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Ember's Tale 89: A Warm Welcome


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#1 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 30 December 2007 - 07:57 PM

Chapter 89: A Warm Welcome


What had started as a convenient campsite on the outskirts of the forests of Tethyr, situated where the main road between Athkatla and Tethyr branched off towards Murann and Riatavin, had grown into Trademeet, one of the largest and most distinctive towns in Southeast Amn. Every building in the town was made of wood, taken from the massive forest to the south. Skilled woodcarvers, inspired by the art of a half dozen different cultures, wrought leafy vines, waterfalls, and stylized animals on shutters, doorposts and eaves, and the streets were paved with coloured stones, often laid in giant mosaics. It was a beautiful town, one that had prospered even when its patron deity, Waukeen, had disappeared during the Time of Troubles, and it was known wide and far as a peaceful haven on the most important trade routes in Amn.

Ember and her companions arrived at the peaceful haven to find it under attack.

At the eastern entrance to the town, the ornately carved gates had been destroyed. Heavily armed guards were defending the opening against a score of animals; black bears and brown bears, wolves, snakes, and giant spiders swarmed around the gates, charging the guards and tearing at the walls, attacking with an unnatural ferociousness that reminded Ember of how dire wolves behaved, except only worse.

"How can this be?" Minsc bellowed, a shocked expression on his face. "Boo does not believe his eyes!"

"Neither do I," Ember muttered, staring at the chaos in front of them.

"Come, my companions! We must assist them against these beasts!" With that, Mazzy drew her sword and ran towards the spiders. Jolted out of their stunned inactivity, Anomen and Yoshimo followed the halfling, while a bored-looking Edwin chanted a short spell, sending a small fireball towards a cluster of snakes. Minsc went after the bears, hollering and waving his sword to scare them away, but they paid the unhappy ranger no heed until he joined the battle against them.

With a bloodcurdling howl, a frenzied wolf lunged at one of the guards, knocking him to the ground and ripping at his armour, trying to bite through the chainmail. Ember ran towards them and knocked the wolf off the guard with a quick jab of her staff. The creature rolled away, then got to its feet and slowly padded towards her, drooling and snarling, looking for all the world as if it had gone rabid. But that can't be it. Determined to learned what caused its madness, Ember locked eyes with the wolf and whispered a short cantrip that would let her touch its mind.

Except she couldn't get in.

The wolf's mind was locked against her.

A powerful will, far stronger than the wolf's own, drove it to attack the town. The force of this will overrode every natural instinct the wolf had; food, drink, shelter, hiding from foes - none of that mattered to the wolf any more. Its only desire was to destroy Trademeet, and nothing could get through to it to convince it otherwise.

Going rabid would almost have been a blessing, Ember mused bitterly as she knocked the wolf down a second time. Summoning all her strength, she brought her staff down upon the wolf's neck. She could almost hear a snap as the spine broke. The wolf twitched spasmodically, then lay still, reduced to a pile of meat and bones through her will.

Pushing the wolf's death from her mind, Ember raised her staff and moved to head off another wolf. Beside her, the guard scrambled to his feet. Other than a bloody gash across his cheek, he seemed to be unharmed.

"You... you spoke to the wolf," the guard said, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.

"It was just a cantrip," Ember said, and knocked a wolf into one of the rosebushes that grew at the foot of the gate posts. She was tempted to cast a spell that'd make the thorny brambles ensnare the wolf, but it'd only delay the inevitable; there was nothing she could do for these creatures, other than giving them a quick death. "I wanted to see if I could make it stop attacking, but I can't."

"Is that so," the guard grumbled, and brought his sword down on the charging wolf.

Within a few minutes, the fight was over. The animals all lay dead on the bloodstained ground, as did two of the guards, and many of the defenders had been injured; Anomen was already kneeling beside a wounded guard, both of them bathed in the soft glow of healing spells, and Mazzy seemed to be preparing a bandage for one of the three guards she was talking with. Ember gingerly stepped around a dead bear, making her way towards a young man who was laying on the ground and clutching his belly, and found her path blocked by the guard she'd saved and a stern, blonde woman whose guard armour was accented with red stripes.

"You are a druid?" the woman asked bluntly.

Now what? "Yes, I am," Ember replied. "What of it?"

"Just what I needed," the woman grumbled. "Dobson, get her to the Trade Hall before this gets out."

A trickle of fear wormed its way down her spine. "What are you talking about?"

"It is for your own good!" the guard said, and tried to grab her by the elbow.

"Let go!" Ember pulled her arm free of the guard's grasp.

Moments later, the guard was shoved away from her by a furious Minsc. "What are you doing to my witch?!" he demanded, glaring at both the captain and the guard. "You will not touch her, or Minsc will have to make very bad things happen!"

"Er..." the guard stammered.

"She is not safe here," the captain said, glaring back at Minsc before turning to Ember. "I have nothing against your kind, but my townsfolk do, and the last thing I need is the problems your presence on the street would cause. So, will you let Dobson escort you to the Trade Hall, or am I going to have to arrest you for your own safety?"

"First, tell me why druids are so hated here!"

"Look around," the captain said. "Who do you think caused this?"

Druids did this? Ember's blood ran cold. What kind of druid would-

Shadow druids might. If they hated a forest town enough, they just might.

"I"ll go, if Minsc can come with me," she said.

---

The Trade Hall was a very large building, with creamy white walls that were accented by roof shingles and support beams the colour of rich honey. Its doors were made from carved and polished oak, as were the window trimmings and the furniture within it, and the floors were covered with smooth slate tiles.

Being locked in one of its offices for over an hour had given Ember ample opportunity to study the hall's construction.

Whatever it was that was going on, she didn't like it one bit. It had all happened so fast; Dobson, the guard, had led them away from the battlesite without giving her a chance to alert the others, and she could only hope that someone had let them know where she and Minsc were. Nobody had said a word to them as they were escorted into the building and locked in the office, and nobody had come to offer any explanations since; they had been left completely alone, with only a jug of water and some goblets to keep them company. Ember was starting to wonder if she'd been arrrested after all.

Suddenly, Minsc jumped to his feet. "Boo says someone is coming!"

The door opened, and a broadshouldered man wearing dark plate mail stepped into the room. "Greetings," he said, extending his hand first to Ember, then to Minsc. "I am Lord Logan Coprith, High Merchant of Trademeet. I apologize for the welcome you have received, but it was necessary; we have had a troubled season, and strangers, especially druids, are not easily trusted these days. However, Mazzy Fentan has told us of the assistance you have given her, and your actions at the gate speak for themselves. For both these things, you have our gratitude."

"What has happened here?" Ember asked. "Before they locked us up in here, the guards implied that druids have set the forest animals against you."

"And so it does appear," Lord Coprith said wearily. "The very land is against us. Animals attack, and even the foliage strangles. At first, we did not know where to place blame, but members of a caravan that was attacked in the forest saw several figures directing the chaos. They were druids, belonging to a nearby grove that has always been peaceful in the past. Pardon me." The High Merchant poured himself a goblet of water and drank deeply from it before continuing. "There may be a way to discover why they have turned against us, but I will require outside assistance. Mazzy has vouched for you and your companions, and I think you may be ideally suited for my needs."

"I see," Ember said. "What do you have in mind?"

"A druid entered the town last week. The townspeople captured him, and would have quartered him in the street if I had not locked him up. He claims he is here to investigate the druids in the grove, and I believe him. Unfortunately, many of our citizens already believe him guilty, and he remains behind bars if only to avoid a public burning. What I would have you do is escort him to his task and see what you might learn. I would seem to be collaborating if my men or I were to help him, and alone he may not make it out of town. Will you help?"

"We can not allow our brothers in the woods to fall to evil!" Minsc exclaimed. "If they have forgotten the friendly handshake of goodness, then we must remind them with a bootkick of justice!"

"If there is anything I can do, I will do it," Ember said, "but I'd like to know more of this druid. May I speak with him?"

"Of course," Lord Coprith said. "You may pass and speak with him. He may also leave under promise of your care."

Two guards were summoned, and escorted Ember and Minsc to the basement. Made of stone, it was considerably cooler than the wooden chambers of the main level and contained, in addition to several storage chambers, a dozen or so iron barred cells. The druid, a tall man with tattooes on his face and feathers in his hair, was in the farthest cell, sitting crosslegged on the floor with his eyes closed and his hands folded in his lap; as soon as the guards withdrew out of earshot, he looked up and studied Ember and Minsc with piercing dark eyes.

"Hello and well met to you," he said. "I am Cernd, though my identity is surely no secret after the fuss I have caused here. You look pleasant enough; are you friends of that charming Lord Coprith? I've made very few friends among the merchants."

"Well met, Cernd," Ember replied. "I am Ember, and this is Minsc. Lord Coprith has asked us to escort you out of town, but I wanted to talk with you first."

"Coprith chose well: caution will win the day," Cernd said, and smiled. "He seemed less prone to rash action than the merchants, though I admit they had little reason to trust me. I should have crept quietly as the vine instead of blustering as the wind. On occasion I forget the subtleties that allows nature to progress. Ahh, the blight shall pass, and I will return to cultivate better relations when the time is right. For the present, what do you wish to know?"

"What exactly are you trying to do here?"

"I was sent from the north to investigate why the druid order of this region has severed its ties with the traditional hierarchy. It is not unheard of, but the attacks have me worried. It can only lead to greater evils; these people will eventually strike out as an animal cornered. Answer me this: you are a fellow servant of nature, are you not?"

"Yes, I am."

"Little Ember follows the Lady of the Forest, as does Minsc," Minsc said proudly.

"Then both of you will recognize the danger," Cernd said. "The balance of this area is in disarray, and once it falls there will be hardship for all. I know many druids in this region, and they would not support such actions without due cause. I suspect that there has been a change in leadership here."

"Do you think shadow druids might be involved? They're the only druids I've encountered that might do such a thing," Ember said, and added apologetically, "not that I've met many other druids, that is."

"Young one, the sapling can feel the weather as well as the tree does. I have also seen the influence of shadow druids in these attacks," Cernd said. "It is the duty of any druid to find this new leader and ascertain if this is for the best of nature. I might succeed alone, but I would much rather have the backing of others. Are you up for the task?"

"Yes," Ember said. "I will help as best I can." She signalled to the guards to return, and had them unlock Cernd's cell. The druid stood up, stretched his arms, gathered his coarse brown robes around him, and fetched a staff from the corner of the cell.

"Then let us go and do what must be done," he said, and strode out of the cell like a king leaving his audience chamber.

#2 Guest_Futurist_*

Posted 01 January 2008 - 10:22 AM

"Come, my companions! We must assist them against these beasts!" With that, Mazzy drew her sword and ran towards the spiders. Anomen and Yoshimo joined her, while a bored-looking Edwin chanted a short spell, sending a small fireball towards a cluster of snakes. Minsc went after the bears, hollering and waving his sword to scare them away, but they paid the unhappy ranger no heed until he joined the battle against them.


Thios won`t be very fun for Ember and Minsc


"You are a druid?" the woman asked bluntly.

Now what? "Yes, I am," Ember replied. "What of it?"

"Just what I needed," the woman grumbled. "Dobson, get her to the Trade Hall before this gets out."

A trickle of fear wormed its way down her spine. "What are you talking about?"

"It is for your own good!" the guard said, and tried to grab her by the elbow.

"Let go!" Ember pulled her arm free of the guard's grasp and frantically looked around. They hadn't surrounded her, and the forest edge was close by; could she make a run for it?

And then Minsc was there beside her, towering over both captain and guard and giving them both a furious glare. "What are you doing to my witch?!" he demanded. "You will not take her, or Minsc will have to make very bad things happen!"


Heh... Now he has to contend with an angry Minsc.

The Trade Hall was a very large building, with creamy white walls that were accented by roof shingles and support beams the colour of rich honey. Its doors were made from carved and polished oak, as were the window trimmings and the furniture within it, and the floors were covered with smooth slate tiles.

Being locked in one of its offices for over an hour had given Ember ample opportunity to study the hall's construction.


Cheer up, Ember. It is nicer then a cell.



The door opened, and a broadshouldered man wearing dark plate mail stepped into the room. "Greetings," he said, extending his hand first to Ember, then to Minsc. "I am Lord Logan Coprith, High Merchant of Trademeet. I apologize for the welcome you have received, but it was necessary; we have had a troubled season, and strangers, especially druids, are not easily trusted these days. However, Mazzy Fentan has told us of the assistance you have given her, and your actions at the gate speak for themselves. For both these things, you have our gratitude."


Yay. Mazzy is useful!

"And so it does appear," Lord Coprith said wearily. "The very land is against us. Animals attack, and even the foliage strangles. At first, we did not know where to place blame, but members of a caravan that was attacked in the forest saw several figures directing the chaos. They were druids, belonging to a nearby grove that has always been peaceful in the past. Pardon me." The High Merchant poured himself a goblet of water and drank deeply from it before continuing. "There may be a way to discover why they have turned against us, but I will require outside assistance. Mazzy has vouched for you and your companions, and I think you may be ideally suited for my needs."

"I see," Ember said. "What do you have in mind?"

"A druid entered the town last week. The townspeople captured him, and would have quartered him in the street if I had not locked him up. He claims he is here to investigate the druids in the grove, and I believe him. Unfortunately, many of our citizens already believe him guilty, and he remains behind bars if only to avoid a public burning. What I would have you do is escort him to his task and see what you might learn. I would seem to be collaborating if my men or I were to help him, and alone he may not make it out of town. Will you help?"


Ah, Cernd and all his lovely metaphors.

"Do you think shadow druids might be involved? They're the only druids I've encountered that might do such a thing," Ember said, and added apologetically, "not that I've met many other druids, that is."

"Young one, the sapling can feel the weather as well as the tree does. I have also seen the influence of shadow druids in these attacks," Cernd said. "It is the duty of any druid to find this new leader and ascertain if this is for the best of nature. I might succeed alone, but I would much rather have the backing of others. Are you up for the task?"


She has already met Faldorn once hasn`t she?

"Yes," Ember said. "I will help as best I can." She signalled to the guards to return, and had them unlock Cernd's cell. The druid stood up, stretched his arms, gathered his coarse brown robes around him, and fetched a staff from the corner of the cell.

"Then let us go, and do what must be done," he said, and strode out of the cell like a king leaving his audience chamber.


Hey, tyhere might be a stronghold in your future Ember.

#3 Guest_Ananke_*

Posted 01 January 2008 - 10:33 PM

What had started as a convenient campsite on the outskirts of the forests of Tethyr, situated where the main road between Athkatla and Tethyr branched off towards Murann and Riatavin, had grown into Trademeet, one of the largest and most distinctive towns in Southeast Amn. Every building in the town was made of wood, taken from the massive forest to the south. Skilled woodcarvers, inspired by the art of a half dozen different cultures, wrought leafy vines, waterfalls, and stylized animals on shutters, doorposts and eaves, and the streets were paved with coloured stones, often laid in giant mosaics. It was a beautiful town, one that had prospered even when its patron deity, Waukeen, had disappeared during the Time of Troubles, and it was known wide and far as a peaceful haven on the most important trade routes in Amn.

You have started to write tourist guides for a change, I see.

At the eastern entrance to the town, the ornately carved gates had been destroyed. Heavily armed guards, many of them with long gashes in their chainmail armour, were defending the opening against a score of animals; black bears and brown bears, wolves, snakes, and giant spiders swarmed around the gates, charging the guards with an unnatural ferociousness that reminded Ember of how dire wolves behaved, except only worse.

I... Uh. I sort of wish this description were longer. With your gift for descriptive writing, I'm sure you would have made me see what my lazy mind refused to visualise until it was too late - it must have been extremely crowded there! I'm surprised they even saw the city guards from beyond the animals...

It's just that this impersonal enumeration brings to my mind the game map rather than - well. An actual swarm of animals, fighting.

"How can this be?" Minsc bellowed, a shocked expression on his face. "Boo does not believe his eyes!"

Boo had better believe, I'm afraid. :P

With a bloodcurdling howl, a frenzied wolf lunged at one of the guards, knocking him to the ground and ripping at his armour, trying to bite through the chainmail. Ember ran towards them and knocked the wolf off the guard with a quick jab of her staff. The creature rolled away, then got to its feet and slowly padded towards her, drooling and snarling. They can't be rabid, can they? Ember locked eyes with the wolf and whispered a short cantrip that would let her touch the creature's mind.

...if snakes and spiders can get rabies, Miss Druid. :D

No, really. She's seeing a crowd of snakes and spiders attacking together with bears and wolves, and the best she can think of is rabies? I'll put it down to shock, because, otherwise, she's not living up to her famous WIS score today.

Going rabid would almost have been a blessing, Ember mused bitterly as she knocked the wolf down a second time. Summoning all her strength, she brought her staff down upon the wolf's neck. She could almost hear a snap as the spine broke. The wolf twitched spasmodically, then lay still, reduced to a pile of meat and bones on her command.

Oh. So, she's ideologically for summoning insect swarms, but against controlling the minds of higher vertebrates? :is grumpy:

Pushing the wolf's death from her mind, Ember raised her staff and moved to head off another wolf. Beside her, the guard scrambled to his feet. Other than a bloody gash across his cheek, he seemed to be unharmed.

Er. OK. Stopping the snark. It's either, 'head', 'behead' or 'cut off the head'. 'Head off' means 'block' / 'prevent'. Also, does the 'on her command' mean that she cast some spell, or is that just your way of telling us she's feeling guilty for the death?

She was tempted to cast a spell that'd make the thorny brambles ensnare the wolf, but it'd only delay the inevitable; there was nothing she could do for these wolves, other than giving them a quick death.

A lot of wolves in this sentence. :lol:

"You are a druid?" the woman asked bluntly.

I love how scared you've written them all.

Shadow druids might. If they hated a forest town enough, they just might.

"I"ll go, if Minsc can come with me," she said.

Er? And the Knight in Shining Armour? The Upstanding Halfling Citizen of Trademeet? (The Wily Rogue and the Bored Wizard, too, although I doubt they'd be of too much help here. Well, Edwin can snark at everyone.) Where are they? :)

However, Mazzy Fentan has told us of the assistance you have given her, and your actions at the gate speak for themselves. For both these things, you have our gratitude."

Ah. So, she did speak up, after all. ;) (Mind you, she could have done this a bit earlier. ;) )

"Hello and well met to you," he said. "I am Cernd, though my identity is surely no secret after the fuss I have caused here. You look pleasant enough; are you friends of that charming Lord Coprith? I've made very few friends among the merchants."

Hello, Cernd! :P

"Yes," Ember said. "I will help as best I can." She signalled to the guards to return, and had them unlock Cernd's cell. The druid stood up, stretched his arms, gathered his coarse brown robes around him, and fetched a staff from the corner of the cell.

"Then let us go, and do what must be done," he said, and strode out of the cell like a king leaving his audience chamber.

Yes! The exposition is over, now let's see what kind of Male Bonding Yoshimo, Anomen and Edwin were up to while Ember was Out Questing!

I'm not sure... I have mixed thoughts about this chapter. I like the general sketch of it - Ember's druid-ness leading her into trouble and quest. But the lack of the party's reaction to her arrest, and the way she calmly accepted bears attacking together with snakes - that she let this, of all things, pass without comment...

Still. I'm happy to get a new chapter so soon after the previous one! Thank you very much, and... well. Happy Writing in the New Year! :P

#4 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 02 January 2008 - 07:12 AM


"Come, my companions! We must assist them against these beasts!" With that, Mazzy drew her sword and ran towards the spiders. Anomen and Yoshimo joined her, while a bored-looking Edwin chanted a short spell, sending a small fireball towards a cluster of snakes. Minsc went after the bears, hollering and waving his sword to scare them away, but they paid the unhappy ranger no heed until he joined the battle against them.


Thios won`t be very fun for Ember and Minsc


No, it won't.


"Let go!" Ember pulled her arm free of the guard's grasp and frantically looked around. They hadn't surrounded her, and the forest edge was close by; could she make a run for it?

And then Minsc was there beside her, towering over both captain and guard and giving them both a furious glare. "What are you doing to my witch?!" he demanded. "You will not take her, or Minsc will have to make very bad things happen!"


Heh... Now he has to contend with an angry Minsc.


A thing very few people wish to contend with :D


The Trade Hall was a very large building, with creamy white walls that were accented by roof shingles and support beams the colour of rich honey. Its doors were made from carved and polished oak, as were the window trimmings and the furniture within it, and the floors were covered with smooth slate tiles.

Being locked in one of its offices for over an hour had given Ember ample opportunity to study the hall's construction.


Cheer up, Ember. It is nicer then a cell.


Ember: But the novelty's wearing off!


The door opened, and a broadshouldered man wearing dark plate mail stepped into the room. "Greetings," he said, extending his hand first to Ember, then to Minsc. "I am Lord Logan Coprith, High Merchant of Trademeet. I apologize for the welcome you have received, but it was necessary; we have had a troubled season, and strangers, especially druids, are not easily trusted these days. However, Mazzy Fentan has told us of the assistance you have given her, and your actions at the gate speak for themselves. For both these things, you have our gratitude."


Yay. Mazzy is useful!


You know, they really should have given the people in Trademeet some kind of response for when Mazzy is in your party ;)


"Do you think shadow druids might be involved? They're the only druids I've encountered that might do such a thing," Ember said, and added apologetically, "not that I've met many other druids, that is."

"Young one, the sapling can feel the weather as well as the tree does. I have also seen the influence of shadow druids in these attacks," Cernd said. "It is the duty of any druid to find this new leader and ascertain if this is for the best of nature. I might succeed alone, but I would much rather have the backing of others. Are you up for the task?"


She has already met Faldorn once hasn`t she?


And damn near been killed by her, yes.


"Yes," Ember said. "I will help as best I can." She signalled to the guards to return, and had them unlock Cernd's cell. The druid stood up, stretched his arms, gathered his coarse brown robes around him, and fetched a staff from the corner of the cell.

"Then let us go, and do what must be done," he said, and strode out of the cell like a king leaving his audience chamber.


Hey, tyhere might be a stronghold in your future Ember.


Perhaps... :)

#5 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 02 January 2008 - 07:26 AM

What had started as a convenient campsite on the outskirts of the forests of Tethyr, situated where the main road between Athkatla and Tethyr branched off towards Murann and Riatavin, had grown into Trademeet, one of the largest and most distinctive towns in Southeast Amn. Every building in the town was made of wood, taken from the massive forest to the south. Skilled woodcarvers, inspired by the art of a half dozen different cultures, wrought leafy vines, waterfalls, and stylized animals on shutters, doorposts and eaves, and the streets were paved with coloured stones, often laid in giant mosaics. It was a beautiful town, one that had prospered even when its patron deity, Waukeen, had disappeared during the Time of Troubles, and it was known wide and far as a peaceful haven on the most important trade routes in Amn.

You have started to write tourist guides for a change, I see.


Yes.

(Ember didn't have time to notice the town, so I decided to have its characteristics as preestablished knowledge.)

At the eastern entrance to the town, the ornately carved gates had been destroyed. Heavily armed guards, many of them with long gashes in their chainmail armour, were defending the opening against a score of animals; black bears and brown bears, wolves, snakes, and giant spiders swarmed around the gates, charging the guards with an unnatural ferociousness that reminded Ember of how dire wolves behaved, except only worse.

I... Uh. I sort of wish this description were longer. With your gift for descriptive writing, I'm sure you would have made me see what my lazy mind refused to visualise until it was too late - it must have been extremely crowded there! I'm surprised they even saw the city guards from beyond the animals...


Guards are taller than most animals?

It's just that this impersonal enumeration brings to my mind the game map rather than - well. An actual swarm of animals, fighting.


Hm. I didn't want to do that, as there were only 3 or 4 animals on the map...

With a bloodcurdling howl, a frenzied wolf lunged at one of the guards, knocking him to the ground and ripping at his armour, trying to bite through the chainmail. Ember ran towards them and knocked the wolf off the guard with a quick jab of her staff. The creature rolled away, then got to its feet and slowly padded towards her, drooling and snarling. They can't be rabid, can they? Ember locked eyes with the wolf and whispered a short cantrip that would let her touch the creature's mind.

...if snakes and spiders can get rabies, Miss Druid. :D


Oh, hush.

No, really. She's seeing a crowd of snakes and spiders attacking together with bears and wolves, and the best she can think of is rabies? I'll put it down to shock, because, otherwise, she's not living up to her famous WIS score today.


Consider it a natural response to foaming-at-the-mouth animal.

Going rabid would almost have been a blessing, Ember mused bitterly as she knocked the wolf down a second time. Summoning all her strength, she brought her staff down upon the wolf's neck. She could almost hear a snap as the spine broke. The wolf twitched spasmodically, then lay still, reduced to a pile of meat and bones on her command.

Oh. So, she's ideologically for summoning insect swarms, but against controlling the minds of higher vertebrates? :is grumpy:


Yes, she is a natural racist. She'll command plants and bugs, but doesn't like brainwashed mammals.

(Besides, most of the summoned gnats get a good meal for their work before they're returned to whence they came.)

Pushing the wolf's death from her mind, Ember raised her staff and moved to head off another wolf. Beside her, the guard scrambled to his feet. Other than a bloody gash across his cheek, he seemed to be unharmed.

Er. OK. Stopping the snark. It's either, 'head', 'behead' or 'cut off the head'. 'Head off' means 'block' / 'prevent'. Also, does the 'on her command' mean that she cast some spell, or is that just your way of telling us she's feeling guilty for the death?


She's very aware of 'I made the wolf die' and I couldn't think of a better word to use.

She was tempted to cast a spell that'd make the thorny brambles ensnare the wolf, but it'd only delay the inevitable; there was nothing she could do for these wolves, other than giving them a quick death.

A lot of wolves in this sentence. :P


Yes, there are.

"You are a druid?" the woman asked bluntly.

I love how scared you've written them all.


That militia captain was very no-nonsense, and not afraid of druids. She just doesn't want the problems a druid's presence brings.


"I"ll go, if Minsc can come with me," she said.

Er? And the Knight in Shining Armour? The Upstanding Halfling Citizen of Trademeet? (The Wily Rogue and the Bored Wizard, too, although I doubt they'd be of too much help here. Well, Edwin can snark at everyone.) Where are they? :)


On the other side of the battlefield, where they didn't notice what was going on until Ember and Minsc were gone.

I'm starting to wonder if I should have had them interrupt the fighting just to get her out of the way unnoticed.

However, Mazzy Fentan has told us of the assistance you have given her, and your actions at the gate speak for themselves. For both these things, you have our gratitude."

Ah. So, she did speak up, after all. :lol: (Mind you, she could have done this a bit earlier. ;) )


She would, if she'd noticed. I guess I have to make it clearer that they were unaware of what was going on.

I'm not sure... I have mixed thoughts about this chapter. I like the general sketch of it - Ember's druid-ness leading her into trouble and quest. But the lack of the party's reaction to her arrest, and the way she calmly accepted bears attacking together with snakes - that she let this, of all things, pass without comment...


In other words, you want more 'why are they doing this?' rather than 'omg they're doing this!'

Still. I'm happy to get a new chapter so soon after the previous one! Thank you very much, and... well. Happy Writing in the New Year! ;)


Same to you, and I doubt I'll be able to do a chapter on my former timetable again for a while.

#6 Guest_Ananke_*

Posted 02 January 2008 - 10:22 AM

Guards are taller than most animals?


Hm. I didn't want to do that, as there were only 3 or 4 animals on the map...

Hmm. That may be where I got my weird feeling from! On one hand, Ember's seeing details of the guards' armours from behind the animals - it's the bears I'm thinking about mostly here - so there can't be that many of the attackers. On the other hand, you write about a score of them, swarming, and about a cluster of snakes, so it feels like there's a lot of them, around...

Yes, she is a natural racist. She'll command plants and bugs, but doesn't like brainwashed mammals.

(Besides, most of the summoned gnats get a good meal for their work before they're returned to whence they came.)

Good point. :)

On the other side of the battlefield, where they didn't notice what was going on until Ember and Minsc were gone.

I'm starting to wonder if I should have had them interrupt the fighting just to get her out of the way unnoticed.

She would, if she'd noticed. I guess I have to make it clearer that they were unaware of what was going on.

In other words, you want more 'why are they doing this?' rather than 'omg they're doing this!'

No. Not really. It's just that, because you haven't made it clear that Anomen / Mazzy were away, they felt out of character to me. And coupled with the 'Then, Minsc was there beside her', it felt almost as if the scene was about (1)poor Ember so unfairly caught, alone against the world - as opposed to a simple misunderstanding - and (2)Minsc being the Only One On Her Side, as opposed to Minsc being the Only One Around and On Her Side. In other words, as if you were trying to glorify Minsc at the cost of the rest of the party. And yes, it's a nitpick, but Ember doesn't even give a thought about the rest of the party - as much as a look around to check that they aren't around, and she can't tell them she's leaving... which is a bit odd, because that's the whole point of having a party, sort of. I think.

Also. Well. I'm sorry to ask you this, but am I annoying you with my comments? Because this is the feeling I'm getting, sometimes, and I know comments the likes of 'just how many animals are there' may sound petty and obnoxious and nosy if you don't like someone enough to be prepared to take criticism from them... so. Mmm. I'm not sure which way it goes. If it's me who's obnoxious, or if I'm getting the wrong feeling.


Still. I'm happy to get a new chapter so soon after the previous one! Thank you very much, and... well. Happy Writing in the New Year! ;)


Same to you, and I doubt I'll be able to do a chapter on my former timetable again for a while.

Yes, I know. :D

#7 Guest_Theodur_*

Posted 02 January 2008 - 02:18 PM

What had started as a convenient campsite on the outskirts of the forests of Tethyr, situated where the main road between Athkatla and Tethyr branched off towards Murann and Riatavin, had grown into Trademeet, one of the largest and most distinctive towns in Southeast Amn. Every building in the town was made of wood, taken from the massive forest to the south. Skilled woodcarvers, inspired by the art of a half dozen different cultures, wrought leafy vines, waterfalls, and stylized animals on shutters, doorposts and eaves, and the streets were paved with coloured stones, often laid in giant mosaics. It was a beautiful town, one that had prospered even when its patron deity, Waukeen, had disappeared during the Time of Troubles, and it was known wide and far as a peaceful haven on the most important trade routes in Amn.


Lovely city it was in the game, yes… not exactly giving a good idea about its real size. (Though Saradush was even sillier – it’s actually a massive city, not 3 shacks and a pathetic little fortress.)

At the eastern entrance to the town, the ornately carved gates had been destroyed. Heavily armed guards, many of them with long gashes in their chainmail armour, were defending the opening against a score of animals; black bears and brown bears, wolves, snakes, and giant spiders swarmed around the gates, charging the guards and tearing at the walls, attacking with an unnatural ferociousness that reminded Ember of how dire wolves behaved, except only worse.


So… what’s a difference between a dire wolf and a plain wolf? (My answer is ‘dire’ template is applied to creatures if otherwise killing them would make the player feel guilty.) :)

A powerful will, far stronger than the wolf's own, drove it to attack the town. The force of this will overrode every natural instinct the wolf had; food, drink, shelter, hiding from foes - none of that mattered to the wolf any more. Its only desire was to destroy Trademeet, and nothing could get through to it to convince it otherwise.


Grrr. What a coward Faldorn really was, when you think about it. Using helpless animals to achieve something that she herself was too weak to do.

"It was just a cantrip," Ember said, and knocked a wolf into one of the rosebushes that grew at the foot of the gate posts. She was tempted to cast a spell that'd make the thorny brambles ensnare the wolf, but it'd only delay the inevitable; there was nothing she could do for these creatures, other than giving them a quick death. "I wanted to see if I could make it stop attacking, but I can't."


"Is that so," the guard grumbled, and brought his sword down on the charging wolf.


Okay, I guess you don’t want their help then?

"You are a druid?" the woman asked bluntly.


Now what? "Yes, I am," Ember replied. "What of it?"


Never played a druid PC myself, but I was always a bit annoyed that they paid no attention to Jaheira – seemed like a rather sloppy work from the designer’s part.

"She is not safe here," the captain said, glaring back at Minsc before turning to Ember. "I have nothing against your kind, but my townsfolk do, and the last thing I need is the problems your presence on the street would cause. "


Then again, I wonder how very obvious is the fact that she’s a druid?

Druids did this? Ember's blood ran cold. What kind of druid would-


Shadow druids might. If they hated a forest town enough, they just might.


Yeah, they are the eco-terrorists of the Realms.

The door opened, and a broadshouldered man wearing dark plate mail stepped into the room. "Greetings," he said, extending his hand first to Ember, then to Minsc. "I am Lord Logan Coprith, High Merchant of Trademeet. I apologize for the welcome you have received, but it was necessary; we have had a troubled season, and strangers, especially druids, are not easily trusted these days. However, Mazzy Fentan has told us of the assistance you have given her, and your actions at the gate speak for themselves. For both these things, you have our gratitude."


Ha, well, it seems it was actually helpful having Mazzy along… I’ll be damned! ;)

"We can not allow our brothers in the woods to fall to evil!" Minsc exclaimed. "If they have forgotten the friendly handshake of goodness, then we must remind them with a bootkick of justice!"


Faldorn certainly deserves a lot more than that.

Two guards were summoned, and escorted Ember and Minsc to the basement. Made of stone, it was considerably cooler than the wooden chambers of the main level and contained, in addition to several storage chambers, a dozen or so iron barred cells. The druid, a tall man with tattooes on his face and feathers in his hair, was in the farthest cell, sitting crosslegged on the floor with his eyes closed and his hands folded in his lap; as soon as the guards withdrew out of earshot, he looked up and studied Ember and Minsc with piercing dark eyes.


*looks at Cernd*

*immediately falls asleep*

"Young one, the sapling can feel the weather as well as the tree does. I have also seen the influence of shadow druids in these attacks," Cernd said. "It is the duty of any druid to find this new leader and ascertain if this is for the best of nature. I might succeed alone, but I would much rather have the backing of others. Are you up for the task?"


Every time Cernd makes a nature metaphor, god kills a dozen bunnies.

"Then let us go, and do what must be done," he said, and strode out of the cell like a king leaving his audience chamber.


…Zzzzzz… (I seriously cannot think of any less memorable NPC in a CRPG than Cernd) :D

#8 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 02 January 2008 - 07:50 PM

Hm. I didn't want to do that, as there were only 3 or 4 animals on the map...

Hmm. That may be where I got my weird feeling from! On one hand, Ember's seeing details of the guards' armours from behind the animals - it's the bears I'm thinking about mostly here - so there can't be that many of the attackers. On the other hand, you write about a score of them, swarming, and about a cluster of snakes, so it feels like there's a lot of them, around...


I figure the guards are a bit spread out, too, so some are easier to see than others.

Yes, she is a natural racist. She'll command plants and bugs, but doesn't like brainwashed mammals.

(Besides, most of the summoned gnats get a good meal for their work before they're returned to whence they came.)

Good point. :)


Another way is to think of summoning spells as the druid asking certain creatures to come, and if they want to come, they heed the call and come from the magical plane of neverending summonable creatures, while the animals attacking trademeet are true animals of faerun that have been beyond-dire charmed.

(Either way, I think it's probably for the best that Ember isn't likely to summon any animals larger than insects.)


In other words, you want more 'why are they doing this?' rather than 'omg they're doing this!'

No. Not really. It's just that, because you haven't made it clear that Anomen / Mazzy were away, they felt out of character to me. And coupled with the 'Then, Minsc was there beside her', it felt almost as if the scene was about (1)poor Ember so unfairly caught, alone against the world - as opposed to a simple misunderstanding - and (2)Minsc being the Only One On Her Side, as opposed to Minsc being the Only One Around and On Her Side. In other words, as if you were trying to glorify Minsc at the cost of the rest of the party. And yes, it's a nitpick, but Ember doesn't even give a thought about the rest of the party - as much as a look around to check that they aren't around, and she can't tell them she's leaving... which is a bit odd, because that's the whole point of having a party, sort of. I think.


Yeah. It's one of the things I struggled with with this chapter, and still am. I couldn't have her be carted away during the fight, as the omgDruid wasn't *that* distracting, and the first version I wrote, where they didn't know what she was and brought the entire party to Lord Logan, felt bland and like it underutilized the fact that she was, after all, a hated class. I also didn't want a brawl in the streets, and wanted Ember to feel a bit trapped. So this is my attempt at resolving all that, and until I find a good way to show that the party is there but oblivious of the people talking to Ember, I am open for suggestions :D

Also. Well. I'm sorry to ask you this, but am I annoying you with my comments? Because this is the feeling I'm getting, sometimes, and I know comments the likes of 'just how many animals are there' may sound petty and obnoxious and nosy if you don't like someone enough to be prepared to take criticism from them... so. Mmm. I'm not sure which way it goes. If it's me who's obnoxious, or if I'm getting the wrong feeling.


I like comments. I like criticism. I like to know where I'm going wrong, so never worry about that.


Still. I'm happy to get a new chapter so soon after the previous one! Thank you very much, and... well. Happy Writing in the New Year! :P


Same to you, and I doubt I'll be able to do a chapter on my former timetable again for a while.

Yes, I know. ;)


I wish I didn't have to go to work.

And I wish people would correctly read the customer laws of this country, especially the one that says you are entitled to exchange things, NOT to get your money back (unless especially agreed so). I also wish they would realize that the mega chain stores that sell electronics and other things that people get for christmas but usually already have let you get money back as a priviledge, not a right, and that they're the ones going beyond the law, not us refusing to follow it.

Anyway, as I was saying, I wish I didn't have to go to work.

#9 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 02 January 2008 - 08:03 PM

What had started as a convenient campsite on the outskirts of the forests of Tethyr, situated where the main road between Athkatla and Tethyr branched off towards Murann and Riatavin, had grown into Trademeet, one of the largest and most distinctive towns in Southeast Amn. Every building in the town was made of wood, taken from the massive forest to the south. Skilled woodcarvers, inspired by the art of a half dozen different cultures, wrought leafy vines, waterfalls, and stylized animals on shutters, doorposts and eaves, and the streets were paved with coloured stones, often laid in giant mosaics. It was a beautiful town, one that had prospered even when its patron deity, Waukeen, had disappeared during the Time of Troubles, and it was known wide and far as a peaceful haven on the most important trade routes in Amn.


Lovely city it was in the game, yes… not exactly giving a good idea about its real size. (Though Saradush was even sillier – it’s actually a massive city, not 3 shacks and a pathetic little fortress.)


Athkatla was a city.

Saradush was a joke.

At the eastern entrance to the town, the ornately carved gates had been destroyed. Heavily armed guards, many of them with long gashes in their chainmail armour, were defending the opening against a score of animals; black bears and brown bears, wolves, snakes, and giant spiders swarmed around the gates, charging the guards and tearing at the walls, attacking with an unnatural ferociousness that reminded Ember of how dire wolves behaved, except only worse.


So… what’s a difference between a dire wolf and a plain wolf? (My answer is ‘dire’ template is applied to creatures if otherwise killing them would make the player feel guilty.) :D


That's pretty much it ;) (Although I suspect I was thinking of dread wolf, just because it sounds worse than dire wolf...)

A powerful will, far stronger than the wolf's own, drove it to attack the town. The force of this will overrode every natural instinct the wolf had; food, drink, shelter, hiding from foes - none of that mattered to the wolf any more. Its only desire was to destroy Trademeet, and nothing could get through to it to convince it otherwise.


Grrr. What a coward Faldorn really was, when you think about it. Using helpless animals to achieve something that she herself was too weak to do.


Yeah. She's full of words, but not really about doing the hard work.

"Is that so," the guard grumbled, and brought his sword down on the charging wolf.


Okay, I guess you don’t want their help then?


He's a bit picky, that's all.

"You are a druid?" the woman asked bluntly.

Now what? "Yes, I am," Ember replied. "What of it?"


Never played a druid PC myself, but I was always a bit annoyed that they paid no attention to Jaheira – seemed like a rather sloppy work from the designer’s part.


You'll get some reactions from peasants if you traipse around with Cernd, that's all. If you tell the militia captain that you are a druid, she tells you to not tell people as they might not be happy about it, but there are no other consequences.

"She is not safe here," the captain said, glaring back at Minsc before turning to Ember. "I have nothing against your kind, but my townsfolk do, and the last thing I need is the problems your presence on the street would cause. "


Then again, I wonder how very obvious is the fact that she’s a druid?


Not very, and she could have gotten away with it, but writing the chapter with Ember being treated as an everyperson ended up being very dull :P

Druids did this? Ember's blood ran cold. What kind of druid would-

Shadow druids might. If they hated a forest town enough, they just might.


Yeah, they are the eco-terrorists of the Realms.


In a nutshell.

The door opened, and a broadshouldered man wearing dark plate mail stepped into the room. "Greetings," he said, extending his hand first to Ember, then to Minsc. "I am Lord Logan Coprith, High Merchant of Trademeet. I apologize for the welcome you have received, but it was necessary; we have had a troubled season, and strangers, especially druids, are not easily trusted these days. However, Mazzy Fentan has told us of the assistance you have given her, and your actions at the gate speak for themselves. For both these things, you have our gratitude."


Ha, well, it seems it was actually helpful having Mazzy along… I’ll be damned! :lol:


:P

"We can not allow our brothers in the woods to fall to evil!" Minsc exclaimed. "If they have forgotten the friendly handshake of goodness, then we must remind them with a bootkick of justice!"


Faldorn certainly deserves a lot more than that.


I expect she'll get it.

Two guards were summoned, and escorted Ember and Minsc to the basement. Made of stone, it was considerably cooler than the wooden chambers of the main level and contained, in addition to several storage chambers, a dozen or so iron barred cells. The druid, a tall man with tattooes on his face and feathers in his hair, was in the farthest cell, sitting crosslegged on the floor with his eyes closed and his hands folded in his lap; as soon as the guards withdrew out of earshot, he looked up and studied Ember and Minsc with piercing dark eyes.


*looks at Cernd*

*immediately falls asleep*


I've never run him with a party, but I suspect he does have his moments. I'd be more likely to bring him along somewhere than Valygar, for instance.

"Young one, the sapling can feel the weather as well as the tree does. I have also seen the influence of shadow druids in these attacks," Cernd said. "It is the duty of any druid to find this new leader and ascertain if this is for the best of nature. I might succeed alone, but I would much rather have the backing of others. Are you up for the task?"


Every time Cernd makes a nature metaphor, god kills a dozen bunnies.


Nature's way of controlling the rampaging bunny fertility :P

"Then let us go, and do what must be done," he said, and strode out of the cell like a king leaving his audience chamber.


…Zzzzzz… (I seriously cannot think of any less memorable NPC in a CRPG than Cernd) ;)


That's because you've forgotten them all! :)

#10 Guest_AlphaMonkey_*

Posted 03 January 2008 - 05:42 AM

"We can not allow our brothers in the woods to fall to evil!" Minsc exclaimed. "If they have forgotten the friendly handshake of goodness, then we must remind them with a bootkick of justice!"


Minsc has -such- a way with words. :)

"Do you think shadow druids might be involved? They're the only druids I've encountered that might do such a thing," Ember said, and added apologetically, "not that I've met many other druids, that is."


She's met at least one. :twisted: Cranky one, too. :)

Heh. Anyway, not that I hate Cernd, but I kinda hope he doesn't stick around too long. I'm not his biggest fan. :)

#11 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 03 January 2008 - 07:54 AM

"We can not allow our brothers in the woods to fall to evil!" Minsc exclaimed. "If they have forgotten the friendly handshake of goodness, then we must remind them with a bootkick of justice!"


Minsc has -such- a way with words. :)


He gets it from Boo :D

"Do you think shadow druids might be involved? They're the only druids I've encountered that might do such a thing," Ember said, and added apologetically, "not that I've met many other druids, that is."


She's met at least one. :twisted: Cranky one, too. :D


I detect a slight understatement :)

Heh. Anyway, not that I hate Cernd, but I kinda hope he doesn't stick around too long. I'm not his biggest fan. :)


You know, I kind of get the feeling nobody is :)

#12 Guest_Phoenix_*

Posted 03 January 2008 - 08:03 PM

Every building in the town was made of wood, taken from the massive forest to the south. Skilled woodcarvers, inspired by the art of a half dozen different cultures, wrought leafy vines, waterfalls, and stylized animals on shutters, doorposts and eaves, and the streets were paved with coloured stones, often laid in giant mosaics. It was a beautiful town, one that had prospered even when its patron deity, Waukeen, had disappeared during the Time of Troubles, and it was known wide and far as a peaceful haven on the most important trade routes in Amn.

mmm, nice description. I read it was a lot more than it's in the game, but like the others said, look at Saradush :twisted:
But this was beautiful.

Determined to learned what caused its madness, Ember locked eyes with the wolf and whispered a short cantrip that would let her touch its mind.

Except she couldn't get in.

The wolf's mind was locked against her.

Hmmm, interesting! And ominous.

A powerful will, far stronger than the wolf's own, drove it to attack the town. The force of this will overrode every natural instinct the wolf had; food, drink, shelter, hiding from foes - none of that mattered to the wolf any more. Its only desire was to destroy Trademeet, and nothing could get through to it to convince it otherwise.

For those who haven't played the game this is tension building up, for those who have it's a plausible explanation.

Going rabid would almost have been a blessing, Ember mused bitterly as she knocked the wolf down a second time.

Oddly enough I can understand wy. At least then it would still be free.


Druids did this? Ember's blood ran cold. What kind of druid would-

Shadow druids might. If they hated a forest town enough, they just might.

Yes, your friendly neighborhood terrorists.

"If they have forgotten the friendly handshake of goodness, then we must remind them with a bootkick of justice!"

Is that game or you? Whatever it is, it's still a great line.

The druid, a tall man with tattooes on his face and feathers in his hair, was in the farthest cell, sitting crosslegged on the floor with his eyes closed and his hands folded in his lap; as soon as the guards withdrew out of earshot, he looked up and studied Ember and Minsc with piercing dark eyes.

"Hello and well met to you," he said. "I am Cernd, though my identity is surely no secret after the fuss I have caused here. You look pleasant enough; are you friends of that charming Lord Coprith? I've made very few friends among the merchants."

Interesting to see his dealings with Ember. He's sort of an alpha druid after all :)


"Coprith chose well: caution will win the day," Cernd said, and smiled. "He seemed less prone to rash action than the merchants, though I admit they had little reason to trust me. I should have crept quietly as the vine instead of blustering as the wind. On occasion I forget the subtleties that allows nature to progress.

Silly metaphors!

"Then let us go and do what must be done," he said, and strode out of the cell like a king leaving his audience chamber.

Again, interested to see where this goes.

#13 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 04 January 2008 - 06:42 AM

Every building in the town was made of wood, taken from the massive forest to the south. Skilled woodcarvers, inspired by the art of a half dozen different cultures, wrought leafy vines, waterfalls, and stylized animals on shutters, doorposts and eaves, and the streets were paved with coloured stones, often laid in giant mosaics. It was a beautiful town, one that had prospered even when its patron deity, Waukeen, had disappeared during the Time of Troubles, and it was known wide and far as a peaceful haven on the most important trade routes in Amn.

mmm, nice description. I read it was a lot more than it's in the game, but like the others said, look at Saradush :)
But this was beautiful.


Thanks!

I think the only way you'd get decent cities in these kind of games is if the entire game took place in the same city. At least they're there at all in BG2, unlike the random wilderness between the towns...

Determined to learned what caused its madness, Ember locked eyes with the wolf and whispered a short cantrip that would let her touch its mind.

Except she couldn't get in.

The wolf's mind was locked against her.

Hmmm, interesting! And ominous.

It'd be too easy to just let my animal people re-charm those animals (and to be honest, I've never tried charming them in the game, so I don't even know if they can be charmed).

A powerful will, far stronger than the wolf's own, drove it to attack the town. The force of this will overrode every natural instinct the wolf had; food, drink, shelter, hiding from foes - none of that mattered to the wolf any more. Its only desire was to destroy Trademeet, and nothing could get through to it to convince it otherwise.

For those who haven't played the game this is tension building up, for those who have it's a plausible explanation.


I like using plausible explanations where I can, rather than having someone do something just because the plot says so.

Going rabid would almost have been a blessing, Ember mused bitterly as she knocked the wolf down a second time.

Oddly enough I can understand wy. At least then it would still be free.


Insane, but itself. This wolf isn't itself anymore, unless there's a small piece of it deep inside that's forced to watch what it's become, unable to resist it :)

"If they have forgotten the friendly handshake of goodness, then we must remind them with a bootkick of justice!"

Is that game or you? Whatever it is, it's still a great line.


That one's mine :)

The druid, a tall man with tattooes on his face and feathers in his hair, was in the farthest cell, sitting crosslegged on the floor with his eyes closed and his hands folded in his lap; as soon as the guards withdrew out of earshot, he looked up and studied Ember and Minsc with piercing dark eyes.

"Hello and well met to you," he said. "I am Cernd, though my identity is surely no secret after the fuss I have caused here. You look pleasant enough; are you friends of that charming Lord Coprith? I've made very few friends among the merchants."

Interesting to see his dealings with Ember. He's sort of an alpha druid after all :)


Exactly!


"Then let us go and do what must be done," he said, and strode out of the cell like a king leaving his audience chamber.

Again, interested to see where this goes.


To the druid grove! :twisted:

#14 Guest_Tenfoot_*

Posted 05 January 2008 - 10:56 PM

Skilled woodcarvers, inspired by the art of a half dozen different cultures, wrought leafy vines, waterfalls, and stylized animals on shutters, doorposts and eaves, and the streets were paved with coloured stones, often laid in giant mosaics. It was a beautiful town, one that had prospered even when its patron deity, Waukeen, had disappeared during the Time of Troubles, and it was known wide and far as a peaceful haven on the most important trade routes in Amn.


I love that easy transition from the description of the inspiration from different cultures in the wrought vines, and such, which flows seamlessly into the history of the place. It feels comprehensive, like you actually know a little about the place, in a few short lines, which is pretty cool.

At the eastern entrance to the town, the ornately carved gates had been destroyed. Heavily armed guards, many of them with long gashes in their chainmail armour, were defending the opening against a score of animals; black bears and brown bears, wolves, snakes, and giant spiders swarmed around the gates, charging the guards and tearing at the walls,


And after that idyllic opening, this seems really stand-out. I'm betting Ember's not going to take kindly to this...

Minsc went after the bears, hollering and waving his sword to scare them away, but they paid the unhappy ranger no heed until he joined the battle against them.


That's a pretty subtle twist to the usual Minsc-esque loud battlecries and suchlike.

Summoning all her strength, she brought her staff down upon the wolf's neck. She could almost hear a snap as the spine broke. The wolf twitched spasmodically, then lay still, reduced to a pile of meat and bones through her will.


Woah. I think it's the cold summary at the end which really kind of drives home the detachment Ember's forcing on herself with the whole scenario.

"Just what I needed," the woman grumbled. "Dobson, get her to the Trade Hall before this gets out."

A trickle of fear wormed its way down her spine. "What are you talking about?"

"It is for your own good!" the guard said, and tried to grab her by the elbow.


Y'know, I think the attitudes of the guards here - the really apparent siege mentality - portrays the claustrophobic feel of a town under attack more than the conveniently-timed animal incursion. It's a real triumph of story over game event. Awesome.

Nobody had said a word to them as they were escorted into the building and locked in the office, and nobody had come to offer any explanations since; they had been left completely alone, with only a jug of water and some goblets to keep them company. Ember was starting to wonder if she'd been arrrested after all.


It's starting to sound like it. Though, with the canny Yoshimo and Edwin about, I can't help but feel she ain't gonna be a captive for very long.

However, Mazzy Fentan has told us of the assistance you have given her, and your actions at the gate speak for themselves. For both these things, you have our gratitude."


And this is awesome, the 'offstage' and yet eminently logical negotiations from a noted local hero - type to the leader of the town that knows her... I'm starting to like your Mazzy, and she hasn't even directly impressed me yet!

"We can not allow our brothers in the woods to fall to evil!" Minsc exclaimed. "If they have forgotten the friendly handshake of goodness, then we must remind them with a bootkick of justice!"


:twisted: Once again, Minsc is awesome.

The druid, a tall man with tattooes on his face and feathers in his hair, was in the farthest cell, sitting crosslegged on the floor with his eyes closed and his hands folded in his lap; as soon as the guards withdrew out of earshot, he looked up and studied Ember and Minsc with piercing dark eyes.

"Hello and well met to you," he said. "I am Cernd, though my identity is surely no secret after the fuss I have caused here. You look pleasant enough; are you friends of that charming Lord Coprith? I've made very few friends among the merchants."


Hey, it's 'The Cernd'! And he's kinda mellow, for a guy in a dungeon. Although i know that's sort of the set-up. Is the speech you used from, or partly from, the game? 'Cause it seems slightly familiar. I don't think I'd call a guy charming if he kept me in a cell - although Cernd's probably lived in worse - caves and suchlike.

"Then let us go and do what must be done," he said, and strode out of the cell like a king leaving his audience chamber.


And he seems fairly unflappable. Awesome! It's gonna be interesting seeing what the others will make of him... or indeed, he of them! :)

#15 Weyoun

Posted 06 January 2008 - 11:45 PM

What had started as a convenient campsite on the outskirts of the forests of Tethyr, situated where the main road between Athkatla and Tethyr branched off towards Murann and Riatavin, had grown into Trademeet, one of the largest and most distinctive towns in Southeast Amn. Every building in the town was made of wood, taken from the massive forest to the south. Skilled woodcarvers, inspired by the art of a half dozen different cultures, wrought leafy vines, waterfalls, and stylized animals on shutters, doorposts and eaves, and the streets were paved with coloured stones, often laid in giant mosaics. It was a beautiful town, one that had prospered even when its patron deity, Waukeen, had disappeared during the Time of Troubles, and it was known wide and far as a peaceful haven on the most important trade routes in Amn.


Lovely description. Trademeet really comes alive.

"Come, my companions! We must assist them against these beasts!" With that, Mazzy drew her sword and ran towards the spiders. Jolted out of their stunned inactivity, Anomen and Yoshimo followed the halfling, while a bored-looking Edwin chanted a short spell, sending a small fireball towards a cluster of snakes. Minsc went after the bears, hollering and waving his sword to scare them away, but they paid the unhappy ranger no heed until he joined the battle against them.


Psycho-bears and mad snakes... Lovely army, that... :twisted:

"Just what I needed," the woman grumbled. "Dobson, get her to the Trade Hall before this gets out."


Not a good time to be a druid. ;)

The Trade Hall was a very large building, with creamy white walls that were accented by roof shingles and support beams the colour of rich honey. Its doors were made from carved and polished oak, as were the window trimmings and the furniture within it, and the floors were covered with smooth slate tiles.


Lovely! (and slightly gaudy.)

"Well met, Cernd," Ember replied. "I am Ember, and this is Minsc. Lord Coprith has asked us to escort you out of town, but I wanted to talk with you first."


For a moment I forgot he existed.
;)


"Young one, the sapling can feel the weather as well as the tree does. I have also seen the influence of shadow druids in these attacks," Cernd said. "It is the duty of any druid to find this new leader and ascertain if this is for the best of nature. I might succeed alone, but I would much rather have the backing of others. Are you up for the task?"


"Yes," Ember said. "I will help as best I can." She signalled to the guards to return, and had them unlock Cernd's cell. The druid stood up, stretched his arms, gathered his coarse brown robes around him, and fetched a staff from the corner of the cell.


"Then let us go and do what must be done," he said, and strode out of the cell like a king leaving his audience chamber.


Well, that was... interesting.
TnT Enhanced Edition: http://www.fanfictio...rds-and-Tempers

---
Sith Warrior - Master, I can sense your anger.

Darth Baras - A blind, comotose lobotomy-patient could sense my anger!

---

"The New Age? It's just the old age stuck in a microwave oven for fifteen seconds" - James Randi

#16 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 07 January 2008 - 12:25 PM

Skilled woodcarvers, inspired by the art of a half dozen different cultures, wrought leafy vines, waterfalls, and stylized animals on shutters, doorposts and eaves, and the streets were paved with coloured stones, often laid in giant mosaics. It was a beautiful town, one that had prospered even when its patron deity, Waukeen, had disappeared during the Time of Troubles, and it was known wide and far as a peaceful haven on the most important trade routes in Amn.


I love that easy transition from the description of the inspiration from different cultures in the wrought vines, and such, which flows seamlessly into the history of the place. It feels comprehensive, like you actually know a little about the place, in a few short lines, which is pretty cool.


I just improvised something, based on the town's name, location, and appearance ;) (Thanks!)

At the eastern entrance to the town, the ornately carved gates had been destroyed. Heavily armed guards, many of them with long gashes in their chainmail armour, were defending the opening against a score of animals; black bears and brown bears, wolves, snakes, and giant spiders swarmed around the gates, charging the guards and tearing at the walls,


And after that idyllic opening, this seems really stand-out. I'm betting Ember's not going to take kindly to this...


You could say that...

Minsc went after the bears, hollering and waving his sword to scare them away, but they paid the unhappy ranger no heed until he joined the battle against them.


That's a pretty subtle twist to the usual Minsc-esque loud battlecries and suchlike.


Can't you just imagine how he'd approach something he didn't really want to kill?

Summoning all her strength, she brought her staff down upon the wolf's neck. She could almost hear a snap as the spine broke. The wolf twitched spasmodically, then lay still, reduced to a pile of meat and bones through her will.


Woah. I think it's the cold summary at the end which really kind of drives home the detachment Ember's forcing on herself with the whole scenario.


That, and the bhaaltaint is enjoying what she has to do.

"Just what I needed," the woman grumbled. "Dobson, get her to the Trade Hall before this gets out."

A trickle of fear wormed its way down her spine. "What are you talking about?"

"It is for your own good!" the guard said, and tried to grab her by the elbow.


Y'know, I think the attitudes of the guards here - the really apparent siege mentality - portrays the claustrophobic feel of a town under attack more than the conveniently-timed animal incursion. It's a real triumph of story over game event. Awesome.


Thanks ;) I had to fiddle a bit with this to get it to work properly - my first attempt was too overblown (my very first didn't let them know she was a druid, and was boring).

Nobody had said a word to them as they were escorted into the building and locked in the office, and nobody had come to offer any explanations since; they had been left completely alone, with only a jug of water and some goblets to keep them company. Ember was starting to wonder if she'd been arrrested after all.


It's starting to sound like it. Though, with the canny Yoshimo and Edwin about, I can't help but feel she ain't gonna be a captive for very long.


Well, she wouldn't have been, but she's not. The delay is actually because Mazzy and the rest of the group are talking/arguing with Lord Logan :)

However, Mazzy Fentan has told us of the assistance you have given her, and your actions at the gate speak for themselves. For both these things, you have our gratitude."


And this is awesome, the 'offstage' and yet eminently logical negotiations from a noted local hero - type to the leader of the town that knows her... I'm starting to like your Mazzy, and she hasn't even directly impressed me yet!


She's part NPC, but she *is* the Hero of Trademeet :D

"We can not allow our brothers in the woods to fall to evil!" Minsc exclaimed. "If they have forgotten the friendly handshake of goodness, then we must remind them with a bootkick of justice!"


:twisted: Once again, Minsc is awesome.


Mince: Hamsters and ranges everywhere, rejoice!

The druid, a tall man with tattooes on his face and feathers in his hair, was in the farthest cell, sitting crosslegged on the floor with his eyes closed and his hands folded in his lap; as soon as the guards withdrew out of earshot, he looked up and studied Ember and Minsc with piercing dark eyes.

"Hello and well met to you," he said. "I am Cernd, though my identity is surely no secret after the fuss I have caused here. You look pleasant enough; are you friends of that charming Lord Coprith? I've made very few friends among the merchants."


Hey, it's 'The Cernd'! And he's kinda mellow, for a guy in a dungeon. Although i know that's sort of the set-up. Is the speech you used from, or partly from, the game? 'Cause it seems slightly familiar. I don't think I'd call a guy charming if he kept me in a cell - although Cernd's probably lived in worse - caves and suchlike.


It's pure game dialogue. And Cernd isn't too concerned, as he knows exactly why he is being held.

"Then let us go and do what must be done," he said, and strode out of the cell like a king leaving his audience chamber.


And he seems fairly unflappable. Awesome! It's gonna be interesting seeing what the others will make of him... or indeed, he of them! :)


I hope to do him justice :D

#17 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 07 January 2008 - 12:53 PM


What had started as a convenient campsite on the outskirts of the forests of Tethyr, situated where the main road between Athkatla and Tethyr branched off towards Murann and Riatavin, had grown into Trademeet, one of the largest and most distinctive towns in Southeast Amn. Every building in the town was made of wood, taken from the massive forest to the south. Skilled woodcarvers, inspired by the art of a half dozen different cultures, wrought leafy vines, waterfalls, and stylized animals on shutters, doorposts and eaves, and the streets were paved with coloured stones, often laid in giant mosaics. It was a beautiful town, one that had prospered even when its patron deity, Waukeen, had disappeared during the Time of Troubles, and it was known wide and far as a peaceful haven on the most important trade routes in Amn.


Lovely description. Trademeet really comes alive.


The Trademeet Tourist Board thanks you!


"Come, my companions! We must assist them against these beasts!" With that, Mazzy drew her sword and ran towards the spiders. Jolted out of their stunned inactivity, Anomen and Yoshimo followed the halfling, while a bored-looking Edwin chanted a short spell, sending a small fireball towards a cluster of snakes. Minsc went after the bears, hollering and waving his sword to scare them away, but they paid the unhappy ranger no heed until he joined the battle against them.


Psycho-bears and mad snakes... Lovely army, that... :twisted:


Oh yes, it's quite the style of a certain someone.


"Just what I needed," the woman grumbled. "Dobson, get her to the Trade Hall before this gets out."


Not a good time to be a druid. ;)


Nope :)


The Trade Hall was a very large building, with creamy white walls that were accented by roof shingles and support beams the colour of rich honey. Its doors were made from carved and polished oak, as were the window trimmings and the furniture within it, and the floors were covered with smooth slate tiles.


Lovely! (and slightly gaudy.)


When I wrote this, I only looked at an online image of the city for reference, and didn't look at the interior. Two days after I posted this, I decided to send my party through the forest, starting with picking up Cernd, and what do I see in Lord Logan's office? Paleish walls, tiles on the floor (albeit ceramic) and furniture of dark wood :D


"Well met, Cernd," Ember replied. "I am Ember, and this is Minsc. Lord Coprith has asked us to escort you out of town, but I wanted to talk with you first."


For a moment I forgot he existed.
:)


I understand that that is a common problem ;)

#18 Guest_VigaHrolf_*

Posted 08 January 2008 - 08:30 PM

What had started as a convenient campsite on the outskirts of the forests of Tethyr, situated where the main road between Athkatla and Tethyr branched off towards Murann and Riatavin, had grown into Trademeet, one of the largest and most distinctive towns in Southeast Amn. Every building in the town was made of wood, taken from the massive forest to the south. Skilled woodcarvers, inspired by the art of a half dozen different cultures, wrought leafy vines, waterfalls, and stylized animals on shutters, doorposts and eaves, and the streets were paved with coloured stones, often laid in giant mosaics. It was a beautiful town, one that had prospered even when its patron deity, Waukeen, had disappeared during the Time of Troubles, and it was known wide and far as a peaceful haven on the most important trade routes in Amn.


I love the description. And whether or not it's canonical (the history of Trademeet) it is borne out in history so often. How cities came to be. And how they die as well. All for the lifeblood of trade.

Ember and her companions arrived at the peaceful haven to find it under attack.


That's always a bummer.

At the eastern entrance to the town, the ornately carved gates had been destroyed. Heavily armed guards, many of them with long gashes in their chainmail armour, were defending the opening against a score of animals; black bears and brown bears, wolves, snakes, and giant spiders swarmed around the gates, charging the guards and tearing at the walls, attacking with an unnatural ferociousness that reminded Ember of how dire wolves behaved, except only worse.


Another nice description, however, I do think the nit about their battered armor seems to be warranted. If we're seeing from her perspective and we're seeing this scene, the armor damage seems like something hard to see amongst the teeming wildlife.

"How can this be?" Minsc bellowed, a shocked expression on his face. "Boo does not believe his eyes!"


Boo: "SQUEAK? SQUEAK? SQUEAKSQUEAKSQUEAK!"

"Come, my companions! We must assist them against these beasts!" With that, Mazzy drew her sword and ran towards the spiders. Jolted out of their stunned inactivity, Anomen and Yoshimo followed the halfling, while a bored-looking Edwin chanted a short spell, sending a small fireball towards a cluster of snakes. Minsc went after the bears, hollering and waving his sword to scare them away, but they paid the unhappy ranger no heed until he joined the battle against them.


Roast Snake a la Odesserion.

With a bloodcurdling howl, a frenzied wolf lunged at one of the guards, knocking him to the ground and ripping at his armour, trying to bite through the chainmail. Ember ran towards them and knocked the wolf off the guard with a quick jab of her staff. The creature rolled away, then got to its feet and slowly padded towards her, drooling and snarling, looking for all the world as if it had gone rabid. But that can't be it. Determined to learned what caused its madness, Ember locked eyes with the wolf and whispered a short cantrip that would let her touch its mind.


*Grim look* I love the description here. Big, slavering wolf, foaming mouth and bloody jaw.

Except she couldn't get in.

The wolf's mind was locked against her.

A powerful will, far stronger than the wolf's own, drove it to attack the town. The force of this will overrode every natural instinct the wolf had; food, drink, shelter, hiding from foes - none of that mattered to the wolf any more. Its only desire was to destroy Trademeet, and nothing could get through to it to convince it otherwise.


Ember, meet the efforts of the Shadow Druids.

Going rabid would almost have been a blessing, Ember mused bitterly as she knocked the wolf down a second time. Summoning all her strength, she brought her staff down upon the wolf's neck. She could almost hear a snap as the spine broke. The wolf twitched spasmodically, then lay still, reduced to a pile of meat and bones through her will.


*sniffs* Unfortunately, it had to be done.

"You... you spoke to the wolf," the guard said, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.


Not something he's going to want to see while besieged by snarling rabid like animals.

"It was just a cantrip," Ember said, and knocked a wolf into one of the rosebushes that grew at the foot of the gate posts. She was tempted to cast a spell that'd make the thorny brambles ensnare the wolf, but it'd only delay the inevitable; there was nothing she could do for these creatures, other than giving them a quick death. "I wanted to see if I could make it stop attacking, but I can't."

"Is that so," the guard grumbled, and brought his sword down on the charging wolf.


*snorts* Well, situation being what it is, his suspicion is fully warranted.

"You are a druid?" the woman asked bluntly.

Now what? "Yes, I am," Ember replied. "What of it?"


Ember not quite using that WIS score to full power. Animal attack, being a druid, showing up... not exactly the awesomest combination.

"Just what I needed," the woman grumbled. "Dobson, get her to the Trade Hall before this gets out."

A trickle of fear wormed its way down her spine. "What are you talking about?"

"It is for your own good!" the guard said, and tried to grab her by the elbow.

"Let go!" Ember pulled her arm free of the guard's grasp.

Moments later, the guard was shoved away from her by a furious Minsc. "What are you doing to my witch?!" he demanded, glaring at both the captain and the guard. "You will not touch her, or Minsc will have to make very bad things happen!"


I like this exchange. Mainly because an Angry Minsc would certainly... cause some trouble, no? Might intimidate any guard. Espeically with an angry Boo glaring at you from Minsc's shoulder. I mean, big guy... angry... scary.

Big guy with a hamster? That's just weird enough to be frightening as all get out.

"She is not safe here," the captain said, glaring back at Minsc before turning to Ember. "I have nothing against your kind, but my townsfolk do, and the last thing I need is the problems your presence on the street would cause. So, will you let Dobson escort you to the Trade Hall, or am I going to have to arrest you for your own safety?"

"First, tell me why druids are so hated here!"

"Look around," the captain said. "Who do you think caused this?"

Druids did this? Ember's blood ran cold. What kind of druid would-

Shadow druids might. If they hated a forest town enough, they just might.


The circuits close and realization dawns. ;) ;)

"I"ll go, if Minsc can come with me," she said.


Bran: "Minsc. One of the best ways of making sure that trouble doesn't happen. Heh."

The Trade Hall was a very large building, with creamy white walls that were accented by roof shingles and support beams the colour of rich honey. Its doors were made from carved and polished oak, as were the window trimmings and the furniture within it, and the floors were covered with smooth slate tiles.


Cel, do you do travel books or anything? Because your descriptions are so evocative of the location. I read them and BOOM, it's there. It's an education to read them.

Being locked in one of its offices for over an hour had given Ember ample opportunity to study the hall's construction.


Bran: "Hey, at least you have the universal key."

Jaheira: "Hmm?"

Bran: "Minsc. Door. Boot. Door open."

Whatever it was that was going on, she didn't like it one bit. It had all happened so fast; Dobson, the guard, had led them away from the battlesite without giving her a chance to alert the others, and she could only hope that someone had let them know where she and Minsc were. Nobody had said a word to them as they were escorted into the building and locked in the office, and nobody had come to offer any explanations since; they had been left completely alone, with only a jug of water and some goblets to keep them company. Ember was starting to wonder if she'd been arrrested after all.


Well, she must be being held on a Piracy charge if she's been Arrr ested. :)


The door opened, and a broadshouldered man wearing dark plate mail stepped into the room. "Greetings," he said, extending his hand first to Ember, then to Minsc. "I am Lord Logan Coprith, High Merchant of Trademeet. I apologize for the welcome you have received, but it was necessary; we have had a troubled season, and strangers, especially druids, are not easily trusted these days. However, Mazzy Fentan has told us of the assistance you have given her, and your actions at the gate speak for themselves. For both these things, you have our gratitude."


Nice to actually see some of the relationships that must exist actually working. Sometimes it seems as those relationships and reputations didn't really exist. Course, it was probably the limitation on code/writing that they wanted to put into the game.

Still, nice to see.

"And so it does appear," Lord Coprith said wearily. "The very land is against us. Animals attack, and even the foliage strangles. At first, we did not know where to place blame, but members of a caravan that was attacked in the forest saw several figures directing the chaos. They were druids, belonging to a nearby grove that has always been peaceful in the past. Pardon me." The High Merchant poured himself a goblet of water and drank deeply from it before continuing. "There may be a way to discover why they have turned against us, but I will require outside assistance. Mazzy has vouched for you and your companions, and I think you may be ideally suited for my needs."


Eco Terrorism. Where the eco is doing the terrorism.

"I see," Ember said. "What do you have in mind?"

"A druid entered the town last week. The townspeople captured him, and would have quartered him in the street if I had not locked him up. He claims he is here to investigate the druids in the grove, and I believe him. Unfortunately, many of our citizens already believe him guilty, and he remains behind bars if only to avoid a public burning. What I would have you do is escort him to his task and see what you might learn. I would seem to be collaborating if my men or I were to help him, and alone he may not make it out of town. Will you help?"


Ahh. Cernd!

"We can not allow our brothers in the woods to fall to evil!" Minsc exclaimed. "If they have forgotten the friendly handshake of goodness, then we must remind them with a bootkick of justice!"


I love Minsc. And your Minsc rocks. :twisted:

Two guards were summoned, and escorted Ember and Minsc to the basement. Made of stone, it was considerably cooler than the wooden chambers of the main level and contained, in addition to several storage chambers, a dozen or so iron barred cells. The druid, a tall man with tattooes on his face and feathers in his hair, was in the farthest cell, sitting crosslegged on the floor with his eyes closed and his hands folded in his lap; as soon as the guards withdrew out of earshot, he looked up and studied Ember and Minsc with piercing dark eyes.


And so we meet good ol' Cernd. The blandest of the BG2 NPCs

"Coprith chose well: caution will win the day," Cernd said, and smiled. "He seemed less prone to rash action than the merchants, though I admit they had little reason to trust me. I should have crept quietly as the vine instead of blustering as the wind. On occasion I forget the subtleties that allows nature to progress. Ahh, the blight shall pass, and I will return to cultivate better relations when the time is right. For the present, what do you wish to know?"


*snickers* He really seems like he should be a college professor at Brown or Reed or one of the other really hippie colleges. :)

"I was sent from the north to investigate why the druid order of this region has severed its ties with the traditional hierarchy. It is not unheard of, but the attacks have me worried. It can only lead to greater evils; these people will eventually strike out as an animal cornered. Answer me this: you are a fellow servant of nature, are you not?"

"Yes, I am."

"Little Ember follows the Lady of the Forest, as does Minsc," Minsc said proudly.

"Then both of you will recognize the danger," Cernd said. "The balance of this area is in disarray, and once it falls there will be hardship for all. I know many druids in this region, and they would not support such actions without due cause. I suspect that there has been a change in leadership here."


Yup. A little someone named Faldorn.

"Do you think shadow druids might be involved? They're the only druids I've encountered that might do such a thing," Ember said, and added apologetically, "not that I've met many other druids, that is."

"Young one, the sapling can feel the weather as well as the tree does. I have also seen the influence of shadow druids in these attacks," Cernd said. "It is the duty of any druid to find this new leader and ascertain if this is for the best of nature. I might succeed alone, but I would much rather have the backing of others. Are you up for the task?"

"Yes," Ember said. "I will help as best I can." She signalled to the guards to return, and had them unlock Cernd's cell. The druid stood up, stretched his arms, gathered his coarse brown robes around him, and fetched a staff from the corner of the cell.


And... a new quest!

"Then let us go and do what must be done," he said, and strode out of the cell like a king leaving his audience chamber.


*Snickers* That is a man with perfect self possession. :D

Another great chapter Cel. Great descriptions as always.

VH

#19 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 09 January 2008 - 08:33 AM


What had started as a convenient campsite on the outskirts of the forests of Tethyr, situated where the main road between Athkatla and Tethyr branched off towards Murann and Riatavin, had grown into Trademeet, one of the largest and most distinctive towns in Southeast Amn. Every building in the town was made of wood, taken from the massive forest to the south. Skilled woodcarvers, inspired by the art of a half dozen different cultures, wrought leafy vines, waterfalls, and stylized animals on shutters, doorposts and eaves, and the streets were paved with coloured stones, often laid in giant mosaics. It was a beautiful town, one that had prospered even when its patron deity, Waukeen, had disappeared during the Time of Troubles, and it was known wide and far as a peaceful haven on the most important trade routes in Amn.


I love the description. And whether or not it's canonical (the history of Trademeet) it is borne out in history so often. How cities came to be. And how they die as well. All for the lifeblood of trade.


I grew up only a few miles from what was a thriving trade town in the 1500s or thereabouts. All that is left of it are a few lines of rocks that were the foundations of buildings on the shoreline. Sheep graze where the rest of the town used to be.


Ember and her companions arrived at the peaceful haven to find it under attack.


That's always a bummer.


Yep.


At the eastern entrance to the town, the ornately carved gates had been destroyed. Heavily armed guards, many of them with long gashes in their chainmail armour, were defending the opening against a score of animals; black bears and brown bears, wolves, snakes, and giant spiders swarmed around the gates, charging the guards and tearing at the walls, attacking with an unnatural ferociousness that reminded Ember of how dire wolves behaved, except only worse.


Another nice description, however, I do think the nit about their battered armor seems to be warranted. If we're seeing from her perspective and we're seeing this scene, the armor damage seems like something hard to see amongst the teeming wildlife.


I guess you're both right. Out it goes ;)


"How can this be?" Minsc bellowed, a shocked expression on his face. "Boo does not believe his eyes!"


Boo: "SQUEAK? SQUEAK? SQUEAKSQUEAKSQUEAK!"


:D


"Come, my companions! We must assist them against these beasts!" With that, Mazzy drew her sword and ran towards the spiders. Jolted out of their stunned inactivity, Anomen and Yoshimo followed the halfling, while a bored-looking Edwin chanted a short spell, sending a small fireball towards a cluster of snakes. Minsc went after the bears, hollering and waving his sword to scare them away, but they paid the unhappy ranger no heed until he joined the battle against them.


Roast Snake a la Odesserion.


Yet another chargrilled Thayvian delicacy!


With a bloodcurdling howl, a frenzied wolf lunged at one of the guards, knocking him to the ground and ripping at his armour, trying to bite through the chainmail. Ember ran towards them and knocked the wolf off the guard with a quick jab of her staff. The creature rolled away, then got to its feet and slowly padded towards her, drooling and snarling, looking for all the world as if it had gone rabid. But that can't be it. Determined to learned what caused its madness, Ember locked eyes with the wolf and whispered a short cantrip that would let her touch its mind.


*Grim look* I love the description here. Big, slavering wolf, foaming mouth and bloody jaw.


It's not for no reason that she starts thinking about rabies...


A powerful will, far stronger than the wolf's own, drove it to attack the town. The force of this will overrode every natural instinct the wolf had; food, drink, shelter, hiding from foes - none of that mattered to the wolf any more. Its only desire was to destroy Trademeet, and nothing could get through to it to convince it otherwise.


Ember, meet the efforts of the Shadow Druids.


Ember: :twisted:


Going rabid would almost have been a blessing, Ember mused bitterly as she knocked the wolf down a second time. Summoning all her strength, she brought her staff down upon the wolf's neck. She could almost hear a snap as the spine broke. The wolf twitched spasmodically, then lay still, reduced to a pile of meat and bones through her will.


*sniffs* Unfortunately, it had to be done.


And the bhaaltaint is enjoying every minute of this, of course.


"You... you spoke to the wolf," the guard said, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.


Not something he's going to want to see while besieged by snarling rabid like animals.


Nope.


"Is that so," the guard grumbled, and brought his sword down on the charging wolf.


*snorts* Well, situation being what it is, his suspicion is fully warranted.


Exactly ;)


"You are a druid?" the woman asked bluntly.

Now what? "Yes, I am," Ember replied. "What of it?"


Ember not quite using that WIS score to full power. Animal attack, being a druid, showing up... not exactly the awesomest combination.


Her wis may be high, but it is not 18. And I don't want her to be infallible. It doesn't occur to her that she might be in trouble, as she was clearly helping them only a few moments ago, and she isn't aware that this wasn't the only attack.


Moments later, the guard was shoved away from her by a furious Minsc. "What are you doing to my witch?!" he demanded, glaring at both the captain and the guard. "You will not touch her, or Minsc will have to make very bad things happen!"


I like this exchange. Mainly because an Angry Minsc would certainly... cause some trouble, no? Might intimidate any guard. Espeically with an angry Boo glaring at you from Minsc's shoulder. I mean, big guy... angry... scary.

Big guy with a hamster? That's just weird enough to be frightening as all get out.


Very much so :D


Druids did this? Ember's blood ran cold. What kind of druid would-

Shadow druids might. If they hated a forest town enough, they just might.


The circuits close and realization dawns. :D :D


As I said, not 18 wis, but it's up there :D


"I"ll go, if Minsc can come with me," she said.


Bran: "Minsc. One of the best ways of making sure that trouble doesn't happen. Heh."


Especially since Irenicus and the Cowlies have given her a healthy paranoia of being taken away anywhere.


The Trade Hall was a very large building, with creamy white walls that were accented by roof shingles and support beams the colour of rich honey. Its doors were made from carved and polished oak, as were the window trimmings and the furniture within it, and the floors were covered with smooth slate tiles.


Cel, do you do travel books or anything? Because your descriptions are so evocative of the location. I read them and BOOM, it's there. It's an education to read them.


Thanks :)


Being locked in one of its offices for over an hour had given Ember ample opportunity to study the hall's construction.


Bran: "Hey, at least you have the universal key."

Jaheira: "Hmm?"

Bran: "Minsc. Door. Boot. Door open."


:D

Well, she must be being held on a Piracy charge if she's been Arrr ested. :D


:P


The door opened, and a broadshouldered man wearing dark plate mail stepped into the room. "Greetings," he said, extending his hand first to Ember, then to Minsc. "I am Lord Logan Coprith, High Merchant of Trademeet. I apologize for the welcome you have received, but it was necessary; we have had a troubled season, and strangers, especially druids, are not easily trusted these days. However, Mazzy Fentan has told us of the assistance you have given her, and your actions at the gate speak for themselves. For both these things, you have our gratitude."


Nice to actually see some of the relationships that must exist actually working. Sometimes it seems as those relationships and reputations didn't really exist. Course, it was probably the limitation on code/writing that they wanted to put into the game.

Still, nice to see.


I feel especially bad for Mazzy, treated like a stranger in her own home town.


"We can not allow our brothers in the woods to fall to evil!" Minsc exclaimed. "If they have forgotten the friendly handshake of goodness, then we must remind them with a bootkick of justice!"


I love Minsc. And your Minsc rocks. :)


Minsc: Minsc is not a rock, Minsc is Minsc!


Two guards were summoned, and escorted Ember and Minsc to the basement. Made of stone, it was considerably cooler than the wooden chambers of the main level and contained, in addition to several storage chambers, a dozen or so iron barred cells. The druid, a tall man with tattooes on his face and feathers in his hair, was in the farthest cell, sitting crosslegged on the floor with his eyes closed and his hands folded in his lap; as soon as the guards withdrew out of earshot, he looked up and studied Ember and Minsc with piercing dark eyes.


And so we meet good ol' Cernd. The blandest of the BG2 NPCs


Bland, perhaps, but he's a very good portrayal of An Experienced Druid.


"Coprith chose well: caution will win the day," Cernd said, and smiled. "He seemed less prone to rash action than the merchants, though I admit they had little reason to trust me. I should have crept quietly as the vine instead of blustering as the wind. On occasion I forget the subtleties that allows nature to progress. Ahh, the blight shall pass, and I will return to cultivate better relations when the time is right. For the present, what do you wish to know?"


*snickers* He really seems like he should be a college professor at Brown or Reed or one of the other really hippie colleges. :D


:D


"I was sent from the north to investigate why the druid order of this region has severed its ties with the traditional hierarchy. It is not unheard of, but the attacks have me worried. It can only lead to greater evils; these people will eventually strike out as an animal cornered. Answer me this: you are a fellow servant of nature, are you not?"

"Yes, I am."

"Little Ember follows the Lady of the Forest, as does Minsc," Minsc said proudly.

"Then both of you will recognize the danger," Cernd said. "The balance of this area is in disarray, and once it falls there will be hardship for all. I know many druids in this region, and they would not support such actions without due cause. I suspect that there has been a change in leadership here."


Yup. A little someone named Faldorn.


Yep.

I discovered an interesting quirk with the in game dialogue: When Ember addressed Cernd, he suggested she should care because she travelled with Minsc and not because she herself is a druid :D


"Yes," Ember said. "I will help as best I can." She signalled to the guards to return, and had them unlock Cernd's cell. The druid stood up, stretched his arms, gathered his coarse brown robes around him, and fetched a staff from the corner of the cell.


And... a new quest!


*trumpet fanfare*


"Then let us go and do what must be done," he said, and strode out of the cell like a king leaving his audience chamber.


*Snickers* That is a man with perfect self possession. :D


I'm kind of imagining his bearing like Edwin's, but without the arrogance.

Another great chapter Cel. Great descriptions as always.


Thanks!

#20 Guest_AlphaMonkey_*

Posted 09 January 2008 - 03:09 PM

*snickers* He really seems like he should be a college professor at Brown or Reed or one of the other really hippie colleges.


Please. You'd never even -heard- of Reed until I told you I went there. :)

Though we do have our share of smelly hippie students. Urk.




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