1504 replies to this topic

[Usurper]

Wait a moment! You... you're Syvishtar, are you not? Thou art making quite a stir along the Sword Coast! Ever since hearing about your exploits, I've just had this... 'sharp' desire... to finally meet you.

Bah! She doesn't look so tough to me.

Gameplay note: I tested this with and without the girdle of gender-bending. Mulgore calls me a 'she' no matter my actual gender. I think he's just trying to insult me as an elf, heh.

Quiet, fool! I'm speaking to him, not you! Just drink your bloody mead and let me be the mouthpiece!

And just who exactly are you, lady?

Please, allow me to introduce myself. I am Xavia of Athkatla, and over there is my bodyguard and faithful companion, Mulgore of Luruar. Put that mug down and say hello, Mulgy.

BURP!

Gameplay note: There was recorded audio to go along with that. Wonderful.

Damn you Mulgore! I... I apologize for my companion's... rude behavior. As you can see, he's not a very sociable individual. That's why I do all the talking.

Well met then, Xavia. I am Syvishtar of Candlekeep, and these are my traveling companions: Xan, Imoen, Kivan, and last but not least Finch. So now that we have the formal introductions out of the way, tell me what is it you want from us?

Straight to business... I like that. I'll get straight to the... 'point'. Mulgore and I are on the run from a group of rogues I once proudly hailed membership to, a group called the Shadow Thieves. Have ye ever heard of 'em, Syvishtar?

Had I? Well, I remember Imoen liked sporting some Shadow Thief leather armor way back in the day...

Aye, I have.

Good. Then you can understand why we're on the move.

Well, I guess so. That armor was pretty good, if I remember right.

BURP! Hey! You there, barwench! Fetch thee another mead!

I worked for the guild as one of their assassins. They would use me when they wanted a quick, clean kill that left no evidence of foul play. I'm highly trained in the arts of stealth and silence, as well as a gifted poison maker.

As enjoyable as my job was, I thought my talents were being underutilized. One night, I arranged a secret meeting at the Copper Coronet between myself, my friend Kane who was a respected assassin, and a worthless lout named Monte, who was my apprentice at the time.

If I ever see that stupid Monte again, I swear I'll twist off his head and shove it up his bloody arse! BURP!

You and I both, Mulgore dear.

That stormy night at the Coronet, we devised a plan. We would kill the chief assassin, Kane would step up to assume his position, he would give higher profile 'assignments', and with time I would eventually be chosen as Kane's lieutenant!

But it didn't turn out that way. That little bastard Monte snitched on us! They killed Kane... gutted him like a fish they did, and then hung him by his own entrails in the guild's assassin training complex, so he can be the example for anyone who would attempt THAT stunt again. Then... they came at me.

Har har! Ye almost wet yer britches, Xavia! The look on ye face when they came for us I'll not forget any time soon!

Aye, we were lucky, Mulgore! By Tymora's will, we were able to escape Athkatla alive! So we hastily gathered what gear we could, and quickly started traveling north. We were resting for a few days from our travels at the Friendly Arm Inn, when they found us. Mulgore was able to dispatch them... but it was in a loud and bloody fashion. We had to quickly escape before getting arrested.

We sought the big city of Baldur's Gate for sanctuary. It would take the Shadow Thieves days, if not weeks to pinpoint our whereabouts there. We tried hiring ourselves on as 'adventurers', offering our services of brute force and stealth tactics to the highest bidder, but it would seem the prejudices towards orc kind are still strong this far north, so nobody would hire us on.

Sorry pieces of gibberling dung!

After a few days of searching the Gate for traveling companions with no luck, we thought our next best shot for survival would be to head even further north, either Daggerford... or even to Waterdeep, where we know the Shadow Thieves won't follow us. Along the way we stopped to rest here in Ulgoth's Beard, and were just about to hit the road again, until we met... you, that is.

So, Syvishtar, would an adventuring party such as yours have a need for ones such as us?

Gameplay note: So Xavia the Assassin and Mulgore the half-orc Barbarian want to join the Golden Company. Do we indeed have a need for ones such as them? Xavia is a level 11 Assassin, about to level to 12. She's into Ninja-tos and short bows.





Gameplay note: Mulgore is a level 9 Barbarian. He's into halberds, two-handed swords, and longbows.





Gameplay note: Since we don't have either of these two classes in our lineup I see no reason to change them.

So, do we have a need for ones such as they?

A. Not right now. Have them guard the Elfsong Tavern until we can put them in the rotation.
B. Yes, we do! And they should fill the spot Edwin left, along with replacing...

1. Finch. We don't want to see her die again. She needs to leave now before its too late.
2. Xan. He's going to die soon anyways. Better to leave him at home.
3. Imoen. Xavia sounds like a replacement for Imoen's thiefly skills.
4. Kivan. Dude never says anything anymore. Better Mulgore's burping!

Cast your votes!

[hook71]

I vote for B and 4.

[Sanctifer]

Yep, B and 4 too

[AmyAE]

B and 4, why not.

[Usurper]

There's a huge fight in the main thread about whether to drop Xan or Kivan. I'd prefer to drop Kivan, so I'm glad of these votes for him here. hehe.

[AmyAE]

Does no one on the other thread appreciate romance???

[Usurper]

They are saying that Xan's romance is too "creepy". 

 

And I wish I understood the rules about viewing or not viewing the something awful forums. It seems like they just turn things on and off at random.

[AmyAE]

They are saying that Xan's romance is too "creepy". 

 

Hmm. I disagree, but I can kind of see where they're coming from.

[Tempest]

They are saying that Xan's romance is too "creepy". 

 

Hmm. I disagree, but I can kind of see where they're coming from.

 

Goons in general dislike CRPG romance unless it's an entertaining trainwreck.

Edited by Tempest, 02 July 2013 - 10:41 AM.

[Usurper]

Wow, this is a new event. For the first time I think ever, voting is actually tied.

Replace:

1. Finch.    .
2. Xan.      ....................
3. Imoen.	
4. Kivan.    ....................

I think the only possible course of action right now is to flip a coin. Heads Xan stays, tails Kivan stays. Going to http://justflipacoin.com/ says... HEADS! Ok, Xan stays, Kivan goes home. I'll start playing another update now.

Edited by Usurper, 06 July 2013 - 08:07 AM.

[Usurper]

23 Flamerule, 1370

Saying goodbye to Kivan is not hard - we have done it many times before, but only temporarily. He knows the drill as well as I.



We should separate now. I'll look you up next time I'm in the Gate - meet me in the Elfsong Tavern.

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

Then, I turn to address the answer laying thick upon the air around us.



You sound dangerous... but it may be worth our while to have you with us. Fall in line if you wish, but be advised Xavia, everybody carries their weight in this group.

I assure you, Syvishtar, our performance will not disappoint!

Keep out of my way, elf, and ye won't get hurt!

This orc had better live up to his bluster, or I'm going to magic him something fierce. Of course, we need to suit these two up with decent equipment. We go off to the armory.

While there, Xan asks me a question.



Syvishtar, have you had any more nightmares recently?

Half-rememberd fears and terrors threaten to bubble up from my subconscious. I push them back down.

Not that I remember, no.

It might be the blood of the Tel'Quessir in your veins that protects you. In any case, I hope you will not experiene these horrors again.

It is enough to hear that Xan has hopes. I'm proud of him.

Mulgore insists on using halberds. I realize that we only have 4 halberds in our armory. Each one is quite interesting, though. I give them all to Mulgore. He can use whichever one is appropriate for the occasion.









We also have the problem with Mulgore that we've had before - he can't wear the highest-quality elven chain, so there is only one of the golden elven chains to share between him and Xavia. I give it to her, because Mulgore is wearing a shocking set of orc leather armor.



All in all, he looks pretty respectable when we have him outfitted.



Gameplay note: The extra hit points come from the red helm.

And Xavia doesn't look so bad herself.



We find a blade for her that lets her move around more quietly.



I now have a melee-heavy party, so I change our formation to a triangle. Mulgore is on point, flanked by Xan and Finch. Imoen and Xavia stand on either side of me, in the back. I think this will work quite nicely.



Then, I think the best thing to do with this group is to get Mendas the charts he needs. He seems a little squirrely, but if he is going to follow through I see no reason for us to not follow through as well. So it is off to Baldur's Gate again!



We find The Counting House with little problem, and go inside.





I know the only kind of talk they'll listen to - talk of money.

I am here to clear my debts with the League.

Debts? Of what sort?

Tea and spices purchased in Kara-Tur.

... As you will, but I urge you to conduct your business swiftly as I have little patience for your tone.

Wow, that worked! I start to make merchant-related gestures like waiting around and tapping my foot impatiently while Imoen glides off to do her own thing. When she gets to the second floor, though...



Hail, Captain. I have been sent to inquire if there is aything else you'll be needing before you set sail.

Aye, ye be wit' the League, then... A jug o' this town's hardest liquor would make for a fine departure, if ye'd be so kind. Old De'Tranion brews a vile swill at'll do the trick. Ye can find the old coot at the Blushing Mermaid.

When Imoen tells me what the guy wants, I think that the Weave is smiling upon me, because I've had one of them in my potion case for quite a while. Imoen comes to surreptitiously pick it up from me and returns upstairs.



When she gets up there,



Cheers to the Merchant League!

Aye, that's the stuff! Be a good lass and hold these sea charts fer me. I'm feeling a bit woozy...

Imoen practically bounces back down the stairs, her glee barely contained. She got them!



Well that was a whole lot easier than I thought it would be!



When we get back to Ulgoth's Beard, that strange gnome named Dushai seems a lot more friendly. I guess because she's seen us before?

[Usurper]

Uh... yes. Your fame has spread far and wide and adventuerers such as ourselves could not pass through Ulgoth's Beard without stopping to see you.

A charmer ye be. Even in me younger days I never believed that I held fame beyond the Beard. I know that ye follow Balduran's path to far Anchorome. This is easy to discover for an old woman that knows to heed the whispering stones.

What other knowledge do you hold?

Ye walk quite blindly into this adventure. I know something of Balduran's story and will share it with you. I require only a bit of gold for me research expenses.

Perhaps 100 gold pieces will satisfy your muse?

It will, at that. Listen, then, and learn. As ye may know, Baldur's Gate was named for the legendary seafaring explorer Balduran, who long ago sailed past Evermeet in search of the rich, fabled isles of Anchorome. Balduran returned with tales of strange, vast lands across the seas. He also brought back much wealth and scattered it about his sparsely settled home harbor. So Baldur's Gate was born.

He then set sail again for the wondrous lands he had found. Balduran never returned. Some say he sails still, finding new lands in the endless reaches of the far sea, ore ven that he sailed off the world and fares now among the stars. Others whisper that he met with misfortune and perished in the deeps, while still others believe that he lived to a ripe old age in his new-found home.

Perhaps you will discover his fate on this island that you sail to, perhaps not. Regardless, I wish ye well on your journey and may say no more.

I guess Mendas did mention Balduran artifacts in the shipwreck on the island. He didn't mention it was Anchorome though. I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out!

When we get to Mendas' home again, he is overjoyed to see us.



I am ready. Where is your boat?

I hire boat at the docks here in Ulgoth's Beard. I meet you there soon.

Then he rushes outside before we do. When we finally get out there, he rushes up to us again.



I have bought boat to use. It has food and water for journey. Everything is ready. You go now?

Let us leave immediately.

Most excellent, heroes. May gods grant you speedy journey. I will await your return at my house here in Ulgoth's Beard. Go well!

His well-wishes are incredibly naive.



Things do not go well, not at all.




Gah.

Blah.

Pslah.

I never want to sail again.



Okay, we are all here. Imoen, Xan, Finch, and the two expendables. Ok. We can do this.

Wait, is that a little girl I see standing over there?



Yes child, I did swim in. Our ship sank and we are in need of shelter.

OK, I believe you. Not see many that swim in. Many float, but don't wake up. Fishies are mean and cliffs hurt ship-homes. You lucky. Still smell funny though. Maybe you stay and belong?

Belong to whom, little one? You are not alone here?

Alone? Of course not, silly. There's mommay, poppay, my brother too. We've got neighbors too. The village is very nice. It's boring sometimes, but I like it.

The seas are treacherous in this area. How did you come to live here? I saw no ships nearby.

Mommay says great-great grammay came here on a ship-home like you. Sumthin' happened and they had to swim or be caught by the fishies. The ship-home is here somewhere, I guess. We're not allowed to go there.

You do not seem alarmed to see me. How often do strangers come here?

Not very often, and they don't always want to make friends. That's what mommay says, but I never seen anyone that doesn't belong. Until I meet you, anyway. You still smell funny, but you not scary. Not like the beasties.

The "beasties?" What do you mean?

The beasties are scary. They sometimes look like us, but they change and get mean. Mommay says they are nothing more than animals, but the other animals don't hate us so much. Maybe... maybe you will help us?

Perhaps, but I should meet with your people and find out what is going on first.

Yeah, you go to the village and speak to mommay's friend, Kaishas. She leads while mister chieftain is away. Dunno where he went, but he's away and you should speak to Kaishas. I gotta go, but maybe we will see each other later, maybe I too busy playing. We'll see. Bye-bye!

I always like talking to kids. It reminds me of the Weave.

We have just recovered from an actual shipwreck. I don't really feel like going anywhere just yet. I think we should take some time to recover our strength, to rest and recuperate. To dry off. So we set up camp right here next to the pieces of the ship that brought us here, get a warm fire going, and just sit still. There is no rocking of the boat. No worries about anything. Just the waves and the seagulls and the relaxing feeling of being alive and not dead and not having my life threatened by anything.

I wonder if I am now further from my home than ever before. I do not know exactly how far away that ice island was, or the Isle of Lendore with Restenford on it. Does this count, or that count, as furthest island? I might try to work it out via the stars later. But the feeling is the same as when I was on Lendore. A feeling of removal, of peace. A feeling that whatever great horrors await me are not moving closer.

I also remember how I was a woman then. I can't get that idea out of my head, and eventually find myself looking at the Girdle of Cognizance again. It will turn me into a woman via magic, just by putting it on.



I should try it again. Just for the day. It was kinda nice being so pretty. I slip it on.



Ahh, yes! With the rush of magic flowing over me comes a desire to rush back into the waves and have some fun. So I do. Xavia stares, open-mouthed, but I don't think Mulgore notices or cares. Finch and Imoen giggle to each other and then set about the business of making food. Xan follows me into the waves.

It is an entirely enjoyable afternoon and evening. I don't even care what happens next. I just want to eat roast rabbit and look out over the sea and celebrate being alive. We all fall asleep in the night, after talking about our dreams and secret desires. Even Mulgore softens up.

The next morning...




Shhh... Estel'amin, it's me. The sunrise is near, and I do not want you to miss it. Not today.

*Xan picks you up in his arms, your head resting against the tender skin of his shoulder, and carries you away from the camp. As he walks, his fingers are nimbly racing lines along your cheecks and ears, bringing you awake. When you open your eyes, you see that the sky has already turned blue, and a pale pink line glimmers over the horizon.*

Finally, Xan stops in the middle of a small glade, and gently puts you down. You hear the sounds of arcane chanting, flowing from his lips in an ancient melody.*

*For a moment, nothing happens. Then his feet slowly start to rise off the ground and into the air. Whiley ou gaze at the sight, Xan gathers you up once more, and next moment, both of you are gaining height, levitating higher and higher over the ground in a tight embrace.*

*Some ancestral instincts of the People awake deep within you, and as the treetops sway under your feet, the first fear disappears, replaced by calm enjoyment of the ride, the morning and the slender figure in your arms. Xan is watching you in some trepidation, but as your face relaxes, he sighs in relief, momentarily burying his face in your hair, and murmurs your name against your skin.*

*The first glimmer of the sunrise lights the sky aflame, coloring your faces golden, and the light leaps from every wet blade of grass and leaf to meet it, erecting a golden dome around the pair of you. The sight is breathtaking, and the cool, solemn silence of the early morning makes it even more so.*

*Xan turns his face away from the sun, and his eyes shine as they look into yours.* Syvishtara, dream with me. Here, away from this world of misery, away from our foes and calamities, it is easier to imagine that some day, our trials shall be over. Some day, we shall be able to travel away from this sorrowful land, to where the gardens are full of blooming flowers, the streams run with singing water, and Elven blood runs strong and clear in people. Will you... will you step over the threshold of Hanali's temple with me, then? Will you become mine in the eyes of the whole darkening world? My... wife in the eyes of the People?



Gameplay note: Well? He's waiting. Make up our collective mind already!

Edited by Usurper, 07 July 2013 - 05:58 AM.

[AmyAE]

Hmm. I'd normally go with 1, but 4 might be more in Syvishtar's character.

[hook71]

AmyAE has a point. I'll go with 4 as well.

[Usurper]

Well it looks like the runaway vote is to say yes, and do option 1:

Marry Xan:

Yes: .................
No:  .......

specific response:

1: .................
2: 
3: .
4: ...

So I'll go with that!

[Usurper]

26 Flamerule, 1370



I pause for a long moment, trying to collect my thoughts. "He's okay with me flitting between genders at a whim. That kind of understanding is hard to find," says a voice in my mind. Another chimes in, "Marry the man." But a stubborn one responds, "Our heart belongs to Shar-Teel, damnit." That is followed by a pang of regret. "I say yes, go for it," a smiling voice says. "I just don't have the heart to make him more depressed." Another voice who feels like its always dancing chimes in with "No, this is way too early to be settling down." An exuberant voice shouts, "YES! We're also going to marry anyone else who asks! We are going to have ALL the spouses!" A companion voice agrees, saying "He shall be the first in our harem." "Stick it to Shar-Teel one final time. Go for it!" a bitter sound exclaims. One strident voice shouts, "ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY NOT!" The voices go on like this for quite some time. In the end, I have an understanding of what they want me to say.

Xan... of course I shall!

Then, Estel'amin, we share yet another dream.

*Xan leans to kiss you, but as he does, you see that his face is rapidly becoming pale, and beads of sweat run in streams down his forehead, as he fights to control the spell. Fear flickers in his eyes, and breaking away from your lips, he clutches your shoulders in an iron grip.*

*Next moment, the wind swishes in your ears, and the tree trunks swim in front of you, as you start descending. It is slow and careful, and the ground approaches steadily, but compared to the calm and glorious rise, it feels frightening, and out of control.*

*Your bare feet touch the grass lightly. The forest around you is still drowned in blue shadows, unlike the shining, verdant canopy above, and the joy of flight is gone from your heart, replaced with emptiness. Xan lies on the ground with his eyes closed, looking thoroughly drained, crystalline drops of dew sparkling on his face together with sweat. Finally he opens his eyes, sad and regretful once more, and sighs bitterly.*

So, we have been taught a lesson yet again. No, love cannot nest in the mind exhausted by the grim reality, and neither can it survive in these harsh lands. *sigh* Forget this morning, Syvishtara. Other occupations call - the endless fight for survival of our race, and your own everlasting quest. A hopeless enterprise, no doubt, but we should at least try. Come, let us away.

*The sun rises once more, bathing you in waves of light, and the morning song of the birds fills the air, as you walk to the camp. The day begins.*

But one more thing happens before the day does begin. I see a vision of elvendom that awes my senses.

Gameplay note: Yes, the video played then. I'm not sure why. It is not what happened, and is not referenced in the conversation. It's just... hey, here's an elven place. Yay?

After our day of relaxing on the beach, we decide that we should head out and find this village that the little girl belongs to. We need to get Balduran's logbook and get off this island quick-like. Why don't any of the mages ever teach me that teleport spell they use to send me all over the world? That would be extremely useful right now.

We don't have far to travel before we see someone just... standing there. Was he spying on us? Probably.



When we get to the village, people shy away from us. What is up with these guys?



It would be great if people would just TELL me where this Kaishas headwoman is. Am I going to have to guess? Because I guess... the biggest shack.



Nope, that's storage.



Imoen liberates a few potions and gems.



Then we continue on our way. Maybe she's in one of the little huts?



Nope.



Not even the fisherman across the bridge wants to talk to us.



Ooh, hey, maybe its this big building over the water!



Nope, but there is a friendly guy here, Taloun.



Sure thing buddy! (Buncha freaks around here if you ask me.)

The only other guy who wants to at least address me is Jorin.



Yes, BUT WHERE? WHERE IS KAISHAS GAN?!

OH, hey, a big wall. Perhaps the headwoman lies behind said wall.



In this really awesome-looking terraced dwelling!



Nope, nothing here but... a secret passage!



A really, really secret passage, because we can't seem to Imoen it open.



We try to head to what looks like the center of the village.



YES. WE KNOW. WHERE IS SHE?

We try the elevated hut in the center of the village.



Finally! One headwoman found!



I realize I'm still wearing the Girdle of Cognizance. Probably shouldn't take it off for now. These suspicious villagers will probably try to burn me at the stake. Fine. I'll be a woman for this island.

We will not harm you. Our ship foundered and we washed ashore on your island.

Then you are as we, for our beginning was as yours. Long have we been on this home, but not always. The mothers of our great-grandmothers were from away, but traveled near and the depths swallowed their ship. Accursed cliffs below have sharper teeth than we.

You were shipwrecked? How long ago? I have come looking for an ancient shipwreck.

You have? How you know of this place? We are undisturbed for age upon age, but you know of our wreck?

I decide to be a little ambiguous here.

A ship sailed close during a storm, but could not land. They saw an old shipwreck, but no sign of you or anyone else. We came to investigate and possibly gather salvage from the wreck.

You pirate, or just beachcomber? Not much to salvage left on the vessel after so many years. Maybe few trinkets, but I have not been in year upon year. We took all that could carry.

Have you tried to repair it? Maybe we could use it to rescue ourselves?

Repair is not likely. It has been age upon age since landing and freedom. Our wreck was skeleton then, and will not have endured the years as well as we. I have not been for long time gone though.

Why have you not visited the wreck in so long?

It is not safe to go. Cursed by beasts, this island is. Our wall protects, and we fight tooth and nail. The village is refuge, but the island is wild. There are those that do not belong; they are death to us, and we to them.

Is there any other way off the island? A way around the "beasts?"

There is a way. We did start to build a ship-home. After all, if we can build the wall and village, we can build the craft to leave. The first of the mothers were concerned with survive, but now we wish to go. The beasts have caused us trouble no end though. We could not build ship-home on this edge of island because of reef and cliffs below the sea. The other side of the isle is calm, but the creatures live there. We have fought tooth and nail, but we wish peace in life. Perhaps... perhaps you can help? If you kill the beasts we would be free to leave all. I trust you have charts for sea directions? If we could finish ship-home, we could be delivered all.

I must tknow what beast you speak of. What must we fight?

The beasts? They evil, and kill us on sight! We have held them back, and lived as human as we could. They are animals, and live as wolves or carrion-feeders. They disgust, and we despise them.

That was very informative, but exactly what type of creatures are they?

Wolf-like, but not wolves. Man-like, but not men. I sorry, but I do not know what you would call them. All we know is that they are like us, but not like us. They do not belong.

Say no more; I shall deal with them immediately!

Wonderful! You will help us and we will help you. Together we leave this isle and take our children to the world. You will find the gates are open to you. Please close tightly behind, as we shall guard while you search. They have a leader, the beasts do. Their howling calls him Karoug, but it is hard to understand for sure.

So. Sounds like werewolves. Should be simple enough, right? I think. I haven't actually gone up against werewolves before.

[Usurper]

Xan starts to speak as we go out the door.



Huh, but I've already run away, Xan. From Candlekeep. Now I'm sticking with Syvishtara.

Does a solemn vow bind you to Syvishtara?

Nope. Friends don't need stuff like that. I help Syvishtara to stay alive, and she guards my back.

A praiseworthy example of loyalty in this doomed world. If more were exercising such beautiful feelings, the world would have had hope, I guess. Regretfully, even you are already involved in the suicide race, which seems to be the way of peoples nowadays, and have no exit.

I guess he's sad that his romantic spell didn't go off the way he wanted it to? I'm going to have to try to teach him more about magic.

Now that we have spoken to the headwoman, everybody else in the village seems more open. Like Maralee.



Aye, we will seek them out and destroy them.

Please help me stranger, I have no one left to turn to.

What is it, girl?

My baby, they have him! You must save him! Oh, please!

Slow down, miss, you have my attention.

It has been so hard, not knowing. Two moons ago my husband took my son out hunting with him. They were attacked by those horrible wolf-creatures. They... they killed my husband and took my baby. Kaishas says that they took the baby away to eat him but I know he's still alive.

They won't go and look for him and they stop me from leaving the village. You have to help me!

I could never turn my back on a child who is in distress. If he is still alive I will find him.

Thank you friends! Please bring him back to me.

Wow, this is worse than I thought. Baby-stealing werewolves terrorising innocent, peaceful natives on a pristine tropical island paradise? It doesn't get much simpler than this. It's so nice to be involved in a straightforward fight against evil.

I'm going to stop by and see what that nice guy by the docks is saying.



As you say, we are not professional sailors. Do you mean to imply that you are?

Aye, it's true. I was once a sailor for Sybarr Spices out of Amn, bringing product from the New World. Many seasons have passed since then. Everything be different now. Everything...

I don't wish to interrupt your melancholy, but how did you end up on this island?

We sailed to Maztica and returned, laden with spices. The ship was attacked by a kraken and dragged beneath the waves. Those of us that survived were pulled, one by one, into the kraken's beak to be eaten. I clung to some of the ship's planking and somehow the kraken missed me. I drifted for days, eating me shoes and drinking only rainwater.

Eventually I drifted to this island. I gained membership to the clan by showing the villagers new techniques for fishing and farming. The clan has been here since Balduran's time ye understand. They be sorely in need of the little bit of modern technology that I be having.

It is a fantastic tale, I admit, but I swear it is true.

Why is it that these descendants of Balduran's crew haven't been able to escape the island? For that matter, why did the original crew not build a boat and sail for home?

It isn't so simple, ye landlubber. Balduran and his guide Dradeel went missing in the battle. No one knows where this isle lays, for certain. Nevertheless, an attempt has been made. The fisherman, under my tutelage, built a small boat. Selaad Gan, our headman and husband to Kaishas, sailed for the mainland nearly a year ago. We have no heard from him. He is assumed to be dead.

I can say no more at this time but I will offer ye the advice that I never got. Watch yourself. Nothing on this island be as it seems. Not these people, not the monsters and not meself. Do what you must quickly. Ye don't have much time.

Well. That's unsettling. I go to look for this gatekeeper that the Headlady talked about. Everyone seems very happy that I've agreed to help.



Seriously, he hasn't been able to leave the walls before? Surely he's exaggerating?



Uh, thanks I guess? It's not like I'm some sort of ultimate engine of destruction, the rightful end of all things, come to drop a righteous fury down upon this island like the fist of an angry god... heh, heheh, heheheheheh...

Okay, where did all that come from? I didn't say that out loud did I? Just keep walking, just keep talking. We're exploring. We're explorers. I'm an explorer. That's all.

First impression: outside the walls is actually quite beautiful. There are lots of flowers and pretty butterflies eveywhere!



And after finishing our patrol of the immediate area around the village I declare the perimeter safe.



There's no way they have so many people cooped up behind those tiny walls. It can't be true, can it? Wondering about the cramped confines of island life, we head north into uncharted territory.



Gameplay note: This place is like Restenford. There is no world map icon here, just a transition to another map.

It isn't long before we hear a rustling in the bushes. We turn and look, and see werewolves!



Our fighters rush the werewolves. Mulgore hits one werewolf so hard it flies back and loses consciousness!



Most of the beasts are chunks in a moment.



This is going to be the easiest native liberation ever!

Gameplay note: Ok, the modder for Mulgore and Xavia gave Mulgore a soundset of orcs from Warcraft II. He says "chop chop!" during combat. This is hilarious!

We decide to follow the shoreline north. Eventually we run across a hunter. Strange that he is alone and not scared like everyone else on the island.



We are the party of Syvishtara. We have come to retrieve artifacts from Balduran's ship.

Are you not aware of the danger that lies within the bowels of the ship?

I have been made aware of the lycanthropes that infest the ship. If they get in my way then they will taste my steel.

Bold and foolish adventurer, Karoug wil enjoy your company. Until he eats you, that is. I shall leave you to your fate.

This guy knows the leader of the beasts? Maybe he is a werewolf himself! I approach him to ask him more questions. But he responds with hostility.



And then he transforms into a werewolf right in front of our eyes!



Mulgore puts him down in two hits.



Following the coast north leads us to a tiny spit of sand.



But it just loops back around to the mainland.



There are plenty of deer on the island.



We loop back around, and we discover what I think is the coolest of island topography, the lagoon.



Later on we find Palin, who asks for our help.



Lead the way. Let us show these beasts the face of fear.

This way, this way!

[Usurper]

He leads us to the east a ways, and stops.



I see no battle. State your purpose.

This is battle. Brothers, join the slaughter.

His "brothers" turn out to be other werewolves, that rush out of the trees! Those little bastards!



We slaughter them immediately. They were simply not ready for The Golden Company.



We find something strange on Palin's corpse.



OOoh, so cuuuute! Wait, I hope this doesn't belong to that stolen baby. That would be a bad sign.

We move on. Just past the place where Palin ambushed us, we find a tower with cannon on it, and cannonballs.



I've read about these. These are fearsome weapons, like Fireball projectors, but non-magical. What are they doing just sitting out here in the open?

But beyond the tower is a woman in distress.



Gameplay note: For every single conversation on this island I've got the option to be a total dick to everyone. "If this Jondal is dead, then he was weak and should never have been born." Ha!

Who killed Jondal?

The wolf-men. They attack us as we search for roots in the forest. Please avenge my Jondal. He was so young...

This may be another ambush. But who cares, it's not like Mulgore can't take them out.

And vengeance you shall get, my lady. Lead on!

They are this way. Please kill them, I am so frightened.

And with that she leads us north.



Ok, these werewolves are real assholes. Even Kryla turns into one!



Next to them are parts of what may be a house foundation, or maybe some ship pices? It's hard to say.



Oh, okay, this definitely used to be a house. Islanders used to live here.



And we also find an intact cabin. I wonder what's inside?



It looks like a mage is inside!



Do I know you, sir?

Know me? I doubt it very much. How did you find me? Did the Gibbering Twelve send you? Or was it perhaps, Golodon the Unmanned?

Gibbering Twelve - no, but the Gibbering Three might have...

What do you mean? We found your hut and came in through the door.

It matters not. I must escape this island. If you are undiseased then you may help me, be you an obese Amnish elf or an inebriated Baatezu.

You came through the wards so it seems that you have not contracted that terrible condition.

Disease? Condition? What do you speak of?

Have you not seen the abominations? Lycanthropy is the disease I speak of. The wolf-men are everywhere. You must have encountered them.

We met them right outside your home. In fact, we came to destroy them. We understand that their lair is on Balduran's ship.

By the Gods! If you are willing to fight these terrors then you must assist me.

I have no fear of these cowardly beasties. Show me their lair and I will put them to the sword!

Truly, I am in your debt. The lycanthropes' lair is in Balduran's ship. My spell book lies within. With it, I am a powerful mage. Without it, I am the pauper that stands before you. These few wards I cast are gifts of pity from Selune. I have turned to the goddess in my fear and solitude. Perhaps my lengthy imprisonment is but a penance so that I might become worthy of the Goddess.

I digress. With my spellbook retrieved, I may be able to discover a way off of the island. If you go to destroy the lycanthropes' lair, I would ask that you find my book.

I shudder to think of what I would do without my own spellbook. Or Rhialto's spellbook. Or Pelltar's spellbook. Poor fool, here. I should help him out.

Where might this book be found in the ship?

My spellbook is in a chest in my cabin. The cabin is next to Balduran's on the level just below the decks. Please hurry back with it. This amulet is all that I can offer you as protection against the lycanthropes. Should you need to rest, I hope that my humble abode will serve you well.

With that, he gives us a Silver Amulet. I take a look at it.



Imoen finds a few things on Dradeel's desk.



I look at the sword. It is a katana!



The book, though, is much more disturbing.

Cornflour,
The eggs of a seabird,
A spoon of the Whitecap fungus,
The fruit of your choice for sweetening,
One small measure of the belladonna root.
Prepare as one would a breadloaf, though less time given to the rising. Bake in a well stoked hearth under leaves for one turn of the hourglass.

Notes to myself: Refrain from eating this ever again. Exceptionally poisonous. Remember the unfortunate week on the kitchen floor.
************

Dradeel's Vegetable Surprise
A dish that turned out surprisingly edible. Not recommended as the primary meal every day for 300 years. Some disorientation may result.

Place 2 cups virgin Netherise Olive Oil and 1 large chopped onion in a large pot.
Saute onions in oil over medium fire until onions begin to become clear.
Add 2 chopped carrots and 2 chopped stalks of celery.
Saute for an additional 3 minutes.
Add 1 1/2 quarts of water and bring to a boil.

Add 2 diced and peeled potatoes, 1 cup of white wine (I find that a Myth Rhynnian vintage is perfect), 1 bay leaf, 2 diced tomatoes, and chopped parsley to taste.

Cook, covered, over medium-smallish fire until vegetables are almost tender. Add 2 cups of chopped spinach and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Serve hot and garnish with grated cheese.

Note: For orcish version, replace all ingredients with turnips.
************

Curative Ingredients for the Dispelling of Lycanthropy.
Mother's family recipe

Notes: Mother's topical salve is a rather large failure. Research further with the following in mind: The creatures on this isle are unusual beyond their splitting into two factions. Theirs is an odd curse, one that defies the traditional remedies (such as the unfortunately dangerous muffins previous), though one is not without hope. The exotic origin of the orginal stock suggest a unique enchantment, not unlike that of the more widely known vampiric afflictions. The casual bite might be averted using such things as the Belladonna flower, but an intentional infection could actually require the extermination of the leader of the clan. This is merely conjecture of course, as I have been unable to examine said leader. Despire my strange immunity, his is a strength that could still inflict a measure of serious damage upon my physical form. He and I have spoken on occasion, though his tolerance of me is no more resilient than mine is of him.

Further notes to myself: Future offerings of peace to either of the wolven clans should not take the form of muffins of any sort.
************

The Bachelor's Crutch
Noodles of quality and convenience.

Ingredients:
A measure of noodles.
Boiling water.
Container.

Combine ingredients in container.
Enjoy. Oh yes, enjoy.

Notes to myself: Should probably be supplemented with something of nutritional value, lest my bones become brittle as chalk. Perhaps the container?

[Usurper]

Two factions? Two factions of wolves? Uhhhh, does that mean what I think it means? Does that mean everybody on this island is a werewolf?!

I need to get off this rock fast.

Imoen searches through the rest of the mage's things and comes across some more goodies. She finds an axe, which she also shows me. It is quite a powerful artifact.



Gameplay note: That's almost Carsomyr as an axe.



This Holy Cloak is better than your average cloak. I give it to Finch. She's a priest, she needs to be holy.

The other thing Imoen finds is Belladonna.



I have the feeling we're going to need it before we're off this rock.

We decide to take up Dradeel's offer and sleep the night away in his cabin. In the morning, we step out and go to the shipwreck. It isn't far. I'm not sure what we will find in there, so we buff up before heading in.



When we head in, I get a very strange feeling of being watched.

And we are ambushed by the Total Wolf Package!



But we are confident in our abilities, and after a few seconds we are alone again.



Imoen notices an extremely tiny stash of items next to us.



We climb the stairs to the next deck and find another pack of werewolves up there.



But they are simply not a threat to us.



Xavia seems to have learned some new tricks, but she won't tell us what they are.





Gameplay note: She's got another pip, which I put in katanas. Then I try to get her to wield that katana we just picked up, but she has inaequate strength! Crap.



Imoen finds a trap here in this ship.



But there's nothing of note in it, just some gold. In another box, she finds Werebane.



We give it to Xavia. She'll be able to use it best. Then we look around and find that there is a ladder going up further.



Up the ladder, and we see yet another group of wolves in wait to kill us.



But again, they are just not a threat.



Mulgore practically splatters them all over the walls.



Imoen finds more trapped cubbyholes with stuff in them.



Just a few potions and some loose coins, though.

This is a pretty big ship, because there are even more stairs going up. I imagine up there is going to be the deck.



Well, not quite.



We are the party of Syvishtara. We have come to put an end to your reign of terror over this island.

Reign of terror, outsiders? You speak to Kaishas, yes? She tell you lies about my people. It is not truth. Karoug will tell you truth.

What? Okay, what is this now.

You have my attention. Go ahead.

They have told you that my people are evil, but truth is different. They hate us because we are not like them. They kill us on sight. They set fire to our home. You should kill the others; we are innocent. We kill only to defend.

That story is quite different according to our knowledge. In fact, we were told that you killed a hunter and took his child. The child that I see you holding matches the description. How would one explain that contradiction?

The child is mine now! It is no concern of you.

The child's mother has a prior claim to the boy.

You do not kill my family and dare to question me! Die if you cannot understand.

I did not notice before, but a mage was standing in the corner. She bursts into magical light as she summons protections.



Imoen lands a Lightning Bolt on the mage, but the mage lands a double-whammy Ray of Enfeeblement on Mulgore too.



She reduced his strength to 21!



I hit the room with Dispel Magic to try to set things right.



Since we are all focusing on the mage, Dase, her life ends quickly. Except... it doesn't. She violently changes for herself and becomes a werewolf, just like everybody else on this island!



Imoen takes a few hits, but I am able to heal her, and she scares away her attackers with her Wand of Fear.



Xan is the one to strike down the Greater Wolfwere that I assume used to be Karoug.



And then suddenly, everyone is dead.