sorophx

Last time we saw our heroes they were navigating ancient ruins deep below the surface. Just to remind you: we're on a quest to find a powerful ancient artifact that will help us destroy a beholder creature. Guardian: Time is with you and you travel through it and all the while it moves away. Time goes on with and without you, though duty may make it wait. The bridge is not stable, and the end changes place. Call forth the name to summon the path. Choose the most difficult step on the bridge. Le: The current one, for it alone is my choice. Guardian: The current step may be your first and may also become your last. The other two are abstract; this one is yours to choose and shape, though duty may force the choosing. You have summoned the path, and may join the guarding. Duty awaits you. Day 5. Dawn. Or is it dawn? Can't really tell, it's been a while since I last saw the sun, or the moon. And what in the Hells were those green things?! They looked like beholders to me, but smaller. Good thing they don't have the power of True Sight, we don't have an artifact that could destroy them yet. Jan can be really useful sometimes with his illusions. Saved us a lot of trouble, by enabling us to sneak by all these monsters and shadows undetected. I can see a big structure up ahead. There are people there, or so it seems. Children too... Once Jan is done disarming that trap on the bridge we'll try and negotiate with them. Though, I have to wonder, how is it that they have been able to stay alive all this time, with the creatures guarding all the exits? Have to be on our guard... Diseased One: We are the guardians. We guard the temple. This is very important becuase every few hundred years someone almost wanders this way. We have forgotten what it is that we guard, we have forgotten how many generations we have been here, and we have forgotten what it is to have a purpose. Aerie: But you must be serving some greater plan. Who is this temple dedicated to? Diseased One: The temple? It has been so long since we have uttered the god's name it has been forgotten by most. What loyalty do we owe a creature that would condemn us to this? Le: Then why do you stay? Diseased One: We cannot leave. We cannot even die. We are born again in an endless recycling of our souls. We learn over and over again that we are condemned to a fate we no longer want. Aerie: And what is this disease you are afflicted with? Diseased One: It is the decay of our minds and souls. We grow to hate the power that sustains us, so it rots us from the inside. There is no cure. There is no escape. There is no end. Keldorn: If you are too weak to free yourselves I should try to. Diseased One: Do what you will; there is no escape for us. We have accepted this. We teach it to the newly young, who then teach it to the old that die and are reborn. The deal which placed us here has been followed to the letter, and we are never to be released from service no matter how pointless the task. You will fail. You cannot help but fail. We know this. We expect nothing other. Anomen: Is there nothing that can be done? Have you petitioned your lord? Diseased One: We cannot petition the unknown. We have not seen a sign for ages and his name is lost to us now. No, nothing is directed at the temple except loathing. Take what you will. We are guardians in name only. We might as well be simple mindless skeletons. Le: Let's go inside and have a look, then. Since these poor bastards don't mind. Be ready for anything, there's a reason why they can't enter the temple anymore. Le: Don't attack it! It's a trick! It wants us to attack it. Aerie, Anomen, cast something that works against demons! ... What? Look, it's injured, try casting a cure spell on it! ... Trust me, it's a hunch, just try it! ... Haha, it worked! That's right, demon, your tricks don't work on us! Avatar: ...provide for their lives. This was to be for all time. Le: There must be an end. It has been so long they do not even recall your name. Avatar: Then it is little wonder I cannot defeat the beast. It is their loathing and pathos, and it has become their object of worship, whether they know it or not. The time has passed. I have naught here, and will not again. Even the great device has waned in power, and is not so epic a danger as once I thought. Anomen: This is a god, then, or its avatar? Weakened by lack of faith... and the device that the beholder seeks no longer has great power. I wonder if the beholder knows this? Avatar: I weep for my children. Their hate sustains this place, though they would intend otherwise. Had they not thought of me at all I would have perished, and soon after so would they. Le: Is that the end you envision? Death to all that follow you? Avatar: Death would be welcome to them. Not the death they have now, wherein thge spirit is still bound to earth, but true death, where they would join me in the Keep of the Eternal Sun. The letter of the bargain was that I protect the great device until the end of time. The creator races were very specific. I will reinterpret the words, for it is surely the end of MY time. The intent of the bargain was that the great device would not be used again. If it is indeed the 'end of time', then my last act should be to destroy it. I have not the power to do so. Le: It is needed first. Perhaps we could help each other? Avatar: Yes, I see in your mind the way to release this place. You seek the great device for another, though you owe them no allegiance and they intend to kill you. The cause is simple. You will take the great device, the piece that I possess, and you shall combine it with the piece the creature already has. The assembled rod would surely destroy the beast. You must use the item upon the beast, and then return it to me. Use it but once, or you will perish under its power. Tell my people you carry the piece so that you might deplete it; that you go to restore its components and dispose of it as a whole. My people must know I intend to destroy it... but more, they must know I intend to end their service. This simple act of bringing together the two parts of the rod will instill a small amount of faith, for an instant. If they are in my presence, such an instant will allow me to destroy the artifact. Le: What do I get out of this? Avatar: The destruction of a beast that is using you. I know not if you know its nature, but you will stand little chance against the thing without the great device. No, you must do this for me. It is in your best interest. Use the item once with my blessing to ward you against harm. Return as though at my bidding and you will free my people. Do this. Le: Give me the device. Avatar: Take it, and plant the seed of hope within my followers. They may not believe you now, but when you return they will perhaps have a spark. ... Diseased One: Have you enjoyed your visit? Of course you found nothing and of course you will leave empty handed. There is... you... You have the great device! What are you doing with that? It cannot be moved! It has not been moved in a millenia! Le: It is the will of your god that it be taken from this place and weakened! Diseased One: I do not believe you. Nothing has changed here in ages. If you have the great device it is only because our god is weaker than we imagined. Le: You will see. It is to be destroyed when I return. You will be free of your duty. Diseased One: Nothing changes here. You will not return. We will not be freed. There is nothing to lend our faith to but hate and loathing. Go. It is the last we will see of you. Day 5. I just want to get out of this place already. I can't bear the though of going back down into those ruins again. I hope Jan has more of those invisibility spells ready. I'm too tired to fight more of the shadows and apparitions... And I hope to whatever god we just saw this rod, this "great device" works, and that beholder thing gets destroyed on the spot. I'm not sure we can take down something that powerful. Sassar: Is...is that you? Have you returned successful? Le: Yes. I have half of the rod here with me. Sassar: Most excellent, my Lady! Most wonderful! Let me tell you, then, how the second half can be acquired. The Unseeing Eye is in a great pit in the center of the cult compound. You cannot enter the pit by the stairs--the beholder's minions would slay you. But you must get into the pit. There is a niche where the beholder stores his treasures...including the rod. There is a safe way to get to that niche. One of our friends is still in the cult. You must approach him and say the phrase 'the eye is blind'. He will know who you are and be able to help you. You will find him by the Pit of the Faithless...do hurry, my Lady! The beholder continues to mesmerize and murder the innocent even as we speak! Anomen: We shall go immediately and locate this man you speak of. Sassar: Praise the gods! I wish you well my Lady! Remember, do not speak to Gaal. If he senses that you have half of the rod, the plan is doomed. Speak only to Tad! Day 5. That blind fool was full of crap! Taking the stairs into the pit would've led us straight to the rod! Instead we took the "scenic route" and had to fight a bunch of monsters. How I wish I slapped that old bastard right across his stupid face! Turned out the hole Tad showed us is used to dispose of bodies. That is great because I just love fighting the undead. NOT! Good thing we have two clerics with us. Turn Undead does wonders. We basically had them avoid us all the way through their little town. Poor bastards, Anomen insisted we cleared the whole thing. And of course the tunnels, the beholder's lair. It smelled like ass in there. I am still a lady, for gods' sake, it's unbecoming of me to crawl through sewers, corpses and beholder ****. Again, Jan's magic saved the day, I didn't want to stay there longer than necessary. Found the second half, assembled it; the stupid creature sensed it and came rushing in, just to get fried by the thing. Unfortunately, "the great device" didn't kill it outright. It isn't so great after all. That's a good thing too, since I won't feel bad destroying it. Ah, might as well return it to the temple. One more descend and we're home free. First thing I do after we get out of this hell hole is take a bath. I'll get the best room the Cop has to offer, all for myself. We're swimming in gold anyway, I can buy half the town already. This adventuring business is sure profitable. Diseased One: You return? Why? Why have you come back here? You brought back the great device? Le: I have said it is the will of your lord. It is depleted, and is to be destroyed. Diseased One: You lie! You must! There is no hope for us here! It has been ages since any sign or change! Le: And that age is over. Is it so hard to fathom? It is simply time for the end. Diseased One: This cannot be. You cannot be the herald of change. It is not possible. I... I must see for myself. I must hear the word. We all must. ... Diseased One: There is nothing here. There is never anything her e but the stench of our hate. Le: Why should he come to you? Do you bother to offer his name in tribute? Diseased One: His name has not been spoken outside of a curse for a generation. There has been no sign, and there has been no point. Le: I have given the sign. What will you do with it? Disesed One: I will... I ... Diseased One: Please... we have need of you. Avatar: I hear. You who have suffered, who still suffer. The time is at an end. Letter of the law states that we guard until the end of time. our time has ended. Diseased One: Then... what is left to do? Avatar: Nothing. Your task is done. You will all sit by the side of Amaunator in the Keep of the Eternal Sun. The old enemies are gone, and duty is well enough fulfilled. Diseased One: Praise be to the keeper of time, that he should let it end for the just. Avatar: This is the end of things. Rest your mind in my heart. Rest. Day 5. That was... interesting. All we have to do now is go back and finish off Gaal and his minions. Can't leave the fool alive, who knows what he might do now that his "god" is dead...

pretty much this^ sums up my thoughts on all Bioware games since BG II

I was about to write a big reply to you, but then I saw this:

my definition of "role playing" in a CRPG most definitely differs from yours. but, I've been playing Baldur's Gate II, and one thing that jumped at me right off the bat: it hardly has any role playing. it has 3 types of responses in dialogues (good, neutral, evil), and most of the time the consequences of your actions boil down to the amount of XP you get (or don't get) as reward. most lines of dialogue will lead to the same result, so they're there only for fluff. it doesn't matter which one you pick, but I guess this is one way of "role playing" a certain character. you pick a dialogue option that corresponds with your character's alignment, and as a "reward" you get an appropriate response from the NPC. and that's all there is to it! apart from that, BG II is exactly the same as IWD - a string of dungeons of varying difficulty and size. it's very much a dungeon crawler. although, I have to admit, some of the dungeons are designed brilliantly. encounters, on the other hand - not so much. in this respect the IWD games are way better. anyway, to drive the point home, while I think you're correct in your belief, that pre-made party characters with back stories, reactions to your actions etc. make the game feel "alive", we are getting those in PoE. so from that point of view it offers as much role playing as BG II does. as for romances, I can prove to you right here that they were done very poorly in BG II (with one exception - Jaheira). so bringing those up doesn't help your case.

so, I guess that means you're not playing anything now?

I'm pretty sure it's closed to regular visitors. there's a cool museum just across the road from it, though

My friend really liked all 3 AC first games, I hated the first one so I never bothered with the other ones

http://www.trbimg.com/img-538c78d2/turbine/os-miss-usa-2014-bathing-suit-pictures-018/920 but she's really meh I should've included miss New Jersey, though here's the whole thing http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/os-miss-usa-2014-bathing-suit-pictures,0,3826780.photogallery?index=os-miss-usa-2014-bathing-suit-pictures-052

oh wow, you just shattered my dreams thanks for the heads up

I guess you're right, the biggest attraction in Tig's LP is the interaction between party members, and how they tackle the various battles. but it's also quite time consuming typing all the quest dialogues, some of them have huge amounts of text. so I ignore quests that I know you can look up in Tig's thread. I'm sticking with NPCs. you see, last time I played BG I had a custom party and missed all of the party chatter, all personal quests, romances etc. I'm using this opportunity to experience it for myself. also, I just steamrolled through the whole game with my custom party paying no attention to quests and their dialogues. this is why I try to show all the dialogues here, because for me this is the first time that I read them, and it's kind of cool trying to analyze the writing

in the meantime GOG releases my all-time favorite RTS game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp18OG3Tmhg

that's called "vintage" :D

and an extra, not competing with the ones posted above, just an interesting body type -- going back to that hip-waist discussion

and the ones I really liked Florida HOLY CRAP! er, I mean, Louisiana Montana the winner, Nevada South Dakota Utah

found a picture gallery of this year's Miss USA contestants. not posting all of them, just the ones that caught my eye Arizona (my "home" state, since my family used to live there) Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Iowa Missouri North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania

today is Sunday, so don't expect a real update. I do have something saved up. it will follow below. as for tomorrow's update, here's how things are currently: - I've completed Anomen's personal quest, so expect that; - I'm half way through Jaheira's personal quest, expect that as well; - I'm done with Keldorn's personal quest, I'll probably begin with that, here's a teaser: - I am currently doing Valygar's quest in the Planar Sphere, not sure if Tig was planning on showing it (since Tale is a mage, and the Sphere is the mage's stronghold, I'm fairly certain he will, so for now I'll keep it to myself); - I will also have my first update about managing De'Arnise Keep; other than that I'm making good progress in catching up with Tig's playthrough. done with Umar Hills and with most quests in the city. still have a couple of them, and Trademeet, before I can finish chapter 2. one problem, though: I can't trigger Nalia's personal quest for some reason. maybe more time should pass before it activates, I don't know. anyway, here's a little something to tie you over until tomorrow. Day 4. Nightfall. Had to set up camp in these ruins inside a structure which seems to repel shadows and other fiends that lurk in the dark around us. Anomen looks miserable after those abominations drained him of energy. Casting that restoration on himself... That would've killed someone of weaker constitution. And Keldorn is now going at it with his words of wisdom, poor Anomen. i don't like the guy, but he's having it rough tonight. Keldorn: Young Anomen, it seems to me that you have been too long away from the fold. Perhaps this is a good time to continue your lessons. Anomen: I assure you, noble Keldorn, that I am well-versed in the statutes and moral laws of the Order. Keldorn: I doubt it not. However, perhaps it is time to re-memorize the virtues of chivalry and honesty. Anomen: I know what you're about, Keldorn. Let me worry about training and you may worry about your own affairs. Keldorn: I am not 'about' anything. I've no ulterior motive outside the betterment of a squire. Best you listen to the wisdom of those who have gone before you. Anomen: I shall take, Sir Keldorn, what path I deem appropriate. I have not bothered you so it seems rude that you find the time to bother me. Keldorn: Very well. I see that you are not prepared to learn. Le: "There once was a man full of woes, strong and mighty he smote all his foes. Soon he'll take his Test, to him it's no jest, if he'll pass not even he knows." Anomen: Is this nonsense directed at me? What it this? Le: Just something I heard while passing through the docks. I thought it funny. ... Jan: So you come from the winged folk, do you lass? Aerie: Yes--Yes, sir. Jan: No need to be formal, lassy. Call me Jan. I was recently reminded of my ex brother-in-law, Burt Wunderkind, fabulous griffin-baiter. Le: Here we go again. Aerie: A... A griffin baiter? Jan: Yes of course. It's something of a cottage industry amongst Amnish gnomes. Quite simple, I've heard. You merely tame a couple of wyverns and WHOOSH, tear through the sky to fling insults at the hapless griffins. Le: Haha! The last part does sound true, that's about the extent of your capabilities. Aerie: Oh, I didn't think you could tame wyverns. Jan: Really? Everyone I know has a pet wyvern. Taming wyverns is child's play, literally. As children, we'd tame wyverns. it's easy since they have such an affinity for turtles. Back in the old days it used to rain turtles on even days and frogs on odd days. Aerie: Why, that's ridiculous! Jan: That's what I thought until the drought hit. There were ornery wyverns everywhere. After a rich diet of turtle mash, you couldn't expect them to merely accept bacon without eating a few human nobles, now, could you? Of course, by then, Burt was such a successful griffin baiter that the authorities just couldn't find it in their hearts to make us leash the wyverns. The loss of the noble class is truly a small price to pay to maintain the continuity of such a fine sport. There's nothing like the look of incredulity on a griffin's face to keep one's spirits up. Le: Stop encouraging him, Aerie, some people are trying to fall asleep. Aerie: I... I wish I could fly. I haven't since I was a--since I was a kid. Jan: Don't worry, lass. If Burt ever pops by, we'll get you up in the air faster than a chicken with one of Jan Jansen's Flasher Master Bruiser Mates tied to his rear. Trust me, that's fast! Aerie: Keldorn, do -- do you have a moment? Keldorn: Of course I do, Aerie. What is it? Aerie: I... Quayle taught me to be a cleric but -- but I know so little of the world... He taught me to worship Baervan Wildwanderer, god of the gnomes... Keldorn: Baervan Wildwanderer: the Masked Leaf, the Forest Gnome. I have heard of him, but know little. I have dedicated my studies to the human pantheon, I fear. Aerie: I remember a few of the elven gods but... oh, it was so long ago. And here I am, neither elf nor gnome nor human in my beliefs but a -- a hodge-podge of them all... Am I wrong to be that way, Keldorn? Keldorn: Wrong? No, to some you be the ideal. You have dedicated yourself to the Church in all its forms and to that purest form: you own heart. Aerie: My heart? Keldorn: We all have a tendency to divide the pantheons, to pray to deities that are easiest to appease or have the greatest impact on us and then ignore the rest... Your life has not been easy, Aerie, but it has taught you much, in its own way. Aerie: Oh thank you, Keldorn... One of these days you'll have to teach me all the things you say I've learned. Keldorn: Or you me, Aerie. Or you me... Le: "There was once a knight pure of heart, from his wife he is always apart. Has his heart grown colder as his deeds grew bolder? What is finished can never restart." Now go to sleep, all of you. Except for you, Sir Keldorn - you're on first watch.

dungen crawler ist best RPG

I must stop here. this quest is rather interesting, and really tough (for my party at least) if you try and do a straight forward run of it. I'll refrain from posting my progress in it for now, instead I'll show some of the personal quests and party chatter in the next update. here's a bonus: as for this particular quest, like I said I couldn't complete it by the way of brute force. there are creatures here (gauth) that are simply smaller versions of beholders. they have this terrible gaze attack that does tons of damage and paralyzes my fighters. one-on-one they're beatable: when you close the gap they tend to stop hurling lighting bolts at you and instead try to tickle you to death. but when they're bunched up I just can't do anything to them. they usually concentrate their fire on a single char and take him out, ignoring the tank. defensive spells I currently have available also don't work 100% against their gaze attacks. the only ones able to survive are Aerie and Jan with their mirror image spells. but even my usual tactic of throwing Web followed by fireballs doesn't work against these things. they make their saves, then they proceed to rip through my defenses. I constantly lose 2-3 members to them even on better runs. so I just don't bother for now. the quest itself is doable without engaging them, though. the undead in here aren't too tough (shadows and shadow fiends mostly, with a bunch of vampiric mists, that drain energy, so keep your Restoration spell handy). there's a trap on the lower level with a Wandering Horror and 3 Sword Spiders, you can completely avoid it for now, but if you do want to kill them just cast Protection from Fear on your party beforehand. I usually tank the Horror with my beefiest character somewhere in a corner (he uses Cloudkill on his target), while the rest of the party deals with the spiders. you will encounter some ghasts, mummies and zombies on your way. so have Cure Disease ready. Jan just happened to have mass invisibility memorized, so I just sneaked my way past the floating eyeballs a couple of times to retrieve the rod in the underground temple and then in the lair of the beholder. there I would just kill single gauths and beholders on my way to the stashed second half of the rod. once you reassemble the rod it's just a technicality finishing the quest. those beholders do earn 9000 XP each, so I'll definitely be back later to harvest it, once I figure out how to protect my tanks against their gaze.

Day 4. Early morning. Yoshimo disappeared tonight without saying a word. I have no reason to believe he's planning something against me, we've been through a lot, he had plenty of chances to kill me in battle. Still... Now I have to find a good lockpick to substitute for Yoshi. At least Minsc can act as scout for now, but I'd prefer one man to do both tasks. Jaheira still is weakened. She won't show it and gets very defensive every time I bring it up, but I think she should have a full day's rest. Speaking of Minsc, there's something funny going on between him and Aerie. I see him looking at her in a weird way, staring for minutes. He's too inexperienced to try and actually flirt with her, but I can feel the tension between the two... Wonder if I should interfere. And they're chatting as I'm writing this! I have to hear this. Minsk: This land is fine, but I wish I could show Boo the fields of Rashemen. We could run free through the snow, though Boo would look some funny in a drift, I tell you. Aerie: You are from Rashemen? I had--I had thought such a land was the stuff of fable. Minsc: No, it is as real as Minsc, though even larger! It lies far in the direction of the sun at morning. Ah, but it has been long since I left it. Aerie: Why would you ever travel so far from home? I--I was torn from mine and had no choice. Minsc: I was on my dajemma, a journey to prove my manhood! Oh, we were a pair, me and my witch! I was to watch over Dynaheir and bring her home in... in safety. Oh Boo, I can never return to Rashemen! I am proven unworthy! I am no man and you are no hamster...we are lost! Oh the sorrow!!! Aerie: Oh, don't cry. You and Boo have fought bravely! Who could count the foes you've vanquished! Dynaheir would be proud of you... Minsc: You have been good friends, You and Le... Minsc would ask something! Will you be my witch, Aerie? Boo and I are nothing without a witch... Aerie: If you will be my guardian, Minsc, I shall be your witch. Your dajemma has not been for nothing and Dynaheir's death shall not go unavenged. Minsc: My sword, my soul, my hamster...all of these I pledge to...to Aerie, my witch... HEAR THAT, EVIL?! MINSC HAS A NEW WITCH!! WOE IS YOU!! Day 4. Noon. Minsc won't make a step without Aerie now, I am not sure I like this new development. But there are really good news for a change: found myself a lockpick. He seems to be good at it; dragged him over to Mae'Var to run the new recruit through the lockpicking tests there. The gnome came through with flying colors! But he's a loudmouth and a liar, not sure I can stand him for long. The story of how he came to be part of this group is also rather weird... Jan: Are you interested in purchasing a bit o merchandise, my friend? Minsc: Why not? What merchandise do you carry, good gnome? Jan: Well, you've the look of an adventurer about you. I've been one myself, betwixt stints as a turnip salesman that is. Occasionally the market gets down and the formerly self-respecting purveyors of fine veggies are forced to prostitute their abilities in the form of adventuring. Le: Yes, of course. Mobile vegetable peddling versus heroism, the eternal question. Jan: You understand implicitly. That reminds me of the time that dear Cousin Josephine fell in with that gully dwarf. Miserable bloke, really. Bad teeth, rancid smell, truly a joke o' the gods. We used to torment Josey, that was my pet name for her, about her teensy-weensy nose and the way that it hooked in to her... Le: What is your point? Jan: My point, o-so-friendly one, is that I've items to sell you that are especially created, by yours truly, to aid one on the dangerous path to heroism. They're known as Jan Jansen's (that's me) Flasher Master Bruiser Mate. Now pay attention, you take one o' these babies aтd chuck it at average Joe Orc, close your eyes real tight and WHOOSH!, he's running around in circles clutching at his eyeballs and screaming and yelling like Uncle Sven after three days on a turnip beer bender... Trax: Hold gnome, in the name of the Amnian Revenue and Taxation Board. Jan: Argh, not again. That bottom-feeding, turnip-hating, scum-sucking brigand! Nothing better to do than stop an honest business man from selling high quality illegal Flashers for a reasonable price. Here he comes, cover for me. Trax: Jan Jansen, gnomish citizen of Amn, you have been charged with tax evasion and the illegal sale of illegal items in an illegal manner. Jan: Trax, old friend. You do me a great wrong! I would never break the law. As my pappy always said... Trax: Enough! You'll not sidetrack me with your cursed tales again. I'm smarter than you think! Trax's Guard: (snicker) Trax: Shutup, you! latrine duty beckons... that's better. We've been onto you for days, Jansen. We've caught you in the very act of selling your dangerous and illegal contraptions. Jan: What cruel fate! Falsely accused by an old friend! Trax: I'm not your friend, Jansen! Trax's Guard: (You're not anyone's friend.) Trax: Oh, that's it! Do you enjoy guarding used chamber pots? Trax's Guard: Sorry, sir. Trax: I swear this job will land me in an asylum. And who might you be? You're certainly no regular customer of this felon. Le: Don't I have the right to remain silent? Trax: Silent? What kind of stupid right is that? You have to answer my questions or face arrest. Le: All right, I am Le, an adventurer. Trax: Well, Le, did this gnome try to sell you illegal merchandise? Specifically 'Flashers' as he calls them? Le: I don't know what you're talking about. We were simply talking about the weather. Trax: Curses! The gnome has gotten to you, too! Jansen, you can no longer peddle in Athkatla. As for you, Le, you have made a dangerous enemy. Trax's Guard: Who's the dangerous enemy? Trax: I am, you idiot! Move it! Back to the office! "A fast mouth, a handy shot with a crossbow and all the illegal machinery that I can invent." At least the first two are true. Well, good thing I knew where to find a new rogue on such short notice when Yoshi suddenly bailed on me. Day 4. Noon. Witnessed something very interesting just now, while passing through the Temple District. First, some self- proclaimed "prophet" screamed at me. Apparently his religion forbids people from having eyes. And he did have his eyes removed, quite a sight he was with those empty eye sockets. This new god of his, the Unseeing Eye, sounded quite mad from the way the prophet described him. And then I came across another one of these eyeless bastards, preaching in the middle of the district with priests of Talos, Lathander and Helm angrily eyeing him. The funny thing was: he did manage to get a bunch of people to follow him into the sewers, to join this cult. But the interesting bit happened right after they had left. I caught the eye of some high ranking Helmite. Wonder what comes of this... Gaal: I say that the churches lie to you! They claim their gods are present when they do nothing other than require your coin to fill their pockets! Heckler: No! What you are saying cannot be true! The gods have ever protected us! Gaal: Is that so? Have they protected you from famine? Have they protected you from disease? Have they wrought harmony upon Faerun? No, they have not! They lie and cloud your sight to gain your worship of their false images! I have stripped myself of their foul eyes and I see what is the truth! The truth, I tell you! Heckler: You lie! You lie! The gods exist! Dawnmaster Kreel: Such words are a horrid affront to the gods! Surely you will pay for this! Peasant: Quiet! Listen to what he has t' say! Gaal: I call on you to abandon your false gods! They have done nothing for you! Cast them aside and join me on the true path, join me in the calling of the true sight! Heckler: What does that mean? Shall we tear our own eyes out? Don't be foolish! Peasant: What shall we do then? Who shall we turn to if there are no gods? Gaal: But there is a god! There is the true god! The Unseeing Eye is here amongst us! He offers the faithful a clarity of vision, the true path to the divine! He offers you protection and succor! Dawnmaster Kreel: Do not listen to him! He seeks to poison your minds! Peasant: Bah! What has your god ever done for me? I'm poorer and no better off than I ever was! Heckler: Don't speak to the priest in that tone! The gods will be offended! Peasant: Don't you hear what he's saying? There are no gods to be offended! I say we see what this Unseeing Eye has to offer! Peasant: Aye! I wish to see! Gaal: No, my friends...you do not wish to 'see'. Forget what the years of lies have taught your eyes! You wish to 'know'. You wish to 'learn'. These are the truths that the Unseeing Eye can offer you. A truer gist that you'll not find amongst any of these other so-called deities. Come, witness the miracle of the truth! Come and behold the Unseeing Eye for yourself and see the true god that is present amongst us! Dawnmaster Kreel: No! Do not go with him! Peasant: I'll do as I wish! I want the truth! Show me the Unseeing Eye! Peasant: yes! Show me! Gaal: Come, then! Those of you who wish to become the truly faithful, to witness the magnificence of the Unseeing Eye and the truth he brings, come with me. Heckler: What are you doing? Are you mad? Peasant: Quit yer mouth, wench! Peasant: Aye, if you do not wish to see the truth, that is your business! Gaal: Come, then, my faithful. Follow me. High Watcher Oisig: This must not come to pass. The everseeing eye of Helm must be made aware of what they intend. You, I would speak with you. I would hire you as mercenaries in the service of Helm. I would prefer a man of faith, but you will be adequate. Follow me to the temple of Helm. I will discuss what is required of you there. Do not take too long; Helm requires you now. Day 4. Noon. This temple of Helm sure looks a lot richer on the inside! They must have money to spend. It would be wise to listen to their offer and try to finish this business as fast as possible, Renal won't wait long for that money, and Tale could slip away at any moment. I won't be able to track him down in any reasonable amount of time with the Shadow Thieves' help. But that preacher outside... He really knows what he's doing. First, plant doubt in the minds of the simple folk, then offer an alternative that is "the only truth". Smooth... Oh, here comes the High Priest, let's hear what he has to say. High Watcher Oisig: The task I ask will be treacherous but you seem capable. Serve well and you will be rewarded. Display any treachery and it will be seen. Now to the task. You heard that fool in the street? If what he says is true, it threatens to upset a delicate balance. A new power would only disrupt the way of things. If he is lying, then whatever cult he is proposing can only serve to hurt those it bilks into following him. Le: He played on the people's insecurity. Can you not offer better than he? High Watcher Oisig: helm offers unwavering stability; true faith has no instant reward. Helm very rarely appears in physical form. Walking with mortals is not the way of the gods. Le: And if this turns out to be a legitimate faith, what then? High Watcher Oisig: Nothing points to the emergence of a new deity. it would be impossible to hide such an event from the Great Guard that is Helm. What does remain unseen is the fate of those that have chosen to follow. We have lost some of our younger faithful, and they must be accounted for. Le: Can you detail what is required? High Watcher Oisig: he of the Unsleeping Eyes must know of this cult. The blindness they promote is abhorrent to Helm. We ask you to investigate and identify what is happening. The Vigilant One informs that the cult is underground and close, but we cannot see past the sewers. You must infiltrate, as friend or conqueror. The sewer entrances are here in this district. You must suffer the filth of the sewers to find the filth of the cult. They are not hiding amidst the pipes, so there must be a passage leading further away. Le: I may do this, but I am gathering a large amount of gold and would need a reward. High Watcher Oisig: There will be reward. Do not tax your welcome by demanding it now. You will be given your due when the time is right. Le: Very well, though I will be most displeased if it turns out you are lying. High Watcher Oisig: May the Great Guard give light to all wrongs against you. You may seek healing and tools to aid you here as you need. Ask an acolyte and you will receive. Our resources are thin at the moment, but an ally of helm and servant of Torm is awaiting you in the sewers now. Seek Keldorn to serve with you. Faith guide you both. Day 4. Noon. The sewers seem dead. Even the rats have disappeared. Some walls are stained with blood, Minsc says some of it is still fresh, some belongs to humans, some - to beasts. Right as we were about to get lost in this maze of tunnels filled with **** we finally found the man Oisig had told us about. Turned out to be a paladin, and a rich one, judging by his armor and weapon. Good timing too, because we were strained as it was without Jaheira covering my back. A lot of undead in these tunnels. Can't be good. Probably a sign of ancient ruins underneath. This could go two ways then: either we find what we came for and get rich in the process, or we perish in the filthy depths to some ages old trap designed to guard the tomb of some nameless nobody... I can see Minsc coming back from his reconnaissance mission. I'll hear what he has to report. Cultist: I revoke it. Cultist: Do you revoke the weakned of the sighted? Cultist: I do. Cultist: Then what must be done to set things aright? Cultist: Take my fouled sight master. Let the orbs and their poisonous sight be torn from my body! Let me be made pure! Cultist: So shall it be done! Be you pure of intent and you shall live. Cling to the foul sight and you shall die. Let it be done! Cultist: Aaaaghhh! Cultist: The Unseeing Eye is always here. He sees that you are not worthy and the blood at my feet proves it. Take him away. Throw the body down into the Pit of the Faithless. Elite Guard: It shall be as you say. Le: I wish to know more. How does one serve your 'Unseeing Eye'? Gaal: The One God has demanded that his disciples achieve a higher state of wisdom...you must remove that which is limiting and offensive. The unholy eyes are removed from your head during the sacred initiation. If you survive and are proven faithful, the Unseeing Eye accepts you into service. Le: And if you don't survive? Gaal: Sadly, there are those who lack the stamina to serve the One God... their lack of faith betrays them. The bodies of these unfortunates are offered to the Pit of the Faithless. Le: I would like to learn more,,, but what if I'm not interested in having my eyes removed? Gaal: Hmmmn. it is a sign of weakness to refuse the enlightenment. Would you walk about willingly without arms, without feet? I do not think so. Still, the Unseeing Eye could use the skills of one such as yourself. An exception... could, perhaps, be made in your case. There is... something that you could do that the great one cannot, despite His vast power. Assist in that and I will admit you into our ranks and into the Unseeing One's presence, yes? Le: Tell me what it is and I'll consider it. Gaal: These holy grounds are part of a larger, ancient structure... dangerous if one ventures into the lower levels. The Unseeing Eye knows of a valuable item in this area. If you were to venture below you could prove your worth by retrieving this artifact for Him. Do this and I will allow you into our ranks and the One's divine presence. Le: What is this item you speak of...and where would I locate it? Gaal: The item is a rod...or part of a rod, rather, that you will find atop a holy altar. I cannot tell you more than that. You must let your faith guide you. Le: And how would I get to these lower levels? Gaal: I have a key I can give you... this will allow you entrance to the inner chambers through a door a short distance back the way you came, at the sewer passages. Le: Very well. Gaal: You are worthy in my eyes, faithful one. Here is the key. Once you have the rod, bring it to me and together we shall present it to the Unseeing Eye. Jan: So why can't the nasty beholder go and get this rod on his own? I'll tell you why. It's likely trapped three ways from Sunday, that's what. Good thing you've got me along. Smart thinking on your part. You'll go far, you know. Farther, maybe, than cousin Bifflechips... although he was flung by a catapult, so I suppose it doesn't really count. Day 4. Evening. He will make an exception... like hell he will. The fact that they can't get to the item proves it is not simply too dangerous, it's impossible for them, just as Jan suggested. If by some miracle I do get it, they'll most definitely try to end us right on the spot. But I have no choice, both Keldorn and the Helmite expect me to investigate further, and there still could be good money in it... Oh well, I'll just be on my toes, think ahead and not rush into anything. Where brute force triggers a powerful reaction cunning can just get me through. And how the hell does Jan know a beholder is behind the cult?! Sassar: No, my Lady, we are not. Or perhaps it is more correct to say that we are worshipers no longer. What brings you to this place? Le: First tell me what you mean when you say you are no longer worshipers? Sassar: I was once the One God's high priest. When I discovered the true depth of his evil I escaped and met up with others who had left the cult. We tried to stop the beholder, but we have lost the senses he gifted to us for taking our eyes. We are truly blind, stumbling in our efforts to stop this evil! Le: Just how were you planning on stopping the beholder? Sassar: When I was the high priest for the Unseeing Eye, I discovered that its purpose for coming here was to gain the powerful artifact below. It is an item of such destructive power that the gods themselves determined it should not be used again. It was split in two and this half was secreted here. It is protected against intrusion by powerful magic and beasts that live in the caverns. Many of the beholder's followers have perished trying to retrieve it. I know, my Lady, that the beholder has the other half of the rod! If he were to acquire this half, he would be capable of wreaking terrible destruction! Le: What have you done here if you can't stop the beholder from trying to get the rod? Sassar: We tried to get the second half of the rod ourselves, to use its destructive power to defeat the beholder. That is the only way to destroy the creature. The beholder has failed to acquire the rod because the gods have cursed the item. This lets you determine the artifact's true worth... or threat. Would you...would you be willing to go below and retrieve the artifact, my Lady? Le: Can this half of the rod work without the other half? Sassar: No, that is true. The beholder's half must be stolen for the power to be used. I know of a way to do this. Retrieve the first half and I shall tell you of it. We have tried, but our blindness limits us. This chamber we are in is safe...so long as the sarcophagus is not opened. I would ask that you do not try to open it yourself... I sense great evil from it. And I do wish my brethren and I to remain safe, here. Oh, I pray that my god will someday forgive my great trespass and restore my sight! Be careful in the levels below, and remember that the gods will likely not allow one to take the artifact for themselves for long. Remember that! Godspeed!

what bothers me the most is the uneven writing in BG2. it's really bad mixed with really good. with mediocre in between. but in a game of this scope, of course, it would be hard to have all writing be stellar. you can tell by the amount of typos in the text.

that grenade was indeed holy, to bring down a door you need one hell of a grenade

going back to Gaider for a second. I had the displeasure of going through the first half of Anomen's personal quest. and the writing there is terribad... I understand that Gaider, if he wrote it, was probably an inexperienced hack, so it's no wonder. but seriously, it already shows how bad he is at writing characters... and his dialogues are cringe worthy

Payday 2 gets really boring after a while (around the time you hit mid-levels and leveling up becomes painfully slow). I hear they've added some new jobs to the game, but it's still not enough to keep me replaying the same missions over and over

so, after giving it some thought - should I catch up to Tigranes first and then begin posting, should I start right away since there is a lot of content Tig missed (companions' side quests) - I've decided to make the thread, since I already have something to show. and if I abandon it in the future, well... at least I will have tried. a few things you should keep in mind if you plan on following this playthrough: - last time I played BG2 was back in high school, I don't remember anything about the story or the quests, so it'll be all new to me (I did do some research in order to pick my party); - I'm playing vanilla BG2 - no mods, no enhancements - on core difficulty, so a lot of fights will be easier than they would be for Tig, for this reason I will not be showing most of them (maybe I'll make an exception for the toughest ones, to share my strategy); - I already made some bad decisions due to my lack of experience with the game and with D&D 2E, even though I intend to show everything the game has to offer, some things I will miss (some of them have to be missed, like the alliance with the Shadow Thieves/Vampires); - I will side with the Shadow Thieves since Tig seemed to gravitate towards Bodhi; - I will not be making a full party because that's what I did before, and it made the game unnecessarily easy (I had spent hours rolling my characters, making sure all of them had at least 4 stats at 17+), this means I will mostly concentrate on my party's side quests in the beginning; - I will not be romancing Anomen, frankly, he pisses me off, and I want to at least attempt to roleplay a certain type of character; to give the party a bit of a backstory and to tie it in with Tig's playthrough let's assume these two parties operate inside the same time frame. let's say my main character is looking for Tig's party, because she finds out she's not the only child of Bhaal present in the area, she's trying to track down the other one (let's assume she only knows about Imoen, Sarevok etc. from her dreams). this effectively means that I will not be showing stuff Tigranes already did and completed: like Mae'Var, slavers, De'Arnise etc. I will be showing managerial stuff from De'Arnise, since Tig wasn't planning on showing it, apparently. so, let's assume Tale declined Nalia's proposal, and right as she was about to lose hope, we showed up and saved the day. meet the mysterious Lady L. (or "Le" for short): Lawful Evil Fighter, specializing in one-handed swords. until I can make Anomen into a better tank she'll be using a shield in her off-hand. eventually I'll switch her to two swords. I will try to keep this let's play in form of a travel journal, depicting my character's daily deeds, while she searches for Tale. let's roll. "Day 2. Noon. Woke up to Jaheira's moans this morning. Her condition is getting worse, she can barely hold her sword and shield. Good thing she can shapeshift into a bear if things get really hairy... But we really need to do something about that bastard Ployer. She maybe has a day or two at the most, after that there will be nothing to raise from the dead. Even if she does pass, won't hinder my plans too much. She's reliable, of course, I'll miss that; but when push comes to shove anyone could take her place in formation. Now, that dumb son of a bitch Minsc, on the other hand... He's unstoppable. And loyal, which will definitely come into play at some point. Have to keep him happy. Thankfully, that's easy to do. Bless you and your lack of brains, Minsc. Have to go meet that fool Nalia now. Reminder: Jaheira seems to hate her guts, better make sure not to encourage this spoiled brat. Who does she think she is? Savior of the meek, the hand that feeds the poor? My, oh my, it seems to be a common occurrence among the rich here. I think I liked it better in the North..." Nalia: Dead... he is... I'm sorry, I must take a moment to collect myself. You have been most kind. Please, let me pay you what I can and then... and then... Oh no... ah, I don't suppose I could convince you to remain here for a while? I really need... no, no, it is my own problem. I'll deal with it as best I can. Le: Say your piece, Nalia, I'll not lose sleep wondering what you might have said. Nalia: I'ts a very awkward situation, and I'm not quite sure if I'm ready to deal with it. I don't have much choice though, now that Father is gone. I am betrothed, you see. Yes, some powerful associates of my Father roped me into that tired custom. I am to wed a brat of a man named Isaea Roenal. I think Father regretted it, but that is the way wealthy families gain status in business. He seemed quite willing to stall the inevitable, but now he is gone... Le: Yes, yes, very sad. What is required of me? Nalia: The Roenalls, mainly Isaea, have been pressuring. They knew I was the only heir, and traditionally titles fall to a male. I fear Isaea will take control and abuse our wealth. I have worked to forge a relationship with those beneath me, but it will not continue with the Roenalls in power. they are snobbish, snooty, and oh so arrogant. Le: Not the type of person I would associate with either. What can I do? Nalia: I need a way to get out of the betrotal, and I need to do it soon. They respect the old traditions, and I think I know a way to use one to our mutual advantage. There's an old tradition, where a fighting soul would become the lord of a manor once the current lord had passed on. You are versed in combat; you would be an impressive obstacle to Isaea. I ask that you assume title to the keep. You will be a figurehead, and I will be a ward of sorts. It is my right as heir to choose who shall lead. I do not know if I could stand before the Roenalls, but you, with your...erh...talents, would prove a daunting figure. Le: The Roenalls would accept this? I find that hard to believe. Nalia: They will complain, but there is no real cause why you could not do this. Often a fighting soul will take possession of a keep when the lord is...is dead. Please, this will ensure that the Roenalls do not take control of my home. They are oppressive nobles and will not direct this place in a way that will honor my father. Le: I'll take your offer, and damn those that stand in my way. I'll see this place run proper. Nalia: Wonderful! Now they can't force me out. You are master of this place, within reason. I remain the sole heir, and can take away what has been given. "Lady de'Arnise. Sounds respectable, noble. Will be a good cover for me, it's easier to deal with government officials when you have a name behind you. But isn't that girl just full of herself? If this wasn't such a good deal for me I would rather see Nalia be wed into that family, a husband like Isaea... He would probably end up dead by her hand. It's time to leave for the city, now that this affair with the keep is settled. Have to officially take the place over, speak to the keeper, and then we're off to try and get Jaheira's curse lifted. First stop: Copper Coronet, her old friend Bernard should know something about Ployer's whereabouts..." Major Domo: I also ensure that taxes are collected and kept in the coffers here. If you wish to change taxes from how they were under Lord de'Arnise, just tell me. A large amount of the coin will go into rebuilding the keep's depleted force of men-at-arms, and into maintaining the keep and its staff. But I estimate you will still gather, say, five hundred gold pieces per week. If you wish to access that, you have but to come to me. As for the major decisions, well, I suggest you return at least every couple of weeks. If there's anything critical, a runner will find you, if they can. There is...nothing that requires immediate attention. The servants will be cleaning up, and I am sure funeral arrangements have yet to be made for Lord de'Arnise. Lady Nalia, of course, shall remain here in her old quarters. If you wish to speak to her, I am sure you will be able to find her there. And...and Lady Delcia...ah... Lady Delcia Caan: I most certainly will NOT stay here! You cannot expect me to spend another minute in this place with these...these...ruffians! Nalia: Auntie! They saved our keep from being overrun by trolls! And Lady Le is helping keep our home from being taken over by the Roenalls! Lady Delcia Caan: That may be so, dear niece, but that does not mean she possesses any noble blood to rule this land. I would sooner see an acceptably noble Roenall rule here than this...this...impostor! Do not think you truly rule here. Proper noble hands will return. I consider my home to be no better off than when it was occupied by the trolls. "Day 2. Late evening. With help from Bernard found Baron Ployer's house. The snake was waiting for us right at the entrance. There was no reasoning with him, had to end things in the usual manner. People in this city are awfully quick to jump the sword, to my amusement. Had to dispose of his hirelings as well, they seemed like competent mages, but six to three in our favor - not the best of odds for them. Found a lock of Jaheira's hair in there. She looked like she felt a lot better. Hopefully the curse was lifted. Will have to wait for her to return from her 'secret' Harper job, if she even does return. After that encounter with her buddy Galvarey I'm not sure Athkatla's Harpers can be considered allies. Have to keep my eye on Jaheira, just in case. Anomen has been acting weird. We barely know each other, and he already feels comfortable to talk about his family, his childhood with me... Not sure what to think of it. And his constant bragging, oh my goodness! Took out a wyvern, saved his whole company, defeated giants. Such a great hero. How come he still isn't a knight then? I don't like him. But he's a valuable asset. Have to at least pretend to care, I need a cleric in my team. And he has fighter training, there's some knowledge of tactics in that hot head of his. I hate men with baggage, why do I always end up with one?" "Day 3. Early morning. Jaheira's back, and she's anxious about something. That job didn't go too well, I reckon. Now we have to go back to the Harpers' headquarters, it's so urgent we just have to drop everything. And it had to happen now! When I'm so close to the other Bhaalspawn. I know he's somewhere in the city right now, I overheard Bernard telling Jaheira of a party that took out a slaver ring in the Slums. That has to be him! Instead of following this lead I'm stuck right in the middle of a power struggle. Galvarey could at least give me some information in return for assisting him in taking out that mad fool Xzar... Reminder: bring it up with Jaheira, maybe she can use her connections for my benefit for once. She owes me." Jaheira: Your welcome is forced, Galvarey, you know I am here at the bidding of the Herald. Why have you come to greet me; this is too important to waste time on you. Galvarey: Ahh, I know well the importance of this. It was I that called you. Jaheira: You! You are no Herald! What is going on here? Galvarey: This area lacks a Herald currently, and I seek to establish one. You will help, by doing what's right. You know what is right, don't you? Jaheira: I know you are an ambitious fool. You cannot be sanctioned to do this. Even this gaudy base is against our usual restraint. The position of Herald requires... Galvarey: Herald requires the will to establish the position. The High Heralds will judge if it is deserved. Really, Jaheira, this is a matter aside. You know this. Jaheira: Fine, set about with your questions so I can get on with my job as well. Galvarey: Very good. You serve the greater cause that we all do. Now then, Le, do you know why you are here? Le: I simply do not care. Stop with these games and state your case, whatever it is. Galvarey: You are blunt, as is your life... an existence pushing through everything in its path. That is why you are here, because of who and what you are. Let me ask you a few things straight away, Le. Nothing too intrusive, I assure you. What are your earliest memories? Are they happy ones? Le: Well, I remember coming through that door behind me. Beyond that it is all a blur. Sorry. Galvarey: You are very combative. Not good. Not good at all. This only supports my position, as I knew it would. Next question then. As a child of Bhaal, have you...violent thoughts? Le: I'm having several right now. Really good ones too. You'd laugh if you could see them. Well, no, maybe YOU wouldn't. Galvarey: Well, no surprise in that answer. Ingrained response, I would assume. Jaheira: This is a difficult situation! Would you react different? Galvarey: Yes, Jaheira, yes I would, because I am not born of evil. This person is proving to be just as I thought she would be. Now then, Le, what is your favorite color? Jaheira: What has *that* to do with anything?! Galvarey: Jaheira! I question your loyalty to our cause. My method will become clear in the end. I ask again, Le, what is you favorite color? Le: Blue. Galvarey: Blue you say! The color of sadness and despair! It should have been obvious! Jaheira: And also the sky, or the ocean! You are so intent on seeing what you wish the answer does not matter! Galvarey: I suppose in part it does not matter. obviously this person causes much disturbance where e'er she goes. My interview is just to clarify the matter. Jaheira: But you were to see Le as she is, not as you expected her to be! I was to bring them here so... Galvarey: You were to bring them here so that we might have them here, nothing more. The course of action was always clear. Le: Excuse me, but I'm still in the room. What is it you intend? Jaheira: Indeed, Galvarey, what is it you intend? This is not as we had discussed... Galvarey: No, but you only needed to know enough to bring them here. Extraneous information would have endangered the mission. As Harpers we... Jaheira: As Harpers we respect others! Galvarey: We have a greater duty to maintain the balance. How can you, as a Harper...as a DRUID sanction the freedom of this person. What will they do to the balance? Jaheira: And what if they will restore the balance? What if her intent is good? Galvarey: It is simply not worth the risk. No, there is no choice in the matter. Le, you are to be...confined. Jaheira: It is as good as death and you know it, Galvarey! Galvarey: Nothing so barbaric. Imprisonment to contain the chaos she might sow, either intentionally or unwittingly. It is a humane solution. Le: And you assume I will submit to this? That is not very likely. Galvarey: No, Le, I mean the spell 'Imprisonment'. You will find yourself in a small container a few leagues under the earth. Quite peaceful. Le: You are welcome to try, but I doubt you shall succeed. I am in the right here! Galvarey: You have no voice here and little choice in the matter. Certainly you can fight, but there are six Harpers to contend with. The odds are quite clearly... Jaheira: Nay, Galvarey, there is but you and your four lackeys. I will have no part in this! Le, you are my comrade in arms. I know you are good and true in heart. I will fight with you against this! Galvarey: You have made a mistake, Jaheira. With her imprisonment I could get sponsored as Herald! But now you fight the Harpers with this monster! Jaheira: Harpers may interfere but it is for the greater good! Not this! I don't know you! "Quick note while we wait for our ale at Cop. Jaheira seems to be worried. I guess she should, since we took out the whole Harper presence in the area. Although, in her place I would argue Galvarey's group was but a splinter cell that presented a clear and present danger to the Harpers' cause. We'll see what Bernard has to say about it." "Day 3. Noon. Eventful day this has been. First we wipe out Jaheira's only connection to her faction in the area, then Aerie gets word from her uncle, apparently shorty is in trouble, again. And now a messenger tells Anomen his sister is dead. The sister he had been talking about for the last few days. This is some kind of punishment from the gods, I just know it. How could I get stuck with this troubled bunch? "L." doesn't stand for 'loser'!" Cor Delryn: The prodigal son returns. Heir to his mother's foolishness as always. How far have you roamed, son, running always from me? Anomen: Speak not of my mother, drunkard. You were never worthy of being her husband. Cor Delryn: Yet I was, and your father as well. Never forget that, boy! Your mother would still be alive if you children weren't such a handful. Anomen: **** you mouth, father. We've had this conversation before and I've not the patience to listen to it again. Cor Delryn: You will listen to what ever I choose to tell you, Anomen. Respect your father, knightling. I am still the man of this family and you will obey me! Anomen: Yes, father... I lost my temper and I apologize. Cor Delryn: It took you long enough to get here. It wouldn't hurt you to come and see your father now and again. Anomen: Father, where is Moira, your daughter? What happened to her? Cor Delryn: Idiot boy! She's dead! Murdered by the Calim****e fiends! Anomen: How did this happen? Cor Delryn: How do you think? It was Saerk the Calim****e. It was not enough for him to take my business; he had to take my Moira too. Anomen: But why would he kill her? She has nothing to do your enmity. Cor Delryn: Do you understand nothing? He killed her because he could! For years I embarrassed him amongst the merchants, undercut his prices and stole his customers. When my business failed he had a monopoly on the Calimshan shipping routes. He wouldn't be happy until I had nothing. By the end, Moira was all that I had, and now he's taken her too. Anomen: Where were the guards? Why was she not protected? Cor Delryn: The guards left months ago. I had no money to pay them with. Soon I will lose my house as well. Saerk has taken all of it... all of your mother's and sister's things... Anomen: He didn't take it, father. YOU lost it... you lost it... Cor Delryn: I lost it because you abandoned your family. if you hadn't run away, Moira would still be alive. You should have been here to protect her! To save her from the brigands! Anomen: I'm sorry. I... I didn't know... Cor Delryn: You should have been there, Anomen. Never forget that! It is too late to save her but your work is not yet finished, Anomen. Anomen: What can be done? Moira is dead. Cor Delryn: She can be avenged, Anomen. You must kill Saerk and his son. It is the only way that Moira's spirit can be at rest. As for your friends, they would do well to help you for Saerk the Calim****e is a very wealthy man and his gold shall be their reward. Anomen: I must see Moira's remains first, father. Anomen: Le, I am well worried by what has gone on in this place. Though the choice seems clear and right I am hesitant to take it. There are many who easily side-step laws through wealth. Perhaps, in this case, it would be best to see why the law has failed so. To decide between justice and honor! Oh, it's a conundrum that would tie even Boo up in knots. I do envy you. My decisions are usually easier than this. Surely if Saerk killed my sister I must avenge her murder. Yet killing for the purpose of revenge is murder by the tenets of the Order. I know not what I should do. Le: Your father is correct...your sister's murder cannot go unpunished. Saerk is clearly evil, and is it not every knight's responsibility to destroy evil? Anomen: Do you not think that the killing of Saerk could be considered a revenge murder by the Order? Le: I won't try to mislead you. It will most likely be seen as a crime by the Order. Anomen: What path shall I choose? If I choose vengeance, I shall avenge my sister's murder but be damned by the act. if I choose to keep my vows, I will dishonor my family. What shall I do? Le: I'm sure that many of the Order have faced difficult choices and yet have chosen to keep their vows. Do not take a mission of revenge. Anomen: Aye. This is right. I feel it in my bones. I've lived under the bitterness of my father's spirit my entire life. It has tainted me to the point where I'm willing to partake in it. He can keep his hatred and drown his sorrows as he has always done. yet the question of my sister's murder remains. Le: To be honest, I'm not sure that I trust your father's version of events. All that he speaks of seems to be colored by his hatred of Saerk. Anomen: They have always been mortal enemies. If my sister was indeed murdered then the magistrate would have investigated. My father's revenge be damned! I have sworn to uphold the law and unlike him, I shall do so. Come, let us return to my father. He may yet be convinced to follow the lawful path. It is not my place to take revenge. Such an act would lead to chaos. Anomen: Father, it is time for this foolishness to end. killing Saerk in vengeance would be murder as surely as my sister's death was. Cor Delryn: The destruction of evil is never considered to be murder. Do not these knights that you seek to join take such missions themselves? Anomen: Not in the manner that you suggest. We must take these charges to the magistrate. This is the only way to end this circle of violence that you have trapped us within. Cor Delryn: You fool boy! The magistrate will do nothing. She is a pawn of Saerk! Anomen: Bylanna Ianulin is a good and noble woman. You said this yourself before you slipped into the foul clutch of the drink. Cor Delryn: You dishonor Moira's memory! You would allow the killer of your sister to go free? You are despicable! You are an insect! Anomen: I will not allow him to go free! He shall be taken before the courts if he is indeed the one who murdered my sister. Cor Delryn: How can you doubt such a thing, boy? Saerk is the killer! Anomen: Do you have proof, father? Cor Delryn: The proof lies in the fact that he has taken everything else from me! killing Moira would complete my defeat. Anomen: Aye, now I see. Such has always been the case in this household. This is about you and only you. Your daughter's death means nothing beyond how it affects your pride and your comfort. Cor Delryn: Boy, you've fallen in with evil! Step back from the line and honor your family before it's too late. Anomen: I will not, father. I suggest no evil. I suggest the lawful path. Cor Delryn: Again I say, obey me, Anomen! Anomen: I have obeyed you all my life and received naught but bitterness in return. My friend and I shall take this matter to the magistrate, as the law requires. Cor Delryn: If you step out that door then you must never come within again. Anomen: Don't do this, father... Cor Delryn: Shut your mouth! If you leave now you are forever banished from this place. You will be cast from this family and become a nameless dog, not fit to cower at my feet. Anomen: I've been cowering at your feet for all my life. Goodbye, father. Perhaps I shall see you again before you drink yourself to death. Cor Delryn: You are nothing, boy! Nothing! Bylanna: Ah...you must be the son of Lord Cor. Anomen, is it? I am afraid that there is very little I can tell you regarding your sister's death. Anomen: What do you mean? Surely you have found evidence to link Saerk to her murder? The man will be brought before the courts to meet justice, will he not? Bylanna: There is insufficient evidence to connect Saerk Farrahd to the murder. The only other person in your father's estate at the time was killed, as well. Anomen: But...is there nothing you can do? Surely you know that Saerk is responsible! Bylanna: I know of your family's feud with the merchant, but a motive is not enough without witnesses or evidence. The rule of law must prevail...surely you understand. Anomen: No! There must be something that can be done! Moira's murder cannot go unanswered! Bylanna: Answered? Take vengeance on the merchant and he replies in kind, and the feud continues unabated. Is it not time for this hatred to be put to rest? Anomen: I...I do not know. Le: This Saerk may be innocent, Anomen. You cannot take vengeance on one who might be innocent...you are a knight, after all, first and foremost. Anomen: Yes, you are likely correct in this, my friend. It wrenches my heart that Moira's death should go unpunished, but there is little that can be done. I should not take vengeance upon a man my father believes is guilty only because of his pride. It could just as easily have been a... a burglar, perhaps. And if it is this Saerk, the gods will punish him even if the courts will not. Jaheira: The law may not be able to do anything, Anomen, but such men as this Saerk always trip over their own schemes. If he is responsible, he will pay, as you say. Yoshimo: It's been my experience that some crimes never end in punishment, by the law, gods or otherwise. I would never let down my kin as you have, but then you are not I. Anomen: I wish I could return to my father and convince him that this is the best way, but I am sure he will not even see me. He is a stubborn, vile man. Perhaps, in time, he shall see the truth of this matter. At least... that is my hope. "Day 3. Late evening. Disaster averted. I can't afford to kill nobles in their homes, and I definitely can't afford to lose that fool Anomen to some stupid revenge plan. Either he loses his mind or loses his freedom, both ways would be equally disastrous at this stage. I need more people... But boy, Anomen is easy to manipulate! First his father convinces him to avenge his sister's death by killing Saerk, and not moments later I convince him to appeal to the magistrate. Amazing lack of will. I would be wise to use this to my advantage. Push him just a little bit so he finally got his knighthood, then with their resources I could increase my efforts. I'll talk to Anomen tomorrow. Now we're off to the Promenade to see that old fart Quayle. Maybe he's finally remembered what Tale and his followers looked like or if they mentioned their plans..." Quayle: Aerie! It is always good to see you! And, yes... I did ask you to come. With Le and her friends, I think you can help me. Or one of my friends, rather. Aerie: I'd be happy to. Which friend are you talking about? Quayle: No one you know of, my dear. A lass I met in my earlier days, when I happened to find myself in the Outer Planes. That's a long story I won't get into. She is here in Athkatla, and has herself in a bit of a bind. She wrote me a letter asking for my help... but you and Le may be able to help more than I. Aerie: I'd be happy to help her, Uncle Quayle. That is... if Le thinks we have the time. What... what do you think, Le? Quayle: There's no rush on such a thing. If you find the time, her name is Raelis Shai. She can be found at the playhouse beneath the Five Flagons Inn in the Bridge District. If you can't help her... well, then you can't help her. But Raelis is a dear heart, and it would do an old gnome's heart good if you could try. and that's it for now. the first post is a bit text-heavy, sorry about that. also, I forgot to make screenshot of the first leg of Jaheira's personal quest. you only missed the assassination of Xzar and everything leading up to it - not that much. That's a huge quest anyway, so you'll get enough action from Jaheira. the two fights - with Ployer and Galvarey - were nothing special, no need to show them or describe my tactics, I feel