Posts from Adventure log. Auto-translated

I left the catacombs and, whistling, continued on my way. Suddenly, the archmage Horvat appeared out of nowhere and complained to me about ogres who had stolen his teleportation amulet. He said that it was all Hecuba's doing. Well, okay. A couple of hours later, I came to a bridge guarded by two soldiers. They were happy to break up their boring routine with a battle against a couple of ugly ogresses, who were waving around two-handed axes.
A few hours later, I finally reached the village of Brin, desperately swatting away xenofauna with a stick. Unfortunately, no one greeted me.
The village was in chaos; the inhabitants were fighting ogres, and houses were burning.
After looking around and helping the unfortunate as much as I could, I wandered into an apple orchard, where a wolf named Isabella was running back and forth.
The wolf's husband told me that she was actually his wife, who had been cursed by Hecuba when she passed through the village. He could restore her to her former appearance if he only had his magic staff, which he had left at his house. But he couldn't get into the house because there was a fire and enemies inside. I listened, went to the house, put out the fire there, like a true hero, killed a few looters, and returned the staff to him. He was very happy and immediately broke the spell on his wife. They gave me, I think, a measly two hundred coins and about the same amount of experience, but I did it completely selflessly.
I also found a traveling merchant there, to whom I finally sold all the junk I had collected. He probably wanted to profit from the misfortune of the people who had lost everything, the scoundrel. Nevertheless, I bought a "pixie" from him for a lot of money, and it leveled up to level 2, and a "toxic cloud." I also thought that I hadn't worn a helmet for a long time, so I bought a simple cap. I thought about buying some more arrows at a slightly inflated price, but I was too stingy. In general, it was a mistake, because after walking around outside for a bit and seeing how quickly my arrows were disappearing, I decided to go back and buy more.
- and the eastern garrison was still holding out and firing at the attackers from the loopholes.
I really liked the toxic cloud; it consumed half of my mana, but in a few seconds, it killed a handful of enemies, and its area of effect was higher than that of a meteor.
After a while, I reached the ogre outpost. The doors were closed, and I had to look for a detour through some damn tunnels and caves. There were bears and scorpions in the caves, so I didn't lack for creatures, but then I found an ogress scroll and finally learned how to charm these lovely women.
In one place, all the exits suddenly closed, and ogres crawled out of hidden passages like cockroaches. When I went down, I even found something like a haven with a bedroom, a cage with a long-decayed prisoner, a cellar, tables for gambling and drinking, and other things.
Finally, I went through the tunnel, caused a massacre in the ogre houses, ran into the leader, and defeated him, found the amulet, and got out into the fresh air. The ever-present Horvat scared me again, and why does he even need a teleportation amulet if he can fly around like crazy?
And the captain said that his name was Jandar, and that he had a plan.

Black Cove

Upon arriving in Tirigaz, we were once again surprised, although after Barag Gor, we should have expected it. Humans had reached here as well, surrounding the coastal town from two sides. First, they landed from ships, and then reinforcements arrived from the south. The local defenders held out as best they could, but together we managed to repel the attack. After that, four more ships with humans arrived, but we were able to fend them off as well. While we were fighting the enemies, the local commander said that they had sent shamans and the rest of the tribe members to the Mournful Hills, which means we need to go there as well. The path to the hills leads through the desert of death and the silent forest... the journey promises to be interesting.

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I decided to attack the main enemy base directly, instead of going down to the allies. With three of us, we took them down) although the computer helped a bit too

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naval reinforcement

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southern camp.
I finally leveled up the orc warriors.

If you recall the world's backstory told much earlier, you can understand that the captain, also known as Jandor, is none other than a hero of the past who defeated the armies of the Necromancer using the powerful Staff of Oblivion. To prevent the staff from falling into the wrong hands, it was split apart, and the pieces were placed in different parts of Nox. Standard practice for powerful artifacts. Accordingly, desperate times call for desperate measures, and I am being asked in a "voluntary-compulsory" manner to reassemble it. First things first, the foundation for everything is the halberd of Horrendus—the military leader heading the order of Fire Knights based in the military stronghold of Dun Mir.
Oh boy, what a desperate moment I've arrived in! Hecuba has laid siege to the fortress. She likely knows about this story with the staff too. Well then, I won't stall; I'll go and sort out the situation.
The fortress is located in some lifeless rocks filled with glowing lava.
On the way, I stumbled upon a dying warrior who told me chilling details before breathing his last, and a necromancer with a handful of skeletons, who didn't live long. Unfortunately, the Toxic Cloud wasn't relevant here, as poison affects neither the undead nor the Chaosite himself.
Entering the gates, I witnessed a desperate fight between a couple of dead things and a couple of Knights; the decaying corpses were quickly shredded and incinerated by flaming swords.
The Knights joined me; I passed the blacksmith and entered the square with ponds and statues, and then BLOOD GUTS EVERYTHING WENT TO HELL CHAOS ALL AROUND PEOPLE RUNNING FROM THE CITY THREE NECROMANCERS AT ONCE FUCKING RUNNING BACK AND FORTH SHOOTING A PILE OF SKELETONS ZOMBIES, so I quickly dumped all twenty fireball charges somewhere into the crowd, not caring if I hit any of my own, and recklessly threw meteors. It didn't happen without losses, but in the end, evil was defeated. Those evil wizards loved to go invisible and spam fire from there, but I'm not stupid, and I easily spotted those bastards with "infrared vision."
- WHERE THE FUCK IS THE RHUBARB WHEN YOU NEED IT!!!
After looting thoroughly and feeling no remorse about it, I enriched myself by a few extra thousand, and with that money, I bought level 3 "healing" and level 2 "meteor" at the shop, and also replaced my bow from chapter 3 with an even cooler one—level 2 knockback and level 2 fire rate. I also bought boots of speed. I thought about taking "counterspell" and "inversion," which silence incoming spells or reflect them back to the caster respectively, but I brushed it off. Great for playing on a network with the boys, but I'm managing fine as it is. I'm already running out of spell slots.
- by the amount of scattered bones and gear, one can determine the power of the upgraded meteor and be satisfied.
And then I entered the inner courtyard of the order itself. Those brave soldiers remained to guard the street, but inside I found new ones. Truth be told, their swords were simple, and I had to burn every zombie corpse with "burning."
- for some reason, I punished myself by pulling the lever and standing under the closing blocks. If you die, all carried stuff drops from the corpse and litters the floor.
- my grabbing paws finally reached the barracks and the soldiers' bedside tables.
I walked around the rooms, appreciated the inconvenience of movement and interaction with items when six brutes crowd right up to the hero and you can't give them any order to step aside, and descended into the prison dungeons. Inside, I found a small storage area with a whole pile of goodies, including about half a dozen mana bottles. Confiscated goods, apparently. Monsters were chilling in the cells. I don't know why they have them. Maybe some are used as an obstacle course for candidates joining the order. But as for the ogre... perhaps Horrendus gets lonely in the evenings. Anyways, that's also where I stumbled upon the torture chamber.
Finally, I reached the throne room and met Horrendus, who was waiting for the girl. The girl appeared, and Horrendus decided to challenge her to a fair fight. - by the way, one can appreciate the austerity of the lord's throne.
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, the girl beat Horrendus and his entire guard with her cunning sorcery.
The necromancer pulled the halberd from the weakening fingers of the warrior-lord, and Hecuba—perhaps she appreciated my persistence and valor, perhaps she was late for something, perhaps she felt pity for me because she accidentally plucked me from my cozy little house with a spell, or perhaps she just felt like it—either way, she glanced at me and "gave me one last chance to leave," and then ran away.
Kicking the warlord's corpse one last time, I gathered the expensive knight armor carpeting the floor as much as my backpack allowed, and, of course, ignored the warning. Breaking through a group of undead and falling somewhere into the sewers, the boys and I chased the necromancer and eventually took him down, reclaiming the halberd.
Hooray!

The next ingredient is the Heart of Nox, which, according to the instructions, will add an electrical element to the halberd. It is stored in the Tower, in Galava – the city of mages.
But Hecuba is always one step ahead of me. She also made her presence felt here, organizing an attack on the tower. The locals told me that the tower was attacked by ogres and demons, so I bought a "fire protection" book and bought all the fireproof clothing in the store. Except for the boots. I really like speed boots. I also took the second level of "vampirism" and "stun," and "fist of vengeance."
Galava is an extremely interesting city, the most interesting of all. And with such a soundtrack, and in such a subtropical climate zone with palm trees, beaches, and candle-shaped trees. And the people like me – they say, "Hello, friend-sorcerer."
The tavern even had a second floor, with rooms for lodgers. - I infiltrated a naked man.
- this is a very cool house; the door is always locked, and each of the characters breaks into it in their own way. The warrior attracts the man walking around the room to the door so that it opens from the inside; I charm the dog so that it opens the door for me from the inside, and the mage swaps places with a spell. Inside, I found a lot of money and many goodies.
Right at the foot of the Tower, I found a small passage underground, where a couple of demons were stationed, and a scroll about them was lying on the ground. It was very useful to me because, after reading it, I learned how to charm them.
- and this is what happens if you sleep in this chapter.
Somewhere in other people's houses, I found a large, RECHARGEABLE!!! sulfur staff with mana crystals , which fires three ricocheting streams [of golden rain] at once, as I mentioned earlier.
Having finished all the preparations, I went to the tower and immediately ended up where? That's right, in the HOUSE. The surviving mages were shooting arrows and fireballs at each other; ogres were running back and forth; I was charming everyone like crazy and shooting, throwing, poisoning, and getting hit myself.
- and here is the fist. Doesn't it remind you of anything? It consumes more than half of the mana per use.
After trying a dozen different ways and not finding a sufficiently effective one, I became discouraged. However, I soon found a scroll of ogre summoning and finally learned how to charm large and hunched male ogres, who are much stronger than female ogres.
I walked through the tower and found various astrolabes, test tubes, lasers, and other incomprehensible objects.
Sometimes I destroyed them to prevent the nascent magocracy and the dominance of terrible inventions from developing.
Some mages managed to survive, with my help, and they followed me for a while. Although their mortality rate was, of course, quite high.

When playing as a warrior, you constantly catch yourself thinking that this nightmarish tower with dozens of agile and biting mages and traps scattered generously on the floor is a real hell, isn't it? You will experience much worse things when playing this chapter as a sorcerer. [and you will end up in a very real and actual hell when playing as a mage]
On the second floor, I encountered huge ogre lords, which were not easy to defeat. I tried shooting from my overpowered bow, having pumped up my vampirism. Not bad, but not ideal.
I found a lot of different items in this tower: armor components, staffs, arrows; even a crossbow. But I didn't need it yet. It was worse than my bow.
From the third floor, I began to regularly encounter demons. A demon has thirty hit points – like a miserable zombie. It dies from one arrow or one of anything. Except for pixies, perhaps. But it quickly throws fireballs, which take away a third of my hit points, even with full fireproof armor and "fire protection" buffed. Without the buff, they bring me to the brink of death with one shot. I charmed them, yes. But they throw fire at each other like snowballs. They are completely immune to fire! However, up close, they scratch comically with their claws. And then they explode before death. The explosion is very painful. It was not easy to play.
After going through several floors of death, I finally reached the top. And who do you think I met there?! Hecuba! And again, not alone, but in a discussion with Horvath.
The old man entered into a desperate battle , but he was also beaten like a puppy . Before he died, he turned his attention to me and threatened Hecuba. But what a wonder! Two mages from his retinue threw themselves on the villainess, and she shamefully retreated, never reaching the Heart. And they allowed me to finally take it.
Uff.

Storm in the Desert

We traveled through the sands for two days. We walked at night and rested during the day. By the third day, the soldiers were completely exhausted, and this was due not only to the weather but also to the lack of food. However, according to the map, we should soon encounter an oasis. There, we could restore our strength and replenish our water supply.
Suddenly, a sandstorm began, and the wind blew with incredible force, lifting sand into the air. We made our way through this chaos with great difficulty, while simultaneously fending off giant scorpions. Their strong shells made our weapons almost useless; only arrows and fire could harm these creatures. After a few days, we saw the oasis, but unfortunately, it was under the control of people. They certainly didn't want us here, so we had to kill them. Now we can finally rest and continue our journey with renewed strength...

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little scorpions. those scoundrels are annoying

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noticed some grass) damn, I accidentally hired a small troll. I just wasted money

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and here are the people

IceWind Dale 2. (Arandor & Loken)

So, Loken and I have finally started a Walkthrough of the second part of IceWind Dale, and I am ready to present it to you. This time, the plot will be laid out as a story by chapters, while everything else (side quests and miscellaneous things) will be in the comments for the screenshots.

Loken's Tale

"Prologue"

The sound of vomit erupting from someone's esophagus reached Derien L'elore's ears, and he shuddered. Glancing toward the stern, he noticed a green-faced Wizard struggling terribly with seasickness.
The bard turned away and gazed at the ocean. He had doubts about the upcoming journey. Back then, all these prospects seemed so bright and exciting. And why not—a war is raging in the north. Heroes are overcoming the onslaught of dark forces, people are fighting desperately for their lives—excellent material for new ballads. In recent years, he had been hit by a creative crisis, and the lines wouldn't come. He always strove to write a special song, the work of his lifetime. But somehow it didn't happen. There were plenty of ideas and rhymes, but the tale wouldn't flow; he couldn't even begin, same as always, he couldn't approach it. Perhaps he had spent too long in idle wanderings through villages and towns. It was time for a shake-up and new sensations.
They had set out from Waterdeep—Derien and Alanin, his loyal companion. Alanin was Derien's childhood friend; they grew up together and traveled together, earning a living through acting. Without a second's hesitation, he supported the idea of heading to Icewind Dale. The decision was spontaneous. They rode and they planned.

***

On the third day, the friends reached some small village where they decided to stop to replenish supplies and let the horses rest.
- It's a bit deserted here, isn't it? - he remarked to the stable boy, tossing him a coin.
- Everyone is at the sermon. Today is Salvation Day.
- Salvation?
- Yes, salvation of the soul. Everyone gathered in the chapel. And I have to stick around here, - the boy sighed.
Religion. Not the most interesting subject. However, the chapel lacked any conventional attributes, and the bard became curious about which god they prayed to there.
- Shall we take a look? - he suggested to his friend.
- Sure, let's.
They left the horses and headed toward the small chapel on the edge of the village. A large log house. Built quite recently. Carefully opening the door, they slipped inside. About fifty people had gathered inside, all listening to the voice of the preacher. The preacher was dressed in white robes, which, however, had lost their dazzling whiteness over time, turning gray in some places and patched in others. His shoulder-length black hair was tied with a cord, and he wore a small beard.
- And let the sacred thunder roll, the infidels shall fall, and the world shall plunge into darkness! - he exclaimed, raising his hands. - And let the miser and the wicked, the ignorant and the faithless be punished, while those who seek the truth shall find eternal bliss and eternal life!
The crowd listened with reverence, holding their breath.
- And may the minds and souls of the suffering find the truth, and may they be rewarded for their patience and aspirations! - the preacher fell silent, lowering his gaze and dropping his hands. - Now, my children, the salvation of your soul. Yes, yes, yours specifically! Yours and yours, and yours too! And yours! One coin for salvation. Renounce the material, - he signaled to a boy assistant, who walked along the rows with a bowl, collecting offerings. - So that you may behold the truth, undistorted by earthly passions...
- Unheard of! - a powerful roar erupted from the back rows. A man in tarnished plate armor and with a stern face rose from the bench. - A priest shall never collect money from the flock! All donations are strictly voluntary!
The holy father froze for a moment and asked softly:
- You aren't from around here, are you?
- Oh yes, I am a noble paladin of the Order of the Silver Shield and I am traveling on a mission from my master!
- Then you must understand that our customs...
- My mission consists of searching for, neutralizing, and bringing to justice notorious villains operating in this area! Now I shall confirm my suspicions, - he pulled a parchment scroll from his tunic and began to read. - Crooked Edgar... Horus the Fallen... Murray the Miser... Aha! Alpharius, nicknamed Slippery. Medium height, shoulder-length black hair, gold tooth, scar on the neck, shameless criminal eyes. Accused of fraud, forging heraldic documents, blackmail, petty and medium thefts, looting, tax evasion. Sentence—life imprisonment in hard labor.
The paladin showed the people a crude drawing in which the preacher's features were barely and very conventionally recognizable. The people began to murmur and stir, and the paladin walked from the back rows to the altar and proclaimed, raising a finger:
- Ignorance of the law is no excuse for responsibility! Due to the harboring of a dangerous criminal, I am also forced to impose a fee of five hundred coins on all residents of this village!
Loud cries erupted from all sides, people waved their fists; Derien and Alanin looked at each other and began to carefully push their way toward the exit.
- Brothers and sisters! - the holy father exclaimed, - Do not believe a single word of the foreigner, for I am ready to show you a Miracle of our faith to wash away the stain from my honest name, defiled by him!
- Hang him! - a cry came from the crowd.
The preacher made a gesture with his hands and loudly spoke some words, after which a dazzling flash flooded the hall. Panicking people, seeing nothing, pushed and screamed, while Derien, subconsciously ready for something like this and blinking himself clear in a couple of seconds, pulled his friend out of the chapel into the open air.
- It looks like they're ready to tear apart anyone who gets in their way. I'm afraid we can't stay here any longer—let's get out!
They reached the stables, untied the horses and, brushing off the bewildered stable boy, galloped at full speed away from the village.

***

Evening was falling, all water and food supplies were gone; the friends trudged through some wilderness and prepared for the worst. They were already ready to spend the night on the roadside under the open sky when a stone fence appeared from behind the trees. It was a small monastery. The abbot—a pale brunette in black robes—received them warmly, fed them, and provided cells for the night.
- You aren't the only ones who stop here while traveling these roads, - he smiled. - Many are going somewhere in these unsettled days.
- We are heading north, to the Dale, - Derien revealed. - They say it is currently a true paradise for people seeking opportunity.
It turned out that news of the horde threatening the Ten-Towns had not yet reached the abbot.
- Yes, - the bard continued. - Some have despaired. The horde—it doesn't take prisoners. People are fighting with all their might. Heroes are born and die. Alanin and I intend to carve out some glory for ourselves, but that's not the main thing. The main thing is rich material for sagas! Though... it's all theory. I don't know how the situation will turn out there... But how do you live here? Surely this... hm... inclines one toward reflection and peace—living in constant tranquility far from people?
- Your thought is clear to me, - the host spoke. - Indeed, here we are safe from all worldly passions. In narrow circles, our monastery is known for housing the most disciplined monks on the Coast from Amn to Neverwinter. Life here has long been frozen. To tell the truth... sometimes I miss those days when I was an adventurer. Yes, yes, don't look at me like that, it's true. We also traveled through the north. Six of us. Yes, those days... I was still just a youth then. But later we somehow drifted apart, each their own way. And I simply grew tired of everything and settled here. I liked the quiet life without worries and passions; I immersed myself in it completely. And over time, I obtained the position of abbot... However, for you, this is surely a boring story.
- No, not at all! You know, when we return, I will mention you in my ballad, - Derien promised.
The monk chuckled and waved his hand.

In the morning, the bard went into the garden to breathe the freshest morning air. Stretching sweetly, he enjoyed a walk and admired nature. Muttering to himself, he was pleasantly surprised to feel that good rhymes were practically begging to be spoken. Truly—a change of scenery is stimulating. In a wonderful mood, he went to the dining hall, where the monks had already finished their ascetic breakfast, and sat down with Alanin and Abbot Kai, who were talking in low voices.
- Good morning, - the monk greeted them. - I hope you slept as well as your companion did.
- Slept wonderfully. It's so quiet here and the forest air is so pleasant; it feels like ten years have been lifted off my shoulders.
- Do you feel all eleven? - Alanin inquired.
- Shut up.
Kai sighed and announced in a tomb-like tone:
- Gentlemen, I could not sleep this night. Our conversation awakened memories of that life within me. I have lived in the monastery for twenty years, and I knew that I could not remain here until the end of my days. I feel that I must set out on a journey. I know that through it, I shall finally find peace and serenity. Allow me to accompany you on this dangerous venture.
- But... - Alanin was taken aback. - You are the abbot of this monastery, you have duties, and...
- Oh, that is not a problem. I will pass my position to another brother. After all, everything here is done on a voluntary basis. Do not worry, I will not be a burden. I will take all my simple belongings with me. And I claim neither glory nor a share of the riches you may find on your journey. - he added with a smile.
Derien liked the monk, and the last argument only aided his decision:
- It's a deal! You don't mind, friend? - he addressed Alanin.
- Of course not. Three is more cheerful than two.
The companions shook hands and parted to prepare for departure.

***

There were no solemn farewells, joy or sadness regarding the old abbot's departure. Only a couple of monks came out to see them off. Kai's things fit into one pitiful knapsack tied to the saddle of the monastery horse.
- And why do we need a fourth mount? - Derien pointed to the black horse loaded with a couple of small bags, which was led out the gates with them.
- This is not for us, - the monk answered mysteriously.
A man stepped out of the gate, nearly tripping over the threshold.
- A familiar face! - Alanin was surprised. - And you are here, holy father?
Alpharius grimaced and glanced at them.
- And what—does that surprise you? What else was left for me to do but move from there toward Neverwinter? By the only road passing through this lovely monastery with its hospitable hosts?
- The gentleman arrived shortly before you, - Kai explained. - And also stayed for the night. I didn't know you were acquainted, otherwise I would have introduced you.
- Well, not exactly acquainted... - all four spurred their horses and slowly rode out onto the road. - To Neverwinter? We are also heading north. We can travel together for a while. And what happened in the chapel?
- That which had to happen sooner or later, and for which I was prepared, - Alpharius grumbled. - I summoned light and blinded everyone. Then I grabbed the offering bowl and was gone. Paladins... They are not of this world. Always interfering in things they have no idea about.
- He accused you of many things, holy father.
- I am no priest, as you can see. I am a wizard, - he said proudly. - I received an education at the best academy in Amn. My brother and I studied there together.
- I thought wizards teleported, lived in towers, and wore pointed hats and staffs studded with jewels...
- Stereotype.
- I've never heard of wizards robbing some country folk in god-forsaken villages.
- And I haven't happened to hear that those who talk so much live to old age, - the Wizard snapped back.

***

They reached Neverwinter. Along the way, the people got to know each other quite well, told various tales and made plans. The Wizard intended to start a business in Neverwinter; he had some connections. Judging by his stories, most of the sins were invented by slandering competitors and crooked guards, and as for the paladin order hunting him, they were generally prone to exaggeration. Kai held up well—he maintained pleasant conversations, revealed certain spiritual theses he had grasped during reflection and contemplation, never complained about anything, and argued with no one. It seemed as if nothing bothered him at all. He enjoyed every second of the long journey. Derien strummed his lute; in the evenings by the campfire, he used a stick to write rhymes on the ground. Alanin looked tired. Something troubled him, as if he expected something terrible at any moment.
The premonitions did not deceive. In Neverwinter, he heard that there was trouble in their home village. The local blacksmith, Alanin's father, had fallen ill with some disease. He was already old. Derien didn't even try to hold his friend back; he understood everything. The day after arriving in the city, they parted ways.
As it turned out, not everything worked out for the sorcerer either. That same evening, the city guard burst into the tavern; a sergeant recognized him by description, pointed at him and a couple of other bandits with his finger, and a brawl broke out. Alpharius barely escaped with his life. His projects collapsed; he had no choice but to continue the journey to Luskan together with his newfound acquaintances.

- I've heard that traveling this road is very dangerous, - Alpharius shivered. - You never know who you might meet. In the best case, bandits, and in the worst...
- Well, you're a wizard. You'll be able to protect us, I'm sure! - Derien shrugged carelessly.
The Wizard grew gloomy and continued the journey in silence.
Evening was falling, visibility was worsening; they were riding along some path in the middle of the forest. It was time to look for a place to spend the night. The bard was about to make a suggestion when a wolf's howl sounded from nearby. Several others echoed it from different directions.
- This is bad, - the bard stammered with dead lips. - Very bad.
- I suggest we speed up, - advised Kai, who seemed completely untouched by the sense of danger. The same stone face as most of the time.
They shifted to a light canter. A vicious snarl was heard very close. They put the horses into a gallop in the twilight, pushing through bushes and trees. The bard looked back for a second and noticed huge, ferocious wargs not falling behind them by a single step. The chase did not last long. Very soon they reached a small clearing only to see that they were surrounded. Half a dozen wargs, snarling, growled and dug the ground with their paws. The largest one prepared to spring.
"Surely the leader" - flashed through Derien's mind.
- I have no weapon, - the sorcerer said in a defeated voice.
- Then use magic! You're a mage! Look—they're about to tear us apart.
Alpharius opened his mouth to answer when suddenly a battle cry rang out from behind the trees, and something huge and glittering slammed into the leader, knocking him off his feet and pinning him against a tree. A hulking man in armor with a war hammer crushed the beast's skull with one blow. The remaining wolves howled deafeningly and bolted away from him like they were fleeing fire, into the darkness.
He was tall, broad-shouldered, and completely bald. His eyes sparkled. Turning fiercely toward them, he himself bared his teeth and growled:
- Who are you? Report!
- J-just travelers, heading to Luskan! We were late on the road and couldn't find a place for the night. You saved our lives, thank you! - the bard spoke.
- Saved? Who misinformed you so? - the warrior growled and laughed wickedly, looking at their pale faces. - Alright, jokes aside. The area is full of dangerous creatures. These wargs are the best thing you could have encountered.
- I thought "best" meant... - the Wizard began.
- Silence! And listen to me if you want to stay alive. Now you come with me; I have a hut nearby. And in the morning, we all set off for Luskan. Questions?
- I do, - Derien raised his hand. - Why do you want to go to Luskan with us?
- Not me with you, but you with me. Because I need to get to Icewind Dale, and ships sail there from Luskan.
- Well, we need to go there too! We are heading north to find adventure, glory, and wealth. And material for a ballad. My name is Derien L'elore, I am a bard well-known in the south.
- I don't give a damn what your name is. I am going to war. Now come on, before the enemy brings reinforcements.
He grabbed the carcass of the wolf leader by the scruff and dragged it along the ground. The travelers followed him. After a few minutes, they reached a terrifying abode in the thicket of the forest. A house built from roughly processed boards and surrounded by a palisade sat on a small glade. The palisade was covered with severed heads impaled on logs. There were wolves, bears, some incomprehensible creatures. Human and even orc heads appeared. After stabling the horses, the warrior sent the travelers into the house, where they had to make do with a modest dinner. Despite his fatigue, Derien did not close his eyes.
In the morning, they left this ghastly place with relief and returned to the main road.
- I bought this beauty a week ago specifically for the upcoming journey, - he patted his horse on the shoulder in response to a question.
- And where are your armor, weapons, and other things?
- Hanging on the wall in the hut. I swore never again to participate in battles with that gear to honor the memory of my loss in the previous war with Amn. So since then, they have known only the blood of forest scum. Moreover—it makes no sense to travel in full attire and overwork the horses if you can get new equipment once you arrive.
Derien did not agree with this but preferred not to argue. The warrior's name was Erkenbert, and surprisingly, he was a priest, though he didn't say of which god. He was around fifty, had participated in two wars, and was an archdeacon. News of the unrest in the north attracted many thugs, mercenaries, and fortune seekers; Erkenbert also answered the call. Unlike most, he did not seek honors or loot for himself. Derien still hadn't managed to understand his motivation. One thing he knew for sure—a healer would never hurt them, especially one that wargs are afraid of to death.

***

Finally, the group arrived in Luskan. They stayed in an inexpensive inn full of suspicious characters. Most of them were mercenaries. Kai immersed himself in meditation in his tiny room, distancing himself from the loud shouts and noise; the deacon headed for the docks, while Derien and Alpharius decided to clear their heads and entered the nearest tavern.
- If there is anything worthwhile in this city—it's the cheap beer, - the Wizard noted, sipping his drink.
- I've never been to Luskan, - the bard said thoughtfully. - I thought it was complete anarchy here, blood flowing in rivers through the streets, and pirates slashing each other.
- And I have been to this city twice. The first time I expected roughly the same, and most unpleasant of all, I got it.
- Actually, that doesn't happen often, - the bartender intervened in their conversation. - Most of the time it's quite tolerable here. Of course, not up to the luxury and dignity of southern cities, but people live and don't complain.
- I'll step away for a moment, - the sorcerer muttered, stood up and walked into the corridor past the bar counter.
Derien became embarrassed.
- Well, I didn't mean that people are beasts and thugs are everywhere... Just... This is a den of pirates and raiders. In the sense not a den, but a center... - the bard stumbled.
- Come on, son, I know what southerners think of us. They think we're like barbarians of the north, or even worse. And most don't care. Sometimes there are outbursts from captains, but the mages in their towers quickly handle it. I'll tell you this... - the bartender's gaze slid to the entrance door and hardened. - Hey you! Do I have to throw you into the mud again? What did I tell you about visiting my establishment? Get out of here!
The bard turned around and saw a swaying man in a black, worn-out robe at the entrance. He had blond hair, three-day stubble, and cloudy eyes. Just another pub regular, Derien thought. The man, ignoring the innkeeper's shouts, headed straight for him with a smile.
- Hello, Grumpos! Pour me some of your famous ale! - he addressed him cheerfully.
- Get lost, - the bartender repeated gloomily. - You have no money anyway.
- Ha! I have no money? Me? - the visitor's wandering gaze stopped on Derien. - Look, kid, he thinks I have no money! Ha! Ha! Today I have everything, pour it, don't stall!
Grumpos looked at the client distrustfully and sighed.
- Why did you choose my tavern specifically?.. - he muttered under his breath, filling a mug of ale from the barrel.
- Because yours is all the... uh... best... To your health! - the visitor tossed a coin and sipped the drink. - And you, son, what's your name?
- I am not your son; I am Derien L'elore, a bard. And you smell of alcohol.
- Of course, because I've been drinking! My name is Garius, - he nearly knocked the ale onto the floor.
- Very interesting. Thank you, - Derien grimaced and turned away.
- You know, Mr. Bard, I also found a own inclination toward music, - the annoying visitor stood up and tried to move closer to Derien.
Passing by the table, he tripped, and the contents of the mug splashed onto a seated half-orc. The latter snorted angrily, rose, and punched the nearest visitor in the jaw. The visitor took a chair and smashed it over the offender's head. A fight broke out. Bodies and splinters flew through the tavern; everyone fought everyone. Alpharius reappeared in the hall and nearly got hit in the head with a bottle.
- What the hell!
- To the street! - the bard shouted to him.
Avoiding a beating, they managed to leave the inhospitable tavern; the drunkard who had provoked the brawl followed them. He sniffed disappointedly:
- Grumpos will never let me in there now.
- You should have watched where you were going, - Derien snapped. - Let's go back to the inn.
But the Wizard did not move. He was scrutinizing the face of their new acquaintance.
- Have we met? - he asked distrustfully.
- I don't know... Maybe we met, maybe not, how should I know, I live here in the city... - the vagabond's cloudy gaze could not focus on anything.
Alpharius cast a spell—light flashed for a moment on his fingertip and immediately went out. Muttering curses, he pulled the man closer to a lantern.
- Ah, so that's it! I wasn't mistaken! Garius, you old scoundrel, it is you.
The scoundrel's gaze turned to the Wizard's face and cleared.
- Alphi? Is it really you?
- Me! - the sorcerer patted his acquaintance on the shoulder. - Long time no see, brother!
- Indeed... I haven't seen you since you left the... academy...
- I haven't seen you just as long, - he addressed the bard. - This is my own brother! We studied together at the academy in Amn.
- Yes, yes, I remember. Your brother is not in the best condition.
- Indeed... Hey, old dog, we arrived here today and rented a couple of rooms in an inn nearby. We are going to Icewind Dale. Come with us; we need to discuss a lot!
- Well, let's go, - Garius answered and collapsed onto the cobblestones.
- Wow... He's completely gone, - Derien noted.
- Excellent observation, - the Wizard snapped back.
They hoisted the body onto their shoulders and dragged him to the inn. Dropping him on a rug in the corner and covering him with a sheet, they heard heavy footsteps on the stairs. A second later, the door swung open and Erkenbert entered the room.
- The ship is called "The Devil". We set sail at dawn. The captain is a bastard, and I barely had enough money. Provisions are on the ship, - he glanced at Garius in the corner. - And they won't wait for us.
He departed.

***

Derien woke up from a rough shove to the ribs. The fierce face of the priest loomed over him.
- I'm coming, I'm coming... - he scanned the room with his eyes and saw that he was alone. Going downstairs, he found the others sitting at the table and snacking.
- Hi guys, - he looked at their latest new acquaintance. - And you, uh... Garius. What do you actually do?
The Wizard's brother looked much better, but still something elusive, some spirit of inadequacy was felt in his eyes.
- Well, I... what-what... All sorts of things! So anyway, I don't complain; I live here in Luskan. I earn a decent living with my art. You probably don't know—my brother and I studied at the academy of magic in Amn.
- Really? - the bard held back a heavy sigh. - So you are a mage, like your brother?
- Yes, sir, a mage. I specialize in the field of... uh... alchemy... potion brewing, - he lowered his gaze. - Alphi told me about what you have planned.
- Yes, he did, - Alpharius picked up. - Derien, buddy, I thought—I am indeed a caster, but on the upcoming journey, I won't be able to solve all magical tasks that fall upon my shoulders. After all, I am not versed in certain areas which, by a happy coincidence, are within my brother's power. I believe we need to take him with us, for magical art of such categories isn't found lying on the road. And it will be pleasant for us to relive old times. You know, we pulled off things like that at the academy together—I still remember them with amazement. All the teachers said: "yes, these two will go far."
He spoke and spoke, and the bard listened and listened, as if immersing himself entirely in a cozy and calm ocean of persuasive speech. Finally, the sorcerer fell silent and stared at Derien expectantly with a friendly smile.
- Yes, good idea, if no one objects, - he discovered that the others were frozen in stupor. - Guys, you don't mind?
- Two casters mean double firepower; no one can withstand such intensive artillery fire. Agreed.
- I also don't mind, if our paths are destined to cross.
The bard smiled.
- Then it's decided. Welcome to our group, Garius, - he shook the mage's hand, trying to push away memories of last night.

Our group

My characters:

Name: Derien
Race: Half-elf
Class: Bard
He is the main character in our story, the founder of the party, and the ideological inspirer of the journey. He inspires his companions in battle with heroic ballads, casts spells, and is a decent fighter. He is armed with a sword and shield, and we plan to give him a second sword later. He gets along well with people and can act as a negotiator.

Name: Garius
Race: Human
Class: Spellcaster (wizard specialization)
A wizard specializing in summoning creatures and objects. Destruction magic (fireballs, magic arrows, and other damage-dealing spells) is forbidden to him. Thanks to his high intelligence, he has good knowledge of magical things. He is armed with a staff and a crossbow. Brother of Alpharius.

Name: Sarg
Race: Human
Class: Barbarian
He acts as the main tank and is possibly the best warrior in the group. He performs the role of a protector/striking force and a guide, as he knows the area well and has knowledge of the wilderness. He is armed with a two-handed axe and a bow.

Loken's characters:

Name: Kai
Race: Human
Class: Monk of an old order
A fighter whose weapon is his own body. Monks rarely use weapons; they usually use staves and clubs. Mostly, they fight with their bare hands. They also do not wear armor, preferring to wear ordinary clothes. Despite this, they are strong and agile warriors. Temporarily armed with a halberd.

Name: Alpharius
Race: Human
Class: Sorcerer (warlock)
If one becomes a wizard, one is born a warlock. Their power is inherent in them from childhood; it flows in their blood. Due to his high charisma and ability to gain people's trust, he is the main negotiator and the primary magical force. He is armed with a staff and a crossbow. Brother of Garius.

Name: Erkenberth
Race: Human
Class: Priest, master of Bane's terror
A priest of Bane, the God of hatred, discord, and tyranny. Due to his dark nature, he specializes more in curses and inflicting damage on opponents, so there is no question of blessings or healing. He can also act as a backup tank. He is armed with a mace and a shield.

Note: Derien, Sarg, and Kai have the "stealth" skill. If they use it together, they can sneak into the enemy camp and catch them off guard.

Chapter One. "Arrival"

Derien sighed heavily. Yes, by the seventh day of sailing, eating dried fish and listening to the captain's screams, their enthusiasm had noticeably waned. They were steering a course for Targos—a town currently under siege. The captain told them that many mercenaries had already headed there, but ships had stopped sailing to the port. Many were certain that Targos would fall soon. Reinforcements from Neverwinter were on their way to the city, but traveling by land through snow and mountain passes took a great deal of time. Oh, this same Neverwinter without its ships.
- LAND! - announced the lookout.
Targos finally appeared through the fog. The captain began rushing about, barking orders, while five penniless travelers trudged gloomily toward the side of the ship.
- The commander's name is Albrek, - the captain told them. - His headquarters are in the upper part of the city. He manages everything here and assigns the mercenaries. You can get your equipment at the warehouse. Be careful out there. The city is surrounded by a palisade, but some wolf riders manage to bypass it, and they carry out slaughters in the streets. Although I don't know how things stand here at the moment. So you should hurry to Albrek. Good luck.
The sailors lowered the gangplank, and Erkenbert jumped onto the pier first. He quickly looked around, ran to a pile of crates, and hid behind them. Making a hand gesture that "all is clear," he gave the signal for disembarkation. The bard sighed heavily again. Yes, this adventure would not be easy. How he missed the faithful Alanin...
The group descended along with half a dozen sailors. They immediately began bustling about and unloading something, while the travelers gathered and headed into the city.
- It's kind of chilly, - Alfary whispered through chattering teeth, shivering in his light attire.
- Do not focus on the cold; let it pass through you, - Kai replied monotonically, paying no attention to the icy wind blowing right through his thin cloak.
- In my opinion, the weather is excellent! - Garius declared; his eyes sparkled, and his gait became light.
The Wizard looked at his brother with concern, but didn't have time to say anything because an arrow whistled past him, embedding itself in a house wall.
- Cover! - roared the priest, rolling under the protection of a low fence. From both front and back, several slobbering goblins with crude short blades burst onto the street, while one tried to nock a new arrow to his bowstring, which kept slipping from its crooked paws.
The monk collapsed into a snowdrift, and Derien with the brothers took cover behind a cart.
- Those three are going to slaughter us like pigs, - the bard noted, pointing a finger at the approaching goblins.
- Let them try this! - Garius jumped up and shouted magic words, splashing the creatures with colored bursts emanating from his palms. One fell to the ground unconscious, the second continued toward them, and the third turned around and ran in panic in the opposite direction until a powerful axe blow took its head. A huge man with locks of hair fluttering in the wind stepped onto the street, rushed at the aggressive goblin and drove an axe into its chest, then carefully finished off the stunned one. Cleaning the blade of blood in the snow, he watched with interest as the black man sent the archer to his ancestors with a few strikes, while the priest beat the last goblin with fists burning with fire until nothing was left but a pulp. Then the deacon mastered his anger and began wiping the blood from his clothes.
The bard approached the stranger and nodded gratefully.
- You've been a great help, thank you, - he extended his hand. - My name is Derien L'elor, and these are my companions.
- Sarg. Just Sarg, - the fighter smiled. - I never miss an opportunity to finish off those bastards.
- Are you from the local garrison?
- Partly. I was born, raised, and live here. Many left their homes, but I stayed to protect the city. You're new mercenaries, aren't you? Arrived on the ship that entered the harbor today.
- Correct. We were heading to Lord Albrek so he could register us and issue equipment. I didn't think it was so dangerous within the city walls.
- It happens. I don't know where they came from, but this is my third skirmish on the city streets today. As for equipment—don't count too much on getting it at headquarters. We have a shortage of weapons and armor today; we have to strip the attackers, - he pointed to the goblin corpses. - Don't be shy or squeamish. For now, this is the best you can get.
Grimacing and critically inspecting the acquired gear, the travelers divided the weapons among themselves.
- Essential items for the time being, - Sarg continued. - However, there is a garrison warehouse nearby; I can escort you to it. Maybe something is still left there.
There were no skirmishes on the way to the warehouse. Inside, they were met by a bored man who allowed them to rummage through the supplies themselves and take what they needed. "Lord Albrek would have sent you to me anyway," he said.
Kai took a long two-handed axe that looked more like a halberd.
- A monk has no need for weapon proficiency. But I loved axes in my youth. I spent too much time within the walls of that monastery.
Erkenbert dug up a mace and a shield, and his stern face softened slightly.
- A shield will allow effective advancement under enemy fire to suppress opponent firing points, and a mace will help crush any armor.
Derien acquired a short sword and a small shield, and tucked a dagger into the top of his boot.
- I can't carry iron on me.
Alfary triumphantly waved a small crossbow in the air.
- What a treasure I managed to extract from the far corners of this warehouse! Remember how father let us shoot?
Garius nodded and smirked.
- I remember. And you always won at shooting... I found some, uh... saltpeter in those barrels... yes. I'll mix... - he patted his knapsack with one hand, leaning on a long wooden staff.
They left the warehouse and headed to Lord Albrek. They didn't get a chance to test their new equipment. The lord received them, wrote their names in a little book, and sent them to the palisade.
The palisade was high and strong; archers stood on the walls, catapults were positioned behind the walls, and inside, tired and frozen people sat by campfires. The group went to the headquarters to see the garrison commander.
- Mercenaries from Luskan have arrived at your disposal! - roared the deacon.
- Excellent news—we need men. According to the latest intelligence, a large-scale attack by the horde on our positions is being prepared today. Here and here, - he pointed to a map spread across the table. - We must hold out until the reinforcements promised by Neverwinter finally arrive. We can hold back the infantry, but their cavalry and shamans pose a danger to us. Wolves jump over the low parts of the palisade that are covered in snow or damaged. We've had almost no encounters with shamans, but we have no protection against magic provided.
- We have two skilled mages with us, - Derien pointed to the brothers. Alfary was picking dirt off his crossbow, and Garius was amusing himself with small bottles, smoking a pipe with some strange tobacco.
- Good, if they can help us with that. Now we need to prepare for the attack; go to the northern part of the palisade and speak with the sergeant.
The sergeant turned out to be a typical sergeant—shouting loudly, spraying saliva, and giving orders to his subordinates. He briefed the fighters.

The group froze in anticipation. Garius departed somewhere with a suspicious look, Kai silently watched the tongues of flame by the campfire, Alfary chatted and drank with a small group of mercenaries nearby, the deacon wandered around the camp assessing the fortifications' defensibility and arguing something with the garrison chief, Sarg tended to his weapon, polishing it and checking the blade's sharpness, and Derien stood on the wall trying to make out something in the twilight and fog. You couldn't see a thing—it was pitch black. He mentally pictured countless hordes of bloodthirsty non-humans. His gaze slid past a tent from which Garius was emerging. The latter walked with a springy step, coughing and rubbing his nose. What had he been doing? The mage approached his brother, sat down with the guys, and took a swig from his own flask.
Evening fell quickly. And then finally, a resonant sound of a horn echoed from the darkness. Soldiers grabbed their weapons and rushed onto the walls—the attack had begun. The party gathered inside, near the tents. Archers successfully mowed down waves of advancing goblins with almost no losses.
- We'll hold Targos, I think, - one of the warriors tossed out.
- This is just a trial attack, - a second noted skeptically. - Soon they will strike with their main forces.
An explosion shook the palisade walls; twenty meters away from them, snow and logs flew into the air—the palisade had been breached.
- Close the breach! - ordered the sergeant.
Warriors rushed to the wall, behind which goblins were already pouring in. There weren't many of them on this section of the perimeter—none of Derien's group even had time to enter the fray. However, another section of the wall was immediately demolished. Some of the warriors stayed to build a barricade at the breach, while others hurried to the new point of breakthrough.
- What is that? - the bard asked on the run, but no one answered him.
The fighting here was much more brutal. In addition to cannon fodder, wolves and armored goblins seeped through the fortifications. Sarg let out a war cry and crashed into the crowd of enemies, slaying the runts with his axe. The cowardly creatures died one by one, but the elite did not yield. Sarg struck blow after blow, but the cursed goblin parried the hits and dodged, hitting the warrior several times. The fighter felt his body gradually numbing, his strength fading. A battle raged around him, and he began to retreat cautiously. A couple of times he nearly stumbled, and only by a miracle did he manage to avoid the blade of the annoying goblin. Sarg was already gasping from the strain and was ready to commit to one last furious strike—one which, if dodged, would have allowed the opponent to finish him—but a crossbow bolt whistled through the creature's skull. Alfary climbed onto an elevation and winked at the Barbarian from there, only to be hit in the leg by an arrow the next moment and roll off the roof into the snow.
Finally, the warriors broke the attackers' onslaught and put the rest to flight; however, before they could catch their breath, a third and most powerful explosion completely blew away the gates. In the chaos, Derien spotted an elderly goblin draped in talismans and skulls, from whom a glow emanated.
- Incinerate that son of a bitch! - roared the sergeant.
But the brothers did not incinerate. Alfary, grimacing from the pain in his leg, limped to a woodpile and leaned on it, while Garius rummaged through his bag. The battle shifted toward the gates. The bard easily avoided the strikes of crude goblin weapons, attacking targets occupied with other opponents. He fenced quite well, and adrenaline added to his mobility. In this skirmish, he had already killed three. Out of the corner of his eye, Derien barely managed to notice a wolf rider charging at him and jumped aside, but received a glancing blow to the back. A sharp pain pierced his body, and he couldn't get up from the snow. The rider didn't lose initiative and struck again—in the arm. A huge wound gaped on the bard's forearm. The vile goblin shrieked and clearly enjoyed it. He wanted to strike the second arm, but the poll of an axe split his skull, and the blade halved the wolf. Kai dragged Derien into some tent where about half a dozen wounded were already located, and a medic began fussing over the bard.
Derien lost consciousness.

He woke up on a cot in that same tent; his companions were nearby. Alfary, with a bandaged leg, was arguing about something with his brother, Sarg lay sprawled on the floor, leaning against the wall with eyes closed, the deacon had disappeared somewhere again, and Kai sat at his feet looking at the bard.
- We won, - he answered an unasked question. - At the cost of great losses, the garrison managed to fight them off. However, we won't survive another such attack, so the commander is developing some kind of plan.
Won. Derien leaned back and replayed the events of the battle in his head. Glancing at his bandaged and treated wounds, he felt a sense of bewilderment.
Erkenbert entered the tent. His clothes were bloody again, and a scratch gaped on his temple.
- Albrek personally thanks us for overcoming the enemy assault and rewards us with this, - he tossed the bard a bag of clinking coins. - A good sum to get our supplies in order. They have few men left, but reinforcements from Neverwinter should be arriving soon. The city will be held.
- Good... - Derien thought. - And tell me, Father, umm... Would you not apply your healing art to our group?
The deacon looked at the bard with disdain and declared:
- I am not a healer. I fight; I do not heal. Medicines will put everyone back on their feet quickly, - he left the tent.
Derien looked at Kai in shock but saw nothing on his impassive face. He looked at the silenced brothers, and another thought dawned in his head.
- Hey, guys. Why didn't you unleash the full power of destructive combat spells on the goblins?..


=========================================================================
by the way, we are playing on hard difficulty and don't use magic nukes (maybe with rare exceptions from my side, but not from the combat school)

screen №1
This is the ship we arrived on, the Barbarian is already with us)

screen №2
we approached the port warehouse\dock or something similar, I don't remember. A man standing nearby said there were goblins inside and asked us to kill them. More accurately, he asked to call some mercenaries from the tavern, but we decided to solve this problem ourselves and went inside.
this is basically us already inside, goblins are attacking us, and Garius summoned a beetle))

screen №3
after clearing the room, we found a strange staircase leading down... we decided to check what was there and descended.

screen №4
the stairs led us into an underground tunnel where we also encountered goblins. True, the tunnel was blocked and we had to go back, but that was enough for us to understand how the goblins penetrated the city. Here we also found half of a strange scroll...

screen №5
Then we headed to the warehouse, where the owner allowed us to search chests, barrels, and crates for items that might be useful in battle with the enemy.

screen №6
Afterward, we went back outside and continued the fight. On the way, we met a dwarf craftsman

screen №7
This is us already in the tavern) Alphi is trading with some guy, Sarg and Derien are waiting at the table for ale which Garius went to get
and on the right are exactly three mercenaries who need to be called for the warehouse cleanup, but they probably wouldn't have gone anyway, too arrogant. And yes, these guys didn't come to town alone; with them was a priest of Myrkul (the dark God) and a wizard, who actually hired all of them

screen №8
epic place. This is the house of a blind old lady (mother of our ship's captain). Her house is full of cats, but despite this, she told us many interesting things) And yes, most importantly... when we were at the warehouse, Lok found a dead cat and took it with him. We showed the kitty to the grandmother and she recognized her pet named Loki in it))) damn, I screenshotted this moment of dialogue, but it didn't save x( eh, it was so funny... Loki the cat)) and then this old woman called us fools for carrying a dead cat around =[br][/br]
screen №9
This is us already in another part of town, we entered an inn. The owner said that in one of the rooms, a ghost of a woman appears at night and cries. He asked us to deal with her and maybe help somehow so that her soul could find peace

screen №10
so we went up to the second floor and found this room) We talked to her and she told us a sad story about how her husband went to sea and didn't return (there was a storm). In grief, she threw herself out the window and now comes at night. Eh... we could have helped her properly, but unfortunately our priest is not a supporter of good deeds and therefore simply banished the spirit, after first making her cry a couple of tears into a bottle for us. The spirit promised that we would meet again... well yes, probably in hell for sinners))
the ghost's crying is creepy by the way, it was scary

screen №11
the next morning we went to the shop. Sarg went to look at weapons, Derien at some bottles and junk, and Gariy headed for powders and scrolls)
the merchant's name is Deidra.

screen №12
Albrek's house, he's kind of like the mayor. And his wife is an elf) she actually treated our dagger with a ghost tear and it became magical, though we sold it anyway... cheaply, although we could have just given the tear and received 500 gold! oh well, we aren't munchkins.

screen №13
and here is the traitor who helped the goblins penetrate the city. This is that wizard who arrived in Targos with the mercenaries from the tavern. He gave the scroll to the goblins, and the second half was maybe with him or is located somewhere else... the scroll allowed teleportation. Either from one to another or something like that) I never quite understood
and yes, unfortunately I didn't screenshot the house of the priest who also arrived with the mage and mercenaries) but as it later turned out, neither he nor those fools knew about the wizard's evil intentions

screen №14
gnome alchemist and inventor from the first part, but older now) yes, he managed to leave Kuldahar, but crashed his airship again, this time in Targos)) he also has a granddaughter, but she is apparently somewhere inside, you can't see her

screen №15
We went into the next part of town, the northernmost. This is exactly where the city gates are located.
funny mission by the way. A guy asked for a hammer (more accurately we volunteered to help him) to fix a catapult, drive nails... and we gave it to him)))

screen №16
and this is the sergeant and recruits. He tried to inspire the fighters with coarse speech and swearing, but Alphi showed him how to properly command and lead

screen №17
oh, that was also a very funny moment)) again the sergeant and soldiers. He's training them in combat on a barrel... I actually decided to practice too and beat the barrel))

screen №18
this is the beginning of the goblin attack on the city. we are in the house of some guy, can't remember his name, but he's kind of like the commander

screen №19
Here is the first serious fight. There are goblins, wolves, and goblins on wolves
we went upstairs later, killed a tough goblin in armor there. He was a strong villain

screen №20
and this is already a goblin shaman who destroyed our little fence with his magic x( the mercenaries from the tavern are next to us, two of them, because the third is already dead. And also Loki is lying there in a white cloak, pretending to be dead so they wouldn't hit him

that's basically all for now) we repelled the attack and further we need to go beyond the city.
eh, unfortunately I didn't screenshot three guys, also mercenaries) they were standing by a fire in the street. They told us how they got here, what quests they did. One told us that he was ordered to get rid of rats in the warehouse and so that he wouldn't have to do it himself, he stole a cat from the blind old lady and planted it in the warehouse. Yes, that's how we found out Loki died of overeating =( and the second mercenary was mute and answered everything with "hhhnnn-nhhhnn". It was funny reading how he told us things. A knife was driven into his throat, and he never took it out, so that's how he talked
there were also two guys arguing for 4 coins over who of them would hit the barrel with a bow. In the end Loki hit it and took the bow from one of them.
we also met a soldier guarding a shelf with gear. We tricked him by saying his name was called and he left, while we searched the shelf in the meantime. mwahhaha

Arc's desire to start the second eyeseek with a clean slate has been granted, and I can finally continue posting my little game, which is already nearing its end.



The penultimate ingredient for the staff is a wierdling. I don't know how to translate it properly; in the pirated versions, it was "creature," and that's much better than some incomprehensible bullshit from another localization I once stumbled upon on the internet. Anyways, the wierdling resides in the Temple of X, which, surprisingly enough, is located near the village of X. The door to the temple is, of course, locked, and I need to borrow the key from my old acquaintance Aldwin.
After strolling through the village and browsing the shops, I sold off all my imported Galavian junk and enriched myself by many thousands. Nothing lasts forever, of course, and I spent many thousands when I repaired my gear and bought plenty of useful spells. Mostly these were upgrades to old ones. On the bright side, at the beginning of the chapter, the captain taught me how to summon any creature for which I had a scroll, and I celebrated this by buying a grizzly bear scroll. I headed toward Aldwin. Well, I went in, said hello, found nothing interesting. Re-read the quest, took the key and some parting words, and left.
Setting course for the temple.
The temple doesn't look like a resort—there are actual corpses. Traps in the floor, guttural roars, creatures dashing about—this kind of drive is for me. It happens, damn it; that's why I love this game.
Sometimes the path led through tunnels where special altars were located. If you walk past one, a creature spawns from it. It could be a pathetic imp or urchin, or you might get a terrifying mimic or a grizzly bear.
After two spawns, something drops—a bottle, a pouch of gold, a pack of markers—some useless trinket that is disproportionate to the effort spent. The altar doesn't work after that, yeah. Nevertheless, I pedantically cleared every altar, and in the end, I got a cool tunic with regeneration and anti-venom, which I immediately put on.
There are many different kinds of traps: holes in the floor; arrows from the walls; blue flame from the ground that instantly burns all mana; bombers running out of their cages and blasting themselves with spells, and much more—too many to mention.
And once I was walking down a corridor whistling, while a beholder flew past in the adjacent room.
These are very tough guys; they hit with strong yellow lightning and cast "shock" on themselves, which caused me some same-old butt-hurt when playing as a warrior because it reflects melee damage. I've been knocked back by a single berserker. I shot the beholds from a bow using valuable stunning arrows—I didn't spare any ammo.
In the dampness and darkness grew disgusting plants—you touch them with a finger, or even just your clothes without touching them while running past, and they burst, leaving behind a suffocating gas that isn't like a troll's death rattle fart, but is more like my "toxic cloud." It kills in two and a half seconds. Or three and a half with "poison protection." Or one second without buffs and same-old anti-venom gear.
I somehow survived with the bears, but they weren't always useful. I walked with them for about a third or half of the time, no more. The mimic tore them to pieces. And then it came for me. Cursed cockroach. By the way, it sometimes disguised itself as a chest. I approach to open a chest, and it turns into a mimic and BLOOD GUTS EVERYWHERE. Mimicry! A subtle thing.
- so this is what the summon looks like.
- and here I lured enemy bears into a pen and pulled a lever. The doors closed, and spikes emerged from the ground. Soul sent away :3
- this is where they lived and guarded these now-empty chests.
A few times I hit a very tough trap that released a green sparkling cluster of energy, which severely damaged health. But I overcame these dangers.
After four or five hours, I reached the final hall. Two sorcerers ran in and each summoned a stone golem. This place always causes inconvenience and forces many reloads; however, this time I passed it very easily. The bears tanked, and I calmly shot the slow and stupid golems from my bow.
A bit further, I found a small room with a wierdling relaxing in a pool, and in a chest, besides a generously placed health elixir, there was also a stone golem scroll.
"What to do?" - "Get the hell out!", right, Plesen?

I've gathered everything I could find so far. Now I can personally finish off Hecuba! It's not easy to get to the Land of the Dead through the usual path, where she's holed up, so the clever captain dropped me off in the Gloomy Swamp, through which I'll sneak behind Hecuba. The location's name perfectly reflects its essence. It's a very depressing and, most annoyingly, a long chapter. In fact, it's the longest chapter in the game. Towards the end, it becomes somewhat tolerable, but until then, you have to play for at least an hour, or even longer.
- and I immediately got wrecked =(
But Aldwin's brother, Mordvin, lives in the swamp. Almost like Mordwin. I'll meet him, and he'll give me something, some kind of gift. And my path also goes through him, as there's an ogre outpost nearby, and the tunnels beneath it lead where I need to go.
The swamp is unpleasant, dark, and tedious. For example, carnivorous plants grow there. Fortunately, these sprouts can't move, so it's very satisfying to burn them with "burning." That's the second use for the spell.
I also fell underground here, again. I found a star-studded horned helmet somewhere down there, and I also periodically recast "moonlight," which illuminates my cursor. It was more or less okay - not so gloomy.
I experimented with summoning demons. They dealt well with the plants, and very poorly with the shadows, which are agile and nasty, and with varying success - with the improved zombies. The demons are fragile. And the improved zombies are not just +3 hit points and one defense, as in Heroes of Might and Magic. They have three times more health, several times more damage, and a high chance of poisoning on attack. Nasty undead. I don't remember very well how I fought them - I have memory lapses. I tried throwing meteors or shooting fire arrows. Neither was particularly effective. I tried punching with a magic fist or a golem - with mixed success, it was unclear. The golem was good in the swamp - completely immune to poison, with health and damage. But it was annoying. I didn't fight well with the zombies. But if I fell underground, by the time I got there, they were all already lying dead.
Once I found a house, and it turned out to be Mordvin's dwelling.
He turned out to be very kind, and gave me a cool crossbow from Zhandor himself, with enchantments just like on my bow, a quiver of inferno arrows, and in the room, I found the second level of "great healing," which now heals more health than it costs in mana. I don't remember if I wrote about it, but it's a channeling spell, and it continuously heals as long as you don't move. But the crossbow! It takes a long time to reload, but it shoots two to four times stronger. The specific value of the arrow is higher, for example, it's easy to take down opponents from a distance with one shot.
Mordvin's garden behind the house is cool. He said that he lives in this hole because rare plants grow here that don't grow anywhere else. A selfless man.
Once, I fell through somewhere and ended up in catacombs. There were traps, undead, and a necromancer. The necromancer turned out to be a loser, and in the sarcophagus, I found the third level of "fist," which now completely kicks ass.
- night of the living dead 2: evolution.
Eventually, I reached the ogre outpost. I killed the ogres easily, and in the pen, I found a man.
We walked together later, he in his underwear and with a force field. He cast healing spells on me and the golem, and slowing spells on the enemies.
Once, I got tired of playing and decided to entertain myself. I sent the golem on a hunt, and I started shooting at it.
It turned out to be an interesting movie. He killed a butterfly, for example. Butterflies are nasty; they sometimes appeared, blocking the path with summoned plants and hitting me with something.
I also met a necromancer, but his trigger didn't work. Probably because the player character wasn't nearby. So he just stood there while the golem beat him with his fists.
Somewhere in the area of the stinky swamps, when I got my boots wet and sneezed, I found a merchant, who was doing something unclear here, and lived in a house. He had traps in his apartment, but I avoided them and still robbed him.
- more ogres. This time, they were holding urchins in a pen, with an urchin shaman. I let them out, and in gratitude, they didn't get aggressive towards me, but ran around the camp, throwing hardened pieces of dung at the ogres.
I went underground again and continued on my way. I think I'm out of the swamp now. There were wolves in the basements and ogre lords. I found a scroll for the lords and charmed them. I didn't expect much, but they turned out to be surprisingly good.
- I set up an obstacle course for them, and I fed the winner meat and apples.
- merchant number two, lived in the third branch of the tunnel.
And then I came out into relatively fresh air. I entered the Land of the Dead and couldn't help but respond to the call of Cain, a wounded sorcerer who was about to be torn apart by black, ferocious wolves.
I drove the pack away, gave him a sip of potion, and he joined me. He performed the same functions as his previous comrade.
Somewhere there, I dug up a mimic scroll, and I really liked it because it's not as strong as the golem, but much more agile. The joy didn't last long - in one place, the undead set up an ambush, blocking all the exits with magic and attacking me like mad dogs.
Three necromancers at once, and a "red shirt." Apparently, this is some kind of very powerful necromancer, or lich, or zombie mage, or who knows what. But I defeated them.
After defeating them, I met the third merchant , and spent all the money I had earned so hard, down to the last penny, because this was probably the last merchant in the game. Yes, unlike the soulless creations of Bioware, money is valuable here, and you can always spend it on something necessary.
And finally, I approached Hecuba's citadel. Soon, it will all be over.

Hecuba's Citadel. The last stronghold. The final chapter. The last battle. The last hour and a half or two of gameplay.
It looks very high-tech; I would live here. Although, the floor could use some repairs. Small, ugly creatures with wings and bows – gargoyles. Unpleasant, but not fatal. But there are plenty of other deadly things.
- Night of the Living Dead 3: Requiem.
The usual scheme – I tore through everyone with a crossbow, and I bombarded hordes of zombies with meteors. Meteors remained my favorite weapon for destroying hordes of zombies. Fire bolts are also good, but slower. My mimic fought the gargoyle quite well, although sometimes it glitched and missed, no matter how many times it swung.
The elevators are also sci-fi.
Somewhere there, I found a sarcophagus on a step, covered with a red drape; it dropped a key and a flying bat, and the bat turned into a huge bull with a hammer, which knocked me to death with one hit. It ran very fast. I stunned the scoundrel with bolts and then finished him off with my fist; it worked well. He took out the mimic in two hits.
There were a lot of red shirts ; here, for example, he ambushed me, the bastard, and two dozen skeletons burst out of the walls. Of course, I got hit . I passed this place by summoning and setting a golem in guard mode, and while everyone was focused on it, I shot and beat the red shirt. Later, however, I almost got overwhelmed by the skeletons, but I managed to escape in time.
- if you kill a vampire, it drops loot against fire and burns itself. You can and should loot the crypts, and it's very easy and enjoyable to do with a crossbow , because crossbow bolts pierce enemies, sarcophagi, or crystal vases.
- a robot! A police robot. Or rather, a mechanical golem with an unhappy face. It is faster and stronger than a stone one, but it has no SOUL. Perhaps it is the strongest monster in terms of stats, but it doesn't dominate because how can it dominate when a huge cockroach bites you, and you can't even respond, because a confusion spell of level two is firmly stuck in the main processor?..
In one place, I came across an unpleasant labyrinth , full of nasty gargoyles firing arrows from some inconspicuous loopholes. And once, a robot came out of a secret door and immediately killed me.
There were also other new features, for example, strange red lights , touching which strongly throws the body back. When enemies flew away, it was cool, but when I ran into blocks with spikes, it wasn't very pleasant.
But I had already encountered lasers in Galava, so they were not a surprise to me, although, of course, they still caused the same damage.
- in one room, there were four plates in the floor, opening four rooms, and the fifth was already open. In the end, there were two red shirts, two necromancers, and one vampire, and a stupid mimic ran around the room, opening them all. But I chopped up the enemies.
In one place, the red shirts ambushed me, emerging from the walls and floor, and it should be said that they could kill me in a few seconds, and they were very durable. But I got a cool staff from one , which I never used; it had only five charges of those green blobs from the Temple. Unfortunately, they are slow.
Finally, I reached the Sphere through a bunch of lasers, traps, plates, corpses, and everything else.
I compiled the Staff of Oblivion, Hecuba arrived, she was very upset, and hordes of undead, including undead with skeletons, ghosts, and zombies, robots, red shirts, and gargoyles, rushed at me. But I killed them all , because the staff is self-guided, has huge damage, burns zombies, and recharges from crystals. Nevertheless, if I killed everyone with a warrior without moving, the sorcerer was killed a couple of times, and I reloaded because it was harder for him to survive in that room.
I followed Hecuba into the teleport and ended up in some backwater , and there were ogre houses and ogres all around. Of course, no one could defeat me, and I could, which I did; I ran around there, wandered around, teleported, and in the end, Hecuba and I had a Final Battle in the dungeons. I burned with the staff, punched, shot with a crossbow, aimed at her icon so that it would be displayed on the mini-map, because she was very agile. Once, I couldn't find her for a long time, so I summoned four bats and sent them all on a scouting mission, and I found Hecuba. Then, through two windows, I shot a bolt into the back of her head, and she died.
That's it! I defeated everyone. I watched a low-quality, funny cartoon in which I placed her soul in the sphere and gave it to Zhandoor-Captain for safekeeping. By the way, the TV that came with me through the portal started working.

That's the story. Thanks to everyone; let's not go too far.
I still have to go through as a mage, but no one will see that except me.

Orcs in the Mist

When the storm ended, I gave the order to my warriors, and we continued on our way. Two days later, a silent forest appeared before us. In the evening of the same day, we set up camp and prepared for the night. In the morning, the forest was shrouded in a thick mist, and the unsettling silence kept us on edge. One of the shamans said that elves had settled in this forest, and orcs had long since stopped coming here. Yet, once upon a time, our tribes hunted here and fished in the river that ran through the forest. Rumors about the elves were quickly confirmed when we encountered a couple of them. Then we found their camp, and then a second one. All the inhabitants were destroyed, except for one, whom we took prisoner. We managed to learn from him the reason for the elves' appearance in this forest. It turned out that their tribe had formed an alliance with humans in the fight against us, and in return, the humans promised them a part of our lands. Ha, what fools, I thought.
After beheading the prisoner, the orcs continued on their way.

screenshot #1
orcish army

screenshot #2
apparently, an elf-Tatar.

screenshot #3
this fairy is partially one too

Two Rams

The rest of the journey passed without incident, and after a couple of days, we reached the city of Lmarig in the Mournful Mountains, where Shan Taum Shegol, a long-time enemy of Black Eye, ruled. As expected, Shegol was not pleased to see the son of his enemy. The argument was brief, and the battle began quickly; the orcs charged into the attack. The battle was fierce and engaging – it was immediately clear that he was a strong opponent, unlike all our previous encounters. But this time, I won again. Of course, I didn't kill Shegol, especially since he asked for mercy, and shamans suddenly appeared. They thanked me for bringing their colleagues and protecting them along the way. Then they asked me to go and defend the city of Prestid, while they would confer, but one thing was already clear: they decided to gather a great horde to repel the human invaders, and I would lead it.

Screenshot #1
I finally leveled up the main character to level 3.

Screenshot #2
The horde is like this! I chose a cunning tactic and gathered my troops on the hills and in the castle to defend and pull wounded soldiers back, replacing them with fresh ones.

Screenshot #2
And this is their Chukan leader.
Screenshot #3

Chapter Two. "Explosive Canyons"

- Great. Just great. I feel this journey is going to be very interesting! Provided we don't all drop dead first! - Derien was shaking with rage, and with his next step, he fell headfirst into a particularly deep snowdrift. Spitting and brushing away helping hands, he dug himself out and shook the snow from his hair.
- Stop whining, - grumbled Alpharius, unsuccessfully struggling with the laces of his insulated boots.
- You should have mentioned this a bit sooner, don't you think?! Slippery bastard! You dragged your little brother here too! Magnificent mages, tremble, forces of evil! With one glance, the spellcaster can turn you to dust! Their mighty power will crash down upon the heads of their enemies like thunder!.. - the bard's speech was cut short when the mage's fist hit him in the jaw.
- Shut up... My head hurts... Still here... - Garius stepped away and sat on an icy boulder, rubbing his forehead. He looked terrible.
- Are you sick? - the monk inquired.
- No... Coming down... m... I'm coming down. Boo-boo-boo, - the wizard muttered, standing up and rubbing his frostbitten rear. - Let's go.
They continued their way through the snowy gorge. The group was heading toward the Shaerngar Bridge with the goal of recapturing and holding it, so that reinforcements from Neverwinter could finally reach Targos. Albreck had honestly admitted to them that this was a dangerous mission and he had almost no men left. The Stronghold had retreated slightly from a direct assault; it was important not to lose the initiative.
And so, they trudged through the viscous snow, exhausted and barely able to move their legs. Next time, they would need to bring skis or snowshoes.
The bard walked and angrily muttered dirty curses under his breath. Sorcerers without sorcery. Neither one nor the other knew how to cast lightning bolts or fireballs.
"I couldn't study at the academy; I skipped classes and had fun. And then I left. I had to scrape by on small change until I developed a couple of great schemes for personal enrichment. I don't know a single destruction spell. Why would I need them? They are completely useless in everyday life. Better watch how I make that man give me his wallet" - the wizard's dramatic tale did not touch Derien's heart, but it drove him to fury. And the second one was high all the time. Drinking something, or smoking, or sniffing, chewing. His story was far more grounded. Kicked out of the same academy for complete insanity and being in a state of narcotic or alcoholic intoxication around the clock. He didn't know what year it was and could barely remember two or three weak spells that would get them smashed against a wall.
There was also a priest. An eternally angry, malicious, quarrelsome bastard. It will be good to have a priest in the party, Derien thought. He can heal in a difficult moment. Not so. He didn't heal. Was he unable or unwilling? Unclear. Seems like the latter.
And so they walked: a crazy unholy father; a dropout fraud wanted across the entire coast; a degraded drug addict and alcoholic barely staying on his feet; a nostalgic, sickly-looking monk over forty; the bard himself - a boy plucking strings; and a Northern ranger - the only reliable person in the whole group. They were marching toward certain death to storm a fortified Stronghold garrison, and the lives of the citizens of Targos, and perhaps other cities, depended on the success of this venture.
- Well... The trial promises to be interesting! - Derien said, trying to cheer himself up, but steadily sinking into the depths of despair.

They walked for a long time until they met Sarg, returning from the vanguard.
- Crossing the canyons, I noticed orcs with bows on the hills who could easily shoot us down. In narrow spots there are barricades made of barrels; in one place, a crevice crosses the canyons. I also smelled smoke; obviously, there is an orc camp nearby.
- Maybe we should take a rest? - Alpharius suggested.
- No rests on the front line! - the deacon barked. - We have almost reached our destination. It's getting dark, so it will be easier for us to catch the enemy off guard in the darkness.
- In any case, it's full of ambushes there, - the Barbarian continued. - We need to conduct reconnaissance and eliminate the shooters if possible.
- I can do that, - Kai said indifferently.
The Barbarian nodded.
- Good. The two of us will go. And you, - he addressed the rest. - Be on your guard. And move out when you hear the signal.
They departed.
- And what's the signal? - Garius asked, but received no answer.
The four were checking their gear when they heard an explosion of terrible force.
- Go-go! - Erkenbert commanded, rushing through the canyon.
They noticed a huge crater in the snow, near which Sarg was lying. He saw them and gestured for them to get down.
- I see orcs with bows on that cliff, - Derien said. - And barrels.
- Damn barrels are full of explosives, - hissed Sarg as he crawled up. - I barely got grazed. If only we could cover them with a spell...
- Great idea. Only our sorcerers are amateurs.
- Shut up, - Alpharius pushed the bard. - I can blind them. Though from this distance... Better to put them to sleep. Watch and tremble.
He rose to one knee, extending his palm and making a gesture accompanied by magical words. Flashes of magic burst from the rock, and the orcs fell unconscious; only one remained standing. He panicked and tried to flee, but the battleaxe of the monk, who had emerged from the shadows, sank into his skull. Kai looked at them, rolled a barrel closer to the edge, glanced at the orc bodies, and sighed. Patting the barrel, he disappeared from sight as quickly as possible.
- Looks like he wants us to blow it up, - Derien said.
- Great... observation... - Garius reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny bottle. - Boom!..
Sarg took the bottle from him, tied it to an arrow, and fired it at the barrel. The bottle broke, the liquid spilled, and nothing happened.
- My rum!.. - the mage grabbed a handful of snow and threw it down the Barbarian's collar.
- Why did you get out the rum?! - Sarg roared.
- Fools.
Alpharius dipped a crossbow bolt into flammable liquid, placed it in the groove, lit it, and shot it at the barrel. The explosion shook the gorge, red splashes soared over the cliff, and rocks crumbled somewhere. Standing up and shaking themselves off, the group moved on.

After a couple of minutes, they met with the monk.
- Good work. Further is the bridge. Enemies are at the approaches - they outnumber us three to one. Orcs, bugbears. There are a couple of ogres on the bridge, - they observed from cover as the view opened up.
- We need a plan, - Derien said thoughtfully.
He stopped himself, glancing back at the deacon. Erkenbert's face was twisted, his eyes flashed with fire, his body shook, his fists gripped weapon and shield, and a growl was forming in his throat. He looked at the bridge, where movement had begun. Orcs were dragging some cargo to the other side of the gorge, and two large ogres began dismantling the bridge's supports.
- We'll have to improvise, - the bard shrugged.
They left cover and stormed the enemy positions.
The first orc's skull was crushed by a priestly mace. The second was hit by a quickly fired arrow from the ranger. The third and fourth shrieked and panicked, their bodies setting fire to tents when a cocktail with an incendiary mixture broke at their feet. An orc shaman roared, calling the warriors to order and giving commands.
- Silence! - the deacon exclaimed, and for a few seconds, the shaman was enveloped in radiance.
The orc clutched his throat but could not make a sound. Then he cast aside his now-useless magical staff, kicked a couple of creatures to the flank of the fighting party, and headed after them to reach the two mages who were throwing grenades from the rear, showering his camp with spells and summoning creatures. The orc lunged at Garius, delivering blows that the latter had to block with his staff. Sometimes the wizard let them through, but fortunately, until then he was protected by magical armor covering his body. Nevertheless, he could not hold out long. His brother was running through snowdrifts from two other opponents and was clearly incapacitated. Garius fought back for a few more moments until the staff slipped from his hands. The orc grabbed it and, with a hoarse roar, raised his second hand to strike. The mage reacted instantly - a stream of acid hit the creature's face. Releasing the man and dropping his weapon, the orc howled and ran blindly; skin slid off his face in scabs. Without losing a second, the wizard turned to his brother, cast a spell, and entwined the pursuers in sticky webbing. Two cocoons fell to the ground and were finished off by two bolts.
- You saved me again, you old dog! - the sorcerer cheerfully slapped Garius on the shoulder.
- Always... my pleasure, - the wizard smirked.
The battle was coming to an end. Demoralized, disorganized, caught off guard, and deprived of their leader, the vile creatures could not withstand the fierce onslaught of the six warriors and were swept away.
- Victory! - the bard exclaimed, waving his blade in the air and splashing smelly blood.
- No. Defeat, - the Barbarian announced in a tomb-like voice.
The bridge was destroyed. The mission failed.

screenshot #1
we started our mission and finally arrived near the bridge, where they were already waiting for us. The Orcs saw us and immediately started shouting, saying that this is their territory and that we should leave. We told him in response not to get cocky with us (because they explode and you can kill someone after all), and this asshole says: come closer or are you scared?! We told him that he is the one who is scared, you goat, standing over there and talking nonsense. They got angry and started shooting at us, we raised our hands and told them not to shoot, because you can hit someone in the eye! Well, then Alfie lulled their vigilance, and their minds too, after which we stuffed them with bolts. You can already see how I'm shooting at them. The recoil is so strong.

screenshot #2
then the Orcs became more cunning. They broke up into groups: archers and warriors. The latter sees us and immediately runs, puts a barrel next to us and runs away, and the archers shoot at it and the barrel explodes (we got blown up a couple of times, and then we became wiser. Here, the Orc put a barrel, and we ran away and the explosion didn't hurt anyone) and Kai ran forward to give them a lesson in manners. True, they don't like to learn, it's easier for them to kill the teacher than to learn, which they are trying to do.

screenshot #3
there are already more Orcs here, even a spider. And the shaman went into battle, because he has silence and he cannot cast spells. By the way, I finally decided on the colors of my clothes, so I'll probably leave it like that. And yes, the Barbarian probably killed the most barrels.

screenshot #4
here we are with the local merchants, buying something, and also selling things. Sarg is shooting so that no one sees us, and the rest are discussing what to buy.
These are a couple of druids, they first helped a man, and then his wife) we are so kind.

screenshot #5
here I summoned a dog and you can see how it bites the sleeping Orcs. It's gnawing on them.

screenshot #6
and here we finally became wiser and not only avoided the explosion of the barrel, but also killed all the Orcs with this explosion) the little horse ran up, put a barrel, and there were other Orcs. We ran away, the Orcs were lulled, and the barrel exploded. Muhahaha, and the cunning Orc ran upstairs (you can see him).

screenshot #7
this is already a different location.
We are walking along the road, and a gang of Orcs is coming towards us.

screenshot #8
well, what happens when two groups of hostile humanoids meet? Of course, an epic battle! Here, by the way, a sorceress helps us, her house was just in the previous screenshot. There was a troll with the Orcs, and he stole her sword, after which she asked us to return it to her.
To be honest, these are not the Orcs that met us. These came from above)).

screenshot #9
here they were hanging out.
And these are people in a pen, just like in the first Icewind Dale) the Orcs were walking them.

screenshot #10
and this is part of their village, although I don't know what kind of village it is, where there were only three houses, and one of them was also the apothecary's house (he is standing there, by the way). True, I don't understand why he is standing near this house, because his house is upstairs, we found a cough syrup there) and the girl standing below asked us to free the townswomen, the Orcs used her as a negotiator) We, of course, helped her, because she has such big eyes, they bulge out. I immediately noticed this as soon as I saw her.

screenshot #11
we finished off the Orcish bastards and went to visit the troll. He lived in a cave...mmm

screenshot #12
we met a worm there, crawling slugs... in general, everything that you can poke. As you can see in the screenshot, that's what we're doing. Some poke with something, some even with their hands.

screenshot #13
and here is the troll. I don't understand why he turned his back to us, but clearly nothing good should be expected =[

we still killed him, because he shot at us very hard. And we returned the sword.

screenshot #14
next location
on the right, we knocked down a giant. I don't really know how he lived in his house, because the house is twice as small as the giant. Maybe he climbed into it like a sleeping bag... to sleep.
Okay, enough about the giants. The main thing is the battle. In general, the battle is like a battle, a bunch of meat and nothing is clear. There were werewolves-rats/badgers/all sorts of crap, and also harpies and Orcs. The shaman was still releasing some kind of gas, for which, in fact, Kler is hitting him on the head with a club. Orc in gas - Kler in the face.

screenshot #15
the battle continues, some bastard summoned a spider. The Bard raised his sword to stick it in the ass of that... spider queen.
And the two Orcs on the left... well, they're just lying there. They are hugging the snow.

screenshot #16
next location. Battle on the trail 1
there were no Orcs here, only shamans of an incomprehensible kind (I don't know what race) and animals, including wild cats and sheep-pigs.
Kler scares them with his hammer.

screenshot #17
battle on the trail 2
well, yes, we got our asses kicked, because there was no tactics. But I want to note that we did not remain in debt to them and took revenge on the panther. Yes, this is perversion.
We then repaired this bridge and walked across it.

screenshot #18
battle on the trail 3
here we already used our favorite tactic - the luring tactic. And it doesn't have to be a narrow passage, as here. It wouldn't be suitable for archers) but here it's good, because it's infantry. And in general, we have a web where enemies get stuck, and then I release gas and they get nauseous, they fall...
Alfie aimed like this.

screenshot #19
and here is the location with the bridge, which I unfortunately forgot to screenshot (
this is actually the beginning of the battle. At the bottom, two Orcs are glaring at each other. One says to the other: look me in the eye! And the second answers: where are your eyes? You can't see them on such a face.

screenshot #20
although here I caught a piece of the bridge, yes. So I'm posting it, because there's nothing interesting in the screenshot) we'll end on this positive note