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

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

Shadows of Amn

Chapter 1

[Day 0] 7AM. I wake up as the captive of that Hooded Man in some type of large, magical complex...when Imoen (again) comes to free me. Ah, it truly was smart of me to foster this loyalty from her, early on back in our days in Candlekeep. But now: I'm groggy, my head hurts...and I know it's been a long time. Days...weeks even? Months? Doesn't matter right now. Ijust need to find the bastard and make him pay.

But the next moron I encounter is Minsc...but he may be useful to get out of wherever the hell I am, or at least until I figure what's going on. At nothing else, he can take the lead around any corners and absorb any traps that Imoen may fail to detect. After that, he can jump off a cliff for all I care.

I feel about the same for Jaheira, who's in a cage next to him. She goes on and on about our adventures and exploits, how we're friends and family--just shut up Jaheira. You traveled with me for a couple days and then ran away with your tail between your legs when we had to kill some Aminsh troops in Nashkel. Next time I saw you, you joined up with a hundred other mercenaries from the Flaming Fist in following my lead against Caelar...Either way, I've learned a healer following me around is better than not, even if I have to put up with fools.

3PM. I am fighting my way through the dungeon. I've killed Duergar and Cambions and Dryads so far, and almost anything moving I've come across--I want him to remember the bloodbath I caused here. But I'm still seemingly stuck in this madman's labyrinth.

6PM. Was able to access a portal to a top level. There was a suspicious chap named Yoshimo who appeared on my arrival--I didn't trust him in the least, and I definitely don't need another thief hanger-on. Minsc is acting as my stealth scout and Imoen has the major thief utilities I need.

We also find Khalid--dead again, the fool. Hopefully Jaheira can hold herself together until we get out of here. I continue on my way, slaying clones and mysterious assassins--that seem to be causing havoc here, just like myself?

[Day 1] 7AM. I finally emergy from the underground complex and find myself in the capitol of Amn--Athkatla. The accursed Hooded man--Irenicus is his name--dragged me all the way down south here?? Kept me unconscious...in his control...did sick things to me; he needs to feel my wrath as soon as possible. He looks to have went with the "Cowled Wizards", apparently the group of mage weakling scum that keep tabs on magic around these parts. I've killed my share of mages before and I won't hesitate if it means getting the information I need...

But first, to get my feet under me in this city...

4PM. I rested at the Mithrest Inn, the first place I saw, and plotted deeply about my next moves as I had Jaheira heal me. I decided I'll keep both of these two for the time being, to watch my back. Jaheira because she can continue to heal, and Minsc because he serves a purpose as a scout--especially until I can find another thief. With his longbow specialization, and me and Jaheira both as front-liners, I can keep him in leather armor as more of a ranged threat and able to disappear into the shadows when I need. Hopefully they both can keep their mouths shut for the most part.

I decided to head eventually to the Government District--they will likely have info on these "Cowled Wizards" and where their evil sorcerer prisoners go...

5PM. I first want to see what type of wares that are offered by these wealthy merchants in the Promenade, and I set my eyes on some plate mail armor at the Adventurer's Mart that will be a welcome upgrade over this splint mail I picked up in Irenicus's dungeon. Being the generous soul I am, I visit the Armorer in his store first, to see if he can beat their price and get my business instead. After some joking around, this arrogant fool insults me and says he won't do business with me! These fools in Amn don't know who I am.

I decide to rummage around his belongings anyway to see if there's anything of value ANYWAY that I want...this stupid little dwarf doesn't get to decide. Of course, I am unsure about how strong the guards are in this town, or what enforcement looks like at all here. So since I don't want trouble with the city guard itself--not just yet--I'll just make sure he's not able to CALL the guard. I beat him and his fletcher friend unconscious, and have Minsc and Jaheira continue to rough 'em up while I look around. Being so new in town, I decide they haven't quite earned a bloody death...Unfortunately it turns out most of the drawers are locked and I can't bash them open anyway. I head back to the Mart to buy Plate Mail there...

6PM. On my way north, through the slums, a man named Gaelan Bayle stops me. He says he knows an organization that has information on where Irenicus is, but they won't meet with me unless I pay up 20,000 gold. Outrageous; almost seems like extortion. And by directing me to some mercenary work with a girl Nalia at the "Copper Coronet", he even looks to be using me somehow. I'm not his pawn nor this organization's...bah! I try to calm my inner rage, and I reason there's no help that will come by striking down this Gaelan fool. But I'll continue my path to the seat of the Government here. There should assuredly be some answers there, despite what he said.

Chapter 2

As I enter the Gov't District, I see the jail! Ah, good a place as any to start to looking for my prisoners. But what's this? Viconia the Drow!? My loyal (and superbly defensive and dexterous) healer, who literally followed me into Hell. I much prefer her over the preachy and stubborn Jaheira. Have to kill some religious fanatics, but no matter.

And as it turns out, the jail is closed for the evening and I can't bash my way in.

7PM. The Council of Six buiding is the next logical move; especially when I'm told by a messenger that a member of the Cowled Wizards himself wants to speak with me on a matter of some urgency; hrm, it's urgent on my end too, so good!\.

At the end of the day, it was a mostly useless trip. No one had any information on where I could find that bastard Irenicus. I made a Cowled Wizard contact, Tolgerias, and he had some foolish task he wanted me to do, hunt down one of his enemies or somesuch. It may ingratiate me enough with the Cowled Wizards to get some information, but at the very least I should be able to get some magical treasure out of it. He's got a house in the Docks district, so maybe I'll check that out--but just like I did in Baldur's Gate, I may sniff around the taverns, inns, and rich estates to see who and what I can use to "establish" myself down here, even while I look for my revenge against Irencius.

I also dropped Jaheira, and good riddance. She was a bit taken aback, but I never wanted much to do with her anyway so it's her own fault if she's surprised. She'll be at the "Harper Hold", wherever that is.

8PM. After being attacked by a hostile group of apparent slavers (this city is dangerous), I arrived at the Docks. Passing the Shadow Thief guildhall and speaking to a thief posted outside, it seems that Gaelan's mystery organization is indeed the Shadow Thieves...maybe I WIL inquire within, then, if they're holding out information on me.

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

I spoke to Renal Bloodscalp. I didn't like his insulting tone at first; but eventually I realized he has another task he'd like an outside mercenary to do: discover the treachery of one of his underlings. More treasure and gold promised, ha--it's nice I'm stumbling into opportunities here. I'll keep this one in my back pocket...

9PM. I found some pirate hideaway through a hidden door in the Sea Bounty Tavern (where I was catching a few drinks waiting for the middle of the night to enter Valygar's house for maximum intimidation effect, if needed). The pirates hiding out there attacked me, so I slew them and took their sizable treasure. However, being fairly injured now, I'll rest here until the morning.

[Day 2] 5AM. While it was still dark, I entered Valygar's house. I helped myself to look around the entire house before I even spoke to the manservant. I hoped to intimidate him into giving me answers, but the little weasel slipped away eventually. Looks like his house out in the Umar Hills in the next most likely location--Tolgerias mentioned that too...sigh, that seems like quite the hike for the moment when there's so many riches right in front of me.

6AM. I decided since I'm in the Docks, I'd see what work Mae'Var, Renal's mark, might have for me. Well, suffice to say, he did not make a good impression on me. Threatening to kill and torture me, talking to me like I'm some scared underling? Trying to make me quiver with his sick proclivities? My blood boiled in an instant. I had Viconia summon some animals, I downed an Oil of Speed and went berserk--when I calmed back down, the whole lot of em were dead. I took his loot, freed his prisoner, then walked right back out of there. Hah! I may go pay Renal a visit right now; I don't care I screwed up his delicate plans--this is what I think of the Shadow Thieves and them trying to extort me for 20K gold. He wasn't too pleased, but as far as I'm concerned he still owes ME.

7AM. Some beggar in the Docks says I owe him money? I beat him down again with my bare hands for suggesting it. [Note: Can't believe I didn't do this more in BG1, beating them unconscious instead of straight up murdering, to save on reputation loss. I guess most of the time, I was at Rep 1 anyway, so it didn't make a difference.]

8AM. Was accosted by some thugs on my way to the Promenade; some poisoned, dying man named Renfeld begged and begged for me to help him. I don't know what came over me (probably gambling that his friends would have a good reward), but I agreed to haul him to the Galvarey Estate and his friend Rylock. I got nothing but 100 gold, wish I would have left him there to rot...and look, this is where Jaheira went to to mill about. Seems to be about her kind of people. So yes, looks like this building is actually the "Harper Hold"...huh. Let's add Rylock and Renfield and the rest of the Harpers here to the list of people that owe me a debt. Unfortunately I can't force down the front door.

Exchanged words with the necromancer Xzar on the way back out. "Unwashed one", "gutless whelp", "idiot"...there is no way I can stand for insults such as these and hold my head high walking these streets. I smash him down where he's standing...this turns seemingly the entire docks area hostile and aggressive against me, although none of these commoners dare approach to attack, save one: a sailor, who thought it would be a wise idea to try to avenge this dead mage? Must have been hitting the drink too hard. I had to smash him down into a bloody mess, as well.

9AM. After the promenade, I may eventually head back up to the Gov't District--I saw a lot of rich-looking estates there yesterday, I can see what kind of nobles this city has and how much I can rattle them...In any case, I'll spend the day roaming the town, then head to the taverns and inns once evening comes. If nothing of major interest shakes out, I'll look to head out to the Umar Hills tomorrow morning in the hunt for Valygar...

Some new fanatic, Belmin Gergas, attacks us becuase of Viconia. While initially the guard rushed to help, as soon as we killed the fool, the guard attacked US! So HE had to be put down next, and the reputation of our small group has become despised with that small act of murder. I doubt the fool Minsc will be sticking around for much longer, the way things are going...

11AM. Looks like I stumbled into some racket in the Graveyard district that I sussed out pretty quickly. If I see a man in red in the Bridge District--good chance I can make him pay me, since I know he's burying people alive. Beyond that, don't care too much about any of these poor men's goings-on.

12PM. Neera had a weird altercation with a child and another mage woman. She approached me in an ally shortly thereafter; barely remembering me although we traveled for a long time together in my early days on the Sword Coast. I eventually grew sick of her and banished her from my group back then, so I don't mind that she scampers off to her reject forest camp...may have been nice to have some arcane magic, though. No sign if she still has the werewolf baby I gave her that I brought back from Balduran's Isle, not that I care one way or the other.

2PM. In the Gov't District, not much shook out from the noble estates I was able to barge into...I did, though, run into the gnome Jan. While I was interested in potential explosive potions he was talking about, I decided to help him elude the city guard. For that--he offered his services to mine. He actually fills in the gaps of the party, as he brings both magic and thieving utility skills. He seems a bit of a fool, but he may be able to stay off my nerves depending on his usefulness...

I meet Dorn too, although friendly at first, the conversation soon devolved into either I was going to help him slaughter innocents, or we would have conflict right there. So as it happened, I ended up killing the half-orc after he provoked me into attacking himby going on about his killing of children.

Was warned by Cowled Wizards too about Jan's use of arcane magic. I don't see this situation going much better next time...

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

Tonight, I'll plan to get a sense of what the Athkatlan night brings. I've seen many taverns and inns in my walks and I'll plan for some drinking and feasting late into the night. May be headed out to Umar Hills soon after, though! I'll start at the Five Flagons to rest.

11PM. Going to head out--I spoke to some of the folks at the Five Flagons, but no interest in sitting and watching a play right now, their main attraction there.

[Day 3] 12AM. Wandered into Delosar Inn and got into some violence very quickly with an extremely disrespectful gang from Riativin. They were strong, I won't lie, but they were begging for a fight. I got significantly injured in the bloodbath that followed the insults, but I managed to come away from it alive--along with three sets of full plate mail armor. I looted whatever else they kept in their room there.

[Note: Had to reload this a few times, yeah I guess I'm still early on in BG2, most enemies I've fought so far have been tougher than most of those in BG1 or SOD. Or maybe my equipment just isn't as good yet...]

1AM. At the Crooked Crane--I find another hidden door; when I go through, it's a lich! I see no reason to get our party slaughtered, and I know no way to defeat this monstrosity right now...I'll have to return at some point when I'm prepared to crush this monster.

Moving on to the Copper Coronet...I see Yoshimo, that same slimy-ish rogue that I met in Irenicus's dungeon under the Promenade. Hmm, how did he escape? And what was he doing there in the first place anyway? He has the distinction of the being the one of the only living things I encountered down there that I allowed to keep breathing. I wonder if I should regret it?

I'll have to return at some point to Joluv and buy Jerrod's Mace...+6 against demons/devils.

Met Anomen--I was ready to kill him, the fool, for challenging me. But he thought better of it and ran off.

Ran into Nalia, as well. She's the one that Gaelan Bayle told me about, who needs some mercenary help with a little trouble out of town. I'm suspicous of her at first, as I do NOT want to be played by the damn Shadow Thieves. But if an entire keep is under siege, there may indeed be enough wealth in it for me, Shadow Thieves be damned. It's on my map, I may head there when the time is right...

Korgan was up next; he has a plan to barge into a crypt of undead and get rich. I like this dwarf! He's a berserker just like me and likes to use his weapon and partake in the finer things in life just like me. This could be a very dangerous duo...for anyone we run into. But we'll see if the dwarf can remember who's boss.

The Copper Coronet is truly the heart of Athkatla in many ways, and there is no shortage of work and other urban adventurer quests. Getting flagged down by a certain Lord Firkraag, a small fortune was offered to trek out on another mission out of town; yeah, maybe I look into this, too.

2AM. I meet the thief girl Hexxat. She's strange, definitely, but she gets my attention...and she speaks too of more treasure and gold in the Graveyard district...fantastic, I might as well lay claim to the entire district at this point. I'm already headed there with Korgan's scheme, so this should just pad my pockets more. And being able to mold her thief skills to my liking, I made sure she became adept in stealth, and then cut ties with Minsc as soon as I could.

It has been an eventful night--while I may have wanted to check out the "other" entertainment at the Coronet that Lehtinan told me about, and even visit the Den of the Seven Vales down in the Promenade--I may call it a night for now. I want to rest and get us down into the crypts.

Of course, there is still the mission to get the Cowled Wizards' man Valygar, and hunt down Irenicus, but if I can enrich myself in the meantime down the road from where I lay my head, I better not pass up the opportunity.

Current Party:

Ethal Jo, Level 10 Berserker (Krotan's Skullcrusher and Mace +1)
Korgan, Level 10 Berserker
Viconia, Level 10 Cleric
Hexxat, Level 12 Thief
Jan, Level 10 Illusionist/Level 11 Thief

Reputation: Despised (4)

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 3]

4PM. We find Korgan's supposed tomb of treasure--but looks like some rivals already looted it. Korgan, not looking to lose out on this score, knows where the thieves may me (Pimlico's Estate) and urges us to go smash some heads and take our reward! No problem on my end; so off we go.

5PM. We hunt down Korgan's old gang--Shagbag and others, and start fighting them on the roof of the Copper Coronet. Well, as it happens, the Cowled Wizard do NOT like Jan using Melf's Acid Arrow...right, right, I keep forgetting I'm in Athkatla, and magic is illegal here. I think it is an absurd rule--but with the gang of warriors I'm fighting, and the high-level Cowled Enforcers that just teleported in looking to execute me, I know I couldn't stand right there and fight and stay alive, as much as I wanted. So had to retreat a bit.

Because there is only one real staircase leading to the roof of the Coronet, Jan got trapped on the other side of it, back down on the street level, as I tried to hide from the initial gaze of the Enforcers. The rest of the group ran west to a different section of the roof--and got attacked by an unrelated group of muggers! We were able to kill them and the leader Shagbag (and recover Korgan's damn book), but the rest of the roof is crawling now with murderous wizards and thugs. I'm not sure if I can fight them and stay alive while I'm doing it, so I need to figure out some exit strategy...

6PM. I tried to gain some intel by sending out a hidden Hexxat...of course, the Cowled Enforces cast True Sight, and she was magically held and cut down almost instantly...barring any other options, trapped up on the roof as I was, I decided I'd have to rush these damn mages with whatever I had left in the tank.

I could launch into a berserker rage only once more; Korgan was completely spent with his berserker rage from our adventures in the tomb earlier today. But with my rage, Viconia summoning two large bears (which were dispelled or killed immediately, honestly), and Viconia casting True Sight, I figured I had a good shot at killing these bastards.

So Jan cast Greater Malison, and then Remove Magic from the south. Viconia cast Silence (which seemed to only last shortly if at all), and then Dispel Magic. I'm not sure of the details past that, other than they started letting the lightning bolts rip every direction. Maybe a half dozen or more, very strong bolts. Viconia got fried, and Korgan and I both barely, barely stayed alive...we are severely injured and it finally makes sense to lay low for a bit.

I have Jan run up and barge into the conveniently-located Temple of Ilmater on the roof...I resurrect the drow and the weird thief girl for two thousand damn gold (a fifth of my already too-small fortune--gah! Irenicus!). I grab all the loot that I can and head downstairs and inside to lick my wounds.

[Day 4]

11AM. I rested until fully healed at the Copper Coronet, and had Viconia restore Korgan's level drain from the crypts. I had sold most of the loot I got, including the precious Book of Kaza, to Bernard. I know there's a lot more treausre to be had in the Graveyard...Hexxat's Dragomir's Tomb and whatever other crypts I may be able to barge into.

But beyond that, I am irritated with the Cowled Wizards attacking me, and damn near killing me, for simply defending myself. I don't care what city this is or how much gold they got here--they haven't seen the likes of me yet, I guarantee, and they don't know what yet they're dealing with.

That being said--I need more combat protection disabling and spell protection disabling magic, specifically Breach. It'll make any future encounters that much easier. I'm going to look around in Waukeen's Promenade for a scroll that Jan can memorize--and hold my head high down the center of the streets as I journey there, definitely not projecting any fear or hesitation about another pack of Wizards that may be out for blood after what I did to them yesterday.

Will they still take their man Valygar Corthala--and deliver on their reward--if I drop him off at their feet, despite this little incident of bloodshed? I'm willing to bet so. They seem like the cold, calculating type, and Tolgerias REALLY wanted Corthala.

12PM. 4600 gold later, in the Adventurer Mart...Jan fails to memorize Breach twice. It's all I can do not to smash the little twerp into jelly...I wish I could, but I know no other arcane casters right now. GAH the idiot!! Really, extremely, not happy. I guess we'll just have to find Breach randomly somewhere...and hope he doesn't screw it up again (or maybe I'll have a potion of Genius by then).

And I decide I'll keep Korgan around...I like the foul mouthed dwarf! Even though he's a short stump, he doesn't mind getting bloody when he knows it's time, and his attitude tends to match mine. Gives Viconia a good ribbing as well. Five is a relatively large group...but it's good that I already have a sizeable group of followers in this foreign land...

I stop at the Copper Coronet to find a stash point for some of the treasure I don't want to give up quite yet to these greedy merchants...I settle for the far northern room in the brothel area to drop off such items as a set of full plate mail, the Pommel jewel, the Sword of Chaos, etc.

1PM. Return to the Graveyard--Hexxat doesn't mention anything about her tomb so I guess I'll just keep barging in places until she recognizes something. I know that there were a lot of other chambers accessible from the lower tombs that I didn't "barge into" yet...

11PM. After a few other entries to tombs of less interest, Hexxat finally identified Dragomir's tomb, and we entered a large labyrinth filled with shadow fiends and other types of monsters you'd find in a place like this. Eventually we stumble on a demon knight-type creature, Dragomir himself! We destroy him (both Korgan and I going berserk made relatively short work, even though the bastard hit exceptionally hard, and I don't think +1 weapons were even getting through...). Hexxat keeps telling us to dig further in for the treasure--of course I have no choice.

Then, some vile treachery is revealed. Hexxat isn't Hexxat at all, but just some poor thief girl named Clara under a mind control spell or some such. The real Hexxat--a vampire--doesn't attack us at first. But she's an undead monster at the end of a tomb--and seeing how *I* rescued HER, couldn't she anticipate a treasure hunter would expect some type of treasure? If she wanted to keep living, she could have offered me something of value very quickly...instead, she ends up in a bloody clump next to Clara, and I'm down a scout. Ugh, maybe that rat Yoshimo is still at the Coronet?

[Note: This was unfortunate, I was actually thinking I would have Hexxat in my party this time...but really, it wasn't true to character to just shrug it off and say "hey please join us" or whatever.]

After we made our way back to the Coronet, the little sniveling coward bounty hunter tells me he won't join unless I apologize for some previous insult. Fat chance!

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 5]

8AM. Morning. I made a brief career in a few days as a grave robber and earned a small nest egg of 12K+ gold. I laugh at the rest of these Athkatlans for not helping themselves to this treasure that was sitting right there for the taking--the dead have no use for gold and jewels. Maybe they're scared of the Cowled Wizards--but I already killed some of them in public. Or maybe they're just scared of the guards here? In my experience, they are much stronger and much more experienced than those soft scum up north. Either way, I took what I wanted and walk about unmolested so far--I plan to return today.

But after we arise in the morning, Korgan pushes me to go out east and find this Corthala fellow. Yeah, yeah, sure thing. But the dwarf needs to remember this is MY party and *I* give the orders. We'll go when I'm good and ready, and I decide I want to head back to the tombs.

10AM. The grave-robbing revenue stream gets exhausted pretty quickly this morning, so I return to the Promenade to re-equip my party for the coming adventures. Other than Jerrod's Mace sold by Joluv at the Coronet, I still have eyes on the Strong Arm +2 at the Adventurer's Mart, as well as Balduran's Plate (although not if I can get some object of +2 protection first). I can't afford any of that right now anyway.

It may be time to partake in some of the entertainment the city has to offer, now that I'm more settled down. I'd still like to partake in some of the nightlife and more raucous entertainment at the Coronet; being so injured last night, I didn't have the chance. But that's all for later this evening. What does the city have to offer midday? The damn circus is closed off--some magical nonsense, gah, none of my concern...

12PM. Head to the Five Flagons and their show, which I turned down previously. But I have the time now--better be good!

Aaand it wasn't. Luckily I knew not to pay to see some garbage such as this, but I was intrigued by the troupe's call for adventurers. I spoke to them backstage, and indeed they had a job to retrieve their hostage friend from some evil wizard. The poor actors couldn't even scrounge up a thousand gold to pay me for something dangerous like this, but I was intrigued at their claim of treasures AT the wizard's abode that I could claim as my own. Hmm, maybe I have some time to see if I can hunt them both down before the sun sets this evening and I really start enjoying myself.

5PM. I rescue the bard Haer'Dalis after slaying Mekrath and looting his place--he's a criminal, right? He chose this path. I have no desire for the bard to join me, although there was some draw in having a songster follow me around singing my praises, ha!

6PM. Back at the Five Flagons, I'm able to shake down Raelis for a cool 1200 gold for the gem, which I had no intention of giving up for the measly 300 gold that was originally offered. Apparently it has some value as an extraplanar portal opener--something like that, that mages value. She pays me another 1000 gold on the spot, to keep her safe from whatever planar elementals get summoned during her scheming...that's almost a 2000 gold increase on what I was originally expecting to get paid! Plus all the mage's loot...good!

Eventually some bounty hunters from another dimension came out of the portal and took all the fools away. I have no desire to get involved with anything more with these people, this has been sufficiently profitable so far...although knowing this portal is there may be valuable at some point.

[Day 6]

3AM. Rested for the evening, but that damn Irenicus is still haunting my dreams...is he really there, communicating to me? Or did the idea of him latch into my mind somewhere during my imprisonment? Bah, he tells me I'm too concerned with the flesh! But he doesn't control me--and in fact, I'm going to enjoy right now what the late night Coronet has to offer!

4AM. Saw a pit fight between a slave and a troll; nothing compared to my epic battles, for sure, but better entertainment than most of anything I ever saw up north. After the show I wandered a bit further in, and for some reason got attacked by about half-dozen guards, who were guarding slaves. I really don't care they're slavers, and don't care much about the slaves either--they must have been real jumpy to try to attack a honest paying guest! I'll give Lehtinan and earful about this.

Ugh, same deal with the animal trainer, very quick to attack me and get put down. Lehtinan employs a bunch of fools it seems. Well--employed, past tense, at this point.

As I confront Lehtinan about the goings-on that night, it appears he actually has a job for me. Kill someone else: Hendak, the slave ringleader. One more body for the night, shouldn't be a problem...especially with the promise of a magical reward. I guess with most of his guards now dead, he doesn't want the slaves to get any ideas.

1PM. It was a bloody and--dare I say?--fun night at the Coronet. I spent the rest of the early morning hours with Madam Nin and Cominda, *really* enjoying the pleasures of the flesh this time. But as the sun rises and the morning turns to afternoon, I know my next, bigger jobs lie elsewhere. Time to get outside of this gold-plated cesspool known as Athkatla and see what else Amn has to offer me.

My plan before leaving is first to check out Valygar's house at the Docks once more--to make sure he didn't creep back into town in the past day or two. If he's not there, the manhunt in Umar Hills is on. On the way out east, I've decided it may be sufficiently profitable too to stop by the de'Arnise Hold to see what type of mercenary help they need there. It's been about 5-6 days since that girl Nalia was first whining about it. If her people are anything like her I can't imagine they turned any of the "invaders" away yet..

Current Party:

Ethal Jo, Level 10 Berserker (Krotan's Skullcrusher and Mace +1)
Korgan, Level 10 Berserker
Viconia, Level 10 Cleric
Jan, Level 10 Illusionist/Level 11 Thief

Reputation: Despised (3)

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 6 Continued]

2PM. Not as soon as I step out into the afternoon sun does a hooded figure named "Valen" approach me...she speaks for a mistress who will only meet me at the Graveyard at night--I assume with a criminal proposition for me to do a job for her. I know my name is spreading. Eh, we'll see. If it's so important, this mistress can come groveling to me. Otherwise, my course leads me out of Athkatla this day.

And not a moment after that, something reminds me why I want to get out of this gods-forsaken city. A pack of Amnist Centurions approach, with a pair of Cowled Wizards in hand...finally, it seems, some apparent pushback from the city for killing the wizards on the roof, and then making of mess out of most of Lehtinan's guards just last night. Well, as I said before, they don't know me yet--and I'm sure not going to be some easy summary execution in the streets.

I had Jan and the Drow scurry away from the fight, and Jan immediately started dispelling illusions with this thieving skills. Jan was magically silenced early on, but remained useful with that skill. With Greater Command and Hold Person, both divine spells cast by Viconia, I was able the slaughter all the fools in the street. Ha! Finally, starting to feel like home. The next pack of enforcers will think twice for their own lives before confronting me.

A few minutes after the bloodshed subsides, Gaelan's messenger boy comes and sees me, says Gaelan wants to talk and offer more work. Ehh, I don't have any time for the old geezer right now. As soon as I get my hands on Valygar, I'll be able to negotiate with the Cowled Wizards for the location of Irenicus...that bastard who actually caused me all my current problems.

[Day 8]

2AM. I was so beat up after the first encounter with the Centurions that it made no sense to leave town that day...decided to rest again in the city before I left; will push to nightfall or the morrow. I figured I had bloodied the city guard's nose well enough that they'd leave me alone for a few days--but as I begrudgingly learn, they're much more tenacious down south. Between then and now, I had two more violent encounters with the Cowls and the Centurions. One was in the slums, and the next was in the docks district as I was finally checking Valygar's house one last time.

In the Docks, Jan, always on the wrong side of things, was able to lure more of the warriors on a chase down south. The rest of us drew an Enforcer into Valygar's house, and killed him there (the other got killed in the confusion among the guard--the fools!).

But these streets are certainly turning into a warground, with my reputation as it stands. I even considered paying the greedy churches, to give me enough influence to walk the streets without having to waste my time killing green wizards...but I'm planning to skip town anyway. We'll see if things have cooled down whenever I return.

I eventually find my way to the Crooked Crane--good to have my last rest here, for a quick exit from the city in the early evening. We marched east for the better part of the night, and arrived at the de'Arnise Hold.

Current Party:

Ethal Jo, Level 11 Berserker (Krotan's Skullcrusher and Mace +1)
Korgan, Level 10 Berserker
Viconia, Level 10 Cleric
Jan, Level 10 Illusionist/Level 11 Thief

Reputation: Despised (3)

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 8 Continued]

4AM. I explored the perimeter of the keep. I have a lot of experience killing trolls, from the march to Dragonspear...I eventually met the remnants of the household guard, who had almost been completely slain. I agreed to clear out whatever trolls were remaining, and will try to lower the drawbridge so whatever troops remains can carry their weight...

7AM. As I was slaying trolls throughout the first level of the keep, I encountered the first living servant who wasn't immediately slaughtered by a nearby troll. I had realized this keep was completely lost to the original owners, and I may have quite the stake to it if I singlehandedly take it back. I told the servant to run away out of there. He begged me not to make him scurry away, but it was too much of a risk to have hime able to alert other trolls that my group is nearby. And besides--I want everyone OUT! Maybe if he's lucky and stay alive, I'll re-hire him.

I begin reconsider my plan to lower the drawbridge. Yes...let me clear out the castle by myself.

Unfortunately, this supposedly cruel behavior was a bridge too far for that sniveling gnome Jan. He had the gall to abandon his companions right there, in that situation. I didn't have him hold anything of value, never really trusting him. But if I ever see him again, I'll crush his little gnome skull. So now it's just me, Korgan, and Viconia.

11AM. I found the Lady of the keep barricaded in her bedroom. Her guard was stupid enough to attack me, so he had to be killed. But I had her run off too; she may be useful in getting me a suitable reward to match my accomplishments here. There is also a room of Golems, clearly guarding some magical weapons. They're not actively hostile now, but I may make a play for some of that treasure sometime soon after the troll threat is taken care of (especially the flail head and warhammer).

3PM. After killing the troll leader TorGal and realizing the rest of the de'Arnise family is dead, the fates truly smiled on me. Nalia wants me to take over lordship of the keep. Ha! What good fortune--and deserved, I should add. I didn't even have to demand it or fight for it, which I thought would be guaranteed. I'll get gold, servants, and men-at-arms. Ahh, finally a place in society I deserve! Her reasoning was that I'd be able to buck down challenges from the Roenall family...snooty nobles that I couldn't care less about at this point. This is almost a better setup than whatever Torsin de Lancie might have promised in Waterdeep. I decided I'm going to spend the night, and maybe most of tomorrow, getting to know my new lands that I am in charge of.

Viconia will have to memorize Find Traps and some other spells, to compensate for the loss of Jan. Imoen was a thief and I'm confident she would be following me, if I could find her...and that just makes me remember my imprisonment in Athkatla. I will eventually move on to the Umar Hills to hunt down Valygar. While this was stronghold was good fortune, I surely did not forget what Irenicus did to me, and I sure won't grow fat and comfortable here. My next goal is still forcing the Cowled Wizards to give me information on the wizard's whereabouts...my blood boils when I remember it. I won't easily move on from those grave injustices against me, regardless of how nice I may be sitting for the time being.

I began to use the left-most chest in the room with four beds on the first floor of the keep, in the southern portion, as a stash point for certain magical items.

[Day 9]

9AM. After resting and healing, I will likely spend the morning investigating the Keep a little futher to get a bearing on the goings-on, then head east later in the day.

Current Party:

Ethal Jo, Level 11 Berserker (Krotan's Skullcrusher and Mace +1)
Korgan, Level 10 Berserker
Viconia, Level 11 Cleric

Reputation: Despised (1)

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 9 Continued]

9AM. As I was surveying the grounds, an idea came to me. I realized Nalia is a thief and mage and has been asking to join our adventuring party since I first met her. So I'm going to let her follow me...she's already working for me now at the Keep after all, so why not accompany me on my travels and cast a spell every now and then? The Majordomo and Captain seem more than competent enough to look after the affairs of the land without Nalia here. She's soft and naive alright and I have no idea what kind of antics she could stir up if I leave her alone here. I'll drag her along with us and maybe she'll toughen up. And best I keep her close, so I'l be the first to know if she comes up with any more "clever" ideas about what to do with her family's stronghold. She may even be able to spot some traps along the way.

1PM. I come to realize, too...the magical axe and bow that I had left in place aren't in the Golem Room anymore (neither are the golems). I can see why the guardians may have dispersed...but the treasure itself? Did some of the servants or extended family walk away with these treasures--MY treasures? It causes me to...distrust...these people already, and I'm none too happy about it.

I moved my stash point to the second floor; the two chests before the entrance to the central chamber.

9PM. After feeling satisfied with my new Amnish holdings...my wind wandered again to the damn wizards back in Athkatla...and how a certain Valygar could be the key for "negotiations." Deciding we'd travel overnight, the four of us moved on east...

[Day 10]

9AM. We make to to Imnesvale, in the Umar Hills, after traveling overnight. The townsfolk are in a panic, something about repeat killings during the nights. Wolves or ogres or somesuch, and the mayor can't even keep control over his own town. Yes, I did remember hearing something about this back in Athkatla. Eh, no matter, I couldn't care less. I'm in this backwater village for one thing: Valygar Corthala. Haven't heard any mention of him yet...and definitely don't want him to catch wind that I'm here to give him a chance to run off, so I want to track him down sooner than later.

10AM. I see a trio of merchants, where I sell some gems and treasure I've accumulated; I'm also able to use their magical identification services. Things seems to be going smoothly, until I see the gnome merchant. He yells and insults me...ME! I don't know what tiny village I've wandered into, but it is not ready for Ethal Jo. Thinking it a bit too harsh to simply murder the gnome, I put down my maces and beat him bloody with my fists. The other merchants scurry away, horrified. Ha! He'll think better of it. I don't mind destroying my relationships in this dump of a village.

Speaking of which, I speak to Minister Lloyd, but he has no information on Valygar. And like I said, I could care less about his village's problems and the tiny amount of gold I may be able to squeeze out of them. Nalia doesn't like it...but she'll learn to shut up.

11AM. While asking around, I meet the Wizard Jermien. He's a Cowled Wizard, huh? The first I've met outside of Athkatla. He's of no use in the information I seek, and I keep flashing back to killing all those green cloaks in the streets of the Slums and the Docks. Not only that, he tells me himself he would hamper me if he could; if he know how to reach Irenicus, he wouldn't tell me. My heart rate grows as he's droning on about his Golem...I will kill him where he stands! Making sure the Cowled Wizards continue to fear me...

But he does mention a magical sword he would reward me with, actually owned once by Tolgerias--he's another Cowled Wizard I know--if I just find him mimic blood. Hmm, the reward here might be worth it; and I can still kill him anyway afterwards if I want. But for the time being, I'll let him slide. Looks like there may be a peaceful way out of this for Jermien..

I find it odd that he and the rest of the villagers have no idea about Valygar, however. I'll have to do my own scouting in the surrounding Umar Hills...

A short way out of town, we ran into a band of ogres, minotours, and other monsters. Like all of these types of monsters I've seen before them, I was gearing up for a fight. They said something or other to me, but I wouldn't be caught hesitating. I told them I'd destroy them, and they attacked--proving me right!

12PM. I found the Ranger cabin. Not Valygar's...but hmm. Looks like whatever adventurers that were here before me zeroed in on the cause of the disturbances going on around here. Useful information to have...not sure what I'll do with it yet.

1PM. Ah, some men-at-arms who are clearly in league with the target Valygar! Great news, I thought as I slaughtered them...getting closer.

2PM. Finally tracked down the Stalker in his cabin...he explained to me just why the Cowled Wizards were after him: his body apparently opens the Planar Sphere that was in the slums, and it's most likely full of valuable treasure from across the ages. And regardless--the Cowled Wizards want in, so that makes it valuable in itself. As opposed to needing to use Valygar as a bargaining chip, I'll just claim the REAL prize they're after, which is what's inside the Sphere. They'll be begging me to let them give me info on Irenicus soon...

He led me to believe that he would have to be alive for it to work. Hmph, so be it. I will "escort" him back to Athkatla.

3PM. I went back to Imnesvale. I got the mimic blood to Jermien, and they all slipped away happily before I could get anything more beyond the magical sword (I looted the rest of the house, of course).

I also figured I'd tell the mayor that I took care of those ogres causing problems north of town...but he couldn't even come up with my reward until seven hours from then. Hmm, this damn backwater dump, wonder if I'll get it at all. I was planning on resting the rest of the day anyway, before the trip back west with Valygar.

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 12]

7AM. We traveled back to Athkatla, stopping at my Stronghold to rest and check in on things. We arrived at the city gates in the early morning and were unmolested initially. We made our way to the Copper Coronet; I wanted to make sure Joluv was still selling my Mace and root around in my stash of items. Since I'm so despised, I'm not afforded great pricing in the city--so Jerrod's Mace will have to wait until I can restore my reputation.

But regardless, I'm headed straight to the Planar Sphere first since I have the damn magic-blooded Ranger in tow.

As soon as I emerge into the morning sun--a gang of guards and Cowled Wizards are waiting for me. I knew I was a wanted criminal, but even Athkatla can't afford these bloodbath battles day in and day out? Maybe they are determined to see me stopped and won't let up until I make right with the churches, no matter the cost in lives to them. I appreciate the need to make a point and I'm starting to respect their tenacity. It does look like I'll eventually have to cough up some of my gold to settle tensions around here. I'm an Amnish Lord now, as it happens.

Sigh..but none of that right now. I have no problem continuing to kill these Wizards until I can make sense out of what they want with the Sphere; then I'll take it from there. Remember, they are the ones attacking me.

9PM. Entered the planar sphere and ported away from the material plane, inadverently. We weren't having much trouble mowing through the cannibalistic halflings, until one of them retreated into a pack with a priest and a mage. I went berserk, but not before Nalia and Korgan were stunned shoulder-to-shoulder, blocking the narrow bridge--and cutting off Valygar and myself from Viconia.

I was hit by a flame column for a life-threatening fire injury, but was able to drink enough potions to heal myself. Valygar was Mazed and taken out of the equation for a substantial period of time. Viconia did admirably, keeping a stunned Nalia alive and casting spells as needed. When I became Charmed by the last standing mage, it was almost too late. Nalia and Korgan were killed, and I shot Valygar dead myself. At the last minute, the Charm wore off and I was able to smash down the mage, leaving only myself and my Drow healer alive.

[I really thought I was going to have to reload here, but the charm clicked off my PC in time enough for me to kill the mage and end it.]

I retreated to the quarters of the Knights of Solamnia, knowing Viconia could resurrect and heal my followers, even if it takes a whole day or longer to recover from this. There doesn't seem like too much choice other than to make camp here. Once we recover, we'll keep pushing forward. While I still don't trust Nalia to run off if we do something her conscience doesn't agree with--I decided to have her try to memorize one of our Breach scrolls, knowing it would have been useful in the last fight and will be useful going forward. I even gave her a potion to drink to increase her intelligence...luckily for her, she scribed it correctly.

[Day 13]

12PM. We battle down further into the Sphere. I eventually find Lavok and we give him a good beatdown...he says we have to find a demon heart to get back. Huh, not sure I believe him, or Valygar, so I'll continue to look around this vessel until I'm sure that's the right course of action. I wish I had purchased that damn Jerrod's Mace, if it comes down to having to kill a demon.

And well, well, well--I find Tolgerias of the Cowled Wizards himself, looking to lay claim to this place. Looks like we can just push the conflict to its resolution. Tolgerias wasn't ready to talk about anything and was only interested in getting killed. I could have potentially offered him a portion of this damn place for information on Irenicus or Imoen; or SOMETHING of value, at least. Now that I'm thinking about it, not ever sure who among the Cowled Wizards I'll even be able to deal with now. Just Corneil?

10PM. I dug deep enough into what looks like the engine room. I can't make much sense of what I'm looking at it, but it seems apparent something powerful and not of this plane of existence will be required...somewhat confirming what Lavok told us.

11PM. Having fully canvassed the interior, I decide to venture outside--and I see Lavok was right; we are far from Athkatla.

[Day 14]

1AM. After scouting the area in the immediate vicinity of the sphere, it didn't take long for me to find a tanar'ri. Valygar was paralyzed in place, but the rest of us were able to slay the demon before he could do much more harm, taking his heart afterwards. In a battle fervor, I took more time looking around this new plane of existence and even found another tanar'ri to battle, retrieving TWO demon hearts now--I've been to Avernus before, so none of this is shocking or frightening to me.

I spotted a third tanar'ri, but thought better of it and turned around to the sShere. Korgan and I are both very injured, and Viconia is out of healing magic.

12PM. Huh...so after escaping the Sphere, that's the end of what Valygar and the Sphere can offer. For all my troubles, I got more treasure and gold than I can even hold onto, so it was far from a waste. But I don't see what other use I can get out of this strange vessel...and not sure if anyone from the Cowled Wizards will even care much about it now, since it can no longer travel between planes. Valygar was a passable companion, and his stealth skills were useful, but now that he's served his use, I don't need some good-acting Ranger following us around...the road's going to be too rough for that. I'll make note that he's in Athkatla if I ever need him, but I ended up telling him to wait at the Copper Coronet.

I even went to see Corneil, the only other Cowled Wizard that I can track down, but he had nothing to say about the Sphere or the recent death of his colleague (does he know?). This all means dealing with the Cowled Wizards directly might be a dead end. At the end of the day, they're just the type of mages that want to fight and kill--fine by me.

After two weeks I'm doing quite well for myself down here in Amn, but there's still no way I can look the other way from what Irenicus did to me. The affront was just too much to bear, and I need to make sure he pays for it.

But gah, I'm loathe to be extorted by that sniveling Thieve's Guild. I need to re-acclimate in the city for a few days to think about my next moves. Likely I'll throw some gold to the temples to establish my new reputation as an Amnish Lord (to stop being portrayed as a criminal should put an end to these endless skirmishes with the town guard), and look to upgrade my equipment from the various merchants in town, before paying a visit to Gaelan.

[Day 15]

4AM. After a night at the Copper Coronet, we made an early morning trip to the well-polished Temple district, to give a sizeable chunk of my gold to some of the richest people in the city. The Temple of Helm won't deal with me until I help with with their Cult problem, and the idiot Talos priest was still sleeping...the damn fools. But the Lathander priests were more than willing to open their coffers. Just as good.

Now that I spread my gold around, about 4-5K total...I purchased Jerrod's Mace from Joluv and headed to the Promenade; I still have my eyes set on Balduran's Plate and Vhailor's Helm, but I'm not going to spend more of my gold quite yet.

Current Party:

Ethal Jo, Level 11 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Krotan's Skullcrusher)
Korgan, Level 11 Berserker
Viconia, Level 11 Cleric
Nalia, Level 4 Thief>Level 11 Mage

Reputation: Disliked (6)

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 15 Continued]

9AM. I bought Vhailor's Helm (for Korgan to wear when it is not needed), and realized my non-magical full plate with my ring of protection was better defense overall than what Balduran's Plate would offer. So now having purchased the highest end equipment for myself that this city has to offer, I went off to "talk" to Gaelan in the slums. His offer dropped to 15,000 gold, but my blood boils still, see‌ing how being forced to cough up gold to the Thieves' Guild still is my only option to find that damn Irenicus after my dealings with the Cowled Wizards ran their course. I went to see Renal Bloodscalp but he was worthless.

I can still see what else shakes out in this city. The Temple is still having trouble with that blind Cult that seems to be taking over--they won't promise me gold up front, but I know they have money--a lot of it--at the end of the day. Hell, I just gave them a good chunk of mine. So might be worth seeing what's going on down there and how I can use it to my advantage.

I also remember hearing about someone else looking for work, only available in the graveyard after dark. It's morning now, but I think I'm gonna see about that tonight...

10AM. Checked in with the Temple of Helm to make sure they knew I would be very disappointed if they didn't come through with a suitable reward for my efforts. Experience has also told me that there's a good chance I'll be enriching myself with whatever spoils that religious cult is keeping down there.

The Temple told me of a certain "Keldorn" who was on the same mission as us. Well, we may or may not have met him when we went back down to the sewers. Some pompous jerk was down there, barking questions, obstructing our pass, and ultimately threatening us! Well, we put him down just like that other gang we ran into a week or so ago.

12PM. I found the Cult of the Unseeing Eye, and realized they are worshipping a Beholder. I intimidated Gaal enough that he let me pass into the inner chambers of the cult; some guard eventually questioned me, I just let him know Gaal was alright with me wandering around, which he apparently agreed with. Yes--looks like they're tolerating me, knowing the opposite will likely end up with many of them dead.

1PM. Gaal eventually let me in on a scheme to recover some religious artifact for the Beholder. Nalia pointed out the obvious, which is that this artifact must be extra powerful...good, good. Once I take possession of it, I can decide what I want to do.

As we delved further, I set off a trap that energy [level] drained me--I'll know to have Nalia start detecting for traps in that area. Frustrated but knowing that I wouldn't be at my best if we continued, we surfaced back to the Temple district and I was Restored by the Talos priests. Unfortunately, looks like I'm going to have to rest some more before heading back down. May give me a chance to check in on this "Valen's mistress", if she's even still around.

2PM. Decide to stay at the Five Flagons through the evening--and I see the planar portal is still open. Speaking of riches, I can't imagine there wouldn't be something valuable on the other side of that. But that's for consideration later, I decide.

10PM. I met Bodhi, Valen's mistress. Rather than an offer for paid mercenary work, as I thought it would be--she seems to have some type of counteroffer for the same information that the Thieves Guild might give up. She'll match Gaelan's 15,000gp. Good, ha! That's probably the reason he preemptively lowered his bid.

Well, I'm still not interested in giving my hard earned gold to ANYONE yet, I have a few things to settle between Athaktla and my Keep before my focus turns back to that bastard Irenicus.

I head back to the sewers...

[Day 16]

12AM. After exploring more of the sewers, I find some refugees of the cult, saying how there are two pieces of this rod, and the Beholder already has one. They're worried I'm going to give this other half to the Beholder, but that's a joke. More than likely, I'll get the other half from him.

There was a sarcophagus there; not knowing what else these sewer dwellers may be hiding (it might even have been the rod!), I threw open the top and woke up a Shade Lich. Between Korgan and I, we were able to use our berserk rage to effectively kill the undead creature, but it took us three separate retreats to wait out its defensive magic, after realizing our weapons couldn't hurt it. But eventually we crushed it.

[Had to reload twice; damn. In both instances, I took too much spell damage before I could retreat far enough away. Dumb deaths here as I should have been more prepared to take damage. Felt I was invincible with Berserk..]

Viconia is out of healing, and Nalia is on the verge of death. Killing a lich should have earned a night's rest as a reward, at least. I'll keep searching for the rod in the AM.

This also reminds me of the lich in the Crooked Crane, knowing now I can slay those creatures. If the fool lich is still there, it'll be destroyed soon...

10AM. Killed another lich at the Crooked Crane. Berserker rage is key; although I know I can always cast Protection from Undead now from a Vhailor's Helm simulacrum to truly counter any lich threats I come across.

Going to rest up for some more the day back at the Five Flagons.

7PM. Well, I should have seen it coming, but Korgan finally pushed me too far. He started going off on some foolishness, and when I pushed back on him (insulted him), he couldn't bring himself to back down. He just could not control himself and forgot who's the "alpha" here; instead, he attacked me like an idiot, and we had to put him down. We had a bloody run, the Dwarf and I, but I guess it's hard to keep two berserkers together for too long. A clash of personalities.

A replacement? Valygar was a decent enough swordarm (and good at stealth), and Dorn seems to be milling about the Temple district as he was when we last got into a fight. If I recall, I had beaten him lifeless after harsh words turned into another conflict. He must have got himself resurrected somehow[?]. But ehhh, I don't need either of them. I have my Drow Cleric and my Wizard-Thief estate holder--they should be sufficient.

However, having looted my armor and equipment back from Korgan's sewer-laying corpse (and pulling my best items out of my Copper Coronet stash earlier), I may put a pause on the search for the Beholder rod until I can regroup with this new setup. Our inventory is overflowing with treasure and I had the idea anyway to start moving my valuables to my Keep, where I haven't been now for several days. The only other person who could have found the rod, knowing its power...was Keldorn. So I don't think I have much to worry about with my plans being ruined if I step away for a day or two from these moron cultists and their ilk.

[Day 17]

5AM. Not looking to wait around, we marched overnight back to my hold. First thing in the morning, there was a merchant waiting for me that lost his caravan to bandits. Gah! Bandits?! On my land?! How day they. My blood boiled and I would look to go kill them all myself right now...but the majordomo tells me it'd probably be faster to hire some mercenaries--fine, that's exactly what I'll do.

I didn't like the tone of the merchant himself, so I only repay him half of what he's lost. I'd be angry too--but he understood the bandits were the real enemies here. The other half will go to paying those mercenaries (who dare not fail). Any more attacks on my land and I will take it personally.

10PM. After resting for the rest of the morning at the hold and dropping some equipment, I wanted to get back to Athkatla. We made our way back and entered the sewers, looking to continue to the mission for the magical artifact.

My current party is:

Ethal Jo, Level 11 Berserker
Viconia, Level 12 Cleric
Nalia, Level 4 Thief>Level 11 Mage

Reputation: Disliked (6)

Antimatter · Nov 12, 2021

Thanks for sharing your story here, I'm looking forward to the BG2 part.

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

[Day 18]

1AM. I dug into the Lower Reaches under the city, and encountered all types of undead and poisonous spiders. Eventually, I had to answer some riddles for a haunted bridge and I stumbled upon some Gauths and Beholders...

I could no longer use my berserker rage ability, so I decided to fall back after aggravating the monsters by having Nalia cast Cloudkill. They chased us out of the Lower Reaches...but I'll be back after resting for the night.

[Reload once: My character tried to fight a pack of Gauths and Shadows that had been injured in the Cloudkill...without berserker rage...I rolled the dice to see if I could finish them off, but couldn't. Got held and killed.]

2AM. I emerge from the sewers to rest at the Five Flagons. I got into a close call with a Kobold shaman and his minions, but I'd prefer not to even talk about that.

I see another encounter between a Shadow Thief and a creature of this new upstart guild. I'm realizing now I can hitch my wagon to either of these groups with the 15K I'll provide them, and then they'll have the honor of providing information to me and working with me from there. If you asked me tonight, I'm inclined to put my stakes in the new guild. They seem to be doing quite well for themselves and quickly taking over the city. I'll never be a Shadow Thief and or be accepted as one...but I might be able to push them out of the city altogether. I don't like them at all after my dealings with Gaelan and Mae'var and my...frustration...has just been growing. This whole thief war may be a very good opportunity for me to come into power along with the new guild...

3PM. Rested and returned to the Lower Reaches--this is still the priority. Deep down, I eventually figured out I had to have Viconia HEAL the emphathic manifestation, and I got one half of the rod artifact. With this, I finally went to speak seriously to the cultist refugee, who told me how to access the actual lair of the Unseeing Eye via Tad. Good!

At this point, I only have my eyes on this fully put-together rod, as it seems exceedingly powerful and expensive. The god with his miserable followers below...he seemed to think I would return to him to have him destroy it. Highly doubtful!

And I know the Church wants me to take out the Cult too. I'm assuming killing their God will do just that, which it's looking like I'll have to do to acquire the other half. If I have to further "scatter" the remaining cultists with my maces...so be it.

5PM. After some hard fought battles with Beholders and Gauths, I recovered the rift device and I did indeed have to use it against the Unseeing Eye--the three of us were all injured and our spells and abilities were spent for the day, so I had no other option.

[A reload while going through the Beholder cave...a Gauth froze me and killed the rest of my party. After a while, I heard the sound effect that the Hold was released and the spherical symbol above my avatar's head disappeared, but for some reason the Hold stayed. The symbol on my portrait and the notation on my character profile were both still there, though. Maybe I want to say this was a bug or something? I know it's unlikely, but it did feel like it lasted way too long. I'm probably just making excuses for myself. The Gauth was near death and if I had been released, I'm sure I could have killed it, then used Vhailor's Helm and my Resurrection Rod to bring back Viconia and Nalia...hmm.]

On my way out, some more Gauths and a Beholder spotted me, and chased me back up into the sewers, through another secret entrance I hadn't had access to. The Beholder continued after us and turned Viconia to stone. I can't risk taking on the monster right now, without any berserker rage or usefel Nalia spells, so I'm going to retreat back to the surface and rest; I'll come back for the Drow later.

On the warning from Sassar, I thought better of surfacing with the fully formed rift device, and I decided to keep it hidden down in the Lower Reaches. This required passing by the Beholder again, but Nalia and I managed to come through it alive. We'll return to kill this Beholder soon enough...still a problem even if its overlord is dead.

[A reload here that I have to count...tried to keep the rift device on my person, very in-character...died in a cutscene upon emergence from the lower levels...]

[Day 19]

12PM. Having recovered ourselves at the Five Flagons, Nalia and I headed back to kill the Beholder that had frozen Viconia, and turned Viconia back to flesh. The previous evening, the Church had recognized that I had killed the Cult's God, and rewarded me with Ardulia's Fall, a mace. Nothing breathtaking, but I will be using it in my offhand--so the excursion was worth it.

The real spoil, though, is that rift device. I stored it in the Lower Reaches, so I still want to recover THAT and kill whatever remaining monsters are down in that hive. I'm not going to surface with the device...but maybe some members of the ex-cult may know some key to its true power? I'm not sure if there are any cultists left there; but we'll check it out sooner than later and see what answers they can give me.

2PM. There were cultists leftover--no doubt bewildered and directionless as to what to do next, seeing how much of them are blind. They let me pass, but once Gaal saw us, he tried to attack us. We killed his God, so what else could he do. We put him down, as well as about four of his elite guard...and the rest just ran away before I could do the same to them. So no luck getting help with this artifact here.

Last stop is back at the underground temple. I know the avatar wants to destroy the rod, but I'll destroy him if I have to, to keep that from happening...

3PM. I returned to the diseased ones, and was finally convinced that the rod had no more use or value. I relinquished it and watched as the avatar and his followers disappeared. Sigh, what a waste--at least I got Ardulia's Fall out of this, and good amount of gold and gems. With the sewers mostly clear of trouble, I'm looking forward to surfacing and heading to the Coronet.

[Day 20]

1AM. After resting (with Cominda again), I decided that yes, I was going to side with the rival upstart guild. Sure, Valen's mistress wants the same amount of gold as the Shadow Thieves, but they were just looking to counter Gaelan's original offer--and did so successfully. The Shadow Thieves will be very sorry they ever tried to extort me initially. Soon, them, and Irenicus too, will all be under my boot. I didn't forget about him!

I headed to the Graveyard and that was precisely Bodhi's plan too. It looks like she's looking for that bastard Irenicus too, just like me--so probably needs my help getting to him, past whatever Cowled Wizards may be guarding him. The fact that she lacks the muscle for it is very revealing, I think to myself.

Selerel · Nov 12, 2021

Chapter 3

3AM. Ah, I've allied myself with vampires. This is the dark magic I've heard rumored about. Very well--I'm more than capable of holding my own against these undead creatures if it ever were to come to that. Which it very well may--there is already an unacceptable delay in providing the information I paid for, which is making me angrier and angrier by the second. But they say they are looking to gain my trust first...hmm.

Bodhi wants me to confiscate a Shadow Thief shipment at the docks overnight. Bah, should be simple enough, but I'm not appreciative of the small errand; I'm a Lord now after all. But I suppose it won't be too difficult to swing by the docks tomorrow night. Killing Shadow Thieves will keep me occupied...but Bodhi should know, the same fate will await her ilk if she's not careful.

For the day, I believe I'll make a trip back to my Keep...some things to check in on.

12PM. At noontime, I arrived back at my stronghold. I am mainly here to raise taxes. It's something I should have done last time and it's been pestering me ever since--this is to recoup my losses from hiring mercernaries to fight bandits and paying out that blasted merchant who got raided. It put me back a thousand gold, and I've only received five hundred so far from the current taxes. I am NOT prepared to take a loss with this business with the Hold in any way, so using my own gold to finance it is out of the question.

I also needed to retrieve Vhailor's Helm, which I left in storage upstairs. Don't know why I kept it there, and I realized it when I had to purchase a Stone to Flesh scroll. I suppose I'll blame Viconia's thoughtlessness, she was holding onto it at the time.

9PM. I only made a brief visit out to the Hold before headed back to Athkatla for the shipment intercept...as I made my way to the Docks, I passed by the Shadow Thief guild hall. Looks like word got around very quickly that I had thrown my lot in with the upstart vampire guild, and the Thieves stationed outside attacked us! I slaughtered all of them in the street, then figured, if it's a fight they want, I'll give it to them! I entered the building and took out the mages and other defenses they had. I ran upstairs looking for Renal Bloodscalp, but looked like they had cleared out already. As I left the bloody hall, I thought, Aha! They got the message that I'm their enemy now.

I know Mae'Var's guildhall is also down the street, and there will be many Shadow Thieves slinking about there...but that will be for when Viconia can cast True Sight again. Let me get this shipment and then call it a night.

11PM. I fought and killed more shadow thieves and intercepted their cache of vampire-killing supplies--I'm no fool, I know exactly what it is. I bring it to Bodhi, but let her know very clearly she needs to give me information NOW. But still she holds out; wanting me to assassinate a noble here in the city. Gah, getting this run-around treatment is insulting, and I had thoughts of killing one of her henchmen, Cohn or Meredath...but I thought better of it. I'm going to find an Inn and rest for the rest of the night, and look at my options in the daylight.

My current party is:

Ethal Jo, Level 13 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Ardulia's Fall)
Viconia, Level 12 Cleric
Nalia, Level 4 Thief>Level 12 Mage

Reputation: Disliked (7)

[THREE more reloads during this session unfortunately, but only at FIVE total since I started up again a month ago, so I'm doing allllright by my standards. One of those was emerging with the rift device--I knew it would kill me, but that's "no metagaming"...]

Selerel · Nov 13, 2021

[So I'm NOW caught up to where I'm actually at in my playthough. The posts will now start coming about weekly...]

[Day 21]

8AM. Over the course of the night, I got more and more furious thinking how Bodhi wouldn't give me what I paid for. I headed back there in the morning to see what else I could do; I would smash all those creatures in there if they would just give me half a reason...but I doubt it would do much anyway to give me the information I want. I'm starting to think it may be worth it anyway.

But gahhh, I thought. Screw the vampires. I'll just do this MY WAY. I already took out as much of the Guild Hall as I could, and killed Mae'Var and his lietenants a few weeks ago...but whatever's left of Mae'var's twerps are about to feel some hurt. We head over to the docks...

9AM. As I'm killing my way through Mae'Var's old guild hall, I reach the top floor...and find Edwin the Red Wizard! He was one the wizards in my war party on the march north and siege of Dragonspear. He's working for the Shadow Thieves apparently...but I'm sure he saw what was about to happen if he kept up any allegience with them. Instead, he claimed to be relieved, claiming my killings dispensed justice...and even congratulating me and offering to work for me! Aha, he played his cards right. I know he's a very capable Conjurer, and I'm constantly suspicious Nalia will get too scared at something I do and run away with her tail between her legs. So I let Edwin switch to the winning team as we finish clearing out the Shadow Thieves.

11PM. With all the Shadow Thieves that I know about dead...it looks like I just have to kill that politician Vulova like Bodhi wants, so I rush to do that as night falls. It's a veritable bloodbath...and THEN I head back to the vampire's lair.

[Day 22]

12AM. Huh, Edwin mentions a certain "Nether Scroll", a powerful artifact supposedly in the Lower Tombs. I thought I had cleaned most of the graves and tombs out, but maybe we'll take a second look? When things have calmed down.

Bodhi reminds me--Gaelan Bayle. The original scum Shadow Thief I met. For some reason I had neglected to show him the lethal end of my maces...right! Supposedly he has a key to get to the true Shadowmaster, some man named Aran Linvail.

Bodhi tries to tell me the Shadow Thieves may have been an obstacle in my way to find Irenicus, and that's why she can't reveal the information she owe me--the Shadow Thieves need to be out of the picture first...I'm not sure if I believe that, but I'll kill them all nonetheless.

8AM. With rage, I stormed through the basement of the Shadow Thief Hall all night into the morning, eventually finding Aran Linvail and slaughtering him (he summoned some type of cacofiend...when we saw that, we headed out and closed the door on the rest of them to deal with it). With the Shadow Thieves now gone from the city, I can certainly lay claim to much of it. I'm going to return to Bodhi soon, to see what she has to say. But as far as I see it, at this point, SHE is working for ME.

9AM. Bodhi finally laid out the information I needed, and even more than I thought she would have. I had been blinded with anger, I did not stop to think about WHY Irenicus was experimenting on me. Yes--I am the child of Bhaal, and my soul and blood is valuable because of that. But Bodhi said he found "something" out that may be of interest to me, maybe unlocked some key to greater power, huh? Well, when I find him he should spit it out quickly becuase it's very likely I smash his skull as soon as I see him. I agreed to not harm Irenicus in order to secure passage to the pirate isle that holds him (so Bodhi can have him)...but I doubt it's going to work out that way.

At this point, I can leave whenever I want to go hunt this bastard down--that's why my gold went towards, so at least now I don't feel as much that it was wasted. I will head out there sooner than later to exact my revenage, but first I have some business to take care of, identifying and selling my spoils. I'll probably spend a day or so at my Hold as well to make sure its affairs are in order...and of course, there's that Nether Scroll.

[Day 23]

12PM. I relaxed at the Coronet and sold my wares among the merchants of Athkatla. My party divided up the new equipment we had looted and Edwin learned some new spells. Soon enough, we headed out to my Hold with the remainder of the items I had stashed in the city in tow; we rested until midday, and I considered my next move...

My current party:

Ethal Jo, Level 13 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Ardulia's Fall)
Viconia, Level 13 Cleric
Nalia, Level 4 Thief>Level 12 Mage
Edwin, Level 13 Conjurer

Reputation: Disliked (7)

Selerel · Nov 17, 2021

[Day 23 Continued]

12PM. With my Keep in order, I considered the surrounding lands: Trademeet was a large settlement to the east, I haven't paid it a visit yet. It's only half a day's journey away, so very close to my lands and holdings. There are also temple ruins to the east, where villagers in Imnesvale indicated some strange goings-on there. Finally, I also seem to remember a large sum of money to be paid out by some Lord in the Windspear Hills--ogre troubles or some such. For ten thousand gold, it'll serve me well to remember this opportunity...as well as my wealthy noble neighbor.

But all of these things that bring me farther into the mainland of Amn are not urgent right now. They seem to be causing no trouble in my lands for the time being, so it's something to deal with after I've settled my score with Irenicus. And come to think of it, I wouldn't mind getting Imoen back either. I've always seen her as a foolish child, but she's loyal enough to break me out of prison, at the least. Who did the Cowled Wizards think they are, taking her from me?

8PM. Returned to Athkatla. Yes, I'm going to set sail for Spellhold soon--but that will be tomorrow morning. I'll spend a few hours this evening searching for this Nether Scroll that Edwin told me about. Seems powerful enough and it may even come in handy against this so-called powerful wizard I'm hunting--otherwise, Edwin will have wasted my time. But retracing my earlier exploits through the lower tombs shouldn't prove difficult.

9PM. After a short while, we did indeed find the lich with the Nether Scroll--he must have been hiding the first time I came though, or else Edwin helped elicit the creature somehow. Edwin's holding onto the scroll for now...but its POWER is under Ethal Jo's control, and it's important Edwin realizes that. It looks like it needs some studying anyway before anything can be done with it.

Chapter 4

[Day 32]

12AM. We set sail and after a long journey we arrived in Brynnlaw late at night. Bodhi had hired Saemon Havarian to be our captain, and made the journey along with us. My plan is to knock some heads around this pirate town to see how to get into Spellhold. With all the random attackers on the streets, it looks like that's won't be out of place here.

I entered the Vulgar Monkey to see what the locals knew about the asylum to the north; quickly, I spotted a mage and assumed he'd be a good pick to give me information about the mage prison. Indeed, it seemed like he knew how to get in and was willing to help, but was assassinated by a Lady Galvena for some local nonsense. Apparently his wife may have some information too, and she's currently in the hands of Galvena.

I don't even know what information I need yet--my plan is to head north and see what's going to prevent me knocking down the front door if they don't let me in.

1AM. I located the bridge to Spellhold, but I saw a magic shimmering across the bridge, and had the sense that crossing it would be lethal. Huh, looks like I'll have to find Sanik's girl and make her talk. I'm not in the mood to deal with any pushback from this so-called Galvena.

[Reload here. Very in-character, I ignored the warning signs and just tried to walk across the bridge with Berserk. Insta death!]

2AM. I killed Galvena, her mage, and most of her guards in my quest to find Claire--and good thing, she was about to be executed. She herself was worthless, but eventually directed me to a Cowled Wizard who live here in Brynnlaw, and has wardstones that let him come and go as he pleases. Fantastic--I'll just take those from him. His name is Perth the Adept; I don't know where his house is, but this place is small enough that I can go door-to-door. It's in the middle of the night so he should be home.

3AM. I found Perth the Adept, killed him, and took his wardstone. Three hours after we docked, I have the means to cross into Spellhold. Anticipating aggression and a lot of mages fighting back--I decided to stay for the rest of the night at the Vulgar Monkey. Whether I show my face tonight or after the sun rises, it doesn't seem like they're going to stop me from coming in...

2PM. Infiltrated Spellhold, but was captured again by Irenicus. This time, he apparently took my soul from my body. At least, that's according to Imoen. I have lost the vampiric and "horrifying" abilities I've developed since I left Candlekeep, so maybe there's something to it; but beyond that, I feel as strong--and angry--as I've ever been. I still owe vengeance to Irenicus, so despite what that traitor Bodhi wants (my death), I will break out of this asylum and find the wizard again, killing all in my way.

Imoen was back in my group for a very brief amount of time; she's much more skilled than Nalia in trap-detecting and lockpicking, so I made her my primary thief. Almost instantly, a trap killed her--she detected it, but the walls smashed in on her as she tried to disarm it. I held off on resurrecting the foolish girl in case I had to use Vhailor's Helm at some point later on (I always use a simulacrum version of the resurrection wand so as not to run out of charges). Our party has been fine up until this point with just the four of us, so Imoen can stay dead for now.

5PM. I found a room or two containing statues and riddles...magical in nature. I answered one or two, then thought better of the foolishness. Maybe this is some test required for exit? Until I know, I won't waste time.

Antimatter · Nov 17, 2021

That trap can't be disarmed. You can detect it, but no matter under what angle you try to disarm it, it always crashes your thief.

Selerel · Nov 17, 2021

[Day 33]

9AM. Having battled through the first level of the Asylum, I had been comfortable enough in our domination of the dungeon thus far to rest overnight--we were out of spells, both healing and arcane, and this would give me a chance to resurrect my third mage Imoen.

1PM. I finally found Bodhi, hiding out and waiting for me. Something...unexpected happened. I lost control and transformed into "the Slayer"...some likeness of my father Bhaal. Apparently now that Irenicus has my soul, that creature will be bubbling underneath the surface, ready to fill in the vacuum that my soul left. This is if I fall too much into my rage...hmm, THIS is what Irenicus has done to me? Ahaha, my enemies will quiver at this--including that bastard sorcerer when I catch up to him. Imoen talks of an emptiness without our souls, and I know that soon I'll take back what Irenicus stole from me...but whatever emptiness I now have, I know I can fill it with blood and pain of my enemies.

4PM. After deciding to kill whatever monsters and loot whatever treasure I could from the Asylum--having no patience for any of the games and riddles of this place, and leaving the statues and puzzles on the first level still undone--I headed upstairs to confront Irenicus. (I did use the mithril token machine to get two pairs of nice magical boots because I had been accumulating these token; but I did not cooperate in the least with the spectral coordinator who attempted to judge me.)

When I got upstairs, I knew Irenicus was in the main chamber, where he had again been experimenting on me. I wanted nothing more than to kill him and reclaim my soul, but somehow I knew I stood no chance against his magic. I may listen to that traitor Saemon and see if I can release these insane prisoners on him to act as a distraction, while I go in for the killshot.

[Reload once. Again, as a very in-character move, I entered the main chamber without speaking to any other prisoners. Insta-death for entire party.]

7PM. With the distraction of the Spellhold prisoners, I fought Irenicus and crushed him down, but the damn mage escaped using his powerful magic. Not only that, I'm now sealed within Spellhold. Even though I was victorious over those who imprisoned me, I'm furious to see I'm still imprisoned.

There is a magical portal that Irenicus used to flee, to the Underdark it seems? I scared away Saemon with threats of death, but his offer of a ship back to the mainland wasn't good enough anyway...I want my revenge on Irenicus and it shouldn't be so easy for him as to run away.

So from what I can see, there's nothing left alive in Spellhold. I'll rest for the night in the master chamber, then continue my chase of this bastard through that portal.

[Day 34]

4AM. An imposing dream (a look within my mind perhaps) gave me reason to believe that this new "Slayer" ability I have...it is actually another enemy looking to take control of me. The purified essence of Bhaal trying to take me over and turn me into nothingness? I won't allow that, just like I haven't caved to anything else my "father" has wanted. But, putting that to the side...

Chapter 5

...I continue my hunt of Irenicus. We travel through the portal into the Underdark.

Before we entered, I had thoughts of leaving Nalia stranded there in Spellhold; our travails in the asylum proved that with Edwin and Imoen, she really has no value in the group anymore. And if she's "away" somewhere an a hidden island in the middle of the ocean, there's no way she can cook up any type of scheme in Amn that jeopardizes my control of the Keep and estate. I still don't really trust the do-gooder. But I eventually thought better of it; I may still need her thief skills down the road, who knows what's going to happen to Imoen. If Nalia really gets to be a problem, there's always the *permanent* way to send her away, so I'm not worried about it.

But here we are now, in the Underdark. Viconia, scared and worrisome, warns me of the dangers of its denizens. Eh, foolish Viconia still doesn't get it after all this time: Someone should warn them about ME, if I don't find Irenicus fast.

My current party:

Ethal Jo, Level 15 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Ardulia's Fall)
Viconia, Level 15 Cleric
Nalia, Level 4 Thief>Level 13 Mage
Imoen, Level 7 Thief>Level 13 Mage
Edwin, Level 14 Conjurer

Reputation: Disliked (7)

Selerel · Nov 17, 2021

Antimatter said:
That trap can't be disarmed. You can detect it, but no matter under what angle you try to disarm it, it always crashes your thief.

I know...it pains me to have to sacrifice one thief everytime, but I feel like I have to let it happen from a not-metagaming perspective. It really hurts when I have no cleric and no resurrection rod or scrolls. But that is exceedingly rare.

Urdnot_Wrex · Nov 17, 2021

I admire sticking to roleplaying decisions even if they hurt. However, in this case it's visible from the wall structure that it's a blunt and heavy mechanical trap, and the rules mention before that those can't be disarmed, so there's room for roleplaying that a high INT character like Imoen or Nalia would either know (even Imoen must have read books in Candlekeep) or figure that out and stay away from it.

Not trying to talk you out of your roleplaying choice, as I said, you have my respect for it, I'm merely offering a suggestion how it could be avoided but still in-character.

Selerel · Nov 17, 2021

@Urdnot_Wrex You make very good points, and that's probably logic I will use at some point. In this circumstance, I think any hesitancy from Imoen would have been met with a "I don't care if you're worried. I just SAVED you, I said DISARM IT" from the PC, haha. It's a wonder I didn't send Nalia in right afterwards to see if she had better luck!

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

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