Baldur's Gate Saga RP Playthrough - Chaotic Good Half-Elf Fighter/Mage

[Urdnot_Wrex]

-For some reason, at the moment it happened, I had a brain whiff and thought Ettercaps attacks were paralyzing, not poisonous. So I actually had chugged a Potion of Free Action (even though I escaped the Web trap), which probably wouldn't have worked anyway, and didn't really plan tactically for the poison--I.e. I allowed myself to take hits from all of them at once like a fool. On the encounter with them without the reload, you can see I summoned Monsters from my wand which worked very well.

-For the second death, I really just thought I could beat the Giant Spiders easily and not something I needed to run from. I did NOT think their poison did that much damage. I must have taken a lot of damage too from their hits. I was overconfident on this one and shocked, especially since my last death came shortly before.

Buuuuut, without the reloads, with just the trio of PC, Imoen, and Baeloth, I did manage to stay and fight successfully (1) a pair of wyverns, (2) the giant spiders, and (3) the ettercaps.

I don't know what's worse, bad playing or bad decision-making....I guess I like to think these reloads were bad PLAYING though, and the decision to stay and fight wasn't that way off.

I think you did very well, all things considered, and I didn't mean to criticize your playing, of course. (And I get those brain glitches too. You probably confused those ettercaps with ghasts for a nanosecond ). What I meant to do was give an advice, combined with a role-playing justification, about waylaid encounters if you want yo avoid or minimize reloads. I usually have a hard time running from a fight, too. Krogans don't flee .

 

[Selerel]

I think you did very well, all things considered, and I didn't mean to criticize your playing, of course. (And I get those brain glitches too. You probably confused those ettercaps with ghasts for a nanosecond ). What I meant to do was give an advice, combined with a role-playing justification, about waylaid encounters if you want yo avoid or minimize reloads. I usually have a hard time running from a fight, too. Krogans don't flee .

Oh I know, trust me I very much like and appreciate the comments!! Please keep em coming, critique or no.

Figuring out what is a difficult challenge vs. an insurmountable challenge is one of the...challenges...with this. Sometimes you really don't know until you attempt the fight once or twice. Yeah if I see Doom Guards or Vampiric Wolves at level 2, I'll run away. There's a lot of stuff that's a clear death sentence, but there's a lot of gray area too, especially with how I play.

Due to the RP and non-metagaming, I tend to generate a lot of unique, random challenges for myself, mostly ones I haven't seen before. As you know I play vanilla, core rules...so I really *need* to do this to keep it interesting. And how the gray area of these "unqiue challenges" is handled IS often times depending on the character, too, and how risk-averse they are.

I don't think I've ever had the challenge of: survive mutliple Cloakwood waylays without no antidote potions and no priest, and one fighter who doesn't wear armor. So part of me just wanted to attempt it, thinking it wasn't IMPOSSIBLE. Just needed to be more thoughtful/careful. I probably thought I had an 90% chance of surviving, which is within Wybrough's risk tolerance. In reality, based on my gameplay at the time, it was probably like 60-70%, which might not be in his threshold. So it's like I didn't even assess it right.

Maybe one day I'll post my Kensai playthough too, but with him I basically stayed in Nashkel for months and months and slowly adventured around the region, getting lots of experience before even entering the Nashkel mines. He was much more self-preservation oriented and was spooked that people were looking to kill him, and didn't want to make more enemies.

(Although not a great example now that I think about it. I ended up doing Durlag's Tower with him BEFORE Cloakwood, and also without a healer somehow. Looking at all the reloads from that excursion (13), at some point he should have said "hey this is too dangerous, let's retreat temporarily until we can get more companions and/or experience". BUT this comes back to metagaming. I think the majority of those reloads were from the first sublevel Warder battle. How would I have known that we would likely be killed from the Warders coming to life, UNLESS I activated them and they looked like they could kill us? I think eventually my plan was just to retreat ONCE activated, and even that ended up killing us a few times. But I *had* to activate them, I felt.)

 

[Selerel]

[Day 54]

11PM. After checking in with Gellana Mirrorshade at the Friendly Arm, then Farmer Brun on the road farther north, and fighting through almost a dozen ankhegs…we arrived back at Baldur’s Gate. My goal, simply, is to topple the Iron Throne and destroy their evil machinations, and I’m looking to do that as swiftly as possible. My initial inclination after Gorion’s death was to look for his killers in this city, and it looks like my gut instinct wasn’t far off. Their headquarters is in the southwest portion of town, it seems. But my first priority is to gain access to the city itself…something I wasn’t able to do all those weeks ago.

Spoiler

Fortunately, the bridge was lowered. The clearing of the bandit camp in the Woods of the Sharp Teeth may have helped.

I was stopped at the entrance to the city by the Flaming Fist. Luckily, it was brief. A Commander “Scar”, the purported second-in-command of the Flaming Fist, was on the lookout for our party, and seemed to be stationed there to accost groups of travelers as they come into the city. I was able to evade detection mostly due to their ignorance, but it’s a bad sign if I’m being looked for here. I don’t trust the Flaming First one bit–they’re a mercenary group after all–and my assumption will have to be they’re in league with the Iron Throne until proven otherwise.

Spoiler

We’ll know now to lay low…but we won’t be deterred from taking care of our business.

[Day 55]

12AM. I met a gnome named Quayle outside the gates, eager to join our adventuring party. Not only did I not trust the gnome, I couldn’t figure out a use for him that would have been worth it.

Spoiler

I also met Elminster at the gate, almost as if her were waiting. He is Gorion’s old friend and seems to have been meddling about just out of sight for some time now. I trust he means well–but damn his obtuseness. I know he knows more than he lets on; why does he not reveal it?! What does he have to gain from this? He vouches for Commandar Scar and Duke Eltan…hmm, we’ll see.

Spoiler

I look to explore the city overnight and into the morning, to see if I can get eyes on this Iron Throne headquarters and start thinking up some plans on how to deal with it.

Spoiler

1AM. The eastern part of town by the gates seems to have many merchants and shops…it may be wise to return here in the daytime when the situation allows for it.

I also run into an Entillis Fulsom, who claims to know Elminster (although Elminster mentioned nothing about him, and was so close by). He also urged me to trust Scar and Eltan. I’m not sure if this is some long-hatched plot against me or there is some merit to it…but my best bet is to get along without needing their help to begin with.

Spoiler

3AM. I found the looming Iron Throne building. I will do a small amount more reconnaissance, but I figured any additional time I give them is time for them to prepare for me.

Before dawn, I’ll open up the doors and see what I can find out on the inside…

Spoiler

4AM. Outside, I ran into a gnome named Tiax, a cleric of Cyric, and a thief. He had a loose grip on reality and even put himself under the momentary impression I had invited him to join our traveling party. He seems to be lingering around the Flaming Fist headquarters for the near future…

7AM. I entered the Iron Throne building, preparing for a major confrontation…and that’s exactly what I got. There was a strong party of Iron Throne loyalists on the top floor that attacked me almost as soon as they saw me. Through a long and harrowing battle, amongst the top two floors of their compound, we were able to defeat them. Due the casting of magical Haste, more than once, we are fatigued and exhausted and will need to find an inn to rest in as soon as possible.

Spoiler

[TWO more reloads with this fight–numbers 7 and 8. This is generally one of the hardest fights in BG1 so this is somwhat expected, if disappointing. Both PC deaths happened with Hold or Confusion on my PC. With the first attempt, we were literally only a fraction of a second away from total victory…but the last enemy only died from a fire wand a moment after he landed a killing blow on my PC. My lessons learned with these reloads are that (1) Minor Spell Deflection has its major limitations, especially when faced with two mages; I need to rely on my anti-magic comsummable potions until I have better magical defense spells…and (2) that there’s no shame in the divide and conquer, stealth and lure method, especially when you have multiple zones/levels to use to your advantage.]

I found Thaldorn, one of the supposed leaders, but he was useless. I would have slain him for his crimes…but somehow I believed he was more of a foolish pawn than an evil mastermind. He did confirm that Rieltar and Brunos, the two real Iron Throne leaders, were currently in my childhood home of Candlekeep working out another dastardly trade deal. They would have physical evidence of all their evil plans and plots. What irony they would be in MY home! As long as I bring these murderers to justice I will be satisfied, but that physical evidence of theirs may be useful to bring down the wider organization, which I’ve learned is established and legitimate.

Interestingly, the one named Sarevok already had claimed to kill me, likely looking for favor with the other two. But those are the three–Rieltar, Brunos, and Sarevok–that must pay for what they’ve done regardless of their inner politics.

So I must journey back to Candlekeep to head them off. I keep being led on a chase throughout the Sword Coast it seems.

As I emerge onto the morning street, the Flaming Fist admit they’ve been watching me and have seen what’s gone on. Again–I’m trying to stay as far away from this other mercenary group as I can, as I have no idea where their loyalties lie and I can only imagine them bringing trouble. Not to mention I get the sense they are trying to lure me into a trap.

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

[Day 55 Continued]

4PM. After resting and healing for the day in an inn by the entrance to the city, I will attempt to further disrupt the Iron Throne’s plans. I realize that besides taking out some guards and mercenaries, the financial machinations of the organization are unhindered. I know they have a spy in the Seven Suns, so I will see to that before leaving Baldur’s Gate. I may let things cool down for the evening before heading back to that section of the city…

6PM. After a lethal scuttle with some aggressive mages that seemed unrelated to the Iron Throne….I met some more thugs that DID in fact work for the Iron Throne: Marek and Lothander. They seem less capable and less intimidating than the band I just took out at their headquarters, so I didn’t give them much of a second thought. I would have tried to fight them for information if they didn’t scurry off into the shadows.

Spoiler

8PM. I purchased the Cloak of Protection from the Shop of Silence, and now I can continuously wear Edventar’s Gift, a Ring of Free Action–I’ll just need to remember to slip it off when Baeloth casts Haste. I also purchased the Thresher from Sorerous Sundries for my main hand.

[Day 56]

5AM. Rather than stay and rest in the city overnight, I thought it smarter to journey outside a bit–I know I’ve ruffled some feathers in the day I’ve been here, and I’d rather not be watched, assessed, and attacked in my sleep. At least if we get some distance between us our Iron Throne fights, we can regain some of the element of surprise when we make our visit to the Seven Suns.

We eventually stumbled upon some undead-infested land (that we cleared), and made camp in the early morning when we were well north of the city.

[Day 57]

8AM. I waited until the next morning to look into the Seven Suns.

Almost immediately, we discovered most of the merchants had been replaced with doppleganger monsters. These are the spies that the Iron Throne is using? They’re replacing their competitors with face-stealing, soulless monsters?! There is a human prisoner in the basement, Jhasso, but he seems too petrified with fear to even speak…hopefully he’ll get ahold of himself eventually.

Spoiler

But I think of Aldeth Sashenstar’s request to look into strange happenings at HIS trading roster, the Merchants League. It stands to reason that the Iron Throne would attempt the same evil plan at other guilds.

Spoiler

10AM. As I suspected, the same plot was afoot at the Merchant’s League–and to a much larger degree. I worked with Aldeth to clear the monsters there from his guild, and I’m hoping this is a major setback for the Iron Throne here.

Spoiler

12PM. I know the Merchant League has another counting house under its control. I take it as my own responsibility to go and make sure there’s no doppleganger infestation there too.

The guard, Jacil, was not a doppleganger, but attacked us anyway–we did pick the lock in order to break in, so I do understand if he thought we were burglars. I did not want to kill him, so I had Baeloth cast Dire charm, and I had him go sit in a far room’s corner; hopefully unaware of us when he regains himself.

We did have to slay his large pack of blink dogs. They were put to sleep magically…but that didn’t stop them from teleporting, amazingly.

Spoiler

I went to confirm the second floor would only be merchants and common folk, then headed back on out of here. I did manage to grab a scroll of Chaos while I was in there; it will be better used in my hands undoubtedly, and we are fighting a common enemy in the Iron Throne.

And we are going to journey back to Candlekeep with all haste to confront the Iron Throne leaders…it has been almost two months since I hurriedly left with Gorion, Iv’e grown much in that time.

[Day 60]

6AM. After about three days of travel, we arrived at Candlekeep. And a worry I had deep in my gut turned out to be absolutely true: I wouldn’t be allowed passage back into Candlekeep. Without Gorion as my protector, there is no room for me according to the scholars’ strict rules. Damn Ulraunt! Fiends and monsters conspire behind his walls, and I’m kept out like some enemy invader!

Spoiler

How long will Rieltar and the others be in Candlekeep?! They are fortified from danger here, and can clearly conduct their business in peace. They may have already heard what transpired with their headquarters in Baldur’s Gate–so why leave the relative safety of Candlekeep?

I might be able to wait them out, but my constitution doesn’t allow for it. So with a bit of anger at this setback, we travel for some time south down along the coast. The idea is the Iron Throne may be keeping some forces in the greater region outside Candlekeep, to act as reinforcements for the leaders inside? Even though it’s unlikely, I’ll take a look for any clues or possibilities.

In the end, I might just have to find a tome of sufficiently great value and get my own invite inside. I’ll use this time to think about next steps.

Current party:

Wybrough, Level 6 Fighter/Level 5 Mage (The Thresher +2 and Morning Star +1)
Branwen, Level 6 Priest of Tempus
Imoen, Level 7 Thief
Baeloth, Level 7 Sorcerer

Reputation: Heroic (17)

Spoiler

[Ah. So staying true to character, I’ve been barreling through the main plot. I did Ulcaster and Adoy’s Enclave, and a handful of wilderness areas, but not much beyond that. No Firewine/Durlag’s, no Gnoll Stronghold, nothing west of the Coast Way for that matter, barely anything in the southeast, only a very small part of Baldur’s Gate… So this all means I feel a bit underleveled, and may be missing out on some equipment that might be very beneficial at this stage of the game...]

[But this! A turning point that gives me a good RP excuse to start adventuring more around the Coast Way. My PC’s going to try to find some damn tome on his own that’ll get him into Candlekeep! He’ll use all his intelligence and plotting ability to figure out where he could get one of sufficient value. The private collections of mages and the rich in Baldur’s Gate? Treasures from the north that merchants in Ulgoth’s Beard may have? The vast dungeons and ruins in the eastern wilderness?]

[Of course we all know if Wybrough only goes to the Flaming Fist compound and asks for help, he’d gain entrance to Candlekeep almost immediately. But this is where his achilles’ heel comes into play…thinking only HE knows best, only doing things HIS way, and not relying on help from any supposed “authorities”...it allows me to pull solid content and xp out of this BG1 playthrough.]

[It remains to be seen if I’m going to make the trip all the way out to Balduran’s Isle, since Balduran’s logbook is logically very valuable, or if it makes sense just to try to Scar/Eltan before that occurs. Or if I’ll even get the conversation option from Mendas. It seems crazy to go seafaring before checking in with the FF. But I guess I’ll only know when I get to that point, I try not to think ahead too much!]

 

[Selerel]

[Day 61]

3PM. There doesn’t seem to be much Iron Throne activity in the coastal areas south of Candlekeep. There were sirines, packs of ogres, and a handful of touched hermits, but any mercenary activity that ever may have been here is long gone.

Spoiler

So huh! How can I infiltrate Candlekeep? I will have to find a tome of great value in the meantime until I can think up a way to get through the walls. For that, my best source seems to be where I had just come from: Baldur’s Gate. Between the rich noble’s collections and the powerful mages and scholars that reside there, I should be able to shake something out.

[Day 62]

11AM. Traveling by way of High Hedge, we arrived back in Beregost. I plan to spend a bit of time organizing my “armory” currently stashed upstairs in Firebead’s house–where Ajantis is still living.

[Day 63]

Spoiler

7PM. I arrived back in Baldur’s Gate. I immediately traveled to the Iron Throne to see if any of their leadership had returned…but it looks like it’s business as usual, as I expected. All those fat, complicit merchants are still inside–I want to see them running and screaming, but I know these low-level villains aren’t capable of much violence. Whatever scruples they lack, they’re likely not much different from the other merchants in town. Either way I can’t justify violence against them.

Spoiler

I double checked their library for valuable tomes, but as I suspected, there’s nothing here worth entry to Candlekeep.

Spoiler

[Day 64]

4AM. I began the morning very early, and started scouting out the rest of the city–especially the inner city. ’Where would valuable tomes be available?’ I think to myself

I soon run into another early riser, a Lady Hannah. She complains of a mage named Ragefast in the northwest of town, holding a nymph captive for his sick pleasure. Huh, that seems as good of a place as any to start my search for a valuable book–I may be able to solve a problem or two while I’m at it.

As I was at the marketplace first, I decided it was worth a look around. At this point I see Lothander, one of the Iron Throne thugs who already threatened me. He claims that Marek has poisoned me. I’m very skeptical–but moreso, I’m intrigued as to what his plan might be and what his angle is here. I can play along until I understand what exactly these so-called assassins are trying to pull…so far, I just have to speak to a nearby Diviner.

So, imagining the Diviner is in on the scheme, apparently they want me to go talk to Jalantha in the Water Queen’s House. I have some vague curiosity now about what exactly the Iron Throne wants me to do there–it was a big enough setup after all–but whatever it is, I’ll be certain I don’t act as their puppet in any way.

Spoiler

5AM. I visited Jalantha as the Water Queen’s House…this convoluted plot continues, as now I’m asked to retrieve the “Book of Wisdom” from the Temple of Tymora, the Lady’s Hall. Is this item of power what the Iron Throne thugs are after? They’re using me to get it? I don’t know where the Lady’s Hall is, but I’ll check in when I find it to see what more I can find out. It goes without saying that “Book of Wisdom” might possibly be a way inside Candlekeep, too, depending on how much of this whole story ends up being true.

Spoiler

6AM. Interestingly, a young boy summons me to a dire priest of Tymora, asking me for help to recover the body of a child that had been killed by the Water Queen priestesses. I initially thought these two might be part of this elaborate Iron Throne hoax as well, but at this point I feel there is a larger feud between the Umberlee temple and the Tymora temple, and this child’s murder doesn’t have anything to do with Lothander (who may just be trying to use me to retrieve this Book of Wisom for the Iron Throne).

Spoiler

In any case, I’ll return to the Water Queen’s House to get to the bottom of it.

7AM. I found the Lady’s Hall (luckily!) and paid it a visit. I asked for the Book of Wisdom. Whether it’s wanted by the Iron Throne or about to be stolen by Jalantha…it’s best I hold onto it. It cost me 500 gold, but it was something I could afford. (Once identified, I quickly made the determination a Tome of Understanding would not gain me access to Candlekeep.)

Spoiler

8AM. Returning to Jalantha–things turned bloody, quickly. She at first wasn’t willing to speak with me about the dead boy, probably sensing I possessed the Book of Wisdom. Once I stashed it outside and made it clear I needed first to talk about the murder–she attacked (after ransoming the remains). She must have felt I would not be cooperating with her; unfortunately she picked a poor target for her harsh “sentencing” and I had to slay her and her priestesses, leaving only one survivor. I was able to retrieve the boy’s body, and I’ll be headed back to Tremaine’s house.

Spoiler

I did also retrieve a Geas Removal scroll from Jalantha. Could Lothander have been telling the truth this entire time? Even if my party is not truly poisoned, it appears he wants to be free of a Geas. There’s value in possibly getting a former Iron Throne assassin on our side.

9AM. Upon meeting back up with Lothander, he scampers off once his hide is saved…but not before giving me some great information: his ex-partner Marek’s staying at the Blushing Mermaid Inn. Looks like there’s at least one more thug to track down to see if he can offer anything of value about the Iron Throne leaders.

 

[Selerel]

[Day 64 Continued]

10AM. I hear again about Ragefast the troublemaking mage, this time from another mage, Ramazith. It may be interesting to see what these mages can offer me in terms of magical tomes, so I agree for now to help him. I was going to end up paying Ragefast a visit anyway.

Spoiler

11AM. Soon, I found the Blushing Mermaid, and Marek within (after having to slay an ogre bounty hunter on the lower level). Marek attacked before offering up anything useful, but he did also mention the poison, and I recovered a supposed antidote from his body. Hmm…I’ll keep these vials close by, but I’m not sure it’s anything we need.

Spoiler

And no sooner do I begin to ponder the Ragefast-Ramazith rivalry than I’m approached by another mage, Bielbara, and hear about her own arcane-wielding enemy. Her daughter seems to be sentenced to death by a mage named Yago. My gut says I should see to this immediately, as a child is in danger, much like the priest’s boy only a few hours ago. I have no choice but to trust Brielbara for the time being; I know where the Low Lantern is, so I should be able to find Yago and make sense of the situation shortly.

5PM. Yago was truly a villain, and I was able to save Brielbara’s daughter by recovering his spellbook of curses. What true depravity lurks in this city!

Spoiler

As I explored the city, I became involved in a major battle at the Helm and Cloak Tavern. A belligerent party of adventurers decided they’d try to kill us, so we had no choice but to fight back. The fiends were killing commoners indiscrimiately during our fight; it’s good we were able to put an end to their reign of terror.

Spoiler

With Branwen now quite fatigued, I should try to find a place to rest until tomorrow…

[Day 65]

3AM. I paid an early morning visit to Ragefast. It was true what people were saying about him keeping a nymph captive…although it was slightly more innocent than I would have originally believed. I convinced the mage to let her go. I received no tome of great value for my troubles, but at least the creature is free.

Spoiler

I plan to go speak with Ramazith on this matter when the sun rises.

11AM. At some point throughout the course of the morning, we all felt extremely sick. It was clear at this point that Lothander was telling the truth about him and Marek poisoning us. The effects finally kicked in. Luckily, I have been holding onto the antidote, and we were cured.

Spoiler

1PM. On conversing with Ramazith, he attacked me under the pretense I had somehow betrayed him. He had of course simply wanted to steal the nymph for his own personal use, and he flew into a rage when he realized it didn’t pan out that way. I had to fight through his tower of monsters, but eventually we defeated him. There were no tomes of value here that could get me into Candlekeep, but there was certainly some treasure in its own right.

Spoiler

2PM. I eventually visited the High House and Hall of Wonders of Gond. No valuable books in there, at least none on display.

Spoiler

3PM. At Jopalin’s Tavern in the Docks, I see Yeslick, the dwarf I freed from captivity from Davaeorn in Cloakwood. It’s good he made it out and to safety.

Spoiler

4PM. At a different tavern and inn (I’m paying a visit to each one I see today, trying to keep my ears open for useful information), I get into a conflict with a paladin named Phandalyn. He immediately attacks to kill Baeloth, the “evil” drow in our group. I was honestly expecting more resistance to the drow since we’ve been here in the city, but it’s actually been quiet…most commoners and Flaming Fist avert their gaze as our adventuring group marches by. But our luck on that front finally ran out, and we ended up killing the paladin in the ensuing battle.

Spoiler

To my understanding he was well-known and well-liked in these parts, and his death will not be well received. My mostly heroic reputation on the Sword Coast is now washed up, it seems. Fortunately, I couldn’t care less. Baeloth has shown me much loyalty in our time together and I owe him the same.

 

[Selerel]

[Day 65 Continued]

7PM. At the Elfsong Tavern, I meet a halfling Brevlik who’s attempting the theft of one of the gnomish artifacts in the Hall of Wonders. He wanted to pay us to do it; I entertained his offer until I realized it wouldn’t get me the treasure I actually wanted…

And yes, it’s turning out to be more difficult to track down a tome of sufficient value than I initially thought. So with a bad taste in my mouth, I’ll try the Thieves Guild and see what rumors or information may be helpful for my cause. I’m not sure I’ll be allowed in, but I’ll figure that out when I get there.

9PM. I invited myself right inside and sniffed out Alatos as the leader very quickly. He had nothing to say about books of great value (or any way into Candlekeep for that matter), but instead wanted my help robbing some mages in the city of some magical artifacts. I declined, but Alatos saw it more than a simple “request”...more of something I was required to do. As soon as I realized this, I pushed back harder. I knew I was going to regret coming to this hive of villainy, and I did.

Spoiler

Alatos decided in a moment he would rather kill my party. He claimed he didn’t want this location to be made known, but I scoffed at that. Maybe he recognized there was more value for him in killing an enemy of the Iron Throne right there? He risked the lives of his entire guild just to try to murder a well-armed adventuring party. Truly touched.

Spoiler

In the short time I wasn’t an enemy, these thieves had more information on the Iron Throne than I had–Rieltar’s last name, the fact their bosses are in Sembia, that Sarevok is Rieltar’s son…it’s a shame Alatos forced it come to this violent brawl. Husam, though, was the one who seemed to have knowledge. He slipped out before the violence and said he’d be at the Elfsong. I went there to continue the conversation, but he was ultimately useless beyond what he gave me.

Spoiler

10PM. Gah! The longer my search continues, the longer I realize the unlikelihood of some book laying around in a shop in Baldur’s Gate that doesn’t have a copy already at Candlekeep. Meanwhile, the Iron Throne continues their machinations unhindered while war brews on the Coast.

My interaction with Alatos got me thinking: Of course there are more mages, bookkeepers, and prominent collectors in this city, but what reason would they have to open their doors to me? So I may have to plan to make my “own” time to visit some of the richer, more notable estates in this city and see what they might be keeping inside. The city guard likely won’t support it, but we'll continue to steer clear of them as best we can. We'll get this search done as swiftly as possible.

[Day 67]

1AM. Imoen had some injuries that we could no longer heal, and since she’ll be doing much of the stealth and infiltration work, so we waited until the next night before we began our “visits”.

My first target was the largest–Entar Silvershield’s estate. Despite being the middle of the night, we were able to convince the servants at the main entrance that we were visitors from Waterdeep with urgent business. At first a single guard caught on, but we were able to put him to sleep magically and move along. Imoen managed to slink off into the shadows while the rest of us stayed on the first floor. She evaded some other guards and residents, and had to even bribe another when she was caught in the kitchen.

Spoiler

For all the trouble, the two rarest books Imoen was able to pull were the History of Estagund and the History of Durpar and Var the Golden. Unfortunately, I know Candlekeep already has copies of these.

Of course, other than books, we didn’t take anything from the house…we are not robbers.

Next is the Degrodel residence…

Current party:

Wybrough, Level 6 Fighter/Level 6 Mage (The Thresher +2 and Morning Star +1)
Branwen, Level 7 Priest of Tempus
Imoen, Level 8 Thief
Baeloth, Level 8 Sorcerer

Reputation: Average (9)

Spoiler

 

[Urdnot_Wrex]

I really salute your roleplaying. The whole mission of searching for books to get entrance to Candlekeep is so in character with your description of Wybrough's aversion to authorities and wish to do things alone and his way. You're going to great lengths to stay in line with your story, and of course it gives you a great opportunity to search places, cooperate with the Thieves' guild and enter where you wouldn't have a good reason to go otherwise. You're putting a lot of thought into giving every run its unique note. Very nicely done!

 

[Selerel]

[Day 67 Continued]

2AM. Imoen picked the lock to Degrodel’s residence to check this notable estate for any possible tomes of great value…and to my shock, the house was full of Doom Guards and Helmed Horrors. I know they were keeping to their own business, but these murderous monsters are a threat to every innocent commoner in this city. It’s just good fortune that I was able to discover this place and put an end to the threat. Yes, it was all behind locked doors, but it was only a matter of time before it spilled out and wreaked all sorts of havoc, accidental or no. What type of person keeps these hostile creatures around? Well, I’ll be sure to find out…once I destroy them.

Spoiler

When I finally confronted the mage inside–Degrodel–he threatened us then attacked. Clearly he skewed homicidal and was up to some nefarious plot. That it had to end in his own death is unfortunate, but we had no choice. Ultimately it seems like the city will be better off for it.

Spoiler

[Reload 9. Died while attempting to fight Degrodel. When I aggroed him and he summoned the three more monsters, I had Imoen backstab him immediately. Concurrently, I had my PC cast Blindness on Degrodel after moving back a bit while standing in the doorway. That was the stupid fatal mistake which I realized immediately. Casting Blindess really served no upside since my plan was to retreat anyway and take the fighting to the street…the delay in retreating and clogging the doorway caused me and Imoen to get trapped in that damn room. I eventually got cornered by two of Doom Guards/Horrors and it was a wrap. On the next try, I didn’t bother with the Blindness and just fled. Imoen failed her backstab THIS time but I was able to get her out too.]

10PM. Degrodel was a tough battle, so we rested for the day in the outer city until night fell again. Once it did, we went back to the northwest; I want to take a closer look at the Helm and Cloak. I had seen an hidden compartment in a painting prior, but didn’t pay much mind to it. But who knows what could be in there?

Spoiler

I accessed the compartment and saw a magical, unidentified helm. However intriguing–this is not a tome. I left it.

Spoiler

11PM. At the Blushing Mermaid, I directed myself towards the Undercellar. This may be simply a den of vileness, but I’ll take a brief look to see if anything may be helpful in my quest.

Spoiler

[Day 68]

12AM. Looking around, I find a sewer portal from the Undercellar, to the west. There was an Ogre Mage encamped, with a swarm of Carrion Crawlers. We took out the monsters.

Spoiler

1AM. Another sewer entrance; I scouted in the nearby area, just to see if any monsters or unsavory creatures were waiting in the shadows here too, to hurt witless innocents that may happen to stumble out of the wrong entrance. I immediately find two bodies–is something else killing people around here? This is entrely different section of the sewer system than I was just in.

I ended up killing a rather large pack of kobold commandos.

Spoiler

3AM. A few hours later, I headed to the Hall of Wonders. I want to get a closer, unsupervised look at what items of value they have here. As usual, I don’t have high hopes that I’ll find an invaluable tome, but I’m sure going to take a look. Imoen was adeptly able to sneak around and pick the locks of all internal compartments to sadly confirm this.

Spoiler

There was a mysterious halfling inside–she almost caught Imoen, but Imoen evaded her and hid back in the shadows. I had half a mind to keep moving on tonight…but maybe this “Alora” knows something valuable, so I decided to talk to her. She wasn’t guarding the place obviously; rather, trying to rob it. I didn’t want to get any more involved, already having picked all the locks and left the treasures untouched…

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

[Day 68 Continued]

4AM. The estates of Felonius Gist and Oberan were my next targets, in the center of the city. Luck has not been on my side; if there’s going to be something that can get me into Candlekeep, these are likely my last two chances.

Felonius Gist ended up having no valuable book collection. On the other hand, the crowded Oberan house had multiple floors of bookshelves and tomes. Among the rarer ones that Imoen found were History of the Red Ravens, History of the Last March of the Giants, and History of the Dragon Coast. All of those, though, I know are already in the Candlekeep library. No luck anywhere in this damn city!

Spoiler

Imoen was spotted briefly by Oberan himself in his study, and a small contingent of Flaming Fist were called…Imoen eluded them initially. Surely at this point there’s talk amongst the guard about all of the house invasions, but it was all a waste anyway.

Spoiler

7AM. As a last resort, I visited the warehouses in the city in the event the gods were smiling upon us and a large and valuable book collection happened to be accessible for browsing…but I just found mercenary trouble and a basilisk. I must face the fact now that my key to Candlekeep might not lie within the walls of Baldur’s Gate.

Spoiler

In addition, I have a substantial number of Flaming Fist Enforcers looking to cleave us limb from limb, and a bribe went wrong caused my party to be generally disliked now amongst the commonfolk. It’s probably a good time to get out of the city for a little while.

Spoiler

Despite my efforts, I still have no way to enter Candlekeep. My frustration makes me want to camp out on the Lion’s Way and wait weeks, months, or longer for them to show their faces. But in the meantime, their evil plans may just come to fruition again and again. No! I must do SOMETHING.

For my return to my childhood home…I need a tome that is truly new, undiscovered, something novel. I have to leverage the fact that I’m an adventurer. I know there are vast dungeons in the eastern wilderness. Firewine and Durlag’s Tower come to mind. It’s time to revisit the area and see what treasures (and tomes) may exist out there.

Before going south, I will make the detour to the village of Ulgoth’s Beard. There will be merchants there from farther-off lands there, so it’s worth taking a look before I go south. I understand this entire journey may take a few weeks. There is always the chance Rieltar and Brunos will emerge from Candlekeep at some point, so I’ll make sure to never lose focus on that.

[Day 69]

12AM. I arrive in Ulgoth’s Beard at midnight. There are more people than I expected still awake in the town square. I meet some of them, including the mage Shandalar. He has a quest for me to retrieve some item of magical power–but he won’t say more about it at all. He’s a powerful mage and potential useful ally…but without information, don’t know if this would be worth my time. In the morning I’ll make a decision.

Spoiler

I purchased the Cloak of Displacement from the innkeeper.

9AM. I visit the rest of the village in the morning. There is a strong connection here to Durlag’s Tower, a dungeon I will soon be raiding if things go according to plan. But as soon as I think that, I meet a reclusive scholar named Mendas.

Spoiler

We finally catch some good luck. Mendas speaks of an island off the coast that was recently rediscovered that can be used as a trading waypoint. More importantly, it’s ALSO the site of Balduran’s famous shipwreck–which would likely contain his LOGBOOK. This would be a priceless piece of Sword Coast history if found–but would Candlekeep consider it a true “tome”? If so, it must be worth entry. If not–well, it’s still the best path forward I have right now.

Spoiler

I will have to acquire the Sea Charts from the Merchant’s League first. I was at the Merchant’s League Counting House two weeks previous and I know there were no Sea Charts onsite then, so this discovery must have happened very recently.

I’ll have to get my hands on the Sea Charts first and take it from there. I will head south to Baldur’s Gate this morning; Shandalar’s quest can wait.

[Day 70]

2AM. I arrived back in Baldur’s Gate in the middle of the night and headed straight to the Counting House. Imoen snuck around, or blended in well enough with the common crewmates, but the Sea Charts weren’t left in any desk or shelf…they must be on someone’s person, if they’re truly here.

Spoiler

Since Imoen doesn’t have any pickpocketing skill, looks like I’m just going to take the direct route and say hello.

3AM. Ulf and the guards on the first floor attacked me. I used Horror and Emotion-Hopelessness, as well as some Blindnesses and Glitterdust, to spare all their lives. I knew the Captain was on the second floor, and he’s likely the one with the charts.

Spoiler

Once I talk to him, I learn I may still be able to avoid bloodshed…but it looks like I’ll have to sneak up his flagon of ale past the first floor guards (that already recognize Imoen).

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

[Day 70 Continued]

5AM. I tricked the drunken Captain once he got his ale, and got the Sea Charts. I left town for Ulgoth’s Beard at once–if this is truly how I’m going to get my tome into Candlekeep, I don’t want there to be any delay.

Spoiler

9PM. Back in Ulgoth’s Beard. With Mendas chartering me a ship, it looks like I’ll set sail at dawn tomorrow. This seafaring journey may take a few weeks, and I risk allowing the Iron Throne to leave Candlekeep unhindered. If that’s the case, then I’ll just have to chase them down again. But at least now I’ll have a chance to get back inside my library fortress home.

Spoiler

[Day 71]

6AM. After stashing some minor belongings in Shandalar’s home, we set sail west.

Baldur’s Gate 1/Tales of the Sword Coast

[Day 96]

6AM. The journey has been a disaster. We had sailed for longer than I was led to believe-over three weeks–and eventually shipwrecked on an island in the middle of the Trackless Sea after a violent storm. My entire party survived thankfully, although the rest of the crew seems lost to sea. Home back on the Sword Coast feels like a distant memory at this point. Even before we lost our way back, I had been seething with a distraught frustration imagining the Iron Throne restoring all of their dastardly operations. Perhaps it was too rash a decision to set sail when I did, but regardless…I need to deal with the situation I’m in.

As morning breaks on the shore I believe we may have made it to our destination in any case, despite the tragedy of the shipwreck. This is an inhabited island in the Trackless Sea, by the looks of a wandering child, and our charts had indeed brought us here. So I will set out to understand my circumstances, what we need to do to still find Balduran’s shipwreck (and his logbook), and then figure out how to get home as soon as possible.

8AM. There’s a fairly substantial village established on this island, and its denizens speak common tongue. They are almost all very quiet, mysterious, and tight-lipped…urging me to see the Chiefwoman first. I scout around a bit to see what I’m dealing with…then go to meet her.

Spoiler

Kaishas Gan provides the village’s origin story to me. They are descendents of Balduran’s crashed ship, stranded here for generations. There’s mention of “trinkets” still on board the years-rotted ship, so there’s hope I may still recover Balduran’s logbook.

Spoiler

They have attempted to build a different seafaring vessel that can sail them home, but apparently there are mysterious beasts on the northern end of the island that have been ravaging them for years (generations, even?), making it impossible to evacuate and launch. Huh…I will investigate, and see what I can do.

9AM. I looked around the village and tried to get more information about the creatures and this island. Apparently these are werewolf-type creatures that have been terrorizing this strange village. I will head north immediately and make my own plan of action.

Spoiler

2PM. The northern half of the isle was creeping with wolf-fiends and beach sirines, and I dispatched most of what I came across. After fighting through most of mid-day, I found both Dradeel the mage, and the ruins of Balduran’s ship. Both findings are good signs, despite the present circumstances.

Spoiler

[Ugh, Reload number 10 here and I didn’t even get to Karoug yet. Embarrassing. Palin and his ambush of Wolfweres. PC just clawed to death. I had been scouting out the ambush with a stealthed Imoen before it happened, but then she got accidentally revealed, all enemies were aggroed at the same time, and the ensuing chaos threw me for a loop. I’m kind of upset about it because there is no good story to it, just inattentive/lazy playing and really shouldn’t have happened. My second attempt at this encounter was trivial, once I sat up and paid attention. I was playing later at night than I usually do, maybe that had something to do with it…]

Spoiler

I battled a large pack of wolves on the bottom level of the ship and slayed them all. When Imoen scouted to the levels above, it was obvious the entire place was swarming with powerful wolfweres and the like. With most of my magic spent for the day, and not trusting I can defeat these beasts in simple melee, I decide to rest back in the village until later tonight. I’ll be rested, recharged, and more able to fight deeper into the ship.

Spoiler

Current party:

Wybrough, Level 6 Fighter/Level 6 Mage (The Thresher +2 and Morning Star +1)
Branwen, Level 7 Priest of Tempus
Imoen, Level 8 Thief
Baeloth, Level 8 Sorcerer

Reputation: Disliked (8)

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

[Day 96]

11PM. I returned to Balduran’s ship, and attempted to fight the Wolfweres inside. They proved vicious and nigh-invulnerable, but with a potion of Storm Giant Strength, a Potion of Invulnerability, and all of our defensive spells, I was able to fight my way to the cabin where Karoug had holed himself up.

Spoiler

[Reload number 11. The wolfweres were too difficult to defeat the first time. Did way too much damage too quickly. For my second attempt, I tried more potions, more haste, and running around up on the deck to spread them out from the entrance. But whew, it was tougher than I was expecting.]

Whatever distant hope I had of a peaceful resolution was dismissed almost immediately. Karoug is a Greater Wolfwere, and my party was already fatigued in the few hours we fought this night. From what Imoen scouted, there also looks to be chests and desks and offices of documents up there–the likely location of the logbook, if it indeed exists. Imoen very dangerously snuck back up to gather this information, but set off a fire column trap that almost killed her. She managed to climb back down to us.

Spoiler

There is some luck in that the leader’s small pack is staying away, up in the cabin. They didn’t chase me back down outside, where they may have easily finished us off. But that does mean I’ll have to take the battle up to them, through the tiny staircase entrance. I’m in no shape to do that right now, so I’ll head back to the village again to heal and rest until morning. I know I’ve culled a large number of their population so far, so that buys me some time.

Spoiler

[Day 97]

10AM. I returned in the morning to finish off Karoug and his protectors, but the battle didn’t quite go as well as it could have.

Spoiler

[Reload 12…Oof. My PC got stuck up there when I was trying to lure the pack around to spread themselves. Couldn’t run, could just sit there and take the massive amounts of damage until I was dead.]

I was able to slay the wolfweres, but Karoug himself could not be killed. Baeloth was successful with a Wand of Paralyzation bolt, and I thought the battle would be trivial after that. Unfortunately, no weapon I had could hurt the beast. Even with both mine and Baeloth’s fire wands blasting, Karoug’s physical regeneration rendered him unkillable.

Spoiler

In the moments I had before our enemy could move again, I looked around the cabin. Baeloth had to set a few magical traps off on himself to get to it, but I pulled out what looks like Balduran’s logbook! Phenomenal!

More relavant to the immediate situation, I also retrieved an unidentifical magical bastard sword. Not having many other options, I had Baeloth identify it–and it looks like my hunch was right, this blade could work to actually hurt the beast!

Spoiler

With Haste and more fire wands, I still wasn’t quite able to pull down the beast before he started attacking me, his giant claws giving me gaping mortal wounds. We fall back down the stairs again–and again, he did not follow. Damnit, again I must retreat!

6PM. Resting again back in the village and returning to Balduran’s ship, I was finally able to destroy Karoug–and it looks like whatever wolves remain of his pack are battered and scattered into the wilderness.

Spoiler

His regeneration was difficult to overcome, but we didn’t need to use the Wand of Paralyzation. Between critical strikes, defensive magic, and more Aganazzar’s Scorchers, he was eventually slain.

8PM. I returned to the southern village, and the strange tension that’s been building for the past day and a half has come to a head. Indeed, the villagers are werewolves themselves, if slightly more humanlike in nature. Not only that, but at some point, we had been infected with lycanthropy?! This may have been some scheme by Kaishas Gan, but as for the rest of her followers…they reject us as their saviors and anything resembling being members of their clan.

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

[Day 97 Continued]

8PM. While Kaishas flees to the ship to get off the island, the rest of the village transforms and attacks us! I must find the passageway to this ship, but I’ve yet to discover how to get to it… I had held onto Dradeel’s spellbook–but now I will go back north to search him out for answers that he might have.

Spoiler

9PM. Gah, as soon as that blasted Dradeel got his hands on his spellbook, he teleported away. So much for help from him. I’ll have to head back to the village to see if there are any clues for how to get to the ship, or if I have any allies left there.

Spoiler

10PM. Back in the village, I realized Dradeel did in fact stay to help. He directed me towards the hidden passage to the eastern harbor–and told me to make haste, since Kaishas was already looking to set sail with the only seafaring vessel on this island.

Spoiler

11PM. In the subterranean, lycan-infested labyrinth, several encounters with werewolves left us injured and with very few spells left…but if Dradeel was speaking the truth, Kaishas may be looking to set sail immediately. I need to keep on pushing forward until I know what’s happening with the ship. So far, though, I’ve been stuck in this underground maze.

[Day 98]

12AM. At midnight, I found the harbor, and Kaishas. I have no idea how imminently she plans to leave, but I will confront her first! My party is spent, but I’m forced to figure out a strategy regardless.

I drank Potions of Fire Giant Strength, Heroism, Defense, and Regeneration. Between that and Baeloth’s Haste, we were able to kill Kaishas–who saw no other path forward herself but to kill US.

Spoiler

With control of the ship, I determine we will set sail at first light. Nothing is left for me on that infested island, so we’ll spend the rest of the night on the ship itself. Woe be to any more merchants or adventurers who find themselves here... Despite the troubles, I have what I came for: Balduran’s ancient logbook in my hand.

Spoiler

On the journey back, I have no choice but to prepare for the scenario that the Iron Throne has run amok in the time I’ve been absent from the Sword Coast, and there may very well be a war between the city and Amn. Whether I’ll still have to enter Candlekeep to hunt down their leaders–that remains to be seen.

[Welp, three reloads during my werewolf island trip; 25% of my total reloads this playthrough. Each of my deaths were when 4-5 wolfweres just surrounded me and started going nuts. The fights vs. solo Karoug, or Kaishas Gan, or Mendas and co back in UB, I survived just fine (even if the Karoug fight was pretty tough to figure out). Always goes back to positioning, positioning, positioning, and tactical retreat. Also I’m wearing a damn robe.]

[Day 120]

8AM. Three weeks’ journey and we arrive back at Baldur’s Gate. Almost two months since we’ve been on the mainland, and there’s a lot to catch up with.

But first, suspiciously, someone approaches me from Mendas’s house, the scholar who initially funded this expedition for us. He is of the same clan as Kaishas?! I’m realizing the entire journey, from its outset in this vilage, may not have been what it seems.

Spoiler

I had to kill Mendas and his partner, Baresh. Two Loup Garou, almost as invulnerable as Karoug himself.

Spoiler

With that, I make haste to Baldur’s Gate to see what the Iron Throne was able to get up to in my time gone…

[Day 121]

2AM. I arrived in Baldur’s Gate late that night. There weren’t many people on the street, but I briefly stopped in the Elfsong to get a sense of the goings-on since I was gone. It looks like the situation on the Sword Coast hasn’t changed much; the threat of war has ratcheted up, but has not come to fruition yet.

Even though it was the middle of the night, I barged into the Iron Throne building and learned quickly that Rieltar and Brunos are STILL at Candlekeep. I still have Balduran’s Logbook, so I’ll make my way there immediately.

Spoiler

I had learned from the Elfsong that the rival trading guilds may still be in trouble. Despite the absense of absolute disaster, it looks like the situation on the Sword Coast hasn’t improved since I’ve been gone. I went to check the merchant halls, but they were almost completely abandoned. That’s to be expected, I supposed, if most of their members had been killed and replaced by monsters only a couple of months previous.

Spoiler

With that, we headed immediately south to Candlekeep…

[Day 122]

10PM. I arrive at the Candlekeep gate…and WHAT NOW?! Gah! The worst of possible situations. The Gatekeeper will not accept Balduran’s Logbook as a valuable enough tome. Damn Ulraunt and these rigid rules which seem rigged against me! I cannot imagine why this wouldn’t be accepted, other than it is not a “proper” book of knowledge scribed by some petulant scholar in a library. But now I have to face the fact I wasted two months on a fool’s errand. I’m furious and I can barely think straight. We will head to Beregost to think this out…

Spoiler

[Day 123]

11PM. Back in Beregost since the early afternoon. I took care of some business with all of the equipment and items I’ve been carrying around.

Spoiler

I realize my first instinct months ago was the right one: go east to Durlag’s Tower and Firewine. I’m not particularly hopeful I’ll find a tome of sufficient value there either–dwarves especially are not generally known as scholars and book collectors–but it’s my only avenue left to explore. And just maybe I’ll be able to take out some of my frustration fighting dungeon monsters.

And unlike the nighmare trip to Balduran’s Isle, at least I’ll still be close to the Sword Coast and able to rush to help if the situation knocks itself out of the stalemate it’s currently in. The dungeon crawls likely won’t take more than a week or two, and we’ll be within a few days journey of Candlekeep or Baldur’s Gate if my enemies decide to finally show their faces.

If this all doesn’t work out and I don’t get my “key” to Candlekeep–I’ll have to force the situation some other way. And I’ll deal with that then. But now, not looking to even stay the night in Beregost, we will set out tonight to begin our next adventure.

What I’ve heard about Durlag’s Tower are stories about the myriad of deadly traps that have been set over the centuries. Imoen has developed her stealthing and lockpicking skills to remarkable levels–however, I would only trust her to detect the traps in a place like that...maybe one out of two times [her detect traps skill is 60]. Normally if we suspect traps are ahead of us, Branwen will cast ‘Find Traps’...but those spells last a relatively short duration, so likely won’t work well either. No–I’ll have to recruit more help for this. I think back to the thieves and rogues I’ve met in my time on the Sword Coast, and where they may currently be…

[Day 124]

9PM. I made my hike back towards the outskirts of the Cloakwood forest, by Aldeth Sashenstar’s cabin, to see if Coran the hunter was in the area. I found him in the evening, nearby the bridge where I first met him.

I let him know that we had already taken claimed the Kelddath reward for the wyverns long ago; however, we could still use his assistance, specifically his thieving skills. The rogue warrior seemed a bit directionless and eager to join us–good.

Spoiler

He’s marginally better at detecting traps than Imoen, but I see room for rapid improvement. We’ll simply have to put his skills to the test and get experience. [I dumped all his level up points into detect traps, only got to 70. BUT he’ll level up his thief side in 4k xp, which will hopefully happen relatively soon.] Regardless, his bow skills will be a boon to us in certain combat situations. We’ll have to travel back east via Beregost to get him better equipped.

I know the insane gnome Tiax in Baldur’s Gate is also a thief, but I’ll avoid that headache unless it’s one of my last options.

Spoiler

[Day 126]

11AM. From Beregost, we head out east. My destination is Durlag’s Tower, but I’ll travel via Gullykin to get a look at that area. It may serve as a useful waypoint.

Current party:

Wybrough, Level 6 Fighter/Level 7 Mage (The Thresher +2 and Morning Star +1)
Branwen, Level 7 Priest of Tempus
Coran, Level 5 Fighter/Level 5 Thief
Imoen, Level 9 Thief
Baeloth, Level 8 Sorcerer

Reputation: Disliked (8)

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

[Day 127]

3AM. We arrived in Gullykin in the very early morning; I decided to scout around the outskirts of the settlement until dawn so as not to startle the halflings in the middle of the night.

5AM. I’m glad I did take a look around–there was some bounty hunter scum waiting for me, probably tracking me since I got back from my journey at sea. Is this Rieltar and Brunos’s weak plan to deal with me? Or maybe Sarevok’s, for that matter? I slew my attackers.

Spoiler

6AM. Gullykin was a simple village, but there was a healer here–Alvanhendar–who could provide temple services if needed, an eight hour trip from either Durlag’s Tower or Firewine. With that knowledge, I took my leave of the halflings and kept heading east.

Spoiler

4PM. I arrived at Durlag’s Tower in the late, rainy afternoon. A shady merchant was nearby, and he was willing to buy the wares we had accumulated from previous adventuring.

A little farther on the pathway, we had to fight two Battle Horrors. Between the traveling of the day, and the magical Haste, we were all fatigued. I’ll scout around a bit more, but the plan was always to make camp before attempting any incursion…

Spoiler

6PM. I had Imoen and Coran scout a little deeper into the grounds beyond the drawbridge. There were doppelgangers and skeletons prowling about…I’ll make camp, then start the dungeon crawl in the very early morning when we’re fresh and ready to fight.

[Day 128]

7AM. I entered the Tower, and started working my way upwards; moving slowly and having Imoen and Coran act in unison to scout ahead stealthed and detect traps. I’ve only come across a pack of ghasts so far. The first trap I find and already Coran cannot disarm–at least he found it, in any case. One way or another he’ll eventually figure out how to deal with the traps of this Tower. We’ll just have to keep pushing on carefully until then.

Spoiler

 

[Selerel]

[Day 128 Continued]

12PM. Fighting ghasts and basilisks through the morning, I encounted two thieves–Riggilo and Bayard–both in different phases of attempts to loot the place. Bayard had been scared off by the terrors below, and Riggilo tried to scare US of from the tower level above. But eh, I don’t need to make an enemy of some thief who may have more knowledge about the traps here than me. This is not a place where I want to deal with half-baked sabotage attempts from enemies I didn’t have to make. Besides, I’m not here for the gold and treasure–just books.

Spoiler

I found at least one valuable tome so far–it is magical and yet unidentified, but from the looks of it it won’t gain me entry into Candlekeep. However, it’s a fair enough sign that there may be more tomes as I progress though this evil place. [It was a Wisdom tome.]

5PM. On the first true subterranean level, I encounter some cryptic dwarven warder golem-like creatures, stationed in place with riddles. I imagine these warders have some connection to my passageway through the dungeon; but as of right now, I’ll continue to explore, as I have for the majority of the day so far.

Spoiler

7PM. After fighting a Flesh Golem, Coran inadvertently took too many violent blows and sustained injuries beyond what our current, drained healing spells could make better. As evening rolled in, I decided now would be as good a time as ever to make camp. We’ll rest and continue our downward progress in the morning…

[Day 129]

10AM. The next morning, we continued the dungeon crawl. We had made camp overnight on the ramparts of the Tower, and were harrassed by packs of gnolls that must have crept in from the surrounding rocklands. The attacks got frequent enough that I considered changing camp locations, but eventually they calmed down and we rested in peace for the night.

Spoiler

Our battles this following morning were trying. We were able to explore the entirety of the first dungeon level, but Branwen took some massive hits from a flesh golem, Greater Dopplegangers caused some more damage, and Coran set off a flame column trap that almost killed him–the first trap we had set off so far, by the way. So we soon needed rest and healing again.

Spoiler

8PM. As the day of rest on the outside ramparts turned into evening, Branwen casted her regained healing spells and we gathered ourselves to push on.

Current party:

Wybrough, Level 7 Fighter/Level 7 Mage (The Thresher +2 and Morning Star +1)
Branwen, Level 8 Priest of Tempus
Coran, Level 5 Fighter/Level 6 Thief
Imoen, Level 9 Thief
Baeloth, Level 9 Sorcerer

Reputation: Disliked (8)

Spoiler