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Post by Curious Crow on Jun 4, 2024 1:06:42 GMT
Not really planning to play Gale's Origin (too obsessed with Alice) but I am curious, does he understand Tara without drinking animal speak potion? Or is she just meowing at him? Am still banging my head against honor mode with Alice. Figure it will end up like all the others but some new stuff I found. Blazer of Benevolence looks real good died ocean blue. It still looks silly but. Mhhm. Nice. Also using the old floppy hat and wishing Transmog was a thing. Usually have Shadowheart in the group while dealing with Nettie but this time she was helping Gale with the soup so got a new line from Astarion: "Pretty bottle, but I wouldn't take wyvern poison, even if we do begin to turn." Then the usual line from Tav about rather quick sip than squidface. "If you start to turn, I encourage you to take it. I'm sure it'll be very entertaining for the rest of us" and then his weird chuckle. Jerk. Did not get the "Bunk will be busy" from Lae'zel, instead she threw shade at me for accepting Astarion offer and claimed she'd be bedding Wyll instead. You go girl! Also got a semi interested line from Shadowheart. "...Well, maybe I would. But first come, first served". Do want to do the drink scene with her, but more of a girls out gossip night than romantic. Also realized that I must've misread about Raphael's spawn points since neither Raphael nor Korilla showed up at the party despite the encounter being primed and ready to go. Boo. But now I know and knowing is something something. Had my first "You done goofed" moment with the big spider. Went in half cocked and almost got wiped, but managed to summon Lump and co and they saved us They and speed potions and lot's of finger crossing. But still. Actually remembered to use them this try. Usually either forget them or summon them just once and then forget about them. This time they helped out at the Windmill, the main section of the goblin camp and with the spiders. And they were very helpful each time, either by dealing damage or taking some from the team. Turns out they can only be summoned three times before we must part ways, but not before a quick lick. Could also have killed them but enjoyed the courtly kiss/lick more than tactics so. Think he did too. And much to my amusement Lae'zel hit on Alice afterwards, claiming she wanted a taste. Don't we all. Granted it was probably because of the spider fight before hand but still, amusing choice of words. Top spot, top pic. Alice current look:
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Post by Element Zero on Jun 4, 2024 1:29:37 GMT
Curious Crow, Tara speaks Common, so everyone can understand her clearly. Tressym aren't normal animals, "Beasts" in 5e parlance. Rather, they are "Monstrosities". It sounds fearsome, but that's the baseline category for what are essentially magical, but natural beasts. The average tressym and average human are of essentially equal intelligence. I'm playing as Gale, now. I need to make sure I treat Tara as another companion, rather than like Scratch, the Cub, or the familiars. She's had a lot to say in the early going. I always get a chuckle at Lae'zel saying she's going to bed Wyll. She must've been super salty when she discovered he's a "not before marriage" guy. 😄 talyn82, I usually don't ask Isobel for her blessing at the Inn, since I can obtain other means of safe travel. If she's left to tend the shield underdisturbed, Marcus never attacks, at least in my experience. It's wild how many different ways events can unfold. I had big plans for today, but was simply too tired to play much. It was sleepiness, rather than fatigue. I was so sleepy that I couldn't even formulate basic plans to proceed. I saved and went to sleep, rather than risk a hilarious but tragic TPK.
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Post by Curious Crow on Jun 4, 2024 1:46:39 GMT
Element Zero Thanks Always needed Speak Animal potion to understand her when playing Tav and felt like Gale could be 50/50 on understanding her proper or was just going along with the tone of her meows. So guess it's nice that he actually understands her.
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N5
Games: Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, SWTOR, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
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Post by talyn82 on Jun 4, 2024 2:00:57 GMT
talyn82, I usually don't ask Isobel for her blessing at the Inn, since I can obtain other means of safe travel. If she's left to tend the shield underdisturbed, Marcus never attacks, at least in my experience. It's wild how many different ways events can unfold. I did not I could continue without getting Isobel's blessing. Something to remember for a next playthrough.
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Games: Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, SWTOR, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
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Post by talyn82 on Jun 4, 2024 2:03:58 GMT
Element Zero Thanks Always needed Speak Animal potion to understand her when playing Tav and felt like Gale could be 50/50 on understanding her proper or was just going along with the tone of her meows. So guess it's nice that he actually understands her. I played a bit of Gale's Origin and yeah he fully understands Tara without any assistance from the 'Speak with Animals" spell. After I am done with my current paladin playthrough I well continue my Gale playthrough.
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Post by Element Zero on Jun 4, 2024 2:33:55 GMT
Curious Crow, I've never encountered her without Gale in my party. I didn't know Larian handled it that way. Based upon her personality, maybe pretending not to understand was Tara's way of trolling or blowing you off. When you spent a potion, she appreciated your effort and decided to speak. 😁 talyn82, you can make it to the Harper ambush without the blessing, with mundane torches. From there, you'll have Dolly or the lantern. You just can't wander into the deepest darkness that douses light sources and quickly drains health. I know some people don't love the Shadow-cursed lands, but I think they're pretty cool. It would've been easy for them to have been too dreary, oppressive, or tedious; but they did such a great job at keeping it engaging.
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N5
Games: Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, SWTOR, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
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PSN: Talyn82
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Post by talyn82 on Jun 4, 2024 2:50:15 GMT
talyn82, you can make it to the Harper ambush without the blessing, with mundane torches. From there, you'll have Dolly or the lantern. You just can't wander into the deepest darkness that douses light sources and quickly drains health. I know some people don't love the Shadow-cursed lands, but I think they're pretty cool. It would've been easy for them to have been too dreary, oppressive, or tedious; but they did such a great job at keeping it engaging. No I know about Dolly and the lantern. But in regards to the Harper ambush. Do you mean when the Harpers themselves get ambushed? Because I usually encounter them early on, but this time I was able to save them and their leader marked the Last Light Inn on my map. I do not know of any other Harper ambush. As for the Shadow-Lands I do find them dreary and it's usually because of them I've only completed act 2 once out of a dozen or more attempted playthroughs. I've completed act 1 more times than I can count and that's due to the cheery nature of it. I don't even find the Underdark depressing I in fact find it beautiful.
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Post by Finvola on Jun 4, 2024 6:39:19 GMT
I think it depends on where you enter the Shadow-Cursed lands? If you use the Underdark, then you'll encounter the Harpers first. Then they direct you to Last Light Inn. If you use the Mountain Pass, you'll encounter the cultists and Kar'niss first. If you follow the cultists and their convoy, the Harpers ambush them but you can pick a side. The cultists go to Moonrise. I usually enter through the Mountain Pass and attack Kar'niss and don't bother following the convoy. I like to get the lantern and free Dolly right away so I can wander around at my leisure.
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N5
Games: Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, SWTOR, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Origin: Talyn82
PSN: Talyn82
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Post by talyn82 on Jun 4, 2024 6:44:35 GMT
I think it depends on where you enter the Shadow-Cursed lands? If you use the Underdark, then you'll encounter the Harpers first. Then they direct you to Last Light Inn. If you use the Mountain Pass, you'll encounter the cultists and Kar'niss first. If you follow the cultists and their convoy, the Harpers ambush them but you can pick a side. The cultists go to Moonrise. I usually enter through the Mountain Pass and attack Kar'niss and don't bother following the convoy. I like to get the lantern and free Dolly right away so I can wander around at my leisure. I have yet to take the Mountain Pass into the Shadow-Lands. I take Halsin at his word and go via Underdark. But yeah I saw a clip on youtube where the player went through the Mountain pass and encountered the convoy lead by the Drider. I too also free Dolly right away. I can't play an evil bastard to warrant to kill a pixie.
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Post by Curious Crow on Jun 4, 2024 10:16:55 GMT
Element Zero Kinda curious in Gale Origin if you send Gale out of Camp (so the dialog can't force him into speaker role) but leave a follower behind and have them talk to Tara, will she meow, will she speak or do you get the normal "You're not the main character, don't you dare speak to me" attitude companions get. Did some testing and loaded a save near her on a Tav save. When meeting her alone without speak animal she meows at you. If you have Gale but not potion she also meows at you, both if you initiate with Tav or Gale. If you separate Gale from the group while the others go for a coffee and have him talk to Tara he'll understand her normally. Then on the second encounter (done with a character who understood her the first meeting) if you meet her alone (no speak to animals) she meows at you, if you are with Gale but Tav initiates she meows but if Gale initiates she talks normal. So kinda feels like she's not speaking Common but sharing a special speak connection with Gale. Then at the epilogue party this is all yeeted out of the window since now everyone can understand her Speak to Animals or not. So guessing she's just actually rude and should count her lucky stars that she has wings or I'd toss her off the roof (I'm not tossing her off the roof, please Gale stop glowing!)--- On the Shadow Lands topic, you can get to Moonrise without the lantern and Dolly if you're feeling spicy. If you go to the bridge where Rolan has his shadow battle you're close enough to the Docks that you can make it over there in three turns or less depending if you have misty step, glorious vaulting, speed or something to increase your movement distance and if your health is full you'll be able to survive it. And get Karlach/Outsiders inspiration points too. Then you can nick Baltazar's spare lantern/ have Gale create his own and go snooping around in the dark. Although I don't really like that path since I get hit with the "What now?" feeling. But it's a speedy way to Moonrise if you're missing Lann Tarv and need his fuzzy lil face in your life.
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Post by Element Zero on Jun 4, 2024 13:23:58 GMT
talyn82, you can make it to the Harper ambush without the blessing, with mundane torches. From there, you'll have Dolly or the lantern. You just can't wander into the deepest darkness that douses light sources and quickly drains health. I know some people don't love the Shadow-cursed lands, but I think they're pretty cool. It would've been easy for them to have been too dreary, oppressive, or tedious; but they did such a great job at keeping it engaging. No I know about Dolly and the lantern. But in regards to the Harper ambush. Do you mean when the Harpers themselves get ambushed? Because I usually encounter them early on, but this time I was able to save them and their leader marked the Last Light Inn on my map. I do not know of any other Harper ambush. As for the Shadow-Lands I do find them dreary and it's usually because of them I've only completed act 2 once out of a dozen or more attempted playthroughs. I've completed act 1 more times than I can count and that's due to the cheery nature of it. I don't even find the Underdark depressing I in fact find it beautiful. I meant the ambush by the Harpers, attacking the Drider's convoy, rather than the ambush of the Harpers. I also tend to take the Underdark path, and run into those Harpers on arrival. Curious Crow, I'll try leaving Gale in a safe place and initiating a conversation with Tara via a companion. Regardless of the actual reason for the inconsistency, I think I prefer to believe that she's just rude. 😄 If I ever find myself doing a speed run, I might use that "straight to Moonrise" sprint. I'd have a hard time passing up all that story and XP. I'm a completionist who would probably benefit from such a psychological reset. It might be freeing.
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Post by Finvola on Jun 4, 2024 17:41:27 GMT
Tara's set me on fire a few times for trying to retrieve the letters. She definitely has an attitude problem. I don't know if it's been fixed or not but months and months ago Gale failed an insight check (I think that's what it was) and didn't spot his own cat. Another party member was like "Is that Gale's cat?" and Gale said something like it must be another Tressym. I was like "Really Gale, really?"
I think I will play as Gale after I finish this save, he sounds interesting.
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N3
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Post by Finvola on Jun 5, 2024 8:06:38 GMT
I just finished the Creche. I'm not feeling as confident as I did as the Gloomstaker/Assassin, so I am being more cautious. Or cheesy. First, she made tips, then slaughtered them. Killing them not so softly with her song. They were a tough crowd anyway. When I got to the Captain's quarters I was soon reminded as to why it's a bad idea to have Shadowheart in the party--the two wolves. She had Calm Emotions ready for this fight but the wolves freaked her out and she was frightened as soon as it started. But my Bhaardspawn has Countercharm. As long as the party are within the radius of the spell, they can save against being frightened. I don't think it's as good as Calm Emotions, but it'll do when there's no better option. It wasn't too bad. Then it was time to face the Inquisitor. I decided at the last minute I was going to blow him up and went back to camp to get the explosives. I used the runepowder barrel, plus 4 smokepowder barrels. I didn't cheese him in my last save, I just wasn't sure if I could take him out as quickly as I did this time. I've never actually used barrelmancy on bosses before, so I had no idea how much or how little I needed. I just knew to keep a safe distance. I've seen other players do this before and they usually lure the goons into the center but I didn't do that. I would have been fine fighting them or even the Inquisitor, so long as it did some damage. I placed the explosives, moved everyone out of the room except for Shadowheart. I moved her as far away as I could and had her throw a firebolt at them and the Inquisitor and his goons all died. Shadowheart took some damage but she survived with about 18 HP left. I had a good laugh too. Here's the aftermath: I try not to cheese too much but I just couldn't be bothered dealing with him, so I blew him up. After that I went back to the Blighted Village to look for the Curious Book. I only just heard about it the other day. I never knew it existed. I went and got that, then went back to the Mountain Pass and fought the Death Shepards and friends. That's where I left off. I'll get the rest of the gear I need (more or less) in Act 2. I decided to take a few levels in rogue for the bonus action. I'll put 2 levels into fighter eventually as well.
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Post by Ravenfeeder on Jun 5, 2024 9:40:09 GMT
After not feeling the joy with either my Gloomstalker or my Sorlock, I've started again as Finn the Vengeance Paladin. Probably won't get very far with him either, but being straight up righteous and hitting people with big pieces of metal is just my preferred playstyle. Took him up to the Glade last night. Finn pic:
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Post by Curious Crow on Jun 5, 2024 23:36:14 GMT
So Alice stuff. She's made it to Act 2. Yay. Had a weird thing happen in the Shadowlands. Went through the house of healing into the mausoleum, dealt with the stinkers in the pit, petted the Kuo Toa at the beach and climbed up the cliff. Was thinking about trying to see if I could sneak up on Raphael during his rehearsal, but when I'd just walked past the graves he just poofed up in smoke without initiating dialog and the Pale Elf quest "failed". Had talked with him at Last Light and guess he's ticked off I helped Mol win the Lanceboard game. So now just wondering is this a devilish sign for me to once do things in Yurgirs favor, or should I try killing him and see if Raphael decides to show up to activate Astarion's confession. Wonder if Astarion sent him a signal, going no no no I don't want to be romanced this run Jokes on you wretch, I still have Araj. Granted I would also settle for romancing Araj. But that's neither here nor there. Other different stuff. Stopped the Goblin from luring the Hyena into the shadows and sent the goblin there instead. Then convinced the Hyena to make a run from the goblins, promising to "slit their throats" if they even tried stopping him. Granted they didn't try but killed them all none the less. And freed Dolly because I need both hands damnit. Also let me adopt the Hyena. Have big bro Scratch instil some much needed confidence. Freed the distressed patient after the doctor demonstrated his skills. Usually just mercy kill him because like...yeah. And will probably keep doing so since the poor guy just ran off into the dark never to be seen again. Did try healing/restoring him first but alas no dice. Did not get asked by Astarion to share the Tadpoles after Alice had her first munch after a botched lobotomy. He just said it was nice that she wasn't sporting any tentacles. At least none he could see. Also first time I had the guardian the big beefy body type and seeing them in the purple jumper was. Interesting. Too bad the face was just some random one because the attempt before ended on the Nautilaud (greeeeeeed) and figured this one wouldn't last long.
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Post by Element Zero on Jun 6, 2024 1:24:32 GMT
Tara's set me on fire a few times for trying to retrieve the letters. She definitely has an attitude problem. I don't know if it's been fixed or not but months and months ago Gale failed an insight check (I think that's what it was) and didn't spot his own cat. Another party member was like "Is that Gale's cat?" and Gale said something like it must be another Tressym. I was like "Really Gale, really?" I think I will play as Gale after I finish this save, he sounds interesting. So, just as in tabletop D&D, sometimes the DM calls for an unnecessary roll and the result leads to senseless absurdity. Why is Gale rolling to recognize his best friend? 🤦🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️ I often use barrelmancy to kill Dror Ragzlin. With the Zhents bragging about all the smokepowder they have behind the door, I can't resist. After talking to him and pretending to be loyal soldiers, we bring out kegs for the party. More than half those kegs aren't for drinking, but no one notices. Then, we climb into the rafters and BOOM. Sometimes, the 8hp commoners, a human and drow IIRC, aren't caught in the blast. They unwisely attack the party. I still have Gale at the Goblin Camp, but I keep creating Tavs. (Talking about blowing up Dror Ragzlin makes me want to continue.) Today I created Elladan, a Half-Elf Ancients Paladin. What better way to get over my anti-melee bias? (Of course, I'll probably multiclass Sorcerer, Bard, or Warlock.) We haven't yet taken a Long Rest, so it's still early. Everyone other than Karlach has been recruited, and we're just about to enter the Druid sanctuary. I've saved two other Tavs around the same spot. My Human Sorlock has yet to take a single point of damage, having visited the Grove, met Withers, saved Mirkon from the harpies, etc... She still has the same Armor of Agathys spell active that she cast in the first room of the Nautiloid. She has the advantage of range, but clearly a bit of luck, too. For each of them, I get caught up in recruiting hirelings, editing and respec'ing them, buffing, etc... It's amazing how much time can be spent that way, but it fortunately never feels dull.
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N3
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Origin: Kittybass
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Post by Finvola on Jun 6, 2024 5:02:29 GMT
I agree about Gale with it being silly that he has to pass some kind of check to recognize Tara. I can understand it being there for other party members, otherwise we wouldn't know who she was if Gale isn't in the party. Having a party member comment that it looks like Gale's cat will at least give you the chance to go back to camp and get him. But there shouldn't be a check for him.
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Post by Curious Crow on Jun 6, 2024 10:02:32 GMT
I like to think the Gale check was him just deciding whether he was in the mood to deal with her rudeness. Like nonono I don't know this rude kitty, mine is ever so polite. And thanks Element Zero for reminding me about the Zhent powder. Had clean forgotten to get it when I was in the camp. Then ended up forgetting to finish raiding Gut's chambers but nothing she has goes boom so beautifully. Since everyone and their mother is playing Gloomstalker, I changed Astarion into Gloomstalker/Assassin and now wondering if he should keep his two little bow pistols or if he should get a singular but bigger bow? And had some time so tangoed with Yurgir. Didn't get the option to gaslight him into ending himself, but managed to persuade him to let me go so I could scope out a loophole. Then in a 100 intelligence move I went to the succubi spider, had a lick and told the displacer beast it tasted funny and she should help me kill Yurgir. Except it's a 30 persuasion check and Alice was just not hitting it. Ended with a critical 1 so... But was in a better position at least, so attacked kitty with all I had while detaining the Merregon with some bad weather. Kitty down we tricked Yurgir into staying put and attacking spiritual swords while we took pot shots at his crew. Once the crew was dead the storm was over and Yurgir came running. See invisibility did not work, but electrifying the blood soaked ground zapped him into view. Got him down to 8 hit points (3 critical misses from Lae'zel, you go girl!) but was out of attacks that turn and his last round had kinda beaten us up. So he stabbed Lae'zel, shot Astarion then ran into electrified water and died. Nice. Rested after and no Raphael, so siding with Yurgir was probably a better move but did get accosted by Lae'zel who wanted a singular duel while she was half dead. Usually she just nukes me in the first round, but this time she used haste and didn't attack, so was going to be clever and cast Haste Spores on her. Didn't work. Chugged invisibility potion and ran away like a coward. She wasted a Feather jump spell, then ran into the haste cloud, probably got hit with Reverberation and got knocked out. Nice. Probably going to get hit with some exclamation marks next session .
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Post by Finvola on Jun 6, 2024 18:31:58 GMT
Gloomstalker/Assassin is the way, lol. Well, the build I did for HM was 5 gloomstalker/4 Assassin/1 War Cleric/2 Fighter. I had the reverb boots and used that glaive to cast an element on my bow after ever rest. I usually went with Thunder, but I would sometimes change it depending on who I was planning on fighting. I had a lot of fun.
Yes, I got all the smokepowder barrels from the Zhent hideout and the ones from the Goblin Camp. I still have a good supply for Ketheric should I need them. I only used 4 plus the runepowder for the Inquisitor. When I fought Dror, I had already aggroed the goblin camp, so I funneled them out through the door and picked them off, so I didn't get up into the rafters this time.
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Post by Curious Crow on Jun 6, 2024 23:48:02 GMT
Alice Adventures in the Shadowlands. Got an exclamation mark from Astarion when we left camp. Except his area commentary snatched the initiative so he just stopped me to tell me that the catacombs looked homey. Mhm sure. Then talked to him again and he had his "You found another lover" spiel. Alas Lae'zel I've already done both the pro and anti Vlakith romance paths with you but I'm missing Spawn with Astarion. But as you say, I may have bruised you but those will heal and we all have our scars. Shadowheart and Wyll in the background whinging about me having completed neither of their routes. Don't know if it's a feature or a bug, but you can transfer items between inventories even if you're dead. Which was how I got saved from a total party kill by Balthazar He was a good sport about it too and wasn't hostile when I came back. But he also didn't heal so decided to grab the chance and murdered him. Always think it's stupid you can just do that. Think you should at least need to find his phylactery or something. Don't mind it in the pool since you're in Shar's domain and she's peeved. But having done most of the temple stuff it was time to tie up loose ends in Moonrise Towers before they'd become fully severed. Said hello to Araj and Barnabus. Araj was business as usual, I'm too weak to have Astarion bite her but for a second time me and Barnabus passed amicably with some thanks uttered. So that was nice. Also got to talk to Cal and Lia for the full conversation without the drow rudely interrupting us. Which was nice. Then she did her interrupt before the Wulbren convo started so that was nice. Also didn't sass him as much as usual so we ended up being kinda chill. Once again, nice. Then did the not nice thing and murdered every single living being connected to the Absolute which had the miserable fate of being in the jail that moment. As you do. Then gave Wulbren his hammer before just opening the cell and watching them beat out their escape plan. Hitched a ride to the Last Light Inn and found that Florrick had bounced. Well no matter, Wyll was not in the team anyways. Woke up Art Cullagh with Alice's canonically horrible performance (every times she pulls out the lute, rocks and tomatoes start flying) and then joined Halsin for some walking on the beach. And murdering on the beach. Sleet Storm + Spike growth is hecking vicious by the way. Then a nice wall of fire to keep the Shades warm and some darkness around the portal and But going to stop pressing my luck for today. Also need to look up how to deal with Oliver since I remember there being a trick to making it way less horrid.
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Post by Element Zero on Jun 7, 2024 2:42:32 GMT
Curious Crow, I returned to Gale's playthrough today and tested Tara. When other party members try to speak to her, she transparently pretends to be a regular cat. She says, "Erm. Meow," like an annoyed human would. I think she's choosing to be rude 100% of the time. 😄 The adventure resumed today in the Goblin Camp. We spoke with Gut, and then headed for a private room where we killed her. While Gale chatted, Shadowheart cast Silence to prevent her calling reinforcements. Wyll blasted her into a corner and Astarion killed her with his handcrossbows. I forget the Ogre guard's name in Gut's quarters, but the poor brute is trivially easy to blast into the bedroom and trap there with a sheet of ice. We headed briefly into the Underdark, lighting every sconce and firepit in the tragically foolish little temple. We stripped the place bare, got Shadowheart some new armor, and left the moonstone lock in place. We will return later. Back upstairs, Gale quaffed a Giant Strength potion, turned into a halfling, and surreptitiously entered the locked storage where all the booze and smokepowder was stored. Now equipped, we spoke with Dror Raglzin. Gale overpowered Dror's mind and influenced the Speak with Dead ritual to ensure that the illithid couldn't out our party. We agreed to report to Minthara, and setup the kegs for Dror's victory party. Things went a bit differently this time, which ended up being awesome. With everyone in the rafters, Gale ignited the conflagration. Somehow, Dror Ragzlin escaped the blast with modest injuries. Astarion dropped one of the little goons who patrols outside the blast radius. Later, Shadowheart would kill the other. First, though, she dropped a Flaming Sphere next to Dror to keep him occupied. He never made it close to the ladder to initiate melee. He threw a couple of rocks our way before dying. 🙄 The goblins next door witnessed our looting (by design), and we picked them off from the rafters. A couple climbed their side and jumped across to our side. When we killed them, the Scrying Eye saw and called reinforcements. This was perfect, since Minthara responded. I had Wyll Hex her as soon as she dashed into range. I thought she'd climb the ladder and jump across to us, but she Misty Stepped to us, though not into melee. This was perfect, as Wyll blasted her right off the ledge. At least one of the blasts was a crit, and the fall killed her. She never made a single attack nor spoke a word of dialogue. Wyll killed at least three enemies the same way during this fight. After looting, we killed the gobbos in the next two chambers, as well. We set the giant spiders free to hunt goblins. We freed the goblin who stayed true to Maglubiyet, but probably should've done so before freeing the spiders. Oops. We informed Halsin of the leaders' deaths, and he transformed into a rat and left. He would've been welcome to assist with our exit. 😄 Outside, Gale dropped a Sleet Storm over the camp, immediately putting hard control on most of the goblins. Shovel frightened the ogre, and Shadowheart immobilized him with her bonus action. (She's using the shield from the Wood Woads.) Then, she Fireballed the goblins, killing the majority. Wyll and Astarion started dropping any goblins left. We fully purged the entire camp and looted. Knowing we'd Long Rest soon, it was fun going nuclear on the way out of the camp. Back at the Grove, we sold our loot, talked to everyone, and claimed our rewards. We went back to the goblin camp to free Liam from the torture rack, where we'd almost forgotten him. He really was holding out to protect the Grove. It would've been terrible to leave him there to spiders, rats, or dehydration. We enjoyed the party. It's nice to see that the old bugs are long gone. Gale turned down both Laezel and Astarion, with the latter "disapproving". Grumpy ass. Gale went to sleep with Shadowheart on his mind, likely since they'd already had their wine and kissing date. I had to save at that point, and it was a perfect spot to do so. The party is level 5, now. To start tomorrow, we might lure our ogre mercenaries into a fight with the goblins in the Blighted Village before turning on them. Then, we can return to that putrid swamp and visit Auntie Ethel. After that, we will be ready to visit either the Underdark or Mountain Pass. (We will definitely do both before departing the region.) Gale is my first origin character protagonist. I really like what it brings to the story. The Origins are way more rooted in the tale than Tav; and he's already had a lot of unique scenes and narration that add variety. I look forward to seeing how this unfolds. Companion Gale and protagonist Gale feel somewhat different. Companion Gale hasn't given up, but he's really feeling defeated. Simply being welcomed into the party seems to rejuvenate him; and of course we can help him grow in a variety of ways. Protagonist Gale, as the default leader, feels more like the Archmage and less like the guy broken in spirit. He still has the same history and challenges, but he automatically feels more confident and decisive. (Making all the big decisions and leading conversations does that.) I'm eager to see which path ultimately feels right for him during this playthrough.
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Post by Curious Crow on Jun 7, 2024 23:06:30 GMT
Element Zero Thanks for checking Some new stuff with Alice. Got a new dialog with Zrell, usually when I pick "Show me the power She gave you" she kills her Ogre with a snap (saving me the trouble). This time things got spicy:
*Her presence fills your mind, caressing, stroking, kissing...then clawing, biting, cutting* *Your pulse races, your heart strains, then as suddenly as it began, the pain becomes overwhelming pleasure.* "She gave me the power to delight with a thought - or to kill. So stay on my good side."
Would've preferred she killed the Ogre but whatever.
Either way both they and the wandering eye were murdered shortly after then abused the fact that everyone is deaf to murder my way through the upper floor. Killed the guys at the entrance and am slowly trying to murder my way through the first floor while also trying to keep Tarv as a merchant since he has the best prices.
Also almost got wiped out by the Gith Patrol when I tried tackling those. Stupid Many Targets arrow, why you fatal for them and not for me?
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Post by Element Zero on Jun 8, 2024 2:19:49 GMT
More journeys with Gale and friends, today. I'm going to try to keep this post shorter, after several recent novella-length posts. 😋 I'm also going to employ Curious Crow's scroll-friendly spoiler block approach, just in case I fail. Gale, Shadowheart, Wyll, and Astarion paid a visit to Auntie Ethel. Gale didn't even try to play nice. A [Wizard] option allowed him to call out her Hag-iness. She replied, "Oh, look. The Wizard thinks he's smart because he can read." 😄 I probably heard this in my very first playthrough, but that was a long time ago.
Shadowheart observed that we had leverage on Ethel, knowing the truth about Mayrina's brothers. Gale promptly threw it away by simply telling Mayrina the truth. Astarion was displeased, as he often is during this playthrough.
We did not save the masked victims. That's a rare downside to running with a melee-light party. You can't easily inflict subdual damage with spells. We eventually beat Ethel's butt, using Speed Potions to ease the process. Gale's Magic Missiles kept her duplicates from being a problem. Wyll missed a lot of attacks, but the others did not. Astarion did miss two of three attacks that probably would've ended the fight, but Shadowheart's Spirit Guardians closed the deal. Ethel never got to try to make a deal. We went back to check on her other victims, and spoke with the dwarf and elf.
Then, I swapped Shadowheart for Lae'zel and headed for the Gith'yanki. Now that my memory is refreshed, I recall that I always complete the Underdark before heading for the mountain pass. This was a risky choice at level 5 that could've ended this playthrough.
The sloppy decisions didn't stop there. I also followed Lae'zel right down the rock face, rather than carefully positioning my party. If a fight had ensued, I think we'd have been thrashed. Knowing this, Gale jumped in and "spoke for Lae'zel," much to her rage. Whatever. She's a blustery, trenchant ass who'd have gotten us killed.
Gale talked his way out of getting cut down by Jhestil Kithrak Voss. He hardened his mind against Voss' Detect Thoughts spell, something I'd not previously experienced. Voss commented on Gale's worthless, empty thoughts. (He'll learn better, later.) Gale convinced him to spare the party on the off chance that we might find the missing weapon. Voss agreed that this took less effort than killing us and the Gith'yanki departed.
This encounter actually had a little tension, since it's Honour Mode and I knew I'd walked into a really bad spot. I spent one Inspiration to reroll that final Persuasion check. It was fun.
I sent the cranky Gith'yanki back to camp and retrieved Shadowheart. Then, we headed for the Underdark via the Selunite Temple. Being petty, I tried to get the final three living goblins in the place killed by giant spiders. (I used Minor Illusion to draw them together.) To my surprise, the goblins easily thrashed the spideys. I really didn't care, and we continued on our way.
I saved for the night just after Gale claimed Phalar Aluve. It's a great weapon, but there are no good candidates in the party for wielding it. I could give it to Battle Master Karlach, but she's rarely in the party. I might have Gale himself carry it for a short time. He doesn't need to make attacks with it. He only needs to activate the debuff. He will soon acquire a quality staff, so meh. Phalar Aluve may just go underutilized this playthrough.
Edit: Yep. Another novella. 😄
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Finvola
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Post by Finvola on Jun 8, 2024 8:41:37 GMT
Not too much to report, I just started Act 2. I had medical stuff to deal with yesterday so I didn't play much the past few days. I told the goblin to fetch the hyena's bone for a bit of party member approval. Besides, the goblin is as good as dead anyway. I fought the cultists right there rather than follow the convoy. It's nice to get the moonlantern and free the pixie right away so you can wander around at your leisure. I took out the smaller group of needle blights and that was about as far as I got. I'll play a bit more later this evening. I plan on doing a few of those kinds of encounters (blights, meenlocks, shadow mastiffs) before I head to Last Light. I should make some decent tips for busking there. I'll sing a few verses of "F Wulbren Bongle" once he's been rescued and back at the inn.
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Post by Curious Crow on Jun 9, 2024 0:34:50 GMT
Alice Shadowlands Adventures ahoy Wrapped up the Moonrise Towers murder spree. Kinda interested that one of the Zhent guard ladies did not go hostile despite a guard get murdered in her vicinity (she got lured in by the sparkly cat spell) and me being suspiciously close and bloody to said guard. But could also just be then furiously minding their own business since when I killed Tarv and the rest of the peeps in the main hall the Zhents were just whistling in their corner and more than happy to buy my stuff afterwards. Did the Oliver fight and got through it alive. Made sure not to attack the shield, kept the party spaced out and killed the shades as fast as I could. Good stuff. Made him merge with Nathaniel because the other route is just sad. Then let Aylin loose on the world. Or well Shadowheart did, the party just watched. Was delighted to see Barnabus in the main hall snacking on cultists corpses while the Harpers did their best to ignore his group. Sadly he didn't want to chat, but it was nice seeing him. Got Ketheric to submit via intimidation, then Aylin rained on that parade and we did some combat. Took a nap post combat and switched out Shadowheart and Wyll. Came back and sadly Barnabus was gone. So jumped in the hole. Freed Zevlor and since I had already cleaned out the Devourers he showed his true beastly side and murdered the mindflayers. So lovely. Why you no companion. Ketheric is usually what ends my honor runs (stupidity aside) so made sure to bring him plenty of powder. Lae'zel ended up being the one he initiated conversation with so having him submit earlier didn't mean squat. Cool cool. Disarmed him and then beat him and his group up. But then again, he's usually not the issue. It's his second form. Disarmed him too but couldn't grab his weapon Tried to be clever with Ilimaters arrows, but he had his turn right after the party and the debuff would run out and his groupies could then heal him. Boo. So bombs it is. Get Lae'zel in range to be able to set up the bombs then yoink Aylin to safety before detonating. So start surrounding him with Smokepowder barrels, trying to spread it a bit out since it seems to do more damage that way. Didn't notice the small patch of fire nearby, set the barrel on that and BOOM. Lae'zel is toast and Avatar is slightly annoyed. Starts going over kill on summons. Cool cool. Fight for a while then notice that half of his platform is not on fire. Have Alice Misty Step over and start lining up the rest of the barrels, the nautilaud pods we grabbed, the brine barrels and a bunch of Smokepowder bombs. Nothing but the best for my boy. Dimension door to safety and then have Astarion light it on fire with an arrow. BOOM. Aylin then stomped on Ketheric's head in the cutscene after to make sure he was really dead and not just prepping for round three, the rebirth of Myrkul. Sped ran through the Giths night ambush because if they were going to kill me with their stupid hands I'd at least be riding the high of getting past Ketheric. Thankfully we managed to put them down and Lae'zel came in clutch with her Guidance roll on the last inspiration point and saved Alice's face from being infected. Vanity is like 99% of the reason why I'm not chewing on that Astral gummy worm. So next up is Rivington. Think I'll be taking Gale in the party and take him to the Circus and shopping while Halsin minds the soup.
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