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[Usurper]

When Shar-Teel drops to the ground, I close my eyes, seeking guidance. I turn my gaze inward, to my innermost thoughts. "Kick her and Mopey-the-elf" one says, while whispers of "rez the lady" and "steely-eyed vengeance machine" compete for my attention. "Room full of heroes" and "she has been kicking some serious ass" float by my inner eye, and a moment after them "rez the bitch" and "ditch the bitch" fly by on opposite sides. I open my eyes when Kivan clears his throat. I say we are going to the Song of the Morning Temple, and to gather Shar-Teel's things. I turn to the coin purse to count our coins. With 276 coins we will have more than enough. I make a mental note to get Rose some decent equipment while we're in town.

The journey from the Red Canyons to the Song of the Morning temple takes a solid day.



After the bitch is raised, Finch steps in to provide healing. I decide to sleep here in the temple once again.



The night passes uneventfully for all save two.




I braid my hair to keep them away from my face. I need to see clearly in order to aim.

Of course! How can you have your pretty ringlets to fall into your eyes when you play with that bow? I'd buy you a doll, but you won't have it out of fear that someone might think that you are of the stronger sex after all. A woman, that is.

Mani uma lle merna, Shar-Teel? What do you want from me?

I want to get one honest fight out of you. This arrow busiiness is too cowardly for my taste. Are you a coward?

I do what I must to ensure that our group wins a fight.

That's what you told that Deheriana of yours, hiding in the bush with the bow, when those ogres and orcs attacked you?

Auta miqula orqu.

What? Do not mumble gibberlings' prayers at me! Dance the spear with me, or a sword, or whatever other *real* weapon you have!

I said: "Go kiss an orc.'" And pick a male one. That is the only suitable company for you.

I start to get a little worried. Are these two going to be able to get along? Shar-Teel went too far taunting Kivan about his wife. He went solo ninja badass on the bandits for months before we met him because of his wife. He's also a whole level higher than the rest of us. I worry for the future of the party.

Gameplay note: Even standard Baldur's Gate II had party members that would just not get along. The most famous were Keldorn, an old and experienced paladin, and Viconia, a drow priestess of Shar. If you had them in your party they would argue and fight several times, then Keldorn would warn you that he was about to shank a bitch. If you didn't kick one of them out they would both eventually leave your party and duel to the death right in front of you. So the modders might have the same idea in store for Kivan and Shar-Teel. I don't want to look it up, though, because I like being surprised .

On our way out of the temple, I stop to say hello to Gavin, who seems content with guard duty at the entrance.



Not right now

We then stop by the Thunderhammer Smithy to get some decent equipment for Rose, the most ill-equipped member of our party. I buy her some darts, a short sword, and some studded leather. Also, I get her a buckler, the only shield she can use.



Darts can be used while carrying a shield. So can slings and throwing daggers, but throwing daggers are expensive.



Bucklers offer an armor class bonus but no missile protection, unlike other shields. Its good for a bard caught in melee. I've noticed that the monsters seem to go for active casters first, which at such low levels means bards using their bard song. So Rose is actually going to be exposed to a lot of aggression. Its good to have her suited up. Unfortunately, when I put her studded leather on, this happens.



.. And it's a bit too tight on the chest, too..

Gameplay note: Oh Rose, must you appeal to stereotypes so?

We return to the Red Canyons, another 24-hour-long journey.



I wonder if we will need rest soon, or we can continue to soldier on. When we arrive, we are greeted by Trungle, who looks like a halfling. Or a gnome. Honestly I can't tell them apart.



Yes, we're adventurers, why should you care?

That's good then! You see, I am an adventurere of sorts, of course, I'm not very fond of battle. I like to pilfer objects from ruins and monstrous lairs, and try my best to avoid getting hurt. Anyway, I have a few items that might interest you. Would you perhaps be interested?

Well, lets have a look at what ye have!

Surely, just let me know if you see anything that you like!

He has masterwork, +1, and +2 ammunition, from darts to bolts to bullets. All out of our price range of course. He also has healing potions, master thievery potions, and antidotes. Most interesting are his Bullets of Detonation, but at 750 gold per bullet I can't imagine ever being able to afford shooting them at something. He also has Bolts of Dispelling +1 at 30 gold a pop, equally extravagant. Something that piques my interest is an unidentified ring for 4,500 gold. The tiny fleck of jewelry is probably worth 10 or 50 times more after it is identified, but it is still firmly out of our price range. We don't buy anything, but might come back some day if we kill a dragon or something...

We return to the exploration of the Red Canyons. Daytime here seems to be much safer than our previous night-time patrol. As we pass a small outcropping of rock, a wolf jumps out at Kivan.



At the same time a nearby chicken starts making a huge fuss, probably because of the wolf.



Buc-becaw! HELLLLP-becaw!

Saving talking chickens from big bad wolves! Bah! It'd be much merrier if those were Flaming Fists that accosted you.

Shar-Teel wants to fight the Flaming Fists? But aren't those the law around here? I'm going to have to keep a tighter leash on this one. But for now, we fight the evil wolf. Kivan moves in to undoubtedly tame the wild beast, but before he can get within range, Shar-Teel kills it.



I wonder if she did that on purpose. Those two have such different approaches to combat and nature. Then, um... the chicken waddles over to thank us?



A-A talking chicken? Whoa.. Syvishtar can I keep it? Pretty please?

Aaaaahhh!! Unholy magics are afoot! This chicken is possessed! This bird is FOUL!

If you are quite *cluck* through with the thea-*cluck*-trics, my situation is indeed quite *cluck* grave!

Might I first pose a query? Which came first, and what side of the road did you start on? (snicker)

... *sigh*. Methinks I'll go *cluck* find another wolf. Thank ye for your *cluck* "concern."

Personally I think it's funny, but then I feel bad. Then I realize a chicken is making me feel bad. I have no choice but to approach it again.



Wow, the only talking chicken in the world, and I have offended it so much that it doesn't even want to talk to me anymore. That's... that's terrible. I send Imoen in.



My apologies good... um... chicken. What has caused your current accursed state?

Thank the *cluck* Mother of all Magic, mayhaps now I might end this *cluck* nightmare. I am Melicamp of Beregost, a *cluck* mage adept in the mystical arts. A... misread... incantation seems to be *cluck* the source of my troubling form. 'Tis been over an month since I *cluck* uttered a polymorph spell, and I simply cannot return to my normal *cluck* form!

I have a passing knowledge of magery. Can you not dispel this *ahem* foul condition?

I would but dispel is beyond my... er... rather, I exhausted my *cluck* memorized spells earlier, and now I cannot... access my spellbook. Have you or a member of your party the *cluck* ability to cast such a spell?

It's a spell neither I, nor my comrades can cast at this time. Is there another way I might assist you?

Blast it all! Well, there is nothing else I *cluck* can do except my most hated option. There is a tower directly to the west of *cluck* Beregost, about which can be found the mage Thalantyr. I am his... apprentice, and I am... certain he will *cluck* aid me.

For being his apprentice you seem unsure of his willingness to help you.

Oh, 'tis nothing *cluck*... REALLY! Um, often the relationship between *cluck* apprentice and master is... strained. He will help. I am... certain.

Then to his abode we shall go. I will escort you.

Thank you! It's located just to the west of Beregost. Thalantyr lives in a large manor there. I'll just nestle in your pack until we get there.

And nestle he does!

[Usurper]

Gameplay note: I appreciate the fact that the option to dispel the chicken polymorph is there, but the possibility that anybody ever used it is slim. Dispel magic is a level 3 spell, and as a mage I don't get access to level 3 spells until I am level 5 myself. And I'm still level 1, even after all this time. I guess if someone went straight to Nashkel and did all the areas down there, and then came back up north powered up and leveled high, they could rescue Melicamp themselves. But here we are, at level 1, just a teeny bit less incompetent than Melicamp himself. Lets go see if he survives this, because the outcome of this quest is totally random!



8 hours into the 16 hour journey, we are waylaid by Worgs. We brace for the attack.



But just a split second later, kobolds suddenly burst onto the scene as if from nowhere.



I don't understand why, exactly, but it is now time for magical wrath! I attempt to cast Color Spray. I start flashing a bright and brilliant yellow.



A kobold seriously injures Imoen at the same time. She drinks a healing potion and switches to a melee weapon. But the potion was one of those goddamned spoiled ones and it just makes her drunk!



I frantically motion for Finch to go heal her, and my movements are easily seen in the night, what with me flashing like a strobe light. Finch does as I say. I also get shot in the back with a kobold arrow. I guess these clothes make me a great target too.



Meanwhile, Shar-Teel and Kivan get done slaughtering the monsters on their side of the group and come over to our side. Kivan charms one of the worgs in a second, then draws his spear on a kobold.



I order the worg to go against the furthest kobold to the east. There's another little yippy beast in front of me, so I swing wildly at it with my staff. Suddenly, the battle is over. Kivan, the charmed worg, and Shar-Teel get deathblows at practically the same time.



Frantically, I look around for the dead body of Imoen, or Rose, or Finch. But everybody is alive. Gloriously, gloriously alive! I throw my head back and laugh loudly and shrilly in relief, my clothes scintillating like a thousand bright stars in the night. We are all aliiiiiveeee!

I might have laughed all the way to High Hedge, I'm not quite sure. Eventually, my clothes stopped their twinkling. When we arrive, Rose has a question.

Gameplay note: A lot of these expanded conversations with NPCs have the option of telling them to shut up or reacting negatively to them. Kivan, for instance, we can tell him to shut up because he's depressing us, or he needs to suck it up because we're getting tired of his mopey sadness. Based on the reactions of this thread I think I'll tell him that next time, although I don't know what will happen. You can see in the screenshot below that we can also tell Rose that we're not interested in idle chatter. That might make her shut up too. If you have a strong desire to get an NPC to JUST STOP TALKING, let me know, and I'll try to work the thread consensus into my conversation choices.



I like heroic ballads and funny, easy to remember tunes. What about you?

I see. I like all kind of music, mostly because I enjoy playing it and singing. Or whistling. Can ya whistle, Syvishtar? It took a good time out of me to learn how to do it.

Not at all. Unfortunately I don't have that particular feat. Imoen always made fun of me because of that..

*giggle* Well, now you can do some practice while in the wilderness.

We walk to the High Hedge and talk to Thalantyr.



Well... it's rather amusing actually. You see, I happened to rescue this... um... talking chicken...

Chickens do not talk, so quite obviously it is a polymorphed being of some kind. Spells such as that wear off in time or can be dispelled. 'Tis a simple matter and one not worth the waste of my day. Keep moving.

I am quite aware of the mute status of chickens, thank you very much! Yes this is a transformed man, but it is also a man who claims to be your apprentice. That is why I brought him here.

Apprentice?! I have had no apprentices! I teach no one about what I... wait... Melicamp? MELICAMP, is that you?!!

Yes, Master Thalantyr; it is *cluck* I.

I am no "master" to you, and you are no "apprentice!" What gall you have to expect help from me!

He is not your student? But you do know of him, do you not?

A student wishes to LEARN, while this fool wishes only to have knowledge. I will tutor no one who does not understand the ramifications of what I have to teach! Not getting the quick gratification he wished, he instead chose to steal from me!

You speak of so much, but show so little! I only wished to *cluck* learn a fraction of the power you possess!

It has taken me some fifty-odd years of life to gain the power I wield, and the will not to use it. You are but a baby in comparison. Frankly, I'm surprised you changed into such an OLD chicken! How DID you manage that, by the by? You were muddling the simplest cantrip when last I observed you.

I have progressed much since then... and I *cluck* ''borrowed'' a few items to speed the process.

As I thought. Well, it's obvious you can steal my tools, but not my understanding of them. Hold still while I dispel this foolish facade. Can't very well get my property back while it's polymorphed into y... wait a moment. I did not possess any items that allow the casting of that enchantment. Wait... oh dear... Melicamp, listen very carefully. What did you take?

Nothing too valuable, I swear! Just some *cluck* components, a few scrolls, a beat-up pair of bracers, a blank spellbook, some parchment...

A pair of... oh no. You little FOOL! The bracers in my locked and trapped safe?! I certainly hope you can develop a taste for chicken feed, because you are going to be stuck the way you are for a very long time!

I know I stole from you, but you can't leave me like this! Please Master Thalantyr, please... *cluck*

It's not a matter of whether I wish to help or not, simply that I do not have the power to undo what you have done.

What sort of item could cause such a problem for even such a mage as yourself?

The magic that so many revere today was not always the same as it is now. Any adventurer worth his salt should know this, and know that not every bauble they wring from a dungeon will be helpful. The bracers in question were a vain little reminder of... well... it doesn't really matter does it? Suffice to say that I have no idea what their intended function was, and I was in no position to ask their former owner. Years have passed since my... release, and the spoils of that Netheril ruin remain as enigmatic as ever. They resist even the strongest divination, and attempts to dispel result only in explosive consequences. Some things should just stay buried.

Is there nothing that can be done? I am willing to help however I can.

If you are willing, then I will do what must be done, We will need a component that I do not have on hand, and it will be your job to get it. I will require the head of an undead creature, and a simple skeleton skull will do. Bring it back here and I will try to bend a few magical rules to reincarnate this foolish boy.

Reincarnate? But does that spell not require *cluck* the recipient to be dead?

There must be a dead element, yes. That is what the skull is for. I cannot fully explain what I am to try, but it's something of a reversal on the reincarnation scheme. The age of the enchantment that changed you may allow for a loophole in the laws of magic. Of course it may just kill us both in the casting. Such is life. Off you go to some dungeon or another. Return with the skull. Go.

Well, I guess off we go indeed. I remember seeing skeletons at night in the Red Canyons. Perhaps they will give us a skull when Shar-Teel shatters them into a million little pieces.

Gamplay note: originally the High Hedge was full of skeleton bands at night, and you could just step outside and get a skull. Unfortunately some modder decided that was too easy, so at least a few versions of the Big Picture ago you had to find a skull somewhere else. Lets see how it goes this time.

Also I don't know if anyone can see such little details in these screenshots, but the character model for Thalantyr has been changed from normal human mage to Planescape: Torment mage-about-town.

We go out and get ready to make camp. Kivan especially is tired, and welcomes the rest. As we get everything settled, Shar-Teel addresses me, for once. At least she isn't taunting Kivan tonight.




You've been a useful member of the group.

And you're strong, as well. If only you weren't so ugly, I could see us having some fun.

:siren: Warning sirens go off in my brain. :siren: Did the psychobitch just hit on me? Greatly disturbed, not sure how to feel about that, I cautiously bed down for the night. Imoen smirks at me from her own bedroll.



Night comes, and we go skeleton hunting. Or rather, Finch goes skeleton hunting. Her boots let her zip around the map and she says Deneir will take care of any undead she finds. But she only finds a horse.



Reluctantly, we go back to the Red Canyons for our undead. When we arrive, I almost get raped.




*Shar-Teel grabs your arm, above the elbow.* Move along, and shut your trap. You must have swallowed a dozen flies already while gawking at me.

Gameplay note: Holy shit guys, looks like Shar-Teel has taken my one and only compliment to her fierce, whithered, stony little heart. I didn't do anything not recorded here, I swear! Psychobitch now just assumes we're together! I feel violated and I'm the player. "You've been a useful member of the group." - such fateful words. And yes, the rockin' Icewind Dale theme music really started playing at this time. Actually, you know, come to think of it, if that's going to be the theme song for the Shar-Teel romance we might just have to take the plunge and, as posted earlier, get with the real warrior woman.

I try to wrap my mind around what just happened. Does she think...? Did she just...? Is she going to...? What the bloody hell?! Unable to think of a verbal response, I just decide to focus on the task ahead - killing skeletons.



Calm down. What is this madness of which you speak?

I have been a rural merchant all my life and am thereby no stranger to poultry of any shade or color... But there be a fiendish hen to the east that, when I picked her up, she spoke to me in a voice most human. Either I am in the chill grips of the deepest fever or that chicken be possessed by a spirit from the very depths of the ninth and final hell!

This guy is so yesterday. We all laugh at him and keep going. Right behind him we see a nice sign.

[Usurper]

I give Haiass a pat on the head. Eventually, though, we do run across a hostile wolf.



He is summarily executed. His two dire wolf brothers a little further along prove to be a greater challenge.



Shar-Teel rushes in to attack, heedless of her death by dire wolf not a week before, while the rest of us pelt them with missiles. I cast an Azragan's at one, and it looks weaker somehow.



Both of the dire wolves go down, this time without anyone's death. We continue searching the area, getting the lay of the land, when we are interrupted by Zargal.



Time to die, you ugly knobgoblins.

You very stupid for city folk. You die screaming. ZARGAL STRONGEST ONE THERE IS!!!

Ha-ha! This man dares to call himself the strongest in *my* presence?! Perhaps, I can keep him as a fool for a day or two, before cutting his throat.

All die, but you die first!

I am NOT about to start surrendering to demihuman scum! We all attack. We all open fire on the nearest hobgoblin, Geltik. He gets hit many times in rapid succession, panics, and starts to run.



I cast an Azragan's on him, but the magic turns back on me and I am silenced.



Unable to speak or cast any more spells (not that I have any more to cast) I turn to my bow and ponder what the magic is trying to teach me this time. Not to cast on frightened, panicked enemies? It must be. While I contemplate, Shar-Teel gets almost destroyed by Zargal.



She pops the last healing potion and keeps on fighting. Unfortunately, Zargal also has healing potions.



There is nothing anybody can do but keep fighting. We pour the missiles onto Zargal, and then he does the worst. He strikes Shar-Teel down. Again she falls. The third hobgoblin, Malkax, also fires a poisoned arrow at Rose. Things are not looking good.



Finch rushes over to heal Rose, and does so. I realize Zargal is trying to kill my cat, so I order it away. That's when I realize that ZARGAL IS HASTED. How the hell did a hobgoblin get ahold of that kind of magic? I feel a shiver of fear wriggle down my back. My cat continues to run away from Zargal, while Haiass tries to attract his attention. He does, eventually, and the two engage in a drawn-out duel until one of Imoen's arrows kills the beast.



I call my wolf to me. He is Badly Injured. We need to regroup before we take on the hobgoblin with poison arrows. Haiass runs around a small bit of earth and comes up behind me, near my cat. For some reason I feel that if Haiass dies, I die. I instruct my comrades to form a firing line. We're going to do this old-school.



Kivan starts with a strong lead, melting out of the shadows to let an arrow fly. We all follow his example, while Rose sings the song of victory.



Our arrows (and bullets) fly true, while Malkax's arrows all fly false. The bastard couldn't hit the side of a barn! Finally, Imoen hits him in a vital organ, and the beast falls. We have one tiny moment of triumph when the third hobgoblin, Geltik, stumbles back into view, Near Death. Both he and Kivan let arrows fly at the same moment.



Geltik's arrow hits Finch, splashing her blood onto her scrolls. Kivan's arrow hits Geltik, dropping him to the ground for the last time. Finch reflexively casts a heal and is back to normal. Now, finally, the battle is over. It looks like there will be no skeleton-hunting tonight. We will be going back to the Song of the Morning Temple. I sigh and prepare to loot everything. This is getting to be routine, I think to myself.

I giggle just twice.

This all seems too much for Kivan, and he immediately engages me in conversation.



The Forest of Shadows...

Yes, it means the "Forest of Shadows". Of late I often think that for me it is indeed full of shadows.

Is this yet another "weep along" session? A jolly wench without much remorse is what you need, elf. I'll buy one for ye.

I lived long in solitude, and it seems that I am now prone to talking excessively. Forgive me, Syvishtar, I shall leave you to your privacy.


Gameplay note: Ok, um... we have some voting to do.


1. Kivan's Intervention: Do we tell Kivan to suck it up and be a real man the next time we have a chat with him? We always have that option, and I just took it above. Should we continue saying things like that to him? Or barring that, tell him to stop depressing us with his mopey ways? Or do we commiserate with him and indulge all his elfy emo?

2. Shar-Teel's Intervention: Shar-Teel wants to jump our bones and possibly rip our head off and drink our blood after she's done with us. Do we pursue hot hot sexy warrior woman lovin'? Yes/no.

3. Our intervention: Should we continue our quest to find Bassilus and a skeleton head in these apparently very dangerous Red Canyons, or save it for a later day? We could try to do something more simple like clear out the road between Beregost and Nashkel, or even go north to Baldur's Gate.

[Usurper]

The thread was pretty upset with the turn Kivan had been taking into depression, and told me to tell him to suck it up. They also enthusiastically voted for me to rez and then bang Shar-Teel, and to keep on going after Bassilus.

[Leokosta]

Well, Vorgen ... Going to rely on your LP, since I reach a part of my game when its unplayble, sue to sttutter . Do you have this issue so far ?

[Usurper]

yes, i have experienced stutter sometimes. The stutter FAQ question is actually really effective there. The most effective things I've personally found were making sure that there was as little in my bags as possible and also importing my game into ToB and then re-loading that same game in my current area. Its so weird that it works, but it does.

[Leokosta]

Tx for the reply
Didnt get the import thing ...
1 - Started new TOB game importing save game Test1
2 - Waited for the Auto save
3 - Quit and loaded game Test1 on SOA

Is that it ? If so, it did no good.

[Usurper]

I don't know what else to tell you. Perhaps the mega-mod help forum can better help you out.

[Usurper]

21 Mirtul, 1369

We loot the corpses of the hobgoblins, which had proven to be greater enemies than any of us guessed. They have some good equipment that Finch identifies as a +2 Wakizashi, a Masterwork Quarterstaff, and some Composite Long Bows.



Gameplay note: If only Shar-Teel could dual-wield a 2-handed sword and this. She needs all the AC help she can get. Proficiencies have been changed a bit for this mod, so that this proficiency is for Katana/Wakizashi. Nobody in our party, or anyone we've met so far, has proficiencies in those weapons. But this will be good to sell. This is also the weapon that cut down Shar-Teel.



This quarterstaff would be great for Syvishtar if he didn't already have the Serpent Shaft. Another good thing to sell!



These composite longbows are going to be great for Kivan and Syvishtar both. He's already wielding one. Even though the description says it requires 16 strength, Syvishtar can still use it. That must be a byproduct of the all-classes-can-use-all-weapons mod, which I cannot find the name of after a cursory glance at the PDF. Anyway, the +2 bonus is good for killing things. No wonder those hobgoblins took out Shar-Teel. They had better weapons than we did!

The other thing that just happened was that Imoen leveled up.



Because she's a Charming Rogue, she levels up after 1250 xp. Rose has the same low requirement, as a bard. But Finch won't level up until 1500 xp, Shar-Teel until 2000 xp, and Syvishtar won't level up until 2500 xp! Also, since Kivan was already level 2 when we found him, he won't level to 3 until 4500 xp.

Anyway, lets see what Imoen gets after her level...



6 more hit points and 25 more thief skill points. I distributed them equally between Open Locks and Find Traps, so now they are both at 40. I hope to get them both to 100 before dual-classing her to mage. Unless you guys don't want to do that. Remember she gets +1 AC, +1 hit, and +1 damage with missile weapons for every 5 levels, and +1 to movement rate every 7 levels, plus the ability to cast a limited number of spells innately. If we want to dual-class her to mage we might want to do it at level 15, after she's gotten +3 AC, hit, and damage with missile weapons and +2 to movement. Or we could just keep her pure. It's up to you guys. If we do dual-class her, her original abilities won't be available until we get her to the same level in her second class, but in this game that shouldn't be a problem.

We travel the long, hard road back to the Song of the Morning Temple.



First thing we do is sell the Wakizashi, Quarterstaff, and the other junk that we collected from smaller fights. That all works out to 1200 gold! The Wakizashi itself was 1000 gold. We're rich! Because we're rich now, I spring for a Resurrection for Shar-Teel, which is 150 gold, rather than a normal Raise Dead. Resurrection also heals her back to full. The first thing she does when she wakes up is turn to me.




*Shar-Teel squints at you, as if you were a mortal enemy or something impossibly bright.*

She doesn't give any explanation for her behavior, and I don't ask. With so much money suddenly, I think we might be able to get some better equipment for the strange woman. We stop by Thunderhammer Smithy to see what's available. Unfortunately, plate mail is 1800, even with Imoen's sweet-talking, and some magical Splint Mail +1 is 3,000. We'll have to wait a bit longer.

Since we're in Beregost, I go talk to that Perdue guy again about his sword that we found. He doesn't seem to remember us, because he asks the same question as before.



It's a slam dunk that we did! Every man on Faerun fits this description! *laughs*

I'm wastin' me time on ye idiots.

A dog's head?

You 'eard me. A dog's 'ead. And breath that could peel paint, too.

Oh, a gnoll!

Yeah, a gnoll. There's one 'oled up in the hills due west of 'ere, close to the High Hedge. Damn thievin' ball-o-fur stole my short sword two days back.

Never liked them myself. How much would that blade be worth to a runty guy like you?

Yeah, yeah. Lay off the short-guy jokes, they're older than your grandmother's uncle. The damn blade ain't worth nothing. It's a pride thing. I'll give ya 50 gp if ya wipe 'is arse with it.

You've got yourself a deal.

Yeah, yeah.

He doesn't seem to realize that I am saying that I've got the sword, so I have to talk to him again.



Gameplay note: We get the 50 gp, but more important is the 227 xp that we get!

We decide to hang around in the Inn a bit more, or at least Imoen does. We just kindof follow her lead in these types of situations. She goes up stairs and meets a guy named Raleo.



One thing I've learned is that you hear more interesting stories on the road than staying in an inn. *sighs* When I was er... staying in the inn, as soon as some traveller from afar would start a good tale, everyone else would shout for ale and food... and I never would hear the whole story. I had to fill in all the missin' bits on my own.

What can you tell me of Beregost?

What would you like to know? I have met many of the locals and I know a bit of history as well.

What are the concerns of the day? How have the troubles lately affected people?

Hmm? Oh, I suspect you mean the iron shortage? I imagine it has affected the local smithy quite a bit. Taerom is a wonderful blacksmith, but he's got a lot of time on his hands these days. His shop is still reasonably stocked, but I thik he's looking for other materials to work on these days. Not sure what that might be, but he's quite adept at exotic materials. Anything else I can help you with?

Any outstanding quests that need resolution? I fancy myself a bit of an adventurer.

An adventurer, eh? Well, if you are up to the task I hear there are strange things in the Ulcaster School Ruins southeast of town. I would nae go down there unless you are quite sure of your abilities though. Many a well-meaning fellow has gone and not come back. Only for those adept in battle. Other than that, I know that the lady Mirianne has been awaiting news of her husband for some time. He was to come up from Amn but is overdue. I know she would be grateful for any news. She lives on the east edge of town if you find anything. Anything else you would like to know of?

No, thanks. You have been a great help.

Not a problem. Always a pleasure making new friends.

Imoen goes to look around a bit and then comes back downstairs. She whispers something to Rose, and the two giggle. I idly ask what's going on and they tell me it's a girl thing. I don't pry further. Imoen encourages everybody to have some drinks, since we're rich now, while she and Rose take care of some things.





[Charisma] - I assure you, that wasn't my doing. However, I did see a hooded woman pass nearby mere moments ago. Perhaps that was the real culprit?

Hmm... I will let you off with a warning, this time.

However, know that you will be watched much more carefully from now on!



[Charisma] - I assure you, that wasn't my doing. However, I did see a hooded woman pass nearby mere moments ago. Perhaps that was the real culprit?

Hmm... I will let you off with a warning, this time.

However, know that you will be watched much more carefully from now on!

Gameplay note: Apparently 40 in pick locks is good enough for Imoen to pick every lock in the Inn, but 60 in pickpocketing isn't even enough for Rose to dupe a drunk guy. Bah! No wonder we had to rescue her when we met her. You like the new get-away-with-it mod though?

Rose comes back to Imoen a few minutes later with a frustrated look on her face. Imoen passes her a dark-looking bottle. I take another drink, and when I look back Rose is nowhere to be seen.





[Charisma] - I assure you, that wasn't my doing. However, I did see a hooded woman pass nearby mere moments ago. Perhaps that was the real culprit?

Hmm... I will let you off with a warning, this time.

However, know that you will be watched much more carefully from now on!

The next time I see Rose she is even more frustrated than ever. Imoen suggests we move to the Burning Wizard, so we all go!

[Usurper]

Imoen and Rose repeat their strange behavior once we get there, disappearing upstairs almost immediately.



Firewine? What and where is that?

Firewine Bridge ruins is what I mean. She be pretty far to the south and east, but a strong pair o' legs will get ye there just fine. I would make sure that they are strong enough to bring ye BACK too though. The Firewine ruins might be quite the deathtrap for the inexperienced adventurer. Mind ye remember that, and don't blame old Spen if ye lose a few of yer fellows stumbling about within.

Firewine Bridge... that sounds familiar... where did I hear it? Uhm... In any case, ruins are ALWAYS full of treasure! And since we're experienced adventurers, we've nothin' ta worry about. Let's go there one day.

What else can you tell me of it?

What? Do I look like I be fool enough to go tromping about in such a place? Not likely. Ye want more info, ye go talk to them halflings in Gullykin. They be curious about such things, and will probably help ye. I warn ye again though, it ain't no place fer a youngin! Ye go there and yer just looking for tough trouble. Best ye cut yer teeth somewhere else before ye throw yer lives down that hole.

And what of Beregost? Anything interesting here?

Hereabouts? The temple to the east be an intereesting view, if ye like that sort of thing. I don't! Don't like much, actually. Don't think I like you, either. Ehh, leave me to my readin'.

Always the nice girl, Imoen does.

Gameplay note: Firewine Ruins and the Ulcaster School are definitely high-level areas. We shouldn't go there until after we're in Chapter 4 or maybe even 5. But they are indeed full of treasure, as Imoen said.

Also, poor Rose is either pickpocketing people who have no items, or getting caught.

We go outside, and Rose begins to tell us a story about one of her many adventures. She works the town obelisk into it, so we look at it while she tells the story. I don't see Imoen open a locked door and slip inside except from the corner of my eye, and I don't really register what's happening. During the story, Shar-Teel squints at me again, in the same way that she did in the Temple. What is up with her?





At the girls' urging, we walk around the streets for a while just soaking in the ambiance of Beregost. It really reaches Kivan, because he again begins to talk about sunsets.



Gameplay note: I just can't go so far as to threaten to kill Kivan, so I'm going with choice 3.

I see the sun setting and clouds turning pink... I am thinking that it is going to be dark soon, and we should be thinking of setting up a camp.

You are luckier than I am, then. I see the sky smeared with blood... Deheriana's blood.

We shall avenge Gorion's and your Deheriana's death. Maybe then the sunset will not be an ominous sight for you.

Syvishtar, I hope that such a day will come. Maybe we will stand together then, watching the sun set while dreaming of the dawn... as befits a happy person.

Imoen keeps slipping in and out of the group. She's always a curious one.



Eventually we find ourselves wandering near Feldpost's Inn, and something catches my eye.



I wonder what she means, but Rose just rolls her eyes and tells me she's useless because she has no items. I keep trying to put that together but... just... can't. We enter Feldpost's Inn, and have a good look around. I realize that I didn't pay much attention to this place before, but it's really quite swanky. Imoen likes the patrons, as always.



I'd like to have a key made.

Do you have a copy of the key?

No.

That will make it more difficult, but not impossible.

Which house is yours?

The one behind the Burning Wizard.

I can make a key for the house, but I'll have to make a cast of the lock... very difficult work. It will take me all day, and it will cost you 1,500 gp. Payable in advance.

You should be able to do it for half that!

How about I make you half a key? Sorry, but I cannot do it for less than 1,500 gp and I need the gold now.

I don't have that much coin on me.

I'm not going anywhere.

Gameplay note: Ok, for some reason I've never seen this guy before. He can get us into a house with a locked door that Imoen currently can't open, here:



At least I think that's the place, because it's the only house with a door Imoen can't open. I have no idea if its worth 1500 gold to get in there, but since we don't have that much cash it's not really an issue right now.

Imoen keeps talking to everyone. One guy seems to be singing whenever she comes by.











Then he walks out the front door, never to be seen again. Imoen and Rose then go upstairs together. At this point nobody cares because we're all drunk. We're not the only ones though.



The guy's in the hallway! Rose decides to see what he's got on him.



Gameplay note: Finally! This is her first successful pickpocket. She can't identify what it is, though, so we should show Finch.

Imoen seems to be having some initial trouble with her lockpicking, but when she reaches for her mysterious artifact everything seems to go smoothly.



She finds four longswords. What a strange thing to keep in an Inn. We consider this place to be a great place to end the night, and rent a Royal room for ourselves.



As we are bedding down for the night...




Oh, no... it's not what you are thinking, Shar-Teel. I wanted to talk.

*grins* Just to talk? Ha!

*reaches with her hand for the front of your breeches* Wouldn't you rather?

*cough* Now, that you mentioned it... you do that *rather* better than talking.

Listen, you, lover-boy, and listen carefully.

*She crooks her finger at you.*

*I* will tell you when I want you. Now leave me alone.

And with that, we all fall into a drunken slumber. I am not disturbed at all. Nope, not me!

[Usurper]

When we wake up, Rose seems to be in a wistful mood.



I like my life as it is. I have many dreams, but none so that important. What about you instead?

Oh, I'd just love to become an actress. That would be wonderful.

An actress? You're a pretty good singer, I think it could be easy for you to find a role.. Or is it that where you lived there weren't playhouses?

I used to live in Athkatla, there is a playhouse in the bridge district but my parents never allowed me to give it a try.

I see.. So that's the reason you left your home?

Well, sorta. That's one, but there are others. Mayhap I'll tell ya one of these days.




And there's that, too. Is Shar-Teel showing off her strength because she's jealous of Rose talking to me? That woman is inscrutable. We go outside again.

I finally catch on to the fact that Imoen and Rose are fleecing the whole town, and I am a little surprised. But I tell them I don't care, so they can stop their pretense. Imoen suggests we start working on the west block.



She has trouble with one lock, so she calls in Shar-Teel to break it open. Shar-Teel can't seem to pry it open either, though, so Imoen goes for her artifact. Then it opens.



Gameplay note: Looks like the artifact gives her 5 more points in all thieving skills. Or is that the 19 DEX? Or does it just give both? Who knows. The point is Imoen can pick more stuff with it than without it.

The next house goes well too.



While Imoen is busy going house-to-house in a rather different fashion from before, Rose nonchalantly asks Finch about this cloak she's had for a while now. Finch examines it and gets excited.



When Rose realizes what it does, she immediately puts it on and strikes a pose. I think even Shar-Teel is impressed at the figure she cuts. In one of the houses that Imoen visits, she finds a potion.



We think Finch might like this. In another house, Rose and Imoen's plan doesn't work. Even though Rose tries to talk to the guy there to distract him, he is too observant.



The girls try to run out of the house, but a Flaming Fist mercenary catches them before they make it.



[Charisma] - This is simply a misunderstanding, I assure you. I will gladly pay the appropriate fine and resolve this issue peacefully.

Very well. According to the rule book, the appropriate fine for this misbehavior would be...

250 gold pieces.

Alright, I will pay.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Gameplay note: I didn't test out the other options, but they sounded like we would have to try to fight the officer. And with a reputation of 6 right now it wouldn't take too many officer deaths before our rep was zero and everybody in every town around would attack us on sight. Then we'd have to live out in the wilderness and, well... I'm not sure what we could do. Sell to that little gnome in the Red Canyons? Be outlaws ourselves? I think 250 gold is a reasonable fine for the loot we've been raking in.

Imoen continues making the secret rounds throughout the town, while the rest of us just kinda wait around in the street. Soon enough Rose starts talking, just to pass the time.



Mmh? Where?

Here, let me show you.

See, that one? It's weird. Plus it has really sweet colors. Love how the sunset paints the sky.

Oh, you're right! That's funny. You do enjoy yourself, don't you?

You always have to take the best from the life, that's what I think. Don't ya agree?

I couldn't agree more. Actually, I too think life is to be enjoyed.

I'm glad of that, Syvishtar. *yawn* Could we rest a bit, please?

I tell her that we can rest when night comes. A little later, Kivan mutters under his breath.

The city is an example of man's excesses. Ugh... I wish we would be gone from this miserable place.

Suddenly, for no reason, Shar-Teel looks at me.




Who do you think I am to bed with a man every night, my mother? I won't let you put a bastard in my belly and make me beg for your favors because of it.

Ah, so that was my plan all along? Never mind the assassins; never mind avenging my father's murder! Sure, my life's goal is to sire a bastard child on Shar-Teel! Women...

Don't you 'women' me! I am not my mother!

I know, I heard. You are not your mother. In the spirit of enlightenment, perhaps you can tell me just who is your mother?

Was. She was a whore, and now she is dead.

I see. How did she die?

She died in birthing her husband's third child.

Husband? I thought you said she was a whore?

She was, before my father knocked her up. As he tells it, she then threatened to tell everyone that she was pregnant by the hero of Fort Flame's defense, and ruin his career with the Flaming Fist. He agreed to marry her.

What... what was your mother's name, Shar-Teel?

*shrugs* Verana, if you need to know.

Ah, well.

For a minute there I thought her mother might have a famous name, but doesn't seem like it. I wonder if I want to delve further into this warrior woman's psyche at all. But I push that out of my mind when we hear the Signal from inside the current house. Imoen has been caught again! But the signal came from the second floor. I don't know quite what to do, so I send Kivan in stealthed.



Or at least I try to... he doesn't seem to be having an easy time finding a place to hide here.

Gameplay note: Dude's stealth is 36, and fails more often than succeeds.

Finally my fellow elf figures out a way to make it work, and Kivan enters the house and sneaks past two Flaming Fist guards to get to the stairway to the second floor.



Turns out Imoen is encumbered from carrying too much loot and can't walk fast enough to make a run for it. Also, she was seen breaking into one of the chests downstairs and panicked, running upstairs away from the guards. Rose wasn't with her then, because she was looking at the clouds with me... oops? Kivan takes some of the stuff Imoen has collected, so that she can walk normally again. She was carrying lot of bastard swords, daggers, and spears for some reason.



Not wanting to pay another fine, the two then try to hide in the shadows and sneak out of the house.



After a few attempts, both of them manage to sneak out without anybody noticing. Then Imoen says she can totally go back in and swipe the few things she missed, and the mercs won't even know she was there! But I drag her away and tell her to try it again another time. Instead we go to the Thunderhammer Smithy to turn our illicit gains into gold. On the way, Shar-Teel growls at me.



Again? I didn't think we had yet... best not dwell on it. When we get to the Smithy, Imoen asks Rose if she can borrow her cloak, to which the other woman readily agrees. Imoen then casts that spell she's always casting before talking to merchants [Friends] and suddenly I can't remember why I never noticed how absolutely amazing my childhood friend is! I just can't help but stare.

[Usurper]

Imoen talks to Taerom, and sells him back all the stuff she can. He also seems to be a little dazed at Imoen's bright and happy demeanor. After all is said and done, we have... 1917 gold! We immediately purchase the platemail and give it to Shar-Teel.





Hopefully this will keep the psychohottie alive from now on.

I gather everybody up and tell them that we're going to go to the Red Canyons, we're going to kill some skeletons, and we're going to kick some serious ass. They all cheer, and we set off for the Red Canyons again.

[Usurper]

This marks the 40% mark of this thread getting caught up to the original thread.

[Usurper]

24 Mirtul, 1369

We arrive in Red Canyons near sunset. We decide to make camp and sleep first, so it will be deep night when we begin to patrol. However, after just 4 hours of sleep, the pungent smell of the grave disturbs our rest. Awakening, we find ourselves under attack by skeletons.



They do not prove to be much of a threat. Finch gets a bit injured from standing too close trying to Turn the skeletons, but otherwise everything is okay. After the battle, Shar-Teel speaks to me again.




I remember my dream, the one about Gorion.

I don't care what they say about me. Wealth and victory are what I fought for.

Now those words I respect. I love bloodshed, and I love coins. Give that to me, and someone else can call himself a hero.

They used to call my father a hero, and he is a pathetic excuse for a man.

Your father was a hero, Shar-Teel?

Oh, yes, he certainly was a hero.

When the New World of Maztica was discovered, Duke Eltan of the Flaming Fist was among those intrigued by it. Like all males, he had stupid dreams. He thought he would succeed where Balduran failed, in his fool's quest to reach Anchorome. Eltan gathered together a fleet and sent the Flaming Fist west. Some sailed to Chult, and others sought Anchorome itself. With male leadership, the expedition was a disaster.

Disease, fierce storms, rampaging Sahuagin, savage Elven warriors, attacks by whale-like beasts on the ships - you name it. Of the more than five hundred mercenaries who had sought out Anchorome, less than a hundred remained to flee Elven territories and establish a besieged settlement at Fort Flame. Among their number was a Commander who distinguished himself in battle against the Sahuagin, a man by the name of Scar. My father was a little known private.

By the time the expedition had reached the site of Fort Flame, he had personally slain a Sahuagin and three Elves. When the initial Elven surprise attack had fallen like a hammer on the already weary remnants of the Flaming Fist expedition, my father had been one of the few to hold to his position, while many of the other pathetic Flaming Fist soldiers broke and fled. In the end, his position held, a counterattack routed the Elves, and all who had manned their posts became heroes. Commander Scar himself led the counterattack, and took down the names of the defenders for later commendation.

When some of the expedition's survivors returned to Baldur's Gate, Angelo and Scar were among them. They were greeted as heroes, and Angelo was hailed as a respected war hero and promoted to lieutenant.

He sounds like a hero indeed.

Yes, a hero. On the surface.

The truth is very different... He is for sale to anyone with enough money to buy his loyalty. Once the war was over, and he was posted in Baldur's Gate, he arrested only those criminals who couldn't afford to bribe him. He rose to prominence in the Fist by recruiting similarly corrupt men... Men, not women. Female Flmaing Fist members in his sector are passed over and ignored.

I didn't know you adhered to a code of honor, Shar-Teel.

Ysena taught me that to earn respect, one has to be above selling oneself.

My father... is more of a whore than my mother was.

Gameplay note: And this is the point in the conversation where you get to ask Shar-Teel if she was molested by her father. And I quote: "I see. But I feel that there is more to your hatred of him than him being a corrupt man. Did he... violate you in some way?" I will NOT be taking that conversation option THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

And that's why you hate him?

I hate him, because he doesn't consider women worthy of being anything more than a man's bed-warmer and a kitchen slave! I spent all my childhood serving my father and brothers, because I'm female! My brothers are his pride and joy, and I... he *laughed* when he saw me training with the sword. He did not beat me... he just laughed and told me to stop fooling with men's things and pick up a broom, instead.

If not for Ysena...

Ysena... Who was Ysena?

Do I look like a bard to you?

Gameplay note: I can actually appreciate the end of that conversation. More kill less talk. Also, Shar-Teel's father is Angelo?!? Experienced BG players might recognize that name...

I try to loot the bodies of the fallen skeletons, but as I do that Shar-Teel growls at me again.



Geez woman! Get over yourself! The skeletons have morningstars, bucklers, and darts. Are they bard skeletons I wonder? But no skull, yet. We go back to sleep and wake up after midnight, almost to dawn. We continue our patrol route from last time we were here. This time Finch has memorized two Blesses, and plans to cast them on Shar-Teel when combat begins. Hopefully that will help her survivability as well. Soon enough we come across a skeleton wandering around in the night.



Shar-Teel charges in and Finch casts her bless. But before she gets it off, the skeleton is already dead. Shar-Teel is also being attacked by a dire wolf though, so we continue to fight.



It dies in short order. The skeleton was carrying a long sword and a small shield, but we could not use its skull for some reason either. Exploring the area, we next find some zombies.



They are nothing close to a threat, and Shar-Teel gibs all three in a few seconds. Haiass helps! We move on, going to the last location we have not yet scouted out. It is then that we see Footy.



I've never heard of a funny spook before... Why are they so funny?

Basslius keeps on tellin' these stories about how happy he was as a kid but all of the spooks just kinda moan and mumble and stuff, like they're not really listening. That's what my brother Johnny used to do before he disappeared, mumble like that when he weren't really listening... You stay here. I'm gonna go tell my friend Netty 'bout this place. She'll think its really funny, what with her Daddy gone and all.

BASSILUS IS HERE! I quickly turn to my companions and discuss our strategy. Finch is quite insistent in saying that she wants to be the one to deal with the undead. She seems adamant that she knows what to do, but I haven't actually seen her do much good against the undead so far. I hesitate to let the tiny librarian step into the line of fire like that. She counters by saying that in a Sanctuary she will be completely safe. She's got a point. She also says she can Command Bassilus himself to sleep. I am not so sure about that. A cleric that can surround himself with the undead might not be too susceptible to magical commands. She calmly and patiently explains to me that she can make him more susceptible with Doom. I realize that the entire plan rests upon her tiny shoulders. But I also see the burning, righteous fury behind her tiny gnome glasses, and I realize that she is more invested in this from a divine standpoint. I nod my head and agree with the plan.

We decide to sleep now, and wait until daytime to confront the evil cleric. Night is always better for the undead, and Finch must prepare her spells.

We rest soundly, without being bothered by anything or anyone. When morning comes, we all double-check our gear. Imoen and Kivan are quietly talking over a mess of arrows. Finch is beneath a nearby tree, praying to Deneir for guidance and blessings. Rose is fidgeting with her darts. Even Shar-Teel seems jittery, sharpening the Flame of the North even though it does not help and only wears away the stone. I find myself petting my pets, explaining to them in low voices what we are about to do. Eventually, we all gather in a circle and acknowledge that we are ready.

We divide into two squads. Finch, Shar-Teel, my cat, and Haiass go first, while Imoen, Rose, Kivan, and myself hang back within bowshot.



Finch Blesses us all.



And then she casts Sanctuary upon herself.

[Usurper]

Finally, in unison, we approach the hoard of undead.



Uuuuuuuuuhhhh...........

Oh, don't hesitate on my account! Some of the others may not have heard them.

Hhhhhhhhhhhh...........

This is definitely one of the creepier things I have documented!

Hold your peace then, though I remember a time back at Zhentil Keep when you would sooner die than be quiet. You.. would sooner... um... I'll wait 'til you feel like telling them yourself, I don't remember the old days so well.

You there, what is the meaning of this...

Who dares interrupt while I speak with my family. I'll have your heads if you're here to harm the... no! It can't be! Is that you, Mother? It cannot be otherwise, you haven't changed a bit in all these years!

Uhh... yes, son, it certainly has been a long time. How are you doing... my boy?

About as well as can be expected I guess. It has been difficult but I've got most of the family back together. Some did not seem to recognize me at first, but I helped them recall.

No matter. I've not seen you since... um... Zhentil Keep. Thank the gods we all got out safely.

Yes, though it was frightening for a time because I thought I was the only one of us that survived. I thought I was the only one who... the only one. You lie. YOU LIE! You cannot be my mother because she died when I left the... when I...

It's not I who lies, but you to yourself! You rob others of THEIR loved ones to replace those you betrayed long ago!

No! They lived, all of them! I saved them and they live! I... I ran. Dead... all dead. It isn't true! It cannot be... You lie! You will die for slighting my memory!

And that is when all the skeletons crumble into piles of bones and the zombies fall as lifeless husks. I'm pretty amazed at Finch's wisdom in this matter, but not so amazed that it stops me from raising my bow to fire, along with the others.



Shar-Teel and my pets charge in, while Finch pauses for a moment before she begins casting her Doom upon Bassilus. A librarian's Doom sounds like a truly horrifying thing.



Bassilus begins casting a spell as Finch and I do as well. Finch finishes first, and an evil green cloud of energy flies from her to him.



Bassilus's spell hits Shar-Teel, and she is Held where she stands, unable to move. My Azragan's crackles over the cleric, hurting him somehow. However, I feel a thick syrupy sensation around me and realize that arrows that I shoot will be slower than before. I never knew that the magic didn't like me shooting arrows. Is that really what this means?



I immediately begin casting another spell, this time planning on Magic Missile. Imoen also begins casting what looks like her own version of Magic Missile. Rose sings her battle song, and Finch begins to cast Command. Bassilus is also casting a spell. But nothing happens when Finch finishes her spell. Bassilus, on the other hand, strikes down Shar-Teel with a strange glyph that explodes into a burst of sizzling lightning. I try to cast Magic Missile, but the weave gets loose from my hands, spins all around me, and suddenly there are squirrels, everywhere squirrels!



Bassilus starts hitting my cat, so I tell it to move away. At my army of squirrels, however, I shout in my most commanding voice, urging them to attack the evil cleric.



He turns on my wolf, greatly damaging him, so I tell Haiass to run away as well. My squirrels will carry this battle! But before they do, Kivan shoots the mad cleric in the heart, and he falls for the last time to the earth. His last act as he dies is to cast a Silence upon me and my rodent host. In a moment, all their squeaking and chittering is silenced, and they eerily stop and quietly look around.



Finch seems especially pleased at this turnout. Her god seems to have rewarded her greatly at the success of this battle. But Shar-Teel is dead... again.

Gameplay note: That went surprisingly well, all things considered! I wasn't sure if I was going to survive the fight, but it fit with the narrative flow and the request of the thread, so I went ahead with it. And hey, Finch leveled and we're going to get tons of cash! Lets see what she gets on level-up.



She gets 1 more level one spell, 9 more hit points, and 2 more lore. Great, especially the 9 hit points!



We also loot some things off of Bassilus' corpse.



So he was a cleric of Cyric? I wonder what Tiax would have said if we had brought him.



A +2 shortsword is great for Imoen. We also find a medium shield, which Finch can use. For some reason she was using a small shield before. Equipping the medium shield on her gives her an AC of 2, just like Shar-Teel. Maybe we should get them both up there tanking.

Kivan stares at the fallen body of Bassilus for a while, and then speaks.




How long it will be, until I accompany it, and terrify people of sanity? Syvishtar, we should find Tazok soon. My time here grows short.

I knew Kivan was sad, but I didn't realize he was suicidal. I get everyone to clean up the skeleton's weapons and armor - mostly two-handed swords and crossbows - and we take them all to Trungle, who is just north of the battlefield. He generously gives us 10 gold for each crossbow and sword. Then I return to my army of squirrels, and thank them for their brief, if devoted, service. I say I may call on them again one day, but until then may they lead happy and productive lives in the Red Canyons. We bid all of their beady little eyes farewell and begin the long, long trek back to the Song of the Morning Temple yet again. Although the constant threat of dire wolves and the undead prevent us from declaring the Red Canyons safe, we can at least declare them explored!



One day later, we arrive at the Song of the Morning Temple, and Keldath is both surprised and relieved to hear our tale.



Gameplay note: For killing Bassilus and his minions we receive 454 xp and 2500 gold. Not 5000 as the town crier said. Crap! But we can still buy a lot with 2500 gold.

[Usurper]

We raise Shar-Teel again, and she seems extremely touched by this dedication to her continued existence.




Go right ahead.

I was twelve then, and was at the market to buy food to cook a dinner for my father and two brothers. By chance, I stumbled into a warrior woman, dressed in plate armor. It was severely marked and dented from battle. She had long stringy white hair and those piercing blue eyes... I had never seen eyes like that. She snarled at me, grabbed me by my arm and slammed me against a wall.

Fascinating!

Can't you keep your mouth shut, while I am telling you of the greatest mercenary in Baldur's Gate?

You are flea's piss compared to her.

So, she hits me on the wall and says: "Little brats shouldn't get in the way of their betters. Run away quickly, and perhaps I won't break your arm for your impudence. Go on, get out of here!"

She hurled me into the street, barely glancing at me.

That was an act of wanton cruelty!

It meant nothing to her! But to me...

I did not care about my bruises. I said to myself, "There goes a woman who has the will and strength to deal out abuse as she sees fit. Just like a man..."

So I followed her. When the woman noticed she was being tailed, she hid to see who was following her. When she saw that it was I again, she became enraged. She leapt out of the shadows and wrapped her fingers around my neck, lifting me in the air with one hand.

I still remember the malevolence in her eyes when she said: "You filthy little urchin! Didn't I tell you to run along home!? If I have to tell you again, I'll break you in half! What are you, a pick-pocket? If I find anything missing, I'll cut your stinking little-"

What *did* you want with her?

I wanted to be her!

I asked her if I could train with her, and she seemed to be taken aback for a moment. But she decided to try me out.

"Why would I bother training a scraggly, weak little girl like you?" she asked.

And so I said it. For the very first time, I voiced what I desired for years! "Because I want to have power, I want to have control, and most of all I want to kill every man who has ever disrespected me!"

She shook me one more time and then smiiled. And so I became Ysena's pupil.

Just what did your apprenticeship entail? What did Ysena do?

Anything that brought money. Robbery, pirate raids, slave trade...

Slave trade? I thought you were better than that!

Why? Every man or woman got what they deserve. If they are not powerful enough to defend themselves, woe to them! It's the right of the strong to decide the fate of the weak. So if a powerful person wants slaves, weak ones become slaves. I'd rather be with the strong ones and profit myself than become a slave or worse, defend slaves from their masters! They only got what they deserved by beiing weak.

*Your formidable mate, Shar-Teel, turns toward you, all strength and grace, if little of pleasantness.*

*She envelops you into a bear hug, nigh lifting you off the ground. Embracement factor aside, it feels surprisingly safe being encircled with her strong arms.*

The bear hug squeezes all other thoughts out of my head for the moment, but after it's over I can't help but think ... Shar-Teel was a slaver? Maybe she still is? Maybe she's just on vacation! That's disgusting, completely disgusting. I can't ... I don't know... what should I do about this? I frown and ponder as we get ready to go back to the Jovial Juggler in Beregost, to reunite with acquaintances and decide what to do next.

Gameplay note: Ok, I'm just imagining the spectacle of a skinny elven mage being bear hugged and lifted off the ground by some huge, savage female sellsword and it's freakin hilarious. Too bad this Let's Play thread isn't one of those threads with enough followers for fan art... *cough* *cough*

Unfortunately we've come to a crisis of character! Syvishtar is all about freedom, and his overwhelming lover has just said she was part of the slave trade. This is a huge shock for the poor elf dude. What should we do about it, if anything?

Also, its time to potentially change our party. We have done what we set out to do - kill Bassilus. Imoen and Finch are now at level 2. Shar-Teel has died 3 times, and Kivan is constantly seeing his dead wife's blood in sunsets and roses. Rose has been telling us about how she wants to be an actress and looking up at the clouds all the time. Do we want to keep them all? Some? None? Lets vote.

Who will join our party now? You have 5 votes, which can be either positive or negative. You can vote for 5 people, or against 5 people. You can vote for 3 and against 2, or vice versa. You can even vote against one person 5 times. If you have one party member you absolutely loathe, vote against them 5 times. If you have a champion that you absolutely must see in the party, give all 5 of your votes to them. Also, if you want to see less than 5 party members, give some or all votes to "NOBODY." That will be an empty party slot. If an empty party slot makes it into the top 5 votes, Syvishtar will travel with 4 companions. That means all xp will only be split 5 ways instead of 6 and the party will level faster. Votes for will be tallied, and votes against will be subtracted. The five party members with the highest number of votes will be our new party members.

After you have decided the party, based on previous thread votes we will take the party up and down the road that runs from Baldur's Gate's entrance bridge to Nashkel, clearing those areas of all monsters. We will visit the Nashkel carnival and the entrance of the Nashkel mines. We will pick up some new potential party members on the way as well. Then we will return to the Jovial Juggler and have a new party vote before entering the Nashkel Mines, travelling west with Minsc to rescue Dynaheir, or doing some other thing.

So make your votes known, and let us see what new party we will make. Here are the possibilties:



Syvishtar's Standing Army - Characters who have fought, are fighting, or will fight by our side if asked (note that levels are correct in the character records linked through each character's names, but total XP might not be current, so don't let that weigh too heavily in your decision)

Finch: An extremely happy gnome Priest of Deneir, and a miniature librarian stereotype. Confirmed that unfortunately she does not come with a stand mount. Met briefly in Candlekeep gardens. Actually said "anyhoo" in conversation. Met her again at the Red Sheaf Inn in Beregost where she helped us kill Karlat, a dwarf mercenary trying to collect on the bounty on my head. Joined up with us after the fight. Apparently she and Imoen have some history from Candlekeep. She punched Imoen in the head after Imoen glued a book together that she was reading. At level 1 she was also the juggernaut of destruction against Bassilus in the Red Canyons, destroying his undead with dialogue and Dooming him to succumb to the party's assault.

Gavin: A human Morninglord of Lathander we met outside of the Song of the Morning Temple in Beregost. Very devout, and good in a fight. Older guy, and likes to talk. Very scared of giant spiders. Hinted that he was trying to raise money for someone by adventuring, but didn't go into details. Currently standing guard in front of the Song of the Morning Temple waiting for us to pick him up again.

Imoen: My childhood friend, partner in crime, and general troublemaker Imoen, the Charming Rogue. She reads letters that she's not supposed to. She also followed me out of Candlekeep and pledged to keep me company until I got tired of her. Nice girl, her. She is becoming a pretty good thief, ripping off the entire city of Beregost and leaving them weaponless, potionless, and penniless.

Jaheira: A half-elf fighter/Priest of Sylvanus, and a very pushy woman. She says that she and Khalid often "look into" local concerns, and she wants us to all look into what's going down in Nashkel. Lets Khalid follow her around like a lost puppy. She disapproved of us working for Silke, and reprimanded me for doing that. After some time together we decided to trade her and Khalid for Finch and Shar-Teel. She took Khalid and left for the Friendly Arm Inn without so much as a goodbye.

Kagain: A dwarf Troll Slayer that was working as a mercenary in Beregost when we walked into his office. He wanted us to look for a lost caravan, but we had already found the remains of it, and showed him Silvershield's fibula. He quickly realized he was in a heap of trouble and offered to join up with us. Wonder if he will bring that trouble with him. Currently cooling his heels at the Jovial Juggler, but a crowd favorite for replacing Shar-Teel if she proves untenable.

Khalid: A nerdy half-elf fighter who has read up on ancient elven spellcasting techniques enough to train himself as a Duskblade, and Jaheira's companion. Stutters. Gets scared a lot. Apparently a long-time friend of Gorion and interested in what's going on down in Nashkel. But mostly he's interested in everything that Jaheira is, because its just like that. Followed Jaheira to the Friendly Arm Inn when we replaced them with Finch and Shar-Teel.

Kivan: An elf Archer we met outside of High Hedge. Said he had been hunting bandits for the past several months and that he would be happy to join with us if we were doing the same. When pressed, said that the bandit leader Tazok had killed someone dear to him. We took him in. He keeps going on and on about his loneliness and grief at losing his wife, Deheriana, and dragging down the group. We've started to tell him to shut up. He and Shar-Teel don't get along at all. When we killed Bassilus he considered the cleric to be like himself, caught up with the spirits of the dead. Hinted that he will commit suicide after killing Tazok.

Rose: A half-elf White Dragon Disciple we first saw being accosted in the Burning Wizard Inn, but the man said she took his money. Silke had taught us the danger of a pretty face not five minutes before, so we didn't immediately side with the chick. We tried to mediate the situation, offering the man 10 gold to drop it. He did, cursing us all. After he left Rose gave us 23 gold, which was what she considered to be our cut. Clever girl. Originally from Athkatla. Wanted to become an actress in the plays in the bridge district there, but her parents never let her. That's one of the reasons why she ran away. Likes singing, and clouds, and enjoying life. Dislikes wearing armor, as it chafes her.

Shar-Teel: A human Sellsword that met us on the road to Nashkel. Challenged our best warrior to a duel. Khalid stepped up to the plate and gave her a nice, solid cut. She capitulated and joined our party. We gave her a compliment once, and she started assuming we were together. That apparently translates as her berating us for staring at her too long, and telling us about her crooked, chauvinist pig of a father Angelo. Later, she told us of her role model and mentor, the powerful and cruel mercenary Ysena, who trained her to be what she is today. During that conversation she let it slip that she worked in the slave trade.

Tiax: This delusional gnome Strifeleader of Cyric/thief we found at the city center of Beregost. He recruited us into his cause of world domination without so much as an interview and has been haranguing us about it ever since. We left him at the Jovial Juggler in Beregost after he exhorted us to kill more puppies and defile more temples because he was getting annoying.

Will Scarlet O'Hara: A human Troubadour who greeted us as soon as we got to Beregost. Very helpful, nice guy. Offered to join us in our adventures, so we accepted. Wields a flail in melee and is proud of it. Has 6,000 gold worth of equipment waiting to be bought from different places around town. We left him at the Jovial Juggler despite his crazy-awesome bard song that gives everybody an extra attack per round, because he didn't talk.

Xzar: Crazy Necromancer Imoen and I met on the road right after Gorion had died. Knew that we had been attacked, offered us a healing potion and then tried to guilt us into going to Nashkel with him and his half-pint thug Montaron. With nothing better to do, we joined up with them at first. We then left him at the Jovial Juggler because we favored some other companions.

[Usurper]

Voting is closed. I'm kinda surprised that Shar-Teel is more popular than Imoen, but she also has the stigma of being more controversial. I guess a high priority is finding some kinda CON-boosting item for her. Our new party will be Finch, Imoen, Shar-teel, Tiax, and Xzar. When I get home, I'm going to get updated screenshots of everybody's xp to update the NPC list, assemble our new party, go on a magic shopping spree, and then head north!

This is the first time we introduced the current party voting method in the thread, where each voter has 5 votes and they can be positive or negative. In the end, the results were like this:

        Name|Positive|Negative|Total|
-------------------------------------
       Finch:   11   |        |  11 |
       Gavin:    8   |        |   8 |
       Imoen:   30   |    5   |  25 |
     Jaheira:    1   |        |   1 |
      Kagain:    5   |        |   5 |
      Khalid:    1   |        |   1 |
       Kivan:    4   |    1   |   3 |
        Rose:    7   |    1   |   6 |
   Shar-Teel:   54   |   25   |  29 |
        Tiax:   16   |        |  16 |
Will Scarlet:    1   |    3   |  -2 |
        Xzar:   10   |        |  10 |

I was kinda surprised that Shar-Teel was more popular than Imoen, but she also has the stigma of being more controversial. I guess a high priority is finding some kinda CON-boosting item for her. Our new party was Finch, Imoen, Shar-teel, Tiax, and Xzar. We planned to go on a shopping spree and then head north.

[Usurper]

26 Mirtul, 1369

We go back to the Jovial Juggler, and rest. We talk again with the other people who I had met, and tell them about the fight with Bassilus. They all listen with varying levels of attention and professional courtesy, each one probably wondering how they would have fared against such an enemy. Strangely enough there is quite a lot of tension between several people in the group, and I realize that if it weren't for me, a lot of them probably wouldn't know or speak to each other. They might even have been enemies. It is something to ponder.

We all sleep that night, and I close my eyes and drift upon the whims of my subconscious. Where should I go next? What should I do? How can I continue to associate with a slaver, even if she is strangely alluring. I toss and turn deep into the night, weighing this and that factor ceaselessly.

When I awake, my mind feels strangely calm. I know what I must do. I remember my dream, and the path in the forest that I must take - away from Gorion, and away from my former life. I must do whatever it takes to gain power, power enough to protect myself from future assaults such as that. Even if it means being near a slaver. Even if it means letting a slaver love me. I also remember the fight with Bassilus, and the divine and arcane power flying around. I need more of that with me. I call a breakfast meeting of all of my acquaintances, thank them for their company, and announce my decision. Tiax and Xzar will join the group, and Kivan and Rose can rest.

I tell Rose to give the cloak she stole to Imoen. She pouts, but she does. Then she says goodbye.



Gameplay note: She is 112 xp from level 2!



I think it's best for us to part now, but we may travel together again soon enough. Please, wait for me here.

Gotcha. Be sure to get back soon anyway! Don't wanna rot in the same place for too long.

We also say goodbye to Kivan.



He turns over all the equipment of Shar-Teel's that he was carrying, including the Gauntlets of Ogre Power, albeit reluctantly.



Our paths must run apart for a while. If I should need your help again, though, we should rendezvous at the Jovial Juggler in Beregost.

I will do this thing, but much remains to be done. Do not delay your return.

I then go on to welcome our new party members into the group. It is an ... interesting experience. Am I also destined to become as psychotic as these two? I should hope not!



I care not for you "ascension," and even less about your foretold "greatness." I need an extra body in the party, so pick up a pack and get moving.

Your continuing delusion of leadership will serve Tiax well in the long run. Lead on for now, but eventually Tiax rules!



I tell him to memorize two Cure Light Wounds spells. Compared to Finch's 6 spells that she can memorize, Tiax looks downright feebleminded. I also welcome the other feebleminded one back into the group.



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.



Of course getting all of them ready requires another day's rest in the Inn. We can't just walk out the door or something equally sensical. So we rest. And Shar-Teel talks.




Oh, but there is so much I can teach you, my foul tempered Princess! Of all our so-called 'companions', you alone come closest to the wisdom I possess! We could continue on, you as my faithful disciple, groveling at my feet and begging for any scrap of enlightenment I see fit to hand down, while I laugh and pelt you with random objects when the mood comes over me!

I said AWAY from me, you insolent pest! I no longer care about your babbling; I just want sleep, and I want it far away from you.

My disciple defies me!? My, but the young have no respect today! Why, in my day, we would strip the living flesh clean from the bone for such an outburst, laughing all the while. Oh, wait... this IS my day, isn't it? Let me get my knife.

Enough! ENOUGH! I will tolerate not another word. Moreover, if you ever threaten me again, directly or indirectly, I swear I'll not leave enough of you left for the carrion feeders! It's only because of my debt to Syvishtar that you still retain your addled head on your shoulders. Now leave me be!

Ahh, such violent thoughts are a soothing lullaby for sore ears. I will forgive you your previous trespass for such an act of kindness. Nighty night, Princess! Don't let the bed-bugs bite!

*angry grumbling*

The next day I tell my party my new idea for Finch to join Shar-Teel on the front line. Finch, of course, demures and stammers and denies being able to fight like that, but Shar-Teel seems to approve. She even tells Finch she will give her a few pointers. In order to make it all work, I take Finch to the Thunderhammer Smithy for some more equipment. Taerom seems to be able to fit a set of platemail to Finch no problem, and soon we have a tiny walking tank with a flail.



I'm sure they will work well together.

Gameplay note: Finch now actually has an AC of 1, better than Shar-Teel's 2. Finch has 20 hit points as well, while Shar-Teel only has 11. With Finch's healing the two should be able to become an impenetrable wall.

Our other stop is High Hedge, where I finally go to indulge my magical desires. I need more spells. When we arrive, I show Thalantyr the Agni Mani necklace that Imoen swiped off of some poor fool's intable. He actually seems impressed with it, remarking that it would make a good enchanting base. I give it to him as a gift, and he is very happy.



There is no real overall change in the way he treats us, though.



But when I try to talk to him about buying something, he seems oblivious. He is only focused on saving Melicamp, and won't sell me anything!



How am I going to get more spells? Maybe the Friendly Arm will have some for sale. I talk to my companions and tell them we're going to go on a little road patrol. They agree, and we head north to the Coast Way crossroads, after killing a few spiders just outside the High Hedge first, of course.



I try to cast Burning Hands on them, but instead most of the gold in my inventory vanishes. 700 gold is gone, burned up in a flash. Finch gets poisoned by the spiders, but heals herself.



Eventually Shar-Teel kills the spider, as it stayed focused on Finch. We are safe, but Finch is still poisoned, so we wait and hope she can get over it.



After using up three Heal Light Wounds spells, Finch recovers from the poison. Tiax uncharacteristically lent a hand, casting one of those. As we begin our journey north I sadly realize that I won't be buying any new magic soon. The weave is really harshing my groove today.



When we arrive, the first thing we notice is a child by the road.



Relax, kid, I don't want to hurt you.

Oh sure! That's what that other group of bandits said, and then they went and attacked a caravan I just saw leave. They were a bunch of liars, probably just like you. Get lost!

Then I remembered this place. This was where we found the dead caravans. This was where we killed the bandit leader. This place we made safe! Proudly, we walked down our road, confident that no one would hurt us. And no one did, all the way to the Friendly Arm Inn.

When we reach the Inn, I check Bentley's store for scrolls, but find nothing. I also see Khalid and Jaheira in the corner, where I first met them. I tell them to go to the Jovial Juggler and they do. Xzar and Shar-Teel complain of tiredness though, so we rent a room for the night. In the room, Shar-Teel addresses me.




I'm still upset about the slaver thing, and can't muster enthusiasm.

Just because I listened to the ramblings about your life, it does not mean that you can wipe your feet on me, Shar-Teel.

I was starting to think you were turning into a gooey-eyed sop.

Now you know that I am not. And?

How about we give another go to wrestling between the sheets?

Sorry, Shar-Teel. I lost interest in you.

Easy come, easy go.

We sleep, we wake, we go north.



When we arrive, confident and in full force, we all follow behind Finch as she speeds around the area, looking for bandits or monsters, or anything really. We soon find bandits.



We rush in to attack. I fire my arrow at the bandit at the same time that he fires his arrow at me. We both connect. I am injured, but he is dead. I let out a bit of a cackle and we go for the next.



Shar-Teel splatters him all over the pastral scenery.



One of the bandits is carrying a magical scroll!


An excellent counter for mages, clerics, and archers. I copy it into my spellbook with glee.

Edited by Usurper, 25 December 2011 - 11:02 PM.

[Usurper]

I am startled immediately afterwards by a shout.




We're friends, who are you?

I am Ajantis, squire paladin of the Order of the Most Radiant Heart, servant to Helm, son of the noble family of Ilvastarr. I am here to hunt down the vile brigands who assault those traveling these roads. What of you?

We share a similar goal, we too are after the bandits who have been raiding along the Coast way. Why do you fight against these brigands, Ajantis?

When I introduced myself, you perhaps heard when I referred to myself as a Squire knight. I am on a quest to earn my right to be a full fledged member of the Order of the Most Raidant Heart. Perhaps we could join forces, for we both wish to see the end of this bandit threat.

Unless you are starting a collection of toy knights or need an anchor for a boat, Syvishtar, I would not bother with 'joining forces' with this pompous bastard.

Fair lady, you wound me with such bitter words.

Why not, we could use another warrior.

Syvishtar, I will follow you despite the reputation you have at the moment. Time will tell whether your deeds turn out to be better than the impression you are making right now. I expect us to stay on the path of goodness and righteousness as we proceed. Let us go and chase those bandits that plague the roads!

Gameplay note: Ok, lets take a look at this paladin. Interestingly enough, in his character bio it says that he squired under Keldorn!



Ajantis is a Cavalier, which is a normal BG2 paladin kit.



The man is about as standard as you get get to a Knight, without being the Knight kit (which is broken and acts like a Stalker kit, preventing the character from wearing heavy armor). He is fearless, literally. The guy also comes with a family shield!



Pretty cool, and it gives him 2 stars in Sword and Shield style while he has it equipped.

What should we do with this guy? Do we work with him to regain our sullied reputation, hunting down the bandits together with this Force of Good? Or do we send him to the Jovial Juggler to let him cool his heels while we take care of business? And if we keep him, who should he replace? I know I just made you guys go through a ton of character-selection drama, but it's not my fault the game is chock-full of NPCS!

Edited by Usurper, 25 December 2011 - 11:02 PM.

[Usurper]

The thread voted to replace Shar-Teel with Ajantis.