Ember's Tale 95: Education

Chapter 95: Education

It was hard to imagine sparring partners more mismatched than Mazzy and Minsc. The blade of his sword was easily as long as her entire body, and she couldn't strike at his torso without jumping, yet here they were, circling each other with drawn blades in an eerie dance in a roadside clearing. The halfling easily dodged Minsc's heavy blows, and the ranger's large reach kept Mazzy from getting near enough to strike him, but slowly, surely, one or the other kept finding a way to get just a little closer to a true hit.

"It's very strange to watch, isn't it?" Ember said to Yoshimo as they ended their sparring round. Her new scimitar was starting to rest comfortably in her hand; even though her reflexes still hadn't forgotten the many swordfighting techniques that just didn't work with a curved blade, it was getting steadily easier to resist the urge to stab the blade at her opponent. All in all, she had to consider the evening as time well spent; Mazzy claimed this particular clearing was the best campsite for miles, and with a new weapon to get used to, the extra sparring time was more worth to Ember than the scant distance they could have walked in the last hour of daylight.

"A most curious sight, indeed," the Kara-Turan replied, wiping his katana with a silk cloth, "but they will both learn much from sparring with someone so unlike themselves, no?"

Ember watched as Mazzy aimed a mock blow at Minsc's calves - a blow that would have hobbled the giant, had it landed - and nodded. "I imagine they will."

"Are you ready for the shield, my lady?" Anomen asked.

"I suppose so," she replied, and headed towards the campfire. Edwin sat there, watching over both the fire and the rabbit stew that bubbled in a pot over it, but also, as usual, deeply engrossed in a pile of scrolls; he didn't as much as look up as she retrieved the Shield of Harmony from a sack. The whole thing was Anomen's idea; she'd offered the shield to him back in Trademeet, but he'd said it was too small and light for his preferences. Instead, he'd suggested that it would make an excellent complement to her new scimitar, and offered to teach her how to use it. She'd agreed to give it a try.

Her first lesson started with adjusting the shield; there was a broad leather strap on the back which would go around her lower arm, and Anomen helped her tighten it just enough to fit comfortably. "If the shield is fitted just so, the weight of it will not be able to shift around your arm, yet it will not impede your movement," he explained. "Ideally, the shield should feel like an extension of your arm."

"It feels lighter than I expected," she said, moving her arm experimentally. It felt a bit strange, but as long as she held the handgrip and didn't just let the shield hang from the leather strap, it wasn't too bad.

"Having the weight distributed properly, as it is now, further eases the burden of even the lightest of shields," he said with a smile. "Now, if you'll allow me..."

He proceeded to show her how to change her combat stances to benefit from the shield, as well as some simple blocking moves. It wasn't just a matter of learning how to move and balance herself with a shield; her shield arm was no longer just a counterweight to her sword arm, and she had to teach her body to be aware of its new defensive abilities.

"Now, let us try some gentle sparring," he said after a while. "Try to block my attacks with the shield."

Assuming a battle stance, she waited for him to strike at her with his war hammer. Her first instinct was to retaliate, her second to dodge; she suppressed both, and raised her shield to block the attack. The hammer caught the shield in a slightly awkward angle, and a numbing jolt shot up her arm. Wincing, she let go of the shield's handgrip, flexed her fingers and returned them to the grip.

"Again," she said.

She caught the next few blows better, and the impact of them felt far less jarring than the first. Readjusting her balance was proving to be a bit tricky, but the shield itself barely weighed as much as her scimitar, and her arm didn't really feel burdened by the weight at all.

"Recall how you defend yourself with a staff, and see if you cannot utilize that knowledge."

She nodded, and tightened her grip on the shield. When the next blow came, she swayed slightly out of the way, then brought the shield up to meet it, somewhat like she would have done if she'd had her staff in her hand. Anomen's war hammer was deflected away from her, and her arm, more ready for the force of the impact this time, barely felt jolted at all.

"Well done!" Anomen cried, visibly pleased. "Let us end this session, my lady; you've had quite enough for a beginner. How do you feel about using the shield?"

"It does feel a bit odd, but I think I could get used to it."

"I am glad to hear it. If you should become accustomed to using this shield, it could prove a significant increase in your defensive capabilities, and the magical protection it offers is quite invaluable."

She glanced down at the shield. Deceptively light and slender as it was, it was far stronger and more resilient than unenchanted steel, and the spells woven in it would protect her from most mind-controlling magics. He was right; it was invaluable. "If only it'd protect me from horror spells, too," she said with a small grin, "then it'd be fairly perfect."

"Aye, indeed, but I should be able to compensate for that gap in its abilities..." The cleric's smile faltered. "At least, I shall endeavour to do so. In Trademeet, I was fortunate enough to counter the skin dancer's spell in time, but I was almost too late. I should have cast my counterspell sooner; preemptively, even."

"Well, having been struck by such spells on more than one occasion, I'm glad you were there to cast it at all," Ember said, pulling the shield off her arm. "Do you think it'd be possible for me to learn how to cast that spell?"

"In truth, I could not say. I do not know, or indeed understand, how your goddess chooses to bestow her gifts. All I can do is tell you what I know of the spell's workings, and suggest that you beseech her for it. The rest is in her hands." Anomen put own weapons down, and extended a hand to her. "Come now, my lady. Let us see if our supper is finished, or if the wizard has left it to burn in the pot."

---

Around sunset, a group of gypsies arrived to spend the night in the clearing. They arranged their three brightly decorated wagons in a semicircle at the edge of the clearing, lit two large campfires, and introduced themselves with a song, a dance, and spiced cakes. The group consisted of two families, linked through marriage, who were on their way north to trade goods and perform at summer fairs and carnivals on the sword coast. Their winter home was in the forest of Tethyr; as they all sat around one of the campfires, Mastav, the head of one of the two families, told Ember and her companions about how the recent druid troubles had affected them.

"We were forced to flee from the deep forests by the attacks of wild animals. My brother was... killed... most horribly by a pack of wolves, as were others. We went to Trademeet for refuge, and were greeted with accusations," he said. "But now that the attacks from the animals have stopped, we are safe, and when the leaves fall, we will return to our forests again. We thank you for this, our friends. You who are heroes in this place will always be welcome in our tent!" Mastav raised a goblet of wine, and the gypsies all cheered.

"Thank you," Ember said, blushing happily.

More cake and wine was fetched from one of the wagons, and conversations flowed freely as the treats were passed around the campfire. Only one of the gypsies was quiet; Kveroslava, Mastav's wife, a woman with greying hair and a gentle face who watched with a smile as her oldest son asked about adventuring and large cities, and her youngest son asked why Minsc was so big and Mazzy so little. Only when the campfires started to die down, and her friends and family retired by ones and twos to their wagons, did she speak.

"If you wish," she said, "I can tell you something of your place in the future. Do any of you desire the benefit of my gift?"

"Can you tell Minsc where he will find his witch?!"

"Come and sit beside me, good man, and I shall tell you what I can see."

Minsc obediently sat down beside the gypsy, and let her take his hand. "Close your eyes, and let Kveroslava feel your aura... Your future is unclear, ranger," she said, cradling his giant hand in her palms. "You are a gentle man with a will of iron. A goddess fondly looks down on you. Continue your fight against evil... it shall serve you well."

"Oooh! This is most goodness of news, is it not, Boo?!" With a happy grin, Minsc gave Kveroslava a crushing hug, then returned to his seat.

Ember watched as most of her companions - Yoshimo gracefully declined - placed their hands in the gypsy's and let her do her reading. In Mazzy, she saw what she called a rare bond to the halfling's god, and advised her to continue to cherish virtue and honour; Mazzy thanked her for her well-spoken words, and sat down to contemplate them. In Edwin, she saw a bitter man, lusting for power; he was advised to guard against the unknown and mark his friends, for they, not his allies, would save him in the end. The wizard was less than pleased, and complained loudly about useless premonitions and unshaped talent. When it was Anomen's turn, the cleric eagerly offered her his hand; in him, she saw conflict. "Soon you shall stand on a precipice," she told him, "to overcome, or be lost in darkness forever."

Anomen pulled his hand back as if stung. "I... see nothing of myself in your words, woman. A waste of my time and nothing more," he muttered.

The gypsy's gaze locked on Ember. "And you, friend?"

Ember looked into the woman's gentle eyes. Minsc and Mazzy's predictions had been vague enough, but Edwin's had seemed more specific, not to mention Anomen's prediction. Was it his test for knighthood the woman had seen?

Even though Kveroslava had seen nothing about Imoen in Minsc, Ember couldn't help but wonder what the gypsy might see in herself. Was there even the slightest chance that she might be able to see something pertaining to Imoen? Was that chance worth whatever reaction Kveroslava might have to her blood?

"I don't know," she said. "I am curious, but... I tend not to do well with fortune tellers. Or them with me, rather."

"Kveroslava understands! Do not worry, child. I cannot see far, and I am not afraid."

She couldn't let the chance go by.

"Just... don't look too far," Ember pleaded, and placed her hand in Kveroslava's.

Kveroslava smiled as she stroked Ember's palm, following the furrows and lines with her fingertips. "You are a strong woman," the gypsy said quietly. "You have powerful blood and a... a destiny that shines so brightly. But you are not alone... there is another. Another who calls to you for help..."

Imoen!

"I see a man," Kveroslava continued, her voice rising and her fingernails digging into Ember's palm, "a dark man whose life has been taken from him... I see this other... she screams! She screams! There is a beast... a beast of terrible power! And... a dark man... the Exile. He smiles! He smiles! I... I... NO! No more!" She let go of Ember and slumped forwards, breathing raggedly as she supported her head with her hands.

"I'm sorry," Ember whispered as she stood up, tears filling her eyes. She should have known better than to go near a fortune teller ever again; her reading had gone better, and far, far worse, than she'd feared.

"Minsc remembers little Imoen screaming," Minsc said meekly, wiping his own eyes. "I couldn't help her..."

"That could be the past, couldn't it?!" Edwin asked frantically. "Say it was the past!"

"I c-cannot say. Please forgive me, good woman," Kveroslava said, giving Ember a look of pity. "Your path has overwhelmed my limited gifts. I wish you... good fortune."

Ember didn't reply. Wordlessly, she stumbled away from the campfire.

---

"My lady?"

"Yes?"

"Is there anything I -"

"Can you get me eight and a half thousand gold pieces?"

"...This instant? Alas, I cannot."

"We need to finish this as soon as possible. And once we pay those ghouls their ransom money... we have to be prepared to fight."

I understand."

"Do you? Because if Kveroslava's vision was true, I don't think the Cowlies will be the main obstacle in the end."

"You speak of your captor."

"He's held in the same place as Immy. And even Edwin would have to admit he's extremely powerful. It'd be nice to think she just saw our past, back in his dungeon, but..."

"You fear the Cowled Wizards may not be able to hold him."

"Exactly."

"He is not invincible; he cannot be. Rest assured: we shall reclaim your friend."

"Thank you, Anomen. It... it helps to hear that." She turned, then, and looked at him. In the flickering light of his torch, her countenance was calm, serious, perhaps even stern; it belied the story told by her red-rimmed eyes. "You know, there is one thing you could do for me, after all."

"Aye, my lady?"

"Tell me how you remove fear."

I just wanted to say how grateful I am that you included this chapter. Training with new weapons is something we almost never see and something unheard of in the game. Our characters so often just pick up a new and unfamiliar weapon and start using it as if they have had years of training in the techniques required to effectively wield such a device.

Her new scimitar was starting to rest comfortably in her hand; even though her reflexes still hadn't forgotten the many swordfighting techniques that just didn't work with a curved blade, it was getting steadily easier to resist the urge to stab the blade at her opponent.

Enara: "It's why I never switched to the curved blade, myself. Having the ability to both slash and stab was far too useful to give up."

"A most curious sight, indeed," the Kara-Turan replied, wiping his katana with a silk cloth, "but they will both learn much from sparring with someone so unlike themselves, no?"

Come in real handy when the gang runs into those whackjob feral halflings.

The whole thing was Anomen's idea; she'd offered the shield to him back in Trademeet, but he'd said it was too small and light for his preferences. Instead, he'd suggested that it would make an excellent complement to her new scimitar, and offered to teach her how to use it. She'd agreed to give it a try.

Falynn: "Yeah, he's a -real- man. No flimsy, sissy shields for him!"

Enara: "Be quiet. I don't make fun of -your- boyfriend. Oh wait, that's right. You're -alone.-"

Falynn: (Grumbles) "Smart-mouthed kensai..."

Enara:

He proceeded to show her how to change her combat stances to benefit from the shield, as well as some simple blocking moves. It wasn't just a matter of learning how to move and balance herself with a shield; her shield arm was no longer just a counterweight to her sword arm, and she had to teach her body to be aware of its new defensive abilities.

Enara: "When I first left Candlekeep, I used to fight the 'sword and board' way. It's effective, obviously. Which is why so many people use the style. But it always felt like such a waste when I could just -move- out of the way instead of having to block the hit or absorb it somehow."

"Minsc remembers little Imoen screaming," Minsc said meekly, wiping his own eyes. "I couldn't help her..."

Falynn:

Imoen: (Falynn Variant) "Uh oh. Time for a rescue hug." (Hugs her.)

Falynn: (Chuckles wryly.) "Thanks. I... I needed that."

Imoen: "Welcome."

"It's very strange to watch, isn't it?" Ember said to Yoshimo as they ended their sparring round. Her new scimitar was starting to rest comfortably in her hand; even though her reflexes still hadn't forgotten the many swordfighting techniques that just didn't work with a curved blade, it was getting steadily easier to resist the urge to stab the blade at her opponent. All in all, she had to consider the evening as time well spent; Mazzy claimed this particular clearing was the best campsite for miles, and with a new weapon to get used to, the extra sparring time was more worth to Ember than the scant distance they could have walked in the last hour of daylight.

*sighs* Few days back I spent way too many hours practicing axe skill for my warrior in World of Warcraft… it felt far too realistic and not enjoyable for sure! *gloomy face*

Ember watched as Mazzy aimed a mock blow at Minsc's calves - a blow that would have hobbled the giant, had it landed - and nodded. "I imagine they will."

Well, I guess she’s really good at smashing kneecaps. Still, I’d prefer not to most of the time have my eyes at the groin level of my opponents.

Assuming a battle stance, she waited for him to strike at her with his war hammer. Her first instinct was to retaliate, her second to dodge; she suppressed both, and raised her shield to block the attack. The hammer caught the shield in a slightly awkward angle, and a numbing jolt shot up her arm. Wincing, she let go of the shield's handgrip, flexed her fingers and returned them to the grip.

You certainly do feel some of the impact, even if the shield absorbs most of it, yeah. Still, there really is no better protection for a fighter than a shield. Tight and chaotic melee scrap without a shield realistically would often be lethal.

She glanced down at the shield. Deceptively light and slender as it was, it was far stronger and more resilient than unenchanted steel, and the spells woven in it would protect her from most mind-controlling magics. He was right; it was invaluable. "If only it'd protect me from horror spells, too," she said with a small grin, "then it'd be fairly perfect."

That would be a bit too good. Still, I always got this one for Jaheira as soon as possible – the only thing that she’s susceptible to as tank was confusion/charm, because the multiclassing hurts saving throws a bit.

"Well, having been struck by such spells on more than one occasion, I'm glad you were there to cast it at all," Ember said, pulling the shield off her arm. "Do you think it'd be possible for me to learn how to cast that spell?"

I don’t think druids get remove fear, but some spell restrictions for druids vs. priests didn’t quite make much sense.

More cake and wine was fetched from one of the wagons, and conversations flowed freely as the treats were passed around the campfire. Only one of the gypsies was quiet; Kveroslava, Mastav's wife, a woman with greying hair and a gentle face who watched with a smile as her oldest son asked about adventuring and large cities, and her youngest son asked why Minsc was so big and Mazzy so little. Only when the campfires started to die down, and her friends and family retired by ones and twos to their wagons, did she speak.

"If you wish," she said, "I can tell you something of your place in the future. Do any of you desire the benefit of my gift?"

I always loved this touch in the game – too bad she could not tell the future for all the NPC’s.

Ember watched as most of her companions - Yoshimo gracefully declined - placed their hands in the gypsy's and let her do her reading. In Mazzy, she saw what she called a rare bond to the halfling's god, and advised her to continue to cherish virtue and honour; Mazzy thanked her for her well-spoken words, and sat down to contemplate them. In Edwin, she saw a bitter man, lusting for power; he was advised to guard against the unknown and mark his friends, for they, not his allies, would save him in the end. The wizard was less than pleased, and complained loudly about useless premonitions and unshaped talent. When it was Anomen's turn, the cleric eagerly offered her his hand; in him, she saw conflict. "Soon you shall stand on a precipice," she told him, "to overcome, or be lost in darkness forever."

No surprise that Yoshimo declined the opportunity – I wonder if that might have made anyone curious.

"I don't know," she said. "I am curious, but... I tend not to do well with fortune tellers. Or them with me, rather."

"Kveroslava understands! Do not worry, child. I cannot see far, and I am not afraid."

I remember there was another seer in BG1 as well, who was left seriously disturbed by what she saw in Charname’s future… so much so, that she went berserk attack you if pestered for too much. If Ember had experienced that encounter, she probably would not have let anyone to see into her future.

"I'm sorry," Ember whispered as she stood up, tears filling her eyes. She should have known better than to go near a fortune teller ever again; her reading had gone better, and far, far worse, than she'd feared.

I wouldn’t want to know what awaits me in the future, to be honest. Regardless if it’s good or bad, I think it would be pretty frustrating to live just waiting for that something to happen.

"He's held in the same place as Immy. And even Edwin would have to admit he's extremely powerful. It'd be nice to think she just saw our past, back in his dungeon, but..."

"You fear the Cowled Wizards may not be able to hold him."

Well, obviously, given how he agreed to be taken in by the Cowlies, one could easily see that he himself was positively certain about breaking out soon.

"Thank you, Anomen. It... it helps to hear that." She turned, then, and looked at him. In the flickering light of his torch, her countenance was calm, serious, perhaps even stern; it belied the story told by her red-rimmed eyes. "You know, there is one thing you could do for me, after all."

"Aye, my lady?"

"Tell me how you remove fear."

Unfortunately the spell doesn’t last that very long…

It was hard to imagine sparring partners more mismatched than Mazzy and Minsc. The blade of his sword was easily as long as her entire body, and she couldn't strike at his torso without jumping, yet here they were, circling each other with drawn blades in an eerie dance in a roadside clearing. The halfling easily dodged Minsc's heavy blows, and the ranger's large reach kept Mazzy from getting near enough to strike him, but slowly, surely, one or the other kept finding a way to get just a little closer to a true hit.

Heh... That has to be pretty intresting to watch.

"I suppose so," she replied, and headed towards the campfire. Edwin sat there, watching over both the fire and the rabbit stew that bubbled in a pot over it, but also, as usual, deeply engrossed in a pile of scrolls; he didn't as much as look up as she retrieved the Shield of Harmony from a sack. The whole thing was Anomen's idea; she'd offered the shield to him back in Trademeet, but he'd said it was too small and light for his preferences. Instead, he'd suggested that it would make an excellent complement to her new scimitar, and offered to teach her how to use it. She'd agreed to give it a try.

Gives + to Ac... is very nice!

She nodded, and tightened her grip on the shield. When the next blow came, she swayed slightly out of the way, then brought the shield up to meet it, somewhat like she would have done if she'd had her staff in her hand. Anomen's war hammer was deflected away from her, and her arm, more ready for the force of the impact this time, barely felt jolted at all.

"Well done!" Anomen cried, visibly pleased. "Let us end this session, my lady; you've had quite enough for a beginner. How do you feel about using the shield?"

Ember powers up!

Minsc obediently sat down beside the gypsy, and let her take his hand. "Close your eyes, and let Kveroslava feel your aura... Your future is unclear, ranger," she said, cradling his giant hand in her palms. "You are a gentle man with a will of iron. A goddess fondly looks down on you. Continue your fight against evil... it shall serve you well."

"Oooh! This is most goodness of news, is it not, Boo?!" With a happy grin, Minsc gave Kveroslava a crushing hug, then returned to his seat.

Hope he is careful with the old woman...

"I see a man," Kveroslava continued, her voice rising and her fingernails digging into Ember's palm, "a dark man whose life has been taken from him... I see this other... she screams! She screams! There is a beast... a beast of terrible power! And... a dark man... the Exile. He smiles! He smiles! I... I... NO! No more!" She let go of Ember and slumped forwards, breathing raggedly as she supported her head with her hands.

"I'm sorry," Ember whispered as she stood up, tears filling her eyes. She should have known better than to go near a fortune teller ever again; her reading had gone better, and far, far worse, than she'd feared.

"Minsc remembers little Imoen screaming," Minsc said meekly, wiping his own eyes. "I couldn't help her..."

"That could be the past, couldn't it?!" Edwin asked frantically. "Say it was the past!"

I don`t think you will be that lucky...

I just wanted to say how grateful I am that you included this chapter. Training with new weapons is something we almost never see and something unheard of in the game. Our characters so often just pick up a new and unfamiliar weapon and start using it as if they have had years of training in the techniques required to effectively wield such a device.

I've been making my characters earn their skills throughout the story So far, Ember's given up archery because she plain didn't like it, she's sparred as a swordfighter, she's had lessons with a quarterstaff, she's had lessons with a sling, she's sparred with a scimitar off-screen earlier, and now this

Also, Edwin's learned a bit about throwing darts off-screen (but he doesn't like it), and he and Imoen discussed spellcraft all the time.

Her new scimitar was starting to rest comfortably in her hand; even though her reflexes still hadn't forgotten the many swordfighting techniques that just didn't work with a curved blade, it was getting steadily easier to resist the urge to stab the blade at her opponent.

Enara: "It's why I never switched to the curved blade, myself. Having the ability to both slash and stab was far too useful to give up."

Ember: Well, there's this oath I took about swords, you see, and at the time I thought I never wanted to use a blade again. I guess there's still daggers, but they never appealed to me.

"A most curious sight, indeed," the Kara-Turan replied, wiping his katana with a silk cloth, "but they will both learn much from sparring with someone so unlike themselves, no?"

Come in real handy when the gang runs into those whackjob feral halflings.

Yeah. Pity Valygar already took care of that on his own, eh?

The whole thing was Anomen's idea; she'd offered the shield to him back in Trademeet, but he'd said it was too small and light for his preferences. Instead, he'd suggested that it would make an excellent complement to her new scimitar, and offered to teach her how to use it. She'd agreed to give it a try.

Falynn: "Yeah, he's a -real- man. No flimsy, sissy shields for him!"

Enara: "Be quiet. I don't make fun of -your- boyfriend. Oh wait, that's right. You're -alone.-"

Falynn: (Grumbles) "Smart-mouthed kensai..."

Enara:

He proceeded to show her how to change her combat stances to benefit from the shield, as well as some simple blocking moves. It wasn't just a matter of learning how to move and balance herself with a shield; her shield arm was no longer just a counterweight to her sword arm, and she had to teach her body to be aware of its new defensive abilities.

Enara: "When I first left Candlekeep, I used to fight the 'sword and board' way. It's effective, obviously. Which is why so many people use the style. But it always felt like such a waste when I could just -move- out of the way instead of having to block the hit or absorb it somehow."

Don't worry, the goal here is for her to keep moving out of the way, and just add on to it the ability to raise her arm and ward off something. (Hence why I hammered in 'the shield is very small'.

"Minsc remembers little Imoen screaming," Minsc said meekly, wiping his own eyes. "I couldn't help her..."

Falynn:

Imoen: (Falynn Variant) "Uh oh. Time for a rescue hug." (Hugs her.)

Falynn: (Chuckles wryly.) "Thanks. I... I needed that."

Imoen: "Welcome."

I figured Ember would not be the only one upset about that prediction.

"It's very strange to watch, isn't it?" Ember said to Yoshimo as they ended their sparring round. Her new scimitar was starting to rest comfortably in her hand; even though her reflexes still hadn't forgotten the many swordfighting techniques that just didn't work with a curved blade, it was getting steadily easier to resist the urge to stab the blade at her opponent. All in all, she had to consider the evening as time well spent; Mazzy claimed this particular clearing was the best campsite for miles, and with a new weapon to get used to, the extra sparring time was more worth to Ember than the scant distance they could have walked in the last hour of daylight.

*sighs* Few days back I spent way too many hours practicing axe skill for my warrior in World of Warcraft… it felt far too realistic and not enjoyable for sure! *gloomy face*

What did you have to do, chop wood?

Ember watched as Mazzy aimed a mock blow at Minsc's calves - a blow that would have hobbled the giant, had it landed - and nodded. "I imagine they will."

Well, I guess she’s really good at smashing kneecaps. Still, I’d prefer not to most of the time have my eyes at the groin level of my opponents.

Don't worry, Mazzy is quite honourable.

(Mind you, she's also not going to avoid an easy target )

Assuming a battle stance, she waited for him to strike at her with his war hammer. Her first instinct was to retaliate, her second to dodge; she suppressed both, and raised her shield to block the attack. The hammer caught the shield in a slightly awkward angle, and a numbing jolt shot up her arm. Wincing, she let go of the shield's handgrip, flexed her fingers and returned them to the grip.

You certainly do feel some of the impact, even if the shield absorbs most of it, yeah. Still, there really is no better protection for a fighter than a shield. Tight and chaotic melee scrap without a shield realistically would often be lethal.

Realistic combat also doesn't involve hitpoints.

(Have I mentioned that I hate writing fights, by the way?)

She glanced down at the shield. Deceptively light and slender as it was, it was far stronger and more resilient than unenchanted steel, and the spells woven in it would protect her from most mind-controlling magics. He was right; it was invaluable. "If only it'd protect me from horror spells, too," she said with a small grin, "then it'd be fairly perfect."

That would be a bit too good. Still, I always got this one for Jaheira as soon as possible – the only thing that she’s susceptible to as tank was confusion/charm, because the multiclassing hurts saving throws a bit.

I R dense so it's only recently that it's really, really occured to me that that shield is worth far more than its armour class

"Well, having been struck by such spells on more than one occasion, I'm glad you were there to cast it at all," Ember said, pulling the shield off her arm. "Do you think it'd be possible for me to learn how to cast that spell?"

I don’t think druids get remove fear, but some spell restrictions for druids vs. priests didn’t quite make much sense.

They do get remove fear, actually. I'm going to go with some balancing explanation for that. And for dispel magic.

Speaking of nonsensical spell restrictions, I've hacked my game to make zone of sweet air a druid spell

"If you wish," she said, "I can tell you something of your place in the future. Do any of you desire the benefit of my gift?"

I always loved this touch in the game – too bad she could not tell the future for all the NPC’s.

Well, her inability to tell does work for Yoshimo, and I almost added it it.

Ember watched as most of her companions - Yoshimo gracefully declined - placed their hands in the gypsy's and let her do her reading. In Mazzy, she saw what she called a rare bond to the halfling's god, and advised her to continue to cherish virtue and honour; Mazzy thanked her for her well-spoken words, and sat down to contemplate them. In Edwin, she saw a bitter man, lusting for power; he was advised to guard against the unknown and mark his friends, for they, not his allies, would save him in the end. The wizard was less than pleased, and complained loudly about useless premonitions and unshaped talent. When it was Anomen's turn, the cleric eagerly offered her his hand; in him, she saw conflict. "Soon you shall stand on a precipice," she told him, "to overcome, or be lost in darkness forever."

No surprise that Yoshimo declined the opportunity – I wonder if that might have made anyone curious.

He has quite a few things he wouldn't want predicted, which is why I had him turn her down.

"I don't know," she said. "I am curious, but... I tend not to do well with fortune tellers. Or them with me, rather."

"Kveroslava understands! Do not worry, child. I cannot see far, and I am not afraid."

I remember there was another seer in BG1 as well, who was left seriously disturbed by what she saw in Charname’s future… so much so, that she went berserk attack you if pestered for too much. If Ember had experienced that encounter, she probably would not have let anyone to see into her future.

She did experience it, which is why she was so hesitant now. If not for Imoen (and for the fact that I wanted the drama), she would have said no as decisively as Yoshimo did.

"I'm sorry," Ember whispered as she stood up, tears filling her eyes. She should have known better than to go near a fortune teller ever again; her reading had gone better, and far, far worse, than she'd feared.

I wouldn’t want to know what awaits me in the future, to be honest. Regardless if it’s good or bad, I think it would be pretty frustrating to live just waiting for that something to happen.

Ember: Easy for you to say. You're not a walking prophecy.

"Tell me how you remove fear."

Unfortunately the spell doesn’t last that very long…

True, that.

It was hard to imagine sparring partners more mismatched than Mazzy and Minsc. The blade of his sword was easily as long as her entire body, and she couldn't strike at his torso without jumping, yet here they were, circling each other with drawn blades in an eerie dance in a roadside clearing. The halfling easily dodged Minsc's heavy blows, and the ranger's large reach kept Mazzy from getting near enough to strike him, but slowly, surely, one or the other kept finding a way to get just a little closer to a true hit.

Heh... That has to be pretty intresting to watch.

Think Yoda vs. Emperor, except less ridiculous

"I suppose so," she replied, and headed towards the campfire. Edwin sat there, watching over both the fire and the rabbit stew that bubbled in a pot over it, but also, as usual, deeply engrossed in a pile of scrolls; he didn't as much as look up as she retrieved the Shield of Harmony from a sack. The whole thing was Anomen's idea; she'd offered the shield to him back in Trademeet, but he'd said it was too small and light for his preferences. Instead, he'd suggested that it would make an excellent complement to her new scimitar, and offered to teach her how to use it. She'd agreed to give it a try.

Gives + to Ac... is very nice!

Since she has single weapon style, it only gives her +1 AC

Minsc obediently sat down beside the gypsy, and let her take his hand. "Close your eyes, and let Kveroslava feel your aura... Your future is unclear, ranger," she said, cradling his giant hand in her palms. "You are a gentle man with a will of iron. A goddess fondly looks down on you. Continue your fight against evil... it shall serve you well."

"Oooh! This is most goodness of news, is it not, Boo?!" With a happy grin, Minsc gave Kveroslava a crushing hug, then returned to his seat.

Hope he is careful with the old woman...

He's used to handling hamsters, so she'll survive.

"I see a man," Kveroslava continued, her voice rising and her fingernails digging into Ember's palm, "a dark man whose life has been taken from him... I see this other... she screams! She screams! There is a beast... a beast of terrible power! And... a dark man... the Exile. He smiles! He smiles! I... I... NO! No more!" She let go of Ember and slumped forwards, breathing raggedly as she supported her head with her hands.

"I'm sorry," Ember whispered as she stood up, tears filling her eyes. She should have known better than to go near a fortune teller ever again; her reading had gone better, and far, far worse, than she'd feared.

"Minsc remembers little Imoen screaming," Minsc said meekly, wiping his own eyes. "I couldn't help her..."

"That could be the past, couldn't it?!" Edwin asked frantically. "Say it was the past!"

I don`t think you will be that lucky...

Of course they won't

It was hard to imagine sparring partners more mismatched than Mazzy and Minsc.

I take it that Alora didn't get many lessons, then?

Assuming a battle stance, she waited for him to strike at her with his war hammer. Her first instinct was to retaliate, her second to dodge; she suppressed both, and raised her shield to block the attack. The hammer caught the shield in a slightly awkward angle, and a numbing jolt shot up her arm. Wincing, she let go of the shield's handgrip, flexed her fingers and returned them to the grip.

Good thing that she's druid, and she's a cleric, and there won't be bruises...

"In truth, I could not say. I do not know, or indeed understand, how your goddess chooses to bestow her gifts. All I can do is tell you what I know of the spell's workings, and suggest that you beseech her for it. The rest is in her hands." Anomen put own weapons down, and extended a hand to her. "Come now, my lady. Let us see if our supper is finished, or if the wizard has left it to burn in the pot."

Ehh. Edwin, Edwin... I'd really love to know what Edwin thinks of his current company...

"We were forced to flee from the deep forests by the attacks of wild animals. My brother was... killed... most horribly by a pack of wolves, as were others. We went to Trademeet for refuge, and were greeted with accusations," he said. "But now that the attacks from the animals have stopped, we are safe, and when the leaves fall, we will return to our forests again. We thank you for this, our friends. You who are heroes in this place will always be welcome in our tent!" Mastav raised a goblet of wine, and the gypsies all cheered.

"Thank you," Ember said, blushing happily.

High reputation pays off, too!

Minsc obediently sat down beside the gypsy, and let her take his hand. "Close your eyes, and let Kveroslava feel your aura... Your future is unclear, ranger," she said, cradling his giant hand in her palms. "You are a gentle man with a will of iron. A goddess fondly looks down on you. Continue your fight against evil... it shall serve you well."

...but she didn't tell him where he would find his witch.

"Kveroslava understands! Do not worry, child. I cannot see far, and I am not afraid."

She has no idea.

She couldn't let the chance go by.

"I see a man," Kveroslava continued, her voice rising and her fingernails digging into Ember's palm, "a dark man whose life has been taken from him... I see this other... she screams! She screams! There is a beast... a beast of terrible power! And... a dark man... the Exile. He smiles! He smiles! I... I... NO! No more!" She let go of Ember and slumped forwards, breathing raggedly as she supported her head with her hands.

"I'm sorry," Ember whispered as she stood up, tears filling her eyes. She should have known better than to go near a fortune teller ever again; her reading had gone better, and far, far worse, than she'd feared.

"Minsc remembers little Imoen screaming," Minsc said meekly, wiping his own eyes. "I couldn't help her..."

"That could be the past, couldn't it?!" Edwin asked frantically. "Say it was the past!"

He still cares.

"Is there anything I -"

"Can you get me eight and a half thousand gold pieces?"

"...This instant? Alas, I cannot."

"Thank you, Anomen. It... it helps to hear that." She turned, then, and looked at him. In the flickering light of his torch, her countenance was calm, serious, perhaps even stern; it belied the story told by her red-rimmed eyes. "You know, there is one thing you could do for me, after all."

"Aye, my lady?"

"Tell me how you remove fear."

Aww. That's so... it feels more like a quiz piece than a part of a serial. And this theme's very effective, and very simple. And I love the use you made of it.

It was hard to imagine sparring partners more mismatched than Mazzy and Minsc.

I take it that Alora didn't get many lessons, then?

Alora? She was just their little thief, and if she practiced with anyone it was Imoen

Assuming a battle stance, she waited for him to strike at her with his war hammer. Her first instinct was to retaliate, her second to dodge; she suppressed both, and raised her shield to block the attack. The hammer caught the shield in a slightly awkward angle, and a numbing jolt shot up her arm. Wincing, she let go of the shield's handgrip, flexed her fingers and returned them to the grip.

Good thing that she's druid, and she's a cleric, and there won't be bruises...

Anomen: 'she'?

Yoshimo: *quiet amusement*

Edwin: *evil sniggering*

Minsc: *confusion*

But yes, any bruises will be easily attended to.

"In truth, I could not say. I do not know, or indeed understand, how your goddess chooses to bestow her gifts. All I can do is tell you what I know of the spell's workings, and suggest that you beseech her for it. The rest is in her hands." Anomen put own weapons down, and extended a hand to her. "Come now, my lady. Let us see if our supper is finished, or if the wizard has left it to burn in the pot."

Ehh. Edwin, Edwin... I'd really love to know what Edwin thinks of his current company...

Well, the next chapter will be from his point of view. I'll try to get it done before I go on vacation (next friday).

"We were forced to flee from the deep forests by the attacks of wild animals. My brother was... killed... most horribly by a pack of wolves, as were others. We went to Trademeet for refuge, and were greeted with accusations," he said. "But now that the attacks from the animals have stopped, we are safe, and when the leaves fall, we will return to our forests again. We thank you for this, our friends. You who are heroes in this place will always be welcome in our tent!" Mastav raised a goblet of wine, and the gypsies all cheered.

"Thank you," Ember said, blushing happily.

High reputation pays off, too!

Oh yes

Minsc obediently sat down beside the gypsy, and let her take his hand. "Close your eyes, and let Kveroslava feel your aura... Your future is unclear, ranger," she said, cradling his giant hand in her palms. "You are a gentle man with a will of iron. A goddess fondly looks down on you. Continue your fight against evil... it shall serve you well."

...but she didn't tell him where he would find his witch.

True, but she never said that she would, did she?

"Kveroslava understands! Do not worry, child. I cannot see far, and I am not afraid."

She has no idea.

Nope

(I'd actually completely forgotten about the seer in Baldur's Gate, who had not been scared of Ember. So I have one good and one bad seer encounter from before.)

"That could be the past, couldn't it?!" Edwin asked frantically. "Say it was the past!"

He still cares.

In a word, YES.

"Is there anything I -"

"Can you get me eight and a half thousand gold pieces?"

"...This instant? Alas, I cannot."

Well, she had to try

"Thank you, Anomen. It... it helps to hear that." She turned, then, and looked at him. In the flickering light of his torch, her countenance was calm, serious, perhaps even stern; it belied the story told by her red-rimmed eyes. "You know, there is one thing you could do for me, after all."

"Aye, my lady?"

"Tell me how you remove fear."

Aww. That's so... it feels more like a quiz piece than a part of a serial. And this theme's very effective, and very simple. And I love the use you made of it.

I enjoyed writing it, and it's probably my favourite bit of the chapter. The dialogue just begged me to let it tell the story on its own, you know?

I miss the quizzes.

Definitly enjoyed reading this story and I have to join those who said they liked reading the training with the new weapons. It's indeed something that is so easily overlooked, so seeing the story start with that is a definite nice surprise.

I shall enjoy keeping up with this serial methinks.. Even if I need to catch up about 93(?) previous chapters. Seems I shall be busy, yes!

Definitly enjoyed reading this story and I have to join those who said they liked reading the training with the new weapons. It's indeed something that is so easily overlooked, so seeing the story start with that is a definite nice surprise.

Thanks!

I shall enjoy keeping up with this serial methinks.. Even if I need to catch up about 93(?) previous chapters. Seems I shall be busy, yes!

Well, I'll be going on hiatus for the next month, so that should make it easier on you

Chapter 95: Education

You know, education is vitally important.

It was hard to imagine sparring partners more mismatched than Mazzy and Minsc. The blade of his sword was easily as long as her entire body, and she couldn't strike at his torso without jumping, yet here they were, circling each other with drawn blades in an eerie dance in a roadside clearing. The halfling easily dodged Minsc's heavy blows, and the ranger's large reach kept Mazzy from getting near enough to strike him, but slowly, surely, one or the other kept finding a way to get just a little closer to a true hit.

Mazzy Vs Minsc. A true speed vs strength combo. And yes, it's always good to practice against different styles. It's how you find the weaknesses in both.

"It's very strange to watch, isn't it?" Ember said to Yoshimo as they ended their sparring round. Her new scimitar was starting to rest comfortably in her hand; even though her reflexes still hadn't forgotten the many swordfighting techniques that just didn't work with a curved blade, it was getting steadily easier to resist the urge to stab the blade at her opponent. All in all, she had to consider the evening as time well spent; Mazzy claimed this particular clearing was the best campsite for miles, and with a new weapon to get used to, the extra sparring time was more worth to Ember than the scant distance they could have walked in the last hour of daylight.

Yeah, stabbing with scimitars isn't going to be nearly as effective.

"Are you ready for the shield, my lady?" Anomen asked.

"I suppose so," she replied, and headed towards the campfire. Edwin sat there, watching over both the fire and the rabbit stew that bubbled in a pot over it, but also, as usual, deeply engrossed in a pile of scrolls; he didn't as much as look up as she retrieved the Shield of Harmony from a sack. The whole thing was Anomen's idea; she'd offered the shield to him back in Trademeet, but he'd said it was too small and light for his preferences. Instead, he'd suggested that it would make an excellent complement to her new scimitar, and offered to teach her how to use it. She'd agreed to give it a try.

Ahh, the ol' Shield of Harmony. Nice little tool.

And Edwin the cook. Remember, taste a little first. God knows what experiments may have been conducted.

Her first lesson started with adjusting the shield; there was a broad leather strap on the back which would go around her lower arm, and Anomen helped her tighten it just enough to fit comfortably. "If the shield is fitted just so, the weight of it will not be able to shift around your arm, yet it will not impede your movement," he explained. "Ideally, the shield should feel like an extension of your arm."

*Nods* Quite right Anomen. Quite right.

He proceeded to show her how to change her combat stances to benefit from the shield, as well as some simple blocking moves. It wasn't just a matter of learning how to move and balance herself with a shield; her shield arm was no longer just a counterweight to her sword arm, and she had to teach her body to be aware of its new defensive abilities.

Even the best armor is useless if you're untrained with it. You could stick Edwin in plate mail and it wouldn't help all that much.

It would however, be funny.

Assuming a battle stance, she waited for him to strike at her with his war hammer. Her first instinct was to retaliate, her second to dodge; she suppressed both, and raised her shield to block the attack. The hammer caught the shield in a slightly awkward angle, and a numbing jolt shot up her arm. Wincing, she let go of the shield's handgrip, flexed her fingers and returned them to the grip.

BANG!

"Again," she said.

She caught the next few blows better, and the impact of them felt far less jarring than the first. Readjusting her balance was proving to be a bit tricky, but the shield itself barely weighed as much as her scimitar, and her arm didn't really feel burdened by the weight at all.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

"Recall how you defend yourself with a staff, and see if you cannot utilize that knowledge."

She nodded, and tightened her grip on the shield. When the next blow came, she swayed slightly out of the way, then brought the shield up to meet it, somewhat like she would have done if she'd had her staff in her hand. Anomen's war hammer was deflected away from her, and her arm, more ready for the force of the impact this time, barely felt jolted at all.

Aleria: "A much better use for the shield. It is useful for blocking, but even better at redirection of the force. Taking it full on can have detrimental effects. Especially if the shield is split." *She rolls up her sleeve to show a nasty scar on her left arm*

She glanced down at the shield. Deceptively light and slender as it was, it was far stronger and more resilient than unenchanted steel, and the spells woven in it would protect her from most mind-controlling magics. He was right; it was invaluable. "If only it'd protect me from horror spells, too," she said with a small grin, "then it'd be fairly perfect."

Still, it does stop all those nasty confusion and domination spells.

"Aye, indeed, but I should be able to compensate for that gap in its abilities..." The cleric's smile faltered. "At least, I shall endeavour to do so. In Trademeet, I was fortunate enough to counter the skin dancer's spell in time, but I was almost too late. I should have cast my counterspell sooner; preemptively, even."

"Well, having been struck by such spells on more than one occasion, I'm glad you were there to cast it at all," Ember said, pulling the shield off her arm. "Do you think it'd be possible for me to learn how to cast that spell?"

That is a great and useful spell.

And, can druids cast Resist Fear? Don't see why not, but I am curious.

"In truth, I could not say. I do not know, or indeed understand, how your goddess chooses to bestow her gifts. All I can do is tell you what I know of the spell's workings, and suggest that you beseech her for it. The rest is in her hands." Anomen put own weapons down, and extended a hand to her. "Come now, my lady. Let us see if our supper is finished, or if the wizard has left it to burn in the pot."

Burnt. To a crisp.

"We were forced to flee from the deep forests by the attacks of wild animals. My brother was... killed... most horribly by a pack of wolves, as were others. We went to Trademeet for refuge, and were greeted with accusations," he said. "But now that the attacks from the animals have stopped, we are safe, and when the leaves fall, we will return to our forests again. We thank you for this, our friends. You who are heroes in this place will always be welcome in our tent!" Mastav raised a goblet of wine, and the gypsies all cheered.

Nice to see how the world changes to reflect what they've done.

"If you wish," she said, "I can tell you something of your place in the future. Do any of you desire the benefit of my gift?"

One of the more interesting little bits of the game.

"Can you tell Minsc where he will find his witch?!"

"Come and sit beside me, good man, and I shall tell you what I can see."

Minsc obediently sat down beside the gypsy, and let her take his hand. "Close your eyes, and let Kveroslava feel your aura... Your future is unclear, ranger," she said, cradling his giant hand in her palms. "You are a gentle man with a will of iron. A goddess fondly looks down on you. Continue your fight against evil... it shall serve you well."

"Oooh! This is most goodness of news, is it not, Boo?!" With a happy grin, Minsc gave Kveroslava a crushing hug, then returned to his seat.

Telling Minsc that he's going to wipe the floor with Evil.

Talk about delivering the goods. Ya hey!

Ember watched as most of her companions - Yoshimo gracefully declined - placed their hands in the gypsy's and let her do her reading. In Mazzy, she saw what she called a rare bond to the halfling's god, and advised her to continue to cherish virtue and honour; Mazzy thanked her for her well-spoken words, and sat down to contemplate them. In Edwin, she saw a bitter man, lusting for power; he was advised to guard against the unknown and mark his friends, for they, not his allies, would save him in the end. The wizard was less than pleased, and complained loudly about useless premonitions and unshaped talent. When it was Anomen's turn, the cleric eagerly offered her his hand; in him, she saw conflict. "Soon you shall stand on a precipice," she told him, "to overcome, or be lost in darkness forever."

Anomen pulled his hand back as if stung. "I... see nothing of myself in your words, woman. A waste of my time and nothing more," he muttered.

Poor Anomen. He... really doesn't know. I mean, he's so bound up in himself he does not see. Hopefully the steadying effect of this group will keep him from going nutters.

Even though Kveroslava had seen nothing about Imoen in Minsc, Ember couldn't help but wonder what the gypsy might see in herself. Was there even the slightest chance that she might be able to see something pertaining to Imoen? Was that chance worth whatever reaction Kveroslava might have to her blood?

That is... a good question.

"I don't know," she said. "I am curious, but... I tend not to do well with fortune tellers. Or them with me, rather."

"Kveroslava understands! Do not worry, child. I cannot see far, and I am not afraid."

Yoda: "You will be. You will be."

Kveroslava smiled as she stroked Ember's palm, following the furrows and lines with her fingertips. "You are a strong woman," the gypsy said quietly. "You have powerful blood and a... a destiny that shines so brightly. But you are not alone... there is another. Another who calls to you for help..."

Imoen!

*sniffs*

"I see a man," Kveroslava continued, her voice rising and her fingernails digging into Ember's palm, "a dark man whose life has been taken from him... I see this other... she screams! She screams! There is a beast... a beast of terrible power! And... a dark man... the Exile. He smiles! He smiles! I... I... NO! No more!" She let go of Ember and slumped forwards, breathing raggedly as she supported her head with her hands.

"I'm sorry," Ember whispered as she stood up, tears filling her eyes. She should have known better than to go near a fortune teller ever again; her reading had gone better, and far, far worse, than she'd feared.

Yeah. Those aren't exactly pretty things to see. Irenicus and the Slayer. Yick.

Aleria: "The darkness is great, friend Ember. But it can be overcome. And Imoen will be rescued."

"Minsc remembers little Imoen screaming," Minsc said meekly, wiping his own eyes. "I couldn't help her..."

Poor Minsc.

"That could be the past, couldn't it?!" Edwin asked frantically. "Say it was the past!"

He does care. The bastard.

"I c-cannot say. Please forgive me, good woman," Kveroslava said, giving Ember a look of pity. "Your path has overwhelmed my limited gifts. I wish you... good fortune."

Aleria: "You will need it."

Ember didn't reply. Wordlessly, she stumbled away from the campfire.

Poor Ember

"Is there anything I -"

"Can you get me eight and a half thousand gold pieces?"

"...This instant? Alas, I cannot."

I like this little piece. It's just ... right.

"He's held in the same place as Immy. And even Edwin would have to admit he's extremely powerful. It'd be nice to think she just saw our past, back in his dungeon, but..."

"You fear the Cowled Wizards may not be able to hold him."

Aleria: "You would be right."

"Exactly."

"He is not invincible; he cannot be. Rest assured: we shall reclaim your friend."

"Thank you, Anomen. It... it helps to hear that." She turned, then, and looked at him. In the flickering light of his torch, her countenance was calm, serious, perhaps even stern; it belied the story told by her red-rimmed eyes. "You know, there is one thing you could do for me, after all."

"Aye, my lady?"

"Tell me how you remove fear."

The ending is exceptionally strong. And I like the duality of the ending. Is it the spell, or just banishing one's fear. Or more likely, it is both.

Well done Cel. Well done.

VH

Chapter 95: Education

You know, education is vitally important.

That it is

Yeah, stabbing with scimitars isn't going to be nearly as effective.

I imagine it would look somewhat like trying to use a can opener

Ahh, the ol' Shield of Harmony. Nice little tool.

Oh yes indeed. I am ashamed at how long it took me to realize exactly how useful it was.

And Edwin the cook. Remember, taste a little first. God knows what experiments may have been conducted.

Actually, in this case it's just been lightly neglected.

Her first lesson started with adjusting the shield; there was a broad leather strap on the back which would go around her lower arm, and Anomen helped her tighten it just enough to fit comfortably. "If the shield is fitted just so, the weight of it will not be able to shift around your arm, yet it will not impede your movement," he explained. "Ideally, the shield should feel like an extension of your arm."

*Nods* Quite right Anomen. Quite right.

So the stuff I pulled out of thin air makes sense, then?

He proceeded to show her how to change her combat stances to benefit from the shield, as well as some simple blocking moves. It wasn't just a matter of learning how to move and balance herself with a shield; her shield arm was no longer just a counterweight to her sword arm, and she had to teach her body to be aware of its new defensive abilities.

Even the best armor is useless if you're untrained with it. You could stick Edwin in plate mail and it wouldn't help all that much.

It would however, be funny.

I imagine it would sound like a choice collection of Thayvian curses, and some loud clattering

She caught the next few blows better, and the impact of them felt far less jarring than the first. Readjusting her balance was proving to be a bit tricky, but the shield itself barely weighed as much as her scimitar, and her arm didn't really feel burdened by the weight at all.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Yep, that's the sound.

"Recall how you defend yourself with a staff, and see if you cannot utilize that knowledge."

She nodded, and tightened her grip on the shield. When the next blow came, she swayed slightly out of the way, then brought the shield up to meet it, somewhat like she would have done if she'd had her staff in her hand. Anomen's war hammer was deflected away from her, and her arm, more ready for the force of the impact this time, barely felt jolted at all.

Aleria: "A much better use for the shield. It is useful for blocking, but even better at redirection of the force. Taking it full on can have detrimental effects. Especially if the shield is split." *She rolls up her sleeve to show a nasty scar on her left arm*

Ember:

I decided to let Anomen actually have some experience in training others (like he brags about), so I tried to come up with instructions he'd give someone more dextrous and with a different prior skillset than his own - and to have his instructions make sense.

She glanced down at the shield. Deceptively light and slender as it was, it was far stronger and more resilient than unenchanted steel, and the spells woven in it would protect her from most mind-controlling magics. He was right; it was invaluable. "If only it'd protect me from horror spells, too," she said with a small grin, "then it'd be fairly perfect."

Still, it does stop all those nasty confusion and domination spells.

It doesn't stop stuns, though

And, can druids cast Resist Fear? Don't see why not, but I am curious.

They can, so I am going to let her learn it, but from a different approach to the spell than the one he has.

"In truth, I could not say. I do not know, or indeed understand, how your goddess chooses to bestow her gifts. All I can do is tell you what I know of the spell's workings, and suggest that you beseech her for it. The rest is in her hands." Anomen put own weapons down, and extended a hand to her. "Come now, my lady. Let us see if our supper is finished, or if the wizard has left it to burn in the pot."

Burnt. To a crisp.

No, they came to the rescue in time

"If you wish," she said, "I can tell you something of your place in the future. Do any of you desire the benefit of my gift?"

One of the more interesting little bits of the game.

Fortune tellers always seem to have something special in store for the PC, don't they?

Anomen pulled his hand back as if stung. "I... see nothing of myself in your words, woman. A waste of my time and nothing more," he muttered.

Poor Anomen. He... really doesn't know. I mean, he's so bound up in himself he does not see. Hopefully the steadying effect of this group will keep him from going nutters.

You'll see, eventually.

Kveroslava smiled as she stroked Ember's palm, following the furrows and lines with her fingertips. "You are a strong woman," the gypsy said quietly. "You have powerful blood and a... a destiny that shines so brightly. But you are not alone... there is another. Another who calls to you for help..."

Imoen!

*sniffs*

There, there. She'll be rescued in relatively short time.

"I'm sorry," Ember whispered as she stood up, tears filling her eyes. She should have known better than to go near a fortune teller ever again; her reading had gone better, and far, far worse, than she'd feared.

Yeah. Those aren't exactly pretty things to see. Irenicus and the Slayer. Yick.

Especially when going in completely unprepared for it.

Aleria: "The darkness is great, friend Ember. But it can be overcome. And Imoen will be rescued."

Ember: Thanks...

"Minsc remembers little Imoen screaming," Minsc said meekly, wiping his own eyes. "I couldn't help her..."

Poor Minsc.

There's a reason I made his cage unbreakable in the dungeon

"That could be the past, couldn't it?!" Edwin asked frantically. "Say it was the past!"

He does care. The bastard.

He can barely admit it to himself most of the time, but he definitely does.

"I c-cannot say. Please forgive me, good woman," Kveroslava said, giving Ember a look of pity. "Your path has overwhelmed my limited gifts. I wish you... good fortune."

Aleria: "You will need it."

Ember: I imagine so.

"Is there anything I -"

"Can you get me eight and a half thousand gold pieces?"

"...This instant? Alas, I cannot."

I like this little piece. It's just ... right.

It seemed to fit them

"He's held in the same place as Immy. And even Edwin would have to admit he's extremely powerful. It'd be nice to think she just saw our past, back in his dungeon, but..."

"You fear the Cowled Wizards may not be able to hold him."

Aleria: "You would be right."

It's not exactly a tough guess.

"Exactly."

"He is not invincible; he cannot be. Rest assured: we shall reclaim your friend."

"Thank you, Anomen. It... it helps to hear that." She turned, then, and looked at him. In the flickering light of his torch, her countenance was calm, serious, perhaps even stern; it belied the story told by her red-rimmed eyes. "You know, there is one thing you could do for me, after all."

"Aye, my lady?"

"Tell me how you remove fear."

The ending is exceptionally strong. And I like the duality of the ending. Is it the spell, or just banishing one's fear. Or more likely, it is both.

Well done Cel. Well done.

Thanks! I loved writing this ending; I enjoyed it more than anything I've written in quite a while.