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

[Selerel]

Hello,

So I wanted my own bulleted-out recap of the playthough, really to make it easier for myself when I compare and contrast to other playthroughs, just spelling out the major events and the major quests I took on. It should go in the beginning but it will exceed the character limit, so it will go here!

But I also realize this thread is a lot of posts and entries and text and pictures, so if you just want to jump in without having to start from the very beginning, this could be a "what led us to here" type recap to provide some more context.

Baldur's Gate 1 Recap

• After Gorion's death, I stayed in the general area of Candlekeep, Friendly Arm, and Beregost for about 4-5 weeks. I collected Imoen and Neera as followers in this time. Went as far west as the coastline, and as far east as the Woods of Sharp Teeth. Searching for my attackers and but really was trying to establish myself as a feared mercenary in my own right.
• Eventually picked up Khalid and Jaheira because I needed a healer and realized they weren't going to attempt to travel to Nashkel on their own, despite their threats and demands. I only needed Jaheira so I sent Khalid to die fighting some bandits.
• Wanted to go to Baldur's Gate but couldn't get in due to the trouble in Nashkel I had been hearing about constantly. Finally decided my strong hand was needed to resolve whatever crisis was going on down there.
• Due to my criminal reputation, I was attacked by Amnish soldiers as soon as I entered Nashkel. I slew them all, but Jaheira and Imoen fled, leaving just me and Neera.
• Neera and I hunted the down the bandit leadership from Mulahey to Tranzig to Tazok at their camp in the Woods of the Sharp Teeth, and eventually headed to Cloakwood.
• Recruited Coran, Eldoth, and Faldorn while tracking down the Iron Throne in Cloakwood. Eventually found the mine and slew Davaeorn, then finally entered Baldur's Gate some time after we emerged.
• My first night in Baldur's Gate, I slaughtered the Thieve's Guild, Entillus Folsom, and got into some skirmishes with the Flaming Fist city guard. Coran and Faldorn both left the group because of this, leaving just me, Neera, and Eldoth.
• In my first week or so in the city, I cured Marek's poisoning by killing all who stopped me in the Water Queen's house, continued to fight the Flaming Fist in the streets, and killed every single living thing other than Emissary Tar in the Iron Throne building, getting the names and supposed locations of their remaining leaders. Afterwards, I recruited Quayle, needing a healer.
• Following that, we stormed through Entar Silvershield's Estate to make good on Eldoth's scheme and take Skie away. For a long while the party was myself, Eldoth, Skie, Neera, and Quayle.
• Then, we discovered and killed all the dopplegangers at the Seven Suns and Merchant's League while visiting them on an unrelated purpose. Stayed around in the city for a few more days getting caught up with local affairs and opportunities to establish a criminal territory of sorts.

 

[Selerel]

Baldur's Gate 1/Tales of the Sword Coast Recap

• Eventually we visited Ulgoth's Beard and were teleported to a magical ice island prison by Shandalar--I had killed his daughter-mages very recently. We found his cloak and got ourselves back.
• Heard about Balduran's Isle from Mendas. Thought it was a good idea to stake claim to a secret trading outpost potentially full of ancient treasure; so I eventually came back to Baldur's Gate and forcefully took the Sea Charts from the Merchant's League.
• At the Blade and Stars, accidentally stumbled onto Elkart and what looked like the blackmail scheme that Eldoth had spoken about when I met him, but never actually materialized. Apparently though, it did materialize. Elkart was handing out gold on behalf of Silvershield. Had Eldoth been keeping this from me? It was all too suspicous, but I didn't have definitive proof anyone wronged me, and I was satisfied enough with Skie in my employ.
• I soon grew restless at the Iron Throne leaders for not returning to the city, as I still owed them vengeance. With Duke Eltan's assistance in providing a tome, I decided I'd go track Rieltar down in Candlekeep. When I found him there, I killed him and his companions. I was captured somehow, but Tethtoril effected our escape through the catacombs.
• Back at the Friendly Arm Inn, I replaced Neera with Baeloth, a drow sorcerer I had encountered some time ago. Neera had exhausted all of my patience at that point by repeatedly threatening to leave the group.
• Eventually made our way back up to Baldur's Gate, and realized Scar was dead and Eltan had fallen ill, so the Flaming Fist continued to be on even more of warpath against us under their new leadership. Thinking I had a few weeks before the return of Sarevok (the seemingly last Iron Throne leader I owed some hurt) I decided to make my move on Mendas's trading outpost. The promises of power and wealth from that endeavor were much more alluring than the constant bloodspilling in the city.
• Fast forward a few weeks on the open ocean, we became stranded on Balduran's Isle--myself, Eldoth, Skie, Quayle, and Baeloth. I refused to help the villagers with anything without promise of reward, so they wouldn't have any dealing with me. Instead, I just went to the north end of the island to see for myself what was going on, and if they actually had any type of seafaring vessel. We killed the pack leader Karoug after fighting wolfweres on the island for a day or two.
• The chieftan revealed the "peaceful" villagers were werewolves too, and they had infected us. We started killing all the villager-wolves in sight until we made it through the caverns and killed Kaishas herself and sailed back, killing Mendas too.
• I had a small werewolf baby in my possession named Peladan that was orphaned on Balduran's Isle. I brought him back and eventually gave him to Neera, who I had left at the Friendly Arm.
• Since it had been a long time since I was last in Baldur's Gate, it was almost guaranteed Sarevok was back by now--we made our way to the city so I could finally get my revenge against the last Iron Throne leader. We storm his coronation and reveal his treachery, eventually chasing him into the Undercity and killing him for good, finally bringing this bloody scheming to an end. Skie was killed in the Undercity right before the confrontation, but my other followers were present for this "final" battle: Eldoth, Quayle, and Baeloth.
• Before Sarevok died, he said that he and I are brothers, and our father is the God of Murder, Bhaal. Somehow it felt right and it added up with everything else I knew.

 

[Selerel]

Siege of Dragonspear Recap

• Was surprised to see Imoen had returned to Baldur's Gate to look to gain my favor. I hadn't seen her since she abandoned me in Nashkel about 3-4 months ago.
• Furious that an attempt was made on my life (and further enraged that Ophyllis lost my fortune in gold), I agreed to lead a war party to put an end to Caelar Argent.
• I recruited Safana, who I had never heard of before. Knowing the power of magic, I also decided to bring along Dynaheir the Witch, and along with her Minsc. But after an argument with Dynaheir, I dropped them both from my party not long after they joined.
• Arriving at the Coast Way Crossing, I recruited Corwin and Viconia and then, after running into them in the area, Edwin and Baeloth. Thus my "war party" was created, a large six-member group to act as the tip of the spear for this military excursion (Safana was the sixth).
• After the Crusaders blew up the bridge and it was decided to march to Bridgefort, I spent a day or two clearing out the Repository of Undeath, and then wandering futher out in the forest, looking for some conflict to enrich myself in both cases.
• March to the Troll Claw Woods. Jaheira, who I also hadn't seen since she abandoned me in Nashkel, told me of a ruined Temple of Bhaal to the east. I make note but send her away.
• After clearing out the Troll hive, I don't waste much time in directly attacking the siege camp and slaying all the Crusaders there, taking control of Bridgefort and the Boareskyr Bridge. I did not attempt to enter Bridgefort first.
• Crossing the Bridge, I had a major vision and an "incident" occurred. That confirmed to me I was the offspring of Bhaal and removed whatever small doubts I had about my father. Rather than beginning the two weeks' march farther west, I had the Flaming Fist hold as I laid claim to the nearby Temple of Bhaal. I was looking for treasure and wealth, but also felt I had ownership of the place now and had to take it back from whatever filthy squatters were there.
• Killed the Green Dragon Morentherene, and killed the Crusaders locked in cages down below. They could hardly believe they were defeated at Bridgefort. Went on the kill everything else in the dungeon (other than the Bhaal priestess) and take what I could.
• Two weeks later, at the Coaltion Camp, I got to work quickly trying to find the traitor. I executed Simonetta Twoedged myself, and also had Col executed.
• Days later, I found the Crusader's supply chain entrance to Dragonspear beyond Dead Man's Pass. I eventually killed most Crusaders in the cavern area in batches. I got access to the basement of the castle, poisoned the food and water, and killed all the Crusaders that tried to stop me. Back down in the warrens, I had a major confrontation with the remaining, surprised Crusaders there--the Battle of the Warrens.
• Further exploring the underground river, I find and kill a Ghost Dragons, Kanaglym cultists, and a handful of druids (Ferrusk AND his enemies on the surface). I took the long way back to camp via Bloodbark Grove, ensuring there were no enemies encamped there.
• After defending the Coalition Camp, we siege Dragonspear and chase Caelar and her ilk into Avernus. Upon confronting Belhifet, I chose to battle and kill Caelar myself, rather than try to convince her to fight on my side--much more satisfying that way. Belhifet is defeated along with her.
• Torsin de Lancie piques my interest by offering a lifetime of riches and leisure in Waterdeep. However, that's taken off the table when I'm framed for Skie's murder.
• Imoen, finally redeeming herself, hired a thief to break me out of my imprisonment. I killed both Corwin and Bence Duncan on my way out through the sewers and felt good about it. Imoen put together a very terrible group of people to help in my escape--weaklings Khalid and Jaheira and closer-to-enemies Dynaheir and Minsc--so she's still got some learning to do. Because of the imbeciles I was with, I could almost understand being ambushed.

 

[Selerel]

Shadows of Amn Recap

• After escaping Irenicus's dungeon with Jaheira and Minsc, I soon rescued Viconia from a mob and replaced Jaheira with her.
• I looked to get work from Renal Bloodscalp and the Shadow Thieves, but I almost immediatley decided to kill Mae'Var and all of his lieutenants after his repeated threats and insults.
• Recruited Korgan and Jan at some point, getting rid of Minsc. To get some gold and standing in Athkatla, I spent a few days graverobbing, including participating in Korgan's and Hexxat's schemes; the "real" Hexxat was killed.
• I also performed some quick and bloody jobs for Lehtinan at the Copper Coronet (killing some troublemakers) and the Five Flagons acting troupe (raiding a wizard's stronghold)--enriching myself in the proesss. When the troupe was pulled into another dimension, I didn't go after them.
• Had many skirmishes with the Cowled Wizards and Amnish guard during my first week in Athkatla, since I had very quickly garnered a criminal reputation and I would not abide by the no-magic law.
• Soon left town to investigate the de'Arnise stronghold and to find Valygar in the Umar Hills--knowing that retrieiving him could buy me leverage against the Cowled Wizards to find out where Irenicus ended up.
• After slaughtering the invading trolls, Nalia offered me lordship of the de'Arnise estate, and I quickly accepted--Jan ran off at some point due to our group's despised reputation, so I had Nalia become one of my followers.
• I kept moving east to the Umar Hills. Valygar explained why the Cowled Wizards wanted him, so I thought better to claim the planar sphere myself and use THAT as leverage against the Cowled Wizards. Unfortunately, once Tolgerias was killed, the plan fell apart.
• Stubbornly not wanting to be extorted by the Shadow Thieves, but looking to get more wealth, standing, and possible information...I agreed to look into the temples' Cult problem. During this time (1) I killed Keldorn in the sewers when he challenged me, (2) I destroyed two liches I had discovered in the city, (3) had to put down Korgan after he picked a fight with me, and (4) eventually killed the Unseeing Eye itself.
• I chose to ally myself with Bodhi and the vampires, wanting to side with the winner of this street war and having no good feelings for the Shadow Theves.
• Within days (and with no help from Bodhi), I slaughtered all the Shadow Thieves I could find in their main guildhall and in Mae'Var's guildhall, and killed Vulova the polician, Gaelan Bayle, and Aran Linvail. I found Edwin during this rampage, and he quickly swore loyalty to me. We set sail for Brynnlaw.
• We confronted Irenicus, rescued Imoen, escaped from Spellhold, and followed him directly through his portal to the Underdark--we chased off Saemon Havarian and his offer of going to the mainland. Irenicus supposedly stole my soul, but so far all it has done is given me the power to transform into a divine killing beast.
• In the Underdark, I killed the dark gnomes for their Light Gem and spoke to Adalon the dragon. She made us appear as Drow, and told us if we got her eggs back from Ust Natha, she'd put us on the heels of Irenicus and Bodhi.
• I gained trust in Ust Natha for about a day or two, but the ruse was blown when I would not cooperate with the telepathic Abeloth. I forcibly took Adalon's eggs and killed a large portion of the city as we fought our way out.
• Surfacing, I was told that Irenicus is in Suldanessallar, but I will need to find and retrieve the Rhynn Lanthorn before I can get to him.
• With Imoen in the party now, I left Nalia out in Valygar's cabin in the Umar Hills, far away from where she can cause problems with the nobles.
• Concerned with the security of my Keep's lands and estate, I took some time to investigate and resolve any troubles in nearby or bordering lands. This involved (1) slaying the Shade Lord and the Shadow Dragon in the northeast, (2) killing the genies in Trademeet holding the town hostage, (3) having Cernd kill Faldorn in the druid grove, stopping the wild animal attacks, (4) slaying Firkraag and Garren Windspear, thereby staking my claim to the Windspear Hills as well, and (5) clearing out some more of the Underdark to push back any more Drow invaders.
• During this time, I recovered the Rhynn Lanthorn from Bodhi in Athkatla and had Cromwell forge the Crom Faeyr once I recovered all its components. While in Trademeet, Imoen abandoned me again after a fight with some guards.
• I finally entered Suldanessallar, killing Irenicus, the black dragon, and his other monsters. I was dragged to Hell and chose the "evil" pathway in all five trials. Eventually, I killed Irenicus again.

PC Deaths/Reloads: 9
*Only started keeping track of each death starting Day 8/de'Arnise stronghold quest...

• Shade Lich in Athkatla sewers--took too much spell damage (x2)
• Got held by Gauths and killed near the ruined bridge in the sewers
• Got held by Gauths again down in the Beholder pit this time
• Surfaced with the fully-formed Unseeing Eye rift device, insta-death
• Walked across the bridge to Spellhold without wardstone, insta-death
• Stormed Irenicus in Spellhold before freeing prisoners, insta-death
• Attacked an inulvernable Faldorn, got taken out with Creeping Dooms before I could retreat
• Killed by Nizidramanii'yt, the black dragon in Suldanessallar

It'd be nice to be able to say less than 10 reloads in BG2, but I know I had at least a couple fighing the Riativin mercenaries in the Delosar Inn--but I wasn't logging each death back then so I don't know exact numbers. So that fight was actually probably my toughest in BG2, followed by the sewer lich. And I just flubbed that lich fight (twice)...I don't remember it being particularly hard.

 

[Selerel]

Throne of Bhaal Recap

• In my newly discovered Pocket Plane, I summoned both Imoen and Nalia. Imoen to give a portion of her soul to a trapped Sarevok, and Nalia to stay put here so as not to meddle with my estate in Amn while I’m gone.
• I recruited Sarevok, and ordered him to begin to study thieving skills, and focus on developing those over his fighting skills.
• I told Imoen to stay put in the Pocket Plane for the time being as well, not knowing if I might need her again.
• Sarevok, Edwin, Viconia, and I found ourselves trapped in Saradush under siege, frustratingly. I waste no time in killing Gromnir, and I learn there is a group of Bhaalspawn, the Five, that are looking to kill me.
• It takes us a cuople days in the mountains and forests to find the means to kill Yaga-Shura. Once he is slain, I learn the remaining members of the Five are raising forces down south, but first I turn to Watcher’s Keep.
• Over the course of a few days, I plundered Watcher’s Keep, killing most anything moving in the entire fortress, and absolutely planning to kill the great beast that supposedly resided at the bottom.
• Ultimately I realized the Knights of the Vigil were using me; but they rushed in to confront the Demogorgon and were slaughtered before I could do it myself. I did end up slaying the Demogorgon myself soon after.
• Following Watcher’s Keep, I traveled south to Amkethran to confront these other Bhaalspawn. Within a couple days I killed Sendai and Abazigal, both encamped nearby in the surrounding regions. At some point in the depths of Abazigal’s lair, Sarevok was turned to stone and then incinerated, killing him beyond the hope of any resurrection. I grabbed Imoen from my Pocket Plane to replace the thief skills.
• Balthazer was killed next, and I completed my combat “trials” placed before me by the Solar.
• Finally I faced the orchestrator of these events, Amelyssan, and defeated her in the Abyssal Plane. I retained the essence of Bhaal and took the power of his Thone of Murder.
• PC Deaths & Reloads (TOB): 16

 

[Selerel]

[Day 34 Continued]

5AM. After killing some Mind Flayers that were lurking around a corner, I found some duergar merchants. I got a lead very quickly--looks like Irenicus and Bodhi went to the Drow city, wherever that is. Good enough. I've killed my share of Drow before, so I have no fear.

Spoiler

One of them also mentions another mage of some ill repute who got himself magically trapped "in a cavern north" of there--he must have been searching for some powerful artifact, and Edwin agrees (I tend to agree with Edwin on matters of magical treasure). I'll keep my eyes open.

8AM. After fighting a small group of Drow, I stumbled upon a dark gnome village. They were peaceful and compliant at first, and confirmed the rumors I heard about Irenicus and Bodhi being in Ust Natha, the Drow city. He said there was someone who could get me inside--but I'd have to help him first, before he could give me access. Well, the fool revealed that I just needed to take some sort of Light Gem from him to set these wheels into motion. I demanded it, he fought back, and I ended up killing him and his friends. I have the Light Gem now.

Spoiler

[Oh man, I actually felt bad about this--especially his surprise when I said I would just attack him to take the gem. Don't know what's happening to me! Maybe I'll go back to a a good character next haha.]

10AM. Now that I have my goal in mind--getting into Ust Natha, or finding someone that will make that happen--I explored more of the Underdark, looking for the city. I found some magical geometric prison, and slew the freed inhabitants when none of them had any reward for my good deed--except one dark gnome who managed to talk himself out of it. The Underdark has quite the reputation on the surface, although thus far I'm the most violent thing I've met down here...

Spoiler

12PM. Imoen was killed in a skirmish with some Kua-Toa. I already used my Vhailor's Simulacrum today to use a Protection from Undead scroll while fighting a lich. But seeing how my spellcasters are almost out of spells and all of our inventories are full, I'm going to double-back to the duergar merchant. I may then see if I can make camp in the gnomish settlement, after I had cleared them out. I'll resume my hunt for Irenicus overnight.

[Just realized I somehow forgot to go into the room in Spellhold that has the Bag of Holding. Complete whiff, because I thought I had cleared out the whole first level, but forget that one room. Gahh!! Looks like I'll have to wait until TOB.]

[Day 35]

6AM. After resurrecting Imoen, thus making whole my trio of mages, we rested for the rest of the day and then overnight into morning, not that it makes a difference down here. We were attacked in the empty gnomish settlement a few times by lizard men and umber hulks as we made camp, but we dispatched them with ease.

Spoiler

Eventually I found the entrance to Ust Natha; I killed the Drow at the gate but had no way into the city; I entered a nearby dark cave, knowing I'd have to keep searching around this damned place to gain entrance.

Spoiler

I then met Adalon, the Silver Dragon that the gnome had mentioned could get me into Ust Natha. And she wants her eggs back; apparently Irenicus and Bodhi stole them and gave them to the Drow. For "reward" for their return, she'll show me a way out of the Underdark that leads somewhere close to Irenicus? And huh, she'll also give me some kind of weapon. Is this supposed to mean that Irenicus has already LEFT the Underdark? Gah, if that is the case I need to leave as soon as possible, damn this dragon's eggs. I don't much trust the silver lizard in any case--once I get her help to get inside of Ust Natha, I'll do my own looking around for my enemies.

Spoiler

The dragon seemed to bargain from a position of weakness, so this might be my best option. She used her illusion magic to make us sound and look like Drow ourselves, even disguising Viconia with proper house insignia. And it doesn't look like Adalon's treasure hoard is nearby--fortunately for her.

Spoiler

9AM. Under the disguise of a Drow party, we entered Ust Natha and I began to check around the dark city for Irenicus and Bodhi--but the denizens were useless. I got roped into fighting monsters for gold in the tavern; but still, no one there had any type of information about those I hunt--apparently they passed through here in great secret.

Spoiler

10AM. Barging into the Temple of Lloth--looking for SOMEONE who was high enough up that would have the information I need--it looks like I stumbled upon where Adalon's eggs are being kept. As of right now, I'm going to need a very specific key to get in, and I'm not sure who has it. But this is good to know.

Spoiler

I also met a Solaufein--ugh, he was the one supposed to be responsible for herding the Ched Nasadran visitors, the original ones who were killed by Adalon, who we are impersonating. Viconia continues to worry about missteps, but there's no way I'm doing any errands for these drow scum. Unless, that is, they can give me what I want: Irenicus and Bodhi.

11AM. I've scoured the city, and entered everywhere that didn't have magical wards preventing me from entry, but it seems like no one is talking about Irenicus and Bodhi whatsoever, and I'm growing frustrated. I may spend some gold drinking and seeing what else I can learn at the tavern.

Solaufein's handmaiden contact Imrae may soon put me in touch with someone who may know something here. But if it's true Irenicus and Bodhi are already gone; well, I don't even know why I'm wasting time. Getting involved in some drow and illithid conflict while my enemies' trails run cold...

8PM. I spent the day drinking myself into a stupor and really hearing the rumors at the tavern--but still, absolutely nothing about two visitors! I stumble off to the lust chambers, wanting to get my full experience in this Drow city...

Spoiler

Awakening in the evening, I weigh my options--and there's really only one option: I need to keep climbing up the chain of command in this city until someone points me towards Irenicus. Failing that, I need to find the key to get into the egg chamber, so Adalon can point me towards Irenicus.

I can always look for my own way out of here, screw the dragon and the Drow--but I don't think that's going to get me any closer to the bastards that I hunt.

 

[Selerel]

10PM. I easily dispatched of some mind flayers outside the city and rescued some Drow princess named Phaere. She is daughter to Ardulace--the "matron mother"--one who would seem to know about dealing with Irenicus.

Spoiler

When we returned to Ust Natha, it looked like my next mission for Phaere and Ardulace won't be prepared for another few days. Argh, these damn Drow wear my patience. However, I AM starting to blend in...I placate some of my anger in the fighting pits, then will be looking to drink and retire to the lust chambers again.

Spoiler

[Day 36]

7AM. I considered exploring the tunnels myself--to find some Irenicus clues myself, or at least my own way out of this damned place. But it looks like Phaere has already set up my next job ahead of schedule--good! The faster I can talk to the person in charge, the better, and ingratiating myself with these people looks to be the way to go.

The job involved simply killing a Beholder in the city, and after that I was told to wait THREE more days! So yeah, there's no use waiting around in this unholy dump Ust Natha while Phaere makes her preparations. I'm getting rather annoyed with these Drow.

8AM. Not an hour later, I see Phaere back at the tavern and I go talk to her. She must have sensed that I was demanding my next job--whatever small job that was required to continue to build trust with these scum, she just gave it to me. It was to slaughter the gnomes in their settlement--I had already done that. Maybe some had returned, so I set back out to see what was going on there.

But almost as if fate was sensing my impatience with this whole endeavor--some duergar slave in the bazaar shouted at me to speak to some fish monster in a tank. I almost killed the sniveling slave, but somehow he (or his fish lord master) was able to alert the entire city about our real identities. Well, the plan to get more information about Irenicus just erupted into violence. I had a skirmish in the bazaar, then, still feeling strong, I headed north to the tavern to see if I could get one last word with Phaere.

Spoiler

9AM. It turned out--I couldn't get one last word with Phaere. She was attack-to-kill like the rest of the Drow in the tavern, so I killed all of them (though I left the House DeVir prisoners alive upstairs in their cage). Looks like I'll have to just listen to what the dragon says--Adalon told me that she can put me right on Irenicus's heels. But for that, I'm still going to need those eggs. Maybe one of the Lloth priestesses or egg guards in the Temple has the key to the room I need to get into? Since I'm spilling so much blood this morning it makes sense to make my play for the eggs, too. I may not be able to return to Ust Natha once I leave it.

Spoiler

10AM. Assaulted the Temple of Lloth and retrieved Adalon's precious eggs. Quite a valuable commodity. I leave a quiet and blood-stained path on my way out of Ust Natha.

Spoiler

Solaufein may still be waiting by the gnome village, I thought. I might have to see if I can find him to press him for whatever he might know. I tracked him down quickly, but he proved useless and I slew him.

12PM. So after returning Adalon's damn eggs, she has teleported us to the exit out of the Underdark--supposedly close to where Irenicus and Bodhi escaped from as well, if they truly even left.

Chapter 6

1PM. I surfaced and met an Elven war party from Suldanessallar, who were concerned with Irenicus as well--so it turned out that Adalon did not lead me astray. After consulting with Elhan and his war sages, it seems the most likely location of Irenicus is within the hidden Elven city of Suldanessallar--tracking with what the coward Saemon had blurted out to me back in Spellhold. However, without some magical lantern stolen by a thief of Irenicus, it doesn't look like ANYONE can enter due to the wizard's illusory magic.

Spoiler

So that means in order to find Irenicus, I need to find this "Rhynn Lanthorn" first. The location? It could be anywhere that's not "elven"--which leaves the whole of Amn. Argh!

Before I begin the search in earnest, I'll head to my Keep. It's been almost two weeks since we set sail for Brynnlaw, it's important I return there at once to get a handle on the goings-on there.

Spoiler

[Day 37]

10AM. I got to the Keep late last night and my party sorted its treasure and rested. In the morning, I checked with the majordomo, and it looked like I had to execute a guardsman-turned-thief. I knew I was gone too long, and my influence was clearly missed. Let his execution be an example to others that there won't be any tolerance.

Spoiler

Apparently this will build resentment among the people. Ehh, they'll get over it. They should know, it's much worse to allow thieves and criminals to do whatever they want than to hang them right there on the spot. This is a new Lordship, and I really don't want to hear anything about the last guy, de'Arnise. And it reminds me, ever since Imoen was returned to me, I had thoughts about dropping Nalia, and that's still my plan.

Spoiler

She's too unpredictable to leave at the Keep, or even in Athkatla anywhere, not knowing what nonsense she might get into with other nobles. So where do I put her? I know of Neera's hidden enclave, but I'm sure that may be a moment away at any point from being discovered and attacked. Same with the Elven war party stationed outside the Underdark entrance: too dangerous. No--I'm going to make use of Valygar's cabin (he owes me). It's holed up and far enough away from anyone important that I think it's a great new home for Nalia. I don't hesitate in making the trek out there.

10PM. We arrive in Imnesvale at night. Edwin can't wait but to read his Nether Scroll, so I encourage it. But it backfires on the fool! It turns him into a woman. Hilarious, and a fate I'm sure he (she?) deserves. I don't particularly mind looking at her now, either!

Spoiler

[Day 38]

7AM. After leaving Nalia in Valygar's cabin, the rest of us spent the night at the Inn.

As far as I see it, I still owe an urgent skull-cracking to Irenicus. I also need to recover my divine soul, lest I transform into a murderous demon. To find the wizard, I'll have to find that magic lantern Elhan told me about--before he advised me to track down more of Irenicus's allies.

I think Irenicus must still have pals in the Underdark...those like Ardulace, who gave him safe passage. Maybe the lantern thief brought it underground somewhere to prevent the surface elves from coming for it? The only other Irenicus allies I know were those vampires in Bodhi's lair in the Athkatlan graveyard. On the off chance those undead cowards haven't tucked tails and ran off, I'll pay them a visit to next time I'm in the city.

But other than that, I've been in Amn only a little over a month. There's still trouble to the west of Imnesvale, in the Windspear Hills, and in Trademeet--all adjacent or nearby to my new holdings. Since my subjects are still reeling from the troll invasion, it's a good idea to to resolve nearby trouble before it spills over into my lands, especially if I can enrich myself in the process. As a supposedly soulless monster (ha!) now's my chance to make a strong first impression on my "neigbors" and back down any local threats before they can cause me headache. My travels in Amn might also shake out some information on the location of the Rhynn Lanthorn, something I'm sorely lacking; there might be more Irenicus allies and spies hidden throughout the countryside.

So I'll take a detour though the supposedly "haunted" temple ruins on my way back to the Keep, to see what the trouble really is going on there.

Spoiler

My current party is:

Ethal Jo, Level 16 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Ardulia's Fall)
Viconia, Level 16 Cleric
Imoen, Level 7 Thief>Level 14 Mage
Edwin, Level 15 Conjurer

Reputation: Disliked (7)

Spoiler

 

[Antimatter]

No Ust-Natha siege defense for Ethal Jo?

 

[Selerel]

At the time, I was much more concerned with finding Irenicus, and the Drow didn't really wrong me in any way, so I just wanted to grab the eggs and see if I could catch up with Irenicus.

It's likely I'll return to the Underdark/Ust Natha, either looking for "Irenicus allies" or just to treat is as a dungeon. I didn't do any of the tunnel areas so it would be a shame to just skip it all.

I tend to play Chapter 6 as pretty ignorant of where the Rhynn Lanthorn is. On one hand, I guess it's pretty obvious that Bodhi has it, and it makes sense to double check her lair in Athkatla. On the other hand, this isn't explicitly told to the PC, and it's not SUPER intuitive that Bodhi would return to where she knows the PC can find her, and to a place that was previously cleared out in battle (if allied with Shadow Thieves). And since the lack of soul is not imminently killing you (ala Marek's poision), I generally tend to do a good amount of quests and exploration in Chapter 6 before "finding" the Rhynn Lanthorn and going to endgame.

But you might've meant the SCS Siege of Ust Natha mod? I play pretty strict vanilla haha.

 

[Selerel]

Now that I think about it, I probably won't get back to the Underdark.

My PC is going to focus on Shadow temple, Windspear, Trademeet in the near future...the areas surrounding his stronghold. It's likely at some point during all of this, I'll get brought back to Athkatla at some point. When I'm there, I'm already planning to check Bodhi's lair, which will get me the Lanthorn. Once I have it, I don't see why I wouldn't go straight to Suldanessallar. But all in all, if I get to Athkatla before returning to the Underdark (which I 99% will), that will push me right to the end of the game.

I'll let it play out, but I just thought through the likely scenarios. Bummer kind of. I was seeing if I could get Crom Faeyr. I'll likely kill the Shadow Dragon, I'll likely get the Sewer Key...but without getting back to the Underdark, I won't get the strength girdle. (I'd also have to come up with motivation to return to treasure-hunting in the sewers, which is also unlikely.) That's fine, maybe my next warhammer-wielding character will get to use craft it.

 

[Selerel]

[Day 38 Continued]

12PM. As we entered the dark forest of the temple ruins, I hunted down a werewolf Anath, who spoke about a Shade Lord who recently took up residence to the east. Hmm, looks like I'll have to investigate.

Knowing the murderous and animalistic nature of werewolves firsthand, I couldn't allow her to get out of their alive, so we smashed her down.

Spoiler

3PM. Entering the Sun-turned-Shadow temple, I found Mazzy Fentan rotting in a cell. The halfling had some good info for me--but I didn't trust the little runt enough. Maybe she was a trick of the Shade Lord--or maybe she's just looking to grab whatever treasure's in this place for herself! Nope, I'll keep her in her jail cell for now while I investigate further. Throughout my life, delving farther down into haunted dungeons has only led to gold and wealth! When I catch up to this "Shade Lord", we'll see what he can offer me.

Spoiler

6PM. After I fought through more undead (mostly using Edwin's Projected Image-manifested Protection from Undead scroll), I stumbled on some ghosts of Amaunator, looking to get some bones of some type of child prophet delivered to them. They couldn't promise gold or treasure, so I almost left them--but they did mention a way of combatting the Shadow Dragon, another monster I heard about being farther down. So seeing how it was a quick trek back, I delivered the bones, and received a wardstone.

Spoiler

7PM. After passing a few more foolish dungeon challenges, we are able to access the lair of Thaxll'ssillyia, the Shadow Dragon. I knew I had the means to bypass the dragon and reach the Shade Lord. But what would that leave me? An evil dragon causing chaos on the borders of my land? The de'Arnise people still haven't recovered from the trolls, I can't have worries of a dragon attack. No--I'll make camp on the level above, to give my mages a chance to memorize spells to kill a dragon when the morning rolls around. Just wouldn't feel right sneaking by.

[Day 39]

4AM. I slew the Shadow Dragon. I was empowered with Protection from Evil, Improved Haste, and of course my Berserker rage. With Doom casted by Viconia, multiple Lower Resistances casted by Edwin, and a series of summoned creatures brought in by all my spellcasters...the dragon fell.

Spoiler

Interestingly, I recovered a Crom Faeyr scroll; instructions for creating a warhammer of godly power. I already have the Gauntlets of Strength, but it looks like I'll need this Hammer of Thunderbolts and a Girdle of Frost Giant Strength, and I have no ideas where these items are. I will keep my eyes open wide for them in my travels...

9AM. I continued on to destroy the joke of a Shade Lord, "cleansing" the land of this undead mischief. Feeling quite the hero, I even remembered the halfling I left in the cell. I went back down to let her out, letting her know I killed the shadow monsters with ease. She didn't look like she could give me much at all, in the rags of a prisoner--but apparently she is important in Trademeet. Ah, the nearby settlement I had been meaning to visit soon anyway. This gives me another reason to travel there--to get whatever Mazzy owes me for her life.

Spoiler

On the same note, I know the mayor of Imnesvale had once promised me a reward then withheld it. Well, in this case I'm positive I put an end to his trouble, so he'll need to cough up something...or ELSE. I turn back east to pay a visit.

2PM. Mid afternoon I arrived back in Imnesvale. The mayor could only cough up 100 gold and some leather armor that no one in my party will even be wearing! I tore open the chests and drawers in his house--right in front of him--but these villages have the wealth of beggars. Gah, so much for my troubles. I may go poke around the Inn, too. ALL these people owe me.

Spoiler

3PM. The Inn was almost worthless, but I found about 500 gold in one of the guests cabinets. Good! My tax on Imnesvale.

The gnome merchant in town has always been hostile to me after our first encounter. Usually he just runs the other direction since I beat him unconscious after our first meeting. This time I took out some more of my frustration on him on my way out of town by giving him another beating--he was blocking the inn doorway and I just wanted to get out of this backwater dump. Apparently Nelleck saw this and didn't take a liking to it. I don't know if he got a rush of courage, but he started shooting crossbow bolts at me! When I approached, he took out his sword. Maybe he was tired of being bullied around? Either way, he didn't survive. I'll doubt I'll be back here again, though words of my deeds here have already spread.

Spoiler

[Day 40]

12PM. I arrived back my Keep in the very early morning. I immediately rested with my group before conducting business at noontime of the next day...

I've been hearing the people are souring and fearful of my rule. Bah! I just slew a dragon to keep them safe. They must learn to keep their mouths shut and to be loyal, lest justice come down on them.

Spoiler

My next order of business is to return to Athkatla after all this time. I want to speak to Cromwell the Blacksmith--both on what he can do with these Shadow Dragon scales, and what he knows of this Crom Faeyr scroll. Also I'll see what's left of Bodhi's lair, if I can scrounge up any clues from there about the location of that lantern that's going to lead me to Irenicus.

The damned elves of Suldanessallar have been sending me dreams about the destruction Irenicus is causing. Bah! I don't work for those weakling elves, I couldn't care less about their damn little tree village. I'll take care of Irenicus in my own time. My own business comes first and foremost before I hop to their beck and call.

[Day 41]

3AM. Returned to Athkatla in the late evening; too late for the Promenade and for Cromwell's, so I decided to go straight to Bodhi's lair, before they had any kind of chance to prepare for me.

Well, what a surprise. I killed Bodhi after fighting my way through her lair, and recovered the Rhynn Lanthorn. She was a fool for keeping it in such an obvious location, one in which I would eventually be looking. Imoen got her soul back supposedly, but she doesn't seem any better off. In fact, the girl is still ability-drained.

Spoiler

With this "priceless" elven artifact now in my hands, I can go to confront and kill Irenicus at the time of my choosing. It'll be sooner than later, but my Keep must be well-protected and defended first, and I will not set out for days and day again while there may be trouble on my borders. The people are already unhappy. There are wilderness attacks in Trademeet and the Drow excursions not far to the south, not to mention the ogre raiders in Windspear farther east. Need to make sure none of this nonsense will turn into a threat to my lands.

[Day 42]

1PM. Visiting Cromwell, he didn't offer useful information about the Crom Faeyr; only confirmed that it would be a powerful weapon should I find all of the components. As I feared, he couldn't give any information about where the hell the belt or the hammer are, but I will be visiting some new places in Amn in the next several days so like I stated before: I'll keep my eyes open.

Spoiler

I stayed at Cromwell's for a day, as we crafted the Shadow Dragon armor out of the scales I pulled from Thaxll'ssillyia. None of us will even wear it...but better I get something potentially useful from that dead wyrm. Frustrated, I think it's time I make my exit again from the town.

Irenicus looms large, but the bastard can wait in his tree for now. I must get to securing the immediate affairs of my Keep.

[Day 43]

6AM. Back at my Keep, I decided to take in a Cleric of Tempus to set up a temple. This has already been a great decision--he can identify magical items and buy and sell wares from my adventures. The people of the lands should be lucky to have a ruler like me.

Spoiler

Today, I will finally visit my neighbors in Trademeet.

 

[Antimatter]

I like reading your notes. Well, not "like" as they are a bit evil for my taste, but I think they're well-written, in-character. You're not RP-ing a stupid evil berserker but more cocky and arrogant, and this actually suits the character concept. I think the extra info about days and times is also helpful.

On your screenshots, Thaxll'ssillyia looks like a proper "shadow" dragon, I wonder why. It's very fitting, but I've got used to him looking like a dragon, not a shadow contour.

 

[Urdnot_Wrex]

(Not sure if it was RP or if you really don't know where to find the items for Crom Faeyr. One of them

Spoiler

the Girdle of Frost Giant Strength, is in the Underdark, so you'll have to go back there if you want it

 

[Selerel]

[Day 43 Continued]

7PM. I arrived in the evening and entered a melee between some guards and some homicidal woodland creatures. The militia captain then shouted at me to begone, accused me of banditry, and raised their weapons against me! This fight came quick, but we easily slew the guards we just helped against the animals--our reputation will take a hit from this.

Spoiler

Imoen, the coward little girl she is, ran off. She "didn't like" the way we're going about things, so she leaves the group and runs off. So she gets her soul back, and abandons me not a couple days afterwards? And this is not the first time she ran away. I never expected much out of Imoen and this just proves me right. She made the mistake of telling me where'd she be staying (Copper Coronet), so I might just teach her a "lesson" next time I'm in the city.

Spoiler

I may have to go back to the Umar Hills and bring Nalia back into the fold. But do I even need a thief of such mediocre skills as her? Eh, I'll get by.

8PM. As I walk into the pub, I learn the rest of the town won't be so hostile. People seem to think this animal trouble is caused by druids--makes sense. But also I hear about genies restricting local trade, so nothing's for sale? A merchant outside told me the same thing. Gah! Acquiring new magical equipment is a major reason I made the journey here!

I meet the mayor and then head of the merchant's guild. I did like their tone so I left them there to wallow in their troubles; but yes, some genies are indeed encamped nearby, and they're strangling trade in the city. I can't have that, not one bit. Almost as bad as a Shadow Dragon living on the border.

Spoiler

I also meet Rasaad, but I consider him more of a joke than anything else. I had met him in Nashkel and then again during the march to Dragonspear, but the absent minded fool just forgot. I think he's a joke. Fists?!

Spoiler

I also found Mazzy's house and invited myself in. She and her family were there, but she stormed out pretty quickly. I ransacked what I could as the helpless little family watched on, but I was only able to take a few gold coins and a jewel or two. Why did I end up ever helping such a poverty-stricken impostor adventurer?

9PM. Apparently the djinni are holding the town hostage for a specific purpose: They want someone to hunt down a rakshasa thief they're after since they're incapable of doing it themselves. Nope, I won't do doing any little bounty hunter errands for them. I fight and kill the three genies, expelling them from town. With my victory here, I decide to rest for the night. Maybe I'll be calmer when I face the mayor again tomorrow morning...

Spoiler

[Day 44]

6AM. With the genies gone, the merchants were able to restock their wares overnight (I imagine they looted much of the genies's possessions, wherever they were stored.) My eye immediately catches on the Belt of Inertial Barrier--a powerful belt that can protect me against magical damange [since I missed underwater city and the Clock of Mirroring, I'm definitely gonna need to pick this one up...]. Unfortunately, since I defended myself against the town guardsmen that attacked me when I arrived, I'm somehow seen as a despised criminal once more, and the ungrateful merchants charge me prices to match. I have not much to do but throw some of my hard-earned gold at this damn Temple of Waukeen to bring up my standing in the eyes of the caravan traders...it infuriates me, but the prospect of wearing that belt into battle keeps me focused on the task at hand.

7AM. With my donations to the temple, my status in Amn rose from despised to merely disliked. I bought the Inertial Barrier belt I wanted and went to speak to the mayor. I eventually figured out, between him and his prisoner Cernd, that there are in fact twisted druids causing problems. With them gone, the trade in Trademeet can be fully restored. I'd have wanted to keep Cernd prisoner there, but he would only show the way to the Druid grove if released...fine, but I think he's likely tricking us, and it'll be his misfortune when I found out.

Spoiler

I don't hesitate to head out east to clean up another mess for an undeserving town. I want to make sure these druids never get a chance to encroach onto my lands.

Spoiler

6PM. I entered the druid grove and slaughtered the trolls in the troll mound. With Imoen's old equipment, our inventories are all full, so I decided to stash some of our equipment in one of the troll mount stashes. I'll be sure to come back with it when my dealings are done with the druids here. I neglected to find a stash spot in Trademeet when I was there, but it's for the better--I don't trust anyone there.

Spoiler

8PM. I found Faldorn--a Shadow Druid I have some history with; another coward I encountered along my path, that is. She challenged me to try to attack her, so I readily accepted. I was able to kill her followers and adherents--but she could not be stricken down. She also seemed to have and endless supply of spells. Maybe it is true that she's invincible here in this grove...Garr! I'll have to see what that slimy character Cernd can do about it, he did in fact show his face out here and not just slink off when I let him go from Trademeet.

Spoiler

[Reload here! I had a long streak going here without a PC death, but the first time I attacked Faldorn--the Creeping Dooms were just too much, and took down my HP faster than anything I could do to restore them. For the second try, I had summonses take most of the close range action; and I opened the fight with a Symbol: Fear from Edwin.]

9PM. I told Cernd to go challenge Faldorn to end her madness. I observed the combat trial, keeping Cernd at an arm's distance. I had the backup idea of using Jaheira if I had to. Luckily, he was able to shapeshift into a werewolf and obliterate ol' Faldorn. Hmm, useful skill I suppose--I was cursed with lycanthropy once myself, but had to break that spell with my maces against some werewolf skulls. I can transform into the Bhaal Slayer now if I wish; much more powerful than a werewolf. Either way, it looks like Cernd will be staying around here if I ever need a healer.

Spoiler

Wanting to get out of this disgusting marshland as soon as possible, I go to collect my belongings I left in the troll mound...then make camp in the Grove.

[Day 45]

6AM. I plan to head back to Trademeet by way of the Windspear Hills--a four hour detour to the north. A "neighboring" Lord told me he'd give 15K to anyone who could kill some Ogres. Worth too much money for such a simple task, and I likely won't be out this far east anytime soon.

My current party is:

Ethal Jo, Level 17 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Ardulia's Fall)
Viconia, Level 18 Cleric
Edwin, Level 16 Conjurer

Reputation: Disliked (5)

Spoiler

[I'll amend something I said in one of my last posts--I think Ethal Jo may very well end up in the Underdark again, at least in the Western Tunnels. (Of course I may have to revise this again before all is said and done.) But I realized the entrance to the Underdark is only a 12-hour trip from the Stronghold, that's in the same approximate radius as both the Shadow temple and Trademeet, other places he's taken to investigate due to the proximity to his lands. So Drow raids in his lands are a definitely possibility, a justifiable concern.]

[Windspear hills was probably going to be the the odd man (area) out, in terms of not exploring/never visiting. It's beyond both Trademeet, the Shadow temple, and the Underdark, so probably no urgent danger to my lands--but it's on the way back to Trademeet from the Druid Grove and my character is greedy to get that promised 15k just for killing some ogres. Good thing! All in all, Crom Faeyr may still be in the cards due to the simple fact that Underdark isn't as far away from the de'Arnise keep as I thought so it makes good enough sense my PC would go there again.]

 

[Selerel]

I like reading your notes. Well, not "like" as they are a bit evil for my taste, but I think they're well-written, in-character. You're not RP-ing a stupid evil berserker but more cocky and arrogant, and this actually suits the character concept. I think the extra info about days and times is also helpful.

Thank you for the feedback! Yeah I generally play him with a moderate amount of intelligence. He basically just wants to be in charge, in power, nothing out of his control, nothing threatening him. His primary means of accomplishing goals is just to intimidate and kill people. Straightforward most of the time, but it leads to some interesting consequences here and there.

On your screenshots, Thaxll'ssillyia looks like a proper "shadow" dragon, I wonder why. It's very fitting, but I've got used to him looking like a dragon, not a shadow contour.

I thought the exact same thing. I was like, maybe something didn't load right? I actually restarted the game but the dragon still looked like that. Then I was questioning if I remembered wrong, so I went to the Fandom wiki as I often do: https://baldursgate.fandom.com/wiki/Thaxll'ssillyia

And it's the transparent skinless shadow version there too. The pic was added about three months ago--but there's also a pic with the normal skin added at the same time, called "...no effects.png". So yeah, not sure, maybe it's a new effect look with 2.6? I'm in the same boat as you.

 

[Selerel]

(Not sure if it was RP or if you really don't know where to find the items for Crom Faeyr.

Hi! Yeah it's RP, I know where they are. I just want to come up with in-character, justifiable reasons why he would collect the individual components. Too metagamey for me to just go to points on the map when I have 0 in-game indication I'm supposed to go there.

On the other hand, as a player I really want Crom Faeyr, since I have a character that can get to grandmastery that uses a Warhammer, which isn't super common for me. So it's the classic metagame push-pull internal struggle haha.

But so far I think I've let SOA play out in a way where I can get all the components in an "happenstance" RP-justified way. So far:

Ogre Strength Gauntlets: Entered the planar sphere to try to get some leverage over the Cowled Wizards for info on Irenicus

Crom Faeyr Scroll: Killed the shadow dragon after investigating the ruins as a potential threat to the lands surrounding my stronghold

Frost Giant Belt: As I wrote above...I probably WILL return to the Underdark entrance looking for a fight, since the drow excursions are "a potential threat to the lands surrounding my stronghold" too. It's then likely I'll also activate the sacrificial altar once I find it, in an attempt to get treasure or to force out monsters or whatever.

Hammer of Thunderbolts: Normally Irenicus in Suldanessallar would take precedence over Windspear Hills (it's not necessarily adjacent to my stronghold lands), but as it turns out, I just traveled out to the druid grove anyway, so it's very conceivable that I'd make a quick detour to kill ogres for 15K. I'll need to play it out, but I'm *thinking* hopefully the events in Windspear bring me quickly to Firkraag and the sewer key. I'll make the connection that the dragon was in and out of Athkatla, so that sewer key may refer to a hidden treasure hoard under Athkatla! Which will lead me to the Hammer, since I remember a locked passageway down in the sewers from previous excursions..

If I have reason to return west BEFORE I get the sewer key or talk to Firkraag, there's likely not a good reason for my character to travel back east to Windspear before endgame, not with the nearby trouble resolved and Irenicus so close. So that's my biggest worry about not getting Crom Faeyr at this point, I don't know if it will make sense to go on a dungeon crawl immediately. I'm thinking, if I killed his pack of ogres (fake ogres, doesn't matter), I'll want my money for it. If I know Firkraag's close, I'll go try to find him. So I'm hopeful that someone (Garren) will tell me Firkraag is actually nearby...I think this is the case, I think he leaves a note or something too, but I don't remember the exact dialogue.

Of course my plans can always get railroaded if based on things I'm not anticipating.

 

[Selerel]

[Day 45 Continued]

10AM. In the Windspear Hills, I find a group of Ogres--well, at least three--and some other monsters. We killed them handily, but somehow they seemed to transform back to human knights upon death. Some fool observer hiding and watching the fight seems to think I was tricked by some illusion magic into kililng Radiant Heart paladins. They're going to hunt me down, apparently. HA! I'd like to see them try. Viconia is the worrier as always, but I'm more sure that this Garren is trying to scam me somehow.

Spoiler

So does that mean this group of thugs were the ogre bandits that Firkraag's going to pay me for? Regardless of who turned them into Knights, I WILL get my 15K for dispatching of them.

The thought struck me that more ogres may still be out there--maybe even "real" ones. I'm going to trek around some more today to make sure I clear out any trouble I can find, before heading back to Trademeet.

Spoiler

I barge into Garren's cabin, seeing what other information he might come up with about what exactly the hell is going on around here. He's eager to tell his story: Firkraag (the Lord who said he'd pay me 15K gold for these ogres' deaths) had Garren discredited and stole all of his land. Hummm, he says he's trying to do the same thing to me, that's what this whole ruse is about. My thoughts immediately go to: he's looking to see if he can squeeze me out of my Keep, so he can claim it! Agh, the idea of it! I see red and my blood boils for an instant--time to go pay a visit to Firkraag. This is going to cost him a lot more than 15K now if it turns out to be true. We spend the rest of the day resting in the cabin, waiting for information from Garren on Firkraag's potential whereabouts.

Spoiler

[Resting here for the day is so out of character, unfortunately there was no choice. I don't even know if that was a good RP way to explain it.]

7PM. We are attacked in the evening by weak hooligans sent by Firkraag. Ah, so he tries a blatant attempt on my life. I slaughter these attackers and vow to kill this Firkraag as soon as I can; my lands and holdings are at stake, and this fool thinks he can attack me without repercussion like I'm some commoner. I don't remember there being any "Firkraag" estate back in Athkatla, but the old beggar Garren says that he may be to the ruins to the northeast. Good! I hope I can resolve this swiftly and brutally.

Spoiler

(I also stashed equipment and loot in a nearby hollowed-out section of a boulder, hidden from the view of a passerby. I will make sure to return for whatever we can carry before we leave these damn hills.)

8PM. I enter a faerie grove, and the dryad Vaelasa attacks--shouting something about Irenicus and how I killed her sister dryads. Huh, that rings a bell...I was killing everything that moved in that place.

Spoiler

I eventually find a large but ruined complex--I can see why Firkraag wants to strongarm his way into a new Keep, the way this one has fallen into disrepair. But unfortunately he picked mine, and he's going to pay for that.

[Day 46]

1AM. Yes, it looks like Firkraag calls a monster-infested dungeon his home. It was a hive of orcs, golems, werewolves, and undead, and we fought hard through the night.

Spoiler

Golems killed Viconia, but a Projected Image version of Edwin was able to resurrect her--as well as summon some hasted Mordenkainen's Swords to finish off the guardians. Eventually, some vampires energy-drained me as I could no longer launch into a berserker rage after all the fighting...but Viconia was able to Turn Undead and single-handedly take out most of the undead pack.

On my way out to rest, I ran into a certain "Samia", an alleged treasure hunter. She told me about some treasure--and then her group attacked us! I was in no position to fight any arcane-wielding group at the time, so we retreated back. We'll have to spend some time recuperating at Garren's house, the idea of which frustrates me greatly. Gah! I have to stay out here in the eastern hills much longer than I wanted to and I curse those I've met here. I remember though--it's worth it to put a nail into the coffin of these Firkraag matters.

Spoiler

[Day 47]

1AM. It's been a full day later. We had rested back at Garren's, then continued our business in the dungeon. It was ripe with magical equipment and treasure. Although many battles were hard-fought, we triumphantly continued our slaughter until we found Firkraag himself--a red dragon!

Spoiler

But bah, I don't care what he is. It looks like the creature doesn't have designs on my lands, instead his motives were to torment and attack me for his interest in both my father Bhaal and warden Gorion. Regardless, I won't be made to suffer these insults--including the attempts to kill me. He already owes me a large sum of gold for coming out here, and he thinks he can just dismiss me? I'm going to chop this lizard's head off and make myself whole in one way or another--I won't be made a fool of.

Spoiler

I also picked up a sewer passage key off his henchman Tazok--could this be a key to one of Firkraag's treasure hoards? There are no sewers here, but I know that bastard would spend time in Athkatla...and I know of a few locked passageways down there. Interesting.

Firkrag also let slip that the deed to these land is currently held by Garren. I see an opportunity here if all shakes out right--Garren gives me the deed in payment after I kill his arch-nemesis. My lands will then include de'Arnise and Windspear. Aha!

11AM. I climbed the stairs up and rested in the jail cells, preparing anti-dragon magic for the rapidly approaching confrontation. I've already wasted enough time all the way out here, so what's another eight hours to make sure I can put the dragon down without too much risk?

I slew Firkraag handily. As I feared, he has no hoard here, so that sewer key may very well lead to something extremely valuable...I may return to Athkatla sooner than later to take a look.

Spoiler

1PM. I decided to let Garren's daughter out of her cell--ensuring that he'd owe me for *everything*. But when I see him back at his cabin...there is a severe lack of gratitude. I just KILLED a dragon and saved his daughter's life...and I was very much expecting the deed to his lands as recompense. He was already retired and "at peace", so why not hand over your lands to the warrior you owe a great debt to?

I told myself this venture to Windspear would be fruitful one way or another. So in an instant--I killed both Garren and his daughter and took his deed for myself. Now with the vacuum of power out here, and the deed in my possession, I'll be able to tell whatever authorities come asking that Firkraag killed Garren, but not before Garren granted me his lands.

Spoiler

It had to happen this way--the man was already weak and defeated, and made a fatal mistake in trying to get one over on me.

 

[Selerel]

[Day 47 Continued]

11PM. I finally left the hills to return to my Keep; by way of Trademeet, first. Not only do I expect a reward for killing those druids from a few days ago, some more trade caravans should have reached the town by now. Even though I may possibly have the key to a dragon hoard, I can tell from the way that the streets are paved that there's good money to be had in Trademeet too.

It's very late in the evening, but I was right! I speak to the mayor and not only do they pronounce me hero of Trademeet, they went and made statues of me and my party too! Ha, along with 10K in gold in reward!

Spoiler

I'm then approached by the Lurraxols and the Alibakkars. Rich nobles here it seems; and they're willing to pay for some work getting done. If I can take some more gold from these fools when I'm in town, I'm going to do it. I didn't like Alibakkar's threatening manner, so I went to talk to Lurraxol first.

[Day 48]

12AM. It's midnight. I retrieved the precious mantle for Lurraxol, but her and the other one started attacking me for it...so I had to kill them both and their respective house guards.

Spoiler

Eh, looks like nothing out east is going to be any kind of trouble anytime soon. I'm going to rest here for the night, check with any new merchants in the morning, then head back to my stronghold.

[Day 49]

Spoiler

7AM. With no trouble expected from the east for a while, I think on the Underdark entrance that's only a half day's journey to the south...about the same distance as the Shadow Temple and Trademeet are from my Keep. And Drow raiding parties in my lands would be worse than shade lords and attacking forest animals combined.

I left the Underdark in a relative hurry last time, thinking Adalon would put me right on Irenicus's heels...but that was almost two weeks ago now. It's a good idea to return to ensure that there aren't other invaders on the brink of surfacing. The Tethyr elves could barely handle themselves as it was, so I can only imagine what type of disaster is swelling down there. I know I can send the dark elves back reeling on their heels--making sure they remember me from my last visit. I might not be able to find Ust Natha again, but I'll dig down as deep as I need to...

When I'm confident my lands are in a secure position from all this surrounding Amnish nonsense, then I'll turn the whole of my fury on Irenicus. When I travel to Suldanessallar I may be gone for an extended period of time, if my last hunt for him was any indication, so my affairs best be in order.

I'm going to make a detour to Athkatla for the day, before turning back down south--want to see about Firkraag's key (before anyone else has a chance to steal whatever hoard he might have kept)...and also talk to Cromwell about those red dragon scales.

4PM. In Athkatla after making the day-long trip--and aha, the sewer key DID work in that locked passage I had discovered weeks ago. It was not a dragon hoard apparently, but the treasure was worth it anyway. It was some kind of mind flayer lair--I quickly slaughtered the monsters and their human followers, and claimed the Hammer of Thunderbolts for myself. This is the Hammer that can become the Crom Faeyr. Ah, the fates are smiling on me! I will just need the Girdle of Frost Giant Strength now, and Cromwell will be able to forge the weapon. I'll continue to keep my eyes open during my travels...

Speaking of Cromwell, I decide to visit him next about these red dragon scales..

[Day 50]

8PM. Red Dragon Scale armor is mine...but it still can't beat the protection from full plate and a ring of protection--for both me and Viconia. Ah, it's still good to add to my collection of magical treasure and equipment back at the Keep.

Spoiler

I'm going to rest at the Copper Coronet for the night, then travel down to the Underdark entrance--approaching by way of the North Forest and Small Teeth Pass to ensure there hasn't been any Drow incursions that far north.

I see Imoen there, where she said she'd be. And like always, she's desperate to follow me again. But no, I have no use for the foolish girl. Viconia has been casting Find Traps and Sanctuary, and Edwin has been memorizing a few spells of Knock every day.

Spoiler

[Day 52]

Spoiler

3PM. I arrived at the Underdark entrance after journeying through North Forest and Small Teeth Pass as I said I would. No Drow, but I dispatched some other monsters in the area.

I see Elhan and the elves have it seemingly under control on the surface, but I don't fully truth their strength. I'm going to dig back in and break up any war parties I come across...making sure they never get the chance to raid my lands, and make the rest of them think twice about surfacing.

I don't care much about mentioning the Rhynn Lanthorn to Elhan. My affairs and my lands' security comes first.

5PM. After killing some Kua-Toa scum, I stumbled upon a "Demogorgon" statue and altar. Thinking that trouble (and treasure) could come pouring out, I did as the inscription said and had Edwin summon an spider to serve as the animal sacrifice.

The Demon Knight ambush that occurred next was a tough battle, and Viconia was stunned and cut down while I was busy smashing demons on the other side of the room. No matter--she's resurrected with ease.

Spoiler

And what's this? Ahh, the Girdle of Frost Giant's Stength! The final piece of Crom Faeyr. The pieces must have been together at some point recent; they hadn't scattered far from each other. I can now imagine the strength of the legendary weapon in my hand--I'll have to go back to Cromwell as soon as I wrap up here.

(As it happens, the girdle is temporarily going to be worn by Edwin until the Crom Faeyr is forged. For both me and Viconia, the offensive benefits of the belt aren't better than the defensive magic of our current belts.)

It doesn't seem like too many Drow are lingering near the service. I'll keep my "crawl" going through the night...but it looks like I've successfully backed down any threats near to my stronghold, at least for the near term.

6PM. I realized I could place the corrupted tadpoles in that pool I found by the Kua Toa Prince earlier...and it corrupts their entire pool! Aha! I don't know the details, but I know that'll slow 'em down from trying any type of attack, too.

I also eventually got to where in the Underdark I knew I was. Remember, I had been transported to the exit by Adalon previously. I haven't seen a hint of a Drow yet, which is all very good, very good. Being early in the evening, I do think I'll push on a bit farther just to be sure.

Remembering the Duergar telling me about the Imprisoned mage, I decided to buy a couple of scrolls of Freedom from them. I had Edwin cast one--and a mage was indeed released. His name was Vithal and he went on needing his spellbook to release some extradimensional creatures. I would get the spoils of combat. Huh, I recognize his name because I do have his spellbook--but it's in storage at my Keep.

Eh, none of this sounds worth it and the mage doesn't even look like he has anything valuable on him. Maybe one day I'll feel differently and return here with the spellbook.

Spoiler

7PM. I went to see if Adalon was still rattling around, but the Light Gem was also in storage so I couldn't even get by. Fine, it'll spare me listening to that insufferable lizard, if she's even still there.

It's early in the evening still--going to head back to the Ust Natha entrance, see if I can hit the Drow in the teeth so to speak...so any inkling of thought of raiding Ethal Jo's territory is squashed from their minds. I came all the way out here, it's a waste if I don't kill at least some Drow!!

 

[Selerel]

[Day 52 Continued]

9PM. As I entered Ust Natha, we were stopped by Degardan, an enemy of Edwin. He must have stalked us underground. It seems Edwin's order of Red Wizards is after him for extended leave from his duties! Ha, yes--he works for Ethal Jo now of course. We killed the Thayan interloper easily, but not before he reversed Edwin's sex change, making him a male again. Despite his foolish chatter, Edwin's followed me into Hell before (truly), so I give him a bit of leeway when it comes to distractions and attracting enemies...but for his sake he should hope we don't have to deal with much more of this.

Spoiler

The rest of Ust Natha was much more desolate than I remember; they must still be licking their wounds from my violent attack from weeks' past. I was able to kill maybe half a dozen Drow that were still creeping around, the ones who didn't get a chance to run and hide when I entered...but it was mostly quiet walkways and smashing giant spiders. Looks like whatever plans they might had to invade the surface must have been dealt a killing blow back then when I fought them. Good! Ha, Ethal Jo, Conqueror of the Drow! I had no desire to explore the rest of the Underdark...maybe another day when I have the urge to hunt for more treasure and gold.

Spoiler

I take a deep breath, knowing the damned troubles surrounding my Keep and my lands have all been beaten into submission. The dragons are slain, the shadow druids are dead, the shade lord is destroyed, the Trademeet genies were expelled, and the Drow have been routed. Looks like no one in Amn had the mettle to take on any of this before I showed up. Of course more troubles will rear their ugly head as time goes on, but Irenicus still likely remains the greatest threat of all. I'm going to forge Crom Faeyr, and then find the bastard to crush his skull with it.

[Day 53]

7PM. I'm back in Athkatla, and realize this damnable dwarf can't make me the Crom Faeyr without the scroll I got from the Shadow Dragon. Gah! Should have known not to trust this half-sized fool. I'll return to the Keep immediately for this component...

[Doy...this was my oversight. You might be able to tell, this was a long playing session and clearly I'm getting tired haha..]

[Day 55]

8PM. Ah, Crom Faeyr! The legendary weapon is mine; my enemies will tremble, more than they already do! I stayed with Cromwell for a full day to forge it, and I do not consider the time wasted.

Spoiler

Without her gauntlets, Viconia can no longer wield the Flail of Ages, nor stay unencumbered in full plate mail. I'll get her re-armored back at the Keep with lighter, magical platemail.

Spoiler

[Day 57]

Spoiler

8PM. After returning to my stronghold, Viconia was re-outfitted (with Firkraag's scales), and I prepared for my confrontation with Irenicus in Suldanessallar. We journeyed south without incident and eventually gave Elhan his precious Lanthorn. Show us the way to Irenicus now, elf!

Spoiler

Chapter 7

8PM. When we enter the hidden city--it looks like Irenicus has laid total claim to it, although there has been some elven resistance that has lingered on for the past few weeks; mostly inside their houses and structures. The elves were pointing me this way and that way to priestesses and the like--but I have no need for that. I'm going to go platform to platform and hunt down my nemesis!

Spoiler

[Day 58]

12AM. I fought Irenicus's monsters for the entire evening. The Golems hit hard, but between summoned magical swords and Crom Faeyr, even the Adamantite Golem were destroyed. None of this got me closer to finding who I seek, though. The damn elves were holding out information on me--Irenicus is in the palace, but they won't tell me how to get inside. I couldn't care less about their little struggle and refuse to be some errand boy for their forest deity.

Spoiler

Well, after raiding all the buildings I could, I collected whatever important-looking items I could find, and I even had Viconia try to figure out the trapped rune box riddle after we protected her from acid--eventually, I got the talisman. Unfortunately, that did not open the Palace door, either.

Spoiler

10AM. After making camp for the rest of the night to prepare for the fight...we attacked Nizidramanii'yt, Irenicus's black dragon, and killed it.

Spoiler

[A PC death and reload here. Remove Magic from the dragon got rid of my Improved Haste, and I just wasn't able to do enough DPS before I was cut down. I really just wasn't being careful--just tired I guess. On my next (successful) attempt, I sent the summons in first by about a half round or so, avoiding the Remove Magic, and had Viconia summon additional help as one of her first spells. Much easier that second time.]

[So this was my first reload in a long while. In fact, I just checked, this is my first PC death since Chapter 5 in Spellhold, and that was kind of a purposeful roleplayed insta-death--trying to charge Irenicus's chamber before releasing the prisoners. In fact, if you don't count "in-character" insta-deaths (crossing Spellhold bridge without wardstone and emerging from sewers with Beholder rift device), the last time my PC was killed by enemies was back in Chapter 2 when I got stunned by a Gauth near the Unseeing Eye, I was level 12 or 13. Pretty good streak! I'm not quite a no-reloader yet though haha.]

I eventually realized I could not get into the palace without cooperating with Demin the Priestess. I couldn't figure out whatever damned elf rituals were needed, so she instructed me on how to tap into the divine power source (tree god?) to grant me access. Luckily, I already had collected all the artifacts that were needed. The summoning of the spirits seemed to bring the rest of the elves out of hiding...and more importantly, I can now finally get into the Palace to kill my enemy the "Exile".

My current party is:

Ethal Jo, Level 20 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Crom Faeyr)
Viconia, Level 21 Cleric
Edwin, Level 18 Conjurer

Reputation: Disliked (6)

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

[Day 58 Continued]

4PM. I eventually found and slew Irenicus. His Absolute Immunity and Spell Trap were hard to overcome, but using magical summonses and a series of Dragon's Breath from Edwin, he was eventually killed.

Spoiler

Apparently my essence is still tied to my soul, which Irenicus apparently still maintains control of. The three of us are dragged to hell; luckily, Edwin and Viconia have been to Avernus with be before and handled themselves respectably.

I took the staircase to my left after exploring this small nether-realm, and found a demon named Pride. This place is of my own creation, supposedly, and I in fact RULE here. Alright, and all I have to do to get out is retrieve these "Tears of Bhaal". He tells me some monster behind him has one of them; well, that's all he has to say--I kill the black dragon behind him.

Spoiler

I then went through some more tests, but they were mostly trivial. I took a magical cloak that renders one immune to fear, and gave it to Edwin to wear before killing some Beholder creatures.

Spoiler

I was given the choice of sacrificing something of myself, or allowing the death of Viconia. Well, I saved Viconia's life multiple times before, so she's on borrowed time anyway. There's no way I'm losing any part of myself for that Drow. The demon's threats were hollow anyway--I was able to resurrect Viconia afterwards.

Spoiler

[I'm on core rules so was expecting Viconia's perma death. I even double checked my settings. Very strange, not sure what happened here--but I'll take it. I thought I was going to lose Edwin anyway, so this is pretty good news. Vic has 70 magic resist and 110 fire resist, so maybe that had something to do with it? Trying to kill her with column of fire or whatever...]

Spoiler

I then killed the Enslaved Genie--I don't want any tormented souls lingering around this damned place. Finally, some wraith version of Sarevok was conjured up--he begged me to turn into the Slayer, but with Edwin's Improved Haste, I was able to crush him down in my "human" form anyway. The Slayer form will be reserved for "special" circumstances...

Spoiler

Finally--completing the "trials of hell" without any further rest--I disabled the eye-wards blocking my progress, and fought and killed the Slayer version of Irenicus, one final time. The bastard was hard to put down and it took many attempts all over Amn, but it looks like he's finally been crushed.

Spoiler

Final SOA Party:

Ethal Jo, Level 21 Berserker (Jerrod's Mace and Crom Faeyr)
Viconia, Level 21 Cleric
Edwin, Level 18 Conjurer

[Alright, Shadows of Amn checked off. I'm going to update the SOA recap on top of page 4 a little later on...I started counting reloads this playthrough, but only starting in BG2 with the de'Arnise stronghold quest--day 7 or 8 or so...I'll give a summary of my reloads with the summary, too. But I jumped right into TOB, at least to kick it off...]