Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

oh as to the gem.......I talked to Teo, the guide of candlekeep about it. After some research he told me there wasn't much he could do without another point of reference. I wonder does that mean another stone? Or just perhaps another clue to give indication of where to search within his vast library as to the origin and purpose of this stone. I will keep searching and keep asking around to those I meet of this stone.

My temprament and my patience has grown short as of late. Ever since I became aware of this stone or lense that was, and is in my possession. My dreams are consumed by it. Dreams of the etched patterns and runes that bewilder me. But they always end the same, seeing that number, 28657. It haunts me, like nightmares of drow stealing breath, that Children wake up in a scream of. Which is a strange analogy considering my lineage. Wonder why I would think of this analogy?

I found a clue as to this gem, or lense as it seems to be. I met with a man name Koryeneer. He had set up a leanto in front of the FAI. posted several signs, sayin he was interested in broken items. Which peaked my curiousity. So we began talking, and soon our discussion turned to a helmit he had boughten. Talking of its odd construction he showed it to me and it had a visor with two eyeslots. When I saw this I showed him the Gem or lense I had in my possession. Looking at the two we noticed it had the same shape as one of the Eyeslots. And it seemed to fit quite nicely into one of these slots.

We spoke some more, and he told me of rumors of another who may have a piece to this curious Helm. One who was a member of the radiant heart. So I will go there, and see if I can meet with this person, if it is true. Perhaps we can help each other with this curiousity.

Not much to write tonight, as not much has changed. I have been keeping myself close to the Friendly Arms Inn looking for Koryeneer. But to no avail. I had heard he may have found more clues, but is unconfirmed since I havent been able to speak to him. I do hope to find him soon, so we can solve this mystery. I grow tired of spending my time at the FAI, I should be out on the roads helping others. Or perhaps, maybe its time to further investigate my apparant relationship with the Silver Rose.

All I know is, not much is getting done standing round waiting.

Today I met another in regards to this emerald lense. Her name was Telia. We spoke in length on it. Apparantly she has assembled several parts of this helmet, and, has a book which she believes can only be read with the helmet, fully intact. I showed her the lense I had and she was quite insistant I let her hold onto it for "study". She did offer a trade for some valuable item of hers to hold, to ensure the lense return. But I declined, knowing full well if once she had all the pieces what would stop her from reading the book with none of us present? Besides we dont yet know what is hidden within these pages. I would be remiss in my duties as a follower of Helm if this somehow released a dangerous element, and I nor anyone else was there to stop it. So I still hold the Lense.

And Now tonight I saw her at a merchant sell, outside the city. She was tryin to get the jeweler to make her a copy of the lense, I surmise to replace the one of mine I wouldnt give her. thusly cutting me from the situation. I was correct in my misgivings of loaning her my lense, it appears. So I will hang onto my lense until all involved can be there for the assembly and reading of this mysterious book.

Meanwhile Koryeneer is suspeciously absent from all these proceedings, I wonder why. Have I just not caught up to him, or is there something more sinister involved. Or maybe he's just tired of messing with this. Who knows.

Well, alone again. Goes to show that even when you stand your ground, and do what you believe is right. It can , at times, be a lonely existance to do so. I will elaborate.

After the emerald lense, which by the way I still hold with no clue as to its purpose. I met the leader of the Helmite temple in Nashkel. An honorable and forthright woman, or so I thought. Deliberate in her actions and her following of Helm's teachings. She asked me to join the Nashkel chapter of Helm's temple. Which I was glad to do. Even after I told her of my heritage, she was accepting.

I began to notice the change in her after she acquired that confounded sword Sventar. A sword that was suppose to be powerful enough to slay even a god. Or so she believed. So I understood the need in retrieving the sword from the Talosians. We spent many months on this task. And we finally found the location or so we believed.

We traveled to the Marshes within the Moors, far North of Baldurs Gate. Upon reaching a temple we came across two Umberleans which we had met before, under unfavorable circustances. But this time we had the upper hand, while we were trying to assertain what they knew and whether they were being truthful with us. A couple of Malarites appeared. I dont thinkthey knew who any of us were, just happened along by accident. I knew they were Malarites because the Umberleans acknowledged them as such. And the Malarites never denied it. I was readying myself for the battle I assumed was about to ensue. When Wai Li and Sveta ( who was recently appointed leader of the Nashkel Temple watch after a mere few weeks of being a watcher) Agreed to join with the Umberleans and the malarites against the Talosians. And then ordered me to not accost them and to join with them as well.

This I could not abide by, to Join with Malarites No matter what the reason, goes against everything I have been taught, and against my very core of what is right. I refused and said No. And after a few words, I left them to their own path, right or wrong.

Afterwards I have prayed many times on the events and hear no answer to my prayers. So I traveled to Nashkel, Left My cloak and key in the Temple, and Quit the Nashkel Temple. Probably best, I was never meant to be a diplomat, as the Coin Lords would want the Watchers to be. I am a warrior for Helms right Hand, I use my talents to uphold his laws and the tenants of his faith.

I have come to find out since, Sveta has stripped me of my position as a watcher. Funny though, how can one strip somebody of something that they have already left behind? Guess it makes her feel important, so be it! The result is the same, I am no longer associated with the corrupted temple of the Guardian in Nashkel.

But Now, as it stands, I am alone in this world again. Perhaps Helm has intended another path for me. Time will tell I guess.

Over the last several days I have traveled the long distance back to Nashkel. In hopes of talking with Wai Li and Sveta. I wanted to convey, that its not too late for them to seek atonement for their lack of Faith in Helm's Strength, by their actions in joining with the evil minions of Malar. And trying to order me to do the same. Of which, of course, I refused to do so. For my faith in his strength is strong.

When I arrived, the Temple was quiet, So I went to the Alter and prayed for them. After waiting for them several Hours, I decided my time here in Nashkel was done. I will remain in the North for now, and give my prayers to Helm at the Temple in Baldurs Gate. Perhaps I will stop at the Silver Rose for a rest and speak with Lady Elvina. Then I will start my search for Sir Arkaine of the Radiant Heart.

I stopped at the Keep of the Silver Rose and stayed the night. By invitation of lady Elvina. We had a long discussion, and touched on several subjects. I informed her I was no longer associated with the temple of Helm in Amn. I am now on my way to the Radiant Hearts compound to try to speak with Arkaine. He and I met once, within the crypts of the Fields of the Dead. I do hope he remembers me. After that I will make my home base in the temple of Helm in Baldurs Gate. At least those are my plans as of now. I will continue to roam the roads and byways of the North, offering my help to those who would need it.

It has been some time now since I left Nashkel and its temple behind. I spend my days and nights either in the Temple of Helm in Baldurs Gate or walking the roads of the North aimlessly. Everything seems quiet. Perhaps a calm before the storm or perhaps my days of excitement are through. Only Helm knows his plans for me. I speak with the priests of Helm within Baldurs Gate often, looking for guidance.

I still have yet to make contact with Arkaine of the Radiant Heart. And I dont see many of the Radiant Heart that I know these days. So I am not quite sure how to make contact with him.

I find myself growing impatient, without direction, which I am finding disturbing. I look upon faces with suspicion, not knowing who to trust these days. Doran Amar would hunt me, EDE would ignore me, and it seems the only friendly faces are the Silver Rose. I still cant figure out my relationship with them. But my Vigilance remains resolute in Helm. So I will try to regain my patience, ignore my distrust, and continue my prayers for guidance.

Yesterday I finally met with Arkaine of the Radiant Heart. We met in the palace district. We spoke for some length, and I told him I had left the Temple of the Guardian in Nashkel. But assured him my faith was still strong in Helm. He asked me why I left the Nashkel chapter and I gave him a condensed version of what had and has been happening with the Watchnights of Nashkel. He was distressed at my explaination, and suggested that it was my duty to report to the Great Helm with my concerns as to the leadership of the temple in Nashkel. He offered me a sealed roll of parchment bearing his Herald and device, and that of the auxillery. So that I would be taken seriously. He told me to drop by the Radiant Heart and it will be waiting for me there. Which I will do in the morning. And then begin my Journey. It will be a long one!

I left the Sword Coast as one of confusion and in need of guidance. I return as one with clarity and renewed focus. The trip to Tsurlagol is a long one, and by Helms' grace was largely uneventful. I will try to retrace my travels.

I met with the squire of the Radiant Heart, Perius Germaine, outside of their compound. As Sir Arkaine is a man true to his word, Squire Germaine handed me a sealed roll of parchment bearing the Herald and Device of Sir Arkaine and the Auxillery. I did not bother to open the parchment, nor was I curious as to its content. For I was confident in Arkaine's word as to its content.

The Squire and myself then made arrangements to meet in Roaringshore where we were to embark on our journey to the Northen Shores of the Sea of Fallen Stars and Tsurlagol.

Upon reaching the Roaringshores I found Perius on the Southern most docks, where he had already arranged for our passage aboard Captain Peter's boat. Before departure Captain Peter spoke of a stop he would make along the way, and asked if I would have a problem with this. To which I replied " Captain as to your business, yours is yours alone, as is ours is ours alone". To which he agreed.

Our trip Eastward was significantly uneventfull. The Squire and myself were left alone to our own affairs, and the trip was relaxing, once you get use to feel of having your feet not on the solid ground I've grown accustom to.

The Chionthar River only goes so far, so we understood when the boat dropped anchor and we were rowed ashore. We were to continue East and meet Captain Peter on the Western coast of the Sea of Fallen Stars. The squire and myself assumed this was also when he was to attend to his business he spoke of. Of which, I am sure he did not want our attendance. Perhaps this was the price of an uneventful trip, thusfar. Who knows. But we agreed and departed the ship.

As we treked across land we came to a bridge. On the other side we saw four individuals standing side to side blocking the departure of the bridge. We prepared ourselves for any eventuality before crossing. As we crossed the Bridge I gave greetings to the individuals and asked to pass peacefully.

As it turns out, the Four individuals were brothers of the Faith, Luke, Marcus, Mathew, and John. They called themselves the Brothers Four of the Watch, and were expecting me. They knew of me and my name. I did not bother to ask how. They also knew of the purpose of our journey.

They informed me, that before I could continue I must pass three tests. To which I replied that I was use to testing, therefore I would readily agree to being the one tested. They told me of a temple that lie ahead and that my first test lies within with an old priest there.

(To be contnued......

\\\\Tsurlagol Continued\\\\\

Upon reaching the temple, temple, I say temple. The building was ancient and the markings were unfamiliar to me or to Squire Perius. We prepared ourselves before entering out of prudence, and caution.

Upon entering the temple I came into a large chamber. I looked around me, and the Squire was nowhere to be found. As I turned towards the door I heard a click and it had locked, barring my exit. So I continued into the chamber. The chamber was dark and dusty and I could smell that it had a faint odd odor to it.

I saw a podium to the far side of the room. As I approached I could see a man dressed in robes standing on the other side of the Podium. We greeted each other, and he asked of my purpose. I told him I was traveling to Tsurlagol seeking guidance. And explained of the four Brothers of the Watch I had met, and that they said I was to seek testing within this temple. I then introduced myself, but again, he said he knew of me. I find it odd, everyone I have met seems to know of me, my name, and my purpose here.

I asked him of what God was this temple. He explained that this temple was from the before time. And the god it worshipped long forgotten. To this I got a sense of caution. I asked why he was here. He explained he was left behind by Helm himself. And spoke of Helm standing before a golden ladder reaching into the heavens. Condemning him to remain frozen in time in this temple.
It is at this time I realised I was speaking to one of the fallen Priests of Helm, condemned for some heinous crime against Helm.

It is at this time I began to smell a faint odor of death about me. He then spoke of the sword Sventar. Which I confirmed of which I knew of. As I did, the smell of death became stronger as if surrounding me. He then demanded I bring it to him , in which I refused. He then declared if I would not, then he would take my body and take possession himself. At which Time I drew my sword, professed my faith in Helm, But before I could strike him down the darkness turned into shadows and attacked. I was completely surrounded by them, but they fell by the sharpness and blessings upon my blade. Before I could return my attention to the priest, I was attacked by waves of undead.

Now I thank Helm for my forethought of being well supplied with heal potions. I nearly fell three times, if not for the potions of heal. With many undead lying at my feet, returning to their rightful rest. I looked for the priest, I saw the slight glimmer of his robes in front of the entrance. I rushed towards him only to have the shadows strike from the darkness again. My blade cut thru them as a machette thru the vines of the jungle.Slowly making my way towards him. He began casting spells towards me, weakening me thru fire, electrical shock and acid. Drinking potions of heal to restore myself when feeling myself beginning to slip into the darkness.

Upon reaching him it was if he would strike at me from the shadows, to which I would strike back. It was a battle of reflexes. At the end the priest lay at my feet dead, and it was then I heard the door once again click and open.

Upon exiting the temple I found Squire Perius on the ground paralized. I cast a greater restoration spell upon him and helped him to his feet. He then apologized and said something took hold of him and threw him to the ground, leaving him paralized when he tried to follow me into the Temple. Foul magic of the priest inside I told him. We then discussed what had happened inside.
It would seem after much discussion that the three tests the Four Brothers of the Watch had spoken of, were combined into one with this fallen priest.

We continued East to the Sea of the Fallen Stars.

\\\\to be continued

\\\Tsurlagol continued\\\

Upon reaching the Sea of Fallen Stars we found captain Peter waiting as promised. We boarded the ship and began the journey across the sea. The trip across the waves was uneventful, which was good, it gave us time to rest and tend to my wounds.

It was early morning when we disembarked just outside of Tsurlagol, and I thanked Helm for havin my feet on solid ground again. As I looked to the closed gates of the city, the sun began to rise, and I felt an unfamiliar nervousness beginning to tie knots within my belly. Many thoughts began to cross my mind as we approached the Gates. "Who am I to seek guidance from the Great Helm? Would he even see me? What if I made the wrong choice in refusing to follow Watchknight Sveta's order of allying myself with Umberleeans and Malarites? No, no, it was the right choice, and no other could be made." I assured myself.

As we approached the gates, they opened for us. We then followed the road thru the middle of Tsurlagol to the grounds of the Temple of Helm. We were led by the priests to his private residence, where he received us.

Upon entering his residence we were led to a hall where at the end he stood with two of his priests waiting.

I went before the High Priest of Helm and kneeled before him. He told me to stand and said he knew of my coming. And asked of what I have come to tell him. I presented Sir Arkaines and the Order of the Radiant Hearts seal and parchment. After examining them he said they were in good order and again asked of what I have come to tell him.

I bowed my head and said " I have come seeking guidance, but first, if I may, I need to tell of my heritage, To show I have nothing to hide." To which he told me to proceed. I explained of my father being Human and a faithful of Helm, and of my mother being of half Drow Heritage. To which he replied "Sir, we have no issues with your lineage, your deeds and Faith are all that concerns those who Watch. That you have risen above any issues concerning your heritage shows you to be true." And then told me to continue.

At which time I told him of the sword named Sventar and the preported power it may have. To which he replied, "So it is true, the Sword of Power has been found". I then explained to him what I knew of the sword. To which he replied to me that uncommon weapons of power are known to the church, and that they record where they are and who possesses them. I then told him that it had indeed been found and was in the possession of Watcher Wai Li in Nashkel. I then told them of my concerns, regarding Wai Li's and Sveta's apparant loss of Faith in Helm's stregnth. And then elaborated my concerns as to the questionable actions of the Watchknights of Naskel. I then told them of their orders to me, to ally myself with Umberleeans and Malarites to fight the Talosians and recover the sword. And of my refusal to follow such orders.

I then told them of other concerns of strange actions of the Watchknights. The High Priest was even unaware that Wai Li was not Head Watchknight anymore, And was unfamiliar with WatchKnight Sveta, who is now head Watchknight. And I explained I was troubled enough to leave the Temple of the Guardian after these actions. To which after quitting, Watcher Sveta fired me. After completing my explanations, I asked for guidance from the High Priest. It was then the High Priest said to leave the situation in Nashkel to him, and that he had another task for me. To which I humbly agreed.

It was then to my surprise, the High Priest asked me to kneel before him. Of which I did, and he promoted me to the rank of "Vigilant Eye". A completely unexpected reaction and decision. One of great responsibility. The High Priest told me it is in this role I am to lead the Order of the Vigilant at Helm's Temple in Baldurs Gate. My mission is to uphold the strongest virtues of the Church of Helm, being ever mindful to protect the weak. To uphold virtue, to work for the greater good, and to assist when called upon by rightful authority. I am to continue to Liase and work with those who Watch. He then added that the final authority over me is to rest with him, the High Priest of Helm, and him alone.

He then drew a beautiful sword from its scabbard and dubbed me "Sir Drew Latonar, The Eye of the Vigilant"

Upon completion of the ceremony he then offered to teleport us back to Baldurs Gate, to which we agreed.

I spent the day today at the Friendly Arms Inn. My purpose here was to find a Fellow by the name of Erlkazar Thornwood. I had heard Rumors and whisperings that he had knowledge or was in search of a relic called the "Everwatch Eye". An intrigueing name that gives connotations of being a Helmite Relic. But I wont know for sure till I speak with him and learn what he knows.

I didnt find him, but left word with Bentley I was looking for him.

I traveled with Cienne to the FAI, apparantly she is having some issues I wont speak of here. I dont feel it would be appropriate. We spoke at length I will say, and I hope it cleared her mind a bit.

I also talked briefly , very briefly with Mendel and Nai of the EDE. Apparantly, even though they appear to greet me cordially, there is some stand offishness there. We just began speaking and Mendel dragged Nai away to speak with Luke. Right in the middle of a sentence. Oh well, I am use to such rude treatment. Not the first time, and wont be the last.

Anyways I will continue to visit the FAI in hopes of speaking with Mr Thornwood.

Interesting day today, As I headed South I first stopped at the FAI. My purpose there was to see if there had been any further contact with the treasure seeker, Erlkazar Thornwood. Which there has not, from what I could gather. I suspect that the rumors of him and his quest to find the Everwatch Eye was just that, Rumors. With no fact to support them.

But as I approached, I could see and hear someone casting divine protections. As I got closer I could see it was Arkaine of the Radiant Heart. I stood nearby and watched as completed his casting. Just as he finished someone appeared behind me and shot some arrows at Arkaine. As I reached for my sword, Arkaine flew past me and dispatched him quickly. I turned my attention to the crowd that gathered. Then I heard another challenge Arkaine to which he abruptly answered the call and slayed him. I watched the crowd making sure no other interfered. Arkaine then grabbed up the body and went to burn it. I followed him North into the Tradeway, at a distance watching all around for any retailiations. None were to come. Upon the completion of the burning of the body. I returned to my Journey South.

When I arrived in Beregost, in the town square a podium and many chairs were set up. I talked to Tolan and he said there was to be a public speaking today. So I stuck around to hear what was said. The speaker was the Tax collector of the town. And the guard seemed unusually heavy for a mere speaking engagement. The reasonong, I would soon find out was because of a possible assasination attempt. The man in charge was a Captain Kalma which I recognised. Now at this point I was a bit confused. To put a known Pirate in charge, regardless of his rank within Amn, is like putting a fox in charge of guarding the Chicken coup. Nothing good can come of it. And as expected nothing did. The assasination was nearly successful, and as far as I know at this point, may have been. The speaker was pierced with deadly bolts as she was being saved from another assasins daggers. Of her status I am unsure as she was taken inside the temple to be attended too. The assasins are dead, at least the ones that were discovered.

With not much that I could do, I then headed back North, helping those I could along the way that were in need.