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

Selerel · Nov 11, 2021

[Day 99] 1AM. Rested and am leaving the city for Ulgoth's Beard. I heard that Sarevok, the last remaining Iron Throne leader that I have to take my vengeance out on, is riling up the citizens of the Gate for a war with Amn. Just as well, the more popular he gets, the harder he'll fall when I come back from my voyage and finally take my vengeance...

Also ran into Tamoko. She was saying Duke Eltan was getting poisoned...not my problem. Some other cryptic knowledge, too. I'll deal with Sarevok and the rest of the Iron Throne soon enough...

2AM. Hrpmh, many newsbringers this night. Learned from Delthyr a Harper that the Iron Throne is ready to seize power again. I thought I had a "few weeks", per Sarevok's own words...but they may have sprung back faster than I anticipated. This new news may make me pay the Iron Throne HQ a return visit...

Stormed through the slightly-repopulated Iron Throne HQ. I killed Cythandria up top and looked to get an incriminating diary I can use against Sarevok, if I happen to need it when I make my play against him. It also looks like he has some assassins that are going to be spending time in the Undercellar. This is all good information for when I return from my voyage. To my knowledge, it will still be a "few weeks" before his presence is guaranteed in the city.

I then heard Entar Silvershield is dead; I was originally going to visit his estate to see if having Skie was worth any more of a shakedown...doesn't seem like that plan will work now (and I already looted the house..)

Now; up to Ulgoth's Beard.

[Day 124] 8PM. At sea, and then...shipwrecked! Three and a half weeks ago, I booked a boat immediately from Ulgoth's Beard with Mendas's sea charts, but bad weather eventually took out the ship.

And wow, what time has gone by. Whatever is going on with Sarevok in Baldur's Gate is far and distant right now. My companions have all survived, and it looks like wherever we wrecked in inhabited, so I will have to quickly gather my wits...

9PM. This island is home to shipwrecked, inbred imbeciles, I'm discovering. The chieftain woman spoke of a shipcraft that may be repaired and used to sail, on the north end of the island where man-wolves dwell. I pushed for more gold for us to help them, but they refused. From poking around the village, I already know they keep jewels, so I was right to ask for more riches...

No matter; I don't mind leaving these barbarians in my dust, I don't need them at all, and they've already given me good information. It looks like we'll check out the northern end of the island, to see if we can just rescue ourselves. Later on I can always see if we end up needing Kaishas and this southern village...

10PM. I killed some brown bears roaming outside the village, but quiet other than that. I'm going to rest back along the southern coast, then head north in the morning...

[Day 125] 8AM. After fighting some duplicitous wolfweres on the north end of the island, I eventually found Balduran's ship. (I stayed on the western coastline and worked my way around the perimeter of the island.)

10AM. I have slain many of the wolfweres in Balduran's ship, and sent Skie in cloaked to the top level. That's where the alpha dog was, apparently--Karoug, and a mage lackey and a few more followers. I made it clear what my intentions were, and that the only option here is bloodshed. A pack of monsters was never part of the plan to turn a profit from discovering this island; no plan I can think of doesn't involve wiping them out as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I am fairly injured from the previous fights about the ship. Since my party was hidden from those on the top floor--I imagine I was shouting my (vulgar) dialogue responses up the stairs--we were able to slip down off the ship without being pursued. I may return to the south and rest some more before this confrontation...

[Day 126] 4AM. Rested and camped on the south side for most of yesterday and last night, now ready again to go confront Karoug, sufficiently weakened with a large portion of his pack slaughtered. I had a dark dream...the blood of Bhaal in my veins, and Sarevok as my arch-nemesis. My route seams clear once I'm back on the Sword Coast...

These island villagers continue to look on at my party, but don't speak to us, as I've not yet "made right" with Kaishas in their eyes. But it may also be they are sensing my dark nature.

5AM. I destroyed Karoug and looted everything I could from the ship. His regeneration was difficult, but using my Berserker Rage, Baeloth's Haste, Quayle's Chant, and a few healing potions, I was able to last in the melee. When it was down to just the Greater Wolfwere, my three spellcasters just surrounded and blasted him with fire wands and magic missiles until he died.

But now with this pack of monsters out of the way...this is the ship that's going to get me off the island? Very doubtful, it's looks very old and rotten. What was Kaishas getting at??

So we emerge. I next visited the mage Dradeel in his cabin right outside the ship. After an initial rude interaction, he grabbed his spellbook from me and teleported away; I looted the rest of his house, so not much else to say here.

3PM. To recover from the Karoug battle, we rested again for the rest of the morning into the early afternoon, outside of Dradeel's cabin, healing up before heading back down south to the village. Now I'm going to have to figure out how to get off this damn island, it seems...

Current Party:
(Reputation 1)

Ethal Jo, Level 8 Berserker
Skie, Level 8 Thief
Eldoth, Level 9 Bard
Baeloth, Level 6 Sorcerer
Quayle, Level 6 Cleric/Level 5 Illusionist

Selerel · Nov 11, 2021

[Day 126 Continued] I confronted Kaishas and told her that we killed Karoug--that's when she revealed her dark secret: she has infected us with lycanthropy. Predictably I flew off the handle at this unwelcome affliction thrust upon me and vowed to slay her right there. And with that, a village full of werewolves begin attacking me, AFTER Kaishas grabbed the sea charts from me and made off.

7PM. The fighting in the village has been brutal. It looks like their numbers are far greater than what I originally thought; for every pair I kill, another pair seems to rise from the ground itself and start attacking. Dradeel, who I apparently helped escape the island, tells me that the "new" ship that will sail is accessible via underground caverns, and Kaishas is already prepping her journey. The caverns, he warns me, are crawling with werewolves...that's probably where the endless spawning of these beasts comes from.

I am knocking on death's door, however. I fled to the north side of the island (since at least THERE, I did successfully slaughter most of Balduran's descendants (did I get that lore right?)). I will make camp here until I am rested and prepared to make the final push through the caverns.

[Day 127] 3AM. While I would prefer another period of rest, I don't want to risk Kaishas setting sail at first light. At least yesterday I was mostly confident she, a first-time sailor, wouldn't leave at night.

5AM. Made it through the caverns, killed Kaishas and recovered the Sea Charts and her newly built ship--finally, I can leave at my leisure. I owe the Werewolves a world of hurt though, I'm going to check out the caverns and see what other treasure might be down under the mountains...

6AM. No treasure found, and in fact these damn werewolves hit so hard that I got into a close call with my life. While I wanted to get a little revenge by slaying more of them, my other purpose was to gain enough experience for Baeloth to reach his next Sorcerer level, which he did. I was hasted and chanted, trying to kill as many of these as I could, and I got a little ahead of myself. Being very injured, it's best now I go to the eastern beach and start to rest and prep for the long voyage back.

I'm not sure what may come of this small island, but I'll see my options upon discussion with Mendas on my return...

11PM. After resting and prepping all day, it's time to set sail.

And right--I should mention I have a small toddler named Peladan that I retrieved from Karoug's lair. As all the villagers quickly turned to hostile werewolves, and in turn I slew them, I did not have much of a chance to ask questions about this boy. I put Quayle in charge of taking care of it for the time being, but I will see what can can be done with this child when we get back to the mainland...

[Day 149] 11PM. Finally docked on the Sword Coast. The journey back was without incident, and I realize this was all a scheme by Mendas and the Werewolf clan. I slew the two Loup Garou and fumed over being used as a pawn. However, I did receive Balduran's logbook and some other treasure...not sure what I can do with these sea charts, or if any of the Merchant's League may be interested in getting these back...? I may be able to offer my services in setting up the trade outpost on the island, now that I've laid claim to it, and clearing the remaining lycanthropes at the same time...

Either way, it's been almost two months since I've left. I know I've been meaning to confront and kill Sarevok in Baldur's Gate--he should absolutely be there by now, potentially even made a Grand Duke by this point. But it's no matter; he will get crushed down like all those before him, regardless of his current stature. My dreams have been pushing me towards this end, as if it were my bloody fate...

I would even consider more adventuring and dungeon-raiding--Ulcaster, Firewine, and Durlag's Tower, and the greater Nashkel/northern Amn region in general--but now is not the time for that. As it stands, it does not seem I can gain much more experience from anything on the Sword Coast anymore [Charname is at the 161K xp cap, need to move onto SOD...]; I've dominated the majority of my surroundings, and have amassed a sizeable fortune of gold and treasure..so all those dungeons and areas are really just an empty exercise at this point.

No--it's finally time I finish my business with those who have been hounding me from the moment I left Candlekeep. It's time I kill Sarevok and end it.

[Day 151] 12PM. I first marched direct from Ulgoth's Beard to the Friendly Arm Inn. After killing some more FF, I unload this kid Peladan, onto Neera. This is of course after I realize the kid has no value from shopkeepers (I won't lie, selling Peladan at the Shop of Silence crossed my mind...). But Neera's just living there at the FAI for the foreseeable future. What I'm about to do in Baldur's Gate is no place for infants or toddlers, and she owes me for the months of protection I gave her...so now Peladan is hers. I couldn't care less what happens to the boy; I leave them both.

8PM. Rested, and now starting the trip to Baldur's Gate...

[Day 152] 5AM. Entered Baldur's Gate. A couple of soon-to-be-dead Flaming Fist Enforcers tell me that Angelo still is looking to arrest me. I smash one of them so hard they explode into chunks, right in the town square. Good morning everyone! Ethal Jo is back! What's my next course of action? Maybe I go march right up to the Flaming First HQ and see Angelo and Eltan in person. I also know Sarevok has assassins that frequent the Undercellar....

Before I set those wheels into motion, maybe I'll also visit the Merchant League buildings and see if there's any way to sell my Werewolf story along with the sea charts back. I'd also like to see what's going on at Silvershield's estate (if anything), and add more treasure to my stash in the northwest tavern. I'll also sell whatever wares I have at Sorcerous Sundries.

Soon I run into Delthyr (the Harper), but he has no new news. Sarevok doesn't seem to have become Grand Duke just yet...good. Might just mean less security.

7AM. The Merchant's League offered nothing for my knowledge of Balduran's Isle. In fact, Aldeth Sashenstar was eager to betray me to the Flaming Fist, again because of this business with Rieltar. Many more FF attacked and Aldeth and his henchman were able to slip away.

Not much going on at the Silvershield estate, either, with Entar dead. Skie got confirmation that her father had been killed--she took it well, and didn't dare leave the group to be with her family. This isn't a party to be overemotional in, so good. Eldoth seems to have her on the right track--she's with US.

4PM. Rested and settled in to town; next stop, find Sarevok. I know he has underlings I can probably find in the Undercellar...

Current Party:
(Reputation 1)

Ethal Jo, Level 8 Berserker
Skie, Level 8 Thief
Eldoth, Level 9 Bard
Baeloth, Level 7 Sorcerer
Quayle, Level 6 Cleric/Level 6 Illusionist

Selerel · Nov 11, 2021

[Day 152 continued] 4PM. I emerge to the streets this evening with my fury split between two parties--the Flaming Fist and Sarevok himself. The Flaming Fist has hounded me constantly; even though I was out-to-sea for two months, their passion to bring me to justice has not waned in the slightest. This is a major headache and I am tempted to just strike out against them directly at their headquarters and see if I can kill this new leader Angelo. That would leave Sarevok without city guard lackeys and would cement his doom and MY supremacy.

On the other hand, with all this talk of imminent war and Amnish invasion, maybe it makes sense not to thin out the rank and file of those who may have to defend this city--MY city. After all, I can see myself taking charge of some troops myself at some point--the next Scar or Angelo?....and the more troops left alive the better.

So it's decided. I'll go straight after Sarevok and cut the monster's head off. My only lead right now--is the UNDERCELLAR!

5PM. I find and easily dispose of Slythe and Krystin, even they may be the toughest assassins I've seen yet--I just have too much magic. And what's this they have? An invitation to the Ducal Palace? Astounding! I killed them before they could offer up any information on Sarevok's current whereabouts...but luckily, this letter and invitation is all I need. As it happens, it looks like THIS EVENING is supposed to be Sarevok's coronation. Could there be a better stage than this, to expose him and kill him for all of the Gate to see? This is my bloody fate! Off west to the Ducal Palace.

6PM. I crashed the Grand Duke coronation ceremony and turned it into a doppleganger bloodbath. Sarevok was truly a villain, and with the documents I was able to gather, I got the rest of the city on my side. What shocked me too--this was the same armored figure who had attacked me months ago outside Candlekeep and killed Gorion! Ahh, his death would have brought my journey full circle! But instead, the bastard got away before I could finish the job.

One of the Dukes (Belt, the only one left alive?) clued me in to where Sarevok fled, down into the maze through the Thieves Guild...I followed him, but am actually very injured from the previous encounter with him; Sarevok is indeed very strong and will be very tough to bring down. That being said, I have no doubt it will be done. However, this maze looks very long, and I will no doubt need some rest before I face him again.

8PM. After a pair of skeleton warriors we encountered in the maze to the Undercity, I was injured to near death. We retreated for the time being back to the Elfsong--I'll be going right back underground after Sarevok as soon as I'm back to full strength. He's trapped down there as far as I know...

What I was infuriated to see was the owner of the establishment, Alyth Elendara, still openly and aggressively hostile to me (maybe from some run-in with some ruffians at her place ages ago?). I just smashed down Sarevok's attempt to take over the city, the Dukes are on my side, I still think I can lay claim to the Flaming Fist...and this annoying tavern owner is the LAST thing I wanted to run into when I just wanted to relax for a small amount of time before going back into combat. She has no right to treat me like this, and if she wants to be hostile--she'll get "hostile" back.

Unfortunately, I know she is esteemed highly enough in town that her killing would be a great blow to my already despised reputation. So as I've done in the past, I temporarily split ways with Eldoth, Skie, and Quayle. Baeloth and I were acting alone--and Elendara got what she deserved. The "neutral three" (really the "neutral two" plus Eldoth) could say they weren't involved, once I invited them back...a small win for their fragile consciences, I guess.

Only to my surprise, I come downstairs and the bartender won't even serve me. Calls me bilge! No way I can contain the rage and let the insult go, so I smash the bartender into little pieces right there. Argh!! I'll find a new place to rest. The Elfsong can screw.

[Day 153] 1PM. I rested for about 16 hours at the Tavern and Inn by the City Gates...I didn't want to lose too much sight on the Thieves Guild, the only possible entrance to the Undercity that I know about, just in case Sarevok tries to double back.

3PM. Skie died in a lightning trap. I'm not going to continue on without a thief...so back again to the surface. I won't be against having her use a Potion of Master Thievery this time (I only have two...).

Selerel · Nov 11, 2021

4PM. On my way to the Temple of Helm to resurrect Skie, I stopped by the Ducal Palace. Not much going on--when I try to check out what type of riches they store upstairs (they owe me for saving their city is how I see it), I realize this is exactly when I need an ALIVE Skie...damn. The chests are locked and I can't bash them.

5PM. Returned with a resurrected (and Temple-healed) Skie, and fleeced the top floor of the Ducal Palace. These chumps are foolish to leave so much treasure so thinly guarded (thousands of gold), but they DO owe me, ha! I think we did end up riling up a contingent of guards to stop us. I sighed and was in no big hurry to slaughter even more...like I said, I may be taking over the group soon, so I simply walked out instead of standing and fighting like I usually do. They didn't chase me too far before seemingly giving up.

9PM. Eventually I found the passage to the Undercity...and slew Winski Perorate. He led me to believe that Sarevok and I are of the same blood...the same divine blood, and a ritual was forthcoming. Hmm...I have no idea what this sniveling wizard's motives are, but he may be onto something. It sounds about right, down in my gut.

But of course there was no way I could let him live for his part thus far in this... After I killed him, I went to explore the rest of the maze, I want to crush and kill all manner of remaining guardians and enemies in this place...

[Day 154] 12AM. I cleared the maze, and while my spellcasters are low on spells, I'm in too deep to go back. Into the Undercity! I imagine there are long forgotten treasures and riches down here, teeming alongside Sarevok and whatever followers he still has...I'll make sure to make myself at home!

2AM. Skie was killed again--this time by an arrow of explosion fired by the latest Iron Throne brigade--who had also tracked Sarevok down to the Undercity. I may explore the rest of this place...but I'm wary without my thief present.

Current Party:

Ethal Jo, Level 8 Berserker
Skie, Level 8 Thief (DEAD)
Eldoth, Level 9 Bard
Baeloth, Level 7 Sorcerer
Quayle, Level 6 Cleric/Level 6 Illusionist

Reputation: 1

Selerel · Nov 11, 2021

[Day 154 Continued] 1PM. I made camp in one of the ruined structures of the Undercity for the morning; once we got moving again, we cleared out the remaining dead and living that roam this ruined place...all signs point to Sarevok being holed up in an ancient temple, conceivably containing a ritual altar...the last remaining area we haven't swept.

While I'm hesitant to enter without the trap-detecting skills of a thief, my bloodlust is too much in overdrive at this point. I want to see pieces of Sarevok's skull on my mace!! I don't want to see the light of day before that.

I decided to continue to prep for the rest of the day, and rested again by the shore to the dark waters, right behind the temple, to ensure I was at full strength and had spells memorized specific to the confrontation at hand--specifically, I want to make sure that Quayle can summon a small contingent of summoned skeletons for me.

9PM. Well, right we are! Into the final battle with Sarevok. Without going into details, between three skeletal warriors summoned by Quayle, a potion of Heroism, a potion of Storm Giant Strength, my Berserker rage, Haste, a potion of regeneration, AND a Protection of Fire scroll protection...that was enough to smash Sarevok into the ground.

Quayle cast Find Traps and used an invisibilty potion to scout around (remember, no Skie). So luckily, we knew which areas on the floor to avoid for traps, but eventually the villains caught on that we had entered their temple base...a mage stupidly teleported directly in front of our group without any of his companions joining him, so he was cut down relatively easily. Even though we triggered a web trap and a stinking cloud trap, we were able to avoid the affects for the most part.

Finally, with still the three skeletal warriors at mostly full health, I charged the remaning trio of Sarevok, Angelo, and Tazok. Fireball arrows were damaging to all involved, except Ethal Jo himself--the Protection from Fire scroll was key (the original plan was to have me in melee combat and all my spellcasters blasting fireballs once all the summoned skeletons were gone). However, it didn't get that far. With magic missiles and Storm Giant strength, that was enough to fell my supposed half-brother. I will admit I was on the verge of death and one more small blow may have ended it for me--but fortunately, as soon as Sarevok died, Angelo and Tazok instantly fled.

And HMPH. Quickly considering what Sarevok said, he did truly believe my (our) father is the God of Murder Bhaal? As I said before...it feels right, I KNOW deep in my gut my blood is powerful....but I can't trust what any of these fools say. Alls I know is, I'm the one in charge of what I want to do, in my charge of MY fate....not Bhaal. My soul is mine, regardless if any of this is real or not.

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

Siege of Dragonspear

Chapter 7

[Day 164] 10PM. Fast forward about a week and a half...I am scouring the rest of the Gate for Sarevok's followers and crushing them all down, with the full support of the city behind me.

Imoen has shown her face in the city after all this time, as well. She had been my follower for about a month and a half right out the gates, hunting and adventuring in the wilderness outside Candlekeep, Beregost, and the Friendly Arm Inn. When first I arrived in Nashkel, the Amnian guard, hearing about my so-called evil deeds throughout the land, immediately attacked me. I responded in kind, slaughtering all of them. Imoen left me while I was still fighting, and I hadn't seen her since...she has some gall to show back up AFTER I laid claim to the city, and try to get back on my good side.

I don't trust the mage that's suspiciously doing magical research and working with Korlasz. So after slaying her, I move on futher into the tomb.

[Day 165] 5AM. I cleared out most of Sarevok's remaining followers in the tomb, and killed Korlasz herself. I was also able to destroy any undead I came across. Before I surface...I want to see what I can get from Korlasz's chambers; and it also appears I may be able to spur on some reaction from some magical torchlight, one is suspiciously unlit.

6AM. But eventually, it is time to leave the small family tomb and enjoy the riches I already have. Most of my followers are talking about how they will be moving on...bah, no matter. I will have some time to relax and recuperate here in the Gate after all the trouble over the last few months...

Current Party:

Ethal Jo, Level 8 Berserker
Skie, Level 9 Thief
Eldoth, Level 10 Bard
Baeloth, Level 8 Sorcerer
Quayle, Level 7 Cleric/Level 7 Illusionist

Reputation: 1

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 180] 12AM. Fast forward another two weeks. I have been living in luxury in the Grand Duke's palace, and all of my companions have moved on. But finally, some much deserved relaxation after all the trouble I've been caused! Unfortunately, the world has a way of interfering...

Imoen, who has somehow slithered onto my coattails to get similar luxurious treatment, wakes me up to warn me of assassins breaching the palace. I'm able to work with the Flaming Fist to kill them all, but it's clear--they were sent by Caelar Argent, the leader of the Crusade causing problems up north, and also clear they wanted to kill me in particular. Clearly they've heard of my deeds and reputations, and most likely know I stand to be a threat. Shortly after, I decided with the Dukes that I would lead a battalion of Flaming Fist to get my vengeance on this woman. She made a mistake coming after me, just like the Iron Throne, and is causing way too much chaos in this city for me to ignore.

Skie pops up, now back with her apparently-resurrected father, and lets me in on a rumor that Caelar may be a Bhaalspawn? And if I am truly a Bhaalspawn like Sarevok said, it makes all the more sense that Caelar may be seeking me out to destroy me.

1AM. Ophyllis says he doesn't have my 83K in gold. Excuse me?! That should normally be a death sentence; I don't care who this is or what his story is. That much gold is easily worth his life. Unfortunately he slips out before I can get a hold of him and tells me to meet him out front; I immediately go, with Corwin the captain of the Flaming Fist in tow.

And wow--is it crowded with refugees! This damn Caelar needs to die; I'm the warrior to do it. But first, my gold. I find Ophyllis, he says it got taken by a gang who went to the Three Old Kegs--so that's obviously my next stop. He slips away again, somehow.

2AM. Three Old Kegs. I diffuse a bar fight by threatening to kill everyone if they didn't leave in ten seconds.

I then found the gang that supposedly mugged Ophyllis and stole my 83K; they didn't have the gold on them, and it didn't seem like they could have spent it all either--but either way, it was enough for a death sentence for them, too. I slew Ozil and his gang.

Upstairs, I overhear a seditious plot being discussed by a group of well-to-do nobles. Immediately I use it to blackmail them; when they start to push back in the slightest, I threaten to murder them all! Ha! They throw me gold and magical items and scatter like cockroaches.

I also encounter Minsc the Ranger, who was brought back to life somehow. About five months previous, if you remember, he had attacked me in Nashkel and I killed him where he stood. I had never met his witch charge either.

I was guarded in my conversation with him--but he seems to have no memory of that instance. I was tempted to strike him down again, but he showed sufficient respect for the Hero of Baldur's Gate here, so I gave him a pass...

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

Before leaving, I had a drink with Corwin, I was inappropriately hitting on her the entire time. But I needed some drinks to calm my nerves after realizing my gold fortune is gone. At least I slew those responsible (Ophyllis is still out there but will die if I ever see him again...).

11AM. Rested for the night then headed to Sorcerous Sundries to sell some of the loot from the Undercity I still had sitting in my chest. Corwin mentions that Safana, Corwin, and Garrick are adventurers that I may want to speak with. Safana I've never heard of...Garrick I met briefly in Beregost, I remember he had a problem with me...Coran adventurered with me for about three weeks before dropping out of the group when I killed Entillis Fulsom.... I will head there on Coran's account, knowing his thief skills may be useful.

Stopped by the Elfsong--where I saw Elendara, who I had killed in her own bar a few weeks ago, shortly before killing Sarevok. Looks like my hero status has had my sins forgiven, sure. And I had no desire to join up with the weakling Garrick. I did eventually run into Coran upstairs, but he would not follow me. Luckily, Corwin also gave me the heads up on Safana as a possible companion (known as an adventurer or mercenary like Coran?). I am always in a need of a thief, and she seemed very eager to do my bidding, so she joined me...

I also paid a visit to the Iron Throne headquarters to see what they've done with the place. I met Rasaad there (I had first met him in Nashkel months ago), but realized I didn't want some annoying holy man who used his bare hands in a fight instead of actual weapons.

After that, I decided I would also visit the Flaming Fist HQ. Corwin tells me that there is a possible companion there, Tiax. To my surprise, this is the gnome that was usually standing in the square right outside the fortress. We barely exchanged words back before he was arrested, but I am in need of a healer. Unfortunately the mad gnome couldn't get his senses together enough to join with me...

[Day 182] 7AM. After some more preparation and rest, I am ready to head out, leading a small army of Flaming Fist troops. Outside the ducal palace, this is the first time I'm seeing Dynaheir the witch-mage. Remembering how powerful magic was in the my campaigns on the Coast Way, I invited her to the group. Yes, Minsc comes along...but it may just be that he meets the wrong end of a blade at some point, if I decide I don't want to keep him around.

I also see Viconia is there. Many months ago she attacked me while fleeing a Flaming Fist mercenary and got killed for it, but she can't seem to place the memory. Healers can be very valuable, but she is a Drow and I know adding her to the group now would cause the rest of my followers to huff and puff and leave. I'll see what I can do about it later....

8AM. On the march out, Dynaheir confronts me about my supposed evil ways and tells me to change course. Ha! Who does this witch think she is? We get into a spat and both her and Minsc leave the group, shortly after joining. Bah, it was a mistake from the start...I'll remember this trouble she caused.

Chapter 8

[Day 186] 9PM. Arrived at the Coast Way Crossing after a few days' march. I was able to get my magical gear and equipment back from Dynaheir and Minsc.

I spoke to Corwin and recruited her. She acted as my bodyguard in the city, and as captain of the Flaming Fist and an apparently skilled archer, she may be useful for my personal party of followers. She is, however, lawful and good-hearted, so we'll see how long she can last...

Shortly after that, Edwin the Conjurer came running from the north. I had briefly encountered him in Nashkel months ago (on the same day I first met Minsc and Rasaad), but have no real history with him. While he was insolent at first and I was close to using violence, he quickly gave up good information about the crusade, and offered his magical powers to me. Great...he seems like he may be a very useful ally, and an apt replacement for Dynaheir.

It was also decided I will donate to the local temples to increase my reputation among this military company, while I am here. I want fair prices for supplies from that scumbag Belegarm; but I also want enough goodwill that I can add the Drow healer to my numbers without scaring off the rest of my followers for being too vile. So after $2K handed over to Mizhena, Viconia joined my party as well. I am still intensely disliked due to my infamy, but absolutely feared and respected.

[Day 187] 6AM. My team divvied up equipment, memorized spells, and rested for the night. Upon awaking, we are ready to scout the Crossing ahead.

Current Party:

Ethal Jo, Level 8 Berserker
Viconia, Level 8 Cleric
Corwin, Level 8 Archer
Safana, Level 10 Thief
Edwin, Level 9 Conjurer

Reputation: 5

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 187 continued] 7AM. I meet an "announcer" up the path a bit, who mentions Baeloth the Sorcerer, holding some type of combat entertainment up the path. Ha, fantastic! The Drow was a big help to me while in and around Baldur's Gate. I'll try to get him to follow me again.

8AM. When I reached the bridge, the Crusaders blew it up. I was able to speak to Caelar, the woman who signed her death warrant when she sent assassins after me. I didn't accept any of her excuses trying to backtrack on it, like she didn't really try to have me killed. Back at the Ducal Palace, I do remember taking several blows from the intruders, blows that could have been lethal. This woman must die. Either way, we need to find another way to Dragonspear...

Edwin has brought up some fears and reservations about facing Caelar. I don't like it and I won't have any of it.

9AM. On the return walk to camp, I did find Baeloth's hut and wanna-be gladiator pit. After some nonsense with a crowd and a goblin, I directed Baeloth to wait quietly at the Flaming Fist camp. I will most likely add him to our cause, but also know I will become despised again adding a second Drow...

10AM. I made 5K in gold, mostly from the Crusader party I slaughtered at the foot of the bridge and their plus-one equipment. With that in mind, I threw a little over 1K at the churches, to a point where I practically wasn't even disliked anymore for my past deeds. I knew I would need all the good will I could muster upon adding Baeloth...

11AM. After buying a Bag of Holding, the only valuable item left that Belegarm has (taking advantage of my current and probably temporary non-despicable reputation), I surveyed my party. It is a large 6-person group, not usually what I am accustomed to. However, I'm leading a small army--this is my "War Party". This advance team should be strong and powerful, the "tip of the spear" so to speak. With Edwin and Baeloth, two powerful and self-proclaimed "evil" wizards, combined with a dedicated thief and cleric in Safana and Viconia, plus a lethal archer in Corwin, I am feeling extremely confident and powerful with this group...even with the knowledge we will gain individual experience more slowly.

I spoke to Duncan, he will break camp and begin the march east to Bridgefort. It will take several days if not a week for the battalion to make its way there. I may stay around a bit as well to look for the remaining stone mehnirs, it looks like maybe some magical treasure can be got with them.

12PM. In my search for mehnirs, I stumbled upon a dwarven cleric dig gone wrong with undead. Looks like there may be some very worthwhile treasure in there, as reward from the dwarves or as plunder from the dig itself...since I have time before the Flaming Fist moves east, and that bastard Ophyllis lost my small fortune, checking out this undead lair may be a lucrative way to re-establish my prominence.

And upon activating all the mehnirs (Safana sang to them), a poor man's ghost was awakened. A waste of time, as I gained nothing--although he let me know of his crypt in a barrow on the east side of the forest, with some magical treasure that may be left there.

5PM. I made it to the Repository of Undeath and battled some difficult skeletons and other various ghouls. However, one too many Haste spells caused my party to become fatigued; but the dwarves weren't lying about potential treasure down here, with the size of the complex this big, and what I've found so far, I'm sure to make good from a loot standpoint. So I'll rest back at camp, but I'll have to return...I should have plenty of time still.

I have a suspicion that Daran Highhammer, the dwarf mercenary who I first encountered running out of the dig site, would rest up, take advantage of the undead I've already slain, and claim the treasure himself. As I thought more about this possibility, it became clear I'd have to scare him off or kill him on the spot. Outside, I let him know about his cleric friends, but then told him there wasn't anything of consequence for him anymore...and he scampered off.

[Day 188] 6AM. I returned to camp, re-memorized which spells that my casters will be using, then headed back to the undead lair. I spent way too much time with the pillar riddles and worked myself into a frustrated fury. When I eventually get the door open...it's just a white-hot anger in my mind...I don't like ANYTHING about this place.

7AM. I met Coldhearth the liche...I couldn't rightly defeat him as it stands right now, and I DID want to crush him down, but it would just end in death and disaster for me; he is seemingly too powerful. But I did speak to him without fear. He promised me an item of great power if I were to do his bidding--simply return five necklaces to him...hmm, I will consider it. If I can't slay the monster, this is an alternative route to enriching myself...as for now, I'll finish exploring the rest of the tomb.

8AM. Not quite finished, but I'm very injured, out of extra healing potions, and my party is almost out of spells.

9AM. I stopped by the magical pool of clarity, now that I can seemingly get it to work. I check in on Caelar and the Hooded Man, but just visions and riddles...I don't care about Imoen. I also check with the Dwarf Brother Deepvein and let him know about his buddy, Coldhearth, who turned himself into a lich. Luckily, this dwarf gave me a weapon I can use to kill the lich. I know I was promised a powerful weapon if I were to gather the necklaces as Coldhearth requested, but now I just may be able to kill the lich directly and take his treature.

5PM. I rested and healed for the day up on the first level, but headed directly back down to finish this...

7PM. Destroyed Coldhearth (and his phylactery) and potentially struck a deal with the Dwarven clerics to assist me against Caelar down the road. I gained much jewels and treasure with this expedition, but I almost regret not siding with the lich and getting whatever magical item he had promised. Gah, so be it.

8PM. Back at camp; instead of resting for the night, I think we will march west to the Coast Way forest. I think of it as a general widening of my terrority, and seeing if any of the Crusaders left anything useful on this side of the river as they were planning to blow the bridge...and I got the urge to use my mace some more before we head out. I am planning to begin my own party's march to Boareskyr Bridge at some point on the morrow once we've returned and rested.

Current party:

Ethal Jo, Level 8 Berserker
Corwin, Level 8 Archer
Viconia, Level 9 Cleric
Safana, Level 11 Thief
Edwin, Level 9 Conjurer
Baeloth, Level 9 Sorcerer

Reputation: 7

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 189] 1AM. I made it to the Coast Way forest outskirts, and not only found Skie (who had attempted to shadow some Crusaders back to their base...), but also ran into Ikros and Isabella, two adventurers that were apparently hunting a vampire. Unfortunately for them, I see that they had a stolen shield that a halfling refugee had earlier described for me. And since it's not theirs, that tells me these two are about as good as common thieves--and the shield might as well be mine. The situation escalated until they attacked me; and it was actually a fairly tough battle as they were both well-experienced. Ikros became invisible at one point and somehow, I realized I don't have the best spells available to counter that.

I met Rasaad, but I have just as much use for his little fists now as I did back at Baldur's Gate: none.

2AM. I discoverd some type of undead lair. I plundered whatever meager treasure was in the chest...but it is clear there IS some undead presence nearby. The wizard and the warrior woman weren't making it up...hmm, instead of returning to camp this night, I'll instead set up camp here in the forest, seeing if I can draw this "vampire" out.

11AM. Upon waking to daylight, it hit me: the vampire must be back at rest at his lair now that the sun is out; and indeed he was. Vampiric touch is one of my special abilities, so I should be familar with the lore.... Either way, the monster was an easy sleeping kill; I only got a pair of beat up boots out of it, but maybe they can be repaired...

Chapter 9

[Day 191] 7AM. After arriving at the Troll Claw Woods, it was apparent that the Crusader forces had taken Boareskyr Bridge (but hadn't destroyed it yet) and were sieging Bridgefort for their supplies and rations. To me it seems the logical thing to do would be to break the siege as vicously and violently as possible...a big group of camped Crusaders, overconfident in their meager camp defenses, practically begging for their blood to be spilled. Duncan makes some mention of trying to reach the Bridgeport defenders inside, maybe through some underway passage? I don't see why--the problem is on the OUTSIDE. Looks like the nearer threat is the Troll nest up the road, anyway.

Soon after arriving, I was informed of a group of half-orcs that had joined our company. I went to go vet them, make sure they were strong enough warriors...unfortunately their leader showed such disrespect I had no choice but to smack him around a little bit with my mace to show him who's in charge. The weaklings fled away after that bit of a beatdown! Fine then! Don't want them anyway.

10AM. I ran into Jaheira, Voghlin, and a couple of Bridgefort refugees. As you may or may not remember, Jaheira abandoned me in the heat of battle months and months ago, as I was cutting down a half dozen Amnish soldiers who attacked me upon my arrival in Nashkel. (This was a few days after I sent Khalid in solo unarmored against a gang of bandits to purposely get him killed...) So in any case, you could say she did a pitiful job "protecting" me, per Gorion's wishes...I give her as an icy reception as possible and directed her to camp, her saving grace is she is also willing to fight Caelar and knows some healing spells in a pinch.

She does give me good information about Bridgefort and mentioned the weakling Khalid as if he were back alive...she must have eventually found his body and resurrected him once she split with me. She also spoke to me about a wardstone and portal, and a Temple of Cyric, or Bhaal, or something to the east. Hmm...knowing now who my true father is, something about the temple indeed calls out to me...

But before anything, I will make sure the rest of the nearby woods are cleared out of any monsters and spies, first.

2PM. I continue to clear out the monsters from around the woods near the Flaming Fist camp. My party is becoming drained, so probably best to rest for the rest of the evening, and look to scout up north overnight. Picked up the Glimmer of Hope, and it's nice to finally be using a plus-two weapon.

[Day 192] 3AM. I made my way up to Bridgefort at night, with a slight detour into a goblin-raided mushroom treasure cave. I only just begun to scout the Crusader camp when I ran into a group of hobgoblin bandits, gathering right outside the camp walls. Unfortunately one of those bastards threw a potion of explosions at my group and we all got burnt up...I need to watch out for things like that.

9AM. After exploring the rest of the outside of Bridgefort, I returned to the Troll Claw and the FF camp. I'm going to memorize whatever spells the damn spellcasters needs to break a siege, and then go crush the Crusader siege camp. I don't have time to try to get into the Crusader camp to gather information, or try to sneak my way into Bridgefort by way of some wardstone--I don't even see the point. What could the Bridgeport defenders possibly do to help? They were weak enough to get trapped in there in the first place--and the fool Khalid?? Give me a break.

No, it looks like the only way this resolves itself is for a lot of Crusaders to die at once, and soon. Hurrah!

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

9PM. I marched up to Bridgefort before sundown. I downed a potion of Storm Giant Strength, Baeloth casted Haste on us, and between some Web casting, some Grease casting, some Glyphs of Warding, my berserker rage...my party made an absolute embarrassment out of the Crusader siege camp. Eventually the Flaming Fist showed up to support me, but the battle was long gone by then. I gain status as a hero, and it looks as though I have free reign of the fort itself at this point. The entire company waits on me to cross the bridge; as well they should.

I see Khalid again, apparently resurrected after all that time ago. I don't have much words for the stuttering coward.

Also encountered Dorn, locked in a cage by the Crusade. We had met briefly a few times in the months past. I know he's a strong, violent warrior, and that's good enough for me--he can join our march against Caelar, I told him to wait at camp.

Met Neera too inside. While she was a loyal servant early on and we killed many enemies together, she eventually outgrew her welcome, and I remember why. She is an unstable fool, annoying, and doesn't know her place. I sent her to the FF camp. Don't know if she's still taking care of that Werewolf child Peladan that I gave her, don't care either.

[Day 193] 7AM. At Bridgefort, I healed, rested, and sorted through the large amount of treasure that routing the siege camp got me. What profitable slaughter. Bought a Mace +2 for my offhand.

As I crossed Boareskyr in order to scout our journey westward, some type of bloody vision cast itself on me, and I woke up with the symbol of Bhaal seared into the bricks of the bridge itself--seemingly by divine intervention. Yes, yes--I am truly the Son of Bhaal. I do hear his presence within me; but no, I am not a mindless thrall. In any case, it's clear that some otherworldly power burns through me, how else could I have done this to the bridge? What other explanation is there for anything so far?

The hooded man that stalks me has so far been lucky to escape and evade me before I can catch him and *really* interrograte him for what he knows...but he seems, anyway, to be pushing me along the path I'm already on.

8AM. It will be a long two weeks' march to Dragonspear. As the Flaming Fist contingent prepares to break camp in the Troll Claw over the next several days and start the trudge westward...my gut it telling me to visit the Temple of Bhaal. This is my birthright now, my blood; I will lay claim to any treasure or magical artifacts that may be there and kill anyone that tries to stop me! I have a few days' time and I have a feeling this will only make me stronger for when the time comes to crush Caelar.

7PM. I took my War Party to the Forest of Wyrms to lay claim to the Temple of Bhaal. I successfully cleared most of the spiders and wyverns from the base of the hill, but the cave at the top calls my name...

But what do we have here? A green dragon sleeping? Goes by the name Morentherene? No I'll have none of that. I will kill this overgrown lizard! Ha, it's probably sitting on top a fat heap of treasure, too! First...best best is to rest and plan; I'll stay overnight on the rock ledge immediately outside; looks like the weather is fine.

[Day 194] 4AM. Before dawn, I crushed the young dragon easily. My party is too powerful for it, and I suspect will be powerful enough for whatever else this cave temple throws me...

5AM. Exterminated the bugbears on the upper level and even got to kill a Cyric cultist on the way out. Looks like this temple isn't so "ruined" after all...but seemingly active; taken over by Cyric worshippers as I had heard. My only inclination is to dive further down, reclaim this place in the name of Ethal Jo...or is it Bhaal?

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

6AM. I found some Crusaders locked in cages. I gave them the bad news that I had routed their Bridgefort siege camp and their friends were either dead or on the run...ha! Not much left to do with them other than give them a quick death by arrow firing squad.

Also saw Madele, an old insane Bhaal worshipper...does that mean she's an ally, now? She showed respect and adulation upon learning I was a child of Bhaal myself... I left the rambling old woman to her cage, but she did give me a name of her enemy down here--Ziatar.

10AM. Ziatar is dead, and I also encountered a powerful, massive neothelid. This cult is indeed very active and looked to be planning something big... Unfortunately that fool Edwin died in some kind of poison explosion during the battle. I stashed his belongings into a nearby crate, and plan to continue on....I know Viconia can resurrect him, if need be.

12PM. I found Akanna's room...she turned invisible and summoned some monsters; I realized at that point I didn't have enough spells to compete, never mind even dispel the illusions...I slammed the door and ran back out through the reliquary, cursing my spellcasters.

I will go up to the dead dragon's lair to rest, and see what I can do about resurrecting Edwin, before I head back down and finish mopping up the rest of these Cyric clowns.

[Day 195] 12AM. I destroyed Akanna, still locked away in her room, and then the mind flayer that was apparently the cause of the most of madness of the cultists...even though I had already killed most of the cultists by then. No matter, they all seemed deserving of death anyway. Remember--they took this temple away from my father Bhaal. Looks like I may have reclaimed it in his name! Har, yeah right...I'm not sure what I was learned about my eternal soul, but I certainly got the treasure I came for. And I did free Madele; she went on her way.

[Day 196] 5AM. Returning to Bridgefort, I spent the better part of a day waiting for Jegg to craft me some Dragonscale Armor from the green dragon scales I procured (which went to Safana); and then right after, some Rhino Beetle Plate Armor (which went to Viconia--for myself, I prefer the Full Plate Mail armor class boost against missile damage as opposed to the 25% missile damage resistance once the arrow already hits me...).

Will survey the fort grounds one last time then begin the march to the Coalition Camp.

Chapter 10

[Day 210] 6AM. Two weeks later, I arrived at the Coalition Camp at dawn and was greeted by a certain Marshal Nederlok. Apparently those in the Coalition are frightened of me due to my heritage and what happened on Boareskyr; good, let them be. I don't give a damn--they'll learn quickly I'm not to be challenged, if they dare.

Viconia made mention of her dislike of the Flaming Fist--mocking her a bit, I brought up the first time we ACTUALLY met, in which I refused to help her against the mercenary hunting her, she attacked me for it, and I put her down, leaving her dead body out in the wilderness for someone somewhere to apparently take pity on at some point and have it resurrected. I pointed out how I couldn't believe she survived again without me for so long...she didn't take kindly to that, ha!

[Note: These were my best dialog options available based on that specific history we have...they worked somewhat, although I can't account for Viconia's "incorrect memory" about it.]

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

7AM. I met with the Coalition's commanders. It looks as though there is an underground entrance where supplies are being funneled into Dragonspear; makes sense since there's no other way to break the line. All we know is that it's "beyond Dead Man's Pass"--as of right now, that seemingly points to the underground river area (and sounds like there might be caverns there).

Also learned of a potential traitor in camp. Infuriating! I'll have to hunt this traitor down and give him a good old fashioned public execution. The incompetence here is a joke.

When I brought up the code runes on the piece of paper found amongst the spy's belongings, Simonetta Twoedged acted very hostile, not answering questions and demanding her possessions back. I had no choice but to do that public execution now, not but a few minutes after I learned of the whole plot! I don't know what this old woman's plan was other than selling us out, but hopefully this teaches a lesson to the others...treason won't be tolerated, not even the hint of it...

8AM. After talking to a few more campers, looks like this guy name Col may be another culprit feeding info to the Crusade. Oh well for Twoedged I guess--it's her own fault she's not alive anymore. Once I found Col, the Flaming Fist took him away to be hanged before I could get my mace out in time to crush his little elf skull.

9AM. Also learned Skie ran off and most of the higher-ups are really panicking. Ha, oh well! Yeah yeah, that foolish girl may give up info about our camp to the Crusade, so I'll bring her back if I happen to see her at any point--but the more important thing to do is head to Dead Man's Pass and start looking for that underground cavern entrance.

5PM. Spent the day settling into camp, then headed north as the evening rolled in to find this hidden entrance.

Through some killing of monsters I apparently saved some refugees; so while the commanders can talk all they want about this presence of Bhaal making them "uncomfortable" I seem to just be getting more and more popular with the people.

Current party:

Ethal Jo, Level 9 Berserker (Glimmer of Hope and Mace +2)
Corwin, Level 9 Archer
Viconia, Level 9 Cleric
Safana, Level 11 Thief
Baeloth, Level 10 Sorcerer
Edwin, Level 10 Conjurer

Reputation: Average (10)

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 211] 2AM. After scouting out Dead Man's Pass (and clearing out the standard monsters and undead lurking in the caves), I decide I will rest with Thaird at camp and then press on to the underground river in the morning to see what damage I can do to the Crusade's supply lines.

Bence Duncan raises his voice to me in some foolish attempt to get me to show my subservience to the Dukes. Screw off, Duncan--no one talks to me like that. I chased after him and he might have lost some blood if he didn't scamper off so fast. If I'm to crush the Crusade, I need rest, and I'm going to do it at MY Coalition camp.

[Day 212] 12AM. After resting up, I headed back out with my party to Dead Man's Pass--unfortunately, this time I was ambushed by mercenaries in a certain rocky pass devoid of magical energy. I would have been easily victorious if not for a "shadowy figure" that kept popping in and out of invisiblity. There was not much I could do to see him without magic; and he killed Baeloth while mocking me...I also somehow lost about 12 hours of time in this mystical vacuum area...I don't like it. But now I have to head back to camp so Mizhena can resurrect this dead Drow...

Fuming, I stormed up to Torsin de Lancie to give him an earful about his pitiful security around his little camp...but the fool was useless.

10PM. Eventually, I made it to the underground river area. After some wyverns and orcs, I ran into a couple of fools caught up in some magical vines. The tree behind them looks...expensive. Hmm...until I figure out what's going, or how I can use these people, I'll let 'em keep writhing about.

11PM. After a hard fought battle at the gates, it looks like I smashed a large contingent of crusaders and their pet cyclops...I imagine this is the entrance to their secret underground supply line...

[Day 213] 12AM. Busted through the Crusader gate, and after some more fighting I ran into a pair of Rashemani travelers who surprisingly weren't openly hostile at first, even though they had clearly been camped out with the crusade. They didn't seem to be "official" crusaders just yet, but they were just too suspicous and I didn't trust them. It was obvious they were trying to talk their way out of a bloody death, and what good can come of letting them go? From what I know of other Rashemani travelers, they are either witches or mentally unstable, and they won't be the first I've killed.

Now that they're down a couple dozen men at their encampment, I'm going to clear out the surrounding area and make sure there's no more trouble waiting...

4AM. Cleared the nearby wilderness, most excitingly the ogre camp, and eventually entered the underground passage... While I was expecting to crush some skulls as my first order of business, these fools very quickly accepted me as some bygone wandering crusader group--idiots! I stay my maces...for now. First, we'll see how easily I can get into Dragonspear proper.

5AM. Had to kill some Drow. Ran into a pack of these rats...as most everything goes, I tend to encounter some obscene amount of disrespect and insult, from those who think they can make a fool out of me. This time it happened to be from Drow worms skulking around the caverns. They really should be grateful, in fact. I chose to take not one but two of their kind under my wing...up on the surface, both Viconia and Baeloth could be killed in the middle of the town square without so much as an eye batted; their lives are worthless. But I give them protection, purpose, and even treasure and fame. But Drow will be Drow. They were very tough, and in my slaughter I guess I indiscriminately killed some Crusaders, too; this may have revealed my presence here...

[Note: In the first encounter, PC died--these Drow are tough. In the second encounter, I tried the same exact dialogue options, was able to come out of it with my entire party alive.]

6AM. I checked back at the supply depot by the entrance; nope, none of the Crusaders know that I cut down their buddies the same as the filthy Drow during the skirmish. They still think I'm a friendly mercenary.

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

8AM. By the time I reached the entrance to the Dragonspear warrens, a conversation with some patrolmen turned violent, and that in turn alerted most of the nearby Crusaders. It was time for a rest BEFORE this; but the battle was bloody and even more tiring. But I'm really sick of these Crusader scum strutting about these tunnels, anyway--I much prefer they listen to my mace than my lies.

I decide I'm going to rest outside, at the Ogre camp, before my next push under and up into Dragonspear... Those Crusaders back at the supply depot are still friendly, unaware it was my party that caused all the bloodshed--hopefully they blame it on the drow. Less questions for me means they get to live a little longer.

6PM. I rested for the entire day then headed back in, deciding to engage and kill the entire Crusader contingent stationed by the supply depot by the entrance. I'm not sure exactly why again the Coalition leaders sent me here (gain information?), but damaging and disrupting their supply lines can only help bring about an end to them...

7PM. I left the Crusaders in the warrens under Dragonspear to mill about...looks like I will need the Ogres to haul me up to the basement.

8PM. The fool Caelar...I finally breached Dragonspear, and it wasn't all that hard. I'm in the basement, but before I know it, I'm involved in a major brawl. I'm just able to poison the water before the sniveling mage Hephernaan himself comes wandering by with two of his mage friends. Luckily I'm able to battle them off, including a handful that came up the lift after us, and a very large group that came from inside the castle itself. With Cloudkill, web, grease, and some initial Hephernaan offensive magic directed at Corwin (probably the best suited to take it in that moment--and who cares if she dies? Ha!), it was a thorough trouncing. No doubt I had to down my share of healing potions, and used another strength potion to make the limb-rending easier...but things have quieted down, at least for now.

9PM. I eventually looted all I could and headed back down.

11PM. And then, with my bloodlust high from the battle in the basement, I decided now's as good time as ever to start a fight with the Crusaders in the basement. I slid past the lift-hauling ogres and found the little group of mages in the northeast corner to start my rampage. I ambushed them and put 'em down quickly, and thus the battle began...

The Battle of the Warrens was tough, and long, and went through a few phases, but I was up to my ankles in my enemies' blood and guts by the end of it.

[Note: I tried a few times to start a fight with the lift-hauling ogres as soon as I got got down from the basement...the "there's about to be another fight right now" option...but I couldn't get out of it alive. The initial positioning is pretty tough, and you're jammed into that little dent in the caves, the tracking around the rope is really frustrating, so no good all around--so I slightly revised how my character would act. He would see he's in no position strategically at that moment (he has 13 intelligence after all) and just look to quickly position himself somewhere else for the fight he wants...and that's exactly what ended up happening.]

So now...with dozens, if not hundreds of crusaders killed since my time here in their underground supply tunnels, I can breathe easy for a moment. While I was in the basement, they clearly thought better of sending more of their men down to certain death to face me...and now that I've conquered the warrens, I have control of the lift too, so they couldn't come down that way if they wanted to. Therefore, I should only have to worry about incoming crusaders from the main passageway to the underground caverns, and I've already killed most of them too!

If Caelar wants to send some more men overland, fine, let her. It's an eight hour's trip from the castle's gate overland, and that's with a small group--and I'm sure any small group would be soiling their drawers trying to get to me, having to first wade through all the destruction I wrought. No, I'm satisfied for the time being--it's time to rest in the officer's fancy quarters and see what fresh hell I can cause Caelar in the morning.

Current party:

Ethal Jo, Level 9 Berserker (Glimmer of Hope and Mace +2)
Viconia, Level 9 Cleric
Corwin, Level 9 Archer
Safana, Level 11 Thief
Baeloth, Level 10 Sorcerer
Edwin, Level 10 Conjurer

Reputation: Average (10)

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 214] 8AM. I wake up good and rested, and we head back toward the caverns. I'm determined to smoke out any other Crusaders that are still hidden away in these tunnels first, so I'm gonna look around a bit--who knows, they may have left some gold and equipment behind. I gave the Crusade a good leg-breaking by crushing their resupply operation like this, but gotta make sure the job is done thorough.

10AM. After killing one or two Crusader stragglers, destroying some ghosts in a cave, and running into that damned Hooded Man again, I bumped into an underground druid-type named Ferrusk. He's an ally of Hephernaan, he admits readily--well, that's his death sentence right there.

11AM. Shortly after battling some more treants, I discover some fungus-overgrown, sick Crusaders who can't do much else but lay there dying, quietly calling for help, trapped in some growing lichen coccoon. Ha, and it looks like I have their cure in a vial right here...I got it from killing Ferrusk. But, best I can do is put them out of their misery quickly. Having living Crusaders around is not going to win this war for me.

12PM. Hm! Some type of subterranean Ghost Dragon blocks my way to very expensive-looking doors which seemingly lead to even more expensive underground treasure. And he dares to me to attack him! Still in a berserker rage from fighting some mushroom men, I decide to not hesitate and take mace to dragon right in that instant! Well, that is, as soon as Edwin was able to summon and control a Fire elemental. After a relatively straightforward battle, and waiting out the effects of some magical panic afterwads, it felt good to destroy the dragon. And now I'm extremely curious about what might be behind these doors...

2PM. I plundered the treasure of Kanaglym; more specifically, the treasures off the dead body of the cultist mages I slew. It was a very tough battle (I was spent on berserker rage for the day, so I relied on the not-as-great Potion of Clarity), and Edwin could no longer cast any more instances of Breach...but I managed to succeed by concentrating my efforts on Kherrium and the southeast group of mages. An opening salvo of Dispel Magic from Viconia, Greater Malison from Baeloth, and Glitterdust from Edwin was key, followed by a Web by Baeloth right afterwards.

[Note: In reality, I will admit I had to reload this battle 4 or 5 times. I rarely do Kanaglym in my SOD runs for whatever reason, so I'm far from familiar with it. The first two attempts I split my party's efforts between the groups on the southwest and southeast, but I couldn't pull it off. The better thing to do was position my party on the right side to all focus on Kherrium's group. Then eventually I had the realization that Viconia should cast Dispel Magic and THEN my PC should chug the Potion of Clarity...after that it was a wrap.]

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

4PM. With the caverns quiet and stinking of death, I surfaced and decided I wanted to go visit those fools stuck in the vines, finally get their story before I get back to the siege. It's been almost two full days since I first left them there to squirm around--I'm sure they must be hungry and thirsty and ready to talk by now (whatever it is they got to say).

But the druid couldn't grasp his good fortune and had to go and call me a dog! Imagine that, after I rescued him and his friend after they were trapped all this time. I even killed his big bad enemy Ferrusk down below--but no gratitude or even a promise of a big reward...just another fool with his insults, thinking he can use me to do his bidding. Even though they summoned in a load of spiders and bears to fight for them, they were eventually killed like all the rest.

Wanting to make camp, we went to that Ogre camp that I had cleared out earlier--to my surprise, I saw the young pair of Drow there, who I saved earlier that day from their own Drow "rescue" party and then again from an ankheg. Not having a good feeling about these punks, I surely thought I would have to eliminate two more drow...but to my surprise they continued to be grateful and respectful for all I've done for them. Hmm..so be it, they do indeed prefer to keep breathing. In fact, I even let them stay with us there as we made camp for the evening.

I've decided I will go to Bloodbark Grove before headed back to the Coalition camp. It's an area of interest, and it's good to make sure there aren't any Crusader forces there looking to flank the camp from the east or anything of that nature. After all, looks like it will be time to march on Dragonspear soon after my return, so want to make sure we are protected from all angles.

[Day 216] 9AM. I returned to camp after finding the warhammer Sundermaul from a vampire den in Bloodbark grove (I am proficient, and only proficient, in warhammers, but this should still be extremely useful if I ever happen to need a +3 weapon...since earlier this campaign, even with a Potion of Genius, Edwin failed to copy an Enchant Weapon scroll).

I was told that the weakened Caelar looks to parley again, I can imagine she is devastated by my vioence and wrath under her castle--I'm hoping she's learning she made a huge mistake trying to come after me. The camp command is gearing up to go meet her. However, my party is fatigued from the full day-long march to the camp by way of Bloodbark, so I'm going to spend the day resting and recuperating. Torsin and the others WILL wait for me, I'm sure of it; and it's no problem to let Caelar sweat it out for the day. I'll meet them all when the sun begins to set...

7PM. The meeting with Caelar soon descended into a threat of imminent warfare...Caelar, wanting my blood for some nefarious purpose related to opening the gates of hell, is trying to take me alive or dead, and is trying to force the finish of this conflict by having her forces storm the Coalition camp itself. All the better!

I eventually emerged victorious from the battle, but I will rest for the night and head north to meet the rest of the troops in the morning...to finally storm Dragonspear.

[Note: I unfortunately had to reload once during the Coalition camp battle; during the mage attack, a Confusion spell sent a Crusader mage running towards Andrus and the back line--this triggered Andrus into thinking we had been overrun, which in turn I guess triggers ALL remaining Crusader forces to attack at once, including Grimgor's group. I guess this never happened to me (?) so I wasn't really expecting it--my Berserker rage had worn off and didn't realize Grimgor had a few spellcasters with him, and my party was all jammed up with NPCs in the center lane and we just got cut down, once a few spells landed.]

Chapter 11

[Day 217] 11PM. We stormed Dragonspear earlier this morning--between Baeloth and Edwin's magic, the barrel of bwoosh, and the weakened Crusaders from the poisoned stock of food, it was a vertitable slaughter.

Eventually I ran into Ashatiel, who challenged me to a one-on-one battle to end the siege. I had her entire party ensnared in Grease and Web at the time and was sure I could have ended them all no matter how the fight played out...but I wanted nothing more than to smash her head in the heat of the moment, and I accepted her challenge; only after I accepted did I realize my berserker rage--so useful to smash the Crusade thus far--was about to expire into post-rage fatigue...and that's exactly how I opened the battle with this supposed chamption of Dragonspear. More than that, I was fairly injured from all the fighting so far.

I drank a Potion of Clarity to protect against magic she would cast at me, and began to engage her in melee combat. As frequently as possible, I was downing healing elixirs to regain some health. Before I knew it, I was able to launch into a Berserker rage again and the tide of the battle turned quickly as my trusty maces started landing blows...until she cast Sanctuary to protect herself.

I had no way to counter this move, so I just used the time to drink more elixirs to get to full health--unfortunately, my second berserker rage also wore off and I once again became fatigued and vulnerable to mind-control magic. But luckily at that moment I realize--I'm wearing the Ring of the Tiny Fiend. While it provides some elemental resistance, it also has the ability to summon a pack of mephits, which I rarely use. When Ashatiel dropped his Sanctuary, those summoned mephits provided just the cover I needed to finish the bastard off. After that, we finished off the rest of the Crusaders that didn't run, and took the castle proper.

The final confrontation with Caelar looks to be waiting behind right those large basement doors. I rested for the rest of the day and evening; now, close to midnight, I'm going to survey the rest of the Dragonspear grounds...then barge through those doors to take my revenge.

Chapter 12

When I do barge through those doors, Hephernaan reveals his slimy mage treachery to Caelar, but I sure don't feel bad for the fool! She still must suffer the consequences for all she's done; but instead of being trapped, they are all able to slip away into a portal that was summoned. I won't let any of them get away; without thinking twice, we followed them into Avernus and started slaying the fiends who call that place home.

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 218] 12AM. After fighting through more demons, I finally got access to the central tower, where Caelar fled and where all of this ends. I am tempted to rest first, but decided to push up and forward; I have the spells and potions that I think I will need to use...

1AM. I've destroyed Caelar AND Belhifet in the first level of hell. Ha! The Son of Bhaal has emerged victorious again! I didn't care that Caelar pledged herself as a Blackguard to Belhifet...I meant to kill them both when I entered this infernal portal. I got the added bonus that Hephernaan was fried right in front of me, even though I didn't get the honor myself.

So while on the lift upward, I had Viconia cast Protection from Evil 10' radius on us, had Baeloth cast Haste, had Edwin cast Echant Weapon on me, and I drank a Storm Giant Strength potion.

It was a tough, long battle, but I started off with Greater Malison and at least two Lower Magic Resistance on the demon himself. I emptied 3 charges from a Summon Monster wand and Edwin eventually cast Animate Dead. Safana was cut down early-to-midway through the battle, but she was the weak link here anyway. Baeloth had to cast Resist Fear a couple times, but still cast at least 7 magic missiles, Corwin was generally untouched and able to fire +3 arrows for most of the fight. I concentrated my melee attacks on Belhifet at first, then Caelar when I realized I could take her down much quicker, then back to Belhifet when she was put down.

Towards the end I truly thought I would die, even with Caelar dead, because my berserker rage turned into fatigue again and I wasn't able to to chug elixirs fast enough in the thick of combat...I even began retreating from the demon around the platform, while Corwin and Holy-Powered Viconia fired their +3 missiles. And that's when Corwin landed the final shot.

[Note: Little metagaming here for sure with the pre-buffing, but I don't see the sense in getting my party killed and then artificially saying 'ohh okay now I know the tactics'...what's the point? Either way it was tough, but I actually did it my first try...well, second try I guess--I did have to quit on the elevator first attempt. When I first entered the tower, I didn't realize just clicking the switch make the elevator go...I thought you would get some text first, but nope, I remembered wrong. So instead of just reloading, I said, hey let me try without resting, it shoudn't be that bad...but then disaster with the 3rd summon round ON the elevator itself! Ha! Safana ended up dead and Corwin went to like half health. I said screw this and reloaded...it was a metagame error that the lift started, anyway. Second round, I said let me try without resting anyway and see how it goes. THIS time I was able to beat Belhifet. I'm proud of myself for doing it on first attempt; I know I'm just on core rules, but I'm not like a super expert player, and always thought this fight was hard and never won previously without Caelar on my side.]

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

3AM. Escaped from Avernus, and Caelar's paladin uncle decided to stay behind and close the gate--well, good. He was none too pleased that I had to kill Caelar, but so that's his fate--to remain here in hell. But returning to the Coalition at Dragonspear, I finally was able to relax and drink and celebrate for a little while. It looks like my current troubles are done and I even have an opportunity for a life of forever-comfort in Waterdeep with Torsin de Lancie...some good things to think about.

Chapter 13

11PM. Gah! Overnight, I was set up to murder Skie by that damned Hooded Man. And on discovering the scene in the morning, these whimpering Baldur's Gate fools have nothing to do but whine about it. I'm sure my history with Silvershield from a couple months ago did not help my cause--you know, invading his estate, slaughtering his household guard, and kidnapping his daughter away so she could join a murderous outlaw group. They were able to arrest me before I could react, unfortunately, and I was whisked away to near Baldur's Gate (via teleportation?) where it seems I am to be executed. Unbelievable...someone--maybe everyone--will have to pay for this situation, and I sure won't go down without taking others with me...

[Day 219] 12AM. I am committed to killing this Hooded Man, as he STILL continues to taunt me and rend me with magic. Argh! A new enemy that won't let me rest! Luckily, that foolish girl Imoen comes through for me...she hired a thief to set me free! Good, GOOD, Imoen! I am re-equipped and will be out of here shortly.

Current Party:

Ethal Jo, Level 10 Berserker (Glimmer of Hope and Mace +2)

Reputation: Average (11)

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 219] 1AM. As I make my escape through the sewers, it's clear the Flaming Fist have quickly caught on to my escape route. But before I can travel down the waterfall to the outside exit, Corwin the traitor and that damn blowhard Bence Duncan show up. They want to stop me; arrest me; execute me. Are they serious? I don't hesitate to attack and kill them all. Corwin I have a pang of regret about; she was mostly strong and loyal for much of the march to Dragonspear, although she did have her moments when I had to stop myself from getting violent with her... She turned against me in the end and it cost her her life. As I was slamming her, I was sure to think of her more insufferable moments. Bence, on the other hand...he had it coming for a long time. It's almost worth getting arrested so I finally had good reason to finish him off.

Looks like my bridges are burned in the Gate for the time being anyway (even though that hasn't stopped me before). For his own protection, a Flaming Fist battlemage erected a magical barrier before I shot him down, so I can't go back the way I came even if I wanted. To the outside....

[Day 220] 3AM. The group of companions that Imoen brought together just reminds me how idiotic she is (even if she can be useful here and there). Minsc and Dynaheir are closer to enemies than allies, and the weaklings Khalid and Jaheira still periodically put in some half-assed attempt to "watch over" me, so they can say they're keeping their word to Gorion, but more likely because they know *I* provide protection to THEM. I'm about to drop most of these fools...maybe I go myself to cash in on Torsin de Lancie's offer in Waterdeep?

But...we've been traveling a little over a day, in the wilderness of the Sword Coast, when....AMBUSH!

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

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué

Habitué