16400 réponses à ce sujet

[corey_russell]

Wow Grimwald, I thought (and honestly still think) my 98 roll on Victor was something else, but DoK has the audacity to top him! Please tell me you you used the automatic re-roller

 

 

Not sure whether I understand it, was it because murdering the Ranger had caused you rep to plummet and thus shop prices to skyrocket?

Anyway looks like a fun playthrough. Tcos sure is a troublemaker. Maybe Zaxxon should start casting stuff like Web and Stinking Cloud on his companion everytime she goes on a murdering streak.

Yes our reputation was in the toilet thanks to the Tcos murders. Thus to help with shop prices we needed to raise our rep by helping the woman with her child stuck in the tower.

[Grimwald the Wise]

Wow Grimwald, I thought (and honestly still think) my 98 roll on Victor was something else, but DoK has the audacity to top him! Please tell me you you used the automatic re-roller

 

Not sure whether I understand it, was it because murdering the Ranger had caused you rep to plummet and thus shop prices to skyrocket?

A mod boosted the rolls by 2 at the cost of losing 10% of all experience. I therefore got the same roll as you.

 

To get reputation back to twelve after each of the murders cost 500gp. If I had not done that after each murder, Candlekeep in its entireity would have gone hostile. I would therefore not have been able to rest and been able to use poison for the next killing.

 

I thought and still think that to be sure of taking them out, that poison and doom were a must. Why risk not having them?

[Charlestonian Knight Templar]

The trip to Ulcaster almost surely brings one into contact w/a few monsters that just seem to be prevalent near the old school. Having been there twice, we’ve cut many of them down, hopefully dissuading others from moving into the area…especially since we managed to get that Tome back to the Ghost of Ulcaster. Once the school is up & running, I’m sure it will be able to protect itself just fine. One the way back to the grate that opens to a long, gradually descending stairway down we defeated, three Ghasts, Six Zombies, 16 Kobolds w/Short Swords & six Skeletons w/Morning Stars & Bucklers.

 

Surprisingly, no intelligent humanoids or other creatures had moved in to use the ruins as a base of operations, although the place was perfect for it. We did come across an Ochre Jelly & a Mustard Jelly shortly after we arrived. Aside from that the place was the lair of wolves. We killed six Dread Wolves & four Dire Wolves as we worked our way through. We also came across a Huge Spider nest & exterminated them.

 

Key Event(s):  Our final battle was against a Vampiric Wolf & his pack of four Dread Wolves. The Dread Wolves were all female & it would seem the Vampiric Wolf was the Alpha Male. Then again, Vampiric Wolves are undead, so they have no place in the natural order. Whatever the case, we defeated them easily. 

DEFEATING THE VAMPIRIC WOLF & HIS PACK

Treasure of Note: (Purse = 15,934 gold) No treasure to speak of really. We added some gold to the purse & several Potions: Genius, Absorption, Hill Giant Strength, Oil of Fiery Burning & Potions of Healing x2

 

Current Disposition: Back in Beregost resting & lightning out load of bounty.

 

Next Steps:  Clear and secure the area around the Temple of the Morning, then the same @ High Hedge, followed by the Lighthouse & the Shipwreck’s Coast before working east again

 

Level Up: None (*I’ve gotta think we’re getting ready to get a flurry of them all together. I never check to see how close any PC/NPC is getting to leveling up. I like to be surprised when it happens!*)

               

Current Party: (Reputation: 20 – Heroic)

·         Gawain: Ftr/7; Full Plate w/Large Shield +1, Cloak of Protection +2, Helm of Defense, Boots of Grounding, Girdle of

         Bluntness, Rings of Fire Resistance & Free Action; Bastard Sword +1/+3**** (SSS**) (Greater Doppelganger)

·         Minsc: Barbarian/7 w/Splint Mai w/Boots of Avoidance, Girdle of Bluntness &Spiders Bane***, Flail +1/THWS**(Spellcaster Defend)(Davaeorn)

·         Khalid: Ranger (Archer)/6 w/Studded Leather +1 w/Bracers of Archery & Boots of the North, Longbow****,

B/Sword* (TWS***)( Sword Spider) (Ranger Ranged)

·         Jaheira: Priestess of Sylvanus/8 w/Leather +1 w/Gauntlets of Ogre Power; Sling*, Club +2 (Eye of the Storm)*, (Phase Spider)(Druid Summoning)

·         Imoen: Thief (Charming Rogue)/8 w/Bracers of Defense AC6, Cloak of Non-Detection & Gandolar’s Lucky Ring w/Short Bow*, Short Sword +1* Dagger +1*, Necklace of Missiles, (Sword Spider)(Thief Def)

·         Dynahier: Mage (Invoker)/6 w/Bracers of Defense AC6, Sling* & Q/Staff +1*, Ring of Energy, (Tuth)(Wizard Defensive)

 

Mods Used: HardTimes-v2; BG1UB_v12; bg1npc-v20; X0black101 (Blackguard); MegaModKits v1.01L; level1npcs-v1.9; bg2_tweaks-v14; Randomizer-v68; scs-v21 (- Tactical Challenges)

 

Blue Font: New information;

Red Font: Monster encounters (first use)

(Best kill)(Current AI)

* Name Levels are ancient, AD&D titles that used to represent each new level in a class

[corey_russell]

Corey_Russell/Dogdancing multi-player no-reload

Tcos (Dogdancing, protagonist) level 7 fighter/level 8 thief

Zaxxon (Corey_Russell) level 7 fighter/level 7 illusionist

 

The duo continued to make progress. The first objective of this session was to get the full plate from Khosahnn Tausgoz. We tried 3 blindnesses - they didn't work. We had to rest and try once more - yes it did. Time to beat him up. Tcos said let's range him! This brought more enemies to the fight, however. There weren't any problem really though. As has happened a ton this run, there were a lot of bandits around Tcos and Zaxxon throws a fireball on her head - perhaps revenge for all those murders she does...

 

Next up, time to get upgraded bracers for Tcos from Melium. The plan for her was to backstab then Zaxxon would blind - but Tcos took too long and Melium saw Zaxxon! Time for run and shoot, but it worked. While we were here we also took down Karhk. Tcos was protected by improved invisibility - Zaxxon tried emotion but it failed - his low level spells would be of little use, so he tried scorcher (from wand) a few times and that did in fact kill the pesky ogre mage.

 

The duo decided to take on Molkar's group for more funds, we need 22950 gold for our robe of the good arch magi (and that's with 21 CHA..). We had a great plan here. Tcos would approach with 100% fire resistance and improved invisibility, she would backstab the bard. Then Zaxxon would lob fireballs - this worked great. While we were here, we also got the cloudkill spell in the firewine ruins without much trouble, Zaxxon once again throwing a fireball on Tcos' head when she was surrounded by enemies.

 

Good, good, the robe of good arch magi is now Zaxxon, he can now run around without his heavy armor more often. No more levels to get, so time to get main quest going. We used invisibilities (via spell) to get past the 2nd spider area. The other areas were skipped.

 

Time for Drassus and pals. Once again, Tcos opened with a backstab (wearing full plate and protected by improved invisibiilty) and then Zaxxon assisted with spells - the 1st spell was devastating (emotion) - all enemies fell asleep. It wasn't strictly necessary, but Zaxxon threw a fireball on Tcos head once more.

 

The interior of the Cloakwood Mines went pretty smooth. We didn't do everything here. We didn't have lightning protection, so the plan was for Tcos to backstab Heirashan while wearing full plate (improved invisibility) - with 2 hits she did in fact slay the pesky mage before Heirashan could do anything. There were a ton of ememies though, so Zaxxon threw two fireballs in there which destroyed them all.

 

We needed to sell shortly, then returned properly for Davaeorn's level. The first 4 traps were dis-armed by Tcos - she then buffed then charged Davaeorn (protected by improved invisibility once again). The battle was a bit anti-climatic though - Davaeorn's mirror images had dissipated - which means two hits and he goes down without casting a single spell...

 

We loot up, flood the mines and Dogdancing is pretty tired so called it a night here. The city of Baldur's Gate is now open to us...

[corey_russell]

Just FYI to everyone, I'm going to put Corarcher on hold (he isn't dead) and work on a new and perhaps strange idea. There's been a ton of kensai 9 > mage x duals over the years, but how many mage 7 > kensai duals have there been? None that I know, so going to give it a go. Basically sacrificing HP for much more options for defense (blur, mirror image, stoneskin etc.) as well as some offense (glitterdust, emotion). Unless a solo Kensai wants to run all the time, defense is his bane - this will shore it up. Small party in BG 1, but will be solo in BG 2 and ToB... Stay tuned...

[Blackraven]

Good progress Corey and Dogdancing, and good luck Corey with your Kensai (7) => Mage. 

[corey_russell]

Good progress Corey and Dogdancing, and good luck Corey with your Kensai (7) => Mage. 

 

Thanks! But I'm not doing that. I'm doing Illusionist (7) => Kensai. But I realized later that I can't dual from kit to kit - anyone know an easy way around that? (Using EasyTutu, which itself is based on the vanilla BG 2/ToB engine).

[Blackraven]

Ah sorry, I misread... I was in fact unsure whether dualing a Kensai to a Mage at lvl 7 instead of 9 was going to make that much of a difference, except for the BG1 incovenience of not being able to gain your fighter levels back. 
Anyway, Mage=>Fighter (in your case Kensai) should be fun. I'm having a great time with Victor, who dualed from Mage into Fighter at level 3. Probably quite a different type of character than yours though. Victor's clad in full plate, his three memorized spells are non-combat spells (varying between Identify, Knock, Friends, Invisibility for scouting). He only casts from scrolls and he sometimes uses wands. The Mage buffs should really allow your Kensai to take a hit while he's dishing out damage.

I'm not sure how you could give your character two kits. There's a multi-kit mod of which some people have reported good experiences whereas others have called it buggy: http://www.shsforums...d-experimental/.
You could also go plain Mage and dual into Kensai using Shadowkeeper. All you'd have to do is kit your Mage as a Kensai (you can do this after having crated you character). Once you dual into Fighter, your character will be automatically kitted as a Kensai with all the pros and cons attached to that kit.   Of course dualling from a generalist Mage will imply having less spells than a specialist mage would have. 

[corey_russell]

Ah sorry, I misread... I was in fact unsure whether dualing a Kensai to a Mage at lvl 7 instead of 9 was going to make that much of a difference, except for the BG1 incovenience of not being able to gain your fighter levels back. 
Anyway, Mage=>Fighter (in your case Kensai) should be fun. I'm having a great time with Victor, who dualed from Mage into Fighter at level 3. Probably quite a different type of character than yours though. Victor's clad in full plate, his three memorized spells are non-combat spells (varying between Identify, Knock, Friends, Invisibility for scouting). He only casts from scrolls and he sometimes uses wands. The Mage buffs should really allow your Kensai to take a hit while he's dishing out damage.

I'm not sure how you could give your character two kits. There's a multi-kit mod of which some people have reported good experiences whereas others have called it buggy: http://www.shsforums...d-experimental/.
You could also go plain Mage and dual into Kensai using Shadowkeeper. All you'd have to do is kit your Mage as a Kensai (you can do this after having crated you character). Once you dual into Fighter, your character will be automatically kitted as a Kensai with all the pros and cons attached to that kit.   Of course dualling from a generalist Mage will imply having less spells than a specialist mage would have. 

Earlier in this thread, I think I remember USSNorway saying she did something like use SK to make the class a normal one (say mage), do the dual then SK back to illusionist (or whatever kit) and everything worked fine. I might try that. If that doesn't work, I'll just dual to a fighter, which will still make my build interesting.

[Grimwald the Wise]

That should work Corey.

There are some things that work fine trying to get two kits working simultaneously.

 

If you dual a berserker, dual then use SK for a second kit, even though you only have one kit active, you keep the attributes of a berserker.

 

With mages there are sometimes problems such as the fact that dualling to a specialist mage you don't get the extra spell that you should get. This can be rectified by using the mod Imoen as conjurer. Using that mod together with SK you can get the extra spell slots without it reverting back every time you level up. The readme explains things clearly.

 

You might need to use that with your situation but cannot be sure. Using it would certainly not be a problem and might avoid problems.

 

I'm afraid that the only way to find out for certain though is trial and error.

 

I actually think that if you use the Imoen as conjurer mod and in Shadowkeeper switch the kit from illusionist to kensai, the game will say that you are a mage/kensai, but will work as if you are an illusionist/kensai.

 

I hope that isn't as clear as mud.

[ussnorway]

The extra spell is simple and you can just not learn any nexro spells... what else does an illusionist get/ need?

[Grimwald the Wise]

You are right. The Imoen as conjurer mod is really only needed when dualling TO a specialist mage, not FROM  a specialist mage.

[Blackraven]

Undocumented, but something that has always been in the game:

Specialist mages get +2 to saves against schools from their spell school (but no special bonuses for casting their school's spells against opponents). They also have a 15% higher chance of learning a spell from their school and a 15% lower chance of learning a spell outside of their school.

[corey_russell]

Undocumented, but something that has always been in the game:

Specialist mages get +2 to saves against schools from their spell school (but no special bonuses for casting their school's spells against opponents). They also have a 15% higher chance of learning a spell from their school and a 15% lower chance of learning a spell outside of their school.

Very interesting, never knew this stuff, thanks! Does explain why my 19 INT mages kept flubbing spellls, they weren't in their spell school...

[corey_russell]

Magicken the level 3 illusionist (for now) entering Trilogy no-reload challenge...

 

Magicken (a sort of combo of "Mage + Kensai") has made some progress. For BG 1, he has chosen Imoen, Khalid and Jaheira. He plans to be solo in BG 2. He also plans to dual to Kensai (if possible), or fighter if not.

 

SETUP:

EasyTutu

Core rules at all times

"Gore" on (characters can be chunked)

Tales of the Sword Coast

no mods

 

Magicken, Human, Male, Lawful Good Illusionist

STR 18 DEX 18 CON 18 INT 18 WIS 10 CHA 3

Picture: one off the internet, don't have a "Corey" mage picture yet.

 

The Story:

So my father, Gorion says to get things from the store, and that we will be leaving soon. He insists I must be a mage, and not like a warrior like I would prefer to be. Regardless I go to Winthrop's - but wait, I can hardly use any of this anyways! Bah, how is a mage supposed to survive! I take a sling and some bullets, and some bolts, maybe I can pawn them off on someone.

 

So I got to the barracks and yes Fuller does want my bolts, good deal, not that he was very nice about it. I got a rude shock at the visitor's quarters - an assassin named Carbos attacked me! And I even got hurt! However a sleep spell was his doom - just had to pump him with some bullets.

 

The Warden was rude to me as well. One monk gave me a blue potion, that was nice. Had to clear out some rats in a warehouse for a dwarf - got some gold, guess it's OK. Helped out the guy with his cow and Phyldia with her book.

 

I ran into another assassin, named Shank! He RESISTED the sleep spell, I am out of spells! I run out there fast as I can, but Shank is on my tail. I yell at a guard to help, but the guard does nothing,  doesn't even acknowledge my cry! Guess I will have to solve this on my own. I run through a group of chanting monks, they run in fear of the man with the dagger. However, there's a pool nearby, is this my salvation? I run around the pool, throwing a bullet, and keep running around - in this way Shank never gets a hit in - takes quite a while (not very good with a sling you see) but Shank falls! Whew...

 

I will take it as my cue to get the heck out of this place, so I talk to Gorion. But wait, Gorion and I are ambushed almost immediately out of Candlekeep! Gorion orders me to run and I do, but he is cut down, my poor father...But what's this? Imoen? She wants to help - sure I need it! We try to collect Gorion's things but encounter two dire wolves! I sleep one, but the other still awake, Imoen tanks it successfully - I don't know how she doesn't even have any armor...

 

In the same area we run across Xzar and Montaron - we need help for sure! We head east and then north a bit - uh oh, big trouble, wolves, gibberlings and yet more gibberlings! Xzar finds a +1 ring and hands to me - then we run for the hills! To the Friendly Arm! Montaron kept the enemies busy for a second, to give us weaker party members a chance, then tried to follow, but was overwhelmed by gibberlings! Poor fellow...

 

We make it to the Friendly Arm and count our blessings. I find a ring that helps my wizardry, guess it was good we came here after all. But wait, our travails aren't over, here comes a mage assassin! Xzar does chill touch, I do Reflect Image, and Imoen fires off her magic missile from a wand she must have stolen. I then use my sling - we were too much for the enemy, and the assassin was slain. Once inside the FAI, we meet Khalid and Jaheira, the fellows my father mentioned - by this point I realize I don't need a dead fighter/thief nor another mage and let go of Montaron's corpse and Xzar.

 

As our first test working together, we took out the hobgoblins near the Inn - this worked well, good. Perhaps together we can avenge my father's death. Then we head to Beregost and get a magical sling for me. We dealt with an assassin here, named Karlat - he was killing Jaheira, she had to gulp nearly all of our blue potions to live - Imoen needed to use up the magic missile wand so that we could prevail, that assassin was hard to hit.

 

There was a house with spiders, but sleep made short work of them. We then headed south, but met some ogrillions - sleep once more did its job. Then some FF mercenary had to gall to call us bandits - this made Imoen mad, so we blinded then ranged attacked him dead. We made a brief stop in Beregost to return a letter we found to Merrianne - a nice +1 ring went to Khalid. Then we proceeded south. But first we tried to get the stealth boots for my friend, Immy. This was tough, Ghast, Ghouls, hordes of hobgoblins - a TON of running around but we did it without deaths to the party. We found some much needed blue potions as well!

 

We continue south - more bandits, kobolds and hobgoblins, as well as gibberlings, but we finally make it to Nashkel. We yet ANOTHER assassin in Nashkel Inn (Yikes! Someone really wants me dead!), but blindness spelled her doom. Oublek tried to give us 200 gold, but we told him we weren't the person he thought we were. We also found a citizen who just wouldn't stop talking to us, but we feel more experienced...

 

There were many more fights, but the fights that were important were against Kaldo and Krumm, they had waist item for Khalid. At the Gnoll Fortress we also found some Dexterity Gauntlets - this let Jaheira stay in the front lines - Imoen and myself stayed much safer with Khalid and Jaheira using their melee weapons. Also at the Gnoll Fortress a tome was found - this was given to Jaheira - I am too ugly, and this tome can't overcome it, but Jaheira is near beautiful and yes she is beautiful after using the tome. Unusual for her, she thanked me for giving her the tome - will wonders never cease. Also Greywolf foolishly tried to harm Prism when we said Prism was under our protection - thus Greywolf was blinded, then our victory over him was sure, if a bit slow. The bounty hunter's sword went to Imoen. She is the only person with a magical weapon at the moment.

 

We also helped a poor chap named Samuel, and brought him to the Friendly Arm. What's funny is we almost couldn't help him, as Jaheira, Khalid and Imoen all complained this man was far too heavy for them, yet I, a mage, could haul this man easily - perhaps I am more a warrior mettle than Gorion thought. This made us very popular (20 reputation), but Jaheira keeps complaining of this popularity - she doesn't like the stares of admiration our group is getting I take it.

 

I will find your killer one day, father, I swear. But I must be well equipped and experienced, just as your killer was father - and father, I know you wanted me to be a mage, but I may need to be a warrior in order to fell your killer - I hope you understand.

 

EDIT: Fixed some typos

[Blackraven]

Hey Corey, a very enjoyable read! You said about my roleplayed journal that you wondered whether I'd be able to keep that up (even deep into BG2), and now I'm wondering the same about yours... I sure hope so
Best of luck for Magicken!

[corey_russell]

Hey Corey, a very enjoyable read! You said about my roleplayed journal that you wondered whether I'd be able to keep that up (even deep into BG2), and now I'm wondering the same about yours... I sure hope so
Best of luck for Magicken!

Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it! Will try to keep it up then. BG 2 should be a bit easier to chronicle, since there wont' be any party interaction to document (he will be solo there). I thought his unusual class choice lended itself well to story form.

[Grond0]

Sounds like an interesting run Corey - best of luck.

 

Gate70/Grond0 multiplayer attempt 64 - (update 2)

Possess, gnome cleric/thief (Grond0) & Weystead, dwarven defender (Gate70)

 

A bit more progress for this duo started with them heading for the sirines.  On the way Possess was poisoned by an arrow from Malkax, but shrugged off the limited effects from the weak poison.  The sirines were straightforward with the use of a potion of clarity and Weystead added a potion of absorption and the appropriate girdle to ensure the flesh golems needed a critical to hit him - none of them got one.

 

Charleston Nib was rescued before their return to Nashkel courtesy of Brage.  While in the area they confronted Neira, but Weystead decided to go on strike after using his special ability.  Possess commanded her to die 3 times, but with Weystead not attacking she managed to get up each time and then hold Weystead.  However, she was severely injured by that time herself and failed to do much damage before a sling bullet eventually proved fatal.

 

Greywolf and Samuel provided further reputation boosts and helping out Joia should shortly get reputation up to 20.

 

Stats:

Possess, cleric 5 / thief 5, 31 HPs, 34 kills

Weystead, dwarven defender 6, 56 HPs, 89 kills, 0 deaths

[ussnorway]

snip... Also at the Gnoll Fortress a tome was found - this was given to Jaheira - I am too ugly, and this tome can't overcome it, but Jaheira is near beautiful and yes she is beautiful after using the tome. Unusual for her, she thanked me for giving her the tome - will wonders never cease.

Pretty and cranky… what a combo, I’d change her opening talk to “eyes up, please”.

[corey_russell]

Pretty and cranky… what a combo, I’d change her opening talk to “eyes up, please”.

Hmm...hope that doesn't become her opening talk. Presumably Imoen wouldn't be looking like that, and surely Jaheira doesn't mind Khalid looking, which means Magicken would be the subject of her statement...Magicken is LG and doesn't mess with other men's/man's women/woman, so he doesn't act in any way that would cause Jaheira to say that. Magicken would just be happy being alive next week, so in his mind, messing with women at this juncture is more likely to hinder than help him with his goal.

[corey_russell]

Magicken the level 4 Human Illusionist - Update 2

 

Jaheira - level 3 fighter/level 3 druid, 27 HP, 51 kills, Winter Wolf

Khalid - level 4 fighter, 35 HP, 69 kills, Winter Wolf

Imoen - level 5 thief, 31 HP, , 60 kills, Greywolf

Magicken - level 4 illusionist, 27 HP, 52 kills, Cave Bear

 

The Story:

 

After killing Greywolf, the party decided to get some R & R at the Nashkel Inn. The party got two rooms, one for the men, and one for the women. We need direction, so decided to call for a war council, though it risked Jaheiera's ire. Imoen and myself were sitting on a bed, waiting for the married couple to appear.

 

Imoen said, "She's going to be ticked you know - I'm glad I'm not in your shoes."

 

I said, "I know. But our lives are on the line, we need to make the best choices we can - I'm leader, that will probably happen. You know my brilliance, Immy, you've seen it"

 

She replied, "I know, but Jaheira doesn't."

 

"Just back me up when it comes up, okay?"

 

She replied, "I'm not crazy!" and sticks out her tongue. Girls, I just don't understand them!

 

The door bursts open and slams shut.

 

Jaheira spat out, "Now what's this infernal meeting all about? Khalid and I can handle the decisions - and why can't we meet in the lobby?"

 

I replied, "I'll address your first question in just a moment - but we've encountered an assassin in every city we've been too - Gorion's killer must have eyes and ears in many places - it's important they don't overhear our plans."

 

"As to what this meeting is about, we need to make a plan of action, as well as establish...leadership." I looked Jaheira in the eye.

 

Jeheira replied, incredulous, "Leadership!? Khalid and I are much more experienced than you two, as well better at combat - why shouldn't we lead?"

 

I calmly replied, "Because your experience and combat skills will not be enough - no where near enough. By all the assassins we've encountered, it's clear Gorion's killer has many resources, but guile can overcome that. That's where I come in. Gorion has stated many times, he has never seen a more brilliant human than myself - I've heavily studied the creatures of Faerun, as well as tactics an strategy and knowledge of legendary gear."

 

Jaheira grunted, "You may have knowledge, but you lack experience!"

 

In an icy voice I said, "It was MY father who was killed! I have the most to lose if we fail our quest. Besides, experience can be obtained in short order - you cannot in short order get the same knowledge or brilliance as me!"

 

In a soft voice Khalid piped in, "Ja-Ja-Jaheria, he does have a-a point. Gorion wrote about Magicken's brilliance in his letters. And it was his father who was killed..."

 

Jaheira sighed in acceptance, "Fine. What is your plan, oh omnipresent authority figure?"

 

Khalid exclaimed, "Jaheira!"

 

I said, "I know Jaheira wants to explore the mines - but we need much better equipment, as well as more experience, as even Jaheira has just said. There isn't much bounty work in Nashkel. But we don't know what's in the Nashkel Mines - there could be creatures immune to normal weapons in there, and if so we are woefully unprepared. Khalid would be much safer if he was in full plate too."

 

Jaheira cried out, "But that's 9000 gold! None of us are nobles!"

 

I said, "Precisely! Therefore, we should explore the coast - I know of a few legendary items, all of us will get better at what we do, and will pick up gold from our enemies - we may even encounter assassins sent from Gorion's killer. We can defeat them and and sell their expensive gear and turn it to our advantage. Thus, I propose we explore West. We can solve the Gnoll problem, making it safer for the citizens of Nashkel. We will get gold, and all become more effective at what we do. Sound reasonable?"

 

The party nodded. Our plan is set.

 

The next day at dawn...

 

So the party travels west to the Gnoll Fortress. The first few groups of gnolls were handled simply enough, but Jaheira did use her heal spells. After defeating the batch of gnolls that were up some stairs near some pits, Jaheira got some cuts on her arm.

 

After the battle, Jaheira said, "Damn! I'm out of heal spells!". She was about to gulp a blue potion but I stopped her. She glared at myself icily and said, "You BETTER have a good reason for stopping me!" I said, "I do - I can help you." In a sarcastic tone she replied, "Really? And are you a cleric too?" I said calmly, "No, just trust me." Sure enough, I cast a spell and her cuts disappeared and she was completely healed!

 

Imoen piped, "Hey, how did you do that Mag?"

 

Jaheira replied, "Yes, mage, how did you do that?"

 

I replied, truthfully, "I don't know. I gained this ability after having a dream last night about Gorion."

 

Khalid and Jaheira said nothing, but gave each other a concerned look - do they know something I don't? Regardless, the party pressed on and defeated all the gnolls at the fortress. We also went to a nearby area with bears, gnolls, and winter wolves. The party did fine there, but did need to use some blue potions. Everyone was full of loot, it was time to sell.

 

But our sternest test was about to come on the way back to Nashkel.

 

I said, "Hey Khalid, why are we in this ravine with only one exit?"

 

Khalid replied, "I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere..."

 

But we didn't have any more time to see who did what - we heard the casting of spells!

 

The party exclaimed "Ogre Mages!".  Jaheira moved toward one source of the sound, Khalid the other. Imoen cocked her +1 shortbow. I opened with mirror image. The ogre mages opened with melf's arrow on both Jaheira and myself. I ran a bit and did the frost wand on each ogre mage. Imoen was pumping arrows into these enemies as fast as she could. Khalid got a critical hit with his basic bastard sword and managed to kill his target quickly - but Jaheira was taking magic missiles and dying!

 

Khalid exclaimed. "Jaheira!" and ran fast as he could to her side. I used a frost wand charge once more and a moment later the last ogre mage dies. Jaheira is hurt, but didn't die.

 

I came to Jaheira's side, "You all right?" Jaheira replied, and winked, "I will be - and you were right. We do need more experience and better equipment. If the problem in the mines could be solved by basic weapons and armor, then the Nashkel Guard would have already solved it."

 

I smiled and said, "Thank you for admitting that."

 

She grunted, "Hmph. Well don't expect this to happen often. Let's go. I'm ready to get back to the city. I can't believe I said that..."

 

The party made it to Nashkel, sold our stuff and rested and are at 5000 gold. Perhaps it's time to get some upgrades, but where and how?

[Blackraven]

Good stuff again Corey. I like how you skillfully provided a credible justfication for first exploring the Sword Coast for a bit...

[corey_russell]

@Blackraven: Thanks! It seemed pretty important to spell it out, otherwise, why aren't we going to the mines immediately?

 

Magicken the Human Illusionist (for now) - Update 3

 

Jaheira - level 4 fighter/level 4 druid, 36 HP, 57 kills, Greater Baslisk

Khalid - level 5 fighter, 45 HP, 77 kills, Winter Wolf

Imoen - level 5 thief, 31 HP, 73 kills, Greater Basilisk

Magicken - level 4 mage,27 HP, 57 kills, Battle Horror

 

Magicken portrait and stats

 

The Story:

 

Imoen hears knocks at her bedroom door at the Red Sheaf. 

 

She says lazily, "Come in."

 

I come in, close the door, and lock it. This gets Imoen's attention and she sits up on her bed.

 

She says, "You're a queer fellow! What's going on? This isn't anything kinky, is it?"

 

Taken aback, I say, "What?! No, nothing like that."

 

Imoen moans, "Awww..."

 

I say, "Quit that! I have something to serious to talk to you about, but "adults" need to be in the dark about it."

 

She brightens, "I like it already! Tell me more!"

 

I sit down on the other bed, sigh, and begin, "Look, Jaheira and Khalid are both competent fighters, but that's ALL. They need magical weapons to tip the balance to excellent. I have a plan to get them both weapons, but it's not exactly on the up-and-up..."

 

Her eyes go wide, "What? You always going on about the lawful path - is your plan...not lawful?"

 

I sigh again, "No, it isn't. For either weapon. One weapon we will need from the Thunderhammer Smithy, the other, we need..to pickpocket from someone famous...and dangerous."

 

Imoen exclaims, "Wow! I can't believe what I'm hearing! You know I stink at pick-pocketing though! As for the Smithy, while I don't mind, what makes you want to do that? I'm curious..."

 

I say, "As I've mentioned before, Gorion's killer has resources. Where did he get them? Almost certainly by ill-gotten gains. So if get a magical bastard sword for Khalid, he will repay the Smithy in a round-about way by bringing down whatever operation Gorion's killer has going on. And it will also help keep us all alive...being lawful is all well and good, but doesn't help me if I'm dead. As for pick-pocketing, I can't explain that just yet, but you'll probably understand once I do a few things...out of ordinary."

 

Imoen says, "Okay! I'm in! Now can you tell me a story about Trollops and pig-tails?"

 

I roll my eyes and say, "No, not right now. Thing is, I'm not sure when the smithy is empty, so we will stay in Beregost until we find a time that is the case."

 

Next day...

 

The party was strolling through Beregost, then I suddenly blinded a female bard.

 

Jaheira stares intently at me - "Why did you just do that? Did that bard insult you in some way?"

 

I shrug, "No, but I just have a strong feeling this is important."

 

Jaheira clearly is not certain I'm being up-and-up, but she doesn't press. I then talk to a young bard who offered us some work - I agreed and he took us to the blinded bard (who did not complain about being blinded). As we were approaching the female bard, who we learned in a moment was Silke, Jaheira raised her eyebrow at me. She didn't say anything, but her expression was clearly saying - how did you know she was linked to the young man?

 

Silke then says she wants us to kill some thugs for 400 gold - only problem, when they arrived, we could clearly see they were innocent, and said we weren't doing that. Silke then tried to attack, but I disrupted what looked like an invisibility spell with magic missile - she fell shortly after that. I now have a magical +1 staff. 

 

Jaheira watches me equip my new weapon - "So is this that 'brilliance' you mentioned before?". Non-nonchalantly I reply, "Yeppers.". She stares at me, clearly not knowing what to think. I talk to the young man and he joins the group - he can cast spells, so Jaheira and Khalid don't object.

 

So we do in fact stay in Beregost for two days - that's how long it takes to find the Smithy unoccupied. This does raise Jaheira's suspicions though.

 

Jaheira tells me, "Why are we lying about? There are urgent problems on the Sword Coast!"

 

I say in the steadiest voice I can muster, "Agreed. But our hanging about here will help our cause greatly - you need to trust me, Jaheira."

 

She stares at me for a time, and says "All right. But not another day!"

 

I reply, "We won't! I promise."

 

At night, the party leaves but hangs out by the road to Beregost Temple. I raise my hand to halt the party.

 

"Why are we leaving at night? And why are we pausing?" Jaheira says.

 

"I forgot my scroll I scribed at the Red Sheaf - Imoen can you be a dear and get it for me?" I wink at her, and slightly nod in the direction of the nearby Smithy.

 

Surprised, she says, "Why don't you get it youself - " an understanding crosses her features, "Ah, sure I can get it for my Candlekeep friend, you betcha! Be right back!". I position myself in front of Khalid and Jaheira so that they are looking away from the Smithy and ask them, "Hey, while we have a moment, while don't you two tell me how you met?" Khalid says, "Well you see, it was-was du-during some Harper business about a slaver, and..." I didn't pay real close attention - but Imoen sneaked inside the Smithy, grabbed a magical bastard sword, and came out. She winked at me to indicate she succeeded. Khalid was still rambling on, "..and then she winked me-me, and I did-didn't know what it meant, and..." Imoen returned. I say "That's a great story, Khalid! I think Imoen has something for ya."

 

Imoen says, "I sure do! Happy Birthday, Khalid" and hands him the magical bastard sword.

 

Khalid stammers, "but, but, I wasn't finished with my story! And it isn't my birthday."

 

Jaheira eyes go wide, "Did you spend all our gold on this? We know we need more blue potions!"

 

I wryly smile, "Don't worry! I got a good deal on it. Shall we move on?"

 

Jaheira is uncertain, but says nothing. The party departs Beregost. We head for NW of Nashkel. We encounter a small bandit party, archer, mage, and warrior, but they were no match. We then battle some gnolls and encounter a very famous drow...after battling gnolls, I whisper in Imoen's ear, "Time for Jaheira's weapon - time for Garrick to get to work." Her eyes go wide when she realizes who Garrick's target is.

 

I say, "You know guys, I think we need to go somewhere else, I doubt there will be more here than this fire resistant robe we found. Garrick, a word?"

 

Over-eager as always, Garrick trots up, "What's up boss?"

 

I say, "Keep it down! I got a special mission for ya - you can almost certainly write a great ballade about this. I want you to gulp this thieving potion and dexterity potion and get Drizzt's scimitar."

 

Garrick gulps, "Uh, what happens if he spots me?"

 

I say, matter of factly, "Run very fast to the road, we will be waiting for you. Good luck!"

 

Garrick salutes. "I will do my best sir, yes sir!" He trots off and makes his attempt...and Drizzt caught him! Garrick runs for his life, with Drizzt hot on his heals. I keep talking to Jaheira and Khalid though so they don't see Garrick or Drizzt. Once Garrick is close enough, I say, "All rightey then! Time to go!" Drizzt doesn't follow.

 

We arrive at the carnival, but we encounter two Ogre berserkers!

 

Khalid stammers, "Og-Og, Ogre Berserkers? At carnival?"

 

I say, "Well don't just stand there, slash them up!" Battle immediately commences. But there's a problem - Garrick and I have no spells. The ogres are hitting the married couple hard.

 

In fact, they hit so hard, Khalid started to say, "Better part of valor, better part of valor" and was running away. We kill one ogre, then Jaheira says, "Better to run and live and fight another day." and she runs too!

Fortunately Imoen, myself and Garrick finally kill the last ogre. But we had to wait a long time until Jaheira returned. While waiting, I also bid Garrick good-bye - he said he was going to write a ballade about us, how nice.  Khalid however, ran out of control for a LONG time, we were waiting by the merchants but we heard him cry out - he was being attacked by kobolds! And he had no blue potions and was badly wounded! (he used them fighting the ogre berserkers).

 

The party rushes to his aid, but Khalid needs to run...in our attempt to link up, all the kobolds locked on to me!

I shout, "Enough! Everyone run back to Nashkel fast as you can!" - amazing we are able to do so without anyone falling.

 

After returning to Nashkel Inn, I call for an immediate council. Jaheira and Khalid were sitting down, looking a the floor.

 

I speak in a raised voice, "What the hell was that all about at the Carnival? You say we are your charges, but run away to let us be chopped up? If you are wounded, run and shoot, don't just run! Garrick, Imoen and I managed to slay the berserkers in time, but it easily could have been much, much worse. Your running even brought more enemies to the battle! What were you thinking?!"

 

While still looking down, Khalid said, "I'm sorry, I was just, just so afraid...". Looking dejected, Jaheira spoke, "I am sorry too my charge - I don't know what to say."

 

I then spoke with authority, "The incident like today is why I AM in charge - clear?" The couple nods, but says nothing. 

 

"All right, let's rest and heal up. Good night." Jaheira and Khalid leave the room. Imoen locks the door and then says, "So what are you going to do now, mag? Getting the weapon from Drizzt didn't work."

 

I say, "Quite true. I do have a plan B, but what we have to do may even be harder than the Ogre Berserkers."

 

Imoen's jaw drops, "You, You are kidding aren't you?"

 

I look into the distance, "I wish I was."

 

Imoen says, "Well, I trust you, even though you are a queer fellow."

 

I hug her and say, "Thank you Immy - I appreciate it. Get some rest."

 

Next day, at Durlag's Tower...

 

Jaheira says, looking at me, "Magicken, why are we here? We aren't strong enough to deal with this."

 

I say, "I agree. We aren't here to clear the tower, however, to but to get one specific item I read about in Candlekeep..."

 

Jaheira says, "And that item would be...?"

 

Looking at her pointedly, "A heavily enchanted scimitar."

 

Jaheira's eyes brighten slightly, clearly thinking of how much help that would be. "I see. What now, oh omnipresent authority figure?"

 

"Jaheira, you go and pull a battle horror. On your way back summon a flame blade. Imoen will use acid arrows, Khalid his magical bastard sword, and I will pump the enemy till he dies - I have 8 sets of magic missiles memorized."

 

Jaheira whistles, "I see. Battle horrors are pretty powerful, Khalid and I won't last long."

 

I say, "Yes, I know. Be prepared to use your blue potions - all of them if needed. Run if needed, while Imoen and I continue to attack the creature."

 

Well, I say now, the plan didn't quite work as well as I hoped. Khalid had morale failure and died, and Jaheira ran away too! However I was ready for that and cast resist fear on her and with her help we took down the battle horror. She was furious once it fell, however.

 

Jaheira screamed, "Khalid is DEAD!"

 

I say, "I know. We have plenty of gold to pay a temple to resurrect him, let's get to it."

 

She says, still fury in her voice, "Sometimes you can't bring back the fallen! We can't afford to make this habit."

 

I say, looking Jaheira in the eyes, "I absolutely agree. I learned what I did wrong, it will go much better next time."

 

Incredulous, Jaheira says, "NEXT time?!"

 

Sheepishly Imoen says, "Ah, er, yeah I scouted ahead - we got one more to get through."

 

Jaheira glares daggers at me, but walks back to Naskhel. As she walks she says, "Magicken, you had better get it right the next time!"

 

I say, "I will."

 

{corey_russell note: my plan was a little silly, I should have tried blindness.}

 

So we return and use all our potion buffs - the fight does in fact go a bit better and no one dies. The party encountered three dopplegangers and they were hitting real hard, Khalid and Jaheira had to gulp a lot of blue potions. Once inside we killed a ghast, Imoen disarmed two traps, then I starting casting protection petrification on everyone. Jaheira mentioned this better be worth it, and I said it is, and we are close to our objective.

 

The first basilisk was killed, but we had a hard time on the 3 dopplegangers again. I had cast resist fear though, so was still smooth, despite the massive damage on Khalid and Jaheira (going through these blue potions fast). Three more basiliks were killed and now Jaheira FINALLY has her weapon!

 

 

I then say, "All right, mission achieved. Let's return to Nashkel and rest for two days - you've all deserved it."

 

Khalid wordlessly grabs Jaheira's hand. She looks lovingly at him. "Magicken and Imoen, you two go on ahead. Khalid and I might..take our time."

 

I say, "Sure thing love birds! Come on Immy!"

 

Imoen protests, "Ah, I want to watch!"

 

Without giving her option, I grab Imoen's arm and drag her with me to Naskel. I hope the quest goes smoother from here on in.

[Grimwald the Wise]

Diary of Darkblade

 

Upon reaching beregost, you can imagine my ire upon finding that someone had the temerity to raise Firebead from the grave. As you can imagine, I soon put that right by putting him to death once more.

 

In the same town I also killed both Karlat and Silke with a little help from some spiders. I then charmed two of those that I had saved from Silke and got them to attack the spiders. I thus was able to acquire the possessions of all of them and gain experience into the bargain.

 

In the Burning Wizard I came across a drow thief who is as angry about how he has been treated as I am. Since our aims are similar, I readilly allowed him into the party. To the north I came across another drow, this time a cleric. Together we will teach those in the overworld to fear the drow.

[corey_russell]

For those of you following my Magicken run, just FYI - I did a test on a new test character - I can't dual TO a kit, only from on my install- so thus Magicken won't be a Kensai after all but a fighter.