Based upon the Computer Role Playing Game Baldur's Gate II Shadows on Amn
Main Character Name based upon a character in the Dragonlance series of Books By Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
© by Authors
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Journal of Raistlin Majere
Year 20 Month 3 Day 18
Work to release Imoen from the Cowled Wizards
I have been meaning to start a Journal ever since I discovered that there is an object out of place in the slum district. There is a sphere that has partially replaced a couple of homes. My curiosity led me to examine what looks like a door. I tried my open spell on it with no visible effect. I even checked to see if it was illusionary, but my spell did not reveal it to be imaginary. The Cowled Wizards have to be interested in this sphere. If I could somehow gain access to what is inside, I might have a bargaining chip with the Cowled ones in regard to their abduction of Imoen. My speculation on where it came from serves no purpose, although I will continue to do my best to find out more about this sphere.
I have found someone in need in the Windspear Hills region; the same region that the Dryads in the dungeon of Irenicus mentioned needing their Acorns delivered to their Queen. I will be able to complete that task and start another one for Lord Gradon Firkraag, whom I met at the Copper Coronet Inn. Lord Firkraag seems to be having a problem with Ogres in his region of the land. I just retrieved a gem for the playhouse actors within the Bridge district Inn and am about to present it to them, having rescued their star Actor from a Wizard in the Temple district sewers, no less.
Speaking of illusions, I solved a problem at the Circus in the Wakeen's Promenade district. The City Guard was pleased to see it resolved, and I met a winged Elf named Aerie. I brought together a Mother and Son who were separated during this crisis, as well. When I first met Aerie, she appeared to me to be an Ogre. When she spoke to me in warning of the illusion of both the Circus area and her own problem that she looked like an Ogre and that her magic was chained through illusion as well, I did not believe that such a sweet voice could come from such a creature.
That is what saved us from a conflict where one of us might have been killed needlessly. As it turned out, she needed a key in the form of a sword to unlock the illusion and bring her back to her true self. I assume she could not get the key for herself; she must have someone else bring it to her. Therefore, who would do so if they believed her to be an Ogre? It was truly luck that was with both of us. When I obtained the sword from a monster in disguise of illusion, I invoked my stoneskin spell, then went back to Aerie. Hoping for the best, I presented her with the sword, hilt first. I needed her story to be true. If not, I faced an Ogre to which I had just handed a sword so that it could attack me. Thankfully, her true form was then revealed. Seeing her face along with her magically musical voice (to my perception, at least), had reminded me that love is possible between a man and a woman. My heart was instantly imprisoned within her shining eyes as surely as the 9th level spell imprisonment. As I came to my senses, I am sure that I was blushing. It looked like she did not notice it, so I tried to concentrate upon the meaning behind her words. Quite impressed with Aerie's council, I continued on to meet this Illusionist. Entering the inner structure, I made sure that I could detect illusions, hoping my spell strength was enough to overcome the illusions. It worked; at least initially. There were Werebeasts dispelled by my spell and actually a few real Shadows, which I destroyed. With my truesight spell still active, I made my way into a chamber that looked like a Throne room. The Illusionist was present and, illusion or not, a few more Shades and Werebeasts. There was also a Slime creature present, though what was the true form I did not know. In hindsight, this must have been Quale.
Having verbally goaded me, the Illusionist ordered his beasts to attack me. The first spell sequencer I unleashed upon the Illusionist brought both him, and his imaginary world, down to reality. The Circus, as it truly existed, came back into focus. The Gnome Illusionist had little life left, and died shortly after. His was a sad story, although I don't know if those he toyed with and killed would have thought the same. It looked like Aerie's foster Uncle Quale wanted Aerie to accompany me on my travels, but I became bashful, and declined politely. Aerie said that she would not mind traveling with me, should I be back this way. In light of this offer, I almost forgot the woman separated from her Son, who waited for her outside the Circus. I mentioned this fact to her, for which she thanked me and started to leave the Circus tent. As I left, I hid my blushing face from Aerie. Thinking about the Son who was hoping to see his Mother, I wondered about a Son or Daughter of my own, and could not look to Aerie as my heart was at the same time wrought with the possibility, and heavy as well, since I was leaving her presence. In the light of day outside the tents of the Circus I made sure to see that the Son and Mother were reunited; finally silently cursing myself: there was no way that Aerie could love me. She is an Elf; I am a Human. She would probably stare at me overwhelmed, then laugh mockingly in my face.
Journal Entry 2
Having met Shadows more than once too often, I paid a visit to the Adventures Mart. I had previously seen a set of bracers that would protect me a lot better than the ones I currently used. I went ahead and purchased them and sold my old ones, as well. That done, I went back to the Copper Coronet Inn. Examining the equipment that I had with me, I proceeded to sell some, and store the rest. I then took the time to eat. I asked Bernard to have some boiled water brought to my table after which I would allow it to cool as I eat. Something solid. Something, hopefully, not the least bit poisonous. I have had enough of poison at Watcher's Keep to last a lifetime! Spider bites are painful and potentially deadly - if you don't already know it. Not to mention the Slime Lab; I do not even want to think about that place. Thinking of food, I wondered then how Jan's turnip crop was doing. After that thought, I tried to think of something a bit more appetizing. I settled on some quail to be cooked well done. I always check the state of cooking I am to consume; no matter where I am. I used my new knife to check the quail; satisfied, I ate. By the time I was ready for the water, it was room temperature; which was fine by me - I had seen it still boiling in the mug.
I read some of the books and scrolls I had acquired for a couple of hours, then turned in to sleep. I now finish my Journal entry and am ready to decide what to do next. I hope to add more here in a few days. As you might guess, I am not at all pleased with my progress at Watcher's Keep. I may not be prepared for what comes next in that place - if ever, as a matter of fact. My frustration must be apparent. With that disclosure, I close my Journal for now.
Journal Entry 3
Planar Prison
The gem of the acting troupe is actually a tool to summon a conduit for planar travel. I aided the troupe in watch against beings that might be pulled into the prime material plane and was successful until bounty hunters showed up. I found that I could do nothing, as the actors were whisked away to who knows where. To my surprise, the conduit was still active. I took the opportunity upstairs in the Inn to recharge my spell sequencers, then rest to recall used spells. When I came back to the conduit, I was relieved to see that it had not been deactivated. I cast some defensive spells, then entered the portal.
The planar travel I went through did not disorient me as when I had used the teleportation device in the dungeon of Irenicus. Therefore, I was immediately aware of several beings around the place I reappeared. A Gnome was trading cross words with his captors; something about his breaching a slave collar, when one of his captors saw me, and had someone close the gate. I traded barbs with whom I knew were the captors of the actors I had wished to protect until they could be on their way - to where they were going, but were somehow intercepted by the beings that were present before me. With only myself against such an array of beings, it was not surprising that they thought they had the upper hand in our conflict; I made it clear that they were mistaken in their estimation. Things did get bad, a few times. I won that battle, but was wondering what lie ahead of me, when the Gnome spoke to me. He told me of the Master of Thralls, and how I would need to destroy him, if I were to free my friends. He also mentioned a Cambion. I had met one of those in my "stay" with Irenicus, which caused my blood to froth in sympathy with the thralls. I took a look around the results of my last conflict and identified a set of Boots of Speed. They would double my normal pace; I was able to put them on as they magically conformed to my boots.
I summoned what I now call my "Fell Five" - my Skeletal Warriors. Using my farsight spell, I spotted my next targets and sent in the Fell Five to precede me. After that battle, I continued to use farsight and located some others who stood in my way, which I also intended to eradicate from this prison. Being able now to run twice as fast, I ran in and used an offensive spell to sting them. I then faded back beyond my Fell Five to await their catching up with me - only to fall into my skeletal warrior trap, which they did, only to be destroyed by my warriors.
I advanced both myself and my summoned Fell Five to where the beasts had been. A Wyvern spied me, and to my amazement, spoke to me before it attacked. After I severed its life with deadly force, I then came up against the Master of Thralls. From my studies with Gorion, this being was a Balor. It summoned two gigantic air elementals against me. I was able to get my resist fear spell off and then the battle truly commenced. When the dust settled only two of my Fell Five and I remained. After a bit of exploration, a Dwarven slave spoke to me, who told me how to release the slave collars by using a device that was found upon the Master of Thrall's body. I made my way back to an area described by the Dwarf and summoned 3 magical swords to go along with the 2 Skeletal Warriors I had left from the previous battle. I then used the device as the Dwarf indicated, which heralded quite a ruckus. I got back to the original site where I appeared. Along with my summoned help, I advanced northward to the Cambion. When I got into sight of the Cambion, it was in a heated battle with the thralls that had been released from their slave collars. I remember the battle of my first Cambion. This, my second Cambion, showed quite a bit more energy. The first one was magically or somehow in some other manner contained - therefore, it may have been lethargic in its captivity. Nevertheless, without the thralls helping it, the Cambion fell to our combined power. It was hopelessly outnumbered; what did I expect? I have to wonder what a group of these Cambions could do if they ever decided to work together. The key to exit the prison was now mine, among a few other items besides the Boots of Speed. I will find out about them later. I met up with a grateful troupe of actors. The star actor broke up with the rest of them and followed me to the prime material plane. The two of us separated at the main level of the Inn, going our separate ways. I rested then and there, after which I now finish this Journal entry. Examining the Acorns of the Dryads, I wondered what was next.
Journal Entry 4
Windspear Hills
Lord Gradon Firkraag has betrayed my trust! Upon arriving at the Windspear Hills, the Ogres he mentioned seemed to be awaiting my arrival. A conflict ensued despite my request to speak to them. They turned out to be Knights with the illusion of Ogres created by Firkraag. As my battle ended successfully, the illusion was dispelled and I saw the reality of the dead Knights. The previous Lord of the region witnessed the last few moments of my battle and invited me to his home. Upon our arrival, we discussed Firkraag at length. It seems that Firkraag usurped his Barony in a similar fashion as he has sullied my reputation. Garric said he had a friend within the Order of the Radiant Heart, and would go to vouch for me; otherwise, the Knights will hunt me down and kill me for my offense. During his absence, Firkraag's bandits arrived at his home, and captured his daughter, Iltha. At the conclusion of my battle against the remaining bandits, I paced back and forth, seething in rage. When Garric arrived later on, I swore to him that I would rescue his kin. I set up both my contingency spell and sequencers, then rested to refresh my spell casting ability.
Journal Entry 5
Leaving Garric's home, I went in search of Firkraag. The area had some Goblins and Orcs; at least what I saw of the area before coming upon what had to be the Citadel of Lord Firkraag. The face of the entrance was most terrible. On each side, it had the statue of the neck and head of a Dragon. I then realized what I should have figured out when Lord Firkraag and I met. The name held the clue that I had missed - Lord Gradon Firkraag - take the word Gradon, and swap the g and d letters, and it becomes Dragon! I almost left then, never to return. But for the rising tide of molten hatred and murder in my heart, I would have left no matter how my reputation suffered. I now fully understood the severity of my task: the literal saving of the Damsel in distress from a Dragon - Lord Firkraag.
Standing on the veritable porch of a Dragon's Lair, I invoked my most potent protective magic and drew a circle in the dust around me with my Staff of the Magi - I would not return to that circle until Firkraag was dead. The Battle of Firkraag's Lair had begun. I showed my contempt for Firkraag by sleeping on his doorstep. He answered by sending a few platoons of Orcs my way. I hoped he was watching as I slaughtered them. Finally, I entered the complex.
Journal Entry 6
Orcs headed by Chieftain Digdug (Digdug retreated from the battle), seemingly surprised at my "early" arrival, paid an ultimate price for their fear of and service to a black heart; and black guard, I might add. Another platoon of Orcs further along the way "retired", as well. A type of being I had never met thought to explode his minions against my flesh, but was burned. Mist horrors, intent on my demise, left the prime material plane on the wings of my magic, and were no longer able to be intent on anything anymore. Barely sentient beings sought to pit their muscle against the steel of my magic, but were brought down in abject weakness to their demise. They continued to voice how strong they were - even with their last breath.
Another Doorway led me to more Orcs thinking to catch me in a cross fire with their missile weapons; my own magic arrows were sent directly to their hearts; which, no doubt, burst into flame much as the rest of their bodies did. With a casual gesture, I unlocked the next door and proceeded into another room, closing the door after me. If I had had a magical way to lock that door, I would have done so. It matters not; no one was going to leave without my permission! The room was empty, so I took the time to rest. Shadows assaulted me and were put to rest themselves - permanently. Skeletal Warriors were summoned against me; not a good idea. Their helmets and scattered bones are all that is left of them.
Journal Entry 7
Having finished my rest, I continued onwards. Golems were found next. He made or had them made; I unmade them. A troll cook told me to get into his stew pot; I fried his regenerative blood all over the walls. And a monster I had seen twice before - once in my "stay" with Irenicus - was held in a circular room. I don't know what purpose it served, though no one need be concerned any longer.
On the opposite side of the hallway now opposite of fried troll, a couple of Orcs wanted to speak with me rather than attack me outright. Although their words disgusted me, I searched my heart and, indeed, found a residue of pity to spare them. They left for a destination unknown to me. I wondered what the Orc families I had made into orphans would do now. I was thankful there were no eyes to witness my tears of remorse.
Regaining my composure, I sought the next door onward and found a short hallway with another door at the end. After opening this north bound door, I found the undead massed against me. The Mummies were stronger than I had seen before. In the end, I unwrapped their bindings. Ghasts were against me, as well. They ended "gaining" nothingness rather than creating it for me. As I finished off these types of undead creatures, Vampires started showing up. I laughed in their faces as I reduced them to mist one by one until none were left and they went to where ever their lair is to restore themselves. Most probably not learning a thing. They want to feed on my blood? What would they do when there was no life left to feed upon? They should all turn on themselves, and get their worthless undead lives over with; the last one expiring in the sunlight of which it should be grateful as the last thing it ever did: to watch a sunrise as it might have done on occasion in its true life. But, of course, I doubt that they would listen to me. Well, I am not talking from personal experience. The amulet that gives me protection from the negative plane attacks Vampires are noted for probably saved me from death - or even becoming undead myself. I wonder if I would then have the courage to watch my last sunrise? I hope that is always an unsolved mystery to me.
Journal Entry 8
Rather than give council to the undead, I should look to myself. How many lives have I taken so far to reach he who has become my enemy? Why should I seek to save one life, when the many fall at my feet? I again wonder about my sanity. I am Bhaalspawn; it may be my nature to find an excuse to murder while maybe not innocent lives, they are lives, nonetheless. My human side is, of course, speaking here. Even now, I feel rage white wash my thoughts that I write in my Journal which turn to the even greater bloodshed I have yet to relate.
Feeling the need for caution, I invoked my improved invisibility spell only to come upon a human being. Initiating a conversation with her who was known as Samia cancelled my invisibility spell, since I felt the risk was low. She did not seem the type to have a sinister motive. I was wrong. She asked my help in obtaining the scrolls that related to the life of a King but there were guardians that prevented her further progress. Taking it upon myself to aid her, I successfully moved about the tomb. At the end, I did not find a set of scrolls, but a sword and shield. Samia and her companions ambushed me, and were intent on my death and relieving me of the find that Samia used me to obtain. Since I now believe she resides in the Abyss, she can read up about the Bhaalspawn at her leisure; or not - I care not.
Incensed at how wrong I was about Samia, I was in a positively feral mood that was matched by a group of Werebeasts in the next hallway. The group included two particularly nasty greater Werebeasts with amazing regenerative power. I took out the others then one of the greater ones. I then proceeded to tear apart the last greater Werebeast very close to death so that I could watch the life force diminish again before I killed it. I went invisible once again. Another door allowed me access to an area with a well, and two directions to further progress within the Citadel. To the west was a path blocked by a very large golem. As I waited to see if there were other smaller ones, I was rewarded by my patience, when two small constructs came into view. They were beyond the large one, and it was blocking their way. When I targeted one of the smaller ones, they all tried desperately to get at me, but the big one was stuck - it could not approach me; there was no room for it - the path was too narrow. The small ones could not get around the big one. I enjoy it so very much when they cooperate with their own destruction. After I took out the small ones, I worked on the big one at my leisure.