DavesGaming

Chuck

We left Nashkel this morning and set out for the areas east of town along the border with Amn.

Neera wondered what advice and insight such a man could offer. Especially if anything could be done to lessen some of the more dire malfunctions. She’d showed me where she thought he might be on our map and I mentioned to everyone that this looked like something we could do.

Early in the afternoon we were attacked by a small group of “ogrillons”. They’re ogres mixed with something?! Smaller than most full blood ogres. Somehow, while the fighting was happening at our front one came around from behind.

I thought I was dead. The Ogrillon swung at me a few times and I blocked with my shield, but I felt some of those hits rattle my bones.

But I had been struck pretty hard, and in a moment things kind of went all fuzzy.

We traveled up towards where Neera expected we’d find Adoy. We saw a barricade manned by some Goblins. To our surprise, they were friendly. A spokesman said they were guarding their chief and their god. That is, Bargrivyek, the Goblin God of Cooperation. I’ve read a lot about the deities of Faerun, but that was a new one to me! Nothing about Goblins usually has to do with “Cooperation”. I said I’d like to meet this god! The spokesmen seemed pleased, and offered to take us to him. He was a talkative guide!

We were led to a cave and told the chief and the god were inside. Well, first thing, the cave was more what you’d expect. We were attacked by a dozen or so Goblins led by a big Hobgoblin.
We entered a small chamber to the rear of the cave and met Bargrivyek, AKA Adoy. He claimed it was all an innocent misunderstanding that led to him becoming a Goblin deity. We introduced Neera. She was soon disappointed with his pronouncement there was no such thing as controlling wild magic. I’ve read enough about such things to know that isn’t strictly true. But if the point was that there were no easy answers, I’d buy that.

Regardless, Neera was not pleased. Even more so when a couple of Red Mages and a three flunkies teleported into our midst. Adoy disappeared and we defeated the Reds. Adoy returned when it was all clear. He was all apologies, and offered Neera a Belt that could provide some nominal protection against certain common spell misfires.

With not much to show for the detour we resumed our exploring.

I don’t know what that was about? Imoen’s been spending time with Sarah, maybe she would know?

And, I don’t know what that was about either? I thought we were making a good team? I’m very confused by the women on this team. Maybe I need to spend more time with Minsc?

As we set off, Imoen said something I definitely DID understand. She’d been studying a spellbook we recovered a few weeks back, and it affirmed something she’d been considering for years. Back to being a study partner for me as I was learning magic. But she decided she was going to become a mage herself. This is awesome!
Sarah chimed in that we’d need a new scout, at least temporarily while Imoen was learning.
Jaheira mentioned there was a Halfling village not too far north of here. That would probably be a good place to find a decent “scout”.

Late in the day we got to Gullykin, the small Halfling village. We didn’t have to ask much before we met Alora. She is from the City of Baldur’s Gate and is here visiting family. She was cagey about it, but she does have the skills we need. And she’s an archer, bonus!

From here we were almost back to Beregost. Sarah suggested we head back there for the night, then we’ll resume exploring the area west to the coast, south of Candlekeep.
Sounds like a plan!

*****

Finally, about a month into the adventure, the team is set for the rest of “Baldur’s Gate 1”. Imoen just dualled to mage so she will be less useful for a while. Alora is a good replacement for her as a thief. Chuck is very slow advancing as a multi-class, but he can cast a broad range of spells! I suppose I’d say balance-wise, this is a very conventional party.
Sarah is the dominant damage dealer (and tank) with around 40% of party kills. Next would be Minsc at around 30%. Sarah should remain dominant, at least through the first game. As a single class fighter she has some advantages in pure combat. As we get into the second game effectiveness is harder to rate.