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

Bahamut's Dragon Warriors of the Sword Coast, pt. 1

Kelburn Ironfaar, of an unnamed gold dragon clan has received word from his mentor, Seeker Hoihe Dacino of Candlekeep whom hails from the silver dragon clan of Silverstone which is located in the Earthfasts. The message was that Kelburn is to visit the Bearded Mermaid, an inn within Ulgoth's beard on the eighth of Elesias around night time. The apprentice did as requested and entered the tavern. He was met with a rowdy drunk, cloaked in a heavy blue cape with a hood masking his eyes. The man's voice was unrecogniseable, but it was clear he was trying to pick a fight with Kelburn. After Kelburn showed serenity and overcame the quick to anger and quick to enter a bar fight mentality of shield dwarves, the man just grinned under the cloak and told him to go upstairs and enter the room that is in the middle. It will be unlocked. Immidiately, the man pushed himself up, leaving a full flask of wine on the table for anyone to take and walked upstairs.

After a bit of searching the dwarf found the room and saw the same cloaked figure sitting in the corner above a journal. The dwarf called out, asking what's going on and the man spoke, no longer faking his voice. Kelburn recognise him as Hoihe and closed the door before walking towards him. They dicussed a few things. Hoihe asked the golden warrior if he knows the duty of Bahamutians, his apprentice replied: "To slay Bahamut's spawn!" The moustached figure nodded but asked again, this time adding "More commonly". Kelburn answered perfectly : "To help and protect those who can not help themsleves". The master flashed a fang as he smiled and then quickly turned to a serious tone, explaining the situation to Kelburn. When he came to the Beard after the brawl, to get supplies for his camp for the night he heard chants coming from the warehouse. He then investigated later and found that some members of the village gather at the warehouse every second night, wearing velvet robes. Sometimes they appear bloodied after leaving, sometimes even people go missing while other times strangers become residents. It troubled Hoihe and decided to teach Kelburn to properly pray to Bahamut. He spoke with the barkeep and told him of his plan and asked for his aid. He merely asked for keys to the basement so they could mask their untimely disappearence from the tavern. He gave a thousand gold to the man so he keeps his mouth shut. It is unknown if he did or did not warn the cultists or was a member. It did not really matter to Hoihe.

With their plan set in place, Hoihe prepared some things of his into his belt and walked downstairs. He made sure to be loud about entering the stockroom. Back within the room he spoke of them going down to the River Chiontar, to the ferry man and turning invisible there to return from here, to confuse their pursuers. In reality Hoihe left the stockroom door slightly open, so they may slip out in the night invisible. They approached the cave entrance north of the Beard and warded up before diving in. With the stonecunning of a dwarf and the careful planning and research of a candlekeepian seeker, and of course a pirate who received a kick under the belt as form of interrorigation, they easily found the secret entrance to the warehouse. Hoihe asked Kelburn.. "For bahamut?" And Kelburn replied "For Bahamut!" to which he just smiled. They climbed the ladder and began to fight the cultists. They were too late and a succubus was summoned. The cultists work was foiled even in it's complete state for the fiend was banished and the men were slain, their souls propably sent to the Nine hells or the Abbyss. The two Darastrix Arytissi expolored the cellar of the warehouse and looted the valuables, Hoihe kept the gems for his beloved Valge. He ushered Kelburn and began to disjunct the wards of the room methodically before evoking a meteorswarm from his fingertips, destroy the room thoroughly. He made sure to ward the door that led to it with Fire Immunity, so that i would not spread. It is likely the cultists will one day return, but for now the two warriors turned invisible , Hoihe conjured his cat and made him open the door for them, making it look like a cat was just hunting mice as they quickly followed behind Alquedrah. They made their way to the stockroom of the tavern and entered, closing the door behind them.

The master dispelled their wards and then began to question Kelburn about what he learned. When the answers were what he wanted to hear, and when he found that Kelburn wasn't troubled by the fact nobody will know of their heroics he was satisfied, telling Kelburn: "Serving Bahamut is a reward in itself. No need for praise or tangible rewards". The apprentice asked the seeker about a few things regarding Bahamut, mostly about drow and orcs and how to react to them. The tall one answered, for he learned in his past what trouble such can cause, by telling Kelburn to allow them a second chance. But keep in mind that people only receive one second chance, no more. If a drow betrays him after becoming trusted, Kelburn is to strike him down with all the hatred he got. Same for orcs. Then they spoke of justice, how there is compassionate justice, like Bahamut's and how there is cold justice, like Hoar's or Helm's. They agreed on these views and after covering themselves in dust and wood chippings they entered the tavern and nodded to the bartender, telling him the stockroom is as clean as an elven arse. The three laughed at the expression, kelburn noting "Now that's really clean!" then left each to their own. Kelburn followed Hoihe to the coast where they spent the rest of the tomorrow fishing and relaxing. The following night will be tiresome after all.

And indeed it became. Hoihe spoke with the lighthouse keeper in the day, giving him some coins to be allowed access to his lighthouse and the hatch, telling him to look down there once he sees a ferry carrying him and the dwarf passing by the Lighthouse. The Dragon Warriors went into Hoihe's room where he packed his books and things into his magical bag then said their farewells to the barkeep. They were leaving tonight. The night was quiet this day, save for the occasional line being tossed into the Sea of Swords by persistant fishermen, the result of their doings yesternight. They made for the Lighthouse, entered and began searching for the said hatch. After the silver soul rolled the carpet up, they found it. He unlocked it and began to pull on the chain but his hand slipped, the result of an entire day of fishing. Kelburn took his place and easily opened it. They sheathed their weapons and descended down on the rope to be ambushed by some pirates. They easily killed them and continued down the way. Through Hoihe's sharp memory and the ironfaar stonecunning they found some wooden stairs leading to the main cove of the pirates. One problem, it was locked. And barred. When Hoihe charged the door, jumping even to give more power into his kick he bounced off and fell off the stairs. Only thanks to his well trained tumbling skills did he survive without major injury. They were once again rushed by pirates which they defeated. The human fought with his fists for he dropped his axe somewhere, the dwarf fought with axe and board. After a short search Hoihe grasped his axe with his clawed fingers and continued down. They came across some elaborate traps. After examining the structure Hoihe found a spot where there were some easily resistable adventurer-killers. He casted premotion and Shadows shield for that was all he needed. Standing, rather walking tall he set the traps off, dodging them in a manner that implies insight into the future considering Hoihe's slow reflexes. Premotion is indeed an invaluable spell. The energy traps set off but they shimmered off from the shadows that cloaked the inkwell warrior. They came upon an odd looking waterfall which Hoihe quickly noticed, either he was lucky or indeed his heritage gave him advanced sight. They opened the secret door and came upon cursed pirates. After a difficult skirmish they won and looted the chests, immidiately ending up resurrecting the corpses and making them attack. Another difficult skirmish and they were out. Spiders, monkeys and pirates stood in their way but none of them stood any real fighting chance. At last they reached the storeroom to which they nodded "The lighthouse keeper will get rich!" the one wearing mithral chain exclaimed then chuckled. They ventured further and came upon the final cavern, defeating the pirates within Hoihe rummaged the cabins there, torched them and looted the only useful thing: Rum.

Their escape was curious, Hoihe, unable to fight or run thanks to the barrel sitting on his shoulder had to cast stilled spells. The captain of the pirates tried to stop them from taking a ride in the ferry. The captain was a natural spellcaster, assailing them with spells and avoiding attacks by appearing a few feet away from where he really was. Eventually they won and took the ferry down the Sword Coast. As they sailed they slowly used up all the rum. By the time the barrel was empty they saw Candlekeep but kept going. They dropped anchor just south of the famous beacon of knowledge and made ashore. After they were far enough from their trusted way of transport, Hoihe casted firebrand and torched it, making sure no wandering pirate on the run can use it for his escape. They made camp within a cave, Kelburn fell asleep quickly while the human made them some stew in a Cauldron.

To be Continued

Type: Player ran event
Main storyline: Blood and Jealousy by Darkshard
Characters Involved:

• Hoihe Dacino
• Kelburn ironfaar
• Arkos whateverhissurnameis (fishing partner)

Duration: ~1:30h

Bahamut's Dragon Warriors of the Sword Coast part 2.

Kelburn ironfaar woke up to the stench of fishermen's soup within the cave. As he looked across the room he found Hoihe leaning over a table that was laid across a table with one leg missing. There was a silver staff stuffed underneath to keep it standing. Kelburn asked Hoihe if the soup is ready which he confirmed. With a bowl he approached Hoihe and they discussed their plans, after some trouble with working with the map Hoihe put a hat on, took out a compass and casted Greater heroism. Soon afterwards they easily found where they were and drew a path. The path coincidentally had the old Ironfaar stronghold. Soon they set off, battling beetles and badgers on the way. The beetles tried to scorch Kelburn but his draconic blood protected him. Hoihe's silver blood didn't do anything so he got a few burns and a smoking moustache.

As they approached the ruins, it was obvious to Hoihe Kelburn was still far too much dwelling in the past. After fending off some more badgers they stood before the old gates. The dwarf knelt down and lowered his head, not hearing a word Hoihe was speaking. After kelburn rose, Hoihe recalled Kifel's teachings and told them to Kelburn. It eased the dwarf a bit and gave him new hope. They soon set off south to the lighthouse which they expolored thoroughly. As Hoihe tapped the walls for a rope he suddenly fell through it. Kelburn quickly ran after him and they came across a stone wall underneath. Remembering Jero's tale they decided not to touch the wall and went outside. They found the door to the lighthouse and Hoihe picked the lock with his claws, kelburn exclaiming "You sure have a lot of skills!" to which Hoihe nodded with a grin "I am an experienced adventurer". The pair climbed the staircase and loomed across the distance, spotting a chapel about two miles south-east. They enjoyed the sight, checked the map then continued onwards

The weather turned to storm as they were but a 100 feet from the tradeway. They couldn't see anything but the chapel which they entered in hopes of finding shelter. They were met with a strange welcome. A cultist threw a fireball at them as mephits swarmed them from everywhere. They defeated them and began to investigate. As they bashed the various foul tools, poison began to fill the rooms but it was so weak they were unaffected. When they went to the lowest floor Hoihe casted meteorswarm, destroying everything and causing the most potent poison to fill the room. They couldn't resist it and barely survived it's effects. After drinking an antidote and a restoration potion they expolored the ruins. Hoihe found a diamond which he decided to keep for Valge. Kelburn found some gold. They quickly escaped on the barely standing ladder which broke after they left the hatch. The weather turned to the better and they saw the river. Unfortunately Hoihe decided to go south instead of north so they went a useless mile but saw a road on the other side. After some searching they found the bridge is to the north so they, grumbling but went there.

At last they arrived at Beregost and stayed for the night

Hoihe leaves a letter in the morning to Kelburn. He then shows his magic permit to a few guards nearby and teleports to the Friendly Arms inn, and begins waiting by the Order of Silver Rose's keep

The letter:

"My dear apprentice I am sorry but one certain duty of mine came up, I must aid my friend with protecting those whom he loves. I will do my best to return. Do as you wish until I contact you again. We shall remeet in Beregost.. if.. When I return."

//Lol it was so long since I've updated this. I've got three parts to post//


The First part of the journey to Nashkell

Hoihe Dacino and his apprentice, Kelburn Ironfaar rested in Beregost for ten-days almost, ready to set off at last. They've overheard a rumour that bandits were once again traumatizing trade between Beregost and Nashkell, and were determined to resolve the issue during their journey south. As the wandered southwards they've encountered a few friendly faces, amongst them were Averëon. After a lengthy discussion, worthy of Hoihe, they travelled south together, in a group of three.

Eventually they came across a broken down caravan, a battlefield rather. As they examined the wreckage they found goblinoid arrows and even a Xvart corpse. Looking at the tracks they found they led west, presumably to a village that way. Hoihe as always, took control of the situation. Nobody decided to disagree. He began to work on a plan openly, asking his companions for their advice on his positioning. Eventually they've agreed on an encirclement strategy and began the assault.

During the approach they were met with some Xvarts, Hoihe quickly turned himself invisible as Avereon did herself and Kelburn. To make the Xvart busy, Hoihe used his Shadow conjuration to create an illusion of a shadow creature. It looked like a cross between himself and a shadow. The Xvarts were more than happy to beat it up, much to Hoihe's dismay "Destroyers of fine art!".

The battle itself was unsuccessful. While the plan was most excellent it was ill-fated for this group. You simply can not encircle and entire village of dozens of Xvarts with but a dwarven warrior, an elven arcane archer and a human sorcerer, of course with Dragon blood as Hoihe often makes sure everyone and their mothers know. They've took at least ten Xvarts with themselves, or Hoihe thought, including their chieftain and also torching many of the village. But they eventually found themselves tossed outside the village, bloody. Soon the determined holder of duty, the Jilgbisai forced himself up and healed his companions and with his below average skill at bandaging, but enough to stop bleeding. They blew the horn of retreat and ventured to the trade way, about ten miles south. Hoihe carried the weakened Averëon and grunted as he finally set her down. Carrying an elven woman, even if below two hundred pounds, equipment included, over ten miles is a tiresome act if you are near death yourself. He built a camp fire for those without his resistance to cold to rest the night.

The Second part of the journey to Nashkell

Hoihe and Kelburn rested there for a day, while Averëon left earlier with the elf that decided to help them as well, Samuel. The rest of the hundred miles, which was 60 was rather silent. Hoihe had trouble keeping himself shut up though, muttering quietly constantly. Eventually they arrived in Nashkell around 7 PM, just enough time to go bashing Orogs, according to Hoihe

During their approach Hoihe came across yet another flier about Tiamat. He promptly destroyed it with a powerful bop to the board with a staff. He was becoming like his mentor, he joked. During their resting on the road, Hoihe left to gather supplies in Beregost, it was just 40 miles, walk-able in a day. During this time he encountered a flier about Tiamat, which he civilisedly and diplomatically altered to his preference.

The battle with the Orogs was but 15 minutes at best, but heated. Heated because of the meteors Hoihe crashed into their fortress outside the Iron Mine. Eventually they got bored of fighting and returned to the Belching Dragon to drink. It was already 8 PM, the streets were deserted by honest folk save for the guards. They spent some time drinking and getting acquainted with the Ironfaars within. Afterwards they left to rest for the night. Hoihe slept in a deep slumber while Kelburn was excited about tomorrow, not getting much rest.

[ Same session as the second part of journey to Nashkell ]

The Shrine of the draconic gods.

The day has come at last, the second to final destination has been set for the journey. Hoihe and Kelburn prepared within the walls, the sorcerer made sure that everyone saw his Amnian Magic permit.

They've left the gates in the noon, heading for the serpentine leading up to the Cloud peaks but were ambushed by an army of giants. The fighting was all too easy for the pair, quickly beating up the large army in their duo. Eventually Hoihe got rather annoyed by the endless number and began to drag Kelburn up the mountain, saying: "Meh.. the adventurers will be able to fix the rest". On the mountain they've warded up tight and began advancing for Hoihe's hand-built honorary ground.

The venture there wasn't without perils this time either. For some reason, Hoihe has a knack for trouble. About a dozen yetis tried to kill them. A pair of air elementals and even a pair of frost giants. It is a wonder why the infamous great white wyrm didn't take interest or a few frost drakes. Maybe they knew they were headed to honour the World-Shaper? It is unknown. ((Or maybe because the Frost Drake decided not to spawn after I emoted it's arrival...yet it always spawns when I don't want it to >.<.)). After a few hours of mountain climbing, Hoihe enjoying the cold while Kelburn being frozen they've arrived at the yet-to-become sacred ground.

""Upon a clearing, with no overhang blocking the sky and large enough for an adult dragon to land at stand five bright objects. A large sphere made of ice and wood is in the middle, about every 1/10 of the sphere there is a socket. Six out of the ten sockets have something leathery in within them, dragon scales. A red, green, black, copper, brass scale can be found in many, one for each socket.. Over the empty sockets are the words "Orn" "Aujir" "Ulhar" "aurix" "aussir" carved into the ice with a claw, draconic words for Silver, Bronze, gold, blue and white. Other than the obvious shrine of Asgorath, the symbol of Bahamut is carved into a slab of ice standing tall and vigilant towards the west. Next to it Tamara's and Lendys's pillars stand, flanking it from both sides. And at last is a large chest with Astilabaator's symbol carved into the ice beneath."

Hoihe taught some draconic to Kelburn, and then tossed him a rapier as he drew a kukri and dagger. He challenged him to a spar, a duel until first blood before Bahamut's representation. As they fought Kelburn got in a lucky hit, causing a deep wound in Hoihe's side which he painfully tried to ignore. Lucky for him, his regenerating cloak soon took effect and began working on it. As he limped over to the sphere, he began to teach Kelburn the prayers to Io.

Once they were done with the day, it was growing dark again. Hoihe began to create a wind shield and a camp-fire for Kelburn, but asked him not to wear anything that protects him from cold. His reasoning is that Dragon Warriors are to emulate dragons, and all of the dragon kin are extremely resistant to the harsh weather, no matter what type. The gold dragon warrior did as his master asked, shivering through the night as Hoihe just casually slept outside the wind shield. To his dismay, snow began to collect upon him. Lucky for him, he is immune to common cold and freezing to death. The last part of the journey is yet to come. Presumably the hardest too, for Hoihe being as wise as he is, took off his Amulet of No-Detection.

The End?

When sun finally rose over the snow filled clouds, Hoihe woke up and went to check on Kelburn. He noticed that he left his equipment there and soon became worried, but then shoved it away with the thought that Kelburn went ahead to his cave. Being a good friend he packed Kelburn's stuff into one of his magical bags and headed to his cave.

Within he was in for a surprise. There wasn't a Kelburn but rather kobolds. Kobolds with a hint of draconic heritage. He swiftly destroyed them. As he ventured further in from the shadows leaped three dragon disciples at him. A white, red and black. As he stood valiantly he killed the red dragon disciple and badly wounded the black, but the white's resistance to his dragon breath proved to be most troublesome. After ending up being overwhelmed, knocked down on the ground he rolled out of the way and took a rune in hand. As he focused on it soon the world wrapped around him as he teleported to the Friendly Arms inn in a hurry, instead of Candlekeep. As he materialised infront of the gates He ended up straight in betwen two elves talking. They were beyond confusion at the man covered in acidic marks, burnt marks and ice. He didn't say anything as he limped south, into Candlekeep... muttering "bloody assasins" after putting on his amulet of No Detection.

Fates:
Hoihe Dacino: Barely escaped with his life
Kelburn Ironfaar: Missing in Action/Disappeared