Adrian: Baldur's Gate

The group got together in the small foyer of the Nashkel Inn the following morning. Adrian felt strangely invigorated by his unpleasant dream, empowered.

"All right," he said to the group. "We're going to head for the mines, but we'll explore the town area first for any additional commissions. I trust that now we've met the Mayor, you two are satisfied?" he asked Montaron and Xzar.

"Aye," Montaron grunted.

"Oh, indeed, indeed," Xzar agreed. "Now that we are here, we have time to deal with this...crisis."

"Good. Then we can pursue any local options."

"Stand and deliver! So my hamster may get a better look at you!" cried a voice.

"Wha?" said Imoen.

"If this is another assassin..." Adrian growled between his teeth.

But it wasn't. It was a bug-eyed man with a shaved head and tattooed skull, weird looping designs in purple. A hamster--a hamster!--was perched on his shoulder.

"Minsc and Boo need your help!" this apparition cried.

"Which of you is Boo?" Adrian managed with a straight face.

"My miniature giant space hamster!"

Adrian looked at the group with wide eyes; he saw his own expression mirrored amongst all of them, save Xzar, who was just giggling.

"And what exactly do you want us to help you with?" Adrian asked Minsc.

"To help rescue my Witch Dynaheir! She has been captured by gnolls."

"And our reward for this would be?"

"Why, the righteous glory of being heroes! Butt-kicking for goodness!"

Kagain snorted. Montaron harrumphed. Imoen looked thoughtful. Xzar just kept giggling. Viconia sneered and turned away. Adrian tried to keep a straight face; it was hard not to laugh.

"How long have you had your hamster?" Imoen asked.

"Sine my h-h-head wound," Minsc stuttered.

"Head wound, you say?" said Adrian, thoughtfully. "Where, exactly, were you hit?"

"Here," said Minsc, turning his head to the left and pointing just behind the ear.

"Really..." said Adrian.

BONK

Minsc's eyes rolled up in his head and he dropped like a stone. Adrian had hit him with his fist, right in the appointed spot.

"Why not kill him?" asked Viconia.

"The poor fool is suffering far worse than death already," said Adrian. "He makes Xzar look sane, and that's saying something."

Montaron chuckled, Xzar just looked blank.

"Let's move on."

They turned and left the unconscious Minsc lying there, Boo chirping uncertainly beside him.

"You there! I have the need of the services of your group! (Yes...they will do nicely.)"

A mage in scarlet cloak and hood addressed them from the bridge. Adrian had learned the tomes of Candlekeep well enough to know a Red Wizard of Thay when he saw one. Powerful, but dangerous. Very dangerous.

"And what do you have to offer?" asked Adrian.

"I am Edwin, and I have need of you. I wish to retain your services to kill the evil Witch, Dynaheir."

"The same woman who--" began Imoen.

"Yes," Adrian cut her off. "And what will you offer us as reward?"

"Well....I must admit, I do not have the gold worthy of such a task. I will, however, volunteer my services for a year to your cause, whatever it may be, on the conclusion of this venture."

Adrian thought about this. He could use another mage, to balance Xzar if for no other reason. This was one to be wary of, to be sure. But then, who could one trust in this world? Imoen, of course, but Imoen would not like this.

"We accept," he said.

"No!" Imoen cried, as he had known she would. "I can't do this! This is evil!"

"Your point, Rivven?" Viconia asked.

"This is who I am, Imoen," Adrian said, almost sadly. "I always have been. My same proposal stands; wait for Khalid and Jaheira to get here, and join them."

A single tear dripped from Imoen's eye. Then she nodded. She hugged Adrian, once, then ran back up the street.

Edwin sneered. "If we've ditched the dead weight, then I presume we go?"

"I'll tell you only once not to speak of her in those terms, Thayvian," Adrian snapped. "But yes, let us go."

Edwin stared at him for a minute, and Adrian returned his glare with his own cold look. Then Edwin nodded. "So be it."

They went.