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

Alturiak - I - Addendum

Sadly my visit to Candlekeep was of little use. It is an impressive enough building (though imposing and angular in that typical Human fashion) and I learned something of its history from a sage named Gorion. They permitted me to wander the grounds but would not allow me access to the library; apparently I have to prove my good intent with the donation of a valuable tome of some sort. I admire the pursuit of knowledge for the sake of it but of what use is it when you hoard that knowledge like a dragon hoarding gold it cannot spend? No matter - I shall journey onward tomorrow.

Alturiak - II

I am back at the Friendly Arm Inn penning this by the fire with a cup of mead beside me. I decided to return north through the eastern fringes of the Cloakwood. From what I gather from the maps it is a relatively small forest yet an ancient one and very dense. This proved to be correct and it has been little touched by the hand of civilisation. I saw some fine specimens of beech, elm and even white pine. My first encounter was with a band of tasloi that ambushed me from the treetops. They are vicious creatures though they pose little danger except maybe en masse.

I crossed the river and entered a disused mine - evidence of an abandoned attempt to exploit the forest's resources at some point or other. Giant spiders now make their home there and after a few encounters I turned back. I shall wait until I have a group before venturing further in for I feel it would be foolish to go alone. I know not where I shall go next but I've heard talk of caverns beneath this very inn that might be worth exploring.

Alturiak - III

Councillor Elyssa of Doron Amar has asked me to look into the wyvern population south-east of Beregost. It is possible that they threaten the nearby halfling village and potentially the southern reaches of the wood. To aid me in my task she gave me a fine gift: a pair of enchanted boots to both soften and swiften my step. I shall set off this afternoon.

Addendum

The land hereabouts is all but dead. I see evidence of where the forest once reached but now it is naught but blighted earth and a few petrified trees. I have found some ill-looking ruins, which I hear were once called Ulcaster. I get a bad sense from them and shall give them a wide berth.

Addendum II

I have found the wyvern nest and counted at least six full-grown adults so far. I have avoided confrontation with them as I believe that even one would prove more than a match for me. In all honesty I do not think them a threat to the balance. The nearby settlements are well-protected and there is little that could be farmed here (I believe I saw only one farmstead nearby). It is possible that their presence actually deters incursion by other humanoids, which would be more dangerous in the long run. The population should not be slaughtered, but rather the road should be better patrolled. I shall report as much back to the Councillor when I return north.

Addendum III

I saw something as I was on my way back to Beregost that made me question my eyesight for the first time in my life. It was humanoid-shaped and at first I thought it was a giant, however when I got a closer look its features were unmistakably not of this plane. It stood at least twenty feet tall, had red skin and horns protruding from its brow and it wielded two flaming swords both as long as I am. I made my escape quickly with the help of my new boots. That thing was far more alarming than any wyvern.

Addendum IV

As I passed through Beregost on my way back north I purchased some studded leather made from wyvern hide (clearly some are benefiting from a population nearby!). It is a fraction of the weight of my current armor and just as protective. The scales also protect me somewhat from venom. It will come in handy should I return to hunt some of these creatures.

Alturiak - IV

I have ranged far to the north these last three days and have now returned to Doron Amar where I am writing this account. The combination of my new wyvern leathers, elven boots and natural fleet-of-foot means I am covering ground like never before and I now have the confidence to go into unknown territory alone. I departed Baldur's Gate by the East Gate and turned north, following the road to the region called Thundar's Ride. The land there is marsh-like: dark, thick grass intersected by many small streams and ponds, with clusters of hazel and ash trees here and there. It is also populated by a tribe of bugbears, the larger cousin to the goblin. I had never faced these creatures before so it was educational. The bugbear is strong, stronger even than an orc, however they seem less militarised. That said, they are still predatory and attack strangers on sight. They practice a form of shamanistic magic but they have no wizards as far as I can tell.

I observed them unseen for a day and I realised that they are not affected by daylight in the same way as their goblin cousins. That being the case I decided to take them on after nightfall when I would have the advantage despite their keen senses. They tend to roam alone rather than in groups and most of the tribe fell to my arrows before they knew what was happening. I had a close call when I was caught off-guard by one of their elite warriors but, by the grace of Solonor, I prevailed. Other sights of interest in the region include the ruins of a town, though I know not its story, a war memorial, a cave full of vampiric bats, and a deserted structure next to a large pit channeled into the very earth.

Next I arrived at Boareskyr Bridge on the west bank of the Winding Water. I was ambushed by brigands but made short work of them. There are some ruins there I should like to return to at some point but I was compelled to venture north through the mountain passage, having heard rumours that the Black Orcs had fortified themselves there. These rumours proved to be true for I came to a vast castle called Dragonspear, which looks to be about a century old. The land around it is mostly alpine tundra punctuated by rocky outcrops. There is an abundance of wild boar which make for fine, though dangerous, hunting. The castle itself is swarming with orcs. They are a tough breed but have made a poor job of repairing the castles defences and I was able to break through a crude barricade that covers a breach in the outer wall. My training against their kind was put to good use and after a furious battle I had cleared the castle grounds and was able to wander freely. I did not think it wise to enter the keep alone however so after scouting the area I returned south, resupplying at Soubar on the way.

The road from Soubar back to the Wood of Sharp Teeth took me past several sights I should like to explore: The Forest of Wyrms where a humid mist permeates the trees and the canopy seems to touch the sky, The Reaching Wood which I hear is full of monsters and mystery, and the Uldoon Trail which is a great wilderness road that stretches all over the coast. I feel I should take some time to train more for these however and I should like to find a group of like-minded adventurers to accompany me.

Alturiak - V

I made a second visit to Candlekeep and was happy to learn they have opened up a section of their famous library to the public. This happiness evaporated however when I discovered a pamphlet there entitled An Elven Saying by one Felynra Auvryarn. It was a loathsome peace, which claimed that all Tel'Kessir wished to exterminate all other races and that the only way to save Faerun was to 'rid it of the elf.' I brought this pamphlet to the attention of the gatekeeper but was more-or-less snubbed. Is it befitting for the great library to house such inflammatory and mindless propaganda?

Addendum - I

I have purchased a blank tome and intend to write a response to this vitriol.

Alturiak - VI

It has been a while since my last entry. The last tenday has been a full one and I have had several adventures and made some new friends. I shall begin with a brush with death; I remember setting out from the Friendly Arm for the Cloakwood, having resolved to explore deeper in. The next thing I was aware of after this is awaking in a cave feeling weaker than I have ever felt before and being tended by the very same half-orc ranger I had met by the shrine of Silvanus previously!

I confess I was surprised he had gone out of his way to help me. Perhaps it was some kinship for a fellow ranger or simply that I shown interest in our last encounter, but he has proved to be steadfast and more than capable. I accompanied him to a labyrinth deep in the Cloakwood that is inhabited by minotaurs.

We stalked the corridors bringing death to our foes. It was highly disorientating, yet the half-orc knew the way so I followed his lead. The minotaurs are fearsome opponents. Whether they were left there by magic or found the place by themselves I do not know; such creatures are drawn to mazes like birds to a tree.

After this we had a brief encounter with some shadow druids - Malarites perhaps - and then we explored a cave full of hags and their unnatural spawn (I confess I had thought these creatures a myth).

I also had the opportunity to practice my Orcish, which I have not spoken much but often listened to.

The hour grows late. I shall pen my following adventures tomorrow.

Alturiak - VII

I have made friends with a human called Anden who is a bard and priest of the Oakfather Silvanus. He has accompanied me on several rangings and proven a good ally. Earlier we travelled through the Wood of Sharp Teeth and the village of Gullykin, to the spot where the wyverns make their home. I did not think to engage the beasts in combat but we came across two and slew them with relative ease.

After this we joined with a company who were bringing battle to the settlement of xvarts near there. It has been a long time since I have operated in such a large group and it has reminded me of the value of mixed unit tactics. From now on I shall endeavour to seek out like minded companions when facing dangerous tasks.

Alturiak - VIII

Earlier today an undead hunter from Athkatla visited the Friendly Arm Inn. A vampire lord was in the area and he had tracked it from the south. The vampire had holed up in an old temple surrounded by many of its minions. The hunter was trying to gather a militia to help him against this vampire and I joined with them, though I had little experience with undead and none with vampires. I hoped to remedy this so that I might learn to fight them better in future.

Our group was large and only a few of them were known to me. That said we fought well together, though myself and several others were slain by an undead dragon! Thankfully I have no memory of this. We were raised by our companions and continued on to face the vampire lord.

He was powerful but without his minions he could not stand against us. All of us returned alive and richer for the experience. It feels good to have helped rid the Sword Coast of such a creature.

A letter arrives at the Elfsong Tavern addressed to Erlendir.

My son,

I hope this letter finds you well and that you have not perished in faraway lands without us knowing. I am writing to tell you that your mother and I are leaving the High Forest. Recently the orcs have pushed west of Mhiilamniir and have threatened the village directly. Many of our rangers were lost including Avarie. I am sorry to tell you this; I know you looked up to her, as much as I regret her influence on you.

The decision has been made to leave but we are divided as to where to go; some wish to remain in the Forest and travel to other settlements while others wish to make the long journey to Evermeet. Your mother and I have decided to join a group bound for Evereska, in part to be closer to you. I hope you will come and visit us.

I see now that perhaps I was mistaken about your calling. If we had more of your spirit then maybe Eaerlann would be made anew.

Your father,

Eandur.