Tonight, I slept like a log.
Yeah, right. The essence of a certain dead god was rather upset with me.
So tonight I dreamed. A dream of being hunted by all, then I awoke to another dream hunted by a certain half-brother, Inception style.
Tonight I was the monster everyone claimed I was: the kobold scorned like a rodent; the ogre that children fear comes in the night. The mobs and their torches now came for me, counting me among the creatures I once did hunt. Or so someone would have me believe.
The voice spoke. It spoke of destiny and nature, and of evils bred in the bone. It said I will never be free of the mob,; that they will hunt me for what I was. Murder and death ran through my heart, and accepting that will supposedly give me power. The essence of Bhaal within me cannot be ignored.
"Oh, shut up already. You've already tried to troll me with bits and pieces of my old life. But now that I have it all and accepted it, you hold no power over me."
The voice seemed... confused? It didn't understand why I did not fear it. It could not comprehend that its threats were empty, why its the presence grows weaker and weaker.
The voice, now barely a whisper, spoke of others that will listen where I have not, others that will embrace what I have rejected, and others that will be my death. This describes but one man-
"Yeah, yeah. I've given your current champion a mandatory time out for bad behaviour. Your temple has become the naughty corner. And it's way too early for the Five to make an appearance."
The voice was barely a . Yet it spoke of the ultimate doom of my soul. My essence was tainted, and will be drawn inexorably to-
"The Throne of Bhaal, but only if I die. My soul is going to be fine," I replied, smirking. "Let me tell you what's going to happen. I'm going to absorb the essences of all the Bhaalspawns in the Throne of Bhaal and take your place as the new God of Death. It's going to be a long journey to get there, but I will get there. And I'm going to enjoy myself along the way."
And thus, I'm TOTALLY not going to let the events of Baldur's Gate 3 happen. Bhaal can forget about coming back. I'm becoming a god in his stead and I'm NEVAR letting godhood go.
The voice could not longer be heard. Yet I knew it was listening.
"Thanks for the essence, sperm donor. Now gimme my new ability."
Ability gained: Draw Upon Holy Might (second charge per day)
I awoke with a smile on my face. My nemesis all but vanquished, and essence of a dead-beat father silenced. Time to enjoy the ride with some new adventures.
---
It was rather odd to be celebrating the end of a successful campaign with both members of the Zhentarim and the Harpers, but that is exactly what we did. Our party joined Xzar and Montaron over at Feldepost's and we had a grand meal and drink.
Sarevok wasn't fully defeated, that was true. But the Iron Crisis was over. The truth had come to light, there was no more shortage of iron in the region, the plague of bandits ended, the Iron Throne was banned from operating in Baldur's Gate, the impending war between Baldur's Gate and Amn prevented, the Zhentarim exonerated (at least in regard to this crisis).
Both Harpers and Zhentarim were very satisfied with the results, as were the remaining Grand Dukes of Baldur's Gate.
"You did what?" Xzar hollored. "Oh, if I could but see the look on Sarevok's face when he realises he's trapped like a rat!"
"Ye still intend to end him, right?" Montaron asked, "Playing with your food is fun and all, but there be joy in the killing."
"Of course I intend to end him," I said, then corrected myself, "Or bring him to justice, if he will come quietly. I did promise Tamoko to try, but it is very unlikely."
Xzar and Montaron both made a face.
"A goodie goodie to the end," Montaron muttered.
"Consider your application to our most esteemed network rejected," Xzar huffed.
Xzar and Montaron would still be stationed here, awaiting promotion. For now. Eventually I knew the pair would be sent to Athkatla in Amn, but that was far in the future.
"Don't drag it out too long," Branwen said. "I did say I would stay with the party until this campaign is over, but there's a limit to how long I'm willing to wait."
Back when we had saved her from petrification long ago, Branwen had promised to serve us until we had completed our quest. Knowing her, she wouldn't want to leave until proper payback with Sarevok was completed. I also rather thought she was quite rather happy guzzling down all the fine food and drink we were eating.
I stood up on my seat to address everyone. "Why should it end so soon? We're all such fine adventurers of great renown in the Sword Coast. There is much peril left in the Sword Coast that calls for fine and brave to rise to the occasion. If we do not answer the call, who else would?"
My party, even Branwen lifted their mugs. "Here, here!"
I lifted a mug to them. "To fine adventure! May the adventures never end!"
---
We had three things left to do, all originating from Ulgoth's Beard; all of it was the Tales of the Sword Coast expansion content for Baldur's Gate.
- Shandalar's Quest (Ice Caverns)
- Durlag's Basement
- Mendas's Quest (Isle of Balduran)
It was off the Ulgoth's Beard to talk to Shandalar!