673 réponses à ce sujet

[BelgarathMTH]

Excellent, excellent storytelling CKT! Your adventures are very engaging and pleasurable to read.

One suggestion: More paragraphing with spaces between the paragraphs would help avoid the "wall of text" effect and would really help my poor, middle-aged eyes to read. It's not your fault or anything, but, the population is getting older, and all that. My vision has deteriorated on me noticeably in the past year, just between age 45 and age 46.

Your new abbreviations have been added to the list. (Although not my own screename; but thank you so much for the nice compliment!  )

I look forward to reading your next installment.

BTW - Does anyone know of a control setting on these forums that would increase the font size within posts? Thanks.

Modifié par BelgarathMTH, 10 juillet 2011 - 05:31 .

[Charlestonian Knight Templar]

CLOAKWOOD DRUIDS
 
GENERAL: Lot's of Shadow Druid activity in this part of the Cloakwood. Jaheira warned that it would be so.  We also ran into a Bard, Eldoth, who radiated evil but, as temped as I was to do so, I chose to let him live.  We battled Brown Bears, Huge Spiders, Tasloi herein but gained little loot.  We came upon a number of Shadow Druids who approached us aggressively, noting Jaheira's presence, and we ended up killing two of the three of them.  We were also approached by a Druid Avenger who asked us to join her efforts but it was clear Jaheira wasn't a fan of that idea so I immediately let it go. 
 
KEY EVENT: We found a tree house that contained a 'self proclaimed' Arch druid named Amarande.  That went as well as the other meetings we'd had with Shadow Druids and we quickly ended up in combat.  Once again I found myself 'Held', as was Imoen who Aramande started whacking away on.  Khalid moved in behind him to backstab and Minsc tried to get around Imoen and I but could not so he had to remain in place and attack Aramande at arms length with Spiders Bane - luckily he was able to do so.  Dynahier hit Aramande with Agannazer's Scorcher while Jaheira used Doom and Rigid Thinking before moving in to melee with her club.  When all was said and done, even Dynahier was in melee mode beating him with her Quarterstaff +1.  He finally fell but it was not easy.

TREASURE OBTAINED:  Potions of Healing, Freedom and Fortitude and an Antidote.  We've yet to get Dynahier to ID the latter Potion but it's obvious what it is since Minsc already carries two of them (see note).  The grand Prize was a magical club, The Root of the Problem, which will go well with Jaheira's proficiency with that weapon. 
 
LEADER NOTES: Keep thinking party discipline and patience! Impatience and lack of discipline are our enemies out here.  
 
Current Disposition:  Recovering, resting and  planning our next moves at the FAI. 
 
NEXT STEPS: Continue deeper into the Cloakwood.
 
NOTES:  One of the options I've chosen to not allow automatic ID of potions, gems, magic items etc.  They require an Identify Spell or PC/NPC (to include shopkeepers) with high enough lore.  Unless someone in the party has a high enough lore or we have an an Identify Spell left we have to wait to rest when Dynahier can recover her Identify spell even for many potions, magic items some gems. 
 
PROMOTIONS:  Imoen advanced to 6th Lvl Swashbuckler and has started working on her Hide in Shadows ability.  Jaheira became a 6th Lvl Druid and added Rigid Thinking to her Divine repertoire. Dynahier finally achieved 5th Lvl and added two Fireballs to her memorized spells since that's the only 3rd Lvl spell she has in her spell book. Khalid became a 6th Lvl Bounty Hunter and began trying to catch up to Imoen in his Find Traps and Pick Locks abilities. 
 
CURRENT PARTY:  (Reputation: 20 - Heroic)
 
Stanley; 5th Lvl Cavalier; LS**/SSS**/Mace; RoP(rotection)+1
Minsc; 5th Lvl Barbarian; 2HS***/2HWS**; Spiders Bane
Khalid; 6th Lvl Bounty Hunter; BS/LB/SWS; LB of M(arksmanship)
Imoen; 6th Lvl Swashbuckler; SB/SS; SS+1
Jahiera; 6th Lvl Druid; Cl/Sl/Sc; RoH(oliness)/Root of the Problem
Dynahier; 5th Lvl Invoker; Sl; QS+1/RoE(nergy)
 
RELOADS: 5

[BelgarathMTH]

Another exciting chapter, CKT. It looks like that shadow druid in the tree almost got you. I hate Hold Person. Or I hate it when they're casting it anyway.

[corey_russell]

I have to admit, before I was doing no-reloads I have had to reload at that arch druid. Acid arrows and magic missiles are very helpful here, well in fact anything that can disrupt his spell casting. If you are a fighter type potion of invulnerability is usually enough to resist the hold.

[Charlestonian Knight Templar]

Cloakwood Wyverns


General: Lot's to write about as I sit listening to the noise from downstairs at the FAI and some muffled chatter from Jaheira and Khalid’s room next door.  Minsc, who I share a room with is snoring - loudly.  Dynahier and Imoen are quiet in their room - Dynahier deep in study, I assume, and her influence keeps Imoen quiet too - a blessing to us all. 
 
We moved further into the Cloakwood a couple of days ago and immediately stumbled upon a group of Shadow Druids who were in the process of killing Beador.  We were able to save him with some difficulty but had to kill the Shadow Druids to do so.  He directed us back to the tree house we left further back a few days ago but at the time we didn't understand that.  As with the rest of the forest there was no shortage of bears, spiders or Tasloi and here there was the added attraction of a few young Wyverns.  There were also some guards in Splint Mail with Long Swords . We battled them and the various critters successfully but none of us was unscratched. 
 
That Swashbuckler, Coran, we met back a ways was correct.  We came upon a cave and Jaheira Blessed us before we entered (see Leader Note below).  When we entered we were up to our eyeballs in Wyverns of all shapes and sizes.  Actually, there were two adults and three young Wyverns.  I think Minsc quaffed a Potion of Fortitude and I may have knocked down a Potion of Heroism bit I'm certain Khalid took a Potion of Fire Breath.  He moved in too close though and got stung. I don't even know if he ever got to 'breathe' on the Wyvern.  Regardless, we couldn't get an Antidote or a Slow Poison Spell to him quick enough as he retreated and he lay dead moments later.  Stung by that disaster, we took it to them good and collected some loot but, to be honest I don't remember what it was.  Jaheira used the Raise Dead Scroll she bought at the Song of the Morning (I think) and then a Scroll of Healing on Khalid. I Laid on Hands on him.  We got him healthy enough to travel out of the wood. 
 
Key Event:  After leaving the cave and searching the forest end to end we realized Beador was talking about the tree house we left back where we'd seen all the Shadow Druids.  After conferring with him again we knew we needed to make tracks back to the tree house with no time to waste.  When we got there, we found Aramande's 'number two’, Ardarthe, and another Shadow Druid (SD), who were none too happy to have a visit from us.  We ended up in a pitched battle. I went for Ardarthe while the others tried to take out the second SD - all the while dealing with some vicious canines at our ankles and legs.  Luckily Ardarthe, ended up dropping his weapon and pleading for mercy.  Jaheira suggested we to let the coward go after threatening him within an inch of his life if he returned. I agreed.  We finished up the other SD and were able to rescue Maretha from the tree house.  As Maretha rushed to Beador's side, Jaheira suggested we return to Seniyad to inform him of our success.  We did, he was much appreciative, and we've earned an ally and a friend in the Druids of the Cloakwood. 
 
Treasure Acquired:  The two battles with the Druids yielded some gold and two suits of magical Leather Armor that we gave to Imoen and Jaheira.  They didn't add any more protection for either over the Studded Leather Armor they'd been wearing but it is much lighter and that's a definite plus.  As thanks, Seniyad gave Jaheira a magical Club, even better than the 'Root of the Problem' she'd been using.  This one is named, 'The Eye of the Storm.' 
 
Leader Notes: Jaheira Blessing us before we entered the cave is our new Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) for entering this type situation.  If it looks like it could be bad we'll approach it like it is. I'd rather waste a spell, a Potion or two or both, than lose a life.  Also, I've come to value Jaheira's wisdom and sense of justice very much. 
 
Current Disposition:  Recovering and resting at the FAI. 
 
Next Steps: Headed toward the final leg of the Cloakwood Forest. 
 
Notes:  None
 
Promotions:  None
 
Current Party:  (Reputation: 20 - Heroic)
 
Stanley; 5th Lvl Cavalier; LS**/SSS**/Mace; Full Plate Armor; RoP(rotection)+1
Minsc; 5th Lvl Barbarian; 2HS***/2HWS**; Splint Mail; Spiders Bane
Khalid; 6th Lvl Bounty Hunter; BS/LB/SWS; Studded Leather +1; LB of M(arksmanship)
Imoen; 6th Lvl Swashbuckler; SB/SS; Leather Armor +1; SS+1
Jahiera; 6th Lvl Druid; Cl/Sl/Sc; Leather Armor +1; RoH(oliness)/Club +2 (Eye of the Storm)
Dynahier; 5th Lvl Invoker; Sl; Knaves Robe; QS+1/RoE(nergy)
 
Reloads: 5

Modifié par Charlestonian Knight Templar, 12 juillet 2011 - 12:45 .

[BelgarathMTH]

Another excellent entry, CKT. You really bring your reader into your game with you. I love the way you give details about what your friends are doing while you are filling out your log at the FAI.

It looks like you had a friend fall to poison just as my whole party almost did against Blackdrag. Spells just don't seem to be enough in the thick of combat, since you have to get to the poisoned comrade and get the spell cast without interruption, plus the person attempting to render aid probably made an action the last round and has to wait to the beginning of the next round to even get started.

Antidotes, antidotes, antidotes. I don't plan on making the same mistake again. Annoying procedurals before every expedition and even before every door opened, are better than dying!

I am filled with a sense of dread, since we both know you and your friends are approaching Daveaorn, not to mention his exterior and upper level guards!

I anxiously await the next chapter. Our shared metagame knowledge kind of makes for automatic cliffhangers, without your even having to write one!

Modifié par BelgarathMTH, 12 juillet 2011 - 11:12 .

[Charlestonian Knight Templar]

Wow! Thanks BMTH. I've come to find I enjoy writing (typing) up my "journal" almost as much as playing the actual game.

Almost like writing a fantasy D&D short story.

CKT

[Charlestonian Knight Templar]

Cloakwood Mines


General: A Masterful Stroke!  That's what this couple of days was for our group.  The plan was to conduct reconnaissance around the perimeter of the mines, making sure we secured every inch before trying to breach our way into the mines themselves. We did that well, using Khalid and Imoen as our scouts and it worked.  The place was crawling with Black Talon Elite (BTE), Guards, the usual Tasloi and a wolf or two.  While scouting the main gate to the compound we were challenged by a BTE leader who, upon request, identified himself as Lakadaar and boasted that he was with the Iron Throne.  This is a major clue as it ties back to Ender Sai's story that he was a prisoner at the Bandit Camp because he'd crossed the Iron Throne. We had little trouble with Lakadaar's group or any other adversaries outside the compound. 
 
Key Event:  Once we decided to raid the mine complex, we made camp on the perimeter to rest, memorize spells and plan our strategy. When ready, we approached the main gate sending Khalid 'Hidden in Shadow' to let us know what was in there.  He reported four senior BTE types, two that appeared to be mages, the others fighters of some sort. We set up outside the main gate. Dynahier quaffed a Potion of Invisibility and went to within "Fireball" range and let loose.  She was able to get the spell off and retreat back across the bridge without a scratch.  The BTE, all wounded, were not far behind.  Khalid and Imoen had set a Special Snare and a Snare respectively but the BTE never got that far before one of the mages started encanting a spell. I moved out intent on closing his mouth quickly and as usual, was about six steps behind Minsc who was in a Barbarian Rage.  The remainder of the group laid back and used ranged weapons and then moved about half way cross the bridge to get closer to the action.  Minsc and I were just at the edge of the bridge, near some stables, battling the two fighters and one of the mages, plus a couple of Kobold Commando's that showed up.  The fighters went down with a wimper and it took a while but we got the lone mage. Knowing Khalid had scouted two mages we regrouped and moved toward what turned out to be the barracks entrance.  The second mage, badly burned, was there and we attacked and took him out easily.  We then mopped up the remaining guards in the barracks, storehouse and mine lift entrance.  We had so much treasure and figured we'd done enough damage that we decided to take a few days and head back to the FAI and Beregost to regroup and 'lighten our load.'. 
 
Treasure Acquired: Two Mage Robes (Fire Resistant and Traveler's); Potions of Frost Giant Strength and Magic Shielding; about ten sets of Splint Mail, one Chain Mail, numerous Long Swords and a couple of Heavy Crossbows. We'd bagged a Wyvern on the way in so we were lugging his head around too. 
 
Leader Notes: Don't get complacent.  This was good but we could be better.  Heading into the mines now and Dungeon crawling is a different sport.  Got to adjust for the tighter quarters and watch even more carefully for traps. 
 
Current Disposition:  Resting, recovering at the FAI after 'cashing in' the Wyvern Head at Feldepost’s store in Beregost. 
 
Next Steps: Into the mines. 
 
Notes:  None
 
Promotions:  None
 
Current Party:  (Reputation: 20 - Heroic)
 
Stanley; 5th Lvl Cavalier; LS**/SSS**/Mace; Full Plate Armor; RoP+1; Helm of Charm Protection
Minsc; 5th Lvl Barbarian; 2HS***/2HWS**; Splint Mail; Spiders Bane
Khalid; 6th Lvl Bounty Hunter; BS/LB/SWS; Studded Leather +1; LB of M(arksmanship)
Imoen; 6th Lvl Swashbuckler; SB/SS; Leather Armor +1; SS+1
Jahiera; 6th Lvl Druid; Cl/Sl/Sc; Leather Armor +1; RoH(oliness)/Club +2 (Eye of the Storm)
Dynahier; 5th Lvl Invoker; Sl; Knaves Robe; QS+1/RoE(nergy)
 
Reloads:  5

[BelgarathMTH]

Bravo, CKT! Your "fiery" description (I was going to say "electrifying") of your encounter with Davie's guards and apprentices actually got a bit of adrenaline into my system!

It feels like being in a Faerunian tavern at night, with candle and torch light dancing on the walls, a merry band of bards playing in the background, swapping tales of victory over a few too many ales.

You've got me considering starting all over at the beginning of BGT with a new run after I get done with my current ToB run, because now I'm in the mood to do BG1 again.

Great storytelling, my friend, and I'm still loving your commander's log format.

[Charlestonian Knight Templar]

Thanks BMTH. I'm following your SOA, now TOB antics and enjoying them as well.

Looking forward to SI101s return from vacation - but then I'm headed to Jamaica the last week of July myself so they'll be a break in the stories for 10 days or so.

Would be cool if PPP would join us again too.

I'm actually two levels complete in the mines but just haven't posted my narratives yet. One a day is my goal.

CKT

[Charlestonian Knight Templar]

CLOAKWOOD MINES LEVEL 1-2


GENERAL: We’ve camped before proceeding to another level of the mines. The others are exhausted and quiet. The only light is the torch I’m using to aid me in writing.  There is dampness in the air and my parchment skin is difficult to write on but I need to get these thoughts out so that I can begin to focus on tomorrow.  
 
First Level:  The first level of the mines was relatively uneventful.  We had about five clashes, one or two guards at a time. As with the other guards we’ve encountered these, too, were armored in Splint Mail (SpM) and carried Long Swords (LSwd), one or two in Leather Armor.
 
We did talk to a miner who told us the mine could be destroyed by a plug that holds back the river outside. He said a man named Daeovoren would have the key. He also mentioned a friend of his on the second floor by the name of Rill.  Rill, he said, would know how to free the remaining miners/slaves. Finally, he mentioned a Dwarf named Yeslick who could also be found on the second floor near.  He said Yeslick was the source of his information about the plug.
 
Second Level:  Unlike the first level, the second level started with a bang.  Just as we came down the steps and started to get in formation, we found ourselves facing more guards – four, I think - three in the SpM/LSwd garb we've become familiar with around here. We were able to dispose of them fairly easily though and reformed to move left down the corridor.  With Imoen checking for traps and Khalid Hiding in Shadows, the two of them moved with Khalid going first about 15-20 feet, then Imoen coming alongside continuing to check for traps around and ahead.  Once she gave him the 'all clear' Khalid would move ahead another 15-20 feet or so, then Imoen would catch up and they'd repeat it again - a painfully slow process but one that kept us alive throughout.  We killed another guard and a couple of Ghasts before finding some prisoner cells where we met Rill. We gave him 100GP so he could 'bribe' the Lieutenant in charge of the guards on the first level. With that he said he could work it so all the remaining miners/slaves could be freed.  I figure the Lieutenant was already 'mine temperature' since we'd already cleared the first level but what's 100GP?  Plus, I wasn't sure and I wanted those men safe as soon as possible.  We also met the Dwarf, Yeslick, as predicted.  Yeslick said that he'd be glad to join us but I remain convinced I have the right party mix and anymore would too many (see note).  Yeslick confirmed the miner’s story about the river plug and what it could do for us.  That frames our ultimate goal here in the mines.   
 
KEY EVENT:  Just as we left Yeslick, we opened a door and encountered more guards, and more guards, and more.  As well as my party handled our assault on the exterior of the mines, that's about how badly I handled this battle.  There was no plan. Then I formed a plan on the fly to channel them into the doorway leading back into the cell blocks with Minsc and I out front chopping them down as they came through; our ranged weapons and spellcasters back where they could provide needed support.
 
The enemy shooting Arrows of Ice and, oh yeah, the mage that showed up and started casting spells kinda hosed up that plan. 
 
So I tried to draw them further into the cell hallway, with Minsc and I out front, Khalid and Imoen next, then Jaheira and Dynahier. Khalid and Imoen never got positioned and Jaheira and Dynahier ended up in the long southerly hall that led to the cell blocks, where, inconveniently they were unable to support at all. To make matters worse, Minsc got cornered in one of the cells - with about five guards on him.  I was in the main doorway to the cells trying to hack through guards to get to where I could help him while the other four tried to find a way to position themselves so they could assist.
 
The enemy mage had moved into the hall where the cells were and was encanting something that didn't sound like a 'Blessing'. Thankfully I quaffed the Potion of Magic Blocking because just then she hit me with Agannazer's Scorcher and followed that with a Lightning Bolt - but I was barely phased. 
 
Suddenly, I don't know how, I realized Minsc had taken out most of the guards in the cell with him and was finishing up the last one.  I hacked down the last one in front of me and it was clear sailing to the enemy mage so I made tracks to cut her down quickly.  It didn't go as quickly as I'd hoped but soon I was standing side by side with brother Minsc, both of us hacking away and in a couple of moments she was dead.  We'd made it through with no casualties.  Wow!
 
TREASURE ACQUIRED: Scrolls of Haste, a huge find, and Ghoul Touch.  Both will be added to Dynahier’s spellbook as soon as we can get her some study time and a Potion of Genius from Gellana.  Between the two levels we picked up 15 or so sets of SpM, about 20 LSwds and about 150 GPs, maybe.   We are piling the SpM and LSwds in some chests on the main floor of the mine Lift.  Also, The mage wore a Mages Robe and carried a Potion yet to be identified by Dynahier. 
 
LEADER NOTES:   The battle on the second level could have been a disaster and cannot happen again.  Caution is the best approach when in doubt. I tried to force that battle and could've gotten us all killed. I have to get us in the best possible position for these encounters. If that means backing off for time, then so be it.
 
CURRENT DISPOSITION:  Camped on the perimeter of the Cloakwood Mines.   
 
NEXT STEPS:  Cloakwood Mines Level 3. 
 
NOTES:  As with Branwen, I actually saved one game where I accepted Yeslick and released Khalid and, with him, Jaheira.  I have a vision of picking that up some time with my LG Cavalier, a LG Dwarven Fighter (Yeslick/Level 1 NPC edit), a LG Invoker (Dynahier), Minsc and Imoen.  From the mines I'd head to the Farmlands and pick up Ajantis, another Paladin. I think that would be a cool party. 
 
PROMOTIONS:  Minsc advanced to 6th Lvl Barbarian during the battle above. He has been training on the side with the Flail and has become proficient with that weapon. This provides a 'crushing' weapon to compliment Spiders Bane.  
 
CURRENT PARTY:  (Reputation: 20 - Heroic)
 
Stanley; 5th Lvl Cavalier; LS**/SSS**/Mace; Full Plate/LSwd/Mace +1; RoP+1/Helm of Charm Protection
Minsc; 6th Lvl Barbarian; 2HS***/2HWS**/Flail; Splint Mail/Spiders Bane
Khalid; 6th Lvl Bounty Hunter; BS/LB/SWS; Studded Leather,+1; LB of M(arksmanship)/BSwd
Imoen; 6th Lvl Swashbuckler; SB/SS; Leather Armor +1/SBw/SSwd+1
Jahiera; 6th Lvl Druid; Cl/Sl/Sc; Leather Armor +1/Slg/Club +2 (Eye of the Storm)/RoH(oliness)
Dynahier; 5th Lvl Invoker; Sl; Knaves Robe/Slg/QS+1/RoE(nergy)
 
Reloads:  5

Modifié par Charlestonian Knight Templar, 14 juillet 2011 - 02:35 .

[BelgarathMTH]

The enemy mage had moved into the hall where the cells were and was encanting something that didn't sound like a 'Blessing'.

ROFL! I love your sense of humor - deadpan in the face of disaster. I tend to be that way too, at least as long my party members aren't getting chunked.

I'm glad things turned out well during your out-of-control battle. Sometimes Tymora smiles on "lost" battles and turns the tables.

[Charlestonian Knight Templar]

CLOAKWOOD MINES LEVEL 3ish

GENERAL:  Finally, we're camped on the perimeter of the Cloakwood Mines getting some rest and badly needed healing. Unfortunately, we’ve been dogged by Davaeorn’s roving guard’s non-stop.  Twice we’ve been jolted from rest into battle by teams of five guards.  Luckily our watch was alert and we were able to respond. We were badly beaten up and these constant attacks/battles are inconvenient to say the least. The third time this occurred we were forced to break contact and re-establish camp in a new location, where finally, we rested.

I’d like to say the third level of the mines was just a routine housecleaning of Orecai (some call ‘em Hobgoblins). For the most part it was.  I think in the end, we probably killed forty of them with relative ease.   We had a bit of a time with an Ogre Mage but he went down pretty easily also. Worse thing about him was that he was in a repulsive ‘torture’ room full of the dead, decaying bodies of his unfortunate victims.

Upon return from the event below we cleaned out an armory, a few more Orecai and then headed down to the fourth level. We ran into a guard just as we emerged from the stairway.  He was tough. Might have been Black Talon Elite (BTE).  The first room was an entrance room with a bed chamber to the right.  But, as Khalid moved down the southwesterly hall Hidden in Shadow he came upon two Battle Horrors.  Whoa!  Those Horrors took everything we had left. I quaffed a Potion of Frost Giant Strength, Minsc of Fortitude before attacking. I had to switch to my Morning Star +1 to attack. Khalid and Imoen’s bows were ineffective (non-magical arrows).  Dynahier and, maybe Jaheira, had some success with spells. Eventually, after endless parrying, and quite a few ‘battle healings’ we were able to take the last one down. We were through; we needed rest.

KEY EVENT:  Darned mages! We were working our way down a long, northeasterly hallway on the 3rd level when Khalid, In Shadows, found a room containing an Elite Orecai…and another mage. I’m beginning to think the only good mage is a dead mage – Dynahier excepted ofcourse. Khalid, Hidden in Shadow', attacked with his Long Bow of Marksmanship (LBw/Mk) and then moved back into the hall way. When no response came, he did so a second time. This time she was able to hurt him before he slipped back into the hall. By this time the Orecai was in the hall.

I saw our strategy clearly, flawlessly in my mind – I’m just not sure anyone else knew what I was seeing and that's my fault. Minsc and I moved up to take him out and move in to the room to tackle the mage. Khalid and Imoen were to move in behind us and move to opposite corners on the room.  Jaheira and Dynahier would position themselves near the door way to provide spells and ranged support.

Then the lightning bolt appeared! There we were all bunched up in the doorway with a lightning bolt tap dancing off the walls. Within a split second Khalid was dead and I had been badly electrocuted. Thankfully the bolt continued bouncing away from the party or this could have been much worse. It was 'shocking' how fast I took us from a ‘Dungeon stroll’ to 'Dungeon disaster.' From there I don’t really even know what happened except that Minsc and the others took her out. 

We exited the dungeon and returned to the FAI, intent on buying as many Potions of Healing and Elixirs of Health as we could find. We ended up travelling from the FAI to the Song of the Morning to the Temple of Helm in Nashkel. We needed to stock up before thinking about returning to finish level 3. 

TREASURE ACQUIRED:  Potions of Magic Protection, Invulnerability, Stone Giant Strength, Healing (3), Mirrored Eyes, Strength, Cold Resistance, an Elixir of Health; Scrolls of Dispel Magic, Ghoul Touch, Hold Person, Slow, Protection from Acid; a mages Traveler’s Robe, many gems; probably 200-300 GPs. Countless suits of SpM, BSwds/LSwds, A Two-Handed Sword and other non-useable items that we will sell.  

LEADER NOTES:   Whatever can go wrong, will; at the worst possible moment. Be ready!

CURRENT DISPOSITION:  Camped on the perimeter of the Cloakwood Mines.   
 
NEXT STEPS:  Finish Cloakwood Mines Level 4. 
 
NOTES: None

PROMOTIONS: Jaheira advanced to 7th Lvl Druid. She has added the spells Cause and Cure Critical Wounds as well as Defensive Harmony to her abilities.

CURRENT PARTY:  (Reputation: 20 - Heroic)
 
Stanley; 5th Lvl Cavalier; LS**/SSS**/Mace; Full Plate/LSwd/Mace +1; RoP+1/Helm of Charm Protection
Minsc; 6th Lvl Barbarian; 2HS***/2HWS**/Flail; Splint Mail/Spiders Bane
Khalid; 6th Lvl Bounty Hunter; BS/LB/SWS; Studded Leather,+1; LB of M(arksmanship)/BSwd
Imoen; 6th Lvl Swashbuckler; SB/SS; Leather Armor +1/SBw/SSwd+1
Jahiera; 7th Lvl Druid; Cl/Sl/Sc; Leather Armor +1/Slg/Club +2 (Eye of the Storm)/RoH(oliness)
Dynahier; 5th Lvl Invoker; Sl; Knaves Robe/Slg/QS+1/RoE(nergy)
 
Reloads:  5

Modifié par Charlestonian Knight Templar, 15 juillet 2011 - 05:01 .

[BelgarathMTH]

I’m beginning to think the only good mage is a dead mage – Dynahier excepted ofcourse. 

************************* 

It was 'shocking' how fast I took us from a ‘Dungeon stroll’ to 'Dungeon disaster.'

LOL, CKT, your sense of humor continues to delight me!

I believe those two battle horrors are released by a trap - meaning that if you have Imoen scout ahead with Detect and she disarms it, I don't think you have to deal with those two guys. Are you playing with any difficulty mods? I used to have an install of Tutu with SCS that left, shall we say, "remnants", after I hastily removed the SCS. So, I might be wrong about the battle horrors, but I know that in my last run, I did not have to deal with them; but I also got all the traps cleared out of the hallway approaching Davy.

It's a miracle you didn't have to raise your reload counter after that one! Tymora continues to smile upon you, it seems.

A pearl to you as you proceed.

[corey_russell]

You are correct Belgarath the Battle Horrors spawn from traps. If de-trapped you don't have to fight them - of course fighting them is extra experience, so do whatever fits your game plane. : )

[SapphireIce101]

Whatever can go wrong, will; at the worst possible moment. Be ready!

This is so true in life as well. However, Keep up the good work! I hope that I will be able to post some stuff on Kalyinara today after getting my homework done, and tons of chores that I have to do.

[Charlestonian Knight Templar]

CLOAKWOOD MINES LEVEL 4

GENERAL:  The toughest battle in the deepest level of the Cloakwood Mines took place earlier when our party decided to keep going after we completed the 3rd.  Those Battle Horrors gave us everything we could handle. 
KEY EVENT:   In and out characterized our visit to the final level of the mines.  Davaeorn, himself, turned out to be a ‘sheep in wolfs clothing’ as they say. Khalid worked his way ‘in Shadow’ up until he found Davaeorn.  Davaeorn noticed him and cast some protective spells on himself but didn’t give chase. Khalid returned and they played ‘cat and mouse’ until Davaeorn ‘bit’ and followed him toward the entrance room. 
I’d set the party up in the entrance room with Minsc and I hidden just inside the room on either side of the doorway. Imoen was about halfway back armed with her bow and Khalid would return to the same position, opposite side of the room, each time he returned from scouting Davaeorn’s movements. Jaheira and Dynahier were in opposite corners of the room farthest from where Davaeorn would enter.
When he did, Minsc and I collapsed on him and the others were supposed to begin providing ranged and spell support from behind us. Somehow though, Imoen ended up behind him putting Davaeorn between her and the rest of us. It worked though, because the first and deadliest blow of the battle was Imoen’s backstab – huge! Not only did it cause him serious damage but he turned all of his attention on her leaving his back to both Minsc and I who pounded away while Jaheira and Dynahier did their stuff from behind us. I’m not sure but I don’t think he ever got off a spell aside from the protective spells he’d cast on himself before the battle. He was dead quickly. 
He had on his corpse the key we needed to release the river plug and flood the mines.  We did so after checking that all the slave miners were free.
TREASURE ACQUIRED:   Mage robe of the Evil Archmagi; Potions of Explosions, Firebreath, Master Thievery etc; Scrolls of Detect Invisibility, Blur, Horror, Melf’s Acid Arrow, Grease, Shield, Protection from Evil and Petrifaction, Lorloch’s Minor Drain, Infravision etc; several gems; ~1500 GPs and some other stuff…
LEADER NOTES:  I think Imoen is getting ready to make an announcement (ask me) about a career change. I know she and Dynahier are conniving and have been saving a few scrolls on the side. We’re also missing a mage robe designed especially for Rogue-mage types.  
NEXT STEPS:  All signs point to West Baldur’s Gate. 
CURRENT DISPOSITION: At the FAI, preparing for our trip to Baldur’s Gate. 
 NOTES: Imoen’s active script is ‘Ranged’ so her switching weapons and pulling out her SSwd +1 to backstab was very cool. I like how the Artificial Intelligence allows changes like that based on melee circumstances. I had nothing to do with her backstabbing Davaeorn but it ruined his day. 
 PROMOTIONS:  None.
 CURRENT PARTY:  (Reputation: 20 - Heroic)
 
Stanley; 5th Lvl Cavalier; LS**/SSS**/Mace; Full Plate/LSwd/M. Star +1; RoP+1/Helm of ChP
Minsc; 6th Lvl Barbarian; 2HS***/2HWS**/Flail; Splint Mail/Spiders Bane
Khalid; 6th Lvl Bounty Hunter; BS/LB/SWS; Studded Leather,+1; LBw of Mkp/BSwd
Imoen; 6th Lvl Swashbuckler; SB/SS; Leather Armor +1/SBw/SSwd+1
Jaheira; 7th Lvl Druid; Cl/Sl/Sc; Leather Armor +1/Slg/Club +2 (Eye of the Storm)/RoH
Dynahier; 5th Lvl Invoker; Sl; Knaves Robe/Slg/QS+1/RoE
 
Reloads:  5

[BelgarathMTH]

Congrats on defeating Davy. Sounds like you were well in control and owned him. Your wise decision to retreat after the battle horrors probably helped with that.

That's an interesting note about the AI. I assume you did have to give her the command to go stealthy first, right?

[corey_russell]

Certain thief scripts can stealth on their own, under 'Customize' then 'Scripts'.

[Charlestonian Knight Templar]

@BMTH: No, I didn't give the command to go stealth.

My NPCs run on their Active Scrips almost entirely in battle. I review their Active Scripts early and often when beginning play.

I turn it off in those touchy situations when it could get us in trouble, e.g. attacking too soon and blowing our cover or killing everyone in the lounge of the Iron Throne. Yeah - I've learned that lesson.

Otherwise though, I like to let their scripts drive them. I DO position them but once I do so I let them do their thing unless it's obvious they need to be redirected.

For awhile I had my NPCs active scripts listed on my posts. Don't know when I stiopped doing that - too lazy to go look right now.

FYI: Minsc, Spellcaster Defend (Dynahier is his life); Khalid and Imoen, Ranged; Jaheira, Druid Offensive/Defensive; Dynahier, Mage Defensive.

CKT

Modifié par Charlestonian Knight Templar, 18 juillet 2011 - 09:03 .

[BelgarathMTH]

You mean that using nothing but the vanilla Ranged script, Imoen stealthed and backstabbed on her own? Wow, I might have to try using the AI more so I don't have to micromanage so much.

[Charlestonian Knight Templar]

Yes. NPCs will revert to melee weapons in close combat if they are normally ranged, and vice versa too.

They also run when they need to, most of the time, reset themselves for the best possible position and move on to the next bad guy when they kill his buddy.

It also kinda makes things change up a bit at times. You'll look around a battle and realize something has happended that you least expected.

Recently when we were stuck fighting all the guards and the mage in the Cloakwood, suddenly I realized Minsc had killed like four of five guys and I was free to let him finish his business while I focused on the mage. Otherwise, I'd a needed to go save him - or so I thought.

CKT

[Charlestonian Knight Templar]

Baldur's Gate (BG)


General: Wow! This place is big. We were off and running from the moment we arrived at the gate. Literally. Scar, second in command of the Flaming Fist, met us at the gate and asked us to look into 'unofficial' concerns he had about the Seven Suns Trading Company (SSTC). We all had a good feeling about Scar's honesty and veracity so we proceeded straightaway, save a bit of gawking at the enormity of this place.
 
The SSTC turned out to be overrun with Dopplegangers. The merchant's tried to dissuade us from looking around but we ignored them and did so unmolested. When we found the basement we caught a Doppleganger in the flesh and quickly finished his existence in Faerun. We also found the SSTCs owner, Jhasso, imprisoned, who told us the place was infested with them. We reported to Scar and at his request returned to finish off the Dopplegangers in the SSTC and received a large reward and further work.
 
After 'looking into' the SSTC, Scar asked us to look into a series of mysterious disappearances in the Eastern sector of the city.  We agreed to assist. En route we decided to hail, Aldeth, our acquaintance from the Cloakwood Lodge who'd asked us to stop in if were ever in the city. That turned into an adventure of its own (see Key Event Below).
 
Heading to the East BG (E BG) we were hailed by a couple of 'roguish types' who warned us not to look into the Iron Throne. We disregarded them and continued trying to find our way around the city. After a nights rest we were approached by the second of these 'rogues' who warned me I'd been poisoned. This turned into a ******-for-tat deal to save this fella from a Geas Spell that had been placed on him. We ended up acquiring a Tome of Knowledge for Jalantha at the 'Temple of Umberlee' (ToE) in order to save him and get the antidotes I needed to save me. Just as I was really starting to feel the effects of the poison, we found his partner, who'd done the poisoning, and killed him for his troubles. Antidote acquired. 
 
We ended up returning to the ToE again because a young boy approached us and asked us to follow him. He took us to a priest whose son had been killed while playing practical jokes on the ToE Priestesses. We returned and spoke with the '**** Queen', as they fondly refer to her. It costs us but we were able to retrieve the boy's body and return him to his father. Thankfully, he was still in a condition to be ‘Raised’ so Father and son are together again.
 
Key Event: It is just weird dealing with Dopplegangers! When we arrived Aldeth met us outside and asked us to look around his business. His partners, he said, seemed out of sorts. On going inside, one of the 'partners' told us that they were having a big anniversary party for Aldeth on the 3rd floor and asked us to meet them up there.  We came up the stairs to the 3rd floor and it was overrun with exposed Dopplegangers who have weird ideas about celebrating an anniversary.  We battled, probably 10-12 of them to the death - theirs. 
 
Then we proceeded to talk to Aldeth and the head of his guards, Brandilar. With some help we were able to find letters implicating Aldeth's 'partners' as...  Anyone? Anyone? Ferris? Dopplegangers. His 'partners' no longer work there. Aldeth was grateful and rewarded us smartly.
 
Treasure Acquired: Bastard Sword +1/+3 Shapeshifters; Scrolls of Protection from Undead, Electricity et al; Potion of Hill Giant Strength et al; ~ 5000 GPs
 
Leader Notes:  Our funds are the highest they've been since we've been together - over 13K GPs. I have to be wise in the use of our funds. 
 
Current Disposition:   Resting at a Tavern/Inn in NW BG.  Interestingly, as big as this city is, it's tough to find a place with enough room s for all of us. (I like everyone to have therir own room - no 'sleeping dwarves' allowed)
 
Next Steps: Investigate what's happening in E BG. 
 
Notes:  None
 
Promotions:   Imoen, Dynahier and then, Khalid all advanced in their career paths.  Imoen advanced to 7th Lvl as a Swashbuckler.  She's been working on her 'Hiding in Shadows' and 'Move Silently' skills; Dynahier became a 6th Lvl Invoker and added the 3rd Lvl spell, 'Slow', to her arsenal of memorized spells.  Khalid became a 7th Lvl Bounty Hunter.  He's been focusing on his 'Move Silently' ability to compliment his 'Hiding in Shadows'. 
 
Current Party:  (Reputation: 20 - Heroic)
 
Stanley; 6th Lvl Cavalier; LS**/SSS**/Mace**; Full Plate Armor; M. Star +1; RoP+1; HoChP;
Minsc; 6th Lvl Barbarian; 2HS***/2HWS**/Flail; Splint Mail; Spiders Bane
Khalid; 7th Lvl Bounty Hunter; BS/LB/SWS; Studded Leather +1; LB of Mkp; BSwd +1/+3 (ShS)
Imoen; 7th Lvl Swashbuckler; SB/SS; Leather Armor +1; SS+1
Jahiera; 7th Lvl Druid; Cl/Sl/Sc; Leather Armor +1; RoH(/Club +2 (EotSt)
Dynahier; 6th Lvl Invoker; Sl; Knaves Robe; QS+1/RoE
 
Reloads:  5

[SapphireIce101]

Keep up the good work CKT.

Thats the thing I hate about The Gate. Tons of Dopplegangers.

Also, good job on getting unpoisoned!

Once again, Keep up the good work! Hope to see you in BG2 soon!

[Charlestonian Knight Templar]

@ Sapphire...  Thanks for the encouragement.  The 'bad guys' are getting tougher and tougher - but so are we!


Btw, it's probably a good think Kalyinara's not over here in TotSC right now - my PC wouldn't be able to keep his mind on his work.     
                     
  Okay, now where was I?  Oh yeah, here's the next installment

lol  CKT

Modifié par Charlestonian Knight Templar, 20 juillet 2011 - 01:35 .