Let's Play: Baldur's Gate Trilogy. With loads of mods.

[Johnny Blade]

On the world of Abeir-Toril, the stories of mighty heroes are told in inns, taverns, and berserker lodges across the land, by a warming fire and with a hearty mug of mead. Legends are sung and tales are spun, with men roaring and laughing at the exploits of noble knights and mysterious wizards...and sometimes just because they're drunk.
Sound familiar? It should. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131609) I hope. Don't make me look like a man of bad taste for saying this about your LP, Gnorman!

Yes, turns out there's more than one version of most stories, even those that should be as well-documented as one that will affect the destiny of the Forgotten Realms (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Forgotten_Realms) themselves, starting with the titular Baldur's Gate area and then moving south as things develop...oh, and also far beyond the mortal realms.

In this thread, one version of said story will be told, a tale of intrigue, of bloodshed, of romance, and also of countless diversions that happen along the way and sometimes a few miles away from it.



The introduction is over, here's some actual information!

So, the details. I will write stuff about me playing Baldur's Gate, including its addon Tales of the Sword Coast, Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn and BG2: Throne of Bhaal, all in one fell swoop. There will be screenshots, too.
It may not be the most swooping of swoops, since each of these games alone take up some time.
Oh, and also many, many mods. In fact, part of this Let's Play will be dedicated to the discussion of these. The most notable, for the purposes of a Let's Play, include...
the BG1 NPC Project (http://www.gibberlings3.net/bg1npc/), which adds some, or actually a lot of, personality and banters to the companions,
Dark Side of the Sword Coast (http://darksideoftheswordcoast.net/), which adds a lot of content, in the form of several quests, to Baldur's Gate 1,
Northern Tales of the Sword Coast (http://www.shsforums.net/index.php?showtopic=19755), which does the same in a less grandiose way, which isn't necessarily a bad thing at all,
Stone of Askavar (http://www.users.totalise.co.uk/~bluerift/), which adds a glorified fetch quest, that is fun in a clichéd way,
Dark Horizons (http://www.section-one.net/), which is a special case and will get special attention :smallamused:,
Secret of Bone Hill (http://www.spellholdstudios.net/ie/bonehill), which again adds some quests that take place in the area around a hill called, surprisingly enough, Bone Hill - there actually is more than one secret here,
The Darkest Day (http://lion.phpwebhosting.com/~teambg/tdd/?color=B09800&sel=0), which is like the Baldur's Gate 2 version of Dark Side of the Sword Coast,
Dungeon Crawl (http://www.pocketplane.net/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=168&Itemid=117), which adds...a dungeon crawl (!!!),
Tower of Deception (http://www.blackwyrmlair.net/~valiant/), which adds what I guess one could call a tower crawl,
Tales of the Deep Gardens (http://www.shsforums.net/index.php?autocom=downloads&showfile=820), which I haven't actually played yet,
the Unfinished Business line of mods, restoring and expanding some content of both BG1 (http://www.pocketplane.net/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=161&Itemid=114) and BG2 (http://www.pocketplane.net/mambo/index.php?option=content&task=blogcategory&id=101&Itemid=80),
and the BG2 Tweak Pack (http://www.gibberlings3.net/bg2tweaks/index.php) component that lets me play through all strongholds - which I will, adding a few quests on its own.
Also a lot more that I don't feel like writing down now.

I also will actually use the game's NPCs as well as modded ones instead of making my own party. Which exactly is not yet decided. The turnover rate will be high, as I'll try to let you see most of the NPCs' personal quests. I may leave some parts in BG1 out, though.

This Let's Play will be, more or less, serious. It will be written from the main character's point of view, the 4th wall will be left unharmed (well, it may be scratched a bit), and any commentary I feel like adding will be in a spoiler tag at the end of the post.

This will be a good-aligned playthrough.





List of Updates:

Chapter 1 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7330684#post7330684), the Tutorial - random quests in Candlekeep. Mainly about introducing the protagonist, Candlekeep - his home - and the people that live in it to add some color to his uneventful backstory. It's very long, and you don't actually have to read it to understand what's going on.
Chapter 2 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7333540#post7333540), where the plot of Baldur's Gate 1 starts.
Chapter 3 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7343771#post7343771), where Xzar and Montaron join. Some other stuff happens as well.
Chapter 4 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7347586#post7347586), where Khalid and Jaheira join. Again, some other stuff also happens.
Chapter 5 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7348623#post7348623). Nobody joins, but stuff still happens.
Chapter 6 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7355268#post7355268). Trip and arrival in Nashkel, where stuff continues to happen. Stuff, and bounty hunters.
Chapter 7 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7363115#post7363115). Arrival at the Nashkel mine. For a change, we meet a bounty hunter that isn't after the protagonist. Initially.
Chapter 9 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7367904#post7367904). Xan and his depressions join the party.
Chapter 10 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7377313#post7377313), a day at the carnival, where we find exploding ogres and petrified priests.
Chapter 11 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7386669#post7386669), where the main plot commences.
Chapter 12 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7392066#post7392066), mainly concerned with bling and bowling.
Chapter 13 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7395784#post7395784), where a talking chicken plays the most important role.
Chapter 14 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7403416#post7403416), where the party is recruited by a wizard to solve all kinds of problems. Which include a classic of low-level adventuring.
Chapter 15 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7425159#post7425159), where many orcs die.
Chapter 16 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7432081#post7432081), see life with the doomed eyes of Xan.
Chapter 17 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7433362#post7433362), still solving all kinds of problems.
Chapter 18 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7439657#post7439657), back to Beregost.
Chapter 19 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7457677#post7457677), featuring a mad wizard and Xan's personal quest.
Chapter 20 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7476135#post7476135), where Kivan joins the party for some bandit hunting.
Chapter 21 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7482926#post7482926), where the quarry is met.
Chapter 22 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7490385#post7490385), where we learn that not all love stories have a happy end.
Chapter 23 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7509249#post7509249), where we meet a dangerously sexy woman.
Chapter 24 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7513637#post7513637) - Insanity! Sexy thief! More insanity! Sirines and pirates! And even more insanity!
Chapter 25 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7526304#post7526304), which is good studying material for psychiatrists-to-be.
Chapter 26 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7529051#post7529051), in which Ajantis joins the group.
Chapter 27 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7535136#post7535136). It was all a dream... Well, half of it.
Chapter 28 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7536420#post7536420), an insiders' tip among pyromaniacs.
Chapter 29 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7539241#post7539241), told by the righteous voice of Ajantis.
Chapter 30 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7549622#post7549622). Things die. Then Branwen and Ajantis leave.
Chapter 31 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7556947#post7556947). On their quest to eliminate the gnolls, Elorian and the rest also decide to look for Dynaheir, whom both Minsc and Edwin, each one eccentric in his own way, want to find. On the way, they run into random distractions.


Not canonical updates dealing with parts of mods that were left out:

Secret of Bone Hill 1: Sir BillyBob (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7425159#post7425159)
Secret of Bone Hill 2: The last quest of part 1 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7449438#post7449438)

[Johnny Blade]

Weidu-log, in case someone wants to take a look:

// Log of Currently Installed WeiDU Mods
// The top of the file is the 'oldest' mod
// ~TP2_File~ #language_number #component_number // [Subcomponent Name -> ] Component Name [ : Version]
~SETUP-A6XPPATCH.TP2~ #0 #0 // Correct reporting of experience (EXE patch): 2
~SETUP-A6XPPATCH.TP2~ #0 #1 // Remove 110% scaling of some experience (EXE patch): 2
~SETUP-A6CHARMPATCH.TP2~ #0 #0 // Enable conversations with charmed/dominated creatures (EXE patch): 3
~SETUP-ASCENSION.TP2~ #0 #0 // Ascension v1.41 (requires ToB)
~SETUP-ASCENSION.TP2~ #0 #1 // Tougher Abazigal (optional, requires ToB)
~SETUP-ASCENSION.TP2~ #0 #2 // Original Tougher Demogorgon (optional, requires ToB)
~SETUP-ASCENSION.TP2~ #0 #3 // Tougher Gromnir (optional, requires ToB)
~SETUP-ASCENSION.TP2~ #0 #4 // Tougher Illasera (optional, requires ToB)
~SETUP-ASCENSION.TP2~ #0 #5 // Tougher Yaga-Shura (optional, requires ToB)
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #0 // BG2 Fixpack - Core Fixes: v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #1 // BG2 Fixpack - Game Text Update: v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #3 // BETA Core Fixes (please check the readme!): v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #100 // Party Gets XP for Sending Keldorn to Reconcile With Maria: v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #101 // Improved Spell Animations: v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #102 // Cromwell's Forging Actually Takes a Day: v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #103 // Mixed-Use Dagger Fixes: v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #104 // Ghreyfain's Holy Symbol Fixes: v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #106 // Giants Receive Penalties When Attacking Halflings, Dwarves, and Gnomes: v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #107 // Remove Dual-Classing Restriction from Archers and Stalkers: v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #108 // Remove Second Attribute Bonus for Evil Path in Wrath Hell Trial: v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #109 // Corrected Summoned Demon Behavior: v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #110 // Additional Script Fixes: v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #111 // Bard Song Fixes: v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #112 // Wizard Slayers Cause Miscast Magic on Ranged Attacks: v8 BWP Fix
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #113 // Additional Alignment Fixes: v8 BWP Fix
~1PP.TP2~ #0 #0 // One Pixel Productions: v2 Everything but Potions (1): v2.7
~1PP.TP2~ #0 #1 // One Pixel Productions: v2 New Potion Graphics (2): v2.7
~1PP.TP2~ #0 #2 // One Pixel Productions: v3 Flaming Swords (3): v2.7
~1PP.TP2~ #0 #3 // One Pixel Productions: v3 Flame Short Swords (4): v2.7
~1PP.TP2~ #0 #4 // One Pixel Productions: v3 Flame Short Swords item patches (5): v2.7
~1PP.TP2~ #0 #5 // One Pixel Productions: v3 Flame Short Swords mod item patches (6): v2.7
~1PP.TP2~ #0 #6 // One Pixel Productions: v3 Paperdolls (human, half-orc, elven, halfling, dwarves) (7): v2.7
~1PP.TP2~ #0 #10 // One Pixel Productions: v3 Colourable Quarterstaves core (11): v2.7
~1PP.TP2~ #0 #11 // 1PP: Colourable Quarterstaves core item patches (12): v2.7
~1PP.TP2~ #0 #12 // One Pixel Productions: v3 Colourable Quarterstaves mod patches (13): v2.7
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #0 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * female elves w. leather armour [EFB2]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #1 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * female elves w. chain mail [EFB3]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #2 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * female elven cleric w. plate armour [EFC4]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #3 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * female elven fighter w. plate armour [EFF4]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #4 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * female human unarmoured [HFB1]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #5 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * female human w. leather armour [HFB2]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #6 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * female human w. chain mail [HFB3]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #7 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * female human cleric w. plate mail [HFC4]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #8 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * female human fighter w. plate mail [HFF4]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #9 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * female human unarmoured mage [HFW1]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #10 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * female human mage w. light robe [HFW2]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #11 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * fixed halfling progression
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #12 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * fix frame error on cleric plate [IFC4]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #13 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * dwarves w. chain mail [DMB3]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #14 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * male elves w. chain mail [EMB3]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #15 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * male human w. leather armour [HMB2]
~1PP_AVATARS/SETUP-1PP_AVATARS.TP2~ #0 #16 // 1PP: Avatar fixes * male human w. chain mail [HMB3]
~SETUP-TDD.TP2~ #0 #0 // The Darkest Day, v1.12: v1.12 BWP Fix
~SETUP-BGT.TP2~ #0 #0 // Baldur's Gate Trilogy - Core: 1.08 (31 Oct 09)
~TXTMUSIC/TXTMUSIC.TP2~ #0 #0 // Restored Textscreen Music for BG1TuTu, EasyTutu, and BGT-WeiDU
~SETUP-DARKHORIZONS.TP2~ #0 #0 // "Dark Horizons" Mod (Requires Tales of the Sword Coast TuTu or BGT): BGT v202
~SETUP-DSOTSC.TP2~ #0 #0 // DSotSC for BGT-Weidu: v215
~SETUP-DSOTSC.TP2~ #0 #100 // Dark Side Interparty Banter: v215
~SETUP-DSOTSC.TP2~ #0 #200 // Extended NPC Soundsets -> Additions only: v215
~SETUP-DSOTSC.TP2~ #0 #400 // Alternate Bardo Portrait: v215
~SETUP-DSOTSC.TP2~ #0 #410 // Alternate Bub Snikt Portrait: v215
~SETUP-DSOTSC.TP2~ #0 #420 // Alternate Conchobhair Portrait: v215
~SETUP-DSOTSC.TP2~ #0 #430 // Alternate CuChoinneach Portrait: v215
~SETUP-DSOTSC.TP2~ #0 #440 // Alternate Ferthgil Portrait: v215
~SETUP-DSOTSC.TP2~ #0 #450 // Alternate Jet'laya Portrait: v215
~SETUP-DSOTSC.TP2~ #0 #460 // Alternate Keiria Portrait: v215
~SETUP-DSOTSC.TP2~ #0 #470 // Alternate Skeezer Portrait: v215
~SETUP-DSOTSC.TP2~ #0 #480 // Alternate Thorfinn Portrait: v215
~SETUP-NTOTSC.TP2~ #0 #0 // NTotSC for BGT-Weidu: v1.70a
~SETUP-NTOTSCV171.TP2~ #0 #0 // Fix NTotSC Issues: v1.71
~SETUP-BONEHILL.TP2~ #0 #0 // Bone Hill Mod (Requires BGT-Weidu or Tutu): v2.40
~SETUP-BONEHILLV245.TP2~ #0 #0 // Bone Hill Mod Upgrade (Requires Bonehill Core Package): v2.45
~BGQE/SETUP-BGQE.TP2~ #0 #0 // Baldur's Gate Mini-Quests and Encounters Mod: 4.1
~SETUP-SIRINESCALL.TP2~ #0 #0 // The Lure of the Sirine's Call: v9
~SOA/SETUP-SOA.TP2~ #0 #0 // The Stone of Askavar: 1.5
~SETUP-THALAN.TP2~ #0 #0 // Thalantyr - Item Upgrade: v3.6
~SETUP-LOSTITEMS.TP2~ #0 #0 // Lost Items
~SETUP-LOSTITEMS.TP2~ #0 #2 // Monk +3 AC and +1 THAC0 Bonus
~SETUP-LOSTITEMS.TP2~ #0 #4 // Viconia has 18 WIS
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #0 // The BG1 NPC Project: Required Modifications: v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #1 // The BG1 NPC Project: Banters, Quests, and Interjections: v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #2 // The BG1 NPC Project: Give Edwin his BG2 portrait: v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #3 // The BG1 NPC Project: Give Imoen her BG2 portrait: v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #4 // The BG1 NPC Project: Give Jaheira her BG2 portrait: v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #5 // The BG1 NPC Project: Give Minsc his BG2 portrait: v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #6 // The BG1 NPC Project: Give Viconia her BG2 portrait: v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #8 // The BG1 NPC Project: Add Non-Joinable NPC portraits to quests and dialogues: v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #9 // The BG1 NPC Project: Ajantis Romance Core (teen content): v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #10 // The BG1 NPC Project: Branwen's Romance Core (teen content): v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #11 // The BG1 NPC Project: Coran's Romance Core (adult content): v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #12 // The BG1 NPC Project: Dynaheir's Romance Core (teen content): v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #13 // The BG1 NPC Project: Shar-Teel Relationship Core (adult content): v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #14 // The BG1 NPC Project: Xan's Romance Core (teen content): v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #15 // The BG1 NPC Project: Female Romance Challenges, Ajantis vs Xan vs Coran: v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #17 // The BG1 NPC Project: Alora's Starting Location -> Alora Starts in the Hall of Wonders: v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #27 // The BG1 NPC Project: Bardic Reputation Adjustment: v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #30 // The BG1 NPC Project: Sarevok's Diary Adjustments -> SixofSpades Extended Sarevok's Diary: v18
~BG1NPC.TP2~ #0 #200 // The BG1 NPC Project: Player-Initiated Dialogues: v18
~BG1NPCMUSIC/BG1NPCMUSIC.TP2~ #0 #0 // The BG1 NPC Project Music Pack -> Install All Audio: v5
~SETUP-INDINPC.TP2~ #0 #0 // Indira NPC for BGT-WeiDU
~MULGOREXAVIANPC/SETUP-MULGOREXAVIANPC.TP2~ #0 #0 // Mulgore and Xavia NPCs for BGT-WeiDU and Tutu, v5
~XANBG1FRIEND/SETUP-XANBG1FRIEND.TP2~ #0 #0 // Xan's friendship path for BG1, v6
~CORANBGFRIEND/CORANBGFRIEND.TP2~ #0 #0 // Coran's Extended BG Friendship Talks, v1, October 20, 2007: v2
~AJANTISBG1/SETUP-AJANTISBG1.TP2~ #0 #0 // Installs Ajantis BG1 Expansion Modification: 2.1
~GAVIN/GAVIN.TP2~ #0 #0 // Gavin NPC for Tutu and BGT, 14April2008: v3.1
~GAVIN/GAVIN.TP2~ #0 #1 // Gavin: Romance (mature content): v3.1
~GAVIN/GAVIN.TP2~ #0 #2 // Gavin: Flirts (adult content): v3.1
~GAVIN/GAVIN.TP2~ #0 #4 // Gavin: Alternate Portraits -> Original portrait by berelinde (default): v3.1
~GAVIN/GAVIN.TP2~ #0 #10 // Gavin: Player Initiated Dialogue: v3.1
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #0 // Ice Island Level Two Restoration: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #1 // The Mysterious Vial: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #2 // Additional Elminster Encounter: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #8 // Safana the Flirt: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #9 // Appropriate Albert and Rufie Reward: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #10 // Place Entar Silvershield in His Home: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #11 // Scar and the Sashenstar's Daughter: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #12 // Quoningar, the Cleric: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #13 // Shilo Chen and the Ogre-Magi: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #14 // Edie, the Merchant League Applicant: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #15 // Flaming Fist Mercenary Reinforcements: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #16 // Creature Corrections: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #17 // Creature Restorations: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #18 // Creature Name Restorations: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #19 // Minor Dialogue Restorations: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #20 // Audio Restorations: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #21 // Store, Tavern and Inn Fixes and Restorations: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #22 // Item Corrections and Restorations: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #23 // Area Corrections and Restorations: 8
~BG1UB/SETUP-BG1UB.TP2~ #0 #24 // Permanent Corpses: 8
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #100 // Eldoth reminds of Skie's ransom: 9 (31 Oct 09)
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #800 // Import more items into Shadows of Amn (WARNING: This can be considered a cheat): 9 (31 Oct 09)
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #901 // Random activated traps in the pirate cave -> Install-time randomisation: 9 (31 Oct 09)
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #1000 // Bags of the Sword Coast: 9 (31 Oct 09)
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #1200 // Arkion reacts to player's reputation: 9 (31 Oct 09)
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #1400 // More bandit scalps: 9 (31 Oct 09)
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #2001 // Protagonist's biography modifications -> Do not set BG1 biography for imported characters: 9 (31 Oct 09)
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #2100 // Exotic Weapons For Taerom: 9 (31 Oct 09)
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #2300 // Disable hostile reaction after charm: 9 (31 Oct 09)
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #2400 // Enemy items shatter: 9 (31 Oct 09)
~SETUP-BGTTWEAK.TP2~ #0 #2700 // Put Sword of Chaos +2 in Sarevok's inventory: 9 (31 Oct 09)
~GBTHFKP/GBTHFKP.TP2~ #0 #0 // Expanded Thief Stronghold: v2.19
~SETUP-AJOCMOD.TP2~ #0 #0 // AjocMod Weidu: v1.6.3
~SETUP-TTSQ.TP2~ #0 #0 // The Tortured Soul Quest - WeiDU: v7
~EMAD/SETUP-EMAD.TP2~ #0 #1 // The Promise of a Troll: v4
~EMAD/SETUP-EMAD.TP2~ #0 #2 // A Bhaalspawn's Best Friend: v4
~EMAD/SETUP-EMAD.TP2~ #0 #3 // Under Her Spell: v4
~EMAD/SETUP-EMAD.TP2~ #0 #4 // Forgery: v4
~EMAD/SETUP-EMAD.TP2~ #0 #5 // Character Medley: v4
~C#SB_SILBER/SETUP-C#SB_SILBER.TP2~ #0 #0 // Adalon's Blood - Modification for BGII by Gandalf the white: 8
~TOD/SETUP-TOD.TP2~ #0 #0 // Tower Of Deception Mod (Requires Throne Of Bhaal)
~TOD/SETUP-TOD.TP2~ #0 #1 // Improved Astral Shard Guardian
~DC/SETUP-DC.TP2~ #0 #0 // Dungeon Crawl, v5
~ASSASSINATIONS/SETUP-ASSASSINATIONS.TP2~ #0 #0 // Assassinations mod for Baldur's Gate II, v7
~FADINGPROMISES/SETUP-FADINGPROMISES.TP2~ #0 #0 // Fading Promises: 4
~TOTDG/SETUP-TOTDG.TP2~ #0 #0 // Colours of Infinity: Tales of the Deep Gardens
~TOTDG/SETUP-TOTDG.TP2~ #0 #1 // NPC Reactions (Aerie, Viconia, Jaheira, Anomen, Haer'Dalis, Keldorn)
~SETUP-DOFD.TP2~ #0 #0 // DofD: v3
~BAGBONUS.TP2~ #0 #0 // Bonus Potioncase and Ammobelt to Deidre's store: v1.0.3
~SETUP-BOM.TP2~ #0 #0 // Boards of Magick item pack!
~SETUP-BG2SOA.TP2~ #0 #1 // Adds Items from Baldurs Gate to SoA -> Improved Mencar Pebblecrusher (Not so cheesy method)
~SETUP-VALHORN.TP2~ #0 #0 // Improved Horns of Valhalla v1.2
~SETUP-UNDERREP.TP2~ #0 #0 // Underrepresented Items From Icewind Dale 2
~SETUP-ITEMUPGRADE.TP2~ #0 #0 // Shadows Of Amn Item Upgrades
~SETUP-ITEMUPGRADE.TP2~ #0 #1 // Throne Of Bhaal Item Upgrades
~CLIFFKEY/SETUP-CLIFFKEY.TP2~ #0 #1 // A Mod for the Orderly - Add a Keyring to Faerun! See readme for more details about the choices below. -> Consistency Plus version: v2
~SETUP-FOODMOD.TP2~ #0 #0 // Chosen of Mystra's Food and Herbal Mod (Requires Throne of Bhaal): v1.02
~SETUP-RUPERT.TP2~ #0 #0 // Rupert the Dye Merchant (for BG2 or TuTu/BGT)
~MHORAM.TP2~ #1 #0 // Mhoram NPC v1.2
~SETUP-AMBER.TP2~ #0 #0 // Amber the NPC MOD for BGII:SoA: v2.5
~C#AJANTIS_SVA/SETUP-C#AJANTIS_SVA.TP2~ #1 #0 // Sir Ajantis NPC for BGII-SoA: open Beta 0.2.19
~SETUP-TASHIA.TP2~ #0 #0 // Tashia NPC Mod -> Full version (ToB required): v1.1
~SETUP-TASHIA.TP2~ #0 #2 // Tashia Add-on Pack by Bri and Lord Ernie (English only, Tashia ToB Required) -> Action Style dialogues: v1.1
~SETUP-FADE.TP2~ #0 #0 // Fade: An NPC for Baldur's Gate II
~SETUP-KIDO.TP2~ #0 #0 // Kido the Jester (Requires Throne of Bhaal)
~SETUP-KIDO.TP2~ #0 #3 // Which of Kido's portraits do you wish to install? -> Kido's old portraits (of version 1.0 till 2.1)?
~SETUP-ARIENA.TP2~ #0 #0 // Ariena the Half-orc (Requires Throne of Bhaal)
~SETUP-ARIENA.TP2~ #0 #1 // Which of Ariena's portraits do you wish to install? -> Default portraits?
~XAN/SETUP-XAN.TP2~ #0 #0 // Xan NPC MOD for Baldur's Gate II, v9
~XAN/SETUP-XAN.TP2~ #0 #3 // Install alternate class for Xan? -> Change Xan's class to Sorcerer
~XAN/SETUP-XAN.TP2~ #0 #5 // BG1-style flaming swords
~SETUP-ALORA.TP2~ #0 #0 // Chosen of Mystra's Alora NPC Mod (Requires Throne of Bhaal): 1.1
~AURENASEPH/SETUP-AURENASEPH.TP2~ #0 #0 // Auren Aseph V6.2 for BG2:ToB
~SARAHTOB/SETUP-SARAHTOB.TP2~ #0 #0 // Sarah NPC Romance Mod for BG2:ToB: Beta 2.0
~SETUP-HUBELPOT.TP2~ #0 #0 // SConrad's IM6-entry: Hubelpot Thistledown, the Vegetable Merchant NPC-mod: BWP v6 Fix
~SETUP-HUBELPOT.TP2~ #0 #1 // Hubelpot's Kit -> Default kit, the Totemic Druid: BWP v6 Fix
~SETUP-NIKITA.TP2~ #0 #0 // Nikitalleria NPC Mod (Requires Throne of Bhaal)
~TYRISFLARE/SETUP-TYRISFLARE.TP2~ #0 #0 // Tyris Flare NPC: v2
~SETUP-BONSBRUCEV2.TP2~ #0 #0 // Bons's Bruce The Cockney Barfighter - A One-Day NPC - Version 2
~DEARNISE/SETUP-DEARNISE.TP2~ #0 #0 // de'Arnise Romance for Baldur's Gate II, v2
~SETUP-BANTERPACK.TP2~ #0 #0 // Pocket Plane Banter Pack for BG2: Shadows of Amn
~SETUP-BANTERPACK.TP2~ #0 #2 // Pocket Plane Banter Pack for BG2: Throne of Bhaal
~IEPBANTERS/SETUP-IEPBANTERS.TP2~ #0 #0 // Extended NPC-NPC Interaction SoA: 3.2
~IEPBANTERS/SETUP-IEPBANTERS.TP2~ #0 #1 // Extended Minsc/Aerie Interaction ToB: 3.2
~IEPBANTERS/SETUP-IEPBANTERS.TP2~ #0 #2 // Imoen "Retrospection" dialogue for BGII: ToB: 3.2
~IEPBANTERS/SETUP-IEPBANTERS.TP2~ #0 #3 // Wake-Up dialogue for Anomen Romance (By David Gaider with additions from Kulyok): 3.2
~IEPBANTERS/SETUP-IEPBANTERS.TP2~ #0 #4 // NPC Conflict Revisions: 3.2
~VICONIA/SETUP-VICONIA.TP2~ #0 #0 // Viconia Friendship: 2
~MAZZY/SETUP-MAZZY.TP2~ #0 #0 // Mazzy Friendship: 1
~YOSHIMO/YOSHIMO.TP2~ #0 #0 // Yoshimo Friendship Mod for BGII: SoA: 1
~IMOEN.TP2~ #0 #0 // 'Imoen Romance Add-on Mod BG2:SoA(ToB required!)v1.201'
~JANQUEST/SETUP-JANQUEST.TP2~ #1 #0 // Jan's Extended Quest
~ROSE/SETUP-ROSE.TP2~ #0 #0 // Rose NPC for BG:T: v0.03 OPEN BETA
~SETUP-TURNIPGOLEM.TP2~ #0 #0 // Turnip Golem Encounter: v2
~SETUP-SNAKES.TP2~ #0 #0 // The Slithering Menace (for BGII:ToB only)
~THOGHMA/SETUP-THOGHMA.TP2~ #2 #0 // A Quest in the service of Oghma: v1.5
~ZALNOYA/SETUP-ZALNOYA.TP2~ #0 #0 // Zalnoya and the Shadow Thieves
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #1 // The Suna Seni/Valygar Relationship: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #3 // "Cat and Mouse" (Bodhi hunts you in Spellhold) by Ghreyfain: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #0 // The Kidnapping of Boo by Cliffette: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #2 // Kalah and What He Was Promised: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #4 // Gorje Hilldark and the Extended Illithium Quest: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #5 // The Pai'Na/Spider's Bane Quest: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #6 // Restored Crooked Crane Inn: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #7 // Restored Encounters: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #8 // Artemis Entreri in Bodhi's Lair: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #9 // Corrected "Xzar's Creations": v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #10 // Restored Hell Minions, by SimDing0: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #12 // Item Restorations: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #15 // NPC Portrait Restorations: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #16 // Corrected BAMs and Scripts: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #17 // Corrected Character Names and Biographies: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #18 // Restored Minor Dialogs: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #19 // Restored Bhaalspawn Powers, by David Gaider: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #21 // Throne of Bhaal Minor Restorations: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #20 // Extended ToB Item Descriptions: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #24 // Sarevok's Remorse: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #10 // Detectable Spells: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #20 // Allow enemy AI to detect the party's magic items: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #30 // Correct various errors on race, class etc: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #1001 // Make Protection from Normal Missiles block magical missiles -> Only +1 and better missiles penetrate Protection from Normal Missiles, and +1 missiles are replaced by nonmagical Masterwork versions: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #2000 // Make elemental arrows more like their BG2 counterparts: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #2020 // Re-introduce potions of extra-healing: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #3001 // Standardise spells: BG1 vs BG2 -> Introduce BG2 spell scrolls into BG1: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #3050 // Better NPC management: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #3070 // Move NPCs to more convenient locations: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #4000 // Skip Candlekeep: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #4010 // Remove blur effect from displacer cloak: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #4020 // Stackable ankheg shells, winterwolf pelts and wyvern heads: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #4030 // Move Boo out of quick access and into Minsc's pack: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #4050 // Ease-of-use player AI: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #5000 // Smarter general AI: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #5010 // Better calls for help: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #5020 // Potions for NPCs -> All of the potions dropped by slain enemies are recoverable: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #5030 // Smarter mages -> Mages use BG1 spells only; mages do not "pre-buff" (i.e., cast some defensive spells quickly at the start of combat): v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #5040 // Smarter priests -> Priests use BG1 spells only; priests do not "pre-buff" (i.e., cast some defensive spells quickly at the start of combat): v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #5050 // Smarter deployment: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #5070 // Smarter sirines and dryads: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #5080 // Slightly harder carrion crawlers: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #6010 // Tougher Black Talons and Iron Throne guards: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #6020 // Improved deployment for parties of assassins: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #6040 // Relocated bounty hunters: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #6050 // Improved Ulcaster: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #6060 // Improved Balduran's Isle: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #6070 // Improved Durlag's Tower: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #6090 // Improved Cloakwood Druids: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #6100 // Improved Bassilus: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #6150 // Tougher chapter-two end battle: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #6160 // Tougher chapter-three end battle: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #6170 // Tougher chapter-four end battle: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #6180 // Tougher chapter-five end battle: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #6190 // Tougher chapter-six end battle: v13
~SETUP-SCS.TP2~ #0 #6200 // Improved final battle: v13
~SETUP-RES_FIXER.TP2~ #0 #0 // Resource Fixer: v1
~HOMEWARDBOUND/SETUP-HOMEWARDBOUND.TP2~ #0 #0 // Homeward Bound - V 2 - January 19, 2008
~TOBR/SETUP-TOBR.TP2~ #0 #0 // Gromnir: beta 4
~TOBR/SETUP-TOBR.TP2~ #0 #1 // Melissan: beta 4
~TOBR/SETUP-TOBR.TP2~ #0 #2 // Solar: beta 4
~TOBR/SETUP-TOBR.TP2~ #0 #3 // Yaga Shura: beta 4
~TOBR/SETUP-TOBR.TP2~ #0 #4 // Grove of the Ancients: beta 4
~TOBR/SETUP-TOBR.TP2~ #0 #5 // Pocket Plane: beta 4
~TOBR/SETUP-TOBR.TP2~ #0 #6 // Fight Five in Any Order: beta 4
~TOBR/SETUP-TOBR.TP2~ #0 #7 // Amkethran: beta 4
~TOBR/SETUP-TOBR.TP2~ #0 #8 // Fire Temple: beta 4
~TOBR/SETUP-TOBR.TP2~ #0 #9 // Oasis: beta 4
~TOBR/SETUP-TOBR.TP2~ #0 #10 // Saradush: beta 4
~TOBR/SETUP-TOBR.TP2~ #0 #12 // Cleansing the Temple: beta 4
~TOBR/SETUP-TOBR.TP2~ #0 #13 // The Witch of the Wealdath: beta 4
~KELSEY.TP2~ #0 #0 // Kelsey v2.1: for BG2 - SoA
~SETUP-KELSEYTOB.TP2~ #0 #0 // Kelsey: ToB - Version 2
~SETUP-KELSEYTOB.TP2~ #0 #2 // Ascension-specific dialogue (Requires WeiDU Ascension, v1.4.12 or greater recommended)
~SETUP-KELSEYTOB.TP2~ #0 #3 // Install Default Kelsey portrait set by Wynne Lurty? (set 1 of 3)
~SETUP-KETO.TP2~ #0 #0 // Keto-SOA NPC V2
~SETUP-KETO.TP2~ #0 #1 // Keto/Kelsey Interaction (Requires Kelsey-SOA)
~CROSSMODBG2/SETUP-CROSSMODBG2.TP2~ #0 #0 // Crossmod Banter Pack for Shadows of Amn: 8
~CROSSMODBG2/SETUP-CROSSMODBG2.TP2~ #0 #1 // Crossmod Banter Pack for Throne of Bhaal: 8
~CROSSMODBG2/SETUP-CROSSMODBG2.TP2~ #0 #2 // Crossmod Romance Conflicts: 8
~HAMMERS/SETUP-HAMMERS.TP2~ #0 #0 // Thrown Hammers: v1 LW-BGT
~AURORA/SETUP-AURORA.TP2~ #0 #0 // Aurora's Shoes and Boots: v3
~AURORA/SETUP-AURORA.TP2~ #0 #10 // Small portraits for NPCs -> Merchants and minor NPCs: v3
~SONG_AND_SILENCE/SETUP-SONG_AND_SILENCE.TP2~ #0 #0 // Changes to trueclass bards and thieves, and unmodded game kits (required for other components): v4
~SONG_AND_SILENCE/SETUP-SONG_AND_SILENCE.TP2~ #0 #1 // Add new bardic store and thief items: v4
~SWORD_AND_FIST/SETUP-SWORD_AND_FIST.TP2~ #0 #1 // Monk Remix: v4
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #0 // Proper dual-wielding implementation for Thieves and Bards: v4.31
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #3 // Proper racial adjustments for thieving skills: v4.31
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #6 // Proper spell progression for Bards: v4.31
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #1000 // Detectable spells (required for most other components): v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #1020 // Bugfix: Fix the Mirror Image spell so it doesn't block area-effect magic: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #1030 // Bugfix: Fix the Dispel Magic spell so it correctly allows for caster's level: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2010 // More consistent Breach spell (always affects liches and rakshasas; doesn't penetrate Spell Turning): v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2020 // Antimagic attacks penetrate improved invisibility -> Only Spell Thrust, Secret Word and Ruby Ray get areas of effect (default option): v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2030 // Iron Skins behaves like Stoneskin (can be brought down by Breach): v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2050 // Make individual versions of Spell Immunity available, so that players can use them in Contingencies etc.: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2110 // Reduce the power of Inquisitors' Dispel Magic -> Inquisitors dispel at 1.5 x their level (not twice their level): v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2120 // Slightly weaken insect plague spells, and let fire shields block them: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2130 // Cosmetic change: stop Stoneskins from changing your character's colour: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #3080 // Change Carsomyr so that its Dispel on contact power grants a saving throw: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #3530 // Faster Bears: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #4000 // Increase the price asked by Gaylan Baele -> Gaylan wants 40,000 gold pieces: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #4010 // Make Freedom scrolls available earlier: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #4030 // Retrieve Dropped Items from Hell: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #4050 // Make party members less likely to die irreversibly: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #5000 // Ease-of-use party AI: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #5010 // Remove animation from the Cloak of Mirroring (leave it for other spells and effects that use the same graphic): v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #5030 // Remove the blur graphic effect from the Displacer Cloak: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6000 // Smarter general AI: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6010 // Better calls for help: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6020 // Potions for NPCs -> All of the potions dropped by slain enemies are recoverable: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6051 // Improved fiends -> Fiends cast spells like normal wizards: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6061 // Smarter genies -> Genies cast spells like normal wizards: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6081 // Smarter celestials -> Celestials cast spells like normal wizards: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6090 // Give dragons more staying power by increasing their hit points: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6101 // Smarter dragons -> Dragons cast spells like normal wizards: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6111 // Smarter beholders -> Don't give beholder rays any chance of burning through spell protections: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6120 // Smarter mind flayers -> Illithids have only original-game resistances; Illithids cannot see invisible enemies (matches original game): v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6130 // Improved Vampires: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6135 // Smarter githyanki: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6136 // Add high-level abilities (HLAs) to ToB mages -> Only selected ToB mages get HLAs: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6138 // Add high-level abilities (HLAs) to SoA mages -> Only selected SoA mages get HLAs: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6152 // Smarter Mages -> Mages never cast short-duration spells instantly at start of combat: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6180 // Add high-level abilities (HLAs) to ToB priests -> Only selected ToB priests get HLAs: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6200 // Add high-level abilities (HLAs) to SoA priests -> Only selected SoA priests get HLAs: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6162 // Smarter Priests -> Priests never cast short-duration spells instantly at start of combat: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6210 // Smarter Illasera: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6220 // Smarter Yaga-Shura: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6230 // Smarter Abazigal: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6240 // Smarter Gromnir: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6250 // Smarter Melissan: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6260 // Give Ascension demons SCSII scripts and abilities: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6270 // Give Ascension versions of Irenicus and Sendai SCSII scripts and abilities: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7000 // Improved Shade Lord: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7020 // More resilient trolls: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7040 // Improved Random Encounters: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7050 // Improved d'Arnise Keep ("Tactics Remix") -> Spirit trolls have the same powers as in the original game: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7060 // Slightly improved Faldorn: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7070 // Improved Bodhi (Tactics Remix) -> "Toned-down" version of the original Tactics Improved Bodhi, with SCSII scripting: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7078 // Improved battle with Irenicus in Spellhold: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7080 // Improved Sahuagin: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7100 // Prevent resting in the Illithid city: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7120 // Slightly Improved Watcher's Keep: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7126 // Improved Irenicus in Hell (Tactics remix) -> Tactics-SCSII hybrid: v11
~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7160 // Improved Minor Encounters: v11
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #40 // Change Viconia's Skin Color to Dark Blue: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #60 // Weapon Animation Tweaks: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #110 // Icon Improvements: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #130 // Force All Dialogue to Pause Game: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1010 // More Interjections: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1020 // Alter HP Triggers for NPC Wounded Dialogues: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1040 // Improved Athkatlan City Guard: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1090 // Exotic Item Pack: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1130 // Reputation Resets in BG2 (BGT Only): v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1160 // Multiple Strongholds (Baldurdash) -> No Restrictions (Baldurdash): v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1170 // Bonus Merchants (Baldurdash): v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1180 // Female Edwina: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #2040 // Universal Clubs: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #2090 // Change Experience Point Cap -> Remove Experience Cap: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #2140 // Expanded Dual-Class Options: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #2150 // Wear Multiple Protection Items -> P&P Restrictions: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #2300 // Triple-Class HLA Tables: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3000 // Higher HP on Level Up -> Maximum: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3012 // Maximum HP for NPCs (the bigg) -> For Party-Joinable NPCs Only: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3030 // Easy Spell Learning -> 100% Learn Spells: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3050 // Remove fatigue from restoration spells: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3060 // Remove "You Must Gather Your Party..." Sound (Weimer): v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3080 // Unlimited Ammo Stacking: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3090 // Unlimited Gem and Jewelry Stacking: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3100 // Unlimited Potion Stacking: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3110 // Unlimited Scroll Stacking: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3121 // Happy Patch (Party NPCs do not fight or complain about reputation) -> NPCs can be angry about reputation but never leave (Salk): v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3125 // Neutral Characters Make Happy Comments at Mid-Range Reputation: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3183 // Romance Cheats: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3190 // Rest Anywhere (Japheth): v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #4031 // Consistent Stats: Edwin -> Use BG2 Values: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #4041 // Consistent Stats: Jaheira -> Use BG2 Values: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #4061 // Consistent Stats: Minsc -> Use BG2 Values: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #4071 // Consistent Stats: Viconia -> Use BG2 Values: v8
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #4100 // Change Korgan to Neutral Evil: v8
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #12 // Shadow Thief Improvements: v4.31
~FREEACT/SETUP-FREEACT.TP2~ #0 #10 // PnP Free Action: Beta 1
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #100 // Restore innate infravision to Half-Orc characters: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #101 // Prevent skeletal undead from being affected by Illithids' Devour Brain attack: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #102 // Change Spiritual Hammer into a ranged force weapon: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #103 // Allow Dispel/Remove Magic to take down Globes of Invulnerability: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #110 // Magical arrows and bolts deal bonus damage equal to their enchantment level: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #120 // Restore innate disease immunity to Paladins: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #125 // Rangers' Animal Empathy improves with experience: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #130 // Additional racial traits for Dwarves: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #140 // Additional racial traits for Gnomes: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #200 // Allow Breach to take down Stoneskin effects applied by items: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #201 // Instant casting for warrior innates: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #202 // Consistently spell-like Bhaalpowers: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #203 // Make druidic shapeshifting uninterruptable: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #204 // Prevent Mislead clones from singing Bard songs: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #205 // Prevent Project Image and Simulacrum clones from using quickslot items: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #220 // Simple Thief script: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #230 // Simple Bard script: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #300 // Use Icewind Dale's Dimension Door animation: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #301 // Change the appearance of Valygar's armor: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #303 // Give Shambling Mounds their proper soundset: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #310 // Distinctive creature coloring: v2.63
~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #500 // Slightly expanded storage capacity for containers -> Use the recommended storage capacity value (999): v2.63
~SETUP-XPMOD.TP2~ #0 #0 // Creature XP Reduction -> Reduce to 75%
~SETUP-XPMOD.TP2~ #0 #7 // Locks, Traps and Spells XP Reduction -> Reduce to 25%
~SETUP-XPMOD.TP2~ #0 #11 // Quest XP Reduction -> Reduce to 75%
~AURORA/SETUP-AURORA.TP2~ #0 #120 // Change store buying prices -> Reduce to 90%: v3
~AURORA/SETUP-AURORA.TP2~ #0 #165 // Change store selling prices -> Increase by 110%: v3
~AURORA/SETUP-AURORA.TP2~ #0 #257 // Change quest gold rewards -> Fixes only: v3
~AURORA/SETUP-AURORA.TP2~ #0 #420 // Realistic random treasures -> Both 1 and 2 (no treasures lost): v3
~CONTAIN/SETUP-CONTAIN.TP2~ #0 #10 // Unique Containers -> Unique icons and names: v2
~SETUP-CELESTIALES.TP2~ #0 #0 // Correcion a la animacion de las armas de devas y planotareos (Corrections of the animation of the weapon of devas and planetars) (Korrektur der Animation der Waffen der Devas und Planetare): v1.2
~SETUP-CELESTIALES.TP2~ #0 #1 // Sustitucion de los graficos de devas y planotareos rojos (Substitution of the creature graphics of the red devas and planetars) (Ersatz der Grafiken der roten Devas und Planetare): v1.2
~SETUP-CELESTIALES.TP2~ #0 #2 // Sustitucion de los graficos de devas y planotareos azules y de Solar (Substitution of the creature graphics of the blue devas and planetars and the solars) (Ersatz der Grafiken der blauen Devas, Planetare und Solarier): v1.2
~SETUP-LIGHTMAPS.TP2~ #1 #0 // Corrected lightmaps for BG TuTu/BGT/Baldur's Gate
~1PP_FEMALE_DWARVES/SETUP-1PP_FEMALE_DWARVES.TP2~ #0 #0 // Separate Avatars for Female Dwarves -> Separate Avatars for Female Dwarves - Baldur's Gate II
~1PP_THIEVES_GALORE/SETUP-1PP_THIEVES_GALORE.TP2~ #0 #1 // 1ppv3: Unique Thief Avatars (patch) -> BGII - Unique Thief Avatars (patch)
~1PP_THIEVES_GALORE/SETUP-1PP_THIEVES_GALORE.TP2~ #0 #2 // 1ppv3: Unique Thief Avatars (content)
~SETUP-BP-BGT-WORLDMAP.TP2~ #0 #0 // Worldmap for Baldur's Gate v7.1 - including colored Baldur's Gate map icons -> New Worldmap for use with Mega Modification...: v7.1
~SETUP-BP-BGT-WORLDMAP.TP2~ #0 #2 // Worldmap for Throne of Bhall -> Use new Worldmap for Throne of Bhaal as well: v7.1
~SONG_AND_SILENCE/SETUP-SONG_AND_SILENCE.TP2~ #0 #2 // Install Acrobat bard kit: v4
~SONG_AND_SILENCE/SETUP-SONG_AND_SILENCE.TP2~ #0 #3 // Install Chorister bard kit: v4
~SONG_AND_SILENCE/SETUP-SONG_AND_SILENCE.TP2~ #0 #4 // Install Dirgesinger bard kit: v4
~SONG_AND_SILENCE/SETUP-SONG_AND_SILENCE.TP2~ #0 #5 // Install Gypsy bard kit: v4
~SONG_AND_SILENCE/SETUP-SONG_AND_SILENCE.TP2~ #0 #6 // Install Adventurer thief kit: v4
~SONG_AND_SILENCE/SETUP-SONG_AND_SILENCE.TP2~ #0 #7 // Install Burglar thief kit: v4
~SONG_AND_SILENCE/SETUP-SONG_AND_SILENCE.TP2~ #0 #8 // Install Soulknife thief kit: v4
~SONG_AND_SILENCE/SETUP-SONG_AND_SILENCE.TP2~ #0 #9 // Install Sharpshooter thief kit: v4
~SONG_AND_SILENCE/SETUP-SONG_AND_SILENCE.TP2~ #0 #10 // Install Shadowdancer thief kit: v4
~SWORD_AND_FIST/SETUP-SWORD_AND_FIST.TP2~ #0 #30 // Install Hexblade fighter kit: v4
~SWORD_AND_FIST/SETUP-SWORD_AND_FIST.TP2~ #0 #31 // Install Duelist fighter kit: v4
~SWORD_AND_FIST/SETUP-SWORD_AND_FIST.TP2~ #0 #32 // Install Fist of Order fighter kit: v4
~SWORD_AND_FIST/SETUP-SWORD_AND_FIST.TP2~ #0 #33 // Install Blackguard fighter kit: v4
~SWORD_AND_FIST/SETUP-SWORD_AND_FIST.TP2~ #0 #34 // Install Duskblade fighter kit (by ronin69hof, [email protected]: v4
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #22 // Justifier Kit: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-UB.TP2~ #0 #23 // Feralan Kit: v18 BWP Fix
~SETUP-BGTMUSIC.TP2~ #0 #2 // Baldur's Gate Trilogy - Music -> Full Baldur's Gate/Shadows of Amn/Throne of Bhaal Music (WARNING: patches BGMain.exe)
~GENERALIZED_BIFFING/GENERALIZED_BIFFING.TP2~ #0 #0 // generalized biffing: v1
~CREFIXER/SETUP-CREFIXER.TP2~ #0 #0 // Creature Slot Fixer: v1
~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #0 // Increase songlist limit to 500: v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #10 // Externalize hardcoded race strrefs to racetext.2da: v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #20 // Enable PickpocketFailed() trigger: v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #21 // Stay invisible after successful pickpocket: v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #30 // Introduce AoE flag to bypass mirror images: v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #31 // Fix mirror image effect (#119) to keep caster level: v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #40 // Fix the formula in the dispel effect: v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #41 // Introduce configurable item dispel behavior: v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #50 // Disable Stoneskin colouring: v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #60 // Apply casting level modifier stat: v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #70 // Externalize spell selection hiding (hidespl.2da): v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #80 // Non-cumulative blindness effect (THAC0 malus): v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #90 // More versatile pocketplane effect (#298): v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #100 // Enlarge tooltip scroll: v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #110 // Apply profsmax.2da restrictions on char creation (BGT): v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #120 // "Scrollable" mage spellbook: v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #121 // "Scrollable" priest spellbook: v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #130 // Fix cure drunkeness effect (#164): v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #140 // Fix stacking of attacks per round modifier effect (#001): v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #150 // Introduce backstab flag to bypass restrictions: v0.5.1
// Recently Uninstalled: ~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #160 // Sort of fix the forbid item(type) effects (#180 and #181): v0.5.1
~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #21 // Stay invisible after successful pickpocket: v0.5.1
~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #100 // Enlarge tooltip scroll: v0.5.1
~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #120 // "Scrollable" mage spellbook: v0.5.1
~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #121 // "Scrollable" priest spellbook: v0.5.1
~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #130 // Fix cure drunkeness effect (#164): v0.5.1
~TOB_HACKS/TOB_HACKS.TP2~ #0 #140 // Fix stacking of attacks per round modifier effect (#001): v0.5.1


Also, the stuff I use for this. Because credit is due:

The BiG World Project (http://www.shsforums.net/index.php?autocom=downloads&showcat=72). This Let's Play wouldn't be possible, or at least feasible, without it.

CamStudio (http://camstudio.org/), for the occasional cinematic or cutscene.

Virtual Dub (http://www.virtualdub.org/) to edit those.

Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/) to host them.

Photoshop (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/compare/) for the screenshots. And [I]how I'll use that. Changing the image size. Adding text. Saving in a different format. Sometimes, it has to be professional software.

Imageshack (http://imageshack.us/) for, well, the images.

The Forgotten Realms Wiki (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page). Man, I'll need that one.

[Mongoose87]

I'm pretty sure Nalia is by Jason Compton.

I used to be a huge BGII-er. Too big. I played through it so many times, it's ruined it for me.

[Johnny Blade]

Yeah, you're right, it's Compton. Changed that.

[Mongoose87]

One thing you might want to consider looking up is the Unfinished Business mods. They're very nice, add a lot of value.

[Johnny Blade]

Yeah, they're both installed.
Hm...I guess they should actually be added to the list of noteworthy mods, since they will fill a few updates...

[AgentPaper]

Amber's description screams "Mary Sue", but if the mod's got a good rep, I'll trust you on that. The amazon could also be interesting, and I do have a certain fondness for Nalia, partly because she's so hopelessly un-optimal. Any chance your mod would be able to also reduce her thief levels or even make her something completely different? Perhaps a mage turned thief instead of the other way around, using her rudimentary magic to enhance her bow skills?

I've never really cared for Viconia, so seeing her out is no loss for me, but I haven't really seen that much of her to begin with, so I don't mind seeing what she's all about. Other than that, I'd vote for Imoen, Minsc, and Anomen as additional tag-alongs, in that order. (I don't know what it is, but I'm very fond of Imoen too, in a little sister kind of way. Kinda similar to Nalia, actually, so maybe I just like thief/mages in general. Meh.)

I'm actually in the strange position where I'm a huge fan of BG2, but can't stand the 2e combat system for more than 5 minutes at a time. I might be able to get through it if it were updated to 3.5, or even better, 4E, but I've never been able to get past the 2nd or 3rd act without giving up in frustration as each fight becomes a caster rocket-tag.

[Mongoose87]

I'm actually in the strange position where I'm a huge fan of BG2, but can't stand the 2e combat system for more than 5 minutes at a time. I might be able to get through it if it were updated to 3.5, or even better, 4E, but I've never been able to get past the 2nd or 3rd act without giving up in frustration as each fight becomes a caster rocket-tag.

Icewind Gate II was working on converting BGII into the Icewind Dale II engine, and with it 3E. I know they had a lot of troubles, but they may have had some progress since my day. It's been years, after all.

[Mordokai]

I don't think the 2ed was so bad. With the right planning, you could beat each and every mage into ground with a single class fighter, before they did too much damage. In the unmoded game, at least. Now, some mods out there... I playtested one that made mages jump. leap and bound in power. It was a fun mod to play, for sure, but if you think mages in regular game are powerful, you have seen nothing yet.

To contribute at least a little, I'd say go with Amber. I'm interested in seeing how she turns out. For NPCs, Imoen, Edwin, Amber and maybe Korgan, if you need meatshield and your PC won't be one.

[Johnny Blade]

First off, on a general note, if a romance turns out horrible, I can always abandon it.


Any chance your mod would be able to also reduce her thief levels or even make her something completely different? Perhaps a mage turned thief instead of the other way around, using her rudimentary magic to enhance her bow skills?
Not really, since her magic plays some role in her banters and romance (which I once started but never finished).
What I usually do is make her a Swashbuckler (Nobles do tend to get fencing lessons, right? Also, she's not really the backstabbing kind.), give her a few extra levels, and make her reasonably good good at sneaking around and picking locks (It's what she did to get out of the castle, after all.).


I've never really cared for Viconia, so seeing her out is no loss for me, but I haven't really seen that much of her to begin with, so I don't mind seeing what she's all about.
Oh, she's not out, just problematic to write for. However, at least I have actually finished her romance before.


Other than that, I'd vote for Imoen, Minsc, and Anomen as additional tag-alongs, in that order.
Imoen is definitely in. Well, there will be a little break in BG2, but...yeah. :smallwink:
Minsc will be around, occasionally. I don't think there's enough to his character to take him along for the entire Trilogy, but he will make appearances.
Anomen would be my cleric of choice in case I don't end up romancing Viconia.


I don't think the 2ed was so bad. With the right planning, you could beat each and every mage into ground with a single class fighter, before they did too much damage. In the unmoded game, at least. Now, some mods out there... I playtested one that made mages jump. leap and bound in power. It was a fun mod to play, for sure, but if you think mages in regular game are powerful, you have seen nothing yet.
That wouldn't have been the Sword Coast Stratagems component that makes all of them pre-buff?
Because, yeah, that can be a real nightmare with the wrong group setup.

Although it's also a lot of fun...once.

[Mordokai]

That wouldn't have been the Sword Coast Stratagems component that makes all of them pre-buff?
Because, yeah, that can be a real nightmare with the wrong group setup.

Although it's also a lot of fun...once.

Improved Anvil (http://forums.blackwyrmlair.net/index.php?showforum=99), actually. Quite a lot of fun, but damn, some battles are just bitchy.

Though the big part of difficulty still goes on mages pre-buffing, yes.

[Serenity]

Well, my favorite romance mod has always been LordMirabbo's Imoen mod...but it's obviously out for this playthrough, since the Throne of Bhaal part of the mod has been in Development Hell for years--looks like it's turned into Imoen Romance Forever.

[Mordokai]

I wouldn't give up on it just yet. Mirabbo just might make it back yet. He said it on his forum that he hasn't given up on the mod yet.

Granted, that has been about a year or so back, but still. I refuse to give up on it until I hear otherwise. And what little I did saw from the ToB portion of the mod is very nice.

[Johnny Blade]

Improved Anvil (http://forums.blackwyrmlair.net/index.php?showforum=99), actually. Quite a lot of fun, but damn, some battles are just bitchy.
Ah, never tried that one.


Though the big part of difficulty still goes on mages pre-buffing, yes.
And it starts out so easy...well, okay, not really, the very early fights come down to dumb luck because a Magic Missile can one-shot some of your characters, but then it gets more reasonable.

And then you go on a trip to the Cloakwood Mines.

But nothing beats ToB if you also install the component that gives all casters HLAs.



Well, my favorite romance mod has always been LordMirabbo's Imoen mod...but it's obviously out for this playthrough, since the Throne of Bhaal part of the mod has been in Development Hell for years--looks like it's turned into Imoen Romance Forever.
It's mainly out because it's incest. I mean, I hear that the mod handles that issue quite well, but there's just no way I'll go near that when I'd have to conclude it in ToB.
Play it? Maybe some day.
Write for it? Never.

[Mordokai]

Ah, never tried that one.

I would recommend playing it at least once. It also adds a lot of content that was not in original game and it gives you ton of extra items, to make your life easier. A lot of character specific equipment(Valygar's armor, Anomen's shield and the like) gets a powerful buff, so it's quite fun to see what your favourite characters can become.

In my test game, Valygar was my main tank, for example.


And it starts out so easy...well, okay, not really, the very early fights come down to dumb luck because a Magic Missile can one-shot some of your characters, but then it gets more reasonable.

And then you go on a trip to the Cloakwood Mines.

But nothing beats ToB if you also install the component that gives all casters HLAs.

All the more fun when you beat them into bloody pulp :smalltongue: :smallbiggrin:


It's mainly out because it's incest. I mean, I hear that the mod handles that issue quite well, but there's just no way I'll go near that when I'd have to conclude it in ToB.
Play it? Maybe some day.
Write for it? Never.

It doesn't have to be incest. You can also take a friendship path, with little to no sexual content between Immy and PC. I'm trying it now, once I have time, since life is pressing atm.

But the mod itself is good for me just because it fleshes Imoen's character out more than Bioware ever did. I didn't realise it before I played Imoen romance, but after that, it becomes painfully obvious.

[Johnny Blade]

I would recommend playing it at least once. It also adds a lot of content that was not in original game and it gives you ton of extra items, to make your life easier. A lot of character specific equipment(Valygar's armor, Anomen's shield and the like) gets a powerful buff, so it's quite fun to see what your favourite characters can become.

In my test game, Valygar was my main tank, for example.
I'm sure I will, at some point. But for this Let's Play, I went rather light on anything that makes the game more difficult.
I'll spend enough time writing, no need to make the game itself even more time-consuming.


All the more fun when you beat them into bloody pulp :smalltongue: :smallbiggrin:
I could hardly argue with that. :smallamused:



It doesn't have to be incest. You can also take a friendship path, with little to no sexual content between Immy and PC.
Oh, I was talking about her being out as a romance option. As for the friendship path, well...
~IMOEN.TP2~ #0 #0 // 'Imoen Romance Add-on Mod BG2:SoA(ToB required!)v1.201'
...it might happen. :smallwink:

[Mordokai]

I'm sure I will, at some point. But for this Let's Play, I went rather light on anything that makes the game more difficult.
I'll spend enough time writing, no need to make the game itself even more time-consuming.

Probably a wise idea :smallsmile: It will still be there once you're over with this one and I really recommend taking some time for this beast, since it is time consuming.


I could hardly argue with that. :smallamused:

Great minds think alike.


Oh, I was talking about her being out as a romance option. As for the friendship path, well...
~IMOEN.TP2~ #0 #0 // 'Imoen Romance Add-on Mod BG2:SoA(ToB required!)v1.201'
...it might happen. :smallwink:

Open mindness serves you well :smallsmile: And this is not sarcasm.

I would also like to point out that, even if the romance between Imoen and PC does happen, this isn't really incest. Lord Mirabbo explained that well and I agree with him. But this is neither the place nor the time to argue about it. I'll just say I recommend the mod to everybody who liked Imoen.

[Johnny Blade]

I would also like to point out that, even if the romance between Imoen and PC does happen, this isn't really incest. Lord Mirabbo explained that well and I agree with him.
Well, without actually knowing his exact reasoning, I don't. Now, I agree that this isn't the place for an argument about this, but it's another good reason for me to avoid the romance, seeing how expanding and continuing the original story would be a bit harder when I disagree with its author about such a fundamental part.


Anyways, I asked earlier what screenshot size everyone would prefer without actually giving options.

Now, here they are:

1. 800x600:

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/JohnnyBladeJN/test1.png


http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/JohnnyBladeJN/test2.png

Well, you don't see much, and dialogues tend to take up a lot of space, meaning no nice scenery shots for a lot of the time.

2. 1024x768:

http://bayimg.com/image/laedaaaco.jpg


http://bayimg.com/image/kaednaaco.jpg

Yeah, so, it's bigger. Takes up more space on your screen, obviously, and since I don't know what everyone's resolution is, I thought I'd ask if this is still okay. It definitely would require spoiler tags to avoid page stretching.
EDIT: Since I used BayIMG for this (Photobucket resizes them), those are .jpegs, while the rest are .png and thus of better quality. Just so you know.

3. 1024x768 resized to 800x600:

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/JohnnyBladeJN/test6.png


http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/JohnnyBladeJN/test5.png

You see a lot of stuff but might miss some small details. Like, I don't know, a ring lying on the ground or a squirrel frolicking through the woods.
Obviously doesn't have to be 800x600 in the end - the important part is that it doesn't take up the whole screen for some.


I should say, for those that don't know the series, or at least parts of it, that BG isn't all that big on small details but features a lot of combat and dialogue, so seeing a larger area is generally preferable.


Opinions?

[Mordokai]

I'd say option number three looks the best to me. But in the end, option number two is a good alternative.

You wouldn't know about any good site with portraits for PCs? Most of the ones that come with the game are quite bad, at least the female ones. Seeing that my current PC is a woman, that's quite a bother for me.

Yes, I'm one of those that actually pays attention to such minute details :smallsmile:

[Johnny Blade]

Sorcerer's Place (http://www.sorcerers.net/Games/BG2/index_portraits.php) has lots.

I could also zip my portraits folder and upload it somewhere.

[Mordokai]

That would be most welcome. You can also send them to my email, if it's not too much of a bother.

[SilentDragoon]

I'd say the second option looks best to me as far as picture size goes. I'm looking forward to this LP, as I was planning on doing a BG1--> TOB playthru but couldn't figure out what mods looked worthwhile.

[Johnny Blade]

Heh...I'll try not to disappoint. :smallwink:
Any opinions about the romance options?


That would be most welcome. You can also send them to my email, if it's not too much of a bother.
Well, that would be a huge attachment, so I uploaded it (http://rapidshare.com/files/307877072/portraits.rar.html) using Rapidshare for now.

[Mordokai]

I'm pretty sure gmail could take it, but rapidshare works just as well :smallbiggrin: Thank you very much.

As for romance, I'll say Amber or Tyris look good. A little change would do me good :smallsmile:

[Johnny Blade]

I'm pretty sure gmail could take it, but rapidshare works just as well :smallbiggrin: Thank you very much.
Just by the way, I think all portraits I have are from Sorcerer's Place, except one that I scanned myself.


As for romance, I'll say Amber or Tyris look good. A little change would do me good :smallsmile:
I was asking SilentDragoon, actually, since you already said you'd like to see Amber earlier.

Any opinions would be welcome, really, since the class I'll pick for the protagonist partly depends on it.*
Of course, right now I'm still going through the game files and testing a few other things (without encountering any problems so far, luckily), but I'd like to get this under way tonight, or at least tomorrow.



*: Amber (Fighter 6 dualed to Thief) and Viconia would mean a Sorcerer, Nalia and Tyris (Fighter 6 dualed to Mage) a multi-classed Kensai/Thief.

[Morty]

Well, it certainly looks like it'll be an interesting Let's Play.
As for romances, I'd say go for either Nalia or Tyris. Amber's description seems kind of Mary Sueish and though Viconia is interesting, I'm replaying BG2+ToB romancing her right now, so I'm biased. :smallwink:

[SilentDragoon]

I'd say one of the characters not in the original BG2. I've played one of the Nalia romances before, and although the writing wasn't bad it focused on only one aspect of Nalia's character and completely overwrote any other character she may have had. Personally, I view each of the original BG1/BG2/TOB cast as having been fully written and are already completely defined, and no matter how good the mod writer, they'll write the character differently than how I might see it.
I've played the Saerileth mod and saw your commentary on Tsujatha(sp?), so I'd say non-Mary Sue sounds good right now. Tyris.

Edit: Actually... I think that is the Nalia romance mod I had before...

[Whoracle]

Just one Question: Baldurs Gate Trilogy? What have I missed?

[SilentDragoon]

BGI, BGII, and Throne of Bhaal are considered a trilogy, even though there are technically only two standalone games there. BGTrilogy is also one of two methods to combine BGI and BGII more or less seamlessly, with BGTutu being the other.

[Johnny Blade]

...and the Trilogy mod is what I'll be playing, to probably absolutely noone's surprise. :smallwink:


I've played the Saerileth mod and saw your commentary on Tsujatha(sp?), so I'd say non-Mary Sue sounds good right now. Tyris.
Yeah, Tsujatha.
For the sake of horrible humor and deserved mocking, you can also call him Tsuejaawwwtha.


Edit: Actually... I think that is the Nalia romance mod I had before...
Well, there is another one (http://www.shsforums.net/index.php?autocom=downloads&showfile=94).
As it happens, I never got far into that one, either. I remember that it wasn't very good, but that's it. I also think it was buggy and killed itself.

Compton's uses some acoustic guitar music track (that sounded kinda familiar) for the lovetalks, that's about all I really know about it. Oh, and it starts with talking about Nalia's past, including something about magic lessons and her teacher. Also her father, obviously.




Anyways, with people actually telling me not to play Amber and Viconia, I guess I'll get this started as a Kensai/Thief and leave the ultimate decision between Tyris and Nalia for later when I can offer you guys some screenshots.

First, I'll copy the game's folder to my external hard drive, though. You know, just in case something happens. I'm telling you that since it could take some time, as said folder is 14GB big.

[Ikialev]

Screenshot option 1 is the best one for me, it's not blurry as the 3rd, and small. ^

[Johnny Blade]

Well, I went with resized 1024x768 for now. Seemed like a good compromise to me. Still, if people are unhappy with this, it can be changed at any time.


Anyway, let's get this started.

But first, the intro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNHACsORHI8), in which we see one rather important person. And some dude with a huge helmet that doesn't do much to actually protect him.

Another rather important person would be our protagonist:

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/6113/0eloriancandlekeep.png



He currently has two points in both Daggers and Two-Weapon Fighting.

His Thieving Skill points went into Find Traps, Hide, and Move Silently. (Locks will be handled by Imoen.)
His skills currently are:

Open Locks: 25
Find Traps: 35
Pick Pockets: 35
Move Silently: 40
Hide in Shadows: 40
Detect Illusions: 10
Set Traps: 10

And now, here goes the first update. It's very, very long. This will change, but I felt some background information was needed. Also, there's just a lot going on in Candlekeep.
(EDIT: Oh yes, in dialogues, the option I picked is white, other possible ones are red. Quite obvious, but hey, why not make this post even longer?)


Chapter 1: One of my more prescient days.

So, there I was, awoken from a quite uneasy sleep by my father Gorion. Or foster father, to keep things correct, not that it would make a difference. Still, people usually wondered when he introduced me as his son, what with him being an elderly human that had never married, busy with traveling as he apparently had been in his earlier years and me being an elf. It had gotten quite annoying, really, to the point where I had just grown my hair out and hidden my ears. Not showing my non-human heritage to everyone had helped me with the occasional travelers that stopped by in Candlekeep, too.

Not that Candlekeep, probably the only fortress to ever be built to protect a glorified library, would attract many interesting conversationalists. The occasional bard, but usually just scholars that value their books and scrolls much higher than other people. Combine that with the usual populace, which consists mainly of monks and guards, and, well, not that I'd not appreciate the education the place has offered me - being an orphan, one might say I could've had it worse - but exciting, growing up in Candlekeep was not.

Of course, there was Imoen, another orphan the people here had taken in, who had been raised by Winthrop, the innkeeper. Actually, she was my only friend. Given that she was the only other person near my age in Candlekeep, that's not much of a surprise. Well, we knew how to make our own entertainment.

But now it seemed that our ways should part for a while, as Gorion had instructed me to get whatever I thought I'd need for a longer journey, without telling me anything else. Not that I would have asked him, woozy as I had been when he told me this right after storming into my room early in the morning, and, after this abrupt awakening, pondering a strange sense of foreboding that the night's dream had left me with. In fact, I had somehow managed staying busy doing just that until I was standing in front of Winthrop's. Almost ran past it, actually, which hasn't happened often ever since they allow me to drink in there.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9008/1baldr001.png

Of course, all that I remembered of the dream were a pair of predatory eyes, expectantly looking south. At least I was sure it was south. Not much to ponder on, so I just went on with the task of equipping myself.

Winthrop greeted me in his usual manner, meaning with a horrible joke. He has precisely one for every day of the week.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/2472/1baldr001x.png

Luckily, it wasn't "Oi, I don't think I know ye, pal!" day.

Now, as Gorion had told me, I bought what I thought would prove useful. Following a strange premonition, this included not only a fine dagger, but also lots and lots of arrows and precisely one quarrel of crossbow bolts. Winthrop, fully aware of my horrible aim ever since the unfortunate incident during the marksmen's festival 1367 - Ulraunt, the man who more or less runs this place, had never quite forgiven me for that arrow in his rear - looked at me as doubting as his naturally jovial physiognomy allowed, but didn't exactly object to my purchase.

Well, after a little chat about the apparent shortage of iron in the region, Winthrop told me that old Firebead, one of the nicest among Gorion's friends, had asked to see me.
In fact, he had a task for me. Nice, he is, but lazy, he is even more.

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/3540/1baldr002.png

As I was about to get to it, I nearly ran into a young noblewoman who had been walking around the inn, lost in thought, for some time.

"Uh, sorry, my lady, I..."

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/5718/1baldr003.png

I left, having no idea how that conversation had managed to go the way it did. I guess she just needed someone to talk to. And it didn't take another premonition to convince me that the good Sir Trun would feel the same need, so I decided to head over to the infirmary.

On my way there, Tethtoril, the monk responsible for the actual library of Candlekeep, intercepted me to give me Firebead's scroll.

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/5093/1baldr004.png

Also to remind me that whatever trip Gorion had planned was urgent.

Well, I still decided to at least help Linda and Trun and say goodbye to the people I knew in this place first, and so I also went to the barracks to see Hull, the guard, who had been on the receiving end of many of mine and Imoen's pranks. Now seemed like a good time to make peace.
Him, however, I didn't find, but Captain Fuller was there.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/5284/1baldr005.png

Looked like my strange premonitions were good for something. For a moment. Of course, when I produced the bolts in mere seconds, Fuller, also quite aware of my horrible aim, doubted my honesty.

"Aye, kid, now I see why bolts were missing. Would've given you this fine dagger, I would, but not like that. Steal our things and then come asking if I have an errand you could run all innocent-like. I don't think so."

Well, I did, and he really shouldn't have told someone with fingers as nimble as mine about that hangover. Naturally, the dagger was mine soon enough. And a good one, it was, too. Magical, and better balanced than the one I had just bought from Winthrop.

Another premonition told me to go over to Hull's chest and fetch his sword. Well, alright, my knowledge of Hull's unmatched fondness of drink coupled with his all too often matched ability to hold it told me. Surely, he'd appreciate the gesture if I brought it to him. However, why I also took the antidote I found among his stuff, I cannot explain so easily.

Well, on I went to visit that young merchant who had stayed in Candlekeep for the last few days, hoping that his selection may include something worthwhile.
I found him already gone, and was approached by some rather unsavory fellow instead.

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/4828/1baldr006x.png

And without further ado, he lunged at me with a dagger in hand. However, he also did this without further thought, and all but impaled himself on my blade.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6665/1baldr007.png

Well, that was unexpected. As soon as I realized what had just happened, I left the building, paying no attention to the worried looks of a monk who happened to pass by.

Before long, I was intercepted by the gatewarden, who offered me some fighting lessons courtesy of Obe, the guard mage.

After what had just happened, I gladly took them. Obe created some illusionary gibberlings - not exactly the most fearsome enemies - to fight for me and my comrades, all of which were suspiciously well-trained fighters. Among them I even found Deder the halfling and Arkanis the dwarf, the quartermasters who had taught me quite a bit about moving around unseen, emptying pockets unnoticed, and some other useful skills.

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/9139/1baldr008.png

Well, soon enough, the last gibberling was gone, and I had in fact managed to calm down during the fight, which might have had something to do with how easy it was.
Still, I was pretty sure that Gorion had arranged this to prepare me for the road.

Anyway, after that, I finally went to the infirmary to talk to the troubled, and as of late one-armed, Sir Trun.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/818/1baldr009.png

Now, admittedly, I wasn't sure about this myself, following some odd intuition more than anything else, including common sense, but he seemed relieved enough by it and convinced to go through with it.

In fact, I was on my way to Gorion when Linda approached me again, thanking me for my help. Apparently, Sir Trun had used the improved aerodynamics of his one-armed body to really hurry to Winthrop's, and Linda was as happy with the solution I had suggested as he was.

Of course, any warm and fuzzy feelings were quickly stifled when I felt the breath of Hull the guard in my neck and smelled ale and vomit as he opened his mouth.

"Now, where ya think ya going with that, boy?"
"Going with...oh."

That was when I remembered his sword, and how it was still dangling from my backpack.

"Uh...sorry, Hull. Sir Hull, I meant. Captain Fuller sent me to bring it to you, I must have forgotten."
"Ya, right. Bet ya wanted to steal it, you."
"You mean I'd steal it and parade it around in front of you afterwards?"
"Are ya trying to get smart with me, boy? I'll ask Fuller this evening. Now, gimme that."

Well, damn. So much for making peace with him. At least, I wouldn't be around this evening anyway.

Finally, I went on towards the place were I was supposed to meet up with Gorion, when...

"E-LO-RI-AN! GET YOUR LAZY ASS OVER HERE, SOLDIER! NOOOOW!"

Yes. Reevor, merciless taskmaster, sworn nemesis of the rodent menace, Faerun's single most militant janitor, had noticed me.

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/1182/1baldr010.png

Well, off I went to kill some rats. However, I got more than I had expected.

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/9123/1baldr011x.png

Now, he was a better fighter than the first assassin, and it took me some luck to defeat him, but in a moment of perfect clarity, a riposte ended with my dagger in his chest. Of course, his sword had found its way into my leg first.

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/4415/1baldr012.png

The rats, unsurprisingly, proved to be less challenging as I hunted them through the storeroom, one by one. All the while, Reevor's two cats watched me in their decadent amusement as I fought their battle. Traitors.
Reevor, on the other hand, was quite excited when I returned outside after hiding my would-be killer's body in a crate.

"Soldier! Report! Was the enemy...oh, my boy, you're bleeding!"
"Yes, yes, ah...your cats, they failed to cover the flanks, leaving me open to the attack of one particularly big rat."
"Ah! That it was! I heard you in there, soldier. Must have been one hell of a battle - you were screaming for two!"
"Um, yes, as I said, a big rat. Biggest one I've ever seen. Pitch-black fur, and fang-like teeth it had. Went right to the leg and got its teeth into it."
"I know the kind, soldier, I know the kind. The nastiest, they are. You can almost see some intelligence in their little black eyes. Have you...slain the beast?"
"...yes."
"You do me proud, boy, you do me proud. Take this gold. You have earned it."

I took the gold, five coins to be precise, and then my leave as the old dwarf's eyes watered.

"You do me proud."

Well. After avoiding to get him, of all people, riled up about assassins in the keep, I remembered that I still hadn't brought Firebead his scroll.

On my way to Winthrop's, I ran into Dreppin, the stablehand, who wanted an antidote for one of his cows that Hull had promised him and I, thanks to my amazing premonitions, already had with me.

He also gave me some book Phlydia, one of the library's rich patrons and also one of its most frequent visitors, had left in the hay.

She was quite thankful when I returned it, as she didn't even remember where she had been this morning. Her memory isn't the best anymore, evidenced by her inability to remember what clothes are generally seen as acceptable for noblewomen in their sixties.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9451/1baldr013x.png

She told me to look in a chest in the quarters nearby, believing that she might have put something for me there on behalf of Gorion. Well, I did find a few healing potions, but also another assassin, who luckily was about as capable as the first one I had encountered this day. Still, meeting up with Gorion seemed increasingly urgent with each minute that passed.

Anyway, I finally gave Firebead his scroll, for which he thanked me by casting a protective spell on me. Of course, he pronounced the arcane formula so lazily that I felt its effects fade not one minute afterwards.

Well, on my way to Gorion, I quickly pretended to say goodbye to Imoen - she informed me that she had already found a way for her out of Candlekeep despite being explicitely forbidden to follow me and Gorion and the guards' knowledge of this, so we settled for a hug and a few words to ensure no suspicions would arise, before I approached my obviously worried father.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/5092/1baldr014.png

And off we went, neither of us knowing what would await us this night.



Commentary:

Waaaaay too long.

Hope you liked it anyway.

Also, I wanted to have the following cutscene in there as well, but the video turned out ****ty, so this will have to wait. It's probably for the best.

Nothing else to say, so on to the mod content!

The quest with Linda, Sir Trun, and a randomly opening portal is from Baldur's Gate Mini Quests & Encounters (http://www.gibberlings3.net/bgqe/). It adds quests and encounters of minor significance.
A mod that I have never failed to install ever since I found out about it, since it really makes the game appear much more lively. It's also quite funny at times.
The only downside is that you get a reputation bonus for just about everything. Apparently, Sir Trun will spend all the time he doesn't need to instruct Linda telling everyone about that great guy he met at Candlekeep. And everyone will be very impressed. :smallamused:


Mendas, the not so inept assassin, was added by Dark Horizons (http://www.section-one.net/). He has 11 HP, Leather Armor, and a Thac0 of 15. Apparently, this is supposed to be a tactical challenge, because there are so many tactics you can employ using a single level 1 character, yes indeed.

[chiasaur11]

Decent enough start, but what was with the deletion and reappearance of that post for a bit?

Odd, is all I'm saying.

[Johnny Blade]

Well, I somehow managed to click on the wrong button and submitted the post without reviewing it as a result.

Among other things, it turned out three of the screenshots weren't resized. No idea why, since I told Imageshack's uploader to handle that. There were all kinds of problems with the images anyway.

[Charles Phipps]

Awesome.

*hugs Imoen*

I support Bhaalspawn PC/Imoen!

I don't care if its weird!

[Johnny Blade]

They're just friends. :smalltongue:


Oh yeah, also got an okay version of the cutscene done, so the next update - the first one that's actually concerned with the main plot - should go up in a few hours.


Also, now that there are some screenshots to judge this, what are everyone's thoughts about the resolution?
Of course, there wasn't an actual fight yet, which is where 1024x768, resized or not, will really prove useful, but I thought I'd ask.


EDIT: Just so everybody knows, the updates will be indexed in the first post.

[SilentDragoon]

To be honest, even most of the early fights the resolution won't matter as the fighting is pretty simple. It starts mattering more when BG2 begins to ramp up and a spellcaster has 6 contingencied/magic tattoo of power buffs pop up while casting, so you have 7 different light effects all overlapping the same relatively small space, with a cloudkill, dispel magic, and who know what other affects about to hit him as well. For almost all of BG1 everything should be pretty simple to see.

[Johnny Blade]

Next update. Now with plot and cutscene.

Chapter 2: Where things go horribly wrong.

On our way to the gates, Gorion told me at least something - we were to join with two friends of his who could apparently contact a few old acquaintances that would help us move to a safe place unnoticed.

"Now, my child, you might wonder how Candlekeep could no longer be safe, but--"
"Actually, I need to tell you something. I was attacked by three assassins today."
"Ah."

He didn't even seem surprised, but couldn't hide that he was even more concerned than before. Neither of us said a word until we were about to leave our home behind for good, when Gorion turned to me:

"Did these assassins hurt you? You will need all your strength tonight. We won't use the street, and there are many marauding hobgoblins and wild animals in the area."
"One hit me in the leg, but it's not a big--"
"Stand still, then."

And with that, he cast a healing spell on what was really more of a scratch, and gave me some final, worrying instructions.

"Listen carefully. If we ever become separated, it is imperative that you make your way to the Friendly Arm inn. There you will meet Khalid and Jaheira. They have long been my friends and you can trust them."

I nodded.

"Good. There is no time for further questions. Let us be on our way."

We made our way through the woodwork, speaking barely a word and not stopping once. Night had already fallen, and I wondered if I should suggest a rest, as Gorion's breath had become increasingly heavy, when he suddenly stopped.

He looked worried as he raised his voice for the first time in hours. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUeoPE8Mz6g)










I ran, Gorion's death scream echoing in my ears and my vision hazy, until I collapsed, then spent what felt like hours staring into the sky before falling into a troubled sleep.


After waking up, I tried to come up with something like a plan. It wouldn't be long before more assassins would be sent to look for me, and so I should find help soon. Returning to Candlekeep was not an option - remaining in one place for longer than a few days in general wouldn't be, and besides that, the gatewarden would only let me in to deliver Gorion's body without some old tome as an entrance fee.

A more immediate concern, however, was finding Imoen. Thankfully, she had decided to look for me near the road.

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/2871/2baldr002.png

"Elorian? You're alive! Almost thought they got you, too."
"No, but...no. I guess you already know about Gorion, then?"
"Yes, and...oh, I'm SO sorry! I followed you, but then I heard a fight and I should have helped you but then I heard Gorion scream and--"
"It's okay, Imoen. There was nothing to be done. Let's just...let's just go and say goodbye to him."

We made our way to the scene of the fight. Our attackers had already removed their fallen, leaving only Gorion's body behind. I went through my dead father's possessions, looking for documents or anything of use, when Imoen approached me.

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/3931/2baldr003.png

We buried him nearby, just deep enough so no wild animals would disturb his remains, and marked the place in case someone came looking for him. Wish we could have done more, but it was all too possible that the huge armored man and that woman were combing the area, and if they were, they would most likely look along the way to Candlekeep.

Anyway, among Gorion's things, I found a letter, which was quite interesting:

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/6790/2baldr004.png

So, apparently, this was all part of something that had somehow been foretold, but incorrectly, and now things were about to get ugly.

Well, be this as it may, it didn't change the current situation, so Imoen and I decided to seek out Khalid and Jaheira, hoping that they could shed some light on all this.


Along the road, however, we first met two other travelers, who, while one of them was looking quite deranged, seemed to be the kind of people that can defend themselves. Remembering the advice Gorion's mysterious friend E had to offer, I approached them...

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/5496/2baldr005.png




Right. Say hello to Xzar and Montaron. Both rather evil, and also rather insane in their respective ways. Also rather useful, actually, and while they wouldn't be with the group for long due to their personalities and agenda, I could let them tag along for a while.

In the name of audience participation, I'll leave this to you. So, opinions on Monty and Xzar?


(The talk with Imoen about the attack and burying Gorion is from the Baldur's Gate 1 NPC Project. There was another banter that I didn't work into this update, but if people want to see it I can upload it separately)

[SilentDragoon]

I'd say let them tag along a bit so the reunion in Amn makes a bit more sense. I usually pick them up anyways, as at level 1 you're just a natural 1 from death by more or less anything, and some fodder to throw at enemies while my main character and Imoen run away is always useful.

[Morty]

When playing BG1, I've always took Xzar and Montaron and kept them for a while before getting other NPCs. They're not bad, but an evil or neutral party has better options both for a mage, a thief and a fighter.
And I can already tell I like the extended NPC banters. In the basic game, the way they were just tagging along without saying a word seemed weird.

[Ikialev]

Xzar is awesome, he can dual-class.
But naw, take their potion, make them go away, Khalid and Jaheira are your friends. also english gorion is great

[Johnny Blade]

I will, in case it affects your decision, definitely need a mage or bard soon, and the only one besides Xzar I can reach in time would be Garrick.

Sooner or later, however, Garrick will travel with the group anyway, if only for his personal quest (which is also added by the BG1 NPC Project).


When playing BG1, I've always took Xzar and Montaron and kept them for a while before getting other NPCs. They're not bad, but an evil or neutral party has better options both for a mage, a thief and a fighter.
Is that a vote?


And I can already tell I like the extended NPC banters. In the basic game, the way they were just tagging along without saying a word seemed weird.
Yeah. Best thing that's ever happened to BG1, really.

There are a few that are not so good, but luckily, Imoen, Khalid and Jaheira are really well-written. And those three will be around for most of the time.



also english gorion is great
Yes. He is. Oh, also, the full version of the cutscene can be seen here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvQqIM_zRN4). Not very exciting, I know, but I uploaded it before I decided that not writing anything about the traveling would be a really, really bad idea.

[Morty]

Is that a vote?

Yes, I vote for letting them tag along for a while before swapping them for some better NPCs.

[Johnny Blade]

And so I'll do.
I'll probably head straight to Nashkel, delaying most quests in Beregost and its environs until later.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 3: Let's Have A Party

The crazy-looking one spoke first.

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/2916/3baldr001.png

Right. Now, not that I wouldn't share Imoen's suspicions, which she so generously informed me of by whispering into my ear while I was talking to those two heroes, but we needed some help and she knew it, so she didn't really object.
I was left feeling unsure about their qualities after this little chat, though. Never before had I witnessed an attempt at guilt-tripping someone go so horribly wrong, and I had been there when a ten-year-old Imoen tried faking tears to get another cookie from Winthrop, only to really start crying and confess the theft of three the day before when she saw how much her sobbing got to old Puffguts.

Whoever had hired them obviously must've been quite a bit desperate. Probably some ore merchant. Although, a merchant being a judge of character bad enough to trust these guys probably wouldn't have the money to pay them.

However, helping out in Nashkel actually looked like a good idea. Make some money, which was needed, maybe get on the good side of the town's mayor, and all that while being able to feel good about your deeds seemed promising.

First, however, we'd have to meet with Khalid and Jaheira, so off we went to the Friendly Arm, the way to which was explained to us by a friendly old man we met along the road.

We also met a messenger who had news of a caravan ambush not far away, so we opted to stay clear of the road and make our way through the woods.

This was even instantly rewarded when Imoen caught glimpse of some ring that had been hidden in a tree stump, if in a way that would let the sunlight fall directly upon it. Now, whoever had done so, we assumed him to be a bandit and relieved him of the ring, then went on to match his genius by getting lost on our way and running into wolves and gibberlings at every step. Montaron, after receiving a nasty bite wound, was not amused.

"Ah, ye blithering oaf! Bright idea! 'Let's stay off the roads to avoid the bandits.' Get lost in the damn woods, fight our way through wolves instead! Much better! I thought ye knew these parts, idiot!"

At this point, Imoen was getting ready to come to my defense, when one of the locals joined us, introducing himself with a roar that carried his rancid breath all the way to us.

"MEAT!"

Luckily, everyone reacted quickly. Imoen hit our gourmet friend into the arm with an arrow, Montaron shot a Magic Missile at him courtesy of a wand Imoen had brought with her, and Xzar cast a spell that would make him "Wither! Wither and rot, my little flower!" as he shouted - it did seem to hurt him. A bit.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9692/3baldr002.png

I, being useless with any kind of ranged weapon and not possessing one anyway, waited for him with my dagger ready. He stomped towards us, and when he was near enough, I dashed in, stabbed him in the guts, and then realized the errors of my ways when this failed to kill him.

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/3593/3baldr003.png

Or impress him at all - he snorted, then swung his huge mace my way, missing me only because I stumbled and fell when I tried to get away. He lifted his weapon again, and as I realized that I could only hope to block this blow with my arms or legs, a lot of thoughts flashed through my mind, most of them not too pleasant, only to quickly be replaced by relief and a desire to hug Imoen as one of her arrows went right through the monster's neck.

It collapsed, bleeding to death within seconds.

"Huh."

I don't think I could have been expected to say more. Imoen, however?

"'Huh.'? How 'bout 'Thank you, o wonderful Imoen.'? I saved your bacon there, y'know? Hey, that...that was an ogre, right? Ha, I saved you from an ogre! Guess you owe me one!"

"Uh-huh."

I really wasn't in a talkative mood.


Commentary:

Yeah, not much happening, but I figured the first real fight was worth some attention.
Also, Xzar and Montaron should at least get a few lines each before they part ways with the group again, I think, and this seemed like a good moment for that, too.

I'll try to get the mines done this weekend, so expect another update later today.

[Matar]

only to quickly be replaced by relief and a desire to hug Imoen as one of her arrows went right through the monster's neck.

See, now you're only teasing us Imoen/Bhaalspawn shippers. And you know it.

>_>

Also, how possible is it to solo this game? I was thinking about one day making a Let's Play where I try to solo this, and rely on plans and stuff created by the readers. So I was just wondering if it's possible at all.

[Johnny Blade]

See, now you're only teasing us Imoen/Bhaalspawn shippers. And you know it.

>_>
I am totally not! I'd prove it, but I don't think you can actually hear my innocent whistling through the internet.


Also, how possible is it to solo this game? I was thinking about one day making a Let's Play where I try to solo this, and rely on plans and stuff created by the readers. So I was just wondering if it's possible at all.
Baldur's Gate 1 should be doable. You should be able to at least use wands of some sort, though, or otherwise some of the stronger enemies will just butcher you. Sarevok is just better in melee than you can ever hope to be as a single-classed warrior, potions or not.

It gets easier in a Trilogy game, of course, due to the experience cap being lifted.


I've never actually done it myself, though.

[Morty]

Nice update. Running into an ogre right after leaving Candlekeep was almost a guaranteed quickload.

[Ikialev]

Also, how possible is it to solo this game? I was thinking about one day making a Let's Play where I try to solo this, and rely on plans and stuff created by the readers. So I was just wondering if it's possible at all.
It's doable, and easy with the correct classes. You'll need a massive amount of wands.
Also try Solo-BG1-Bard. :3

[Rae]

I've solo'd through, but it's been a long time. The beginning can be very difficult and you'll need to get creative, but you level so quickly you'll soon find yourself trashing everything except the really tough encounters.*

*I played without the standard XP cap, plus TotSC expansion which provides some easy access to items and spells early on iirc. Other mods may change things completely, for better or worst.

[Johnny Blade]

Nice update. Running into an ogre right after leaving Candlekeep was almost a guaranteed quickload.
Thanks. Also, yeah, I mainly relied on luck there.

Well, and then Elorian managed to hit for quite a bit of damage while being missed in return, and Imoen got that deadly critical hit in before the ogre could actually attack again. :smallcool:

[Wraith]

Baldur's Gate 1 should be doable [solo]. You should be able to at least use wands of some sort, though, or otherwise some of the stronger enemies will just butcher you. Sarevok is just better in melee than you can ever hope to be as a single-classed warrior, potions or not.

I've seen a YouTube Video posted by the SpeedRun guys (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex_3IwQ8RqQ) - similar to Let's Play, except they go through the game as fast as they can and try to set a record.

The Baldur's Gate 1 SpeedRun is achieved with a Solo Fighter/Mage/Thief and a massive abuse of Scolls of Dimensional Door, Potions of Speed and a few other items.

Total playing time: About 20 minutes (including the character creation process...)

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 4: The Friendly Arm

Meanwhile, Montaron had taken a good look at the ogre's remains, and found more than two dozen belts in a sack it had been carrying around. Two of them were enchanted in some way, although even Xzar couldn't say what they did.

I stuffed them into my backpack, and we decided to make our way back to the road, which included getting attacked by more hungry wolves and gibberlings. I was beginning to wonder just how bad gibberlings must taste for the wolves to ignore them in favor of a group of armed travelers.

Well, at the end of this pointless, and in my and Montaron's cases also painful, diversion, a woodsman approached us.

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3721/4baldr001.png

Elorian: "Yes, wouldn't want any of us attract any wolves or, possibly even something like...an ogre maybe. Right?"
Xzar: "Or a landshark. Mother always said, if I run off into the woods like a naughty boy, the landsharks will get me."
Montaron: "Ye be doin' that on purpose, wizard. An' ye, lad, just shut yer mouth."
Aoln: "He was right, though, the sane one. There have been many dangerous beasties sighted in these parts as of late. Probably 'cause the Flaming Fist mercenaries are no longer patroling here ever since the roads to the south and north are overrun by bandits. Well, we don't have those problems here, so at least the roads are safe. Good travels."

Montaron: "Ye know, Elorian, when ye next got a bright idea like avoiding the roads fer safety reasons, ye keep it to yerself, or me blade will listen and likely answer, too."

Now, with insult added to injury, the rest of our way to the Friendly Arm was spent without many words spoken.
When we finally got there, it was already night. Yet, we still found two traveling merchants unloading their coach outside, and after our recent experiences, decided to buy at least two slings for Montaron and Xzar.

That proved to be a good idea soon, when a man approached us on our way into the inn itself.

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/1320/4baldr002.png

Of course, none of us were surprised when he started casting a spell, and soon, he was hit by one sling bullet, an arrow and a Magic Missile, while Xzar's shot at least missed in a spectacular manner, crashing through a window.
Still, our attacker completed his incantation, and summoned four exact copies.
Xzar recognized the spell.

"Mirror Images! Dirty, dirty little tricks."

Well, soon they were all gone, vanishing when a shot went through each of them, while I managed to hit the original with a Magic Missile again, which sent him fleeing into the inn.

Imoen: "Guess even you're good with that wand, huh?"

Well, I'm even better with a dagger, as the mage soon found out when we followed him inside. Waiting near the door, he attempted casting another spell, but I sliced him open before he could even finish the first word.

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5889/4baldr003.png

Now, that attracted some attention, and I left it to our two deranged friends to deal with that when I saw to guests, a man and a woman, signifying me to follow them. I took Imoen with me and we retreated to a quiet corner.

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/5851/4baldr004x.png

Khalid: "P-Pleasure to meet you."
Imoen: "And I'm Imoen. Gorion probably didn't tell ya about me 'cause I'm not supposed to be here and all, but I'm a friend of Elorian's. And his personal bodyguard, yep. I even saved him from an ogre today."
Khalid: "P-pleasure to meet you a-as well, th-then. I-is Gorion not w-with you?"
Elorian: "He...Gorion is dead. He died protecting me from assassins."
Jaheira: "It is as we feared, then. This is a sad day, indeed, although it does not come unexpected. Gorion had already warned us that such attempts could be made."
Khalid: "I assume that m-man you just k-killed was another one sent to m-murder you?"
Elorian: "Most likely. I didn't look through his belongings yet. There were others, too, back in Candlekeep."

I told them the whole story, including our planned trip to Nashkel.

Elorian: "You wouldn't know why all this could happen to me, would you?"
Jaheira: "No, we do not. I don't think Gorion intended this information to be given to you, so we weren't told either. As promised, however, we will gladly accompany you."
Khalid: "G-gladly, yes."
Jaheira: "In fact, we were going to suggest heading to Nashkel ourselves. We were recently contacted for this purpose, and are to meet Berrun Ghastkill soon."
Imoen: "So, we're going on a real adventure with real adventurers now, Lori? That's great!"
Khalid: "L-lori?"
Elorian: "Yes. You know, it's short for Elorian."
Jaheira: "And I am sure teasing the young man has nothing to do with this."
Elorian: "Well, not to defend her, but there really aren't many good ways to abbreviate my name."
Imoen: "He never liked 'Ellie'."
Jaheira: "Right. Now, I suggest we ask around the inn if anyone has some work to do. We will need some equipment for the task ahead of us."

Before that, however, we searched through the dead assassin's belongings. Besides his spellbook, we found an interesting letter. Turns out he, and apparently some other people of his profession, had been offered 200 Gold for my head.
Montaron was impressed.

"So, ye got a nice price on yer noggin, eh? Not bad. Makes me like ye somewhat. Be sure it stays this way, though, or I'll be collecting that sum meself."

Asking around in the inn revealed that the ogre we had killed had stolen the girdle of one of the patrons. Obviously, it turned out to be one of the two magical ones, for which she paid us 70 Gold. Probably would have been more if we'd just sold it somewhere, but at least we managed to convince Montaron, who was all but on his way to rob her, of the opposite.

We also found out about a little bug problem in Beregost, which we gladly agreed to take care of for the price offered.

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/2993/4baldr005.png

She even had a few antidotes in advance for us, and that after giving complete strangers the directions to her unlocked house. Well, what would the world be without some trust? I just hoped that I would find a way to break it to Montaron that we were not going to betray her. Jaheira offered her staff as an option.

I also met Rupert, who introduced himself as "a merchant, specializing in supplying those of the adventuring profession with quality dyes and paints, suitable for all your needs, from boots to fullplate, available in all colors, exported all the way from--"

I assumed that this sales pitch was originally intended to go on for a while, adventurers often being quite practical people.
Of course, he didn't need it for Imoen, who came running into the room right then.

"WHAT!?"
"As I told the good Lord, quality dyes and paints, suitable for--"
"Can you make my armor pink?"
"Yes."
"How much?"

Not much, luckily, as it would have been impossible to refuse, and so I had him show us his merchandise.

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6491/4baldr006.png

As an added bonus, Rupert even told us about a woman named Joia, apparently a regular customer that stayed here as an entertainer, who needed some assistance.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9536/4baldr007.png

Well, she didn't offer a reward, but the task proved easy enough. Montaron, psychotic as he may be, turned out to be a good scout, probably better than me, actually, and we managed to slit a few hobgoblin throats before they even knew we were there.

We found the ring, among other jewelry, in the hands of a small group's leader.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/5656/4baldr008.png

On our way back, I also managed to come across yet another enchanted ring in a tree hole. I'm really starting to wonder who hides these things everywhere.

That mystery would have to wait, though, as well as identifying the enchantments. Our priority was Nashkel, and after Joia had been reunited with her, by the way quite tasteless, ring, we were on our way.


Commentary:

Introducing new characters takes a while.

Rupert, who helped Imoen with her armor's color, is from the appropriately titled Rupert the Dye Merchant (http://www.shsforums.net/index.php?autocom=downloads&showfile=153) mod.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 5: The Beauty and the Blob
Well, our travels were rather uneventful. Jaheira and Khalid were, by the looks of it, mainly busy trying to figure Xzar and Montaron out and vice versa, so me and Imoen stayed near each other.

"Hey, Elorian, I had a look at that bounty hunter's spellbook."
"And?"
"Well, and his name was Tarnesh."
"I'll light a candle for Tarnesh, then."
"And I don't think he was really good at this. Y'know, at magic."
"Well, I'm feeling remarkably alive, so I suppose you're right."
"No, really, look - there are notes all over the pages. He even made a sketch of the gestures ya gotta do for that spell here. And, um, you know that when I wanted to learn Tethtoril said he'd teach me some magic if I'd learn to be more responsible and mature and stuff?"
"And I guess you mean that this adventure would make you more responsible and mature?"
"Nah, but Tethtoril's not here now, is he?"
"Point. Now, risking to be wrong again, I guess you want me to tell Khalid and Jaheira that everything's all right and you had lessons in Candlekeep if they ask?"
"Yep."

And so it was decided that Imoen would continue the magical education she had enjoyed in Candlekeep for the last two years.

Further along the road to the town of Beregost, our only stop on the way to Nashkel, we met a messenger telling us the town would be garrisoned in case of an Amnish attack. Apparently, the iron shortage had caused some tension, with the great cities of Baldur's Gate in the north and Amn in the south both blaming it on each other and getting ready for war.
And now Amn had moved troops to Nashkel, the northernmost village on its territory.

Well, we accompanied him for the rest of the way, and he told us people were getting nervous in Baldur's Gate, with several of the nobles demanding actions to be taken right now.

We also came across a recently robbed caravan, in sight of Beregost even.

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/7035/4baldr009.png

Apparently, the roads weren't safe any longer.

We decided that we wouldn't stay in Beregost for long, although Xzar and Montaron seemed to be a bit less hurried ever since they had heard about Baldur's Gate and Amn blaming each other, which struck the rest of us as somewhat suspicious.

I was beginning to believe our time together would soon have to come to an end.

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/7320/4baldr010.png

I in fact felt rather sure about it.

Anyways, before either of the two could act on their threats, a seemingly quite desperate woman approached us.

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9030/4baldr011.png

Quite desperate indeed, as it turned out.

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/7505/4baldr012.png

Alanna: "Yes, I fear so. Here, I found this empty bottle on the floor near him. Seems like he drank some potion and it...well..."
Elorian: "...transformed him."
Alanna: "Yes. I...normally I wouldn't go here just like that, breaking into his house, but we had an appointment and he didn't answer the door, so I started to worry."
Imoen: "An appointment? So he wasn't always this slimy, huh?"
Jaheira: "Young lady, we'll have a word about that later."
Khalid: "I d-do think there's something t-to her words, though, m-my love."
Alanna: "Could you please just help him? This is embarrassing enough as it is."
Elorian: "Yes, yes, no worries. Mind if we take a quick look around? We hardly have the time to have the last drops in that bottle analyzed."
Alanna: "Of course I don't mind. Anything that will help Eltolth."

Well, a look around turned up nothing, but a closer inspection of the transformed Eltolth revealed a little book sunken into his shapeless form.

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4006/4baldr013.png

So, we had a name. And it mentioned a bar, so we decided to look in the inns and taverns first. The first place turned up nothing, but the second, the Red Sheaf Inn, had more to offer.

Jaheira and I had spent the search for Tulbor trying to make conversation for the last minutes and finally gotten somewhere.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/5641/4baldr014.png

Of course, as these things always happen, we were rudely interrupted.

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1671/4baldr015.png

Another bounty hunter, and this one was definitely more competent than Tarnesh the amateur wizard. It was a hard fight, costing us several healing potions and all the healing magic Jaheira had to offer, but in the end, Khalid managed to end the dwarf's life with a massive hit, cutting from his shoulder down right through his guts.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7098/4baldr016.png

Looking through the dwarf's possessions, we found another letter that had apparently been forwarded to many bounty hounters, as it only addressed "all those of evil intent". The bounty was now 350 Gold, and I feared it would still rise.

At least, we had made an impression, and not only did a halfling named Perdue hire us to retrieve a short sword he had lost to some gnolls, we were also quickly told who Tulbor was.

He was a bit harder to impress.

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/407/4baldr017.png

Bearing good news - and the potion - we returned to Alanna, who simply uncorked it and emptied it out over Eltolth. Which worked well enough.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6901/4baldr018.png

Montaron: "Oh, bla-di-bla-di-bla. How sweet, them little sweetlings. Now, he bein' back in shape, I say we talk pay. After all, we paid for this, and we know his secret."
Eltolth: "Uh...who are you people?"
Elorian: "Oh, we are--"
Jaheira: "...a group of travelers, and one with quite differing opinions and mannerisms, as I must add."
Elorian: "Yes. Also, we helped you out of your little problem here by purchasing the elixir to transform you back. For which we had to use your, well, diary. Here, have it back."
Eltolth: "Oh...well, I suppose you had to do this. I...ah, don't get me wrong, I am very grateful indeed. Here, take these 200 Gold to compensate you. But, please, me and Alanna have much to talk about."
Elorian: "Of course. Farewell."
Eltolth: "Oh, and, I would prefer it if you would be discreet about this."
Elorian: "Now, that's not much of a surprise, is it?"
Khalid: "N-nobody will hear of this f-from us."



So, that was that. I was now completely sure that we'd have to get rid of the two crazies, who were increasingly unhappy with our way of doing things, sooner or later and there were likely bounty hunters looking out for me in every city, probably including Nashkel as well.
But at least we helped a man grow two spines at one day. Not many people can say that, can they?


Of course, we can't actually say that of ourselves without breaking our promise either, but, well, it felt good. That's something.


Commentary:
Helping those two was our second encounter with the previously mentioned Mini Quests and Encounters mod, as can be deduced from the overall tone of the mod as well as the somewhat inappropriate reputation gain in the end. Now, the original game does similar things (Getting that ring for Joia? The people will remember you as a hero for that.) but seeing the following show up on my screen never fails to amuse me:
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/138/4baldr999.png
Little secret, indeed. :smalltongue:

Karlat, the bounty hunter the party ran into trying to solve this quest, really isn't done justice by the screenshot and write up I gave you, by the way, but I decided to focus on background information and the characters for now, so at least the battle part had to be shortened. Anyway, besides Xzar and Imoen, who I had run away because one hit could easily one-shot them, all the characters were down to their last 1-3 HP at one point during the fight - or two, in Jaheira's case. This is mainly due to Karlat beginning the battle by downing a Potion of Speed and following that up with one of...I don't remember, Power or Heroism. Thank you, Sword Coast Stratagems. :smallamused:


Apart from that, two things:

First, I'll be playing a bit ahead, and so would like to know what I should do after the Nashkel mines.
The Gnoll Fortress, improved by Sword Coast Stratagems, would be a challenge at this point, but doable. I think. There's also a lot left to do in Beregost, though.

Second, the updates are very long right now. This will change, eventually, when the plot and the characters are established. Anyway, are they too long? I try to show as much as possible, and BG is a game that works on many levels, but if it keeps people from reading, I'll make shorter updates.

[Morty]

I don't think the updates are too long. And I think it's a better idea to do some stuff in Beregost before heading to the Gnoll Fortress.

[chiasaur11]

Well, I haven't played the game, and I only skimmed a couple of previous LPs, so, no idea.

Other than that, all I got is the general opinion that you should finish a job before you start the next one.

[Stormthorn]

Another rather important person would be our protagonist:

Your protagonist got the luck of the draw on those stats. So pretty and high.

[chiasaur11]

Your protagonist got the luck of the draw on those stats. So pretty and high.

Not necessarily lucky.

Possibly just persistent.

(Mildly curious if anything will come of the notorious belt one gets off the ogre, given it's seen play in every other BG1 LP I've seen. Might be a bit overused, is what I'm saying. )

[Johnny Blade]

Actually, I just cheated.
Of course, they may be considered excessively high, but I have my reasons.
Mainly that I need those high mental stats to justify him as the leader and making him not lose any battle of wits against characters like, say, Jaheira, Edwin, Cernd, Dynaheir, Coran, Viconia, and so on.
Also because I just need those high physical stats to keep him alive.

Now, the point total wouldn't be that high if he'd turned out a sorcerer, but the powers that be (= the audience) decided otherwise.
Well, he is a demigod.

Also, preparing the screenshots for the next update now. Should be ready more or less soon.


I just chose to ignore that belt for now. So far, all I could think of for it is a kinda lame OotS shout out. And that strip might have been a shout out itself... Well, whatever. It may be used at some point in the future, though, if I have an idea. I keep it handy, at least.

[king.com]

Dynaheir and Minsc must havve their plot resolved, regardless of what you do with them, may aswell dump xzar and mort and pick them up to fill your party (atleast for a little while).

[Johnny Blade]

Dynaheir and Minsc must havve their plot resolved, regardless of what you do with them, may aswell dump xzar and mort and pick them up to fill your party (atleast for a little while).
Dynaheir and Minsc will be be with me at the end of the game. Current plan looks like this:

Finish the main quest without them, but have them join for at least some time along the way. Then do TotSC - thanks to Baldur's Gate Trilogy, I can do that between BG1 and BG2 - with them. Possibly without Khalid and Jaheira, though. We'll see when I get to use the other characters that pop up again in BG2 and should therefore be met in BG1.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 6: Huge Morons And Little Monsters

On our way south to Nashkel, we encountered two ogrillon bandits - ugly, brutish children of orcish women that for reasons I don't really want to think about have a thing for ogres - that didn't feel like surrendering or at least fleeing. Their mistake, although one managed to beat me up pretty badly.
The halfling they had apparently killed not long before sadly hadn't been lucky enough to travel in a group. He carried a letter that we decided to return after our business in Nashkel.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/1717/5baldr001.png

Assuming Mirianne lives in Beregost, that is.

Well, after making the roads a bit safer, we were accused of doing just the opposite.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1206/5baldr002.png

Elorian: "Oh, no reason at all. Clearly, our way of walking around on this road in broad daylight instead of skulking around in the woodwork is just a ruse."
Khalid: "What he m-means to say is that b-b-bandits generally prefer to reveal themselves only t-to rob people."
Mercenary: "Hmm..."
Elorian: "We do not intend to rob you, by the way."

Montaron didn't even blink when I said that. There's a pleasant surprise.

Mercenary: "You may pass. Good travels, citizens."
Elorian: "Thank you. Oh, and if you took offense, I didn't mean it. Just don't like being called a bandit, that's all."
Montaron: "Like all good people."
Mercenary: "Certainly. Now, move along."

Again, Montaron didn't blink. I might have underestimated him. A somewhat worrying thought.


Well, turned out the Flaming Fist was apparently contempt guarding the little part of the road we had just passed, as it didn't take long before we ran into two bounty hunters. They put on a grand show.

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/3401/5baldr003.png

The one who had just said he'd pass on the first blood then continued to charge blindly after me while the rest riddled him with arrows and bullets. The one called Isolde just turned invisible and stayed hidden. This likely wouldn't have changed soon, had I not noticed a slight blur in the air.

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/4403/5baldr004.png

She went down quickly.
450 Gold was the price they'd been offered.
What was really remarkable, however, was that I finally recognized that there were apparently two organizations after me, offering different bounties. One gave out bounty notices to "all those of evil intent" that threatened death in case the law was informed. The other's letters simply named who was to be killed and what the job was worth and were signed by one M.S., who had commissioned Tristan and Isolde - I wondered if that was Gorion's murderer, or how he fit into all this, considering he was obviously better than all the other ones sent so far.
Of course, that only meant they didn't know my whereabouts, or that huge bastard in his spiked armor would likely pay me another visit.

Well, the rest of the journey was rather uneventful. There were some groups of hobgoblin bandits, none of which felt like talking things out.
We also met one Lord Foreshadow from Neverwinter, although he originated from Waterdeep, as well as a half-orc, approximately my and Imoen's age, on his way to Baldur's Gate.

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/358/5baldr005.png

Imoen made me promise to visit all three cities eventually. Well, at least Baldur's Gate should be in the books, and I do prefer the city to the wilderness myself.

For now, however, we had to make do with the town of Nashkel. Well, a town in the sense that it has a well, a temple, a tavern and a mayor. And an inn, which, of course, had another assassin waiting for me.

As had quickly become our specialty, we spread her innards all over the place. Apparently, the price had gone up again. 680 for those of evil intent. How flattering.

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/2628/5baldr006.png

Well, after making that little mess, we had to pay extra for our stay, and the barmaid made it very clear that she didn't want to talk to me.

At least that meant a long night, and on the next day, after having some of the magical items we had come across identified - turns out the remaining one of the magical belts that ogre was cursed and would change the sex of those wearing it, we got ready to have a go at the mines.
First, however, we came across a little boy with a problem.

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/8395/5baldr007.png

A not quite as little problem.

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/8061/5baldr008.png

Jaheira managed to dispose of it with one bullet right in the eye.

"That was a young wyvern, Elorian. Wyverns are not generally regarded as the most caring parents, but they protect those of their young that they do not eat. We must warn the soldiers that are stationed here."

Said soldiers got to us first, though.

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/5716/5baldr009.png


Well, a happy end for all those that deserved one, I guess.
Our next challenge was a bit more frustrating. We came across a woman who, judging by her desperate looks and mumbling, needed help with her offspring.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/7743/5baldr010.png

Now, what else could a man of strong moral fiber have done than offer assistance here? Nothing.
I quickly decided to not be a man of strong moral fiber ever again, as those two would go on...

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/7936/5baldr011.png

...and on...

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4638/5baldr012.png

...and then they were joined...

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/8599/5baldr013.png

Montaron: "Ye can have a demonstration if ye open that yap o' yours again, ye little--OW! What the...!?"
Jaheira: "A demonstration of weapon use, as you had generously offered. Or didn't you mean demonstrating how an idiot is best beaten with a stick?"
Montaron: "Yer gon' pay fer that, bitch."
Jaheira: "Make me, runt."

...and then they went on and on again. I was enlightened about subjects such as the color of red dragons - they're apparently red - and why it's never a good idea to put on a coat, even when you're cold, in the process.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1610/5baldr014.png

At least, it was a good deed. Not a significant one, but we're not exactly up to dragon-slaying yet.

Our next encounter with one of the locals offered more tangible rewards.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7674/5baldr015.png

It was not a good deed, but I never had much sympathy for professional bounty hunters anyway, and the last days hadn't exactly redeemed them in my eyes.
Oublek also informed us - or me, the famed Greywolf - that there were bounties on the former captain of the guard, a man called Brage, who had gone crazy and killed his family, and an artist named Prism who had stolen some emeralds. I did feel some sympathy for Prism and wasn't alone in doing so, but we'd be looking out for Brage.
Xzar suggested burning everything - I think he really meant everything - as a good way to ensure we could collect the bounty for both of them. Now, that's efficiency.

We also finally got to meet the mayor, who gave us a rundown of our mission.

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3108/5baldrx01.png

And with that, we were on our way. Of course, we met a rather odd fellow on our way. I wonder if he's the father of those two lovely children, as he too would go on...

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/3963/5baldr016.png

...and on...

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/3097/5baldr099.png

...and on, for about half an hour, before Imoen exploded in a storm of burning pink rage that had him running.

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/4555/5baldrx02.png

And with that, we really were on our way.


Commentary:

Lots of little things that will have some importance later.

Like that second organization out to get our protagonist. This is the main quest of the Dark Horizons mod, which thusly brought us Tristan and Isolde. Now, that lovely couple was kinda ridiculed here, but only because I kited Tristan and Isolde actually did nothing - she went invisible, then her script apparently killed itself, and Isolde herself was quick to follow. Had I actually attempted to fight those two without resorting to cheesy kiting, odds would have been high for a total party kill. Mainly because, well, take a gander at their weapons:
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/5266/5baldrx03.png

And that's on top of some simple +1 stuff. One might be tempted to accuse this mod of having some balancing issues.

EDIT: Oh, by the way, I of course won't use those weapons.


Anyway, we've also seen 2.5 more quests of the Mini Quests and Encounters mod - that 0.5 comes from the half-orc the party met on the road, who we will, probably to nobody's surprise, come across again at a later stage of the game.
Arnim and his grass snake are a bit of an unicum for this mod, by the way, featuring combat and no reputation increase upon completion. Of course, there's the babysitting quest to make up for that. :smallwink:
(Still a very nice mod, of course. It's lacking interjections from your party members, though.)


As for the future course of the party:
I'll probably be heading back to Beregost after the mines are accounted for, unless people actually speak up for doing the gnolls right now. I could offer doing the first part of the Secret of Bone Hill (http://www.shsforums.net/index.php?autocom=downloads&showfile=76) mod after I'm done in Beregost - it starts in the town's temple.

That would bring me to another point - whatever I'll be doing, I'd like to have a Cleric with me. Options at this point include:
Quayle (who's an arrogant smart ass, and could therefore be fun),
Branwen (a proud warrior priestess),
Gavin (http://www.gibberlings3.net/gavin/) (who's well-written but kinda boring and mainly written with a romance in mind...or so I'm told) and
Viconia (evil, seductive Drow that has fled the Underdark).

Preferences?

[Mx.Silver]

I'd go for Branwen. She seems to get overlooked a lot in discussions and it'd be fun bringing her along to take down Tranzig. Quayle might be interesting too (I'm guessing you've moved his location to the Carnival) but he's really better as a reserve if you're sticking with another divine caster due to his apalling low wisdom.

A couple of mod points.
I've always been wary of Dark Horizons, just because it seems kind of pointless to stick another 'main villain' group into things. I don't have a lot of experience with it, but unless they somehow add anything significantly involved that Sarevok and Irenicus don't then I'll have trouble moving it out of the 'improved' Vilain fic bin.
The hosts of little small quests look mildly entertaining, but possibly a bit annoying after a while. Again, unlikely I'll go for it.

On minor point; I notice from your screens the BG1 portion is using the BG2 GUI. Is this a personal preference or does the Restored BG1 GUI mod only work with Tutu?

[Raistlin1040]

My one request as audience member:

Get Xan please. I am a Xan fanperson.

Edit: Explanation. My dad used to play the original Baldur's Gate when I was little, and I would sit on a stool next to his desk and watch, and the one thing I remember other than that my dad was a Paladin, was Xan. "Life, is so hollow" "Our quest is vain" "We're all doomed" and "Let us save ourselves the effort and just lie down and die". Damn I love that mage.

I have never played a game without him. Including my first game where *I* was an Elven Enchanter.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 7: Stone cold.

When we arrived at the mine, we decided to check the surrounding area first to see if there were any clues about what was going on. For several reasons, none of which have anything to do with this original intent, this proved to be a good idea.

First, we managed to run into yet another bounty hunter, who might have caught us unaware down in the mine.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/6893/7baldr001.png

Well, he was right, it was somewhat rude, but people who receive letters addressed to "all those of evil intent" and are willing to kill for no reason beyond a bounty of 680 gold aren't the ones to talk about manners, are they?

He died to my dagger, leaving behind a slightly magically enhanced battleaxe.

Which I quickly made good use of when we came across an old, dead tree with a suspicious hole in it. Now, after finding two rather useful enchanted rings in those, I naturally reached into it, but could only feel the cold tip of, well, something. Of course, I broke out the axe and started my work on the tree.
The others just looked at me perplexedly, even after I explained my reasons - well, except Xzar, which was not really encouraging. But when I pulled out a magic wand and Xzar identified it?

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8488/7baldr002.png

Total vindication.

Sadly, Jaheira found a way to get the attention away from my brilliant intuition.

"This thing's unnatural coldness must have caused this tree's death. I wonder who in the world would hide an item of such power in a tree. And, should we ever find him, I hope for him that he didn't have the idea of hiding a wand of fire in a forest."


Looking around some more, we also found the fugitive Prism. Now, we already felt some sympathy for him when we thought he was a starving artist who had stolen just to get by. The actual story?

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/771/7baldr003.png

We didn't feel any less sympathy after hearing it, obsessive as his behavior might have been.

We obviously doesn't include Xzar and Montaron in this case. I'm pretty sure at least the latter was planning to murder him and collect the bounty, especially since they made no real attempt to hide that they were discussing something the rest of us would not condone, whispering to each other a few steps away from the rest.

Before they could decide on something like a plan, though, their competition showed up.

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/9231/7baldr004x.png

Well, damn. He didn't strike me as the type to be swayed by words anyway, but...damn.

And he proved to be a dangerous foe, too, wielding a sword that would upon hit emit a horrible cold, freezing the wound. And he knew how to ensure this.
I mainly tried to hit him when he wasn't expecting it, then fade away before he could retaliate, while most of the others relied on ranged weapons.

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/2892/7baldr012.png

Of course, that means Khalid had no support against him in melee, and as a result, used up several of our potions while also needing to be healed by Jaheira. And still he could barely hold his own against Greywolf. After an especially brutal slash straight across his chest, he broke.

"C-c-cold, s-so cold...I...I c-c-can't..."

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1548/7baldr005.png

And he ran away, forcing Jaheira to drop her sling and charge Greywolf with her staff only to keep him from running up to Khalid and killing him.

Khalid, in his panic, then tried to make for the nearby forest, and as Jaheira's eyes followed him, Greywolf seized the opportunity and lunged forward, his sword penetrating Jaheira's armor and leaving a gaping wound.
Luckily, this in turn gave me the opportunity I'd been waiting for, and I silently slid behind him and buried my dagger in Greywolf's back just when he pulled his sword back.

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/4606/7baldr013.png

Our relief didn't last long when we heard Khalid cry out in fear. We left the terrified Prism to his art and went after the noise, only to end up protecting Khalid from a bunch of xvarts...

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/8871/7baldr006.png

...then a kobold and his pet wolf...

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5281/7baldr007.png

...and then two wolves that certainly were nobody's pets...

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3135/7baldr008.png

...as he made his way through the woods, screaming and flailing around all the time.



Montaron was not very quick to follow him, and Xzar even "got lost", as he put it.

After she had finally managed to catch her panicking husband and calm him down, Jaheira told me we'd ditch them after our mission in the mine or there would be blood. I could only tell her that I had already come to a similar decision.

On our way back to Prism, we came across another panicked man, running around just as wildly as Khalid had moments before. The woods were not quiet this night.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/3968/7baldr009.png

Well, his dozen of kobolds had mysteriously lost a third of its members along the way, but getting hit by two arrows was quite enough for me anyway.

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/1483/7baldr010.png

After the kobolds, too, had been overcome, we finally went back to Prism, who greeted us, obviously exhaused, clutching his chisel.

Prism: "I...it is done! Oh, wondrous Ellesime, I could never hope to recreate your beauty, but I can come no closer to it and must therefore, with my heart weeping but also smiling---"

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/1562/7baldr011.png

Montaron: "...and also stopping! Ha, bit too enthused fer ye own good, weren't ye?"
Khalid: "Oh m-m-my..."
Jaheira: "Exhaustion, no doubt. Poor man. Foolish, too, but I feel sorry for him nevertheless."

We, after taking the gems he had stolen and somehow not used for his final great work, buried him right were he had died, using the debris that he himself had chiseled and hammered off the rock that he had turned into the elven queen Ellesime to make a small mound.

The somewhat inappropriate irony escaped none of us, but we had to get to the mine soon.





Commentary:

KHAAAAAAALIIIIIIIIIIIIID!!! :smallfurious:
Deserts the group against Greywolf, against whom he, having the most HP and best armor of the group, was really needed. Only to run into a winter wolf along the way. A true hero.


Zargos the bounty hunter is, again, from Dark Horizons. He's pretty easy to dispose of, actually.




Get Xan please.
Hm...I was planning to go with Garrick for the earlier parts of the game, until I can do his personal quest (which includes a fight I'd probably not survive right now), and travel with Xan for some time later on.

Although, Xan early on, then Garrick a bit later - could fit even better, actually.



I'd go for Branwen. She seems to get overlooked a lot in discussions and it'd be fun bringing her along to take down Tranzig. Quayle might be interesting too (I'm guessing you've moved his location to the Carnival) but he's really better as a reserve if you're sticking with another divine caster due to his apalling low wisdom.
Well, Branwen will be there to take care of Tranzig. Whether she sticks around is another question, but that's up to you guys.
(Besides Gavin, she's the least funny of the given options.)

And Quayle (Your guess was correct, by the way.) would have some backup in the form of Jaheira, who, while multi-classed, levels up quickly enough, being a Druid.


I've always been wary of Dark Horizons, just because it seems kind of pointless to stick another 'main villain' group into things. I don't have a lot of experience with it, but unless they somehow add anything significantly involved that Sarevok and Irenicus don't then I'll have trouble moving it out of the 'improved' Vilain fic bin.
The antagonists of Dark Horizons have no agenda beyond killing the PC for what he or she is.


The hosts of little small quests look mildly entertaining, but possibly a bit annoying after a while. Again, unlikely I'll go for it.
Well, you don't have to do them. A few of them - the slime quest, a later one that takes place in Baldur's Gate, and especially the baby wyvern one - can't really be avoided entirely, but the others can simply be ignored.


On minor point; I notice from your screens the BG1 portion is using the BG2 GUI. Is this a personal preference or does the Restored BG1 GUI mod only work with Tutu?
Personal preference, although I don't know exactly which GUI mods work with BGT, since I've always been using the BG2 GUI. There are a few other options, but that's all I can tell you.



Oh yeah, expect one update focusing mainly on the characters after the mine, since I originally thought that everyone would be familiar with the characters but, well, at least chiasaur11 isn't, so now their backstories get some attention.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 8: The Mine.

Without any relevant information, but at least a powerful wand and a new sword for Khalid, we made our way to the mine, which was in an obviously desolate state. There were more guards - Amnish soldiers, in fact - than miners outside, and the two workers' task seemed to be judging quality of the ore in the minecarts, which meant that they took a quick look, shook their head, cursed, and then emptied the entire cart out over a huge pile of obviously corrupted ore.

Consequently, the foreman, a burly, rugged man named Emerson who had probably spent some of his younger years in this very mine himself, had no problems with our presence.

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/6908/8baldr001.png

Emerson: "You just be careful deeper down. Guards an' workers been recalled to the upper shafts where it still be safe for them. Well, here's hopin' you'll have more luck than those others who tried helpin' us."
Elorian: "Others?"
Emerson: "Aye, had an elf come here a week ago. Went down to take a look, haven't been hearin' of him ever since. An' just two days ago, bunch of dwarves came by, sayin' they'd been sent for to find out what taints the ore. Been down in the mines ever since, an' I be suspectin' them and the elf's been killed alike."

Well, that was encouraging.

Still, we could at least try to figure out what was wrong, so we took some samples of the corrupted ore and went to at least investigate the upper shafts and question the miners.

Our first lead was one called Ruffie, who had been attacked a few days ago.

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/6187/8baldr002.png

Not very helpful. Luckily, some of the other miners had more useful information. Apparently, miners had been disappearing or turning up dead for a month now, with the first corrupted ore being found six weeks ago. The more the corruption had spread to the upper shafts, the more miners had been killed or abducted.
Khalid even found one who had made a very interesting find.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/7039/8baldr003.png

As for who was responsible for this, the miners had different opinions. Some had bought Ruffie's story, but the ghosts of all those who died in the mine, a dragon, a cabal of druids, and kobolds were all blamed as well.

Xzar: "Foolish, insipid dimwits! Demons...there are none here! You would smell it, and they wouldn't settle for only a few miners in a month. Oh no, always at least a dozen souls, even for the most mundane tasks."
Jaheira: "I will not even ask how you would know about this. Of course, you are right. And druids are also not responsible."
Imoen: "Well, 'course not! I mean, you're a druid, and you're here trying to solve the problem with us."
Jaheira: "Oh, make no mistake, there is a group of Shadow Druids in the Cloakwood not far from here, who have long separated themselves from the our community. Were they to make a move, I wouldn't know. But they wouldn't hide in the shafts to abduct miners and taint the ore. This is not their work. Oh, and obviously it is not a dragon's either."
Imoen: "Awww...so, kobolds?"
Khalid: "They are very c-common in this area. B-but kobolds are miners themselves. They would lay t-t-traps and kill the human m-miners, but c-corrupt the iron? There must be more behind that."
Elorian: "Well, and they'd need to get whatever substance is used to taint the ore from somewhere, along other things. I mean, this has been going on for more than a month. Someone's supplying them."
Jaheira: "Yes, there will be more to this. But for now, we best prepare for kobolds. So, look out for traps."

We were quickly proven right - which didn't surprise us - when we found two kobolds in the upper shafts and saved a miner who was chased by four more.

Another miner, Kylee, whose dagger we had been asked to deliver to him by one of his friends and who had been attacked deeper down, confirmed this.

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/6280/8baldr004.png

Kobolds, and nothing else.

And the deeper we went, the more of them we saw, from small groups of maybe three or four to a whole dozen of them later, all of them attacking on sight.

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/6015/8baldr005.png

Some of them were carrying vials containing some strange liquid. Most likely what was causing the problems, although neither Jaheira nor Xzar knew what it was. Both decided to keep a sample.

We were also coming across more and more bodies of murdered miners, among one of which we found a note, written by a man called Joseph when he was, judging by his looks, slowly dying from an arrow that had pierced his lung, asking whoever would find his remains to return his greenstone ring to his wife, Vera, to provide for her for at least some time. Remarkably, we even found the ring still on his finger.

With resistance getting stronger, Montaron and I decided to scout ahead, keeping to the shadows.
Which, besides ambushing some kobolds, allowed us overhear a most interesting conversation. Well, or me, at least, since it was spoken in Dwarven, which Montaron doesn't understand, although he probably still drew his conclusions when my name was mentioned.

"So, when's that Elorian coming? Thought your contact said he was headed this way."
"Aye, he was in the Friendly Arm not long ago. Should be here soon."
"Unless somebody else got him first. Offer's been made to more than just us."

That was all I needed to know, and so I signaled Montaron to retreat. So, the dwarves that had been here for the last two days - or duergar, to be accurate - were more bounty hunters. And there were five of them waiting for us.

It was quickly decided that our best course of action would be a surprise attack. We waited until one of them left the group to answer the call of nature, and then Xzar, carrying the Wand of Frost, used a magic potion to turn invisible, walked up to them, and let loose, turning one into an icy statue instantly while sending another one running away in terror.

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/7445/8baldr006.png

The remaining ones gave chase, but not very coordinatedly, and so they were easy targets for further surprise attacks.

Still, they proved more than dangerous, and Montaron was almost killed by a single, brutal hit of a dwarven waraxe while Imoen and Jaheira fell victim to a paralyzing spell.
Luckily, the duergar didn't get a hold of Xzar and were no match for his wand, which claimed three more.

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5307/8baldr007.png

I went after the last one, who didn't notice me as I snuck up to him, and attempted to kill him with one quick strike. It didn't work, and he, enraged, gave chase. I tried to stop him with the Want of Magic Missiles, which I depleted in the process, marking my days as a crack shot as over. Still, I managed to lure him to Xzar, with a foreseeable result.

While we all survived it, the fight had cost us much. The Wand of Frost was half depleted, and seven healing potions had been used up.

Still, we pressed on, only to run into a group of twenty kobolds at once. Luckily, they were horrible shots, to the point where it seemed they were actually aiming for Khalid's shield.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/6009/8baldr008.png

With traps also becoming more prevalent, we all assumed we were getting nearer to whoever was in charge, and proven right when we came to a breach leading to a natural cave surrounded by an underground sea.

I and Montaron went ahead again, and managed to sneak up on a remarkably ugly, nervous-looking half-orc. Khalid was quick to follow us, while the rest stayed back first. Instead of attacking as we had suspected, however, the half-orc bellowed at Khalid as soon as he saw him, although he could barely hide his fear.

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/5703/8baldr009.png

And with that, all hell broke loose, with kobolds charging at us, quickly followed by animated skeletons, probably what had become of some of the missing miners.

This onslaught was stopped by one of Jaheira's spell, which summoned forth a multitude of thick vines and brambles to slow them down, and Xzar, or rather the Wand of Frost again. At the same time, I, Khalid and Montaron were quick to overpower the half-orc, althogh he was a capable fighter and would likely have bested each of us. In a fairer fight.

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/2262/8baldr010.png

In the end, he panicked, tried to run away, and got my dagger in his back, while the others were dispatching the remaining kobolds.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/5161/8baldr011.png

Even with their master dead, they wouldn't retreat or surrender, but in the end, they were no threat, and we were victorious.



Commentary:

The duergar are another addition from the Dark Horizons mod, and probably the most horribly unbalanced thing in the whole mod. The Thief uses some pretty brutal poison, the leader has completely ridiculous equipment (some AC -1 armor takes the cake - note that he also carries a shield), and the Clerics alone are able to kill an entire party via Unholy Blight. All of them are worth well over 1000 XP, the leader even 6000 (in an unmodded game - I only get 75% XP from kills).
Of course, you can't see any of that on the sreenshots because when the Thief poisons someone, the leader gets into melee, or the Clerics get too the right spells off, it's basically game over - I had to try this fight six or seven times.
Really, any conventional tactic will lead to deaths, so I just tried to interrupt the Clerics' spells while the wand took care of the rest.

[Malachite]

This is making me want to have another shot at playing my copy of BG again. Maybe I'll get some pointers from this thread too, because I can tell you without exagerration that I must be one of the worst player ever on this. Soloing Hordes of the Underdark as a Fighter/Weapon Waster, no problem, but on BG I first got killed when I tried attacking the gnoll fortress, then repeatedly got owned by kobolds and their sneaky ways. Not exactly a noble death. They must be Tucker's kobolds on my game... :smallfrown:

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 9: Doom and Gloom

Imoen's "Whooo! We're heroes!" aside, Khalid was the first to say something.

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/4053/8baldr012.png

Khalid: "But we d-don't even know where to begin. I suspect the b-bandits are linked to this, a-and there may be other m-mines being sabotaged. This could take us m-months."
Elorian: "Well, as I said earlier, someone's probably supplying them. Especially since I see no alchemical equipment here. Maybe we'll find something among the half-orc's possessions that'll lead us to this Tazok he mentioned."
Khalid: "Exactly what I would have s-suggested. There must b-be an organization behind this. And if we don't f-find anything, we'd p-probably not have to w-wait long for Tazok to send s-someone."

Hoping to avoid that, I turned to the half-orc's chest, which, besides jewelry and some magic weapons contained his correspondence.

Elorian: "Alright, here's what I found. Everybody, take a look."

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4670/8baldr013.png

Xzar: "ARGH! That is all? Bah, we'll have to report this to Zhen...to the people who employed our services. Maybe they will know who this Tazok is. Here, take your toys, I don't want any bad blood between us when you outnumber us. Montaron, be polite and shake everybody's hands, will you? We won't be seeing them again."
Montaron: "Ah, great, now I'll have ta put up with the mad wizard as me sole company again. Fer that alone, I'll slit yer throat next time we've the pleasure."

And with that, they were gone.

Elorian: "Alas, a friendship torn apart by necessity. I guarantee you, those are no dripstones you're hearing, it's my bleeding heart."
Imoen: "I saw ya hide it."
Jaheira: "Hide what?"
Imoen: "Dunno. Probably something he didn't want those two jokers to see, right?"
Elorian: "A second letter. From Tazok, too. Mentions Mulahey's contact by name and address - we're looking for one Tranzig in Beregost, staying in Feldepost's Inn. I guess he'll lead us to Tazok."
Khalid: "Who should lead us to his s-superiors that he m-mentioned in the first letter."

With that, we were about to leave, when we heard the most calm and resigned shout any being could be able to produce while still qualifying as shouting.

"While you will probably decide to leave me behind to rot, I would inform you that there's a prisoner here."

We followed the monotonous voice to find an elf shackled to the ground, who, after we freed him, introduced himself and his depressions.

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9246/8baldr014.png

Xan: "Alas, I was sent to investigate the strange goings-on about this area. Knowing the hopelessness of my endeavor, I still made an attempt, but was caged here, waking each morn to the smell of kobolds and the paranoid babbling of the Cyricist you slew. I have not seen the sun for almost as long as I have not seen my home."
Imoen: "Oh, cheer up! You're free now, ain'tcha?"
Xan: "Only to soon end up in a similar conundrum again soon, I am sure. The forces behind this are strong indeed, as you undoubtedly know already. However, I, as the bearer of a Moonblade, am still tasked with the vain quest of unraveling the conspiracy behind it, and so would join you if you intend to move into an early grave. I am a skilled wielder of magic that could help postpone the inevitable, though not for long."
Elorian: "Well, I guess a mage would be welcome. Our new no-crazies policy just created an opening, you know?"
Xan: "Certainly, you speak of the insane one who proudly announced, yellingly, that his was the icy breath of, ahem, dooooooom in the battle before?"
Jaheira: "That would be him. We traveled together out of necessity as long as he and his murderous companion were useful."
Khalid: "Which amounted to f-four days."
Xan: "That you got rid of him after those days makes me doubt your mental stability less, although the fact that you could only get a lunatic like this to join you proves the futility of our now shared undertaking."
Imoen: "Well, whatever. Icy breath o' doom's yours now, by the way. And maybe when we get back to Nashkel and they celebrate us and all some lil' girl will give you a hug to thank you or sumthin'. Ya really need one, y'know?"
Xan: "I trust that you meant a hug and not a little girl. Now, as I have mentioned before, I am the bearer of a Moonblade, and--"
Elorian: "Alright, alright, I get the hint. Here, I'm pretty sure that's it."
Xan: "Thank you. In this day and age, it and the responsibilities it brings are a curse as much as a gift, but I could not live with the shame of having lost it nonetheless. Quite literally."

With our new, slightly glum companion in tow, we left the mines. As we stepped into a starlit night, Emerson ran up to us.

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/6483/8baldr015.png

And with that, we headed back to Nashkel.




Commentary:

Didn't get that part done before, when the update was also looking way too long again anyway. As a result (and because he'll be staying with the group for a while) I extended Xan's dialogue a little bit.

Also, information on Moonblades (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Moonblade). First time I had to use that wiki, many more to come.



This is making me want to have another shot at playing my copy of BG again.
Now, that's nice to hear. Thanks.


Maybe I'll get some pointers from this thread too, because I can tell you without exagerration that I must be one of the worst player ever on this.
Well, I'm not exactly doing this the best way. Heading straight for Nashkel, for example, means I missed out on some good stuff. Although I got the most important stuff.
Also, I play this with improved AI and some beefed up encounters. That doesn't exactly change everything, but the tactics I'll use may not be what you'd need. On top of that, all the mods I use and the fact that there's no XP limit mean I'll likely have a higher leveled party than is usual later on, although I try to keep that in check.

As for combat, just don't be afraid to use whatever you have. You may want that wand or rare potion later, too, but that's not going to do you much good when you quit the game out of frustration before. :smallwink:
Similarly, when you have money, spend it. You'll have enough later.
Also, early on, you generally have the advantage in ranged combat, which, coupled with your guys' low HP means that you'd better keep all enemies as far away from you as possible.

[Morty]

Indeed, BG1 has that charm of low-level D&D and getting offed by kobolds. I got through the veterans on the lowest level by giving Kagain a potion of protection and speed, and equppping the Gauntlets of Dexterity. He carved through them nicely, with 2 attacks per round and high enough AC not to be hit by their attacks. And since it lasted long enough, he also took care of the horde of kobolds Mulahey summons.

[Johnny Blade]

By the way, does Mulahey only summon kobolds in the original game?

I'm asking because I've long tried to figure out what exactly Sword Coast Stratagems does to make this fight harder besides upgrading some kobolds (who almost killed Jaheira, Xzar and Elorian during the fight) and I got to fight some skeletons as well.


Yeah, I don't even remember what the game's like unmodded. :smallbiggrin:

[Morty]

No, he summons skeletons in an unmodded game as well.

[Johnny Blade]

Well, it's just the better kobolds then, I guess - and some gauntlets that give Mulahey himself +3 THAC0 and damage, unless those are somehow added by another mod (I wouldn't know which one).



(New update(s?) coming later, I couldn't quite get it done now.)

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 10: No Rest For The Wicked.

The way back to Nashkel was mainly uneventful, although we managed to be ambushed by gibberlings. It was somewhat embarrassing, and put Xan into the mood for some moping.

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/8918/010baldr001.png

Well, truth be told, I'd rather be tasked with bringing peace to the world than cheering this man up.

Anyway, after bringing Vera the sad news of her killed husband along with his greenstone ring - we somehow lost some of the jewelry we had found in Mulahey's chest on our way out - we sought out Ghastkill, the mayor, again.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/1577/010baldr002.png

After listening to Xan and having to tell a young woman that she was a widow now, that was really needed. His 900 Gold weren't unwelcome, either.

I'd just wish he'd tell the soldiers Amn sent him to have an eye on who they let into his village.

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/1721/010baldr003.png

At least, for the incarnation of death himself, he wasn't that dangerous, although I don't know what could have happened had Xan not dispelled the effects of his potion of invisibility.

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/5254/010baldr004.png

As it was, however, he fell rather quickly. Certainly would have expected more from the bane of all things mortal.

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/7837/010baldr005.png

Interestingly, he was sent by Tazok personally, who couldn't possibly know we were responsible for taking down his operation in the Nashkel mine yet. So, apparently, he was in league with one of the organizations that were me.

Jaheira: "You look grim, Elorian. You are wondering whether this Tazok is who killed Gorion?"
Elorian: "Yeah, that too. But mainly I wonder if we're up to this yet. Me and Imoen, I mean."
Jaheira: "You are right. You haven't seen much combat, although you seem to have quickly adapted to this life. It would probably be best if we would avoid the bandits for a while."
Khalid: "No point in just g-getting us all killed, after all."
Imoen: "Yup! 'Specially not when we could just as well be at the carnival."
Jaheira: "What?"
Imoen: "There's a carnival in town! Come on, we've earned it."

We all agreed on that, and although Xan was quick to remind us all that in the end, happy memories like going to the carnival with one's companions would only make death, theirs or oneself's, more painful, he came along as well.

Before we went our way, however, a quite unusual street seller approached us.

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/304/010baldr006.png

I wanted, as it turned out that her merchandise, from strawberry jam to slippers, was generally enchanted.

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/9425/010baldr007.png

Apart from a good supply of adventure-proof spread, I bought myself some magical boots that were enchanted to allow the wearer to evade incoming blows better. A good thing, since I've never been one for armor myself.

During my chat with the merchant, Karaea, she also told me that she was a deep gnome that had followed her brother, who was now working for her footwear supplier in Athkathla, to the surface, where he came because of a curse the specifics of which he'd never related to her. And then she decided to stay because she liked it here. You certainly meet interesting people around here.

Anyways, our way to the carnival was surprisingly uneventful, with no further assassins trying to collect the ever-increasing price on my head. Of course, I had to explain everything to Xan, who went from despondent to desolate as a result.

The carnival couldn't cheer him up, either, despite offering treats like the world's only exploding ogre (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMsmPy8zgzM) and con artists in training.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/2951/010baldr008.png

Elorian: "She was pretty good, wasn't she? With those apple-sized eyes and everything."
Khalid: "You knew she was l-lying?"
Elorian: "Yeah. I've seen Imoen pull similar tricks way too often. Of course, she's never really gone through with it either, unless it was for cookies or apples."
Imoen: "She's not that good, though. Lori's only saying that 'cause he thinks she's cute."
Elorian: "Nah. I would, but she really wasn't bad."

Apart from that, there were the assorted performers, jugglers and traveling theaters - one of which gave us the Day Of The Talking Genitals, a true work of art, although Jaheira vehemently disagreed with this assessment and Xan came to the conclusion that human culture would descend into barbarism any minute now - one would expect. Oh, and a murderous psychopath.

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/4817/010baldr009x.png

Luckily, Xan's magic was able to subdue him, although he woke up before we could bind him and attacked again, forcing us to kill him.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/5140/010baldr013.png

Elorian: "Just be sure that you really stay clear of the whole seducing livestock business and whatever he accused you of."
Imoen: "I think there was something 'bout poisoned puppets."
Bentha: "I'll make sure I will. Here, please accept a magical potion as proof of my goodwill. I assure you that the blood of the innocent is not part of the recipe."

It really was just a standard potion to improve the imbiber's reactions in combat, and so we let her go.

Khalid: "N-no rest for the wicked, I guess. Not even here."
Xan: "Truly, it seems some of us are destined to stumble from one battle into another, until they finally meet their end."
Imoen: "Aw, come on! Why do you always have ta be so glum?"
Xan: "Because I was cast into this life because of my heritage, which is this Moonblade I wield. I never wanted it, and nobody even thought it would accept me when my grandmother, its last bearer, gave it to me. But it did, and so it is my duty to live as a protector of Everaska until I die doing so."
Imoen: "Well, uh..."

Awkward silence followed and decided to stay with us for a while, thankfully to be broken by a gnome who had something to sell eventually.

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5843/010baldr011.png

Elorian: "She's really quite...resolute, hm?"
Khalid: "Oh, y-yes. She can be different, b-but she doesn't suffer f-foolishness. Or those who would profit from another ones s-suffering, a-as she said. When w-we, that means me, her, Gorion and a few o-others, unveil a ring of s-slavers in the south a few years back, she was the one to d-demand them h-hanged."
Jaheira: "And they should have. Now, come on, we don't know how long this woman has been petrified, but I won't let her stay in this form any longer, so let us see if this scroll is genuine. And it better be."
Zeke: *gulp*

It was.

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/6620/010baldr012.png

Elorian: "Tranzig, huh?"
Branwen: "Do you know the dishonorable little weasel?"
Elorian: "Not yet. But we intend to get to know him soon. Here, take a look at this letter. We got it from a Cyricist that was responsible for tainting the ore of the local mine."
Branwen: "HAH! I'm coming for you, Tranzig, and whatever devils you have aligned yourself with will not protect you from Tempus' wrath! Come, let us go!"
Elorian: "No rest for the wicked, eh?"
Khalid: "N-never that. Well, it was nice being out of that a-armor for some time."



Commentary:

I passionately hate SCS-enhanced Nimbul. I restarted that fight several times, not because I lost someone, but because he kept throwing Fireballs around, once even after he fled into the nearby inn. (I don't accept collateral damage.)
There's also the part where he likes turning invisible to buff up, and is pretty nasty overall.

(Okay, to be honest, I also had to retry the fight because I completely neglected taking screenshots the first time. On that note, continuity error! I used an alternate, cheaty savegame for the Amazing Oopah video, where Elorian still has the Wand of Magic Missiles.)


The svirfneblin (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Deep_gnome) is from Aurora's Shoes and Boots (http://www.spellholdstudios.net/ie/aurora), which has a bit more to offer than just footwear. Never played the mod before, though.

[Morty]

Nimbul is infuriating without difficulty-enchancing mods as well. One Horror cast and the entire party runs around like chickens while he picks them out at his leisure with magic missles. And preparing Remove Fear ahead of time is kind of cheating. I'm just wondering whether he's a bard or a thief/mage. Being killed by a bard is the most humiliating thing there is.

[Arkenor]

Nimbul is infuriating without difficulty-enchancing mods as well. One Horror cast and the entire party runs around like chickens while he picks them out at his leisure with magic missles. And preparing Remove Fear ahead of time is kind of cheating. I'm just wondering whether he's a bard or a thief/mage. Being killed by a bard is the most humiliating thing there is.

He's a Mage/Thief with the Necromancer kit. At least the one in my current install is. My one doesn't seem to have any fireballs memorised, but they might be being forced by a script somewhere, or he might have been written over by a mod I installed later in the sequence. Not got to him yet in my playthrough so not sure what he'll get up to.

I'm loving this thread. As it happens I've started a megamod game of BGT myself in the last few days with all the mods you seem to be using (and probably some more on top), so it has been extremely entertaining to see someone else share my pain :smallwink:

[Johnny Blade]

Being killed by a bard is the most humiliating thing there is.
Silke. SCS-enhanced, she can wreck you at lower levels. She's level 5, and she has Magic Missile. And Charm Person.


I'm loving this thread. As it happens I've started a megamod game of BGT myself in the last few days with all the mods you seem to be using (and probably some more on top), so it has been extremely entertaining to see someone else share my pain :smallwink:
Thanks.

(Also, on that note, I'll try to get to Secret of Bone Hill this weekend. I'll wrap the whole Nashkel quest up first, though.)

[Rae]

I'm really loving this LP as well. Baldur's Gate is probably my favorite rpg to date. I'm already resisting the urge to dig out the discs and do the mega game myself - and I haven't even gotten through Dragon Age yet!

I don't know if it's just nostalgia, but as epic as Dragon Age is it just doesn't seem to have the same level of character the BG series did.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 11: Enter Xandman.

Our way back to Beregost was, remarkably, undisturbed, unless you count Branwen's rather loud prayers to Tempus, which basically consisted of yelling at things in the name of her god whose wrath shall come over all the cowards, traitors, and otherwise unsavory of the world. At least, being petrified apparently didn't affect her vocal chords.

In Beregost, things got busier. First, when we went to give the local smith, Taerom Fuiruim, a sample of the tainted ore from Nashkel as mayor Ghastkill had suggested, we were stopped by a young girl, who told us that a certain miss Vai, of the Flaming Fist, wanted to meet us in the Jovial Juggler. We obliged, and while she didn't have any information about the bandits, at least none she'd share, she did offer an interesting, if a bit icky, as Imoen was quick to note, deal.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/9648/011baldr000.png

In that tavern, we also met an injured paladin, recovering from a fight with a group of half-ogre brigands nearby, which he asked us to kill or at least drive off, given the chance. Well, we'd be on the lookout out there, at least.

First, however, we had to finish our business in Beregost, so we went over to Fuiruim's smithy.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/7655/011baldr011.png

And so we had our next destination. Xan was positively giddy to hear that we'd be visiting Thalantyr soon.

"While it could merely prolong our toil before we meet our violent and likely gruesome deaths, I must admit that, if we could perhaps persuade Thalantyr to sell us, or me as it is, some spells, they would certainly prove useful."

We also safely delivered the letter we had found on the dead halfling on our way to Nashkel and finally got to the spider-infested house we had been asked to clean out. Said spiders turned out to be rather big. And rather sleepy, too.

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5526/011baldr001.png

That taken care of, we decided to head over to Feldepost's and pay Tranzig a visit. On our way there, we met an old friend, who invited us into his house for a short stay.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/2002/011baldr999.png

Naturally. Old Firebead, always on the lookout for people to do the legwork for him.

Well, we'd do it, and incidentally, we found the book he was looking for in Feldepost's alongside a most charming - and slightly tipsy - young woman.

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/9746/011baldr002.png

Of course, the real reason for our visit waited upstairs.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/8558/011baldr003.png

Right. Not a nice man. And one who had made a few mistakes too many. For instance, staying here alone?

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/1409/011baldr004.png

Bad idea.

Lose your nerves in a fight?

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4991/011baldr005.png

Generally not advisable either.

Lay down to take a nap in a fight?

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/981/011baldr006.png

That's were you really start pushing your luck.

But petrifying a priest of Tempus and then leave her as a conveniently revivable lawn ornament instead of a pile of pebbles?

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/6092/011baldr007.png

Really, that man had it coming.

On that note, carrying compromising letters around in your pockets is pretty rich, too.

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/9678/011baldr008.png

Probably could have stolen it from him without a fight.


It was quickly decided - by Branwen, mainly - that this called for a celebration, although Xan didn't want to partake, and after bringing Firebead his book, for which he gave us - or me specifically, in fact - another book, we had us one.

Turns out Gyllian lied to me, since she was most definitely the life of it, at least until she passed out between me explaining her that Imoen was really more of a little sister to me and telling her how we, under my leadership of course, had bested armies of kobolds, hobgoblins, and maybe even a young dragon who was about to obliterate Nashkel - we had told the villagers it was a wyvern, just so they wouldn't be scared, of course.

Realizing that everyone but Branwen, who had joined an arm-wrestling contest, had gone to bed already - Xan had left very early, Imoen soon after she learned that too much mead isn't good for your stomach, and Khalid and Jaheira without me noticing - I stumbled upstairs to my room.

Seeing how I wasn't tired yet, and only moderately drunk, I decided to take a look at that book Firebead had given me.

History of the Dead Three: 'KNUCKLEBONES, SKULL BOWLING, AND THE EMPTY THRONE'

In ages past there was but one god of strife, death, and the dead, and he was known as Jergal, Lord of the End of Everything. Jergal fomented and fed on the discord among mortals and powers alike. When beings slew each other in their quest for power or in their hatred, he welcomed them into his shadowy kingdom of eternal gloom. As all things died, everything came to him eventually, and over time he built his power into a kingdom unchallenged by any other god. Eventually, however, he grew tired of his duties for he knew them too well. Without challenge there is nothing, and in nothingness there is only gloom. In such a state, the difference between absolute power and absolute powerlessness is undetectable.

During this dark era, there arose three powerful mortals - Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul - who lusted after the power Jergal wielded. The trio forged an unholy pact, agreeing that they would dare to seek such ultimate power or die in the attempt. Over the length and breadth of the Realms they strode, seeking powerful magic and spells and defying death at every turn. No matter what monster they confronted or what spells they braved, the three mortals emerged unscathed at every turn. Eventually the trio destroyed one of the Seven Lost Gods, and they each seized a portion of his divine essence for themselves.

The trio then journeyed into the Gray Waste and sought out the Castle of Bone. Through armies of skeletons, legions of zombies, hordes of noncorporeal undead, and a gauntlet of liches they battled. Eventually they reached the object of their lifelong quest - the Bone Throne.

"I claim this throne of evil," shouted Bane the tyrant. "I'll destroy you before you can raise a finger," threatened Bhaal the assassin. "And I shall imprison your essence for eternity," promised Myrkul the necromancer.

Jergal arose from his throne with a weary expression and said, "The Throne is yours. I have grown weary of this empty power. Take it if you wish - I promise to serve and guide you as your seneschal until you grow comfortable with the position." Before the stunned trio could react, the Lord of the Dead continued: "Who among you shall rule?"

The trio immediately fell to fighting amongst themselves while Jergal looked on with indifference. When eventually it appeared that either they would all die of exhaustion or battle on for an eternity, the Lord of the End of Everything intervened. "After all you have sacrificed, would you come away with nothing? Why don't you divide the portfolios of the office and engage in a game of skill for them?" asked Jergal.

Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul considered the god's offer and agreed. Jergal took the heads of his three most powerful liches and gave them to the trio that they would compete by bowling the skulls. Each mortal rolled a skull across the Gray Waste, having agreed that the winner would be he who bowled the farthest.

Malar the Beastlord arrived to visit Jergal at this moment. After quickly ascertaining that the winner of the contest would get all of Jergal's power, he chased off after the three skulls to make sure that the contest would be halted until he had a chance to participate for part of the prize. Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul again fell to fighting as it was obvious their sport was ruined, and again Jergal intervened. "Why don't you allow Lady Luck to decide so you don't have to share with the Beast?"

The trio agreed, and Jergal broke off his skeletal finger bones and gave them to the players. When Malar returned from chasing the skulls, he found that the trio had just finished a game of knucklebones.

Bane cried out triumphantly, "As winner, I choose to rule for all eternity as the ultimate tyrant. I can induce hatred and strife at my whim, and all will bow down before me while in my kingdom."

Myrkul, who had won second place, declared, "But I choose the dead, and by doing so I truly win, because all you are lord over, Bane, will eventually be mine. All things must die - even gods."

Bhaal, who finished third, demurred, "I choose death, and it is by my hand that all that you rule Lord Bane will eventually pass to Lord Myrkul. Both of you must pay honor to me and obey my wishes, since I can destroy your kingdom, Bane, by murdering your subjects, and I can starve your kingdom, Myrkul, by staying my hand."

Malar growled in frustration, but could do nothing, and yet again only the beasts were left for him.

And Jergal merely smiled, for he had been delivered.


Well, reading all that finally made me tired, and so I, somewhat amused by the whole story, fell asleep.


Commentary:

I wanted to post this 11 hours ago, but it turned out that I'd forgotten to resize one of the images. And then I had to go to work.

I'm sure this is very exciting trivia information.

On a random note, SCS Tranzig is kinda funny. He greatly benefits from the improved AI and all, but all it makes him is a general nuisance that can annoy you for some time before his debuffs and protections run out.





I'm really loving this LP as well. Baldur's Gate is probably my favorite rpg to date. I'm already resisting the urge to dig out the discs and do the mega game myself - and I haven't even gotten through Dragon Age yet!
Thanks. :smallsmile:


I don't know if it's just nostalgia, but as epic as Dragon Age is it just doesn't seem to have the same level of character the BG series did.
Well, I haven't played Dragon Age much yet, since I personally own neither the game nor a graphics card that can handle it, but I found the atmosphere a bit forced at times. (Although it wasn't as exaggerated as the trailers made me believe.)

[Morty]

Hm. Can you show the smith the tainted ore in an unmodded game as well? I don't remember anything like that... I don't remember Branwen calling Tranzig out either, and I had her with me in this playthrough.

[Mx.Silver]

Hm. Can you show the smith the tainted ore in an unmodded game as well? I don't remember anything like that... I don't remember Branwen calling Tranzig out either, and I had her with me in this playthrough.

Both are covered in the BG1 Unfinished Business mod. Branwen's dialogue also exists in the Gibberlings 3 NPC pack too.

[Recaiden]

This is reall good so far.

And is making me want to finish playing BGT. I added a bunch of mods, and then never played them. :smalltongue:

[Johnny Blade]

Both are covered in the BG1 Unfinished Business mod. Branwen's dialogue also exists in the Gibberlings 3 NPC pack too.
Thanks for that. I really didn't remember this anymore. (I knew that the vial I'll deliver to Thalantyr serves no purpose in the original game, but I wasn't sure about the ore.)


This is reall good so far.

And is making me want to finish playing BGT. I added a bunch of mods, and then never played them. :smalltongue:
Thanks. Also, for shame. :smalltongue:



No new update, but one is almost ready, so there'll be two today. (GMT+1 "today", that is.)

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 12: Family Affairs

Reading drunk is not the smartest thing to do. Of course, everybody knows that, but sometimes, a reminder is needed. And when dizziness isn't enough, you get a dream like the one I had after reading about the Dead Three.

I was in a strange, rocky waste, and I was...bowling skulls. I think my first try would have gone pretty far, even, but then it decided not to cooperate, simply stopped, and turned around. And looking right at me was the rotting head of Mulahey.

"Going on a little family getaway? Fool, I ought to have crushed you in the name of Cyric!"

And then, I heard someone next to me simply say "My turn.". I turned towards who had said this, and it was the huge armored man, and the skull he was bowling with was undoubtedly Gorion's.

As I saw it roll away rapidly, I ran after it, trying to reach my father, dropping the kobold's head that had somehow appeared in my hand.

"Hey! What's that to mean now, big shot? Kobolds not important enough, huh? You got one of my arrows in your stupid pink belly, y'know? I nearly had you there! More than that ugly ol' halfbreed can say, eh? Oh, is it because my head's not round enough? Is that it!? Hey, come back here! Come back and bowl me, stupid monkey!"

Mulahey and Gorion's killer just laughed as I ran, but then everything vanished, leaving nothing but two glowing eyes and a hissing voice.

"Fine...run, then. Run like the beast you are. For now. You will yet learn."



And with that, I woke up.

After wondering about this dream for a bit and washing myself, I made my way downstairs to get something to eat, meeting Branwen on my way.

Branwen: "Morning. Everyone else is already downstairs. No wonder. Ah, rather waterbellies than backstabbing little weasels."
Elorian: "Uhh...uh-huh. So, you won that arm-wrestling thing?"
Branwen: "Some dwarf beat me. But he was cheating! Was distracting me and everyone he beat before with his stupid story of how some tasloi stole his cloak in the Cloakwood and whatever, the little runt."
Elorian: "Well, perhaps he just thinks it's an interesting story?"
Branwen: "..."
Elorian: "I mean...uh...let's get something to eat."


When our stomachs were accounted for, we went off to stock up on some of the necessities of everyday adventuring. While running around from merchant to merchant, we came by some interesting information - the town crier announced that a bounty of no less than 5000 Gold had been put on the mad cleric Bassilus by the local temple of Lathander. Made me feel somewhat insignificant, but then again, Lathandrites like throwing money around.

A more immediate need for our heroics arose when we met a distressed damsel in the form of a sad little girl, standing alone in the street.

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/691/012baldr001.png

Well, can't always save a town from evil Cyricists and their kobold legions, but at least her parents likely wouldn't end up as bowling balls in my dreams, right?

However, while not quite provoking such measures, I could soon understand little Annie.

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/9909/012baldr002.png



http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/7610/012baldr003.png

This went back and forth, and also in circles, for some time, and we found out that what the Dudleys were missing, besides money and common courtesy of course, was a necklace that Miss Dudley had inherited from her mother, that should have been Annie's one day but, after much arguing, had been decided to be sold. This of course left us with one suspect.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/9334/012baldr004.png

Imoen: "Aw, poor little Annie. Please, don't cry. We're gonna make it right, right?"
Elorian: "Hmm..."
Imoen: "Come on. Do it."
Elorian: "Well...alright. Annie, listen to me. You have to go and give the necklace back to your parents now. We'll follow you soon and it'll all be good."
Annie: "B-but..."
Elorian: "Trust us. We're heroes."
Annie: "Really?"
Xan: "Indeed. We are legitimate adventurers, happily dooming ourselves just for the fleeting--"
Annie: "Wow! Okay, I trust you now. But don't dawdle!"

We didn't, and so soon found out that Annie had done her part quite well.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9199/012baldr005.png

Ours went smoothly as well, although saying something about good people you want to see happy while looking into our accomplice's mother's sour face was quite the challenge.

We left and met Annie outside, giving her the necklace. Her first underhanded deal for sure, as she thoughtlessly risked revealing our machinations by glomping us all.

Of course, we weren't done yet, as we were approached by a breathless Mr. Dudley while making some last purchases before our trip to Thalantyr.

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/2133/012baldr006.png

After that - and buying a new pan and some rations - we returned to some real adventuring, finally leaving for the High Hedge, the mage Thalantyr's home.


Commentary:
Yeah, another part of the Mini Quests and Encounters mod.

And, in case you're wondering: Yes, you do get a reputation point for giving Annie the necklace.

[Recaiden]

Okay, I've started again. I mistook the quest for part of the original game that I had missed until you said it was from a mod.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 13: Foul Magics.

On the way, Xan divined the nature of some of our magic items. Turns out Tranzig had left us another Wand of Magic Missiles. With more than thirty charges. Looks like I'm a sharpshooter again.

Arriving at the High Hedge, the first thing we found out was that Thalantyr could definitely have moved into a friendlier neighborhood.

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/614/013baldr001.png

At least, one of the gnolls had something we were looking for. Well, more or less looking for.

Imoen: "Hey, I think that here's the sword that halfling wanted us to bring back."
Jaheira: "Why do you think this is his?"
Imoen: "There's this embroidery on the sheath."
Jaheira: "Embroidery? Let me...'This is PERDUE'S! Don't steal it, or I'll rip your head off and...'"
Elorian: "And...?"
Jaheira: "It's his."


Thalantyr was about as friendly as his deceased gnoll neighbors.

Thalantyr: "What is the meaning of this? What are you doing in my home? Ah, I care not. Just get out. I decided to live here as to avoid people barging into my home whenever they think they need some spell or trinket to make their lives more comfortable. Obviously, I should have moved into even less accessible whereabouts. Ah, Mekrath had the right idea. Of course, he never gets rid of this horrible sewage stench...what are you still doing here?"
Branwen: "I'd teach this mageling some manners, but there's no honor in beating up a frail old man."
Thalantyr: "Hmph! I hope you find honor in sparring with my guardians then, woman."

At this point, Khalid noticed that two golems were approaching us. Time to tell Thalantyr that we were there for a reason.

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/5170/013baldr002x.png

After that, he was even willing to trade with us. Not that we could afford more than two scrolls for Xan.

With our involvement in Nashkel's affairs meeting its end, we decided to just look for bandits before assaulting their camp, which would probably be suicidal at this point.

What we found first, however, was a little boy telling us a story about a crazy man who called himself Bassilus talking to "spooks", as he called them, which he found quite funny. I decided to scout ahead alone. And, yes, funny it was.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1223/013baldr003.png

At this point, Khalid moved in.

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/7271/013baldr004.png

Somehow, Khalid had managed to irritate Bassilus so much that he couldn't even uphold whatever spell he used to keep his surrogate family from falling to pieces as the original apparently had some time ago.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/8098/013baldr005.png

Even without them, he put up a good fight, and had he been a bit less insane, he might even have had a shot at getting away. As it was, however, he sometimes just randomly started invoking some magic that probably just flashed through his mind, allowing some pretty easy hits. In the end, Khalid impaled him on his sword on one such occasion.

Elorian: "How did you do that?"
Khalid: "Do what?"
Elorian: "Cause his, er, family to fall apart like that."
Khalid: "Oh, I had, ah, d-dealings with the Zh-zh-zhentarim b-before. I know what they d-do to one's m-mind."
Elorian: "Hmm...?"
Khalid: "N-not a t-topic for n-now."

Noticing his increased stuttering as well as Jaheira sending a very stern look my way, I decided to shut up for now and went over to Imoen, who, while Branwen and Jaheira had been busy tending to my and Khalid's wounds and Xan had taken a look at Bassilus' things - which included a powerful warhammer for Branwen - had flipped Tarnesh's spellbook open again.

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/2257/013baldr006.png

The look of sheer dread on Xan's face as he noticed what was going on was priceless.

Xan: "Girl! You could have...wait...did you just create this here?"
Imoen: "Yup!"
Xan: "And...what is it?"
Imoen: "I dunno."
Xan: "You...Seldarine, it must be this place. It makes people mad. Tampering with magic while having no idea...let me take a look at this."

Well, Xan couldn't tell what Imoen had just fabricated.

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/808/013baldr007.png

We decided to just move on for now. Of course, Xan was constantly looking for something horrible to happen, which allowed for no less than three "Look behind you!" jokes.

The fourth time, there really was something, namely an enraged bear. Of course, he didn't listen first and nearly fainted when he heard a roar. Serves him right for not trusting his friends.
Luckily, Jaheira managed to calm the bear down. Somehow, she even managed to communicate with it - or her, as it turned out.

"She's very angry, as you all know already. There are people north from here blocking her way to her cave where her hungry cubs are waiting. When she tried to return to them, these people hurt her."

With our new ursine friend in tow, we payed those people a visit.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/7513/013baldr008.png

Bandits. Also idiots unable to work out that six adventurers and a bear agaisnt five bandits equals bad news for the latter.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/6062/013baldr009.png


After we - or rather, Branwen, having drawn the shortest straw - had scalped them, we decided to head back to Beregost, where 5250 Gold were waiting for us.

However, as it usually is, we were distracted on our way, this time by a man yelling something about a talking devil chicken that was after him.
Xan quickly formulated his own theory.

"Most likely, said chicken is an unfortunate man or woman that was transformed by magic. Possibly a direct result of Imoen's recklessness. I in fact almost expect to be transformed myself any second. Probably into an earthworm."


Well, he wasn't, and looking around, we only found a wolf, who didn't show any behavior resembling a human. We chased him off.

This, however, did in fact lure a talking chicken out.

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6569/013baldr010.png

Judging by Thalantyr's reaction when we brought him back, Melicamp was about as good an apprentice as he is a liar.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/426/013baldr011x.png

We did, running into several qualifying undead just outside of Thalantyr's home. He probably had more than enough skulls lying around and only wanted us to clean up a bit.

Well, when we returned with a more or less undamaged skull, he had already prepared his spell.

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/444/013baldr012.png


http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/2933/013baldr013.png

Melicamp: "Ah...thang yuh, masdaargh! Mah jahw!"
Elorian: "Yeah, well, I think it may be broken. I don't know, but Branwen got a pretty good hit in. Well, better than the one with no skullcap, right?"
Thalantyr: "Well, I guess this should be a lesson for us all. Magic, to be used properly, needs the guidance of those who have mastered it."
Xan: "You see, Imoen. Learn this lesson well."
Thalantyr: "This girl is your apprentice?"
Xan: "Oh, no, she just dabbles in magic and, somehow, created this thing here, endangering us all."
Thalantyr: "Hm...I cannot sense what it does, but the magical aura seems rather faint and definitely harmless, actually."
Imoen: "Ha!"
Melicamp: "Gnn...huh?"
Thalantyr: "Oh no. You don't get any ideas, young man. Go into your chambers and lay down. As soon as you can talk again, your lessons resume. This girl may have been fortunate, or she is just smart enough to master the art intuitively. You, as recent events have shown are neither."

Melicamp did as he was told, his face a strange grimace expressing joy, humiliation and, well, the pain of a broken jaw at once, and Thalantyr, exhausted from the spell he had cast, bid us farewell soon after.


And so, without further delays, we returned to Beregost.




Commentary:

Yeah, well. The part up until Bassilus should have been one update and the chicken quest another one, but I decided that it works better this way. That should teach me never to make promises about when I'll update. However, since I never learn from my mistakes, it should probably rather teach you not to trust me.


A note about SCS again: I had to repeat the Bassilus fight since he summoned bears. Not very thematic. And quite deadly when the pathfinding hates you and the 12 HP wizard walks right up to them when he's actually told to run away.


Also, who else thinks Imoen would be a good Wild Mage?

[Eldariel]

[Regarding the soloing discussion last page] Mage solo can be extremely interesting in BG/BG2. You'll have some trouble dealing with some traps and the early game will be a pain, but it can be done. Also, you'll way outpace the scrolls you get in BG1.

There's the Elmonster Journal (http://www.baldurdash.org/journal.html) at Baldurdash on that very thing, though he only plays through BG2. It was quite the good read, actually. Looking forward to the same here.


By the way, it was kinda unclear to me; did you leave e.g. Dragons as they are in the normal game or does the Smart AI upgrade still improve their casting even though they just "cast as Wizards" right now? Basically, I'm trying to figure out how hard you made the game :smalltongue:

I'll comment on the journal once I catch up on it. I'm actually playing BGT myself for Nth time too, though it's a teamgame with two friends using no NPCs. We've got a different set of mods, but a heavy one anyways. We're in early BG2 right now so I'll be reading this with great interest (you'll pass us real soon given how rarely we play). Who knows, I may even be inspired to start a new single player campaign with a similar set of mods; I've always wanted to explore the content the NPC banter mods add.

[Johnny Blade]

Their casting is improved, but interruptible. I mainly chose this option with ToB in mind, especially since I only get 75% XP from enemies and quests, so later ToB battles could be quite challenging.
(I was kinda tempted to install one of the Firkraag upgrades, though, but ultimately didn't because I've never tried one. Well, maybe I'll make my own.)

[Eldariel]

Their casting is improved, but interruptible. I mainly chose this option with ToB in mind, especially since I only get 75% XP from enemies and quests, so later ToB battles could be quite challenging.
(I was kinda tempted to install one of the Firkraag upgrades, though, but ultimately didn't because I've never tried one. Well, maybe I'll make my own.)

Firkraag mod sounds like an interesting idea. I've never actually tried that; given we usually do him before the Asylum without trapstacks, he's challenging enough as it stands. But if you do him late SoA, he'll definitely want a boost. I still remember the time we killed him with Finger of Death :smallbiggrin: (no, no Malisons, Lower Resistances or company involved; he rolled a 1)

And yeah, the casting mod sounds fair enough. Though I personally enjoy the heavily contingencied mages who don't get caught their pants down in start of each fight, so to speak (given players can usually prebuff when in dangerous area too and as enemies don't move...).

[Johnny Blade]

Firkraag mod sounds like an interesting idea. I've never actually tried that; given we usually do him before the Asylum without trapstacks, he's challenging enough as it stands. But if you do him late SoA, he'll definitely want a boost. I still remember the time we killed him with Finger of Death :smallbiggrin: (no, no Malisons, Lower Resistances or company involved; he rolled a 1)
Yeah, that would be the first thing I'd do. Immunity do death magic.
Apart from that I'm thinking about something like a couple of summoned Fire Elementals (or maybe Golems) and Incendiary Clouds in the corners of his lair so the casters can't evade his initial wing buffet so easily. (I'm not sure how Incendiary Cloud interacts with wing buffets, actually. If it stays, all the better.)

Well, and a general upgrade of his stats and spells, of course. Lowering fire resistances would be important, too.


And yeah, the casting mod sounds fair enough. Though I personally enjoy the heavily contingencied mages who don't get caught their pants down in start of each fight, so to speak (given players can usually prebuff when in dangerous area too and as enemies don't move...).
Well, I sometimes install that, but it really punishes suboptimal party compositions - try the Cloakwood Mine with only a freshly dual-classed Imoen and Jaheira for magic and you'll know what I mean.

Also, I try to rest as seldom as possible and won't prebuff much anyway.


On a general note, I kept the difficulty pretty low for this Let's Play because this is going to keep me busy for a while already, and in a game with all SCS components installed, certain fights can be quite time-consuming.

[Eldariel]

I like the idea of giving Firkraag a Simulacrum; that should be a decent difficulty buff. Though the Incendiary Clouds are definitely a good idea too; make the Wing Buffet more than an annoyance.

And yeah, it's true, when making AI casters play for real, you need pretty solid party yourself. Like, with the party composition you outlined, it'd pretty much befall you to do the arsekickery and if you're a non-caster...


By the way, for Clerics, I'm suggesting Viconia. My favorite NPC. Also, attempting to convert her would make for an interesting sidequest for our hero, though of course only doable through the romance; but not every quest needs to end in success...

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 14: For Reevor!

Back in Beregost, we collected our pay. 250 from Officer Vai, and 5000 from the temple, as promised.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/6186/014baldr001.png

Yes. Leave it to Jaheira to create an amicable atmosphere. Still, the priest remained friendly.

"There is a man, Pelltar, who has been staying with us for a few nights, hailing from the village of Restenford. It is not far from here, but with tensions between Amn and Baldur's Gate rising, it has been left to its own devices for some time. Apparently with most unfortunate consequences, since our honored guest is looking for adventurers such as you."

We decided to see what he had to say.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8233/014baldr002.png

Pelltar: "Wonderful. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Pelltar, resident mage of the village of Restenford. I think the Dawnmaster already told you that we have some problems that would need the attention of people such as yourselves?"
Elorian: "Nothing specific."
Pelltar: "Ah, I believe I can't actually tell you much myself. I am usually staying in my estate and don't interact with the people much, as my work leaves me only little time. I was only sent because I know the mayor of Beregost. Since he couldn't help us, I'm now looking for adventurers for hire."
Elorian: "Well, that we are. We'd need at least some information, though."
Xan: "Yes. For example, doesn't your, ah, village--"
Pelltar: "Restenford."
Xan: "Yes. Doesn't it have any guards? Why are we needed?"
Pelltar: "Oh, actually, even without the Flaming Fist, the village is quite well-guarded. It's just that the threats we face are too much for them to handle. One thing I can tell you, for example, is that there have been many bandits in the area."
Xan: "Oh, wonderful. Why do I get the feeling that I will soon regret ever joining this group?"
Branwen: "Ah, grow some backbone, mage. It sounds like a task well worth the time and blood of a warrior."
Elorian: "Ah...excuse them. You mentioned bandits? Restenford wouldn't happen to have an ore mine or be a stop for iron merchants?"
Pelltar: "Actually, our little village is indeed often frequented by hardware dealers, especially in recent times."
Elorian: "Consider us hired. Uh...right, guys?"
Jaheira: "Of course. Weakening the bandits before directly assaulting them is only sensible."
Pelltar: "I must, of course, tell you that there are more problems, although I can't tell you any specifics."
Imoen: "Oh, don't ya worry 'bout that. We'll solve those, too. We're heroes, ya know?"
Xan: "I knew it. We're doomed."


Well, our doom didn't await us on our way to Restenford. Two days, and no dragon swooped down on us. Neither did a gate to the Abyss open and spew forth demons.

When we arrived, Pelltar quickly showed us his home, which also served as a magic school and the local library - looks like he's a bit more hospitable than our friend Thalantyr. Anyway, besides tea, he couldn't offer us much, so we just decided to look around a bit and see what the people had to say.

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/6803/014baldr009.png

Branwen: "Elorian, I hope you know that this is not the kind of problem we should concern ourselves with when there are worthy foes waiting."
Elorian: "Sorry, but this is something of a sacred mission of mine. I've been taught to fight the rodent menace wherever it rears its head."
Imoen: "For Reevor?"
Elorian: "For Reevor. To the bait seller!"
Xan: "Yes, let's do it for...Reevor."
Elorian: "He's Candlekeep's janitor, in case you want to know. Not a friend of rats."
Xan: "Oh, yes, do it for the janitor. At least he'll be proud of us, never mind that our dawdling puts the entire sword coast at risk."

Of course, during this conversation, we had already arrived at the bait seller's house.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4858/014baldr004.png

At the old guard house - the interior of which was actually in quite good condition - we did indeed find the wretched vermin and went right to the business at hand, going down into the cellar through a half-open trap door under some rubble as we heard some scratching sounds.

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7739/014baldr005.png

Well, turned out those weren't rats but several undead instead. Not that it would've made much of a difference.

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/4895/014baldr006.png

Khalid: "Huh. This looks n-not quite like a guard house's c-cellar. Just like the room above didn't really look burned out."
Elorian: "Yeah, and that rock over there? Pretty sure it's fake. Looks like someone used this as a hide-out."
Xan: "Am I truly the only one who has noticed the undead?"
Elorian: "Not really. Why, you got any revelations where they're coming from?"
Xan: "Of course not. It will probably be impossible to find out without knowing if they were created by the one who called this place his home or if they drove him out. Or worse. At least I doubt that there's anyone here to answer our queries with anything but an attempt to eat us alive."
Branwen: "Not our business anyway. We're here to solve problems, not to gaze at the navels of rancid ghouls."

And a solution we found, to the undead as well as to the vermin problem.

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7117/014baldr007.png

Turns out "For Reevor!" is a pretty fun battlecry. We even got Khalid to use it, and he's not really the type for yelling.

Sadly, Zahrdahl wasn't quite as enthusiastic about our flawless victory.

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/9296/014baldr008.png

Well, at least thankful. Somewhat. As we were about to leave, he had a request to make.

Zahrdahl: "Hey, I've been thinking. Since you'll be looking around to solve all of the town's problems and all, maybe you could tell me about all that. Would be good gossip."
Elorian: "Yeah, why not. See you, then."
Zahrdahl: "Yes. Thank you. Good night, good people."

Imoen: "Huh. Wouldn't have taken him for the gossiping type."

Before doing anything gossip-worthy, though, we just went on our way to the nearest inn to get rid of the stench undead- and rat-infested underground corridors can leave you with and catch some sleep.



Commentary:
So, Secret of Bone Hill, part one. Part two won't be covered in thy LP, actually, at least not in the main updates.

I'll be rewriting a lot of the mod's dialogue - not because it's bad, but because the mod's official setting is an island you get teleported to, which is a bit weird. Apparently, Pelltar can cast higher level spells, but decides to use this to teleport to Beregost and wait for some mercenaries intrepid heroes instead of fixing everything himself.

Oh, there's also the part where Restenfurth is officially not in the Forgotten Realms but in Greyhawk. Best to just ignore that, although it gets pretty hard (read: impossible) in the second part of the mod. Which, as said, won't be a concern here. For the sake of this Let's Play, it's a little village east of Beregost.




As for the actual content of the mod, the first part offers a nice little series of random quests that I'll be going through in - probably - the next two days.
And overpowered equipment:
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/4461/baldr536.jpg


I like the idea of giving Firkraag a Simulacrum; that should be a decent difficulty buff.
Hm...I wonder if that would work. Two Firkraags would risk getting into each other's way, after all. It would befit his vanity, though.

Maybe something like a Fire Elemental with spells and other upgrades.


And yeah, it's true, when making AI casters play for real, you need pretty solid party yourself. Like, with the party composition you outlined, it'd pretty much befall you to do the arsekickery and if you're a non-caster...
Well, I did have Safana in the party, and my Bhaalspawn was a Mage/Thief, so I could at least make the fight at the entrance manageable by safely killing one of the two mages. But still, it wasn't easy.

EDIT: No, wait...I'm mixing things up here. My Bhaalspawn was a simple Bounty Hunter, Mage/Thief was that one time I tried playing an evil party.
Rest of the party was Khalid, Jaheira, Imoen, Safana and Kagain (ditched for Yeslick).



By the way, for Clerics, I'm suggesting Viconia. My favorite NPC.
I assume you mean for both BG1 and BG2?

Also, I have a Friendship mod for her installed. I don't know what exactly this allows you to do, though. (Besides, you know, befriending her.)
And it was buggy as hell the one time I tried it, but that entire installation was kinda...eccentric.

[Zid]

Reading through this Let´s play have made me want to play through BG again, but with the mods you use. I´ve never used a BG mog before. Is there anywhere I can find information on how to download and install these mods?

[Johnny Blade]

Well, I use the Big World Project (http://www.shsforums.net/index.php?autocom=downloads&showcat=72).
Even if you don't use it, be sure to use the .pdfs you can download there to avoid conflicts due to wrong installation orders.

Supporting topics can be found here (http://www.shsforums.net/index.php?showforum=193).

Note that I heavily altered the installation batch file that it uses. There's good documentation detailing how to do this, though, included in the standard Big World downloads.
Of course, I could upload mine somewhere. I think it should still work.


In general, most - almost all, actually - mods use Weidu (http://weidu.org/) (bottom of the page), which is rather self-explanatory.

[Ikialev]

just wanted to warn that two dragons simultaneously always crashed my copmuter.

[Johnny Blade]

Hm...it worked for me, but that was on another, better PC. Well, easy enough to find out if it works...um, later.

Thanks for the heads-up, though. Wouldn't want to script a fight like that only to find out that it kills the game. :smallamused:


On another note, since I'll be dual-classing Imoen sooner or later and will have to write her learning magic into this LP some more, what type of mage do you all think she should become?

I'm personally leaning towards Wild Mage, but Illusionist and Generalist are options, too.

[Morty]

Go Wild Mage. And don't prepare anything but Nahal's Reckless Dweomer in 1st level slots.

[Aricandor]

+1 Wild Mage! Nahal's all the way! :smallbiggrin:

[Ikialev]

Wild Mage, it's fun. And dweomers can make your magic missiles become fireballs, so do it.

[Johnny Blade]

Well, Wild Mage it is, then. :smallcool:


There may be no update today, by the way, since I'll have to redo part of the mod.
There's no bug involved, though, just...let's call it human failure.

There's this NPC who will only ever appear in my little commentary parts because he's the most hilariously bad modder cameo of all time.

He also gives you a quest, and I don't know how important it is to finish that one.


He has very high magic resistance. He holds a Staff of the Magi.


Yeah, that's right. He's basically permanently invisible.


EDIT: I'll give it a last try with several high-level scrolls first, though.

EDIT II.: Managed to fix it by altering the .CRE file and cheating a copy of the sucker in. But seriously, how do things like these even happen? Especially jarring since this is a problem I've never had before.

[Morty]

I don't know what is this mod about of course, but I can hardly imagine how could giving Staff of The Magi to a quest-giver seem like a good idea in any case.

[Johnny Blade]

Well, as I said, hilariously bad cameo.

Also, no update yet because my boiler died on me yesterday. Fixing that is kinda taking priority right now. There's no problem with the game anymore, though.

[Ikialev]

And which mod would that be? I need to see this with my own eyes.

and it would be kind of reasonable if this character had a script set for talking to you on sight.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 15: Setting Off

We went to one of the local inns for the night. I and Branwen were alone soon, with Khalid and Jaheira basically going straight to their room as soon as we had paid for the night - can't blame them after several nights in tents which generally are detrimental to things like privacy - and Xan leaving soon after to spend some time with his spellbook. Imoen stayed a little longer, but soon decided to try to get Xan's help with a few spells she had tried to teach herself.

Branwen: "Heh...and I thought hunting rats was a waste of time, and then we stumble into an old cave full of undead. You seem to have a talent for finding trouble."
Elorian: "Yes, trouble and I, we always seem to find each other. I think this time it was trouble who took the initiative, though. I really thought we'd be hunting rats."
Branwen: "Regardless, at least those rats didn't turn out to be merchants like the 'smugglers' Tranzig had promised me. Bah, to think I believed that stinking little weasel!"
Elorian: "You worked for Tranzig?"
Branwen: "For exactly one of his little raids. He had told us we'd be hunting down outlaws. Not the most noble task, but not a disgrace in the eyes of Tempus, either. And I needed the money. But when I realized what we were doing, I of course confronted the lying bastard. I thought he'd run away when none of the cowards he had brought spoke for him, but then he suddenly cast a spell, creating several copies of himself. I could only hope to hit the right one, but I didn't, and then he produced a scroll and started casting the spell that turned me into stone. I had given him the advantage, and he used it, as you know."
Elorian: "Well, at least you didn't give it to him twice, right? Anyway, I guess you'll be quite happy to go after the bandits that Tranzig worked for now?"
Branwen: "I bear no one a grudge besides Tranzig and myself for allowing all this. I already had my revenge. Still, 'tis a worthy undertaking, and even if you hadn't saved me from being a statue for all time, I'd help you with it."
Elorian: "Honestly, I don't think you'd be much use as a statue."
Branwen: "Uh...? Ha! Perhaps as a battering ram. But you know what I meant to say."
Elorian: "I do. And it's appreciated."

Well, we both went to our respective rooms soon after, so we could go after something a bit more imposing than a few rats the next day. Like the gnolls that had been attempting surprisingly coordinated raids, as one of the other guests had told us.

Getting up very early, we decided to listen around some more, and came across the local druid.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/1063/015baldr002.png

He actually had a lot to tell us. Apparently, there had been undead seen in an old castle ruin nearby, which he asked us to eradicate. He also mentioned the gnolls, who according to him had lived in the hills outside the village for a while and only recently gotten aggressive, and a young ranger in the nearby Reddy Forest that was helping him build a shrine that he hadn't heard back from in a while. Well, since we'd be exploring the area anyway, we could as well try to find him. Jaheira was, of course, especially interested in helping them out here.

"Elorian, I know that this is not our main concern here, but I suggest that we help him with the shrine as good as we can. These people can gain much from living in balance with nature, and a proper shrine would illustrate this well, probably better than the often hidden actions of a druid."

Now, that, plus the bandit issue, gave us a few things to do, so we headed out to explore the area north of Restenford. After two hours spent running around in the increasingly barren landscape, we somehow managed to bump into exactly who we had been looking for, although he didn't know of his luck at the time.

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/5875/015baldr003x.png

And there went Jaheira, ruining our new bandit friend's fun. Even worse for him was, of course, that we had already seen his man before this little chat. They, however, hadn't seen Branwen and Xan cast a few spells to aid us or me sneaking up on their leader.
So when he ordered them to attack, the result was obvious.

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/7659/015baldr004.png

As we had suspected, he carried a few letters with him, all sent by Tazok, none of them giving us any insights beyond the half-orc's name, Krellus, and the obvious.

Khalid: "So, we know a bit m-more about the scope of this bandit threat. As I already said before, I hope you do p-plan to go for this Tazok s-soon."
Elorian: "Sure. With the gold we get for our help here and Bassilus' bounty, we should be able to equip ourselves well enough."
Khalid: "Well, h-hopefully. Either way, we c-can't allow Tazok to move his camp. And with s-several of his men dead, he will c-consider this."

Khalid being less cautious than me felt weird, but I knew he was right. Tazok had mentioned an operation that he needed his current camp for, but we didn't know how long this would last. We'd have to make our move soon.


First, however, we tended to the local problems as we had promised, starting by either killing or driving off the last few of Krellus' men. We even found the remains of a robbed caravan.

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/143/015baldr005.png

Judging by the goods we found in the wagons and scattered throughout the cave, the orcs had been allowed to keep everything but hardware and weapons. Not really surprising.


Anyways, with one of our tasks taken care off, we went on our way to the hills to pay the gnolls a visit, much to the chagrin of Xan, who still considered going after a threat the entire guard of Restenford couldn't handle suicidal.

Well, we'd see about that.


Commentary:
Actually, you find absolutely nothing among the bandit leader's remains that points to Tazok.


Also, sorry about the delays, but I've had a few busy, annoying days. I should get Secret of Bone Hill done tomorrow or Friday, though.

Also:


And which mod would that be? I need to see this with my own eyes.
Ask and ye shall receive. (Still Secret of Bone Hill, as you'll see.)


That Other Update: Sir BillyBob the Mind-Bogglingly Amazing. Totally Part of the Let's Play's Canon, I Tell You.

Before checking out the gnolls, however, we followed a sudden afflatus back to Restenford. Passing one of the nearby farms, we noticed a half-elf standing triumphantly over a pile of dead orcs. The orcs, we had seen earlier, but the half-elf was new. Most likely, he had been invisible before to avoid distracting us from our mission, as a man as imposing and charismatic as him could do that even to one such as Xan:

"There is an aura of poise and confidence about this man that makes me envious, but also consider the possibility that maybe, we are not all doomed. Just most of us."

Naturally, we had to talk to this man.

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/5156/015baldrbb1.png

We were all too glad to report our findings. After bringing him a cold ale so he would maybe be willing to let us hear more of his fascinating life and thoughts.

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/6687/015baldrbb2.png

"And, son - this is a fine ale right here. Excellent work."
"Thank you, Sir BillyBob. You're too kind."
"I know."

He knew. And we knew he knew. For 'tis the truth.


Of course, talking to such a man, and then seeing him live on a humble farm instead of a palace made of solid gold leaves you with only one question. At least one question besides "Why can't I be like him?".

I decided to ask him that one question.

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/6436/015baldrbb3x.png

That gave us all a lot to think about, and since we didn't want to keep him from being even more awesome any longer, we, with a heavy heart, decided to take our leave.

As we left, one of his cows suddenly started singing.

"Billy Bob!", it sang, "Billy Bob!
Is the very biggest heart throb!
Melting ice, with his smile!
Kills orc bandits just like flies!
Look out, here comes Sir BillyBob!"

All the while, Sir BillyBob was farting a melody to this wonderful song, demonstrating that the body is the greatest instrument by hitting every note.


Jaheira: "It smells like a field of roses."
Elorian: "Not even the gods can have roses like this. Not even the gods."


This night, Imoen and Branwen both demanded single bedrooms, and I could hear a fight between Khalid and Jaheira as I lay in my bed, pondering the meaning of each word Sir BillyBob had spoken to me.


Meet Sir BillyBob. I'm actually rather convinced that this whole cameo is not played for laughs, especially since he is absurdly powerful. Several HLAs, including Use Any Item, 9th level spells, and besides that Staff of the Magi, his equipment includes: Robe of Vecna, Amulet of Power, something that makes him unkillable.
There's also the subtle foreshadowing.

[nooblade]

Do elves go bald? :smallconfused:

I guess that could be just his human side, but now I'm wondering about the question. It would probably help if I fully understood what caused human baldness. Maybe you could just suppose that elves all have "perfect" genes, but then you'd be mucking into areas of thought that dictate that half-elves are sterile...

Did I unintentionally set this question up just so I could say that Sir BillyBob is probably sterile? :smallconfused:

[chiasaur11]

Is that a modified picture of Shawn Connery?

Wow. If that isn't intentional parody...

(If it is, it should have more Celebrity Jeopardy references.)

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 16: Life with Suicidal Lunatics.

As our regrettably fearless leader had foolishly promised the wizard who had brought us to this forsaken settlement with its remarkable appeal to all sorts of malefactors, we would attempt to confront a tribe of gnolls strong enough to challenge the local guard. And do so on their turf.

Naturally, we couldn't even charge happily into our demise without stirring up some more of the local miscreants.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/9112/016baldr002.png

And this continued until the time to set up camp came, an occasion that the loud brutish one used to demonstrate her utter madness by thanking her god for granting her a day of peril and slaughter.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/1294/016baldr001.png

And with that, a similarly wonderful evening started, which I mainly spent trying to teach the brash young girl a few of the fundamentals of the art so she wouldn't be as likely to unwittingly open a gate to the Abyss while trying to cast a cantrip while doing my best to ignore the gnats that had apparently singled out my blood as the most delectable.


The next day, we took up our search for the gnolls again, only to come upon a cave which obviously served as the home of several dangerous predators, judging by the scattered corpses decorating the entrance, a sight that caused even the two most reasonable ones to display an apparent death wish.

Khalid: "This is most worrying. None of the p-predators I would expect here should normally d-do this."
Jaheira: "Indeed. Judging by the wounds of these men and the smell, there's a pack of wolves responsible for this, but one that is far too strong and vicious for the good of this region."

Naturally, it was quickly decided to make another problem ours. After all, who cares about an impending war when you can risk your lives killing crazy wolves?

Luckily, one quick spell put those to sleep, leaving it to my valiant companions to do the honors.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9202/016baldr003.png

Somehow, seeing our leader butcher defenseless canines seemingly made the barbarous woman's blood boil.

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/7893/016baldr004.png

Soon afterwards, things again took a turn for the worse when the druid made out gnoll tracks.
Our leader, as usually inspired by a sudden fit of insanity, scouted ahead. Soon, he reappeared near the pass leading up to where I could only suspect was an army and gnolls waiting and waved us nearer.

Jaheira: "How many?"
Elorian: "I don't know. Judging by the fires and the sounds, I'd say about fifty. But there are a few guards nearby, so I couldn't take a look."

Fifty. And he said this like normal people would talk about molehills in their garden.

'Oh, yes, there are some, but it started to rain when I went to take a look so I don't know how many there are.'

I made one last attempt at talking some sense into him, knowing how futile this endeavor was.

Xan: "Fifty Gnolls are, as you should already know, way too many for a small group like ours. So, for once, let us just retreat and don't doom us all to end as the meal of some dog-faced marauders."
Elorian: "Hm...well, it won't be easy, I guess. Jaheira, do you think you can cover that pass with some entangling vines?"
Jaheira: "Of course I can. Just one second."

And then he dropped the last pretense of sanity.

Elorian: "Well then...HEY YOU UGLY CURS OVER THERE! I'VE GOT YOUR MOMMA IN MY KENNEL!"

Xan: "What...did...you...just...do!?"
Elorian: "Tactics."

Tactics. And he said this with a genuine smirk on his face. Luckily, his sudden insanity had allowed him to hatch a plan idiotic enough to be indeed appropriate for the enemy at hand.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/6310/016baldr005.png

Even so, they would obviously have overwhelmed it, if not for a magical wand I had found earlier. I would have liked to save it for something actually important, but as it was, I wouldn't get another chance if I wouldn't use this one.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/7392/016baldr006.png

Against all odds and logic itself, we prevailed.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/2043/016baldr007.png

Of course, this group wouldn't be the hopeless lot of maniacs if we hadn't further tested our luck by pressing on only to run into the next wave of gnolls.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/9150/016baldr008.png

And then the leader of the gnolls we had just defeated. Who turned out to be an ogre mage, a wicked beast possessing power considerable enough to kill any of us. And possessed by an annoying tendency to grandiloquent blather.

"Ahaha...you have slaughtered my minion gnolls, yes? Ah, the raids have yielded enough. I hope you have enjoyed your victory, little pink things, because now you die!"

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/5199/016baldr009.png

Thanks mainly to luck and healing potions, none of us did, and when I cast a potent sleeping spell on the brute, it turned out to be a complete waste of arcane energy as his eyes closed just as he collapsed.

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/9582/016baldr010.png

As the ogre mage lay dying, I looked at him, realizing that this victory would only serve to goad the lunatics I have foolishly chosen to travel with into further suicide missions.

Knowing I am doomed, I can only hope that our next overpowering foes don't stink as abominably as these gnolls.


I expect a horde of otyughs.


Commentary:

So, I hope Raistlin is content with my portrayal of Xan.


(That borderline case of fishing for compliments aside, there's nothing I have to say right now. The party's running around killing stuff. It's fun, but yeah, that's it.)


Wow. If that isn't intentional parody...
Note how our protagonist had only one option during this conversation. I mean, maybe Sir BillyBob really made fun of other modders' cameos here, but it really doesn't look like that to me.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 17: The Actual Secret of Bone Hill.

With the gnolls taken care of - Xan wouldn't even talk to me for hours afterwards - we went on to take care of the undead-infested ruin, Bone Hill, next - which I believe tempted Xan to break his silence in order to remind us that we were just dooming ourselves when we could at least die doing something more significant.

Of course, our journey there didn't pass without any events, as we first paid a visit to Martin, the ranger building a shrine for Almax in Reddy Forest, who was quite relieved to hear that the druid sent us.

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/7603/016baldr012x.png

Of course, we were also asked to deliver a letter to Almax. Well, we'd be going back to Restenford soon anyway. Of course, I for once shared Xan's suspicions when he said that this likely wouldn't be the last errand we'd be asked to run.

Soon after, we also found out that we hadn't taken care of all the murderous wolves in the area.

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/2572/016baldr011.png

Elorian: "And I didn't even say anything yet..."
Jaheira: "This is hardly the time for this, Elorian. This woman obviously needs our help."
Locinda: "Oh, never mind. As long as you don't turn out to be werewolves, you can make all the bad jokes and crude innuendo you want."
Elorian: "Any requests?"
Locinda: "A healing potion?"
Elorian: "Well, not what I was hoping for, but here you go."
Locinda: "Thank you. That's the first good thing to happen to me here. Of course, that you neither tried to eat nor rob me makes you the friendliest souls I've yet come across in this area."
Elorian: "Well, most of the unfriendly ones should be taken care of by now. You know, bandits, gnolls, crazed wolves."
Locinda: "Wait...did you have something to do with that?"
Elorian: "Yeah. We're adventurers."
Imoen: "Heroes!"
Xan: "Insane."
Locinda: "Ah. Well, I think I'll just remember you as good people that may be heroic or insane, then. Well, anyway, I'm expected in Restenford. Can you tell me where that is from here?"

We could.

The forest continued to be a lively place, with us meeting both a man who gave us interesting further information about Bone Hill for obviously completely altruistic reasons...

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/5300/017baldr001.png

...and a mage that made Xan look sanguine by comparison.

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/5631/016baldr013.png

Imoen: "Uh...do all mages that don't just go crazy end up like that?"
Xan: "Only those who learn more than just spells."
Imoen: "Well, I'ma stick to dusty ol' tomes of arcane lore and the like then. Maybe you shoulda done the same..."

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/5962/016baldr014.png

Tolvar: "Oh, yes. And who do you suppose would take a failure like me?"
Imoen: "Well, that Pelltar guy seemed nice. I'm sure he'd teach you something."
Khalid: "And the g-guard would certainly appreciate a mage in times like these, too, even if he'd need some t-tutelage first."
Tolvar: "Hm...yes, I think I'll do that. Better than staying here, at least. I just wish it'd been me to have this idea. But being who I am, how could I?"
Jaheira: "How, indeed. You being who you are, I am in fact surprised that you haven't starved to death because you somehow got the idea that your way of eating is a disgrace to the world. Blast it, boy, you need to get this out of your head."
Branwen: "And you need to see some actual battle, too. You must fight your cowardice so you can truly learn to be a warrior as well. One cannot become a fighter without seeing a fight."

He just shrugged in response, but still thanked us all before going on his way to Restenford.

We probably should have ensured that he'd arrive there without being killed by one of the oddly aggressive local wolves or just sitting down to die again, but we had an appointment with some hobgoblins and undead.

Outside the ruin at Bone Hill, it turned out that we also had one with a few bounty hunters.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/343/017baldr002.png

Well, looks like you need better plans to avoid professional murderers, especially when they have divine magic to help them. Of course, maybe Xan's whispering was slightly detrimental to my credibility as well.

Be that as it may, the battle turned out rather manageable. At least that's what I was told, since I personally was quickly taken out by a spell that made me freeze in my steps.

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/4874/017baldr003.png

Being unable to move even my eyes, I could only watch the bounty hunter I had charged and her death at Jaheira's hands.
Meanwhile, as I was told later, Imoen managed to do to the Cyricist what had been done to me by paralyzing her with a magical dart, while Xan burned the one who had taken me out of the fight with the very same wand that had already served us well at the gnoll camp.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/5240/017baldr004.png

Among the spoils, we found a good magical staff for Jaheira, but nothing about the Iron Throne that had been mentioned. Khalid remembered the name, but could only tell us that it was a merchant company which, unsurprisingly, dealt mainly in iron and whatever one could turn it into. So, probably accomplices of Tazok.

Well, we'd be getting to this soon enough, but for now, we had a ruin to storm.

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/599/017baldr005.png

The fight continued inside, with a dozen hobgoblins awaiting us directly inside. After that, however, there were small scattered groups at best and lone guards quite frequently.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/9563/017baldr006.png

We found their leader in one of the central rooms upstairs. As Imoen and I snuck up behind him, we were both exchanging rather bewildered looks. What we had here was, oddly enough, a human wizard.

Who also happened to be horribly bad at deception, if that truly is what he attempted.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/7117/017baldr007.png

As we went down to the dungeons, where the undead supposedly were, Jaheira quickly made sure that I hadn't somehow misplaced my brains.

Jaheira: "You are of course fully aware that his purpose is not an innocent one."
Elorian: "Sure."
Jaheira: "So, we are getting ready for a fight after we have retrieved the horn he mentioned, fully intending to use it against him if possible."
Elorian: "Sure."
Imoen: "Gee, and he seemed so nice to me. What are those Overlords anyway?"
Khalid: "A l-local group of criminals. Mainly run by a few old nobles that have lost their land due to attempting t-treason and p-plan to take it back by whatever means."

Like an army of hobgoblins and undead. After already having taken care of the former, we found the leader of the latter in the dungeon.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/525/017baldr008.png

Jaheira: "I believe 'the Guardian of this Keep' may expect us to die down here."
Elorian: "I have never felt so betrayed."

Well, it was over quickly enough, with the wraith being quickly laid to a permanent rest by Khalid and Jaheira.

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/8853/017baldr009.png

His minions were quick to follow.

We further explored the dungeons, eventually finding a system of old caverns through a breach in the walls. No horn was to be found, but a statue telling us that it was dedicated to the dead god Amaunator and would reward us for cleansing this place by destroying the evil that had recently befallen it.

We got right to it.

The remaining evildoer was rather surprised to see us alive, and considering that we had decimated his troops somewhat, he really should have just given up. Well, he didn't.

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/1521/017baldr010.png

He left behind a bloody mess, an enchanted dagger for me, a spellbook that Imoen quickly claimed as hers, although Xan would be allowed to take a few looks, and a journal detailing his plans to attack Restenford soon.
His plan basically consisted of hiring a lot of hobgoblins and reanimating many corpses. Which, all things considered, was actually quite promising.

Well, we went down to the statue of Amaunator again to collect our reward.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/6897/017baldr012.png

Which turned out to be an enchanted helmet, no horn, and so I was left wondering if there ever had been one as we made our way back to Restenford.


Commentary:
There's some more stuff you can do down in the caverns under the ruins, like releasing some undead dude from an eternity of, well, undeath by casting a Restore spell on him (there are several scrolls directly next to him) and defeat a beholder. I did the undead thing and left the rest alone since I'm getting enough XP for everyone anyway.

I also decided not to give many screenshots of the whole place because we'll be seeing that same castle a few times, due to mapping being hard, time-consuming and generally not the focus of many mods.

Anyways, SoBH will be wrapped up tomorrow.


And yes, those two mages are called Tolvar and Telvar. I'm not sure if there are any people called Tilvar, Tulvar or Talvar in this mod.

[chiasaur11]

Note how our protagonist had only one option during this conversation. I mean, maybe Sir BillyBob really made fun of other modders' cameos here, but it really doesn't look like that to me.

That really seemed to boost the idea to me.

Silly name, sending the player on a quest he could easily do himself, no choice but to stand in awe of the questgiver's awesomeness, namedropping major figures...

It could be a parody or not, but the Sean Connery pic seals the deal for me.

[Johnny Blade]

Well, I'm really not sure. Either way, it's pretty funny.

[Morty]

Showing a part of the adventure from Xan's point of view was a neat idea. A good way to spice up a rather boring(in a Let's Play) part of the game. And The Secret of Bone Hill doesn't look like a very good mod to me.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 18: Wrapping It Up.

As Xan had feared and Jaheira insisted on, we had to run another errand for Almax the druid.

After taking care of this, though, we were basically done in Restenford. Or so we thought, until we met Zahrdahl again, who immediately asked about all the things we had done since we last met him and was very interested in information about which of the locals had given us information about the presence of hobgoblins and undead at Bone Hill. Because they could be good sources of gossip, as he told us.
Imoen still didn't believe him.

"Come on, Lori. I told ya he's not the type for gossipin'. And now he runs up to us like that and wants information 'bout those that helped us uncover the planned attack on Restenford but doesn't care about, well, all the other stuff. You really think he does that just to make himself a bit more interesting?"

This time, everyone was much more willing to listen to her, and so we visited the inn we had stayed in another visit.

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/150/018baldr001.png


So, we went back to tell Zahrdahl about that group of half-ogres that had abducted and eaten several farmhands we had somehow forgotten to tell him about before.
He wasn't as interested as before, and indeed seemed quite terse, but we gave Imoen enough time to enter through the window to search upstairs.

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/9833/018baldr002.png

She didn't take long, and soon joined us again.

Imoen: "So, what did I miss?"
Elorian: "Oh, we were just telling Zahrdahl about those half-ogres."
Imoen: "Ooohh...those. Yeah. Well, I've got an even better story we forgot earlier!"
Elorian: "Do tell..."
Imoen: "Was going to. So, Zahrdahl, remember those guys the wizard in Bone Hill mentioned in his journal? The Overlords? They're mentioned in another journal as well."
Jaheira: "Really...? I wonder whose."
Imoen: "The bait seller's!"
Elorian: "The bait seller's!? My, what a surprise."
Branwen: "The people here won't like that. And I don't like it, either."

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/4578/018baldr004.png


We didn't.

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/2917/018baldr000.png

And so we had another story to tell Pelltar, who was rather shocked by it all and quickly took us to the mayor to tell him everything again, with special emphasis on Bone Hill and Zahrdahl, obviously. They soon decided to send messengers to all the local nobles to give words about the Overlords, who, despite not quite living up to their name, were considered a credible threat, and got right to it, seeing us off with a good amount of gold coins, a set of enchanted glasses to divine the nature of magic items, and a few of Pelltar's scrolls.

No grand send-off, but we had achieved what we wanted. Well, at least most of us felt this way.

Xan: "Finally we can leave this dismal provincial backwater and resume attempting to solve much more urgent problems."
Branwen: "Ah, shut it, mage. 'Twas a task worthy of our time and a fine test of our abilities."
Khalid: "It was, but I must agree that there are m-more important problems waiting."



And with the money we had made in Restenford and before, we'd be ready to address them. Tazok should soon get his chance to repay us for ruining several of his operations.


Commentary:

Well...in fact, there's usually another quest, but that one is just too silly and time-consuming. So there'll be another not-quite-canon update about this tomorrow or on Sunday.




And The Secret of Bone Hill doesn't look like a very good mod to me.
Yeah, it's not. It isn't bad either, though. You just have to know what parts to skip.
Also, flawed as it is, it's at least something for the early stages. Almost all other quest mods start after the Cloakwood Mines or later.


On another note about the mod: The whole thing is an adaptation of a first edition D&D module. I have no idea how faithful it is to the original - although I'd suspect very much so, cameo aside, considering that it actually takes place in Greyhawk - so you can't really blame the modder for the lackluster story.
For the sloppy coding in later parts though, well...

[Johnny Blade]

Okay, so I wanted to write at least two updates this weekend. And then it turned out that being without heating for a few days in December isn't good for one's health and being ill isn't good for one's Let's Play.

Secret of Bone Hill's bugs may have been a small obstacle, too...


So, no real update, but let's take a look at the final quest of Secret of Bone Hill's first part, where the mod really comes crashing down...


Something that could have been an update if this Let's Play was fundamentally different:
Smooth Criminals

So, with everything taken care of, you decide to go to Pelltar for a few friendly words and an interplanar Teleport back to Faerun - this mod supposedly takes place in Greyhawk, remember...

Of course, things never are that easy, and the local Captain of the Guard comes running just when you're about to be returned to Beregost.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/4116/sbh01.jpg

So, what happened?

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/7286/sbh02.jpg

Gelpas then quickly decides that you are indeed trustworthy and asks you to solve everything. (You agree.)

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/2633/sbh03.jpg

And then, another man with great timing storms in.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/3678/sbh04.jpg

So, more bandits. You go and kill them.

They really turn invisible a lot. I think this quest can yield upwards of 25 Potions of Invisibility. Oh, and all of them have enchanted weapons. +2 stuff.

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/269/sbh05.jpg

Besides said potions and a small armory, one also carries a note.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/8534/sbh06.jpg

Obviously, they were sent by demons. Or dragons. Who else would write something about his own "clutches"?

Anyway, you can then go back to Pelltar and research what the Hand of Glory is.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/46/sbh07.jpg

Note that it mentions looking up history journals.

Why would you do that? Because one of the guards is supposed to tell you about thefts that happened "a few years ago" before that. Which I did afterwards, but whatever.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/152/sbh08.jpg

He also tells you about the thefts themselves and how losing the black pearl that was mentioned earlier could get him hanged.

Anyways, on to the hanging tree near the gate.

Which, as it turns out, has its own guards.

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/7373/sbh09.jpg

I wonder who that recently hanged man was...

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/9033/sbh10.jpg

Yes, it's Reynard! The same one that was hanged several years ago.



Question: How is that possible?

Answer 1: They DO have witches! :smalleek:
Answer 2: They just hang him every week because he was such a big meanie.
Answer 3: The interplanar teleport spell that brought the party to Restenford really did a good number on the space-time continuum.
Answer 4: Duh. Bad writing.



Make your choice.

Anyways... Since we're also trying to find out about the Glorious Hand. And since the forces of magic are very specific when it comes to the bandits one can make artifacts out of (apparently...I blame this on the original adventure or D&D in general, not the mod), Reynard must have something to do with it. (The historians saw it coming!)

The guard then tells you that a colleague of his named Ravella, who stands out since she's the only female guard in the mod, was responsible for guarding Reynard.

You can meet her the next day to quickly find out that she's not very good at this.

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/2164/sbh11.jpg

So, you go to dig up a corpse to confirm the story.

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/7411/sbh12.jpg

Okay, make that two corpses. After that, you decide to check out the lighthouse. Sadly, you can't - it's somehow locked and can't be opened.

So, to the sewers instead. The entrance is guarded by three comically inept thieves that of course have two potions of invisibility each.

There's not much going on in the sewers besides Otyughs who can't reach you and could be killed by some cheesy tactics for 10000 easy XP if you really want to.

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/6070/sbh13.jpg

The next couple of Otyughs isn't so easily avoided.

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/6426/sbh14.jpg

Note that at that point, I had already killed one of them. And a rat that accompanied them. A fun fight for that level. Especially if you somehow can't summon undead yet, since Otyughs have the nasty habit of infecting you with all sorts of diseases.

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/2513/sbh15.jpg

Well, that could have hurt.

Anyway, apparently, those otyughs were tamed, as you find the stolen goods (sans black pearl) and a conveniently placed note here.

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/1116/sbh16.jpg

The next part is basically just going through motions. You return the stuff, confirm that the map/note shows the burglar's targets, and get some information about the lighthouse keeper, who apparently hasn't been seen for some time. (Years or days, depending on what side of the rift you were on tomorrow, I guess.)

So, you go to the lighthouse, and get attacked by the thief behind all this. (He has several Potions of Invisibility.)

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3571/sbh17.jpg

He dies and leaves you: The black pearl, downright insane loot (Ring of Regeneration, anyone? Shadow Armor? Crossbow of Speed +3?), and the Glorious Hand:

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8428/sbh18.jpg

Well, I think it's generally agreed upon that the part about it being a hand is indeed accurate.

Oh, it also turns out that Sirius and his cronies were hired to spread terror all over so the Overlords, the invisible big bads of this part of the mod who apparently are (in the mod's canon, not mine :smallwink:) some elven nobles bent on taking the island Restenford's on over.
So, he made an item that would allow him to steal a pearl. And that was a big deal, so the Overlords sent a few morons that thought it would be a good idea to ask anyone about the thing and then kill them in case they weren't Sirius to retrieve it. Smooth.

(To be truthful, I think leveling the place with an army of hobgoblins and undead was a slightly better idea. Slightly.)


And with that, you can tell Pelltar what was going on, after which he will happily defy all cosmic laws once more and teleport you back from Greyhawk to the Realms.


What you of course can't see is that I had to do the whole thing three times due to bugs.



The upside is that you can skip it.

[Malachite]

Looks like you're having fun - I'm still struggling with archers firing arrows of cold at the bandit camp :smallwink:

Could I ask what kind of level you're doing some of these things at? I suspect I'm a little under strength fro the quests I'm attempting at the moment.

[Johnny Blade]

Looks like you're having fun - I'm still struggling with archers firing arrows of cold at the bandit camp :smallwink:
Well, Secret of Bone Hill really got to me for a second. It's weird, really, because the first part is usually bug-free, some problems with dialogues aside.


Could I ask what kind of level you're doing some of these things at? I suspect I'm a little under strength fro the quests I'm attempting at the moment.
When Secret of Bone Hill started, everyone was at around 7.000 XP, except Khalid and Jaheira whom I gave a 2.000 XP boost when I picked them up.
After Secret of Bone Hill, they all have about 9.000 more (meaning level 4-5), but I'll take a bit of that away again. I think 10.000 should be okay for the bandits.

[Johnny Blade]

Right then, back to our protagonists, who officially never heard about Manos, the Hand of Glory.


Chapter 19: Damsels in Distress.

The way back turned out to be a lot more interesting than we thought when we, traveling a bit off the road now that Pelltar wasn't with us, came across several petrified creatures, ranging from mice to humans, none of which were still in the reach of one of the Stone to Flesh scrolls Branwen had insisted on buying back in Beregost right before we confronted Tranzig.
Well, besides a squirrel, which looked a bit bemused when it became flesh again.

Xan: "I cannot believe we just wasted a scroll of such value on a...a squirrel."
Imoen: "You got something to say against that?"
Xan: "Certainly not. And by the time I will, it will be too late, I suppose."
Jaheira: "Rodents aside, I must say this worries me. This is not an area known for basilisk activity, but they could certainly survive here."
Elorian: "Could be a mage, too, couldn't it?"
Branwen: "You don't really think you have to ask, do you?"
Xan: "Given how this group has a special...talent, if you will, for running into the most perilous hazards, I would not be surprised at all if both a mad wizard and several basilisks were in the vicinity."

Well, Khalid and I decided to explore the area, aided by magic protecting against ending up as a more statues to beautify the area.

At first, it looked like Jaheira's guess was the right one.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9594/019baldr001.png

Of course, then Xan was proven right when I spotted an old gnome, dancing inmidst a circle of petrified people and animals as well as some very much alive basilisks, giggling and actually petting the beasts. Luckily, neither he nor his pets were really attentive, and so I was in position when Khalid approached him.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/3397/019baldr002.png

Lovely. Getting a dagger into his kidney sent him running, though, and he chose a way that Khalid could easily intercept.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/9145/019baldr003.png



http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/2554/019baldr004.png

The basilisks, their most fearsome weapon neutralized, didn't fare much better.

Looking at the work of the gnome and his pets, none of us said a thing. Well, at least until...

Branwen: "Give me one of those scrolls."

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8581/019baldr005.png



http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/74/019baldr006.png

Sadly, the rest was beyond help, so we moved on. And ran into a few fellow adventurers. Presumably.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8351/019baldr007.png

Elorian: "Well, I'm sure that the likes of you would know all about gibberlings, so I will not dare to argue with your assessment."
Kirian: "Certainly we do. As any real adventurer would know, gibberlings attack anyone with abandon, so we do have some experience dealing with them."
Elorian: "How odd. See, my memories tell me that they do indeed flee sometimes, at least when they are clearly outmatched. I guess that weren't the special gibberlings only a true adventurer gets to see, then?"
Kirian: "Oh, you are possibly quite right, if you have only encountered those that attack unwary travelers in groups of three or four, not a real tribe on the prowl for human flesh. Of course, you only encounter the latter in a tad more dangerous areas, so naturally, you wouldn't know."

It was getting quite enjoyable, but before I could ready a reply, some of the locals joined us.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8759/019baldr008.png

Kirian: "My, looks like you get a chance to prove yourselves. We'll be watching this fight. I don't feel like getting dog smell on my clothes today."

Sadly, our audience somehow disappeared during the fight and was nowhere to be found when we were done. Pity, I really would have liked to know if we'd proven ourselves.

So, we just continued on our way towards Beregost. The next people we met on it weren't quite as confrontational.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/7148/019baldr009.png

Skodd: "Sadly, we can't offer you a reward, for all was taken from us."
Elorian: "None necessary. Just remember the names Elorian, Imoen, Jaheira, Khalid, Branwen and Xan."
Imoen: "We're heroes."
Skodd: "We certainly will. Now, we must be off. Thank you once again."

Off they went, and as soon as they were out of earshot, something odd happened.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/9347/019baldr010x.png

We did. On the way, something about the situation caught Imoen's attention.

Imoen: "Psst...hey, Lori. Never woulda pictured Xan actually listening to some woodland creature that runs up to him, eh?"
Elorian: "Yeah, not really."
Imoen: "Yeah, it's so...elfy. Guess it's just what elves do, huh? Required elfing. Hey, you should do something like that."
Elorian: "Something elfy?"
Imoen: "Yup."
Elorian: "Well, I suppose I could follow nature's messenger a bit more prancingly and frolicsome. Just let me go and pick a flower for my hair."

And so I learned how a doe looks cutting you a critical look.

The flower in my hair, by the way, quickly turned out to be somewhat inappropriate.

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6884/019baldr011.png

Jaheira: "Ah, citing the laws a few have made to suit them to defend an affront against nature such as slavery. Clearly the sign of an illness of the mind that only a good oaken staff can cure."
Elorian: "Well, it might not be in our might to change what is legal in Calimshan, but the thing is, we are in a forest near the Sword Coast right now, and even if you three should somehow turn out to be important down there in Calimport, nobody will ever find out what happened to you. If something happens to you."
Skodd: "We will defend what is rightfully ours."
Branwen: "You will die, honorless pigs!"

Both Branwen and the slaver turned out to be right right, although the battle was hard and the outcome could easily have been a different one.

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/5523/019baldr012.png

Especially when a new side, a few tasloi with a tamed ettercap who had apparently been nearby, appeared, only to quickly decide that we would need to be killed first.

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/4994/019baldr013.png

Eventually, though, all slavers and tasloi lay dead to our feet, with everyone in our group and the three elven women still alive.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/4644/019baldr014.png

On our way to the Friendly Arm, a few things became obvious.
First, I need a moonblade.
Second, our three distressed damsels were from Evereska.
Third, Xan has pretty good hearing.

Xan: "Elorian, as you may have noticed, the three women we have saved from their gruesome fate are quite, how should I say..."
Elorian: "Taken with you. Hard not to notice."
Xan: "They have asked me to accompany them to Evereska, our shared home. And even though it is my duty to investigate what has caused the iron shortage, my greater duty is to the people to Evereska. So I am obliged to escort these three women, at least for as long as it takes me to get a lucky bandit's arrow into my back. You may call it...required elfing."
Elorian: "May I, Xan? Well, at least that lucky bandit probably won't sneak up on you."
Xan: "Please. It is not hard to move quieter than Imoen talks when she thinks she whispers. Anyway, I hope you understand why I have to leave you."
Elorian: "Yes, of course. I guess you four will need to buy some provisions at the Friendly Arm, though?"
Xan: "Of course, we will. No need to starve to death when there are highwaymen and monsters that can do it much quicker."


Well, at the Friendly Arm, our little farewell party for Xan fell a bit flat when we could only get him to drink one mead, although that was enough to make him tipsy.

The next morning, we parted ways.

Khalid: "So this is it, then? F-farewell, Xan, my friend."
Jaheira: "And good luck on your journeys."
Branwen: "And fun, if you know what I mean."
Xan: "I would never...but this is not the time to argue. Just let me say, as I doubt that we will ever meet again, our life being full of risks and our souls belonging to different gods, that despite the many reckless endeavors we have survived only by luck, one of which I has brought this situation about, traveling with you was quite enjoyable."
Elorian: "Thanks. You try to avoid your certain doom for a while, all right?"
Xan: "I will certainly try."
Imoen: "I'm gonna miss you, y'know?"
Xan: "Ah, yes. I have taken the liberty to add some notes to Tarnesh's spellbook so you may remember me and not set the entire Sword Coast ablaze."


A few thanks and goodbyes later, both groups were on their respective ways, with Xan, Siene, Diala and Minuwiel heading home while we went off to buy some supplies at the High Hedge so we could better prove our Evereskan friend's prophecies of doom wrong.



Commentary:

Not too much happening, plot-wise, in this update, but I thought Xan's departure deserved its own.


The quest is added by the BG1 NPC Project. You usually get to keep him but this seemed like a good way of writing him out of the group, which I would have done sooner or later anyway.

Of course, I was somewhat worried when that Ettercap ambushed the group. One of those alone can kill a low-level warrior, and the fight isn't that easy as it is, although it yielded a few nice enchanted darts for Imoen.

Anyways, tomorrow we meet Xan's replacement and visit Tazok.


Also, should I keep Branwen or get another cleric? Options are still the same. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7355268#post7355268) Although, with Jaheira leveling up at a ridiculous speed, I don't actually need one, so I'd also throw the names Garrick, Kagain and Ajantis into this.

[Starbuck_II]

That Bonehill castle looks like that castle Nalia lives in BG 2.

[SilentDragoon]

I'm almost 100% sure it is, and the author just didn't want to script/draw up an entirely new location. It seems like it fits in alright, and fortunately isn't generic L-shaped cave number 2 so no objections here.

[Johnny Blade]

Yeah, it is.

But you can't really blame that on the modder. Mapping isn't easy, and Secret of Bone Hill does have original maps. They often look somewhat barren, but at least Restenford isn't a Beregost clone.

And there really is only one other set of maps that could have been used here, which is the castle ruin from Icewind Dale's Trials of the Luremaster expansion. Which is used in Secret of Bone Hill's second part - although not for a ruin, oddly enough.

[SilentDragoon]

I'd have to play to see how it sync'd up, but three other possible locations would be the BG2 Tutorial, pieces of PS:T like the Saerileth mod did, and a combination of the pieces of Spellhold. That said, I wasn't knocking on the author in my previous post, as when I tried to make the extremely easy to fashion NWN modules from straight forward tilesets it ended up looking pretty bad, so its for the best that they pull it from somewhere else.
Hmm... still came out as a poorly phrased back hand compliment.. I'll just quit while I'm behind.

[Morty]

I say you keep Branwen. With the extended banter, she's quite interesting. And I guess Imoen and later Dynaheir will take the mage-y duties from now on?
As for other NPCs, Garrick might be neat to have but he's a bard.

[Johnny Blade]

And I guess Imoen and later Dynaheir will take the mage-y duties from now on?
Only Imoen, for the most part, since adding another NPC couple isn't really possible (before Tales of the Sword Coast). I'll have to go through quite a few NPCs so everything makes sense in BG2, after all.

Also to show off all the personal quests. Which leads to...


As for other NPCs, Garrick might be neat to have but he's a bard.
Well, bards are very useful early on. Much better than the NPC mages, at least, since they don't die to a random critical hit. Which Xzar and Xan tend to do. Especially Xzar, who completely fails at survival due to having no Mirror Image access, but memorizing that when you only have two 2nd level spell slots is questionable anyway.

Anyway, Garrick is involved in two quests, one added by the BG1 NPC Project, so he will be with the group for some time. The question is when and for how long, though.

[Morty]

Well, bards are very useful early on. Much better than the NPC mages, at least, since they don't die to a random critical hit. Which Xzar and Xan tend to do. Especially Xzar, who completely fails at survival due to having no Mirror Image access, but memorizing that when you only have two 2nd level spell slots is questionable anyway.

That may be, but on which level do they get spells? Because before that, they're kind of rogues who can only steal and use some scrolls but have only one weapon slot(which admitedly isn't an issue in this Let's Play).

[Johnny Blade]

That may be, but on which level do they get spells? Because before that, they're kind of rogues who can only steal and use some scrolls but have only one weapon slot(which admitedly isn't an issue in this Let's Play).
They can cast spells right from the start. The main issue is that, starting at around 20.000 XP, the mage will have level 3 spells, while the bard will be stuck at level 2. Of course, the bard will still be able to take a hit and actually participate in a fight, thanks to bow or dart proficiency.
Bards will of course also have fewer spell slots, but at least they don't need to memorize Identify.

[Morty]

I've just made a 1st level bard, and he can't cast spells - he chooses no spells at character creation and has no slots. Then again, they gain levels quickly, so if they get spells on 2nd or 3rd level, they might be able to cast them while mages are still stuck with their 1st level spells. I've never played bards much in Baldur's Gate series.
Their identification is useful, though. Especially if, like me, you play an evil party and your mage is Edwin, who can't prepare Identify which forces you to burn a lot of cash identifying stuff in shops.

[Johnny Blade]

Um...yeah, I didn't read the table right. (There is no row for 1st level spell slots in the relevant file, but I didn't realize this.)
EDIT: So, bards get their first spell slot at level 2.

Anyway, bards are still about equal when it comes to spellcasting at the earliest levels, but lose out later, since mages don't actually level up all that slowly early on.

Still, with the help free identification and pickpocketing, a party with a bard can usually afford more wands and scrolls (or steal them).


Bards start to suck at mid-levels, though, when identification fees are no longer an issue, enemies have ACs worth mentioning, and their spell progression more or less hits the wall. Their saving grace at those levels is that they make good blasters, what with the effect of direct damage spells generally being level-dependent.




EDIT - for anyone checking for updates: I ran into a little problem with the bandit camp earlier and didn't get to write much as a result.

[Johnny Blade]

Now that took a while...



Chapter 20: Welcome to Larswood. It can be combative.

Our way to the High Hedge was remarkably uneventful, with no distressed damsels, bounty hunters, mad wizards, or talking poultry to be accounted for.

Until we met an elf that would later turn out to be one Kivan of Shilmista, who approached us just before we reached our destination, his spear readied.

Kivan: "Halt! Who are you and what are you doing here?"
Elorian: "We're adventurers, and we are to visit the mage Thalantyr to buy whatever he can offer to aid us. In case you think about robbing us now that you knwo that we have some gold on us, be aware that we are to purchase the aforementioned items from Thalantyr to put an end to the bandits in the area and have dealt with many of them before."

This had a somewhat unexpected effect.

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/8789/020baldr001.png

Well, certainly one way to gain a new traveling companion, at least until Tazok has met his fate.

After doing what we had originally come for - buying several potions, alchemist's fire, and some minor enchanted gear - we went on our way back, first to the Friendly Arm again to finally deliver the wine and boots we had promised Landrin the gnome as well as the body of the biggest spider that had occupied her home. Luckily, it had been preserved in the bag of holding we had kept it in. Not so luckily, this had caused us to forget about it until just now. Well, she was still thankful.

Without staying long, we moved on to the nearby Larswood, which had been mentioned in Tazok's letter to Tranzig.

We soon found out that we were heading the right way.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/3436/020baldr002.png

Since we had unwittingly ambushed them, more or less, some of them fell quickly.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6126/020baldr003.png

However, they knew what they were doing. Usually, this meant one of them was running away from me while the rest was sending arrows my way as I chased him. And they were hitting, too.

I wish I would just have learned to shoot a bow at some point. But no, I'm too entrenched in my ways, so I had to run after them and try to corner them so I could place one of my blades in their stinking guts.

The others didn't fare much better, and a few healing potions were used before we gained the upper hand.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/7990/020baldr004.png

About the only positive thing was that the one who deserved it most also got the most.
I decided to have a little chat with him as he was patched up by Branwen.

Elorian: "Kivan! What in the hells were you thinking?"
Jaheira: "I see our leader is showing the wisdom one usually expects from one in this position. Opening the fight this way was foolish, elf."
Elorian: "Fighting itself was, possibly. Maybe we could have talked them into accepting us as recruits. Or get some information anyway."
Kivan: "This idea is ridiculous. And I will not let you judge my actions. These men got what they deserved."
Khalid: "I c-can understand your thirst for vengeance, but actions such as this will only get us k-killed before we can reach the bandits' camp."
Branwen: "This is cowardice! We have prevailed here, we will prevail again. Tempus smiles on us and our cause."
Jaheira: "I highly doubt that he smiles on those that test their luck too much."
Elorian: "I know a few gods that don't. So, to avoid getting in the middle of a contest of divine wills and riddled with arrows at the same time...I will do the talking next time. Or Jaheira, or Khalid. Or maybe Imoen."
Imoen: "Oh no, I'm not getting into this."
Elorian: "Well. It's me, Jaheira or Khalid then. And we will try everything to get them to guide us to the bandit camp so they at least won't be warned. If we get a chance to assassinate Tazok, all the better."
Kivan: "..."
Elorian: "What?"
Kivan: "Fine. But I will shoot at the first sign of hostility."
Elorian: "Good. And hide your face, will you?"


The next encounter we had in Larswood didn't go much better. However, no words preceeded it, unless the shrill battle cries of an entire goblin tribe count as such.

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/556/020baldr005.png

When their shaman cast a spell that seriously messed with Branwen's head and sent her running after a goblin that was quickly scared out of his mind by her yelling, foaming figure chasing him clad in bloodstained armor swinging her warhammer, things turned funnier only in hindsight, since the goblins quickly gained the upper hand, their archers scoring several hits while we couldn't reach the shaman through a thick wall of screeching green bodies. When it became apparent that the goblins could hurt us faster than our potions could heal us, I decided to pull out a different flask, desperate as I was.
When Khalid and Jaheira noticed what I was about to do, they quickly dropped to the ground. The goblins weren't quick enough.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/5782/020baldr006.png

The rest was mopping up and watching Branwen chase that scared goblin, who had begin to drip something that definitely wasn't blood.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/9296/020baldr007.png

She eventually calmed down and looked confused for a second, which the goblin used to disappear into the woods. The arrow Kivan fired at him missed.

The rest of us didn't bother and turned our attention to a gnome that the goblins had apparently kept as a slave, judging by his looks. They apparently hadn't managed to break his will.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/2523/020baldr008.png

Figured that someone from the underdark wouldn't be impressed by second rate stuff like a few goblins that piss themselves in a fight.

Also figures that someone from the underdark would be able to lie to you with a straight face, as the X he told us about marked a spot, I guess, but nothing more. Unless we just missed out on some really valuable dirt, that is. Could have taken one of the healing potion flasks we had emptied and filled it with some to have it examined by an alchemist, but somehow, we didn't.

The reason might have been common sense, but mainly, it was the man we heard howling and wailing like a wild animal nearby.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3359/020baldr009.png

Too bad he wouldn't listen. Branwen tried to clear his mind with a spell, but it didn't work, and suddenly two wild bears joined us, obviously driven mad by the Malarite's own magic.

Kivan managed to turn one against him, though, and we even got some unexpected help from a man that, judging by his looks and Jaheira's reaction to seeing him, was another druid.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3386/020baldr010.png





http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6923/020baldr011.png

Well, so much for unexpected help. All that we could do after he quickly fell to our weapons and our newest ursine friend's claws was bury his victim.

While doing this, I asked Jaheir a few things about those shadow druids, if only so she'd never have to get snappy for no reason at all as soon as I look confused. Or at least so she'd have one less reason for this.

A dangerous splinter group of the traditional druids, apparently, and one that isn't too discriminating when it comes to picking targets, as basically everything that is alive and not either a plant, wild animal or shadow druid is one and can be dealt with in any way that is sufficiently violent.

So, a fanatic, a crazed Malarite, a tribe of goblins and the expected bandits. Nice.

Well, at least the place could hardly be crowded enough to hold any more such surprises, right?



Yeah, right...

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/2086/020baldr012.png

Wonderful. Now that went well.

And as if tracking us down in this wood, ambushing us, and shooting my feeble attempt at getting a name out of them wouldn't be enough, they immediately started to beat the living hell out of us.

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3939/020baldr013.png

Kivan was immediately taken out by a spell, but the gnome they had with them was in turn taken out by a sword through the chest.

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9928/020baldr014.png

I and Jaheira managed to keep the situation against our two enemies relatively under control, if only because we had a bigger arsenal of potions than them, but Khalid and Imoen could barely hold out against the dwarven berserker Khalid was facing that was laughing all the time while hacking away with an oversized poleaxe, hitting with nearly each swing.

It didn't get better when, after Branwen reanimated some of the bones buried around here, the one who had spoken at us earlier did the same and sent the skeleton he created after Imoen, but that's when, aided by a potion of invisibility, I slit the throat of one of his fellow bounty hunters.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4020/020baldr015.png

Retaliation came quick and painful, though, while Khalid was essentially only parrying to uphold his consumption of healing potions. Jaheira looked concerned, and I couldn't help but wonder if she doubted his courage. Because, I did.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/4387/020baldr016.png

Luckily, that was just when Kivan finally snapped out of his paralysis. With numerical advantage now most definitely ours, we finally managed to overpower them, although everyone that went near the crazy dwarf would invariably suffer further wounds in the process.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/5451/020baldr017.png




Kivan: "I think you owe me an explanation, Elorian."
Elorian: "Yes, well, it all started when my foster father--"
Imoen: "Can't you tell him that on the way, Lori?"
Elorian: "On the way?"
Imoen: "Well, that letter we got mentions some place called Peldvale too."
Elorian: "Uh, yes?"
Imoen: "Oh, yes."
Elorian: "Ah, yes..."



Needless to say, we got out of Larswood. Quickly.



Commentary:
Grand Melee! :smallbiggrin:

Except that everyone was always trying to avoid melee. Sissies.

And man, did I underestimate those damn goblins. Little ****ers made me waste one of my few AoE effects. I could have used that at the bandit camp...

Anyway, Tazok later. I’ll get right to it, since I’ve solved the problems he caused. Turns out some files were simply corrupted, although I only ever realized this after going through every relevant item, script and dialogue. :smallamused:
Luckily, I could just copy-paste their equivalents from the backup I made. Could have taken a while otherwise.

On a more or less unrelated note, I ran into three ogre mages in the otherwise almost tranquil Peldvale. They started the fight invisible, which is standard thanks to SCS. One of them hasted a bunch of bandits that accompanied them, another one stunned Elorian and Khalid, which basically means my main damage dealer and the only one capable of taking some good hits were gone. The third one reduced Imoen to 2 HP with two hits.
That made all of them go visible and the three of them fell victim to the cosmic beam o' doom that is Ctrl+Y.

One even exploded somehow. :smallsmile:

Does anyone know which mod could be responsible for that? I'm tempted to say Sword Coast Stratagems, but it usually isn't that stupid.




PS: The shooting animations look silly, especially on screenshots.

[Morty]

Looks like the mods turned BG1 - or at least Larswood - into Dragon Age: Origins. Neat.

[Johnny Blade]

Yeah, it was hilarious.

I didn't include it in the Let's Play, but I managed to turn the skeleton Molkar summoned. (You can still control your own undead when you've turned them, so that was risk-free.)
I later ran into it again. It died to 2 points of damage, but not before critically hitting Elorian, who is a glass cannon anyway, for 10.
Which attracted a group of nearby bandits.
Which in turn attracted a group of not quite as nearby wolves and wild dogs.



(Tazok continued to piss me off for reasons unrelated to the earlier problems, but the update will be there in a few hours.)

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 21: Vengeance for One

Peldvale was child's play compared to Larswood. Sadly, none of the bandits we encountered there were in the mood for talking.

Interestingly, they seemed to work together with hobgoblins - the mercenaries known as the Chill which the shadow druid had mentioned, as Khalid explained.

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/6580/021baldr001.png


We had already almost given up on the place, when Kivan and Jaheira mentioned they heard voices.

The men those voices belonged to were even willing to use them before their bows. A nice change for sure.


http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/5220/021baldr002.png

I was more than a bit surprised to see that work out, to be honest. I guess traveling with Montaron must have taught me how to play the bloodthirsty maniac well.

I made sure to give Raiken, our noble benefactor, an encore on the way to the camp, if only to keep his attention away from the rest, especially Kivan. Two gory tales of my exploits later, we were there.

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/6315/imamoronandresizingever.png

So we were to be introduced to Tazok personally. Well, great. I glanced over to Kivan, but obviously couldn't do a thing at this point.

To make matters worse, Tazok didn't think much of hiring new recruits.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/1733/021baldr004.png

And then, right as I thought we could infiltrate the camp and assassinate Tazok upon his return, Kivan struck a pose, shook his hood off, and pulled an arrow out.

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/8633/021baldr005.png

And that's how we got to fight an entire camp of bandits.

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5899/021baldr006.png

Tazok let loose a battle cry while Raiken, cursing not quite under his breath, ran off to alarm the rest of the highwaymen.

Not that the half-ogre wouldn't have been able to handle several of us on his own.

Jaheira tried her best to hold the reinforcements back by animating whatever plants were available.

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7685/021baldr007.png

However, most of the hobgoblins were strong enough to just hack their way through to us, while the human bandits just used their bows. While I, simply not able to do much against Tazok without getting impaled on his huge bihander, fighting with daggers and no armor as I do, went to intercept the advancing hobgoblins, Branwen tried to hold the humans with her magic.

Kivan, seeing Tazok wounded but holding himself well enough against Khalid and Jaheira, dropped his bow, and charged the half-ogre with his spear in hands.

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/8872/021baldr008.png

As I was trying to fend off several hobgoblins at once, including one in a ridiculously gaudy uniform that was bellowing orders all around - the Chill's leader, probably - I only heard Branwen's cries of pain and hooting bandits for a short moment.

Until Kivan drowned out a sudden shout of pain from Tazok with a victorious howl. Everyone froze for a second, seeing the elf standing victorious over Tazok's bloodied body.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/5199/021baldr009.png

Of course, if anyone of the others thought this would break the bandits' resistance, they were quickly proven wrong.
Even when I slit the hobgoblins' leader's throat open, they pressed on, as another of their leaders - the Black Talons' - arrived in full battle armor, yelling his orders.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/4831/021baldr010.png

And finally, they began to overpower us. Branwen was already retreating, bleeding out of several wounds, and I and Khalid quickly had to follow.

he others gave us cover as we ran to at least get a few healing potions in before facing them again.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/583/021baldr011.png

Even with several of his men held by the local vegetation, the Black Talons' leader decided to go after us.

Bad move, as Kivan quickly proved when he flung our remaining vial of alchemist's fire their way.

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/7127/021baldr012.png

As the remaining bandit leader turned his head, looking horrified at his men dropping dead, he forgot to get it out of the way of Branwen's hammer and thus had it caved in.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/9072/021baldr013.png

The few bandits that didn't run after this didn't even stand a chance. What was left was a gruesome scenery, but we were victorious.

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/9498/021baldr014.png

Kivan: "Deheriana...you have been avenged, my love."

Gorion, however, hadn't. Tazok possibly would have fit into his killer's armor, but the half-ogre's voice and lack of glowing eyes didn't match him.

And he had mentioned meeting someone, so there was, unsurprisingly, more to this whole affair. Accordingly, we searched the camp.

Well, at first we only found a couple of gnolls in a cave that attacked us when they didn't recognize our smell - I took that as a compliment. They were no challenge.


However, when we came to the tent that was obviously Tazok's, we heard muffled voices inside.

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/398/021baldr015.png

As we went inside, weapons drawn, we ran into several men that were rather obviously no part of the bandit forces.

"Quick! Get the letters, the gold, and kill the prisoner. We have to get this to...oh, Beshaba's ugly mug, they're here already! Attack!"

They were more of a challenge.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/4253/021baldr016.png

In fact, their leader more than just outmatched Branwen, and it almost looked as if this battle might just leave on of us dead as well when, suddenly, a screeching sound was heard and glowing magical spheres shot into our enemies, causing them all to panic.

Obviously surprised, we all looked where they had come from, only to see Imoen holding one of our spell wands.

"Yup, I think that's how ya do it!"

Almost too scared to even lift their weapons anymore, our foes proved much less of a challenge, although they still tried to hold us back.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/96/021baldr017.png

They were not successful.


The elf they had taken prisoner, who introduced himself as Ender Sai, always in our debt, had interesting things to say after we freed him. Apparently, he had never been fighting against any bandits, but making investigations about a merchant organization called the Iron Throne in Baldur's Gate. Only to end up here.

Well, it didn't take much to put one and one together here.

He also mentioned that Tazok had been making trips to Cloakwood regularly. One of the letters we found shed some more light on this.

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/4650/021baldr018.png

So we had our next destination, two names - Davaeorn and Sarevok - and the organization behind it all.

On top of killing Tazok and ending the bandit threat for now, that is.

Not bad for a day's work.




Enemy()
MoveToObject([PC])
Wait(3)
Kill([PC])


That's what Tazok was scripted to do upon turning hostile.

Yeah, it means just that.

Since I wanted to spare you the horrible kiting that this would have called for, I had to find and change the above bit first. Didn't take as long as the last problem, of course, but still, Tazok was a real piece of work.

The entire dialogue file was completely shot, actually. (Involving checks about Kivan's proximity to Tazok which automatically failed since Sword Coast Stratagems makes him initiate dialogue from so far away for no apparent reason. There were about 50 of them. :smallannoyed:)

I'm kinda ashamed that I didn't notice much of this when I checked the files for the first time, though.


Oh, and Imoen's a Wild Mage now, as you may have guessed. Pity that she didn't get that level earlier, since, well, take a look at her quick item slots after dual-classing:

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/7649/021baldrwands.png

I dare say these things would have been useful against the bandits.

Of course, that battle was insane fun the way it was, so it's all good.



Also, with no XP mod installed, I would have gained around 70.000XP just having Imoen learn spells. :smallamused:

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/6268/spellxp.jpg
That could have been two level-ups.



So, looks like another part of the main quest is done.

And now I need to know what to do next.

Gnoll stronghold? Gullykin/Firewine Bridge area? Coastline?

I'll definitely do all or at least most of those things before Cloakwood, but if there are any preferences regarding where to start, let me hear about them. :smallwink:

[Aricandor]

I say do them all before Cloakwood, in order of Coast (because I never properly played through there after a bad experience with the "locals") -> Stronghold -> Firewine/Gullykin. :smallbiggrin:

[Johnny Blade]

Well, since you're the only one who voted, I'll do as you command. :smallbiggrin:

[Morty]

I don't have much of a preference for the order of doing things. Firewine & Gullykin were both annoying, though.
Also, I don't remember killing Tazok this early in my most recent playthrough. :smallconfused:

[Johnny Blade]

Also, I don't remember killing Tazok this early in my most recent playthrough. :smallconfused:
Well, only a few dialogue options even give you the chance, and I'm not really sure which are added by mods right now.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 22: What's left to do.

What remained to do was making sure we'd get all the gold and useful weapons we could carry, alongside some scalps to sell to the Flaming Fist as our recent purchases from Thalantyr had rid us of enough money to justify falling back on this.

Well, at least we thought that would be all, until I heard Kivan's voice.

"No! No, you beast..."

As we all came nearer to see what was going on, he went towards one of the corpses that decorated Tazok's camp, kneeled down before it, and then started to cut the ropes holding the rotten body up, not saying another word. When we realized what was going on, Khalid and I drew our blades to help.

"No. Go away."

We obliged.

When he was done and had carefully laid the body down, we approached him again, having watched the scene from several steps away.

Imoen: "So, uh, that is..."
Kivan: "Deheriana."
Khalid: "We are all very s-sorry..."
Kivan: "Leave me. Us. I will rejoin shortly."

Again, we obliged.

Nobody felt like collecting scalps now, though, and the time we had originally planned to spend with this activity was used to build a funeral pyre instead.

"Not the beast. The crows shall have him."

Nobody felt like arguing with Kivan as he returned.

He had built something like a sled and placed Deheriana, wrapped in several sheets and furs, on it.

Kivan: "I will go to the coast, to a fishing village called Galefurth where a boat I and Deheriana owned is waiting. I will sail to the Moonshae Isles, where Deheriana lived before coming here. Before we met. She should be buried there."
Elorian: "We don't have to use that sled, though. There's enough room in the bag of holding. Would keep her from...you know, slows nature down."
Kivan: "So you will accompany me."
Elorian: "Yeah, sure."
Khalid: "O-obviously."
Jaheira: "Obviously, yes."
Imoen: "Well, what did ya think?"
Branwen: "'Tis the least we can do for a fellow warrior."



We didn't talk much for the rest of the day after this, which was spent traveling to Beregost to inform the Flaming Fist, or Officer Vai specifically, of our success.

She immediately called for a messenger to report to Baldur's Gate and a group of her mercenaries to check the area where the bandit camp was, then told us to return in a few days, but not before promising us a 'generous' reward should our story turn out to be true.



The next day, we continued on our way to Galefurth, stopping at the High Hedge for the night, where we also had our recent booty identified. And sold half of it right away. Turns out we're actually filthy rich.


We arrived near Galefurth at the next evening, after a day of traveling that, for the first time since the bandit camp, hadn't been spent in painful silence. Kivan still didn't talk much, and nobody dared mentioning Deheriana, but there was some conversation.

Branwen: "...And this is how you tame a Remorhaz."
Kivan: "Hm...you seem to know the creatures of your northern home quite well. I'd like to learn more about them, having never left these parts despite calling myself a ranger, a man of all nature. But I see Galefurth right over there. There, you see? Hold...who's there?"

Nobody knew what was going on, or where Galefurth was supposed to be, but we had long learned that Kivan could spot everything way before everyone else, and so we weren't surprised when a woman came running towards us.

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/9900/022baldr001.png
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1336/022baldr002.png

And so we walked into what could only be suspected to be a trap.



http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/3757/022baldr003.png

Her wish was my command.

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/2010/022baldr004.png

The other two Sahuagin went belly up soon, too.

Well, at least it wasn't a trap. Of course, anyone expecting any satisfaction to come from this was quickly disappointed.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3848/022baldr005.png




Now, I'm rather sure I don't exactly agree with Kivan's words here, but this wasn't a time to argue.
And. despite her actions, I did feel sorry for the malenti.



Well, we took what we found in the ship - two magical weapons, most notably - and arrived in Galefurth soon after.

Kivan immediately went to check on his boat, returning after a few minutes.

"It is still there. And intact. I will leave now. I know my rushed departure isn't the farewell you deserve, but I must do this now. I hope you understand."

We nodded.

"You have helped me avenge Deheriana and enabled me to at least bury her properly. I thank you for this. I will not forget you. My friends."

Well, we did our best to turn it into an appropriate farewell, especially Imoen, whose hug even Kivan couldn't turn down, and soon afterwards were watching him rowing his boat into the night, waving him goodbye.





Commentary:

Not much to say since this update is pretty much only there to write Kivan out of the Let's Play again.


The little quest I just did is only possible with Kivan in your party, for whatever reason.
It's added by the BG1 NPC Project like so many other things. :smallwink:


One noteworthy thing that didn't show up in it is a fight against an ogrillon, an ogre, an ogre mage, and their leader, a half-ogre.
That half-ogre was basically Tazok. Same sprite, and just as dangerous. Even more so, actually, thanks to a magic sword he carried that has a 50% chance of making anyone it hits go berserk. And going berserk (= no healing potions) against an enemy like that is a sure way to get killed.
This fight is Dark Horizons' fault, by the way, and as is usual for the mod, it seems to call for kiting.
I didn't bother with that, though - I'm not really ashamed to admit that I hit Ctrl+R once or twice during the fight to avoid this.

[Aricandor]

Whee, sole voting power! :smallbiggrin:

And I will say that the approach -> wait(3) -> kill script seems awfully dumb a way to build a fight. :smallmad:

[Morty]

Re: the fight fith ogres - this is why I never installed any difficulty-raising mods. They appear to be a complete overkill.

[Johnny Blade]

Well, several of them are. See the original Tactics mod, for example. (Random encounter! Two dragons! Whoo!)

There are several mods that can be used to only make a few select fights harder, though - Sword Coast Stratagems, Ascension and Oversight, for example.
Or the Revised Battles mod, although that one results in complete item overkill.

Of course, there are also mods that add completely brutal fights with no regards to the original game. Like this half-ogre, or rather, his insane sword.
I not-so-fondly remember the time I had Rogue Re-balancing's Chosen of Cyric encounter and Tower of Deception's Ustrain encounter components installed, both of which throw very hard battles at you, right before the grand finale. And yes, the final battle is a cakewalk in comparison.


And I will say that the approach -> wait(3) -> kill script seems awfully dumb a way to build a fight. :smallmad:
Yeah, it's pretty stupid. Especially since it's hilariously easy to abuse this, since he will simply run after his target until he's reached it, meaning you're free to riddle him arrows, bullets, bolts, magic missiles, darts, throwing daggers...

Of course, this level of tactical mastery is not what people want to see in a Let's Play.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 23: All hugs and kisses.

Well, after staying in Galefurth for the night, we had to decide what to do next. Jaheira was, as per usual, quick to tell everyone what she thought.

Jaheira: "We must make a move as soon as possible. A mine in the Cloakwood could cause a lot of damage to the forest, not to mention that our foe, the Iron Throne or whoever it may be, will likely try install a new group of bandits in the area."
Elorian: "Well, but you don't find a mine that's ready to use just about everywhere, do you? What I'm saying is, that place will be well-protected, especially now that they can be pretty sure someone's onto them. And any organization that's big enough to operate a mine, corrupt the ore the others produce with agents placed in them using an unknown substance, and keep its own litte army of brigands can be suspected to have the wherewithal to hire enough guards to jam the adits full of them. And they have the contacts to make sure at least some of them know what they're doing. I mean, you remember all those bounty hunters they sent after us, right?"
Jaheira: "You are right, although you did not tell me anything that's new to me. But those guards will not go away if we wait."
Elorian: "Well, but we could make some money to buy better equipment, maybe find someone to help us with the task, and then attack."
Branwen: "'Tis cowardice what you speak. We could fight like true warriors, yet you would have us do what? Hunt down some stinking goblins that stole a few sheep for just as many coins?"
Elorian: "Well, excuse me, but the magic of the last stinking goblins we dealt with was enough to addle your thoughts enough to keep you out of the real fight for good if memory serves. At least I think it was magic, and not their stinking."
Branwen: "I failed. This is true. But I am not the only fighting member of this group. And one fight gone wrong will not make me fear every goblin that comes along."
Elorian: "Then how about the bounty hunters and the bandits? We had a few close calls there. I mean, really, nice that you don't let things get to you, but what's the point in all of us dying?"
Khalid: "I must say I agree with Elorian. The C-Cloakwood mine will be heavily guarded, and we had trouble with these bandits in their unf-fortified c-camp."
Jaheira: "This is no reason to...look, I don't think you understand how pressing this matter is."
Khalid: "I do, p-perhaps better than you. I know that giving the Iron Throne time may allow them to install new bandits. And I know what damage the mine m-may cause. M-moreso, this is a secret operation in need of much labor, run by people whose evil intent is out of the question..."
Jaheira: "You are talking about slaves."
Khalid: "Y-yes, s-sadly. Still, we m-must proceed with c-caution, my dear."
Jaheira: "I know you would not leave them to their fate if you thought you could help it, but still, I must say, I would have expected...different from you. And still I say we must strike soon, now even more than before."
Elorian: "Guess nobody's going to change his mind here, then. So, Imoen?"
Imoen: "Huh?"
Elorian: "What do you think we should do?"
Imoen: "Eh...um...I think you and Khalid are right?"
Jaheira: "Do you?"
Imoen: "Uh...uh-huh. Yeah, I do."



And so it was decided. We'd go from heroics to random adventuring and mercenary business for some time.

Having no leads or anything, we basically...well, we decided to travel the coast and see what we'd run into. Branwen didn't especially like the idea.

"What kind of...what are you thinking!? We might as well stay here, buy a shovel and start digging for lost treasures!"

Well, as much of a point as she had, we weren't exactly near any city, and who knows what might happen.

As we were traveling, I noticed that Imoen had some trouble keeping up.



Elorian: "You alright?"
Imoen: "Huh? Oh, yeah, just a little tired. Didn't sleep much, ya know?"
Elorian: "Deheriana?"
Imoen: "Nah, not really. I mean, yeah, it was pretty, uh...horrid. But I was up trying out some magic. I'm feeling kinda woozy now, though."
Elorian: "Yeah, you're not looking too good, too. Your face is literally green, you know?"
Imoen: "Still!?"
Elorian: "What, 'still'?"
Imoen: "Uh...never mind."

Elorian: "Spell gone wrong?"
Imoen: "...yeah."
Elorian: "Well, um, better do it right next time, I guess."
Imoen: "Hey, it's harmless. Plus I got rid of it. Mostly."
Elorian: "Yeah, mostly. Well, I'm just sayin'."



About an hour later, Branwen was proven wrong, as we ran into a distressed damsel, as we do every so often. Except she was a really special case.
For example, she set her eyes on Khalid, not to me. Oh, and she was green. Way greener than Imoen, in fact.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/9347/023baldr001.png

Khalid: "I-I'm a m-married--mmmhmm!"
Jaheira: "What is going...NO!"
Khalid: "It's n-not what it l-l-looks l-like, I...I...ungh..."

And her kiss killed Khalid.

Branwen quickly landed a bullet in her shoulder as a first response. Jaheira, oddly enough, yelled at her to stop it, but our murderous damsel had enough anyway.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/1808/023baldr002.png

Well, she restored Khalid, and while everyone was making sure he was alright and I was wondering whether spending too much time among lobsters and shrimps could somehow affect your faculty of speech or learning Common just isn't very popular under the waves, the villain of our little story arrived.

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/8241/023baldr003.png

Well, at least I think ogre mages are generally more prone to lies and petty villainy than...everybody else, really. And he drew that huge sword on us, so, villain.

Anyways, we had our fight, which saw Imoen casting a first spell of her own.

"I got this!"

She didn't. Unless she had heard that ogres are mortally afraid of sparrows, which she summoned a swarm of.

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/7227/023baldr004.png

Ogres are not mortally afraid of sparrows.

And that particular one quickly showed Imoen how it's done by summoning several kobolds, which in turn quickly showed her how melee combat is done.

Not her best day.

Not Droth's, either, though, as we still overcame him without major problems.


http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/693/023baldr005.png





Elorian: "...exactly what did happen there? You let her go just like that?"
Khalid: "I m-must say, I might c-consider feeling underappreciated."
Jaheira: "She killed you because she was forced to. And killing her would accomplish nothing."
Elorian: "Who said anything about killing? I was expecting more of a lecture, to be honest."
Jaheira: "It would have accomplished just as much. Nereids are flighty, foolish creatures, possessed by their nature."
Khalid: "I think you underestimate your own abilities, my dear."



Well, I decided to leave them to their teasing as we continued on our way along the coast. Which had, incidentally, already turned out to be quite profitable, as Imoen identified a helmet Droth must've taken from an early hero looking for his damsel in distress as a heavily enchanted one.


Now if we can get the getting killed without a fight out of the way, I say things aren't looking bad.



Commentary:

I noticed that I mixed up shaft and adit in an earlier update...:smallredface:


Yeah, and that's that. For now. Another update's upcoming soon. Meaning a few hours or so. I've played another area already that was originally supposed to be part of this one, but the conversation in the beginning turned out a bit longer than I'd originally thought.


EDIT: The promised update will take a bit longer since I'm getting tired. I have a lot of free time tomorrow, though, so this will be picking up a bit again.

[Johnny Blade]

Warning: Wall of text incoming.

Chapter 24: There must be something in the water around here.

Well, it didn't take us long to run into the next one who had some...work for us.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/9978/024baldr001.png

Elorian: "Wait, that ship over there?"
Mad Arcand: "Your assumption, my wertle, is true (wertle, oh wertle, wheeoo...), so go to the ship now, you know what to do (wertle, wertle, wertleowoo...)."
Elorian: "But, just yesterday, we already--"

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/5902/024baldr002.png

And that's about the most cohesive thing he had left to say.

Out of curiosity, we paid the ship he had just pointed us to, the same one we had relieved of its treasure before Kivan had left, another visit, not expecting much. However, a few things were different now.

First, all that remained of the sahuagin were a few scattered bones and weapons.
Those responsible for this were still nearby, too.

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/4793/024baldr003.png

I looked under the plank that had hidden yesterday's treasure and, sure enough, found a ring.

Most suspicious.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/1345/024baldr004.png

Elorian: "Well, thanks. Now, a question if I may. You see, I somehow have a history with finding jewelry and magic trinkets in seemingly random locations, and, well, someone ought to have hidden them there. That might not, per chance, be you?"
Mad Arcand: "Wertle, my wertle, I see you follow my ways, by, wertle, oh wertle, searching for my gifts in every place."
Elorian: "Ah, well...gifts. Thanks, then."
Imoen: "But...why'd ya do it?"
Mad Arcand: "Oh, wertle, oh wooo, my thoughts are not always quite lucid and clear to see, like my gifts their meaning's often elusive, even to me."


Enlightening.


And then we randomly ran into what must have been the regional conference of ogres and ogre half-breeds.

They were not amused by our disruptive passing through.

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/3194/024baldr005.png

Of course, the smarter move would have been to just pick another venue for their little gathering, but that thought probably never even crossed their minds.



Well, the next person we came across didn't mind us quite as much, although it did take us a few hours until we met her.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/4559/024baldr006.png

Elorian: "Just promise you won't kiss any of us as thanks first."
Khalid: "Very f-funny."
Safana: "Hmm...? Are you sure about that, darling? Many men would be willing to do far more than what I will ask of you for just one little taste of my lips. And they usually are far less likely to get it."
Elorian: "Well, well...maybe I shouldn't entirely rule out the possibility, provided said kiss won't kill me, as the one my friend here received from a Nereid not long ago."
Safana: "Oh, darling, I promise the kiss will not be your death, although the longing for more may be."
Elorian: "Why, not even a little death? Now I'm almost disappointed."
Jaheira: "Why don't you just tell us your name and what it is you would have us do already, so our magnificent and as usually level-headed authority figure can decide if it is worth the prospective payment?"
Safana: "My, my, my dear. Very terse, aren't we? Fallow maternal instincts?"
Jaheira: "Perhaps. But mainly knowledge of your kind."
Safana: "Ah. My kind, I see. Just so you don't have to adress me as one-of-this-kind all the time, you may call me Safana. And before you ask, it is indeed the name my mother gave me. The reason I came here and am in need of your capable hands is that I have a map that gives the location of an old pirate treasure trove. According to this, we are near the cave where the legendary Black Alaric dumped his riches before the Amnish Fleet captured him. Fabulous wealth is awaiting us. I assume you are interested?"
Elorian: "Sure, tell us more."
Safana: "Well, said cave is also indicated to be guarded by magical creatures. Which ones I can't say, but I am more versed in overcoming the resistance of men and locks of all kind than magical monstrosities. If you help me, you will have half of the treasure, as well as my...gratitude."
Elorian: "Well, who could resist the lure of such a treasure? I'll say, our capable hands are at your disposal."
Safana: "I knew you wouldn't be a disappointment. There is a lighthouse nearby, I say we find out if we can see any caves from there."


We did, although not without any of the usual distractions.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/6742/024baldr007.png
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/6927/024baldr008.png

Well, several things. From regular encounters with bounty hunters to an upcoming trip to the Cloakwood. But that would have to wait.

Especially since we met another damsel in distress. If mothers in their late thirties still count as damsels, that is.

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/2002/024baldr009.png

I chose to ignore both Imoen's rewriting of recent Candlekeep history and Branwen's idiotic "Everyone must be a warrior because a true warrior doesn't need anything a non-warrior could possibly produce as he is a warrior." creed.


Well, we managed to find the lighthouse - although it didn't look quite so abandoned - and the worgs soon enough. And, after taking care of the latter, also the boy.

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5381/024baldr010.png

After guiding Brennan to his thankful mother, we returned to the lighthouse. The old man allowed us take a look around when we told him that we wanted to check the tides, feigning that we were preparing to sail to the Moonshae Isles, and even saw a cave nearby.

Before we left, he did however warn us of some of the area's inhabitants.

"Oh, and you best watch out for sirines in these parts. A real pest, they are. If you meet one named Sil, don't trust a word she says."


Well, that sure seemed like the logical thing to say to a couple of strangers. Jaheira seemed to agree, though.

Jaheira: "I would advise you to heed this warning. Sirines can easily twist a man's mind with their charms. And you seem to be quite susceptible to such means."
Elorian: "Sirines, hm? Green-skinned creatures of the sea, if I'm not mistaken. I think you've got the wrong guy here."
Khalid: "B-blue-skinned, actually."
Elorian: "You discriminate?"
Khalid: "I usually t-tend to, in fact."

Said while smiling at Jaheira. Well, he got me off the hook, so the following spousal teasing shall be forgiven.

I still decided to scout ahead, especially since I indeed wanted to avoid the sirines as well.

I managed to do so quite well, even.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7148/024baldr011.png

Well, at first. Just as I had made my way to the cave, though.

"Hold, dry-lander!"

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/3257/024baldr012.png

For a queen, she was a horrible liar. Guess she relies on her, well, sirine song to handle diplomatic contact. Just like the fact that we did come for the treasure she obviously falsely claimed to be nonexistent as well, though, this didn't seem like a smart thing to tell her at the time.

So, we went to pass on her warning as told, hoping that opportunities may arise in the future.

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/6499/024baldr013.png

Well, the fight went as expected.

Imoen cast a spell that didn't seem to do anything...

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/8117/024baldr014.png

...Branwen cast one that did have a very visible effect...

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/5909/024baldr015.png

...and then it was all over very soon. Didn't go very smoothly, but I guess that can happen when you're dealing with those that murder out of simple greed.

Sil wasn't surprised by it, either.

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/5454/024baldr016.png

And so much for the treasure being water and sand or whatever.

The guardians turned out to be flesh golems, though.

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/5350/024baldr017.png

They weren't much of an obstacle even when they did detect me and we had ourselves a fight.
But I really wish Alaric would've chosen a material not quite so susceptible to the ravages of time and brine.

Well, soon enough, we left the cave with a real pirate treasure chest.

As we were looking for a place to sort through it, another distraction came along, not really to my surprise.

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/7328/024baldr018.png

I really wish we'd meet more of the jewelry-hiding kind of crazies, not so many of the type that babbles something about seeing the future without ever delivering.
But what're you gonna do?

Anyways, with that out of the way, we had a look at Alaric's treasure. And it definitely was worth the trouble attaining it, especially a certain book that I strongly suspect being of magical nature, given how my muscles grew and its pages vanished as I read through it.

Apart from that, there was a good amount of gold, and several gems, although Safana took most of that, leaving us with several magic items, mainly.

Safana: "Now, darling, that was quite a pleasure. We performed well together. Yes, I think it is time for your special reward."

Well, she really went through with it. And I didn't die. Of course, if looks could kill, Jaheira's specifically, I wouldn't have been quite so lucky.

Safana: "Ah, but now it is time for me to leave you. All this gold needs to be spent, after all. But, darling, if you ever desire my company again and have something to make it worth my time, do visit me. I will be staying in Feldepost's in Beregost until the gold runs out or something carries me elsewhere. I'm sure you will just so happen to be in the area soon. See you then."


Well, just when she was gone and I was bracing myself for whatever snappy comment Jaheira had prepared, Imoen had something to say. And I definitely wasn't prepared for this.

Imoen: "Um...hey, Lori. Looks like a good day, huh? What with the treasure, and...yeah, I think she really likes you and that wasn't an act at all, really. So, hey...you know, that spell I cast earlier?"
Elorian: "Yes?"
Imoen: "Well, good news. We got lots of hazelnuts now. You like hazelnuts, right?"
Elorian: "You summoned hazelnuts? Heh, now that's a new one."
Imoen: "Aaactually, I didn't summon them. More like, I...uh, I transformed all our gold into them."


Everyone: "WHAT!?"
Imoen: "Uh...sorry?"





Well, well...

Easy come easy go, eh?



Damn.



Still, we got the getting killed without a fight out of the way. Now, if we can do the same with the robbing ourselves, I say things aren't looking bad.



...



Damn.



Commentary:

...and the one sane part of the update was added, or at least greatly enhanced, by a mod (http://mods.pocketplane.net/bg1tutu/sirine_readme.html). Well, more or less added, since all the characters exist in the unmodded game. The whole part is simply turned into an actual quest.

And I like it. That's all I have to say about it.


Also, Imoen's wild surges are a huge letdown. Not that I'd care much about losing a few thousand gold here, it's just that this was actually the most interesting one I got so far.

[Morty]

Heh. I suppose we'll have to wait until Imoen gets more spells per day and spells known for Wild Surge to begin really mucking things up.
And let me tell you, Sil and her Sirines were a pain in the unmodded game. I dealt with them by equipping ranged weapons with the whole party and shooting them before they could cast Improved Invisibility. Of course, that required luring them out one at a time.

[Johnny Blade]

Well, I do my best. Most of the spells I let her cast are Reckless Dweomers
(Thanks to magic items, she has six first level spells, four of which are those.)


This is, of course, also the only way a second level mage can hope to make any meaningful contribution to the party right now.


EDIT: Oh yes, they were. I usually only did this part relatively late in the game. After Cloakwood, at least.
Unless I had Minsc with me, that is. Berserking Minsc can solo them.


EDIT II.: And now what I've always feared has come to pass. Had some weird problem to fix, and now the .exe is acting up. Let's see if I can fix that with the backup. Otherwise, well, could take a while.

EDIT III.: Well, everything seems to be working again.

EDIT IV.: Yeah, everything works fine. Besides me, I just kinda work. Meaning I had another update planned, but it's not really getting done just yet. This may or may not mean there'll be two updates tomorrow, depending on how tired I am when I get back home.

[darkblust]

Sooo...
Anybody know where i could get this game(in Canada)?

[Johnny Blade]

There are several boxed sets. I see them in Germany occasionally, at least.

However, getting just one of the games could be a bit...impossible.
Good luck finding Tales of the Sword Coast.

[SilentDragoon]

Getting just one is problematic as they count as collectors items. Getting all of them is easy, provided Amazon does business where you live, just pick up the 4 in 1 for about $20+S&H (US). Its where I got mine, as its not available in any of the brick and mortar stores around here anymore.

Edit: Should be pretty cheap and easy, several of the sellers will do international or are part of Amazon.

[darkblust]

Okay,cool.Figured i'd have to buy it online,but was'nt sure.

[Calemyr]

I'm curious. Can I assume you aren't going to pursue any of the BG romances from the NPC mod, then? I like Dynaheir's, truth be told. What can I say, I'm a sucker for scholars.

Curse you Johnny Blade! I was *this* close to being tired of Fallout 3 and Dragon Age, *this* close to having the rare chance to do something constructive with my evenings... and now I see this. Crap. Grr... Off to the Pocket Plane with me, then...

And so Scion, a good natured brawler taught martial arts by the priests of Oghma, wanders off to Winthrop's inn on an errand for his father...

Crap! This is like some sort of fractal narrative!

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 25: More insanity.

Saying the next day was unpleasant would be a bit of an understatement.



"...a true warrior would know to strike with precision..."

"...wouldn't foolishly risk losing our livelihood and lives..."

"...the responsibilities of cameraderie..."

"...naught but a flashy show of pretty lights..."

"...unwittingly cause terrible things..."



Branwen was pissed off.

And soon, so was Imoen.

And then, everybody else.




And then also that one hobgoblin.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/9167/025baldr001.png

He took it too far, though.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1520/025baldr002.png

Not a good idea when all you've got are a big mouth and a bunch of kobolds.

Imoen: "Ha! Ya see that? Got him good!"
Branwen: "Yes. You managed to kill a hobgoblin without turning us into frogs, or our weapons into buttercups."
Imoen: "That could solve a lotta problems, don'tcha think? The part with the buttercups?"
Branwen: "Don't try to taunt me, Imoen."

Well, at least they left it at that, at least if you overlook the faces Imoen made behind Branwen's back.


This remarkable absence of bickering even allowed us to hear the sounds of other people nearby.

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/1556/025baldr003.png

Elorian: "Well, sure, why not?"
Charleston Nib: "Gracious we are! Now we stand a chance of completing the most exciting day of our dig! We're going to try for an entire new room today, possibly the shaman or chieftain quarters! We could find any number of relics within. Move amongst the men as you will, as your presence will no doubt reassure them. My, and I thought you were bandits when you neared at first, but now you prove to be so very helpful!"
Imoen: "Hey, don't mention it. We're heroes, ya know? None of us here's a bandit. Well, at least none of us would decide to become one, and you'd be pretty stupid to be one without realizin', eh?"


That one hit, and when Charleston left, Branwen was foaming.

Luckily, one of his workers, or colleagues, had overheard our conversation with him and came towards us.

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/3883/025baldr004.png

So, maybe it wasn't quite so lucky that he had overheard us.



Elorian: "Charleston? I believe there's something you should--"
Charleston Nib: "Success! We are about to enter the last remaining room! It's sure to be the shaman's abode! Now we'll get some real information about what these people were truly like!"
Elorian: "Well, that sounds very exciting. However, there's--"
Charleston Nib: "Indeed, young friend! Indeed! It is very exciting! Come on now! Follow me!"

Well, it's not like Gallor could do much about the five of us anyway, and so we did as we were told.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/8237/025baldr005.png

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/7446/025baldr006.png

And that last part, he said to me. Well, whatever my blood could have to offer, he wouldn't tell before lunging at me together with the other diggers, yelling something unintelligible.


Sadly, divine, druidic and attempted arcane magic all failed to do anything about the workers' temporal insanity, and so we were forced to kill them.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/3792/025baldr007.png


http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/6904/025baldr008.png

Well, I had my own ideas about why this Kozah couldn't reach my companions, although none of them were very specific, obviously. Why Charleston wasn't affected, I couldn't tell at all.

Still wondering about that, we left him, after being offered to visit him in Nashkel soon, where he might have new information for us. Well, I'd like to know any hints about what's so damn special about me and my blood, so we'd do that.


Sooner than I'd have thought, in fact, since when we found a caravan that apparently had been attacked several days ago and were already suspecting bandits, we instead found a wanted killer.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/5576/025baldr009.png

So, the same Brage Oublek had put a bounty on, not that we'd be likely to collect it after Greywolf had likely tipped him off to our impromptu scam before coming after us.

Anyways, turns out we could indeed help Brage, although why we could I will probably never understand.

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/9664/025baldr010.png

And just like that, he handed us his sword and packed his bags.

Well, nobody felt like asking Brage how this riddle did relate to his killing spree - not that he'd been likely to answer this question - so we simply went on our way, all feeling bit uneasy, as one might imagine.





Commentary:

So...cloned half-elves, a missed opportunity for many a reference, an interesting new way to cure psychoses, and a grumpy hobgoblin.


And Imoen mocking us all, being efficient like that.



Oh, I've also started to just use cheats to explore all the maps before making screenshots. Looks better without the huge black areas, I think (see first screenshot compared to the last two), and I know them pretty much by heart anyway, so I hope this is a forgivable kind of cheating. :smallwink:




I'm curious. Can I assume you aren't going to pursue any of the BG romances from the NPC mod, then? I like Dynaheir's, truth be told. What can I say, I'm a sucker for scholars.
Nah, I won't. I don't really like Dynaheir's ye olde Englishe - not that this would be the modders' fault, it's in the original game after all - and I want to actually conclude this Let's Play at some point, so writing two romances into this didn't seem like the way to go. :smallwink:

Branwen and Shar-Teel wouldn't be fitting romance options anyway.


Curse you Johnny Blade! I was *this* close to being tired of Fallout 3 and Dragon Age, *this* close to having the rare chance to do something constructive with my evenings... and now I see this. Crap. Grr... Off to the Pocket Plane with me, then...

And so Scion, a good natured brawler taught martial arts by the priests of Oghma, wanders off to Winthrop's inn on an errand for his father...

Crap! This is like some sort of fractal narrative!
:amused:
(That's all.)

[Morty]

Yeah, some of the dialogues in the English version somehow sound cheesier than the Polish ones.
Another nice update. I don't think I've ever found Brage in any of my playthroughs. BG1 requires a lot of random wandering to get some quests done.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 26: Our very own knight in shining armor.

Well, as we were traveling to Nashkel, I obviously had a lot of questions going through my mind. What was it with my blood? What of that horrible future not even a professional fortune teller would want to talk about? And could I have saved Charleston's workers by beating them at a game of checkers?

I didn't really find an answer, but at least it kept me occupied until we were there.

Once before the local priest of Helm, though, Brage almost chickened out.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/6618/026baldr001.png

Elorian: "Well, take good care of him then, I guess. Oh, and you may want to have his sword here. Imoen said it seems cursed somehow."
Nalin: "Cursed, you say? Let me lay it on the altar for a second and...oh, Helm! It is...emitting a strongly evil aura. You did good bringing this to me. Consider the bounty doubled. And, yet again, I thank you."
Elorian: "Don't thank us, thank Imoen. It was all her idea."
Imoen: "Hey!"
Nalin: "I'm...sure it was. Before you go, I have to ask you a question. I recognize you as the adventurers that solved the issue at the local mine. A good deed in the eyes of the Watcher. And now you have returned Brage, who we had already thought lost, too. Thereby, you have proven yourself worthy allies, and so I turn to you. We have two visitors here from Athkathla, from the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart to be precise. Two young members, Ajantis and Laurel, sent to combat the rise of certain enemies of mankind in the area. It is my understanding that Laurel has gone on a scouting mission, but Ajantis is still here, looking for people to help him on this mission."
Elorian: "And, if I'm not terribly mistaken, we are to be this help?"
Nalin: "Yes. This temple cannot provide it, but it seems the order thought we could. Truth be told, I am feeling quite embarrassed, but we are few and have many duties. And he wouldn't accept ordinary mercenaries."
Elorian: "Well, you can tell them that there are some quite extraordinary mercenaries here then."


He did. Well, he probably didn't call us 'extraordinary mercenaries' and something more along the lines of 'honorable adventurers worthy of fighting alongside us' instead, but, whatever it was, Ajantis soon appeared, obviously quite excited.

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/5743/026baldr002.png

Ajantis: "So, it is true what the good Nalin says? Valiant souls have found themselves to aid me and my comrade Laurel on our mission to further the glory of Helm and eradicate the evil that plague these lands?"
Branwen: "Elorian, I urge you to let him join. He may not be praying to Tempus, but I see he is a strong and dedicated warrior still."
Elorian: "Well, it wouldn't hurt if you told us what evil you're after, specifically."
Ajantis: "Ah, of course, friend. We were sent here to test our mettle - and to prove that we are worthy members of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart, which Laurel wishes to become a fully acknowledged squire of while I, already one, am here to show that I am stalwart and able enough to be, at one day, be considered to join the ranks of the Order's knights. In order to do so, we are to deal with two of the most numerous threats in the area besides the bandits, which I believe the Flaming Fist has taken care of anyway."
Elorian: "Yeah, well, in fact, we did that."
Ajantis: "You did?"
Branwen: "We did, and it was a bloody, glorious battle indeed!"
Ajantis: "Why, you...you're heroes!"
Imoen: "Is what I say all the time!"
Elorian: "Anyways...what is it you're after if it's not the bandits?"
Ajantis: "Ah, of course. I am here to put an end to a particularly large tribe of the cunning xvarts, as well as cull as many of the vicious, fell gibberlings infesting the area."
Elorian: "Uh...so, xvarts and gibberlings?"
Ajantis: "Yes. You do not waver, I hope?"
Elorian: "No, no wavering. I just would have expected something...more. I mean, xvarts and gibberlings are..."
Branwen: "...xvarts and gibberlings."
Ajantis: "Good friends, I must assure you, the gibberling is a brutish thing that kills mindlessly, a threat to the common man that must be purged. And xvarts have been an increasing problem in the area, due to a village they have apparently built nearby. They may not be quite as dangerous as the bandits you have fought, but I urge you to lend me and Laurel your assistance anyway, as especially Laurel cannot claim to have your experience, and neither can I, probably. Of course, I would be delighted to stand with you against any other evil you encounter."
Elorian: "Well. Looks like gibberlings and xvarts it is, then."

Nobody objected, and so we decided to head out to meet up with Laurel some way west of Nashkel the next morning.

After a good rest, of course. Sleeping in tents near the shore for several days meant we wouldn't pass this opportunity, not for all the gibberlings in the world.

On the way, Jaheira and Imoen were wispering something while looking my way strangely at times.
However, as I was busy telling Ajantis all about our numerous prior exploits, a task Branwen, who seemed to be quite taken with our young knight in shining armor, gladly assisted me in, I couldn't hear what they were talking about.

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/9498/026baldr003.png



At the inn, we even met Charleston again, sooner than we had thought. He didn't have any news about Kozah. However, he had a new task he needed us for.

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/2857/026baldr004.png

Khalid: "B-but, are you sure it is wise t-to--"
Charleston Nib: "Wonderful news these are indeed! Why, I must inform my associates post-haste! Thank you kindly and sleep well tonight, good people!"

Well, well...

He's not one to shy away from risky operations, at least. Of course, it's not his life on the line here.
Still, sounded like a good job.

Ajantis: "You have met this man before, I take it? And doubtlessly you helped him somehow, right?"
Branwen: "We did, Ajantis, we did. Why, let me tell you all about it..."


At this point, I silently slipped away to the bar, leaving the two to the tales of our noble deeds and whatever else.






Commentary:

I made deliberate use of the console and my ability to rewrite the narrative reality here. Mainly because writing...

"We decided to go north. We met that guy who's a paladin. He was standing on the road and looked for people to help him kill bandits. Had been standing there for a while, apparently. Awkward. I just lied to him and told him we were planning to do that soon. He's with us now. Oh, and we're back in the south."

...didn't appeal to me much. And I don't think there'll be much of a way of fitting Ajantis, who will be back in BG2 and is thus another semi-mandatory NPC to add at some point, into the later parts of the Let's Play.

TotSC aside, but I'll let people vote on two party slots there.


In a similar vein, Charleston gives you the second task right at the excavation site. Which is all fine and dandy when you're just playing the game, but makes him appear somewhat, well, psychotic, and one might even say it is a wee bit suspicious, when you consider that he's standing in the blood of his workers sending you into a dungeon full of evil spirits.



As for what actually happened in the update, it's not much, I know, but I can almost guarantee that I'll have a massive hangover tomorrow, which is generally when I write the most, so things will get done.

I hope an almost-guarantee is good enough for you guys.





Another nice update. I don't think I've ever found Brage in any of my playthroughs. BG1 requires a lot of random wandering to get some quests done.
Thanks.
And, yeah. Finding excuses for the random wandering around is getting hard, as well. In a way, Imoen's fateful wild surge really helped me.

[Tam_OConnor]

Loving this. You inspired me to start up another game. It's amazing how fast a fighter/thief can gain levels: 6/6 after only four or so hours.

Random question: does BGT have an XP cap, or can you just keep gaining levels, regardless of where in the series you are? Because on my last install, I had BGTutu, and hit the XP cap before finishing Durlag's Tower and Cloakwood...

[Johnny Blade]

The game only supports one XP cap, and that's most likely 8.000.000 or much higher. What it is depends on your actual installation, since several mods change it.


Also, thanks again. Good to be getting some replies too. I mean, not that I didn't enjoy my chats with Morty, but I was starting to feel a little lonely in here. Yeah, that's a hint, y'all. :smallwink:

[Eldariel]

A friend o' mine and me started another playthrough alongside our earlier one, this one with full complement of NPCs and mods (the other one had just fix packs and few extras) thanks to this. So you've certainly helped spread the word on BiG World. I'm thinking of starting a THIRD simultaneous game as a solo just for the hell of it.

Though we decided to hit it on a bit harder gear and added basically all the Tactics-content. Silke handed our arses to us on a silver platter around level 2 many times. Those one-hit-KO Magic Missiles aren't fun.

Others haven't been that problematic yet though we've made heavy use of "run while attacked, others shoot"-kinda strategies (quite efficient vs. Ogres, Wolves and the like) due to being a party of WhateverTheHellTheHalfElfOnlyDruidKitIs, Cleric/Mage (IIRC; this one is the Bhaalspawn) and Imoen (and thus poorly armored across the board).

[Tam_OConnor]

Awww. If it makes you feel better, I can post way too often?

I tried to use the BiG world installation, but, for whatever reason, it didn't take (as in, post-installation, it acted like BGT wasn't installed). I hand installed things, though, and it all seems to be going swimmingly.

It's simply amazing how much of the map a single character can clear out. Even got the nasty foursome of mages one map north of basilisk central. Now, it took me a good six reloads, but I got all of them.

Oh, and the Malarite druid in Larswood? He summoned HASTED DIRE LEOPARDS! Yeah, that didn't go so well. Still trying to figure out what spell or ability that was. I suspect Spell Revisions. On the plus side, the loots was glorious, after I shanked them in the kidneys a dozen times (jerk kept downing healing potions in-between backstabs; silly intelligent AI).

Evil play-through: morally ambiguous NPCs available are:
Warriors: Montaron, Kagain, Shar-Teel
Mages: Xzar, Edwin
Priests: Tiax, Viconia, Faldorn (more or less)
Thieves: Eldoth (and Skie, by extension), Tiax, Montaron

Recommendations, for a Fighter/Thief? Insanity is a plus.

[Raistlin1040]

I was sad when Xan left. Other than that, this is really good. I like the NPC project mod, might have to get it for myself.

[Morty]

Recommendations, for a Fighter/Thief? Insanity is a plus.

I say you take Montaron, Shar-Teel, Kagain, Xzar and Viconia/Branwen. Since you're a Fighter/Thief, you and Monty make up for a full Fighter and a full Thief. Two Thieves are pretty reduntant, but two multiclassed ones can neatly complement each other.

[Johnny Blade]

Looks like begging for replies worked. :smallbiggrin:


A friend o' mine and me started another playthrough alongside our earlier one, this one with full complement of NPCs and mods (the other one had just fix packs and few extras) thanks to this. So you've certainly helped spread the word on BiG World. I'm thinking of starting a THIRD simultaneous game as a solo just for the hell of it.
Good to hear, since I think many people don't really install a lot of mods due to compatibility issues, or end up with totally shot installations. And BiG World definitely helps here - I had no problems at all for a while. (Besides some bugs that appear regardless of your specific installation. Because, well, the mods themselves are buggy.)


Though we decided to hit it on a bit harder gear and added basically all the Tactics-content.
Yeah, I usually add more myself, but as I wrote earlier, writing this takes some time, so I went for an installation that doesn't force quite as many reloads.
Admittedly, there still were some, though.


Silke handed our arses to us on a silver platter around level 2 many times. Those one-hit-KO Magic Missiles aren't fun.
Oh yeah, Silke. She's pretty brutal. I think she even has a misassigned contingency if you install the prebuffing component of SCS, although that may have been fixed by now.
Well, at least the Magic Missiles can be avoided. It takes Shield spells and well-timed healing potions, but it's possible.
Of course, then she'll just charm your best fighter. :smallamused:


Awww. If it makes you feel better, I can post way too often?
There's no such thing, but I'd like to find out what you consider to be way too often. :smallwink:


I tried to use the BiG world installation, but, for whatever reason, it didn't take (as in, post-installation, it acted like BGT wasn't installed). I hand installed things, though, and it all seems to be going swimmingly.
Huh. That's weird. Did you use the batch file?
I think it should be started automatically, but maybe it didn't.


Oh, and the Malarite druid in Larswood? He summoned HASTED DIRE LEOPARDS! Yeah, that didn't go so well. Still trying to figure out what spell or ability that was. I suspect Spell Revisions. On the plus side, the loots was glorious, after I shanked them in the kidneys a dozen times (jerk kept downing healing potions in-between backstabs; silly intelligent AI).
Hehe...neat. I think it might have been one of the tactics mods, although I couldn't tell you which one right now.
Of course, I don't actually have any experiences with Spell Revisions, so don't trust a word I say.


Recommendations, for a Fighter/Thief? Insanity is a plus.
I think having Garrick in an evil party can be quite funny.

Oh, and make sure you take Kagain at some point. You don't really have to keep him, but he has his own quest.

(I'm assuming you've installed the BG1 NPC Project here.)

Also:


I say you take Montaron, Shar-Teel, Kagain, Xzar and Viconia/Branwen. Since you're a Fighter/Thief, you and Monty make up for a full Fighter and a full Thief. Two Thieves are pretty reduntant, but two multiclassed ones can neatly complement each other.
Yeah, especially two Fighter/Thieves. You can basically end some difficult battles before they even start that way, especially against mages and similar targets.

You'll see what I mean when I get to Cloakwood. Unless I fail horribly.



I was sad when Xan left. Other than that, this is really good. I like the NPC project mod, might have to get it for myself.
Hey, he might be back later. As I said, you'll get to vote on party members when I get to TotSC. Of course, I'm not quite there yet. :smallbiggrin:


Anyway, I just got back home, so don't expect an update too soon, but there will be one or two later.
(I also made a little change to the last one since I remembered that Laurel and the gibberlings actually aren't east of Nashkel, but west of it.)

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 27: Actually, this one's more of an interlude...

"Blood. Blood will quiet."

Said by some incorporeal voice as I found myself in the blasted landscape where I had been skull-bowling a few weeks ago. It sounded quite...amused as it continued.

"Not that Kozah had anything even close to a clue about you or what your presence on Toril means.

There will be blood. But not yours, no.

Already you have left many of your enemies behind you. Their flesh rended, their bones broken.

And there will be ever more of them.

You may give yourselves reasons now. You may think you do not wish to kill. That you only do it to help and protect others.

But already, it has awoken from its slumber. The lust for death.

It will tug at you first, then become stronger. It will fill you. Become a part of you. And only blood will ever quiet it.

For now, play the hero's part if you desire so. But do not think you can resist.

After all, this is a dream.

It is your own essence that shaped this place.

That brought you here.

That gave me voice.

Only blood will quiet."




Well, waking up shut it up for the time being, too. But saying that this dream worried me somewhat would be a gross understatement.

What in the hells is going on with me?


Apparently, at least Khalid and Jaheira were wondering, too, as Khalid took me aside when we had breakfast later.

Khalid: "Elorian, I think it is important that we t-talk about a few things. As you know, I am not one to talk much when there is nothing to say. However, I have noticed s-something about you."
Elorian: "I assume this is related to certain recent events, like my blood being considered a delicacy among dead gods?"
Khalid: "I-in a s-sense, yes. But I am s-sure you have no answers to any questions about this either and would have t-told us if you had, s-so I will not ask them."

I just nodded.

Khalid: "What I want to t-talk to you about is...well, it is...in the l-last weeks, you have seen a lot of death. We have k-killed h-hundreds ourselves. You may n-not know it, since we had p-promised her not to t-tell you, but Imoen has often c-come to me and Jaheira to t-talk about this."

That was indeed news to me. Well, at least it was clear where this was heading.

Khalid: "You, on the other h-hand, n-never did. You d-didn't even ever look any m-more sh-shaken after a battle than a veteran of m-many battles. This worries me and Jaheira greatly. Because...w-well, do you r-remember when I t-told you about having knowledge of the Z-z-zhentarim?"
Elorian: "Well...yes. You didn't tell me much, of course."
Khalid: "I d-don't t-talk about this often at all, Elorian. You s-see, I was held p-prisoner in Z-zhentil K-keep for weeks not t-too long ago."
Elorian: "I...I'm sorry."
Khalid: "Thank you for your c-compassion, b-but I only m-mentioned this b-because...when I was h-held there, there was this other p-prisoner. Guochlan. When he c-came b-back from b-being t-tortured, he would n-never t-talk about it. I-instead, he would casually c-conduct everyday c-conversation. B-but then, one night, he just started...he just...smashed his own h-head in on the walls."
Elorian: "I...uh..."
Khalid: "You d-don't need to say a thing. I t-told you this because...if it ever becomes t-too much for you to bear, we are there to help you."
Elorian: "I...thank you. But, truth be told, I don't actually have any problems with all this death and killing."
Khalid: "You...you don't?"
Elorian: "No. And it worries me, trust me."
Khalid: "It...it worries me, t-too. This is highly...unusual..."
Elorian: "You wonder if it has something to do with my blood?"
Khalid: "Ind-deed. Well, that mystery will need to be s-solved some day. And I f-fear we will eventually be led to the answer q-quite directly."
Elorian: "By a trail of blood, huh?"
Khalid: "Yes..."


Well, impressive timing if I've ever seen it.

And I guess this means Khalid and Jaheira weren't told anything about me either. Too bad we can't get into Candlekeep, as I suspect we might find something to explain it all among Gorion's things. Maybe we should try and find some valuable old tome somewhere. Only that'd get us entrance, thanks to the monks' idiotic scholars-only policies.

Well, something to look into later for certain. For now, it's xvarts, gibberlings and lots of questions.





Commentary:

Khalid's imprisonment in Zhentil Keep wasn't my idea; it is added to his backstory by the BG1 NPC Project.

Update with stuff actually happening later.


The story of Guochlan gave me an idea, by the way. If anyone here wants to see his name, or in case the username isn't really suitable that of some old character or something in this Let's Play, say so. I won't promise anything, since I'll need to find a way to work such things into the Let's Play, and you may end up as a legendary hero whose deeds are recounted in a bard's song just as well as some bandit the party kills along the way, but, well, it's a way of getting into the Let's Play.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 28: Playing with fire.

Well, pondering over all the questions about me, my blood, the blood of others that may quiet something in me and all that on the way to the point where Laurel was supposed to wait for us didn't really yield any answers.

I started to wonder about that Guochlan at some point. Bashed his own head in? Well, I don't think of Khalid as someone who'd make something like that up, but if Jaheira told him he should, he might. Of course, I also don't think she would tell anyone to lie, and definitely not Khalid. Still, bashing his own head in?

Well, I asked Khalid about it, and apparently, his case was unique. Suicide and insanity must have been pretty common among prisoners in Zhentil Keep, though. Apparently, even Khalid himself was starting to think about it. But then he was to be sent to some Zhentarim that wanted to interrogate him and couldn't come to the keep, and Jaheira, Gorion and some other friends got wind of it and managed to free him.

Well, that explains where Gorion was that one week about a year ago and why he was so distraught at the time.

And I have to say, my respect for Khalid just about doubled after hearing about this.

Well, I went back to my fruitless ruminations, which was soon interrupted by a few hobgoblin bandits that didn't really know how to pick their targets.

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/575/028baldr001.png

Jaheira: "Bandits..."
Elorian: "No Chill uniforms."
Jaheira: "This proves nothing."
Elorian: "We didn't even hear anything about problems in Nashkel."
Jaheira: "Possibly because our enemy is still gathering his forces anew."

Suffice to say that this went back and forth for some time as we went along.

Until...

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/4446/028baldr002.png

Elorian: "Look, my most fair Neville, I don't think you quite realize who you're up against here. So, just so you know, we're the guys who did in Tazok and his entire camp of bandits. Not that he'd been quite as dashing as you, most fair one, being an half-ogre and all, but I dare say he was a bit more of a threat than you."
Neville: "Ah, my good elf, you see, I as a professional rascal--"
Imoen: *giggle*
Neville: "As a professional rascal, I know a lie when I hear one, and yours is especially implausible. I also tend to know my competitors, and the name Tazok is new to me."
Elorian: "Never heard of him? Believe me, it were his men that were causing the recent problems. Which we put an end to."
Neville: "Of course, some half-ogre was behind it all. And of course, you put an end to his schemes. Watch me tremble in fear. Tremble, tremble, tremble. Oh my, wait, in my trembling, I realized, your little brainchild isn't actually so fearsome."
Elorian: "Well, your lack of knowledge actually helps us assess the current situation here, so thank you, fair Neville."
Jaheira: "He is likely instructed to lie about superiors."
Elorian: "Oh, come on. If he knew what we're talking about here, he'd be fleeing the scene by now. Anyway, my fair Neville, been nice talking to you, but we really need to go. We've got someone waiting for us."
Ajantis: "We are not going to let this scoundrel escape justice, are we?"
Branwen: "Oh no, we are not!"
Neville: "My, quite bold, darling. As you may notice when you turn around, my men are in a good position to riddle you with arrows. Now, hand over your money and weapons, please."
Elorian: "Look, pal, I'm not being funny here, you're not getting anything from us, and if you know what's good for you--"

And then the arrows flew.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/981/028baldr003.png

And then a fireball.

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/9688/028baldr004.png

If Imoen could have aimed a bit better, we would have gotten out of the whole fight without injuries, actually, as Neville was going down soon after, fighting rather pathetically, but to his last breath. Well, can't blame anyone but himself for what happened.


Branwen: "Ach, this is an ugly burn. I see you still can't control yourself, Imoen."
Ajantis: "Good Branwen, I am sure Imoen didn't intend this, and her fireball proved decisive in this battle."
Branwen: "You are right, of course, Ajantis. But, Imoen, make sure this doesn't happen again."


I definitely owe him a beer for stopping what could have become very annoying right as it was about to start.


Anyways, soon after our brush with the Sword Coast's fairest rascal, we met up with Laurel.

Ajantis: "Ah, Laurel. A joy to see you, friend. Have you found the gibberlings?"
Laurel: "Wonderful to see you too, Ajantis. And, yes, the gibberlings are actually nearby. We can lure them out of their holes right now if you give the order. These people, are they here to assist us."
Ajantis: "Indeed they are. Laurel, these are Elorian, Khalid, Jaheira, Imoen and Branwen. And I think you can lure the gibberlings out now, right?"
Elorian: "Yeah, sure, let's just do this."

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/9718/028baldr005.png

Of course, we didn't need any fire magics for them.

Well, Laurel, quite impressed by our performance, told us where the xvart village Ajantis had mentioned is located. She wouldn't help us there, being not even a full squire of the order and not exactly an experienced fighter, but travel back to Nashkel and wait for Ajantis' return there instead.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/25/028baldr006.png

On our way to the xvarts, we were distracted by the smell of burning flesh and hair. Which turned out to originate from an ogre's barbecue.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/4533/028baldr007.png

Ajantis: "By Helm, I will not allow you to touch this poor man's body once again! Defend yourself, beast!"

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/7536/028baldr008.png

Well, just an ogre. Not much of a problem for us by now, you'd think. Of course, Imoen wanted to cast a magic missile to help us against him.

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6342/028baldr009.png

Somehow, though, the scenery must have distracted her a bit. And influenced her spell.

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/3690/028baldr010.png




Well, it did get rid of that ogre.

Of course, Branwen tore into Imoen again.

This time, nobody intervened.





Commentary:

First I didn't move Branwen out of the way because I didn't think anything would actually happen when I ordered Imoen to cast a Fireball via Nahal's.

And then that insane wild surge at the ogre camp happened. That's an 8d6 Fireball blowing up in everybody's faces there. :smallbiggrin:

The result basically wrote itself, as you may imagine.

It made an area that isn't exactly challenging for a group of level 5 characters a bit more interesting, too.


Oh yeah, and I killed a bear and got magic boots as a reward as well. Very exciting.

[Eldariel]

...I guess the bear had been walking around in a pair o' magic boots. Pimp bear!

[Johnny Blade]

Sadly, it makes much more sense.

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/8001/028baldr00x.jpg


:smallfrown:



The bear had that stylish white fur, though. Looked really flashy. One might even say...pimpin'.


Makes me wonder if that Jared stole the resident pimp bear's boots before siccing some adventurers on him.


Of course, what speaks against this is that the bear did not have a cane.

[Hardcore]

Anyone who knows if BG series work on Wine (for Ubuntu)?
Since it it not a very complicated game, I think, there should be no cause for worry. But that is just a guess.

[Morty]

Heh. This Neville fellow can be actually fairly deadly if you encounter him on low level. Nice interlude, too. I see that you decided to drop the original dream sequences. And by the way, would a screenshot of Elorian's character sheet and inventory be possible? It'd be interesting to see how exactly is be built.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 29: For the glory of Helm!

Laurel had done her duties flawlessly, and we found the den of evil that was home to the tribe of xvarts soon.

Jaheira and Elorian eliminated the first sentries without any trouble.

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/2278/029baldr001.png

Truly, I stand among heroes. I am almost saddened that Laurel could not be with us, as seeing us fight here could have taught her many a valuable lesson.
Of course, the prelates are right not to allow this, though. Combat on such a scale would come too early for her.


As we pressed on, one of the evil xvarts shrieked at us.

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/2755/029baldr002.png

By Tyr, such falsehood! Many were the atrocities commited by these xvarts, reported by the honorable merchants that had started a route through these parts, and this wretch dares calling our attack unprovoked!


But my friends did not waver, although Elorian and Jaheira would inquire about the xvarts deceitful words later, and the evildoers did not stand a chance against us.

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/6910/029baldr003.png

I was humbled to see that I was the only one who had even received any wounds during the battle.

Branwen: "Ajantis! You are wounded! Quick, let me take care of this."
Ajantis: "Oh, good friend Branwen, it is naught but a most inconsequential flesh wound. Please spare your magic; we may need it later."
Branwen: "Spoken like a true warrior! But promise to never hesitate to come to me when there is anything I can do for you...friend."

Ah, Branwen. A true example of cameraderie.


As we were leaving, Elorian proposed that I travel with the group for some more time to further my chances to attain knighthood one day. Overjoyed, I agreed, although I of course cannot stay for long, as Laurel awaits my return in Nashkel and I had promised to return within the next four days.


As we were leaving the village of the xvarts, now freed of its evil, Khalid had a few questions about my faith and tenets.

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/3892/029baldr004.png

I do not know if I managed to convince him, but I am confident to have represented the views of the order well.






Commentary:

Ajantis is big on corporate identity.



And Dex 13 on a melee combatant is just as bad as I remember it to be.





Anyone who knows if BG series work on Wine (for Ubuntu)?
Since it it not a very complicated game, I think, there should be no cause for worry. But that is just a guess.
No idea, sorry.


Heh. This Neville fellow can be actually fairly deadly if you encounter him on low level.
Fairly deadly? :smallbiggrin:
But, yeah, especially when the hobgoblins can poison you. Which in this game happens to Branwen all the time, by the way, although she has the best saving throws against that.
At this point of the game, though, Neville should really know better.


Nice interlude, too. I see that you decided to drop the original dream sequences.
Yeah, although that actually only happened because I forgot to record a video of the first one and then decided to just rewrite it.


And by the way, would a screenshot of Elorian's character sheet and inventory be possible? It'd be interesting to see how exactly is be built.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8013/029lori1.png

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7372/029lori2.png

Cloak, boots and ring each give an AC bonus, the gauntlets give +2 DEX. Pretty good equipment for that level, I know, but keeping a Kensai alive is hard. (On that note, if I would actually use everything all those mods throw at me, he'd probably have -4 AC or so.)
Locks were always handled by Imoen before she dual-classed.
I still haven't decided what other weapon he should specialize in, although scimitars are rather appealing, since no NPC uses them.


EDIT: Oh, and as you can see, I recovered from Imoen's gold-destroying wild surge quite well by selling some stuff in Nashkel.
And I just realized that I didn't actually reset my reputation after bringing it down via Shadowkeeper so Safana wouldn't be permanently gone.

[Tam_OConnor]

Curious about item specifics: the cloak, boots and right hand ring (our right, Elorian's left)?

[Johnny Blade]

Boots:
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9462/029lori3.jpg

Cloak:
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/2492/029lori4.jpg


The rings are standard items - Ring of Protection +1 (same effect as the boots, I don't know why I'm allowed to wear those things together but I'll just play along...) and Ring of Lock Picks (+25% to, as one may guess, picking locks).



Oh, and I've played through quite a lot today. I think I'll actually get to the Cloakwood mine by the end of the week.
There won't be another update until tomorrow, though.

[Morty]

I was a bit curious about the weapons, since one of those daggers looks like a shortsword when wielded and I didn't think you have enough points to specialize in daggers, shortswords and TWF at this level.
And yeah, armorless characters have lousy AC in BG1 until later in the game - in BG2 there're tons of AC-inreasing items - so I suppose the gear is fair game.

[Johnny Blade]

I was a bit curious about the weapons, since one of those daggers looks like a shortsword when wielded and I didn't think you have enough points to specialize in daggers, shortswords and TWF at this level.
Well, it's Longtooth. So, 1d6 base damage and a +2 enchantment, meaning it basically is a magic shortsword.
Except that it's called a dagger for some reason.

Also, not a bad weapon for that level, although not as good as that one thing I could buy in Beregost (http://www.gamebanshee.com/showshot.php?/baldursgate/equipment/images/daggerofvenom.jpg).

Elorian's other weapon is just a +1 dagger. The same one he pickpocketed way back in Candlekeep, by the way.

[H. Zee]

Only just discovered this LP, and I must say, it's the best I've read in a long while. :smallbiggrin:

Keep going! I've played and replayed the original BG through about 5 times, I think, but never with mods, so this is interesting from a gaming perspective as well as a story one. :smallsmile:

In essence: Keep up the good work!

[Johnny Blade]

Thanks. I'll do my very best. :smallbiggrin:


Also, I just updated the most shamefully neglected index in the first post.

While at it, I looked at some of the updates again, and as a direct result feel the need to say that, if you see any spelling or formatting mistakes, feel free to point them out.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 30: That should shut this damn voice up.

The next two days were spent helping Ajantis fight somewhat more significant threats than gibberlings and xvarts. Turns out that despite his extraordinary willingness to call us heroes, he's not half bad himself.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8501/030baldr001.jpg

I didn't get to talk to him much, though, since Branwen solicited his attention most of the time. I'm not entirely sure if she got it, though, since he seemed completely oblivious to her advances.

Branwen: "My, Ajantis, you truly are a great warrior."
Ajantis: "Thank you, good friend, but it is naught but the excellent training the Order gave me."

Well, with Khalid and Jaheira often keeping to themselves as well...

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/8383/030baldr002.jpg

...I at least had ample opportunity to talk with Imoen more. Turns out she has a very specific problem.

Imoen: "Ya know, Lori, I've been thinkin' 'bout some stuff...well, mainly I've been seein' things..."
Elorian: "This about your magic?"
Imoen: "Nah, I'm not sayin' I see the scary phantasm kinda things. Although some of Branwen's pick-up lines are kinda like from a nightmare..."
Elorian: "Ah, so that's what it's about?"
Imoen: "Uh-huh...I mean, I like all that adventurin' stuff and I don't even mind the sleeping in tents anymore, but, ya know, I don't wanna be sleeping in one with Branwen all the time."
Elorian: "Well, the way I see it, you soon may not have to do that anymore..."
Imoen: "Oh, come on, ya know what I mean. Just let's maybe stop in Beregost or so for a while longer. I mean, I thought I'd actually meet some more guys now we're outta Candlekeep, and that's true, but they kinda try to kill me all the time. That's not what'cha call a good start, ya know?"

Well, she had a point, so I agreed. Ulterior motives going in the same direction may have crossed my mind.


Anyways, some gnolls later, we even met a real veteran of the trade.

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/3518/030baldr003.jpg


What followed was a veritable massacre.


http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/6749/030baldr004.jpg


No idea why he'd want to risk the lives of strangers when he seemed more than capable of defeating any number of gnolls alone, but, hey, I'm new to the whole adventuring business. And, more importantly, not exactly interested in confronting him about this.

Drizzt: "Well met, stranger, I am Drizzt Do'Urden, and I appreciate your assistance. It is a long enough trip to the Icewind Dale, even without these constant interruptions. I do not recall banditry being of such epidemic proportions in this area; how long has this been so?"
Elorian: "Bit more than two months if I'm not completely off here. But, we already took care of the bandits that attacked all the caravans. Seems the gnolls are making more trouble in these parts, though, so I guess we'll try to do something about them soon."
Drizzt: "Noble goals, and ones I would hold dear myself. I assume there must be some base they operate from, yet I did not manage to uncover it yet. I was hoping that maybe fellow adventurers would know more, but besides you and a most unpleasant gnome I met in Nashkel, I have come across none, and neither you nor the gnome seem to know the location. But, friends, I need to continue on my travels. Luck be with you, and perhaps we shall meet again."

And off he was.

Ajantis: "Truly an honor, don't you think, friends? To fight side by side with Drizzt Do'Urden?"
Branwen: "'Twas, and he fought well, but I still think he could use some more enthusiasm."
Imoen: "Yeah, I figured you like 'em that way."
Branwen: "Ssshhh!"



Well, we didn't meet any more famous warriors. Instead, we were soon hailed by some of the amateur bandits that seemed to think just because the Flaming Fist couldn't deal with highly organized brigands strong enough to bring the entire iron trade to a halt, they could make some money the same way.

Honestly, besides picking better areas than the wilderness for ambushing travelers, those people also really need to learn how to pick targets.

As a general hint, starting fights outnumbered six against three is not a good idea when you don't know how strong your enemies are.

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/3882/030baldr005.jpg

Elorian: "Look, as my friend here said, we're more than you can take. In fact, I say you hand over your weapons and armor now - oh, and I say the ugly one who's not been called so by you also gives us what I strongly suspect to be a spellbook. And then you run for your lives. Otherwise, we fight."
Ajantis: "Elorian, we cannot let them run. By Helm, they are bandits by their own admission!"
Elorian: "Oh, come on. You know that right now you can see everyone who's so much as accused of being a bandit dangling from a tree the next day. And those types here are just stupid, I'd be surprised if they've so much as robbed a arthritic kobold yet."
Teyngan: "Stop this! If you value your lives, shut up and give us your gold. NOW!"
Elorian: "You know...that's really not going to happen, and--"
Teyngan: "STUPID! Now you die!"


Also, when it turns into six against two after the first arrow has been shot, you may consider running.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/1424/030baldr006.jpg

Otherwise, bad things might just happen to you.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9603/030baldr007.jpg

Regrettably, the hobgoblin wasn't any wiser.



Neither were the half-ogres we met soon after.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9831/030baldr008.jpg

Or those skeletons, although literally having no brains is an excuse, I guess.

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/3218/030baldr009.jpg


Well, we made the area a bit safer, but just running around from fight to fight wasn't exactly part of our agenda, and when Ajantis told us he had to return to Nashkel, the rest of us decided to head to Beregost to look for work. Among other things.

Ajantis: "Farewell, my friends. You have truly proven to be stalwart defenders of what is good in this world, and I thank you for allowing me to stay with you for some time. It is a shame that I can't help you against the gnolls, wherever they may be found, but Laurel awaits me, and so does the Order back in Athkathla."
Elorian: "Well, I hope you can make a good case for your promotion, then. Oh, and on that note, I am sure our recent fights against the gnolls will prove to be crucial steps on the way to their defeat."
Ajantis: "I would hope so, but I am afraid I do not share your suspicions. Indeed, I think there may be a much larger force nearby."

Well, I guess paladins just aren't supposed to get some hints.

Branwen: "I...Elorian, I know I am in your debt eternally. However, I would like to...accompany Ajantis, if it is possible."
Elorian: "Surely it is. I know how important it is for a warrior priestess to meet others who, while of different faith, share similar convictions. I am sure spending time with some of the Order would prove to be enlightening."
Branwen: "Indeed, it would. Indeed."
Elorian: "Well, I won't be in your way. Ajantis?"


He didn't object at all. Well, one lenghty series of goodbyes - Imoen notably couldn't bring herself to give Branwen a hug, and I do somehow suspect their recent arguments may have helped Branwen arrive at her decision - and assurances that we'd try to meet up again, provided that Ajantis would be allowed to return soon, our little group of four was on its way to Beregost.






Commentary:

Elorian has an annoying habit of reducing enemies to a silly-looking bloody mist and flying body parts, thanks to him being guaranteed to do more than 10 damage per hit. He always does that when there's a spell to show, too. :smallmad:


Also, I made this update's screenshots .jpegs because they're about 1/10th-2/3rds the size of the old .pngs, depending on the quality I pick. Does anybody mind? (Or even see much of a difference?)




.png:
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2035/030baldr001.png

.jpeg:
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8501/030baldr001.jpg

[Tam_OConnor]

Well, I can see the .jpeg, but I don't think that was the intended effect. And why do I have a feeling that hamstery buttkicking is on the way?

Edit: well, finally got it to load. And no, I see no difference whatsoever.

[Eldariel]

I do have to say, I did love the longer episodes. These feel kinda...well, short :smalltongue: But yeah, I quite like how you wrote Ajantis and Branwen out of the whole deal. You should make more mentions of all the interesting Wild Surges Imoen manages though!

[Johnny Blade]

Well, I can see the .jpeg, but I don't think that was the intended effect. And why do I have a feeling that hamstery buttkicking is on the way?
Well, if you want to know the exact order of things (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7485854&postcount=130)...


Edit: well, finally got it to load. And no, I see no difference whatsoever.
Thought as much. However, did anybody else have problems with getting them to load?



I do have to say, I did love the longer episodes. These feel kinda...well, short :smalltongue:
The story behind this update (times are GMT +1):
Monday, ~4 am: go to sleep
Monday, ~6 am: wake up again, go to work
Monday, 5:30 pm: get home from work
Monday, some time later, no idea when: stumble into bed, fall asleep
Monday, ~ 11 pm: wake up, realize I haven't updated
Tuesday, ~1 am: actually start writing and playing around with different .jpeg quality levels, submit update some time later

Trust me, I originally wanted a longer update, or two, but that just didn't work out yesterday.
It should today, though.


But yeah, I quite like how you wrote Ajantis and Branwen out of the whole deal. You should make more mentions of all the interesting Wild Surges Imoen manages though!
The problem with mentioning Imoen's interesting Wild Surges is that there really only are very few.
In the last update, they had no real effect whatsoever. Okay, one called in some bugs, I could have mentioned that, I guess. Will do the next time. The other one didn't do much besides making Ajantis feel a little tired.
I've gotten none of the really interesting things yet. No teleport fields, no wacky transformation magic.
And don't even mention cows. :smallsigh:



EDIT: Had some trouble with bad code in an area script. In the end, I just deleted it since it seemed unconnected to pretty much everything else. Anyway, this delayed things a bit. Honestly, I don't really know what's going on with the game sometimes. None of the bugs are fatal in the sense that they kill savegames or the entire game, but I really haven't seen any of them before. So, something's gone wrong during the installation, it seems.

Still, the entire gnoll deal will be finished today.

[Morty]

Well, you know how it is. This kind of thing always comes up when you don't want it and never happens when you do.
As for the bugs, maybe some mods react to each other badly.

[Johnny Blade]

Well, you know how it is. This kind of thing always comes up when you don't want it and never happens when you do.
Actually, after playing a bit more, I must say recent evidence suggests I just had to wait a little bit.


As for the bugs, maybe some mods react to each other badly.
Well, there (still) are some issues with that, but they're generally well-known. I just had an area script that killed the game for some reason. It seems to be almost unique, too - at least all my searches turned up nothing.

So, I guess I'll just need to make more backups and hope for the best.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 31: Of hamsters and other pets. And gnolls.

Well, Beregost. We arrived rather late at night after almost a day of travel, and made our way to Feldepost's Inn soon. I was not surprised to find out that Safana wasn't there. Neither to find Gyllian at one of the tables and interested in tales of my many heroic deeds. I was however surprised that she didn't pass out this time.

Well, on the downside, Imoen wasn't quite as lucky, trying to strike up a conversation with some bard for a while only to see him carried off by some woman in her late thirties.


Our attempts at getting some work went similarly, except they didn't even have a promising start.
Officer Vai basically only told us that we featured prominently and favorably in her report. Well, considering we had put an end to the bandit threat, I'd say it's not undeserved. And that was that. No further need of our services. You'd almost think they're a mercenary company themselves or so...

Well, at least Bjornin, the injured paladin we had met earlier, believed our accounts about killing all half-ogres we could find nearby. Even without our generally apparently rather good reputation in the area, Imoen's description of the half-ogres' smell was so vivid that it would likely have persuaded him.


And that was Beregost, making the trip a waste of time for everyone in the group. Well, everyone but me.



So, we decided to go for the gnolls, starting in Nashkel to see if anybody had any valuable information.

At least one man had.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2488/031baldr001.jpg

Well. He was also talking to a hamster. Further inquiries needed, I'd say.

Anyways, after the local merchants had taken basically all of our money and spare equipment for some much-needed potions and gear for our new companion, we found out that this Dynaheir's quite the popular woman around these parts.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/5853/031baldr002.jpg
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/548/031baldr003.jpg

Well. Always muttering under his breath. Also apparently quite full of himself. Not really sure if further inquiries would even be needed.

Obviously, Minsc had something to say about allowing Edwin to come with us. He could have done so when the wizard wasn't standing right next to us, but something was already telling me that Minsc was not the type to wait for the right time. Or even have such thoughts cross his mind.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/7034/031baldr004.jpg

Not that I couldn't already see where these things were headed. Minsc with his broad Rashemi accent, Edwin completely red robes. I only wondered what they were doing here. Possibly, Edwin had just seen two Rashemi and decided to kill them without any specific reason.

Well, anyway, we now knew there was a stronghold in the west, so we were on our way.
On which we, after a few hours, met a pack of gibberlings.

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/8088/031baldr005.jpg

When Imoen yelled "I got that!", I just closed my eyes for a second.

Luckily, the only result was that everyone was just hiccuping bubbles.

The rest of the fight went as fights against gibberlings tend to go.

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/9608/031baldr006.jpg

Edwin: "You stupid little si-*hic*...simi-*ic*...APE girl! Mag-*hic*...the art is not for those such as *hic* you!"
Imoen: "Is too. At least I *hic* do something with my spells."
Edwin: "Something as in *hic* pretty bubbles!"
Imoen: "Soo...you think they're *hic* pretty?"
Edwin: "I...begone, stup-*hic* girl. (And be glad that in this *hic* state I cannot *hic* possibly pronounce any of the *hic* spells I long to cast right now.)"


And as we continued on our way, Edwin seemed to make even more friends.

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/5832/031baldr007.jpg

Too bad I was busy listening to a grand tale about the berserker lodges of Rashemen at this time, as I would have liked to hear what this was all about, since Khalid directly scurried over to Jaheira, a sour look on his face.

Well, at least now I knew what Minsc and Dynaheir were so far in the south for. Apparently, he was undertaking his dajemma, a warrior's rite of passage, and Dynaheir, whom he had to protect if he wanted to join one of the prestigious berserker lodges, on the equivalent for would-be-Wychlaran, the witches of Rashemen. Somewhat secretive unless that book I read about Rashemen in Candlekeep wasn't written by a scholar too lazy to do the research, so I wasn't surprised to hear that Minsc didn't know himself what Dynaheir was doing here.
Of course, given Minsc's mental faculties, there are other possible explanations. After all, he also told me more about Boo, his miniature giant space hamster and spiritual advisor that, according to his words, guides his every step.



Anyway, their rites of passage sure say a lot about the Rashemi. I'd have liked to hear some more, but as these things happen...


http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/4903/031baldr008.jpg

Sendai: "I am Sendai, of the noble merchants house of Argrims, foremost family in Amn. Delgod, Alexander and I have come out here to hunt game. Of course, now it seems that we have come across some of the northern barbarians we have heard so much about. Perhaps you would consider performing one of your ecstatic tribal dances for our amusement. I'd even throw you some food if you add some howling."
Elorian: "Ah, so you assume that those from further up north are somehow born less intelligent than those hailing from the south, I presume?"
Sendai: "Why, it can speak! And it is even able to comprehend my words."
Elorian: "Well, sorry, lady, but it is quite possible that I am not at all from around these parts, as I am a foundling. Not that I'd know where precisely I'm from, but if your theory is correct it is most likely Tashalar."
Imoen: "Same here. I bet I'm really a jungle princess of Chult."
Jaheira: "Tethyr."
Khalid: "C-Calimshan."
Minsc: "Hmm...like Minsc, Dynaheir is from Rashemen. No, this theory is not right!"
Edwin: "As Thay is south of Rashemen, I would not dismiss it so readily."
Imoen: "Thay's also north of Amn, ya know. And Tashalar. And Chult. And Tethyr, and Calimshan."
Edwin: "I was quite aware of that! (This one needs to be reminded of her inferiority more often. We don't want this insubordination to become the norm, do we?) Hmph! You there, prancing inbred nobles. Ah, yes, I see I have your attention. Now, before I lose it as you see a squirrel or the like and decide to chase it to make it your little pet: Apologize for implying that the intellectual achievements of you filthy Amnian apes exceed those of the noble nation of Thay, or you will pay for this outrage!"
Sendai: "Then try making us pay, red wizard! We will not let this slight pass. Delgod! Alexander! Let us show these peasants what they won't admit to!"

Well, that took a needlessly violent turn.

And while we still outnumbered them, they weren't bad, I have to say.

The one called Alexander even hit Imoen with his first shot. She tried to retaliate with a spell, and...

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/4817/031baldr009.jpg

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?"

His voice had changed a bit.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/5986/031baldr010.jpg

As had his genitals.

"I'LL KILL YOOOUUU!"

He...or rather, she didn't. In fact, when Delgod was taken out of the fight by a dog Edwin had summoned and Minsc charged the quite upset victim of Imoen's spell, our opponents faltered quickly.

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4637/031baldr011.jpg

After the fight, Edwin felt the need to express something that might qualify as respect. In Thay.

Edwin: "Quite resourceful for a simian like you, girl. Transforming a man into a woman, the ultimate humiliation."
Imoen: "Oh, ya think? Hey, maybe I should use it on everyone who needs to be straightened out then. Hold still for a moment, will ya?"
Edwin: "Get away from me, silly thing. (She really doesn't take well to the carrot. Indeed, the stick will have to do.)"


We also met some more people itching for a fight.

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/179/031baldr012.jpg

They didn't fare any better, especially when Zal was hit by Imoen's new and improved hiccup spell.

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/5469/031baldr013.jpg

I swear, if I ever again see a corpse blowing bubbles, I'll be forced to try to have something like a serious talk with Imoen.


There were even weirder things though.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9650/031baldr014.jpg

And no, I don't mean little kids alone in the woods looking for their pets.

Because, when I returned Rufie, having left the rest to watch over the little boy...

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/1184/031baldr015.jpg

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/6544/031baldr016.jpg

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/2870/031baldr017.jpg

Devils in the woods looking for their pets, I'd say, is a bit more out of the ordinary.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9519/031baldr018.jpg

At least they probably didn't seriously consider moving into such cold climates.


The other weirdoes we met were less dangerous, be it that scholar who found camping in the vicinity of undead more relaxing than living in the city...

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/4320/031baldr019.jpg

...or those three guys I really couldn't figure out.

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/34/031baldr020.jpg

Now, I did gather that they're supposed to be traveling minstrels, judging by the instruments they were carrying, but honestly, who'd ever think of giving a xvart a harp?


Anyway, after all the random distractions, we did in fact manage to find what we had come for before setting up camp. Barely.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/3941/031baldr021.jpg

The next morning, I had the chance to discover one of the peculiarities of traveling with pets.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/9716/031baldr022.jpg


And something about negotiations with gnolls.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/6259/031baldr023.jpg

All in all, they went in our favor.


A similar situation arose soon after, when a Dryad approached Minsc, looking for help.

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/2710/031baldr024.jpg

Again, results were favorable.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/193/031baldr025.jpg

Elorian: "Also, a clue: To be a wonder of nature, a tree is qualified to be, in fact, a wooden thing, not one made of gold. So why don't you just go your way and try something that actually looks like gold. It is generally considered to be more likely to be, you know, gold."
Caldo: "Naaah...hey, I'm seein' what yer tryin' here. Yous just gonna take the golden tree for yer stinkin' selves when we's gone, eh? Well, not with us, eh Krumm?"
Krumm: "What?"
Imoen: "Yeah, uh...what?"

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/9332/031baldr026.jpg

According to the one definition of 'favorable' I have adopted after trying to talk it out with the first dozen or so of suicidal idiots.


Well, at least the little kids looking for lost pets stayed nonviolent.

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4458/031baldr027.jpg

Any fears that the cat might have been lost as Drienne was planning her trip back to the Abyss or Hell turned out to be unfounded.
However, so did the claims that cats have nine lives when I found Pixie dead on the rocks at the bottom of the waterfall.

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/6681/031baldr028.jpg

Cats do in fact seem to have more than nine lives.


Anyways, after well over a day of traveling, we finally met a gnoll who would kindly direct us to the stronghold.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/664/031baldr029.jpg

Too bad he was dumb enough to seriously aggravate Minsc in the process.

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/3913/031baldr030.jpg

Minsc: "Now we go! Butts will be kicked in good measure! For sweet Dynaheir!"

And onwards we marched. Edwin looked slightly worried.





Commentary:

So, Eldariel, that more like it?


Also, Morty: I couldn't resist forever, after all...


Stronghold and such coming soon.


Ordolath, by the way, is from Northern Tales of the Sword Coast.

Also, to understand the whole stuff between Rashemen and Thay better, the Forgotten Realms wiki (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/) may be helpful. The short version is that Thay is evil and has tried to invade the proud berserkers of Rashemen several times. They never brought winter uniforms.

[Eldariel]

Aye, that was a doozy. Very much long enough, and very entertaining to boot. I can't help but enjoy the little party conflict, and Edwin and Minsc are definitely from the more entertaining end of characters in the game to start with. Your added dialogue only helps the matters.

Also, yeah, I think those wild surges were a nice spice; particularly the two Edwin/Imoen discussions. You, sir, should be a writer. :smallbiggrin:

[Johnny Blade]

Weeell...thanks a lot. :smallsmile:

If it's really that good, I hope the quality will placate you somewhat. Because I just realized that the next update I had originally planned would be pretty awkward.


As you may suspect (and absolutely everybody who has played BG2 simply knows anyway), I won't kill Dynaheir. However, I also couldn't show anything of her character so far, and I'd really rather do that in the update that introduces her.


So, I'll just make the fight at the stronghold part of the one that should have come after it.

Screenshots are already prepared and everything, so this won't affect the overall progress of the Let's Play. You'll just get it a bit later, since I'm too tired to write another long update now.

[Morty]

Ah, the greatest ranger in the Realms and his hamster are here. I was quite surprised to learn he had a Slavic accent in the English version. But the entire Rashemen is partly based on Eastern Europe.

[H. Zee]

Can I just say, LMAO at the foreshadowing there. Ahhh Edwin, how little do you know.... :smalltongue:

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 32: The Damsel in the Dog House

Well, our directions were right.

At the stronghold, anything like a tactical approach was soon cast aside in favor of charging blindly ahead, although not quite for the reasons I had anticipated.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/5111/032baldr001.jpg

Charging blindly into the local bridgemen, that is.

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8980/032baldr002.jpg

Well, what to say, they did have rather good equipment. Besides a distinct lack of weapons and armor, that is.

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/8602/032baldr003.jpg

The result was rather obvious, although one of the two dodged more blows than you'd think.
We were still going through their possessions when Minsc did what surprised absolutely no-one.

"We can't waste time here! Sweet Dynaheir needs us! Charge, says Minsc! Charge, says Boo! RRAAAAAGH!"

Well, we could hardly let him do that alone, so frontal assault it was. Edwin was, obviously, a bit reluctant.

We made short work of the first group of gnolls and made our way straight into the courtyard, where, unsurprisingly, some more gnolls, this time with xvart backup, awaited us. Khalid, Jaheira and Edwin would deal with them while I, Minsc and Imoen went ahead upstairs.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/6715/032baldr004.jpg

The entire place smelled like rotten corpses, and despite the words of the gnoll who had told us where to find it in the first place, I almost expected to find Dynaheir dead.

For the moment, however, we were busy fighting off waves of gnolls.

Imoen was trying to cast some spell again. Next thing I know, I hear an "Uh-oh...", see a flaming orb flying towards the gnolls as everyone drops to the ground, get ready for the flaring pain, and...

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7596/032baldr005.jpg

...feel nothing.

Luckily, the gnolls, not used to Imoen's troubles with controlling her magic, didn't jump right up again, and so I and Minsc could kill the ones we had just fought without any trouble.
One way to help the group with a spell, I guess.

Jaheira, Khalid and Edwin were finished downstairs as well and joined us again. Things were looking good, generally.

Well, until the largest, ugliest and most fetid gnoll I have ever seen entered the scene with his entourage.

"Grrraaah! Intruders! Kill them!"

Precise orders, which Imoen tried to counter with another spell.

"I got ya back!"

As it happens every so often, though, the whole scenery seemed to influence her somewhat, as a cloud reeking of death and the huge, stinking gnoll suddenly appeared in the middle of place.

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/9360/032baldr006.jpg

Well, it sent most of those present to the ground, retching and gasping for air. Even the gnolls including the huge one, who, by all means were used to the aroma, although obviously not the intensity.
Somehow, I managed to simply shake it off, and as another wave of gnolls collapsed altogether as soon as they entered the cloud, the battle was quickly won, leaving only little resistance.

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1844/032baldr007.jpg

With the stronghold apparently cleared, we took a look at the pits the stench of corpses came from. And in one of them, we in fact found Dynaheir, still alive.

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7041/032baldr008.jpg

And with that, Edwin made a run for it, trying to look as dignified as possible while doing so.
As I was thinking of killing him just to make sure he wouldn't be a threat, a thought that I am quite sure crossed other minds as well, we heard battle flare up again up above.

Rushing up, we found Jaheira, Khalid and Imoen engaging another group of gnolls that we apparently hadn't found earlier.
Well, about a dozen corpses later, we could catch our breath for a second.


Dynaheir: "I thank thee for thy courageous effort. Thou hast done good bringing these people to my rescue, Minsc."
Minsc: "Then you will still let Minsc be your guardian?"
Dynaheir: "Of course, Minsc. Thy task is to protect my life, not freedom. Thou hast not failed in this."
Jaheira: "Not yet. You do not look like you were in good health. Hardly surprising, given these conditions. I think some of my medical herbs will be needed here. Too bad my supplies have unfortunately been reduced by a certain incident lately."
Minsc: "Boo says he is very sorry."
Dynaheir: "Ah...Boo is still with thee, I see. How...doth he fare?"
Minsc: "Oh, like Minsc, Boo was always worried about sweet Dynaheir ever since the evil gnolls took you. But now, he is all happy again."
Dynaheir: "Good, good. Well, why dost thou not introduce me to my other saviors?"

Well, when everyone had been introduced, Dynaheir had something else on her mind.

Dynaheir: "Thy graciousness in rescue is appreciated. Hast thou also rescued my journal? It was taken from me by the gnolls."
Elorian: "Not yet, but we didn't exactly look for it."

Doing so didn't help, though, so we decided to also search the caves one could spot from the battlements. After laying one or two fires, that is.

As we already suspected, the caves served as the home of the xvarts the gnolls had apparently kept as menials. They were not ready to embrace their liberation.

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/2024/032baldr009.jpg

They hadn't received any journals for their services either. However, one cave did indeed contain a little treasure.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/6684/032baldr010.jpg

A book, while not belonging to Dynaheir, would be the most notable case. Because, after I had read through about three and a half pages...

Imoen: "Whoa!"
Elorian: "Hmmm...?"
Imoen: "Your...skin."
Elorian: "What?"
Imoen: "It looks, I dunno...better."
Elorian: "What do you mean, it looks better?"
Imoen: "And your eyes! They were this muddy greenish blue or whatever before. Ya know, like a puddle or somethin'. Now they're like...oh gods, this sounds so stupid, but they really look like gems! And your voice sounds kinda different, too. Clearer, ya know?"
Elorian: "Well, I guess this book's one of those...wait - what do you mean, it didn't sound clear before? And what was that about my eyes?"
Imoen: "Never mind that, gimme that...hey! The pages are empty!"
Elorian: "Well, I guess it only works once."
Imoen: "But...it's a book! That doesn't make any sense!"
Dynaheir: "Actually, 'tis not uncommon for such magic to allow only few uses."
Imoen: "But why are the pages...this is so unfair!"

I'd only like to add that my eyes looked like gems even before that, although admittedly not like quite as valuable ones.



Well, without Dynaheir's journal, we left for Nashkel, only to soon run into a familiar face.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/2922/032baldr011.jpg


It really proved to be quite a simple matter, since the gnolls were apparently trying to find us, too.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/6568/032baldr012.jpg

Gnoll: "Yip! Yip! We don't come to fight! Come to warn witch that new chief wants revenge. Wants to kill witch and pinklings that killed gnolls in home."
Imoen: "You've got a new chief already?"
Gnoll: "Yip! Only brother of old one that still lives. And you kill all those strong enough to challenge him back at home."
Elorian: "Well, thanks for the warning, I guess. But, why did you decide to deliver it in the first place?"
Gnoll: "The witch's book shows us that the killing is wrong! Yip! We no longer want to fight!"
Dynaheir: "My journal showed you? Could'st thou explain how exactly it did?"
Gnoll: "Yip! Come home, see home on fire and everybody dead. New chief wants to send groups to hunt witch. Has witch's book. Says to make three groups, tear book apart and give pages to two. My group first. Tear out page, everyone see light. Yip! Come to warn her instead of hunt her. But others still want to hunt her."
Dynaheir: "'Tis as I have suspected. A priest of Mystra blessed my journal, Elorian, and placed a ward on it that any creature of evil disposition would'st turn around for a time in its nature should'st it try to open it without mine permission. Breaking the journal must have made the enchantment more potent as the foursome was affected, and it still did not wear off."
Elorian: "So, is the change permanent now?"
Dynaheir: "'Tis impossible to make any predictions about this. However, I appeal to thee to let these gnolls go their way."
Gnoll: "Yip! No fight!"
Elorian: "No fight."
Minsc: "No fight?"
Dynaheir: "No fight. Now, good gnolls, did'st thou secure my book?"
Gnoll: "No. Only have one page. Here, take it back. We go now, look for new home."
Dynaheir: "Very well. I thank thee."

Elorian: "Well, that was certainly interesting."
Dynaheir: "Truly. I was sent to see this world's full scope, with all the oddities inherent in it. 'Tis more than I'd thought to see, as I must tell thee."
Elorian: "Oh, trust me, if oddities are what you came for, you couldn't have picked a better place. Why, let me tell you about this little boy we met on our way to your rescue..."

She didn't have much of a sense of humor about it. Should have started with Arcand.

Anyway, it soon became apparent that she really wasn't in too good a condition, as she called for a very early rest. Which shed some light on her sense of humor about Boo, too.

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/1993/032baldr013.jpg

Well, maybe just the stress. Khalid and Jaheira took good care of her, though, both obviously experienced with this kind of thing.


As we were just about to continue, another group of gnolls jumped us. They didn't want to talk.

At least they had the rest of Dynaheir's journal.

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/1796/032baldr014.jpg

Imoen: "You mean mine."
Dynaheir: "Dost my manner of speech confuse thee, Imoen? I meant that I bestow this scroll unto Elorian as a gift."
Imoen: "Yeah, I got that. I just mean that I'll take it. I'm the resident mage here, ya know? So, uh, thanks!"
Dynaheir: "Thou art a mage? Most curious. I'd not thought of thee as one."
Imoen: "Oh, yeah, I'm only doing this for about a month or so."
Jaheira: "Hmmmm...?"
Imoen: "I had lessons for years, though!"


Well, we made it back to Nashkel, with a few more rests in between. It didn't surprise anyone when Dynaheir announced that she'd some time to recover. Well, the booty from the gnoll stronghold would be more than enough to cover for any expenses.

Before we left, however, Minsc had a promise to make.

Minsc: "Ah, Minsc's and Boo's hearts hurt to see our friends leave. And Boo only has such a little heart! Oh, and you fought so well on Minsc's side! We could never have saved sweet Dynaheir without you. Or her journal, although I don't know why this is important...*squeak*...Yes, Boo, it is enough when Dynaheir knows. But, friends, when Dynaheir has recovered, we will come looking for you, so we can kick the butt of evil some more, right, Dynaheir?"
Dynaheir: "Indeed, we shalt seek you out, if you wish."
Elorian: "Sure, would be fun."
Imoen: "Yup. But you gotta promise to bring Boo along!"
Minsc: "Minsc and Boo are never apart."
Imoen: "Then you got yourselves a deal."
Jaheira: "Until then, be sure to use the herbs I have given you. Local merchants should be able to provide more of them if you run out."
Khalid: "And be c-careful. Edwin might attempt to make g-good on his promise to kill you."
Minsc: "Not as long as Minsc is there!"
Dynaheir: "Indeed. Thy worries honor thee, but with my magic and Minsc's sword--"
Minsc: "And Boo's guidance."
Dynaheir: "...against him, the wizard hast nary a chance."
Khalid: "He might have b-back-up."
Elorian: "Probably not, though. Otherwise, why hire us?"
Khalid: "T-true. Still, best be c-cautious."


Well, after the usual parting words had been spoken, we were left to decide what to do next.
And since Nashkel had just about nothing to offer besides the carnival, we decided to look in Beregost. Again.








Don't worry, Minsc, Boo and Dynaheir will be back later. For the entirety of TotSC.


Also, I cut Dynaheir's quest (added by BG1 NPC Project) short a bit. Usually, the gnolls were hired by some Old One to go after Dynaheir specifically.
Old One (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Vremyonni) means a male wizard from Rashemen who hasn't been exiled. However, the one we're dealing with turns out to be a renegade.

It turns out to be Winski, Sarevok's mentor. Quite the coincidence, I'll say. I have no idea why he had to be used. Wouldn't have been hard to just add a new character for this purpose, after all.
Well, to see this quest concluded, you have to bring Dynaheir to an area that's only accessible very late in the game.
To actually have something happen in the time between liberating her and getting to this area, you have to romance her. I have no idea why.
And I won't do this.

(Quest walkthrough (http://www.gibberlings3.net/readmes/bg1npc_docs/dynaheirsquest.html), obviously full of spoilers.)



Also, that scroll Dynaheir gave me? Maze. I don't know if it's randomly generated or supposed to make one of the hard fights a little easier or give you some extra cash. Either way, it's generally pretty balanced since a normal mage could never reach 8th level spells in BG1, of course. Imoen, though, is not quite normal. :smallcool:
[I won't (try to) use this too often. But it's nice to have.]



Ah, the greatest ranger in the Realms and his hamster are here. I was quite surprised to learn he had a Slavic accent in the English version. But the entire Rashemen is partly based on Eastern Europe.
Oddly enough, he has a Bavarian accent in the German version. But then again, BG1's German voices are ridiculous all around.
This got better in BG2, but since I usually play Trilogy games, I stick to the English games.

[Jamin]

Maze! Wow, what level are you anyway?

[Eldariel]

Woah. Never thought I'd see Maze in BG1. Well, GL. I think the overpowered Dark Horizons crap just got a lot easier.

[Morty]

Oddly enough, he has a Bavarian accent in the German version. But then again, BG1's German voices are ridiculous all around.
This got better in BG2, but since I usually play Trilogy games, I stick to the English games.

Same thing in the Polish version really; voice acting BG1 tends to be alright but occasionally weird and in case of joinable NPCs monotonous, while in BG2 it's great.
As for the update, I like the extended banter between Minsc, Khalid and Jaheira. Drizzt's appearance with Dynaheir's journal was a bit random, though.

[Longfellow]

Hey Johnny,

I'd like to thank you for this great LP. It feels epic already, even though you have barely even scratched the surface of the game!

I would love to have my own modded epic BGT game, so I have a few questions for you, if you don't mind. What is the size of your BG folder, with the mods, backup and everything you need to make it work? I ask this because I use Mac, and I will have to make a partition of my hard drive unto which I will install Windows, and I wanted to know how large the partition should be... Also, I will be using the Big World Project guide, but install the mods I want by hand instead of using the batch file... Is that a bad idea? That's all. Thanks again.

[Johnny Blade]

Maze! Wow, what level are you anyway?
Between levels 5 and 6. Khalid and Jaheira leveled up a bit after the update, meaning Jaheira's 5/5 and Khalid is 6 now. Everybody else is a bit behind them, ranging from Imoen (thanks to dual-classing, she's at 7.500 XP, meaning level 3, right now) to Elorian (always ca. 3.000 behind Khalid and Jaheira.).


Woah. Never thought I'd see Maze in BG1. Well, GL. I think the overpowered Dark Horizons crap just got a lot easier.
Actually, Dark Horizons' later encounters tend to be pretty tame.
If fully SCS-enhanced, the original game's bounty hunters are harder, at least.
Well, I don't expect it to work anyway. Although Imoen has those moments when she's just scarily efficient with her Reckless Dweomers.
Of course, she sometimes also almost kills the party cleric with friendly fire or does nothing but make everyone hiccup twice in a row.


Drizzt's appearance with Dynaheir's journal was a bit random, though.
Yeah, and it can go into super-random mode if you accept his help and he actually finds the gnolls that are specifically looking for your group.
The entire quest is full of weird coincidences, really. Not exactly one of my favorites.


Hey Johnny,

I'd like to thank you for this great LP. It feels epic already, even though you have barely even scratched the surface of the game!
Thanks.


I would love to have my own modded epic BGT game, so I have a few questions for you, if you don't mind. What is the size of your BG folder, with the mods, backup and everything you need to make it work? I ask this because I use Mac, and I will have to make a partition of my hard drive unto which I will install Windows, and I wanted to know how large the partition should be...
Well, mine comes in at 14 gigabyte. I think it can go up to something around 20 if you install all mods, but that's just what I heard.

It doesn't have to stay that huge since you can delete some of the files after the installation is done, though. But I guess that doesn't matter in this case.

The folder will be a lot bigger during the installation, though, due to the game's override folder, which will later be compressed by a biffing mod. Regrettably, I don't know how big exactly.

Probably best to ask in the support thread over at the Spellhold Studios Mega Mod forum (http://www.shsforums.net/index.php?showforum=193).


Also, I will be using the Big World Project guide, but install the mods I want by hand instead of using the batch file... Is that a bad idea?
Well, that depends on the mods you use, really. Some, like The Darkest Day, aren't customizable by default but can be if you use some patches the BiG World downloads provide. That works best if you let the batch file take care of it.

Also, installing it all by hand will take some time. And you'll most likely be more prone to make mistakes than the batch file.

Really, I think it's best to edit the batch file if you don't want the default settings.
Same result, and it takes far less time since it's quite easy.
So easy that I can explain it, in fact.

You'd be editing lines like this:

%IFGS%ItemUpgrade%S%ItemUpgrade%L%2%SK% 0 1 | %M%

The part in orange shows under which settings the mod will be installed. If you want a mod that is flagged as an "Expert" mod - a weird misnomer, because it's mostly where mods that are bugged go, although there are some good ones, too - like, say, Dark Horizons or Oversight, changing this line to IFS, meaning the mod will always be installed regardless of settings, can be convenient if you also plan to install some mods that have both regular and Expert components, which is really the only reason why I mention this.
EDIT: Also because this part tells you the language specifics. For instance, the line above would only be executed if you'd select German, so editing it would most likely make no sense.

The part in purple is the name of the mod's setup file. To check which setup name belongs to which mod, just search the BiG World .pdfs.

The numbers in green are what you'd change, because that's the list of components that would be installed. Again, to find out what each number stands for, you just have to use the .pdfs.
You can make changes here without any problems, but note that some mods are installed in several steps due to compatibility issues that would arise if they weren't. This is something to keep in mind when you want to add components, which is actually rather unlikely because BWP tends to install everything that doesn't kill the game.
Deleting or changing components can be done at leisure.






Next update coming later today. Should be a rather long one. Or two shorter ones if I get tired writing it, I don't know.

[Tam_OConnor]

From personal experience, installing by hand is royal pain, and takes me the better part of six hours, and that's cutting out about half of the mods from a tactical installation. And it took me four tries to get things working. If the batch file likes you, by all means use that.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 33: Heya, it's me, Imoen!

So we were going back to Beregost for some reason. Well, nothing left to do in Nashkel, but we had that job from that archeologist. No idea why we didn't do this.
But then again, Lori makes weird decisions all the time.

Like saying that we'd travel off the road for whatever reason. And what's the weirdest part is that whenever he does something silly like that, something happens to justify it.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/838/033baldr001.jpg

Not from here. Yeah, the skin color kinda gave it away. Well, that Flaming Fist fellow that was chasing her spelled it out for us.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/4031/033baldr002.jpg

Elorian: "Kill her? Now, I'm not one to tell people how to go about their work, usually, but isn't it customary to bring people before a judge to get a sentence before carrying it out."
Flaming Fist Mercenary: "Not fore filth such as this one. Now, out of the way, or I will be forced to consider you her accomplices."
Elorian: "I'm afraid we can't let you simply kill her just like that."
Flaming Fist Mercenary: "A stupid decision. You are hereby all sentenced to death."

And he actually attacked us. Not a good idea. And he didn't even have any backing or something. Didn't work out well for him.

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/3158/033baldr003.jpg

Jaheira: "Indeed, it would probably not be a good idea to have her run around on her own, especially when she is so quick to admonish those few who would not want her dead only for being a drow. This kind of foolishness will only get her killed. Best to have some people who know when to remain silent to watch over her."

I have no idea who she was referring to there. Khalid, maybe? Rest of us sure don't seem to have that instinct.


Anyway, new traveling companion. I would have hoped for a cute guy instead of a scary dark elf, but what're you gonna do?


At least she's not like that dwarf we picked up in Beregost. Got his adress from the smithy since he apparently hires adventurers like us often. Went to his shop, and he was standing there, armor on, axe on the table, and his "Greetings, I am Kagain." could as well have been "Piss off, I've got a hangover." because that's what he really wanted to say for sure.

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/1724/033baldr004.jpg

Well, Lori did some haggling, Khalid helped him out at some point, and then we had a job.

Well, with nothing else to do, we'd just check the area off the main road, because that's the route Kagain had apparently told the caravan to use.

On the way, Viconia had something to tell me.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/5658/033baldr005.jpg

I still wonder what kind of things she did back in the underdark, though. At least I'm pretty sure I read something about them hunting gnomes and surface elves for sport and all that.
Of course, asking someone about how many murders she's commited isn't something I feel comfortable doing, so I just kept silent after that.


Well, some time later, we actually found the caravan. Got attacked only a few miles out of Beregost, apparently. I don't think this Kagain fellow is really running the best business there.

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/9781/033baldr006.jpg

I mean, really. Those bandits weren't even dangerous. I mean, even when one of my spells somehow slowed some of us down instead of the bandits - no idea why that happened - they weren't much of a threat.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8315/033baldr007.jpg

Not at all, actually. Two graze shots is all they managed.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8140/033baldr008.jpg

Still, we came too late.

Kagain: "Well, look what I found. Silvershield's son. And three arrows sticking out of him. Guess I'm in a lot of trouble now. My reputation's now mud, and I can't go to Silvershield with those news. Eh, why don't ya bring the body back to Beregost, send a message to the count, maybe get a reward if ya ever get to the Gate. Here, take his brooch as proof or something. I don't care, all I'd get is a tour to the gallows anyway. Well, here's yer promised pay, too. Gonna be heading north now, lay low for some time. Hm...ya know, yer good enough in a fight. If ya have a job that pays well to be worth my time, ya can reach me through one of my contacts in the Friendly Arm. Drafgar is his name, staying there most of the time. Don't try it before next month, though, there's a lot I'll have to sort out."

Well, here's hoping we won't be paying Drafgar a visit. But, you know, Lori and his decisions. You never know for sure.

They're not as weird as our new companion, though. See, we were at Feldepost's as usual, and that skanky Gyllian wasn't there, so Lori kinda just got drunk with Khalid. Jaheira, me and Viconia were drinking some mead, when suddenly, Viccy stood up and walked straight over to Lori and Khalid.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3329/033baldr009.jpg

No idea what that was about.

And you've gotta say that Lori's got his good moments. Is why I let him play that leader role, after all.
For example, when we came across that cute bard I had met in Feldepost's some days ago, he handled the whole thing pretty well.

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/7913/033baldr010.jpg

I think Garrick remembered me, too. At least he was glancing at me that way when we went to meet Silke. Which turned out to be that woman that spirited him away from me in Feldepost's.

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/7720/033baldr011.jpg

Can't say I was surprised when things went south.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/203/033baldr012.jpg

And I have no idea how Silke could find work as an actress. Unless she has only ever worked for troupes like the one we saw at the Nashkel carnival, the one that put on this Day of the Talking Genitals play. I mean, me and Lori can come up with way better stories than that on the spot, and we never did it for a living, only not to get in trouble with the watchers at Candlekeep.

Oh, and she wasn't really good in a fight, either.

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2815/033baldr013.jpg

So, this Faltis gave us some pretty valuable potion, and we found a good amount of gold on Silke.

The real prize, though?

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/231/033baldr014.jpg

Yeah, figured I had to intervene there. Couldn't allow this to go wrong, after all.


Of course, Lori wouldn't allow us to just catch our breath and chat for a while, no. Not when you can pester total strangers in the middle of the day.

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/495/033baldr024.jpg

Penny: "People going missing on the streets, with no system behind it. Anyone can be a target, apparently, and nobody knows why. Got people on edge, as you may imagine."

Well, no idea how that worked when every normal person would have told him to mind his business. Guess it must be that weird book that made him look about twice as good. Next book of that sort we find is gonna be mine, trust me.

Anyway, turns out the disappearances started when some noblewoman moved into a house nearby with her entourage.

A job for heroes like us, obviously.

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/4137/033baldr016.jpg

Alright, so when I said that Lori's better than Silke at coming up with stories? I should have added an 'usually' there.

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/1011/033baldr017.jpg

Luckily, he can always count on me. Well, not really, lately, what with my magic being a bit weird sometimes.

But when it has to, it works.

So I made one of those flunkies fight for us with a spell.

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5135/033baldr018.jpg

I was feeling kinda weird afterwards, though. Like hearing my own thoughts.

Well, anyway, I thought that this other guy would probably be much happier if he could be a squirrel instead of some goon about to get killed.

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/6001/033baldr019.jpg

And he looked much cuter that way, too.

With another one already dead anyway, that left this Bertram. I wanted to just cast a little spell, Chromatic Orb, the first one I learned. I'm usually pretty good with that one.

This time, though?

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/4415/033baldr020.jpg

I was even better. Although I would have liked turning him into a squirrel too better than turning him into a statue. But I can live with that, I guess.

Too bad the spell that I had charmed that other guy with ran out, so we had to kill him.

Well, then everyone was running upstairs after the last of the skeletons that Bertram had summoned. No idea why it was running there, but I guess "her ladyship" did this.

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/6701/033baldr021.jpg

Valeria: "Even so, I believe I am closer than ever to identifying and isolating that elusive combination. In just a few short weeks, I could have the answer to despair!"
Viconia: "Shar...you iblith surely never cease to amaze me with your absurd modes of thought."
Elorian: "Do you mean the whole abducting and killing to brew a potion part or the belief in humoral theory? Because, as far as I know, both deserve the comment."
Khalid: "Indeed. In C-Calimshan, where I c-come from, it has been discarded for a long time."
Imoen: "I dunno what that was all about, but I gotta say, when your answer to feeling lonely is killing people for experiments, you're doing something wrong."
Garrick: "It's really pretty...evil, killing people just because you can't make friends."
Jaheira: "And it stops now."
Valeria: "If this is your answer, then I welcome death! It would be a mercy after the life I have endured."
Elorian: "Oh, boo hoo hoo..."


And on top of being insane, she was a liar, too. She didn't welcome death at all.

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/2950/033baldr022.jpg

Well, in the end, Elorian just stabbed her in the chest.

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5614/033baldr023.jpg

Elorian: "So much for that bleeding heart of yours, your ladyship."
Khalid: "It's really to b-bad that it had to come to this."
Elorian: "Yeah. She really should have done it herself years ago. But, no, humoral theory's the answer."
Garrick: "Well, at least there will be no more killing now, right?"

And we'd collect some bounty.

On the way, Garrick remembered something.

Garrick: "The way you solved this, how you got involved there...could it be that you are the adventurers that also solved the problems at the Nashkel mine?"
Elorian: "Yeah, that's us."
Imoen: "And we also took care of the bandits that waylaid all the iron merchants."
Garrick: "Really? Why, that would be great material for a song! Can you tell me more?"
Elorian: "Well..."
Imoen: "Sure I can!"

And now he's going to write a song about me.

Not a bad day, that one, even with all the killing and the weirdness going on.






Commentary:

In case you're wondering if Elorian could have scored there: Yes, he could.

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/1054/033baldrscore.jpg

But it took his best pick-up line, as you can see. :smallamused:

I'm not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, she doesn't exactly play hard to get in BG2, but then again, by this point the player character (Get it...player character? :smallcool:) has become a hero in the north, butchered armies, and is known to be a demigod, whereas right now, Elorian is just a competent adventurer/mercenary. And, as anyone who has romanced her knows, the timing is...not the best.


Valeria, whose goons were completely brutalized by Imoen, is from the Gavin NPC mod. I didn't actually get or finish the quest, technically, but since Gavin won't be a part of the group, I thought I could just do this anyway.
Especially since her house is also used by another mod - Stone of Askavar - that will be tackled at some point after Cloakwood.

[Morty]

Is it even possible to finish Kagain's quest in an unmodded game? In my last playthrough, he told me not to bother and just go about my business after wandering around a little.

[Johnny Blade]

Ah...no, it's not. This is added by the BG1 NPC Project. Forgot to mention that. Oh, by the way, his involvement ends right there. You can bring him to Silvershield's estate when you report what happened or not. It really doesn't matter.

[Toric]

Kaigan always struck me as the world's least motivated dwarf. In the unmodded game you barely reach the outskirts of Beregost and he goes "Meh, I'm tired of this. Who's up for random adventuring?"

And now I know what happens if you Dominate yourself.

[Eldariel]

Heya, Imoen, glad to hear an account from you too :smallbiggrin:

[Johnny Blade]

Glad I didn't have to doublepost after all. :smallbiggrin:


Chapter 34: Days of the Living Dead, part 1

Well, while collecting a sizable bounty in exchange for her ladyship's bloody robes, which the temple of Lathander wanted to keep - no big loss, since the magic in it was strongly evil, as both Garrick and Imoen confirmed, we overheard some of the acolytes talking about an apparently haunted tomb not too far away.

Viconia: "I thought the servants of Lathander would perhaps do something about beings whose mere existence opposes their very beliefs. But, of course, I forgot the obvious cowardice of these people."
Elorian: "Ah, look at those people here. They're no fighters. If they'd go up against some real opponents like these undead, they'd only go to forcibly switch sides."
Jaheira: "I don't like to say it, but Viconia is right. These acolytes may not be fighters, but they have some stationed in Beregost. And we have just been paid thousands by them for the second time after we already got a huge reward for dealing with Bassilus."
Elorian: "Well, those actually went out and killed people..."
Jaheira: "Most undead tend to do so, too, as you know yourself."
Elorian: "But...ah, yeah, never mind, let's just go and see what's up with that tomb."


On the way there, Imoen was busy rewriting our history again. Although, not that much, actually. Mainly just making Mulahey, his forces and her importance in the battle that saw him defeated a bit more...sizable. Artistic license, I reckon.
Of course, she was only giving Garrick any details about Deheriana's and Kivan's story after he promised to write a song about her.

Anyway, those two were lucky to stay away from, well, everybody else, since everyone seemed to have a go at each other's nerves.

Jaheira and I had one of our little discussions about when we should make our move on the Iron Throne's mine in Cloakwood again, while Viconia was busy tearing into Khalid.

Viconia: "I must say, you and Jaheira have proven most enlightening in the little time that we have been traveling together. You see, I was told that on the surface, the male is often dominant in a marriage, and my travels so far have revealed as much. To my shame, I was beginning to wonder if there was a good reason for this. But now that I see how a druid, who by definition has at least a better understanding of the nature of things than the rest of you kivvil, treats her husband, I see that the only reason is the asininity that is so abundant here."
Khalid: "I-indeed, it is asinine. If only all lovers could t-treat each other as equals."
Viconia: "Equals? It is refreshing to see you show some spine and talk back for once, but surely, you could have lied in a less obvious way."
Khalid: "I already susp-pected you would not understand a relationship where one c-can stay in the back and still be valued and have just as m-much of a say as the other one. After all, it must be f-founded on mutual respect."
Viconia: "Oh, if you want to believe this, then keep lying to yourself. But you know that while we are talking, it is your wife discussing our next moves with Elorian."
Khalid: "After we exch-changed our views yesterday. I am not sure, of c-course, but I d-don't think I have seen you and Elorian s-speaking about our options. And I know that Jaheira values your op-pinion about as much as I do."


And let's not forget those damn wolves that took what felt like half my right leg.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/706/034baldr001.jpg

Having two healers sure is a good thing, even when you really want to gag them at times.


Anyway, relatively soon, we arrived at a tomb, which was conveniently confirmed as the right one.

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3866/034baldr002.jpg

After we had dealt with one huge spider at the entrance, I went on a little scouting mission.

Well then. Monsters?

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/7260/034baldr003.jpg

Oh yes.

Phantoms?

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/3564/034baldr004.jpg

Also attendant.


Scary?

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/234/034baldr005.jpg

If you are worried about your health, definitely so.


We did kill them, though, at the cost of some spells and potions. Not to mention blood.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/1795/034baldr006.jpg


The phantoms were a bit different, offering alternatives besides fighting and running away.

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/927/034baldr007.jpg

Garrick: "Hm...you know, I have heard about the Vampiric Sword."
Elorian: "Really? Great! So, what do you know?"
Garrick: "Well, it drains the life of those who wield it."
Viconia: "How helpful our little minstrel is. Oh, I just realized that I have heard about the Vampiric Sword as well. Did you know that it is made of metal?"
Imoen: "Hey, lay off, will ya? I mean, most swords don't hurt those that use them, ya know?"
Viconia: "Oh, of course! A vampiric tool of revenge should be expected to be most beneficial to those it is given to, after all."
Elorian: "Moving on to what actually matters...any idea where to find that thing?"
Garrick: "Well, no. It's been lost for many years."
Elorian: "Hmm..."
Jaheira: "We have other responsibilities."
Elorian: "I know. I just wonder...that phantom here did say that he's 'one of the evil' now and doesn't know why he doesn't attack the living on sight himself."
Jaheira: "I see...and he himself did offer us the option to end this unnatural existence by force."
Elorian: "Yes...so...get ready, everyone."

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/4862/034baldr008.jpg

Like the fights before, it wasn't easy, but things were going relatively well.

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/985/034baldr009.jpg

One of the phantoms fell soon, and the others should soon have followed.

Of course, then Imoen tried casting some spell, no idea what exactly.

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/5183/034baldr010.jpg

Jaheira: "By Silvanus! What have you done!?"
Imoen: "Uh...I...uh...SORRY!"
Khalid: "RUN!"

Seemed like a good idea, seeing how, yes, that was a huge demon stepping out of the gate.

Oddly enough, the demon didn't give chase but just eyed us, apparently amused. Well, the remaining phantoms did. They apparently weren't weakened by the destruction of what should be one third of their essence, but still went down soon enough.

Garrick: "Uh...what now? I mean, there's a Nabassu over there. That's a...a very powerful demon."
Elorian: "Well, we brought him here, didn't we? It's not customary for adventurers to go clean out a tomb that hasn't actually been much of a problem and summon a demon in it that will be a pretty huge one."
Viconia: "First, this is hardly our problem. Second, we brought him here? No, we didn't."
Imoen: "Look, I'm really sorry!"
Jaheira: "That won't be much use if we all die because of your antics. Anyway, Elorian is right, we have to banish the demon."
Imoen: "Alright, alright, I'll make it up to y'all. Just wait, I'll summon something to help us..."
Elorian: "Uh..."
Khalid: "P-please, rec-c-consider..."

To her defense, it worked this time.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/7382/034baldr011.jpg

So, without much of a choice, but with a new ally, we attacked.

Nabassu: "Aaaahhh....come to play, little toyssss..."

Luckily, his favorite toy was that elemental thing Imoen had summoned, so we didn't get into contact with the demon's claws and literally burning gaze too often.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/6870/034baldr012.jpg

In fact, I was surprised when the Nabassu went down without much trouble and vanished, returning to the Abyss.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9184/034baldr013.jpg

Not without spouting some random threat, of course.

Nabassu: "I'll be back for you, mortals! I will taste your flesh!"

Well, that was that. Of course, Khalid, Jaheira and Viconia all had something that they really wanted Imoen to hear.

I decided that going through the loot of this place would be my excuse for not backing her up this time. It really was her fault, after all.

I found some book again, read the first few pages to block out the background noise of Imoen being verbally torn to pieces - advice on how to speak in public. Didn't really interest me at the time, so I snapped it shut. Only to feel some weird clarity of mind. I opened the book again, only to find empty pages.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/9766/034baldr014.jpg

Well, best not to tell Imoen, I guess. The evidence ended up in my backpack for now, and a fire later.

I decided that this was punishment enough, though, so I went back to the place of Imoen's oral execution.

Elorian: "Alright, that's enough. Everyone can see she's sorry, so don't waste your breath just so you can see her break down or whatever you want to achieve with this. We're done here, so let's go."

I wasn't even surprised when even Jaheira simply obliged.




Well, we reported our success to the temple, although we didn't get a reward. It was soon decided that we'd finally take a look at Charleston Nib's new excavation site, supposedly near the Firewine Bridge in the south-east.
Garrick had an idea about that.


Garrick: "Elorian? On our way there, can't we go and visit the carnival in Nashkel? I've heard many great things about it."
Elorian: "Actually, we just were there before we met you."
Garrick: "Yes, I know. Imoen told me. But, it's really not much of a detour, and I'm sure everyone would like to sleep in a bed on the way to Firewine, right?"
Imoen: "Come on, it really isn't far from the Bridge. Uh, I think."
Jaheira: "I'd rather not waste time with idle diversions, but I wouldn't mind it too much, either. We have made some money here, after all, and the merchants at the carnival have always offered good wares."

And I wasn't sure if Imoen still had any intentions regarding Garrick. And if she had, ruining that opportunity wouldn't go over well with her.

So, off to Nashkel again, where the merchants really didn't disappoint, although some did more of a comedian's work than a vendor's.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/6760/034baldr014x.jpg

And Garrick even managed to get something more out of this than some potions and the like.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/3937/034baldr015.jpg




http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/2285/034baldr016.jpg

Jaheira: "Another little detour, hm?"
Garrick: "It's not really far, either..."

Well, it really wasn't although the way there itself was riddled with yet more diversions, and not all of them random banter. Although, we had that, too.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/9040/034baldr017.jpg


For example, there was another problem with a corpse that wouldn't stay dead.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/5428/034baldr018.jpg

Viconia: "Coward."
Imoen: "Huh...what a queer fellow. Anyway, why'd ya thee him there, Lori?"
Elorian: "I figured the scene really needed some more dignity, as it was sorely lacking it."
Imoen: "Oooh, I see...I mean, thine call hath been well made, mine good lord."
Elorian: "Eastwards to the cave, then, dear assorted lords and ladies."



http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/1324/034baldr019.jpg

Elorian: "Yes, here, take it. Now, if it really is only the dagger you need, would you mind if we helped ourselves to...ah, already dead again?"

And he didn't spring back to life when we did help ourselves to some potions that were lying around. Good thing those things are magically preserved as well.

Anyway, besides some other tombs, all inhabitated by ghouls and ghasts guarding some magic items, we also ran into one of the usual crazies.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/4269/034baldr020.jpg

Imoen: "Ew...slimes? Am I, like, the only mage that likes squirrels and bunnies? Well, at least they're not basilisks."
Jaheira: "Are you mad, experimenting on creatures and then releasing them into the wild before witnessing the spell's true effect?"
Narcillicus: "Rest your fears. I prepared thoroughly for the casting and could not have made a single mistake, unless... oh my... The wording... The wording, I got it wrong! Rather than controlling them, I fear I have transformed them into the a far greater menace: the dreaded green slime. Stay and fight them if you will but, whatever you do, do not let them touch you!"

Well, we indeed stayed and killed them. Not really dangerous, at least when you know that you should better stay away from them. Of course, according to Jaheira, you only have minutes to live if you don't.



Afterwards, we made our way to the old Ulcaster School, where we were received by a group of hobgoblins.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/8554/034baldr021.jpg

One of them left us a pair of magical boots that should be a great help in sneaking around. Once the hobgoblin smell is washed out, that is.


Anyway, as we wandered around, we soon heard some ethereal melody in the air. Garrick was obviously excited, but everyone wanted to see where it came from.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/4084/034baldr022.jpg
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/4053/034baldr023.jpg

So, apparently, living among zombies for a few years can get boring enough to desire one last grand fight to the death. An interesting revelation, although not the wisdom Garrick had come for, I think.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/7344/034baldr024.jpg

And Myr'Cutio couldn't teach us anything we didn't know already, although he put on a good show on his last performance.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/5607/034baldr025.jpg

Well, Garrick made the best of it.

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/3637/034baldr026.jpg

And quite comfortable, too, as he said.

Well, since we were in the area anyway, we decided to explore Ulcaster itself as well.
Just when we were walking up to it and I wanted to ask Garrick something about the history of the place, which I honestly don't know too well, we were, quite rudely, interrupted by yet another man that didn't know what dead people are generally supposed to behave like.

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4763/034baldr027.jpg

Although we had to find out that he had several notable resistances, he seemed to be susceptible enough to brute force.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/5286/034baldr028.jpg

Of course, then he apparently remembered that he had made a pact for such occasions.

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/4499/034baldr029.jpg

Not good. He was hitting harder, blows seemed to crack his bones less, and lightning was shooting down from the sky on us.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8079/034baldr030.jpg

Soon, several of us were severely wounded.

Still, we had survived worse, and even with one arm hanging limp, I managed to land a blow that sent his skull flying from his body.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/3677/034baldr031.jpg

But then, just when it looked like it was over, his bones started to pulsate, then exploded in a storm of pure energy.

All the pain from the battle washed over me again, only to be simply gone the very next moment, and I fell into the darkness.






Commentary:

Give it up for the Ineffectual Cliffhanger!



Aaanyway, I sometimes think that the different regions you visit in BG1 are themed somehow.

I mean, even apart from the obvious focus on bandits in the northern areas - the Sword Coast was all about insanity (especially if you count Bassilus), the way to the gnoll stronghold boasted two quests were you had to fetch pets for people, and the eastern areas are full of restless dead that you have to put to sleep with some wolves thrown in for fun. And the mods add quite a bit to that. In this update, Northern Tales of the Sword Coast with the tomb and the BG1 NPC Project with Garrick's quest.


Oh, in case anybody wonders about Garrick's armor: It has AC 4 and allows spellcasting.




Kaigan always struck me as the world's least motivated dwarf. In the unmodded game you barely reach the outskirts of Beregost and he goes "Meh, I'm tired of this. Who's up for random adventuring?"
"Uh, but not before an ale. Can't we get an ale somewhere around here, hunh?"



Heya, Imoen, glad to hear an account from you too :smallbiggrin:
Heh...trust me, there'll be a few of those.

[Morty]

Now that's a good Wild Surge. :smallbiggrin:
Also, this next to the Ulcaster was really hard to beat last time I played. Mostly because his resistance to non-magical weapons - only Branwen and Safana had them at the time. Of course, it wasn't until he was beaten that I realized Shar-Teel could have used Safana's +1 Shortsword since she's got two points in Small Sword.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 35: Days of the Living Dead, part 2

Viconia: "...with your herbs and berry mush? Let me help him, druid, your remedies obviously do nothing."
Jaheira: "Shut up, drow! I don't have the time to deal with you now."
Garrick: "Uh, I think he's waking up anyway."
Imoen: "Huh? Oh! Lori!"
Elorian: "...what? Uh...morning?"

Apparently, everybody else had just felt our enemy bursting to then feel what Imoen only described as "weird" and Viconia as a "strange sensation" and find out that the sun was already up. And see me lying in the grass unconscious.

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3852/035baldr001.jpg

Jaheira: "Now, how are you feeling?"
Elorian: "Pretty normal, actually. Well, my wounds still hurt."
Khalid: "M-more importantly, what was g-going on with you?"
Elorian: "No idea. I don't remember a thing."
Khalid: "T-too bad. It would have been good to know why you reacted this way."
Elorian: "Well, he mentioned Myrkul, didn't he? Wouldn't the first time some dead power shows interest in me. Although I guess this one's a bit more important than Kozah."
Viconia: "Dead powers? What is this about?"
Garrick: "What, nobody told you?"
Viconia: "He knows and I don't? I had already gathered that your judgment is clouded at times, but this? You worry me."
Elorian: "Look, I meant to tell you, but there never was a good moment. Anyways, I guess this one is the best possible one now."
Garrick: "Oh, please, can I listen, too? I'd love to have multiple accounts. And don't skip a thing. It looks quiet anyway, so there should be time enough."

Of course, as soon as he had finished this sentence, a flaming arrow hit him in the shoulder. Not much of a problem, obviously, although the kobolds that had just ambushed us realized this themselves and we had to chase them down.

Elorian: "You know, as a bard, you should have known better. 'It looks quiet'...we're lucky that no dragon swooped down on us or something."
Garrick: "I, uh...hey, look, there's a ghost behind you!"
Jaheira: "Garrick, you aren't seriously trying to..."
Viconia: "I would not be surprised."
Imoen: "No, look! There really is a ghost."

Indeed there was.

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/2282/035baldr002.jpg

Garrick: "Huh...those runes on his robes. I think this could indeed be the ghost of Ulcaster!"
Imoen: "Wait, you mean the guy who founded this school?"
Garrick: "Indeed, a powerful conjurer from Tethyr who came here to teach his art and build a grand library in what are now these ruins."
Ulcaster: "...a storehouse of arcane knowledge..."
Garrick: "Sadly, only a few years later, Cali****e mages who were envious of his repute attacked the school and leveled it. Ulcaster himself was one of the few of the many students, teachers and librarians who weren't killed in the process, as he teleported away."
Ulcaster: "...lost, all lost... a common dungeon, now..."
Imoen: "Wow, that's...sad."
Elorian: "I guess that must be why he's haunting the place. Feeling guilty for abandoning it all while people that didn't have a fraction of his power died defending it."
Ulcaster: "...all for knowledge did we strive... nothing left... hope would return with the retrieval of the simplest of tomes... beneath the rubble... on the lowest floors... return hope... history is so important..."
Elorian: "Wait, what? He's here for books?"
Garrick: "Well, history is important. Although...it's not really a reason for haunting this place that's, uh, worthy of great ballads."
Viconia: "Oh, really? Were it not for this spectre's incessant wailing, I would even commend him for being here not out of sickly sentimentality but to recover the arcane tomes that undoubtedly still offer some measure of power."
Khalid: "And what would he d-do with it, then? He his here out of s-sentimentality, he only values old p-parchment higher than the souls of his own s-students, apparently."
Viconia: "Well, as I said, were it not for his wailing. I am fully aware of the nature of this wretched apparition."
Elorian: "Well, what you said is interesting, though. Maybe we'd find something valuable in there, because apparently, there still is some stuff down there. Unless that ghost is a liar on top of a callous coward, but I think that's not too likely."
Imoen: "And maybe there's one of those books that make you look better down there."

Consequently, after resting for a while to tend to our wounds, let our spellcasting companions refresh their energies and satisfy Viconia's curiosity - she didn't let any of her feelings about the situation on - we had a look at the former school's lower floors.

Well, several corpses of other adventurers and unusually fierce wolves explained why there still was something down there.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/2613/035baldr003.jpg

And if there were any questions left, the next pack answered them.

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1011/035baldr004.jpg

They also took a good chunk of my flesh.



Imoen: "Lori! Hold out there, just a second!"


And then there was a burst of light. And hazelnuts flying all around.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/381/035baldr005.jpg

Jaheira: "What...not AGAIN!?"
Viconia: "What did the silly girl do now!?"
Jaheira: "Destroy our gold!"
Viconia: "WHAT!?"
Garrick: "That's not good!"
Imoen: "Can we talk about that later!? The wolves are still here, ya know? Wait...Lori! Don't worry! I gotcha this time!"
Viconia: "Oh no, you won't! Wael!"

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/6568/035baldr006.jpg

Imoen: "Hey! What did you just...why can't I remember any of my spells?"
Elorian: "You actually memorize these? Oh, by the way, little help here?"

Well, even with some of us distracted, we finished them off.


Elorian: "Alright, I guess everyone has something to say about our sudden lack of money, but I'll go and scout ahead now, and I'd feel a lot safer if I could do that in silence."

On the upside, I could.

On the downside, I found something - a huge, apparently undead wolf with dried blood all over its fur. Probably what had lured the other wolves into this place and controlled them.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/6114/035baldr007.jpg

I decided not to take any chances and stabbed it in the flank. That left a hole and made it mad, but had no other apparent effect.

Well, besides the obvious, which is that I was now chased by the thing.

At least, Garrick had the right idea and quickly summoned some gnolls using one of his wands.

Of course, then the wolf let loose a howl that sent them running and made some of the dead adventurers lying around jump to life again. Or rather, unlife.

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/438/035baldr008.jpg

The next moment I heard Imoen scream, looked back and saw her paralyzed body gnawed on by one of the undead.

"Somebody help her! I can't--"

Yeah, I had forgotten to actually care about the one I was dealing with for a moment.

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/9844/035baldr008x.jpg

Next thing I know, the undead adventurers are no longer a problem and Imoen is wounded but otherwise all right, but Garrick is now busy fending off a freshly arrived pack of wolves while the rest is still trying to put an end to the huge undead one.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/4409/035baldr009.jpg

Well, I joined in, and soon enough, it collapsed when Khalid severed its spine.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/3876/035baldr010.jpg

With the help of the gnolls, which had otherwise only served as distractions, the remaining wolves were soon dead as well.


So. Our gold was gone, and we had just finished a fight that might have resulted in my and Imoen's death.
Our reward for this?

Several potions and magic items, none of them noteworthy or even anywhere close to making up for what was now rolling around as hazelnuts. And...

Garrick: "Hey, here's a book."
Elorian: "Spellbook?"
Garrick: "No...'History of the Darkness'. Hey, that's not even a very rare one. Although that is quality binding. And, for such an old book, it's in a very good condition."
Imoen: "Wait, lemme see...uhuh...bla bla bla...hey, Lori, the ink from the pages should be gone by now, right?"
Elorian: "Well, you know, they usually don't have the name of, you know, other books."
Imoen: "Then...that's just some book."
Khalid: "Well, we m-might as well return it to Ulcaster, then. Maybe he will give us something f-for it, at least."



He didn't.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/6973/035baldr011.jpg

Elorian: "After bringing him this stupid book, I couldn't really decline, now, could I?"
Viconia: "What a waste of time."
Elorian: "I will find solace in the fact that in his ethereal state, he can't do much with the thing."
Garrick: "Uh...actually..."

He indicated that I should turn around.

I did.

I shouldn't have.

Ulcaster was floating mid-air, an enraptured look on his ghostly visage, and reading the book, obviously turning the pages with nothing but his mind.

Elorian: "Ah. Well, well...we were on our way to Firewine before we decided to look at these ruins, am I right? Because we're leaving now."
Garrick: "You know, Elorian, after the kobold attack earlier and all...you should have known better than saying this."
Imoen: *giggle*
Elorian: "Alright, alright. I had that one coming, I guess. But why couldn't I catch an arrow instead of seeing that ghost simpering?"
Imoen: "Ya really had it coming."



Well, so did she, and accordingly, on our way to Firewine, she got to hear something about responsibility (Khalid), discipline (Jaheira) and being stupid, useless and whatever mal'ai means (Viconia).

I was mainly busy being pelted with questions about our adventures by Garrick.
Although Viconia had one to.

Viconia: "Abbil, you must tell me, why do you even keep the stupid girl around? Does she amuse you somehow?"
Elorian: "She's my sister."
Viconia: "Where I'm from, this means the weakness she shows in every fight should be exploited to get rid of her. I must know, what do you feel for the little fool to let her tag along?"
Elorian: "Alright. You see, we grew up in Candlekeep together, and did everything together there. And with our foster parents both busy all the time, we had a lot of time to waste even when we didn't have any chores to do that we couldn't weasel out of. Not to mention that, when Gorion died, she joined me and has been with me ever since, despite bounty hunters and death everywhere."
Viconia: "So? I, too, am still with you."
Elorian: "True...and thanks for that. But you know what this is about. Imoen doesn't. I mean, she's not actually that bad with her magic, but she never was much of a fighter. It's different for her. She could go somewhere and settle down, live an easier life, maybe even a happy one. For you or me, that's not possible, is it? And yet, she's still around, knowing damn well she could die any minute, out of nothing but loyalty."
Viconia: "Hm."
Elorian: "Hm?"
Viconia: "Thank you for the explanation."

Well, that was weird.

Anyways, we came across a small halfling village near the Firewine bridge and decide to take lodging for the night.

On the next morning, the mayor had a proposal to make.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/1600/035baldr012.jpg


That apparently made Garrick wonder.

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/4685/035baldr013.jpg


Well, we left him behind to work on just that and protect the halflings in case the kobolds attacked at just this moment - apparently, they had come from several directions.

Anyways, I was just scouting ahead in the dungeon, when...

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/2908/035baldr014.jpg

Indira: "What? No! Please, for my friends, I can't leave yet."
Elorian: "Alright, alright. Anyways, why did you come here?"
Indira: "Well, we were hired to come here and find out what's going on."
Elorian: "What, you mean by Luckyfoot? He never said a word about another group."
Indira: "No, no, Nashkel sent us. They've had problems with kobolds coming from here."
Elorian: "Really? When we were looking for work in Nashkel, I didn't hear a thing about that."
Indira: "You didn't? But Oublek said he's been looking for some adventurers for over a week."
Elorian: "Ah, Oublek. That explains things."
Indira: "Huh?"
Elorian: "Oh, nothing. Family history, you know? Nothing you could blame Oublek for, but I've been in his bad books from the moment I took my first breath on. Best not to mention me around him."
Indira: "Alright, good to know. Oh what's your name, anyway?"
Elorian: "Elorian. And you are?"
Indira: "Indira."
Elorian: "Well, Indira. Let's see what we can do about that ogre mage, then."
Indira: "Yes. For my friends."


First, though, we had to deal with a horde of kobolds and the aggravating, maze-like architecture of the place. Viconia indulged in her usual way of coping with such annoyances.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6564/035baldr015.jpg

Well, we split up, with Indira, Jaheira and Imoen staying back to make sure I, Khalid and Viconia wouldn't be attacked from behind.

Elorian: "At least it's a break from all the undead."

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/6949/035baldr016.jpg

Viconia: "You had to say it."
Elorian: "No word to Garrick about this."

Well, we could help them.

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/5531/035baldr017.jpg

Of course, he wouldn't just stand still while we did the striking. No, that would be too easy.

Still, we had dealt with worse, and so, soon enough, the curse was lifted.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/453/035baldr018.jpg


Well, could have been worse. Of course, I fully suspect to have nightmares about being dropped in a kobold-infested maze to retrieve a book about humoral theory soon.

Anyways, the rest of the dungeon were more kobolds.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1431/035baldr019.jpg

I scouted ahead again. Some more kobolds, but also a human mage - whatever had persuaded him to be there - and some ogrillons. Obviously, we were getting close. And then, for no apparent reason, the mage teleported right in front of the rest.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/5589/035baldr020.jpg

Probably not his first stupid decision, considering he was the personal bodyguard of an ogre mage that did nothing more than inconvenience two villages enough to hire some adventurers happening by.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/3527/035baldr021.jpg

But his last one.

With that, it was on. I snuck ahead unnoticed, and indeed into the chamber of the ogre mage, while the rest dealt with his remaining servants.

As soon as our target saw them, he felt the need to make a good show.

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/5162/035baldr022.jpg

However, a good backstabbing made him reconsider.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/9817/035baldr023.jpg

He tried to reach the nearby stairs, but was too slow.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/4144/035baldr024.jpg

The ogrillons didn't fare much better.

Indira: "Huh. I wonder where those stairs lead to..."
Khalid: "We should still be under G-gullykin."
Elorian: "Well, let's find out."


http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/1511/035baldr025.jpg

Viconia: "What an amusing little idiot you are."
Elorian: "Honestly, pal, are you that stupid?"

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/5346/035baldr025x.jpg

The answer: yes.


Anyways, Luckyfoot was quite happy to hear about our success.


http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/7350/035baldr026.jpg


Elorian: "So, I guess you'll not stay with us?"
Indira: "No. I can't. I mean, I've got to inform my friends' families. And then, well, I don't think I'll be able to do this for some time. Well, at least my share of the reward from Nashkel will be enough for a few months."


Well, we picked up Garrick again and, finally were off to the Firewine bridge to do our work for Nib.







Commentary:

So, Indira (http://www.shsforums.net/index.php?autocom=downloads&showfile=70). Half-elven fighter mage, goody two-shoes with not much to really say about her. If you want a fighter/mage, you can definitely add her to the party, because by all means, the mod isn't bad, there are no bugs and the voice acting's quality is pretty good, it's just not an especially notable one.

Here are two of her 20 banters:

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/162/indirabanter1.jpg




http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/6804/indirabanter2.jpg




Apart from that...

Sword Coast Stratagems-enhanced Ulcaster is a lot of fun.

The Firewine Dungeon is not. Seriously, this is the most annoying dungeon in the entire series. Narrow corridors shooting the pathfinding straight to hell, kobolds everywhere and with respawning points (How does that make sense anyway?) placed so you'll most likely get attacked from behind at least once if SCS (with better calls for help) is installed.


Oh yeah, mal'ai means idiot. (http://www.grey-company.org/Maerdyn/resources/translator/)




Now that's a good Wild Surge. :smallbiggrin:
Yeah, and that fight wasn't all that easy to begin with. Well, at least she managed to summon that Invisible Stalker.

Imoen also managed to force me to reload by causing a fiery death for herself, Viconia and Garrick a bit later, by the way.


Also, this next to the Ulcaster was really hard to beat last time I played. Mostly because his resistance to non-magical weapons - only Branwen and Safana had them at the time. Of course, it wasn't until he was beaten that I realized Shar-Teel could have used Safana's +1 Shortsword since she's got two points in Small Sword.
Heh...well, even with several +2 weapons, this fight was a pretty close call for my frontliners. It shouldn't be, at this point, but somehow, he hit even Khalid with every attack.

[Eldariel]

Viconia truly spices things up a bit. She's quite a...loud character for her role as an exile Drow. Wouldn't have it any other way :smallbiggrin:

By the way, aren't those money-eating Wild Surges somewhat annoying? Also, Miscast Magic on party member has to be a first.

Quite entertaining. Keep it up. Ulcaster was actually the one place I avoid like plague since it...feels too much like Firewine to me and I only stomach one of those...

[Johnny Blade]

By the way, aren't those money-eating Wild Surges somewhat annoying?
Yeah, kind of. At least this one, since I was trying to save some money for the final shopping spree before Cloakwood.
They're not that bad, though. All those mods mean I'll have enough loot to sell.


Also, Miscast Magic on party member has to be a first.
Possibly, but at this point, I had to do it. :smallamused:


Quite entertaining. Keep it up.
Will do. :smallbiggrin:


Ulcaster was actually the one place I avoid like plague since it...feels too much like Firewine to me and I only stomach one of those...
That's why I usually don't do the whole Firewine dungeon. Basically the same dungeon, but more annoying.
And the wolf is a pretty interesting enemy, whereas the one in Firewine is just one against two casters among many. (And can be all but skipped by just visiting Jenkal first if you didn't install the SCS component that locks the door in his house. And as you might imagine, I usually don't install it.)

[nooblade]

It seems that all of the images in spoiler tags for the entire page are being sent. Which is mildly disappointing. Now I'll have to leave a cache open for the images for this forum so that the pages load at an acceptable rate.

You may not even notice because you don't have your cache set to empty whenever your browser closes.

Now, why wasn't I noticing this on the other pages?


Oh, and enjoying the LP, by the way.

[Johnny Blade]

Now, why wasn't I noticing this on the other pages?
Well, this is the first page with all .jpegs. I don't really know much anything at all about how different file types are loaded by browsers, but I guess I could change some of the settings or even go back to .pngs.

The screenshots for the next update are already done, though, so it won't happen before, well, the next page, I guess.



Oh, and enjoying the LP, by the way.
Thanks. :smallsmile:

[Eldariel]

.pngs have better quality; I'm all for going back to 'em.

[Johnny Blade]

Well, I switched to .jpegs because I thought they'd load faster due to their size. If that's not the case, there's not much speaking for them.

Anyway...



Chapter 35: Days of the Living Dead, part 3

So, the Firewine bridge. An old elven settlement, destroyed in a sorcerous battle that actually relocated the river, and now an overgrown ruin. Also an area of wild magic.
I expected basically everything.

What we got were hobgoblins and trolls, which, keeping Khalid's warning to use fire or acid once they're down so their wounds wouldn't simply close due to their regenerative powers in mind, weren't that much of a threat.

Garrick seemed to have something on his mind afterwards.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9526/036baldr001.jpg

No idea what it was, but it made Imoen giggle again.

Imoen: "It's dried out, silly!"
Garrick: "No, what I meant is where it is now. The river's course was changed by the battle that destroyed the bridge, but I don't know where it is now."


Anyways, Imoen was apparently quite impressed by the whole place.

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/3936/036baldr002.jpg

Hopefully also something to make her think about her use of magic a bit.

Well, on the bridge, we met a young bard. I must say that I prefer a good song to musing about rubble, and at least in this case, I wasn't alone.

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/4787/036baldr003.jpg
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/2916/036baldr004.jpg

And he was really happy when we told him that we had recently met said knights and given their tale a happy end. Not sure if adding that would leave it with quite the same impact, but I guess that's a decision a bard should make.


Well, we also met this other guy. He didn't have a ballad for us, although I think there was material for one in what he said.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/5959/036baldr005.jpg

At least Garrick looked interesting.

Anyways, "he" came soon enough. Now, I don't like to be patronizing, usually, but when it comes to the choice between fighting a vengeful zombie to have a chance to redeem yourself or being killed for revenge, I feel rather comfortable making the decision if the zombie's quarry is as depressed as this guy.

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/2934/036baldr006.jpg

Our help wasn't welcome, of course.

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/9559/036baldr007.jpg


Well, we went off to explore the place some more and make sure we have a safe resting place before going inside.

A good decision, since the trolls we ran into looked quite hungry.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4919/036baldr008.jpg

Still, we did well, although Imoen was a bit too eager to help.

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/876/036baldr009.jpg

Garrick: "I think a little less fire would be enough."
Elorian: "Gesture's appreciated, though."
Imoen: "Uh...sorry?"

She did better the next time.

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/7707/036baldr010.jpg


Of course, our travels wouldn't be the same without the occasional moron.

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/658/036baldr011.jpg


Well, we decided that the area was safe enough for a rest. When Viconia sat down next to Imoen after the camp was set up, I got ready to witness some verbal abuse again.

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/439/036baldr012.jpg

A nice surprise, I must say.

The next one, however, wasn't so nice. It came in the form of nightly yelling, wailing, and occasional cackling, which, when we went to see what was going on, turned out to come from a mage named Carsa.

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/5015/036baldr013.jpg

And within two seconds, the jar broke, an ogre mage appeared behind her, and impaled her on his sword.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9545/036baldr013x.jpg

Not how it should have gone, but I fear this would have happened sooner or later regardless of our intervention.


Well, Garrick summoned some gnolls again while Imoen's and Viconia's magic got us ready for the fight.
Whereas Kahrk seemed content to just hide.

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/9867/036baldr014.jpg

Of course, when we had detected him, he attacked with full force.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/7825/036baldr015.jpg

I would have expected the self-proclaimed greatest ogre mage to use some more magic, but I won't complain.

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/56/036baldr016.jpg


Well, we buried Carsa and finally went on to take care of our mission.

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/3632/036baldr017.jpg

Well, the expected undead were already waiting, although most of them were quickly stopped by a Web spell courtesy of Garrick.

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/9804/036baldr018.jpg

Those that weren't were instead taken care of by the vines and other plants Jaheira quickly animated. Good thing that the place is in such disrepair, I guess.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/219/036baldr019.jpg

Well, by the time the spells' duration had run out, only few enemies were left.

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/3743/036baldr020.jpg

The next floor could have been a lot more of a challenge, as my usual scouting run revealed...

Elorian: "Vampires."
Khalid: "V-vampires? Are you s-sure?"
Elorian: "Pretty much."
Khalid: "I wouldn't usually s-suggest being so wastef-ful, but it may be time for the p-protection scolls we have for such oc-casions."

Well, nobody wanted to come back to the place later, so we used them.

Consequently...

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/362/036baldr021.jpg

...we could soon move on to the next floor.

Which was the home of several monstrous spiders.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/8255/036baldr022.jpg

For overgrown vermin, they put up a good fight.

Anyways, with that done, we were off to return to Nashkel. After I snatched some enchanted armor that I'm sure wouldn't be as important for Nib as it can be for us, that is.

Well, the way back was mainly spent with idle banter.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/8569/036baldr024.jpg

Sadly, though, there also was a little incident with a few half-ogres.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/833/036baldr027.jpg

And with that, he and some more of his kind attacked.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/7374/036baldr028.jpg

Well, it's should suffice to say that the fight was not overly problematic. The implications, however?

Jaheira: "Iron. You heard that, didn't you?"
Elorian: "I did."
Jaheira: "Then I am sure you also understand. Will you finally act on it?"
Elorian: "Yes, yes, it's time."
Jaheira: "It has been for a while."

I let her have the last word. She was probably right anyway.

We'd have to storm the mine now.


And so, in Nashkel, despite collecting some good money from Nib and selling some of our surplus gear, and getting to sleep in beds that weren't even halfling-sized again, nobody was looking too happy when we went to sleep.








Commentary:

Yeah, bit short maybe, but I think I've spent enough time with random running around and there really isn't much to say about the second Firewine area. (Also, there was no screenshot of the first trolls because, due to some weird glitch, Imoen's whole sprite was, well, white. Ctrl + R solved it, but I only noticed that when the fight was already over.)

I have no idea what happened to Kahrk there. He hardly put up a fight at all when usually, he can be trusted to at least hit one or two of the group with a Chaos spell. :smallconfused:

Also, I hope you can forgive me the whole Protection from Undead cheese. I promise it won't happen again.

Anyway, next stop is definitely Cloakwood now, with no further distractions.



Oh, and one thing about the whole Charleston Nib quest: I made the end to that up. I have no idea if there's a way to actually speak to him again. Nothing about it in the walkthrough that comes with the mod, either. I may have a look at the game's files at some point to find out.

[Hardcore]

That inside location at Firewine bridge have i never seen before! Is it a mod?

Second I don't get any of the banter displayed. I guess i my settings of the mod is wrong:(

[Morty]

Hm, I don't remember ever visiting the Firewine Bridge itself, not just the dungeons. I must have missed it.
Also, Garrick seems to have the "roguish" sprite which would be alright in BG1 but in BG2, bards have the "priest" sprite like clerics and druids. Does the Baldur's Gate Trilogy change it? Not that I mind, I like it better that way.

[Toric]

That wild surge, "Legs... so... heavy...", what does it do?

I also have to admit that I, too, am loving this LP. Imoen as a Wild Mage is brilliant.

[Johnny Blade]

That inside location at Firewine bridge have i never seen before! Is it a mod?
Northern Tales of the Sword Coast, as mentioned here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7529051#post7529051). (I should probably add references to the Commentary section.)


Second I don't get any of the banter displayed. I guess i my settings of the mod is wrong:(
That can actually happen, although I have no idea how. Just hit Ctrl + I until one comes up every once in a while.


That wild surge, "Legs... so... heavy...", what does it do?
I think it reduces the maximum carrying weight of a character. I'm not actually sure, though - I didn't even realize anything had happened before the effect had already run out.


I also have to admit that I, too, am loving this LP. Imoen as a Wild Mage is brilliant.
Thanks.


Hm, I don't remember ever visiting the Firewine Bridge itself, not just the dungeons. I must have missed it.
Well, you didn't miss much.
With SCS installed, you get trolls and an improved Kahrk, making it a relatively interesting place to be. Combat-wise, that is. In general, the place is completely inconsequential.
Although I did get a few thousand XP for everyone there. So many that I took some away again, even.


Also, Garrick seems to have the "roguish" sprite which would be alright in BG1 but in BG2, bards have the "priest" sprite like clerics and druids. Does the Baldur's Gate Trilogy change it? Not that I mind, I like it better that way.
I'm not entirely sure which mod changes that. I think it is BGT, though.

[Johnny Blade]

Okay, double-post and all, but since I'm probably going back to .pngs, I decided to do at least a little bit about file sizes. Since image settings and different browsers are an issue that I know exists but next to nothing about...

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/1898/036baldr000000test.png


Can everybody see this?
Please, everybody who happens by, say if you can and what browser you're using.

I mean, I don't really expect any problems here, but I'd like to be sure.


EDIT: That doesn't mean this will be the final solution...it doesn't look too good, I know.

[Matar]

I can see it just fine, and I use Opera.

As everyone should.

[Toric]

I see it in Internet Explorer. Yes, I know what I'm admitting in the previous sentence. I regret nothing.

[Matar]

I see it in Internet Explorer. Yes, I know what I'm admitting in the previous sentence. I regret nothing.

Yes you do. You know you do. How do I know?

Because Opera now lets me read your mind..

It's a new feature. It kicks major ass.

[Johnny Blade]

Well, if it even works with IE, it probably works with everything else, too.

So that's an option for images that only need a small palette.

(I may also use .jpegs again, since nooblade's problems give me reason to believe that Photoshop doesn't save them as progressive - loading in multiple steps - by default. Which would not be optimal and could explain why they are an issue where huge-ass .pngs are not. Of course, that can be rectified. Next page is back to .png, though.)

[Hardcore]

Chrome, on my vista OS, and Firefox on my Ubuntu ditto. NP.

[Tam_OConnor]

Firefox, XP, looks fine.

Wow, I may have to restart and go through with NPCs, just for the banters.

[chiasaur11]

Chrome, vista, laptop, works.

[Johnny Blade]

Well, OS should have nothing to do with that, so unless there's a Safari user who simply can't see it, I guess everything's fine.



Oh yeah, as for the further course of the Let's Play, there'll be a short update/interlude later. I hope I'll get through Cloakwood and to the mine tomorrow, but I don't really know if I will. Loads and loads of banter could make this a pretty daunting task.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 37: Odds not improving.

Well, the next morning started with an unpleasant surprise.


Viconia: "Abbil...Elorian. I am leaving you."
Elorian: "What? Why?"
Viconia: "I have overheard your plans. If you succeed, and since you have proven your strength, I do not doubt that you will, even without me, you will be famous. You will also need to operate in Baldur's Gate. I can not accompany you there. Even if the Flaming Fist wasn't hunting me, I could always become the target of some herd of foolish rivvil. I do not doubt that we could make short work of a ragtag lynch mob, but what then? Everything would be at risk, and our enemies could exploit what would be perceived as the slaughter of innocents by many."
Elorian: "Hm...well, I suppose you must have experience with that, regrettably."
Viconia: "Indeed. So, I thank you for helping me out when I needed it. And if you ever need me in the future, I will repay my debt to you, and happily so. But with this task, I can not help you."

I think she wanted to add an "I'm sorry." there. But, well.

Anyways, good news just kept coming in.


Imoen: "Heya."
Elorian: "That sounded enthusiastic. Guess you heard about Viconia?"
Imoen: "Nah. Garrick's stayin' here to write his ballad about us. Says he's more of an artist than a fighter."
Elorian: "He...does he? I thought you two had something going there."
Imoen: "Yeah, me too. But he just thanked me for bein' his muse an' all."
Elorian: "Well, guess he doesn't do subtle."
Imoen: "Subtle?"
Elorian: "Subtle-like."
Imoen: "Yeah...probably shoulda just jumped into his arms or somethin'. Well, his mistake."


Well, at least Khalid and Jaheira were still going to stay with us. No Zhentarim to hunt down, no important druid business besides the one we'd attend to in the near future.


And so, some thanks and goodbyes later, we were on our way to Beregost to resupply. And with only two thirds of our power left, we'd definitely need something up our sleeve.





Commentary:

I decided to get rid of Viconia for now because, if she's part of the group in BG2, which may or may not happen, I simply can't give her character any spotlight now since a lot of her banter, be it mod-added or from the original game, implies that you really don't know her too well.

Also, it would make no sense for her to become a hero in the north - well, something like a hero - and thus at least somewhat accepted (see also Drizzt, who has fanboys all over the Sword Coast) and then travel to the south for some reason.

Of course, she may still be back later in BG1, it's just that I'd run out of things to write for her if she'd be with the group for the whole rest of the game.


Garrick...well, his quest is over. :smallwink:



So, see ya when we're sober, I guess. Have fun tonight, everyone.

[Jamin]

Firefox, XP, looks fine.

Wow, I may have to restart and go through with NPCs, just for the banters.

You went through without NPCs. :smalleek: That is what makes the game fun

[Toric]

Not that I'm happy to see Viconia go (I love her to pieces), but... Woo! Make way for Yeslick!

[Tam_OConnor]

At Jamin: I know, I know. But I love levels too. And a 6/6 fighter/thief in four hours is also fun.

[Johnny Blade]

Not that I'm happy to see Viconia go (I love her to pieces), but... Woo! Make way for Yeslick!
Well, I really like Viconia as well, and it was fun to write for her, but she has a lot of content in BG2 - either a romance or a friendship path. And I will pick her up in Amn. If the people demand it, she may even stay for the whole game.
And as I wrote before, it all implies that you only at this point begin to actually talk about her past. So, I would have run out of things to actually write far too quickly to let her stay much longer. Not to mention that having a drow who's also a priestess of Shar with you all the time without asking her about her past would be, well, a little odd, you might say.

[Morty]

Yeah, the second game seems to assume you met her and saved her but didn't travel with her. So dropping her does seem to be the best course of action if you don't want to write yourself into a corner. I'm curious which NPC will take Garrick's and Vicionia's place. And Imoen's attempts at picking Garrick up were amusing.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 38: Cloakwood, part 1.

Truly, Viconia and Garrick had picked a convenient time for their departure. However, for once I and our wise and experienced leader agreed. We would have to make our move now.

He even seemed quite determined, indeed a rare occurrence. This was evidenced especially by us taking lodging in the Jovial Juggler instead of Feldepost's when we reached Beregost to avoid the young noblewoman that had thrown herself at him earlier and probably at a few others in the meantime.

It seemed like we were coming close to dealing a major blow to the Iron Throne, even though I of course knew that we would still have a long way to go before Gorion would be avenged. Not to mention that nothing we have found so far explains the interest our foe has in Elorian. Or that of several other beings and organizations.

Still, my mind wandered off to the time after our current adventure and it might hold for us.

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/2465/037baldr001.png

Somehow, this seemed to remind Elorian that he didn't actually know much about us.

Elorian: "Now, I don't mean to be too intrusive here, but why exactly don't you care for your homes?"
Jaheira: "Tethyr never was one, as I said. I was born into a family of nobles. Not an important one, but still significant enough to be killed during the civil war when I was but a babe. I was found by druids and raised as one. An origin not unlike your own, although I never had do deal with bounty hunters because of it. And I take after the druids that raised me more than you do after Candlekeep's monks."
Khalid: "Well, I was a b-bastard child, born to an elven concubine. She d-died soon after, and my f-father, a merchant... he c-cared only for his legitimate children. The little attention I received from him was usually v-violent. I joined the army and left home."

Well, this gave us something to talk about for a part of the way. About time, too.

Still, when Imoen and Elorian started to fantasize about my fabulous life as a princess, I was glad to see that we had, by that time, reached the outskirts of Cloakwood.

Indeed, the horde of Tasloi, one of which had somehow come into the possession of a magical cloak, that attacked us couldn't have chosen a better time.

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/5738/038baldr001.png


In turn, our timing was rather impressive when we came across a foolish merchant from Baldur's Gate.

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/2551/038baldr002.png

I would have expected him to have angered the Shadow Druids and not the local circle of the true order.

I was wrong.

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/4848/038baldr003.png
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/5466/038baldr004.png


Elorian naturally could not resist.

Elorian: "Of course, maybe we should delay it a bit. After all, you've been reminding me of our mission's urgency for some time now."

I did not honor his attempt at wit with an response. At least he didn't bring up Beador again. Neither did Imoen, which probably means they both understood all too well.




And then there was Coran.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/7868/038baldr005.png

I should appreciate gaining another sword-arm, but this one immediately left a certain impression.

Elorian: "You should probably know, we're going after the Iron Throne in the area. In fact, we're trying to find a mine they're running here. And we have reason to believe they're behind the whole iron shortage and bandit problems. We won't leave before that's done."
Jaheira: "After we have saved two druids from the local enclave of the Shadow Druids, that is."
Coran: "Ah, the taste of adventure. May I ask if there are women among the two druids we are to rescue?"
Jaheira: "Indeed there is one, not that it should matter."
Coran: "Perhaps, but it does. And it may matter to this druid in distress when we come dashing in to save her, daring adventurers that we are."
Elorian: "Brandishing blades and countering every attack with an elegant riposte and witty quip that make them run in fear and her swoon, I presume?"
Coran: "Why, yes indeed. Could it be that I have come across a kindred swashbuckling spirit?"
Jaheira: "I would hope not."
Elorian: "Well, I admittedly, our adventures so far took place in the wilderness, usually. Although, I managed to find this young noblewoman, Gyllian, in Beregost who was quite impressed by my largely truthful rendition our heroic deeds."
Coran: "My young friend, I must insist that you introduce us."
Elorian: "Only if she brings a friend of hers, I'm afraid."
Jaheira: "I am beginning to wonder what kind of monastery Candlekeep is."
Imoen: "Hey, at least I turned out nice an' proper, right?"
Jaheira: "Indeed. Especially your magic lessons helped to make you the nice and proper young woman I see before me."
Elorian: "Anyway, does that mean you'll join up with us beyond the wyvern-hunting?"
Coran: "Of course! As long as there is excitement, I will be with you. Even if it's in the wilderness. It is probably best this way anyway, for a while."
Elorian: "Well, eventually, we'll go to Baldur's Gate to take care of the Iron Throne."
Coran: "Ah...Baldur's Gate."
Elorian: "The reason the wilderness is better right now?"
Coran: "Is waiting in this very city, yes. A mage named Yago. Renowned for his curses. And he's not only good with the magical ones, as I found out when he caught me and his wife in the act. So I had to leave for a while. Although it was hard to leave her behind...ah, Brielbara."
Elorian: "Well, I'm sure that won't be a problem when you're traveling with a group. Of course, there are some dangers..."

At least he did not run off when Elorian told him about the bounty hunters.

Still...

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/1167/038baldr006.png

Sometimes, I do it is unfortunate that Elorian and Imoen are too old to have other, wiser people make their decisions for them. It would have spared us this self-absorbed prattling.


Of course, when it came to dealing with the dangers of Cloakwood, my advice was appreciated anyway.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/607/038baldr007.png

As would be my medicinal herbs in case the advice didn't suffice.

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/6900/038baldr008.png

Either way, we soon learned that the most foolish people in these parts were in fact not part of our little group.

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8710/038baldr009.png

Taking on the giant spiders of Cloakwood alone. From the very beginning, we could only hope to find this Chelak spun into a web, hopefully not killed by poison or suffocation.

After being delayed by a few ettercaps for a short moment...

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/2754/038baldr010.png

...one of the local druids had a plea to make.

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/4605/038baldr011.png

A dragon. A very young one, as Selene told me, but a dragon just as well. Of course, when one such as Imoen gets the opportunity to slay a dragon, at least an attempt is inevitable. In her words, "as members of the adventurin' profession, we gotta do that".

Elorian didn't seem to mind, having talked with Coran all the time.

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/1919/038baldr012.png

It is just a dragon, after all, so why listen to what information we can get about it?


Well. As we went on to at least search for Chelak's remains, it was also revealed that Coran is better in a fight than his foppish behavior would make you believe. Apparently, sneaking into and out of his lovers' homes had taught him something, and he complimented Elorian's similar skills well enough.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/7949/038baldr013.png

We found the lair of the spiders nearby. And inside an abomination that makes me glad that we went looking for Chelak.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7297/038baldr014.png

Her twisted existence ended without her ever posing a threat.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/104/038baldr015.png

Her spiders, however, were different.

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/3116/038baldr016.png

Yet, they were only spiders. And as I had feared, we could only find Chelak's dead body and his sword.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/6371/038baldr017.png

Indeed, a stupid idea leading to a waste of life. At least he learned his lesson.

And Elorian showed some wisdom by scouting ahead before we attacked the dragon.

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/8461/038baldr018.png

Despite the two good hits that Coran and Elorian got in when they attacked the dragon from behind, it was not an easy fight, especially since we foolishly lined up as if it was only for the fiery breath of the dragon.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4403/038baldr019.png

Still, we managed to overcome it with surprisingly few problems, although Khalid was left with several burns that I would need to treat soon.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8153/038baldr020.png

Anyway, Selene was obviously thankful.

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/7744/038baldr021.png

Coran: "Ah, I see you have quite an impeccable taste when it comes to jewelry. Unusual for a lady of the woods, or at least something I wouldn't have suspected."
Selene: "We found it on an adventurer's body some weeks ago and decided not to let it go to waste."
Coran: "A great decision. See, this is something I have always admired about the druidic beliefs. Hm...maybe you could tell me more about it at your grove?"
Selene: "Our grove was burned down by the dragon. And we will now go and rebuild it. Thank you again, good travelers. And goodbye."



Apparently, she has a rather good taste when it comes to men, too. Thankfully, as it meant we were free to continue on to the Shadow Druid territory without losing time trying to get the foolish elf away from her.






Commentary:

Information about the Tethyrian Civil War. (http://www.sorcerers.net/Worlds/FR/46.php) Probably. Maybe there was another one, because, while looking for that information, I found out that this started 1347. Baldur's Gate is taking place in the late sixties. And Jaheira's not supposed to be in her early twenties, yet this is her official background.

Just forget about it, I guess.




By the way, the ring I got is a Ring of Protection +2. Should help with Elorian's bad habit of getting beaten to a pulp by basically everything the party gets to fight, which, at a stage where healing potions are not too widely available, is kind of a problem.

And, while we're at that:


It was not an easy fight, especially since we foolishly lined up as if it was only for the fiery breath of the dragon.
Yeah, I kinda did that. I didn't play that part very well in general, almost losing Elorian and Jaheira to the spiders in Centeol's lair and then...that.


Also, I will try the whole progressive .jpeg thing soon. I mean, I just uploaded 40 megabyte for this update and the next one (to which I'll get soon, screenshots are already done after all - in fact, this was originally supposed to be one huge 50 screenshot update).

[H. Zee]

If the people demand it, she may even stay for the whole game.

This person demands it! :smalltongue:

Also, this LP continues to be awesome. :smallsmile:

[Toric]

I have to say, I really like how they fleshed out Khalid and Jaheira's relationship with the NPC mod. Too bad it makes BG2 that much more tragic.

[Tam_OConnor]

Dear heavens yes. Am I the only one whose respect for Khalid increased exponentially after learning bout his torture at the hands of the Zhentarim? Not only that, the man puts up with Jaheira.

[Morty]

Another good update. I liked Jaheira's point of view. Mincs should get his own "through his eyes" update when/if he rejoins the party.
I can't recall what is the thing in the middle of the cave with spiders, though. Did the model ever appear in any of the games?

[charl]

Another good update. I liked Jaheira's point of view. Mincs should get his own "through his eyes" update when/if he rejoins the party.
I can't recall what is the thing in the middle of the cave with spiders, though. Did the model ever appear in any of the games?

Yes. It's in the unmodded original game. Now as for what that is supposed to be is another question altogether. An ethercap queen or something?

[H. Zee]

I always assumed it was just yet another crazy (not to mention fat and naked) mage, who really liked spiders (as opposed to basilisks, slimes, etc). As far as I can remember, she did cast spells.

[Kish]

If you charm Centeol, she'll tell you her story. She's not a mage, but one cursed her. She was human then, but already pretty terrible, from what I recall.


Information about the Tethyrian Civil War. (http://www.sorcerers.net/Worlds/FR/46.php) Probably. Maybe there was another one, because, while looking for that information, I found out that this started 1347. Baldur's Gate is taking place in the late sixties. And Jaheira's not supposed to be in her early twenties, yet this is her official background.

Actually, I believe David Gaider went mad and said Jaheira is indeed supposed to be in her early twenties.

[Jamin]

I can't say I am big fan of Jaheira but getting on with the main quest is good.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 39: Cloakwood, part 2.

We soon neared the domain of the fanatics. I turned to Elorian to make sure he understood who we were dealing with.

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/2092/038baldr022.png

Elorian: "Hey, no problem. I already said we'd see this through, didn't I?"
Jaheira: "You did, but be aware that the Shadow Druids have been the main power in this forest for years, harnessing its power for their purpose. And as I said, they might attack on sight."

If proof of their influence was needed, it was soon found.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3345/038baldr023.png

Coran: "A shame, to be forced to kill such beauty."
Jaheira: "I agree, although I am sure that your reasons are different from mine, elf."
Elorian: "Well, sorry, but I don't think this little talk could have gone any different way."
Jaheira: "I know. The Shadow Druids' presence must have twisted the minds of this wood's inhabitants."


As we continued into Shadow Druid territory, we were approached by the first of their ranks.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2613/038baldr024.png

Elorian: "Well, he didn't attack on sight. Maybe this will be easier than you'd thought."
Jaheira: "Indeed, this didn't go as I would have expected. I urge you to stay alert, though. Others of these zealots will likely react differently."

Our next encounter with the Shadow Druids proved me right.

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/6673/038baldr025.png

Elorian: "Ah...well, you see, you may be aware of it or not, but there's this group, the Iron Throne, and they operate a mine we have come to sa--"
Miranda: "Shut up."
Khalid: "I f-fear it's hopeless."
Elorian: "Look, hate us all you want to, but the reason we came to Cloakwood is this mine which you as druids certainly don't--"
Miranda: "You die now."
Elorian: "I would only like to say that she didn't actually attack on sight."
Jaheira: "Duly noted."

Luckily, Imoen managed to, for once, cast a spell as intended, delaying the Shadow Druids and animals that accompanied her.

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2641/038baldr026.png

Alone, she stood no chance. And held by Imoen's Web or even their own Entangle spell, neither did the rest of our enemies.

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/4816/038baldr027.png

Somehow, this victory inspired Coran to glorify Elorian's fate.

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/9753/038baldr028.png

I would like to know what caused him to think of that at this moment. Although I am certain that he doesn't need to think of something to talk about it, or a reason to do so.


In any event, our next encounter with the Shadow Druids took the same course as this one.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/5738/038baldr029.png

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/392/038baldr030.png

As did that with the one alarmed by the fight.

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/3407/038baldr031.png

Even when one of Imoen's spells backfired as they often do, he was not a challenge.

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/9733/038baldr032.png

At least she did not start a forest fire. Still, I should talk with her about what her magic lessons really were soon.


Well, as we continued searching for Beador and Maretha, we first found the first of the wyverns that Coran had come for.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/131/038baldr033.png

Coran seemed dissatified with it. Curious. I would not have thought he would be able to discern that the wyvern we had slain was indeed only a very young specimen.
A good thing he is, however, as it caused us to look if there were more suitable trophies in the nearby cave. What we found, instead, was a man that should have let his wyverns talk. They could not have performed worse.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/2922/038baldr034.png

To his defense, he at least tried to put up a fight.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/9427/038baldr035.png

He tried.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/2978/038baldr035x.png

Coran: "Hm...maybe if we could search a bit farther in the north. I hear wyverns are a bit more common there."
Jaheira: "They are, but first we must find Beador and Maretha. Indeed, there is a place where the Shadow Druids sometimes perform sacrificial rituals. I hope one has not already taken place, but they might have already taken them there."
Elorian: "Well, lead the way."
Jaheira: "Good. Incidentally, it is just a bit to the north."

My hunch was indeed right.

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/2040/038baldr036.png

Luckily, Imoen had managed to cast another spell normally, Haste this time, which gave us an edge.

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/4210/038baldr037.png

We did what we could to prevent them from casting any spells, be it by magically blocking their mind or riddling them with arrows.

It worked, as only one spell was successfully completed against us.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/3929/038baldr038.png

Soon, all of the zealots were dead on the ground. And Beador was alarmingly close to sharing the same fate.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7499/038baldr039.png

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/5660/038baldr040.png

We did as he had told us. As usual, Coran and Elorian scouted ahead. When they returned, Elorian proved that he had already grasped the basic concept of how to best deal with fanatics when a life is in danger.

Elorian: "So, there are two of them standing right in front of the treehouse and voices coming from the inside. At least three. Now, what I ask myself is if you have any interest in a peaceful solution here or if it's even possible. And what we just prevented from happening to Beador makes me think it's not."
Jaheira: "Indeed, it most likely is."
Coran: "Then I guess we wount dash in as much as slither?"
Elorian: "Well, that would be how I'd do it."

And it is how we did it.

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/2923/038baldr041.png

And it was good that we did, because one of the two outside was obviously highly powerful, summoning three black bears right at the beginning.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/6569/038baldr042.png

Luckily, Imoen managed to summon her little air servant again, while Elorian cut the powerful Shadow Druid down.

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/5571/038baldr043.png

Shadow Druid: "Archdruid Andarthe!"

Well, that explained his power.

His underling did not succeed where he failed.

After doing away with him, we quickly stormed up the treehouse before the Shadow Druids inside could do anything to Maretha.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/1189/038baldr044.png

Amarande: "You're as good at platitudes as your mentor Seniyad. So, what did you come for? Were you expecting the release of a trespasser? Fools... Nature is brutal, efficient, and unforgiving. You will get no help from me."
Elorian: "I'll say, you're quite an expert when it comes to platitudes yourself."
Amarande: "Silence. Or, if you wish, keep talking. As we speak, Andarthe is already on his way to perform the holy rituals and cleanse this wood of the taint that is Maretha. And you will soon find out that Beador is already dead."
Jaheira: "So Andarthe made the decision?"
Amarande: "I did. In this wood, he merely extends my will. I am the Archdruid here."
Jaheira: "How curious. When we slaughtered him, the man that accompanied him yelled something about an Archdruid Andarthe."
Elorian: "Must have been the shock confusing him. You know, just like those Shadow Druids that called you a false druid when we freed Beador. Momentary lapse of reason in the face of death."
Amarande: "You...? ATTACK!"
Elorian: "Just like that."
Coran: "What else would you expect from people that steal women just to kill them?"

Sometimes, even Coran has his moments.

And in such a splendid instant, it doesn't even surprise you when Imoen successfully casts a highly potent spell without opening a gate to the Nine Hells.
Because, just as the bears that Amarande foreseeably summoned appeared, he vanished.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5499/038baldr045.png

Meanwhile, we had made short work of his two underlings.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/622/038baldr046.png

On their own, the bears were quick to follow.

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/5935/038baldr047.png

And when he returned...

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/5189/038baldr048.png

...so was Amarande.

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/8200/038baldr048x.png


And so, we could finally free Maretha.

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/9567/038baldr049.png

When we returned to him, Seniyad was indeed quite thankful.

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/1959/038baldr050.png

And I was thankful, as well. I don't expect it to become the norm, but in this case, Elorian, Coran, and even Imoen performed in a way that could almost make you believe that they have been doing this as long as Khalid and I.







Commentary:

Maze! :smallcool:
Yeah, I had to do that at least once.


Anyway, something makes Jaheira's quest buggy as hell.
Andarthe, the shadow druid outside won't talk to you (he's supposed to) and Maretha won't spawn.
I originally wanted to have a look at the files, but since the issue has been around for quite some time and the mod's creators apparently couldn't solve it, well, I just used the console to bring her in.

This thread (http://forums.gibberlings3.net/index.php?showtopic=16588) may be relevant, because as far as I know, this happens to many if not all BGT installations that feature the NPC Project and Sword Coast Stratagems. Especially this post (http://forums.gibberlings3.net/index.php?s=&showtopic=16588&view=findpost&p=149004).

Lastly, Miranda is from the Dark Horizons mod, which also brought us the first of many heroically slain dragons. As you can see, overpowered bounty hunters with ridiculous gear are not the only thing the mod adds to the game. :smallwink:


Apropos ridiculous gear:

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/8541/chitiruhkha.png

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/9760/giftofthewoods.png


And there's more of the same, but those are the highlights.
They're rotting away in a cave now.




I have to say, I really like how they fleshed out Khalid and Jaheira's relationship with the NPC mod.
Yeah, those two have a lot of content. And none of it bad. I mean, there are some things that I don't like about the NPC Project, but the modders did a really good job here. Especially considering how easily you could fall into the trap of simply overstating the huge, eh, temperamental differences between Khalid and Jaheira.

As for their stories in BG2:
I'm glad that I played Jaheira's romance long before I learned about the NPC Project, because I can't bring myself to do it ever since.



Am I the only one whose respect for Khalid increased exponentially after learning bout his torture at the hands of the Zhentarim?
Okay, I'll fess up - I made a little mistake there. It's not actually clear if he was tortured by Zhentarim, only heavily implied. Jaheira says so, but Khalid himself seems a bit unsure about it. Ever since I found out about that, I take a look at the game files before I write about important things in a character's past.

Still, the principle's the same, and, yeah, same with me. Khalid is one of the NPCs that benefit the most from the mod.



Mincs should get his own "through his eyes" update when/if he rejoins the party.
That's something I'm already looking forward to. I only still wonder how to best handle Boo. I mean, Minsc does actually hear voices, after all. Or at least one, somewhat squeaky, voice.



If you charm Centeol, she'll tell you her story. She's not a mage, but one cursed her. She was human then, but already pretty terrible, from what I recall.
Yeah. I'll see if I still have a savegame from that point to actually show that (and what the BG1 NPC Project made of it). I just don't like that aspect, so I simply killed her.
If I don't have that savegame, I'll dig the stuff up with Near Infinity.


Actually, I believe David Gaider went mad and said Jaheira is indeed supposed to be in her early twenties.
Uh. Well, well...that's certainly interesting.
I mean, creative decisions and all, but it directly contradicts several dialogues. :smallbiggrin:



As far as I can remember, she did cast spells.
Well, in my games, she only has a Wand of Frost and no spellcasting abilities.

And mods usually don't tone things down. :smallbiggrin:

[Tam_OConnor]

Huh. Well, I remember hearing that long before this thread, so you're not alone in your assumptions.

With regard to BG2:
I could never really stomach Jaheira's romance. Hells, woman, you're practically my mother! And the part where it went all buggy in a standard game certainly didn't help. I'm pulling for Viccy for the Let's Play. Do you have Ascension installed as well? And the Longer Road? Can you manage an all-redemption party? Cause that would just be silly.

[Johnny Blade]

Huh. Well, I remember hearing that long before this thread, so you're not alone in your assumptions.
About the Zhentarim?


With regard to BG2:
I could never really stomach Jaheira's romance. Hells, woman, you're practically my mother! And the part where it went all buggy in a standard game certainly didn't help. I'm pulling for Viccy for the Let's Play. Do you have Ascension installed as well? And the Longer Road? Can you manage an all-redemption party? Cause that would just be silly.
Well, I wanted to play through Jaheira's at least once. And it didn't actually go buggy on me, even in an unpatched (German) game.

Anyway, Ascension is installed, Longer Road is not. So, Irenicus can burn in hell. :smalltongue:


Also, Centeol after the group has dealt some damage to her:

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/720/centeol1.png

Elorian knows about Jon because he's an elf, obviously. :smallamused:

Which one of the last two options you pick is inconsequential. At least at this point, I don't know if you could somehow restore her later, but I have found nothing that would indicate as much.


And, something I just found out, this is what happens when Xan is in the party.

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1492/centeol4.png

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/6056/centeol5.png

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/1999/centeol6.png

And then she disappears.

Yeah.


Centeol charmed:

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/6648/centeol2.png


In the original game, it's:

"I can tell you of my curse, for that is all I remember any more. I used to be beautiful and powerful. An exotic sorceress, with many powers at my command, and suitors at my door. But I only had eyes for one man, Jon Icarus. He was a great and powerful wizard, the only man worthy of my affections, or so I thought. Though I lusted for Jon, he cared little for me, for he had another to whom he was married, lady Tanova. So I plotted and schemed, and finally came up with a plan to rid the world of Tanova. When the deed was done, and Tanova lay dead I was exultant, but not for long. Jon went mad with fury, and using his powerful magics, divined the identity of his wife's murderer. He arrived at my tower, and I allowed him entry, desirous to finally consummate our love. Jon disabled me with his spells, then he cursed me to this body, and set spiders to feed me and keep me alive. So you see, if you were my friend, you would kill me."



Yeah, Jon Icarus. Thankfully, they dropped that oh-so-meaningful name.


Anyway, you get a journal entry for the charmed/wounded dialogue.
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9827/centeol3.png


That's for charmed. Wounded replaces the silly sequel hint with the "The exact role of Tanova." sentence you see above.



You can also, in the dialogue before the fight, find out something.
"I am cursssed. The arch mage, Jon Icarus/Irenicus, cursed me for indignities done to him and his wife by me. I loved Jon, but now I hate him, as I hate you and everything. Spiderssss...kill them all."

Also, just to add another spoiler tag, about that other name she mentions:
Tanova is one of Bodhi's vampires. I absolutely loathe the whole Irenicus "cameo" here, and the NPC Project makes this about twice as bad by giving me the option to actually know about him and turning the spell into an illusion some low-level mage can see through for reasons of because, but that's kinda neat.

[Eldariel]

You should totally write a story through Boo's eyes at some point! Granted, that will force you to decide what he actually does and thinks, but that could be absolutely hilarious a viewpoint. Especially if you decide that he is, indeed, just a regular rodent.

Aye, I too mourn for Viconia's departure, but knowing it's done for greater good and her increased presence in BG2, it's a pain I'm willing to live with.

I, for one, actually like the Jaheira romance...maybe because I never really paid too much attention to her overprotectiveness attention-whoring. I actually, before I really knew anything of the game, really wanted some kind of an option for a deeper relationship with her

Of course, this all mostly in BG2 with Khalid...well, not discouraging such. And the bugs actually caused the romance to be sufficiently difficulty difficult to suit a recently widowed woman with her will. I mean, she if anyone I could imagine getting upset for absolutely no reason whatsoever, and sticking to it.

As for that Centeol sideplot, I never really noticed that. Initially I thought her a simple "magical spider queen" or something of the sort, though I eventually figured something else is afoot. I never went as far as to Charm her to find out though.

[Tam_OConnor]

I, personally, make it a policy not to charm folks that look like Centeol. (This right here? A glimpse of 'posting too much.')

[Morty]

This whole "Jon Irenicus' cameo" thing is kind of confusing. Let me get this straight: in the original game, it's "Jon Icarus" and the mods change it to "Jon Irenicus" so that it's a reference to BG2?

[Johnny Blade]

This whole "Jon Irenicus' cameo" thing is kind of confusing. Let me get this straight: in the original game, it's "Jon Icarus" and the mods change it to "Jon Irenicus" so that it's a reference to BG2?
It most likely was a reference in the original game. Tanova, who appears in BG2, is mentioned in the unmodded game as well, after all. Also, you do get the journal entry there, as well. BioWare just changed Jon's name mid-development, I guess.

[Johnny Blade]

Chapter 40: Gullibility can save your life.

Well, Seniyad bid us farewell after handing some sort of magical club to Jaheira - I guess he doesn't know much about her preferred means of beating sense into people and enemies to death - and we continued on our way to the mine. Or a cave of trophy-worthy wyverns, whatever we would come across first.

Of course, we'd have to cross Shadow Druid territory again. And of course, we soon met one again, a wild-looking woman that walked up to us gritting her actually filed off teeth, a club in her hand.
I admittedly was quite surprised when she didn't only not simply attack, but even offered to help us.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/6683/040baldr002.png

Faldorn: "And who are you to judge this?"
Jaheira: "I am Jaheira, of the true Druidic Order."
Faldorn: "One of Seniyad's fools? How did you even come here."
Elorian: "Oh, we met Laskal on the bridge leading here. He asked us if we work for the Iron Throne. Our honest answer was that we have come to crush their mine under our heel for the atrocities they commit. Atrocities against nature as well, which is why one of Seniyad's druids travels with us. But, please, let me talk to her for a moment."

I took Jaheira aside. She didn't exactly seem happy, understandably.

Elorian: "Look, what we've seen from the Shadow Druids so far didn't exactly endear them to me either, but let me handle this. She knows the location of the mine, and if she would accompany us, other Shadow Druids wouldn't be as quick to attack us. Not that I think it would bother you much to fight them, but it only delays us further."
Jaheira: "As you wish. Go ahead then, but I hope you know that you are trying to pet a rabid wolverine here."
Elorian: "Trust me, I do. The teeth give it away, you know?"
Jaheira: "What do you intend to do when she finds out that we have killed two of her Archdruids and many others of these fanatics."
Elorian: "She won't. Coran has been using salvaged Iron Throne arrows for most of the time. And Khalid all the time. They'll just have to switch them when she's not looking. We'll just keep their ice arrows for later."
Jaheira: "The Shadow Druids will eventually find out what has transpired."
Elorian: "Eventually, yes, I was almost sure they would. But for now, even if she somehow leads us to some of those we killed, we'll just tell her some lie. Anyways, she's starting to look impatient."

Elorian: "Sorry for that. Anyways, we would greatly appreciate your help in driving the villainous Iron Throne out of this wood. Indeed, I have long asked me why the other Shadow Druids seemed to largely avoid us even though Laskal allowed us passage. One would think they would be a bit more willing to help us in this task. At least I can't imagine the Iron Throne as very nice neighbors."
Faldorn: "True. Our Archdruid seems to have other plans ever since...no. I am not supposed to talk about this, especially not before one of Seniyad's blasphemers. Just know that I see the Iron Throne as a threat and will take care of it."
Elorian: "Especially since they will need a route to transport the ore they mine. Of course, they will likely use magical tricks for this, but still, the presence of druids will not be to their liking."
Faldorn: "Which is why we will wipe them all out."
Elorian: "Well said! Onwards, then."

Well, the way turned out to be a bit more problematic than I would have anticipated. We didn't even meet any other Shadow Druids, although there might have been some watching us, of course, but Jaheira and Faldorn could not stop bickering for a minute.
Well, maybe for one when another crazy dryad attacked us. Hard to argue when you're busy fighting, after all.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/386/040baldr003.png

Which was not much of a problem.

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/5174/040baldr004.png

However, it provided a good reason for another little dispute.

Jaheira: "Hmph. Another dryad attacking for no reason. I am not surprised to see this happen given the presence of your kind, but I am surprised that even you were considered a target. Apparently, only your bile affects the creatures of this wood, not your cause. How fitting."
Faldorn: "Grr...you don't want to make me mad, blasphemer. The dryads have been this way only for a short time, and it's obvious that this is because of the damage the Iron Throne has caused."
Jaheira: "Yet we are attacked. I would have you know that this has never happened to me in the parts controlled by the true Order."
Faldorn: "Which is farther away from the mine. And so small that there is probably not one dryad in it!"

I decided to intervene, asking Faldorn some things about her past to keep her busy.

Apparently, she was born to the Black Raven tribe of Uthgardt barbarians, but given to the Shadow Druids at a young age.
She had been raised according to their teachings and, when she showed promise, sent to the Sword Coast.
As she also told me, her totem animal is the wolf, which is why she sharpened her teeth. That's what I call professionalism.

Just as I was seriously considering asking her about her favorite color, an arrow happened to fly by, and we had a fight with the first Iron Throne mercenaries, apparently of the Black Talons, meaning Khalid and Coran had indeed used their arrows earlier.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/4672/040baldr005.png

It was over quickly.

Soon after, Coran noticed something.

Coran: "This cave there. Do you notice the bones around it? Too big to have been a feast of wolves. And the smell in the air? Yes, I am quite sure we have found a wyvern lair."
Faldorn: "You know about wyverns?"
Coran: "Of course I do. Why, I am quite the accomplished woodsman."
Faldorn: "I wouldn't have thought so. Your clothes make you look like city folk."
Imoen: "It's that elven fashion sense, ya know? Even workin' clothes gotta look fancy."
Faldorn: "I do not have met many elves. But, Elorian is one as well, and he is wearing quite practical clothes."
Elorian: "Ah, well, I was raised by halflings. I'm from Gullikyn, you know?"
Faldorn: "I see. Anyway, what interest are wyverns to you."
Coran: "I fear we might have to kill the ones inside."
Faldorn: "What!? These wyverns are a natural part of this wood! Under no circumstances will I allow this expedition to turn into a...a hunting trip!"
Elorian: "Oh, no, it's far from this. In fact, the reason why Coran said this is the presence of the Iron Throne."
Coran: "Exactly. Not long before we met you, we came across another cave, which looked like an ordinary wyvern lair. But then we heard a voice inside, which belonged to a man that was training these wyverns for the Iron Throne. And now we are in an area that is controlled by their mercenaries. We should take a look inside."
Faldorn: "The wyverns will attack us."
Elorian: "Better than being enslaved first and then killed."

For some reason, this sorry excuse for an argument actually convinced her. Well, I won't complain.

Imoen noticed that it made no sense as well. And quickly distracted Faldorn.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/2433/040baldr006.png

Almost reminded me of the times we used to trick the wardens and monks of Candlekeep.

Anyways, once we were inside the cave, which by the way was generously decorated with various carcasses, the wyverns did indeed attack us.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/1369/040baldr007.png

However, thanks to a Haste spell Imoen had cast, they were no real problem.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/5705/040baldr008.png

When Faldorn wasn't looking as she was tending to her wounds afterwards, Coran quickly chopped off the head of the biggest one.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/6231/040baldr009.png

Well, we left the cave again. I had feared that our Shadow Druid escort would not be in a good mood afterwards, but luckily, some Black Talons had apparently heard the fighting noises and come to see what was going on.

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/1326/040baldr010.png

Or, maybe that wasn't so lucky, because we, all feeling winded after Imoen's spell had faded, really didn't perform too well.

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/4827/040baldr011.png

In the end, though, we were still a bit too good for them.

Faldorn: "Grr... So you were right after all! These blasphemers will pay for this, enslaving nature's creatures on Shadow Druid soil!"

Or maybe it was lucky, after all.



We continued towards the mine, and soon enough, saw it, fortified by wooden palisades and heavily guarded.

It seemed wise to rest and treat our wounds before an attack.


In the morning, I could witness Faldorn finding new and exciting ways to express their mutual dislike.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/72/040baldr012.png


Faldorn: "BAH! I will not deal with this any longer anyway. Elorian, I have thought about what these defilers have done to the wyverns of Cloakwood. And the fort here has increased in size during the last two weeks."

At this point, my eyes betrayed me and wandered to Jaheira. At least her icy look made further words unnecessary.

Faldorn: "This must be enough to convince the Archdruid that an attack must be mounted. Stay here and scout out the area, or start raids if you think you can. We should be back within three days at most."
Elorian: "Hm...I actually think we could take them."
Jaheira: "As do I, but of course, a wolf always needs a pack and is nothing alone."
Faldorn: "Grr... You are lucky to travel with these other four here. But your taunts mean nothing to me. We might be able to take them on now, but we will rend and squelch them with the help of the other Shadow Druids. And don't worry, blasphemer, if Laskal truly allowed you to enter our grounds, we will not harm you. Anyway. I leave now."
Elorian: "Safe travels, then. And return soon."


We probably should have killed her. At least that's what Jaheira said directly afterwards.
Well, she didn't lift a finger, not to mention her staff.

And it's not like we had planned to wait for a few more days to enjoy the sight of the place.







Commentary:
Yeah, I figured I could let Faldorn have a small role as well, although writing all this dialogue delayed the overall progress somewhat.

Apart from that: Damn ambush really got me there.

[Kish]

It most likely was a reference in the original game. Tanova, who appears in BG2, is mentioned in the unmodded game as well, after all. Also, you do get the journal entry there, as well. BioWare just changed Jon's name mid-development, I guess.
Given that Irenicus was certainly never married to Tanova, I'm inclined to think Bioware either had some plan which they completely forgot between BG1 and BG2, or just reused names as they so often do.

[Johnny Blade]

Well, possibly some in-joke at BioWare. I could imagine that Tanova was originally supposed to play Bodhi's role.

Although, maybe they really just reused the name.

[Morty]

The writers reusing the name seems to be the most plausible option.
Also, the NPC mod serves to remind us of how silly the interactions with NPCs could be in unmodded BG1. There it was pretty much "yo, let's go out and kill some stuff" in some cases.

[Johnny Blade]

Also, the NPC mod serves to remind us of how silly the interactions with NPCs could be in unmodded BG1. There it was pretty much "yo, let's go out and kill some stuff" in some cases.
Kagain: "Uh, so what are ya here for, anyhow?"
Quayle: "To demonstrate my amazing intellect by guiding this group of louts through deadly encounters of various sorts, quite often, as you surely must be well aware despite your constant ingestion of alcoholic beverages, encompassing severe anguish. And what has led you to join our cause...or that of our leader, at least?"
Kagain: "Uh, I dunno, got tired of chasin' that caravan 'round, or them bandits that robbed it. Now we kill people an' take their gold. That's good enough fer me, 'specially when there's a tavern to spend the gold. An' what about you, lassie?"
Alora: "Fun! Fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun...

............

...fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun FUN! That's my favorite song! I always have so much fun singing it! Makes me forget the killing!"
Quayle: "Why must I willingly surround myself with imbeciles?"
Alora: "Maybe 'cause it's fun?"

[Calemyr]

On Irenicus:
Well, if you pay attention to the first stage of BG2, it's pretty clear that Jonny boy is indeed interested in women, making use of clones of Ellesime and his dryads, all of whom resent him for it. Given that his punishment for his previous crimes was to be effectively turned into a human (stripped of his ears and longevity, most visibly), and that his journals show his rage at his aging mind, he's probably been human a while now. It's not hard to imagine him and Tanova hooking up before he and Bodhi learned about the main character. That said, if Bioware wasn't willing to change a lot of things mid-production, we wouldn't have Imoen.

On Jaheira:
Personally, I always liked Jaheira's romance the most of the original four. Well, three, because I wouldn't take Anomen even if I were playing a female. Viccy's gets better in ToB, but the SoA segment is just a series of quickies tied together by angst and regret while Aerie is a just too whiny and immature for my tastes. Yeah, Jaheira has her own share of trauma, but she handles it with better grace and I can hardly fault her for it. It's the ending, however, that makes it the best in my head: Jaheira is not the domineering head of the pairing, but rather half of a balanced and mature couple characterized by faith in eachother. I really liked that ending. The fact that you can put off sleeping with her, claiming it's too soon for her (and really, it is), adds just that much more maturity to it.

And if we're using age as a bias, she's the LEAST problematic of the group. The other two are full-blooded elves, and thus almost certainly much much much older than the main character, since even ELVEN main characters are only 20 years old. Don't think too hard on that, or your head might explode. Either that or you're robbing the cradle, and I'd almost believe that with Aerie.

- "900 years? My mum was right, that is one HELL of an age gap..." (Doctor Who)
- "They say I'm robbing the cradle, I say she's robbing the grave." (Futurama)

Anyway, this is always a fun read, and it's nice to get another perspective on the plot once in a while. I also get to see some characters I never would, usually, since Yeslick, Branwen, Viconia, Coran and Kivan are the only ones I can stand outside of the "cannon" cast in BG1. I've never been able to give the others a fair chance. So thanks again!

Calemyr - Font of a thousand unwanted opinions.

[Toric]

Coran: "What else would you expect from people that steal women just to kill them?"

Sometimes, even Coran has his moments.

This made me giggle uncontrollably. That is all.

[Eldariel]

Heh, that was Elorian's chance to hold Jaheira's leash for a while. :smalltongue: Fun while it lasted.

[Pyro]

This is really good! :smallsmile:

I have fond memories of the BG series; my brother got the first one when I was eight-ish, and it essentially introduced me to PC gaming. I dug it out again recently, but school started picking up and I had to drop it again.

It's nice to be able to take the grand tour of the Sword Coast with a more mature perspective.

I might just reinstall it and take another go.

[Johnny Blade]

First update with progressive .jpgs; if this somehow affects the loading speed, let me know.



Chapter 41: Gullibility can also lead to quite unpleasant things.

Well, with little time to waste, we went to take a closer look at the fort.

The first thing we noticed were several people that tried to kill us.

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/2897/041baldr001.jpg

They didn't succeed.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3048/041baldr002.jpg

In fact, somewhat embarrassingly, I was the only one to even suffer a real wound.

Khalid: "It seems n-none of the other defenders were alarmed. Still, we best proceed with c-caution."
Elorian: "Of course, we will. Invisible, actually. Imoen and I came up with something, you know?"
Jaheira: "A plan? An interesting diversion from your usual approach."
Imoen: "Ayup. An' I think it's even gonna work. Well, if my magic does, at least."
Jaheira: "I...see."
Khalid: "What if Imoen's m-magic doesn't work?"
Elorian: "Usual approach."

Well, to make it short, I and Coran downed some potions, used a protection scroll and then went ahead...

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/1097/041baldr003.jpg

...while Imoen cast her spells. Successfully, by the way.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/3849/041baldr004.jpg

Well, everybody got into position, and as I looked around, seeing a group of four men, mercenaries judging by their lack of uniforms, two in heavy armor and two mages, all of them looking like seasoned veterans as well as the expected Black Talons, which, however, had somewhat more ornate armor than usual - one of them had the same insignia I had last seen on their leader at Tazok's camp - I was quite glad not to have just stormed the place.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/7606/041baldr005.jpg

Anyways, it was time for me and Coran to make our grand entrance.

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/582/041baldr006.jpg

Drasus: "Urk! Wha...Elorian!"
Elorian: "The same. Pleasure's all yours, I'm sure."
Drasus: "ATTACK!"

They did, but at the same moment, a couple of explosive potions went on their way...

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/5738/041baldr007.jpg

...killing everyone in their blast radius who hadn't been wise - and knowing, for that matter - enough to be protected from it, besides one of the mercenary mages.

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/3730/041baldr008.jpg

"GUARDS! GUARDS! HELP! HELP! ... WATER! WAAATER!"

We quickly put an end to his screaming.

Among the remains of the mercenaries, we found an interesting letter which had somehow survived the flames.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2964/041baldr009.jpg

Elorian: "Hm..."
Jaheira: "This is hardly new information."
Elorian: "Well, the name Rieltar's new to me.
Khalid: "An operation of this s-scope must be organized by m-more than one..."
Elorian: "Yeah, I know that. I want to know who's responsible for Gorion's death, though."
Jaheira: "It hardly matters. I am sure we will meet both Rieltar and Sarevok soon enough."

Well, that was a point. In any event, Imoen had found some rather ironic loot.

Imoen: "Hey guys, you gotta see this!"
Jaheira: "A robe?"
Imoen: "Yeah! A Robe of Fire Resistance. And that other mage had a scroll with him. Here, take a look."

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3693/041baldr010.jpg

Elorian: "'...against both a red dragon's breath as well as a bothersome colleague's fireballs, use Halbazzer Drin's scrolls of the classic Fireshield spell and watch the very flames of the Abyss doing naught but tickle you. Halbazzer Drin's Sorcerous Sundries - a battlemage's choice.' Heh."
Imoen: "Yup. We're more dangerous than a red dragon spitting the flames of the Abyss now!"
Jaheira: "You do of course know that this man did not use the scroll."
Imoen: "Details..."


Well, we made our way to the mine and were about to enter when we heard the heavy sounds of armored men running.



Khalid: "Apparently, one of them g-got away earlier."
Elorian: "Well...too bad he ran this way. Imoen, you stay back."
Imoen: "What? But...Lori! I can help!"
Elorian: "Not if they get close to you. And we don't know how many are coming. So, we need to be ready to retreat."
Imoen: "But..."
Jaheira: "You heard him. Now, let us hurry!"

We did, but so did the guards. Luckily, there weren't many. One of them, however, survived getting my dagger into his kidney, which he acknowledged by grunting once...

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/4195/041baldr011.jpg

...and then almost hacked my right arm off while grunting a second time as Coran's sword found its way into his back.

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/4909/041baldr012.jpg

He continued to completely ignore each and every injury while bringing each of us to the brink of death. First Khalid, who retreated and switched to his bow...

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/2197/041baldr013.jpg

...then Coran, who did the same. And then Jaheira, who tried to hold out. Which almost led to her death as he impaled her on her sword. In the very same moment, however, Jaheira's staff broke his arm and my dagger penetrated his heart, injuries even he couldn't ignore, and his mangled body fell to the ground.

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/230/041baldr014.jpg

The next seconds were all a blur. The remaining guard charged Jaheira, she ran, Khalid yelled, I rushed to Jaheira, the guard suddenly collapsed, arrow in his back, and I saw my hands glowing blue and Jaheira's wounds closing under my touch.

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5051/041baldr015.jpg

Elorian: "Huh."
Jaheira: "What did you just do?"
Elorian: "No idea."
Jaheira: "No idea?"
Elorian: "Yeah."
Jaheira: "We really need to find some answers to this."
Khalid: "At least you have healing p-powers."
Imoen: "What? What's going on?"
Elorian: "I, uh, I have healing hands."
Imoen: "What...how?"
Elorian: "Well...no idea."

Nobody had anything to say about that anymore, although everyone was wondering. While consuming exorbitant amounts of healing potions and being tended to by Jaheira and her magic, that is.
Coran didn't like the silence, or just tried to distract me from my thoughts.

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/2826/041baldr016.jpg


Well, when we were back to relative health, we continued down the shaft into the mine, where most guards seemed to be gone. At first. However, when we came across the first slaves...

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/8624/041baldr017.jpg

And, indeed, the guards came.

A bad decision, since they were not half as competent as their already dead colleagues.

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/5420/041baldr018.jpg

Luckily, the other slaves were a bit wiser.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/5475/041baldr019.jpg

One of them, standing right next to a giant, well, plug, even had an interesting proposal to make.

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/4376/041baldr020.jpg


Well, with our work cut out for us, we did as told and proceeded to the lower levels, which didn't look much like a mine. Of course, there was no time to wonder about this, as we were immediately approached by a guard, who, while standing no chance alone, managed to sound an alarm.

Luckily, the narrowness of the corridors worked to our favor.

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/7857/041baldr021b.jpg

Imoen: "Where'd ya get those plants from, Jaheira?"
Jaheira: "There are seeds of life everywhere, even if they have to breach some stone to grow."
Coran: "My, how poetic."
Jaheira: "It is not. It is a simple truth. Now, focus on the fight."

Well, not that focus would have been needed. Our opponents proved to be an odd combination of ineptitude and foolhardiness, and so it didn't even matter that Jaheira lacked what she demanded of others and chased one of them right into the Stinking Cloud Imoen had summoned.
In fact, the only opponent that was somewhat different was a female mage.

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1616/041baldr022.jpg

Not that she would have achieved anything, but...

Hareishan: "WAIT! I SURR--"

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/4419/041baldr023.jpg

Khalid: "Oh my..."

Made me somewhat glad that I can't aim at all. Granted, most people should have the sense to surrender before the arrow actually flies.

Anyways, the rest of our opponents did neither surrender nor achieve anything.

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/7780/041baldr024.jpg

The resistance in this level broken, we went on to search for Rill and Yeslick. We found them, both in surprisingly good condition, in a cell block, if not actually in the cells.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/4475/041baldr025.jpg

And with that, Rill left. Yeslick had no such intentions, offering us his help instead.

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/88/041baldr026.jpg

Elorian: "Yeah, one of the slaves in the actual mine above already told us about this."
Yeslick: "Aye, good, then you already know what our work be. Just have to bust some heads on the way to Davaeorn, the fiend."
Elorian: "How many heads, approximately?"
Yeslick: "Aye, that I don't know. There be one more level, were the guardroom, the smithy an' the temple were, an' then the deepest quarters were Davaeorn is prob'ly holed up. Can't say I'd be mindin' givin' a good score o' them thugs what they got comin' to 'em, though."
Elorian: "Well, then...have a healing potion and let's get going?"
Yeslick: "Aye..."

Well, we made our way to the next level, where a few heads were already waiting to be busted.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/5876/041baldr027.jpg


http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/5111/041baldr028.jpg

With several corridors ahead of us, we decided to split up. Coran and I would go through some of the living quarters and see what we'd find, while the rest would fight their way through the smithy.

Suffice to say that Coran and I didn't find a lot of resistance.

The most notable was probably a mage, who sadly had less sense than the one before. Of course, our approach may have made

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1377/041baldr030.jpg

Natasha: "Argh...!"
Elorian: "Glad you noticed. Now, forgive my unorthodox negotiating tactics, but I'm really not one to take chances against a mage. Anyways, don't do anything stupid and you'll be given a healing potion, tied up and brought before the law later. Try to cast a spell and the job I just started will be finished."
Natasha: "Cupio! Vertus..."
Elorian: "Too bad..."

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/731/041baldr031.jpg

Once her hobgoblin guard had gone the same way she had, Coran felt the need to voice his agreement with me.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/8355/041baldr032.jpg


Anyways, we had made some noise, and so more hobgoblins appeared. Conveniently, they always did so in pairs and always gave Coran and me enough time to find a hiding place to ambush them from.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7736/041baldr033.jpg

And that were the last enemies the two of us faced. We met the rest - who in the meantime had taken care of about a dozen hobgoblins - again, near a chamber which, as Yeslick told us, had once been an ordinary storeroom but was now emanating a horrible stench that all but gave its purpose away.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6162/041baldr034.jpg

Elorian: "Tymora, why always ogre mages? 'Harr, see me boasting about my petty villainy and despair! A tribe of gnolls terrorizing a village! Mwaha! A group of kobolds terrorizing two villages! Mwahaha! Breaking free from a magic jar! Mwahahaha! And you even just do it for the Iron Throne. You're just a sick little henchman, you know?"
Ogre Mage: "DIE!"

We didn't. However, since I could see through his illusions quite easily, he did.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/3118/041baldr035.jpg


Well, this left only the former temple to account for. Which still was a temple.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/1484/041baldr036.jpg

He obliged.
Needless to say, Yeslick was not particularly happy about the changes the place had undergone.

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/8074/041baldr037.jpg

And, since we were done with this level, Davaeorn wouldn't have to wait.







Commentary:

I got nothin'.

Oh, wait, actually...
Tylus! That bastard has some AC 1 armor, a +1 sword, two potions of speed, and a Girdle of Frost Giant Strength. Yeah, that's 21 Strength. I somehow couldn't find his file, though, so I don't know what his stats are. Suffice to say that he has a lot of hitpoints, too. Way above 100. Although I don't actually mind that, a powerful melee opponent, opposed to the add-some-mage-levels-and-let-it-use-all-spells-in-one-fight challenges Sword Coast Stratagems likes to add, is nice. But how anyone could think making that girdle droppable would be anywhere near a good idea is far beyond me.
(Tylus is added by Dark Horizons.)


Anyway, thanks, everyone.


As for Irenicus and Jaheira:
Yeah, Irenicus' (failed) attempts to get his ability to love - or something not completely unlike that, at least - back are a pretty big point. However, I don't think anything besides his love love for Ellesime is ever mentioned in the game.


And while I liked Jaheira's romance as well, starting that relationship about a month or one and a half - depending on how often you stop to rest :smallwink:- after her husband died has always been weird to me, and ever since Khalid got more of a voice in the game alongside all the other NPCs in BG1, it's just a bit too weird.
(Not to mention that I still have a bunch of mod romances ahead of me. :smallamused:)

[Calemyr]

On Jaheira
Yeah, that's the one part about it that always bothered me about her. Since my guys are usually courting Dynaheir in BG, though, that somehow makes it less upsetting to me. Instead of a domineering woman discarding an old love and trading him in for a newer model, it becomes a story of two people united by loss and the need to avenge the fallen. Still a bit (quite a bit) sooner than'd be wise, but it's a little better.

The problem I've had with the mod romances is that I can only think of two (Kelsey and Saerileth) that have ToB content, and neither of them really fit my tastes. Kelsey does often show up to sweep Imoen off her feet, however. Knowing that the story will die long before the plot ruins a mod for me. Fade, Amber, Nalia, and Sheena all suffer from that. Tyris as well, though I'm still giving her a chance if only as a placeholder for one of the ToB exclusives. It's a pity, because some of them had good potential only to fall flat in the final stretch.

Has anyone heard of a good NPC mod other than Kelsey that includes ToB?

[Morty]

Jeez. Girdle of Frost Giant Strength? At 5th or 6th level? Not only is it an overkill but it also lets you have Crom Faeyr much earlier, since you don't have to get the belt from Underdark.

[SilentDragoon]

Isn't Hareishan also one of Bodhi's vampires? I think she is one of the random encounter vampires that you meet on the streets of Amn, perhaps the one recruiting Shadow Thieves. Either the games have a lot more connections than I thought they did, or Black Isle is even worse at reusing names than I remember.

On a different note, is there any mod that enables multiplayer interaction with the party? Say for example, MP1 is the Bhaalspawn and MP2 is just Joe Schmuck along for the ride. Is there any way to open up some of the romances or banters to Joe Schmuck so he can do more than fight a bit and be MP1's slightly more intelligent lackey?

[Calemyr]

Amber, a tiefling fighter/thief, was set up to be able to romance a secondary PC if the main character was unwilling/unable. Haven't heard of any others that tried the same thing. Otherwise, you're simply trading plot participation for better control over your party's class and stat makeup.