your defense when you need it. Let me know when you recover the Talismans.

Well, cool, a magic mirror! I take a look at it.



Gameplay note: Color in an item sketch? Say it isn't so! Still, Blur isn't so bad of a spell to have more of.

I also take a look at the notes that Cearwin took on where the Talismans are.



Oh great. I'll be running all over the place now. I think Bluebell Wood is closest to Nashkel. Let me start there.



As soon as we arrive at the wood, Phase Spiders teleport in!



Kivan manages to take them out pretty easily.



Their sword spider cousin also charges us soon after. But we shut it down.



I don't want to spend all my time wading through hordes of easily-killed spiders, so I send Alora and Kivan out to scout alone.

Hop skip to it!

Shut up! Your chattering might drive us all insane.

You are mean, mean, mean! No wonder people don't like you!

I wince as they run off into the forest, bickering back and forth. In retrospect, this might not have been a good idea.

[Usurper]

At least they shut up when they find a ghoul.



They just ignore it. They also keep running into Webs.



They ignore them too. When they come back, they report some spiders, skeletons, the ghoul, and some hostile-looking dudes far to the southwest.



Alora also reports that they had good loot...



including a magical pearl that she can't quite figure out.



Finally, Alora reports that Kivan sucks at hiding, to which he replies that he thinks he heard her mother calling her home for supper. Don't ask me, because I don't know.

I roll my eyes and begin to turn away, but then one more awful follow-up question blazes into my mind. I ask Alora WHY she thinks Kivan sucks at hiding, and she answers that it's because he was seen and the bad guys are coming straight for us now!



GAH! I'm going to have to have a long talk with Alora about information priority.

We manage to choose the worst possible place to fight the incoming bad guys.



Finch steps up to be our tank, but I worry about her. Apparently so does Squirrel, because he begins to chitter and scamper in the absolutely cutest way possible. What is he doi... oh. HA!



Ithkim just can't bring himself to fight against an enemy with a cute squirrel in its ranks, and begins to walk away. But then, I guess he thinks twice, because he turns around and comes back after us.



Oh well, gave us a few precious seconds. Enough seconds for Squirrel to cast his follow-up spell. A blinding ray of sunlight streaks from the sky!



No effect? Weird. But Kivan gets a few good shots in on Shaerlee, and Finch finishes her off.



Her friend Ithkim moves in to attack us directly, but is caught in the Web. We cut him down quickly.



These fighters died quickly, but they were pretty well kitted out. With two out of the three down, I don't believe that we can be in any real danger, so we simply saunter up to the tents. But Jonell has other ideas.



I... have never heard of that spell before. Oh my god Finch is she gonna die?! DISPEL!



But my Dispel doesn't work on whatever has encased Finch, and I feel the familiar prickle of an incoming Chaos on the back of my neck. Oh gods, this is going to get ugly fast.

I order everyone to scatter, but the spell still gets two of them.



Not me of course. Never me. I cannot let this stand. I reach deep into the Weave to unleash raw chaos upon Jonell. But before I do, he DOES something to Edwin.



And now I have two squirrels in my party. Great.



Gameplay note: The true horror of being polymorphed into a squirrel is the stat drain.



Jonell does the smart thing and moves out of the area of the Glyph of Wild Magic, with only a few remnants of raw Weave clinging to him. But Kivan also does the smart thing, and shoots him in the back of the head.



I approach Finch, as close as I can, try to get a good look at her in there. She seems okay...



But I can't do anything to the barrier protecting her. I hope this doesn't last too long. I also hope Edwin doesn't stay a squirrel too long. Geez.

With nothing else to do, I just sit down and wait for the magic to wear off and restore my party to normal.

EIGHT HOURS LATER, Edwin is still a squirrel.



I have to flip through the Holy Book of Rhialto to cast a Dispel to fix him. That is some potent magic.



Then we look through the items we found on the body of Jonell. He was wearing a Robe of the Evil Archmagi, of course, but he also has a Talisman!



It would have been nice if Cearwin would have noted that the old wizard in Bluebell Wood was evil. But oh well. What else does this place have to offer?



Nothing. The rest of the area is just forest and forest creatures, like skeletons. I'm getting tired of the forest. (Don't tell Kivan.)

Hmmm... where to next? North of Nashkel, here we go!



When we arrive, we find kobolds. Those little buggers. Edwin throws Grease at them.



After killing the kobolds, we find a cave entrance in the middle of the small lake here.



Of course there are spiders in the cave. Why wouldn't there be?



There are also both boxes and disgusting spider eggs in this cave.



Gamepay note: After seeing this Generic Cave Map about 20 different times in all these mods, I really appreciate the fact that someone took their time to modify this map a little bit to include boxes and eggs. That touch alone makes the mod worth it in my eyes.

The barrels have potions or small weapons in them. Looks like storage for some kinda adventuring party or small army.



But the presence of the spiders make the whole place more sinister. Did they used to be human, and then were turned into spiders? Did the spiders make this place their lair and use the humans to incubate their disgusting larvae? Where are all the people?

I get more signs of people when the circle comes into view.



When we move to check it out, a decidedly unfriendly voice speaks up.



I hear Edwin beginning the first syllables of Remove Magic, while I throw something random in the mage's direction. It turns out to be Summon Efreeti.



The efreeti moves in to attack Peleria, but she puts him into one of those big bubbles again. What IS that spell?!



Then she does it to Alora too!



But Kivan, steady, deadly Kivan, once again puts the bad mage down.



Peleria was also carrying a talisman. Now we have 2!



On the way out, we find a weird red-filled pool. I hope that's not blood.



We also find a new book, one that really puzzles Finch. She says she hasn't heard of it before in all her life, which for Finch really is something. It is called the History of the North - Return of the Beast (1367 - ?). It is quite short, so I have Finch read it to us.



Why must we emulate the ways of the dwarven folk by crawling about these warrens?

Just hold on a minute dude, we'll be done soon. We explore the rest of the area, loot every single box, and head out.

Gameplay note: Ok, someone really did go into a lot of trouble to not only put boxes and eggs everywhere, they also copied and pasted parts of the map in different ways to make it look unique. I really think this is cool!



Well, great. We now have two talismans. Talismen. Talismani? And looking at the note, we have to visit Beregost and Baldur's Gate more before we have the 4 Cearwin knows about. I have a feeling the 5th is in that tower he mentioned, and that we'll have to fight people for it. So best get ready. Get prepared. Get the eye of the tiger!

Gameplay note: Well guys, this is my first installment after being so busy for so long. I hope to get this out once or twice a week. I hope you like it!

[Usurper]

Ok, I guess that's not too annoying. We're back in business!

[Sanctifer]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaay !

\o/

 

Welcome back !

[AmyAE]

I missed this LP so much! Glad you're back.

[Usurper]

20 Kythorn, 1370

I can never seem to get away from this town. No matter where I go, I end up back here. I might start calling this place home soon.



Now, Cearwin's note says that a little girl living in the townhouse next to Feldpost's Inn bought a talisman. That should be right... here.



Hey, its locked! I look at Alora, and she's on it like...



like a halfling burglar. Which she is. But she can't find a talisman.



We try an alternate target.



But nothing. We scout around more, looking everywhere for a little girl carrying a talisman.

We find her in an ominous location.



This is the house that used to be occupied by the non-feeling wizardess who wanted to harvest happiness! What's a little girl doing living here now?



Well, I guess life goes on. Somebody must have bought the house after we killed the autistic wizard lady.

Listen young lady, I didn't mean to scare you, but I'm on a very important quest. Do you have in your possession a Talisman recently purchased from Beregost?

What's it got to do with you whether I have a Talisman or not. Shove off!!

Please... just hear me out. It's very important that you listen to me. In order to complete my quest I need to acquire the Talisman from you. The Talisman was stolen from a messenger who was delivering it to a friend in Baldur's Gate. It should be returned to its rightful owner as soon as possible.

Why should I believe you? The Talisman is mine and I don't intend on parting with it.

Man, this girl is really getting on my nerves.

Is there nothing I can do to change your mind. I have to have the talisman. Many others are relying on me retrieving it.

Well, there is one thing that would make me give up the talisman, but you'll have to do me a favor.

And what favor is that exactly?

Somewhere in town there is a girl called Rebecca, a snooty little half-elf who attends the same school as me. She is nothing more than a bragging little kobold and makes me sick just to look at her. Take this scroll to where she lives and cast the spell on her. It'll teach her not to be so clever.

Hold on a minute. You want me to cast a spell on Rebecca just because you don't like her!?

You heard correctly. Take the scroll. Find Rebecca and cast the spell on her. An easy task even for you, stranger.

Just what kind of spell do I have to cast?

That's a surprise. You'll find out soon enough.

It sounds to me like you're jealous of Rebecca. Perhaps you should be more tolerant of her.

Look 'venturer it's quite simple. If you cast the spell on her you get the Talisman. If not you get nothing.

Well, if you're going to put it like that...

It seems I don't have much choice. Give me the scroll.

She hands it over. I take a look at it.



Is this girl trying to get me killed? And how does someone so little have a cursed scroll anyways? And now I have to find this Rebecca.

She is easy enough to track down. Just in the next house over.



You're Rebecca aren't you. Lizzy sent me to find you.

Lizzy? What did she have to say to you that she couldn't say to me herself.

Well, it's a surprise and she asked me to deliver it.

Hmmm... well it's not like her to be so generous, but I just love surprises. What is it?

OK, this won't take long. You won't feel a thing.



Holy shit! That Lizzy is out of control! Where did she ever get a Scoll of Petrification?! I just killed a big bad guy in the Friendly Arm Inn who was into Petrification.

I'm going to give that little brat a piece of my mind!



I can't believe you wanted her changed to stone. Why do such a thing?!

Oh... don't worry about Rebecca, 'venturer, the spell will wear off soon enough. Besides, don't you want your precious Talisman?

Yes, hand it to me. The Talisman as agreed.

Here you go. Take it. Now I think you better leave before I tell the Guard what you did to Rebecca.

Damn. Extortion, bribery, fetch quests, guard threats... someone has obviously been clueing this girl into how the world really works.

[Usurper]

At least now I have the Talisman of Free Action!



I consult Cearwin's note one last time.



I'm looking for a beggar in the northwest part of Baldur's Gate. Great. That really narrows it down.

On the way out of town, I wave at the Dirgecow. She is still singing her sad song.



Then it's off to Baldur's Gate!

Actually it might not be so hard to find a beggar near here. Everybody seems to be nobles. And most of them are stoned out of their gourd.



I'll have to remember that recipe for later. But for now, its beggar-finding time.

I eventually do find him, uncomfortably close to the Silvershield Estate.



Good day to you beggar. I have some questions I hope you can answer.

So you want answers. Seems like everyone wants answers these days. I'll tell you what, find me a Sunstone gem and I'll answer your precious questions. Until then, leave me in peace, I've begging to do.

A Sunstone gem? You don't see many of those. Perhaps 100 gold coins can change your mind.

Normally, stranger, I would take your money, but Sally here, well she's got this thing about gems. So if you want information it's the gem I'll be having. Come back when you've got it.

Well, as it so happens, I've got 6 of them in my gem bag!



I don't know why the guy didn't just assume I had one, or even bother asking me for one, but whatever.



Yes, here it is. Now, the Talisman; what can you tell me?

The Talisman you seek is called the Star of Merris, and ancient elven artifact. Few were made, and just by chance I happen to have the Talisman close by. I will trade with you but the price will be high.

So what is the price of this trade?

The price is another gemstone, but don't worry, the gem I desire is in the wizard's store here in Baldur's Gate. The storekeeper has in his possession a Dragon's Heart ruby. Bring the ruby to me and I will trade you the Talisman for it.

A strange name for a gemstone. Is there anything else I need to know about it before I obtain it?

Oh yes, there is one other thing. The ruby has magical powers. Don't tamper with it, or you may get a nasty shock.

I'm pretty sure I don't have something like that just lying around in my gem bag. So off to Sorcerous Sundries for us!

When we get there, Halbazzer Drin is very excited to see me.



Oh, I couldn't sell this. It was a gift. Not unless you offered me outrageous amounts of money.

Suit yourself, though I can't say as I blame ya. Very useful stuff, that. Say, how about I have a seamstress weave it within a cloak for ye. It is said that the wearer of such an item is magically more beautiful. It would not cost much, perhaps 100 gold. Deliate stuff, it is.

An excellent suggestion! You have a deal!

You won't regret this! I already have one cloak made. I'll give it to ye, now that I can make several others. Here ye go.

He gives me a Nymph Cloak. Awesome!



The Dragon's Heart Ruby is 7,000 gold! I just barely have enough to cover the cost.



With very light pockets, I go back to the beggar.



Yes, here it is. Now let us finish this trade, beggar. Give me the Talisman and I'll be on my way.

Oh today is such a great day. I cannot thank you enough. I finally have the Dragon's Heart ruby after all these years. Here, take the Talisman and good luck on your quest.

He gives me a fourth talisman. It protects from poison.



Isn't this great? All of us, doing nice things, being happy. It's great!

Yes, I suppose it is. I was trying to save up 10,000 gold so that the priest of Gond could look at this vampiric sword I have had for such a long time, but I guess this is great too.

[Usurper]

There is only one more place left to go - Dystra's old watch tower. I'm guessing there will be a lot of combat there, so I must prepare my party for fighting.

Squirrel seems much more poised and confident now.







And Edwin is even more insufferable than normal.







Gameplay note: Edwin can cast level 4 spells now. He's becoming quite dangerous.



We rest up, make sure everybody's ready to go, and then take the long, arduous journey to Dystra's Watch Tower.



When we arrive, we see... basically nothing.



A very boring and bland area. I wonder where the watch tower is? We search around all together and suddenly run into a basilisk CRAP!



Kivan equips his anti-basilisk bow and gets to work. The basilisk constantly tries to turn him to stone.



But in the end Kivan is victorious.



Just after the first is a second basilisk.



I think this is going to be Kivan's op. He scouts around. In the more wooded area, he finds a Teldorn archer. We help him mop that up.



A bit behind that, we find some strange stone columns that shoot out bolts of lightning at us! Finch is hit!



Some more Teldorn fighters are hiding behind the columns. But they're less of a threat than the columns are.



I try to help out. I summon a beholder.



Edwin gets to use his little Orb of Storms.



Squirrel, for once in his life, uses his amulet of Wyvern summoning.



I and my summoned Gauth try to secure the perimeter, while Finch gets seriously injured by a Stone Golem.



My second attempt to help... doesn't, so much.



Edwin is much more effective at providing meat shields for the party.



Finally, spiders on our side!

Squirrel, finally skilled enough to do so, also brings the pain.



I regroup the party trying to focus fire on the stone golem, which seems to be the greatest threat in the area.



The stone golem seems quite tough, hurting Finch repeatedly.



When she runs away to heal, the Greater Wyvern finally is able to crack the stone.



I think everything is under control, but a few minutes later, an especially powerful lightning bolt takes out Edwin in one hit!



Poor Edwin, he was just learning how to loosen up!

No time to think about that now. I keep directing the battle. the Wyvern and the Gauth are actually crticical to our success.



After cutting down more defenders, we eventually find ourselves at the center... with the tower.



But we're going to have to come back, because I need to resurrect Edwin's lifeless corpse. So we turn and walk away. Typical Thayvian bullshit.

[Usurper]

I've had some additional trouble posting images and figuring out what's wrong. I've got it now, though, so let me put up the rest of the backlog of posts...

[Usurper]

21 Kythorn, 1370

Back in Baldurs Gate, we go through our whole routine with Edwin. He knows the drill as well as I now, and makes no fuss. Then, we pick up Xan.



And I hope we still have a long way to go.

I wish it were so. However... but you know what I am going to say, do you not?

We are doomed. Yet, there is so much happiness...

*sigh* Forgive me; I am distracting you yet again. Just know that I am with you, whatever might come. Looking back on past days, I see so much good, and yet I do nto miss them, for we have today. And, why, perhaps even tomorrow...

Indeed, who would have thought?

Not I. You are too beautiful.

If only we weren't doomed...

Because of you, I have learned to appreciate the reality that surrounds us. But sometimes I think that we do not exist at all - that we are just phantoms in someone's cruel imagination. Though if I was to learn this fact with dead certainty, I think that it would reassure me immensely. At least it would make my suffering seem immaterial and insignificant.

Xan does know I'm a man now, doesn't he?

Gameplay note: A computer game character wishing he was a computer game character? Stranger things may have happened, but I'm not sure...

We get Xan suited up as he is accustomed.



He wears the Elven Chain Mail +1 for armor. He has the Warrior Gloves on his hands, and the Helm of Protection on his head. Around his neck is a Bluestone Necklace of Dexterity. The Medium Shield +2, Heart of the Dragon, gives him extra toughness and protects him. He wears both a Ring of Protection +3 and a Ring of Protection +1 on each hand. Around his waist is the Girdle of Bluntness. He wears the Cloak of Displacement on his shoulders, and some Boots of Speed on his feet. He of course is wielding his Moonblade in one hand, but can switch out for a Boomerang Dagger +2 if he wants to attack someone from far away.

Gameplay note: All of this equipment together gives him 27 hit points, -13 AC, and a THAC0 of 4. That's pretty good.

Perhaps we will survive longer than I had originally thought.

After we are finished with getting Xan all kitted up, Alora whispers a plan to me that she had been cooking up. I give it a thought, and then nod. We go back to near Entar Silvershield's Estate.



But apparently the bum already got rid of those gems. Crap! 7,000 gold down the drain. We then leave the front gate and make our way back to Dystra's Watch Tower. On the way, we stop to rest, and there are dreams.



Gameplay note: This plays out like a dream that you get at the end of each chapter. However, there is no voiceover narration, so I'm not going to record it as a video. I'll just capture the text.

... possibility of not returning. You do not want to.

In your dream, there is no 'back'.

There are traps around the entrance, and one of your companions, a shadowy ficture in the background, takes care of them, quickly and smoothly. Now you are gliding along a short, roughly-carved tunnel, passing ghasts and other undead on your way. In your dream, they present no danger. There is someone else, the puppet master...

A set of heavy double doors prevents your passing. A swish of a hand, and they crumble to dust. You enter a large, circular room with an intricately adorned pool in the center. It is full of blood.

Undead. Bats at the ceiling, skeletal fighters and archers along the walls, rotting figures, standing as mock guards at the entrance. Their leader is standing on the other side of the room, half-hidden in shadows. You move forward, struggling to make out his face... 'her' face...

At precisely that moment, the figure laughs, a carnal, triumphant laugh of a sated predator, and her arm points to the floor. 'Bodhi', you suddenly recall her name; and then you see it: a body in the farthest corner of the room, crumpled in a heap like a pile of garbage. The elven blood in you boils and freezes at the same time, whispering to you with cold finality: it is dead beyond all hope of resurrection, the soul gone - lost, and even the Seldarine cannot bring him back.

You know of whom it speaks, but you have no time to say the name aloud. Instead, the room goes black, and you plunge into the dark depths of dreamless sleep, the vision slowly fading from your memory.

I wake up feeling deeply, fundamentally disturbed. Everything around me looks wrong. The air doesn't taste right. My body is not mine own. I can barely suppress a look of disgust appearing constantly on my face. I try to keep my gaze averted from everyone as I get the party going. What happened last night? What is wrong with me?

I can't remember.

Before we get back to Dystra's Watch Tower, we are attacked by a bunch of kobolds leading a basilisk around on a leash!



Kivan rushes the basilisk to keep its attention. The rest of us run around cutting down kobolds. It works.



Thank the Weave. We keep on going.

When we get to the tower, there are some... additional issues to deal with.



But with a repeat of the tactics of last time, we are able to take them all out. I make some kind of comment about humans and their inability to learn. Xan takes a cue off of that.



Why, you, of course. Our shared reverie, our bond, our communion...

I treasure them, too. It is such a bliss to fall into reverie next to you and drift on the waves of your memories...

Yet, I dread to think how much you have lost by growing away. And I am a poor substitute - yes, I wield a moonblade, but I have been living in self-imposed exile for years, much as yourself.

*sigh* But perhaps living among elves is not necessary, after all? We carry the Elven Spirit inside ourselves, and we are bonded - it is difficult to imagine anything more elven. And I never cared much for the company of others, in any case. But you - what of you, Estel'amin?

I would prefer to know my people better, but I am content with you.

As I am with you. Perhaps one day...

Apart and alone, we are still elves. Still together. Still doomed... oh - never mind this now. We are still - ourselves. And very much in love. Sometimes, I suspect, too much so. *sigh* Corellon help me, for the gods are surely jealous beings, who think that nobody deserves too much happiness.

And perhaps they are right. But here and now, we are happy, and nothing else matters. Come?

Suddenly I too think that we are both doomed, and that whatever feelings that I have for Xan will lead him to a fate worse than death. But I can't for the life of me imagine why. I guess his mood is just rubbing off on me.

As we prepare to enter the tower, Alora seems to get the bad vibes too.

It must be hard work to be negative all the time!

If I'd wanted your opinion I would have asked for it.

Then we all enter the tower!



As soon as we get in there, we are greeted with a shock squad of two golems, two fighters, and a mage.



You evil bastard!! Give me the talisman and you just might live to see the end of the day.

Fine words indeed, but as you can see, I have no fear of such threats. Do you not see my fine Golems before you? You are no match for their strength. They will tear you into little pieces.

The time for talk is over. Give me the talisman or die.

So be it. ATTACK them!!!

I throw a random spell at the mage, and the Weave asks me if I'd like to throw 3 instead.



Of course, I respond with yes, and I leave the spells up to you. The spells I get are mighty fine, and the Weave even throws in a few bonus ones for good measure.



But these Stone Golems are really powerful. They almost kill Alora in one hit!



And before anyone can do anything about it, they DO kill Finch!



Shit!

Then they kill Xan.



Damnit!

I throw out another random splash of the Weave. We are all invisible, and a Beholder comes to help us.



Squirrel manages to summon in two greater wyverns, but not before the Stone Golems take out Kivan as well.



So much death today. At least I can take out this goddamn mage.



Ice shard to the face. Works every time. Then I hear the horrible death-squeak of Squirrel!



The gauth I summoned has turned hostile because of the Cloudkill, and shot the Squirrel to death. Oh my gods what have I done?!

The Wyverns take out the gauth, but I am down to just one companion, the one I sent to hide in the corner.



With a heavy heart, I move to clean up the mess I have made. I also look inside these barrels. I find even more tragedy.



Along with this note are a Blue Kite Shield, the Mace of the Fearless, Kalindra's Armor, and Kalindra's Helm.









The evil mage only had another Robe of the Evil Archmagi on her. Pah. I look around for more clues, or more levels to this tower, but there are none of either. The only thing I have to go on is the letter from Kathian to the now-deceased Kalindra. And that just points to Teldorn being somewhere within the Wood of Sharp Teeth.

[Usurper]

I must return to the Elfsong Tavern, replenish my companions, and go off to search the Wood. Why did I ever come to this forgotten place of death? I should have told Cearwin to shove his talismans where the sun don't shine.

Outside, waiting for me, are an ambush party of enemies I had almost completely forgotten about.



This time the Weave helps me summon an Earth Elemental to fight with me.



Some more crazy magic gives me an Efreeti and a lesser Fire Elemental. I hope they are enough!



Turns out that they are.



Talmur has a Large Shield +1, an Ice Hammer +2, and the Talisman of Cold Resistance!





Gameplay note: By the way, these talismans all count as rings and can be worn.

When I get to town, I realize that I don't even have enough money to resurrect anyone. So I go and liquidate all the non-essential equipment that I have, the excellent daggers and swords that I have collected. They are worth 2523 gold.



Then I decide to make a sacrifice - I go to the jeweller and sell all of the gems we have collected over the months. I'm tired of being poor.

Quincy's Jewelry only takes the gems, not the necklaces or rings, but he gives me 12,321 gold for it all.



Great!

Sorcerous Sundries takes the rest of my jewelry, to the tune of 11,801 gold.



And while shifting around in my gem bag I find a ring of protection that I had forgotten about. Huh! Imagine that. I don't sell it, of course.

Now I have 27,325 gold, enough to both resurrect everyone and find out about this vampiric sword I've been lugging around.

As soon as Xan is raised from the dead, he asks me a question.



Gameplay note: HOW DOES HE KNOW I'M WRITING THIS?!

Yes, of course. Our flight from Candlekeep, Gorion's death, meeting you - it is all there.

Ah, so you mostly write about events, do you not? Not so with me, I admit... but then again, my journal is mostly about a certain young lady who stands in front of me.

Your journal? How come I've never seen it before?

I do keep a journal, but - how shall I put it? It is not what you might imagine. I do not write regularly, and neither do I try to capture the recent happenings, or every little detail. It is just sometimes, when the fire is low, and you are resting, I look at you, and my hand starts its journey over the pages on its own.

You matter to me. More than anything else, or anyone else. More than my duty and my life, even. And it pains me that, after we are both gone, there is nothing. But perhaps, one day someone will pick up a small leather-bound book, and...

... read about you and me?

He well might, yes. And, come to think of it, who wouldn't?

But now, we should go and finish our task - to tell you the truth, I am tired of agonizing over who kills who. And then, we will perhaps lay our journals aside, and...

*sigh* Sometimes I think this time will never come. But tonight... we may well try and look into the future where there are only us. You, and me, and whispers, and stars...

I have a feeling that the day he speaks of will never come. I cannot say why, though.

So I give him a smile, and turn back to the Priest of Gond.



I humbly ask of you to look upon this sword I have recently acquired.

Ah, yes, of course. The God of Artifice and Invention may be able to help in things crafted of magic! This, however, requires a more substantial offering, say, 10,000 gold?

I see. Then let us offer to Gond what is proper. Here is the gold.

The Vampire's Revenge... an old and evil tool... from an old and evil age. It was constructed by no less than the Nosferatu of an ancient coven in some western mythic land. It was crafted for two purposes. The first, as you may have already learned, is to lure their enemies into the sword's use, rendering them cursed to bleed themselves with each strike and ill of mind to consider its disposal...

The second and more discreet use is that the sword is a key... actually, THE key... to the Vault, a store of vast wealth and treasure that these vampires used for their mortal dealings. But to this day, no one has been able to find this Vault, or live long enough to document its location. It was rumored to be on a small, desolate isle surroudned by raging waters, only to be entered when the waters were calmed... This being the Sword Coast and thriving in bodies of water, however, makes its exact whereabouts a hard guess, my friend... Unless, of course, you had some power of eternal divination to help you.

Power of divination eh? I guess I could go back to that old diviner and talk to him.

For some reason, there is a mustard jelly just oozing around the streets of baldur's gate. Did it come out of the sewers or something?



I manage to take it out myself with Meta Infernum.



Then we go into the tent of the Diviner and speak to him.



Here's the money seer, but you better be for real.

I am for real. Now what is it that you wish to know? I must tell you, I only have the strength to answer a single question in a day, so be careful in what you ask.

A Priest of Gond has told me of an ancient store called the Vault. Where can it be found?

To the far south and to the west. Not far from a fort that houses evil gnolls and inside a river, to be seen only when the torrents are weak.

I cannot answer any more questions, you must leave now.

He's obviously talking about the Gnoll Stronghold. And inside a river, to be seen only when the torrents are weak? I wonder if it is near the river that runs by the stronghold? Or perhaps north of it? Hmmm.... I'll have to think about this. But first we should probably get the Talisman thing done.

I've heard that if you go too long without smiling, your face will crack!

Do not think I will endure your insults indefinitely.

When we get back to the Elfsong, I say goodbye to the companions I've killed. It is actually kindof easy. I'm getting used to this. Then I consider what kind of fodder I should replace them with. We need some hard-hitting, no-nonsense, get-things-done fighters. And if I don't really feel all that attached to them, all's the better. I look around. I know! I'll pick up Khalid, Xzar, Kagain, and Viconia!



Khalid, a successful group needs to be light and small, and not everyone's skills can be used at once. I need you in the party... but I must ask you to travel without Jaheira.

W-w-without Jaheria? B-b-but... Well, Gorion said we should help you - if this is what you really w-w-want.

I doubt very much whether this is wise, Syvishtar. But this is your group to lead, for better or for worse. Tymora be with you, Khalid - we will meet again soon.



As much as your mental state unnerves me, I do have need of your company once more.

Hurrah! I'd have us all sing with joy, but I'm sure such an outpouring would come dangerously close to making me sick. Onward, and all that.



You'll not "suffer" long if you keep up that attitude. Get in step Kagain, we've business to attend to.

Straight to the point, I respect that. Let's go.



Many would judge you by your race alone, but I will give you ample opportunity to prove yourself as an individual.

I could ask for little else.

[Usurper]

Then of course we stop by the armory to get everybody dressed. Khalid seems to have a problem with Alora's outfit though.



Hey, it's always summer here, uncle Khalid. Or hadn't you noticed?

Uncle K-khalid?

Hehe, you just seem like someone's uncle. Why not mine?

Err, y-yes. Umm, well, b-back to work then, I suppose...

Okay, but c'mon, uncle Khalid, cheer up while you're at it! Why try to *make* gloom where you find none?

If only it-t'were s-so simple... I h-hope you never d-discover the truth f-for yourself.

Then we go about the business of equipping 4 new members of the party.

Gameplay note: I found out while juggling equipment around that... um... the mule is full. I use the mule's saddlebags to store weapons only, and it has reached its limit. As long as we keep weapons on characters, I guess its not a problem. Until we loot more stuff...

It takes a while. Alora gets antsy.



Aye, so? What of it, lassie?

Oh, nothing. It's just that... nah, never mind.

What?

No, really. It's nothing.

I don't like what ye are implying, girl.

But I didn't say anything!

I'm warning ye!

A little while later, she pipes up again.



What?

You're always so grumpy. You should try smiling for once!

I'll give you grumpy! Perhaps you'd like a taste of my weapon?

Really! I'm not that kind of halfling!

I get into organizing my collection of mage robes. A few hours later, when I think I've got everything squared away, Xzar speaks up.

Gameplay note: Actually I did take a really long time organizing everything, and these conversations kept triggering.



Wh-what kind of story do you want to hear?

A happy little fable about merry halflings gossiping, drinking ale, butchering their flocks, drawing each nerve forth separately from their victims to prolong the ecstatic agony, until it becomes an art form.

That's awful! I... I don't think I like you!

Me? What have I to do with it? I was asking *you* about halflings.

We're not like THAT! And I won't say what we are like; *you* clearly wouldn't understand.

Hmph. Judging by dear Monty's little hobbies... but you are quite right. The matter is of no consequence whatsoever to such as I. I was merely essaying a bit of polite conversation... obviously a wasted effort.

After several hours, I've finally got the new crew kitted up.



Gameplay note: Kagain has two Rings of Protection, one +3 and the other +2. Plus his shield and the elven chainmail takes his AC down to -15. Remember, with AC, lower is better. His THAC0 is also 2 due to the Warrior Gloves and the Bluestone Necklace of Dexterity. He's an unstoppable murder machine.



Gameplay note: Khalid has a lot of hit point boosting items. His Boots of Health and Heart of the Dragon shield give him 21 hit points. He's got a full selection of 4 longswords. His AI can choose which one is best automatically. He can also turn into a wolf if he wants. Finally, he regenerates at 1hp per round with the Ring of Regeneration.



Gameplay note: Viconia has a lot of maces to choose from, including the Mace of Disruption (which we helped create!), the Mace of the Fearless, and the Enlightenment Star. She is wielding the Shield of Divinity +5, the Helm of Protection, and other items that give her at -14 AC. She's also got the Ankh of Acceptance and the Boots of the Forgotten Ones which boost her spells known per level. All in all she's probably going to stay alive forever.



Gameplay note: Xzar is, incredibly, still level 2. So he doesn't really even benefit from most of our spell slot-boosting items. So gave him the Amulet of an Apprentice Mage and the Apprentice's Ring, and now he can cast 6 level one spells. Awesome. I've got him memorizing one Mage Armor and 5 Magic Missiles. I'm sure he'll be a great help. He's also wearing elven chain, the Teddy Bear of Protection, his own special ring, and a Cloak of Protection +2. That gives him a -6 AC and 6 hit points. The guy is insanely fragile. I'm going to just have him stay behind the group all the time and use the magical items he has. Those are the Orb of Storms, Ettin's Wand, and the Wand of Monster Summoning (which I just found in my green bag of holding and don't know why its there).



Then, with my sparkling, golden meat shields, I leave the Elfsong Tavern and prepare to scour the Wood of Sharp Teeth.



We are ambushed by bandits on our way over. I worry for Xzar.



But Xzar doesn't worry about himself, and he loves his new Orb of Storms!



Then we continue on our way to the Bandit Camp area. I have a feeling that the old ruins near there are where old elven stuff would be. When we get there, we are ambushed by yet more bandits. But one random spell from me and they are dead.



I think that was Death Fog. Nasty.

There are also a couple of half-ogres in the area.



And... an ogre mage!



No two ogre mages!



I think these are the punks that Shilo Chen in the Elfsong Tavern was complaining about. Better clean them up quick.



Xzar is positively cackling with glee during every fight now. Does that Orb of Storms never run out?



Damn. With the way these guys are dropping, I'm about to start cackling. Then people start to complain about being tired, so we rest until nightfall. Under the cover of darkness we resume our hunt. We don't have far go to before we see more enemies.



We get to work on them right away. I wonder why Xzar is using some wimpy wand of magic missile that only shoots out one at a time...



Then I remember that that's his actual spell, not a wand. HA!

After we kill the guys, we scour the entire ruins area for some sort of secret entrance, a hidden elven base of something...



Gameplay note: According to this post, the entrance to the final area of the Talisman quest should be right at these coordinates. But it's not, as you can see in the screenshot. I guess I'm going to have to track down the area code.



Gameplay note: Nope, this isn't it.



Gameplay note: This is Bluebell Woods.



Gameplay note: One of the tents inside Bluebell Woods...



Gameplay note: The other tent inside Bluebell Woods...



Gameplay note: Dystra's Watch Tower. Getting closer!



Gameplay note: Inside Dystra's Watch Tower. We're almost there!

Edited by Usurper, 30 May 2013 - 10:21 PM.

[Usurper]

Gameplay note: Possibly the right place, but is this the correct entrance? ExploreArea() reveals that there is only one entrance. Good. Time to reload and...

Before we enter the hidden entrance that we obviously found behind some bushes just a second ago, we buff up. Also, I cast Invisibility on Xzar. I don't want him to die in the first round.



Then we all go down an ancient stairway. What we find downstairs is intimidating.



And of course there is an evil Banite cleric just waiting to unleash the cackles.



The only sacrifice made here today will be yourself. Did you think you could simply take the stone without a fight? You will soon suffer the same fate as Bane himself... Death.

Dead or not, Bane's followers grow each day. We simply await his return. Even now we feel his presence. The elven stone will spread his influence throughout the Sword Coast and beyond. Your suffering and that of countless others will add to his power.

Enough of this talk. Only one of us is leaving here with the stone, and it's not going to be you!

The stone will never be yours. My Banites will have your head within the hour. It will make a fine trophy for Teldorn. Let us waste no more time. Draw steel!!

Run everybody! To the corner!

The opposition starts out strong, with a Lightning Bolt straight at Khalid. But Viconia heals him as soon as they get to the corner, so the battle can continue as planned.



I hit them with a Glyph of Wild Magic, they hit us with Confusion. Crap.



Thankfully I am not confused, so I cast Dispel among us to make it stop. The Weave disturbance, behind me temporarily, decides that now is a good time to drop a cow on someone.



Gameplay note: First time I ever was able to pause the game with the cow on the sceen! Just imagine it falling vertically fast.

Also, Kagain kills Lelthorn, and Khalid watches his moves very carefully.



Gameplay note: I am not passing up an in-combat level-up for the level 1 Duskblade.



Gameplay note: Go go level 2 Duskblade with 49 hit points! Woo!



And that's when the Teldorn archer kills Xzar.



After Xzar is down, they target me. I try to throw up a new set of Mirror Images, but the Weave puts some gems in my pocket instead.



So I grab the Wand of Monster Summoning off of Xzar's corpse, run out of melee range, and summon some snake-men.



Then I throw some random magic out at the nearest mage, who happens to be Cileen. The magic happens to be Finger of Death. She can't handle it.



Viconia rushes over to heal Alora, who was cowering behind me hiding from the Stone Golem. That leaves Khalid in a bubble on the other side of the room and Kagain, all alone. I tell him to come over too. Then the mage Rondal gives us some summoned monsters to kill.



My next spell gives me Tensor's Transformation. I see. No more casting for me, just sword work.



Orb of Storms still works though!



The monsters that Rondal had summoned on us were some ogres and an ogre mage. In the middle of combat, Alora sneaks up behind the Ogre Mage and knocks him out with her club!



Without any further direction from me, the Orb of Storms keeps discharging.



Awesome! I try to summon some more monsters into the fight, as our snakemen are all dead.

Kagain kills the Ogre mage, another bolt of lightning strikes, and three more snake men appear at the same time.



Hanwen tries to attack me one-on-one. He didn't know that I had Tenser's Transformation, I guess? I cut him down like a warrior would.



The snakemen kill the last fighter.



And Kagain kills the last mage.



Khalid is so impressed by all this swordwork he seems to learn something new, again.





Gameplay note: Dude leveled up twice in one battle. Note the one new pip in Bastard Swords. Someone is going to have to use them.

[Usurper]

I go through the bodies. On one of them is the Stone of Askavar!



Also among the corpses is a Ring of Invisibility, the Cormyrian Helm, The Large Sword +1 The Emerald Eye, and its sister sword the Shining Sapphire.









With nothing else to do here, we head on out and go back to Baldur's Gate to resurrect Xzar.

When we get there, Khalid reminisces on old times.



A good point. I see sewer grates everywhere. Maybe we could use them to remain unobserved when we need to.

Our enemies must know that maze well. Such c-concealment might work more to their advantage than ours. Besides smelling awful.

Raising Xzar is a surprisingly cheap 200 gold.



Then it's back to the Blushing Mermaid to turn in the Stone.



Yes, I have it. The threat from Teldorn and his Banites is over. I had to fight long and hard to get this. Let's hope its secrets can be put to good use.

This is excellent news! I knew you would not fail. By placing yourself in the hands of fate, you have shown great confidence. The harpers will always be in your debt for this service. I cannot wait any longer here. The stone must be taken to a safe place. Until we meet again. Farewell.

Xzar seems to have learned the most out of this whole experience.









I should give him some time to think it over. I'll leave him at the Elfsong for a while. But you know who should really take his place? Someone who knows the area. The area where the Vault is located, that is. And the one who knows that area the best is...



We'd be grateful for your magic and your wisdom... but we don't have space for another warrior right now - even one with Minsc's... unique... talents. Would he be willing to remain behind?

Minsc and Boo belong at Dynaheir's side! (Though Boo has to be carried as he has very short legs).

Minsc, I am touched by thy loyalty. But I shall be safe under Syvishtar's protection. Do not fear, we will meet again before long.

We fit her out in pretty much what Xzar was wearing.



And then we take the long and arduous journey back to the Gnoll Stronghold.

[Usurper]

4 Flamerule, 1370

We reach the Gnoll Stronghold without much problem. It was a long trip, but we rest after it is over and wait until the next day. Then we cross the old bridge again.



I think about what the Diviner said: "Not far from a fort that houses evil gnolls and inside a river, to be seen only when the torrents are weak." I guess that means it needs to be near water. We go down the paths towards the river to search there. But it looks like gnolls are still occupying this fortress.



We take care of business quickly.



But we can't find anything special down near the water.



Perhaps it is in the caves?



Nope. Can't see anything in the caves.



Wait. This Vampiric Sword is supposed to be the key to the Vault. Maybe I have to hold it?



Oh cool! When I hit someone with the sword, a Vault Sentry is summoned!



Umm... did he just say that I'm not his master? How does it know? I've got the sword.

Hey wait he's casting something what is OH SHIIIIT!



Then again! Crap! 2 fireballs to the face!



I yell at everybody to get out GET OUT!



Then I try to prepare some retaliatory magics. But the Vault Sentry just disappears.



Well. Huh. So something happens when I hold the sword. Better keep it in my hand then. At least for now.

I go back and check near the edges of the river while holding the sword. But still, nothing. Hmmm.... the Diviner did say that the place can only be seen when the torrents are weak. That implies some sort of island or low-lying cave that only gets revealed when the water is low. But there is nothing like that in this area.



However, I do think I remember seeing something like that on the river north of here!



Four hours later, we arrive at the place where bears killed Branwen. So, so very long ago it feels like. Yeah. I'm thinking we need to check out that island.



After a little bit of a detour...



You are one of the few among us whom I can respect.

Thou art right indeed. After my own heart.

We come to the island.



Cautious of this grey figure, I order everyone else to stay back. I approach alone.



Yes, it is I. Let me inside the Vault!

In answer, he casts another Fireball! Damnit!



Two Fireballs!



I'm realy getting pissed off at this guy.

But then there is a strange twist of magic, the kind I have only felt before when Pelltar sent us to Lendore, and we are suddenly in an old cave.



With 4 stone golems. Damnit!

Dynaheir summons some Snake-men to protect us. Good on her!



Then she summons some more. Can't have too many of those!



Jaheira is injured, but I make sure she's okay.



Kagain smashes one golem to bits!



He manages to take out the second one too!



As we all gang up on the final stone golem, I see a magic missile fly into the melee from further back in the cave. I take a look over there...



SHIT! VAMPIRE!!! I shout that out aloud to everyone. Killitkillitkillitkillit!

The Weave positively courses through me. One spell turns into three turns into five turns into I don't know how many.



Killitkillitkillitkillit!



A mirror imaged, spell shielded, hasted, Ogre-polymorphed version of myself runs after the vampire as it goes out the door.



But then I think better of it. If it ran away from us, it can't be that scary, can it? I turn back to the fight, and find that Battle Horrors have joined!



I can probably take these guys out myself. Probably.

After a protracted fight, the Battle Horror looks pretty bad, but so do I.



Its brother teleports right next to Dynaheir, and she is barely able to run away in time.



I shapeshift into a Winter Wolf so that I can run away from the fight.



Then I shift back into human form so that I can scarf down some healing potions. Around me, Dynaheir runs away from the Battle Horror chasing her like a little girl.



It is a strange chase. If she goes too far, the Battle Horror simply teleports to her. If she doesn't run fast enough, he hits her. She must keep him at an optimal distance.



The other Battle Horror tries to teleport to her as well, but dies in the attempt. His dark red pseudosoul streams out of his body.

A few more teleport jumps and the second Battle Horror gets mauled by a snakeman. Good.



Then, because I can't stand the thought of having a vampire on the loose, we go outside and kill it.



Kagain is the one to strike the killing blow.



When we go back inside, I feel the tingle of dimensional magic again.



I do not trust this vampire-created vault, so I once again tell everyone to stay in the back. There may be more fireballs incoming.

What I do find is gold! Gold and treasure!



Gameplay note: There are a ton of little treasure piles all over the map.

[Usurper]

What do you mean keeper of gateways?

The portals for thy distant travels, Master.

You mean to tell me I can travel anywhere on the face of Faerun from here?

Yes, Master. The Sentry requires but a small gem or a handful of gold to fuel its power and channel the rift in the planes.

And how do I return?

A summoning of the Vault Sentry can be done through the key.

I understand. Now, where exactly can I go?

Anywhere, Master. Any location thou art can will and recall from thy memory... be they distant isles, ancient domains, or vast cities.

So I am limited to the places I know and have gone to...

I seek to test your knowledge of the arcane.

And then the sentry shows me all the spells that he can cast.



Gameplay note: Holy crap! The Vault Sentry is a temple priest!!

I nod and pretend like I expected it. After all, this is my Vault. Right? Right. Then I move into the room with the sentry and continue to loot all the stuff lying around.



Gameplay note: There are tons of rings, amulets, and gems in the piles. Most notably are the 32 Fire Agate Gems and 76 Bloodstone Gems. The total value of the gold is 10,290. There is also a Wand of Monster Summoning and a Wand of Fear.

When I try to access the central altar-type thingie, a Fireball flies out of the wall and hits me!



I call Alora in here to search for and disable the traps.



She gets the one near the altar, but there is a second one near the entrance to the cave that shoots out Flaming Arrows. And she just can't figure out how to disarm that one.



Additionally, it keeps rearming itself and hitting her with more Flaming Arrows for more damage the longer she stays in the room. I am baffled for an explanation, but my sword offers one.



Ahh. Best keep the plebians out of the back room then, eh? While I am contemplating the meaning of un-breakable traps in the back room, my companions are discussing the battle together near the entrance.



Khalid is learning how to fight quite quickly.





Gameplay note: He overshot his level by 2,000 xp in just this fight alone. Heh. And wow, 13 hit points this time! Khalid will soon become viable!



Gameplay note: Well, I mean, he's got a -10 AC and 68 hit points. I guess he's viable now. But his THAC0 is 13. That's a little high for a fighter. OH, but going back to the normal screen reminds me that this is the level that Khalid begins to be able to cast spells. He gets Entropic Shield and Magic Missile.



Gameplay note: So strange that his was one of the first kits that we voted on, way back on our first trip to the Friendly Arm Inn, but it has taken over a year, in-game and out-of-game, to finally see the results of that vote. Crazy.

Dynaheir seems shocked at the whole experience and converses in hushed tones with Khalid only.





Gameplay note: I have a very soft spot in my heart for Sorcerers. My first character in the BG series was a sorcerer. You can see here that Dynaheir gets the ability to cast another level 1 spell. We can choose which one she takes on the next screen.



Gameplay note: The idea that I had for Dynaheir's spell selection is to always go for elemental damage. That's why I had her choose Burning Hands and Shocking Grasp. Azragan's Channelling is always elemental damage, although the damage is random. I imagine my wild and free magic style is rubbing off on her.



Then as I sit and ponder this area, I realize that it must be a mirror of the Caves of Kozah.



In fact I think the exit that we took brought us to that place. I take another look outside the exit.



Yes, that is definitely where we are. Are the Caves of Kozah the same thing as the Vault? I don't remember traps and treasure being scattered everywhere the last time I was here... I go back inside to check again.



Hmm. Still traps and Vault Keeper here. I wonder what happens if I enter while not holding the sword? Nope, still here. I must have triggered some magical check by using the sword to get to the Vault. Now I know the true purpose of the Caves of Kozah!

One last test. I go outside and try to activate the vampiric sword using my will.



I cast its magic nearby. My Vault Sentry materializes immediately!



This means... this means... this means I can teleport to any location that I know of, for one, and also that I can resurrect anyone in my party immediately upon death! This is revolutionary! Amazing! Wondrous!

Create a gateway to Beregost.

As you will, my Master. I require only a sack of gold or jewelry to summon the portal to the quiet city.



Gameplay note: Ok, #2 sounds like a Bloodstone Gem, of which I have 76. #3 is a Sphene Gem, of course. I have just one of those. #4 seems like a Pearl. I've only got 1 of those as well. Or, if I run out of gems, I can pay 5,000 freakin gold. I think I'll be using a lot of Bloodstone Gem teleports.

It bleeds me to part with this gem of kings, but I need you to open that portal.

The Vault Keeper complies, and opens with a Weavedamned Fireball!



Crap! Everybody get awaaaayyyy!

The second Fireball hits only me, and I can't care.



Then we are whisked off via strange magics and find ourselves in front of the Burning Wizard in Beregost.



What kind of psychotic death-wish having vampire has his own Vault-keeper start off every action with TWO FIREBALLS?! What possible reason could there be for that! I'm surprised Dynaheir survived that.

Gameplay note: The teleport did not take a Bloodstone Gem from my inventory. I guess it must be another kind of gem. We are going to be limited in the amount of times we can teleport due to specific gems we may or may not have.

After such a long journey, we decide to take some much-needed rest.



And then, in the morning, I feel a little nostalgic. I want to stop by the Song of the Morning Temple, just like old times.



Ahh, so many memories. I really like the nice Sirines here. They remind me of Lady Wonderbounce. So... bouncy! Without this temple, I would never have survived this long. I am thinking about where to go next, when Alora pipes up. She says she's always wanted to see Gullykin. I remember that Gullykin is currently under siege by ogres. I think we should go save them.

Gameplay note: I was going to try to get the Vestibule quest here in the collection of Vault quests to trigger. But it looks like its not working. The guys in the Vestibule act as though I've just helped them out somehow, but I haven't. There was supposed to be a demon invasion but looks like its bugged.

[Usurper]

I explain the Gullykin situation to everyone. They prepare their spells and abilities to be ready for large numbers of ogres. I hope we can make a dent in their numbers this time. And I think it will be good training for Khalid and Dynaheir.



We are attacked by a gnoll/kobold raiding party on our way there.



They are not a threat.

But when we arrive, ogres attack us instantly. THEY are a threat.



Dynaheir and Jaheira bring down the pain with their respective wands.



And eventually our melee wins out over theirs! Great!



We don't know this area very well, but I guess the attack is being staged far away from Gullykin itself.



So we head southeast, to try to find the source of the attack.

But we run into some hostile wildlife.



After that, Dynaheir replenishes our snake-man army and we push further. We run into some ogre-mages next.



I love dealing with these meathead magelings.



They think they know how the Weave works, but they can't make it dance.



The battle drags on, but we seem to be doing okay, even if our fighters are asleep on the ground.



When we win, I send everyone forward, guided by the Projected Image of myself that had appeared during the battle. I stay behind, directing the image with my mind.



I kindof lose track of what's going on in the battle. Combatants fall to sleep and wake up. Invisible stalkers and fledgling vampires flit in and out of combat. Magic Missiles and Color Sprays are everywhere.



I DO manage to get my projected image to melt an ogre mage though. Hehehe!



When our fighters wake up again and my Projected Image is shattered, I signal a general non-summoned-creature retreat. We need to make sure we're okay.



We then return in an orderly fashion to the melee. I rip the life out of an Ogre Mage. It falls.



And eventually, Viconia Flamestrikes the other one into the afterlife.



We clean up the mess and reorganize ourselves. I want to go first, so I can get some good magic off on the next attackers. And I do.



Bwahahahahhahaha!



They manage to get out of the acid fog, but not that far.



Still, the battle is pretty hectic.



And true chaos is unleashed when I cast Teleport Field.



If ever there was a need for a giant conflagration of purifying fire, that need is now. Can I pull it off?



I don't think that did anything. But we are able to drop the ogres that make it out of the circle of teleportation.



I recieve a burst of inspiration and try to replicate that bubble spell mages have been using recently. And it works! HAHA!



Ogres fall, and fall, and fall some more.



There's almost a never-ending parade of ogres for us to kill. But eventually we do find a lull in the battle.

Dynaheir hesitantly asks me for advice in casting her Azragan's Channelling. I give it freely.



And I also expound upon other ways to use magic. She listens intently.





Gameplay note: Due to her spell-boosting items she can cast 7 level two spells per day! After she sleeps, of course.

I worry about our ability to sustain this type of onslaught. I want to get this over with. So I send Finch ahead to scout. She eventually finds what looks to be the leader of this invasion.



I am so tired of this fighting. These stupid ogre mages that think they can hurt me. The gigantic dumb ogres that think they can smash me, smash me "good". I am going to end this, here and now. I walk right up to the horde of ogre magi with their infantile mirror images. I step into their sea and unleash hell. Literally.



The Cornugon takes its sweet old time getting into battle.



This gives the ogre magi time to be completely and utterly useless. Two cast Sleep on the demon. Sleep! On a demon!



The Cornugon responds by throwing a Fireball at its own feet.



There's one more thing that I think can make this better...



There we go. Then I try to lure them to the cornugon. But instead they all go attack my companions! Crap!



Dynaheir and Viconia unleash hell on the defenseless mages, though, and they start falling like flies.



And we triumph again today. Well, actually, it feels like more our snake-man army triumphed, rather than us in particular.



Then we loot the bodies of the ogres we killed while we wait for the inhuman screams of fear and death to stop from further up the canyon.



Finally they do. I half hoped that the cornugon had gotten Kharaz too, but sadly enough he didn't.



Kharaz puts up a good show, shrugging off magic and weapon alike. He looks to be casting some sort of spell, too, until Khalid knocks him the fuck across the canyon floor! Go Khalid!



I throw some magic at him, hoping to finish him off, but the Weave suffers him some indignity. He becomes she.



Kharaz dies a woman, to the combined Flamestrike and Lightning Bolt of Dynaheir and Jaheira. He was wearing Bala's Leather +4.



No wonder he seemed to be so tough! This thing resists magic! I curl my lip in disgust.

[Usurper]

Khalid tells me that ogres don't seem so scary anymore.





Gameplay note: Whoa, again with 14 hit points gained! This little dude is becoming a powerhouse.



Then, since we are low on spells and deep in enemy territory, I teleport us all to the Armory and we sleep.



We still have to fight our way back to Gullykin the next day...



Another set of long and tedious fights.



Then, in the heat of battle, Viconia throws a sling stone at the wrong target!



At least I assume it was the heat of battle, and confusion, and whatnot...

Gameplay note: This halfling was red-circled for a long time, and I avoided killing him for a long time. But not this time. Whoops! I just hope it doesn't make the rest of the village hostile to us...

I am getting really tired of the endless ogres. I try to make them all go away. But it doesn't quite work.



Trying to direct the Weave just never goes well. I just let it flow through me as it wants.



I throw out tons of random magic at the oncoming horde. But the Weave isn't especially helpful. Some ogres are Feebleminded. Great. I become protected from almost every spell in the universe. Okay, that's nice. Finally, after burning through everything I can cast this day, I manage to call down an Ice Storm on the assembled ogrity.



Later, Dynaheir goes positively crazy with the Orb of Storms.



When it is over, the slaughter we have wrought is actually kindof frightening.



Eventually we make our way back to the village. We stop by the temple to see if anyone is still alive. They are, and they don't seem to care that we've saved their entire existence.



For a priest in a beer cellar, you sure are grumpy!

Ye would be, too, if ye were the only one making sure this place remains a village o' idiots, rather than a village o' idiots who got drunk on stolen beer.

Boy, you sound like you need to think some happy thoughts!

I'm thinking a happy thought right now: concerning how much better it'll be when ye leave. But since ye're still here, I suppose ye'll be wanting some 'help,' I mean that is what ye types are always after... if it's not the ale.

Yes, we'd like to see what you have to offer us?

But then, after a few minutes, Gandolar Luckyfoot stops by and thanks us for a job well done.



Gameplay note: Actually I had to spawn him in. I couldn't find him anywhere. Maybe we killed him accidentally? Anyways, he gives us 750 gold and 6 potions of extra healing. And it's hard to believe I got through that without anybody dying!

Then I think it's time to go back to Baldur's Gate and decide what to do next. Besides, I have a few things left to do there.

When we get back, we tell Shilo Chen that we killed his enemies. He is happy.



He gives us the Gloves of Pick Pocketing. Nice!



Alora loves them. Then we go to Phierkas' house to deliver Algernon's Cloak.



Gameplay note: Some mod or another has changed Algernon's cloak. No longer is it infinite Charm Person. Now, it has been limited to 3 total. Not three per day, but only ever 3.



That is much less impressive, and I can cast more Charm Persons like that myself any given Sunday. So I'm going to use it for quest completion.



Gameplay note: Although, I probably could have gotten a better price for it at the store... but we got 100 xp! You can't buy xp.

I try to make some small talk with Pheirkas.



And Alora tries out her new gloves.



Crap! No dice. Oh well...

We go back to the Elfsong and take a few days' break. We earned it. Then, I look at my list of things do to once again.

Inside Baldur's Gate

* Investigate Seven Suns compound
* Investigate the Iron Throne
* Tell Entar Silvershield that his son is dead
* Convince the orc in the Elfsong Tavern to visit his ladylove
* kill the evil greater than Section One in the three story building in the SE middle of town
* bring Tiax and Quayle to the strange gnome by the docks who is looking for other gnomes
* find Luisa's parents' house near the palace entrance.
* Explore the sewers.

Outside Baldur's Gate

* 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

Gameplay note: Ok, none of the things to do in the Outside Baldur's Gate list are possible right now. So we are, by necessity, going to spend some time in the city.

But we have a serious issue to vote on, one which can fundamentally change the way this Lets Play is played. We can now resurrect any fallen comrade immediately due to the Vault Keeper (as long as we can survive the resulting Fireballs...). The way I see it, we can go three different ways with this, or keep things the same. So lets vote on it!

How should we deal with the dead in our party now that we have access to instant resurrection via the Vault Keeper?

1. Keep things the same - The Vault Keepers Fireballs are too dangerous - keep our death policy as it is.
2. Raise but still Rest - We can now resurrect people immediately, so we should do so and continue the quest. But as soon as the quest is done, i.e. the end of the update, we swap them out for a rested replacement.
3. Vote Each Time - Now that we have the flexibility to rez someone and keep going, lets use it. Each time someone dies, we can vote on whether to Bury, Bench, or Keep them.

[hook71]

Welcome back! Voting for - 2. Raise but still Rest

Edited by hook71, 01 June 2013 - 02:58 AM.

[Yovaneth]

3. Vote Each Time. 2 seems... a bit too cheesy.

 

-Y-