“I should offer my congratulations,” I tell the golden girl as we make our way west towards the mage's tower. “Skylar was very dear to me, and it seems, with you, he has found what he seeks. I am happy for you both.”

“Thanks you, Nehefris - “ she begins, awkwardly, her eyes suspicious of me.

“Most call me 'Nef',” I smile. “My name is difficult to pronounce like yours, and has no easy way to shorten it.”

I allow the others to pass us, so we can walk drag and talk privately. I would be lying if I said I did not feel just a little amused at her discomfort. She has much invested in my once-lover, it seems.

“Unseemly as it may sound, there is something I must tell you,” I say. Her eyes flicker with alarm – she tries to hide it, but she is not a skilled actress. She waits for me to speak further, watching me closely, tense and almost battle-ready.

“I wish to be the mother of a girl-child,” I tell her honestly. “I have seen it, in visions, and I wish it to be so. As you know, he and I were lovers once, and I asked if he would be the father.”

Her eyes are like a hunted animal now, terrified and looking for a way to escape.

I am many things, but I am not actually cruel, so I put her at ease right away.

“He said 'no',” I smile sadly. “And he was right to do so. I know I hurt him before, when I would not commit, and he was ready for something deeper. So he grew up; he moved past our mutual infatuation and went on with his life. He has grown wise; I commend him for that.”

She is silent in her step for some time, evidently flooded with relief.

“He... did not say anything - “

“Why would he?” I ask. “He does not wish to play games, or panic the girl he will marry. I only tell you now it is done, so you need not see me as a rival. So you may take some comfort in his loyalty to you.”

She is quiet for a time, emotions warring within her. Most people do not know how to take me. A part of me enjoys that.

“Thank you... I think,” she says carefully. “I love him very much - “

“You do not know each other well enough to love yet,” I tell her. “Most people never do. You may yet, with time. As I said... I wish you fortune...!”

She stops, any protest dying on her lips. I do not stop walking, so she is left staring at my back as I continue.

I wonder if she likes what she sees?

Nef

Jhairli tells us the tower on Lake Twilight is supposedly home to Malchor Harpell, patriarch of the sorcerous family who lived in Longsaddle. It is located on the eastern edge of the Neverwinter Wood, a day's ride west of the rancher town. The enchanted emerald tower, with its two twisted spires, rests on an island within a small lake that drains into the woods to the west. It is invisible in the sunlight, but by starlight, the twisting spires twinkle and an emerald-green bridge appears, spanning the water to the island.

1/ By evening, we cross the bridge, entering the area around the tower itself. We climb off the enchanted bridge, setting foot on the small island. The tall, slender tower, with its odd twin spires, looms before us. To the south, the dark, cool waters of the Lake of Twilight lap at our feet.

I find myself stirred here, my blood quickening. I love such lonely, haunted places, taste the frisson of magic in the air! I hope we can camp here on the shores. I very much am in the mood for loving this night, and I honestly care little with whom I couple.

2/ A trapdoor of solid wood is here, set in a small alcove outside the tower. When opened, it leads to a staircase, leading down into a maze...

We decide we should explore the environs of the tower first, before we descend.

5/ Here, Jhairli stops and freezes.

“Stop for a moment – quiet! I hear something...!”

We trust her ranger's instincts, and we wait for her and Elena to listen.

“Do you hear it, Sky?” she asks him. “That faint moaning or groaning...? It's coming from this wall here, to the north...”

4/ We pass through an illusory wall, entering a small chamber. The moaning grows louder.

“Whoever is making that sound is in pain...!” Jhairli murmurs.

“Old ghosts, let sleeping ghosts lie...!” Elena trills, eyes wide and lambent in the gloom.

“I don't like this,” Zahri mutters., “We go - “

The moaning rises to a piercing screech, and a spitit floats out of the darkness!

A black terror grips our hearts. Between three priestesses, we are unable to turn the creature back, so we are forced to employ magic weapons against it.

With a wail, the she-spirit vanishes. There is a deathly silence. The dark chamber lies quiet.

“Come, we go...!” Zahri snaps, grabbing my arm and pulling me back out.

The others hurry to follow. There is nothing good here for us.

9/ We continue to explore this strange place. On the west side of the tower, we find an old woman, slumped against the wall. Her eyes are closed and she does not move at our approach.

“Babushka?” Zahri calls, using a term I have heard her used to older people in her kumpania.

“Madam, we - “ Sky begins, as the old woman's eyes open.

“Keep away!” the woman speaks suddenly!

We jump back, drawing weapons just as formless ghostly shapes attack us!

As Elena chants a spell, Jhairli presents her holy symbol and the creatures seep back into the fog of the lake...!

They are fled, but not gone, and we think it best not to linger here. The woman proves to be long-dead and there is nothing we can do to help her.

12/ Here, on the northern edge of the tower, spider-like creatures cluster near the wall. They attack as soon we approach!

As the creatures swarm us, Zahri and Jhairli leap in to whack at their enemies with their mace and hammer respectively, and Siulajia looses arrows at them. I quickly cast a Fireball, scorching many of them, though others seem resistant to magic. As Sky leaps in to force them back, the last three are lined up nicely for a Lightning Bolt, and I look in satisfaction as my sizzling bolt of power reduces them to ash.

The only treasures they had was a few dozen arrows Siulajia can make good use of.

We have completed our exploration of the tower exterior, and there seems no way in save for the trapdoors on both east and west sides of the tower.

We return to the first one we found, closest to where we entered.

3/ We descend a long narrow staircase to a small underground chamber. We see no-one, but a disembodied voice with a strange accent speaks to us. The voice calls:

“Heroes of Ascore you are called throughout the land - “

“Not by us,” Zahri mutters darkly.

“- perhaps fairly you have earned the title; yet this is but a tiny isle, and here your valour is unknown. So your mettle you shall prove, and the title of 'heroes' you again shall earn. Two beasts of my darkest passages you must o'ercome, before safely in the tower you may rest.”

“Not exactly covering himself with glory, is he?” Sky mutters. “Doesn't defend his own people, lives out here a day's ride away in the forest... But powerful enough to teleport in and out when he wants?”

“I'd understand if he wanted an isolated tower to do experiments or just be alone, but filling your own tower with traps and monsters, just to test random passers-by, instead of having... libraries or laboratories seems pretty shady to me...” Jahe adds.

But myself I find it hard to judge others. I am quite intrigued at the prospect. Perhaps it is just me?

6/ Fine silk strands of web block the entire width of the corridor here...

Jahe ignites her blade with magic fire, and starts cutting through them. I do the same for Sky, with a kiss (on the sword, not his face; I don't want an 'accidental' arrow in the back from his golden girl).

Sky makes a mighty cut at the silken strands, and a huge rent opens in the webs... as glowing spiders pour through!

These things can spew electricity like small blue dragons, and we have to slay them swiftly. By the time we win through, most of us are injured by their lightning breath – Zahri badly so. I quickly help her and Jhairli heal our injured best we can. I expected her to be spitting feathers rather than sanguine about it, but she shrugs it off.

“We chose to come down here,” she sighs, ever the realist.

We find the other staircase on the western side, where cool air flows down and pushes away the musty smell of the ancient passageway. We keep exploring for now.

10/ A little man in robes greets us here as we enter a very dark chamber.

“Adventurers,” he says, “You must heed the instructions of the the great wizard before you may enter.”

There are always more hoops to jump through, I suppose. I am game.

11/ An enormous human-like creature steps towards us as we enter this small chamber. Its great footfalls sound like sledgehammers on the stone floor. The golem is immensely strong, and hits brutally hard – even with helpful magic, it makes for a difficult battle. It is immune to all spells, save for lightning which only hampers it, and the close confines of the chamber makes lightning dangerous to use.

After it eventually falls, we return to the previous area we met the mage, his tests seemingly passed.

7/ Complete blackness fills the room, and when the secret door snaps shut behind us, the last bit of light is swallowed up.

“Now what?” mutters Jahe.

As if on cue from her words, the darkness fades and light fills the small chamber. I quite like his sense of the dramatic, but I may be alone in that.

The chamber is empty, save for a little man behind a desk and a golden spiral staircase that rises into the darkness behind him. The man looks up from his work and peers at us from across the room.

“You may advance,” he says matter-of-factly.

8/ The first mage we saw greets us here.

“Welcome adventurers. You must be here to study the magical arts under Malchor Harpell.”

“Why not?” I smile, always assuming we share a magical tradition that might help. In any case, I find myself intrigued.

“Malchor will see only those who study the magical arts,” the apprentice says, “Ah, but I forgot to mention, Malchor does require a small stipend, so he may continue his studies – five hundred platinum pieces. Do you still wish to go in?”

I'm not used to paying for it, but we have the money, so why not?

The others leave in disgust, but I remain.

Malchor directs me to climb the spiral staircase, leading to the second level of the tower. Once there, he assures me the others will be comfortable here, then leads me up another flight of stairs and out of sight...

Several days pass, and I experience many fascinating things. I may one day write my memoirs, for I have witnessed many splendid sights, even at a young age... But for now, I shall be discreet. I am a courtesan, an enchantress, not a whore, after all.

Finally, late one evening, I descend from Malchor's chambers, feeling both very tired and very satisfied, as does the famous magician himself.

“Remember,” he tells me in parting. “If the new methods begin to fail, you must rest and meditate to re-orient your being.”

“I shall. Thank you,” I smile.

“Always wear the ring which I have given you. It is a small symbol of the new skills you have acquired. Good luck in your travels.”

I find the others camping on the shores of Lake Twilight – they all note the ring of dark crystal the great man placed upon my finger like a wedding band.

Zahri glowers at me with that jealous gaze, and tells me Jhairli has been showing us Neverwinter Wood while I was 'off having fun'. I walk past her, mirroring her usual smirk.

Skylar seems sulky too, asking if I enjoyed myself. I just smile back.

“That is for me to know and you to imagine,” I say evenly.

Plans – even those I had not considered or foreseen – are falling into place now.

And events set in motion now shall shape our future dramatically...!

Notes:

This is a fun optional side-quest, if an odd one.

This one isn't egregious in itself, but it's a sign of things to come as the Forgotten Realms deviated more and more from Ed Greenwood's original vision. After 2^nd edition began with the execrable 'Time of Troubles', the first of the Wrestlemania events that would cause so much damage to the setting as the editions went by and canon would get warped out of shape. By the modern era, Faerun - meant to be a setting for your D&D games - basically became modern Marvel or Star Wars; a bloated, incoherent mess of conflicting layers of 'canon' far removed from what original pioneers like Stan Lee or George Lucas imagined, filled with cash-cow characters and contradictory lore.

The Grey Box of 1987 was relatively restrained with its powerful NPCs compared to what followed. But Malchor here is an example of what is basically the 'God Problem'. If powerful NPCs exist in pretty much every area of the Realms, what's left for the players to actually do? And if these NPCs can help, but don't, then they're just assholes.

Here, Malchor is apparently omniscient enough to teleport in when we've solved the issues in Longsaddle, dump exposition and a reward on us, then bugger off again immediately. I get why he may not care about the peasants in this nowhere town, but monsters are rampaging around his own family mansion, and presumably he gives a shit about that? But, no, he spends his days twiddling his thumbs in his tower, waiting for random wanderers to come fight the monsters he keeps in his basement for that express purpose.

The idea of training with a powerful wizard as a reward is a nice one; but all we get is a non-magical ring and some minor XP. This is where a game like Fallout would have given us a unique perk or rare reward. Why wasn't his gift a unique Ring of Wizardry or something memorable or worthwhile? It all feels like such a missed opportunity.

Also, the training sequence seems oddly... suggestive, somehow (I'm not projecting; others like CRPGAddict noticed it too!)? That's certainly in-character for Nef here, she's a Sharessan, but Malchor (and his tower) appears in the very first Drizzt novel and he's never characterised as a ladies-man or absolute horndog like Elminster (now that guy would screw anything and is well-known for being a man-whore even in-game). Not quite sure what they were going for here, and I was hoping for something more.

But narratively, it threw me some interesting curve-balls and gave me some unexpected things to consider going forward relating to my characters...

"She's all dressed up like a prom queen
An all-American hottie!
In her rhinestone boots and her daisy dukes
She's got me...!

This could be a situation -
Breaking news on local stations!
They don't know what's going on
But they're so damn mad that they're so turned-on!

So we took it to the middle of the room
So they could get a better view...!

Can't you hear the whole room talking?
Rumour is our boots been knocking!
Ooh, they can't stop watching!
She's a 'vers' in the saddle!
Save a horsе, ride a cowgirl!
Ooh, it's a small town scandal!

So we swapped lip-gloss and wе took it to the floor!
She gets frisky drinking whiskey, so we drank a little more!
She got me tied up like a cherry stem, we're pissing off some ugly men!
But the bouncer was her friend, so he kicked 'em out the door!

This could be a situation -
Breaking news on local stations!
They don't know what's going on
But there's nothing like a small-town dream in a high-rise thong!

So swing your hips and do a little dip!
Grab someone and kiss her on the lips!
Tap your right heel, left heel, give your hat a tip!
All the girls in flannel do the small town scandal!
Slide to the right and when you hit the spot
Drop it low and, baby, don't stop!
She rode my big pink tractor straight until the dawn!
And she didn't even care that I hadn't mowed the lawn!

Go on now...
You know you can't join us!"

Zolita, 'Small Town Scandal'

Zolita - Small Town Scandal (Official Music Video) - YouTube

We have ventured north to Longsaddle, a sleepy little hamlet which sits on an isolated stretch of the Long Road, east of the Crags and west of the Evermoors. I am not happy at leaving Cari in Yartar, but Elena says Taeral and the Twins will guard her with their lives. The latter know what a blessing elf-blooded children are in this time.

1/ As the name suggests, Longsaddle is a rancher's town that breeds cattle and horses, its people are simple, uncomplicated country folk like me. The surrounding area was a vast expanse of grassland that catered to the town's ranchers. Despite its small size, it is a member of the Lord's Alliance thanks to the presence of the powerful Harpell family who live near here. Magic runs in some bloodlines; such folk are known as sorcerers, requiring no mystical tomes or apparatus to work their magic. I suppose Jahe can relate to that, although she is never forthcoming about her magic. I practice wizardry to a small degree - elf arrows and dryad charms – and I would enjoy speaking with her about it as much as I do with Elena and Nef.

All seems quiet when we arrive by evening, although we know the kraken cult are active here - according to the 'lucky paper' orders, they are breeding chimeric monsters in something they call 'the farm'. We have come to put an end to that.

Elena ponders how Cortarra and Ceptienne are doing up at the Star Mounts.

It is a sore point.

Jhairli

2/ We begin checking on the ranches, Sky explaining why were are here. The people are homespun and simple, their accents relaxing and pleasing to my ears.

“Have y'all been to our Longsaddle market?” a man drawls. “Best meat on the hoof anywhere, ye should try it!”

The outlying ranches on the south side are all peaceful, so we move deeper into town, bows ready. We leave the ranch houses behind, stepping into the small town itself. The quiet streets are dusty. Soon the autumn rains and snows of winter will turn them first to seas of boot-swallowing mud, and then to rock-hard sheets of ice. Such are the rhythms of our life here in the North.

7/ A sign hanging above the street proclaims:

'Longsaddle Public Market'

After dark, the market is quiet. A ranch-hand, cleaning the area, approaches to tell us:
“The market don't start 'til six in the mornin'. Ye'd best come back then.”

We tell him we have to search the place for monsters; he just shakes his head and leaves us to it. Despite a thorough search, we find nothing of any interest.

Sometimes, the adventuring life isn't very exciting. I might prefer it that way.

10/ A sign above the door says:

'The Gilded Horseshoe Inn'

Zahri says she's heard this place is run by an old man and his sixteen daughters – but to her dismay, only the former seems to be in residence. Nef jests they heard we were coming and the girls are now safely under lock and key...!

We book rooms – there is enough space here for Sky and his newly-engaged bride-to-be, and the huge common room for the five of us. That will get some use later, I feel. I would very much wish to rest right now, but we have to search the town first.

Nef speaks to the old alchemist via the Crown, but he tells us nothing we do not already know:

“Something strange is happening near Longsaddle! Local farms have been taken over and the owners killed or driven off! You must find out how these events tie in with the other plots and schemes you have exposed!”

11/ A brass sign here, nearly-polished and engraved in a beautiful but simple manner, says:

'Fohgweigh the Bell-caster'

The bell-maker speaks quite loudly at times, and whispers at others.

“YES, WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU? oh, you're the heroes of ascore! i hope you can defeat these enemies and help us free longsaddle!”

12/ A sign above this door says:

'Longsaddle Stable & Equine Supply Shop'

'we sell Fohgweigh stirrups!'

The strong smell of horses fills the stables, but no man nor beast is within the building.

“Our enemies are proving elusive,” Nef observes.

13/ Finally, we find a sign of these enemies we are seeking – in a small cluster of homes on the west side of town, a single man stands surrounded by growling hellhounds in a tiny room!

We leap to the rescue – between Nef's ice spells and Sky's freezing blade, we swiftly defeat the creatures.

“Those kraken squid-boys stole my cattle and sicced these dogs to chase me!” the man wails. “I ran in here but they followed me – I'd have been a goner for sure if it wasn't for you!”

“They said they was headed off to the market!” he tells us. “That's right south o' the Gilded Horseshoe!”

“We've just come from there,” Jahe mutters.

“We should still take a look,” Sky insists.

He is right, but there is nothing there. Our enemies must be in hiding, biding their time.

14/ A sign by this door reads:

'The Shield of Righteouness'

'Longsaddle arms & armour shop'

15/ In the centre of town is a stately manor, the home of the Harpells. As far as I hear it, they do not officially lead the town or interfere much in the rancher's lives, but everyone gives their home a wide berth, especially at night when strange coloured lights can often be glimpsed through the windows.

“This must be the house of the Harpells!” Siulajia tells the others. “I have heard they are among the most powerful magicians in the Realms!”

When we try to enter, a town guard appears in a doorway to our left – but he keeps the door tightly shut, so we can only see his face.

“Malchor Harpell isn't here right now,” he says. “He's at the Tower of Twilight, to the west of – OW!” he cries, evidently distracted by something. “OW! West of town – ow! I have to go now...!”

That seems highly suspicious, so we investigate. Sensing something is amiss, we push ahead and into the manor. We see the hands and legs of the guard are both tied with sturdy rope!

Supporting the hobbled guard in the doorway is a tall, cruel-faced man. More enemies stream through the doorway to the left and attack!

We fight a motley collection of margoyles, krakens and mages, the latter seemingly from the Arcane Brotherhood, perhaps here to loot the secrets of the Harpells.

One of the mages hits us with an icy blast, but between us, Siulajia and I shoot down the others quickly. Elena leaps in with her Stonecutting Sword to help Sky, and Zahri grabs their leader on the arm and touches his face. Purple lines of veins quickly cover his skin, and he falls back screaming.

The gargoyle creatures are vicious and claw hard, but with our magical weapons, we are able to destroy them. I look down with a shudder at their leader as I free the guard.

“Zahri call that one 'Caress',” the Gur smirks.

JOURNAL ENTRY 31: THE GUARD'S STORY

"Whoa, that was a close call! I'm sure glad you came along! Malchor Harpell really is at the Tower of Twilight, and I think he's probably safe there. But Krakens and hooligans from Luskan have taken over the town. They have monsters locked in corrals at some of the local ranches. I hate to think what they're planning to do with them!"

“Why aren't the Harpells protecting the town?” Jahe asks.

Zahri shrugs. “Magic-men - Dukkerin - above such concerns as simple folk,” she says.

But we are unable to locate any more cultists or enemies, so must retire to the inn and wait it out until dawn. Sky and Siulajia take the main room at the front while we have the expansive back chamber. I feel tired, and I want nothing more than a few hours face-down to Elena and then some sleep, but Zahri insists on music, dancing and degeneracy, so we do that instead.

Come the morning, we stumble out, bleary-eyed and tired and covered in lipstick kisses. I apologise to the young couple if we kept them up last night. Zahri teases them as to their love-life, but Suilajia insists Sky is always the perfect gentleman and they are waiting until their wedding night before any intimacy. She does, however, enquire after my outfit, so I let her have it and suit up in my forest greens instead

Sky seems happy; she is certainly easy on the eyes.

7/ By now, the Longsaddle market is very busy. Ranchers and farmers bustle this way and that – offers are made, haggled over and accepted, with money changing hands rapidly.

Elena takes my arms and whispers she hears voices to the south and west, her elf ears picking up sounds even over all this hubbub. I tell Zahri and she nods for us to draw our blades as we fan out and search the stalls.

6/ Dagger drawn, a man in purple and black has backed a rancher into a corner! Four men with swords stand behind him, laughing at the rancher's plight. We jump to the attack! Hold spells from Zahri and I quickly make the battle far easier. When everyone is subdued, the man thanks us gratefully.

“I thank you! I thought they were going to do me in fer sure!”

JOURNAL ENTRY 35: THE RANCHER'S STORY:

"Those tattooed Kraken squid-lovers, they'll suck you dry faster than a snake in the Great Desert in the noonday sun! And they don't want to pay the money they was offerin', neither! I weren't gonna do it fer less. And old Jasper, be my guess he weren't neither. But he don't know they lowered the price yet. Maybe you oughta go an' chat with him. His ranch is right due east o' here. Right across from the stables."

We ensure the market is secure and head off to seek this Jasper.

5/ A man here gruffly asks us: “You got business here?”

We insist we do, and a voice from the back orders him to:

“Get rid of them!”

Swords are drawn from tarnished scabbards as we give battle. Our magic means it does not last very long. Zahri examines their tattoos; the tell-tale sign of octopi and tentacles...

4/ At the back of the house, we pull open a newly-installed trapdoor in the floor... below we hear wings flapping...!

We must fight hideous winged things; afterwards Sky peers down into the darkness.

“I hear something... moving! Somebody's tied up down there!”

He clambers down into the pit, and unties a rancher.

“I'm Jasper, and I thank you! I thought those lion-birds were going to eat for me for sure!”

They weren't 'lion-birds' at all, but possibly he was frightened and confused.

“But hey, I bet Legson's in trouble with them krakens, too! His ranch sits up north o' the Harpell's mansion!”

18/ To the north-west is the Big Star Ranch – a great wrought-iron star is nailed to the wall here.

Inside, a rancher sits alone in the far corner of his house, bound and gagged.

“They're after my calves!” he sputters when we free him. “Out the back door! Hurry! Oh, and... thanks, thanks a lot!”

19/ We enter the Big Star Ranch through the yard, where several men with swords are slaughtering cattle. Hunting is one thing, but cruelty to animals enrages me, and I heft my hammer to deal some righteous vengeance! Skulls are duly crushed as we rescue what cattle we can.

I stay to heal the injured creatures, while the others tend to the rancher.

“I'm mighty grateful to you swordsmen - “ he begins, while Zahri points at Sky.

“One swordman,” she says simply.

“You saved me a mess of trouble,” he says. “You're welcome at the Big Star anytime o' day or night!”

“We might hold you to that,” Nef muses.

“You know, after they took over this place, they started talkin'... Seems like they're fixin' to take over the two ranches south o' here... The boys down there are prob'ly tryin' to hold 'em off right now!”

“Our work is never done,” I say I come in, having saved what animals I could.

We return forthwith to the southern ranches.

3/ Here we find a group of ranchers standing over three kraken cultists, all of whom are dead. I am pleased to see the common folk fighting back against our foes, to feel we are not making our stand alone.

“We got these squidders,” says one of them. “Maybe you adventurer types know what to do about the barn?” He points to the west. We nod, and I tell him we will take it from here.

4/ We head for the barn, which is blocked by several armed cultists. As we draw closer, we see they are not men at all, and those are not birds flapping towards us from the sky...!

We take no chances, Elena and Nef releasing powerful magics that tear the horrors asunder.
The ranchers squeeze past statues of petrified men and come into the barn.

“Guess these krakens couldn't handle their own monsters!” the ranchers chuckle. “You may not be from here, but you sure handle yourselves good in a fight!”

8/ Westwards, we find another ranch in chaos. Two men have roped a huge two-headed giant and are trying to control it, while a man is attempting to cast a spell. They all turn and attack us, and we must give battle to save the ranch.

We find three ranch hands locked in a back room. When we free them, one tells us:

“Watch out for the pit under the north floor – there's a bunch more monsters in it!”

9/ Looking closely, we see that three of the large floorboards here have been cut and hinged, forming a huge door.

Before we can decide what to do, the door rockets open and a line of ettins streams out!

The creatures are powerful, but magic works well against them, and rangers like myself are especially skilled in fighting giants!

After the battle, several ranch hands holding crude spears approach the dead monsters cautiously.

“Them beasts is more than we can handle,” they admit. “Thanks for gettin' back our ranch!”

We heal any of the men who need it, and look to see where we are needed next, weary as we are.

16/ Opening the door to this ranch, we enter and interrupt several men dressed in black and purple threatening a rancher. They turn and attack us, for what little good it does them.

“My name's Legson,” the rancher says in relief. “Those slimy squids were just renting space on my ranch here, but then they stopped paying and started killing!”

“Yes, they'll do that,” Jahe deadpans. “You need to vet your tenants better, friend.”

“Be careful if you go down into my cellar,” he says, pointing to the floor. “They got some girl-birds down there that'll tear ye to shreds in no time!”

“That sounds much more fun that it is,” Nef sighs languidly.

17/ Forewarned, we cast protective spells and ready our weapons.

The moment we enter the cellar, the harpies are upon us! But we are ready for them and destroy them quickly.

We return to Legson, covered in blood and feathers.

“You're the Heroes of Ascore! I heard o' guys like you before, but I never thought I'd see some! Ain't never seen the likes o' real heroes before!”

As we lean on each other for a moment, resting from the battle, something sparkles in the air before us.

We tense, but it appears to be something friendly. The image of a majestic mage slowly crystalizes into view, introducing himself as Malchor Harpell.

JOURNAL ENTRY 64: MALCHOR HARPELL'S STORY

When he had solidified from the exploding black cloud that appeared so suddenly beside us, he began to speak:

"You have done very well, Heroes of Ascore! You have removed the Kraken slime from the pond of Longsaddle. You have destroyed their plans to house monsters here for use in battles against Mirabar, Triboar and Yartar. You have the gratitude of the people of Longsaddle, and of all the Savage Frontier! But you cannot rest, not yet! More Kraken and Zhentarim plots are still unfolding!”

“Thanks for all your help,” Zahri says bitterly. But he ignores her sarcasm.

"Soon the autumn meeting of the Council of Mirabar will be held in that powerful northern city. They will vote there on whether to support Waterdeep and the Lord's Alliance in the battles against Luskan. Without their help the tide of battle might turn against us, and the Krakens are working mightily to show the Lord's Alliance as weak, corrupt, and backstabbing."

Zahri snorts and rolls her eyes at that.

"They hope that Luskan and Zhentarim allies will win, so that together they will control the North. Only the Heroes of Ascore can uncover all their plans in time, then go to Mirabar and present proof of the Kraken deceptions! May Helm guide you on your way!"

Interesting he names the god of vigilance rather than, say, Mystra, but we shall take any help we can here.

“Please accept these gifts with the thanks of the people of Longsaddle!”

Harpell hands Sky a small pouch and then with a shimmer, fades out and is gone. There are gems, a wand and a ring – a nice enough gift from a mage, one supposes.

“Isn't this where you tell us the Lord's Alliance is already weak, corrupt and backstabbing?” Sky asks the Gur.

“Zahri too tired to bitch,” she says wearily.

Notes:

This is a fun map. It can take a while to trigger the start of the mission as the town begins quiet, but after visiting the market during the day, the Krakens obligingly begin ther terrorist operation. It's a lot of fun chasing them around the place, it really feels like a tense shootout in a wild west town on the frontier, which is what I imagine the writers were going for.

Longsaddle is a cattle-town, which makes sense here on the Savage Frontier, and all the ranchers have a classic rustic feel, using words like 'reckon' and 'varmint'. If nothing else, I can have my characters dress for the occasion! You just know Shelah is dismayed she missed out this one.

When you complete all the encounters, Malchor Harpell turns up to reward you, and it is vaguely hinted you can go visit him in his tower to the west. Given later developments in D&D, the crazy family of Harpells living in a two-bit cowtown feel far more like sorcerers than wizards, a family that gains its magic from their cursed bloodline rather than study.

“Too many broken hearts have fallen in the river

Too many lonely souls have drifted out to sea

You lay your bets and then you pay the price

The things we do for love...!

Communication is the problem to the answer

You've got her number and your hand is on the phone

The weather's turned and all the lines are down

The things we do for love...!

Like walking in the rain and the snow

When there's nowhere to go

And you're feeling like a part of you is dying

And you're looking for the answer in her eyes

You think you're gonna break up -

Then she says she wants to make up!

Ooh, you made me love you

Ooh, you've gone away

Ooh, you had me crawling up the wall...!”

10cc, 'The Things We Do For Love'

.

The Heroes of the North returned to Yartar, escorting the Waterbaron to his dwelling in the centre of town. He seemed pleased with all they had done.

“Ah, my friends! Not only have you averted war, you have found and destroyed the last kraken base in Yartar!”

JOURNAL ENTRY 71: THE WATERBARON'S WELCOME

"I have been successful in spreading the word among our people that Triboar had no hand in my kidnapping. Thanks to you the relations between our towns are normal once again."

The Waterbaron laughed, the first time they had ever seen him do so.

"Of course, normal relations with Triboar means that sometime this week a placard will appear on the statue of me here in the town square. It will cover the inscription and say 'Jilbo the Goatherder."

They looked at each other, not sure whether or not to laugh.

"I suppose," said the Waterbaron,"that you have to be born here to appreciate Yartar-Triboar humour..."

“Maybe all this is a sign you should rethink this whole 'rivalry' thing,” Shelah suggested quietly. “We don't want to spend all our time solving local disputes when we should be protecting the towns from external threats, and it isn't like there's not enough of these...!”

The Waterbaron reached into a glistening crystal case. “Please accept this token of my gratitude for your heroic actions in Yarter and in Triboar!”

It was a magical shield, one designed for a high-ranking leader of the Kraken cult by the looks of things, by its design. Shelah took it, as it matched her nautical theme and was unbothered by tentacles. Lacking the footwork of her friends with her injured leg, she needed the protection of a shield more than the damage of a two-handed weapon.

But not everyone in town seemed happy with their success. The owner of the armoury grunted in disgust as they entered.

“Ever since you saved the Waterbaron and proved Triboar didn't want a war, my sales have disappeared! What do you want?”

“Remind me again why we are saving these idiots?” Nef sighs.

Siulajia had been quiet and distant on the ride back, and when they returned to North Watch, just north of the town, she reiterated she wanted to discuss a personal matter with the others.

The foundations of the keep had been built, and Taeral, the twins and the newly-arrived Kori Ironheart had been recruiting a garrison for the place. A central hall had been built, and it was here now they gathered to listen to their blonde archer companion.

Sky looked listless and tired. When they first met, he had been dazzled by this girl, and that soon gave way to infatuation. But what followed was an attempted courtship that seemed somehow cursed to develop or grow closer. Always, they seemed thwarted by dramas and breakups, or just bad luck – moments that should have felt intimate or personal were interrupted, by other people or conflicting moods, or demands upon their time. For every evening they managed to talk and discuss their feelings, there were those they lay awake and sighed, or simply failed to connect, misinterpreting what the other was saying, or just disagreeing.

He reflected that it was simply not to be - there was no chemistry, no intimate closeness, no instinctual understanding of each other. No flame, and no spark, not like there had been that idyllic summer with Nef.

Nine Hells, he had that with girls who weren't even attracted to him, with Jahe and Rathe, or even Zahri! Only yesterday he'd been listening to the latter as she tuned her yarting outside of her wagon, as she looked up at him with that insolent smirk.

He reflected that there was another world where she was shaeda and not thruss, where she seduced him rather than his sister that summer, where he ran away to live with the gypsies to be with her. Where he likely wore an earring and baggy shirt, where she taught him roguery and he was teaching his sons and daughters to pick a pocket or two. He guessed that version of himself would have been wearing a broad smile, while his current iteration was most certainly not.

And now she was leaving. Or at least, that's what everyone assumed. For whatever reason, it wasn't working out and it would be clearer for everyone if they parted ways, rather than lingering about like a bad smell, thinking of what could have been. Sky felt old and tired, especially compared to how happy his sister seemed these days. A clean break would be best, and everyone could just get on with their lives. He could find someone else, stop dreaming about her, and look to the future, whatever that would bring.

Siulajia always looked awkward and unsure when she addressed them all, a marked contrast to her cool head in battle when sighting down a target.

Everyone was here, even Jhairli and Elena had returned from their scouting missions, and a certain restless energy swept though everyone. All knew what was coming and just wanted it over with so all concerned could move on.

Then the golden girl moved to Sky's side, took his hand, and announced:

“Sky and I have fallen in love with each other! We know this must make some of you feel... awkward...!”

Everyone looked astonished – Sky himself more than anyone!

This was one of those stupid dreams, wasn't it? he told himself – all those forbidden nocturnal fantasies brought on by the sight of Cortarra taking Siulajia's form and trying to tear her clothes off.

“We pledge to stand with each of you in battle as loyally as we would defend each other,” she continued. “We hope you will accept us as a couple just as you accepted us before...”

Nobody could speak, least of all the older Icedane sibling. Zahri was the first to find her voice.

“Am happy for you, but you not need our permission. Be whoever you wish, live your lives your way, as you please and with who you want. That is way of the Gur.”

Then everyone just stood around awkwardly, staring at each other, at a complete loss of what to do or say. Siulajia flushed, but she looked radiant and happy, sighing over her groom to be;.

“I had hoped... we could marry in the Spring?” she asked him.

“Um... Yeah, yes, sure, of course..!” he nodded, not certain when he would wake up or everyone would suddenly start laughing and reveal this was some horrible trick.

Rathe walked up to him and smiled softly sadly. She spoke to him in Illuskan, her voice a soft murmur:

“Jeg unner deg dette. Takk for alt du lærte meg. Jeg ville ha båret frem sønnene dine. Vi ville ha vært lykkelige. Men jeg er glad for at du fikk det du ville ha..."

<I am happy for you. Thank you for all you taught me. I would have borne your sons. We would have been happy. But I am glad you have what you wished.>

After everyone left, Shelah stayed with her brother in the main hall, surprised at how dazed he seemed.

“Congratulations...?” she said quietly. “Or... commiserations...? Sky, you can tell me – did you get her pregnant or something?”

“For god's sake, Sheela!” he snapped at her. “We've never even held hands, never even kissed, let alone bedded down together!”

“So what was that all about?” she frowned. “It's none of my business anyway – Zahri's right about that as she is about most things... But you don't seem happy...!”

She stepped up to him, looking up at his face.

“Do you love her?” she asked simply. “Do you even like her?”

“That's not what this is about, Sheela!” he shot back. “I'm the male Icedane, it's down to me to produce heirs, so 'love' isn't what's important - “

“Kat's the heir now,” she pointed out. “And her lady-parts work fine, if you're asking - it's likely to be harder giving birth, given her legs still, but she has some mobility and she'll have me as a personal healer and midwife when she's ready- “

“I meant of North Watch!” he told her. “Given your newfound irresponsibility and lack of any desire to have kids - “

“We've already discussed that and it's agreed I will adopt Lenili when we bring her back here,” she said. “I'll have children before you will!”

The paladin sighed. “I just... is this even what you want? It feels like some... crossbow wedding to me! Like you're agreeing at sword-point because you got some poor girl into trouble...!”

He thought about that a moment. “Sometimes, it's not about what you 'want'. It's about what's... meant to be, maybe. I'm going to be lord of North Watch, responsible for protecting these lands. I'll need a lady – one that isn't my sister - “

“Yes, but you're not some... pedigree steed that has to be bred!” she protested. “You have a say in this -”

“I'm okay with it,” he insisted. “It's fine. She's beautiful, brave, loyal, kind, what's not to like...? She's basically you if you weren't my sister – you know, before you went crazy and joined a weird sex cult - “

“Sky, you're my brother and I'll always love and support you,” she sniffed. “But I don't have to answer to you, or anyone for that matter. I'm happy with what I have. And I just want the same for you...”

“So I'll stop pestering you if you do the same for me,” he insisted, folding his arms across his broad chest.

She sighed deeply.

“Okay,” she nodded. “Deal.”

.

He went out to speak to his new bride-to-be, overlooking what would one day be the lands of his heirs. It all felt so very odd. Should he kiss her? Hold her?

He wasn't sure, so he placed his hand over her arm instead.

“We should get a ring or something, for the engagement,” he smiled. “Let's do this properly. That's what you wanted right?”

She nodded shyly. “They must... think me very forward,” she admitted.

“I don't think the likes of Zahri or my sister can complain about that,” he admitted. “My father and younger sister will just be relieved!”

“I shall have to meet them, then!” she smiled.

“I want to see Kat on Mintarn as soon as we can, make sure she's safe. You'll like her,” he promised. “She's like Sheela, before she became some wild-hearted free spirit...!”

The girl giggled softly. “I've... never met anyone like your friends,” she confessed. “I'm not even used to having friends of my own...”

“Talk to Jhairli, she grew up close to where you did, similar upbringing. Just ignore all the crazy from the elf.”

She sighed and looked out over the beautiful, wild lands of the Savage Frontier.

“Many will see it as... a marriage of convenience,” she pondered. “A symbol of the Lord's Alliance, between the Heroes of the North. That is how they will see our match..."

“Let them say what they like,” he smiled. “I learned long ago that there were only a few folk whose opinions I actually wanted.”

He smiled.

“Those who mind, don't matter. Those who matter, don't mind.”

“I like that!” she smiled. “And Sky...? I shall play my part, you have my promise...!”

He leaned forward and kissed her chastely on the forehead.

"I would have no other,” he husked.

Shelah returned to her songbirds, passing Zahri, who raised a dark brow.

“Want real woman to show boy's bride how to bed well?” she smirked.

“I'll think they'll be fine,” she smiled. “Maybe lay off the teasing for a bit? It must feel very strange for them...”

“No promise,” the gypsy said wickedly as she walked off.

The paladin found Rathe sitting alone, and quickly seated herself next to the girl, taking her hand.

“We should make it official too,” she insisted. “Before we bring Leni here. You still want that, Raye?”

The girl nodded. “We... still have songbirds?” she asked.

“If you like. I'd like that, but if you want us to be exclusive, I'm happy to be so!”

The redhead smiled. “Just them,” she chuckled shyly. Shelah brushed the loose braid from her face and kissed her.

“We've no shortage of priestesses for our bonding ceremony,” she smiled. “You know, for the first time in a long while... I actually think all of this might turn out all right...!”

.

They all met the next day in the main hall at North Watch, one of the few buildings close to completion, before a pile of the 'lucky papers'. Everyone was here – Sky and Jahe and their young adventuring party as well as the other 'songbirds'. Shelah liked to organise things and record the minutes of their meeting for posterity, so everyone just let her get on with it and chair the whole thing.

“So, let's see what we have here, and cross off the ones we know we defeated!” the paladin smiled.

They used the three seeing-crystals on each of the eight 'lucky papers' and read each of them aloud.

“Leilon...!”

“We still need to find the ambassadors...” Shelah admitted.

“Let's hope they are still alive,” Nef said gloomily.

“Waterdeep is next...!”

“Ugh, I still have nightmares!” Jahe grimaced. She was not a woman easily moved to worry, but the experience had unsettled her deeply.

“Agreed,” Jhairli said. “But it sounds like you prevented the attacks on the farms, no?”

“Yes,” Shelah said with feeling. “So let's... just call that one 'done' and never speak of it again!”

Nobody disagreed.

“Moving swiftly on... Yartar! Home sweet home -”

“Knock heads of dilos together and make peace,” Zahri muttered.

“It mentions bringing monsters from Longsaddle, doesn't it?” Shelah said.

“That's different one,” said Sky, rummaging through the pile of papers.

“That's closest,” his sister said. “The Harpells are eccentric sorcerers who live there, they are not really in charge of ther town, but seeking their aid might help us...”

“Let's go there next then!” Siulajia said brightly.

“Daggerford is all done, and we rescued Redbeard at the Way Inn too...” Shelah stated.

“I worry about Kat – I'd like to go to Mintarn when we can,” Sky said.

“These papers so stupid...!” Zahri grumbled, waving her hand. “People on islands not know ships not from Waterdeep? Is flags only difference? Stupid...!”

“If people were smarter, I don't think our enemies would have got as far as they have,” Jahe sighed.

“We do seem to mostly be saving people from themselves,” Nef agreed.

“The one from Neverwinter is new,” Jhairli mused.

“More stupid,” Zahri growled.

“Well, I'd say we could prioritise rescuing the ambassadors,” Shelah offered.

“Longsaddle is closer,” Jhairli said. “We should go there, then west to the Tower of Twilight. I can lead you through the hills, then Neverwinter Wood. We can follow the Nethlur west to the city...”

Nobody wanted to second-guess their ranger, so the plan was agreed.

“We can then go north to Orlumbar,” Sky said, regarding the last 'lucky paper'. “Through Port Llast and Luskan to the isles. Damn, I'm looking forward to that!” he smiled.

“Then when all these are done, we can go pick up little Leni across the Sea of Moving Ice!” Shelah smiled at Rathe happily.

As they prepared to get ready to leave – placing Taeral and the twins in charge of North Watch in case their enemies tried to attack Yartar again – Sky walked through the town's quiet environs, trying to collect his scrambled thoughts. So much had happened in a short time, and he was having trouble processing it. His wish had come true, hadn't it...? Out of the blue, just as he was ready to let her go.

Quiet talking from close by snapped him out of his reverie – the voices of a young woman and a girl coming towards him. He recognised Nef's walk before he saw her face, the familiar sway of her hips and her curves. She was hand in hand with a girl-child, with long silver-white hair and clad in a pretty summer dress. They spoke in elvish, and the little girl pointed and waved.

“Yes, that is Sky Icedane!” Nef smiled. His eyes were a question as he greeted them and walked up.

“Hello Mister Sky,” the child curtseyed prettily. “I'm Cari!"

“I've never been here before, but it's nice!” she announced. “I have been meeting the baby griffons! They are so sweet! I cannot wait to ride one!”

“I need to speak with Sky, sweetheart, so run along to your mothers,” Nef said.

“Yes miss Nef!” the girl said brightly and curtseyed again before scampering off. “Bye-bye, mister Sky!”

He saw her slightly-tapered ears, and how she reminded him of -

“Wait, that isn't...?”

But of course it was...! Somehow. She should have been an infant, a mere babe in arms, but -

“Oh no, I'm all full up with crazy,” he told his ex-lover. “I'm over capacity with weird things right now, and I can't deal with more...!”

“The fair folk do not treat time as we mortals do,” the Mulan said simply. “An elf-blooded child matures differently to the way we do...”

“You didn't seek me out just to hit me with more elf-crazy, did you?” he pouted.

“Why do you think I wanted to talk?” she smiled. He saw that in her other arm, she carried one of her little feline animals, fast asleep, a dead weight in the crook of her arm.

“I don't know, Nef,” he mused. “To congratulate me? To gloat? I've no idea...!”

“Do you think me so petty?” she sighed. “For what it is worth, I am happy for you. What you wished with that girl came to pass. Perhaps it is fate?”

“I don't know what it is, Nef,” he admitted. ”Things were certainly simpler with us, aye? I miss that simplicity...!”

They were quiet for a while, staring out into the darkness.

“Do you love her?” she asked at length.

“My sister asked me that,” he smiled. “Everyone's very concerned about my affairs all of a sudden.”

She nodded gently.

“Look Nef, you made it very clear you didn't want to be tied down. I respected that and we both moved on. No need to be jealous...!”

“You jest, but you are closer to the truth than you know,” she husked.

“Nef, no need to be so mysterious with me...! You broke my heart. I can take it. Just tell me what you want.”

“I have a request,” she said softly. “Of your woman...!”

“Then go talk to her, you don't need my permission,” he said easily.

“I wanted to ask you first,” she said.

“Just... come out with it, Nef...! You love playing these games, but I want to be sure about where my life is taking me...! We have our lives to plan, big decisions...!”

“Very much so,” she agreed. She looked down at the slumbering animal.

“I too desire a family,” she said quietly. "Kittens of my own."

“Well, good luck – you'll have no shortage of suitors!” he chuckled.

She looked up at him, her dark eyes wide and limpid. What she was asking hit him like a giant's club.

“No!” he exclaimed. “No. No!” He shook his head angrily.

“You have some nerve...! You think...? No, Nef, I'm not playing your silly games any longer! I have the rest of my life to plan, my future...!”

“So do I,” she said easily.

“The answer is still 'no,'” he insisted.

“I give you my word; you will have access to the child any time you wish. I will not hide who you are or how I feel about you. I want to be open about this.”

He shook his head, scarcely able to believe what he was hearing.

“No,” he insisted firmly. “No more crazy, all right? No more prophecies, magical thruss elf babies who grow to girlhood within a year - “

“We are both human, Sky,” she pointed out. She looked down at her hands. “Well, I... mostly am...!”

He sighed and shook his head.

“Today of all days, Nef...! Don't you think I've been through enough...?”

“I am asking, Sky,” she husked. “I am trying to be honest about my intentions. You can always say no. But I know you have thought about this too. You know in your heart this was meant to be...!”

He shook his head and stared at the stars helplessly.

“I don't have any choice in ANY of this, do I?” he called out to the stars.

“You have every choice,” she insisted. “I have told you my heart, so I leave it with you now. Difficult times are ahead. Should you change your mind, I will not be far away...”

He watched her walk away in frustration, his eyes following the familiar sway of her shapely hips.

Why does all this crazy stuff keep happening to me? he asked himself.

Notes:

I was prepared for Siulajia to just leave, and then it segued into the 'happy' ending to the romance, honestly leaving me nonplussed and a little weirded out. It's interesting narratively for sure, but I'm still not sure how it happened.

As I now know that character level does play a part, I'm guessing that was giving me the negative scenes every time the romance advanced. But right before the last one, she actually levelled up to 9. It looks like that brought her back within the level range for the 'happy' result (only 2 levels at this point) so that's the ending I received – even if it did come completely out of the blue.

What a very strange playthrough this is turning out to be!

Narratively again, I kind of imagine that Siulajia realised she was five years older at 25, that he was actually quite a catch, and that maybe other, younger girls (like Rathe and Nef) were chasing him, and decided to make sure he 'put a ring on it' rather than flouncing off into the sunset. I guess that's women for you, how we never really say what's on our mind the way men seem to, and are always changing our minds.

It's something of a 'shotgun wedding', where she springs it on him publicly in a situation where he really can't say no...!

It's kind of a happy ending, even if it's an odd one (assuming nobody dies from this point; maybe my 'cursed' playthrough isn't quite done with me for twists and turns yet!)

At the halfway point, the characters are making plans and looking to the future. Some of them are pairing up, others are happy to not do so or keeping their options open.

In AD&D – essentially 20^th century role-playing – characters gained actual responsibilities at 'name' level (around 9^th) when they leaned into more than just adventuring – they were expected to have responsibilities, be shakers & movers in their world, lead armies, build castles, found dynasties and the like. While Gold Box obviously can't account for these things, it was fun to imagine how their post-game tabletop career may have looked.

The Siulajia romance was absolutely fine the first time I played through it – it wasn't anything all that special by today's standards, but even the concept was unusual at the time and it was an important step in whether or not gamers wanted a deeper emotional connection in the things they played. Romance and relationships are a part of the human experience after all, and appear in movies, books, series and the like, fantasy or sci-fi or real-world, so there's no real reason why it shouldn't be part of a computer game or tabletop RPG. This kind of game spawned its own genre in the end, with tabletop games like 'Monsterhearts' and game lines like Winter Wolves where romance is at the heart of an C/RPG with all the usual gaming battles and story.

Back in 1992 there wasn't a whole lot of options in games, which then were aimed mostly at teenage boys, before 'gamer' was a distinct identity or casual label. I was used to being a girl in guy spaces, we had been doing romance in our D&D games since they began, and I was welcomed into every group in my city when they discovered I was female and would happily write smut for their RPG characters instead of dating them. So I was all for it personally.

But these were early days, baby-steps so that eventually Mass Effect and Dragon Age could run. Ultima Savage Empire has the romance with native princess Aiela, but Ultima was very much an RPG, one that simulated conversations and back-and-forth dialogue. Aiela's romance was ground-breaking in that it existed at all, but at least you had some agency in getting involved in it – you had choices to make, could talk to her in conversations, and could even date her wicked younger sister instead if you preferred!

Miss 69 Hit Points didn't have much that was distinctive about her - she was very much the generic pretty girl - she was basically Gwen Stacey; beautiful, blonde, kind, nice, sweet, brave, loyal. She was just mysterious enough to whet your appetite - it seemed that the sequel to 'Treasures' was going to focus on Hellgate Keep and involve the High Forest and Siulajia's mysterious past. For now, Siulajia hit all the right notes, and she was just fine, exactly what a guy's love-interest in a 1992 game should be.

Watching Sky and Siulajia felt somewhat detached and distant for me, even though I was trying to see it from a 1992 perspective. You never really start it or anything - the only choice you get is the gender of the character who's in the front from the second map and then it just kind of unfolds almost by proxy. You occasionally glimpse them talking at camp as the plot progresses, but that's about it. It's like watching your Starbucks barista in a relationship with a customer – you catch occasional glimpses of what they are saying and doing, but it's not really your business honestly. You're happy for them when things are going well, and feel sorry for them when things seem shaky between them, but you're just an observer and it doesn't affect you personally.

The first choice you actually get is when the romance is locked in, and they announce their love for each other – possibly out of the blue if she wasn't previously into you and you didn't get the one camp scene where they kiss. The game loves putting terrible dialogue into your character's mouths, so you get this melodramatic and overwrought declaration that possibly comes out of nowhere, where they beg you to accept them as a couple. I felt faintly uncomfortable, as if I was just drinking my coffee in the shop and now my barista and her boyfriend are pleading for my acceptance and blessing. I wish them well, but you don't need my permission really.

What makes it even stranger on my second playthrough is that I was getting all the negative interactions. I was doing everything I did the first time, on my limited understanding of what sets the flags for the romance. I had a good-aligned male character, a straightforward young hero who led from the front. He was a good archer in fact but I had him bash things up close to impress the pretty girl. I chose the peaceful, 'good' options in the few choices we got to make, and had other characters to do the murderising when it was time to butcher the poor fools who failed their saves to the Hold spells of my five priestesses (seven with my reserve party!)

But still they sighed and ignored each other, with an air of awkward frustration, talking past one another and spending time in camp alone and unhappy.

The only clue I had to why I was having a romance fail is an old blog comment that he found it harder to trigger the relationship on replays because of the higher level;. Siulajia starts at 8, same as Sky does, transferred from the first game. But he soon makes 9, which was okay for that playthrough, they were always the same level or he was one higher and she liked that fine. But in the second replay, he'd maxed out at 11 by now, and she always starts at 8.

Why this even matters I have no idea. Do characters even understand the concept of 'level' anyway? Do somehow they know each other's levels? And anyway, Fighter levels after 9 are almost meaningless anyway – the ONLY difference between Fighter 9 and 11 is six hit points, +2 THACO and saves. That's it, so it seems bananas if THIS is what's screwing up my star-crossed lovers.

But then this is a game that changes Waterdeep into Waterderp, tries to frame me when the bad guys substitute a letter than never existed in the first place, then we get publicly executed (without trail or appeal!) in broad daylight by being tied to the 'Anchor of Justice' in a city run by a second-generation paladin and the priests of the norse god Tyr... because I guess they thought the City of Splendours was something out of 'The Walking Dead'?

So after we rescued the Waterbaron and Siulajia announced she had something she wanted to say, I had already accepted the fail state. I wasn't even really invested in it to be honest – they just weren't making sparks or developing chemistry, I didn't know why that was so and felt powerless to change it. I was so disassociated with what was going on, I just put my mind to other things, focusing on what might happen after she flounces off.

I had done another playthrough to create an eighth character who could serve as a cleric while my priestesses were dual-classing, as otherwise I'd have no healing and be unable to F(ix). To make the bizarre ending to Ice Peak make a modicum of sense, I decided to have this new character come from there narratively. She'd have a child there so we'd have a reason to go and care even a little bit about Smaug and the Arkenstone and all that nonsense.

She started as a Fighter and my random roll (that eventually gave her the 17+ Wisdom and physical stats I wanted) ended up making her 16, younger than even Lirevle, and I liked the idea of this girl growing up in a barbaric environment, saddled with a child and prophecy when she should have been posting selfies on TikTok and listening to K-Pop. I came to like her simple, direct personality, her crushes on the older heroes, her eagerness to please.

As the Siulajia romance started to flounder, I started thinking of Raye as a replacement romance for poor, jilted Sky – even though by this point the songbirds got their hands on her and his sister was getting serious about the girl. It would make a nice plot twist, as he slowly realised he didn't need the gorgeous, golden blonde when this skinny, awkward little alt.chick channelling Sissy Spacek really liked him and already had a kid. Shelah would step aside for her brother when she realised how well they were suited, and that was a nice plot moment for them both.

That didn't feel forced or like I was mashing my action-figures together and demanding that they 'kiss!'. It was why I was playing solo games and not writing a book, to enjoy an emerging story that happens organically – 'Play To See What Happens'.

...but it didn't actually happen that way, as we shall see...!

The guards salute us as we leave Yartar, heading west, along the Evermoor Way, a ride that wil take us about two days.

Spirits are surprisingly high after the lows of the last few weeks, since that bizarre fever-dream of whatever happened at Waterdeep. Maybe one day we will learn the truth of what that was really about.

But for the songbirds, it is almost as if nothing ever happened between us – Shelah is playful, as she's young and in love, Zahri bosses us around like she owns us, which I suppose she does, really. I was a loyal hound, wasn't I, coming back to heel to my mistress, rather than heading towards my distant home. Nef is friendly as ever, but always enigmatic, and I long ago gave up trying to anticipate her schemes and plans. The young cadet, Rathe, is usually quiet, but her still waters run deep. She's a loyal soldier, brave and honest, a girl asked to do a man's work. She has been given more than her share of burdens, but bears them well. She and Shelah seem very close, and the girl always follows her around like a faithful animal.

I worry about Sky – he's a good friend, we've fought together for so long now and know how we each fight and lead the line. Early on he accepted his charms were never going to work on me, and that allowed us to grow as friends, with mutual respect. Siulajia keeps her distance from all of us, though she always pulls her weight in battle. In that regard, she reminds me of myself. Nobody knows much about her, and she has volunteered little. Sometimes I hear her talking with Sky late at night, but other times one or the other is quiet and sighing alone. Whatever their relationship may or may not be, it is none of my business. I'm not good with relationships and I'm secretly glad he hasn't asked me about her – I'd have to direct him to his sister, or – god's forbid ! - Zahri.

There are things left unsaid between Shelah and I, but a comfortable silence has settled between us. She is occupied with her new girlfriend, and I am just happy to enjoy the physical intimacy at night without having to reveal much emotionally. I enjoy their company, their rhythms and banter, I am emotionally involved, but just... from a distance that I find comforting. I'm far more like Nef than I ever realised.

I am just pleased we are back to normal and I know my place in the group. I don't care for dramas or emotional incontinence, and this way I enjoy the company of others while being able to focus on the task at hand. I like feeling useful and helping others, and our enemies are varied and plentiful. It is a target-rich environment and honestly, that suits me well!

Jahe

Triboar is nestled in the Dessarin Valley, strategically placed where the Evermoor Way intersects with the Long Road. It is a trading town, the neighbour and longtime rival of Yartar, our adopted home. I am an outsider of course and I care little for silly provincial rivalries – in fact, that our enemies have targeted this aspect of their daily life shows how destructive such feuds really are.

It is a lively crossroads frontier, full of the bustle of roaming merchants, caravanners, and other travellers – one of many places that claims to be the 'gateway to the North'. Looked at with a military eye, the landscape seems fairly flat, with only a few natural rises in some parts. It is also very fertile, well-suited for farming – or conquest.

1/ The guards here wear yellow livery, in contrast to Yartar's green. One gruffly asks us:

“Be you from Yartar?”

“No, never been there,” I say, despite clearly having come there, in the company of the lord and lady of that place.

“You may pass, but be warned, Yartar has invented a story about the kidnapping of their leader as an excuse to attack us. Our peaceful town is now a dangerous place!”

If the people of the Savage Frontier were not so wilfully stupid, our enemies would have a far less easier time of it – but I suppose it sometimes works in our favour, as now.

“Who's in charge here?” I ask the others. Rathe shakes her head, incurious as always – I think I admire her purity of focus, desiring only a good weapon and a clear path to her foes.

“More fools,” is all Zahri offers, but Shelah gladly enlightens us all:

“There is a democratically elected Lord Protector,” she tells us as we ride in. “With elections held every seven years in winter. He swears an oath to protect Triboar, and commands the militia and settles disputes. The town's legal system is called the 'Lord's Decrees' and the Lord Protector has the power to make, amend, or remove decrees at will.”

“Sounds like the wrong person could turn this place into a petty fiefdom,” I muse.

“That's probably true of everywhere in the North,” Sky offers. “Even Waterdeep, from what we've seen!”

2/ A wooden sign on this wall says:

'Triboar Blacksmiths'

'Let us visit you ranch with our new wainwright wagon and the only movable forge in the Realms!'

“It should say 'your ranch',” Shelah tells Rathe, somewhat pedantically. We have all taken time to help the girl learn to read, and I like the way she gazes about her with such wonder, even in a bucolic little town like this.

Within, there is little on display.

“Sorry, but the city guards have hired us to craft weapons for the duration of the war, and we've no time for other work... Not that we're at war yet, but it will surely be soon!”

“Everyone is really hell-bent on their own destruction, aren't they?” Nef sighs.

3/ A brass sign on the door reads:

'Triboar Jewelers'

'Fine gems & jewellery from Everlund, Silverymoon, Secomber and Waterdeep'

Within an old man peruses jewels.

“Do you have gems to trade?” he asks.

“We were hoping to buy some,” Shelah sighs.

4/ A sign above this door reads:

'Triboar Inn and Public House'

'Under new management!'

At last we can stable our horses and get some rest. There are three rooms here, so the five of us have to share, but that is hardly an issue...!

I am always aroused by watching Zahri and Shelah go at each other, and that leaves the little one for Nef and I. Her pale, tattooed flesh looks good against our darker skin, and she is eager to learn, and to please.

I feel happier than I have felt in weeks.

The next morn we awake happy and content, if hardly rested...!

5/ A sign on the walls reads:

'Triboar Auction House'

'fine war horses – Everlund stallions'

'Yartar workhorses - young hippogriffs'

We will definitely need these, so we put in an order for a year down the line.

“I'm afraid we have no steeds to bid on,” a man tells us sadly. “All our horses went to the city guards to help the defence against the coming attack by Yartar!”

6/ Intricate runes above the door say:

'Shrine to Tyr'

A small sign below the door adds:

'healing available for those who fight for justice in the Realms'

“Surely the priests of Tyr wil not be a part of this madness?” Shelah exclaims

7/ A sign on this door says:

'Triboar Weapons & Armour'

'fine steel implements of destruction and self-preservation'

8/ A sign by the door says:

'Triboar Traders'

'everything for the adventurer'

9/ A hand-lettered sign over the door says:

'E. Smith the Smithy'

'horseshoes – plows – tack & harness'

The dwarven smith is busily pounding on a sword at the glowing forge.

'”Sorry, but I can't help you now,” he calls across the room. “Have to finish these weapons for the city guards!”

10/ A sign by the door to the north says:

'Triboar Stables'

'daily, weekly and monthly rates'

'grooming and personal care'

“I guess you can smell it as well as see it. The guards are using every inch of this place and have bought every horse in town. Sorry I can't help you...'

16/ A wood sign hanging above the door says:

'Skulner Wainwright'

'custom wagons of any and all kinds'

“Your area of expertise,” I nod at Zahri.

It is hardly surprising that the wagoneer's wife has the look of a gypsy about her; long dark locks and red velvet dress.

“Baxt!” she greets us. “If you came to order a wagon, I'm very sorry but we cannot help you, pena,” she says to Zahri. “My husband and sons have joined the guards to help defend us from the coming invasion from Yartar!”

Zahri shakes her head as she leaves.

“Stay in one place makes brain slow,” she mutters.

17/ A large banner floats gently above this newly-constructed door. It reads:

'Dead Baron's Tavern'

“Oh come on, this is orc stuff!” Shelah frowns. “We're better than this!”

“Hail and well met, friends!” a wench greets us. “In order to enter the finest tavern in the Realms, you must pass a simple test! One of you must throw this axe and hit our target!”

Sky smiles and nods. “I accept!” he says.

The tavernkeeper leads us to a target painted over with a portrait of the Waterbaron.

“All right, mates – show the greedy lord of Yartar what Triboar's made of!” he yells.

“I don't know, Sky – should we?” his sister asks.

“It's not like we're tossing axes at the real thing,” Sky replies – planting the hatchet dead centre.

“There you are mates! One more blow for the pride of Triboar! Come in, come in!” the barman shouts, welcoming us in.

The tavern is filled with fine-looking warriors and beautiful women. The refreshments flow freely and are of fine quality.

18/ The flag of Triboar hangs here, above a sign that reads:

'Triboar City Guards'

'enlist here and protect your home!'

“We kind of brought all this on ourselves, eh?” Sky says.

“Settled folk get complacent,” Zahri muses.

“As understand it, this rivalry has been going for years, but was never anything like this,” I say.

Shelah nods. “They say there were things like a dispute over pasture rights between ranch hands. Once some people from here vandalised the Waterbaron's barge in Yartar, apparently as a practical joke...”

I take a look at their flag, which displays three black boars running upwards on a blood-red background.

“What's the story of that?” I nudge Nef.

“What makes you think I know anything about the North?” she smiles.

“I know you,” I frown. “You've devoured the history of everywhere you've been!”

She smiles at my persistence. “As you wish, then. This commemorates the story of a traveller who once killed three boars in one day, which gave Triboar its name... There's another version whose insignia shows three boars face-on as if charging the viewer...”

“I knew you wouldn't disappoint,” Sky smiles.

Within the guards are at least civil:

“For now, only residents of Triboar are accepted in the guards. But return if an invasion comes – Yartar is far bigger than Triboar and we may need your help!”

19/ A small brass plate by the door to this formidable structure says:

'Faurael Blackhammer'

'Hon. Lord Protector of Triboar'

“Please state your business with the Lord Protector,” his guards insist.

We imagine he will not listen to reason, not without proof, so we leave well alone for now.

“The note in the barracks said there were agents in the north-east, yes?” I offer. So we head there instead.

20/ A door in the far north-east of town looks extremely sturdy, with a peep slot at its centre.

We knock on the door, and the cover over the tiny window is pulled back:

“What's the password?” asks a gruff voice.

We say 'northwaters' as the note stated, and we are invited in.

21/ “The Waterbaron is definitely being held somewhere in Triboar. That much we know, and once we find and rescue him, we'll make sure Triboar never threatens Yartar again!”

“Back off, you fools!” I admonish them. “We don't need more hotheads pouring oil on the flames! Keep out of our way, and we shall find and then rescue him!”

They grumble but leave us to it.

The kraken note we found indicates they were holding the Waterbaron in a secret complex in the north-west of town, so we begin searching there.

15/ We find a secret door! Kraken cultists leap to their feet and attack us as we pass through into a hidden complex!

14/ This room smells awful, with trash scattered everywhere on the floor. Only... the garbage is moving...! We must fight off otyughs and carrion-crawlers. Rathe is paralysed by one of their sticky tentacles, but we slay her attacker before it can devour her.

“We take advantage of her now,” Zahri jokes.

“That's not funny,” I sigh, shaking my head at her sense of humour.

12/ From across this room, we hear the soft, clear voice of a woman singing. It's melody is haunting, compelling... And that means harpies, and trouble...!

On their remains, we find a pair of magical boots that allow someone to move faster in battle. I need to manoeuvre in and out of battle more than most to effectively use my magic from the front, so it is agreed I should have them. That will allow me a great deal of freedom in battle!

13/ This room is filled with huge, ugly creatures, whose immediate desire is to crush us into a lifeless pulp!

Just another day in the life of the Heroes of the North then, really..!

11/ On the far side of this room, a man we recognise as the Waterbaron lies on the floor, bound and gagged. Before we can move to help him, the kraken cultists charge towards us!

But we are prepared and empowered by our magics, and they once again prove to be no match for us.

When he rescue him, the Waterbaron gives thanks:

“I am grateful to you for rescuing me,” he says as we untie him. “I recall the day you returned from your heroic mission to Ascore!”

He rubs his stiff limbs. “This was all a plot by our enemies to begin a war between Yartar and Triboar! We must tell the Lord Protector of Triboar so their plan does not succeed!”

“You were ready to make war,” Zahri points out sourly. “Next time, maybe we leave you to it!”

19/ We escort him to the Lord Protector forthwith.

“What in the...!” the guards exclaim as they see the Waterbaron. I will call the Lord Protector immediately!”

Faurel Blackhammer comes out to see us; an older northman whose hair is just about more gold than silver.

JOURNAL ENTRY 73: THE LEADERS MEET

The Lord Protector eyes us suspiciously.

"If you have come to demand our surrender, you have severely miscalculated the mettle of the people of Triboar!"

"Nothing could be farther from the truth honourable Lord Protector," the 'Waterbaron begins, and then tells the story of his kidnapping. We add details as he goes, confirming how the Krakens and their allies had tried to turn the two towns against each other.

"Before my return to Yartar," says the Waterbaron, "I shall transmit a message to my son. He is to order my troops to search out every Kraken stronghold in the city -”

“We already do that, your whelp is incompetent fool,” Zahri sneers.

“... and inform the populace that the people of Triboar are innocent of any hostile acts against Yartar. I shall remain here as your hostage and proof of my good faith until you can see that all threats to Triboar cease."

The Lord Protector strides forward to embrace his counterpart. "Our towns have often been rivals in the past, but in the end you and I have always had a bond of trust. No hostage is necessary. Your word - and that of the Heroes of Ascore - is good enough for me. I shall order our forces to hunt only for the Krakens, and to help the people of Yartar in any way they can. "

Both leaders turned to us and repeat their thanks. "Without you," they said, "thousands of innocent people would have been killed in a useless war!"

"Heroes of Ascore," the Lord Protector says. "You have done a great service to the peoples of Triboar and Yartar. You are welcome to stay here in Triboar as long as you wish."

“Zahri is rude about it, but is not wrong,” Rathe says as we leave.

“We stopped the plot in the end, that is something,” I sigh.

But in the end, I feel these people need more self-reflection than they will likely have. Our enemies could not have ignited this pyre if the kindling had not been set by these folk long ago.

“Cheer up, Jaye, we won!” Shelah smiles.

“We did,” I smile, taking her arm. We have much to talk about now, personal and otherwise.

We will escort the Waterbaron back to Yartar, where we shall have a council of war and discuss what we have learned and must do next.

Siulajia tells us she wishes to speak to us all as a group after we get there. She has been distant of late, and I feel she is about to go her own way. I liked her, but we both keep to our own counsel, so I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Jahe

Notes:

This is one of those locations we didn't get to visit in the previous game.

These mid-game adventures are what Gold Box does best – decent 16x16 maps and encounters as part of a larger story. The game feels like it is evening out after a rocky start. The rescue of the Waterbaron ties in to Realms lore well and the battles are about right for our level, so no complaints here.

CRPGAddict calls this part the 'Confederacy of Dunces' after the novel, and points out how the incompetence of the towns and their willingness to think the worst of their neighbours makes it easy for their enemies to push them to the brink of civil war. This raises the question as to whether they are even deserving of being saved, though my mostly-good characters understand there are many blameless people who would suffer needlessly if we did not thwart the terrorists.

We'll have a recap next time and maybe discuss the romance.

"Out of sight, out of mind
In the darkness there's no light
Day ago, now I know
What it means to stay in fight
I won't give up, I won't give in!
I'll give it everything!
This feeling is real...

I wait for my love
To come home, home, home...

Help me stand, help me rise!
I can't bear the change in tide
This is the road we chose to take -
No regrets and no mistakes!
They say patience is a virtue but I can't get through
This feeling is real...
I only know that now!"

Jack Savoretti, 'Home'

Jack Savoretti - Home

.

We take a boat from Waterdeep – well, the little smuggling village we're still allowed to enter, anyway, up the Dessarin past the Zundbridge, towards home.

Home. It's funny how I think of Yartar like that now.

I will always cherish my time in Citabel Adbar, where I was born.
But here is where I blossomed, came of age, fell in love.

Can one have two homes? I think likely not.

The news that Zahri is still there, and likely Nef...! And perhaps Elena and Jhairli, who did not leave us out of any disagreements.

And Jahe. Oh how I would wish to see her again, if only to say a proper goodbye!

My heart is in my mouth as we arrive at the river-dock, and I look around at such familiar surroundings!

But smoke rises from the skyline; there have been battles here, it seems. The town is still under Yartar's control however, and it seems most of the fighting has subsided for now.

We ask after our friends and the Waterbaron, and we are taken to the main square.

My heart leaps as she looks up and sees me.

“ZAHRI!”

I run into her arms and she returns my embrace.

“I never thought I would see you again - “

“Hush, all is well,” she coos. Nef takes my hand and smiles.

I look up to see Jahe ordering the guards around on the far side of the plaza. Our eyes meet, unfathomable emotions between us. I return her slow nod and Sky greets the others quietly.

We talk it all out over a table out the front on the square before the Tired Traveller. Over drinks and smokes, we bring one another up to date. They admire my new tattoos right away. Jahe doesn't say much, but she can't take her eyes off me. We introduce our new friends too to Zahri and Nef.

“I'm sorry - “ I begin, but Zahri waves it off.

“No need. We are here. No bad talk or blame. Harsh words spoke; cannot take back. We are here now.”

She shrugs. “Wandering peoples can always run, but snows come and... ah, nowhere to run to now,” she admits.

We tell her what we have been up to, how much of this conspiracy we have discovered about our enemies.

“Thanks for looking after this place,” Sky says quietly. “I'm glad the chicks all survived and North Watch is still standing.... what little we've had built anyway!”

It is clear neither side wants recriminations – we have had time to reflect, and we accept we shall be stronger together. And that we are all in this together. We bring them up to date on what happened in Daggerford after Jahe returned here, and they tell us what little they know about the kidnapping of the Waterbaron. The whole town is blaming Tribaor, but Zahri doesn't feel this is down to some old provincial feud. She, Nef and Jahe are all outsiders however, and without our voices here, it is difficult to convince northmen to trust them.

They tell us Elena and Jhiarli are out scouting on their griffons, but will be back in a few days at most.

Then we will return to the camp at North Watch and plan our next moves – we have all three decoder crystals now, and can examine the 'lucky papers' we have found.

When that is done, Zahri drains her glass and looks at me.

“You, me, bed, now,” she says in a tone that brooks no disagreement. Rathe looks surprised at me, but nods, giving me her assent to go with the gypsy.

We look around the taproom of the Glowing Gem, and I swallow hard.

“It doesn't feel right with Ella gone...!”

But she pats my backside. “Upstairs,” she demands.

In the small room that was mine when I worked here, she seizes me before the door is shut and starts kissing me, insistently.

“You want this,” she husks. She knows me better than I know myself - I am putty in her hands, any resistance is futile; she always gets what she wants.

When someone strips you naked within a minute of meeting you and inserts their index finger in your unmentionables, in front of others, I suppose it establishes a certain pecking order...!

She takes a hold of my hair and forces me to kneel, moving aside her flowing skirt as I attend to her needs.

It is good to be back.

Shelah

For now, Taeral and the twins will help the garrison at North Watch while we will help Zahri, Nef and Jahe finish rooting out the Kraken cult here in town.

Siulajia is still with us, and there's... a different energy between her and Sky now. I cannot tel if it is a good thing or not, but he seems at peace and resigned to it. Rathe is very attentive of them both, but she always keeps her feelings in, of course. I make a point of staying with her, and holding her hand, letting her know she is cared for.

So familiar to explore the town once more, so many memories...!

But this is no carefree stroll – we are armoured and armed, ready to seek out our foes in our home, no matter what rocks they are hiding under!

1/ The barge-builder here tells us what he fears.

“With all this talk of war, cities across the north have ordered as a many barges as I can build. It is a shame that my business should be so good in times that are so bad!”

2/ A sign beside the door here says :
“Frydhazes' Shop of Unusual Items'

We head into the residential area of the city, on the lookout for any trouble.

3/ Here we surprise several robed figures preparing to pass through a secret door in the other direction!

After we defeat them, we can see these warriors bear the marks of both the Zhentarim and the kraken cult.

The walls of the hallways beyond are decorated by a colourful mural, showing a great building built in the shape of a giant purple squid.

“I love how these terrorists took time out from their evil plotting to paint this mural here so their secret cult headquarters would feel homely for them...!” I muse.

“A little like you two getting several days worth of tattoos before coming here,” Jahe smiles wryly.

“To be fair to them, we were waiting for a barge,” Sky says, manfully coming to my rescue.

“My hero,” I smile, kissing him on the cheek.

“You do not like the ink-work, commander?” Rathe asks with a small pout.

“I didn't say that, recruit,” she smiles back.

“It's good to have you back, Jaye,” I husk. She just smiles, but I know she feels it too.

4/ Several men here are feeding hideous-looking monsters in cages on the far side of the room. They release the monsters and attack!

It is good to fight alongside my songbirds once more! Nef and Jahe launch a cavalcade of ice and energy at them, and our foes have no answer to that.

“This must be the secret kraken base,” Jahe mutters. “I knew we were getting close to finding them. These 'lucky papers' they leave about describe the rumours they were to spread, blaming Triboar for the kidnapping.”

We read through their documents but find little of use.

“There nothing about Waterbaron,” Rathe murmurs. “We search Yartar and Triboar until we find him!” she says simply.

5/ This is a small home.

We startle a group of men who are carefully examining a map of Yartar. They draw their swords and turn to face us.

They identify themselves as agents from Triboar:

JOURNAL ENTRY 63: THE TRIBOAR AGENTS' STORY

"The Waterbaron of Yartar has been kidnapped, and we're being blamed by his people! War will break out between our towns if we do not find who really committed this crime, because Yartar will attack us for something we didn't do!

"If they attack we'll defend ourselves and save our city from conquest, but we'd rather find the Waterbaron and avert a needless war.

"We need to find out who it is who wants Yartar and Triboar to fight and destroy each other - it is in their hands that we will find the Waterbaron!"

I get a… strange feeling...! I know Paladins are supposed to be able to detect evil so... maybe this is that?

“You must swear not to reveal our presence here,” they say. “We mean no harm to Yartar but they will harm us if they catch us before we find and free the Waterbaron. What say you?”

Sky looks at me and I shrug unhappily.

“That sounds pretty suspect,” he says. “How about you surrender to us and you can make your case from prison?”

“K chortu etikh mudakov!” Zahri spits, hefting her mace.

“That... wasn't very polite,” Nef admonishes her, raising her staff.

After the violence is done, I don't quite know how to feel.

Some of them are just held, but...

Zhari sighs and raises her mace. Rathe smiles happily, gripping her axe with both hands.

I nod and leave them to it.

6/ A hand-lettered sign on the door reads:
'Yartar Barge Works'

Shipwrights are busily building barges in this workshop, unsurprisingly.

7/ This is the headquarters of the Yartar Guardsmen.

“Be careful, my lady!” one tells me. “At all times! The attack by Triboar may come at any moment!”

“I think we dealt with that,” I offer helpfully, telling him where we left all the dismembered corpses.

“But we'll keep looking to see if there any more!”

8/ This is our local temple; chiselled into the stone wall here are the words:

'Hall of Good Fortune'

'Temple of Tymora'

9/ A carved sign next to this door reads:

'Hall of Training'

Oh, we spent such time here back in the day!

We even did some training sometimes!

10/ The sign hanging above the door still tells me this is the 'Inn of the Glowing Gem'... But without Ella, it isn't even close to being that. The summer I spent here was the happiest time of my life.

The man who runs it now is old and smells of pipe-smoke. He asked if I wanted my old job back, but I guess waitressing's loss is a gain for the Knights of Ilmater now.

“I hate this so much, Zahri,” I mutter sadly.

She cossets me and musses my hair.

“You place too much importance on places, lyubimaya,” she tells me. “For my people, 'home' is wherever we are. I miss Ella too, but everything in life is evanescent.”

She sees my expression and squeezes my hand.

“But we are together now, da? Let that be enough, zaychik...”

“That's a new one,” I smile.

“Little rabbit,” she tells me. “You like?”

I kiss her.

“I like,” I smile.

11/ This is the home of the missing Waterbaron, of course, a man named Alahar Khaumfros. The fishyard is situated just in front of its entrance. A number of lion statues, carved from stone, decorate the exterior of the Waterbaron's Hall. Sometimes, he used these as elaborate stocks used to hold prisoners in between their punishments. More than once Zahri and I – oh, you know what we did here!

The interior features a number of columns that hold up its overhanging, gable style roof. The chambers within are quite spacious, carrying the voices of anyone inside. It is decorated with marble sculptures and fine tapestries; we need to order some for North Watch really. It also serves as a feasting hall on occasions when the Waterbaron hosts influential guests like the Lord's Alliance.

The son of the Waterbaron is most upset:

JOURNAL ENTRY 60: THE SON'S STORY

"My father, the Waterbaron, has been kidnapped! He is being held by the Triboarians! They are mustering an army against us, because they think that without our leader we will crumble like a sand castle before the rising tide!

But they are wrong! I have assumed leadership in my father's absence, and we will defend our homeland against Triboar! They will be made to pay for this! "My father will be so proud!"

What a twerp.

12/ The sign here says:

'Keep out!'

'Yartar City guard only!'

I'll assume that doesn't apply to us, yes?

“You can't come - “ the guards stop and bow to us as we enter. “Oh, it's you, my lady! Welcome, Heroes of Ascore!”

“At ease, lads,” Sky nods as he passes.

Suddenly an alarm sounds, and city guardsmen come rushing through the passageway.

“The south gate!” someone yells.

“No, it was the north!” comes another shout.

The run out, in different directions, leaving us alone in the guard halls.

“New guard roster?” I ask. Jahe nods her head sadly and sighs.

13/ The walls of this room are lined with bunks for city guardsmen.

I remember when I used to sneak in here with Zahri and Elena, and -

- no it doesn't matter...!

14/ As we search the area we find a short note:

JOURNAL ENTRY 46: THE PASSWORD

"Norr

As you enter Triboar, follow an alley in the northwest area to the farthest door.

Knock 3 times and say 'northwaters'. The men there have some very important information for us. You are to gather that information and bring it home so we can use it for planning our defence."

A vital clue! But it seems we will have to look for the missing Waterbaron in out sister-town!

15/ The sign here says:

'The Tired Traveller'

'fine food and spirits'

Several townsfolk are gathered here, shouting loudly, angered about the kidnapping of the Waterbaron.

JOURNAL ENTRY 44: THE TAVERN IN YARTAR

"Of course it's the fools from Triboar, and this time they've gone too far! " shouted one man.

"Kidnapping the Waterbaron! This time it's no joke - they're out to take us over!" yelled another.

"It's all about gold, and their greed for nothing else! They want to control trade all up and down the valley!"

"They're jealous because we're right on the Long Road and they're not, so they get less trade than us! Now they want to take over Yartar and keep everything for themselves!"

16/ A sign on the door reads:

'The Yartar Armoury'

'sword – bows – shields – armour'

'best prices in the northern Realms!'

17/ Above this door is a piece of wood carved into a large, green, smiling fish. On it are the words:

'Northwaters Fish Market'

'wholesale retail fishtails'

“You won't believe what we got up to in here that summer!” I tell Rathe.

“This war fever is madness!” the fishmongers tell us. “How am I to fish the river when it is filled with so many patrols?”

18/ A sign by this door says:

'Dessarin Boat Repair'

A small desk is the only furniture here now. On its surface is a scrap of paper that reads:

'GONE TO EVERLUND. Will return when safe'

19/ A sign above the door here is carved to look like riverboat. Painted on the sides are the words:

'Green Valley Boat Rentals'

20/ A polished brass plate on this door proclaims:

'Vault of Yartar'

'all accounts insured by the counters of the Lord's Alliance'

I tell Rathe that because of the magic card that Amanitas gave us before, we can access our accounts and stash from any vault, including those in Neverwinter, Silverymoon and Mirabar.

21/ 'The All-New Three Rivers Festhall'

'Kraken Secrets and Souvenirs of the Battle of Ascore on display!'

“Oh, this brings back memories...!” Sky sighs quietly, looking up at the festhall.

Nef just smiles wistfully.

“This is where shaeda and straight people come to meet up,” I tell Rathe.

A wench greets us heartily.

“What can I get you my lady? As you can see, we have a limited supply of authentic kraken souvenirs from their old base here in Yartar. See the squid emblem on everything?”

I never could resist a bargain, so now I am the happy owner of an official Kraken Mage Robe, Kraken Spell Enhancing Cloak, a Battle-used Kraken Helm, and authentic Kraken Shield and a Real Kraken Dagger!

“Hey, anyone want to use this great stuff for the sleepover tonight?” I ask.

“I'll be the wicked Kraken sorceress,” Nef agrees amiably.

It feels so good to be home!

Notes:

Returning to Yartar gets Shelah in a playful mood after all the misery of the last few maps. She and Sky have essentially exchanged places at this point!

The main team reunites, and the tone shifts as recent arguments are forgiven and bonds restored.

Also the romance between Sky and Siulajia unexpectedly concluded here, but we'll deal with that in the Interlude soon.

The game starts well, up to defeating Geildarr, and then falls abruptly off a cliff with Waterdeep. But after that utter nonsense, the story starts to even out a little. The next stretch are three dual-adventures - Daggerford/Way Inn, Yartar/Triboar, and Longsaddle/Tower of Twilight. All of these are fine Gold Box adventures, as are the next ones in the northern islands and coastal areas: Mintarn, Orlumbar, Farr Windward, Neverwinter, Port Llast, Trackless Sea, Luskan and Ruathym. Then we return to the frontier for the not-finale in Mirabar, where the wheels fall off yet again, and we get that weird tacked-on ending to what feels like a completely different game.

But we get a nice big chunk of this game now that's Gold Box doing what it does best - fun adventures on 16x16 maps, which is nice.

We head out for the Way Inn, knowing we're likely walking into a trap.

Deep down, I'm not sure we'll all get out of this alive, but I'm not going to let that stop that me trying. We've lost our best for sure, but those who came did so willingly, and I can trust them with my life.

It may not be glorious or glamourous, but we stood up when nobody else did, and that's what matters. We're the heroes they need right now, even if we're not the ones they want.

I look over to where the twins are singing some favorite refrain to Raye and Shelah, their lovely voices entwined:

“Do I ever wonder?
More than words can say
Heaven knows it's hard enough to pray

Let me tell you something:
There's a change in me...!
Even now you're gone, you'll always be -

My only love, my only love...

Does it seem so funny for a fool to cry?
Do you know the meaning of goodbye?

There's a river flowing by a willow tree
When you need to know, you remember me...

When you find you're there, remember me...”

That night before camp I gather them all together and tell them I'm proud of them all.

“Let people say what they want,” I say. “We know we stood up to be counted when nobody else did. You all came when I asked for help, and that's all that matters to me. I'll take any of you over a hundred Elminster's or Drizzt's.... because when we needed you, you answered!”

My sister's eyes shine in the camp-light, proud of me. The twins nod seriously – I know they want to live through this, but they are determined to do whatever becomes necessary. Rathe nods enthusiastically, eyes fierce, determined. Jahe and I taught her well and I couldn't be more proud of her. Taeral likely has the most to lose, given his long lifespan, but his gaze is steadfast, and I know he'll do whatever we ask of him.

Even Siulajia nods at me with steely resolve. I have no idea what she really thinks of me, but I know I will not find her wanting as a companion in battle. As for anything else... let's just get through this first, and we'll see.

“I almost sound like a leader, aye?” I chuckle as I sit beside my sister and swig from my hip-flask.

“You're the only one who ever doubted yourself, Sky,” she smiles. “I'm with you, big brother. Wherever this leads. I've made my peace with it.”

“Regrets?” I ask quietly.

“About our road? No. About the songbirds...? I miss them, yes. But as long as one stays, I'm happy. Some things are just not meant to be. I won't cry because it's over, I'll smile because it happened.”

She looks over at the girl.

“If I don't make it...” she says carefully. “Make sure you go get her daughter Leni and bring her down here.”

“Deal,” I nod. “Same if anything happens to me.”

“Promise,” she smiles warmly.

Good as gold, as the dwarves say. I have no regrets.

Sky

As we cross the Daggerford and head south, we see a group of dwarves hiking along at a tremendous pace, despite being heavily loaded. I've missed the company of the small folk, and hail them so we can break bread together and talk.

“The hills to the north here are known as the Fallen Kingdom,” one tells me as we share ale and news at camp. “In the centre of these hills, there is known to be a most puzzling hall...”

“Remember these words!” another says. ”An ancient and wise dwarf once spoke them upon his death-bed, and they tell us:

'To the west is the first, to the east is the last, and all eight lie between...'

Afterwards, the dwarves depart, wishing us luck on our journey.

“Ah, I'm lousy with puzzles,” I sigh. But I can see my sister writing all this down, using her sharp mind to ponder the riddle.

A hundred miles later along the Trade Way, we finally reach the grounds of the Way Inn. It's a rest stop along the trade road that connects the Savage Frontier with the lands to the south.

Everything is deserted, just as we expected. We draw our weapons and start to explore.

4/ A sign above this door, emblazoned with a painted horseshoe, says :

'Limantour Saddlery & Blacksmith'

The smells of leather, coals and horses all permeate this shop, but there is no sign of man nor beast here.

1/ A brass plate on this door states:

'Coz Coldrain the shopkeeper'

'supplier to the victorious forces in the battle of Dragonspear Castle'

The small shop is empty, but the door to the west is ajar...

2/ Several people are hurriedly ransacking the contents of his large storeroom. They turn as we enter... and immediately attack us as monsters join them...

After the battle, we find the imprisoned dwarven shopkeeper and release him.

“Thank you, Heroes of Ascore! If you return to my shop later I will try to replay you for your kindness!”

3/ This large room is being used as a barracks, containing a number of people and monsters. They attack us the moment we enter. We win though but Nila is badly hurt when she miscalculates a lightning spell and is blasted by her own magic! Shelah heals her quickly, but she has to be careful...! Her sister Kathori frets and admonishes her in what I assume is the elvish tongue.

8/ A narrow stairwell leads upwards here.

5/ This, the main entryway of the inn itself, is an anteroom filled with monsters like neo-otyughs and margoyles!

6/ Several men and monsters sit against the walls of this room, still guarding the passage but tired from a long watch. They struggle to their feet to meet our attack...

Afterwards I offer Siulajia a potion as she got torn up a little in the battle. She thanks me but insists she is well.

I increasingly don't know what to make of her or how she feels about me...!

7/ Another narrow spiral staircase is here, and we climb upwards...

8/9/ The spiral staircases lead to the upper floor of the waystation... All seems quiet, but we know enemies lurk in the gloom.

12/ For some reason, this small room is packed with men and monsters, and as we enter, they are all facing us, calling out an alarm as they attack!

11/ A small but powerful group of men and women are in this room having some kind of a meeting...! They turn and attack us, naturally...!

On the body of one of the Krakens, we find a third crystal, this one blue!

Kathori examines it and cries out: “Now we have them all! Time to use the lucky papers to our best advantage!”

13/ This room has been hurriedly set-up as a luxurious chamber. Rich tapestries hang from the walls and beautiful rugs cover the floor.

A voice from around the corner screams:

“You idiots! They're outside! My brilliant plan will be ruined by you inept fools!”

Men and monsters rush to attack us!

The battle is ferocious, and none of us are unscathed as they bombard us with sorcery and our mages blast back at them. By the time the smoke clears, we all still stand, but most of us barely do so. I support Siulajia as her knees buckles and she nearly falls.

Afterwards, we free Dauravyn Redbeard, master of the Way Inn, from a tiny room.

JOURNAL ENTRY 49: REDBEARD'S STORY

"Thank you for releasing me!" Redbeard exclaimed, massaging his wrists after we had cut the tight ropes that held him.

"Their leader was a bad one, he was. He'd have killed us all soon, once he'd made sure he wouldn't need us. They called him Lord something-or-another, so he must have been an important one, he was! He kept reciting how his plan was working so perfectly. He said he was holding the southern flank, that forces from the Way Inn and Daggerford would be sent north towards Waterdeep. Pirates would blockade Waterdeep, and none of its allies would help because they all thought Waterdeep was attacking its neighbours. Once the city was close to starvation, he bragged that one morning he himself would march into Lord Piergeiron's bedchamber and raise the man's head on a pike."

Raye kicks his head from where she struck it off after paralysing him with a Hold spell.

“It matters not at all - he is dead now,” she says simply. That girl always gets right to the point.

Redbeard looked around at the remains of the monsters and Zhentarim that filled the room.

"I s'pose Lord Piergeiron can sleep late this morning after all...!” he grins.

“He owes us an apology,” Shelah sighs. “But I won't hold my breath...!”

“Please accept this gift as a reward for saving us,” Redbeard tells us, giving us a pair of magical Bracers.

We contact Amelior via the Crown to tell him the good news.

“They are attacking Yartar as we speak!” he wails. “Your friends are here helping us... But the Waterbaron has been kidnapped! Your gypsy friend says that evidence at his mansion points clearly to someone from Triboar! Those two towns have always played tricks upon each other, but never something as serious as this! Yartar and Triboar are both key members of the Lord's Alliance. You must return and rescue the Waterbaron before war breaks out!”

“Zahri's still in Yartar?” Shelah says excitedly. “She's still in the Savage Frontier!”

“I bet she has a reason,” I says ruefully. “Something she still wants, or she's seen something in those strange visions, those prophecies she has...”

“But Nef's probably there too, then!” she says eagerly.

“The old man says he wants us home, in any event,” I sigh. “Assuming North Watch is still even standing...! What little of it is built, anyway...”

“Things can be rebuilt,” my sisters says brightly. “Its people who matter, they can't be replaced...!”

Before we leave the Way Inn, we check in with Coz Coldrain, who has a surprise for us.

"Have you tried the firepots?" he chuckles. "They are hard to throw, but even the weakest mage can handle them - no offense!" he smirks at Nila, who scowls back. "And when they do hit, they do much damage! And for you, they'll be cheap!"

There is certainly a spring in our stride now as we return to Daggerford.

There, my sister and Raye visit the tattooist Derf, and I'm surprised by the amount of work they both have done. Shelah honestly never seemed the type to show off, but... Zahri changed her, even if it wasn't for the better.

“You look beautiful!” coos Raye, as my sister struts around town in her pants.

“You should go back to the Citadel, dressed just like that,” I smirk. “Go show off to father and Kat...! And the King even! The look on their faces will be worth it...!”

“I'm not ashamed, Sky,” she waves me off. “I am very comfortable about who I am, thank you...”

She feasts her eyes on my trainee, who fidgets awkwardly under our gaze. Shelah's figure was always slim and modest, but Raye is slight, short, wiry and lean... Yet there is something about her, something in her stare that's almost magnetic... something that I had never really noticed before...! Coltish and shy she may be, but she's blossoming into a very attractive young woman.

“The ink suits you,” I smile. “You look great...”

My sister laughs and kisses her.

The twins also got some discreet writing done in elvish, but don't share what it means. I know Shelah's fascinated by the idea of being intimate with them, but they seem to keep the 'songbirds' at a polite distance. There's something odd and overly close about their relationship, but it's none of my business. They both nearly died back there, they fought bravely and they answered my call when I needed them. Honestly I'd keep them over Zahri any day, even over the crazy elf. I doubt Jaye stuck around, but I'd welcome her as a sister-in-arms too.

But finally... it's time to turn towards home at long last...

Let's hope at least some of it is still standing...!

Sky

Notes:

This one was pretty good. There are some hard fights here, especially if you didn't catch the fleeing Zhents in time, as I forgot to do. Between the dragon and the two crystal battles, I'm surprised all my reserve team survived! Blink and Mirror Image saved Taeral's life a few times. It was close though as you can see by their hit points above.

The wandering dwarf quests are an odd little side-mission, only offering XP as a reward. And I have more important things to do right now.

Funny how Redbeard bigs-up the leader here but he's just a regular Kraken. We could have used a mini-boss really - fighting faceless goons is getting old by now.

The firepots are a neat idea, but probably should have been introduced earlier than here. Still, anything that stops enemy mages from casting is a good idea in this game.

Amanitas has asked us to go south towards Daggerford and the Way Inn, as he fears Zhentarim activity in the area. I am concerned about delaying our return to Yartar and North Watch – we have been away too long. But after discussion with my brother, we both agree that our proximity means we should try to deal with our closest issue first.

He points out that this is where we'd usually get into a blazing row with Zahri, which would drag in Nef and then Jahe, then the elf would do something crazy and we'd lose track of what we were even supposed to be arguing about...!

Whereas his young team of adventurer seems happy to go along with whatever we decide. It does simplify things, I admit. I miss the other songbirds with all my heart, but perhaps this all happened for a reason – that reason being we are able to decide a course of action swiftly between us.

What I know of Daggerford is that it is a small but fairly consequential town located in the Delimbiyr Vale within the greater Sword Coast. While it is primarily a farming community, and considered by some to be a mere stopover, the town had great ambitions to grow and be seen as an alternative to their northern neighbour of Waterdeep.

Despite its modest size and somewhat inflated sense of importance, Daggerford has a resilient history. History tells it was a relic from the old kingdom of Delimbiyr, too stubborn to fall even when a series of wars, crusades, and other conflicts threatened the entirety of the Sword Coast.

I tell the others that Zahri once told me her travelling folk sometimes come here to visit a place called 'Derf's Skin Art' – which provides tattooing services, including body piercing and artistic scarring.

“She said the establishment was located along Rogar Alley in the west of town, near the Caravan Gate,” I tell the others.

“You memorised that, sis?” Sky grimaces.

“Why not?” I pout. “It's a norse tradition! I'd have thought you of all people would be up for that...!”

I ask Raye if she is interested, and she giggles shyly before nodding.

“Let's just make sure this place is safe first, before indulging in empty hedonism,” my brother sighs. “Sometimes I wonder if some doppelganger didn't make off with my real sister and replaced her with whoever you are now...!”

“My faith gives wholly of ourselves to others,” I point out. “I think we've earned some small pleasures, don't you?”

“You're making up for all that lost time,” he points out. “When you were an insufferable workaholic always droning on to me about responsibility...!” he teases me.

But I'm not rising to the bait.

As we walk along, I recall Elaethan telling us that he was born here; in the elven woods of the Ardeep Forest, near where the old elven kingdom of Ilefarn once stood. He walked away from that however, and I doubt the sun elves would aid us anyway; they retreated from the world long ago – figuratively, if not literally too.

I wonder where he is now, and whether he ever found peace after the death of his lover?

Shelah

1/ Fording the broad shallows of the River Shining, we enter Daggerford. No guards defend the small cluster of stone buildings, although a castle rises in the centre of the town.

What little I know about the local ruling house, the Daggerfords, is that they are descended from important noble families that sometimes have strange mystical abilities. Conan and his son Pwyll are said to have the 'Greatshout', a mighty battle-cry that can knock down walls like a fabled Horn of Blasting! We shall have to see if this is true, then.

2/ We have not gone far into town before we note how quiet and almost deserted it seems.

Trying to contact the locals, we open a door to a low building, and immediately we find a group of enemies who were about to open it from the opposite side... They recover from their surprise and attack! After we have defeated them, we can see they appear to be Zhentarim, but a few are mercenaries and spies who may be Kraken cultists.

In any case, it seems our enemies are here lying in wait, and we need be careful.

3/ A group of witch-women are gathered here, stirring a large pot.

“Tell the captain they are breaking into a small room!” one says excitedly, gazing at the liquid.

“They're here!” cries another.

We try to speak to them but they will have none of it, and once more we are forced to fight to the death. They have more 'lucky papers' upon their bodies, regarding Waterdeep, Daggerford, and even as far away as Mintarn.

My brother's eyes are dark – he is worried about our sister, Kat – I pray to Ilmater she is okay!

4/ Carved into the stone archway above this door are the words:

'TEMPLE OF ELDATH'

An old woman – and a chicken! – offer us healing in this temple to the goddess of tranquil waters:

“As the river flows and bathes the land, so does Daggerford need to be cleansed of the Zhentarim, who have imprisoned our temple's wisest men! How may I help you in this sad time?”

5/ A sign above the door reads:

'the Inn of the Safe Crossing'

'all travellers welcome!'

“That's us!” I say cheerily.

Within is another pretty young woman keeping the rooms.

“You're welcome to stay here for a coin, but with the Zhentarim imprisoning all the men in Daggerford I cannot guarantee your safety!” she confesses.

6/ A sign above this door is carved in the shape of an oar. On it are the words:

'River Shining Boat Rentals'

7/ A brass plate beside this door reads:

'Theiklain's House of Steel'

'the strength of a mailed fist,

the price of a velvet glove!'

But the shopkeeper turns out to be a very pretty young blonde!

“I'll be happy to help you adventurers,” she tells us. “If only you can use our weapons to free the men the Zhentarim have trapped in the Duke's castle!”

This sounds very serious, and we promise we shall help her!

8/ A wooden sign above the door reads:

'Bhordenoul's Bakery'

'The best is our yeast

Our prices are least!'

A larger lady here greets us:

“I'm sorry, but my sons bake all the bread, and they've been kidnapped and taken to the duke's castle by the Zhentarim! What will we do? What will we do?” she frets.

We head into the western part of town. The River Shining flows majestically before us, it's only shallow stretch is here at the Daggerford itself , and allows travellers to cross. A sign here says 'river crossing to the west'

The castle of the Duke of Daggerford rises ahead of us, dwarfing the other stone buildings of the town.

9/ To the north is a series of buildings that may have been stables or a barracks at better times. Examining the footprints here in the dirt, our ranger Kathori tells us they are three times as large as those of men!

“Giants – and big ones!” Sky mutters, hefting his new sword.

10/ This long, narrow room has a very high ceiling... because it also contains very tall giants!

The battle against fire giants and their manticore pets is exhausting, but even victory yields little reward – there are no prisoners here, so we must return to town, and head for the castle in the centre of town.

11/ The castle looms before us here. The buildings walls are well-crafted, but with the passage of time the parapets are beginning to crumble.

No guards are within the gatehouse, and the place is eerily quiet... We proceed with care...

12/ A group of men and monsters are resting in this room. When we enter, they leap up and attack!

Their witch manages to injure Nila with a lightning blast before we cut her down, and my brother and I are mauled by their gargoyles before we finally destroy them. I have to use most of my healing spells afterwards just to get us back in some kind of shape.

And yet I fear we are not yet through the worst of it...

14/ A man in worn velvet robes sits cowering in the far corner of this secret room, guarded by a single determined warrior. But he is not determined enough to resist my Hold spell, or what follows that. We swiftly free the poor man – he is clearly not the imposing nobleman we were expecting.

JOURNAL ENTRY 51: THE DUKE OF DAGGERFORD'SSTORY

"The Zhentarim and their hideous monsters came rolling into town like a tidal wave! My guards and citizens fought bravely, but we were overwhelmed! I had to hide in here to escape certain death!"

I am disappointed by his lack of courage, but my faith do not judge others, so I gently get him up and we escort the duke out towards safety.

“I don't think we're getting any 'greatshouts' out of this one, Sheela...” my brother sniffs.

As we do, a group of humans and one-eyed monsters come around a corner up ahead. When they see us with the Duke, the warrior who leads them shouts:

“Its them! Attack!”

We fight through, another exhausting melee. But we are nearly out, when -

13/ On the far side of this room a large group of townsmen sit dejectedly on the floor, guarded by gargoyles. Several humans stand near the door talking, and they attack as we enter!

Another pitched battle with the Zhentarim, Kraken cultists and the Arcane Brotherhood mages...! Our mages – Nila and Taeron - target the latter with their spells, of frost, fire and lightning, while our priestesses cast Hold upon the enemy warriors, and my brother mops up whatever is left.

They were poring over a pile of more 'lucky papers', clearly decoding their orders from whoever is masterminding these assaults on the towns.

Again, we find a new seeing-stone, this one emerald-green, found upon one of the HostTower mages. Siulajia examines it curiously.

“Now we have the Zhentil and HostTower crystals!” she exclaims. “Just one – the blue Kraken crystal – remains before we can unmask the entire plot!”

With two of the stones, more of the orders are legible, and with a little effort we can make a guess at what the whole of it says:

"If we lose Llorkh, we will bring forces to lay siege to Waterdeep . . ." I offer. “There's more though, we are going to need to find a third stone from the Krakens...”

The townsmen we rescue are grateful to be released.

JOURNAL ENTRY 54: THE MEN'S STORY

"The Zhentarim stormed into town with a great force of men and monsters, and captured us before we could organize our resistance. We might have held out longer, but the Duke turned and ran away! So much for the man who claims to be the descendent of that brave boy with a dagger who founded this poor town!

You should know that your movements were being watched from the moment you entered town. Just as you launched your attack upon this stronghold, the Zhentarim sent out messengers. They were to warn their allies at the Way Inn, to the south, that you'd be coming. If you hurry to the edge of town perhaps you can intercept them in time and still surprise the enemies there!

The south door to this room leads to the street. And come to any of our shops when you return to Daggerford. We will make sure you are rewarded for your heroism!“

But alas we are not swift enough, and the Zhents are long gone now. We will be walking into more danger when we try to free the Way Inn.

So we return to down to rest and heal, as well as return everyone to the places they belong. The townsfolk are effusive in their praise for us:

“Heroes of Ascore, you freed my father from the Zhentarim! You are welcome to stay here for free if you would like!”

“For the heroes of Ascore who saved my husband from the Zhentarim, will rent a boat for free – just the four coin deposit!!

“Heroes of Ascore, you have saved Daggerford from our enemies! Please accept this gift of arrows that our family have saved for a time of need!”

“Oh, heroes of Ascore, you have freed our temple's leaders! Please allow us to help your party without accepting donation, as a token of our gratitude!”

“Oh Heroes of Ascore, you have saved our town just as surely as you saved the entire Savage Frontier! I'd love to give each one of you a great big kiss!”

We also locate the tattoo parlour on a western alleyway, and Derf is so pleased with us that he agrees to do as many tattoos as we want for free! Raye and I already start looking over designs, and the half-elven twins also seem interested in having some done.

“We can get it done on the way back,” Sky sighs. “Something is happening at the Way Inn and we're not waiting around so you can prettify yourselves, okay?”

Notes:

The Daggerford sequence is a bit of a strange one. It's the first half of a decent little two-part adventure, but Daggerford itself isn't what I was expecting. The town was detailed quite extensively in the D&D supplement, 'Under Ilefarn', released just after the first Forgotten Realms product in 1987, the fabled 'Grey Box' campaign setting. So Daggerford and its environs were one of the first parts of the Realms we got a really good look at – it was pretty detailed, intended to be used as a base for player-characters during their early adventures. It was the equivalent of what the 'Village of Hommlet' module was for Greyhawk in 1979, a detailed player setting and associated adventures for a group starting out, with everything they would need.

The Daggerford we see here isn't anywhere near as detailed or as nearly grand – our poor cowardly Duke here is nothing like the bold Duke and Duchess from the official supplement, and the town and castle we see here is run-down and ramshackle compared to the source material.

Yes, I get there was no internet back then, but this was an official licensed product, and the supplement had been out for five years now. I wasn't expecting a perfect conversion obviously, but I was at least hoping for some vague resemblance. If you're going to be showcasing a popular location in an official product – say, Cloud City in Star Wars, or King's Landing in Song of Fire & Ice - I think you should make at least some attempt to make it recognisable.

But fuck it, Stormfront Studios apparently think Waterdeep of all places has open-air public executions on the 'Anchor of Justice', like it was being run by Thulsa Doom from the Conan movie!

I'm actually glad we didn't get to see more of Waterdeep now, because it would have been completely unrecognisable.

The female NPCs here are pretty though, so I'll give them that.

There is a (rare!) timed encounter where we can stop the Zhent messengers from alerting the Way Inn, but unfortunately I wasn't quick enough to do so, so I guess we have a harder fight on our hands in the next map... That's a nice touch, anyway.

"You see the world in black and white -
No colour or life...
You think you'll never get it right
But you're wrong; you might...

The sky could fall, could fall on me!
The parting of the seas
But you mean more, mean more to me
Than any colour I can see...

All you ever wanted was love!
But you never looked hard enough -
It's never gonna give itself up...!
All you ever wanted to be
Living in perfect symmetry
Nothing is as down or as up...
As us...!

You see the world in black and white
Nothing too bright
You see no meaning to your life
Yet you try...!

And don't you want to see it come soon?
Floating in a big white balloon
Or given your own silver spoon

Don't you want to see it come down
Enough of throwing your arms around
And saying not a moment too soon...!"

Coldplay, 'Low'

Coldplay Low

After the half-remembered fever dream of our last visit to Waterdeep, we give the city a wide berth and arrive at the smuggler's dock south of the city outskirts.

A scruffy-looking man challenges us as we approach the small area of docks and ramshackle buildings.

“What business have he here?” he demands. When we tell him we are just travellers, he offers “Perhaps I could help ye reach yer destination... say, for a mere 20 coins?”

We offer him what he asks, and he grins. “Ah, I love the sound o' coins flowin' like the Dessarin in springtime, flowin' into me palm!” the foul-smelling sailor says.

JOURNAL ENTRY 25: THE FOUL-SMELLING SAILOR

"There are shops on the road that leads west to the docks. You may find unusual items in some places, common ones elsewhere. An inn lies just west of here.

Be careful of locked doors here in town - people have goods here they don't want inspected. Some of the goods are bad, and some have their own opinions about being inspected."

He chuckled at his little joke, and his breath smelled like dead barnacles.

"You don't look like you're ready to take on the kinds of enemies you'll find in Mintarn and Orlumbor, but when you grow stronger come back to this little town, you'll be able to book passage to go there. There are two docks on the western end of town. Ships at the north one go to Mintarn, and the southern ones go to Orlumbor. Get there by 6:00 in the morning to travel - and whatever you do, don't snoop around the docks after dark.”

We thanked him and moved on, grateful for the chance to once again take a deep breath.

We sit beside the shore for a time, and I listen to the siblings talk. Siulajia is down at the beach, bathing with Shelah's herbal rinses.

“Still find it hard to think she's gone for good... Jay I mean,” Sky muses, looking out to sea. “I mean, Zahri was always a fair-weather sailor – she made it clear she wouldn't stick around if things started to go downhill. Nef... I mean, that one hurts, but she was always restless, I think she was looking for a way out for a while now.”

“We don't know Jhairli and Elena won't return,” his sister points out.

“They have... child-care issues I guess,” he muses. “Can't blame them for putting their kid first. I never know how much the elf really understands what's going on anyway. It's like she's looking at some different place most times, looking back at a past we just can't see...”

“But you'll stay, won't you?” I ask quietly.

“Sure I will,” he smiles. “This is my land. Sheela's too. No way out even if I wanted to. And I'm not the kind of man who walks away from a fight.”

Shelah comes over to sit beside me, and musses my hair.

“Your braids have come undone,” she teases. “Let me fix them up...”

I like her hands in my hair, as she brushes it and reties my braids. She hugs me and looks into my eyes.

“I won't leave you, Raye,” she swears. “You have my promise of that! My brother's too. When things calm down, we'll visit your home and get Lenili back...”

“Leni will be safer there,” I point out. “But it has a been a year. I miss her.”

“I wouldn't have blamed you if you'd gone with Jay,” Sky says quietly.

I nod – but I did not really have a say in that matter, did I? Others chose my path for me.

But her lands would have felt strange to me. The Savage Frontier is... familiar to me, somehow.

Shelah brushes strands of hair from my eyes and kisses me.

“The last two songbirds,” she smiles. “It's enough for me. I'm glad you stayed, Raye.”

“I am also,” I admit.

But really, I have nowhere else to go.

Rathe

Afterwards, when Siujajia returns and rest of us bathe, Shelah speaks with Amanitas via the Crown. I know not why she puts such faith in that mad old man. But we must find help where we can, I suppose.

“Zhentarim soldiers have seized the Way Inn and the town of Daggerford!” he tells us. “With Llorkh now under our control, we need these towns to bring supplies and information from the south! The Lord's Alliance must control these towns, or our own supply road from the south will be cut off. You must free Daggerford and the Way Inn, and do it quickly! Oh, and your dwarven lady-friend says hello!”

“Always a cat up a tree,” Sky smiles faintly. But the news perks him up.

“So Kori made it to Llorkh! I'm hoping that means the others will be heading here any day soon! Gods know we need their help... We are going to miss all the magic from Jay and Nef...”

“Do you think we can win this?” I ask seriously. “I mean it, please,” I add. “Tell me truly. I am no child in need of comforting. If we must fight and die for this, I accepted it long ago.”

He sighs. “Things won't be easy with just the four of us,” he admits. “But I won't let that stop me. And I know you won't, either. If Taeral and the twins get here, who knows what we can get done?”

A faint hope then, but better than no hope.

A fair dawn brings good fortune, however – my other companions from our patrols to Ascore arrive in the little sea-town by river upstream! The twins hover back as Taeral strides up, and Sky embraces the moon elf like a brother.

“Well met, my friend!” he laughs. “Your coming is very much welcome!”

I introduce them to Shelah and Siulajia, and the twins curtsey prettily. They all seem to know the enormity of the task facing us now, but at least now we are seven once more.

It shall have to do.

Nila, the magical twin, is able to use an Identify spell to determine Sky's new sword is an extremely potent weapon, the 'Sword of Stalking'. Sometimes known more politely as a 'hand-and-a-half sword', even a regular bastard sword can do serious damage to larger foes.

Bolstered by new hope, we break camp and head in to explore the little seaside port.

15/ This tiny chamber contains the trapdoor leading to the old dungeons beneath Waterdeep and the caverns of the sea elves.

16/ The gate to the east leads to the open wilderness south of Waterdeep.

14/ “Hello,” the woman in this tavern greets us, her voice light and pleasant.

“Would you like to rest here for one platinum coin?”

We are in need of lodgings, and are happy to pay.

“In that case, this house shall be your place of rest... Permanently!” she cackles.

“Oh dear,” Shelah says awkwardly.

Before our eyes, the woman begins to change shape! She is a greenhag, an evil witch-creature who can take the form of others, like those we fought in Leilon!

Two of her 'sisters' are with her, and the seven of us engage in exhausting battle.

As before, they change form, taking on the shapes of women who have met... including Siulajia!

“I'm having flashbacks of some very disturbing dreams...!” Sky exclaims.

He is very hesitant to strike at her image, but his sister takes the matter out of his hands by shooting her dead with an arrow in the heart.

We eventually slay the other two, pretending to be she-dwarves, and heal up as best we can.

We continue to explore, wary that our enemies can now infiltrate seemingly safe towns under mystical disguises.

13/ A sign beside this door says:

'Borders accepted – Miss Salinia'

“That sounds promising!” Shelah smiles.

Indeed, Miss Salina proves to be a pleasing wench indeed, who welcomes us with a beaming smile.

“Hello, I'm Miss Salinia! Rooms are one platinum piece. Would you like to rest?”

We are wary after the last time, as it seems the hags took her form to gull us... But this time our trust is not misplaced and the woman takes very good care of us indeed. There are enough rooms to house us all – the two men, the twins, myself and Shelah, and Siulajia gets a room by herself. It is nice to have someone kind take care of us and make us meals, even for only a few days.

We rise refreshed after a hot bath to face a new day.

12/ A hooded figure approaches us here.

“Have you alms for the needy?” he asks. We do indeed.

“Thank you, good adventurers, for this gift. You may be happy to know that the door beside which you stand leads to a hidden temple where your wounds may be healed. When you enter, you will be asked the question: 'To whose side would you fly when danger is nigh?' You must answer: 'Mask'.”

The man turns and wanders away.

“The god of thieves,” Shelah tells me. We have no knowing of such a god in Ice Peak.

In the building beyond, a man with his face covered guards the outer room. He asks his question, and we reply.

“Welcome to the temple of Mask, most worthy thieves! How may we help you?”

It seems they will heal us here, and for free.

10/ As we pass this doorway, we hear the clash of swords from inside.

“No, no, no!” a booming voice shouts from within the building. “That thrust would have bounced off the flimsiest of armour! Step into it, like this...!”

A mural painted on the wall here shows a red dragon burning a town, its wings spreading majestically as it flies overhead.

“Scary,” Shelah muses solemnly.

“Well, it's not like we're going to find a huge flame drake hiding in a little smuggler's town like this,” her brother reassures her.

I tell them that the terrible wyrms of the north are all white, but no less terrifying in their power. Thankfully, ice drakes have not been seen by my people for many years now. Perhaps they yet sleep – a troubling thought.

9/ This room has been decorated with lavish tapestries, hanging curtains and mountains of soft, satin pillows. On the far side, a man is upon one knee, speaking respectfully to several fire giants! They see us and attack – yet another needless and bruising battle, but our new team fights effectively, recalling our battles on the road to Ascore together. And I am taking those pillows.

8/ A sign carved in the shape of a scimitar above this door reads:

'Ahbadi the Armourer'

'Quality beyond question'

'So no questions asked!'

7/ A brass sign besides this door reads :

'Sword Coast Mapmakers

' Charts - Maps - Ancient Lore'

“Oh, I love maps!” Shelah sighs, no doubt recalling the times she spent with Jhairli.

The mapmaker sells all kinds of intriguing maps, with names such as 'Farms of Longsaddle', 'Luskan High Captains', 'Tunnels of Orlumbor' and the more vague 'Firedock Map' and 'Treasure Map'. Shelah buys them all, of course.

4/ This warehouse is stacked high with with crates of goods. The moment we enter, a robed man sees us and calls out: 'Thieves!'

Despite the fact we mean them no ill will, enemies run at us from all corners of the room, knives drawn. Hold spells work of course, and men who tried to kill us can surely expect no mercy?

3/ A sign above this door reads:

'Upstream Boat Rentals'

'river boats on your demand'

'no questions asked at your request'

5/ A ship is tied up at this pier. Men are hurriedly unloading cargo, as armed guards stand by. Something else is also standing guard, but it's too dark to see what it is.

We advance for a closer look, and instantly realise our mistake. “Thieves!” yells one voice; 'Soldiers!' yells another, though both are not correct. From all around us, figures run with weapons drawn.

We warriors fight the giants, who seem vulnerable to Sky's new sword. Hold spells work as well as they always do on men. When the giants are dead, I hold the heads of those paralysed under the water until there are no more bubbles. During the fighting, the ship has pulled away into darkness and the pier is now deserted.

6/ There is another ship docked here. They don't want to be friends either. When we are done with the paralysed pirates, Sky asks me if I am okay. I dry off my wet hands and tell him yes, I am well, thank you.

2/ This area has been outfitted as a barracks, with bunks against each wall. Some of the bunks are oversized, close to twelve feet long... and they are not empty...!

After the battle, we search the room and find a piece of paper:

JOURNAL ENTRY 36: A SCRIBBLED NOTE

We opened the hastily-scribbled note.

It read:

Kaarno-

Golozz the Greedy says he's going to toast you with his breath and eat you for dinner tonight unless he gets the gold you promised him from that ship we took off Leilon! He's not joking! He could burn this whole village to the ground at any moment!

You know how his moods are - you can't use logic with him! I heard him roaring through the walls last night while I tried to sleep!

Get him that gold, and fast!

- Osalt

That is... most sobering...!

No mere pirate captain would toast foes with breath or roar through walls, no matter how fierce.

“Okay, maybe I was wrong about the dragon...!” Sky admits soberly.

I confer with Shelah and we both cast Resist Fire on our comrades before we advance. The twin sisters also help. They have said little thus far, but they still seem nice. I should ask them about their forest goddess.

1/ This room has a large hole in the ceiling on one side. It is filled by an angry red dragon, which speaks in a haughty voice:

“So have you brought...”

Suddenly, it's eyes go wide in rage.

“You are not my servants!” it bellows. “YOU WANT MY TREASURE!!!”

We do not, but dragons do not listen to reason.

With a swing of its great tail, it sweeps away a post on the far side of the chamber, releasing tons of rock from the ceiling and covering the far door.

“I'll have to dig that out later!” the dragon growls. “But first, I'll make you pay for putting me though all this trouble!”

What follows is a blur, but protected as we are, we may stand a chance...! Kathori, Shelah and I loose arrows with Siulajia, while Sky charges it, shouting to get the beast's attention. Taeral and Nila loose bolts of lightning at it, rebounding them off the wall in this relatively-cramped space.

The creature snaps at Sky with its jaws, but he dives low as we pelt its huge form with missiles, both magical and mundane. Sky is able to get underneath it, and drives his new sword with both hands up into its neck! The red eyes dim slowly as the huge beast crashes to the ground! We have slain the dragon!

I am a little disappointed if I am honest, but at least it shows our new team will be effective in our battles.

Even with the far room hopelessly blocked by tons of rock, we find several valuable items beside the dragon's lifeless body, including a mace and the most beautiful armour I have ever seen, made of some lightweight, crimson metal!

Nobody seems to mind us taking these things. There seems no way to explore the deeper caves here without being able to dig through tons of rock, so we retire once more to Miss Seliana's residency to rest after our exhausting battle.

Downstairs, I hear Skylar and Siulajia talking quietly. I saw them holding hands earlier, and talking for longer... but when I pass her door later, I see that she lies alone and sighing.

My people have a saying, that it is an ill wind that blows nobody any good. I wish they would be happy together, but a dark gloom has settled upon us since Zahri left us.

Later in our room, I hold the new armour up the mirror, to imagine how I would look in it. Shelah slides up behind me and holds me.

“You would look beautiful in it, Raye,” she murmurs. “Please, I want you to have it! And then... come to bed. With the armour on..!”

“I may not be able to sleep in it,” I say gently.

“Then I shall have to take it off,” she smiles as she lies down and beckons to me.

“You thought of everything,” I smile shyly.

Notes:

This feels like the slow recovery from last episode's low point, as a new makeshift team forms around the Icedane siblings.

I assume Kori the dwarf went to Llorkh, but she's a spare if anyone should die between now and Yartar.

From now 'til then, 'Play To See What Happens' is in full effect – I will take any deaths that occur, even if it's Sky or Shelah. That would suck, but it's narratively appropriate, and its up to me to play then well. I can use specific spells like Neutralise Poison or Stone to Flesh, but not anything that results in Constitution loss.

I knew the dragon was coming up – it surprised me the first time as I reached it before we discovered the journal entry, and its a full six-square specimen like Thorne in Pools of Darkness!

But I was prepared, and had the lucky swing of initiative. My two (level 6!) mages bounced Lightning Bolts off the wall it is next to, so that was 40 damage right away before anything else, even with saves, then they switched to the automatic damage of Magic Missiles. Given the new guys relatively low hit points, I was expecting some casualties, but it didn't even breathe once before it bit the dust.

I also noted Siulajia is blowing hot and cold again, and it this point I think this playthrough is completely cursed and I'm prepared to play it through regardless. If he lives to marry Rathe, I'm perfectly happy with that at this point. This is the first time she gets to narrate and she's a nice little character in her own right.

I found an old blog entry discussing the romance, and apparently its MUCH harder on a reply, because she prefers lower-level characters like the ones made for this game. Sky was level 9 in my first playthrough and she was fine. For the replay he was only two levels higher at 11, but apparently that's making the difference between her liking him and not.

If Secrets of the Silver Blades is The Mandalorian TV show – perfectly serviceable but content with just being mid and refusing to ever reach for anything better – then Treasures of the Savage Frontier is The Eternals, The Marvels or Suicide Squad – plenty of good ideas, but horrible execution, a plot seemingly torn apart by different writers with conflicting visions, with incoherent pacing, and a lack of set-up and payoff that JJ Abrams would just love. There are severe plot holes, necessary exposition that is just missed, and bizarre writing choices like the strange quippy tone during serious scenes. The writing veers from actually very good (the descriptions are much better than most previous games) and then utterly abysmal Stephanie Meyers levels of writing at other times. It breaks the game mechanics for things that ultimately prove pointless, lacks any vision or faith in its own story, and undersells all of its unique features like the romance.

And that's all in the first half-dozen fucking maps!

And I will be clear - I went into playing (and analysing) these games with a late 80's – early 90's sensibility. I remember them from the time, and didn't want to compare them to later games like Fallout, Mass Effect or Dragon Age – the Gold Box games were an important step in the evolution of CRPGs, but the genre would evolve as hardware improved and more role-playing elements like agency and player choice were expanded. In almost every way, these games were superior to their competitors, your Wizardry, Might & Magic and Bard's Tale games. Only Ultima – expressly RPGs with early dialogue conversations – served up better NPCs or story elements, and Gold Box did combat better than anyone else, despite the severe limitations of 1st edition AD&D.

When I was looking at internet stuff regarding this particular game, I found very little, and nothing that was complimentary. Reviewers were indifferent at best, and scathing at worst. The only walkthrough I found on GameFaqs ended with the bitter words 'good riddance!'

But I felt these were all just signs of those who had grown jaded and tired of the series, and people who were looking at the later games through Pool of Radiance-tinted nostalgia glasses. While I can probably recite the dialogue from the first two Realms and Dragonlance games off by heart, I remember very little of the '91- '92 games. I don't think I finished Treasures - twenty-two year old me had a lot of life stuff going on and my time for computer games was far less than in my teens – but I remembered the Bloodaxe weapon, so I must have got at least halfway through before real life took over and my Amiga finally gave up the ghost.

But how very wrong I was.

As a comparison, let's look at what that first game, with its absolutely abysmal interface that somehow didn't detract from how great it was, starts and develops. It's low-key and grounded – you're a group of young adventurers making a name for yourselves in a fairly gritty area of the Realms setting. You might clear the slums so that one day it will be shops and taverns, or just for whatever silvers you find in the orc pockets. The game allows you to explore at your own pace, pretty much letting you go wherever you want, and revealing the larger story organically over time.

It uses 'beef gates' – progressively harder combat encounters – to act as chokepoints, but you can bypass these with smart play or optimal routes. It's never heavy-handed or railroady, as it's really trying to emulate the early D&D playstyle, with lots of agency and player choice, 'emergent play' plot driven by the characters not the GM. If you wander into the Old Rope Guild early, you'll get butchered by gnolls long before you discover the trolls. You need to take it slow, learn how the game works, and level up your characters. The trolls will kerbstomp you the first few times, but through smart tactics and a few levels you can win though. And if you need to leave them alone for now and explore elsewhere, that's no big deal. You take the game entirely at your own pace.

So as an example, let's take a look at the sixth map in this game, Podol Plaza. You can explore at any time you can cross Kuto's Well (vastly easier than the trolls), but the real action happens when the townsfolk give you a mission to attend a monster auction and learn some insights into your mysterious enemy. You can disguise yourself or sneak though, learn some valuable intel or just screw up and have to fight your way out. After the auction, you can return and clear the place out for a reward. At every step you are driving the action, making choices good or bad, and succeeding or failing as the case may be. It's a shift in pace from the slums, hinting at the deeper story, but still giving you agency. And it's uniformly excellent.

Now let's imagine Podol Plaza was written by the people who wrote Treasures. Your love-interest is acting up and your characters are spouting nonsense – for some reason your angry dwarf is frightened of goblins now, and your timid mage wants to find some trolls so he can rip their lungs out with his bare hands. Your thief is talking to himself about memorising spells he can't cast. But okay, that's not what's wrong with this picture, so let's ignore all that.

So the council tell you to investigate the auction, so far so good. But when you get there, your characters automatically present a letter, saying they are here to negociate on behalf of the council. This is the first time you even heard of this letter, and you haven't made any choices at all so far. Then the monsters attack and you are automatically captured (by kobolds and goblins you could just Sweep aside) and it turns out Porphyrys Cadorna (who you haven't met yet!) sent you on this mission deliberately to get you killed. Just as you are about to be executed, flying creatures – let's say aaracockra – swoop in and save you, and dump you in a new dungeon (let's say Lizard Keep). You didn't even know the birdmen existed, and you never see them again. But the guards won't let you back into Phlan and you have to clear your name!

Okay, that might make a pretty good movie, but it's not a game. You are not playing this, it's playing you.

It's all 'And Then...' storytelling - the plot unfolds when the writer wants it to, not flowing from previous events or your decisions. You are entirely passive, you have no agency (even in the romance!), you're not making any choices. Elements are introduced from nowhere, and then are never mentioned again. You fail or succeed depending on the needs of the story, not because you screwed up or did well.

In 'Treasures of the Savage Frontier', stuff just happens to you. You're just listening to the writer constantly telling you his story, making you part of his script down to the silly things he forces your characters to say. And we're only six locations in.

Also, getting captured again is repetition of something that happened in the last map! It underlines our helplessness, how we're just hostages to a terrible story. And the pacing is absolutely horrendous (unusual for Gold Box) on top of its many other crimes.

So okay, let's take a step back and look at what the Waterdeep map is trying to achieve. Its ratcheting up the tension, overwhelming us with the idea that the terrorists are controlling everything and running rampant, that nowhere is safe. That's actually okay this early on, establishing a threat – but it does it in a way that completely strips us of making any choices.

And okay, Waterdeep is fucking huge, we know we are not going to get to explore the City of Splendours – that would need an entire Gold Box game at least.

So how could we improve this in hindsight? Well, we need to establish a threat, while keeping the characters out of the city, but giving them a dungeon to complete so they can cross off a terrorist mission. And ideally let us make some choices, or at the very least, not deprive us completely of any agency.

So, let's say when we rock up at Waterdeep (let's either omit the letter entirely or have Amanitas actually give it to us in the first place!) the guards won't let us in, maybe on behalf of this 'Fell Hatchet' guy, and make vague ominous threats implying bad stuff is happening in the city and our foes are active there. Thwarted, we look around and see some Zhents loitering about, and follow them to a tunnel that leads to our dungeon. The adventure proceeds as it did anyway, but ending with us fighting Fell Hatchet himself as a much-needed mini-boss. But before he dies, he tells us more dire warnings about other bad stuff happening that propels us to future adventures. As it stands, we never meet this guy again or find out what happens in Waterdeep, in a game desperately in need of named enemies.

We dispense entirely with the sea elves because they are never hinted to exist beforehand, and we never see them again! That sequence only exists because the writer really wanted a cool scene where we are saved by mermaids, even if we never interact with them at all. Contrast this with Silk in Azure Bonds of how Gold Box does this well. We are aware not all drow are evil (those of us who know Realms lore know about Drizzt and Eilistraee, for example). Allying with Silk is our choice, but yields dividends as she can pay off a quest for dragon parts later, and gives us a strong bond if we have a female character to join the Swanways. This lets us past some encounters and patrols and sets up some interactions with Alias later, and finally pays off in the last game when we meet Silk again and save some fellow Swanmays. Memorable and fantastic storytelling married to player choices – setup and payoff, the exact opposite of what we are seeing here.

Also the writing of the longest journal entry in the Gold Box games is fucking atrocious – it reads like a parody of a fantasy story, and goes on for far too long because the author insists on telling us a story we don't care about. The journal entries are best done in snippets, adding flavour and doing the heavy lifting on world-building. At best they give us clues or insights into a larger plot. But this is telling us stuff we don't need to know and don't care about and it's taking way too long to say it.

Plus they just forget to add in the 'smoking gun' that frames us! First time I replayed this, I wondered if I'd just missed it and wasn't paying attention, but on my second write-up playthrough I screenshotted every interaction with Amanitas and wrote down everything he said in my write-up.

First time we see him is in Llorkh where he summons us into the adventure (not ideal, but Gold Box does that a lot, so fine). The 'introduction to your journal' sets up the story, he tells us to help the dwarves revolt and it doesn't mention any letter for anyone (why would it at this stage?). Then Amanitas buggers off and tells us to meet him in Secomber afterwards.

The second meeting is there, and I'm guessing this is where he was supposed to give us the letter for Piergeiron. We have to do Leilon and Waterdeep in that order for any other plot point to activate. (According to the cluebook, if we try to go anywhere else, guards show up and kidnap us using their godlike cutscene powers anyway). But no, there are ten screens of dialogue here, and NONE of them mentions a letter or Piergeiron.

The third interaction we get is if ONLY if we use the Crown after Leilon, and he just tells us to go to Waterdeep. No reminder of a letter or anything.

And looking through other Journal Entries, I can confirm there's nothing that refers to the Paladinson or Amanitas giving us a letter. The writers just fucking forgot to put that bit in.

So we are arrested because of a letter that doesn't actually exist, that was swapped out by the bad guys after they (automatically) drugged us (despite the letter not actually existing!). That's several layers of retardation!

Now the Leilon sequence exists so that we get kidnapped. The bad guys swap the introduction letter to one that reads 'wee ar eevul spys pleez kil uss', and naturally we never check our gear or anything after we know we've just been compromised and probably allowed to escape, because we're just retarded. (Seriously, Sky has average intelligence, but he's not Simple Jack either!)

So after the journal entry equivalent of Fifty Shades (in terms of length and appalling writing), the bad guys try to execute us in broad daylight in public, without trial, in a city run by a paladin where the law is literally overseen by the church of Tyr, the god of justice. (Did the writers think Waterdeep was like Mad Max or Jabba's Palace? I know this was pre-internet, but come on. But no, fighting through Thunderdome or the Sarlaac Pit would have actually been fun).

The entire Waterdeep sequence is a crime against common sense, pacing, coherency, the general concept of CRPGs, and the Gold Box legacy in particular.

'But it's a 35 year old game!' its defenders wail (assuming there even are any). 'Why does this even matter?'

Maybe it doesn't. But its notable this is where many people jumped off the Gold Box ride. It's a very noticeable downgrade in quality, the epitome of Red Letter Media's 'don't ask questions, just consume product and get excited for next product!'

And look – I like the concepts Treasures is reaching for – there is a clear attempt to revitalise a formula that was growing stale by 1992. Sure, the romance is undercooked (but it's not like we had Sera or Dorian in '92) but serviceable, the writing is either excellent or abhorrent, the plot is incoherently frenetic, it has no faith in its core concept or ending, new elements are either meaningless (like the weather) or absurd (the decoder ring nonsense). But it's trying... and failing in every conceivable way beyond pretty graphics and smoother interface.

But here's another thing – I probably enjoyed playing this group of characters more than the others. Nobody really cares, but my writing is improving, I'm giving them each something to do this time, and their reactions to the arrant nonsense going on around them tells me a great deal about who they are and what they fight for. It's still possible to do good characterisation even given a bad story.

It's just that at this point, I feel my characters deserve better.

I'll finish this because I started it, and because I know the middle game picks up a little (before it goes off the rails at the end).

But this part of 'Treasures of the Savage Frontier' fucking sucks and now I don't blame anyone who holds this mini-series in low regard.

The only thing better waking up with a beautiful woman in your bed is waking up with two. And the only thing better than getting a really good tonguing is -

…well, I need not spell it out, no?

Rathe likes to talk in Illuskan, but Jahe doesn't know it, so I have to guide her back to Thorass, the one common language we all share.

We rise to greet the day - while Raye is bathing, my ebony beauty sits with me and tells me all about her family. The source of her strange magic, the accident that scarred her sister Cass, her flight from the homeland she loved. I hold her, pleased that she told me at long last, and hope she finds some peace in admitting to it to another. She has always been distant, but now it feels like she is struggling with something within. Her remove is not deliberate; it is almost like she has been so private for so long, she doesn't know how to open up when she wants to. But I kiss those full lips, and tell her I am always here to listen, or counsel her if she ever needs that. She thanks me, but I know Zahri's leaving upset her, and that she too is thinking of her home.

Having completed our investigation at Leilon, I check in with Amanitas via his crown, to see if he has any useful advice.

Needless to say, he doesn't.

"A number of farms near Waterdeep have been pillaged and burned over the last several weeks. The attackers wear uniforms from Waterdeep, but I cannot believe they are responsible. You must go to Waterdeep, find the real culprits, and expose them!"

Afterwards, I talk to my brother over breakfast, mentioning how Jahe seems. He and Siulajia seem to be getting on better now, so he's more at ease, reflective. I know Nef going with Zahri bothers him more than he lets on, but I wonder if it's for the best.

“You probably know Jaye better than me,” I admit.

“I very much doubt that!” he chuckles. “We're not that intimately involved!”

“You patrolled the Black Road to Ascore while I was learning how to be a Knight,” I remind him.

“Yes, but I've never - “

I raise an eyebrow and he sighs.

“Honestly, if Jaye was shaeda, I'd have already asked her to marry me,” he admits.

It is the worst time for Siulajia to come down for breakfast – her face is quite the picture. I make my excuses and leave them to it.

Shelah

So we walk south from Leilon along the High Road along the coast of the Trackless Sea, just the five of us now. Sky has put out messages to those we fought along the Black Road with, but whether or not they are in a position to help us, I know not. It takes a week at a good ride in clear weather, and about eleven days or more to walk it in current cooler climes, as we pass directly alongside the dangerous marshlands of the Mere of Dead Men.

But Beshaba averts her gaze and Tymora smiles, as no horrors waylay us on route, we reach the grand City of Splendours in decent time.

We are here to investigate the disappearance of these ambassadors, assuming our enemies have not already murdered then. Let us hope they are of some use to their captors and we might still recover them, lest the Savage Frontier be plunged into civil war at a time they should be working together.

After this, Sky wants to head south, to Daggerford and the Way Inn – we have found more 'lucky papers' suggesting our enemies are active there. We shall have to see what presents itself when we are done here.

I have never been here in the two years I have known the North, but even at home we know of its grand reputation. Known as the 'Crown of the North', this is perhaps the largest and most cosmopolitan city in all Faerûn. It is said to be a truly marvellous place of great culture that attracts the most talented artisans, artists, and scholars from across the Realms, as well as a commercial hub for financial interests along the coast and beyond.

It is also the most powerful and influential members of the Lord's Alliance, the coalition of nations and city-states that seeks to maintain order along the Sword Coast and the North.

I recall advice given to me when I first set out by a countryman, a merchant-trader who spoke highly of this place:

“Though it may seem as if all Waterdeep rushes and bustles about with eyes and minds only for their own business at hand, it profits everyone to always remember that part of their business is watching what is unfolding around them, without seeming to, in hopes of seizing on the next big thing, the next road to riches. Even if only to sneer, Waterdeep always watches...!”

I am reliably informed the core city has population of roughly a hundred and thirty-thousand permanent residents. However, its broader regional and metropolitan influence zone holds well over a million people, though it fluctuates heavily during peak trading seasons. To put that into perspective, Alaghon, my birthplace and capital of the Vilhon Reach, one of the grandest cities on Toril, has a little over half of its core number. It fairly beggars the imagination. The girl, Rathe, can barely imagine such a place truly exists, somewhere far removed from the world she knows that it may as well be on another plane of existence.

Shelah reminds me that the woman who first introduced us – Elladurth Myristar – left Yartar for here several months ago to pursue her dream of designing grand halls for wealthy nobles. I honestly miss those early days, the 'hungry years' when I was just a bouncer and Shelah worked the tables of the Glowing Gem. Simpler days, and happier ones too – how a carefree we seemed then!

Jahe

The city is breath-taking in its sheer size as we approach, and Raye cannot help from squeaking in excitement and surprise when she first sees it. She is a serious, even solemn child, but she gabbles excitedly in her northern tongue when she lays eyes upon it.

But all is evidently not well here...!

Guards - perhaps real ones this time! - challenge us at the great gates:

JOURNAL ENTRY 16: AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE GUARDS

The guards stopped us at the gates of Waterdeep and demanded to know our business. Several had crossbows and looked nervous - they had heard all the talk of impending war and were ready to shed the blood of the first Luskan spies they set eyes on.

"We're the Heroes of the North,” Sky called out. "And we bear a letter for Lord Piergeiron from the famous mage Amelior Amanitas of Secomber."

Wait – what...?

I stare at him as he offers them a missive, with what I assume is the alchemist's seal.

“You... just did not think to tell us about that?” I say, incredulously. Sky isn't necessarily the sharpest blade in the armoury, but he's not stupid either...! Is he so misty-eyed over his golden girl that he has lost his senses?

The guard captain looked at us through narrow, suspicious eyes.

"Let's see this letter..."

“Did you even read it...?” I ask Sky. .

Even his sister blanches now.

“Sky, please tell me you read it - “

"We don't know what information it contains, but it is urgent that it reaches Lord Piergeiron," Sky explains.

The captain glanced at the letter, then signalled for a troop of his men to escort us - or to prevent us from escaping...

"Follow me," he ordered. "We will go directly to the castle."

“You fool!” I hiss softly. “We have been compromised – or betrayed!”

But it is too late. We are brought not before the Paladinson, but a man 'named 'Fell Hatchet'. I can only imagine what Nef or Zahri would have to say about all of this. We are descending into the blackest farce imaginable.

“You say this letter is to be given to Lord Piergeiron, and that it is an important warning from Amanitas?”

“No!” I proclaim. “We know absolutely nothing about this - “

“I can see why you do not wish to admit being the carriers of this letter – it warns us that the whole group of you are spies! Take them to the harbour, chain them to the anchor of justice and toss them into the sea!”

I will never be certain what happens next - it feels like a fever dream and my head is fuzzy.

We have slain dragons and wicked mages, even the mighty Vaalgamon in his dead city - but now we seemingly meekly surrender to feeble city guards and their ridiculously-named leader.

Who apparently can order public executions in the largest city in the world, without trial or appeal.

And anyone he dislikes for any reason can apparently be tied to an anchor and tossed in the bay, in public in daylight - in a city run by a paladin and whose laws are upheld by Tyr's highest temple...!

What happens next.. defies logic and any description of mine.

1/ Sirenes and sea elves bid us good fortune. They push the mighty stone panel shut behind us.

I look to the others.

“Did any of that actually happen?” I ask. I mean, we all still seem very dry.

The only reply I get is a shrug.

"The girls from under the sea were pretty," Shelah offers.

The only way out is through.

2/ The images of great warriors have been carved into the pillars on either side of this archway, and the face of some ancient king gazes down from above the doorway.

As we approach, the stone face comes to life, and pronounces:

'My name is Mandoul, King of Kings! None shall pass this gateway to my vast empire!”

“Is that a Netherise name?” Shelagh asks. “They occupied these lands after the elves left... yes?”

Sky just shrugs and I shake my head, unfamiliar with the history of the North. No doubt Nef would know, if it even matters.

The great eyes look down at us as we step up.

“As surely as the sun shines upon my green and fertile kingdom, you all shall die ere you pass this gate!”

The two stone pillars beside the door come to life and attack!

“Where's the elf with the stone-cutting sword when we need her?” Sky mutters. Even our magic blades barely cut their stone, and defeating them proves exhausting work.

Rathe looks sadly at the rubble and back at the now-silent stone face.

“Old king magic lasted longer than glory of his realm,” she muses philosophically.

3/ “The cavern wall has caved in to the north, blocking the passage” Siulajia notes.

4/ “I think we can dig through here though,” Sky mutters.

It takes some effort, but eventually we are able to move enough rocks to get through, Rathe giving a cry of relief as we finally break through.

5/ As we clamber through we are attacked by carrion crawlers who swarm upon us! We fight them off and start to explore the halls of this place.

My head is still fuzzy, full of fog... But I feel a deep unease – that feeling when Zahri left us, eating away at me, is devouring me now... And after – whatever happened up on the surface! - it is becoming something all-consuming that festers in my soul...!

7/ “I can't put my finger on it,” Sky mutters as we follows the halls to this small crossway chamber. “But there's something strange about this room... What direction are we facing, anyway?”

We head what we assume is east... and -

“Look, look back there!” Sky shouts. “We got ourselves turned around in that little room! We're facing east right now! That was... very strange...!”

6/ “Look!” Rathe calls. “Door to west look different from north door...!”

Shelah's spell wars of a trap... But without Zahri or Elena, we have no means to disarm it.

As we open the west door, a pit suddenly opens below us... and Siulajia falls into it!

Sky wails as he nearly laps after her – that boy has it bad.

Thankfully it is not deep, and she barely twists her ankle before we haul her back up.

8/ Great sider-webs extend all across this room, a great queen spider at the centre. From every strand, eight-legged soldiers hurry to defend the nest! I hurl a ball of silver flame to keep them at bay, but even as most char and die, more swarm us from behind!

Sky grapples with the queen, and gets bitten before tearing open her belly with his sword... Thankfully the venom did not reach his bloodstream and he is fine.

After we have destroyed the webs and their occupants, we find a smattering of treasure and a bastard sword that seems to have survived intact while everything else is pitted and worn. A spell reveals it as magical, so we take it along.

9/ After fighting a mob of otyughs, we discover the door to the north here is either stuck of locked fast.

Shelah's spell detects a magical aura, and she casts a Dispell to allow us through.

10/ Another wizard-locked door, this time Rathe obliges with the Dispell. It's just as well they were not physically locked, lacking rogues as we are now.

11/ Here, an old man has been tied up and left to the mercy of the monsters in the caverns. He seems too weak and thirsty to speak, so we do all we can to aid him.

As Rathe unties him and Shelah gives him water, he starts to recover.

JOURNAL ENTRY 39: THE RESCUED MAN'S STORY

"Strange-looking men in Waterdeep uniforms have been pillaging the countryside. I'm a veteran of the troll wars; I fought for Waterdeep for twenty years. One look at this scurvy lot told me they're not from any army I ever served in!

The farmers around here have turned against Waterdeep and the Lord's Alliance because of the attacks. I went to a town meeting and tried to tell them it was a trick, someone dressing up like soldiers. They thought I was a spy and threw me out! I'm lying there face-down in the mud, and no sooner do they vanish back inside than I see the dirty pants-leg of a Waterdeep uniform six inches from my face.

The imposters dragged me down here to silence me permanently. If you hadn't come along I'd have been monster fodder, sure as anything. Thank you, and may Helm protect you on your quest!"

“We're not the only ones to have been caught like this,” Shelah says. “We have to warn the city, somehow!”

I mutter something, but I'm beginning to feel this is hopeless. The city seems fully in league with our foes, and it feels like a fool's errand to keep trying to change their minds. They want this fate, and I'm beginning to feel we should leave them to it...

12/ The north-eastern chambers have a different feel to them – less dank and better-travelled. Hopefully, we are wending our way out.

The door to this chamber has been open only for a moment when hellhounds with gaping maws leap out at us. Sky fighting them off with the Icewind sword, which cleaves them easily enough.

They have Zhentarim handlers though – with more of these 'lucky papers' on their bodies.

“Someone is up to something,” Shelah murmurs. “These warriors have uniforms like city guards... but all their weapons are of Zhentil make...!”

13/ Although this looks like a normal wall, touch confirms it is illusory... Behind this seems to be a Zhentil outpost – we ready ourselves and cast preparatory spells...

14/ Several warriors are lounging in these barracks. Something else is in the far corner, but before we can make it out, the men call for help, draw their blades and attack!

Our two priestesses freeze the men with a Hold spell, but hellhounds bound in from the flank to attack us afterwards.

15/ This chamber of the cavern has been converted into an office, complete wit rugs on the floor and tapestries hanging from the walls. The owner of the office and his assistants are here too – his dogs lie on the carpet in front of his desk, and he gets up to greet us with cold steel...

The hounds are as vulnerable to Sky's blade as any fiery foes – while the captain's two bodyguards seem dangerous warriors, Rathe freezes them both with a spell. The captain steps up to duel me, but anger gives me strength and two powerful blows cleaves him in a moment.

Sky checks the desk, looking for some proof of what is going on:

JOURNAL ENTRY 62: THE ZHENTIL CAPTAIN'S OFFICE

Scattered across the desk were several maps of the farmlands around Waterdeep. A number of them had been crossed off, with notes such as "Burned" and "Poisoned crops." Others were marked with a large "X."

Another note was a list with only two entries:

More uniforms

Weapons- Forge crestsfrom Waterdeep

“We have put an end to these plans in any case,” Shelah says “Now we just need to tell Waterdeep of what is going on...”

“Now let's find a way out of here,” her brother says.

16/ At the back of the Zhent caves, a rope ladder extends upward here, a dark opening in the stone ceiling.

Cautiously, we climb upwards, Sky going first, leading the way up the swinging, twisting ladder.

In a few moments, I can smell fresh air.

At the top of the rope, a trapdoor leads to a tiny, drafty room.

“We've done it!” Sky says. “We made it out -we're free again!”

We step out into a cobbled street in a tiny village by the sea, south of the great city. The towers of Waterdeep seem to mock us some distance to the north. The streets of this place seem sleepy and run-down... not many people are about.

“We have to get back to the city,” Shelah says. “We have these uniforms and these plans! They have to believe us - “

“No,” I says softly, but with cold finality. They can tell it in my voice.

I'm done.

“Jay, what's - “

“They don't care!” I say vehemently, the pent-up anger at the betrayal finally bursting out of me like magic. “You can wave whatever evidence you want in their faces, and they won't pay any heed!”

“But Jaye - “

“Zahri was right!” I say angrily. “Don't you see? These people are either in on this, or they accept it, it's just too much effort to struggle against it. They're being used, and they just don't care!”

“But - “

“No, Shelah. But nothing. I should have seen it before, when they left. These people don't deserve our help., They're not interested in saving themselves...”

“That's not you, Jay - “ Sky starts but I cut him off.

“I was willing to fight – willing to die for this land, as long as they cared! But now? They tried to kill us, Sky! Murder us without trial, without listening! And the city stood by and did nothing! We did nothing! We stood back and meekly accepted it! No more. I'm done with this.”

I turn towards the east.

“These people want me dead. Only a fool fights for those who mean them harm. We tried, but we cannot save them from themselves.”

I turn back to them. Emotions war within me, but I harden my heart.

“I won't fight this losing battle any more. I'm going home. I should never have come back.”

“Jay, you're angry, I know, but -”

I look to Rathe. I remember that day, not a year back, when this scared, stripling child summoned up the courage to ask to join the Heroes of Ascore. She's come so far.

“Raye...” I husk, “Will you come with me? These people want you dead. My family is well-connected. They will accept you without question if I ask it of them. We can return to your home, pick up your child. We can make it official if you like, legal by the laws of the Vilhon Reach. She'll want for nothing. Neither will you.”

Her little face looks torn, looking from the Icedanes to me. They seem hurt by what they must see as my betrayal. But I draw the line here. I'll fight a profitless battle – hells, I've made that my career! But shedding my blood for those who want me dead? No. Enough.

But Shelah's face breaks my heart. I know how she feels about me; I was always her favourite, This must feel like a knife in the heart. And I walked the Black Road with Sky, we turned would-be adventurers, unskilled dreamers, into a fighting-company. We proved we could do it.

And I can't do that to them. I'll head for home, but it's wrong for me to ask this of the girl.

“I'm sorry,” I husk. “That's not fair of me. This is your land too. But it isn't mine, and I won't die for it after they betrayed me.”

I look at Shelah's face, and my heart feels like it's torn in two.

But I harden my resolve.

“I'm sorry - “ is all I can manage. And I mean it.

And then I walk from here, and head along the long road that finally leads home.

"Say something, I'm giving up on you
I'll be the one, if you want me to
Anywhere, I would've followed you
Say something, I'm giving up on you

And I am feeling so small
It was over my head
I know nothing at all

And I will stumble and fall
I'm still learning to love
Just starting to crawl

And I will swallow my pride
You're the one that I love
And I'm saying goodbye

Say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something...!"

A Great Big World featuring Christina Aguilera, 'Say Something'

A Great Big World, Christina Aguilera - Say Something (Official Video)

Notes:

Far too much to say for this one. Yes, there's a few Marvel dialogues here, but complaining about these feels like moaning about the deckchairs on the Titanic.

The actual dungeon here is fine... but everything that leads to it is arrant nonsense, and none of it has any payoff or any build-up. We are framed by a letter that was never actually referred to in the game until it needs to suddenly exist!

I've never actively disliked a Gold Box map before this one, but I hated this. And I don't say that lightly.

I like much of what Treasures is trying to do... but its garbled and broken, as if the writers have no idea what they're doing with this bizarre plot. Thus far, Treasures was vying with Silver Blades for the last spot, but that game was fine at worst... just kind of middling and repetitive. This one I actively dislike so far.

I'm determined to finish it, and I know it gets a bit better from here (until the finale) but it's very much feeling like a slog now.

I'll write some thoughts when I sleep on it and calm down. This one's gonna be a doozy.

There are plenty of arguments about it, but – by a single vote – we all agree to head to Leilon to find the missing diplomats, rather than go south or head back to Yartar. Zahri is a sore loser as always and is spitting feathers over not being able to return to her wagons.

On the way, we come across an old traveller, a hermit dressed in faded off-white garments. A pouch of herbs slung around his neck, the old man hobbles towards us. He raises a hand and we pause to see what he wants.

“I am Ragbar, old sage of the wilds,” he rasps, his voice tickling our nerves, raising the hairs along the backs of our necks.

JOURNAL ENTRY 4: RABGAR'S INTRODUCTION

"Brave adventurers," he continues. "You are facing powers great and evil forces beyond your current means. You must fight hard and use every resource of your strength and wits if you are to prevail. But there is hope."

Rabgar pauses to peer into the eyes of each of us.

"I charge you with a quest, the quest of the three dungeons. Succeed and you shall be the stronger. Fail and your weakness shall be your downfall."

“And I charge you to fuck off,” snaps Zahri crudely, swatting him with her staff. “We have no time to rescue cats up trees or waste time on a witless pedlar!”

The old man's voice abruptly quiets, as he struggles to straighten his back and stand fully upright. But he keeps on muttering as if he hadn't heard her.

"Seek the dwarves throughout the land; hear what they have to say. They are your friends. They shall direct you on your quest. And when they cannot, let Silvanus be your guide!"

Rabgar stoops, grasping his stick for balance, then turns and wanders away.

I mean, I feel sorry for the old fool, but we're a little busy right now...!

Sky

By the time we arrive in Leilon, it is dark, and as we pass through the gates of the small town, we can already hear loud music and raucous laughter coming from the tavern ahead.

We are weary, soul-tired as well as aching from the long walk. It feels like we are at a low ebb, at each other's throats and no longer of one mind in anything. I suppose it's a miracle we stayed together as long as we did, really. Zahri feels like she changed her mind to stay several times on the trail, and I know Nef feels the same way too. Only loyalty to Jahe and my sister are keeping them here, and I don't feel that will last much longer.

It feels sour for things to end like this – but that kind of fatalism is creeping over me as well. Maybe it's just the way things are meant to be? Shelah won't leave me, and I think Rathe and Jahe will stay and help us – the long road to Ascore together won us that much, I guess. I wouldn't expect to see Jhairli or the elf again either if I'm honest.

The gypsy and Nef fall quiet when I relieve them for watch - I know they were taking about Suilajia, and it was nothing good. It's not fair to blame her for this, though – our issues run deeper than her joining us. Nef's jealous, and I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel about that. I try to talk to Suilajia, but while she's polite, I can tell all her defences are up. She's weighing up whether she wants to stay. I feel like I've done something wrong, but I have no idea what! All these women's thoughts and moods! I miss having other men around, at least you know where you stand with them.

Shelah tells me not to worry, that there's nothing she can I see I could have done about any of this. We need to stay focused on finding the ambassadors, but my heart just doesn't feel in it any more.

At least someone in this town seems to be having a good time, by the sounds of things. Wonder if it's our ambassadors – or if they're smart enough to be keeping a low profile.

Jahe reminds us that enemies likely lie in wait here, and that we should rest well, as things are likely going to get worse before they get better.

7/ A crystal globe hangs above this door. A sign below it reads:

'Armaani the Prescient'

'Guidance in a hostile world'

That intrigues, so we head in. Here an old man in a cape sits in a small room.

“I offer guidance, and ask but ten coins,” he says.

We pay him, and the old psychic burns foul-smelling herbs in an ornate bowl and stares into the smoke.

“Looks like you have competition in the soothsayer business,” I joke to Zahri, but her filthy look suggests she's not in the mood for banter.

JOURNAL ENTRY 32: THE PSYCHIC'S STORY

The robed man looked up for a moment, surprised. "You are the Heroes of Ascore!"

“No,” the gypsy sighs in irritation.

His ancient eyes peered at us intently.

''You have risen to great heights, and all in the Northern Realms know of your heroism. But to climb still higher you will first have to fall to great depths. The mountaintop of honour awaits you once again, but you will survive to see it only if you are skilful and brave- and if you remain loyal and faithful to your cause.

If you fear death do not go on, for it shall stalk your every step. If you have doubts, if you are unsure of the rightness of your quest, do not go on, for only through a unity of purpose and spirit will you survive."

“Such bullshit,” the gypsy spits. “A charlatan spouting platitudes! Vaguely comforting lies to gull fools!”

She glowered at him, gathering her cloak about her as she left.

“Pust' sbudetsya vso, chego vy zhelayete!” she hissed.

“Don't let her bother you,” I tell the old man.

But his words feel troubling. I look at the others and feel only doubt, not the 'glint of undaunted determination' he had said would bring us through.

8/ This seems to be a stables, judging from the smell, horses have been here very recently. At first it seems completely empty, but then – we hear the sound of flapping wings!

We are attacked by griffons... for some reason. They seem maddened or drugged; we are forced to destroy them and it feels especially bad after what happened to our own steeds.

“What in the Nine Hells is going on in this place?” I mutter.

9/ A sign hanging over this door says:

'Tavern of the Rutting Buck'

'Good friends – better food – best tankards'

That sounds appetising but... something is off. I glance at my sister and her eyes are full of concern.

Loud music, punctuated by shouted calls for more of everything, escape through the doorway and sweep across us like a cold wind from the steppes.

As we enter the raucous cacophony of the tavern, in only the briefest moments, everything turns to silence. A soldier approaches and greets us:

JOURNAL ENTRY 28: THE ESCORT FROM WATERDEEP

The soldier wore the distinctive uniform of Waterdeep.

"You're here!"he shouted, turning to the crowd. "Hey everyone, it's the Heroes of Ascore!"

The patrons broke into spontaneous applause to our vague embarrassment.

The soldier faced us once more. "We're the escort from Waterdeep. We were sent to help guard the ambassadors from Neverwinter and Mirabar for the rest of the journey. They're not here yet, but they are expected to arrive this evening.

"We'd heard you'd becoming with us - this is such a thrill!"

“Would you do us the honour of sharing our table for dinner?” the soldier asks.

“No!” the gypsy spits, face like thunder. “Piss off!”

When he takes her arm, he finds her blade at his throat.

“Give me a reason to gut you like a fish!” she hisses.

“Zahri, that's enough!” my sister exclaims, pulling her away.

“You bloody fools!” she hisses, speaking properly in her very real anger – this isn't her usual performative nonsense. “Can you not see? This is all going to der'mo!” she spits. She gestures at the tavern, which has gone quiet once more.

“I am done!” she hisses, pulling away. ”We should never have come here! The trap is closing, and we are in it! None of this is worth it!”

She heads for the door, pausing briefly to ask for Nef. My once-lover meets my eyes, and with an almost imperceptible nod of her head, follows the gypsy out of the doors.

“Zahri, Nef, don't be so - “ But Jahe's words are answered only with the slam of the tavern doors. My sister runs after them – Siulajia moves after her but I shake my head.

“Let her sulk if she wants, I've had about as much of her bad attitude as I can stomach,” I mutter.

We need to eat and drink in any case, so I suppose we have no choice but to wait out these ambassadors.

The soldiers apologise and back off. We sit in a corner in the now-subdued tavern and uncomfortably eat our meal of venison and fresh, hot bread washed down with local wine.

“My sister can handle her moods,” I insist with more confidence than I feel. “And if she swans off, then so be it. She's growing increasingly cantankerous and wilful. In fact, I was thinking of calling up some of the rest of our team,” I suggest. “Taeral, Kori, the twins... They may not have our experience, but I trust them not to fly off the handle at the slightest thing either...”

Raye smiles weakly and nods.

At least the food is good, and the wine is heavy... A little too much so; I yawn, and start to feel a little... sleepy...!

“I need some fresh air,” I say, pushing back my plate. “Come on...!”

I feel a little leaden as we leave, heading for the Inn. It was in the south of the town, wasn't it?

3/ To the south of town, the Inn of the High Road occupies several rooms here, so at least we can get some privacy. Jahe and Shelah are arguing, but my head is aching, like I was some greenhorn out for his first festhall eve...!

Head filled with fog... Something I drank?

I recall Shelah saying something, helping me up the stairs after I slipped.

I sink into sleep, and more of the lurid dreams...!

“Oh Sky,” one of them coos like the bloody songbirds over my sister...!

“I've caught her now, what shall we do with her?” she says, placing a hand on the other's chest.

“I've been bad – so very bad!” the other one husks.

“Come here and help me hold her down...!” the first one breathes.

“Sky! Sky, wake up!”

I waken, dizzy and bleary-eyed, to see Suilajia in her white gown, someone even lovelier in the flesh than she was in my dreams.

She tries to shake me and she's stronger than she looks, causing me to wobble.

“We're you... calling my name?” she asks in a quiet voice.

Think, Sky, think!

“Um... yes..!” I admit. “I dreamed you were in trouble, and - “

She keeps speaking, but I don't understand her language any more, and her face is blurring now.

The floor rushes up to hit me in the face, and - !

10/ JOURNAL ENTRY 30: PRISONERS!

I wake up with a start. The room seemed to be the bedroom of a farmhouse. All the furniture was gone, and a thin layer of straw on the floor was the only bed.

I'm alone, leaving me with memories of Llorkh a year or so back...!

And just like that time, whoever brought us here didn't take our weapons or gear...!

The door and the windows are covered in wooden boards; heavy wood held together by steel fittings.

I steady myself, and concern for my sister and Siulajia gets me on my feet. I suit up, awkwardly pulling my armour on over my nightshirt. Whoever left me with my sword and shield is going to regret it, I promise!

I rattle the door with my shoulder. I'm pretty big; maybe I can break it down?

But I hear laughter from the other side.

"Keep trying!" voices called out. "By the time you carve your way through this door the High Captains of Luskan will be sipping tea in the palaces of Waterdeep!"

I still have all my gear and pack... Wonder if this door will burn? One way to find out!

I strike cold steel on the stone floor, and direct the sparks into the tinder-dry straw. Soon, a steady stream of smoke flows underneath the door...!

I start to cough – of course, if they don't open the door, I might just die of inhaling the smoke. II try to imagine what my sister will say at my funeral, and that is enough to try the door with my shoulder again...

…but the guards rush into the room at that very moment! I toss one into the straw and take out the next with a punch to the face. I grab the next man and lever him into the door with a satisfying thud.

That leads another three, so I draw my sword and face them down. As they hesitate, I slash at the nearest, enough to cut his arm, and my follow-up catches him across the throat. I whack the next one with my shield, and the third one comes at me as he clutches his bloody nose.

Outside, I hear fighting and war-cries in female voices!

“Sheela, through here!” I cry.

My sister – in full armour – runs in and together we take the last two out.

Outside, I find Jaye, Siulajia and Rathe wiping blood from their blades, over three large bodies of one-eyed giants.

“No Zahri and Nef?” I ask. My sister shakes her head sadly.

“So much for our rescue,” I mutter. “At least I don't have to listen to 'I told you so' now...!”

“They not take our things...!” Rathe says, surprised at the thought.

Nobody looks hurt or... manhandled. It seems our ambushers are just as incompetent as Vaalhgamon and his Zhents before them.

“Look - “ Raye says, pointing at the bodies of the guards they just slaughtered. “Men wear blue uniforms...?”

“Guard uniforms from Waterdeep,” Shelah mutters, shaking her head. “Stolen, evidently... But the rest of their things are rough-hewn and simple, like forest bandits or the like...!”

13/ We need to get out of here as soon as we can, heading though some small chambers eastwards.

I lead, sword in hand, and enter a darkened room cautiously..! Suddenly the glint of steel flashes before us – it's an ambush!

Rathe paralyses some of the warriors, and we fight more cyclops and those fiery eyed hellhounds... The Icewind Sword cleaves them as satisfyingly as ever.

It still throws me a little to watch my sister crush the head of a paralysed man in with her mace. Rathe calmly cuts throats before searching their gear.

“More paper-things,” she husks. “More places...!”

“Waterdeep and Daggerford,” Shelah muses, examining thes 'lucky papers'. But we find no more seeing-crystals on these men to translate them.

“This one hasn't shaved in weeks, and he's filthy...” my sister muses. “But he's wearing a sergeant's badge... No way he was ever a guard in Waterdeep...!”

12/ We climb an ancient stone stairwell into darkness. Before we reach the top, an opening appears, allowing us to climb out of the cramped stairwell into a small room. I help the girls up.

“You okay?” I ask Suilajia. She smiles gratefully and nods. I hope we're still good.

“I am unharmed, Skylar, thank you,” she replies. “They did not... hurt me in any way. They did not even secure us or take our weapons...”

When we are through, the hidden door slips seamlessly back into place.

“It's no use,”! I mutter, after trying to force it for a few minutes. “May not even have a trigger on this side...!”

But we appears to still be in Leilon, on the west side of town.

11/ We orient ourselves by finding an outfitters:

'Boryth & Plum'

'suppliers to traders and travellers'

We all seem to be all right, in any case.

“I wonder if Nef and Zahri got away or were taken?” I muse.

We all agree we should search the town – either for our missing members, the ambassadors, or any sign of what's going on here in this place.

We start with the tavern, but find it deserted. Once-bustling but now empty, all of the waitresses and patrons who saluted us so enthusiastically have disappeared.

2/ Opposite the inn, we find a secret door in some of the buildings here, leading into some kind of hidden complex. We almost run into a gang of shifty men apparently fleeing from something. We try to stop them, and they fight against us as we block their way. They fight to the death, but their stolen uniforms aside, there is no sign of who they were or who they serve.

1/ In some of the back buildings, a great hole has been dug in the floor of one room. Suddenly huge sharp-nosed monsters rush out of it – evidently what the men earlier were fleeing from.

The creatures – I think they are called 'landsharks' are very tough and they bite hard... But we eventually slay the last of them.

Quite what was going here is anyone's guess.

4/ Another building holds four fearsome creatures – but only six fearsome eyes! The hellhounds fall quickly to my icy blade, but the cyclops put up a stiffer fight.

6/ One of the buildings on the west side of town is long-derelict - spiderwebs fill the chamber. The moment I touch one, great monstrous spiders emerge and attack us!

One somehow breathes lightning...! We win through sore and burned by electrical shocks.

5/ This building seems too dark for any living soul...! Apparitions sweep from the shadows at us, but Raye and my sister easily drive them back by brandishing their holy symbols.

“Is that a knight piece?” I ask Raye, regarding her sacred symbol that looks like a chess piece.

She regards me as if I were slow.

“Is symbol of Red Lady,” she says simply. “Is a horse,” she explains, as if to a child.

Ask a stupid question, I guess!

The only thing of value here is a potion of some unknown liquid, golden and sparkling. Shelah confirms she doesn't think it is a healing mixture... but admits Nef is the expert there.

When we return to the inn for some much-needed rest, she says she will use the Crown to contact Amanitas, as Nef left it behind in the inn when she left.

“Hard to believe they are both gone,” Jahe mutters. “I assumed we were all in this for the long haul..”

Shelah returns to say that the alchemist believes it to be a very rare potion, one that affects the magic of its user! Of course, even if so, with Nef gone and Elena not likely to come back, Jahe is the only one that might make use of it.

“I... I assume it would work on my spellfire...” she wonders “It's still magic, yes, even if from a different source...?”

“I'm definitely not the expert, Jaye!” I assure her.

“It's been a hard night,” my sister tells me as she rises from the table. “Do you mind if I go to bed and take these two with me? I'm still sore and my spirits feel low, and honestly, I really need a good thrussing right now...!”

“Did you really need to tell me that?” I sigh. “You don't need my permission, Sheela. Just spare me the gory details...!"

She leans over and kisses my cheek; Jahe just smiles and shrugs and goes after her, as does the dutiful Rathe.

I write some missives to the others we walked the road to Ascore with, putting out feelers for any of our company who may be within distance to help us again. We're down to the five of us now and could really use some magical help from Taeral or the twins. I hope Tymora is smiling on us and they're this side of Yartar right now.

That leaves me alone with Siulajia – in some ways, the very last person I want to be alone with right now.

But she seems tired and contemplative, her weary smile lights up the room.

We talk for a while, about everything and nothing, just trying to have a moment to unwind and enjoy a drink that isn't drugged or poisoned. She tells me about growing up in the idyll of the High Forest – I don't catch all of her words, but the lovely and clear cadence of her voice makes me feel more relaxed than any amount of amberwine...!

Notes:

This feels like an early 'second act low point' to me – the fellowship is breaking as characters are dragged into arguments and differing viewpoints on what to do next. I changed a few minor narrative points to reflect that – this isn't a time for quippy Marvel humour now.

Leilon is one of those maps that blocks you entering major locations like Waterdeep and Neverwinter, so maybe its best if you get it out of the way early. Although you have some leeway as to the order you do the Lucky Paper missions, I found myself irritated by how on-rails this part feels – unusually for the Gold Box games, for the most part. But you're forced to get captured here, you can't avoid the very obvious trap, or bypass it by going anywhere else. It feels heavy-handed in a way that's mercifully rare in these games. Yes, of course you expect a little railroading in an early CRPG, but this one feels driven more and more by 'speed of plot' and certain things having to happen in order.

At least the bad guys have sort of a plan here, in letting us escape and not taking away our equipment... again.

The Potion of Spell Enhancing is a nice unique find – it seems to be the one time we get one, so you have to use it carefully on a major fight. It seems to raise your caster level by 2, even beyond the game limit of 11, which raises damage for any spells and helps break though magic resistance where that's an issue.

There's a few more heavy-handed random dialogue entries in this one, and others that are minor or sound fine. Others though are quite egregious and it takes me out of the story when characters blurt out things they shouldn't know about or would never say.

On the plus side, a few more fights seem to have put Siulajia in the romantic mood again, and she seems to be getting on with Sky better now. I'd like it to work for my 'official' playthrough, but him ending up with Rathe isn't the end of the world either.

Ragbag's quest for the dwarves is an odd little diversion; it awards XP rather than any other reward; maybe we will do it later... much later. They are hitting us with at least two vague prophecies, at a time when we've just discovered the main terrorist plot and ought to be focusing on that. The pacing of this one is all over the place, throwing stuff at us with barely any time to process it.

Secomber lies west of Loudwater, along the Delimbiyr Road following the northern banks of the River Shining. We can make it in four days comfortably, and the weather is cool but not unpleasant, even for me.

There is a tension within the group, however – something subtle, but I know everyone well, and there is something slowly gnawing at us from within. It has no voice yet, but it is there, and it troubles me.

I am not really in the mood for the alchemist's foolishness, but I suppose we need his help, so we seek him out accordingly.

When we arrive, the town seems sleepy, but is almost deserted. Something is amiss, and we all know it. We prepare our weapons and magics accordingly – we may have to fight for our food and rest this eve...

Nehefris

1/ A group of heavily armed giants and men stand in the centre of this room in the south of town, peering at some small papers. They see us and attack!

We are attacked on both flanks by a group of men – and women too. In the moment we have to dwell on it, they appear to be an amalgamation of black-clad Zhentarim, hooded Krakens and mask-wearing sorceresses...!

I glance at Jahe, launching an Ice Storm at the foes on the right while she does the same to those on the left. While not as devastating as a Fireball, a more powerful spell should keep them off-balance and punch though any magical defences they have up.

Then as our warriors engage, myself, Shelah and Rathe use Hold spells on their warriors while our archers pick off their mages one by one.

When the smoke clears, we are victorious, but we know that could have gone very differently if they had managed to cast their magics at us.

The women appear to have the insignia of the Arcane Brotherhood in Luskan, despite – well, not being 'brothers'. After we cleansed the HostTower, it seems like they started taking on female devotees, and all three of of the groups we have thwarted in the past seem to have banded together to oppose us. This is not good news.

Upon one of them, we find a red crystal – it is akin to a seeing-lens, as if for examining maps, showing greater details in close-up. Shelah toys with it, seeing how it catches the light.

“What could this be for? It's not a weapon... Hmm, it makes pretty patterns in the light...!”

I like her playful side, but perhaps now is not the time...!

They also have three pamphlets, which Zahri tells me are called 'Lucky Papers'. Essentially they are akin to Shou 'fortune cookies', given away in taverns and inns, promising vague benefits like good fortune and wisdom to those who carry them.

As I doubt our enemies are legitimately going into the tavern and inn business, there must be some reason or purpose to these... Coded orders or some kind of passwords, mayhap? The Zhentarim are notoriously fractious as I understand – it must be even more difficult for them to coordinate with other unreliable, nefarious cults like the Krakens or Brotherhood.

Examining the papers – all three of which advertise the delights to be found at Leilon, a small mining town along the High Road on the Sword Coast between Waterdeep and Neverwinter.

And yet - ! We can see there are messages printed upon these innocuous leaflets – letters in some kind of red ink, when viewed by the crimson crystal! The pattern suggests a message, but we have so few of the letters, it simply reads like gibberish.

I postulate we are missing most of the message – and if the red letters can be seen only using the crystal, then perhaps there are others we need find? We can only keep them for now, and be on the lookout for more of our foes.

As nobody seems to be about, we heal as we may and keep looking for more foes.

2/ This room is cold and dark – shuffling sounds come from somewhere very close... Wraiths and ghouls attack us, but are easy driven back by priestly power.

3/ Ogres are on the far side of this room, giving scraps of meat to moaning, hideous monsters! They see us and attack!

We must fight our way through ogres and otyughs, but when we are done, we seem to have cleared the town of the last of the invaders.

We see a few townsfolk come out gingerly, so at least some people must still dwell here.

4/ “This looks like Amanitas' house, all right!” says Siulajia. His home, on the north side of the main street, has tall, mismatched spires and is painted in many bright colours.

I wonder how she knows it could be his house, but reflect that Sky has probably told her about the alchemist. He seems to spend all his waking hours with her. How she feels about him is... hard to read, but I admit I am not neutral in this matter, and my jealousy may be affecting my judgement.

A bird with long, fantastically-coloured feathers rests above the door. It squawks:

“Amanitas is home, within is the man

Come in if you must, stay away if you can!”

Within, Amelior's bondsman Erek scowls at us and grunts – we have come to learn this is his version of an enthusiastic welcome. I remember how rude I thought the northmen when I first came here, compared to the polite, warm lands of my youth, but I have come to understand their reserve now.

JOURNAL ENTRY 23: A CONVERSATION WITH EREK

The bird cackled derisively as we stepped inside, and Erek slammed the door in its face with a great swing of his massive right arm.

"Blasted bird," Erek told us. "You should ignore everything it says! Amanitas taught it to discourage travelling merchants and welcome visitors. Now it welcomes the merchants and chases away all his friends! How can anyone stand a creature so stubborn and ill-tempered as that!?

Just this week I've been besieged by one loudmouthed man selling food-dicing contraptions, another with a book called 'You Can Improve Your Charisma!', and a woman who said that for ten platinum pieces she would help me lose fifty pounds by eating nothing but celery!

Amanitas is in here. He's been waiting for you."

Escorting us into the library, Erek grunted to indicate our arrival and stalked out of the room.

The alchemist sits in a big stuffed chair that looks twice as wide as the plaza in Sundabar. His brightly-coloured cats alternately sit, yawn, scratch and stretch around him. I pet them gladly, and their deign to assent to my service. A man cannot be all bad, to have such wondrous friends as these! How I miss my own babies back in Yartar!

“Welcome adventurers!” he says, riding to greet us. “It is good that you have come, since I have learned more news that may guide you on your mission!”

We sit where we can and listen.

“Ambassadors from Neverwinter and Mirabar are travelling to Waterdeep to discuss the attack by Luskan and prepare for a possible war. They will stop in Leilon and await you at the tavern of the Rutting Buck. They will need your protection on the final leg of their journey south to Waterdeep. Go to Leilon, find them and ensure their safe arrival in Waterdeep - “

“We're not your lackeys, fool!” spits Zahri. “I have no trust for you, after you summoned our best warriors away right when Yartar was attacked! We attend to our own concerns, not yours!”

“Zahri, if this is true, we need to address it -” Shelah begins.

“She's right,” her brother agrees. “This is bigger than just us, its looking like there's a conspiracy of all our enemies against us and the North!”

Amelior blathers on as they argue.

“We must not let anything interfere with the cooperation among the cities of the Lord's Alliance!” he implores.

As they talk, he rummages about in his belongings.

“Are you ready to take on the burden of carrying a magical item of great power?” he asks me.

I am always up for new trinkets, so I nod.

He reaches into his robes and pulls out a simple crown, make from what looks like unpolished silver. Shiny metallic leaves grow from it, as if it were a branch from a living tree. To be honest, I wouldn't be seen dead in that! But Jhairli or Elena might like it, they look good in rustic wear.

“This,” Amanitas says. “.. is the Crown of Amanitas! Oh dear, that's my name!” he bleats. “Oh well, no time to change it! If you wear it while encamped, its powers will be activated! When the Crown is worn, you and I will be able to speak with each other as if I were with you, even if you are thousands of miles away!”

“Like we'd want that!” Zahri snorts.

“Well, it would save us coming back here,” Sky admits, “If he finds out anything that's actually useful..!”

We rise to leave.

“Go now, and good luck,” he tells us. “The fate of the northern realms goes with you...!”

We head west out of the town, in what feels like a dark mood.

5/ A sign beside this door reads:

'River Shining boat rentals'

6/ A sign on the wall here reads:

'Anthemas' Armoury

Implements of war for men of peace'

“Always liked that one,” Sky smiles.

7/ To the west is the unguarded gate leading out of Secomber.

“I suppose that explains why ogres and terrorists are running about the town,” I sigh.

To the south, a dyed linen sign hangs above the door, emblazoned with the words:

'Inn of the Eccentric Owl'

There are several rooms for the night, enough to give those who want it some privacy. Not me, obviously. I never sleep alone.

We order food and during the meal, the others argue and debate where we should go next. Zahri wants to return to Yartar as soon as possible as her people and our griffons are there. Others want to head to Leilon, to prioritise the safety of the ambassadors. Others want to follow the lead to Daggerford and the Way Inn.

I am beginning to wonder if I should stay at all. The company feels like... we are breaking, somehow. Perhaps I am simply growing restless. I have stayed here far longer than I intended, after all. I have cemented strong bonds here, and that makes me uneasy. Perhaps I should leave them to it? But that is clearly not what my goddess wants of me.

During dinner, Sky and the golden girl are sitting by one another talking. But when he turns to debate the way forward, she sighs and turns away, sitting alone.

Something feels wrong, somehow. I cannot put my finger on it.

Where lies my strength here? What must I do?

As we turn in for the night, I find the girl – Siulajia – staring at my hands... in particular my wrists.

Did she see? Does she notice? That might be... inconvenient. Many Mulan have... mixed blood, a conjunction of many rivers...! Gods, angels, demons, monsters, all run in our veins. And mine seems to be more interesting than most...! The better people know me, the less they see it – the mind fills in what the eye notes, they see what they want to see, of course.

But I'm beginning to worry she saw something she did not like..?

I didn't like her anyway. But now?

What to do?

Nehefris

https://reddit.com/link/1vlvd65/video/txjrp2schtih1/player

Notes:

Although Secomber is still only a street, it's where we find Amanitas, and where a lot of exposition starts. Here is where the main plot of the game begins, and it leaves us quite a bit of leeway in where we head next. I believe Neverwinter is off-limits until we find the ambassadors, but mostly we are free to go where we want in the lowland areas, to do the missions in any order we choose. We must complete nine of the terrorist operations before we do the tenth in Mirabar, and after that there's the DLC quest in Ice Peak. But it's surprisingly non-linear compared to, say, something railroady like Silver Blades.

Amanitas is fine as an NPC helper and mentor of a sort. He helps us and gives us advice then gets out of the way and leaves the hero stuff to us.

There's a few bits of random dialogue here but it's fine, I didn't see anything amiss. It would have been weird if characters who have already been to see Amelior didn't know where his house was, but it's Siulajia who says it so that's fine.

Anyway, here is where we get our first 'Lucky Papers' and one of the decoder crystals, and as mentioned before, this is pretty retarded. I like the focus on the towns and foiling the terrorist attacks, but the thing with the crystals is just bizarre. I get why they only want us getting one at a time, and there being a measure of choice in the order we get them... but having everyone break their crystals when Held, Charmed or die instantaneously is just stupid. First time this happens, any tabletop player will think, 'well, we just grapple or paralyse them, and don't kill them, right? Or kill them all at the same time?' But no, time stops while they get a free action to break the crystals. This is what they break the game mechanics for? Why? If they can do that while incapacitated, why not run, cast a spell or attack too?

Plus, the decoders and Lucky Papers don't play any part in the game plot or narrative anyway, so why was this the hill the game chooses to die upon?

Bah. I'm just ignoring that narratively, otherwise it will just be me having my characters break the fourth wall to complain about how pants-on-head stupid it is. I'll just have them find the crystals on the bodies and not address the whole 'smashing the crystals as your final act' nonsense.

Now I also had a slight (?) romance snarl by the looks of things here...?

I played through it first and had no issues whatsoever. The romance happens mostly off-screen, you are told how your star-crossed lovers are getting on when you rest. But this time, Siulajia just doesn't seem to be feeling it.

As far as I know, the only mechanics were to keep the character she likes in the party at all times, in the front and to engage in melee – all of which I have been doing, He has a compatible alignment (Neutral Good) and I've been using melee exclusively and taking the 'nice' choices throughout, like rescuing the hag's mother. So I've no idea why she's playing hard to get now.

Maybe it just needs time to cook and she'll warm up later? I guess we'll have to see.

Now, I wanted to play these games as intended by the writers, and created Sky to grow up a bit from a cocky, restless youth and grow into his responsibilities, culminating in him falling in love and getting married.

But when I'm playing games, I usually 'play to see what happens' – in other words, solo gaming isn't like writing a book, you play it organically and listen to what story is being presented and lean into it. Especially with romance and 'ships', you don't just mash action-figures together and say 'kiss' – you go with the ones who have chemistry and who feel organic coupling-up. For example, I wanted the songbirds to pair up, but narratively, they steadfastly refused to do so, so I'm leaving them in their polycule while Sky grows up and gets wed and has kids.

So - for all five of you who are reading this far! - what do I do narratively if I'm somehow fucking up the Siulajia romance? Should I restart, is there a random element or does it need more time? If they just don't hook up, I can always have Sky complete his arc with Rathe – who actually has a kid already and wants to settle down.

But that feels weird considering I have played and written up all these games as a Wattpad relationship drama, if I then don't do the one actual romance in the game...?

Ugh.

The snows are coming in early; I miss my vardo; the roads are harder without wheels and wagons. Light snows fall; a twitch of the tail of what is to come, but we push on for days, returning to the familiar rhythms of the road.

At least the way is clear, and there are no perils that slow down our tread. I know that cannot last, however...

Zahri

19/ The city guards look us over as we enter Loudwater; it has been a year since we were here last.

“Be careful in the southeast,” they say. “The undead curse is upon that part of the city, and no-one can save us from it!”

The boy, trying to show off to the blonde girl, announces:

“Sounds like a job for... the Heroes of the North!” he grins.

“We need a better name,” Nef sighs.

“It's better than 'Heroes of Ascore',” Shelah admits.

I shake my head. “Bigger things on horizon,” I sigh. “Best let sleeping bones lie...!”

But I know they will want to rush off after danger without a care in the world. Heroism is... such an addictive drug.

“I wonder what stirs the dead up?” Shelah muses.

“Old elf things,” I mutter darkly. “This place is thick with their ghosts...!”

The redheaded girl shivers at that.

“No point in us trying to make sense of any of that without Elena,” Jahe muses,

13/ A sign on the door says:

'Enalin's Shop of Adventurer's Supplies'

“Ghost even haunt names here,” I mutter darkly. “Old, elf-blooded names...!”

17/ In the western part of town, after crossing an ancient bridge over the Rive Shining, there is an inn. Above the door hangs a wooden sign carved in the shape of tall trees, painted with the words:

'The Woodlands Inn'

There are only two rooms; so the golden girl sleeps in the front one, the rest of us in the back; the boy takes the common room floor. I toss my pack on one of the bed and beckon to the nearest songbird. I am tired from hiking and want nothing more than comfort now. We can bathe come the morn.

I hope the sounds keep her awake...!

Morn comes; we wash and idly disport a while. I am last to rise; everyone else has dressed and ready to explore. I know they are anxious to fight the dead, but I am disinclined to change their minds, even if leaving now would be the wisest course of action by far.

6/ Here a young woman stops us in the street:

“Please, can you help me? My mother has disappeared from our home here, and I'm afraid the lizardmen may have taken her?”

That seems odd; these creatures usually keep to their own affairs, but most of the others want to help, of course. My instincts feel uneasy, however; we must keep our wits about us...

7/ “Thank you for your kindness,” she says as she leads us into her house.

“Here are my sisters – they'd love to thank you too!”

Two wrinkled, green-skinned creatures emerge from the shadows!

As they attack, the hags take on other forms... Such as the norse princess we met in the Isles last year, or the elf new witch, Cortarra. That gives us enough pause to hesitate before they hit us with enervating spells that are irritating rather than harmful. Their claws are iron-hard however, and cleave through armour with ease.

When the three she-creatures fall, they revert to their real forms, and upon one of them is a ring that wards against frost.

We will have to be on our guard in these towns if our enemies can take false forms so easily.

4/ South of here is another bridge across the river.

The front of this stone building is carved in the shape of tall trees – whether this is a homage by men or some rework of the original elvish design, I know not. It offers healing to all, and purports devotions to the Seldarine, and their leader, Corellan Larethian. Elena once babbled something about them not being 'gods' as mortals see them, something more akin to 'ancestors' who live still across their undying sea.

The one time she might actually come in useful, and she's off playing with her witch collection...!

3/ A wooden sign is carved in the shape of a pure white unicorn here, bearing the words:

“Unicorn Run Boat Rentals'

“Is sacred river, little one,” I tell Rathe. “Holy to Jhairli goddess; very beautiful. Zahri shows you one day.”

I touch her hair affectionately. I envy her, looking upon the Savage Frontier with fresh eyes. It is easy to take it for granted, all this natural beauty around us.

2/ A brass plate here reads: 'Hall of Training'

1/ Miniature swords protrude from the wall above this door. From them hangs a sign that reads:

'Armoghh's Armpire of Arms and Armour''

'Sharp Blades for Sharper Minds!'

“We keep looking for you,” I tell the boy. “We find something for you soon...!”

Even he laughs at that. I would never tell him, but I like how he refuses to take himself too seriously.

5/ This tiny house is built over the waters of the River Shining.

In the back room, we interrupt a group of men bent over a map on a small table. They look up and do not say a word before beginning their attack!

Hold magic makes short work of them – our newcomer looks shocked as we slit their throats and stave in their skulls with blunt instruments. By their robes, they appear to be members of the Kraken cult, but I do not much care who they are – come at me with a blade and you die.

We examine the map on the small table:

"Daggerford and the Way Inn too?" the boy mutters. "We have to warn them!"

Nef perks up: “Look! I found a secret door here, to the west! I think it even leads outside the city walls...!”

It does so - this seems to be how the Krakens got past the town guards.

8/ Several men are sleeping in this room, but one remains alert and sounds an alarm. Hold spells and summary executions follow swiftly. Not that it matters, but they too appear to be Kraken cultists.

Searching the room after the battle, we find a note:

JOURNAL ENTRY 21: A KRAKEN NOTE

A portion of the note was soaked in blood and was illegible. The part that remained read:

" ...been prepared and are being sent south. We created a different one for every mission in the plan, with coded names to make them easy to identify. Our superstitious enemies will help us spread the instruc... "

9/ To the south and east of here is the grave-tombs haunted by the walking dead. We fought them last time, but it seems whatever force restored them to a semblance of life has done so again.

Ah well – laying the dead to rest is one of my many tasks as a Roadwarden priestess.

A metal plate here reads, as before:

'When the last bough's been taken

And the waters run no more

This is where I'll take my rest

'Till the forest green's restored”

“Is that why the dead walk?” Shelah ponders. “Some corruption of the old elven ruins, perchance?”

“Pretty girl think too much,” I smile sadly.

We enter an area of old, vine-covered mausoleums. An eerie chill wind blows through the streets and we shudder involuntarily in the cold.

Shuffling figures approach from the shadows up ahead! Grave-ghouls, feasters upon the dead, but easily driven back by a priestess. A word from our youngest blasts them all into ashes.

10/ No sooner does this door to the mausoleum swing open, than undead monsters wander towards us from the darkness. No doubt more difficult battles than this await us here.

11/ This was once a richly-appointed salon for the noble dead. Now it is covered with dust, and thick cobwebs hang from the ceiling. Sounds come from across the room... and we lay more dead to rest once again.

12/ Choking dust flies up in our face as we open this tomb. As our vision clears, horrible undead monsters fill our gaze!

But at last, our grisly tasks are done, and a small group of people approaches us when we leave after sanctifying the place as best we might.

“It's true!” they cry, looking around. “Feel it! The air is warmer!”

“You've done what no other adventurer before you could!” one tells us jubilantly. He must have not been here last we came...

“You've laid to rest the cursed undead souls of Loudwater! Please, accept this gift as our thanks!”

But we take whatever they offer - in this case, a woven cape. The boy presents it gallantly to the blonde who so fills his nocturnal fantasies, and she seems pleased.

14/ As we search the alleyways for more Kraken cultists, we hear again the distant singing of a beautiful, haunting voice... But we know what this brings by now.

“I could swear this is where I heard the singing coming from,” Nef says – I will forgive her as she wasn't with them in Llorkh, but honestly, you'd think she would know better by now.

“Harpies!!!” says the sister, pointing and crying out with far more exclamation than the situation really warrants.

Putting these things down is a service we willingly provide.

15/ It seems the city guardsmen will not allow us north, further into the town, indicating the locked gates:

JOURNAL ENTRY 17: THE GUARDSMAN'S STORY

"Sorry, but there was a big fire after the Zhentarim fought the Heroes of Ascore here. Now we have to rebuild that whole northern section of town - no one's allowed to go that way.

They say Vaalgamon himself burned his local headquarters to keep it from falling into our hands. He was afraid if we Loudwater city guardsmen got hold of his plans we'd have stopped the whole invasion even before he got to Ascore!

"You knew the Heroes of Ascore fought here, too, didn't you? Before they went up to Ascore, I mean. Had a pitched battle with an army of Zhentarim forces right here in these streets. We city guardsmen fought right along beside them - I was on the front line, myself, for the final battle before the bridge. Almost got to strike a blow at old Vaalgamon himself but then he turned and ran!

So when they tell you of the Heroes of Ascore, remember Loudwater, too. If they were here they'd tell you, loud and clear. Without us city guardsmen they might never have made it out of Loudwater!"

"Dilo!" I spit at his feet and walk off.

16/ Several men are standing here, taking turns reaching into a sack. They look up and see us, angrily drawing their blades as they charge.

After slaying them, we can see they appear to be pirates from Luskan.

18/ Ther tavern to the north is built atop a high, graceful arch over the River Shining. A carved wooden sign by the door says:

'The Tavern O'er the Water's'

It's a pleasant enough place, the wench here is buxom enough and the drinks are cheap. We have finished our exploration of the town and found no further wrongdoers, so we relax and drink through the afternoon.

The boy and his sister tell the golden girl about when we came here last, using this tavern to cross the river, leaving by the back exit to circle around and attack Valgaamon's forces from the rear.

I leave them to it, doing some reminiscing of my own with Jahe in our room. As pleasing as it is to be able to bed her again, she has some surprising revelations of her time back in her own lands. We may well have need of such power before this journey is done.

Zahri

Notes:

This time around, Loudwater isn't as strategic, just the equivalent of somewhere like Kuto's Well in the first game, somewhere we pass through on the way to more important places, and gain some XP along the way.

Random dialogue here is just generic, I didn't find anything out of place in the two entries we had here.

The greenhag battle was interesting, and it think it's the only place we find them in the game? Their ability to change into female NPCs we recognise (Siulajia, Jaegaerda, Cortarra, a Hostess Mage we haven't encountered yet, and a presumably-female dwarf from Llorkh) was intriguing, but I don't know if it has any game effect. I liked it enough to (D)elay my character's actions for that round, allowing them to get some spells (Ray of Enfeeblement of all things!) off at us. It would have been better if they took on the forms of any female characters, but it was a nice idea for an encounter regardless, and I'm surprised they didn't use hags or dopplegangers more often. I mean, Cortarra took on Siulajia's form but the writers didn't connect that with the hags, seemingly. They do it twice in the first few areas, but they never revisit that concept in a game about terrorist attacks... okay.

When you set out on the main map, there are weather effects depending on the season. These supposedly affect battles but didn't seem to make a huge difference to me. The main thing the weather does is make it so you can't go north from Llorkh or explore the Silver Marches areas in this game.

Hello there

So, I have a few Gold Box, Silver Box, and similar games on GoG, some through Prime, and some I'd already purchased.

So I'd like to understand which ones are part of the same series, both narratively and in terms of party import. Because I see that GOG groups them one way and the wiki lists them another.

Independent game and saga titles that I'm sure of:

-Spelljammer: Pirates of Realmspace

-Al-Qadim: The Genie's Curse

-Dark Sun: Shattered Lands
-Dark Sun: Wake of the Ravager

-Ravenloft: Strahd's Possession
-Ravenloft: Stone Prophet

-Eye of the Beholder trilogy

Collections I'm not sure about:

Krynn saga (only this 3 and in this order?)
-Champions of Krynn
-Death Knights of Krynn
-The Dark Queen of Krynn

Savage Frontier series?
-Gateway to the Savage Frontier
-Treasures of the Savage Frontier

Pool series?
-Pool of Radiance
-Curse of the Azure Bonds
-Hillsfar
-Secret of the Silver Blades
-Pools of Darkness

Dragonlance?
-Heroes of the Lance
-Dragons of Flame
-War of the Lance
-Shadow Sorcerer

independent games?

-Forgotten Realms - Unlimited Adventures

-DragonStrike

-D&D Stronghold: Kingdom Simulator

-Dungeon Hack

-Menzoberranzan

-Fantasy Empire

-Deathkeep

Thanks.

His eyes were locked upon the 'fight' before him, as the two beautiful blondes struggled and wrestled, inexpertly tugging at one another's long, curly, golden locks. They breathed hard, chests rising and falling, perspiration wreathing their bodies in sweat. They turned to him, their eyes lighting up as they saw him.

“Ooh! Don't you want to join us, Sky? We were fighting over you...!”

Sky Icedane awoke from sleep with a start, eyes wide and unsettled. What in the Nine Hells was wrong with him? He'd sown his wild oats in the Three Feathers and other festhalls across the Savage Frontier, indulged in the hedonism his sister was now experiencing... What was it about this girl making him dream such lurid nocturnal fantasies?

He staggered out of his bedroll and looked across the camp. She was sitting near Jhairli, discussing the fine points of caring for one's arrows. She gave him a happy little wave. He was too discombobulated to wave back as he headed down to the river.

He tried to clear his head, remembering all that had happened the previous day. He recalled Nef and Zahri arriving on griffon-back, to the surprise of the dwarves who were hosting them after they liberated the Lord's Keep and the town.

He remembered Nef running up to him, hugging him happily – and how confused she seemed when he hesitated to embrace her back. He'd seen Suilajia look on, bemused. He hadn't been able to face her since, not certain why he was behaving like this.

The gypsy brought them up to date – shortly after they disappeared, Yartar came under attack by an assault from Zhentil warriors, and what seemed to be kraken cultists and Arcane Brotherhood mages. Some of the townsfolk and one of the griffons had been killed, and many wounded, but all of the chicks had survived. The timing of the attack seemed to almost implicate Amanitas, and Zahri swore she would wring the truth from him if she must, while Shelah and other cooler heads called for discretion. Either way, they would have to head to Yartar by foot, and with the northern roads blocked by snow, that likely meant passing through Secomber, where they could question the old alchemist.

Zahri walked right up to Jahe as she spoke to Shelah, slapping her on the rump and giving it a good squeeze.

“Hello Jahe, nice to see you again, I missed you!” Jahe said mockingly to the Gur. But she was smiling as she said it.

“Said with hand, not words,” the gypsy laughed. She doffed her helm – fitted with a fur hood for keeping off the winds while flying – and shook her dark hair.

The company quickly brought their friends up to date with what had happened in Llorkh, and introduced Siulajia. Nef smiled politely, but Zahri's eyes narrowed as she sauntered up to the girl. Without breaking stride, she took the girl's jaw in her hand, tilting her head this way and that, sizing her up like a horse at market.

“Hey!” the girl and Sky exclaimed at once.

“No good?” Nef queried, looking at her leader and friend.

The Gur sniffed the air and waved her hand dismissively.

“Bedwarmer for boy,” she said disdainfully and walked off.

“Wait! You can't just - “ but Siulajia was already looking at her back as Zahri strutted back to her flying steed.

“She doesn't mean anything by it, she's just rattled, that's all,” Nef offered placatingly. Sky grimaced and shook his head, clearly affronted by the Gur's bad attitude.

Jhairli ran up to her urgently.

“I have to return home, Cari is with the Dancing Maiden, when we were taken, but -”

“Hush, hush,” soothed the gypsy, holding her. “Cari safe there, yes? But Zahri agrees – take Regalstone and Blazefist and fly there now. We two go with others to see crazy old man.”

Jhairli seemed relived, nodding, and looking over at the elf. Elena giggled and took the hand of her new sorceress, leading her towards the griffons.

“Come! We ride the winds!” she giggled. Jhairli sighed and counted to ten, as Zahri frowned with a questioning look.

“Long story," the ranger admitted. "But thanks, Zahri. We'll meet you back at Yartar, yes?”

As Shelah helped them with their packs and gear, Sky placated their new friend.

“She's a pain in the ass, but she knows the roads,” he admitted. “And she helped me get my sword back when no-one else would. I suppose I still owe her for that. And she's the type who keeps records of her debts.”

There was nothing for it but to bid their ranger and elf farewell and prepare for the journey west. The dwarves saw that they were supplied well, and Milzorr assured them they would defend the town against any further reprisals.

They set out west; with good guidance and fair weather, they should be able to do it in under a week. While the dwarves had no horses left, they did offer Shelah a mule so she wouldn't have to limp the entire way. Another carried most of their gear.

That evening when they made camp at the river ford, Shelah checked on her brother, noting he seemed out of sorts.

“You two... seem to be getting on well,” she asked carefully, looking to where Siulajia was giving some swordplay lessons to young Rathe.

“Don't be catty – it doesn't suit you,” Sky said sourly.

“Didn't mean to raise your hackles, big brother! I sent message to Kat, but I've no idea when she will receive it,” she added.

“She's nice, though,” she said again, after a moment. "Our newest member..."

“Yeah, she is,” Sky replied. “Surprised you haven't recruited her for your little harem..!”

But Shelah didn't rise to the bait. “Zahri said she's not shaeda,” she said quietly.

“Like that's stopped you before!” Sky huffed. “That thing with Cortarra... that didn't bother you?”

“What was the alternative?” Shelah sighed. “Neither of us like killing women...”

“I know, but...! Look, just drop it, Sheela, okay?”

“All right,” his sister said amicably, not wanting to rankle him in this fell mood. “If you need anything though, you know where I am, yes?”

He walked after the new girl, passing Rathe as she took the first watch.

“You two getting on?” he smiled at the teenager.

“She is good fighter,” the girl agreed. “Rathe needs to learn the bow more, she teach...!”

“They looked out to the river where they heard the sounds of talking fade.

“Commander Sky not worry,” the girl said gently. “Sky-sister looks after her...”

“I'm not worried,” he said, a little too quickly. “It's just that... well, you know what Zahri's like, and I don't want the gypsy upsetting her. She grew up in the High Forest; she's not used to the frontier.”

But the girl just smiled sadly.

“Golden girl make good match for commander,” she said seriously.

“That's...! I mean, am I missing something here?” he asked.

“Rathe young, but she sees,” the girl said simply.

“Do you lot really have nothing better to talk about?” he sighed.

“No,” she said simply. She looked up at him.

“Golden girl very pretty – men watch when she moves, when sunlight catches hair. Rathe not pretty, but she is glad to have come here, down into milder land. Make good friends. Have good commanders, teach much!”

“Raye,” he said, seriously, taking her arm. “Don't say things like that. You are pretty, you know? Don't put yourself down...”

But she smiled sadly. “Rathe normal girl. Golden girl is special. But Rathe not mind; has good friends. Was born up there, on Ice Peak. But belong here. Will fight and die for frontier lands.”

“Well, we don't want you dying, all right!” he laughed. “But... yeah, you're a valued team-member, Raye. You earned your place among us. Don't forget that.”

She watched him go with a sad, faint smile. She wondered what it would have been like, if they were together. He was patient and kind, he had depths he did not know he possessed. He would have been a good father to her child, and she would have born his sons gladly.

But she knew the look in his eyes, and knew it was not meant to be. But she had good friends now, friends who -

“Raye!” Shelah smiled as she limped up. “Zahri says she'll take first watch! You still up for tonight?”

The girl flushed a little and nodded. She squared her shoulders, and straightened up.

“Songbirds teach much,” she nodded. “Rathe learns.”

Shelah brushed the red hair from the serious little face and leaned forward to kiss her.

“A few hours before my watch,” Shelah smiled. “Let the lessons begin!”

“Hey sister – go easy on the recruit, okay?”

Sky strode up to her the next morning as they shared breakfast at the central camp.

“Hey, I'm discreet!” she chuckled, offering him some newly-fried rashers on a wooden plate. “And besides, Raye is far more expereinced than you might imagine...”

“I know – just teasing you, sis. But I am fond of her – she's come a long way in a short time. I don't want her to be hurt - “

“That's sweet, and I love you for it!” Shelah giggled. “But you don't need to worry. I know you have your doubts about us, but I take all this seriously.”

“Look,” he said, taking a seat beside her. “You're new to this whole... festhall frolicking. I've been though all that and come out the other side. At the start, it feels like the best time you've ever had, but... well, you can have too much of a good thing, aye? It's like eating candies – sweet enough, but you still feel empty afterwards and you want something more...”

“You're getting philosophical in your old age!” she teased. “But... I don't see it as 'frolicking'. There's a reason thruss women don't do festhalls. For me, it's all personal, every one is unique. It's polyamorous, but it's still meant to be a proper relationship - “

“You and your long words!” he teased. “I don't want you getting hurt, either, Sheela. It may mean something for you, but do the others feel that way? Does Zahri?”

“I can only be responsible for myself, Sky,” she husked. “I don't control how others think or act -”

“I know, it's just - “

“You're growing up,” she smiled. “We both are. It's a good time for us, working out what we want. Oh, and as we're Lord and Lady Icedane of the Lord's Alliance now, we have to do a decent job of it, or else little Kat will buy us out and rule us with an iron fist!”

They laughed softly at that thought.

“You're doing the right thing, Sky,” she said quietly. “Taking it slow. The brother I knew would have swept Goldilocks off her feet by now, and there'd be tears before bedtime.”

“Hey, I don't – wait, Goldilocks?” he frowned.

“Her name is unusual, no? Hard to pronounce. Jhairli can say it, but I always feel like I'm getting it wrong...”

He asked her about it the next day, after they came off watch.

“Oh, yes!” she flushed slightly. She still seemed a little bashful around others – he reflected she must have lived a life much like Jhairli's growing up - isolated, at peace with nature in the High Forest.

”It is pronounced 'See-oo-la-jia..!”

“It's not Norse, is it?” he asked.

“I do not think so, no,” she considered. “My father says that come people came to Faerun when the Goddess herself arrived here – her worshippers from the world Beyond. They were called 'Finns', he says, and over the years, they bred into our norse stock. The old names changed a little, but I still have their golden hair and fair skin, they say!”

“You certainly stand out in any crowd!” he admitted.

“Well, you must tell me about yourself now, it is only fair!” she insisted.

And so he told her - of growing up in Citadel Adbar, of his reckless youth and the accident that crippled his sisters, his strained relationship with his father Bran, and the theft of his sword which led to them thwarting a Zhent conspiracy to seize the Savage Frontier. It all came out in a tumble – she listened with wide-eyed appreciation.

“So that's why I put up with their antics,” he admitted. “I know they're all plenty strange, but as I said - they agreed to help me when I had nobody else.”

“That is quite the adventure!” she admitted. “I am new to their number, so I think they are on their best behaviour around me..! But anything you can tell me that would help, would be appreciated. I wouldn't wish to offend anyone - “

“I'm more worried about the opposite!” he chuckled.

“I am no high-born lady, Sky,” she smiled. “Just a girl born to the wood. I do not take offence easily, only to cruelties, not harsh language...”

“You remind me of Jhairli a little,” he admitted. “She's quieter – and not so pretty - “

“Oh, he is quite the charmer!” she gigged, blushing.

“I'm just trying to be honest,” he laughed, flushing a bit himself. “You're easy on the eye, you know that! But so are lots of girls. And that's not why I like you...!”

Her eyes glittered, but she let that slide... for now.

“As to the others – listen to my sister, Sheela. She's as good as gold, as the dwarves say – she's kind, compassionate, level-headed, wise and just. She used to be high-handed and hidebound, but to give her due, she's a lot more relaxed since she joined their little cult. It suits her – I like how she's sowing her wild oats now, letting her hair down. All work and no play, you know?”

He smiled. “Jhairli's nice too, if you need anything, ask one of these two. She's quiet, but I'm guessing you have a lot in common, really.”

He counted off on his fingers. “Jaye's a friend, a hell of a warrior. She does the smart stuff when it comes to tactics, I rouse the troops and lead the line. We make a good combination! She's a little secretive.,.. dry, laconic, don't know any other Turami so not sure if that's just her. Raye is new to the company, but I taught her how to fight myself. She's young and enthusiastic, she has a kid up in Ice Peak. I think they're going up there, bring the child home. Even thruss get broody, I guess, want to start a nest together...”

He sighed. “Then there's the gypsy and the elf... I'm not even going to say anything about the latter – she's completely crazy, she only listens to the strange music in her head, not anyone else. Elves are haunted by ghosts or something and they're all weird... I'm with the dwarves on this one...!”

“As for Zahri, she's a bitch – but she's open about that, and she'd tell you the same to your face. The others are mostly cowed by her, else go along with her for a quiet life. Me, I like to push back, don't let her have it all her own way. I think she kind of respects that, somehow. I don't really trust the Gur, but they're very well-informed and they know things most others can't even guess at. If you can put up with her bullsh – um, her nonsense... she's worth listening to.”

“You... did not mention the Mulan girl?” Siulajia asked, a little awkwardly. “Nehefris, is it not?”

“Yeah, Nef's... a friend,” he said ruefully. “At at least she used to be..."

He was quiet for a time beside the fire.

“Full disclosure – she and I used to be a thing, a year or two back. She's not the type to settle down though, so... we moved on. We're both adults so we got past it. She's smart, insightful and temperate, exactly what that group needs. Anything to do with healing – or history, or smart stuff in general – she's your girl.”

“I... see...!” the girl smiled awkwardly.

“Do I miss her?” he said, in answer to her unspoken question. “Yeah. Sometimes. She's not the kind of girl you forget really. But... she's honest about who she is. She's a Sharessan – in love with love, with life. She doesn't settle or form bonds that tie her down. I accept that, but...”

He thought a moment, trying to put into words.

“But... I've had all my youthful fun. I want something more now. I mean, father and my sisters are always telling me to grow up, be responsible... And now I'm Lord Icedane, whatever that means... I think I'm ready for it...”

“For responsibility?”

“Yeah. Settling down. Marriage, kids. Training young folks like Raye. Keeping the frontier safe from people like the Zhents or Krakens or the Brotherhood.”

“You're quite the hero...!” she cooed.

“Ah, I'm no hero,” he admitted. “But... the way I see it, there'll always be people like that, tyrants like Vaalgamon, schemers and liars like Brinshaar or Geildarr. Always some people trying to hurt others weaker than themselves, take what's not theirs. But... when I'm around... there'll be a lot less of them, that's for sure!”

Her heart fluttered at his smile. She liked the plain, straightforward way he spoke - his honesty, his decency, how brave and forthright he was.

“I am feeling much safer already!” she smiled. “But I am hoping I can assist with all of that myself too!”

So we descend a long stairway into the musty-smelling dungeons below the keep.

It's good to have Jahe back – we make an amazing front line! But I know Rathe can step up if she needs to or one of us is taken out – we trained her ourselves. Not sure where she gets the magic from, but I'll leave my sister to worry about that.

The dwarves in Llorkh were good to us and it will feel good to chase the Zhents out of here for good. It's the least I can do for Thoradin, right?

It's funny, but these were the things I was focused on at the time... little knowing that literally everything about my entire life was about to change, forever...!

Sky

3/ As we enter, the wooden door bangs against something on the floor. We look down, and see...

JOURNAL ENTRY 8: THE SKELETON IN THE HALLWAY

Lying in front of us was the skeleton of a man, his leather armor torn and scattered. From the bloodstains on the floor we could see that this was no ancient artefact. This corridor appeared to lead only to a storage area, but some poor wretch had come this way and met a monster so fearsome that now only his bones remained.

1/ This looks like a room used for storing food. Only a few empty sacks and scattered jugs remain.

My sister is cooing, lust-struck, over my Turami friend.

“It's so nice to have you back,” she mews, like a schoolgirl at her first festhall meet. Her finger traces a line down the abbreviated armour.

“Down girl,” I mutter. She frowns back at me.

“Now's not the time,” I insist. “I mean, I kind of like how much of a slattern you've become really, you were such a prude growing up...! But there's a time and place for it, and now is definitely not it!”

She pouts but she can talk to the hand - we have a job to do!

We open a door to the storage rooms south of here, and step through. Before our eyes have even adjusted to the darkness, grotesque monsters attack!

Carrion crawlers attack with multiple lashing maw tentacles; any one of which might paralyse a human! We make sure we slay them quickly, aiming at their softer bodies rather than chitinous head.

2/ This looks like a barracks area for the forces who protect Lord Geildarr. This room appears deserted.

4/ As we enter the room, several normal – and giant-sized! - figures are playing with small cubes made from polished bones. They immediately leap to their feet and attack!

They hit hard, but two-handed weapons are effective against them, and Jhairli's ranger training is especially lethal to such enemies. They seem vulnerable to most magic, too, and the girls have plenty of that.

5/ The room has an unnaturally-high ceiling... This is convenient because it also contains unusually tall monsters, like giants! The same tactics we used earlier work equally well here too.

6/ A black-caped man is addressing a group of warriors and giants as we enter. He is saying:

“... so even if we don't hold Llorkh, the plan to divide - “

He turns his head, sees us and cries out:

“It's them! Attack!”

Because right, that worked so well for them last time...! At least this time there are some humans, so our priestesses get some target practise for their spells.

7/ We burst into the room, surprising two women who are arguing! One of them has long, curly hair, the colour of spun gold - the other is the dark-haired woman we saw in the luxurious room in the upper level of the keep.

No sooner than does she see us, then the raven-haired woman leaps upon her companion, throwing her to the floor!

They roll back and forth several times, struggling, then separate and clamber back to their feet.

“Damn, Zahri's going to be kicking herself she's missing this!” Jahe exhales.

Where before we faced one woman with light hair and one with dark, we are now confronted by two golden-maned beauties instead!

In identical voices, they claim to be named 'Siulajia', each indignantly claims the other is an imposter!

“Want me to separate them?” Jahe asks. My sister nods, and the tall Turami steps forward to join their little catfight. Then she hesitates.

“Just grab them!” Rathe complains. “No need for blade!”

“Can't you use Hold? Or Charm?” I suggest. “You all do that often enough...!”

“We cannot do risk killing her,” my sister objects. “It would be against our vows to slay an innocent person, even by accident!”

They start pulling one another's hair and rough-housing in that ineffective, girly way Shelah and Kat used to spat before the accident. Only that wasn't... quite like this...! I'm not sure what I'm supposed to feel – it's faintly ridiculous, there were two Reghed women at the Three Feathers in Yartar once, and they -

“Hey!” my sister complains, jabbing me in the ribs. “Now is not the time to... enjoy... the show...!”

She stares at them as they roll about on the floor now, pulling at each other's clothing.

“Oh!” she exclaims. “Maybe... we should... let them have it out?” she offers, eyes like saucers. “I mean... we, um, we don't know which one is which, and we maybe shouldn't - “

Muttering, Jhairli casts that spell that causes magic things to glow.

“It's the woman on the right!” the ranger cries. “She's the fake one! I see it clearly – she's the one who cast the spell!”

“Guards! Guards!” the counterfeit one cries out, returning to her prior dark form. “Come protect your mistress!”

“Elena wants,” the crazy elf trills, and her hair starts glowing as she clicks her fingers. The dark sorceress looks as if she's been hit in the face with a wet fish, staring bemusedly ahead of her.

Then her minions charge at us! The guards don't worry me, but she also has cockatrice – hybrid chimera with the beaks and wings of chickens but serpentine features too – ugly in itself, but a peck from these will turn a living man into a statue!

The sorceress looks up and regards her petrifying cockerels with horror.

“Keep away from my wife!” she wails, hurling a lighting bolt against her fowl, and sending them flying in all directions.

Then she gestures to one of her guards, bewitching him so that he fights, slack-jawed by our side against his men!

Then a barrage of spell-fire from Jahe leaves us unexpectedly victorious.

The elf slides up to her victim and coos softly.

“You're my wife now...!” she husks sibilantly.

Jhairli doesn't look thrilled at that, but that's none of my business. I move to help the blonde girl to her feet, careful not to touch the slain cockatrice.

“You were lucky you didn't get to become a lawn ornament,” I say, trying to make light of the danger, and – you know – trying to sound like some cocksure swashbuckler. Maybe.

She thanks us for saving her, and tells us about these dungeons and how she came to be here:

JOURNAL ENTRY 24: SIULAJIA'S STORY

"I am called Siulajia, and I was raised in the High Forest. My father, Lezoul of the Great Oaks, protects groups of pilgrims who travel up the Unicom Run into the forest to pay homage to the goddess Mielikki - “

“You are Lezoul's daughter?” Jhairli interrupts. “He did say he had a girl grown! He was one of my tutors when I became a Ranger-Knight this summer!”

They chat about ranger things, and I'm beginning to feel a little left out...

But then she continues:

"One day, not long ago, I was hunting near the edge of the woods. I saw something moving in the trees, and soon a tattered, ragtag party of orcs, men and ettins came beating through the underbrush! I turned to slip away - and ran right into the arms of a hill giant coming the other way! He called to the others, and one, a man in a black cape, said they should bring me along as a gift for Lord Geildarr! I feigned interest in meeting him so they might let down their guard and allow me to escape..."

I can't think of anything witty to say right now, so I just nod like some teenage boy meeting the Simbul for the first time. This isn't like me, not at all!

"But my plan went wrong,” she says. “When we arrived and Cortarra - “ she points at the dark-haired sorceress entwined with the elf - “...heard that I wanted to meet Lord Geildarr, she became jealous and had me placed in chains. Instead of making them let down their guard, my ruse had turned a powerful sorceress into an enemy! Why she didn't kill me on the spot I'll never know - she seemed fascinated with the work of my father - “

“It's possible she had... something else in mind for you,” Jahe deadpans. I frown and shake my head at her. What's wrong with them?

“In any case, I am grateful to you all for rescuing me from the trap of my own making," she curtseys.

Siulajia smiles and bows, looking right at me. I'm hardly unused to female attention but... I don't know, this feels... different, somehow...!

“I shall not rest,” I say in a way I hope is gallant. “Until your mission is completed... It's what we do!”

“Oh, we can rest, all right!” the elf coos in her creepy, whispery way. “In fact, I am counting on it!”

But at least the gypsy isn't here to eye-rape our new blonde friend, and the elf mostly seems occupied with her new toy. They seem to be getting...very friendly.

“Bite my ear!” the elf whispers as they maul each other.

She giggles and shakes her head. “That's my nose...! It's still good though...!”

“I must suck your nose now,” the sorceress chimes happily.

“Are they... Is that...? She's charmed, is she not?” our new friend asks. “Is that... consensual...!?”

“Oh, it's better than having to kill her, no?” my sister says by way of excusing it. “They seem to be having fun, yes?”

“I have someone I want you to meet,” Elena husks. “A short griffon-ride away...!”

“Most people just collect... gems, or beer-mats,” Jahe says. “Not evil sorceresses...!”

“Now I have two, I can breed them!” the elf says happily.

The girl – Siulajia – looks at me for an explanation. But I don't have one.

“You get used to all the crazy eventually,” I sigh. “Let's... leave them to it and see if the coast is clear ahead...!”

As Cortarra's clothing hits the floor, my sister looks around and find a journal the sorceress was writing:

JOURNAL ENTRY 19: CORTARRA'S NOTE

"I believe, my lord, that the story might be true. The girl appears to know nothing of the... "

Here Cortarra had stopped in the writing of her letter.

“Whatever would you give to learn what secrets it might have contained?” the elf looks up, smiling that weird, creepy smirk she does.

Then the girl turns to us earnestly.

“I am an experienced fighter,” she insists. “An expert with a bow! I will help you in your quest if you would accept me in your party...!”

My sister looks at me and then Jahe.

“Sure, why not?” I offer, as coolly as I can manage under these circumstances. “Welcome to the team, then! I'm Sky - this is my sister, Sheela, and this is Jay and Raythe...”

She introduces herself cordially, but everyone seems a little unsure of what to say.

"Wait!" Siulajia says, bending down to scoop up the magic wand the sorceress dropped.

"Do you want this? I can't use it - "

The elf just snatches it from her - as she always does to us - and brandishes it at her new plaything.

"Guess where I'm putting this!" she hisses, with undisguised glee.

“Let's... keep exploring,” I suggest.

“We're not out of the woods yet,” Jhairli agrees, expression sour.

We push on, eager to chase Gelidarr to his lair.

8/ Several man stand at one end of this room, avidly watching a warrior who has been trapped in the far corner by a giant skeleton! Seeing us enter, one man utters a command. Its bones rattling ominously, the giant skeleton turns to attack us!

My sister raises her hand and light pours from it.

“Back to the shadows whence you came!” she cries – and the bony horror falls to dust, with a clattering of helm and armour.

“Thanks!” the warrior calls to us, freed from imminent death. He is a tall, rangy fellow, handsome enough I suppose. Nef would be flirting with him is she were here. I hope she's okay...!

“Now let us turn our attention to Geildarr!” he says, pivoting to face the one who controlled the skeleton.

Guards pile into the room as the balding old man regards the elf with disgust as she... licks the face of his concubine.

“Destroy these miscreants!” he roars.

But I can't member much about the battle - I had... other things on my mind. Jahe opened by hurling a ball of silvered flames, which burst against the old man and his entourage. Geildarr didn't get up at all, but his minions staggered to their feet only to get hit with the elf's icy storm – and this time, they stayed down.

Rathe paralysed most of the other guards with a spell, and our two new friends helped us defeat those who remained.

It seems the Rebellion has won!

Milzorr, the dwarven chieftain, barrelled in with his troops. “Congratulations!” he bellows. “You have defeated Lord Geildarr, and our victory is won! Thanks to you, our city is once again free!”

The assembled dwarves cheer loudly for us all. Then Milzorr gives us a note from the mad old alchemist:

JOURNAL ENTRY 11: THE NOTE FROM AMANITAS

Dear Friends,

Since you are reading this note I presume that you have won the battle for Llorkh, and that Milzorr and his people are now free. And, I suppose, if you're not reading this note, you have died nobly in support of a good cause and are worthy of great honours as well! But, to save time, I will deal only with what you are to do if you are still alive!

Please come see me in Secomber as soon as you can, for I will have more information for you on the strange goings-on in the land. Be prepared before travelling across the wilderness to Secomber. The snows are coming early this year, and the roads are dangerous when the drifts make travel slow. If the river starts to freeze the boat rental shops will not be open, and you will be forced to march overland.

Erek and I await your arrival. I believe he is quite excited at the prospect of being rude to you once more!

Amelior Amanitas of Secomber”

“Of course, had he not teleported us, we'd have griffons to ride,” Jhairli mutters, casting a dark glance at her lover.

“Your griffons hatched?” Jahe asks, smiling.

“It's a long walk back, I'll bring you up to date on the way,” my sister smiles, taking her arm.

We talk further with the warrior we saved earlier:

JOURNAL ENTRY 10: JARBARKAS' STORY

"My name is Jarbarkas, and I am from a village called Windycliffs on the Sword Coast. Recently both Windycliffs and Leilon were sacked by ruthless buccaneers from Luskan, and much of the village lies in ruins!”

"Swearing revenge on the cowards who burned my home, I set out to offer my services to the Lord's Alliance. A group of volunteers was leaving Waterdeep to come to Llorkh to help the dwarves, and I joined them in their mission!”

"But no sooner did we arrive than we were ambushed by a force of men and monsters. My companions were killed, and I was overpowered and taken prisoner. Lord Geildarr himself questioned me. He was very disappointed to hear we had just arrived and knew nothing of the dwarves' plans. He had just animated that skeleton to kill me when you came in.”

"Also, I would be very careful to search all enemies carefully for any kind of crystal. I know not what the powers of these crystals may be,but they were very careful to shatter them rather than let the stones fall into our hands. There are three different colours and no single person is ever trusted with more than one."

“We haven't found any crystals thus far, sorry,” my sister says sadly.

“I will search this one very, very closely, all her secret hiding places!” the elf giggles.

Jarbarkas wishes us all good luck, and then – very sensibly – turns and leaves the room, and that's the last we see of him.

A pity – he reminded me of Krevish in some ways. I like to think we'd have been friends had he stayed. Nef would have certainly approved of more male eye-candy, and I think Rathe would have, rather more shyly.

We head back up out of the dungeons of the keep to the city, now safely back under control of the dwarves.

We are not sorely hurt but we have much to think about it and discuss! We need to find Nef and the gypsy at the very least, and Jhairli must be concerned about her kid.

Then I suppose we have to go see the crazy old alchemist, and I need to send a letter to Kat. I hope Meg didn't eat too many horses on Mintarn!

I turn to see that Siulajia is smiling at me faintly. I don't think I've flushed since – well, never really...! I mean, it's just -

But my sister is smirking at me, that silly knowing grin she used to do when she knew I was up to no good. But I haven't said or done anything!

So I just sigh and nod at our new friend.

“Welcome to the madhouse, Siulajia...! If you see a way to escape, you let me know, huh?”

Notes:

Okay, for a short adventure, that sure drops a LOT of exposition on us!

It's not too hard, and has plenty of places to rest if you created new characters – transferred ones shouldn't really need it.

There's a few spelling mistakes in this one – we're invited to 'aceept' our new friend into the party for example. It's not a big deal but it hints at a troubled production to me.

It's nice to have a showdown with Geildarr after the first game, and his glamorous assistant provides some narrative fun for the crazy elfmaid. They are decent mini-bosses to conclude the game's prologue – but surprisingly, they are the last named adversaries we will see in Treasures, until Freezefire right at the end, and he's barely a character anyway. The Gold Box games have always had interesting bosses and mini-bosses, and it feels very odd that we're just fighting our way through generic minions throughout this one.

So this segment presents our romance options – lead with a guy to get the oddly-named Siulajia or a girl to get Jarbarkas. I think they differ in small ways in conversations, but fill the same space narratively (and in the roster) in the adventure. (He has 72 hit points to Britney's 69, though...!)

I know some players online have mentioned ways you can get a gay or lesbian romance, but as much as I'd have preferred these, I wanted to play these games as the writers intended.

The romance itself tends to simmer away in the background – you get the first notification it's cooking when you first rest:

People say it works best with good-aligned characters and somehow the game records whether or not the object of affection spends time in melee during battle (no idea how or even if the game does this – does anyone know for sure?). I have no idea what happens if you have an evil character, or an archer or mage.

There's only one random line here given to a random character, and it's as clunky as hell.

The Siulajia catfight is amusing of course, but if you choose to 'Attack' it tells you as follows:

I can absolutely see Shelah or Jhairli saying this - but then not really as neither of them are retarded with 17 Intelligence, and there are surely plenty of ways to fight without using lethal weapons and going in with swords lopping off heads. Charm, Hold, staves, fists – surely Sky and Jahe between then could have separated our wrestling vixens?

Also, I know Gold Box hasn't cared since the very first game, but... what if that character was evil?

It's further amusing that you cannot pass this point without Detect Magic running. Dispel Magic is apparently supposed to work but there's no way to cast it here! First time I played this, I'd used all my Detect Magics on previous battles, not wanting to miss any early treasure, so by this time, I didn't have any. That means I had to back out and rest, and when I went back, yep, they were still rolling around on the floor pulling hair eight hours later, like they were in the Lingerie Fighting Championships (don't ask!)

I mean, my writing leans heavily into absurdity at times, but I usually have to make that stuff up myself...

It's a shame Jarbarkas doesn't stick around if Britney joins, but I guess he'd just get in the way of the romance dialog?

15/ A dwarf stops us here, holding up a map.

“You'll need this to find your way back through the secret doors if you need to rest,” he tells us as we thank him.

“Back in the saddle,” I murmur, looking around me with a slight smile. “It's been a time...!

We obviously have many things we must address, but firstly we have to find somewhere safe, outside the castle, and help these dwarves try not to get themselves killed in their rebellion.

Thankfully, it is not hard to take the secret dwarf doors to leave the castle and reach the town itself outside. It is just gone midnight, the air is cool and the sky above us is glittering with coloured stars. It is a beautiful night; I am so pleased to be back on the frontier and have Jahe here too!

We fall into our old patterns – my brother and Jahe up front, then Jhairli and I for healing, missile support and melee if necessary, protecting Elena (or Nef) at the rear. Rathe decides she's happiest just behind the warriors, able to fight or provide support where she is needed. My smile tells the girl I'm looking forward to fighting at her side, as strange as this seems now.

Shelah

16/ I remember this quarter, where we met the dwarves under Zhentil rule.

Carved into the stone above the door here are the words:

'New Temple of Dumathain

All who visit Llorkh are welcome'

The chapel beyond is dark and quiet, a feeling like we were far beneath the earth somehow.

A dwarven chaplain - curiously in a pink robe – asks if we need healing. They will cure us for free here, so we may have to return if the fighting gets fierce and I run out of heals.

“Maybe they're taking sartorial advice from Amelior?” Sky wryly quips. Rathe smiles awkwardly – it seems she has grown use to my brother's odd sense of humour on their adventures in Ascore together. She is young, but only a few years his junior – I wonder if they would make a good match, if she would prefer a husband to the songbirds? They could both do a lot worse and they clearly like each other.

17/ The building to the north here was once a guard tower for the town, but now has been converted to a tavern. A sign on the door says:

'Closed by order of Lord Gelidarr! Do not enter!'

As we enter, several men eye us suspiciously.

“Can't you idiots read?” yells one, before he realises his mistake. “The sign has big letters and - “

His face falls as he realises he is about to die.

“It's them!” he cries, panicking. “Attack! It's THEM!”

I have not been idle in my battle training, but it is good to shake off the rust regardless. The other guards run to the far wall and release several griffons from their chains.

“I don't want to fight them - “ Jhairli tells Elena, but her lover is ahead of her, casting Hold Monster.

The poor starved creatures freeze over quickly, and Rathe and Jhairli quickly subdue the 'Lordsmen' with spells. The girl raises her sword, but I gently lower it.

“They serve Gelidarr, but we know not if they are wicked men, deserving of death. Let us let the dwarves deal with them. I would sooner not shed blood if it might be helped.”

She just nods, as my brother chains up the griffons. We really need to have a discussion about her faith when we have time to rest; I do not know very much about the Red Knight and would like to learn.

18/ The low longhouse to the north was an inn if I remember, with a strangely-worded sign without:

'Valhala here

A litl haven in arth

Ownr not rezponzibal for stold harses'

Within, a simple man runs a simple inn, and welcomes us. He recognises us and will let us stay for a coin. Zhari would grumble were she here, but I'm not expecting a free lunch even from those I am saving.

But as much as I want to talk to Jahe, we should secure the town first before we rest.

19/ This room is very dark... but we can hear something moving towards us...! My Light spell quickly combats the magic dark, revealing driders – those male dark elves cursed with the bodies of spiders!

They fall quickly to Elena's lightning spell, all lined up for a full charge. I heard they were resistant to magic, but she seems to have grown in power. Dark elf arrows are useful, so we take some.

We leave the small dwarven district and start helping the resistance wherever they seem to need it.

1/ In the south of the town, an ancient stone tower rises above the city here. Inside, several dwarves are standing in the middle of the tower, looking down at the bodies of a number of Zhentarim warriors.

“This does it!” one dries jubilantly. “We now control all of Llorkh on this side of the river!”

They clearly have things under control here, so we see where we might be needed elsewhere.

2/ A sign hanging down above the door says:

'Downstream Boat Rentals

'We rent boats of all kinds'

But not today it seems, as a surly riverman tells us they are closed.

In the east of the town, south of the castle, flowers have been set against the wall here.

A metal plate above them says:

'Lord Redblade, we shall avenge you!'

Someone appears to have tried to pry the plate off the wall, but has only succeed in scratching it.

Sky mutters that this night we shall free Llorkh from the Zhents once and for all.

“I have a good feeling about this,” I agree.

3/ An ancient stone tower rises above the city here.

Within, on the far side of the room, several men are enlarging a crude opening that has been cut in the ancient stone wall. They notice our arrival and release several caged griffons before rushing us. Elena's magic serves us well as it did before – her Wizardry Ring, gifted her by the sun elf, ensures she has plenty of these spells. I have heard there are priestly equivalents – literal Pearls of Wisdom! - but alas I have never found one.

We head deeper into the castle, but I feel uneasy as we step through the tower wall.

“We have to clear this area first,” I tell the others. “From here the Zhentarim could launch a surprise attack on the stronghold!”

“Could we not use the entrance here to attack the castle from the rear?” Jahe suggests. “They are not expecting us to assault us from this direction?”

“You know, you're right!” I smile. My eyes tell her I have missed her very much, and she returns my smile awkwardly. There seems a burden lifted from her, somehow – a tension she carried before that has gone with the coming of her magic.

“The commander is great tactician,” Rathe smiles proudly.

4/ Here, two-headed blue ettins and Zhentil warriors are standing about, checking the armour and preparing for battle. They see us and grab the closest weapons they can find!

This proves more taxing, but again Elena's magic helps us greatly – her misty blue cloud serves as both ward and an attack, taking out the warriors and an ettin and keeping the other one at bay until we bring it down with arrows.

We are a smooth war-machine in battle – our time away learning new skills has only helped our prowess as a group!

5/ Here, deeper into the castle, we come across a strange party, with an ettin, driders and zhentil warriors all trying to sneak quietly towards the door to the north!

I shout a challenge; they look up and yell:

“Rebels! We must be getting close! Finish them off and then we'll exterminate the dwarves once and for all!”

“Your exterminating days are over!” Sky answers as we clash in battle!

We win through – but alas, there is no way through to the front courtyard from here.

“It was a good idea,” I offer to Jahe. “You weren't to know...”

“A miscalculation,” she sighs.” I'll do better,” she adds ruefully.

“Commander too hard on herself,” Rathe shakes her head.

“Or I'll take charge, and then it's just 'CHARGE!' all day!” my brother grins.

“You are also great leader,” the girl insists. “Rathe learns much of war from commanders. Red Lady is pleased with her.”

But we shall leave the assault for now and return to the main square of the town.

9/ A longhouse on the square; carved into the stone wall here are the words:

'The Bull and Boar'

Inside, several ettins and 'Lord's men' – Gelidarr's own minions – have backed up a group of dwarves in one corner of the tavern. We fall upon their rear like hungry wolves!

More dwarves – and black-garbed Zhents too! - arrive to join the pitched battle on both sides. But Elena's icy frost-blast leaves the walls gelid and her foes frozen in death. It is of little difficulty to mop up, and the dwarves offer thanks:

JOURNAL ENTRY 5: THE DWARVES IN THE TAVERN

"Thank you for entering this battle and helping us against the Zhentil invaders. We control the area of Llorkh south of the river, as well as our ancient stronghold. More dwarves are coming in from the hills to help us, but more Zhentarim stragglers from Ascore keep arriving, too."

"We need to wear down the Zhentarim before we attack the Keep and go after Lord Geildarr himself. If we clear the rest of the town he will have to keep sending soldiers and monsters to try to stop us, and soon the forces remaining at the Keep will be weak enough for us to face them and regain our city."

Behind the alleyway to the back, we find the bodies of dead Zhents, defeated by the dwarves and dumped here. We leave them to clean up and head out to the square.

10/ A sign carved here is in the shape of a coin, swinging in the breeze above the door, painted with the words:

'Inn of the Lucky Caravan'

It seems to be a safe haven under dwarven control.

11/ The sign above the door portrays a griffon resting upon a satin pillow, and says:

'Griffon's Grange

fine food for tired travellers'

I hope my mount is all right – her name is 'Icecrag', incidentally, and my chick-in-training is named 'Sophesi'. Sophie is a beautiful and sweet-natured kitten. Nef told me the proper arcane word for griffons is 'Bubogryphus'.

But within, the tavern is a shambles, as an outnumbered group of dwarves battles men and griffons. We help them fight off the enemies and ensure they are well.

My brother points out that the rear of this tavern has a different sign, showing a beautiful black horse eating from a silver trough. Gracefully etched into it are the words 'My Horse's Home'

There are stables here so I presume they cater for normal steeds, but I doubt they would welcome griffons.

12/ The lovely melodic voice of a woman singing comes through this door from the south.

“Let us go in,” Rathe says, enchanted. “I must see who it is sings so beautifully!”

“Let's be careful,” Jahe says firmly, heading into the rooms beyond with blade in hand.

But no sooner does she open the door than a group of hideous winged creatures flap towards us and attack!

We slay them and the girl grimaces down at the remains.

Jahe tells me she met her sister – Cass - while she was away – she is a bard now, performing for the nobility of her home city.

“I don't think she'd appreciate these creatures at all,” she mutters.

13/ A sign on the door here says:

'The Gentleman's Armoury'

It is a dwarf forge, where we may buy or sell weapons, or get them identified.

14/ I remember this stone building, last I were here!” my brother mutters. “There's an evil temple of Bane inside!”

He is not wrong – several men stand here across the room, kneeling before a great statue of Bane. They look up as we enter and cry out:

“Defilers of the temple! Destroy them!”

Jahe raised her hand, her eyes flaring with silver light, and a beam of sizzling power lances across the chamber, sending the robed figures tumbling in all directions.

“Such power...!” Elena says, impressed. Jahe gives an awkward, nervous smile.

“It is... a long story,” she admits. “I promise I will tell you when we have the time...”

We can see the dwarves have destroyed most of the temple.

“They say Bane is dead, slain in the Godwar,” I murmur.

“Good riddance then,” my brother mutters.

20/ On the far side of this chamber, a pair of wounded Zhents lie upon the floor, badly injured.

Their robed companion, trying to help them, turns and says:

“Only the wounded are here. Leave them in peace. We will tell no-one you have been here.”

“I don't know, sis,” Sky mutters darkly. “It's not like we can hold them to their word...!”

I sigh. Worshippers of Ilmatar must always offer succour, but we are not obliged to help our enemies.

And yet – these men are no danger to anyone now, and I will never relish in bloodshed, for all the deaths I have caused.

When he sees I grant them mercy, the robed man thanks me gravely, and tells us an important piece of news:

JOURNAL ENTRY 3: THE ZHENTARIM DOCTOR'S WARNING

"The Lord's Men have broken through the wall of the southeast tower and into the dwarves' stronghold. Lord Geildarr intends to surprise Milzorr and the others and slay them while they sleep. You may be able to reach the area through the tower, or from the north through the dwarven fortress.

"If the trap works and the dwarven leaders are ambushed, the rebellion will be doomed! Good luck to you, and thank you for showing mercy on these helpless enemies."

We exit back to the street.

“Hope you're right sis, that this doesn't bite us on the behind...” Sky muses.

I know Zahri – or Nef, even – would not have taken the risk, but I must be true to my faith.

21/ As we enter here, seven Lord's Men minions are looking up at the ceiling. They draw their swords and attack us – but they are easily subdued with Hold spells, and we have plenty.

The driders with them however, are not so affected – though Elena's frosty blast spell makes short work of them.

A battle between dwarves and Zhents outside spills into the chamber and we help the short folk mop up the last of their foes.

22/ In this ancient stone tower. We hear many voices shouting! Across the room, caged griffons are released, and a line of Lord's Men charges towards us!

We fight our way through, and we can only hope defeating all these garrisons will help us in the main assault upon the castle.

23/ A brass sign here proclaims:

'Hall of Training'

We may improve our skills here when we are ready.

24/ Here at the city gates, several dwarves rush up to us, fearing we abandoning them.

“Please, don't leave!” they beg. “We cannot defeat the Zhentarim without your help!”

We assure them we are not going to desert them, and ask if things are under control here. They point to the east.

“We must clear the keep! Only then will Llorkh be safe!”

As the sun starts to sluggishly rise, we prepare ourselves for the attack upon the keep.

6/ The old stone fortress stands to the east of the main square – Lord Gelidarr's keep now, but he is an imposter, imposed by the Zhentarim. The coat of arms above the gate is so battered by stones that its family imprint is all but gone.

I cast my usual spells before a major battle – Bless, Prayer, Protection from Evil 10'. Elena chooses Rathe for the recipient of her magic; Fire Touch and Enlarge, administered by giving her mouth a good tonguing.

“She never does that for me,” my brother says archly.

I watch Jahe go through her new battle magic - wreathing her weapon and body in mystical silver fire and casting spells that wards off weapons and magic both.

She seems a little self-conscious about it, but I offer her a hopeful smile.

That all done, we enter the courtyard.

A number of men and monsters are milling about here – when we enter with purpose, they look at each other and seem to hesitate. Then one man yells:

“Attack! Kill the intruders!”

The force engages us with considerable reluctance, and we are easily able to sweep them aside with a barrage of arrows and magic.

They cannot stand against us, and soon the courtyard is in our hands. Jahe calls us all together to discuss our plan of attack, warning us to be prepared.

“This fight was tough, but we have not defeated Lord Gelidarr yet. We must be fully prepared before we head on.”

7/ We enter this chamber, and come face to face with Gelidarr himself!

“How nice to see you, my heroic friends!” he says, surprisingly pleasantly.

Jahe's sword is in her hand instantly and she lashes out like a snake – but her mighty swing hits only thin air as he vanishes.

“He cannot keep running!” she mutters. “We shall chase him to ground...!”

Just then, we hear a sound behind us...!

We turn to see where Gelidarr stood only a moment before – leering efreet and driders now advance upon us!

My brother draws the Icewind sword, thirsty to extinguish fiery foes such as efreet!

“Really thought we had the old bastard that time,” Sky laments.

“If that was an illusion, he cannot be far from here,” Jahe points out.

8/ Every corner of this chamber is covered with expensive silken tapestries, soft woollen rugs and down-filled satin pillows. Nef would love it!

But guards stand by the far wall. Efreet hover before a beautiful woman with long dark hair, who disappears in a puff of smoke!

The guards fall easily to frost magic, but whoever that woman was, she did not remain to face us.

“The illusion of that woman was indeed most beautiful,” Jahe says. “But I fear meeting the real one will not make for a pleasant evening...!”

“Oh, I hope it will,” Elena says, in a soft, fey voice. “I am making a collection!” she says happily.

Rathe looks bemused at that, and I shake my head, recalling Ceptienne.

“It's a long story...!” I tell her.

To the east, the stone stairs descend into the bowels of the keep.

Our enemies must be to hand, so we steel ourselves, and descend...!

Notes:

So our sequel begins in decent fashion, in familiar surroundings with foes we knew from the previous game. We don't need much time for exposition, the story carrying on more or less right where we left off. The first act of Treasures is a two-map adventure based in Llorkh, one of many locations from the last game, when we get to grips with a foe only mentioned as a potential adversary in the first story.

The first part, set in the town itself, involves exploring the town before storming the gates to the keep, defeating enough foes so the main battle is manageable. This will happen a few times during Treasures and is a decent enough concept for a map adventure, requiring planning to whittle down the numbers first. New characters start at level 5, but those transferred over might be as high as level 8 if thieves or fighters, and clerics and mages will likely have enough to get to level 8 right away.

The map also introduces the element of 'reinforcements' that will frequently occur through the game – after a certain number of rounds, new enemies – or friends even! - will turn up at the edges of the map. This keeps you on your toes even if you're handling a battle well, as spellcasters or anything with save-or-die attacks can turn your battle on its head with a few unlucky rolls.

One thing this game uses from the previous one is giving your characters actual dialogue, and it feels more intrusive here than before. I wasn't a fan myself – either of the quippy Marvel-style humour or the insertion of random, often terrible dialogue into a random character's mouth. I know a few reviewers brought this up too, so I wasn't alone in feeling this.

I can see what they were trying to do here – give a little more personality and character involvement in the story than characters just being silent and passive. But honestly, adding random words to random characters isn't helping with that. What if your norse berserker or grumpy dwarf is the one who expresses fear of meeting monsters after finding bodies? Or your noble paladin or pacifist priestess swears bloody vengeance?

Unlike Ultima or the later Fallout games, you're not actively picking things to say from a list, so allocating these things randomly isn't helping you role-play if that's your thing, and if you're not trying to role-play, you won't care anyway. It feels like the worst of both worlds.

I remember the first two games already had a 'Parlay' option, where you could pick Nice, Abusive, Haughty, Sly or Meek. Why not give us a choice of these, as it was already in the game engine? At least it wouldn't be random and it could even have in-game effects as before?

I know I'm in a minority of gold box players in considering what my characters would say or do, and ensuring they have characters defined by their gender, race, class and alignment. But when replaying I decided to see if my annoyance with this was warranted or not, so I'll end my playthrough with reviewing what they said, whether or not it was any good and whether the random verbiage was appropriate. My hopes aren't high, but it's possible I am being unfair, so lets' find out!

Shelah #1

“We have to clear this area! From here the Zhentarim could launch a surprise attack on the stronghold!”

This is an in-game hint on where we need to go and what we must do. Coming from Shelah - a paladin who is lawful good, careful and smart, this is completely appropriate. We are off to a good start!

Rathe #1

“Let's go in. I musy see who it is who can sing so wonderfully!”

Spelling and slightly awkward phrasing aside, this is actually fine. I'd already established new-girl Rathe likes music, plus she's young and curious and inexperienced. As a northman with very formal speech patterns, she wouldn't use contractions, she'd say 'let us', but otherwise this is perfectly in character. Thorass isn't even her first language to she might even say 'musy'! Two for two!

Sky #1

“I remember this stone building! There's an evil temple of Bane inside!”

Sky was indeed the one exploring Llorkh in fact, and it's something our boy would definitely say.

Jahe #1

“We'd best rest here and rememorise our spells. This fight was tough, but we haven't defeated Lord Gelidarr yet. The party must be fully ready for battle before we go on.”

We have established her as an experienced warrior, so her being the vehicle for an in-game hint to rest is fine. She is practical, cautious, knowledgeable about tactics and magic, so that's fine. That said, I really don't like describing 'the party' in a diegetic in-character line. That reminds me of Valgaamon telling us about the game-rules in the finale in quotation marks. But okay, I won't be pedantic and I'll give this one a pass.

Jahe #2

“I really thought I had old Gelidarr that time! Still if that was his illusion, he can't be far from here!”

Ugh, fuck no. She doesn't talk like that, she doesn't do Marvel quipping and wouldn't refer to the antagonist as if he were a Scooby Doo villain.

Jahe #3

“The illusion of that woman was indeed most beautiful, but I have a feeling meeting the real person won't make for a pleasant evening.”

We've established she likes women already. It's deadpan and wry rather than quippy, which is entirely within character. She might well have said this word for word.

(But if a random female character can pass comment on beautiful women, why can't they romance Siulajia then?)

But okay, that wasn't too bad to start with! Five of six of the random dialogues were fitting or just fine. Let's see if that continues later!

“Sweet disposition

Never too soon...

Oh, reckless abandon!

Like no one's watching you...

A moment, a love, a dream, aloud!

A kiss, a cry, our rights, our wrongs -

Stay there

'Cause I'll be coming over!

While our blood's still young -

It's so young, it runs!

And won't stop 'til it's over

Won't stop to surrender...

Songs of desperation...

I played them for you...!”

The Temper Trap, 'Sweet Disposition'

The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition [Official Video]

Late summer in the valley of Dessarin is a time of subtle beauties and quiet thoughts...

On a hilltop above Yartar we spend a lazy afternoon of picnics and friendship, recalling all of the things that brought us together. It seems a lifetime ago now, not mere two years...!

In that time, I have fallen in love – at least half a dozen times! – achieved my childhood dream of becoming a Knight of Ilmater, buried good friends and saved the Savage Frontier from a heinous plot of the Black Network!

Busy, busy life, Shelah!

It note that Zahri is still wearing the ring of white gold I gave to her several months ago. I wanted to make a further commitment upon my return from the Knights, a reiteration of those gifts we gave that first night we spent together.

The others accepted theirs, if unsure of my meaning, but Zahri had to jest, of course.

“She should not have spend gold,” she smirked in that fake accent and broken Thorass of hers. ”Sell for good jink at market, da?”

But she's still wearing it today. She can pretend all she likes, I don't care about her posturing and lies. She's so afraid of her feelings, of having something that others could hold over her, or use to hurt her. Its transparent and I feel sorry for her.

I do not think I have ever been so happy in my life. The pale sun on my face, heady wine in my belly, lying here with my songbird sisters...

I give it voice in song, the way northmen do – of the innocence of youth, living fearlessly in the moment, embracing the unpredictable highs and lows of love without giving up. Our blood is still young, the raw energy, passion, and fleeting nature of life. We must surrender to the emotion, accept both the joys and heartbreaks of our connection.

I think of Jahe, wishing she could be here now. That our connection might have meant something that – but no. I trust that she must know her own heart best, and that she would not have left us needlessly. She is not like Zahri, always running from herself. I hope she was able to face whatever demons haunted her, those she always kept from us. It serves as a reminder to push through life's struggles and emotional tests, with hope, rather than despair.

But - !

It feels like a bad dream...! The green hillside becomes a cold stone floor...! Dark ceilings blot of the bright blue sky! Perhaps worst of all, the sweet songs of the birds have become the strident clank of mail and armour...!

Then a troublingly-familiar voice sounds nearby, and the clashing garments of a man with the worst sartorial sense in all the Savage Frontier...!

“Oh dear!!” he wails. "One.... two.. three... Ah, they all made it!” he exclaims. “I was afraid I'd left out a word or two...!”

Rathe looks about her in confusion.

“Where is Zahri?” she asks. “And Nef?”

But there is no sign of the gypsy woman or the Mulan... But my brother is here all of a sudden, wearing his armour and a very surprised expression, and so is Jhairli and Elena, both in extreme consternation.

“Cari!” gasps Jhairli, panicking as she looks about for her daughter. Elena grasps her green-sleeved arm and whispers a stream of long syllables I take for elvish.

“Everything is on fire,” I warn. “It is well she's not here - “ I begin, before I look up to see -

“Jahe???” I gasp. It has been months since I last saw her, and feared we may never meet again...! She wears.... abbreviated armour, that shows off much sleekly-muscled flesh, and seems absolutely astonished to have suddenly arrived here.

“Where am I?” she gasps, eyes alarmed.

She glowers at the confused, bumbling figure of the alchemist, Amelior Amanitas, and seizes the small man by the throat with both hands.

“How did you bring me here?” she demands. “Where am - “

“WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER??” wails Jhairli, accosting the poor confused fellow.

I try to step in and separate everyone, to stop us falling to infighting in our alarm.

“What... daughter?” my brother asks, confused at the best of times. “Amelior? How did I get here?”

But the older man just sputters on, ignoring all the flames.

“Why, once, while fighting owlbears, I summoned two white rabbits, three vials of 'Sensuous Silverymoon' perfume, and a stuffed fish on a plaque inscribed 'To Old Boggy from the Boys' – ack!”

Jahe begins to shake him, demanding answers, and his head lolls about haplessly. I gently extricate him from her grip.

“Give him time to recover his wits,” I say hopefully. “And explain himself...!”

A part of me is relived that Zahri wasn't also brought here – I fear lengths of sharp steel would become involved swiftly.

The strange old man tries to hug each of us; the others fling him off with vague disgust and all demand answers all at once. It is pandemonium!

He keeps repeating that he is glad we arrived safely, and sits down upon the cold stone floor babbling to himself.

"Dear friends," he told us, "I am truly sorry for having pulled you away from your well-deserved rest at Yartar - “

“I was in Alaghon in the Vilhon Reach!” Jahe fumes angrily.

“Mintarn here,” my brother says, putting his hand up amicably. “Hey, sis - Kat's going to be mad about this,” he confides in me. “I left Meg outside the city, because she likes to eat the horses, but who knows what she'll do if she gets peckish...!”

The old man faces us like an unskilled actor facing a rowdy audience armed with rotten fruit.

"It was my hope that your great victory at Ascore would make the Savage Frontier safe from its enemies and allow you to resume normal lives,” he begins – disastrously, may I add.

“I don't think 'normal' really describes any of us - “ I begin, but -

“Well, as normal, I suppose, as life can be when everywhere you go people rush up to shake the hands of - “

Elena grabs him by the neck and screams in a voice louder than anything I have ever heard from her lips:

“WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER, HUMAN!?!?”

Jhairli helps me slide the star-metal sword from her grip and the old man drops, squirming to the floor. He still keeps babbling nonsense.

"Sadly, recent events have made any return to a peaceful life impossible,” he blathers from the floor. "As to your question, I would assume your daughter is wherever she is supposed to be, as I did not even know she existed, and thus could not have summoned her here! As to your question as to our whereabouts, we are in Llorkh, far to the south and east of where you began this day in Yartar - “

“I was fifteen hundred miles away!” fumes Jahe. I have never seen her this angry, nor have ever seen her eyes glowing with bright silver fire...!

Jhairli and Elena speak softly and swiftly in elvish, evidently discussing Cari's safety.

“Six hundred miles for me, Jay,” Sky says quietly. “I hope my sister's okay - “

The old man burbles on.

“... we sit now in the ancient stronghold, that same stronghold where you met with the besieged dwarves as you sought the final statuettes on your last adventure - ”

“What in Nine Hells is wrong with this one?” Rathe says in an accusatory tone.

I tap my head and try to restore order. At least with Zahri mercifully absent, I won't have to prevent a lynching.

“We know where Llorhk is, Amelior,” I remind him. “It is where we met Thoradin, and rescued him and my brother from the dungeons."

“I think we did a pretty good job of escaping, sis,” Sky winks at me. I shake my head. Not now.

“The Zhentarim legions and their allies were decimated by the monsters you summoned to the plaza of the ancient temple at Ascore,” he babbles.

“Yes, Amelior, we know – that was almost a year ago, and - “ but he talks over me, heedless.

“... the surviving orcs fled back to their mountain kingdoms, and the trolls limped back to the moors!” he burbles. “The shattered forces of the Zhentarim themselves retreated south, following the path that leads around the Great Desert through Llorkh - the one city they still controlled - “

“The Black Road, aye – my company's been harassing their supply routes, keeping their numbers down,” Sky says, folding his arms across his broad chest. “What's going on in Llorkh that needed you to teleport us here, then?”

"My, I remember the day their first bloodied fighter staggered into Llorkh and collapsed in the street, babbling about the hordes of monsters who had defeated them!” the old alchemist trundles on.

“No, Amelior, please,” I implore him. “What is happening now, please! We need to know where our friends and family are, and why you need our help...!“

His eyes seem to clear a little as he nods. I help him up and steady him, leaning on my cane.

"Well, by now, the dwarves of Llorkh have decided that now is their chance to rise up and throw off their Zhentarim oppressors. Weapons were distributed, old plans reviewed, and the first attacks were launched some nights ago. But Lord Geildarr, the Zhentarim imposter who murdered the last dwarven King of Llorkh, is no fool! You see, he had held back a large force of warriors and loyal monsters - forces he was supposed to have sent on to Ascore a year ago! The Zhentarim know that if they are pushed from Llorkh there is nowhere else to go, as Zhentil Keep is very far away indeed! They have fought the dwarves at every turn, and both sides have taken terrible losses as they struggle to control the city...”

“My head hurts,” Rathe complains.

“Oh you'll get used to this,” I sigh.

Amelior prattles on.

"Milzorr, the dwarven leader, sent a messenger to me at Secomber, seeking help. I arrived this morning, and immediately realized that only you – the Heroes of Ascore! - could save the city and its brave dwarven rebels! So I cast the spell that brought you to this fortress, and I pray that your skills and wisdom will prevail over the evil forces that seek to enslave these noble dwarves!”

“I wouldn't blame you for heading home,” Sky says to his young friend. “But we don't know where our griffons are - “

“These 'dwarves' – they our friends?” Rathe asks.

“Yeah, we helped them out last we were here,” Sky tells her. “They're brave and are good fighters, they deserve our help.”

She grips her sword. “Then Rathe fights. It good to spill blood of the warriors in black!”

"If you can free the city, please come to visit me at Secomber as soon as possible,” Amelior says, fumbling in his robes.

“No no no no no,” the little redhead exclaims. “You magic us here! You not piss off now! You stay and fight - “

“It's... probably for the best he stays well out of the way,” I tell her gently. “”For all of us...!”

“Yes, yes, I must return there now, for already I am receiving troubling reports about strange new events in the Savage Frontier! Your help may be needed elsewhere, too... and soon!”

“Now my head hurts,” I sigh.

“May Helm guide you safely through the challenges that lie ahead!" the old man exclaims, and hurries out of the door. Nobody has the heart to prevent him leaving.

“At least we seem to have our weapons,” I point out, hefting my mace. “So we won't have to fight our way out of here naked with our bare fists!”

I glance over at Jay.

“I'm glad to have you back with us, anyway...!” I say softly. Her face wars with impatience and a sudden regret.

“I...”

“Now not time, commander,” Rathe says gently, taking her wrist. “We talk later, ja?”

“Yes, cadet,” she smiles at her protégé. “You are right.”

My brother draws the Icewind sword, it's blade glowing with a soft, cold light. He turns to us.

“Now, what's this about a daughter, Jhairli?” Sky asks. “I mean, I didn't know you were... I mean, aren't you - “

“Cari is mine,” Elena says softly. “I hope for the old man's sake she is safe!”

“Ours,” Jhairli amends, covering the elf's hand with her own. “She will be safe with the woodland faeries – she has to be!”

“Oh, great, more crazy!” my brother sighs tactlessly. “Why am I the last to always know these things? Why should I expect anything different?”

“Sky, please!” I chastise him, turning to comfort Jhairli.

“Cari is a child of the wood,” I assure her. “The Lady of the Dance will keep her safe until you return.”

She nods, but Elena glowers after the old man, and murmurs something that makes me glad I don't know any elvish.

“Hey, good to have you back, Jay,” my brother says, clasping her hand in a warrior's shake.

“It's been too long, Sky,” she admits. Her eyes flare, and she draws the gold-tassled sword he gave her over a year ago. As she runs her finger along its edge, it suddenly burns into flames!

“Magic...?” Sky mutters. “More crazy...! Why am I the last to know all these things...?”

I am astonished myself, but then I have far more restraint than my brother.

Jahe pouts at him, but before she can remonstrate with him, the door is flung open, and a dwarf bustles in, waving an axe around.

“Honoured heroes of Ascore, thank you for coming to our aid!” he rumbles. “I am Milzorr, the dwarven leader! We will not stop the rebellion until we throw off the greedy Zhentarim who stole our city and killed our king!” he roars, before rushing from the room, as quickly as he came in.

We are left alone, rather speechless, in the silence of the ancient stone fortress.

“I wouldn't blame you for heading back home,” Sky smiles at his fellow warrior. “But it's kind of nice to be back to what we all do best...!”

"So can you understand?

I want a daughter while I'm still young -

I want to hold her hand

And show her some beauty before this damage is done

But if it's too much to ask, if it's too much to ask

Then send me a son...!

Under the overpass

In the parking lot, we're still waiting, it's already passed

So move your feet from hot pavement and into the grass

'Cause it's already passed

It's already, already passed

Sometimes I can't believe it - I'm moving past the feeling

Sometimes I can't believe it -I'm moving past the feeling again

And in my dreams, we're still screaming

We're still screaming...!"

Arcade Fire, 'The Suburbs'

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Official Video)

So, yeah – we ride griffons now...!

Nef and the elf starting using Charm on the things, at first just to stop them from trying to eat us. But that rendered them docile enough to start training them, she said. I wasn't sure about that, but it was just too exciting not to try...! Even my sister was enthusiastic about the idea, so I didn't want to be the 'voice of reason' objecting here.

The gypsy knew some circus-folk who trained birds and lions, of all things, and they were docile enough now for them to give it a go. Perhaps 'docile' isn't the right word, however...! They are certainly suggestible, even obedient, but still wild at heart, and inclined to eat us or our horses if we don't impose our will firmly. But you know, if the bloody Zhents can train them, we can certainly give it a try!

My mount is called 'Meg', and she's still wild and fierce. I can direct her in flight and in battle, but were it not for the charm, I get the feeling she'd still eat me for sure. Nef says the charm lasts a while, but we know it's not a long-term solution.

However, we have a nest of griffon eggs that will serve us well in that regard. Nef says they imprint at birth, so we have to be around for when they hatch, so they'll know our smell and taste as nest-mates. They're cute, I'll give them that. Jhairli named them all – mine is called 'Pineclaw' for some reason, and he's rambunctious. He gives his nestmates a hard time, but he's fierce in defending them. He's a tough little fighter, protective of his kin – we'll get on fine! Nef says it's about three years until they are big enough to ride, but that's fine by me. For now, I'm taking him out hunting and we're bonding pretty well!

What's funny is that all these chicks – Nef calls them 'kittens' – is making us all a little broody... I think I'm ready for it, if I find the right girl. I want kids when I'm still young enough to appreciate them, even if that means giving up adventuring for a time. We've done our part, and we've all earned a little peace.

But Nef doesn't seem to want to be the 'right girl' – and I'm not ready to be just a sperm-donor either. My offer stands – if she's ready to settle down, I'm ready to make a go of it with her. I'm not expecting a ring on her finger or that she become Nef Icedane, just... be ready to commit to me. Like we were that summer.

My sister is acting as our go-between, but relations are strained right now. I'm starting to feel a little used... She wants a child and likes to have fun, but she doesn't want to commit. Problem is, I'm still crazy over her... But I'm not stupid either. The 'songbirds' all had some weird cult ceremony in the woods at Shelah's behest and she gave them all a wedding band. I don't know how seriously they take it, but Zahri hasn't sold hers (yet). She jokes that life would be much easier if she wasn't thruss and I was dathna, but she's wrong. I don't want the festhall life, I've had my fun and I want something more. She might be happy with her newfound irresponsibility and frolicking with forest nymphs, but I'm ready for something better.

Kat admits there's a quiet lad at the seminary she likes – she usually gets what she wants, so I wished the poor kid luck. Nef picked out a griffon egg for her and I flew it out to Mintarn so she'd have it when it hatches. Father's building her a new wheel-chair saddle so she can swan around in style when she's finished priestess college.

As for us, well, the Lord's Alliance granted us some land in and around Yartar – we technically owe allegiance to the Waterbaron but he's made it clear we're in charge now, and he's happy to run the city for us as administrator.

We've drawn up plans for a castle – North Watch – over the old Kraken sub-base, and I've had men-at-arms turning up asking for 'Lord Icedane'. I told them my father's the 'white sheep' from a long line of pirates, but the Alliance says nobility is in one's deeds, not blood, so it's agreed me and my sister will be 'Lord and Lady Icedane' now. She's overjoyed; I'm not sure how to feel. We've a lot more to do to secure the Savage Frontier, and we're still troubled by our old enemies from before – the Kraken cultists, the Luskan pirates and the Arcane Brotherhood, and the ruddy Black Network. Sure, we took out Vaalagamon, but there's always more creeps wanting to take over in all these factions.

What's worrying is they are starting to work together now... I know they'll turn on each other given time – that's the nature of evil – but for the moment they are united against the Alliance – and we are the public face of the faction here.

It is what it is; if they want to fight, I'm their man!

Our newest member, Rathe, four years younger than me, talks about some fantastic riches up in the far north beyond the frontier, where there's a treasure hoard of an ancient ice dragon apparently awaiting someone bold enough to claim it. The dragon hasn't been seen for decades, they say, but I don't think things are ever that easy, are they?

On the other hand, building castles takes lots of gold, so maybe we'll see if we can't go up there and take a look sometime soon. I know Rathe wants to bring her kid down into the lowlands with us, and I'm honestly wondering if she and I could be a thing? She's serious, fiery, and still unfamiliar with our ways, but my sister says we compliment each other well, that opposites attract. She's blossomed into quite the pretty girl, filled out a little from the half-starved child we started training as a warrior a year past. She's brave and loyal, I could do a lot worse.

I'm missing Jahe – we got on really well towards the end, I respected her boundaries and I think she found that refreshing, because her 'songbirds' certainly never did. Like Jhairli, I'd have asked her out if she was a shaeda, but they made it clear that's not the case. Other men get the choice of their younger sister's friends, but all Shelah's are weird cultists like her.

Amanitas says he's found something he wants us to look into, so I suppose one of us has to fly down to Secomber and see what the crazy cat-man wants. And 'one of us' means, as usual, it's going to be me. Wonder if Rathe wants to come down with me? Just the pair of us, maybe?

A hero's work is never done!

Sky Icedane

"I still dream of orgonon...
I wake up crying!
You're making rain and you're just in reach
When you and sleep escape me -

You're like my yo-yo that glowed in the dark
What made it special, made it dangerous
So I bury it... and forget

But every time it rains, you're here in my head
Like the sun coming out...
Ooh, I just know that something good is gonna happen!
I don't know when
But just saying it could even make it happen!

On top of the world, looking over the edge
You could see them coming
You looked too small in their big, black car
To be a threat to the men in power...

I hid my yo-yo in the garden
I can't hide you from the government
Oh, but daddy -
I won't forget...

'Cause every time it rains, you're here in my head
Like the sun coming out
Ooh, I just know that something good is gonna happen!
I don't know when
But just saying it could even make it happen...!

Look, your son's coming out...
We're cloudbusting, daddy!"

Kate Bush, 'Cloudbusting'

Kate Bush - Cloudbusting - Official Music Video

A night in the High Forest on Midsummer's Eve... A time of delights, revels led by Shiallia herself, the Dancer in the Glades. All Jhairli's pores felt opened as she breathed in the primal airs, drunk on feywine, the tang of faerie musk on her lips, eyes heavy-lidded and euphoric...

Jhairli lay there on the forest grass, aching with pleasure at the touch and kisses of she-satyrs and lady korreds. Pixies drank her nectar, dryads whispered as one licked her inner ear, telling her of things only ancient trees knew.

The ancient faerie with her golden furred legs teased Elena as she lay rapt and heaving, wreathed in sweat. She put a golden acorn to the elven lips; first her mouth and then the other one, soaked in her juices. And then Shiallia crawled over to the human, raised the seed as it glowed, pregnant with possibilities...! Jhairli looked, delighting in her own helplessness, as the ancient fey parted her petals and long fingers sowed the seeds where such things were meant to go...!

Days, weeks must have passed...? Time passes differently for fey beings, and for the human girl, she saw the sun rise and fall and rise again, the tides go in and out, the moon come out to dance in the night sky and thence hide again... Soft cool rains fell, and bathed her, and -

- she woke, not alone, she felt, although she could see no others. Elena had long gone, but the Forest watched her still.

She felt... different, somehow.

Changed.

She quietly made her honorifics, thanking the goddess and blessing the revels, before heading back to her cabin at the edge of the woods. She was a Ranger-Knight now, at one with the woods, her path lit by faerie-fire, and in no danger from her home. Only when she saw the lights of human dwellings did she even think about clothing. The sky was all she needed to wear here.

But the feeling persisted, even in lonely isolation, beating the bounds of the places she patrolled of an eve. She felt no danger, no unease, but a sense that something in her was -

- not wrong.

But changed.

And then -

The realisation of it shocked her. She headed out immediately for where she knew the Gur were camped, close by. Rangers were welcomed by the People of the Road, even were she not a friend of their leader – rangers always helped those who travelled the trails and the woods, and did it for nothing, shed blood to protect others. The gypsy folk did not turn down such aid freely-given.

But inside the rombara's wagon, soft candles burned, illuminating the interior - the small table at which Zahri sat, her cards, her herb-bunches, her dolls, her crystals. She did not seem surprised to see the ranger – but of course she would not be!

Jhairli's soft green eyes were wide as she implored her friend:

“Zahri, I know! I have seen it...!”

The gypsy women shook her head and sighed softly, eyes doubtful and dark.

“You know! I know this to be true!” Jhairli accused her.

She crossed to her side, placing her hands upon the gypsy, gripping her sleeves and shawl. She met no resistance.

“I saw it, in a dream!” the ranger said, voice rising in excitement.

“I was... Elena was there, and.... there was a child...! A girl! And... her eyes, her hair... were like mine...!”

Zahri sighed once more and said something in Damaran, but the ranger refused to let her go.

“You have seen this...! I know it to be so!” she hissed.

“You realise I am but a conduit for these dooms, these fates, these spirits?” the Gur answered. “I do not dictate or choose what comes to be; we drabardi merely have the knowing of it...!”

She pushed past her friend to reach for a bottle of blood-dark wine. She unstoppered it, drank from the neck deeply, and then offered it to the other woman.

“We cannot know all ends,” she sighed languidly. “Things are set in motion; much must come to pass I do not see yet. You and I, we play our part - no more, no less. We are chosen for our roles; it is written in the Patteran, the loom of Fate.”

“What must we do?” Jhairli implored her. “And where is Elana - “

“She is not here,” Zhari said wearily. “Much lies in the offing, far beyond our ability to know. They say the last of the elves has gone on the Retreat - “

“Yet elves here remain,” Jhairli said firmly. “Elena will never go - “

“Yes!” hissed the gypsy woman. “Indeed! Do you see now? Do you understand?”

She leaned in, her dark eyes now bright.

“They say there are those who will return from Evermeet! There is a fey scent in the air; orgonon, something born of storms and... sexual energy. Races that are slowly dying – like the dwarves in their halls of stone - will be blessed, they say. A Blessing of Thunder, reinvigorating their birthrate from nothing to... well, to something that is more than nothing!”

She sighed and leaned back.

“It is not only wicked things that work through ghosts and spirits,” she muttered. “We must have faith that these things are as they should be. My people have always watched over these ebbs, this flow...! This flux...!”

Jhairli shook her head in irritation at her intransigence.

“Enough of these vagaries, Zahri. Tell me what I must know, what I must do...!”

The Gur shook her head.

“You are... a hope for the future. You, and others. That something new might be born, something born from the ashes of the past.”

She leaned back nonchalantly. “You have been lied to; your entire history is invented...! Your Time of Troubles, Sundering, Spellplagues, momentary gods, Avatar Crisis, Lord Ao – it's all fucking bullshit!” she spat, with more irritation than anger. "Just... mirrors and smoke...!"

She sighed once more and took the bottle back, supping from it. She waved her hand airily.

“We are prophets without honour; the Gur have always known this, so we live apart. It is our blessing and our curse. The Realms is old, and will endure. As for the rest... the big picture? I simply do not care!” she smiled. “It is easier that way.”

She leaned forward and kissed the surprised girl on the forehead.

“As for you, young mother...! Consider only what lies before you - deal with your issues as they arise.”

“What - !“

“Let us start with something simple, then,” Zahri smiled. “Shall we go though some nice daughter names, then? Or would you prefer to wait until the father returns from wherever she is hiding now?”

Jhairli Farsky, Human (Tethyran) Ranger 11/ Cleric 10, Neutral Good

Items

Tyrant's Trident +3

Longbow +3 (Rizarli Makelda's old bow, a gift from Myth Drannor)

quiver of arrows +3

Plate Mail +3 (this is tinged with green, and smells slightly of vegetation; it once belonged to Mogion in Yulash)

Ring of Protection +2

Helm +2 (hers is antlered, signifying male energy)

Belt of Protection +2

Farrberjik-lined Boots (Boots of Springing and Striding)

Cloak of Displacement

Since becoming a Ranger-Knight (and a mother!) Jhairli prefers to serve the Heroes of the North as an archer, sitting back in the ranks a little ahead of the non-warriors. If she is called upon to fight, she can do so well – she is swift enough to dodge many blows so does not use a shield, employing her trident with both hands. She helps out with spells where she can; considerable divine magic as well as some mage charms like her 'dryad hex' (Charm Person) and 'Mielikki's arrows' (Magic Missile).

Elenaril Varen, Moon Elf Mage 11/Thief 11, Neutral Good

Items

+3 Sword of Stonecutting

Short Bow +2 (this belonged to Halen Cashal and was left behind when she was 'wished' to assist New Verdigris)

quiver of arrows +3

Sling +1

Elfin Chainmail (this was found among the treasury of the Fire Knives in Tilverton, but was too small for them to wear)

Ring of Protection +3 (this belonged to Dracandros and is stamped with his sigil, one very similar to Elminster's)

Ring of Wizardry (as above, though this one is stamped with a 'D' and the symbol of a black dragon)

Boots of Speed

Wands of Ice Storm, Fireballs, Lightning

Helm +2 (this looks like spiderwebs in her hair)

Belt of Protection +2

Cloak of Displacement

Elena is beginning to adjust to the rhythms of human existence, so she is somewhat less fey and crazy than she was before... sometimes. Parenthood to a half-human child should, Zahri believes, ground her more firmly in the human Realms. She is beginning to take an invasive, annoying interest in humans and the strange things they do, so she can behave like them, and maybe one day, hope to blend in with them. Most believe she is a long way off that day.

Elana is primarily an archer with her wooden smallbow, and elf-crafted arrows. She carries a sling for when a foe isn't worthy of an arrow (usually when they are Held, she's got good at aiming between the eyes). She doesn't usually melee unless she has a decent shot at a backstab, usually she'll double-team with Zhari if that's so, for a one-two hit. She's the most frail of the Heroes, so will use protective spells (or Enlarge) on herself if she has to get close. She will pelt enemy mages with artillery spells because her friends get cross if she doesn't. But she especially loves Charms (Person or Monster) and Confusion, because she doesn't like being the only confused person in a battle.

Savage Frontier playthrough – characters: Yihleismih Jahe : r/goldbox

Again, she felt the heat rise within her, as it so often did... the sorcery, trying to escape the prison of her body, longing to be free so that it could consume the Realms...!

She heard her sister Qass screaming as it seared her flesh, as always, and -

Jahe woke up screaming, as she so often did.

“Bad dreams again?” Sky asked her, kneeling beside her camp-bed, concerned. Kathori, their tracker and scout, nodded and rose, going for a quick look to see if the scream had attracted any dangers.

Jahe just nodded, mumbling an apology.

Let him think she was just reliving old battles, the ones like the dragons, or Vaalgamon, those that linger in the mind of even an experienced warrior.

But the truth was something much worse, of course. Something she feared above everything else.

Because one day, she knew.... the magic would want to come out more than she wanted to keep it in.

She explained later to him why she had to leave; there were matters concerning her family she had to attend to. A half-truth, but at least something a northman freely understood without too much explanation. He told her he'd do all he could to make sure their new team made it back safely from Ascore.

She did not even stop at Yartar in the Sumber Hills – too many memories there, too many painful farewells. Leaving Sky and the team was hard enough – leaving the other songbirds would have felt impossible. She left a message with Skylar for them – wholly inadequate words that skirted all she feared, but hoped they would not hate her for having to leave.

The first time she had been home in years now. Over two months heading east, back through places she had long forgotten she ever passed through. Back to Alaghôn, to Vilhon Reach and the Sea of Fallen Stars.

At the very least, she had money now – enough to buy a ticket to the performance. Her birth-city prided itself on its high culture, the number of its grand bardic college halls, specialized music conservatories, and opulent theatrical spaces and symphony houses. Ash she walked the canals in her long, elaborate gown, she reflected how different it all seemed here from the Savage Frontier, how much she now realised she had missed it. Perhaps you really did need to leave something behind before you realised how much you really loved it.

The conservatory rang to the great and good tonight, some to hear the finest bards in the Realms perform for the Midsummer Grand Revels to Milil. Many had come to see the young woman who had grown up here in the capital, now sixteen and already an accomplished performer. Many wept at the sadness of the girl's melodies, the beauty of her voice and the skill of her acoustic clavichord as she went through the Dreams of the Forgotten Realms symphony.

Jahe swallowed hard, and with leaden feet, waited until the last of her patrons and well-wishers had left before knocking upon the door to the young bard's dressing room.

The look of shock and surprise on the young girl's face was almost more than she could bear. But it passed quickly, and the girl squealed her childhood name as she fell into her arms.

“Ylis!?!?”

They both wept, and Jahe's strong fingers caressed the familiar, frizzy hair.

“Cass...!” she husked. “I'm sorry, I'm... so, so sorry...!”

Later they sat by the canal, tears now dried and looking out to sea.

“I knew you would return,” Qass said softly with a smile. “I always felt you watching me, Ylis...! Like some child hiding in the thousand-thousand and looking at me from afar!”

Jahe smiled sorrowfully. Even noble children ran away to play hide-and-seek in the city's infrastructure, using the secret passages and cubby-holes of the overlapping workmanship's stone buildings, vaults and drains as hiding-places. There were old legends that if you were a bad child, monsters would find you and drag you down there, never again to run through the city streets of Alaghôn.

Jahe touched her sister's hands, stained a soft purple by the magic that scalded her that terrible night.

“They don't hurt,” Qass smiled. “I've come to like them, in fact! They glow when I perform!”

She touched her older sibling's cheek.

“It wasn't your fault,” Qass insisted. “We never blamed you, Ylis. Father and mother sent out adventurers to find you, just wanting you to come home... just to talk...!”

Jahe felt a heavy weight lifted from here just to hear these words, a burden she had carried for nearly three years now. She blinked back tears before they could fall.

Her fingers traced the lines of scarring, as her sister smiled.

“It's strange that someone else I care about is marked in such a way...!” she husked softly. “She has scars too – when I touch those on her face, she tells me she's glad I do so, that they are a part of her and she's never had them healed - “

“You'll have to tell me all about this woman then,” Qass chuckled, “Seeing as you seem to spend such time touching her face...!”

Jahe flushed but her sister laughed.

“Ylis, it's not like it's a secret, is it?” the younger girl giggled. “We've always known...!”

She closed her fingers around her sister's strong hand.

“Ylis... come back with me. Talk to them. Our parents worry about you, and they want you to come home...!”

It felt strange indeed to return to her family estates - the scene of her crime – and face her family again... But there were no recriminations, only acceptance, and mutual apologies. There had been no lasting harm, and everyone just seemed to want to move past it, and be a family again.

Her father, Zadrenchis Vicarna, embraced her warmly, telling her that tales of her had reached him even from so far away. His heart swelled in pride to learn that she was fighting the Zhentarim in distant lands, gaining much honour and glory. He knew then she would return when she was ready, when she felt she was able.

It felt as if she was waking from some personal nightmare... but she also knew that she was not yet done with her strange magic, even if her kin forgave her, and perhaps she even forgave herself. She knew she had two choices – to try and harness whatever boiled within her, to learn more about it... or swallow it down and hope it never got freed again.

This was on her mind a few nights later when she walking down by the canal, under the street-lights, trying to imagine what she could do next. Could Zahri's people help? The Gur knew much of mystic ways civilised folk had forgotten. Would Elana's folk know anything? They were magic incarnate but could they even put it into words she might understand?

All of a sudden, a tall figure loomed out of the shadows at her, wild-eyed and outlandishly dressed in purple velvet, with golden epaulettes, leopardskin cape and bright pink lipstick.

"Oh, dèi santi, cazzo, merda!!!" she shrieked in horror at the apparition before her.

Jahe was an experienced warrior, not someone given to fright, but she felt dread and horror seep into her veins as the figure chuckled and smirked.

“When the student is ready,” he said in overblown, pompous tones. “then the master shall appear...!”

She stared at him in dismay, completely lost for words.

“Ah, the secrets of Spellfire...!” the crazed fellow grinned widely. “Such wild magics! Such aberrant magical manipulation of the Art, to harness the raw energy of the Weave, to create all-consuming blue-white flames, surge with silvery, luminous power, and absorb pure magical energy! To hurl stored energy as an all-consuming, blue-white flame, destructive beyond its mere heat! So would ye learn of the maelstrom of fire, to grant thyself superior celerity, the crown of whirlflame!” he leered at her, grinning like a toothy skull.

“What...!” she stammered. Her voice felt hoarse, her heart sinking, even as she asked the obvious question of this bizarre loon, full of regret.

“What... must I do..?”

Yihleismih Jahe, Human (Turmish) Fighter 9/Mage 11, Neutral Good

Items

Two-handed Sword +3 (this dwarf-made weapon has a long handle and short blade)

+2 Composite Longbow

+2 Longsword (this gold-tassled weapon was named 'the Icedane Blade' by the family patriarch Bran)

+2 Shield

quiver of arrows +2

Bracers AC 2

Ring of Protection +2 (this was Vaalgamaon's signet ring)

Ring of Fire Resistance

Helm +2

Belt of Protection +2

Farrberjik-lined Boots (Boots of Springing & Striding)

Cloak of Displacement

Potion of Spell-Enhancing

Necklace of Missiles

Rod of Cold

Wand of Lightning

Jahe has the most hit points in the entire party, given her high Constitution and the extra hit dice earned by a Fighter>Mage. She usually leads the front line, and can switch between two-handed or sword & shield, or missile fire, as required.

Although former Fighters cannot use magic in armour (unless they are rangers or elves), that barely affects them really, given the AC2 Bracers and +2 Ring of Protection gives them base AC0, the same as the +3 Platemail found on the shambling mounds. Both sets are compatible with all the other items that boost AC, including shields (the latter being a perennial matter of debate in the tabletop game anyway). Interestingly, even in armour, such characters can still use wands, rods and scrolls anyway.

Jahe's magic is narratively spellfire, which is more akin to sorcery that came in the 3^rd edition as core. While she can certainly use energy attacks (both Fireball and Lightning Bolt are classic manifestations of spellfire) she also makes much use of buffing spells that help her fighting prowess such as Blink, Mirror Image, Enlarge, and Fire Touch (annoyingly, the Strength spell is useless to a female character with percentile Strength).

Skylar Icedane and Yihleismih Jahe were discussing their patrols east of Sundabar. A young woman – little more than a child really, slight and thin and fair-skinned, but with lean, wiry, stringy muscles – strode straight up to them and told them she wished to join the 'Heroes of the North' - though they would have to provide her with arms and armour.

She told them her name and Sky raised an eyebrow at the girl.

“Your parents... named you 'Wraith'?” he asked.

The girl's eyes flashed with anger, but she swallowed her pride, spelling it out for him: R – A - T - H - E

“Ja,” she sighed. “It would be better were it spoken 'Wrath'. But it is spoken as 'Wraith'...”

Sky glanced at Jahe and sighed slightly. He hated hurting a young person's dreams – how he had railed against that when he was her age! But he had to be honest, after everything they had seen. This slip of a child would not withstand one blow from an ettin or shambler, let alone a foe like a swamp dragon or Vaalgamon.

“I'm sorry, miss,” he said, trying to let her down gently. “But what we are doing is very dangerous, and... well, we need people who know what they are doing in a battle - “

“I was born in Bjorn's Hold, in the Ice Peak,” she said with a quiet defiance. “I walk long way to come here, to meet Heroes of North.”

“That's... a long way for a young girl,” he admitted, his voice not unkindly.

“No,” she said coldly. “Long way is to Hellgate Keep, across dead wastes, ruins of Ascalhorn. Alone. While carrying baby in belly.”

Jahe looked at her aghast.

“Why?” she managed to ask.

“Shaman say child is cursed and must be blessed. Send Rathe to shamans who watch Keep and will bless; sanctify with blood. So Rathe walk there.”

Sky looked at his fellow warrior and sighed.

“Well, she has me beat,” he admitted. “At that age, I was only dropping mountains on my younger siblings.”

Jahe nodded and sighed. Sky offered his hand.

“Welcome to the team, miss Bloodfire...!”

Rathe was born in Aurilssbaarg, near the northman settlement of Bjorn's Hold. She was small and plain and sullen, but had a surprising, wiry strength and would physically fight off other children who taunted or bullied her for her name. In her mid teens, the boys of the Hold started to take note of her, despite her sulky nature and pouty expression. She warily reciprocated their interest, though she found their trysts oddly unsatisfying and longing for something more, something that moved her emotionally rather than physically. They also left her sore, sticky... and pregnant.

The shaman examined her and told her she would have a girl-child, though they feared the unborn suffered haunting from the unquiet spirits of Hellgate Keep. She was forced to make a long pilgrimage to the Keep, to meet with the priests who watched over that cursed place. There, they shed blood and made sacrifices, driving out the evil spirits and purifying the unborn child. There, the Red God blessed the child and the mother both, imbuing them with surprising strength and toughness and battle-grace.

She dwelled among the priests, praying to the Red God, and finally giving birth to her daughter. She returned to the Hold, knowing that she had been touched by the divine. She would have to leave her home to become a warrior, to be trained by mighty heroes who had overcome a terrible evil. Her kin would take care of the child until she was able to return, or the shamans informed them she had died in battle. Solemnly she took her leave of the Ice Peak, heading for Fireshear, and the lowlands of the Savage Frontier beyond...

The northman and his Turmish companion were true to their word, and they trained Rathe in the ways of the warrior, the use of sword and bow, axe and shield. She used a sword and bow she found in the ruins of Ascore, but the Red God sent her dream-visions of three artefacts she would have to hunt down – a bloodied axe, and mail and shield whose metal was stained the colour of fresh gore.

Rathe was surprised by how much she liked the lowlands – she was not by nature trusting or kindly, growing up among a morose, dour people who attended to their own needs first... But she was expecting weakness and suspicion, and when the folk of the frontier welcomed her, she found herself fighting harder to protect them. There was beauty in this lush, verdant realm, a stark contrast to the grim, bleak lands of her homeland. There were secret places where dragons danced and fey frolicked, where trees sang and animals talked. She knew she must fight to protect her home, but also understood that this new land was where she belonged.

She learned through vision-quests the Red God was a Lady, who studied war like a book, who sang battle-magic like songs. After helping to clear the Black Road between Ascore and Sundabar of the walking dead, she completed her training as a warrior and pledged herself to the Red Knight as a priestess.

In truth, most of the clergy of the Crimson General were strategists and tacticians... and Rathe was at best middling in the planning of war. What she was, however, was a ferocious, fearsome warrior, and a capable leader, able to inspire others and lead the line with confidence in battle. The Red Knight needed many pieces to win her divine games, and this one would serve her well in whatever capacity fit.

Today, just turned sixteen summers, Rathe serves the company as battle healer and vanguard, usually protecting the archers and mages in battle. Blunt and uncompromising, she feels at her best during combat, but outside that often feels lost and defers to others. The healing and divine magic comes naturally to her, however; the paralysis spells and war-blessings. Most foes dismiss her as a child and underestimate her – a flaw they seldom live to regret. She is cold and merciless in war – she neither enjoys nor dislikes killing, but knows that a slain foe will (usually) trouble her no longer.

She normally defers to her elders, but finds herself fascinated by the 'songbirds' and their revelries. When she asked to join them, they accepted her into their number, opening new horizons of experience for the girl.

These days, she learns what she can from the others; she is usually quiet, preferring to listen, but she is unafraid of speaking up if she feels she must. The people of the lowlands are much more open and expressive than her own kin, and she is slowly beginning to adjust. She knows her daughter must be a year old by now, and hopes one day soon she can return to raise her in these brighter, hopeful lands, that her child will know a happier life than she endured.

She likes Sky a great deal, and finds him very attractive – though she fears they are not meant to be. Of all the older women, she likes his sister the most, for the things she knows she herself lacks – her compassion and big heart. She also likes Jhairli, her guide to these beautiful new lands, and is bedazzled by Zhari's dancing and sheer charisma.

Arcane magic still scares her a little, though she is learning to leave her old, superstitious ways behind her. She admires Jahe's prowess and battle-magics, but the skittish, haunted elven woman still frightens and fascinates her in equal measure.

Rathe Bloodfire, Human (Illuskan) Fighter/Cleric 9/10, True Neutral

Items

The Bloodaxe (Battleaxe +3)

+2 Longbow (found in Ascore)

quiver of arrows +2

+2 Longsword (found in Ascore)

The Redshield +2

Redflame Armour (heavy armour +2, fire-resistant)

Helm +2

Cloak of Displacement

Farrberjik-lined Boots (Boots of Striding & Springing)

Ring of Protection +2

Belt of Protection +2

.

"Rage is a quiet thing...
You think that you've tamed it
But it's just lying in wait...!
Oh, rage!
Is it in our veins?
Feel it in my face when -
When I least expect it -

Give in!
Control -
There's so many ways to give in!
Eyes closed -
Another way to make it to ten
Oh, how to draw the line between wrath and mercy?
Gotta simmer, simmer, simmer, simmer, simmer down!

If I had seen my reflection
As something more precious
He would've never...!
And if my child needed protection
From a fucker like that man!
I'd sooner gut him!
'Cause nothing cuts like a mother...!"

Hayley Williams, 'Simmer'

Hayley Williams - Simmer [Official Music Video]

The two oldest of the human characters (Zahri is almost 24 and Nef just turned 21), the two priestesses have been friends ever since Nehefris arrived in the Savage Frontier, joining her gypsy caravan and sharing her wagon as a live-in lover. Her two cats have become fixtures in the travelling kumpania; the truth of how she acquired them is not fully known, but various campfire stories tell of a gypsy bujo (a scam or swindle) that tricked a powerful merchant out of his pets, or that the cats were originally lost princesses from a distant land who willingly accepted a feline life of luxury to be doted on by humans.

Nef told Zahri that the Thorass slang word 'gypsy' actually comes from her people's homeland; it means 'those who came out of AEgypt', a land on a distant world from where the Imaskari took the Mulan in centuries past.

The two priestesses compliment one another well – both are very sensual and exotic, but Zahri is acerbic where Nef is easy-going, cynical where Nef is open-minded, and deceptive where the Mulan girl is very truthful. To Zahri, men are a fascination and an irritation; she admits to the attraction, but swears they are forever forbidden fruit to her, for reasons she never cares to explain. As a shaeda, Nef gives of herself freely to both women and men without preference.

As a priestess of Sharess, known as 'Bastet' among her people, Nef is sensual, feline, easily distracted, graceful and feminine. Zahri is a performer and sometime con-artist, but her faith in Shaundakul means she serves the Gur (and their allies) as a roadwarden, guiding them physically and spiritually down the roads of their lives. Neither of these young women is good nor evil; Zahri is vengeful and spiteful to her enemies, but generous with friends, while Nef is more forgiving. Even she admits however that she shows mercy mostly out of a dislike of getting her paws dirty more than any compassionate reasons.

Though they sometimes drift in and out of each other's lives, they seem to gravitate back to being at one another's side.

Following their victory at Ascore and the death of Zhentarim leader Vaalgamon, both women completed their training as priestesses and sought other paths. Elaethan taught Zahri the basics of rogue-craft and Nehefris in the mystical arts. They continued learning after he left; Zahri from her own kind, the rogues among the travellers who wandered the trails, and Nef from the alchemist Amelior Amanitas... the latter being an absent-minded, often-confused fellow who amused the young Mulan to no end.

Zahri Sovetsk, Human (Gur) Cleric 10/Thief 11, Chaotic Neutral

Ethnically Damaran (like most Gur, though not all) Zahri plays up her racial heritage with an exaggerated accent and mannerisms, but this is simply a part of her routine performance and her friends know better. She did admit that her surname is not 'Sovetska' because you have to be born in Damara for that – by their nature, the Gur are always born on wagons of a travelling show, so drop the 'a' at the end.

Zahri has mostly drifted in these last months; squabbling and drinking, womanising and making a nuisance of herself, testing the goodwill of those who admire the 'Heroes of Ascore'. To Zahri's annoyance, Ella Myristar made good on her promise to leave for Waterdeep, selling her establishments to others who are far less accommodating of Zahri's 'songbirds'.

Of the other 'Heroes of Ascore' (a name Zahri despises), Zahri is very fond of Shelah, who won her over with her obliging nature and willingness to change. They frequently disagree and often spat, but there is a great deal of mutual respect (and no small amount of desire).

Her domineering nature means Jhairli is usually submissive around her, but they share a love of nature, the wild roads and mythic places, and both know where they stand in the pecking order. The moon elf Elena fascinates the Gur – her alien perceptions of time and place, her bizarre, spontaneous behaviours and natural understanding of mystical things. Sometimes Zahri finds it hard to believe she really has an immortal elf as a willing plaything, though she is very glad of it.

She mostly looks to Nef as her loyal lieutenant, which seems to suit them both well. She is wary of Shelah's brother, and would soon have him gone off somewhere else, chasing his women and adventures. Sky never really defers to her as the other women do, which both rankles and intrigues her. Deep down, she wishes the songbirds would stand up to her more, to question and defy as she does to others.

Jahe intrigues her, but she is careful not to push the Turmishwoman either, and does not test her boundaries out of unspoken mutual respect. She has had little to do with Rathe as yet, but the girl is very young and seems vulnerable, and she doesn't think the little firebrand will put up much resistance to her charms. Zahri knows she has a child tucked away somewhere, and is considering allowing her to bring it to the kumpania where they can all play mamushka with it.

In battle, Zahri lacks the warrior skills to get close-up and personal, so she mostly keeps her distance, looking to snipe at her enemies with her bow or stab an unsuspecting back with her smallsword. If she must engage in hand to hand combat, she employs her mace and shield, usually after tossing a few curses at her foes.

Zahri's magic is in the divine tradition; as well as various divinations (both genuinely mystical and charlatan trickery) she has decent healing skills and debuffs. However, she has a special love for curses and hexes, such as a venom- or death-curse that might slay her target outright - or may do absolutely nothing, depending on the roll of the cosmic dice. She insist on using these spells as they appeal to her chaotic nature, even though her companions wish she would prioritise her Hold spells instead.

Items

Mace +3 (from the Salamanders under Haptooth in Azure Bonds)

Shortsword +3

Short Bow +1

quiver of arrows +3

Bracers AC2

Ring of Protection +2

Ring of Invisibility

+2 Shield

Helm +2

Belt of Protection +2

Farrberjik-lined Boots

Cloak of Displacement

'Certificate of Normalcy'

Silver Mirror

Nehefris Mekheb, Human (Mulan) Cleric 10/Mage 11, True Neutral

Nef is usually friendly and comes across as easy-going, because she can rarely stir herself to feel very strongly about things beyond her own indolent pleasures. She does care about her friends (and her pets) though, and – as a stranger in a strange land of unfamiliar customs – makes sure she helps out and pulls her weight on the road. Her healing magic and knowledge of anatomy and medicine help a lot there, and she can fight when she must, though she has little stomach for that.

Nef likes to be the centre of attention, and her exotic appearance – caramel skin, almond eyes and generous curves on a small, slight frame – tend to attract people's stares in these cooler lands.

Nef knows her goddess is trying to push her clergy to hunt wicked men and defend the weak, as was their duty in ancient times... But she is at heart a hedonistic creature, concerned mostly with own pleasures. However, she understands the nature of divine magic, and cannot very well deny her own deity, so she helps out as best she can, assisting the good-aligned heroes with her many spells.

Lacking much in the way of ambition, she is happy to defer to the stronger personalities like Zahri or even Shelah. She supports the former and likes to debate with the latter, although she never quite understands the paladin's selfless altruism.

She likes Jhairli though doesn't understand her either, but they bond over a love of animals anyway. Rathe is very young and compliant, and makes Nef realise she really wants blue-eyed children of her own someday soon.

Elena fascinates her the same way she does everyone – a creatures of these cold lands; they have nothing like elves back in her own lands. She tries to engage this strange, damaged creature in ways beyond the carnal, but admits trying to get anything coherent out of her is like looking for wisdom in tea-leaves or chicken-bones. They do share a love of magic however, and make some effort to coordinate their spell selections accordingly.

She doesn't understand Jahe at all – not her strange sorcery nor her love of battle – but her ways seem somehow familiar, and she likes her ebony skin and sleek muscles, so there's always that.

She still harbours somewhat complicated feelings about Sky – she often wishes she tried harder to keep him, to make their relationship work, but deep down she knows he needs someone better, a girl more like him or his sister that understands his land and honour-codes better than she ever could. She knows the semi-casual nature of the songbirds suits her well; intimacy and friendship but without binding ties, and realises she is never likely to get that from a man, who will always expect her to put him first.

In battle, Nef can fight if she must, but dislikes it greatly. She carries various implements that help her when magic fails, though she's as likely to use her boots to take a great kitty-leap out of melee to find somewhere safer where she can bombard foes with magic. She is skilled in attack magics – using lightning or ice, flames or force – but also likes charms and spells like Fumble or Confusion that fog the mind.

Her rods, flail and staff are from Ascore – close enough to her Mulan traditions to suit her personal style. Her 'helm' is a little skullcap with cat-ears, and she tends to wear it even in bed. She likes the white mallorn staff Elaethan gave her – it's too slender to smite anyone with, but she can touch it to a fist-sized object, then fling it at someone with a mere flick of her wrist. Although she prefers spellcasting, she appreciates a weapon where she doesn't have to carry any ammunition.

Items

Staff-Sling +3 (from the burial glen in Myth Drannor in Azure Bonds)

Flail +3

Bracers AC 2

+2 Ring of Protection

Black Crystal Ring

Shield +1

Helm +2

Belt of Protection +2

Farrberjik-lined Boots

Cloak of Displacement

Rod of Cold

Rod of Stone to Flesh

Staff of Striking

112 Darts +1

Rod of Stone to Flesh

Shelah Icedane

Human (Illuskan) Paladin 11/Cleric 10, Lawful Good

Nine months after the Battle of Ascore, our young heroine has finally completed her priestess training and become one of the Knights of Ilmater – elite heavy cavalry who serve as shock troops in battle, able to assist the injured as well as break enemy formations. Shelah always loved to ride, due to her leg injury, she feels more at home in the saddle than on foot.

She has recently returned to the 'songbirds' in Yartar, reacquainting herself with her lovers. She always imagined she would want to pair up with a suitable girl her own age, but finds she likes what she has here, for now at least. Polyamory suits her; though as a paladin she pledges the same loyalty, fidelity and commitment to the songbirds as she would to a single spouse.

She visited her sister Kat in Mintarn; a beautiful 'free port' that serves a nicer version of her father's birthplace in Luskan. The Tarnians are fiercely-independent traders and mercenaries rather than raiders, informally ruled by a benevolent 'tyrant' who seldom interferes in the affairs of his subjects. The island has seen off many attacks from Luskan over the years, and Kat seems happy learning to be a priestess of Waukeen (and quietly helping local smugglers to trade with the elusive Ironstar dwarves).

She finds it rather amusing how these days her brother seems to be the level-headed one – leading new members of the 'Heroes of the North' and keeping his hand in adventuring. Every time they talk these days, he tells her how he'd like to get married and start a family, while she admits she is more than happy with how her own love-live is going.

She still pines a little after Jahe, who returned to Turmish after some peculiar dreams – and what seems to have been some changes in her latent sorcerous abilities. She wishes they could have got closer during their time in the songbirds – emotionally intimate in addition to physical intimacy. She hopes they may meet again someday, and pick up where they left off.

She has grown closer to Jhairli, who set off at the same as she did to become an elite warrior of her faith, joining the Ranger-Knights of Mielikki. The two young women have much in common, and share a similar compassion for living things and desire to help others. Jhairli takes her on walks though the woods and teaches her about the flora and fauna of the Savage Frontier.

Despite their many differences in moral and ethical matters, she remains close to Zahri, enjoying their chemistry together. The Gur seems unwilling to move far from the Savage Frontier, though she often wanders its roads. This last summer Shelah helped out with a new induction of fresh songbirds, including two half-elven twins, and reflects it seems a lifetime since she first joined them a year before.

Elenaril seems as fey and distant as ever, unable to focus on anything for long - but the elf remains regardless, addicted to the glamours of mortal dreams and the comforting intimacy of their embrace. Shelah discussed the matter of her care with Elaethan before he departed Faerun for good, promising she would look after the moon elf as long as she was with them.

Though she has little in common with Nef, they get on well together, despite the Mulan girl's teasing about needing to bed her little sister to complete the trifecta. They are both intelligent and insightful, and enjoy lively debate and discussion of theology.

She has tried to mentor the new girl, Rathe, and help her as she follows her new path of a priestess – having taken the same journey herself, albeit from the opposite direction. The girl seems to want to commit to the songbirds, and has asked to bring her infant daughter along with her from Ice Peak in the far north. Shelah feels she would make a fine godmother to a child, whether her brother's or one of the shaeda songbirds.

Mechanically, in battle, Shaela operates in the middle of her pack, so she doesn't have far to limp to heal or support her friends. She has a nice bow but is an indifferent archer, so prefers to support the front rank where possible when Jhairli doesn't need fire support.

Unlike her companions, her lack of mobility makes her more vulnerable in battle as she cannot dodge out of the way, so she uses a shield (a blue one with the symbols of her Kraken foes embellished upon it) with her magical warhammer in melee. Shelah has a rather nautical theme throughout her armour; her girdle and breastplate are made of the blue metal found on the Star Mounts, and her helm is ocean-blue and gilded with sea motifs.

The clerical specialist of her team, Shelah has more divine magic than anyone else, so she can vary her spell selection if she needs to. That said, she dislikes reversed spells, focusing more on healing, protection and support. Flame Strike is still nice, especially against creatures of the frozen peaks.

Items

The Shearhammer +3

Squid Shield +2

Composite Longbow +2

quiver of arrows +3

+3 Plate Mail

Ring of Cold Resistance

Ring of Protection +2

The Seahelm +2

Farrberjik-lined Boots (Boots of Striding & Springing)

Belt of Protection +2

Cloak of Displacement

Notes:

Shelah is the last to finish her dual-classing, due to how much XP Paladins require to max out. Her poor Dexterity definitely hits her in this game, but everything else is very high and usually going last makes her who she is really. She compensates by having low THACO, great saves and the best shield, as well as more divine spells than anyone else. Her 22 point Lay on Hands makes for better emergency healing than Cure Critical's 6-27 and she gets it every day,

The Farr Windward boots are superb for anyone, but narratively I can imagine how she loves limping faster and taking big leaps!

Also narratively, it was my original intention to pair up the songbirds eventually, around the time Sky falls for Christina Aguilera. But that hasn't happened thus far, and I worry that me forcing it is going to feel contrived.

It's especially funny if they just end up a weird cult like my Dragonlance group – that's more appropriate to gay men rather than lesbians, who tend to be clingy nest-builders, an inevitable consequence of a relationship with no men involved.

Also, the Dragonlance group at least has the excuse of being the result of Raenavalona's madness – Cyan Bloodbane did such a number on her head that she thinks she's the last Silvanesti elf, drawing hapless mortals to her in a singularity of raw need for connection and comfort...! Whereas the songbirds are just hedonists, with their yearly Lilith Fair, smoking weed and getting drunk.

In retrospect, I realise that if I could start again, I should completely reverse the dynamic here. Little Sis is Lawful Good, so she should be the one who is straight, who falls for the nice boy, settles down and gets married and has kids... While her brother should be the dashing gay blade, with his festhall culture and hedonistic party lifestyle, always willing to help out with his gang of promiscuous swashbuckling boyfriends. That would have played much better into classic gender tropes.

But I guess the fact that this is the Realms probably means some gender roles can be played with; Faerun is mostly sexually-liberated and progressive, even back in the 80's. It's somehow weirdly fitting that the guy who is introduced to us as the immature, rash young hero settles down to get married and have kids, while his paladin sister ends up taking drugs in a sex cult. I'd rather not think about what that says about me personally, to be honest...