Adrian: Baldur's Gate

They were not serisouly wounded from the battle, and so without issue proceeded to their next lead; the petrified adventurers. Entering the house where rumors had them stocked, they first had to face the mad noble that had collected them.

He was not powerful in and of himself, but he was a fair mage, and had a quartet of archer bodyguards.

Even before seeing this retinue, Adrian was of half a mind to negotiate a fair price for the statues. He was flush with money now, after all, which had brought him a measure of contentment. He was more than happy to buy what he wanted with gold rather than blood.

But the Collector would have none of it. "Kill them!"

Seeing the archers, the party reacted even without Adrian's command. They were a well-oiled fighting machine now. Viconia and Tiax raised undead to serve as adfensive screen. Adrian returned fire with his crossbow. Xzar magic missiled the Collector to stop him casting, and Edwin dropped a fireball on the foe.

It was over in seconds, with Adrian only slightly wounded, the others not at all.

They had picked up stone-to-flesh scrolls on the way, and freed the adventurers one at a time. They confirmed their other lead, the underground pleasure warren, was the most likely target. They themselves had been seeking it when Ramazith had stoned them. They were pleased to learn that their petrification had already been avenged. Adrian let them go; all save Tiax wanted them dead, but Adrian didn't feel the need. The surfeit of gold was soothing him, almost making him happy. Besides, there were more treasures to be had ahead.

Having alredy experienced two battles taht day, however, Adrian decided not tp push his luck any further. Instead they returned to the Elfsong and packed away their belongings, to move base camp. Adrian chose the Low Lantern, the ship-turned-hotel in the dock, as their new living quarters. Knowing he was thinking of Zavrian and his crew, the others happily agreed.

"Tiax fondly remembers the sea raiders," sighed the gnome as they took in their new living quarters.

"Aye," said Adrian. The boat rocked very slowly in the harbor, almost imperceptibly. But all the same it was a pleasant reminder.

"Apparently we can get into the warrens by way of the Blushing Mermaid," said Edwin. "Tomorrow, I assume?"

"You assume correctly."

The Zhentarim envoy Wheber Ott, meanwhile, wanted Adrian's group soon. He had a taks for them, and he felt they would like it very much indeed.

"Prepare a letter to Xzar," he ordered one of his subordinates. "The time has come."