1504 replies to this topic

[Usurper]

I'd like to especially welcome all the new readers. Syvishtar can always use more voices in the head.

Here is how the votes stand now:

Who should get the Holy Goblet?
A. Bjornin      
B. Conchobhair  
C. Finch                ......................
D. Gavin                .
E. Jaheira              ....
F. Jet'laya             .
G. Yeslick              .......

Who gets the strength tome?
Syvishtar               ..................................
Minsc                   .

Should we help Sir BillyBob and Fabio?
Yes                     .............................
No,      
FUCK RESTENFORD,        .....
fuck no

Fabio is going to want to join up with us again. Should we let him?
Yes                     .........................
No,
HELL NO!,
SCREW FABIO,            .........
fuck noooooo

who should Fabio replace?
1. Kagain       
2. Minsc        
3. Bjornin              .........
4. Imoen        
5. Xzar                 .................

I'll leave voting open probably for another day, and take this up again on the weekend. Don't miss out! Put in your vote today!

[Usurper]

17 Uktar, 1370



I excuse myself from the conversation and have a little chat with Xzar.



Then I go back.



Yes.

Without preamble or even any fancy magical effects, we are teleported right to Pelltar. This guy is like the most boring mage ever.



Ah good, Fabio did find you. As he may have explained to you, this is a serious matter that I think only adventurers like yourself can handle.

I have some details, could you go over everything again?

Of course. Yalta was able to cast Speak to the Dead and we talked to Grellus about what he remembers. Unfortunately not much. The attacker struck from behind and killed him with one blow. He never saw who it was.

What about raising his body?

Qualton is the only priest here that is able to perform that ritual. He says that something is blocking the baron's spirit so it can't return. At this point, the baron's body is probably too far gone to do anything but make a zombie out of him. The attacker struck when no one was around so the body laid here for hours before Fairwind discovered him this morning.

Any clues at all?

Actually yes. We found three items in the bedroom that don't belong there. A golden lute string was found under the bed. A small red ruby was found next to the body, and a red leather button was found in the baron's hand.

A button? But you said he never saw the attacker?

That is the strange part of his story. He must have grasped at the attacker while dying, but his spirit doesn't remember anything about it. It is possible the attacker doesn't know he is missing it.

To add to this, we have found that three strangers entered Restenford yesterday from the South gate. That is the gate on the road to Garrotten.

Tell me about each one.

The first was an old man with long white hair. He wore a blue robe with the symbol of Osprem on it. He ate at Falco's tavern and Falco said that he wore a holy symbol of a whale that had red ruby eyes. The size of the rubies matches the ruby we found here.

I know this man. He is the high priest named Harper and he runs a temple in Garrotten. I don't understand what he would be doing here without some of his assistants. Supposedly, he was in town by himself.

The second is a man that stopped in at the same taern a few hours later. He had a lute and played some songs for the patrons. According to some who saw him, the lute had gold strings.

That would be Balmarrow. Shame I missed him. We go way back.

The last visitor was a large, round man who came to see Zelmar at the West Wind. He was looking to purchase some wine caskets. He said he was Abraham, whom I know is the innkeeper in Garrotten. He wore a red vest with red leather buttons on it.

Are you saying that all three of them may have killed the baron?

I don't know what to think. I can't believe that all three were involved. None of them have a reason to kill him that I know of. One of them must have done this and planted the evidence of the other two. I doubt the killer intended to leave something of their own behind.

So all I need to do is bust some heads util one of them talks?

No! Absolutely not! Unfortunately, Garrotten is under the protection of the duke just like we are. Anything you do that points back to Restenford could bring the duke's army down on us.

Well, then, what do you suggest?

You are going to have to go there and investigate this matter without letting anyone know you are from here. If Lady Arrness finds out about you, she will either throw you out of town or worse, have you killed. She is the town mayor. I know she envies Restenford and would like nothing better than to see the baron's family removed. However, I couldn't imagine her being involved in this. The duke would have her head if he knew she caused such unrest in his lands. He has enough problems with the border wars.

So I need to scout around town until I find something? That doesn't help much.

You have heard of the rumors of Garrotten?

If you want someone killed, go to Garrotten.

There is no proof that such a guild exists. We have to assume that some people in Garrotten are actually good, decent folk.

Having said that, if you do find proof of an assassin's guild, destroy it. Bring me back proof so we can justify your actions to the duke. Also to Lady Fairwind, since she is now the ruler of Restenford. Destruction of such an evil guild would make these troubled times much safer for all good folk. The duke would want any such guild destroyed. If Lady Arness is harboring such a guild, she gets what judgment you give her.

So, you could see about the truth to this guild. Try to hire someone and work your way up their chain of command. You could also find out if any of the three suspects is truly innocent and see what they have to say about them being framed. They live there, one of them must be able to help you. Other than that, I have no ideas to help you with. You will have to use your best judgment on what to do and say.

The road to Garrotten is out the south gate. It should take you about a day to get there. I would transport you but I have never been there myself. Teleporting someone to an unknown location is disastrous. I have known wizards to teleport right into rocks or trees. Make sure you have the supplies you need. I don't know how well stocked they are in Garrotten for potions or magic items. When you return, come straight here so we can inform the baroness of the situation. In the meantime, I will go check on the family and see how they are coping.

Pelltar turns to leave, and Fabio turns to us.



When you arrive there, go see Balmorrow. He is a bard and runs the Theater of Mystic Celebration. He is a good man and can help you with information.

Do you want me to join you?

Yes, please do.

And Fabio joins us again!



I just give him all the equipment Xzar was using. It's probably good enough for anyone, really.

We find ourselves near the manor house, where the murder took place.



And also I realize that Pelltar gave me the three pieces of incriminating evidence.







I'm just going to go out on a limb here and say that the killer is a fourth person who was stealthy or invisible and planted all 3 of these items as red herrings. Just, you know, as a guess.

[Usurper]

I wonder if this Manual of Gainful Exercise could help me out with this problem?









So they call them pythons, do they? Interesting...

Well, before we go to Garrotten, we should probably check out the murder scene. No sense in letting boring old Pelltar give us all our intel second-hand!





What the heck!



I guess murder is okay though. Eh, screw this, I'll just head to Garrotten. I'd really like to stop and shop here in the well-stocked town of Restenford, but I simply have no money. Well, that's not true. I have 69 gold. But limited funds, I guess you could say. So I just walk right by the magic shop...



And straight to Garrotten.



On the way, though, we are waylaid by ettercaps.



They are about as annoying as mosquitoes. Also, on the trip over, we sleep once more. I am again troubled by strange dreams.

Very strange dreams.

Gameplay note: Well, cool! My conclusion last update is supported by the dream.

Yes. I am the monster in the night. I am the face of fear. Murder and death do run through my heart, and I control them as I see fit. And I see fit to give them both to Sarevok. Screw the dream-voice! I will destroy him, not he destroy me!

When I wake up, I feel more... wrathful.



Gameplay note: This is part of the Revised Bhaalpowers mod. Here is the description for Divine Wrath, from the readme. Remember Syvishtar is currently level 11:

Divine Wrath (was Vampiric Touch)

Range: Caster
Duration: Instantaneous
Casting Time: 1
Area of Effect: 10' radius
Saving Throw: Special

Through this ability, the Bhaalspawn can tap into the divine spark buried deep within his soul and release a portion of the raw power in a single, concentrated burst. The unleashed energy damages all enemies in the immediate vicinity of the Bhaalspawn and has a chance to push them away, knock them prone and make them flee in panic. The potency of this ability increases as the Bhaalspawn becomes more experienced:

Level 1: deals 2d8 damage to all nearby enemies
Level 6: deals 4d8 damage to all nearby enemies pushing them away from the Bhaalspawn
Level 12: deals 6d8 damage to all nearby enemies pushing them away from the Bhaalspawn and knocking them prone for 1 round
Level 18: deals 8d8 damage to all nearby enemies pushing them away from the Bhaalspawn, knocking them prone for 1 round and making them flee in panic for the following 3 rounds

A successful saving throw vs. breath halves the damage and negates all secondary effects. Exceptionally large creatures (Giants, Dragons, Iron Golems...etc.) are immune to all secondary effects.

Gameplay note: For our previous dream we got Divine Might, because I had a good reputation at that time. But our reputation now is Disliked, 6, so I get Divine Wrath this time. I'm okay with that.

Woe be to the Garrotten citizen that pisses me off!

I was expecting a town, but the first thing we find is a little shack that looks like it belongs in the middle of the woods.



I go inside to check it out. There is a boy in here.



No, I don't have any horses.

Then watcha doin' here?

Just checking to see what was in here.

There's really nothing else, so I go back outside and look for Garrotten. A little ways away we find a little house, with a fence even!



This place is more up our alley - a pub!



What kind of information?

I am looking for the owner of this inn, a man by the name of Abraham.

He is checking inventory right now. He should be here in a minute or two.

Thanks. I'll wait.

So, you adventurers or something?

Oh yeah, traveling around the area. Looking for action. Oh! That must be him.

[Usurper]

An extremely red man appears in the corner.



I go up to talk to him.



Eh? I don't know you but you expect me to talk privately to a bunch of strangers with weapons? How stupid am I supposed to be?

Look, we have some important information we need to talk to you about. If you would like, I will go alone with you to talk.

Okay, lets go over there.

This doesn't sound very safe to me. Are you sure you want to meet this fellow by yourself? Be careful.

Right over here near the fire.

[Usurper]

He takes me into the next room, far away from listening ears.



Grellus? Isn't he the baron of Restenford? Murdered?

So what are you doing here in Garrotten? What do you want to talk to me for?

This button.

Eh? Hey that looks like mine. I lost one a few days ago. Where did you find it?

It was in the baron's hand when they found his body.

What? Whoa now. You think I had something to do with his death? You're a nut. I don't kill people. I wouldn't have any reason to kill him.

There are witnesses that say you were in town just prior to his death. With the button here, you are in a lot of trouble.

Witnesses? I haven't been to Restenford in months. I don't have any reason to go there.

A tavern owner says you came there to purchase some wine. You ordered several barrels.

Wine? Wine!? I have plenty here. The temple makes enough for themselves and for me. Anything not local is purchased through some traders that come into town. I have never purchased wine from Restenford.

Can anyone prove that you were here during that time?

Hmm, probably not. I have been in the basement updating my inventory stocks. I have been in the hall a few times to get something to eat but that was it. We weren't open during those times. So no, I guess I can't prove I was here.

Well then it looks to me like I found the murderer.

Then you are a fool. Do I look like someone that can sneak into a castle and kill a baron? Even if he was unarmed, he probably would find a way to kill me first. I was a member of the guard here years ago, but the only times I need to use a sword are when fights break out in the hall. I am no assassin.

However... Now that I think about it. I know who it is.

You know of an assassin?

You really are a fool. This is Garrotten, and as much as I love this town, it has fallen into a cesspool of evil. There is an assassin's guild here in town. Two of its members hang out here in the tavern. Philmar and Oscar both work for them.

So the rumors are true?

Yes, as much as it pains me to say it. Over the past few years, this town has changed from a thriving town of trade, farms, and fishing. Now, money comes in but you don't see all the merchants and craftsmen. People work but they don't say what they do and some disappear for days but won't say where they went. Oh yes. There is an assassin's guild here and I suspect that they know that I know about it.

So you think hey framed you for the murder? There were other items left behind at the murder, a small ruby and a golden lute string. Witnesses say that Harper and Balmorrow were also in Restenford that night.

I doubt either one was actually in Restenford. Balmorrow is working on a new play. He spends much of his time writing, though he may have the same problem as me, since no one would have seen him to verify where he was. Harper? He is a great guy, a little fuzzy on memory and will cast the wrong spell on you, but he is no killer. Besides, I can't imagine him going to Restenford without Harmin or Basil to help him. Uhm, I doubt he could even make the trip without forgetting where he was going. Why would they frame all of us?

I don't know. Are you all working together on something they don't like?

Well, kinda. See, we all know about the guild, I think most people in this town do. However, all of us, Harper, Balmorrow, myself and Martin (He's a druid that lives here), have been watching them. We have been trying to figure out who runs the guild.

Why?

So we can stop it of course! I guess they caught on and this is their way of removing us.

You could be in a lot of danger, Abraham.

It's a bloody shame the way this town is falling apart. This was a great merchant town. We had lots of fishing, farming, trade, you name it. But a few years ago everything started to fade. Now, money comes into this town but it is obvious that it isn't from farming or merchants.

The guild?

(he looks around) Yeah the guild. That mayor also.

What do you mean?

(he snorts) You can't have an assassin's guild without someone at the castle supporting you. She must be ignoring the guild because they bring in good money. I don't support her and in fact, this didn't start until after she came into power. Everything has changed since she got here.

So the mayor runs the guild?

Nah, I don't think so. But the captain of the guard or her advisor, Tellish, has to be involved. Otherwise, why haven't they destroyed the guild? Are they really that blind?

Good point.

[Usurper]

Watch out for Glami.

Glami, your bartender?

I think he spies for the mayor. I doubt he is part of any assassin's guild. He used to be a mage. Lost control of his right arm when adventuring, see? The mayor is a mage and he is one of her students. I wouldn't be surprised if the mayor already knew you were here.

So?

So she is going to want to know what you are doing here. Once she finds out, she may stop you. If not her, the guild will.

You think the guild will be that much of a problem?

Ha! I suspect that if they put a bounty on your head, half this town will be out to get you. Don't get me wrong, there are some good folk here. But over the past few years, some of them have left and the ones that moved in are questionable at best.

Thanks for the warning. I guess I ned to go talk to Balmorrow.

You haven't met him yet?

No, not yet. He runs the theater, correct?

Yes, just north of here. Tell him that you already talked to me. Oh and if he was also framed, that means there is a spy near the theater. So watch yourselves.

Hmm, I hadn't thought of that. Each of you must have a spy nearby. We will all have to be careful.

If you need a room, go talk to Glami.

What can you tell me of Falpir?

Falpir? He is a good kid. Gets into trouble now and then. I think its that damn Oscar that gets him into it. Oscar likes to push others into trouble and then stand back and watch the mess he makes. Bastard. Falpir is a good boy, almost like a son to me.

Okay, I'll rule him out as part of the guild. Too young anyway. Oscar may need some watching though.

While I was talking, Imoen was exploring.



17 gold ain't bad. She also finds a stairway...



... down to a well-stocked basement!



It nets us a few more gold and some potions.

So I guess what we have here is a little situation. One nascent assassin's guild versus the son of the Lord of Murder. I wonder who will win? Heh.

There are a few other people in the Inn. I decide to talk to the guy sitting down first.



As long as you pay for the drinks.

Agreed. So, who are you?

Name's Wilfong. I take it from the weapons and armor that you are all adventurers?

You are correct. So what do you do here in town?

If you have had the chance to wander around, you will see a large warehouse near the docks. I own it.

Oh, and keep your sticky-fingered thieves out of it. I have guards to protect the shipments that come in and out of there. Nothing interesting right now in there if you really want to know.

Okay, I'll stay out. I do have some other questions.

As long as you pay for the drinks.

Agreed. What can you tell me of the other guests here?

Depends on what you want to know. What you really want to know. (he winks)

That depends on what information you have and how good it is.

Oh, I think it is the type of information that you want.

Really? This wouldn't happen to be information you got through that fancy necklace of yours would it? Bards can recognize the magic in that item.

I have no idea what you are talking about. This happens to be a family heirloom.

So other family members used that greenstone amulet for mind reading? Must be hard to play cards against a cheat.

Shh! Keep your voice down. Okay, yes I have used it for that purpose before. Besides, this crew in here are mostly guild members, so taking their money isn't exactly dishonest in my view.

I suspected they were. Which ones?

That would be Oscar, Philmar, and Captain Basmar. Captain, hmp, what a joke. He claims to run cargo transports along the river but he doesn't have any boats.

So the Captain is not a real captain? Interesting. Okay, anyone else?

Not here. I know Basmar is the leader of this group and he reports to someone else. They never meet here so I don't know who it is. I suspect someone at the castle. The other two report to him. They use a bandana and tie it to the door of the person they want to talk to.

Hmm, someone at the castle is involved in this. I don't see how the guild can run without that support. I need a way into it.

Don't look at me. I don't have any ideas. Most of the guards in town are honest folk, but they do their job well. Don't expect to get arrested and taken to the castle. The guards would probably just keep you in a cell here. Most of them don't like going up there either.

Why not?

Mayor Arrness has hired orcs to help guard the castle. In the past, several guards in town have died in raids from the orcs. Now she has the nerve to hire the orcs? It doesn't sit well with the guards. Thy do their job without the castle staff being involved. No, if you want to go higher up in the guild, you will have to find another way.

[Usurper]

Thanks for your help.

Any time. Oh, here is a thought. If Basmar has a contact at the castle, find out whom that contact is. Maybe you can get him to believe that you want to hire an assassin. Otherwise, you may just have to force the answers out of him.

Hmmm, well that gives me two options I didn't have a minute ago. Okay, thanks again.

Well, Wilfong was quite helpful, quite helpful indeed! I approach the other two customers here, by the corner.



Military? Gods no! I run a few boats up and down the river. I ship cargo.

Oh, a sea captain. Well then, I am Syvishtar. I am an adventurer.

Adventurer? You may find this town a bit boring then. Nothing here but fish and fishermen.

Really? I have always hard this town has some excitemnt for the right type of people.

(raises an eyebrow) Perhaps, for the right kind of person.

Well that's not suspicious at all. I turn to the litle gnome/goblin/whatever beside him.



Eh? 'ave we met?

Only briefly, in passing.

So I thought. So whatcha want?

I am looking to hire someone.

Eh? Hire 'em for what exactly?

Removal, of course.

Wha? Whatcha talkin' ta me fur?

Because I was told you could help me out.

(looks around) Damn straight I can. I can 'ook ya up proper.

Good.

How's this, go south of town, there's a clump of trees. Ya will meet my contact there. Give me an hour or two ta let 'em know about it.

I'll meet that person in a few hours just south of town. Got it!

Hmmm. So I guess that's the fast track to getting in with an assassin's guild - hire them! This is going to be too easy. I should probably continue canvassing around the town first, though, just so I don't miss anything.

First thing I do is go talk to that kid Falpir again.



I like Oscar, he doesn't do that. You're mean!

Falpir, Abraham is in trouble and I think Oscar had something to do with it.

Abraham? He can't be in trouble. He's really nice.

I think Oscar or Philmar stole a button from his vest. That button was found near a really bad crime. Abraham is in big trouble and could go to jail.

No! He can't! He's nice to me. Oscar... Well... He...

What did Oscar do?

He asked me to get a button from Abraham's vest. I sneaked into his room and took it. I gave it to Oscar.

Falpir, what you did ma not seem like a bad thing, but Oscar used that button. He gave it to someone who killed another person. And that someone left the button there. So now people think Abraham killed that person.

What? (starts crying) No, it is all my fault! The guards! They'll take Abraham away. Maybe even kill him. I have to stop them!

Shh. It's okay. We are here to help Abraham. I just needed to know what really happened.

(still crying) You are going to help? Can you protect him?

I can't protect anybody anymore.

Yes child. I will protect him. Now is that really what happened?

(Sniff) Yeah. Oscar said it would be a funny joke to play on Abraham. So I took the button and gave it to him.

It isn't so funny now, is it? Don't worry, we will help. Can I ask you to do something?

(scared voice) Yes?

Stay away from Oscar. He is trouble you don't want.

Hey, I'm the son of the Lord of Murder, not the son of being mean to little kids. Then we decide to take a little tour around town to see the sights. It is a little haphazard, but bigger than Nashkel at least.



The innkeeper said the bard was just north of the inn. Maybe he's here?



Well, no, not exactly...

[Usurper]

Well, no, not exactly...



Name's Priska. Please leave, unless you have any spare money or food you would be willing to give me.

Looking at this place and you, I'd say you are just an old beggar.

No need to be mean. Just 'cuz everyone else here is mean to me, doesn't allow you to be also.

I'm sorry. Here, take this gold.

I give him 5 gold. Then I leave and go to the shack even FURTHER North. Turns out it's more like a playhouse and less like a shack.



I go talk to the first person I see, a beautiful woman.



Yes, he is up on the stage.

Thank you.

I go up to the stage to say hi.



Balmorrow, you are the worst bard the realms ever farted into existence.

I should have your guts cut out while you watch.

It would still feel better than watching you "act," as you call it.

Hah! Still the same Fabio! Ha. What brings you to our lovely town? Did you run out of women and sheep in Restenford?

We need to talk. Away from other ears. This is Syvishtar. A friend of mine.

Greetings to you Balmorrow. Quite the theater setup you have here.

I see your friend is working on a silver tongue like you have, Fabio. I hope it doesn't cause the problems yours doesn't always get your out of.

Friends, could you take a break please and give us some time? Thank you.

The other people scattered about the room, like Willis, walk out.



Balmorrow watches them all leave.



What? Well, I would have been in my bedroom. Why?

Do you have any proof? Can anyone vouch for your location?

I am writing a new play. I can't write while some wench is bothering me. So no, I was alone. Again, why?

You were seen in a tavern in Restenford two nights ago.

Restenford? I haven't been there in years. It wasn't me.

The person claimed to be you and even performed using a lute with golden strings.

It wasn't me. Lutes can be found anywhere. Even with golden strings.

Anyways, that still doesn't answer my question. Why do you care where I was?

Because that night, someone killed Baron Grellus. A golden lute string was found near his body.

What? The baron is dead? Wait a minute. You think I did this? Impossible!

Whether you did or not, you are a suspect in his murder.

By Mask and Osprem both. I had nothing to do with this. Damn! I have no way to prove it do I? Wait a minute. Do you have the lute string you found?

Yes. Here it is.

My strings are specially made in Calimport by a craftsman there. They aren't just strings with gold color.

Damn again! It's my string. How is that possible?

Is there anyone here that would set you up? A member of your troupe?

Here? No, no. But I may have gotten the attention of the assassin's guild here in town.

So such a guild does exist. Who are their members?

I haven't figured it all out, but there are two members at the inn. Oscar and Philmar both work for somebody. I just don't know who it is.

Those two? Could either of them gain access to your lute?

No, not possible. It stays in my office. Wilbur said he broke a string on it last week. I had to get another one installed. The string you have here isn't broken though. So I don't know where it came from.

Wilbur? Perhaps we should talk to him about this.

Oh, he is a loyal worker. He couldn't be involved. Still, I will have him brought in.

A short while later, Wilbur shows up.

[Usurper]

Well yeah. Can't play without the strings. So I put da new one on it.

What happened to the old string?

Old string?

The string you took off the lute, Wilbur.

Da, I ah...

Go on.

I threw it way.

You threw it away?

(he nods)

Sigh. Well, that doesn't help us any. Anyone could have taken it. Thank you Wilbur. You may leave.

He does.



Why would they try to set me up? I would think there are others in town they would go after first.

Three visitors from Garrotten came to Restenford the other night.

I assume the person claiming to be me is one of them. Who were the other two?

Harper and Abraham. Not only that, all three of you left something at the murder.

(laughing) Too much! Harper? Impossible! Have you met him yet?

Not yet.

He is old and his mind isn't there anymore. There is no way he would have traveled to Restenford nor would he kill the baron or anyone else.

A small ruby was found next to the baron. Harper, or whoever dressed like him, was seen eating at an inn and he was wearing an amulet that had rubies on it.

That is his holy symbol of Osprem. The rubies are the eyes on the whale. Everyone here sees that on him when he leads the services.

So it is common knowledge what it looks like? That means anyone could make something to look like it.

You are talking to a theater owner. We make props and costumes all the time. Anyone here could make that. As well as any with access to some gold and rubie. Your "Harper" wouldn't be a poor farmer. It is someone with access to some money.

Very interesting. The last person was Abraham and in the baron's hand they found a red button.

Abraham's vest. He wears that thing everywhere. I swear it must be magical. You won't find him without it.

I already found out that he is missing a button.

I wouldn't be surprised if Harper's holy symbol is missing a ruby. The guild was obviously very thorough in making sure we looked guilty.

So here is where I can help you. Harper, Abraham, and myself all know there is an asassin's guild in town. We all trust each other and another friend, Martin. He is a druid that lives here in town. I suspect that all of us have a spy or two watching us.

Why haven't you all tried to stop the guild?

Because we know it exists but we don't know who the members are. None of us want to be killed in our sleep. We watch out for each other but that is all we can do.

So none of you have any backbone?

Hey! Some of us have families. We all have friends that need our protection. Without knowing the leader of the guild, there isn't anything we can do.

Then let me handle it.

Gladly. Just watch your back. I suggest you go over to the inn and see what you can find out. You could also go to the temple. There must be a spy there as well.

Last thing. If the guards or anyone in the castle knows about your task here, you may be found out quickly and removed. Who knows which ones are members of the guild? So don't let anyone other than Abraham know about your purpose here.

We move on. Probably need to find the druid or the cleric. The locals don't seem too friendly.



We continue walking west and enter the next building we find.



I make and sell potions. Are you interested in purchasing any?

I take a look at his stock, but he doesn't buy potions and I'm almost completely broke. So we just move on.



At a nearby well, we find the druid.



(he smiles) Did the earth-tone robes give me away? Yes, I am a druid. What can I help you with?

We are looking into the death of Baron Grellus in Restenford. We are trying to find out if the assassin's guild here was involved.

What?! Did you really just say something that stupid? Gods man, what if someone heard you?

(he looks around) This town is crawling with spies and killers. You won't last the day going around saying something like that.

Then why do you live here?

I moved into town before I knew about the assassin's guild. If I had known years ago before I married and had children here, I would still be in the forest where it is safe. However, I assist the farmers here and the Osprem temple's wine making. I suspect that benefits the guild so they leave me alone. That and I don't go walking around town shouting about assassins.

I cannot directly help you. I am a threat to some and we may be watched right now. If you have not met Belmorrow, go to the theater. I believe he could help you.

(loudly) A good day to you travelers! Be one with nature on your journey!

[Usurper]

And with that he leaves. Man, is everyone scared shitless in this town?

Over on the west side, by the water, we find what may be the temple.



Going inside confirms our guess.



With Harper? Oh dear, I hope he didn't do something. Ah in any case, he is busy right now.

Could you un-busy him please? This is really important.

Well, I guess so. Could you tell me what is wrong?

No, it would be best if I talk to him alone.

Oh dear! Uhm. Okay, go right through these curtains. He is in the back talking to Canon Harmin.

Hmm, you remind me of someone. Anyway, through the curtains? Fine.

We make our way deeper into the temple, when we are interrupted by Harmin.



My name is Harmin and I am the canon here. The High Priest and I are busy right now.

Harper is here? Good, I need to talk to him.

He is busy right n-

Harmin, what do they need?

Sir, I don't know what they want yet. What do you want?

I need to speak with Harper.

Well, you've interrupted us already. Speak!

Alone. Abraham said it would be okay.

Child, if he said to talk to me, then go ahead. You can trust Harmin and Basil. Without them, this church is nothing. They are my right and left hands. Go ahead and tell me what is troubling you.

Fine. The High Priest is accused of murdering Baron Grellus of Restenford.

That's it! Where are the guards? I will have you thrown out. We don't have time for such ridiculous nonsense.

The baron was murdered a few nights ago. Next to his body, the guards found a small, red ruby. Witnesses in town say that Harper stopped by an inn for dinner.

You are serious? This is incredible. It isn't true but still it is incredible. Harper hasn't left this town in the last couple of months.

I am still in the room Harmin. You don't have to treat me like the old fool I have become. I can talk you know.

Sorry sir.

Now then child. It seems to me that we have a serious problem on our hands. You have evidence and I have the truth. Which will win, eh? I have not been to Restenford for some time. I believe it was for the baron's daughter's coming of age ceremony. She should be quite the lady by now.

I'm sure that would have been at least several years ago.

So I was supposed to have been there a few days ago? I don't remember being there.

You weren't, sir. In fact, I don't think anyone from the temple would have been there. There is no sister church to Osprem or Xerbo in that town.

Basil, did anyone need to meet with the Phaulkon temple?

Oh dear. Uh, no sir. Not that I am aware of.

In any case, please tell us the full details of this horrible crime.

The baron was murdered a few nights ago. No one else was in his room and his wife was out of town. The guards found his body the next morning. In his hand was found a red leather button. Near his body was found a golden lute string and a small red ruby.

Interesting. Go on.

That same evening of the attack, three visitors from Garrotten were seen in town: Balmorrow, Abraham, and yourself. The abbot, Qualton, wasn't able to resurrect the baron and according to a communion session, the baron never saw his attacker or attackers. So at this point, we are going with the three clues found at the crime.

Qualton is a complete idiot, always has been. Can't resurrect his own lord. What is this world coming to when priests like that are allowed to run a church? Hmph!

My child, you bring grave news in ways you may not understand. I was not in Restenford and I am sure that Abraham and Balmorrow were not either. No, this is the work of the assassin's guild, I'm afraid. By planting evidence of us three, they mean to have us all convicted of the crime and removed. We have been trying to figure out how to squash this guild.

While my lady, Osprem, doesn't care what happns on land, I do. This town is turning into a cesspool of delinquents! Criminals run free, murders hide here away from the eyes of the duke and the overlords. This town would be sacked and burned if they knew what evil was here. Why in my day...

Sigh, here we go. You might as well leave now. He will go on for the next few hours whether you are here or not.

Now, after seeing him, do you really think he is capable of sneaing into a castle and killing the baron?

He seems to be like any other old kook.

Yes. You don't get the honor of cleaning his bed linens each morning or having to assist in feeding him. There are several tasks the acolytes truly despise like this.

Wouldn't a restoration spell heal him?

It has been tried. No, I am afraid that this is just the results of living past the time when many of us would have already died. I'm not sure if anything will restore his mind.

Whether this is a trick or not, the problem is that he is a suspect in this murder.

Do you have the ruby that you mentioned?

[Usurper]

Yes, here it is.

Hmm, the holy symbol that Harper wears has been missing for about a week now. This ruby does look like it would have it. Very strange and disturbing. Someone must have stolen it to get to the stones.

Abraham suspects that each of the three suspects has a spy watching them. Could one of the priests be a guild spy?

Doubtful. Osprem wouldn't provide spells to an evil person. I can't imagine her allowing another priest in here to pray for their spells.

What about a non-priest? Servants and cooks.

The only one is Lothar.

Lothar? Who is that?

Lothar is the groundskeeper. He has been here for several years now. Oh, I can't believe it would be him. Lothar was at the wrong end of a flail years ago. The results have left mos of his face and head scarred so bad he scares children. He normally has to wear a hood to hide his face.

Does he do anything suspicious? Disappear for a few days at a time? Have strange people stop by to talk to him?

No, no nothing like that. He is very helpful here. We never have any problems with him.

Okay, maybe it is someone else. In the meantime, may we look around?

Of course. We are willing to fully assist you. The temple of Osprem cannot be tained with this horrible crime. If you need services, just talk to Basil.

After I'm done with this very long conversation, Imoen nudges me. She says that there's a secret panel over there, probably with a big chest behind it full of offering money.



I nod to her. All in time, little one, all in time.

We decide to go look for this Lothar person. We find him, surrounded by a shimmering blue aura. Whoa!



Name's Lothar. I'm just the groundskeeper. You need to see a priest?

No, actually, I need to talk to you.

Do tell. You aren't from here are you? Didn't know we had strangers visiting.

My name is Syvishtar. I'm just wandering through town. I figured I should see what the local temple offers.

Then you should talk to Basil. He is the curate. He can tell you what they have available.

Okay, I guess I will do that. In the meantime, could you answer a few questions?

If I can.

Have you seen any strangers around the temple, or anyone acting suspicious?

Can't say that I have. What's this about?

Do you recognize this ruby?

Hmm, no I don't.

I believe it is a ruby that was in Harper's holy symbol. It seems that someone stole it. I figured I could help out while I was here.

Well now isn't that high and mighty of you? No, I have heard some of the priests mentioning something about a missing item. I didn't know what it was. Now if you will excuse me, I have to sweep out the temple.

We decide to check out the other building behind the temple. It turns out that there are other priests, or in one case priestesses, working there. Imoen checks it out.



Osprem is the goddess of the seas and water travel. Prayer to her is important for fishermen and sailors.

Are you making wine here?

Of course. Most of the rituals performed for Osprem require the use of a small amount of wine. Therefore, it is easier for the temple to produce our own. We also provide wine to the mayor at the castle. It is available if you would like to purchase any.

Doesn't most of this grow near the druid's house?

You mean Martin? Yes, it was very beneficial for us to become friends with a druid. Martin loves to garden and is always willing to help us grow the vines in a way that doesn't conflict with nature. We have learned a great deal from him.

Yes, I guess it would.

Who sleeps in that room?

(pointing) Lothar sleeps in that small room there. The other room is Harper's.

Thank you.

Hmmmmm. Imoen checks it out. Strangely enough the door is both locked and trapped!



Strangely enough, Eless doesn't seem to mind when Imoen picks the lock, disarms the trap, and goes inside. She closes the door behind her, and takes a look in the room.



She finds... incriminating evidence!



She finds some gold, a +2 dagger, and a Holy Symbol of Osprem!



Oooh, busted Lothar!

[Usurper]

We also find some Blessed Bolts in the other room.



I guess I should go show this to a priest.



Harper's holy symbol! You found it. But, what was it doing over there?

I found it in a drawer, behind a locked and trapped door. With all the gardening tools in there, I assumed it was Lothar's room.

What's this? Lothar had the amulet?

It was in a cabinet in his room. The door and drawer both had traps on them. I assume no priest here knows how to est a trap with poison on it.

Poison? No, I doubt any of the acolytes would do something like that. Basil, send for Lothar.

Oh dear. Ye- Yes sir.

He leaves, but returns a few seconds later.



Gone? Are you sure?

Did you look around the buildings?

Yes. He isn't anywhere around the church. Eless said that he saw him grab some things from his room and h ran out the door. No one has seen him in the fields or anywhere else.

Maybe he knows about what I found in his room.

Well, if he is a spy, he is headed for the guild to inform the others. Syvishtar, you had best be careful around here. There is no telling what will happen next.

Eh, I'm not really worried. As we leave, I salute the goddess statues.



I've talked with all 3 suspects, and now I realize that all 3 of them were indeed being framed, as I suspected from the beginning. The next step in this plan is probably to go south to that tree copse, so that the evil "assassins" can "ambush" me.



Welp, can't keep them waiting! They said trees south of town. I guess this is what they meant?



It's further than I expected, though. When we get there, I see Basmar near some trees. So I go to say hi.



Yes, I need a powerful mage killed.

A mage? Hmm, those are difficult.

You're damn right they are.

Are you saying that the job is too hard?

No, no! Nothing like that. Who is this mage?

Elminster.

What?! Do you take me for a fool! That is impossible.

no, I was just kidding.

Well then come back to me when you are serious. I don't have time for games.

An advisor to the baron in Restenford by the name of Pelltar.

Pelltar? Yes, I know of him. Why do you want him removed? If you don't ind my asking?

I plan to take over Restenford. Now that the baron is dead, I don't really need to find the killer. I just want to remove the rest of the leaders.

Interesting tactic. You talked at the inn like you were just hired to find the assassin. Now away from public, you admit to your real ambition. I like that.

Anyway, your victim is doable. I will have to get back to you on the price. I assume you have the money for this? It would be costly.

I will have it. I don't want you and your two goons hiding in the trees to try anything right here.

Damn, ah don't worry, they are here to protect me. I would not try anything deceitful.

Fine. I guess you will contact me at the inn?

Yes. I will get the arrangements underway and contact you there.

And with that, he disappears. I wonder if I'm doing the wrong thing here. If I wanted Pelltar dead I could probably just kill him myself.

Well, let me check out this area. It's always good to know what's going on! We soon find some uniquely-appelated orks.



It quickly disappears in a shower of blood.



But the orc mage nearby takes out Imoen with a Lightning Bolt!

[Usurper]

Oh no! But the orcs go down in a few seconds of fighting, and we resurrect Imoen with the Vault Keeper. No harm done, really.



There are other individual orcs around, but they don't really pose a threat by themselves like this.



We run into a pack of Winter Wolves, too.



Their pelts are still valuable commodities, especially since we're low on money.

The next time we encounter a group of orcs, Imoen lets loose with an Arrow of Detonation.



And another, and another...



Damn, that's devastating. I'd hate to be on the receiving end of a barrage like that!



For some reason, one of the orks was wielding the Rift Hammer +2.



Fabio seems quite impressed with our fighting style.







I bet he regrets not traveling with us more now, eh?

During the night, we find some nymphs that attack. What?



All three of them try to dominate me, but it just doesn't work.



We find a location marker, but it is not useful.



A cave bear rounds out our bizarre array of enemies to fight tonight.



More wolves attack us.



We sleep and wake up the next morning, continuing our explorations. We find a waterfall, with some broken weapons and armor at the bottom of it.



We find an orog to fight.



Not a problem.



He was guarding a cave.



The cave is much larger than what I expected, actually.



We kill the defenders, and then take a look around.



We fight our way deeper into the caves.



An orc priest tries to ambush us, but we catch him.



But going after him reveals the orc mage in the middle of casting a spell!



He hits Kagain with a lightning bolt! I flinch, but it barely seems to scratch the dwarf.

[Usurper]

Heh. The mage doesn't last long, either.



Another strike group of orks shows up. I dispel their mages' proections.



Imoen gets ready to fireball them to death, but we get hit with another group coming from the east!



So I order a retreat to a choke point, and let Imoen unleash with more fireball arrows.



Then I let the boys go at 'em.



They try a few fancy tricks, like invisibility and flame spells, but they just can't hold up in melee.



There are more singles around the area, and again they pose no threat.



We find another Rift Hammer +2, but nothing else special. This whole cave was just infested with orks without rhyme or reason.



We finish scouting everywhere, and find that the place is quite nice, idyllic even.

[Usurper]

Then we return to Garrotten. When we arrive, we are stopped by Ascue, the Captain of the Guard.



You must be Syvishtar. I understand you are investigating a murder. The mayor would like to talk to you. Now!

Well, I guess word got out after all. I'm not really afraid, though. I just need to murder these assassins and I can be on my way. Ascue takes us to the castle, quite an impressive place! The mayor sits on a throne, as if she was a queen.



Goons? Not a very nice thing to say about my captain or his men. I assure you they were just trying to protect you.

Protect me? From what?

Why, from whatever dangerous person you are looking for. You are looking into the murder of Baron Grellus, correct?

Yes. How did you know?

My good man, the rumors are all over the streets. If you were trying to be quiet about your investigation, you did a lousy job.

Speaking of which, I don't appreciate your sneaking around my town without first visiting me to explain what you are doing. As the ruler of this town, it is my duty to control crime and keep order here. Your unauthorized investigation will stop right now. My guards will investigate this matter for you. Once the truth is known, I will summon for you. Is that understood?

But what of the assassin's guild?

Bah! Rumors! Lies about me and my town. I also don't appreciate comments like that about my town. Now then, would you like to return to the inn or should I have the captain prepare a cell for you.

No need for the cell, madam.

Good. You may return to the inn. I will have a guard contact you there. You are dismissed.

I notice a guy standing next to the empress mayor, and I'm curious. I talk to him.



I am Tellish, the advisor to Lady Arrness.

Advisor?

I am a clerical advisor as well as financial and political. I do many jobs but mostly I am here to assist her with leadership.

What do you know of the assassin's guild?

(he frowns) That is a terrible rumor that I believe was tagged to this town by jealous leaders of other towns on these islands. There has never been such a guild here. If so, we would have found it and removed it immediately.

Why would other rulers say such things about Garrotten?

Who can say? We are a pleasant small town next to a large lake that provides some of the best fishing on this island. The lands around here are full of deer and other game for hunters. Trade along the lake and river is good for us. I suspect these are all reasons for why other town leaders say such things about us. Some of the closer towns have tried to subjugate us into their territories. We have always resisted, so I assume the rumors are retaliation.

Interesting view. I hadn't thought about that.

(he bows) That is why the lady asks me to be here to advise.

I turn to leave, but the mayor addresses me again.



What now?!

Instead of losing so much time sitting around in my town doing nothing, there is something I would have you do for me. Assuming that you are interested, of course...

Naturally. Anything is better than wasting away, being bored at the inn.

Really?! Well then, I have a proposition for you. There are stories about something out on the lake that is causing fear among the fishermen. Have you heard about this?

Edited by Usurper, 27 January 2014 - 01:50 PM.

[Usurper]

No, this is news to me.

Talk to some townspeople for more details. I will add that I had sent a scout to the north side of the lake to see what the problem was. He hasn't returned and I believe something may have happened to him. Find him or find out what happened to him.

Alright.

As we leave, I see that there are indeed a lot of orc guards about.



I do a little exploring on my way out. I get stopped by an orc.



Look peasant, or whatever you are, there are stories of ghosts showing up all over the castle. I think the reconstruction caused it. Anyway, we don't want anyone getting hurt. So stay away from the staircases.

You know, I really, REALLY do not like getting orders from an orc. I just got done slaughtering a cave full of these smelly bastards not 12 hours ago. So I ignore him completely and walk up the stairway anyways.



But there's nothing up there but books. We continue our explorations, and that Ascue again speaks to us.



Hey, screw you buddy, I go where I want! I tell everybody to drink potions of invisibility and then go up the Forbidden Stairway.



Some kind of alarm sounds, but nobody does anything. So whatever I guess?

Upstairs is quite ornate.



We see some pretty incriminating evidence. Someone is training assassins up here!



Also, there is a pipe organ?!



Mayor Arrness must be a vampire!!!

We also see acolytes walking the halls.



They must be acolytes of an eeevil god.

What looks like a mage named Holga has a room in the southeast area.



In the center of the second floor we see the glowing form of Lothar!



So this is where he ran off to. We also find a trapped cabinet near a bed.



In it are 3,000 gold and some very incriminating documents!



Oh yeah. You know what this is? This is justifiable homicide right here. I wonder what the haughty would-be empress would say if I just shoved these documents right in her face?

Asking myself that question makes me wonder, so I just go right downstairs and do it.



You shall die!

Not bloody likely.

They all turn hostile and rush towards me, but I unleash my Divine Wrath!



I realize that all my companions were still invisible as they drop their invisibility to mete out ass-whuppings. Fabio and Imoen finish off Mayor Arrness with a dual volley of magic missiles, while Bjornin and Minsc charge off to either side of the room to take care of guards, and Kagain rushes in to support me.



I'd like to keep this whole divine milieu going, so I cast Divine Might next and prepare to wade into battle, sword in hand!



I get the killing blow on that lying bastard Tellish!



Minsc and Bjornin slaughter their way clear in the corners of the room, so I tell them to watch the door.



Kagain and I mop up near the throne,

[Usurper]

while Minsc and Bjornin finish taking care of business at the door.



Great! Now I can finally see what's underneath the throne!



Amongst all the bodies we find lots of gems and necklaces, a Wand of Sleep, a Robe of Fire Resistance, Bracers of Defense AC 8, Leather Armor +1, a Cloak of the Assassin,



Gameplay note: Improved Haste and Improved Invisibility once per day? Awesome!

We also find EVEN MORE incriminating documents on the body of one of the assassins we killed.



Well, that settles that. Case closed!

We fight our way out, making sure to kill all the orcs we can.



When the bottom floor is cleared, we admire our handiwork.



Then on to the second floor! We won't let all that good loot go to waste.

Nobody stands a chance against us.



The human guards don't even try to fight us. I'm okay with that.



The assassins try out their craft on us, though.





I unleash Imoen upon them. Her arrows have no mercy.



Sangster dropped a Cloak of Elvenkind.

Minsc feels more confident after this much fighting of evil.





Gameplay note: I gave him another pip in Two Handed Weapon Style.



We ransack the second floor of the castle, making our way to where we saw Lothar. He falls too easily to mention in detail.



He was wearing a Ring of Protection +1, some Spider's Boots of Stealth, and a Cloak of Non-Detection. That's probaly what gave him that unearthly glow.

He also apparently turns out to be a torturer!



And the second floor is also thoroughly cleaned out.



With nothing left to kill, we exit this place...



and fight our way to the town.



Gladly! Imoen and I both summon elementals to help with the cleanup.



We kill all the orcs in the area. Then we make our way down the hillside from the castle. We see a strange apparition, who addresses us.



It flamestrikes Minsc!



Hey, what kind of flamestrike relies on reading a sign?!



Stupid statue thingie.

We didn't seem to notice it the first time, but the castle actually looks pretty nice from this angle.

[Usurper]

23 Uktar, 1370

We make our way back to Garrotten proper.



And then stop by the Inn to let everyone know the jig is up.



What?! I have no idea what you are talking about.

Don't bother with the act, I have already fought the guild and killed her.

She was part of the guild? I thought she wanted my information to help stop the guild.

She played you for a fool then. I have her documents right here proving that she ran the guild with Tellish.

Well then, what about the three guild members here?

I guess I need to take care of them right now.

But first, I talk to Wilfong.



Really? Well that is good news. Now normal business can return to Garrotten. I will have to let some other people know about this. Here is a little something for you from those that harp.

He gives us a Rogue Stone! And he was a harper all along?

We also go give the news to Balmorrow.



Well done! I knew she had to be involved in this. I am not surprised about Tellish. So what are you going to do about them?

They are already dead. I guess the duke will have to find another mayor for this town.

Then it is over. This town will be forever in gratitude to you all for this. I assume you need to head back to Restenford now? If so, thank you again for what you have done.

Gameplay note: We do get 3750 xp for telling Balmorrow.

And at the temple...



No, he isn't. The guards came by here and picked him up a few hours ago. They said they needed to question him about the baron's murder.

Oh. Well, whoops I guess? I shouldn't have confronted Lothar.

But there's one last thing in this town, some place I haven't been yet. Near the lake, like the late mayor asked me to check out.



We arrive at night, and try to sleep. But we are ambushed by gibberlings!



It is a slaughter.



So we just walk around exploring without trying to rest further. We find sea trolls and sirines.



I interrupt the Sirine casting spells, while my companions kill the trolls.



Kagain gets mind controlled by a sirine, but I dispel it.



But we manage to take everyone out.



We see a threatening cave entrance in a cliff face.



In searching around for another entrance, we for some reason find a million hobgoblins backed up by sirines!



When Imoen sees 3 Sirines up on the hilltop overlooking our battle, she unleashes the Fireball arrows again. It is beautiful.



I find a new spell scroll, something I had not seen before. Pierce Magic.



We also find an alternative way down into what may be an extensive cave system filled with sirines and trolls.

Edited by Usurper, 28 January 2014 - 05:01 AM.

[Usurper]

But we find a strange set of gates and prison cells?



Picking the lock on the first gate doesn't reveal anything.



Behind a door in a hallway is a lizardman!



Several lizardmen!



Oh great, also some kind of holy lizardman.



But he goes down remarkably fast.



Aha! We find a fisherman in one of the cells.



And further in, we find more lizardmen.



Honestly, they aren't a threat to us, and the fighting is kind of tedious.



Unfortunately we are too late to save everybody.



We find more lizardman to the southwest. We kill them quickly.



And then we get to save another fisherman!



And north, two more fishermen!



Then we take the northern exit, the one opposite where we came in, to see what we can see.



What's here are a bunch of easy-to-kill lizardmen.



Wandering further, we see lizards down two hallways.



I summon in rabbits to deal with the increased menace.



The battle is actually mildly interesting. The lizardman shaman summons a skeleton. My bunnies bite its ankles ferociously.



I think my strategy of "kill them so hard they don't have time to hurt you" is working out rather beautifully.



We hear a faint chanting, and follow that sound to a horrific sight!



Oh whatever shall I do? The lizardman KING is after me? Maybe I can get him to stop.



Or heal everyone, that is a good idea too. You know, I think I've almost got the knack for this healing magic...

The lizards close in on us. I throw a Cone of Cold at them.



Fabio dies in the battle.



Imoen and I engage in a kind of running battle down the hallway. Back in the main sacrifice chamber, the big boys are doing a number on the King.



Imoen makes it all the way back to the main fight just in time to see the Lizardman King fall!

[Usurper]

The last lizards to die are the ones that I've occupied in the hallway with an elemental and my mirror images.



Looks like these lizardmen were sacrificing fishermen to some strange serpent god.



More lizardmen ambush us from behind, hurting Imoen greatly.



But we take them out. We also find a room with treasure chests in it!



They have a few hundred gold and for some reason 20 potions of Frost Giant Strength and 15 Potions of Antidote between them.

You know, the greatest disadvantage that these lizardmen have is their slow movement. We can slice one up before his brother can even get to him to help.



Once, after we are knee-deep in lizardman corpses, Kagain speaks up in his gruff brogue.



Uh... what... oh. Boo informs me that you have said something. It is rude to address Boo directly. Especially you, for Boo doubts your commitment to stomping your feet on the neck of Evil.

I only suggested that ye begin stomping your foot anywhere. Ye're like to take root as ye were.

Oh, I am sorry. The contemplation of thoroughly butt-kicked Wickedness had transported us.

Transported, eh? Not so well that yer feet wouldn't do better. Let's move.

We find that we are near the large cave exit that goes into the lakewater.



There is nowhere else to explore, here, so we have to backtrack. I think we have cleansed this cave of all lizardman.



I guess since the Mayor is dead, I'll just have to find someone else in town to report to about the missing fishermen. Somebody has to care about them, right?



When we get back to town, we are ambushed by strange creatures that I have never seen or heard of before in my life!



Kagain manages to kill whatever the hulking monster is.



I feel the brush of unfamiliar magic on my mind. It doesn't seem to take hold, but I wonder.



Minsc cuts down the blurry, humanoid form.



And then it is all over. Apparently some mercenaries had been hired to attack us. Again. No big deal, really.

We find someone who cares about the fishermen in the southwest section of town.



Oh? So what was it?

Lizard men. Thre is a cave system at the north end of the lake that they were using. They eat the fishermen that they captured.

Xerbo protects both the creatures on the sea and the ones within. It is a balance similar to the druids' belief in nature.

Well then I just changed the balance. The lizard men are all dead.

In Xerbo's eyes, your deed is no different than what the lizard men did to the fishermen. The cycle continues. I thank you for your help. The fishermen can now go back out onto the lake.

Ok, so maybe "care" was too strong of a word.

I remember that I had forgotten some stuff at the castle, so I go back again. I make sure to give the damn statue a wide berth this time.

There's 2,000 gold underneath the throne!



I also head upstairs to pay a visit to the mage that lives in one of the towers. Helga I think her name was?



Sorry lady, I'm pretty sure I killed them all already.

She doesn't seem to be a combat mage, because she falls immediately to a concerted Magic Missile barrage from myself, Imoen, and Fabio.