DavesGaming

We had some discussion about where to head next. The next good lead we had, a bandit chieftain was somehow behind the Iron Crisis, would take us a ways to the north, closer to Baldur’s Gate. But then Amyntor said we would be better off exploring the wilderness area along Amn’s northern border to work on our teamwork and coordination… and really just our overall experience and readiness. I think we all knew he spoke truth. Raiding a bandit encampment seemed way beyond where we were at.
Jaheira spoke up to agree with Amyntor and observed much of the land around the Sword Coast, from Nashkel all the way north to Friendly Arm Inn was essentially wilderness beyond a short distance from the main road. Beautiful country. But there was a lot dangerous and unsettled. We were sure to be attacked by xvarts, gibberlings, hobgoblins, gnolls and ogres. Not to mention bandits and robbers. These were places normal people feared to tread. We could do some good as we learned.

This seemed like and easy agreement. We decided to start by searching more thoroughly along the route we had taken to rescue Dyna a few days back.

They will no longer be making that stupid threat.

Nearby we found a small boy looking for his lost dog. This was concerning, what was a child doing out here? I guess I’m quite naive, I immediately led us off in a quest for a dog. We found a dog that responded to the chew toy the child had given us. Quite a large black wolf. Well if this was the child’s dog it seemed likely he would need its protection. I was curious to see how this would go (knowing we could protect the child if the wolf was dangerous).

I believe a dryad will die if her tree is felled? We agreed to help. I tried to talk them down, but they were convinced this great tree must hide a great treasure. They attacked us thinking we would steal the treasure if they didn’t. Killing the stupid never feels as righteous as slaying evil.

When we reached the coast we traveled north a ways.

It is surprising to see ordinary folk out in this wilderness, but there were a few.

It seemed harmless, and we could pass a few coins her way for the reading. But it was odd, she looked at my palm for a moment, and gave a very accurate recital of my childhood, but then seemed to get very nervous. She said something about “not wanting any money from me” and ran off. Strange.

Fortunately I had a helmet on that ptotected me from such attacks, but Amyntor was briefly bewitched. That was terrifying, we all ran from him for a few minutes. It didn’t really last very long, but the fear of being skewered by my life’s partner is terrifying beyond words.
It was sad to have to fight the sirens, they made no effort to tell us what we’d done wrong. But I believe Sirens, and many of the spirit beings are often unpredictable in this way.

Our trip back towards civilization was less dramatic.

We finaly made it back to Beregost. We did some business with the many goods we had found. I feel good that we are learning and improving as we work together. A lot gained from just a few day’s travel. I’m feeling good that another trip or two like this and we’ll be ready to face bandits on their home turf.

*****

I still struggle to rate this group in some ways. We could argue Brademante is even weaker than Jill (from my mediocre run). They both have the same (lack of) combat bonuses, but as a single-class fighter Jill could get up to Grand Mastery in her weapons. Does Brademante’s marginal spell use make up for being capped at Specialization? For now I’d say no, except that Brademante is far smarter and wiser. That makes this narrative more cogent, even if its less fun in some ways!

They are all around 5th level now except Jaheira will be at 4th/4th for a while yet. Dyna will hit 5th very soon and Imoen will hit 6th soon after.

Minsc is by far the deadliest, although Brademante is very functional on point.

Imoen just got new armor! Dyna will take a huge leap with her next level, which is just around the corner…

*****

I am crazy busy this next week. I will try to have another post up by next Monday, but that is the soonest I might have something. I like this point in the team development, they are just getting more potent. But with this team a lot hinges on resource management and preparation. It pains me to have to slow down a little for a few days!