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

Day one of my travels along the Sword Coast

It is not that easy to get work around here, some odd jobs like fetching a rodent and stuffing hay in half-empty Scarecrows. Then I happened upon the Graveyard. Odd things happen there.

First I met an elven Lady that seemed to be able to shift into a large Wolf. I must admit, she was most kind and spoke with me for quite some time. It was not that hard to discern she was of Elven heritage, yet I decided not to engage conversation in her language. I am not that fond to lay all my cards on the table in this region.

After that, I ran into Lano and Bodoc. An amusing duo that managed to gain my trust. Bodoc is a -Hin- (I learned they prefer to be named this instead of Halfling, and so I shall). He invokes a caring part within me. I am not sure why this is. Perhaps it is human nature to care for beings smaller than ourself. With taking care of offspring and all. He is disarming in his own manner and charming. I could not let him die in the ruins later, so I spent my coin to have him restored.

Later on, it was -me- being restored by the kindness of Lano. Lano is a bit more reserved, but an able adventurer and has a solid confidence about him. I like him. And now, I owe him.

I have had my first display of power in this region. It is personified by the "Flaming Fist". It seems they are a local militant force that is tasked with "safekeeping" of Baldur's Gate and it's surroundings. I am on the fence still about this organisation, but time shall tell me how to think of them. Baldur's Gate is filled with Politics, I heard. Dukes and such. It should provide an interesting platform to see how they use, but most likely, abuse, power. I have spotted the obvious less rich parts of the city with shady merchants and such. Middle class part seems alright enough and the Palace district clearly harbors those of Noble status. I wonder if there is a chance to infiltrate my way in there as to learn more of what goes on in these parts.

First Name: Alaan
Last Name: Skriesong

Appearance:
Race: Human
Age: 30
Height 1m82
Weight: 72 Kilo's
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Long, Black, Neatly kept
Facial Hair Style: Rugged 5 o'clock shadow

Personality Profile:
General Health: Normal, not bad, nothing special either
Deity: Unknown to others, save those with a good eye
Initial Alignment: N.E, where evil is the lacking moral of taking one's life if HE deems the other unworthy of life, also, not shunning to use ANY means required to achieve his goals, even it would hurt a few innocent men. He limits himself however, to make certain he will not harm women and children. After all, they are the future and he can at least try to make them see the world how he sees it.
Profession: Vagabond adventurer, Escorting Caravans or imporant people.
Base Class & Proposed Development: Ranger with rogueish tricks and assassination skills
Habits/Hobbies: Gathering herbs, flirting, Archery, Dancing
Languages: Common, Elven, Cant, Animal
Weapon of Choice: Crossbow, Short Sword, Dagger

Background:
Born within a secret society and trained as an infiltrant, Alaan often was sent into Political circles to keep track of events. This society rejects abuse of power and can be described best as Anarchists. Alaan grew up to be a rather succesful infiltrant and grew a tad arrogant. Giving in to his flirtatious ways, he once spilled some information he should not have, resulting in exile from former mentioned society. Alaan barely escaped with his life and made his way to the Sword Coast. Alaan still lives by the creed of this former society, since it's morals still embody what he stands for.
Goals:
To personally subdue abuse of power and instigate rebellion among the working class. Equality should reign, the corrupted must die. Destroy power first, then create a new society. Town by town, city by city, country by country
Possible Plot-Hook Ideas and Misc Facts:
Evidently, Alaan could become involved into some cloak and dagger plots or even assassination plots concerning non canon VIP's. Perhaps one time even a failed attempt on a more prominent NPC, but that isn't exactly a -must-. Alaan also can be hunted by former society members. If people or DM's would like to hook into this, PM me

If folk would like to hook into future rebellion acts (this doesn't mean war or battle per se, strikes and demonstrations or even possibly bombing could be done), also, PM me

Also, Alaan has a long lost sister, whom also was born and trained in this society. If someone would like to play her, said person has carte blanche just do PM me




Trapped in a room without walls
Forced to walk this darkened road
When I come to a crossroad
And the way divides into three separate paths
I walk the one out of my dream
And awake in tears

As a blood-red sun is rising
The icy landscape flashing by
I've never felt such feelings
Never felt so alive
I run faster than ever before
And I know my destination

I had this dream, a vision of myself
Imprisoned, tormented, screaming for help
Now awake I realise, I see what I am
I feel more free than ever
I am my own king

Fears, enemies alike to be won
A path to make the past undone
I proudly watch the rising sun
The way to freedom has begun

Fueled by my own desire
I climb higher
Fueled by my inner fire
I reach my peak

I have always been running
Thinking I'm forced to
Now I know the truth
Freedom has begun

I stop and turn around
Seeing the path that I carved

My tracks in the snow
Show my independence
I led myself where I stand
Not forced nor guided

The tracks behind me fade away
And I ask myself a question
Will this last forever
This freedom

Journal entry

I am starting to get familiar around these parts, though recent experiences have confronted me with the fact that I am mortal, just like everybody else.

I was making my way towards Nashkel. A town beyond Beregost, I heard. Word of mouth was that there's a capable fletcher there and I was short on arrows. While wandering on the road, I noticed barricades, dead guards and some folk conversing. Some sort of holy warrior demanded explanation from -us- that's where I got involved...

As I was going to say I had nothing to do with it, the lunatic began to dance. Not long after, it was a horrid experience of gateways opening up and demons...pouring out of them. I had a black out after I got flung back by some winged creature, but it seemed I was tended to by a female Hin. Then there came a group of soldiers with a horse. Also dancing alltogether and the Horse began to speak. One would think I had a mushroom or herb too many, but no, this all did happen.

It appeared the horse was posessed and we tracked it all the way near the Ulcaster Ruins. I made note of it's location for future visits, I suspect this place might be of value to me.

Not long after, the being responsible for all the weird things happening revealed herself. She looked like a human, but with small horns, but after some talk about her real form, a demon nearly as high as a tower revealed itself. I think we managed to destroy it, but not thanks to me...I could do naught but wince as my arrows bounced off it's skin.

I need different arms if I want to make sure I'll survive these lands...killing a person, easy...killing these kinds of beings? now that's an entire different profession...

I shall be careful and be sure to gather people around me as I try to gather up wealth for my plans...lest I will die before I can let my plans unfold...

Journal Entry

I was about to retreat to my room at the Blade and Stars, when I happened upon Galia.

A seemingly young female Elf who appears a tad absent minded and conversing softly with a Zora, or something like that. I decided not to respond that much to that part, she seemed to feel rather self-concious about it. After having to reveal she was swindled concerning the map a certain Hin sold her, I deduced she fancied to find a place to stay and rest. I took her to the Blade and Stars, that she might barter for a room there.

She was friendly enough and even endearing in her own little way. Perhaps our paths shall cross again.

Journal entry

I ran into Lady Vol the other day at the Friendly Arm Inn. Let us say that our little chat was...interesting. Heneforth a mutual beneficial friendship has been made.

I really have to retrain myself back towards that state where I was able to meld with shadows...I truly do miss it.

Journal entry

My staying in these parts starts to become more and more interesting.

I have met and spoke with a certain Tamara, a superb musician in my opinion. She managed to lift my spirits a bit. I suspect she either is blind or has a condition with her eyes. She did not respond to movement much, but appeared rather pinpointed at sound, given the fact she was able to catch the bag of gold I offered for her performance.

She offered to teach me more about Baldur's Gate and it's comings and goings, how fortunate!

As I made my way towards Beregost for another errands run on Maltz' behalf, I was adressed by a hooded woman, demanding to know who I am. I had a short conversation with her until she suddenly turned on her heel, and wandered off. I can not help but to be intrigued...

On another note, I was also handed a bag of coins by a woman in Beregost. I could not deduce her heritage given the fact she also was hooded, but she did not appear human to me. I was advised to take her offer of coin by her companions. When I asked her what I could do for her in return, she stated that I should cover up my torso more, lest it can be injured. I noticed she blushed as she said it, so I shall take it as a compliment and comply to her wish, if only to honor this coin offered to me.

An older man recently stated to me that I appear to be blessed by Lady Luck...perhaps this is so? In that case... -entry stops-

Journal Entry

I must say...Sunites are more fun than I had thought. I was making my way through the streets of Baldur's Gate as I passed a literally Radiant looking lady. A bit shameful, but I could not help but to take a double look at her whilst passing by. I think she noticed, since she adressed me. We engaged in pleasantries and conversation, to find out we both enjoy manners and eloquence. I was relieved she did not find my initial behaviour lacking. It has not been that long since I began to realise how men behave towards women. If anything, we are abusing our birth given gender in a manner of power. I try to remind myself of this when speaking with people, my position and status, but it is not easy. It is required though, to build op the facade I am attempting to create.

To me, personally, love holds no value. The sheer beginning of love has cost me my place in my order and brought me nothing but trouble. Love for another, is a weakness.

Later this day, I met "Kat". This lady was looking for blades. When I mentioned one has to work for items of magic power or considerable quality, she seemed to assume I was offering her work in the manner of an indecent proposal. This point proves my abovementioned observation in society. I do not judge women who willingly engage in such work, but walking the road I am walking, it is no secret many are forced into such ways and I reject it.

No, I rather quickly chose to take a risk and take an assessment on the spot to see if she had potential to walk the same path as I or not. I think lady luck still favors what I am planning to do, for Kat proved to understand me better than I had assumed with my little test.

I can not offer her any pay, but I can offer her the chance to train with me and mayhap even forge a new order for ourselves...it would reflect my dream as well to offer her, if she proves to be trusted, an equal position in this order, reflecting equality.

Gears are slowly getting into motion...yet still I have learned nothing about this Cult I was asked to gain info on by Lady Vol. I must increase the pace in this.

Journal Entry

I have encounter a lady named Angelina, whilst I was slaying orcs in their own den.

We had the chance to exchange opinions, a refreshing conversation really. She appears to me as a kind, warm soul. Yet her order lacks deeds required to break the status quo. She informed me the fist has vast numbers of troops and told me about the foul deed concerning taxes that the Dukes seemed to have inflicted upon the local farmers and hard workers recently. I salute the Order of the Rose for aiding the lesser fortunate, but they should have struck the disease at it's heart, the Dukes and those who seek to protect and keep the Dukes in their fat seats of power.

Lady Vol has now tasked me with the pursuit of a specific Fist soldier. I am to shadow him an learn of any dirt or weaknesses concerning his person. I personally prefer to learn if he has any family that can be used as leverage to make him consider his chosen path. She desires not to kill him, but to break him. If breaking him could mean that he can be persuaded to become an informant for me...this could be a great opportunity.

I am to meet with Kat again sometime soon. See how she is doing. I have a trinket for her, provided I am able to deduce if she would be loyal or not towards me. If I can not determine that yet, the trinket will stay where it is.

Journal entry

It would seem...things are starting to become more and more interesting.

I met up with Nirraa and Mael. Nirraa already a bit known to me, Mael not.

Mael appeared to have hired a swordsman. Capable one as well. I enjoyed the chance to work together with these souls, even enjoyed the chance to exchange thoughts about the Dukes, actions and Anarchy.

Refreshing people, in all honesty. I sincerely would like to work more often with them.

As we moved away from the Bugbears towards the North, our group grew in numbers. Eventually large enough to test our steel against the Giants, near Nashkel. Mental note: Lady Vol was among our numbers. One: I begin to understand her choice of magic...I noticed people observing her, but keeping their silence. I shall keep track of this. Two: A misplaced fireball from her side caused two of our allies to be singed. I barely managed to dodge it and it caused a slight moment of disgruntled allies. I am not sure if she did this on purpose or if it indeed was a misplaced fireball, but either of these possibilities, makes me wary of having to work with her. Time shall tell if she is worth my further trust.

I met with Kat again the other day. She...nearly messed up my cover...not on purpose, She could not have known. I hope I can contain the damage. If not, I shall have to think up a sollution. She...covered my rear whilst fighting the Xvarts and I thanked her for it. Only to have her reply that she would not want anything to happen with my "rear" and that she found me "cute". I am not sure if this was something she meant or if she was jesting...

The enemy arrives
Escape into the night
Everybody run now
Everybody run now
Break into another time

This enemy of mine
Divinity defines
Everybody run now
Everybody run now
Everybody run now
Everybody run

Under the burning sun
I take a look around
Imagine if this all came down
I'm waiting for the day to come

Come with us to the right
Join in the fight
Everybody run now
Everybody run now
Break into another time

Unity divides
Division will unite
Everybody run now
Everybody run now
Everybody run now
Everybody run

Under the burning sun
I take a look around
Imagine if this all came down
I'm waiting for the day to come

Under the burning sun
I take a look around
Imagine if this all came down
A miracle is oh so beautiful
Until it goes away

Under the burning sun I take a look around
Imagine if this all came down
Under the burning sun I take a look around
Imagine if this all came down
Under the burning sun I take a look around
Imagine if this all came

The following passsage is about Alaan in his room, facing a mirror. There are no supernatural powers here, it's meant as a reflection of his personality disorder. Please do not metagame and hopefully enjoy reading.


* Alaan faces the mirror in his room, seeing himself and his spitting image, known as Skriesong beside him*

"You need me...Alaan. Do you honestly think these two souls you met and decide to start hanging out with, will save your humanity?" *Skriesong chuckled in a mocking manner*

"You try so hard to keep me apart from -us- ... don't you understand we are -one- ? embrace it already. -Ofcourse- we shall face quite some problems given my...violent nature. But at least give me my due credit, I -am- effective...-we- are effective. "


You are but a creation of those that sought to create an instrument to perform counterstrikes... * Alaan hissed* you are not -me- !

"Oh but I am...Alaan. Who was there to take care of you when you were young and deprived of love from parents? -me- Who was there to ensure your survival in dire situations? -me- I hate to tell you this...but your father was wrong, Alaan. This world is not a nice place, nor is life going to be all fine and dandy one day. Your cause, noble as it is in it's own way, if for naught. There will always be people who abuse power and leech upon the soil...nature's bounties and exploit the weak. You were born to witness the end of the world...generations before you...well, us, already did damage to this world you can not hope to restore. The only thing you can do, is make the best of it while you are alive and see how much -disease- you can cut from this world. Make it a bit more...bearable for the next generation, born to see the end of the world..."


*Alaan began to cry silently, frustrated by hearing the words of his spitting image*

Why am I denied a life of my own? Why am I not allowed to discover who I am? save but a mask created by others? acting to be people I am -not-? Why do you want to keep this routine intact? Why do you insist of being present in such a prominent way?

" Now, now...this is what you get if you keep forcing me to stay at bay. Listen to me, will you? I have a proposal for you...

-You- can go and discover who you are in your own time and pace. But you -do- have a purpose you can not walk away from. As long as you and I keep being separate persona's, we will never achieve our goals. -Never-. Embrace me as part of you. Not as a prominent part, but an extension of skills where Alaan himself lacks them. Yes, it will mean people are going to disagree with your methods. Yes, it will mean people will not understand. But is not more important to have those who sympathise with you, stay true to you and -know- who disagrees with you instead of making it your agenda to be "liked" by everyone?

Stand up for yourself, Alaan. Stand up for -us-. Don't be ashamed to work for a greater goal and in the meantime fill your own pockets. If you don't take care of us, we can not take care of others. It -is- that simple. Everyone who tells you different, is lying.

Make us whole, Alaan...let's stop fighting eachother."


*Alaan stood there, with fists clenched and trembling. *

I...I guess you are right...*He relaxed, calming his breathing*. We -have- been at odds for far too long, and to be honest, it is exhausting me. I could use my energy in better ways, fight those who abuse their seats, fight for my own path and those I start to befriend. We have been alone for way too long, Skriesong...

"That, my dear Alaan, we have been. I can not deny this. And as hard as it has been for you, it also has been for me. Despite my methods, I am not made of stone...it is as you said, alike an union, we have multiple layers...and I have to embrace yours as you have to embrace mine..."

"I am sorry for making you hurt, little Alaan...I will take better care of your needs from now on as long as you can allow me to be there as well..." *Skriesong wandered towards Alaan, taking him in a loving embrace, as Alaan absorbed him into himself, looking into the mirror with teary eyes and renewed purpose*

We shall be the thorn in plenty people's sides...Skriesong...and I shall learn to enjoy life for the both of us...