Baldur's Gate Saga RP Playthrough - Chaotic Evil Human Berserker [COMPLETE]

[Selerel]

Hello everyone,

For about the past year or so, I've been posting my Roleplay playthroughs on the Beamdog forums. I was actually keeping the roleplay "journaling" to myself, for posterity's sake, until I discovered the Challenges and Playthroughs board and started posting my playthroughs there. I migrated here to continue the storyline--thank you Arvia for the invite if you are reading this.

So I'm currently playing a Chaotic Evil Human Berserker and am in the first half of Shadows of Amn after taking the character through BG1 and SoD. I was thinking to post the entire story so far onto this message board. It's 20-something posts long, but I may combine them, but figured it would be worth it to get the whole story together. I'll add spoiler tags to the photos so there may be some delay. But I'll be replying to this post in short order..

Just as an intro, here are my guidelines when I play:

-PLAYTHROUGH of the entire Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition saga from BG1 to TotSC to SOD to SOA to TOB. Core rules...unmodded. Official vanilla.

-MINIMAL RELOAD. I know that has different meanings to different people, but to me it means I reload when charname dies, but I roll with anything else that might happen. This means I may have a catastrophe where my entire party dies, and it would be easier to give up and reload...but as long as PC still stands, I'll fight the temptation to bring up an earlier save (I don't count gameplay bugs or real-world distractions). And as far as charname deaths, I recently started logging every time this happens. So I just believe there are a couple hundred alternate realities, most of which charnames dies and never ascends to Bhaal's throne...but I'm writing about that one universe where he succeeds. The fact is, I want to take the character through the entire saga and see how that specific story ends up. But I also want to have as natural and random experience as I can. After all this time playing BG I do appreciate random unfortunate events that throw a wrench into my plans. So that segues to...

-ROLEPLAY & MINIMAL METAGAMING. I try to flesh out as realistic a character as possible and roleplay that. I try to come up with a unique personality and Candlekeep-based biography to match. I generally think about it for a day or so before I start a new character! I pick their class, possible dual class, weapon specializations, and thief skills if applicable, but beyond that I don't keep any specific plan for the playthrough. Respond naturally, as I think the character would in that moment, and see what happens. In practice, this determines dialogue options (and their consequences), my specific prioritization of quests and exploring areas, and what companions I keep. I make the most in-character choices, even if I'm aware it may lead to not getting a quest or losing out on a companion or whatever. Example: I have had hopes for weeks of getting a certain companion in my party, only to realize when I finally meet them that's there's no realistic way to get them to join with the dialogue options provided. And I have to suck it up and move on...so I really don't have any idea what's going to happen what I start up.

If you don't want to catch up on the entire saga, I have game-by-game summaries written up ON THE TOP OF PAGE 4.

I'll post next about the character himself...

 

[Selerel]

Ethal Jo
Human Berserker
Chaotic Evil
Enneagram Personality Type 8w9

STR: 18/21
DEX: 18
CON: 18
INT: 12
WIS: 9
CHA: 16

Weapon specializations: Mace, Warhammer, Two Weapon Style

Spoiler

***

Bio:

You were a very tough sire for Gorion to raise. There was always some kind of cold, angry mean streak in you; you were a large child and tended to beat and violently dominate other children during play, with countless incidents over the years, hundreds of which seemingly already happened before you formed your earliest memories. In the formative years, you learned that you can get what you want by aggressively taking it. But even into your later childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, as you became a large, strong warrior, callously roaming the Candlekeep grounds naturally looking to dominate others...the other well-educated monks, mages, and students would look on in derision and fear. You felt they hated you, and would steal from you and mock you and curse you when you turned your back...so in turn you would react angrily. You learned there would always be those that would try to hurt you and your best defense was simply to lash back out and try to hurt them first, sometimes gathering loyalists and sycophants to better your odds (Imoen was one of these). But clearly this all led to more fear and derision.

While your foster father has tried to impress the knowledge of a thousand realms into your head, it was always an annoying waste of time. To you, there is no real meaning behind society; the structural components are an illusion; it's just rats running around tending to a different heaps of trash...People will resort to their base instincts as soon as their survival is in question, and that may include preventing the survival of others. You know the truth, which is that anything can be taken from you and anyone can do it. There are those that know their subservient place in the natural order, and there are those that will fight and kill to be the strongest to accomplish their own goals.

You go into situations really, truly wanting some unachievable level of peace and quiet--a respite from the constant battle and struggle that follows you around...a way to calm your nerves, clear your mind, and even open your heart...you even think you can be jovial, you're known to bark coarse jokes and engage in semi-calm (never-enlightened) conversation, in good situations--you're one of those people who thinks he's really funny, but isn't. But without fail, some threat or some insult always seem to always intrude, and you can become aggressively intolerant. Of course, your rage may be quickly staid as you remember your philosophy on conflict and dominance, and you may simply embrace the "necessary" slaughter. Often, you can swing wildly between the two attitudes--cold psychopathy and obsessive anger, much depending on how close and dangerous the threat is, but also depending on your gut instincts in the moment. For longer-term threats, you can react with stress, slurrying all your thoughts and feelings around in your head until it is a white-hot ember at which pointed wrath is the only solution.

But generally you don't keep grudges exceptionally long, or remember them especially well, even though your rage during the moment can be overwhelming. Those that know you know you walk very lightly around you when they notice the hints of stress and paranoia ratcheting up, as brash displays of violence may pop up during even fairly light conflict or misunderstandings.

There are times, and when things are very calm, where your heart is able to open to certain companions who've proven sufficiently useful and loyal, thereby contributing to this "peace" you want. For these select few, you may fight to protect and defend, even though most life in general isn't super valuable to you--death, carnage, and murder are unfortunately necessary and the only way to defend against those very things. But connections CAN be made.

In general, no matter where you are, you walk along with nostrils flared, deep loud breaths, and eye slowly scanning left to right for threats. You want to think of yourself as confidently and energetically making your way through the world, backing down threats before they even raise their head. In reality, your overconfident, violent nature is clearly broadcasted, and it's as though you are WANTING to be riled up, and go out of the way to give yourself an opportunity to placate your inner rage (i.e. use violence) to get closer to this idea of peace.

Even though your alignment is chaotic evil, you do not really represent the sadistic aspect of that alignment. You are better described as a person of low moral character who is also violent and unhinged. But you do not get excessive pleasure from causing pain and destruction, other than the natural high of the triumph of vanquishing your enemies. It is to be said, you don't get that many negative emotions out of it either.

Moderate-to-low intelligence and wisdom, although relatively high charisma--while your general thought processes have a bit to be desired, there is some level of magnetism about you, and you are able to gather allegiences...and of course there are those in the world that WANT to be led by someone strong and dominant like you. While you have a moderate, almost dangerous amount of intelligence (enough to recognize patterns even when they aren't there), it is truly your mediocre wisdom that keeps your decision-making focused on accomplishing very short-term ends at the expense of most else.

 

[Selerel]

Baldur's Gate 1

Chapter 1

[Day 1] 7AM...The dawn is especially cruel this morning, and Gorion is dead. Part of me always suspected something like this would happen, deep in my gut. Why was Gorion traveling alone with his ward, knowing what dangers sought him? Did the weak old man truly think he was powerful enough to protect me? Instead he led me to near slaughter, and now alone in the forest with nothing.

I allowed Imoen to join me, she is an annoying child of course, but her thief skills may become handy in my future endeavors...and I know she will be loyal to me due to our long history. But beyond that, I am truly reacting angrily to my expulsion from Candlekeep and Gorion's murder....how dare these attackers do what they did! And why would they want me dead? Some grudge against the old fool Gorion in HIS lon ghistory? I want nothing more than to crush them in vengeance and to show them they were wrong for what they tried to do to me.

It looks like Gorion may have "friends" I can use at the Friendly Arm Inn (FAI), but I'm not sure I want to flee so quickly from these people. It would reak of weakness, and I definitely would feel as though I'm losing control of my own situation if I run away up north. Maybe these murderers are closer, in the adjacent wilderness or even Beregost, the next largest town...maybe I can get some answers there and bring these people the vengeance they deserve.

8AM...I met Xzar and Montaron, accepted the healing potion, but I had no desire to agree to go to Nashkel at that moment. I'm still getting my wits about me and will not just latch on to random travelers.

[Day 2] 3AM...I had spent the previous day staying around the site of Gorion's murder, killing wolves and even using my berserker rage to handle a bear at a time, with Imoen slinging arrows. I tried to return to Candlekeep, and was enraged when they wouldn't allow me in. I remembered the terrible injustice that had just been visited upon me. I wanted to attack the gatekeeper but I knew that would not end well for me.

So now we are on our way to FAI (me and Imoen). I will look to understand what's going on there, and see what use Gorion's "friends" might be. As the day wore into night, it seems my near-term thinking began to point to us hanging around the greater Candlekeep/FAI/Beregost (CFB) Triangle area and really digging into the possible location of these people that killed Gorion and tried to take me...but we'll see how it goes at FAI.

I encountered some large ogres in the eastern field in the area between FAI and Beregost. I could not defeat them at this point, and we had to turn and run away. I will need to return to kill them at some point...

1PM...got to the FAI. Met Dorn. I was very very close to killing him for his disrespect...but thought slightly better of it; he did not insult me per se, and I did approach him, not the other way around.

I also met Khalid and Jaheira. I was initially tempted to tell them to go off on their own. But I actually welcomed them into the party for a few moments while I took their armor and potions. If they truly are meant to care for me, this is the best way. I then removed them from my party and they are lingering at FAI. I'm not sure if they will eventually leave there to head to Naskhel, but I have no interest in that right now.

10PM...I rested, got to full health and got my daily Berserk ability back. I'm going to investigate the rest of the FAI floors, and the surrounding area outside as well, on a basic fool's errand to look like I'm searching for Gorion's killers. Even though I probably believe that in my heart...I'm also just looking for conflict subconsciously. But as stated above, I could care less about Nashkel and the iron crisis, I want to see if I can home in on these bastards, and being none too smart or wise, I'm just going to dig into the area closest where they attack took place--the CFB Triangle. We'll see where that eventually takes me...party is just myself and Imoen.

[Day 3] 10PM...I entered Beregost and circled the outskirts of the town first to get a feeling for the place, as night took over. I ran into Neera and got drawn into killing some wizards. As payment for my services, she offered hers to me...I accepted, as it appears I can use a loyal wizard follower. I also don't mind if her wild magic ends up killing innocents. Party is now myself, Imoen, and Neera.

[Day 4] 4pm....well, I became a bodyguard for Silke and slew some innocents, apparently. My reputation decreases and Garrick was not happy with me. However, I was able to make a solid amount of money here, it seems. I am looking to buy plate mail from Thunderhammer ASAP.

I joined up with Kagain. He almost insulted me, offering a paltry 15 gold/head for his mission. Although 45 gold is about a quarter of the way there to buying the platemail I want...and I have a feeling I've already discovered the looted caravan and can show him quickly. If not, I'm not sure--I may keep him around as a secondary warrior, but I don't know...

[Day 5] 1pm - I found Entar Silvershield's son's body, and Kagain revealed to me he would now be a wanted Dwarf. His fighting stats were inferior, and the only reason I would consider keeping him would be for the possiblity of more mercenary jobs. I took the 45 gold and told him to hit the road.

[Day 6] 10pm...still palling around the CFB triangle, killing hobgoblins, ogres, wolves. Was able to pull together enough gold for some nice platemail armor, but I'm still just wandering around looking for conflict in a localized area, still running on the rage fumes from Gorion's murder less than a week ago...the iron crisis is not getting any of my attention, the focus is definitely to increase my own power and hope to figure out why there are bounties out for me. The next logical step if I can't find anything where I'm looking--try Baldur's Gate, the big city. But we'll see, there are many more nearby areas to explore for now.

11pm...there are a few vampiric wolves I should take care of in the northwest of the Beregost temple area...normal weapons don't work on them so I will have to return at some point. It pains me that I had to run away.

[Day 7] 9pm...I journeyed to High Hedge and met Kivan. He let me know he's hunting bandits. I don't have time to help him right now, as the bandits don't concern me, but he remained there.

Been staying at Burning Wizard, by the way. I had killed a halfling there that had lifted 25 gold off me, so that should set a good example that no one else should try to steal from me. They also offer royal rooms--since I don't have a healer, the 4HP per night is nice when I'm not out camping in the wilderness.

At some point in the past few days, I should mention, I confronted Marl at Feldepost's Inn. He insulted me and I was more than happy to respond with violence. I slew him; as his friend Dunkin complained, I also killed Dunkin. I took a reputation loss from his killing though, so I quickly became despised as I roamed more and more of the area.

 

[Selerel]

[Day 11] 4AM...For the past several days, I've been out in the wilderness camping with Imoen and Neera in the coastal area south of Candlekeep. I first ran into Shoal the Nereid--I accepted her kiss, of course, and it knocked me unconscious. Neera was able to cast a sleep spell, knocking the Nereid out, and she and Imoen were able to kill it before she woke back up.

I killed Mad Arcand, after he took a ring in my posession that I had found in a nearby shipwreck--and he was crazy anyway. Who was this weirdo? And what right did he have to take that ring out of my hand? Only later did I find the ring was cursed and useless and I should have let him keep it. However, this further decreased my already despicable reputation [to 3 now...]

As I gain more experience, I'm really realizing the lack of a healer is really making the days fly. Once I take too much damage, just resting and recuperating can take days at a time. In fact, I traveled back to the Burning Wizad a couple times, just to be able to recuperate quicker in the royal-type rooms in town...

I also spent some time fighting a gang of ogres (over the course of a day or so, picking out a few at a time and using my limited berserk rage when I'm able to channel it, with rest in between bouts of hiding and fighting).

Neera did eventually gain second level spells, but there were none in our posession to scribe. Being a wild mage, she knew Chaos Shield, so I figured I would combine that spell twice a day with Reckless Dweomer, as opposed to just memorizing the normal chromatic orb or sleep or whatever else I had in those slots. Of course, the first time I used that combo, the wild surge was NOT advantageous, and she immediately petrified herself.

So she is currently out of the group. I know the temple east of Beregost sells stone-to-flesh scrolls, but they are expensive and I am despised now. I recently spent most of the gold I had accumulated on plate mail, so I don't really have the wealth for hundreds of pieces of gold for a scroll immediately. Her spells were very useful and I know I'm going to miss them...

[Day 12] 8AM...about a day after Neera turning herself into a stone, Imoen and I cleared out most of the coastal area, continuing to rest often, so I would be able to become berserk for each major encounter with the sirines. But now that I'm despised, I see no rush to get back to the city, but it IS time I continue my search for those that killed Gorion and have placed a bounty on my head. Maybe back to Beregost, then up north through Peldvale and Larswood? Ulcaster is close enough that it may make sense that I check that out especially if I'm looking to increase my wealth....but ultimately it does look like the big city is drawing me, that is the seat of power and wealth in the area.

[Day 13] 1AM...We're on the trip back to Beregost, and I've definitely decided I want my Wizard Girl back!! Her magic was too useful at this point in my journey.

[Day 14] 11AM....The total loot from my time out on the coast was a better haul than I anticipated, loot-wise, so I was able to afford a Stone to Flesh scroll for Neera, so I headed back out west to free her. I also picked up a Horror scroll from High Hedge...this is a better use of her level 2 slots by far, than the Chaos Shield-Reckless Dweomer combo I had been trying. And luckily, when I turned her back to flesh, she scribed Horror successfully.

[Day 17] 5PM...In the past several days, I've headed up to the Peldvale/Larswood area. I'm camping out in the Larswood area now, and have had a series of violent encounters with bandits over the past few days. The fact that there are so many of them, and so hostile, actually gives me a type of bloodlust and my tunnel vision has just narrowed down to "crush all of these fools".

[Day 18] 12PM...while in Larswood, I met the Drow Sorcerer Baeloth. He was mouthy and annoying, but he clearly seemed more blunder than action, and someone that I could easily crush with my first if needed. And I do recognize the power of magic users...but adding a Drow at this point, when I am thoroughly despised, would sink my reputation low enough that even Imoen would immediately and permanently leave my party, and I'm not prepared to have to deal with that. I told him to go wait outside the FAI walls, on the east side, if I ever needed him.

[Day 20] Neera died again, killed by Blacktalon Elites in Larswood...Argh!!!

[Day 25] 5AM...back out east, this time in Peldsvale. Neera was resurrected a few days ago. Having some pretty heavy conflicts with bandits here, which I don't mind one bit. I am thriving on it and we're gaining experience. Could my bounty have to do with these people? This seems like more likely a route to look into than the gibberlings, sirines, and ogres I've been facing farther south. So I may even expand further east into the wilderness areas to the east.

7AM. I met Viconia, but had no interest in helping her against the Flaming fist mercenary. She attacked us, and we killed her.

[Day 29] 6AM...I'm back in Beregost, going to rest and heal for a day or two at the Burning Wizard. I've been gaining a lot of experience, which translates into taking me longer to rest and recuperate [more HP].

[Day 31] 8AM...east of Larswood/Peldsvale. There are many basilisks and an apparent gang of adventuring thugs hanging about. I don't have patience for any of these. It is still seemingingly too dangerous there for my small group...my plan will be to hang back and maybe head to FAI for anti-basilisk supplies? I had one spell scroll of protection from petrification (lasted one hour) and now it's used up (although I was able to kill the gnomish mage ringleader).

[Day 35] 7AM...I have rested and gathered the supplies I need to kill the rest of the basilisks in Beregost--bought two more spell scrolls of protection from petrification from High Hedge. I'm rested up and ready to get a move on and crush those monters and thugs out east. Beyond that, what am I doing? What should be my next goal? I really want to afford that Mace +1 from Fuirium, so the Ulcaster ruins may be calling me. But as I begin to grow bored of the CFB Triangle confines, maybe I do look to go up north to Baldur's Gate to continue my search for my hunters there.

[Day 36] 5AM...took out the basilisks and the traveling group of adventurers--the casting of Horror by Neera has been great. I also cleared the area with the red-robed mages at some point in the past week. All enemies dropped a lot of nice items so my loot haul has been pretty great from this expedition.

Then, I ran into the warrior Shar-Teel. She instantly and callously insulted me [and didn't even offer to join]. I was immediately taken aback by the insult from this weak, lone fighter out in the middle of nowhere. Therefore, I killed her and left her body out in the wilderness...insults from the weak are not something I can abide.

[Day 37] 10AM, back in Beregost. I was able to sell the magical equipment from that group of travelers I faced in the Basilisk area, and then bought a Mace +1. I am well rested now, and went to the Jovial Juggler for a drink to celebrate my new magical mace. Ha! Pretty good accomplishment in I must say so myself.

I must ponder my next move now...Gorion's murder was over a month ago and my attention has slowly drifted to establishing myself in my own right and amassing my own wealth and power...although when I'm reminded of that night, my blood boils. There are still people looking to kill me and I'm nowhere closer to figuring it out.

Let's see, at this point I've dominated the CFB triangle and the Woods of Sharp Teeth, even though I'm mostly despised in the greater region. I will probably head up to Baldur's Gate to see the deal there, as it makes most sense that whatever plot against me has some connection to the money and magic in the big city--and if not, maybe I can at least gain some money and magical treasure for me. And then maybe south of Beregost after that? Or maybe check out Ulcaster first, THEN head to BG?

My current party is:

Ethal Jo, Level 6 Berserker
Imoen, Level 6 Thief
Neera, Level 5 Wild Mage

Spoiler

[Notes: Berserker rage immunity + killing Sirines with a 2-3 person party = lots and lot of early xp...]

[And I really would have liked to join up with Baeloth, Viconia, Shar-Teel...you know, EVIL companions for my EVIL playthough. But following my no-metagaming rule, it just didn't make sense for my character to have any of them join up based on the specific circumstances presented. Baeloth may be an option down the road, but Viconia and Shar-Teel have already been killed...]

 

[Selerel]

[Day 37 cont.] 4PM...I traveled just a bit south of Beregost to check out the nearby area and to see if I could find some way to use my new magical mace. After walking a bit, and fighting some ghasts and orgrillons, we ran into three Flaming Fist mercenaries who accused us of being part of a group terrorizing the Coast Way. Instead of backing down and trying to explain myself, it looked like these men wanted a fight, so we gave them one. It was a relatively easy slaughter, with Neera's magic continuing to be super valuable...and somehow, I will not suffer a further reputation loss from this. It may have happened far enough away from town that there aren't any witnesses or gossipers about. I took one of their helmets as a prize, since it looked more protective than my current helmet. The three sets of platemail will also be nice to sell.

Spoiler

[Day 39] 1PM...I'm on my way to Baldur's Gate, just stopped at the FAI and am planning to rest for the day and head out at night. I came from Beregost via Larswood, what I consider unofficially my "territory" since I took out all those Blacktalons a couple weeks ago. The area was quiet this time, though.

Khalid and Jaheira are still there at the FAI. It seemed like they are in no rush at all to get to Nashkel, or at least extremely scared and hesitant to set out their own, that they've basically taken up the FAI as their permanent residence. Now that I see this, knowing Jaheira is a druid and that I have a need for a healer, especially headed to Baldur's Gate, I approached them again to join, making it clear that is was MY group.

They immediately asked to go to Nashkel, but the answer is no. The direction is Baldur's Gate. I also have no need of the coward Khalid, but I realized Jaheira would leave as well. This is a major problem, and I will not simply accept Khalid's presence when I don't want someone this weak. I will have to find some way to dispose of him...for the time being, I left him armorless and helmless. I provided plate mail, a club and shield, and a helmet to Jaheira, as well as a magical belt. These two are indeed much less experienced than Neera, Imoen and I, I can see why they were scared to head out of the FAI by themselves...

Spoiler

[Day 40] 3AM...the first bandit I ran into, yup...it was Khalid's turn to show what he can do. Yes, he didn't stand a chance against 6 bandits, but I sent the unarmored fool in there anyway with just a long sword, while I ordered the rest of the group to stand back. He actually took one of the bandits down before they killed him. Jaheira whined, and shortly after, I removed him from the group.

Spoiler

I met some fisherman, agreed to help them with their witch problem for the price of a magical weapon and 20 extra gold I squeezed out of them.

Also met Ajantis. We had a fairly amicable interaction, but stopping the bandit raids are little of my concern right now, and I do not need another warrior (see: Khalid).

4AM...Nestor attacked me with her cave bear; she said there was a bounty on my head for my evil deeds, and immediately went hostile. While fighting her, I provoked an ankheg, so it ended up being a stressful battle.

[Day 41] 7AM...took about a day to clear the Ankheg nest and rest up. I found the farmer's son's body there in the nest, but I don't care about either of them, living or dead.

12PM...arrived at Baldur's Gate...but what's this?! The gate is closed and I'm not allowed entrance?? This is ridiculous and infuriating! Because of the bandit activity? I knew it was bad, based on all their activity in the Woods of Sharp Teeth, but I couldn't believe it was this bad.

Apparently a real focus of the crisis in the region is the Nashkel mines, I've heard repeatedly in the past month, and I've seen several travelers (Khalid and Jaheira included) who were aiming to head that way...well, it may just be time for Ethal Jo to pay a visit. I don't want any foolishness and banditry to stop me from getting what *I* want, and it looks like at this point they need a strong hand to resolve whatever is going on down there.

Spoiler

Was attached by Tel-anon on my way off the bridge. Another justice seeker who had heard about my reputation--he was tough, a Fighter/Mage. But a berserker's rage is nothing to be trifled with, and my party ended up taking him down.

Spoiler

1PM...I decided to hang around the outskirts of the city for some slim chance I could find a way in. But what I actually found was the witch of Umberlee, and I killed her. Her fate was sealed as soon as I laid eyes on her, I had no patience for words or bargains. But also--she told me that the fishermen have a magical summoning bowl that they stole from her. They did not tell me about this at all, did they not trust me with the information--I may look to claim that for myself. I'll confront them on my way back down south.

[Day 42] 2AM...I confronted the fishermen outside their homes at night. I threatened them into giving me the elemental summoning bowl and they complied. (I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it, but it looks valuable.) Then I told them I had killed the witch, so they gave me the magical flail and the few pieces of gold promised.

7PM...well, I'm on my way south to crush this bandit crisis. I went by way of Peldvale and had run-ins with multiple hobgoblin and Blacktalon Elite bandit parties, they seemed to have regrouped and repopulated the area. But unsurprisingly killing these bandits is getting me nowhere closer to actually ending the issue--it looks like I will have to continue on to Nashkel for that.

[Day 43] 7PM...continuing through Larswood. We made camp for the day to rest, mostly for Neera. As we were begin to journey on, Jaheira has the gall to tell me I have a "streak of laziness" and that Gorion would be better than this, or some nonsense. It took all I had not to crush her skull with my mace right there...but I was able to talk myself down very carefully, remembering her healing prowess. Although I may not be able to take just one more comment like that, and I'm not liable for what I may do if it happens...I had done fine without a healer before her.

Spoiler

[Day 44] 11AM...passing through Beregost on my way south to Nashkel. Neera brings up that she may know someone who can help her control her wild magic...I didn't have too much of a problem with it, being chaotic evil and all, but I told her if it's convenient then maybe we'd go take a look east of the Firewine bridge. Currently, it's way too far out of the way for I'm trying to get done. [I may have begun the romance based on the journal entry...?]

Spoiler

[Day 45] 5AM...continuing to travel south to Nashkel. Realized there are a lot of bandits on these roads, so I will take my time and look for all bandit gangs along the greater Coast Way as I pass through, and not take so much of a bee line to Nashkel. I enjoy smashing bandits!

(I almost killed Portelbendarwinden, but decided against it at the last possible moment...)

 

[Selerel]

Chapter 2

3PM...I arrived in Nashkel to a very rude surprise. Before I could even gather my wits about me, an Amnish contingent of about half a dozen soldiers began to attack to kill. I had no choice but to fight back--Neera had used most of her spells during the previous journey, but luckily she could still cast Horror. I cut down most of the soldiers as they panicked--during the initial chaos, I believe there was another bounty hunter, working alone, that joined the fray to kill me.

Spoiler

The killing of the soldiers knocked my reputation to the lowest it could be. Imoen and Jaheira immediately left the group without so much as direct words to me; I wonder if I'll ever see them again. Neera left momentarily, but I was able to convince her to rejoin. So it is just me and the Wild Mage girl at this point...

The rest of the townsfolk seemed to have calmed down and I may be able to operate normally. I was even able to introduce myself to a separate Amnish commander shortly after the confrontration with the soldiers; he was OK with me looking into the region's troubles. Maybe the soldiers were a somewhat rogue or mercenary contingent? But regardless, I may see what I can do by spending gold at the temple, to get my reputation back up a little bit...

4PM...shortly after that, I met Rasaad. I was riled up still by the fight with the soldiers, so I paid Rasaad 10 gold to beat up a commoner. And he did it! But I have no use for a monk in my part now. I need a healer, and a thief.

I also met the mayor, and yes it was obvious they need some help, even from someone as despised as me. I will enter the mine and look to resolve the crisis. But first: I donated 2700 gold to the Temple of Helm to bring my reputation back to only "moderately" despised [3].

I then immediately gained more reputation right outside for not taking Greywolf's 200 gold. First of all, it's a paltry amount and quite a cowardly lie to have to commit to gain it. Secondly, I'd rather not do anything to help this other bounty hunter gain credit or fame, including having the town celebrate his accomplishments on any level. I will receive credit for my own accomplishments...

Met Minsc. Said rescuing his charge was not my problem, and he immediately attacked...well, another traveler dead in my wake.

Spoiler

5PM...the Garrison is the first building I entered, I wanted to make sure there was no more hostility in my direction. This crew was much more pliable; whiny about their dwindling numbers, and I was able to threaten one enough to apologize and run away.

Also met Edwin, but I would not accept the task of killing the witch without knowing what reward I would get.

Hmm, and according to a farmer, Firewine Bridge ruin holds a lot of treasure...maybe this gets put on the list as well! When I am able to make time.

7PM...Another bounty hunter in the Inn. I am very much a hunted man now, between organized militias, regular bounty hunters that have been informed of my criminal actions, and those bounty hunters that have some ties to Gorion and the reason we fled Candlekeep. Just like Neira, I will continue to crush and kill them as they come my way.

[Day 46] 6AM...as I head south to the mines after resting in Naskhel, I was ambushed by a group of bandits, but helped by Dorn, the half-orc that had been staying at the FAI. He seemed like my kind of warrior; brash and violent. He offered his services to mine, and since I was down two companions, I figured why not? However, just adding him to my party decreased my reputation to a point where I don't want to see it...so I promptly removed him. He said he would go and wait at the FAI if I should ever need him again, so that is good to know...

Spoiler

7AM...I arrived in the mines area. I think I will explore and clear out the topside first, before heading in...

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

[Day 46] 7AM...I arrived in the mines area. I think I will explore and clear out the topside first, before heading in...

8AM...I found Prism. He would not relinquish the emeralds, and instead attacked me, so unfortunately he had to be put down. I am 2 emeralds richer.

10AM...entered the mine and so far am having no trouble taking down the kobolds, I may not even have to rest up and heal, depending on how many healing potions I'm comfortable using. I'm also looking to come in very strong and fast, I'm not looking to speak to any miners, nevermind running errands and carrying messages for them. I also will just have to absorb the damage of any traps I may trip.

[Day 47] 7AM, I had to rest a few times, up on the first level in the main common area, but it seems now I am approaching the central chamber after about 18-20 hours. I freed Xan, but sent him away, not wanting the weakling to join our group--I already have magic with Neera.

Chapter 3

[Day 48] 1AM. I successfully defeated Mulahey and his sad excuse for kobold troops. He tried to offer some explanation before he died, but I just smashed him down. I was able to figure out his plan by piecing together his notes.

I emerged to the surface from a cave tunnel that collapsed as I made my way through. I was some ways east of Nashkel, and was immediately jumped by a gang claiming to work for the "Iron Throne", and that I had been meddling in their affairs....They must have had someone watching me since I entered Nashkel? In any case, I quickly dispatched of them and rested for the better part of a day with Neera. The next clue leads to this guy Tranzig at Feldepost's, so it looks like I'll be paying him a visit when I head north.

[Day 49] 8PM...on my way back to Nashkel, I passed through the Carnival. I've decided to use the merchant in the large red tent as my main salesman, at least at the Carnival. We were overstuffed with loot, so I wanted to sell off some before headed back into the town official. Maybe I'll return to see the rest of the carnival soon, before I leave Nashkel?

9PM...I met the mayor and received my due reward for clearing the mine of the scum inhabiting it. My reputation also increased...I am not so much despised anymore as simply disliked...

And an assassination attempt by Nimbul! It looks as though those behind the bandit and iron crisis have looked to kill me specifically for ruining their plans. Luckily, I have a bearing on them. They will rue the day they tried to harm me...if it's a fight they want, they'll get one, and regret it heavily.

[Day 50] 5AM, Nashkel Inn, rested, healed, and ready to figure out my next move. I will have to pay a (violent) visit to Tranzig as my first order of business, there's no doubt about that. I guess I'll figure out my next move after that, depending on where it leads.

Spoiler

Party:

Ethal Jo, Level 6 Berserker
Neera, Level 6 Wild Mage

 

[Selerel]

[Day 50] 7PM. Made the half-day journey up to Beregost and promptly exploded Tranzig with my Mace. But he was just a middleman, a lackey. His notes and letters point in the direction up in the northeast, in the Woods of Sharp Teeth. It looks like I finally have a location for that bandit camp. I spent much of my first month and half in the Peldvale-Larswood region, slaughtering packs of bandits at relatively high frequency. I always thought I was zeroing in on a base of operations, but just couldn't find it--but now, thanks to Tranzig, I can head back up to my "old stomping grounds" and put my mace to the head of whoever is trying to kill me. Do these people have to do with why Gorion was killed? I don't know, and really don't care. The bandits are the much more urgent threat at this point, and their time is limited. Going to rest up at the Burning Wizard then head out north in the early morning.

And finally made a stash point to store the really nice loot I don't want to use OR sell--the Harrower, Ring of Sune, etc.--2nd floor, 2nd room on the right. I realized all the chests are locked, and lacking a thief, I reluctantly tried bashing one of the chests open to use as my personal storage.

AS IT TURNS OUT, there is a magical mace present in this exact drawer?? Ha! The fates are smiling on me! Maces have been my primary weapon specialty, so I rush to Thunderhammer before they close for the evening to identify it--it is the Stupefier. A Mace +1 with a chance to stun. This is wreak havok and rain down destruction on my enemies, I am AMPED up to head to the bandit camp now.

Spoiler

[I SWEAR I did not metagame this moment...but it's such luck, I understand if you wouldn't believe me...]

[Day 52] 9PM. In Peldvale, I run into a group of bandits led by the priest Raiken. Without much trouble I slaughtered them, like I have with many of their brethren before them. Before we continued on to the bandit camp, we had rested for the day to rejuvenate for the confrontation. Before we were set to head out, Neera began peppering me with questions about our first meeting. The girl is clearly infatuated with me, and I do have a soft spot for her, but I'm not going to get drawn into some juvenile courtship.

Spoiler

Chapter 4

[Day 53] 1PM...I approached the bandit camp. When attacked, I fought back and wiped out most of those weaklings. I used a Potion of Cloud Giant Strength so I was killing most of the bandits in one blow. When I entered Tazok's tent, I became enraged and Neera's remaining magic made short work of the camp leadership. Now--I have more information about my enemies. I had heard the name Iron Throne before, they had attacked me outside the eastern entrance to the Nashkel mines. And now I have more names, including Davaeorn and Sarevok.

Spoiler

I would have had no problem with this bandit scum continuing to wreak havok on the Coast Way, in fact I may have even been able to profit off of it. But the fools made the mistake of coming after me, personally, and I can't abide that. I will travel directly to Cloakwood now, to confront and kill them. What are my other choices, truly?

[Day 57] 6AM. I made it to Cloakwood. I killed a smattering of druids for Aldeth Sashentar, who claims to be a noble in the city. Maybe that will pay off later on. I ended up resting for the night, after the battle. Upon awakening again, Neera continues to try to get close.

Spoiler

7AM. Met Coran. He let me in on a 2000gp bounty request for the head of a wyvern. I couldn't bear letting that fortune go to waste, so I thought it best to make it my own quest, and let him join the party. It's very useful to have Coran around (as a thief, to finally replace Imoen); and based on his biography, as told to us, it doesn't seem like he'll be too hesitant to engage in the morally suspect activities we tend to find ourselves in. One annoying thing is that he has very poor, low-quality equipment, and only 20 arrows...enough to make him almost useless for now.

Spoiler

8AM. And now I am ealizing Cloakwood is a LARGE forest, and the "Iron Throne" hideout will not be so easily found out on the outskirts of the forest. It's best I return to town to get better equipment for Coran, and arrows, before beginning the multiple days' journey into the depths of the forest.

[Day 58] 2PM. Walked back to Beregost and bought some new gear for Coran, including an expensive medium shield +1, and of course rested at the Burning Wizard. I also gave him the Harrower I had in upstairs storage. At this point I believe that I will have Coran specialize in sword and shield combat...hecould use the extra armor class, and the reason he would enter melee would be for cover and damage control, not necessarily to cause damage--he has his bow for that.

At this point, about to head back to Cloakwood to dig deeper in and look for these bastards from this "Iron Throne"...

Party at this stage is:

Ethal Jo, Level 6 Berserker
Coran, Level 5 Fighter/Level 5 Thief
Neera, Level 6 Wild Mage

 

[Selerel]

[Day 60] 1PM...deep in Cloakwood, and just killed a nasty Sword Spider. Looking at the entrance of the spider hive I ran across--I just remembered!--I never checked out the cave in the bandit camp. What treasures may those fools stuffed in that cavern?? I'll have to head back out there at some point to claim more of my reward!

[Day 63] 12AM...High Hedge. I am returning to Beregost after being greatly damaged and poisoned by spiders deep in Cloakwood, and drinking the majority of the healing potions that I spent a good fortune on--I cursed Jaheira for leaving me so many weeks ago in Nashkel, abandoning me to fight some pack of Amnish guards, and I vowed right there she would feel my vengeance if I were to see her again. I could have used a healer badly while battling those damn spiders in Cloakwood.

But with my needing substantial healing and new antidote potions, and the fact that Neera gained experience and can now use Level 4 spells--none of which she has scribed--I decided to turn away from the search for the Iron Throne. I realize now it will take a long time to find them, but I tell myself it will make the revenge that much sweeter when it happens. I am fuming that the Iron Throne is so hidden, but it looks like back to town again to regroup.

Unfortunately, Thalantyr has no Level 4 spells for sale, so foolish Neera will just waste her high-level slots...pssht.

[Day 65] 10AM...after resting at the BW, we begin our march back into the Cloakwood. At some point, Coran begins to become impatient at our lack of wyvern hunting. Yes, fine, I'm also looking to slay some wyverns and collect the reward.

Spoiler

[Day 66] 3PM...I encountered Eldoth deep in the woods. He may have been hiding out--in any case, he intrigued me with his scheme to blackmail an influential noble in Baldur's Gate, gaining gold and clout as I do it. I laughed to myself, the fates are smiling on me again. This is exactly the type of plan I can use to establish myself quickly and forcefully in the big city. Let me hunt down these damn wyverns, then I may get a move on this sooner than later--I'm not sure how much this slimy bard contibutes to the party as a whole...

Spoiler

4PM...Huzzah! Even though I slew a Shadow Druid I encountered (an accident really; I was hoping to intercept an Iron Throne message, but he attacked and we had to smash him down), I encountered another one: Faldorn. Not only does she have a bearing on where the Iron Throne headquarters IS, she is also eager to destory them and can act as a very necessary healer for my party.

Spoiler

I journeyed into the forest with just my wizard girl Neera in tow. Since then, I've gathered a thief, a priest, and a plot to make money in Baldur's Gate. But being reinvigorated about it by our new companion Faldorn, completely crushing the Iron Throne is the immediate order of business.

[Day 67] 11PM...I found and slew the wyverns that Coran clued me in about. It will be a fair bounty when I collect. Now, with the specific location of the mine, I'm making camp for the night. We will make the 4-hour journey to the mines in the morning, and then we'll really see how badly this Iron Throne wants me dead.

Spoiler

[Day 68] 6PM...I am on a whirlwhind of pain tour through the Cloakwood mine, killing all Iron Throne lackeys I come across. I eventually ran into Yeslick, but had no need of a healer anymore with Faldorn in my group (almost as impatient as me to destroy the Iron Throne). Also came across another slave who wanted 100 gold to bribe a Blacktalon so his buddies could escape. Nah, I don't give gold to old beggars--I killed all the bandits anyway, the slaves should be free to leave.

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

Chapter 5

11PM...I have stormed through the mines and killed Davaeorn. Looks like I'll be headed next to Baldur's Gate, to wipe out whatever Iron Throne I can find in the headquarters there--I have a new name now, Rieltar--and then to eventually establish myself by pushing through with Eldoth's scheme. I'd still like to enrich myself in the dungeons of Ulcaster, Firewine, and Durlag's Tower...but that may be longer down the road. My wrath now travels up north to the city.

Spoiler

[Day 69] 8AM. I had to almost force that one slave leader to flood the mine. He kept going on about Rill and the other slaves, but like I said, I killed all the bandits so if the rest of the miners are stupid enough to stay in the mine, then to hell with them. Of course, the miners ARE stupid, and many did indeed stay behind and die when I lied to get the mines to flood. Word of my action here will get out, even though the responsibility is not mine...thereby making me further despised throughout the land. But it's better people fear and despise me than ever try to take advantage...

Spoiler

[Day 74] 1AM. I made my way back to civilization (Beregost) to collect the gold for all my spoils. I was able to rest and re-equip all my companions, numbering four total now. I collected the bounty for the wyvern head as well, so now my gold numbers above 32,000 pieces. There is a magical crossbow for sale that Eldoth may be able to use, some Shadow Armor at Thunderhammer that would mark a major improvement in melee ability for Coran, and of course the Robe of the Neutral Archmagi for Neera at High Hedge. However, because I am so despised, these shopkeepers will not provide me friendly pricing. It's all I can do not to kill them right there for their insult, but then I would have no chance at securing that equipment. So for now, not wanting to wipe out my fortune, I decide to wait on acquiring those high-price items. Maybe at another point I will try to steal them? But right now my companions are too inept at that...

Regardless, from my storage at the Burning Wizard, I gave Rashad's Talon to Eldoth and the Ring of Sune to Faldorn--she is still onboard, apparently, to try to wipe out the Irone Throne. And that indeed is my next move. What greater entrance into the big city than to absolutely obliterate a powerful mining organization or whatever they are. Immediately, I will be known not to be trifled with. My bloodlust and excitement increase just thinking about it!

After resting for the evening, we now are prepared to leave Beregost to journey northward in the dead of night. I may even take a detour through the exterminated bandit camp, as I may have failed to retrieve all the spoils of my victory there (i.e., I forgot to check the large cavern). It will be a good check to make sure that no bandits have tried to re-establish themselves there, either.

Spoiler

Current party:

Ethal Jo, Level 7 Berserker
Coran, Level 5 Fighter/Level 6 Thief
Faldorn, Level 7 Druid
Eldoth, Level 7 Bard
Neera, Level 7 Wild Mage

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

[Day 74] 6AM. North of Beregost. Faldorn makes some comment about how our group is "low character"! I'll show her low character if she keeps running her mouth...

[Day 76] 11AM. I returned to the bandit camp I had demolished weeks earlier. It was a damn waste of time; just a bunch of captive and presumably starving gnolls in that cave I had to put out of their misery. I was able to enjoy the comforts of Tazok's still-abandoned tent for a brief morning, but it's now time to head west to the city.

Spoiler

11PM. I am crossing the bridge to enter Baldur's Gate for the first time, and Scar of the Flaming First stops me. I'm not exactly sure what this lawman wants and am in fact quite suspicious at first. But looks like he just had some work he wants done, odds and ends. Ehh, we'll see. I have a few more important things I need to take care of first, for my own self, before I start working for the city guard...

I met Quayle on the opposite side of the bridge. I wondered at first if I could use his service, but I already wield arcane magic with Neera, and I have a rageful healer, albeit unhappy, in the Shadow Druid Faldorn. Plus I immediately couldn't stand the gnome's bookish, arrogant, nasally persona. I decided against him joining our group, so there he remains standing.

[Day 77] 12AM. I was offered 50 gold to listen to a "boss." It looks as though I'll be meeting a representative of the Thieves' Guild in the city. They made contact with me within the hour; clearly, my infamy has spread throughout the Sword Coast. I will meet with them--they may have information for me about the Iron Throne. But I don't operate at the beck and call of cowardly shadowsteppers. I decide to grab a few drinks at the Elfsong first and soak in the city at night; I end up killing two ruffians upstairs who call me a moron, and loot the 100gp they were holding in their room. Unfortunate, but I had a gut feeling the city was gonna be like this.

Spoiler

1AM. It looks like the killing of the ruffians apparently made Alyth Elendara hostile. However, instead of attacking me, she is simply in a panicked frenzy. I wanted her to attack me, to come at me, to swing her weapon, to cast a spell...but nothing. I thought better of crushing her down, and allowed her to continue to freak out in her room.

3AM. You can say the Thieves' Guild meeting went poorly. I wouldn't pander to the old windbag fool guildmaster, and without much thought he flew off the handle and had his entire guild attack me. Unfortunately for him, I was able to slaughter them all and loot his precious guildhouse. I'm not sure this was the best thing that could have had happened, seeing how I could have used them for information...but I had no choice in the moment. There are two locked chests I want to return to in the Thieves' Guild; once I have Neera memorize Knock, which will be after I find a potion that increases her intelligence...

Spoiler

I'm continuing to explore the city streets this first night I entered...eventually I'll find an inn or tavern and sleep through the morning...

Spoiler

5AM. Ran into Entillus Fulsom. He attacked me on the spot, but first identified himself as a Harper. Hearing this, I had Coran hand over his best magical items, knowing that he may up and leave the group once we kill him--and that's exactly what happened. He couldn't stand us any longer, what with him being generally good aligned. What a spineless coward, running off like that. Just like Jaheira (and to a lesser extent Imoen), I won't take too kindly if I see him again...I'm very much despised, to the point where the Flaming First may send troops after us. I may look to find a temple to donate to, establishing my model citizenship. And of course, I'm down a damn thief with Coran gone.

Spoiler

Huh! I also spotted a sign on the front of a large building out of the corner of my eye, right before dawn. "Iron Throne"!...I found the bastards. But I'll have to bide my time a bit, let me rest and first see what resources the city may first offer.

6AM. Well, looks like some commoner ran and told the Flaming Fist that I had killed Entillus, because they showed up with some Battle Wizards very quickly. I would not run; these were my first couple hours in the city, and I'm not going to be pushed around by the fool guardsmen. To be forced into running away and hiding so quickly after arriving--no, I could not stomach it.

But the slaying of the lawfolk was too much for Faldorn to handle! Bah, hypocrite, she leaves too, runs off during the chaos. Again, I had the wherewithall to take the magical items on her person before she left, anticipating where the encounter might go...now it is just me, Eldoth, and Neera, and I'm going to have to rest inside. I am a despised villain, a scourge of the city, and I need somewhere to lay low...The Blade and Stars it is. I doubt the mercenaries that keep order in the city will put up peacefully with my presence for long. And maybe I'll go back and find that gnome...I DO need a healer at this point; but I may try to find a temple to donate to first to get the Flaming First off my back.

10PM. I rested and waited until nightfall again...I'm trying to find a temple to which I can donate to relax some of the Flaming Fist pressure, so I can establish a proper foothold.

[Day 78] 12AM. Wandering the streets again, and the Iron Throne headquarters is calling to me. I'm not sure what is behind those doors, but I know there is a good chance I will slay some innocents. I know that Eldoth and Neera will stay with me; so while I'm currently an uncontrolled criminal force in the city, why not continue my spree and just exact my vengeance on the Iron Throne TONIGHT? Yes, yes, the more I think on it, the more I dwell on it--the more I dwell on it, the more I know it needs to be done.

I will need some reputation increases afterwards, as well as possible healing and potions--so I still want to get my bearings of the city layout this second night, and definitely find some holy men that I can butter up afterwards.

Ran into Aldeth Sashenstar. I really wasn't interested in solving his little problem, I have wildly more important things to worry about.

1AM. I see Scar standing alone outside the Flaming Fist HQ. Since his men have been attacking me, I immediately confront him to see what he's going to do about it; he deflects by telling me to meet the Grand Duke Eltan, regarding the Iron Throne specifically. Good!! Exactly how these schmucks could be useful. He suggests some level of subterfuge to prove this or that plot against them--I don't care muh about it at all--I'm out for pure blood and vengenace--until he mentions the 2,000gp. Sure then Duke, I'll gather whatever paperwork and document I can find to win me that gold, too! This is going to be an absolute slaughter and pillaging! Still need to find a temple in this damn city before I do that.

Spoiler

I try to talk to Tiax, but he doesn't want to talk to me...fine, you stupid little gnome!

2AM. Neera becomes argumentative about our current path, and almost threatens to leave the group--I talk her into staying until this night is complete...

Spoiler

Also ran into Lothander at the marketplace, he must have been following us in the middle of this rainy night. He made some claim of our party being poisoned, but I swatted him away. I didn't quite crush his skull--some question lingers in me, what if he is right? He seems to generally spend his time there at the marketplace, so I may be able to search him out again at some point.

3AM. Was intrigued by the Blushing Mermaid (and the courtesans standing about outside of it), so as I was trekking the inner city, STILL looking for a temple, I decided to pop inside to have an ale. Ran into the Ogre Larze...a very strong enemy, with the magic of both Neera and Eldoth, and me in my berserk state, he still almost ended it for me. Now, I need time to rest and heal. Gah! I wanted to raid the Irone Throne HQ tonight, but looks like it will have to wait a day or even two. In my injured state, I don't dare wander outside. I'm laying low for these next couple days at the Blushing Mermaid.

[Day 79] 3AM. I rested for a full day at the Blushing Mermaid, staying inside generally. I'm sure the word got out that a murderous criminal has been making THIS Inn now his center of operations, but the majority of the Flaming Fist still remain too spineless to show up and do anything about it. I suppose I have Duke Eltan and Scar to thank that there is not more of a concentrated effort to rid me from the city, I suppose I generally just have the low-level foot patrols and enforcement mercenaries to worry about.

But more importantly--I wake up vomiting and it's clear that Lothander WAS right. I'm glad I didn't kill him; my instincts pulled me back. I WILL have to go rough him up now and get answers from him IMMEDIATELY.

 

[Selerel]

4AM. Lothander sent me to the Diviner who sent me to the Water Queen's house. I was about to go inquire as to the whereabouts of the Book of Wisom at the Lady's Hall, but I decided to peer around the Bitch queen's grounds a bit. Well, maybe expectedly, this turned the priestesses there aggressively hostile. Not being one to run from a confrontation, it quickly spiraled into an absolute bloodbath. Since I am despised as a mass-murdering, criminal scourge, and my reputation could not be lower, this incident just adds to my body tally since I've been here. I am almost surprised with myself of how much I've been able to murder and conquer here; and the Iron Throne HQ is STILL ripe to shed blood. Even now they cannot give up their fool's crusade against me. As soon as I am free of this poison, their reckoning will soon be upon them.

Spoiler

I also found a child's body. Not understanding quite what this was, I placed it in a crate outside, potentially to return to if it turns out being a noble's son and worth money, or somesuch. Luckily, I was also able to stumble upon some magic gauntlets as I did this...

5AM. Walking past the Diviner tent again to get to Marek at the Blushing Mermaid...hmm, maybe I will return to that old man. He knew about the Geas scroll, maybe he also knows about the Iron Throne and the richest man in Baldur's Gate, hm?

6AM. I found and killed Marek, got his antidote, and cured myself of the slow-acting poison. Without a healer, it is just MORE rest and MORE time at the Blushing Mermaid--again, I will stay inside for the day, and emerge again once night has fallen. I still need to find a single temple in Baldur's Gate where I can get healed and donate some of my hard-earned gold, to somewhat elude my criminal past, at least partially. They all must be in the inner city...I know at least there exists the Lady's Hall.

10PM. I have encountered the mage Ramazith on the streets. He offered a magical item if I were to infiltrate another mage's house, Ragefast, and steal his captive nymph. This sounds intriguing, but there's not time for it right now. Maybe in a few days...

11PM. Ah! I have finally found a damn Temple in this city. The Temple of Helm. They will heal me and sell to me, although now their prices are designed to keep the criminal hindered. Harumph, again. Very well,...best I remain a feared scourge until the Iron Throne are just bloodstains. And then I'll return here, bloody, to show the whole city what a rich, proper, and established businessman I am.

Shortly after, I ran into a halfling named Meklin who Neera had stolen from in the past. He was transformed inadvertently into a Umber Hulk, but Eldoth's freeze-wand made short work of him.

I'm using the top floor of the Blade and Stars as a secondary stash spot (the other one being the Burning Wizard in Beregost). The chest in the corner--I wanted to clear up some of our inventory, understanding that I may retrieve many items and documents from the Iron Throne raid. I'm probably going to lie in wait, resting again until night falls again tomorrow night...

[Day 80] 8AM. I awoke to the murmuring of Flaming Fist enforcers and battle wizards outside the Blade and Stars. They had come to try to put a stop to me. Well, I burst outside and ended all of them. The city streets were a battle ground. Soon these idiots will come around and realize I am not to be attacked; until then, they'll continue to die.

Spoiler

Neera is becoming annoying; frequently threatening to leave, making me ask her to stay and making me admit I've made a mistake...when will she begin to understand, though? This is the path we are on. It will be mostly violent, and pain will always try to box us in. At first I was patient with her, understanding she is very naive and juvenile, and appreciate her loyalty. But the stakes are rising now and I'm starting to have higher expectations for her than her constant whining.

[Day 81] 1AM. This is it. The Iron Throne raid is upon us; what I came to the city for and what I've been gearing up for four days for--I can barely wait any longer. When I emerge--undoubtedly victorious--I'll decide what to do, then.

2AM. During my slaughtering of everyone in the Iron Throne HQ (Emissary Tar is the only living creature I've spared thus far), I did get some info that the "leaders" are away at Candlekeep! Hargh, how ironic! Well, it won't stop the slaughter here.

Spoiler

3AM. I've taken out the Iron Throne's top team, on the top floor of their HQ. This was one of the toughest battles I've faced, and Neera didn't make it through--she was taken out by a confused Ogre that Eldoth had summoned with a wand. I had her run down the stairs once or twice to hide from being targeted, but it still wasn't enough...

Spoiler

There is so much loot and records here, more than what Eldoth and I can carry. I may store everything upstairs, make a brief trip to the temple while it is still dark, then return. The entire building is now cleared out to my knowledge...mercs, cooks, merchants, Thaldorn, and all.

[I think it was my 4th attempt, where CHARNAME didn't die]

4AM. Dragged myself and Eldoth uptown to resurrect Neera and heal ourselves...Scar and Eltan want me to meet with them ASAP, this must be about the bounty. First, I need to return to the cleared-out Iron Throne building and sift through my spoils of war stored there.

6AM. Pulled everything I could from the blood-soaked Iron Throne building (with a live Neera) then went to visit Eltan for my further reward. Realizing as I was speaking to him that I did not actually find an incriminating documents, I didn't have much useful information in exchange for his gold.

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

I know that the remaining leadership for the Iron Throne is split between Candlekeep (Rieltar?) and somewhere outside the city resolving bandit internal conflicts (Sarevok?). So the Iron Throne may not be dead, but they've sure gotten their head smashed prety badly. I don't think they thought they were signing up for THAT when they first tried to send assassins my way. While I mean to eventually pillage all the dungeons to the southeast of Beregost, I also will be on the lookout for lethal vengeance on those Iron Throne leaders--if I can find them. I'll pay a visit to my childhood home of Candlekeep sooner than later, but also branch out from the Coast Way to see if I can zero in on any new or other bandit camps. I don't know how long they will be away, but they don't have much of anything to come back to the city for, so I can see if it's an extended stay for them out of town. There are two locked chests in the basement, so I claim this stash on my own; I may need magical to open them.

But alas, as it stands this morning, I am still very much in open conflict with the guards of the city, and I lack a healer and have continued to do most of my traversing by night. I will have to deal with these problems now, and establish a foothold as a true BOSS of the city...what I had designs on for months now. Following that, I feel like my story will truly only be beginning. Now may be the time to begin to enact Eldoth's plot...

4PM. Rested at the Blade and Stars, and then marched to Helm to begin to restore my reputation in the city. 3700gp later [Reputation 4], and I should hopefully stop seeing those battalions of Flaming Fist so often. More importantly, I've thrown around enough gold to command respect for fairer business dealings, so I'll start engaging with the merchants and other taverns of the city this afternoon, into tomorrow...

And as much as I despise him, I am in need of a healer for my journeys and battles. I know Quayle was available to add his services to my party, and while I know it will take all the self-control I have not to squeeze his brains out of his skull, I'm hoping I'll be able to beat and dominate him into obedience. I invited him to the group, and gave him some equipment from my stash at the B&S. I am very arcane heavy now, but so be it. Eldoth may not be a long-term member depending on how his scheme goes.

Spoiler

6PM. I'm having my mages memorize new spells that they can afford--Neera now knows some Level 4 spells, so my power continues to increase.

I had to put down another Flaming Fist mercenary. Maybe he didn't get the message I'm respectable now, but he was in Maltz's shop, accusing me of stealing. Even if it were true I wouldn't take this kind of treatment from some low-level guard. I had to crush him like I've done with many of his colleagues before....but not before a reputation loss. Gah! This damn city is making me pay even more money to the temple to regain reputation. I'm quite frankly fuming over it, but I see no other way as it stands right now. The most important point is that the only healer I know, Quayle, will leave me if I don't make amends by donating to the church. I will have to rage off on my own against this horrible gnome.

I DO need to make my move against Entar soon. The point there is to increase my wealth greatly.

[Day 82] 4AM. Rested up, inventory managed, and proper spells memorized. I have a reputation that should keep most guards quiet with their heads down. It is time to take over this city! I want to find Entar's estate and start with Eldoth's scheme, but generally I'd also like to check out all the shops, and I don't mind stopping for an ale or two as I come across taverns.

Current party:

Ethal Jo, Level 7 Berserker
Eldoth, Level 7 Bard
Neera, Level 8 Wild Mage
Quayle, Level 5 Cleric/Level 4 Illusionist

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

[Day 82] 5AM. I met a boy, Varci. He promised me a reward for some work, so after some goading, I followed him to his Priest-sire's house. The priest proceeds to tell me the story of his son who was killed by the Water Queen bitch priestesses. Ah! That must have been the child's body I recovered when I slew everyone in the Water Queen's house a few days previous. I remember I stashed the body in a crate, not knowing exactly who it was at the time.

Spoiler

I pushed for more gold from the church coffers, but couldn't get it. I'm simply going to retrieve the body and get my magical reward, though--shouldn't be a problem, just unexpected spoils from a previous fight...

6AM. I stumbled upon Ragefast's home, as well. I remember another wizard had promised me a reward for the capture and deliverance of a nymph in Ragefast's possession...hmm, something I may return to sooner than later...

Spoiler

7AM. I returned the boy's body to his father, who had him successfully resurrected. He left contented, and his other son gave me the reward: 2000gp and the Shield of the Falling Stars. That being said, with just the one boy home...I considered I had done them the favor of a lifetime (literally) and thusly deserved to poke around and make sure they weren't holding out any more valuables and money on me. So I smashed open the chest. The son, the little brat that he is, called the Flaming Fist. While I know Neera and Eldoth would stay with me through another FF confrontation, it may be too much for the whiner and complainer Quayle.

Spoiler

Once they approached, I was able to sleep and panic the Enforcers in the room upstairs; then, I left the house. Obviously I can't just leave it like this, with the thorn still half in my side. So I removed Quayle from our party--he doesn't have to have anything to do with what happens next, and I need to keep the healer around...so he waits in the alley outside. I return with Eldoth and Neera to finish what I've started--I kill the the Flaming Fist mercs, and I know my reputation on the Sword Coast wil bottom out once again to the most despicable of the despised.

Spoiler

Not being deterred, I emerge to the morning light and add Quayle to the group. He doesn't ask any questions. I can't stomach donating thousands of more gold to the temple, my blood boils thinking of it. We'll see what happens as we walk around the city openly as a despised criminal murderer...but the Flaming Fist may start to be learning there's only so much they can do. On the good side, I'm not sure what I can do that would get Quayle to leave me at THIS point. I guess where else would he go with his reputation damaged as much as this?

[What I mean is, Quayle will still rejoin your group if booted/re-invited with a rep of 1 (not sure if that's true for all companions). Since a rep of 1 can never drop lower, Quayle never leaves.. It's the act of losing a point that causes companions to leave, not the value itself.]

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

So I continue to take stock of the city, especially the richer "inner" city this morning...

10AM. Ah, eventually discovered Entar Silvershield's estate, in the richest of the rich section of BG, the Northwest. Eldoth says now is the time to put the plan into effect, I don't disagree! He mentions to take care in not killing the guards; hmm, sounds unlikely. And for that reason, again, I'm dropping Quayle off. I won't need his healing or illusion spells during the time it takes me to retrieve the Silvershield girl, then I can re-recruit him like I did earlier this morning. The less he knows,the better.

I find a Tavern and Inn where I can have Quayle stay. This is also the first time I'm really hearing about the Undercellar...hmm, seems like some place to check out.

Spoiler

11AM. Inside Entar Silvershield's estate--not having a thief, I roamed the grounds and interrogated the outside staff looking for a key to no avail. Eventually I realized I was able to bash myself inside.

Spoiler

The guards and servants saw through my half-hearted ruse as a Flaming Fist security detail almost instantly; I wasn't keen on trying to keep up appearances too much. This in turn led to the anticipated bloodshed as the estate guards tried to stop me--but they were no match. I think my kill count approached a dozen by the time I got eyes on the Lord Entar himself. But he screamed and ran in the opposite direction before I could have any interaction with him.

Spoiler

Finally found Skie. She is a thief and jumped at the chance to join our group. Good! It would have been a shame to have trouble with the kidnap-blackmail routine at this point. But I am in desperate need of a thief, so I allowed her to be one of my followers...now begins the ransom scheme. I imagine I'll wait for Eldoth to fill in the details, but right now I'm fine enough just having a new thief.

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

12PM. I picked Quayle back up. The city guard's ranks have thinned during the "red dawn" this morning. At least 15 guards and flaming fists were killed--and Quayle can say he wasn't around for any of it. Somehow that eases the gnome's conscience...

Spoiler

Hm, a very nice neighborhood by the way, the Northwest. Maybe I come back in a bit and do a door-to-door introduction so these Baldur's Gate nobles know who their new neighbor is...

Went to the Blade and Stars to empty my stash there; thinking of moving it somewhere more high-brow!! Maybe right in the middle of all those nobles in the Northwest section, so they know I'm watching them.

2PM. As I continued to walk the city, mostly looking for shops that may sell interesting items, I decided to check out the Seven Suns. I figured there'd be some rich sniveling BG nobles there that I could meet, bully, extort, etc. However, it appears everyone inside is a doppleganger. Slightly confused, I made quick work of the monsters. The only real human there was a tortured prisoner named Jhasso. He did not trust US not to be shapeshifters...so be it. I spared his life--maybe one day he will realize the debt he's in.

Spoiler

5PM. I want to visit the Merchant's League for the same (original) reason I visited Seven Suns. This time I have a reference from Aldeth Sashenstar. I go inside but no one seems to be talking to me of anything of any substance--I suspect they are dopplegangers too from what I heard from Aldeth. I eventually loot about 1K in gold and some incriminating documents that presumably show Zorl and Irlentree are dopplegangers. This leads to a large confrontation where I kill almost two dozen of those shapeshifting freaks, up in the banquet hall. I go to Aldeth for some type of reward for my troubles--but him and his guard commander are just still convinced there are more monsters to kill. I did two or three sweeps of the estate, no dopplegangers alive--they're just frozen in fear, it seems. Gah! They also are in debt to me, now, and they'll come around to realize it...

Interestingly, I did hear the name Rieltar, as someone who may be pulling the strings behind this. Ah, my nemesis, the leader of the Iron Throne. I do intend to pay him a visit at Candlekeep, as soon as I'm able...

Spoiler

6PM. Moved my stash to the Tavern and Inn in the NW. There are about half-dozen magical items I've gained, too good to sell to to these slimebag merchants.

7PM. Got into a huge brawl at the Helm and Cloak. We were victorious, obviously, but they killed Eldoth.

Spoiler

9PM. Resurrected Eldoth at the Lady's Hall. Felt I was rested/healed enough to contiue to explore the rest of the city, even though I was almost out of spells. But after that encounter at the Helm and Cloak, how dangerous could anything else be?

Well, I broke into Degrodel's House and found out. Multiple invisible stalkers, doom guards, helmed horrors attacked. I immediately fell back into the streets, but the battle was desperate. They really had an eye out for Quayle; eventually an invisible stalker popped up out of nowhere and killed him. Beyond that...I was able to scrape by, but severely injured now. At least two nobles were killed, caught in a scorcher column, but we're already despised as despied can be, so it led to no major change in our reputation. As night falls, yes, I'm definitely going to have to rest up.

Spoiler

But no, I couldn't run away...why was that house so heavily fortified?? They must be guarding something good, and whoever it is deserves payback for killing my gnome healer. I went back inside to check it out, there was one final Helmed Horror I took out without much trouble. I also saw the mage, Degrodel himself. I spoke to him--he very stupidly threatened that I would die if I didn't do what he said; well, I didn't take kindly to that kind of threat. So again, the confrontation turned hostile. I was NOT expecting him to summon in a half dozen more warrior servants--more doom guards, invisible stalkers, helmed horrors. I was almost completely out of spells from ALL of my spellcasters, but I ended up relying heavily on wands--monster summoning, and then the direct damage-dealing ice and fire wands. Meanwhile, my Berserker self used Oil of Speed and Stone Giant Strength potions, and we were barely able to pull it off without any more death--my berserker rage ability was spent much earlier on today.

[Took about 4 or 5 tries before I was able to do it without charname dying...]

Spoiler

After the win, time to loot. Skie could not open the lock however, and I couldn't bash it open either, even with Stone Giant strength. So in the spirit of using a lot of potions this evening, I had Skie take a potion of Master Thievery...and it simply looks like I found some splint mail +1. Maybe I'm regretting killing Degrodel now...I wonder what work he wanted me to do?

10PM. Resurrected Quayle and am on my way to REST finally, at the Tavern and Inn, in the Northwest, which I've set up as my new unoffical BG base of operations. I really need some new potions of health, but no way I'm getting them from these holy men, the markup price is way too much for me to afford...what scum.

Spoiler

Current party:

Ethal Jo, Level 7 Berserker
Skie, Level 7 Thief
Eldoth, Level 8 Bard
Quayle, Level 5 Cleric/Level 4 Illusionist
Neera, Level 8 Wild Mage

Spoiler

[Wow, what an eventful day. I realized I started at dawn and am just going to rest now at 10pm. No wonder I was so short on spells by the end!]

 

[Selerel]

[Day 84] 8AM...I had rested at the Tavern and Inn for most of yesterday. The day before was extremely eventful, so I thought it probably best to lay low and grab some relaxation, best we can. Eldoth brings up nothing of his scheme to kidnap and random Skie, so I am increasingly unhappy about that...? How am I supposed to make money on any of these nobles here?

Well, I guess I did get a lead to the Undercellar, if I want to blackmail. But I also may pay visits to the big fancy expensive-looking estates in the area. Doesn't hurt to go tavern jumping either and see where the best spot is to grab an ale!

Spoiler

Aaand it turns out, laying low wasn't worth it other than to give me some rejuvenation time. As soon as I emerged from the inn after my day of resting, a Flaming Fist contingent with a Battle Wizard was waiting to kill me. But I enlisted all four of my followers to help kill them; they're all complicit now in what we are--an unstoppable, unabashed criminal force in the city, carrying with us with the secret approval of Duke Eltan and Commander Scar, and with us the daughter of Duke Silvershield.

Spoiler

11AM. I stroll up to Ragefast's house, thinking now to make good on Ramazith's offer to reward me for the illegal nymph in his possession. Obviously the battle with Ragefast came to blows, and I brought the nymph to Ramazith. While he was quite pleased, his meager reward of Bracers of AC 7 was extremely underwhelming to say the least; so as I've done in most cases, I decide to help myself with whatever else might be in his house, because I deserve it and he can't stop me!

Spoiler

He had some monster guards, but I fought my way through them handily and reached the top. The best magical treasure there was a tome of intelligence. In the heat of battle I don't need my intelligence much, especially as a berserker, but it's nice to be able to raise it permanently. As I descended, Ramazith was none the wiser, so he and his new nymph were left to carry on alive.

Spoiler

1PM. After checking in at the Harbor Master's building to see what was going on there...it looks like I found most of the nobles and rich people in the city already. The only major estates I may deem worthy to pay a visit (for extortion-related purposes) would be Felonius Gist's and Oberan's estates, but they're locked shut. That's never stopped me before, but maybe that's for later.

Spoiler

I'm going to rest some more and check out all the taverns and night life in the city. It's time to kick back a bit and enjoy some drink, celebrating my last few weeks of triumphs.

9PM. Didn't get treated well at the Three Old Kegs...in fact two commoners insulted me deeply as I entered, going on about our adventuring smell. The lippy one ran off before I could catch him, but his friend even decided to get in on the name-calling. Having little other choice, I smashed him into oblivion. Only a fool would speak this way to Ethal Jo and his villainous party. The bartender there wouldn't serve me, so I scoped out the rest of the place and hit the road.

Spoiler

But before any of that, some halfling warned that a Paladin named Phandalyn had my number, and wished me will. Luckily, the halfling gave me info on his whereabouts, so off I go to the dock, happy ready to confront this new fool!

11PM. While looking for Phandalyn, had some drinks with some drunken sailors at Jopalin's Tavern. Also ran into Yeslick...he apparently made his way to the Gate after I freed him in Cloakwood.

Spoiler

[Day 85] 3AM. I checked out all the south side taverns, get into some brawls, but couldn't find Phandalyn anywhere. Whatever, I'm sure I'll be able to deal with the do-gooder if he ever dares to seek me out. Being as I'm intoxicated, going to rest again for the night. I may resume my tavern hopping--this time in the inner city--tomorrow night. But beyond that, it doesn't look like the Iron Throne leaders are set to be returning anytime soon. I know one is in Candlekeep, and another is somewhere off aways with bandit leadership. So it may be coming time I track them down and pay 'em a visit...we still have a bit of unsettled business: that is, their continued existence.

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

8PM. Back out to the taverns, for potentially my final night in the Gate before headed back out. I swing by the Blushing Mermaid, and Neera has again her pointless conversation with me about her thinking our party was going in a different direction, and wanting me to apologize. I never do, and I always convince her to stay, but this routine is getting tiring. I devoted much time and resources into her spellbook, but at this point I'm considering finding Baeloth when I'm down by the FAI and seeing if he could be a feasible replacement. Or potentially, I don't need a replacement at all. Neera HAS been with me from almost the very beginning, and has continued to follow me while many lesser cowards abandoned me. That, and she's the most powerful mage out of any other potential companion I've met so far, so maybe this talk is premature.

Spoiler

Either way, I check out a pathway from the Blushing Mermaid which leads to the Undercellar--I've been looking for this place!

Spoiler

9PM. Decided to bash my way into Felonius Gist manor. Just want to meet the fellow citizen, he seems so rich and important...I intimidated him into letting me look around.

Spoiler

10PM. Same with Oberan's estate. This one went more violently...as I explore the house, looking for someone worthwhile to speak to, I run into three mages. They speak of some magical items, then get suspicious and attack me, knowing I'm no servant. I end up taking down them, AND a number of guards and Flaming Fists that showed up, and ended up retrieving those specific magical skyship items they were talking about...though I'm not sure what to do with them, they may have some value down the road

Spoiler

[Day 86] 7AM. For the time being, I'm done with the city. I'm looking to provide some payback to the Iron Throne leaders, still seemingly influential and causing trouble. I know Rieltar is at Candlekeep. I've also been meaning to raid those dungeons outside Beregost I've had my eyes on since leaving Candlekeep...Ulcaster, Firewine, Durlag's Tower.

Spoiler

And the other Iron Throne leader--Sarevok, is it?...somewhere easing tensions with the bandit gangs, or something like that. So before I head south, I will travel to Ulgoth's Beard: the nearest settlement to the Woods of the Sharp Teeth, where the last bandit headquarters was. It's a loose lead, but there may be other worthwhile reasons for checking out this small village...

Tales of the Sword Coast

[Day 87] 1AM. I arrived in Ulgoth's Beard shortly after midnight, and not long after--I was confronted by the mage Shandalar. Apparantly it were his daughter-mages that I killed only last night. I am surprised he didn't strike with more wrath...but apparently, he wants us to retrieve a cloak for him from this magical ice island. We had no choice in the matter...

Spoiler

3PM. We spent most of the morning and afternoon slaughtering humiliated mages in the ice prison. Some of the conflicts were more daunting than others, and we had to rest for a period of time, but we were able to retrieve our ticket home--Shandalar's cloak--eventually. Skie had to use a Potion of Perception to take care of some of the traps (could detect one but could not disarm it...triggered twice but somehow she stayed alive), and Neera summoned a Nabassu on a wild surge at one point, as well. I was able to take care of it, between my berserker strength, a Protection from Evil spell cast on me by Neera, and the Stupifier which eventually got a stun in which made landing the rest of the blows much easier.

Spoiler

Went we ported back to Ulgoth's Beard, and although it seems Shandalar is VERY powerful, I was ready to confront him. Instead, he takes his cloak and teleports away with a warning. Gah! So now, slightly disoriented, we are dropped right back in the middle of midday Ulgoth's Beard, with villagers gawking at our just-landed adventuring party. Quickly I spot Shandalar's home; my normal mode of operation has been shaking down people for other possessions they have in their home, when I think I deserve more payment than what I got. But unfortunately...he's got no loot in there at all, just a very spacious basement...

Spoiler

I'm also seeing there are a lot of connections to Durlag's Tower up here. Guided tours, but also a dwarf offering 2,000gp for the return of a dagger. I was planning to eventually try to raid the dungeon anyway, this is just more riches from whatever I find there.

Some good level 4 spells at the Ulgoth Inn (Emotion, Greater Malison, Improved Invisiblity), as well as the Cloak of Displacement which would be great for my Berserker...but all too expensive for me to buy, despised as we are. It may make sense to make a return trip up here if my reputation ever were to increase....

4PM. After poking around the rest of the village, I realize they clearly have no new information about the bandits or the Iron Throne leaders. I did get two good leads--the dwaft and his dagger, as mentioned above, AND recovering some sea charts for Mendas. Not only will I get an easy 2000gp for the charts, I may be able to stake a claim to this new island trading outpost, and gather some powerful magic artifacts in the process....I plan to rest here then head back south in middle of the night, very intrigued by this prospect.

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

[Day 88] 6PM. Returned to Baldur's Gate. I'm going to sell some of my winter wolf pelts I got from the ice island, dump some items into my stash (including the Halruuan airship artifacts--in fact, that made me go check out the Hall of Wonders again to see if anything would shake out, now I'm in possession of these items...but nope), but mainly I'm here to pay a visit to the Merchant League's Counting House for the sea charts. I mean, they're probably all dopplegangers anyway. And if they're chartering a ship soon, I should take those charts sooner than later, so they can't launch THEIR voyage. Then at least time would be on my side as to when I want to go up to Mendas and set sail.

Some Flaming Fist attacked, but I slew them all handily. When will these low-level city guards learn, they shouldn't even try?

Spoiler

[Day 89] 4AM. I "obtained" the Sea Charts, leaving a bloody wake of the Merchant League guards and sailors--but no matter. They could have given me the charts easily if they wanted to live.

Spoiler

1PM. To be complete, we also marched north and checked out the farmlands outside of the city. Other than killing a large pack of zombies, nothing going on up here. A farmer told me he "didn't like the looks of me"; so I killed one his cows on my way out.

Spoiler

Looks like south to Rieltar and Candlekeep. It will be good to check in on my stash at the Burning Wizard in Beregost, too.

10PM. Quayle continues to complain about the group's supposedly evil direction. It's annoying, but I'm willing to put up with it since he's the only healer I could find. If he weren't so much a joke, I might take offense...

Spoiler

[Day 91] 7AM. Arrived in Beregost...wow, the mad cleric Bassilus is still at large, with a hefty 5kgp reward, still. It never seemed the right time for that, but if I am ever staying around these parts again (raiding the eastern dungeons), then it's worth it to maybe explore ALL of the Beregost surrounding area...I still haven't been much to the southwest.

As a note: as I passed through the FAI area, I encountered Baeloth again. As it turns out, although my party has the most despised reputation it possibly can, and Quayle and Skie have been fine with endless slaughter so far, adding the Drow mage is a bridge too far for them. They would immediately leave the group permanently, I have sussed out. Seeing how Quayle and Skie are really the only two I NEED, Baeloth will continue to have to wait out in the woods. Looks like my current followers will be my followers for the forseeable future.

[Day 92] 8AM. Gah! Still they will not let me enter Candlekeep without a tome of great worth! With Rieltar there, I figured I could force the confrontation or some other path would make itself available. This isn't likely the case! I had an urge to attack the Keeper of the Portal himself, but he himself holds no key, and it would potentially bar my entrance eternally...and he was polite about it.

Spoiler

1PM. The most powerful person I know who was also trying to go after the Iron Throne was Duke Eltan. I couldn't get any proof of wrongdoing for him a couple weeks ago, but I'll tell him Rieltar is at Candlekeep, and maybe he can help me get in...so back up to the Gate.

[Day 93] 6AM. While passing through FAI, a contingent of Flaming Fist Enforcers attacked me right at the drawbridge. The drawbridge guards also joined in on the attack; about time, I thought. They were all felled.

Spoiler

11PM. I made it back to Baldur's Gate. I'll see Eltan in the morning, but decided to rest at the Blade and Stars, my old spot in the outer city. I spoke to all the regulars there as I had a Bitter Black Ale or two at the bar.

Surprisingly, Elkart gives me 1000gp and says that it's ransom money. Was this some kind of deal worked out between Eldoth and Skie's father that I didn't know about? I'm fuming that this plot is happening right underneath my nose...was Eldoth trying to scheme without me, keep me from getting my cut??...However, being 1000gp richer with some more promised on the way...I guess that calms me down.

Spoiler

[Day 94] 7AM. The Iron Throne building remains abandoned. I make it a point to check time to time. Their leaders have not returned to the city.

Chapter 6

[Day 95] 8AM. Duke Eltan did indeed have a tome that allowed me access to Candlekeep, so with whiplash we made the trip back down south again and gained entrance back to my childhood home. after about three months on the Sword Coast. But reminiscing serves no purpose. I'm here to end a feud with the Iron Throne, and I plan to do that as swiftly and wrathfully as possible.

10AM. I learned the location of the Iron Throne leaders and made short work of them. They were strong, yes, but I have a heavy-magic party with an extraordinarily powerful warrior as the point man--they were humiliated and killed.

Spoiler

I felt a sigh of relief and left to exit...begin my sea voyage out west, maybe? But somehow, I was taken into custody and thrown into a jail cell by the Candlekeep Watchers, before I could react, without a chance to defend myself. Ulraunt had his piece to say, but I couldn't care less about the old coot. Tethtoril, the gracious fool, seemed to take pity on me and directed me towards an escape through the catacombs. Hmm, I very much appreciate that move, and I'll remember it...

Spoiler

Current party:
Reputation 1

Ethal Jo, Level 8 Berserker
Skie, Level 7 Thief
Eldoth, Level 8 Bard
Quayle, Level 5 Cleric/Level 5 Illusionist
Neera, Level 8 Wild Mage

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

[Day 95 continued] 11AM. First level of the catacombs. Ugh, again with Neera threatening to leave the group (and actually doing it momentarily). And she chooses this moment in time to make another stand? I've almost had enough with this idiot. Maybe I can think of some way to add Baeloth as my companion separately, and then tempt back my non-evil followers...

Spoiler

2PM. Neera did it again, ran away and almost got lost in the catacombs while briefly not in the party. This is ridiculous. I'm starting to not care how much gold I dumped into that damn spellbook, if she ups and disappears one day, none of it will be worth it.

Spoiler

5PM. Second level...my party is beginning to become fatigued, as we hadn't had much time to rest since our detainment inside Candlekeep. My Berserker is also getting heavily injured, and we're almost running out of healing spells and potions. I do not think NOW is a good time to rest.

8PM. Confronted and killed a gang waiting for "Sarevok/Korevas" by the Catacombs exit. I read Prat's letter from Sarevok...it looks as though he's the last remaining Iron Throne leader. Doesn't seem to mind that I had killed his old partners earlier in the day; probably looking to fill the power vacuum. According to this note, he should be headed back to Baldur's Gate eventually--great! I will love to crush him upon my big return to the city, he seems to be the last remaning piece of of the puzzle in my conquest against that organization.

Chapter 7

9PM. As I make my way to the outside, my journal reads "You have been accused of murdering the Iron Throne leaders, and the Flaming Fist will undoubtedly hound your every step because of it." Well of course I murdered the Iron Throne leaders, that was my intent. And as far as the Flaming Fist hounding me, what else is new?

Now thinking about it, this may have been a little beyond what Duke Eltan wanted--simply proof of wrongdoing. That being said, it may reason to be a little "hot" in the Gate at this stage, if I don't have Eltan and Scar's tacit approval anymore. No matter, I've gotten most of what I want out of that city--though I will swing by the Blade and Stars to collect additional ransom money from Elkart.

I have a few weeks before Sarevok is making any big new play in the city (according to his letter), so I'll have time later to confront him, he who is seemingly the last remnant of the threat against me from these Iron Throne schemers. So this may be the perfect time to journey to Mendas's potential trading outpost and stake my claim there before the greedy merchants find their way back to the island...

[Day 96] 10AM. I'm back on the Coast Way, camped, rested, and healed after the difficult escape out of Candlekeep. We wil march north to greater wealth and fortune.

11PM. I arrive in Beregost late in the evening. There is a Flaming Fist contingent waiting to arrest me; they're taken out, but a Glyph of Warding took Neera to critical levels of health...imperative now we head to the Burning Wizard to rest and heal, since Quayle's out of spells.

Spoiler

Since I gained permanent strength from that magical manual in the Candlekeep tomes, I no longer need to wear the Gauntlets of Ogre Power and have switched back to the Legacy of the Masters. I now have an extremely high chance to-hit, and dole out incredible damage when I do land my blows.

[Day 97] 8AM. Ah, some of my loot contained a Cloak of Protection + 2 (the Spirit's Shield). Eldoth hadn't been able to identify it, so I knew it was powerful. Since this gives me a +2 bonus to my overall AC, and a +1 upgrade from the Amulet of Protection I was wearing, I don't need to worry about trying to buy that Cloak of Displacement, which would have first meant dumping a few thousand gold into the temples to improve my reputation.

And since the Flaming Fist may be after me with more intensity than ever before...I'd RATHER stick with the lowest of the low reputations, so I can kill the lawmen at will while my so-called "neutral" companions are resigned to their fate as Sword Coast villains.

I emptied out most of my stash in the Burning Wizard, although I kept some non-combat quest items in there...going to consolidate the rest into my stash at the Tavern and Inn in northwest Baldur's Gate.

10PM. I arrived at the Friendly Arm Inn (missing a few guards since my last visit...). Neera's hysterics in the catacombs was the final straw for me and I removed her from the group. If I need her again, that's where she'll stay.

Spoiler

But knowing Skie, Eldoth, and Quayle would up and leave if I added the Drow sorcerer Baeloth, I decided to call their bluff. I cut ties with all of them, and they were all disappointed, but waiting there at the FAI bar.

Spoiler

I went outside and recruited Baeloth to my party. He had been living in the wilderness in squalor and was all too happy to receive my protection--already better behaved than Neera.

Spoiler

With the Drow in tow, I marched back inside. Skie, Eldoth, and Quayle, being well-known throughout the coast for partaking in the villainous acts of the Party of Ethal Jo, probably felt alone and isolated. They were eager to hop back aboard as followers, regardless of the presence of Baeloth. Ha, I knew it!

Spoiler

[Day 98] 4PM. I made it to the Gate, again. After a quick stop in the Shop of Silence (to sell Baeloth's stolen Quarterstaff +1), I stopped into the Blade and Stars to see if Elkart had more money for me. Instead, about 6-9 Flaming Fist Enforcers ambush our party. The bastard! I take care of the FF, but it looks like I only got a measly 1Kgp out of this kidnap scheme. I am NOT happy with Eldoth, although it's not bad having a dedicated thief in Skie. I may not be done with Entar Silvershield!

Spoiler

I hear from a courtesan that Scar has been killed, a secret supporter of mine high in the Flaming First. This adds credence to my belief I may start encountering more intense FF resistance.

Spoiler

Just then, an Enforcer tells me that the new FF Commander, Angelo, has an arrest warrant out specific for me! Ha! They can keep trying. I have a trading outpost island to get to.... I dispatched with these guards as I have with many before them.

Spoiler