"He who fights monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a

monster...when you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you..."
--Frietdrich Nietzche

FADE IN:

EXT. CITY OF BALDUR'S GATE - NIGHT

A large city, medieval or early renaissance setting.

ANGLE on the tallest building, a grey tower, with a patio on the roof surrounded by an
iron fence. The door, which allows access to the roof, OPENS and out staggers a hapless
BHAAL-CHILD.

He is an armored and helmeted man, but we can see he is badly injured and winded. He
shuts the door in dread, and staggers forth before collapsing to his knees. He looks behind
him as the door BURSTS open, and here we see SAREVOK.

He is a hulking monster of a man, heavily armored, with spikes on his shoulders and
horned helmet. His face is tattooed and his eyes gleam evilly.

The Bhaal-child feebly tries to crawl away.

BHAAL-CHILD
No, You can't.

SAREVOK
I will be the last. And you will go first.

Sarevok advances. The Bhaal-child retreats, heading toward the railing.

BHAAL-CHILD
There are others, I can show you! P-Please!

Sarevok SMASHES his fist into the man's head, removing his helmet and knocking him
to the ground. Although he is wearing a coif underneath, his face is bloodied from the
ordeal.

Sarevok chuckles cruelly as he CHOKES the hapless Bhaal-child with his spiked gauntlet
and raises him off the ground, pressing him against the iron fence on the edge of the
building. The fence BENDS and BREAKS from Sarevok's immense strength. The Bhaal-
child feebly flails and attempts to speak, but we only hear his neck CRUNCHING when
Sarevok tightens his grip.

Sarevok then HURLS his victim off the roof of the building.
INT. CANDLEKEEP LIBRARY - GORION'S ROOM

It is a bedroom of unremarkable size, but cluttered with a remarkable amount of books.

Old TOMES AND SCROLLS are everywhere, forming huge piles and gathering dust.

On one desk is a small CHEST.

BARLOWE examines it. He is a young man about twenty, blond, of average height, and
dressed in black. He is strong, wiry and flexible. Not to mention deft with his fingers.
Barlowe strains to unlock the chest, meddling with two thin wires in the keyhole until
they both bend and snap from the effort.

BARLOWE
Damn it.

As Barlowe wipes the sweat from his brow, he is startled when he notices IMOEN has
entered the room. She is a right-handsome young woman about his age, with a child-like
countenance.

BARLOWE
Imoen?! What the hell are you doing?

IMOEN
What are you doing?

BARLOWE
None of your damn business.

IMOEN
Huh. Really? Well it just makes me wonder and all seeing as
how I saw you enter Gorion's room and now you're in his keepsakes and chests.

BARLOWE
Yeah, well why don't you go bother Windthrop or something and leave me alone. Damn
thing never opens. It's not like there's anything to see here anyway.

Barlowe begins to leave the room. Imoen follows.

INT. CANDLEKEEP LIBRARY - CONTINUOUS

IMOEN
Were you trying to find money, Barlowe? I mean, you've sunk to some lows before but
with good ol' ...
BARLOWE
(overlapping)
No, that's not it. It's not like anyone has anything here that's worth a damn. You should
know that by now. Just...leave me alone, all right?

IMOEN
Not yet, you smelly ol' gully napper! I know Mr. G's been growing distant lately and he's
troubled over something. I'm not blind.

Barlowe ignores her and continues on his way.

IMOEN
What's wrong? Don't you want to know what Gorion's been up to? I've been doing some
spying myself. You can't tell me you aren't interested. Unless of course, you really were
trying to steal from him.

BARLOWE
I..I wasn't trying to steal from Gorion! It's just that...

IMOEN
(playfully)
Then astound me with the depth of your motives, Mr. Non-thief!

BARLOWE
I'll do no such thing. You won't see me stand trial to some saccharine, inexperienced ...
(leans in closer) acne-covered, asinine...

IMOEN
(overlapping)
Well I guess you miss out then, don't you!

Barlowe's mouth is open, but no words come out.

BARLOWE
All right, Immy. You win for now.

CUT TO:

Barlowe and Imoen sitting at a table in the library.

BARLOWE
Well I won't lie to you Imoen. I am worried about Gorion. He's hardly been here for the
last few days, and he's not even here when he is here, if you get my drift.

IMOEN
Wow. I never knew you actually cared about other people, Barlowe.
Barlowe is not amused.

IMOEN
Sorry, I just couldn't resist. Anyway, I know that Gorion's been with the Harpers lately,
and I'm not sure what they're doing but I'll keep my eyes open to find more info.

Barlowe claps without enthusiasm. He then puts his feet on the table.

BARLOWE
Thanks for that invaluable piece of information. Like I didn't know Gorion's a harper. I
hate harpers. Well, Gorion's all right, but the rest of 'em just meddle in everyone else's
business. I sure hope we don't have to deal with any.

IMOEN
I know what you mean, but they do it for the good of all, sorta. They just want to protect
the heartlands.

BARLOWE
Protect who exactly? Every poor fool under attack by someone? I say if they can't defend
themselves and their property, they don't deserve the help. Unless there's a hefty payment
of course.

IMOEN
You really think so? There has to be more to life than that, Barlowe. I mean, I don't doubt
there's some corruption among the harpers, but look at all the good they've done.

BARLOWE
Good for whom? They may believe they're serving that silly balance of theirs, but the fact
remains they've grown more powerful from it. All they really do is promote the
mediocrity that prevents everyone else from attaining what they deserve. It's like those
old fables we've read here for so long. If you've noticed, most of the villains were either
strong intellectually, had willpower, courage, or persistence. That's why I always liked
them better than any of the so-called heroes, that's why they can go farther, and that's
why they're called "evil". It's much easier to label your enemy as evil and kill him rather
than attempt to understand him, right?

IMOEN
Gosh, someone's on a roll.

BARLOWE
I even read this one book here that developed a silly system for describing people's moral
and ethical perspectives, and everyone is supposed to fall into one of nine categories.
Nine alignments I think they were called. Even the way they were described made little
sense.
IMOEN
Well, not really. Actually, that one made sense if you think about it.

BARLOWE
Really? Then which of these 'alignments' would you say I am?

IMOEN
Well...I...I don't know.

But she does. There is an uncomfortable silence.

BARLOWE
Of course not. Real life isn't like those fairy tales we've read. There is no good or evil.
We can't put labels on the people we meet. Keeping that perspective is quaint, Imoen.
And frankly, that's one of the reasons you've always annoyed me.

IMOEN
Gee, thanks a lot, Barlowe.

BARLOWE
Whatever. We both have chores to do. I just hope Gorion gets back soon.

EXT. CANDLEKEEP - DAY

A Keep that rests along an oceanside cliff.

BARLOWE (V.O.)
Candlekeep; the citadel of learning. It sits atop the cliffs along the Sword Coast. It's
austere, secure, and otherwise boring, but it's home.

INT. CANDLEKEEP LIBRARY

We see a large statue of a robed man holding a tome. Behind him is a winding staircase
that leads up.

BARLOWE (V.O.)
It was home to the famous seer Alaundo, and preserves his predictions, which makes the
keep rife with the most valuable collection of reading material on the face of Faerun.

INT. GORION'S STUDY

We see an old wizard with a finely trimmed beard flipping through the pages of a tome.
He then closes the book and opens a letter on his desk.

BARLOWE (V.O.)
I've spent almost all of my twenty years here under the tutelage of Gorion, my foster
father. My past is unknown to me, though from what he's said it's apparent I'm an orphan.

Gorion gets up after he has read the letter, and as he leaves he closes the door, revealing
IMOEN hiding in the shadows behind it. She then examines the letter on his desk.

BARLOWE (V.O.)
Imoen came to Candlekeep as a ward of Gorion's under similar circumstances, though
she arrived a little later than I did. So we grew up together...

INT. CANDLEKEEP LIBRARY - We see piles of thick tomes. Each outweighs the
bible.

BARLOWE (V.O.)
...raised on a thousand tales of heroes and monsters, lovers and infidels, battles and
tragedies.

EXT. CANDLEKEEP WALLS - DAY

AN ASSASSIN scales the outer walls of Candlekeep, climbing with a rope and iron
hook. He slowly but surely makes his way over the top and into the perimeter of
Candlekeep.

BARLOWE (V.O.)
Both of us were inspired by Gorion's colorful tales of rogues and scoundrels. But the
more valuable of the keep's treasures remain impenetrable to either of our whiles, and I
have no desire to steal from my benefactors. Not now, anyway.

INT. CANDLEKEEP INN

It's a busy inn and tavern with an active fireplace. The innkeep and bartender jokes with
Imoen from the other side of the counter. He is WINDTHROP, a middle-aged man with
nimble fingers.

BARLOWE (V.O.)
Though Windthrop taught us both how to harness our talents. For Imoen, the bumbling,
preoccupied monks around us often played the lords of Waterdeep on the stages of her
imagination, and more often than not Gorion had asked her to return an inkwell or some
other item to the pocket from which she plundered it.

EXT. ARCHERY RANGE - DAY

Barlowe practices his aim with the short bow.

BARLOWE (V.O.)
But for me it was stealth, marksmanship, and lethal attack.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INT. CANDLEKEEP LIBRARY

ANGLE on Barlowe as he sheaths his dagger, picks up his bow, descends the staircase to
the ground floor of the library, and passes the statue of Alaundo that greets visitors.
Leaving the entrance of the library, he passes four robed CHANTERS.

BARLOWE (V.O.)
There is enough pretending in the world, and I have no desire to be fool roaming the
countryside helping those who are better off dead or ruled with an iron fist. What do I
owe others? Nothing. What do they owe me? Nothing also. What am I then free to do?
Anything I dare try.

EXT. CANDLEKEEP - DAY

Barlowe spars with a beefier man outside using a wooden sword, and his cruel tenacity
and speed are easily giving him an advantage despite his smaller stature.

BARLOWE (V.O.)
I am a very pleasant person so long as things are done my way.

EXT. CANDLEKEEP - DAY

Barlowe past the stables that line the outer walls of Candlekeep. An old female wizard,
consorting with her fellows, stops him.

PHYLDIA
Oh hello, Barlowe! Have you seen my copy of "The History of Halruaa"? I think I left in
the stables by the cow. You know how I can't stand the constant shuffling of arthritic feet
up in the library so I thought I'd get a bit of fresh air just east of here and...Oh! I hate
being so absent-minded! Please! Would you be so kind as to retrieve it for me?

BARLOWE
Ri-i-ight. Phyldia the forgetful. Lovely.

Gorion briskly approaches. He is not at all at ease.

GORION
Barlowe! Thank the heavens I've found you. I know this sounds strange, but we must
leave the keep as soon as possible.

BARLOWE
What? Where are we going?
GORION

You must learn to be patient, child. There is no time to explain. Only that you must be
prepared. Gather whatever supplies you need and meet me at the entrance of the library.

Gorion reaches into his robes and pulls out small bag of coins, which he quickly hands to
Barlowe.

BARLOWE
What should I bring?

GORION
I have given you what I can spare, so hurry off to the inn and speak with Windthrop.
Spend wisely. His prices are fair, but you may not have enough gold to purchase all that
you would want.

INT. CANDLEKEEP INN

Barlowe purchases his equipment from Windthrop, who hands him a sword and scabbard,
a quiver, and studded leather padding.

WINDTHROP
Aye, 52 gold will cover ye here. And as good to see ye again as any other I could have
laid eyes on. If ye weren't leaving, I'd tell ye to make yourself as comfortable as ye will.
Is that all ye need? If you wish anything else, just ask.

Barlowe catches a sneaky glance around him. No one is close enough to hear.

BARLOWE
Actually, I do have some money left. Do you happen to have any of that contact poison
or...

WINDTHROP
(overlapping)
Shhh! Aye, and you'd have to be right careful with 'em too. They're too shady for me to
bring into the keep as often as I like, but I managed to scrag a bit for ye. And if I weren't
sure I'd trained ye well, I wouldn't be giving ye any. But I'll have to charge ye here. 20
gold.

Windthrop pulls out a SMALL BOX from under his counter and unlocks it. Inside is a
leather pouch, which he pulls down slightly to reveal a tiny-stoppered bottle filled with
ichor and BLACK GUMMY SUBSTANCE. He then hands the pouch to Barlowe.

WINDTHROP
Ye can apply it to a blade or an arrowhead as ye like, but use it sparingly, and never get
any on ye. And I don't need to tell ye to keep it out of sight, aye?
Barlowe spots a BLACK CLOAK, hooded, that rests on a mannequin's torso.

BARLOWE
How much for the cloak?

WINDTHROP
Ha! I knew you were missing something! Actually no charge here, friend, seeing as how I
don't know if you'll ever be back. And if ye ever do come back to visit your old pal
Windthrop, don't forget the 5,000 gold piece book per entrance fee, as per Candlekeep
custom.

BARLOWE
You always were the big kidder, Windthrop. That gets funnier every time I hear it. Well,
perhaps not quite so often.

WINDTHROP
Haw! Just having a bit o' fun with ye! Them monks may be walking about with poles in
their nethers, but you know you are always welcome here in my sight. Gorion did well by
you, he did. Hmmm. One more thing, Barlowe. Have ye seen Imoen? She's late fer her
chores here.

EXT. CANDLEKEEP - OUTER WALLS - DAY

Barlowe exits the inn; cloak, leather, sword, and all. He heads for the stables.

INT. STABLES

Barlowe enters and looks around for a bit before finding Phyldia's book on top of one
stack of hay. As he leaves, he is startled to see the ASSASSIN he didn't know was there.
The man is hooded as well and has a long rope attached to a grappling iron tucked into
his belt.

ASSASSIN
'Ere there. You're Gorion's little whelp, aren't ye? Yeah, you match the description. You
don't look so dangerous t'me.

BARLOWE
Do I know you?

ASSASSIN
No. I don't believe you do. I'll not be here long, so it don't matter. You'll not be here long,
either, so it matters even less. Just thought I'd have a look at you. Pretty face, but I don't
see what the fuss is about. No matter, I deliver your skull and I'm set for life.
The assassin draws his dagger and LUNGES at Barlowe. Barlowe steps back before
unsheathing his sword, and bats away the man's thrusts and jabs. One swing, however,
cuts Barlowe on the brow before he manages to cut the man down with his sword.

Barlowe stares ambivalently at his first kill, his bloodied sword, and wipes the blood
from his forehead. Barlowe kneels beside the dead body, removes the rope 'n' grappling
hook.

Barlowe
To the victor goes the spoils.

EXT. CANDLEKEEP - OUTERWALLS - DAY

Phyldia smiles as she sees Barlowe approach. He quickly hands her the book.

PHYLDIA
My book! Oh thank you Barlowe, it was by the cows again, wasn't it? You've cut yourself
on the brow, there--what is wrong, child? Something in your eyes tells me something is
very wrong indeed.

Barlowe begins to hastily walk away.

BARLOWE
It's nothing, Phyldia--one of the cats didn't like me petting it.

PHYLDIA
Mmm...Yes, well, get what you need then, for Gorion's desperate for you to be off.
(mumbles)Hmm yes, now where was I?

EXT. CANDLEKEEP - INNER WALLS - DAY

Barlowe continues through the inner walls, which surround the library, where the area is
decorated with a garden and several fountains. Standing nearby is the robed CHANTER
with his three assistants, and each recites one of Alaundo's prophecies.

BARLOWE'S POV

as he passes the Chanter

CHANTER
"The Lord of Murder shall perish, but in his doom he shall spawn a score of mortal
progeny. Chaos will be sewn from their passing. So sayeth the wise Alaundo."

As Barlowe continues toward the entrance, he is startled to hear:

IMOEN (O.S.)
Heya! It's me, Imoen!

She approaches in her usual happy demeanor, this time carrying a bow like his.

IMOEN
I'm surprised that stuffy ol' Gorion let you away from your studies and chores. That ol'
faddle. I snuck off too. I've got all day to do my chores. You have time for a story?

BARLOWE
What? No, now get lost. Windthrop's been looking for
you. He'll want all the beds tucked in, you know.

IMOEN
If that's the way you want it then fine! Don't keep Mr. G waiting now. C'mon, you! Get
going!

EXT. CANDLEKEEP LIBRARY - ENTRANCE - DAY

At the entrance of the Candlekeep library, Gorion waits, standing alongside

TETHTORIL, another old wizard. Barlowe approaches as Tehtoril finishes his
conversation with Gorion and departs. He bumps into Barlowe on the way down the
stairs.

TETHTORIL
Gorion has been looking for thee, young one.

BARLOWE
I know, I know. Do you know where we'll be going or why?

TETHTORIL
I cannot say for certain except I know that it is dire indeed. But I see you are here now, so
I will not delay any further.

BARLOWE
Um, thanks.

Tethtoril continues on his way as Barlowe approaches Gorion.

GORION
Ahhh, my child, I am glad you have arrived. Do you have everything you need? This is
very unnerving, I know, but you must trust me. We must leave Candlekeep immediately.
Hurry, there is no time to tarry! The keep is well protected, but not invulnerable.

BARLOWE
I'm ready to go, but where are we...
GORION
Alas, I cannot say where we will be going, for I have not truly decided yet. All that is
certain is that we will be far safer on the move. Perhaps the woods might offer some
secluded security, or perhaps the City of Baldur's Gate would offer cover amidst its
teaming throngs of people. I do not know where we shall end up, but I have a few friends
here and there. Hmmm...I will think on this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXT. CANDLEKEEP - NEAR THE GATES - LATE AFTERNOON

Barlowe and Gorion walk to the entrance of the outer walls of the keep, where they pause
to allow the guards to raise them.

BARLOWE
Father, when are we...

GORION
(overlapping, leaning in)
Listen carefully! If we ever are to become separated, it is imperative that you make your
way to the Friendly Arm Inn. There you will meet Khalid and Jaheira. They have long
been my friends, and you can trust them.

Gorion studies Barlowe for a second before noticing the cut on his forehead. He then
raises his pointed finger and with a deft gesture and dim flash of BLUE LIGHT, the cut is
healed and there is only a clean scar. Before Barlowe can speak, Gorion motions for him
to follow. The gates have been raised, and they proceed.

EXT. FOREST - NIGHT

Gorion and Barlowe make their way through the woods as they enter a clearing. They
aren't even traveling on a path. There is a grim silence between them.

GORION
Let's hurry, child! The night can only get worse so we must find shelter soon. Don't
worry. I will explain everything as soon as there is time.

A twig SNAPS. There is SHUFFLING in the foliage. Gorion glances around frantically.

GORION
Wait! Something is wrong! We are in an ambush! Prepare yourself!

Barlowe draws an arrow from his quiver as Gorion prepares a spell--

The armored SAREVOK steps out from the bushes, along with an ASSASSIN behind
him. A pair of OGRES approach from each side. These are muscular humanoids, nine
feet tall, armed with spiked clubs.
SAREVOK
You're perceptive for an old man. You know why I'm here. Hand over your ward and no
one will be hurt. If you resist it shall be a waste of your life.

GORION
You're a fool if you think I would trust your benevolence. Step aside and you and your
lackeys will be unhurt.

SAREVOK
I'm sorry that you feel that way, old man.

Sarevok and his ogres begin to advance while the assassin melds into the foliage.

GORION
Get out of here!

Barlowe steps back farther as Gorion lets loose a volley of MAGIC MISSLES, small
bursts of magical energy from his fingertips. The missiles all hit Sarevok, and cause his
knees to bend; yet he does not fall. The assassin fires a flaming arrow at Barlowe causing
him to move towards the edge of the clearing.

An ogre advances, and Gorion quickly turns and waves his arm in its direction. A
LIGHTNING BOLT shoots out from his fingertip and drops the ogre.

As Gorion turns back, Sarevok has already recovered, and closes in. He buries his blade
into Gorion. As he falls, Gorion manages to complete his last incantation. His raised hand
begins to glow.

A blinding RING OF FIRE BURSTS from the center of Gorion's hand. Barlowe ducks
into the underbrush for cover while the burst kills the remaining ogre, and stuns Sarevok.
The assassin peers at the display from the clearing, and advances into the clearing.

Barlowe looks on in horror before noticing the assassin. He bolts away into the forest.

Barlowe RUNS frantically and furiously for a great distance, brushing and snapping
branches in his wake. The assassin follows. As Barlowe continues to run, he looks back.
The assassin stops to raise his CROSSBOW and fires a bolt...

...as Barlowe trips over the root of a tree, TUMBLING downhill, rolling in leaves, and
finally landing in a leaf pile under another tree.

The assassin follows.

Barlowe scrambles into a small niche under the roots of the tree, the leaf pile concealing
it...
The assassin works his way down the hill.

Quivering, Barlowe pulls his hood over his head and tries to disappear into the shadows
and darkness.

The assassin arrives at the bottom, glancing around.

CUT TO:

Sarevok staggering as he gets up, leaning on his sword and then pulling it out of Gorion's
body. His armor seems intact, though he is clearly wounded. He calls out for his
assassin... 'Tamoka'

...who turns and runs back up the hill.

Barlowe remains concealed, shaking.

EXT. FOREST - DAWN

Sunrise across the Sword Coast. Candlekeep can be seen off in the distance.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

Barlowe rests uneasily against the tree. He is awakened by the sound of leaves
RUSTLING. He immediately gets up and draws his sword, glancing frantically around
for a moment before he sees IMOEN approach from the top of the hill.

IMOEN
Barlowe!

He steps into view. She quickly rushes down to greet him. There is a hint of a smile on
Barlowe, though he doesn't look happy to see her.

BARLOWE
Imoen?! What are you...

IMOEN
Sorry I followed ya’ll, but I never get out of Candlekeep and those monks are such a
bore. (pause) I...I saw what happened to Gorion, and I am so sorry!

BARLOWE
What?! You followed us out?!

IMOEN
Kinda figured something bad would happen to you out here...

BARLOWE
This can't be happening...

IMOEN
Barlowe, do you have any idea who that armored fiend was?

BARLOWE
I don't know.

IMOEN
What was he after?

BARLOWE
Me!

IMOEN
Why?

BARLOWE
(agitated)
I don't know!

Barlowe storms off angrily, kicking anything on the ground that lies in his path. Shaking
with hatred, he screams.

BARLOWE
Damn it!

Barlowe rubs his temples. Imoen catches up.

BARLOWE
I have to think for a moment...

IMOEN
I left the keep because I...accidentally read a letter on Gorion's desk the other day. Can't
remember exactly what it said, but he might still have...it might still be on his...his body.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

Imoen and Barlowe examine Gorion's body and find a letter. Unfolding it, Barlowe reads
it out loud. Imoen reads over his shoulder.

BARLOWE
'My friend Gorion, we have done what we can for those in thy care, but despite my desire
to remain neutral, I could not let events proceed without warning. The other side will
move very soon, and I urge you to leave Candlekeep tonight. A fighting chance is all that
can be asked for at this point. Should things go awry, do not hesitate to seek aid. I need
not remind you a party is stronger than an individual. I understand Jaheira and Khalid are
at the Friendly Arm Inn. They are ever thy friends and will help however they can. Luck
be with us all, E.' Who's "E"? Is this a friend of Gorion's?

IMOEN
I don't know. Maybe he's a Harper.

BARLOWE
Well this "E" directed Gorion out of Candlekeep, and toward the ambush I'm betting. I
don't like this. There's probably another one at the Friendly Arm. (pause) That's to the
east, isn't it?

IMOEN
It is to the east and the north, if you just follow the road there, but I don't think you
should dismiss it so easily. Jaheira and Khalid are Gorion's friends after all.

BARLOWE
Yes...He did mention that. But either way I don't like it. Let's...let's give Gorion a decent
burial first, before we do anything else.

EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY

Imoen and Barlowe, dirtier than before, pat the dirt down on Gorion's grave. Imoen
grimly places his amulet on a large rock in the center. They dust themselves off.

BARLOWE
All right. Now which way to the main road?

EXT. FOREST ROAD - DAY

The ROAD is made of white cobbled stones, and looks relatively clean and well traveled.
Barlowe and Imoen emerge from the forest. Barlowe looks both directions.

BARLOWE'S POV

CANDLEKEEP can be seen down the end of the road peeking over the treetops.

Barlowe looks back in the other direction.

BARLOWE
Well at least I know where I am.(pause) Not that Candlekeep will let us back in without
Gorion. Damn.

IMOEN
Wh...What do you mean?
BARLOWE
Don't you remember Windthrop's old joke about the 5,000 gold piece book? That's the
only way Candlekeep lets anyone in. You have to donate a rare book. Well, it's not like
I'm better off there. I guess it's to the east then.

IMOEN
Well I'm not gonna let you wander around out here all alone. Never let a friend down, no
sir! Stick with you until you say otherwise, I will!

BARLOWE
And that's where you're wrong. You're a liability. I do not want you looking over my
shoulder as I travel. So take your nosy little self back to the keep before Windthrop sees
you're gone!

IMOEN
Well, that's gratitude for you. I don't suppose you know how I'm going to get back in?

BARLOWE
You're the one who snuck out, it's your own damn fault. I've got my own problems.

IMOEN
Well...that's just fine! But even though you might not think so, you need me. So despite
anything you say, I'm coming with you, so there!

Barlowe turns his back to Imoen and walks down the road. She follows shortly, and the
two keep a wide distance.

EXT. FOREST PATH - DAY

Two figures cut through the forest and onto the path, peering in both directions. One is a
tall, lanky WIZARD in a green robe. His face is tattooed and his features irregularly
twitch.

The other is a HALFLING, stocky and standing only three feet tall, with hair-covered
feet. He wears leather armor with a dirty, hooded cloak, where we see a scarred face gaze
outward from within. A Crossbow is slung across his back, and a short sword is at his
belt. The halfling turns back to his companion.

MONTARON
I much be prefer'n the cover o' night, o'er this blasted daylight!

XZAR
(softly)
I never liked the sun. 'Tis just too...bright.
MONTARON
Ye have any more bright ideas, Wizard, or can ye get us more lost?

Xzar bites his knuckles.

XZAR
No, we're on the right track, Monty. South to Nashkel. We just need to form an army.

MONTARON
No! Last few sods we hired didn't agree with us, so I ended up with more throats to slit
and having to leave town.
The less, the better, wizard! No more!

Xzar pauses for a moment before turning. He shakes his fist at Montaron.

XZAR
(accentuated scream)
Montaron! You are so aggravating! 'Tis disturbing to my demeanor!

MONTARON
Ye already be disturbed, now
leave me be! Yer company be toil enough as is!

The two stop when they notice something.

THEIR POV:

Barlowe and Imoen approach, coming uphill on the forest path.

XZAR
Two exhausted whelps in the forest? They might be of use to us, Monty.

MONTARON
What part of "I'm a loner" do ye not understand?!

XZAR
Get their attention. I wish to speak with them.

EXT. FOREST PATH - DAY

We are now behind Barlowe and Imoen as Montaron approaches.

BARLOWE
Excuse me, do you happen to know...
MONTARON
(overlapping)
Hello there, kid. Rather strange place to be wandering ain't it? My companion has
something to say to ye.

BARLOWE
Who...

Greeting him, Xzar nods furiously.

XZAR
Two people wandering the wilderness? Surely you must be none too bright to be
traveling these roads.

BARLOWE
Well, we came from Candlekeep and we do...

MONTARON
(quickly, overlapping)
A fine pair of troubles all your own. We've no time for 'em, though we may have a
purpose for ye.

XZAR
Nonsense, Monty. These two may need our help. Indeed, I can offer you healing potions.
If you wish, as a token of good will.

Xzar reaches into his purse and pulls out a pair of stoppered FLASKS filled with a
bubbling blue liquid. He holds one in each hand, eagerly motioning for Barlowe and
Imoen to take them.

XZAR
Nothing to fear from simple potions, and I'll not even hold you in debt, though your
conscience knows otherwise.

MONTARON
Just like all good people.

Barlowe studies Xzar for a moment and tentatively takes the potion. Imoen takes hers as
well.

XZAR
My compatriot and I go to Nashkel. Our business is not your concern, suffice to say that
some acquaintances of mine wish us to look into this iron shortage. Perhaps as payment
you could go with us. I'm sure we'll find a use for you.

MONTARON
Your conscience be your guide.

BARLOWE
Look, it's not that I'm not grateful, but I do have my own agenda. I have some friends to
meet at Friendly Arm. Perhaps we could stop there along the way...

XZAR
Silly! Your friends are no concern of ours. Go as you wish by yourself. Hopefully you
fare better than you have so far.

MONTARON
The night be not kind to fools. Luck be with you. You'll need it.

BARLOWE
Wait! Fine, it's not like I have anything else to do, so I might as well go with you.

IMOEN
What? Barlowe, we don't even...

Barlowe steps around Imoen. Xzar looks attentive.

BARLOWE
We'll do it.

XZAR
Goody good good! We shall make haste to Nashkel, just a short ways. Onward, intrepid
friends.

MONTARON
Rein it in, wizard! I canna stand the way your senses flit about. Could we just travel in
peace?

EXT. FOREST PATH - DUSK

On the horizon, we can see the silhouettes of Montaron, Xzar, Barlowe, and Imoen
traveling uphill in silence.

XZAR
Could we cease the incessant noise?! 'Tis such a pain behind the eyes!

EXT. FOREST - NIGHT

Camp has been set up, and the FIRE is dying. A charred, half-eaten squirrel has been spit
across the flame. Barlowe and Imoen sit at one side of the campfire, Montaron and Xzar
at the other. Barlowe eats one morsel on the end of a stick. Montaron sharpens his dagger
with a smooth stone. He then puts the dagger away and makes himself comfortable, using
his cloak as a blanket.

XZAR
Tell us a story, Monty, something with bears and gold.

MONTARON
(groans)
That mad wizard is on another one of his 'spells' again.

XZAR
(weirdly)
C'mon, Montaron, lighten up. Must you be so moody all the time?

BARLOWE
How long before we reach Nashkel?

MONTARON
Not fer two days or so, assuming we make good time.

BARLOWE
So you said you're in the employ of a powerful group. What sort of network are you guys
in?

MONTARON
Ye live longer if ye don't annoy me. Mayhaps even a week or more.

Barlowe is not intimidated. Instead, he smiles cannily.

BARLOWE
Ah. So why not tell me about it? What harm could I do?

MONTARON
Leave me be! Lest your head leave yer neck!

XZAR
Montaron! That's no way to treat out guests and compatriots.

MONTARON
(cynical)
Especially with one as charitable as you, wizard.

XZAR
Suffice to say there will be many pit stops along the way, the town of Beregost, the
Friendly Arm, perhaps. The Friendly Arm...It's only a minor diversion north. Those
friends you mentioned before Barlowe...perhaps they would be of use to us after all. An
army may serve us well in the investigation at Nashkel, so certain actions we take can be
repeated. Can be repeated.

MONTARON
Four's a crowd already, wizard!

BARLOWE
(ignoring Montaron)
All right, I don't really know who they are or if they'd be willing, but it's worth looking
into. (pause) So, you want to
tell me a little more about this group that's interested in the iron shortage?

XZAR
(quick, hysterical)
That's not for you to know, only for ones such as I! I know, and I know them well.

Xzar seems to cower in fright or panic, placing his hands over his ears. Barlowe raises an
eyebrow. He laughs. Imoen looks disturbed.

IMOEN
Er...okay, so let's not talk about that. How about your studies, Xzar? Are you skilled with
magic? I'd like to learn it myself. Do you have anything you could share?

XZAR
I know dragons with feet like rabbits! 'Tis true, I swear!

Xzar SHRIEKS in irritation and moves to the other side of the camp. Barlowe laughs.

BARLOWE
What's that about, Immy? I never knew you liked fuck'n with crazy people.

IMOEN
Well, no I don't. I was just curious. I want to learn some magic.

BARLOWE
(laughs)
You? Casting spells?

IMOEN
Yes, casting spells. Why not? I don't want be picking pockets and locks all my life--

MONTARON
(growl, overlapping)
If'n I'm not allowed to sleep, our next assailants may just live.

Imoen leans in closer to Barlowe.

IMOEN
(whisper)
I don't like these guys.

Barlowe shrugs. He barely acknowledges her.

BARLOWE
So?

A pause. Imoen fakes a smile.

IMOEN
Now I'm goin' to sleep. Good night.

EXT. FOREST PATH - DAY

The party travels down the white cobbled road, and they arrive at the crossroads, coming
to a sign that reads "Friendly Arm Inn North".

MONTARON
Just for a while, kid. This is where we go off and get yer friends.

BARLOWE
Alright...

Barlowe continues in the lead, but stops when he sees that someone is coming in the
opposite direction. We see an OLD MAN with a long beard dressed in a red robe. He also
wears a long pointed hat. Spotting Barlowe, quickly, he approaches. Montaron and Xzar
stiffen at his approach.

ELMINSTER
Ho there, wanderer. Stay thy course a moment to indulge an old man.

Elminster stops when he is closer to Barlowe, resting on his walking staff as if winded.

ELMINSTER
It has been high unto a ten-day since I've seen a soul walking this road, and I've been
without a decent conversation since. Traveling nowadays appears to be the domain of
either the desperate or the deranged; if thou woulds't pardon my intrusion, might I inquire
which pertains to thee?

BARLOWE
Not to imply anything, but how do you measure up to your own standards? Pestering
strangers about their mental state doesn't seem all that well adjusted to me.
Xzar twitches. Elminster smiles at Barlowe.

ELMINSTER
Point well taken, and thou hast answered my query most adequately. I shall think of thee
as determined instead. I shall trouble thee no more, as thou art more than capable of the
task at hand. North is the Friendly Arm Inn, where I am certain thou shall find
trustworthy friends awaiting.

Elminster points in the direction he is walking away from. Then he heads off.

ELMINSTER
I have said too much and taken too much time from thee. Fare thee well.

As he leaves, Montaron breathes a sigh of relief. Barlowe looks on in bafflement.

MONTARON
We're good avoiding yon Harper.

BARLOWE
He was implying the road wasn't safe to travel.

MONTARON
Bandits, kid. They prey on travelers of the Sword Coast, more so since the iron shortage.

The party continues down the road, but they stay in our sight.

BARLOWE
I've only been to the Friendly Arm once and I can't even remember what it was like.

IMOEN
I remember a little bit. It's more of a walled hamlet with a huge keep inside. Not as big as
Candlekeep, but people come and go all the time. I think it's run by a pair of gnomes.

MONTARON
Bentley and Gellana. The pair of them could deal an Amnian merchant out of his last
copper. They wrested it from a priest of Bhaal.

BARLOWE
Priest of what?

MONTARON
Time of Troubles, kid. Too far back for you to remember.

XZAR
Your voice is ambrosia.
MONTARON
I warrant your attention?! Oh frabgerous day, kaloo kaley!

IMOEN
Eh...well, I remember it's also a rare neutral haven.

MONTARON
But best for finding prey! And it's sure to be crowded from the bandit raids.

BARLOWE
Damn straight.

We HEAR a clap of thunder as the camera pans to the approaching clouds.

CUT TO:

It's raining heavily. We see a stone KEEP towering above several caravan wagon sheds
and a few houses and stables. The entire area is walled, but traffic is heavy near the
entrance. This is the FRIENDLY ARM INN.

The party approaches. Barlowe looks up at the awesome keep; it towers over all the
neighboring trees.

XZAR
Smiles, everyone, smiles! This is some great fantasy!

BARLOWE
I don't know if we'll find them if it's this crowded.

INT. FRIENDLY ARM INN

The tavern in the Friendly Arm is quite noisy and crowded as outside, but full of life.
Throngs of people eat, drink, talk, and yell. Barlowe and Montaron sit at an otherwise
empty circular table. Xzar sits in a nearby corner muttering to himself. Imoen slips in
from the crowd.

BARLOWE
Did you see anything?

IMOEN
Nothing. I wouldn't even recognize 'em if I saw 'em.

BARLOWE
All right, I guess we'll have to ask around or something. Seems we're short of coin too.

MONTARON
Sleep lightly, taskmaster.

INT. FRIENDLY ARM INN - elsewhere

A couple sit at a table in a distant corner, their plates half empty and the candle nearly
burned out. KHALID is dressed in worn armor, a steel cap, and a quilted cloak. His ears
are noticeably pointed. And he is tense.

JAHEIRA sits next to him. Pointed ears also protrude from her auburn hair. She is
ruggedly confident. She wears a leather bodice not made for ornamentation. Her armor is
also worn. Her voice is husky and accented:

JAHEIRA
How long must we wait here? Things stir to the south as we sit!

KHALID
C-calm yourself, dear. We must proceed c-c-carefully.

JAHEIRA
I must insist that we head to Nashkel soon, and I am sure Gorion would be doing the
same.

KHALID
Yes...he would have found a way to alert us if there were a change in plans.

JAHEIRA
Then we must assume the worst. The roads've not been kind to travelers, though it
troubles me to think he could have met peril. Meanwhile the balance suffers from our
lassitude.

KHALID
C-come now, Jaheira, we mustn’t loose hope.

JAHEIRA
But as Harpers we take action. Sitting about waiting for answers should not become us.

KHALID
'But answers often come to the patient.'

JAHEIRA
From Alaundo?

Khalid only grins.

JAHEIRA
I knew it.
INT. FRIENDLY ARM INN

We are looking at a MONEY POUCH that hangs haphazardly on the belt of a man who
sits at the bar. Barlowe carefully inserts his dagger into the knot, trying to loosen it.
Imoen and Montaron look on. Montaron motions for him to stop.

MONTARON
I'll do yer toil.

He deftly slits the knot an' catches the pouch. Grinning devilishly, he hands it to Barlowe.

Cut to Jaheira and Khalid moving through the crowd.

JAHEIRA
Let us get moving, I have no wish to be grounded when I could be better serving the
balance elsewhere. I am rather sick of the atmosphere of this place.

KHALID
J-Jaheira, w-we should wait a while longer, we p-promised Gorion--

Khalid stops when he sees Barlowe and Imoen.

KHALID
Jaheira, stop. This must be...

He has caught Barlowe's attention.

KHALID
Excuse me--something about you is f-familiar, child. Your manner reminds me of a sage
I know, b-by the name of Gorion.

JAHEIRA
It is almost a slight on him, but I see it too.

KHALID
Jaheira! M-mind your m-m-manners! This must be... This must be that child Gorion
wrote of so often. This must be Barlowe.

BARLOWE
Well, I was told to meet some people here...

JAHEIRA
We are old friends of your adopted father. He is not with you? <awkward pause> I must
only assume the worst; he would not permit his only child to wander with out his
accompaniment.
KHALID
If...if he has passed, we share your loss.

BARLOWE
I see. And what would you know about this?

JAHEIRA
Ah, the current situation has made you a bit defensive. I do not blame you in the slightest,
but we only find it odd that Gorion is not with you.

BARLOWE
In that case, yes. Gorion died two nights ago. We were ambushed.

JAHEIRA
Gorion often said that he worried for your safety, even at the expense of his own. He also
wished that Khalid and I would become your guardians, if he should ever meet an
untimely end. However, you are much older now, and the choice of your companions
should be your own.

KHALID
We could t-travel with you until you get settled. Help you find your l-lot in life.

JAHEIRA
It would be a fitting last service to Gorion.

BARLOWE
Well don't jump to conclusions. It doesn't look like we'll be getting out any time soon
with this rain. Why don't we have a seat? We might even need rooms if it doesn't let up.

IMOEN
That sounds good. I'm getting tired of standing around.

KHALID
And who is this?

IMOEN
Oh hiya. I'm Imoen. I'm with Barlowe too. I'm also from Candlekeep.

KHALID
Oh...that's right. I do recall Gorion also mentioned you in
his letters. I wasn't sure you were his ward or another's. So
I see you're traveling with Barlowe.

Imoen smiles and nods.

KHALID
How nice of you.

JAHEIRA
Normally, I would question your judgment in bringing one so young and inexperienced,
but I understand you are in need as are we.

IMOEN
Um, yeah whatever.

CUT TO:
Barlowe and Imoen sit across from Khalid and Jaheira at a table near a fire. Montaron sits
close by, while Xzar stands off behind him.

JAHEIRA
I would ask that we first go to Nashkel. Khalid and I...look into local concerns, and there
are rumors of strange things happening at the mine. No doubt you've heard of the iron
shortage? You would do well to help us. It affects everyone, including you. We are to
meet the mayor of the town, Berron Ghastkill.

BARLOWE
I'm already going to Nashkel. My companions wish to go there.

JAHEIRA
Indeed? Interesting.

Montaron and Xzar watch the two of them warily.

XZAR
We also seek Mr. Ghastkill and wish to investigate this
shortage. Much as I truly care about your needs, I would
prefer that we forget your petty travels and head to Nashkel.

KHALID
We are headed to Nashkel. M-may I ask why you are also interested in this problem?
Who e-employs you?

Xzar opens his mouth as if about to shout, but Montaron interrupts him. As he does, Xzar
begins pacing around.

MONTARON
It be profitable. And...a good cause. My...friend Xzar see, is little crazy in the head. But
he's very skilled with his necromancy.

BARLOWE
Don't bother trying to get any answers out of him. But I was wondering...are you working
for anyone?

JAHEIRA
Khalid and I are Harpers. Our aim is to keep the dangers both of and to civilization at
bay. We believe in the power of individuals, the balance between the wild and the
civilized, and the good of humankind and its allied and sentient races.

Montaron and Barlowe look on in disapproving silence. Xzar stops his pacing.
Montaron's eyes narrow.

JAHEIRA
Gorion was a friend of ours, and you have not been out of the keep long so it is not
surprising you would not know this. Who ever is responsible for his death will be repaid
in kind.

KHALID
T-there are also rumors that Amn may have some part to play. Or perhaps that war is
impending. You do understand how this concerns all of us?

BARLOWE
You? Apparently. Me? No. But out of curiosity, who do you think is behind this?

MONTARON
Pfeh. Yon Harpers, most likely.

JAHEIRA
You are amusing in a 'what the hell is wrong with you' kind of way.

MONTARON
Yer wit be as sharp as me blade! Do we exchange jabs, or will ye cease yer prattle?!
-----------------Beginning of Robert W’s work------------------
Jaheira rises to her feet receiving a firm grasp about her wrist from Khalid. She looks
into Khalid's eyes. A stranger dressed in fine robes approaches the table.

TARNESH
Hmmmm, right size and build.... complete with squabbling companions. You there with
your feet upon the table. Are you Barlowe?

BARLOWE
Rightly, that's none of your damned business as to who any of us are.

TARNESH
How rude?! If your moments were not numbered, I would teach you some manners,
unwashed one. So, now you die!
Jaheira grabs her quarterstaff with her free hand, and slams it acrosst the back of
Tarnesh's head knocking him to the table. Montaron head butts Tarnesh off the table
onto the floor, and pulls out his sword & dagger leaping to the tabletop. Tarnesh wipes
the blood from his face.

TARNESH
You will all regret this!

Bentley Nightshade leaps upon the bar top.

BENTLEY
Guards! We have an unwelcome visitor!

Tarnesh slams a gem to the floor causing a quick flash that doesn't appear to have caused
any effect. Imoen draws back on her bow to find her elbow hit something in mid-stroke.

IMOEN
Barlowe, he's created a wall of force to keep everyone out.

TARNESH
Vitas Motis Carrium...Vitas Motis Carrium...Vitas Motis Carrium!

A cloud smoke erupts around Tarnesh with echoes of rocks being ground to dust. The
smoke clears to reveal two xvart, an orc, and an ogre. Each makes the battle cries, and
visually selects their target.

TARNESH
Kill them my pets! Kill them all!!

Imoen adjusts for the Wall of Force behind, and lets an arrow streak towards Tarnesh's
throat. The arrow shatters on impact, and dust appears to ripple off him.

IMOEN
What the hell was that?!

XZAR
That was stoneskin, little one! All kneel before me!! For I have become DEATH!!

Xzar's raised hand glows with energy, and an orb streaks from his hand to Tarnesh.
Tarnesh screams in agony, and covers his eyes. Jaheira swings her staff in clearing
motion knocking the xvart to one side. Montaron lunges himself at Tarnesh. Khalid
swings his shield to the fore, and bashes the shield into the ogre trying to keep it pinned
in one spot. Imoen and Barlowe attack the orc.

Jaheira thrusts her staff into the throat area of one xvart forcing him to the ground, and
pole vaults laterally swinging her foot acrosst the face of the second one. As her feet
return to the ground, the sound of the xvart's neck breaking can be heard. Jaheira begins
swinging her staff forming figure 8's with the crossing point being the remaining xvart's
head 'n' chest until he falls.

Imoen pierces the orc's shoulder with an arrow as Barlowe slides acrosst the table
planting both feet into its chest shoving it to the opposite end of the invisible enclosure.
Barlowe pulls his sword stepping towards the orc, makes spinning swings with his sword,
and cuts off the orc's hands.

IMOEN
Duck Barlowe!

Barlowe tucks, and rolls away from the orc as Imoen places a final arrow through its
skull bringing it to the ground.

KHALID
I... I... I could use some help here.

With that utterance, the ogre flings Khalid into Xzar, and begins to take swings at
Barlowe on the ground with his spiked club. The sound of rocks being ground to dust
can be heard in concert with the spikes scraping the stone floor. Barlowe rolls back &
forth avoiding the swings, and deflects some with his sword. Imoen begins targeting the
ogre with her arrows.

MONTARON
Blast ye, wizard! I'm gonna skin ye like the perverbial fell cat!

Tarnesh's eyesight returns, and he grabs Montaron's sword arm at the wrist.

TARNESH
Not this time, halfling. Here's a scar for your collection.

The visual effects of electrical shocks wave over Montaron's body. Jaheira hurls her staff
like a javelin at Tarnesh's hand, and breaks his grip on Montaron. Tarnesh collects the
staff standing up as Jaheira pulls from the back of her leather bodice, a pair of scimitars.
Khalid rolls to his side to regain his senses as Xzar makes an out reaching gesture.

XZAR
Larlochium Integrium Carrium!

Colored energy moves in bursts from the ogre to Xzar, who begins to regain his strength,
and slowly rise to his knees. The ogre's swing of the club becomes more difficult for him
allowing Barlowe to gain his feet. Khalid joins Barlowe with his sword against the ogre.
Tarnesh proves skilled with the staff as Jaheira engages him. Tarnesh spots his ogre is
about to fall, and casts a spell throwing Jaheira, Barlowe, and Khalid into Imoen.
TARNESH
And, NOW Yo-u-u.... die (trailing off)

MONTARON
(winded) Like a fell cat you popped windbag.

Bentley (or Galena whichever has Dispel Magic) brings down the wall of force before the
party suffocates. Montaron frisks Tarnesh's body claiming a few items, and hands
Barlowe a letter on the body. Barlowe reads the letter to himself. Montaron approaches
Bentley.

MONTARON
Bentley, old chap, is it alright fer me and my necromancer friend here to dispose of this
body fer ye?

BENTLEY
(confused) I suppose, but for what purpose. If I may ask?

Xzar becomes focused on Bentley in an agitated fashion, and starts to mutter.

XZAR
The fallen stars hide beneath the earth... have to dig them up, and set free the knowledge
of what they see... Yes.. Yes... Yes.

MONTARON
It's a private ritual of me necromancer friend here which keeps dem vanquished
painstakers from comin' back. If'n, ye know what I mean.

BENTLEY
Well, since your battle with him, the people who occupied the rooms to either side of his
have left. You may rent those rooms if'n you like for the night.

Barlowe looks over the group, and responds.

BARLOWE
That will do fine by us.

Fade to staircase with Jaheira, Khalid, Montaron, Xzar, Barlowe, and Imoen making their
way up to the next floor. We see acrosst the second floor a number of travelers standing
about chattering beneath the sound of an elderly couple engaged in a heated discussion
about spiders & boots, and a nobleman giving directions to a steward. The group
continues to the next floor. Upon reaching the next floor, Barlowe notices Imoen isn't
behind him.

BARLOWE
Hold a moment everyone. Imoen's off to something.
JAHEIRA
She may have simply stepped out of the way of passers-by. We'll give her a moment,
then. The steps are quite crowded.

After a few moments, Imoen emerges from the staircase with a bit of a grin on her face.

BARLOWE
What happened to you, Imoen?

IMOEN
Oh, nothing much beyond keeping my feet and head about me.

MONTARON glares at Imoen looking her over...

MONTARON
Aye missy, ye best keep yer wits about ya a wee bit faster then.

Cut to Barlowe & Imoen in a small room with two cots.

IMOEN
Hey, Barlowe what do you think this is worth?

Imoen pulls from her pack a garment made of gold, and holds it out for Barlowe to
inspect. Barlowe snickers at the item.

BARLOWE
I knew you were up to something, but this is quite a catch. <chuckle> Though, we'll have
to fence it somewhere else. Whomever will be looking for it.

IMOEN
S'okay, the guy downstairs isn't expecting it for a couple days. The rain should be over
before then.

BARLOWE
<laughs> Hope your luck holds out.

They recline to their cots, and prepare to sleep.

Barlowe tosses and turns, gripped with the vivid experience of a dream, and fade into his
dream. Barlowe is standing in the clearing outside of Candlekeep, and sees a candle in
the window of his old room. As the candle burns down, the bricks of the wall encroach
upon the window as to cover it up denying entrance. As the window becomes a wall,
Gorion appears as a shadow of his former self; dead within the dream as in life.

GORION
My child, you will receive no quarter from here. You must seek your path elsewhere.

As Barlowe surveys the clearing, a path forms through the forest with a foreboding
presence, which pulls at his very being. (Visual effect of a transparent bubble as the path
completes) Barlowe continues to survey the clearing, and chooses a different direction.
Gorion smiles in approvement, and fades away. Barlowe begins to move away from the
convenient path, and reacts as though being forced towards it. Barlowe makes his way to
the direction he had chosen. A grin of excitement appears on Barlowe's face as he sees
the way is not clear, it is sure to be interesting. A whisper forms on a gust of wind with a
vestigial & sinister tone, which garners a reaction of, confused familiarity from Barlowe

BHAAL ESSENCE
Venture forth, child. You will learn.

Barlowe is slow to awaken, and does so with an apparent chill. He looks over to see
Imoen still asleep. He quietly prepares himself for the morn. He looks over the garment
Imoen had 'acquired'.

BARLOWE
There are times you surprise me, and times you annoy the hell out of me, girl.

He tucks the item back in her pack, and kicks the corner of Imoen's cot a few times.

BARLOWE
Come on sunshine. Get up, and see if you can keep up today.

IMOEN
Hey, you! What side of Faerun did you wake up on this morning?! (Big Yawn, and
stretch)

Barlowe turns towards the door, slings his pack over his shoulder, and responds.

BARLOWE
My side... as always. I'll check on the others, and see you out in the foyer.

Cut to foyer area where Jaheira & Khalid are sitting at a table having an apparently
heated discussion.

JAHEIRA
Come now, Khalid. The rain seems to have stopped, and we must move forward to
Nashkel. We must serve the balance with due diligence...(Playful pause) Khalid my
dear, 'twould take a sailor to untie that tongue.

KHALID
I... I know, Jaheira. Yet, there are times when you can be so... so...
JAHEIRA
Insufferable? (Mischievous grin)

KHALID
Why... Yes (laughing snort), that definitely is it. All we can do is be... be.. an example to
the child of what the Harpers' intents are for the Realms. Allow him to make the choice
himself.

JAHEIRA
Yes, my husband, but what of his other two companions, the halfling and the
necromancer. Do we determine what their designs are on Nashkel, or allow their
indignant tone to grate on my nerves?

KHALID
Calm yourself dear we must proceed carefully. Remember patience.

Barlowe, Montaron, and Xzar enter the foyer area.

MONTARON
(Exhales deep breath)(cough, cough) Oooh, what do I smell? (chuckle) Ah yes, it's ye
charity I smell. Please do keep it to yer selves. It's time ta make a coin or two.

Xzar stares lazily off into the air.

XZAR
Your voice is ambrosia, and coin sounds almost like breakfast.

KHALID
(Clearing cough) Yes, well, how can I help you?

Xzar lowers his eyes to Khalid, and starts to speak in a whiney voice.

XZAR
Oooh, a griffin's egg o-om-melette would do nicely.

Imoen emerges into the foyer saying.

IMOEN
In here? Yeah, whatever.

BARLOWE
Let's head downstairs, and see what's there. Otherwise, we'll hunt some game on the way
to Nashkel.

Fade to EXT showing party moving through forest with the Friendly Arm Inn
overlooking the trees in the background. Barlowe walks at the front with Xzar &
Montaron walking side-by-side behind him, Jaheira following them with Khalid behind
her, and Imoen at the rear. A traveling musical score will follow through this transition
to Beregost. The party emerges from the wooded area in a hilly valley where the road
twists out of sight.

Fade to EXT showing party moving through forest with the Friendly Arm Inn
overlooking the trees in the background. Barlowe walks at the front with Xzar &
Montaron walking side-by-side behind him, Jaheira following them with Khalid behind
her, and Imoen at the rear. A traveling musical score will follow through this transition.
The party emerges from the wooded area into a hilly valley where the road twists out of
sight.

EXT forest area behind, and pan to hilly dale at the fore. A man appears over the horizon
dressed in weathered clothing carrying a satchel, running along the road, and can be
heard yelling.

MESSENGER
Clear the way! Messenger coming through!

The fellow collides with Montaron who blurts.

MONTARON
Lookey here ye goof of a messenger. Watch fer small folk next time. So, what's yer
bellyaching fer?

MESSENGER
I bear a message to Baldur's Gate requesting the Flaming Fist. I can't say more than that. I
must be off.

JAHEIRA
Things worsened during our lassitude. Nashkel is still another day's worth of travel.

MONTARON
Well, with dat errand boy, da Flaming Fist aren't far off, or behind.

KHALID
(clearing cough) May be we should make camp at the second mound yonder?

BARLOWE
Is there a wooded area beyond that point, Khalid?

KHALID
Y-yes, yes, there is, but a good distance further beyond. Why do you ask?

BARLOWE
Isn't it better to make as much distance as possible before sunset?
KHALID
Maybe. Yet, having a position to spot oncoming visitors benefits our safety, and being
atop a hill provides such an advantage.

MONTARON
Me thinks having a position to ambush unwanted visitors be a bedder idea.

Barlowe, Khalid, and Montaron enter into a flurry of words about where to go. Imoen
steps away noticing movement at the edge of the dale. There are two shadows moving in
hurried fashion through the trees.

IMOEN
Heya!! If ya don't want to have any unexpected guests, we best decide on the move.

Jaheira looks to where Imoen is pointing, and concurs...

JAHEIRA
Yes, we best be on the move. We can do the navel-gazing, and chest beating later.

The group resumes their trek in a hurried fashion with Barlowe moving quickly at the
front followed by Khalid, Xzar, Jaheira, Montaron, and Imoen. Fade away to party
arriving where the forest meets the river. Everyone is somewhat winded.

JAHEIRA
Next time, halfling keeps your distance, or you'll have to worry about returning to the
ground!

MONTARON
(grunt) An' here I t'ought I was motivating you to keep up with yer hubby, and Barlowe.
<chuckle>

BARLOWE
(deep breathe) I'll check the edge of the forest for kindling to start a fire.

Barlowe moves off into the woods. Jaheira, Khalid, Montaron, Xzar, and Imoen prepare a
campfire pit, and makeshift bedding to ready for the night. Pan to Barlowe picking up
branches & twigs. He hears shrieks unlike any he has heard before. He starts to run
towards it. As he approaches the screams, he can hear elvish sounding words, and
common alternating.

VICONIA
(Drow Language & English alternating) Help me?! Please will anyone help me! Help me,
or they'll kill me!!
Barlowe spots her pursuer, and stealths up behind him. Viconia arrives to the campfire,
and begins to tell her side of the story to the rest of the party. Jaheira & Khalid appear
pensive, while Montaron & Xzar engage her with questions. Barlowe confirms there is
only one well-armed man in splint mail chasing her. Barlowe preps his dagger, and
tackles the man from behind. As they rollover, Barlowe lodges the blade in the side of his
opponents armor, and digs deep into the rib cage.

FLAMING FIST MERCENARY

Why?! WHY did you do this?

BARLOWE
It's not fun being hunted, and unable to attack the predator. I watched my foster father
defend himself, and die. I will make my mark, and find out who & why. Until then, I'll
kill as I so choose.

FLAMING FIST MERCENARY

Then, may the gods levy the souls of the family who died at her hands upon your sou-u-l-
l.

Barlowe surveys the dead man realizing only then that he was a Flaming Fist Mercenary.

BARLOWE
We shall see then.

Cut to the campfire. Montaron & Xzar are talking to themselves keeping an eye out that
Jaheira & Khalid do not approach the cloaked figure seated with back facing him.

BARLOWE
Okay, what's this about?

JAHEIRA
This is about an unarmed Drow woman, who claims to have been banished from the
Underdark. Only her being unarmed is obviously the truth. She stated she came upon an
abandoned house, and took refuge inside from her Drow pursuers. She nursed wounds
she received prior to her banishment, and during her flight from the Underdark. A
Flaming Fist caught sight of her coming out of the house, and caused her to flee again.
We could only agree on binding her until the Flaming Fist arrived.

Barlowe walks to the front of Viconia, and kneels before her with a dagger in his hand.
Barlowe traces the tip of the dagger along the edge of her hood, noting her bandaged arm,
and down to the ropes binding her hands.

BARLOWE
If you were unhurt & armed, would you have still ran, or fought for your freedom?

VICONIA
(Drow Language) If I had a world to call home, I would rather have died instead of
running. Yet, I have no home beyond running. (English Language) I would have fought,
and died gladly to join Shar.

BARLOWE
It's much easier to label your enemy as evil and kill him rather than attempt to understand
him no matter the race of being. In this one moment, I understand. (Barlowe cuts her
bonds) The Flaming Fist won't be following you anymore. Give the surface world a
chance. There are things worth defending here, but you have to understand what those
things are. Then, you just have to be strong enough to get what you want, and keep it.

VICONIA
You are strange amongst the surfacers, but this is very odd for me. (She looks at her freed
hands) Thank you is your choice of words.

Barlowe nods, and Viconia walks up river away from the party. Barlowe turns to his
shocked companions.

BARLOWE
A chance is all she needed, and that is what I gave her. Now, let's cook some fish.

The two duos recline to their packs, while Imoen grins off by herself.
EXT Pan into well-traveled path leading to the city of Beregost. We see a farmer with
backhoe in hand approaching the party.

FARMER
Good morning to ye adventurers. I'm on my way to the fields. Is there any questions I
might answer for ye?

BARLOWE
Yes, do you have a smithy in town, and an affordable inn where we may rest?

FARMER
We have one of the finest blacksmiths in Faerun here, Taerom Fuirium, at the
Thunderhammer Smithy. His shop is in the southeast corner of town, and just south of
there is the Jovial Juggler Inn. Is there naught more I can help you with?

BARLOWE
No, that's just fine with us. Have a good day in the fields.

FARMER
Thank ye, sir. Good day to you as well.

EXT Time lapse of activity about town with view of sun moving from high noon to dusk,
and candle lights illuminating windows. Show candlelights going out, and the town
watch making rounds with lanterns until dawn. Pan through town to the door of the
Jovial Juggler opening, and the party exiting to the yelling of the town crier.

TOWN CRIER
Hear Ye!! Hear YE!! By order of the mayor, a bounty has been set upon the head of the
cleric, Bassilius, for crimes against nature and man. 5,000 gold pieces to the person who
brings solid proof of his demise, or the man himself.

The town crier continues his march passing the news. Montaron perks a little at the
news.

MONTARON
Aye, there's a fine bit of coin fer a wee bit of work. (devilish grin)

BARLOWE
Yes, it is, but how does this Bassilius measure against the iron shortage?

JAHEIRA
For crimes against nature and man, he comes very close as a harper, but the mines are the
greater of importance.

MONTARON
Maybe so, harpie, but it doesn't mean we can't cash in if'n we comes acrosst him on the
way.

EXT Panning shot sweeping out of Beregost to the hills leading to Nashkel. The party
makes there way through the hills to rolling plains sparsely populated with trees
approaching a bridge over a river. Soldiers can be seen moving in formations around the
town beyond the bridge. Jaheira spots an authority figure at an apparent checkpoint.

JAHEIRA
Barlowe, there's the commanding officer of this Amnish brigade. He should be able to
direct us to Berrun Ghastkill.

BARLOWE
Alright, then, let's see what Amnish soldiers are all about.

The party proceeds over the bridge to be met by the officer, Bardolan

BARDOLAN
Identify yourselves!

BARLOWE
I am Barlowe, and our group is here to look into the local concerns with the mines, and to
speak with the mayor, Berrun Ghastkill.
BARDOLAN
I'm Lieutenant Bardolan. Well, if you're seeking to resolve the troubles, welcome. The
mayor is near the Temple of Helm. If not, kindly take it elsewhere. Things are not good
here, Barlowe.

BARLOWE
What things aren't good? We've heard rumors, and vague suspicions from here to the
Friendly Arm.

BARDOLAN
Aye, what IS good around here, anymore? Our iron is rotten, and there is talk of demons
in the mines. The lower levels have been all but abandoned until this crisis passes. And
then, there is the question of Commander Brage... Ack, they have stripped him of that
title, but I use it yet... He killed his wife and children in a rage one night, and all who saw
him. Then, he tore himself away, and headed for the hills. He is out there still, and still
we mourn, as much for him as those he's taken... Fie on you! You have brought tears to
the eyes of a soldier!

The party moves through the town passing the inn, local store, and come into full view of
the cemetery & Temple of Helm. An older man emerges from the temple with a troubled
look on his face. As he looks over the landscape, he reacts upon seeing the party, and
approaches.

BERRUN GHASTKILL
Hello there! I recognize Jaheira in your group that means you are the adventurers I am
expecting. I am Berrun Ghastkill, and mayor of Nashkel. I am happy to welcome you to
town, but sorry it must be under these circumstances.

BARLOWE
Well, you can save your pleasantries for later. What details do you have of the situation?

BERRUN GHASTKILL
Right to the point then.<sigh> Nashkel is right in the thick of this iron shortage. The
mine is all but shutdown because the workers have disappeared and continue to go
missing while what ore we do get out is tainted somehow. I would send more town
guards, but we need them to protect our citizens from the bandits who raid our caravans.
We need you to find out what's wrong in the mines, and resolve it as quickly as possible.

MONTARON
Well, ye can rest a wee bit then. We dispatched a camp of dem bandits 'tween here, and
Beregost.

IMOEN
Yeah, but they seem a bit organized with Ogrillons, hobgoblins, and brigands making the
attacks demanding 'iron or else'.
BARLOWE
We'll do what we can, and bring whatever we find to you.

BERRUN GHASTKILL
Aye, and thank ye. You will be the toast of the town if'n you can resolve this.

Camera angle, and pan to a different bridge pointing towards a mountainous horizon. As
the party heads toward the bridge, a man dressed in a collage of garments made from
various fabrics but all shades & tints of red approaches the party.

The man approaching the party appears to be mumbling to himself walking with a finely
crafted quarterstaff.

EDWIN
Hmmm, more brutish simeans... they seem a bit more colorful, and may do well.
(Addressing the party) Hold travelers. I have a need of sturdy fellows such as yourselves
to partake of a quest, (under his breath) which is what your sort tends to do anyway.

BARLOWE
Excuse me; Mr. Prim N Proper couldn't bare to have a dirty fingernail? <chuckle>

Montaron knocks a little cough out of Barlowe by smacking him on the stomach.

MONTARON
Fergive me impetuous friend here. He knows li'l of de world outside Candlekeep. What
sect of spell casters do ye hail from?

EDWIN
That is of no concern to you... only I have a need for services to be rendered. I require a
termination for a greater purpose, (under his breath) to remove a pest.

KHALID
May we know to whom we speak, and what manner of terms governs your quest?

EDWIN
(under his breath) Simeans that speak can be such a test of patience. (Addressing the
party) My name is Edwin, and I require solid proof for the death of the interfering
enchantress, Dynaheir, within one year, and most definitely that can be accomplished
quid pro quo.

BARLOWE
Really....

Montaron taps Barlowe just above the knee.

MONTARON
...and what be the manner of reward ye offer on delivery?

EDWIN
(under his breath) Something is worth quite more than nothing. (Addressing Montaron)
In addition to any valuables of which you will pilfer from her anyway, I will provide my
talented services, and a good portion of any riches we come acrosst in my ultimate
journey or one year, whichever concludes first.

The party members survey each other’s expressions for a few moments.

JAHEIRA
Nay, wizard. We must complete our quest for the town of Nashkel, first. It has waited
too long for the day of reckoning.

MONTARON
Well wizard, let us say until next time whilst we pad our pockets from the township's
blessings.

EDWIN
(disgusted under his breath)Typical simeans... (addressing party)So be it. I shall remain
here for a time, but do not test my patience for you will regret it.

BARLOWE
(under his breath)Too late.

Edwin looks somewhat perturbed at Barlowe, and proceeds into Nashkel.

MONTARON
Lookey kid, ye don't go flapping yer mouth at a spell caster 'specially ifn'n ye don't
recognize der garments. That coulda been yer first look at a Red Wizard, or some such
udder group as well as yer last.

BARLOWE
Well, with that narrow mind of his, he tries to look down his nose at us for something he
can't do himself. I'd almost want to accomplish the deed just to have him subservient in
some fashion to bend a little humility into that stifled brain of his.

JAHEIRA
Maybe so, but it would do best with him to learn more before engaging such activities.
He can be distorting his true intent within the words & tones of his demeanor. Come; let
us continue onto the mines.

Camera pans towards the mountainous horizon, and sweeps off into the rising sun.
Camera pans back from the light to reveal a torch being held by Khalid. Camera sweeps
stage left to show a collection of miners and Amnish soldiers moving about different
activities. A distinguished miner approaches the group.

EMERSON
So, ye want to be taking a look at me mine. Do ya?

JAHEIRA
Yes, we have spoken with the mayor, and have his approval to investigate.

EMERSON
Indeed... I see no harm. We could be using the help. There be problems in the lower
levels where men have gone missing. The men speak of things a-moving below. Who's
to say, but the earth be hidin' many things from sight.

Emerson motions to one of the soldiers. He escorts the party to a shaft, which runs deep
into the dark.

AMNISH SOLDIER
Here citizen. This route will lead to the next guarded area. Speak with the first guard
there, and get directions to the next corridor down.

XZAR
I'm not quite as comfortable as when I'm 6 feet under. (devilish grin)

BARLOWE
Thank you, soldier.

AMNISH SOLDIER
I wish you guys luck down there. Whatever's been causing the troubles isn't something I'd
wanna run into.

The party ventures down the dark passage making their way torch to torch. Background
music begins in an eerie/gothic style. As the party emerges into the new area, a miner
takes note of them. Music softens to a whisper.

MINER GORD
Hmmm, more adventurers I see. I'd head back if I were you. I've heard awful stories
about what’s been happening in the lower levels.

BARLOWE
Hey, guess what old timer? You're not us, and I doubt a miner's pick would be thought of
when time comes to defend yourself.

KHALID
Yes...(clearing cough) What have you heard, sir?
MINER GORD
Well, the last group of miners who went down to the lowest level barely came back alive.
Little devils leapt from the walls, and began chasing them every which way. If the
guards hadn't gone running to them, they'd never be here to tell us anything. 'Course, the
guards never came back.

Camera fades to party approaching another Amnish soldier. Music resumes to building a
tempo. Scene dissolves to party emerging from a corridor where an apparent scuffle had
occurred. Music softens to an ending. Montaron, Barlowe, and Khalid examine the area
closely.

KHALID
It seems quite a fight happened here.

MONTARON
Well t'is time fer our hunt to begin den.

BARLOWE
Hmmm, do you recognize those tracks leading this way, and that?

XZAR
I know dragons with feet like rabbits. It's true! I swear!

A yell is heard echoing from the darkness ahead. A badly injured miner staggers from
the darkness, and falls to the ground before the party.

MINER RUFFIE
By the gods... I'm coughing up blood!(gasping pause) Run! You must run before those
yipping devils get you!

MONTARON (pulling out his sword)

I'll settle it with me blade.

Barlowe kneels by the guy placing a hand on Ruffie's shoulder.

BARLOWE
Yipping Devils? There's no such thing, old timer.

MINER RUFFIE
Tell that to my children for I fear I've not the breath to make it out of here. (difficult
breathing)

BARLOWE
Damn it, man! Yes, you can!
Barlowe grips Ruffie with both hands. There is a noticeable glowing where their skin
touches. Ruffie appears to recover a bit from his injuries. Barlowe looks at his hands
after releasing his hold. Ruffie looks squarely at Barlowe. Barlowe rubs his hands
together somewhat nervously.

MINER RUFFIE
I... I don't know what came over me, sire. Yes. Yes, I can make it out of here. But, I tell
you truly there were yipping devils who attacked Kylee & myself. I told him no dagger
was worth his life lest it been in his hand.

BARLOWE
Very well, we'll take care of it. Get back to the surface.

Ruffie departs a little more sure-footed than he had arrived. The party kind of stares at
each other looking for initiative. The silence becomes annoying.

MONTARON
Alrighty then, you'se fops stay here whilst I scout ahead fer our 'yipping devils'.

IMOEN (looking at the tracks from where Ruffie had come)

Too bad none of us was a ranger. Might recognize these tracks, and give us a better idea
of what left them.

MONTARON
Maybe, gurly... but ye've got no time fer hindsight now.

JAHEIRA
Barlowe, would you accompany Montaron?

BARLOWE
Alright. Stealth, it is.

Barlowe & Montaron start down the corridor Ruffie emerged from on either wall.
Camera follows behind them as they reach the edge of a circular area which has bridges
going noticeably over lava. Two kobolds emerge from the other aside carrying green
bottles. They make noticeably irregular steps passing over the bridge. They set the
bottles down, and handle some iron ore from nearby carts.

BARLOWE
Hmmm, so now the game's afoot.

MONTARON
Aye, but we's have no clue as to who be pullin' der strings. Kobolds are scrappy, not
brainy.

BARLOWE
Let's get the others.

MONTARON
Not yet. If'n a break arises to get a vial or two of dat fluid, we need it fer proof.

BARLOWE
Hey, if we wipe these guys out, their skulls will be proof enuff.

MONTARON
Leave me be, I be disturbed enough without yer toiling. Get de udders. I'll await me
chances.

BARLOWE
Okay, but watch your arse.

Montaron waves Barlowe on. Camera fades to Barlowe returning with the rest of the
group to find Montaron missing, and the dead bodies of two kobolds on the other side of
the bridge.

BARLOWE
So much for awaiting us.

XZAR
Yes, he is quite good at aggravating people to topple their demeanor.

KHALID
Well, he does not lay upon the ground before us. This is a good sign for his health.

JAHEIRA
Maybe husband, but what of a threat to our efforts? Barlowe and Imoen, please check for
traps over these bridges. The bridge without any traps should be the route of which the
halfling would have taken.

BARLOWE
No, I have a better idea.

Barlowe takes a good-sized chunk of ore, and hurls it in a rolling fashion over the bridge
he witnessed the kobold traverse earlier. The bridge erupts in a fiery spectacle as the ore
crosses it. After the spectacle fades away, Barlowe hurls a second piece with no
response.

JAHEIRA
Very innovative, Barlowe.

Barlowe walks acrosst the bridge, inspects the kobolds' bodies, and finds broke off
arrows in them.
BARLOWE
Nimble little runt skewered them from behind using tether lines in the arrows to
crossover without using the bridges.
Now, how to find him without being spotted ourselves?

IMOEN
Well, like you said earlier, stealth it is. (giggle)

KHALID
Might I suggest we move yet as a group with you scouting just a-ahead. This way, we'll
not loose anyone else, and may deal with whatever may arise.

They concur, and move with Barlowe & Imoen leading with one checking for traps while
the other moves through the shadows watching for on comers. The group arrives to a
cavernous enclave with a stream encircling it. A procession emerges from the dome at
the center with a bound prisoner carried high, and an apparent orc following at the end in
the garb of a cleric. The procession comes to a stop in an open area, and stakes the
prisoner to the ground, who now appears to be Montaron.

MULAHEY (booming voice)

My faithful kobolds, Cyric is pleased with the capture of this Zhentarum interloper.
Cyric decrees him be converted by torture as a true believer, or stripped of all he knows
as an infidel of Zhentil Keep. Let his cries ring out through these mines!

Khalid, Jaheira, Barlowe, and Imoen turn to Xzar in bewilderment. Xzar begins chewing
at his fingers, and backs away to a squatting position.

XZAR (whiney voice)

Don't touch me. It was our job as arranged by the council to find if this were mortal or
supernatural matters with the iron rotting. (clear, but jittery voice) We were to take over
the operation if possible, or await re-enforcements if this were man-made beyond our
ability to conquer. But... poor Monty. Oh Montaron... I never loved him.

JAHEIRA(under her angry breath)

Speak necromancer.

XZAR
Monty thought we could connive some adventurers into joining us for the good of all, and
gain control of the operation whatever it was. By being in close proximity, he would
concoct a plan using our skills to rid ourselves of the rest of you in the form of an
'accident'. See Berrun Ghastkill, claim the money, and come back here to restart the
troubles a few weeks down the road in a fashion for Zhentil Keep.

The sound of whips crack through the cavern, but Montaron cannot be heard. As the
group's attention is draw away, camera cuts to a figure in dark armor moving through the
passage already traversed by the group with a satchel over his shoulder. He holds a scroll
tightly in his hand. Camera angle changes swiftly to moving through the corridor
returning to the group.

IMOEN
Well, now what do we do? Anything we try will bring this whole place down on our
heads.

JAHEIRA
That... wretch of a halfling is receiving what he is due, but they will surely have sent out
additional guards to search for comrades of his whether he spake of us or not.

BARLOWE (leaning towards corridor behind them)

Shhh... I hear some thing coming this way. (grimace) Jaheira, you and Khalid keep Xzar
there in the open. Imoen hide on that side of the opening. We'll pounce whatever comes
through. Quick kill. Got it?

IMOEN
Aye, slice 'em with my blade.

The figure emerges from the corridor wearing chain armor with field cloth draped acrosst
his chest bearing a coat of arms depicting a hawk's talon. He stops bewildered at Khalid
& Jaheira standing guard over Xzar. Barlowe and Imoen leap upon him covering his
mouth whilst stabbing him in the sides. The scroll falls, and rolls upon the ground
towards Khalid. As Barlowe & Imoen finish off the bearer of the scroll, Khalid reads it
aloud softly.

KHALID
My servant, Mulahey, your progress in d-disrupting the flow of iron ore does not go as
well as it should. How stupid can you be to allow your kobolds to murder the miners.
Wi-with your presence revealed you should be wary of enemies sent to stop your
operation. Your task is a very simple one; if you continue to show that you can't do the
job, y-you will be replaced. I will not send the kobolds you have requested as I need all
the troops I possess to stop the f-flow of iron into this region. With this message I have
sent more of the mineral poison that you require. If you have any problems then, send a
message to my new contact in B-beregost. His name is Tranzig, and is staying at the F-
feldpost's Inn. Tazok

BARLOWE
Tazok? I think we have a geldling here.

JAHEIRA
You've a task?

BARLOWE
Yes, but from the looks of him, you or Khalid would be the only ones who could fit into
this armor properly.

Khalid & Jaheira look at each other for a moment, and decide that Jaheira will pose as the
messenger. They move to dress her in the messenger's armor.

BARLOWE
Xzar, I only ask that you help rescue Montaron, and leave on your own. Otherwise...

XZAR(stern voice)
I know, and there is no one to perform the ritual. (jittery voice) Never liked summoning
creatures to perform it. (shudder)

BARLOWE
Fine, whatever that is. Do it quickly, and return to Zhentil Keep. You can tell 'em that
Harper's showed up, and be done with it.

Camera cuts to the area where Montaron has been beaten badly, but can be seen barely
breathing. Jaheira makes her way into the clearing, and the kobolds snap to the side as
though recognizing the coats-of-arms draped over the armor.

JAHEIRA
I'm here to see your master, Mulahey.

Kobold Torturer #1
Yess, I will take you.

Jaheira follows the kobold into the dome. The remaining kobolds stop for a moment
numbering three. Barlowe looks over the cavern carefully from their vantage point, and
sees an alternate route out of the cavern. He motions to Imoen & Khalid to make ready
with their bows.

BARLOWE
Aim for their throats. I've got the one closest to the entrance.

IMOEN
I've got the one furthest.

KHALID
Very well.

They each skewer the throats of the remaining kobolds, and put a second arrow through
their skulls. The four hurry to Montaron, and survey the wounds to him.

MONTARON (gasping)
Let me (cough-gurgle-rasp) die. Cyric can kiss me (cough-gurgle-rasp) little arse 'fore
(cough-gurgle-rasp) I'd let 'em hear (cough-gurgle-rasp) a squawk from me.

BARLOWE
Well, Montaron, you won't have to worry about that. We'll have a little severance for
Mulahey. Okay, let's go find Jaheira.

XZAR
I'll tend to Monty.

Khalid looks warily at the Zhents, and moves towards the entrance with Imoen. Barlowe
follows slowly looking over at the pair as Xzar begins the ritual.

XZAR (chanting softly)

Auguwhy Motis Hadcarrium...Auguwhy Motis Hadcarrium...Auguwhy Motis
Hadcarrium...Auguwhy Motis Hadcarrium...

Xzar's hand begins to glow eerily. He moves his hands to cover Montaron's eyes. Blood
begins to flow down Montaron's cheeks. Xzar moves his hand to Montaron's throat
revealing empty eye sockets, and the blood rolls from Montaron's throat to the ground.
Xzar moves his hand again to Montaron's heart, and slowly reaches into Montaron's
chest. Camera angle cuts to looking from behind Xzar as his voice slows the chant, and
ends it. Barlowe, Khalid, and Imoen are pale to the point of nausea from what they've
seen. The three turn from the sight, and hear a muffled pop. When they turn around, a
puff of smoke remains where Xzar was knelt, and Montaron's body is a charred husk.
Without a word, the trio enters the dome.

INT Dome-Imoen composes herself, and starts scouting ahead with Barlowe and Khalid a
short distance behind. Imoen comes upon an open doorway with a light emanating from
within. She hears kobolds chattering with an eerie electrical buzz in the background.

Kobold Guard #1
(non-human language) What does the master wish done with this elf? None can use his
sword without perishing, and is worthless to all but him.

Kobold Guard #2
(non-human language) I care nothing about the sword, but this elf would make a week's
worth of meals. (licks his lips) I wish the master would make up his mind.

Imoen takes a quick peek into the doorway surveying the elf being held in an electrical
field with the guards to either side of him. She heads back to inform the others.

IMOEN
Heya, we've got an imprisoned elf in the room ahead, and there's no way around this
room.
Barlowe looks at Khalid tentatively.

BARLOWE
Well, it's time for a quick fight then. Immy, you stick with your bow. Khalid and I shall
take our swords to the guards.

KHALID
Onward, then.

The trio emerges through the doorway. Imoen's first arrow ricochets off the kobold's
shoulder, and strikes the device maintaining the prison holding the elf, who falls to the
ground. Barlowe & Khalid exchange a few quick blows with the opponents prior to
shoving them respectively into easy shots for Imoen to end their lives. The elf slowly
recovers himself before addressing his saviors.

XAN
I thank you friends for my freedom for I have languished long in these dismal vaults
dragged about in that infernal cage. Five and eighty days is far too long for one of the
fair folk to treated as a dwarf. Appreciation for my freedom bids me add my spells to
your cause. I am Xan. Shall we face the impossible together?

IMOEN
Well, Barlowe, we could use a spell caster with the recent 'departure'.

BARLOWE
We may as well have one with spells of worth. However, please work on your
dreariness. Okay?

XAN
I thank you, and will try as you say. I shall not rest until my debt to you is repaid no
matter how ineffective our actions may be. Mulahey has secreted away a sword. It is a
Moonblade, my most valuable possession, and sacred charge from Corellon Larethian.
None may use it, but me. Hence, we must find it quickly.

Camera cuts to kobold leading Jaheira before Mulahey. A brutish looking creature with
the size & bulk of an orc, but distinctly human features, stands with his back to them. He
steps from his podium, and looks over Jaheira with a grunt.

MULAHEY
Tazok must have sent you, and my kobolds bring you like shepards. What have you for
me?

JAHEIRA
I bear supplies, and this message from Tazok.

MULAHEY
(After skimming the message) Tazok is unfair. I have no desire to cheat him. I can do a
great deal more here with the troops I requested...

Mulahey notices that Jaheira appears quite uncomfortable in her armor. Jaheira catches
his apprehension with.

JAHEIRA
I've been on a fortnight in this armor non-stop. Is there a place where I might escape it to
bath?

MULAHEY
Guard; take him to the armory, where he may do as he requested... Hrmph.

As Jaheira leaves the room, Mulahey looks at the message again, places it upon his
podium, and begins chanting.

MULAHEY
Aruhmann.... tikarum.... vitas.... Aruhmann.... tikarum.... vitas... Aruhmann.... tikarum....
vitas.... Aruhmann.... tikarum.... vitas.... Hear me Cyric. Tell me whether I have spoken
with a friend or foe. Aruhmann.... tikarum.... vitas.... Aruhmann.... tikarum.... vitas....
Hear me Cyric. Tell me whether I have spoken with a friend or foe.

The visage of Cyric, which sits over him on the wall, begins to glow eerie amber, and a
smoky form emerges from it.

CYRIC
She who stood before thee is aligned against your plans. Be wary for thy life has a
greater nemesis, which stands on the horizon poised to murder you.

The image fades away as a puff of smoke.

MULAHEY
She? Murder me? This cannot be!

Mulahey picks up his weapon & shield, and calls guards unto him. They proceed
towards the armory. Camera fades to Barlowe slitting the throat of the kobold, which led
Jaheira to the armory.

JAHEIRA
This armor is irritating me something fierce. I need to get out of it quickly.

Khalid & Imoen assist Jaheira in changing the armor whilst Barlowe & Xan watch the
corridor. Barlowe catches sight of the flickering of torches approaching. He looks back
in the armory, and motions to create a barrier at one side of the room.

BARLOWE (hushed voice)

Quick... Create a divider there to appear as though you're still changing armor, and wide
enough for all of us to hide behind.

Barlowe looks back down the corridor to catch the glimpse of one of the kobold's hand
holding a torch. Barlowe pulls Xan into the room, and the party prepares themselves
behind the barrage squatting as not to be seen. Mulahey enters the room with four
guards.

MULAHEY
Woman?! Has Tazok sent you here to murder me? Am I betrayed even though not an
ounce of ore leaves here untainted?!

JAHEIRA
First, you rude excuse for a cleric, Tazok may or may not want you dead, but failure is
something few leaders tolerate.

MULAHEY
And, second?

The barrier is hurled by the party at Mulahey's kobolds knocking them to the ground.
Mulahey is shocked at the party assembled before him.

BARLOWE
Your head is in no less danger had he chosen to have you executed.

MULAHEY
By Cyric!? Guards!! Soldiers!! We have intruders!!

Xan casts a spell with a brilliant flashing red cloud, which engulfs Mulahey and his
kobolds, and utters a second incantation, which crafts a sword in his hand. Mulahey
recovers himself, and is appalled as each of the kobolds come from under the pile of
items to run screaming in terror down the hall.

MULAHEY
Whoever you are, you'll never have my life.

Mulahey retreats to the hallway with the party in pursuit. Imoen tags him in the shoulder
with her bow toppling him to the floor to reveal kobold commandos advancing quickly.
Jaheira & Khalid engage the first two with quarterstaff, and sword & shield. Barlowe,
and Imoen attack with their bows while Xan somewhat shrinks back from the fray in
something of a panic.

BARLOWE
Xan!! Start using your spells!

XAN (mono-tone voice near manic depressive)

I want to return to my woods.... It is hopeless here in this dreary, dismal place. (sulks)

BARLOWE
Xan, you have a duty to reclaim your sword for your god, and a debt to me of which only
your death will satisfy Corellon & I. So, get off your ass, start using your spells, or I'll
have Immy here introduce you to the concept of a grapefruit forced through a keyhole.
Got it?!

XAN
Aye...

Xan begins casting spells, which wash over the kobolds in waves of light, and then hurls
flaming arrows in concert with the others. Musical score begins to enhance the overall
battle with the group slowly moving down the corridor. The mass of kobolds have a
variety of conflagrations going on within their ranks as the spells emotion (hopelessness),
confusion, chaos, and hold monster have been cast.

Musical score reaches a credenza, and ends as the party emerges from the hallway into a
crude chapel dedicated to Cyric. Mulahey is at the altar finishing the last components of
a summoning spell. A fire elemental, and two skeletal assassins step from the altar ready
to engage the party,

BARLOWE
Xan, tell me you can summon something.

XAN (depressed tone)

Yes, as you say.

Xan casts the Monster Summoning 3 spell, and then animate dead. 5 ghouls appear
between the party & Mulahey's creatures, while 5 skeleton warriors emerge from the
hallway brandishing kobold weapons. Barlowe steps off into the shadows as the rest of
the party engages the opposition with missile weapons. The elemental and assassins
make slow headway through Xan's summonings. Mulahey stands by the altar marveling
at conflict before him. Camera zooms in on him behind the altar.

MULAHEY
By Cyric, my creatures win! How could Cyric even conceive that any of you could
murder me?! I shall prove myself worthy to Cyric, and may have the power to overthrow
Tazok!!

Camera pulls back to reveal Barlowe approaching Mulahey from behind with a glistening
dagger.

BARLOWE (swings his arm around Mulahey's throat)

Sorry to disappoint you, but it's time for you to join a wee halfling in whatever the
afterlife holds for you.
Barlowe withdraws his dagger from Mulahey's side covered in blood. As Mulahey hits
the altar dead, the assassins collapse where they stand. However, the fire elemental
continues to fight, but now is in a complete rage igniting everything it touches. Xan
summons more skeletal warriors...

XAN
Search up there for a strongbox, or treasure trove of some sort. The Moonblade must be
here somewhere.

Barlowe finds a trap door with several strong boxes within. He checks the largest, and
finds an oddly shaped item wrapped in a cloth sealed with Cyric's symbol. Barlowe
breaks the seal in an upwardly motion shimmering dust, and reveals the Moonblade.
Barlowe tosses the sword to Xan.

XAN
Around you, I feel we almost have a chance. (Commanding voice) I, Xan, descendant of
the fifth house of Myth Drannor, reclaim the Moonblade of Dawn, which hath chosen me
as its bearer!! By the will of the Leaflord, I banish you spirit back to your fiery home!

The fire elemental freezes in motion, and becomes engulfed in a column of flame to
disappear in the twinkle of a star. Xan sends his remaining summonees into the complex
to clear it out.

BARLOWE
Nice sword you have there, Xan.

XAN (sheaths sword, and slowly raises his eyes to meet Barlowe's)
In human eyes, it is a priceless wonder. For the bearer of a Moonblade, it is a solemn
burden for it wields more power than any mortal could know.

Camera fades to the party members looking through the strong boxes, and items, which
are now their spoils. Barlowe looks up from a letter to the party.

BARLOWE
Well, it seems the only lead we have now is Tranzig in Beregost, but we can collect the
reward for clearing this mystery.

KHALID
Gorion would be proud if he were here to witness your actions.

JAHEIRA
Yes. Yes, he would.

BARLOWE
Probably. (hesitation) What do either of you know about his adventuring days being a
harper, and all?

Jaheira and Khalid look at each other for a moment.

JAHEIRA
Gorion had been a harper for a long time prior to my meeting him. The harpers maintain
dialogue with the druid groves acrosst Torthril. Gorion had traveled with a group to seek
recruitments to protect Alaundo during a journey he was undertaking through Tethyr
regarding a vision he had. At the time, I was trying to apply the druidic disciplines to
achieve balance within myself with little success. He witnessed my actions, and sat with
me afterwards to talk about it. He said to me that it might do me better to explore other
skills from the spirit of my heritages. He told a tale about the princess, Nacacia of
Cormyr. He gave me peace regarding my failure, and had me feeling as though the story
were my own to tell. I journeyed with him for a time, and came to meet Khalid, of whom
I would marry.

KHALID
(Hrmph, cough) Well, yes. We grew to know him as a skilled wizard, and wise mentor.
But, I-I don't think that was what you wanted to know. Was it, Barlowe?

BARLOWE
You're right, Khalid. However, I think you'd have told me by now if you knew.

Camera dissolves out, and back in to landscape shot of the Temple of Helm in Nashkel
with the party speaking to Mayor Ghastkill. Camera zooms in on Barlowe speaking to
the Mayor, and handing him some scrolls & vials.

BARLOWE
Here are the pertinent documents regarding the operation disrupting your mining
operation. Emerson asked us to inform you that he should have fresh ore to head out
within the week.

BERRUN GHASTKILL
Good... very good, sir. You’ve done my town the grandest of services. At the request of
the temple, I give you this sword, which befits you, and the sum of a 1,000 gold pieces.

Ghastkill hands Barlowe a scroll with the mark of Helm on it, an exquisite, short sword,
and a hefty bag of coins. Barlowe cracks a haughty grin.

BARLOWE
Thank you, Mayor. We will rest in your inn, tonight, and move along the trail Mulahey
provided us with tomorrow. Your town's troubles are but the tip of the true conspiracy
here. We'll follow it, present our findings for proper considerations.

BERRUN GHASTKILL
As you choose, Barlowe... Stop by the Lieutenant before you leave. The town is
grateful, and open to your needs. It is good to see you return, Jaheira. Safe travels for
you & your companions.

JAHEIRA
Thank you, Mayor. It was an honor to free the mines of the blight set upon it.

The party makes their way towards the Nashkel Inn. Two figures approach them from
the inn. They appear very well armed, and walk straight to Barlowe.

NIMBUL
Hmmm, (snicker), why Nimbul the agile would be hired for the looks of you? I can't see
why.

NEIRA
Aye, but fancy our luck with 'em walking up to us bold as can be. Who am I to worry
about easy coins in my purse?

NIMBUL
Struggle if you must, dead one. I do not mind working for my money.

NEIRA
Aye, may the Lord of Shadows guide you swiftly to your death!!

The two begin casting spells. In reaction, Xan begins to cast as well. Imoen and Jaheira
use their missile weapons while Barlowe & Khalid advance with their swords. Nimbul is
struck by Imoen's arrow as Jaheira is frozen in motion. Neira draws her mace to Khalid
striking his shield. Barlowe dodges past Nimbul as mirror images of him come into
existence. Khalid swings at Neira who dive rolls out of the way. As she regains her feet,
she is struck by multiple, shimmering orbs from Xan, who begins a casting towards
Jaheira. Nimbul begins casting another spell while Imoen takes another shot at him. Her
arrow passes through an image, dissolves it, and streaks towards Barlowe. Barlowe
reacts as a cat using his buckler to smack the arrow into the dirt.

BARLOWE
Damn it, Immy!! Target the other one!!

IMOEN
Awh-right, but don't get queer about it!!

Nimbul's spell goes off with a flash, and Barlowe covers his eyes momentarily. Barlowe
begins swinging his sword around him wildly as he appears to have been blinded.
Nimbul's remaining images encircle Barlowe, and begin taking stabs at him with a
dagger. Barlowe begins a defensive stance trying to get his bearing as the images
continue their onslaught.
Khalid exchanges blows with Neira neither gaining a solid hit on the other. Imoen takes
a firm aim, and awaits her moment. Khalid makes a sweeping attack at Neira's mace
disarming her, and attempts a finishing swing at her. In an acrobatic move, Neira barrels
over Khalid knocking him to the ground, and holds her hand in the air. A glowing
hammer mystically appears in her hand. Camera zooms to a torso framing of Neira.

NEIRA
Now, you die!! (cough-spit-gurgle)

IMOEN
Ding!! You are as sooo wrong.

Neira falls to her knees with an arrow protruding thru her throat, and falls sideways. Xan
frees Jaheira from her immobility, and eases her to the ground. He looks towards
Barlowe, and sees multiples of him and Nimbul struggling with a dagger visible between
them. Xan rises, and draws his sword.

XAN
May the Leaflord guide my strike.

The blade ignites into multi-colored, shimmering flames. Xan begins a two-handed
swing, and becomes a blurring streak moving from where he stood to the field of
illusions. Imoen gasps as he streaks before her decapitating one image of Nimbul after
another until Barlowe can be seen with a single headless body laying at his side. Xan
completes the swing, now facing where he had come from, and drops to one knee
appearing quite exhausted. Barlowe reclines to laying flat on the ground, closes his eyes,
and takes a deep breath. Camera passes over him showing some very bloody wounds
with apparent fluid still moving, a glow cascades over Barlowe with the wounds
apparently closing, and leaving only bloodstains. Camera sweeps back showing his eyes
open slowly, and begins to sit upright. Xan approaches Barlowe, and kneels at his side.

XAN
The sun shines, and I am amazed we live to see another day. I thank you for reminding
me of the duties I bear, and say that saving your life has given me... a brighter look on
life. I feel my debt to you is paid. Now, I must return to my, long-departed, home, and
report to my elders. If you should ever travel near Everaska, stop at the village on the
outskirts, and ask a message be sent to me from the innkeep of the Spreading Oaks Inn.
We might adventure once more. Good day, and safe journeys,

BARLOWE
Very well, safe journey to you, Xan.

Camera pans back to show Amnish guards approaching the scene. Khalid & Jaheira
engage in dialogue with the guards while Barlowe & Imoen bring the two bodies to the
side of the inn. Barlowe & Imoen begin searching the bodies finding a bit of gold, and a
single letter. Camera zooms into the letter, and displays its contents.
The letter reads, Nimbul, the money you received from Tranzig should cover your usual
fee, and any additional help you may need for this task. Your assignment is a difficult
one, but I'm sure that you are up to it. There is a group of mercenaries who should be
coming through Nashkel in the next few days. They have a whelp with them named
Barlowe. You are to kill him, and all who travel with him. I warn you; they might not
look like much, but they are very dangerous. Good Hunting! TAZOK

BARLOWE
Well, Immy looks like we go to Beregost for sure, and pay Tranzig a visit. He's a
middleman, but it's the next step we have.

IMOEN
After a good night's sleep, sounds like a plan to me.

Camera fades out to black. Camera spirals to outdoor shot of party talking to the
Lieutenant at the bridge, and shortly walking over it. Camera pans into the trees with the
sound of a woman's scream resounding. The camera pans down out of the trees into a
clearing where a gnoll contingent is engaged with a ranger in studded leather armor, and
trying to make off with a woman in odd purple garments. Each gnoll who handles the
woman tries to keep her from speaking, but releases her when she manages to bite their
hand passing her to another. The ranger's swings are quite powerful knocking gnolls
over, and into each other.

MINSC
FULL PLATE?! PACKING STEE-E-L?! This will not keep Minsc & Boo from
protecting our witch!! Go for the eyes, Boo!!

Camera cuts to the party hearing the screams, and sounds of battle. Jaheira & Khalid
start to head towards the sounds.

BARLOWE
Wait?! What are you guys doing?

JAHEIRA
Tread lightly, Barlowe. You must show respect in nature's house. As such, the innocent
must be protected from evil, which endangers it. For if we do nothing, evil will grow
until we are crushed by it, or wounded dearly in defeating it.

Barlowe pauses for a moment, and still doesn't look convinced.

BARLOWE
Very well, let's move.
As the party arrives to the battle scene, Minsc is in the grasp of a gnoll from behind.
Dynaheir completes a quick spell hurling an arrow at the gnoll. The arrow covers the
gnoll's face with acid, and has Minsc dropped to the ground. Camera shows a few
moments of the gnoll's face being eaten away by the acid, and cuts to Imoen using her
bow towards the gnoll holding Dynaheir currently. Camera pulls back to show entire
battle with Minsc, Jaheira, Khalid, and Barlowe wading their way through the gnolls
cutting them down. When the carnage comes to an end, Dynaheir is on the ground upon
her hands & knees catching her breathe.

MINSC
Stand and deliver that my hamster may have a better look at you. Hmmm… (leans his
head to one side) Yes. Yes, very good. Take heart fellow adventurers, for you have
curried the favor of Boo, the only miniature giant space hamster in the Realm!! My
friend, and companion, he has been ever since my h-h-head wound (points to purple mark
on his shaved head).

Dynaheir has regained her feet, and composure. She places her hand on Minsc's arm.

DYNAHEIR
I thank thee for thy timely arrival. ‘Twas courageous of thee to come to the aid of
strangers. I have naught to offer but the services of my bodyguard, and I in battle.

BARLOWE
Who are you that merits a bodyguard? Yet, travel barely prepared for any battle, which
might arise.

DYNAHEIR
I am Dynaheir of Rasheman, and as thou now know, this is Minsc of the Ice Wolf
Berserker Lodge. 'Tis not title I carry, but of homeland. We journey to prove ourselves.
Minsc is on his "dejemma" to prove his worth as a warrior adventuring, and I to my
"sisters" of the mage guild. I am familiar with some of the prophecies regarding the
Sword Coast, and have traveled far to seek the glory it shall bring. Mayhaps we can all
find what we need together? Shall we 'venture forth as one for there is strength in
numbers?

MINSC
I'm getting antsy. If we be adventurers, let us adventure.

JAHEIRA
She does have more spirit and spunk than the last spell caster of whom we had the
pleasure to know.

KHALID
(Clearing cough) Why, yes... and it is reasonable to increase our numbers with a mage,
and powerful fighter.
Barlowe appears pensive, and looks over Minsc noting his girth & two-handed sword.

BARLOWE
Tell me, Minsc. What is your view on adventuring?

MINSC
Commoradory, strength, and steel on steel... the stuff of legend, but choose your friends
wisely not all are trustworthy like Minsc and Boo.

BARLOWE (With a kid-ish grin)

Right you are, Minsc. Let us travel as one group.

Camera fades away with Barlowe & Dynaheir shaking hands, and fades into a landscape
shot showing Dynaheir igniting the pile of gnoll bodies with a fireball. The party moves
off into the forest towards Beregost. Camera sweeps past bonfire to the treetops of mid-
day. Time-lapse effect moves through remainder of day to dusk. Camera zooms to the
southern outskirts of Beregost where a child is playing with his pet. He casually looks
up, and sees the party approaching. He dashes towards them.

BOY
Hey there!! Are you guys, adventurers?!

MINSC
Yes, little man. We are the great adventurers, Minsc, Boo, and Barlowe! What do you
need?

BARLOWE
(chuckles) Yes, what is it you need, son?

BOY
Well, I have a message for all adventurers from Lieutenant Vai of the Flaming Fist. She
wishes to offer a bounty, and will discuss it with you at the Jovial Juggler Inn. I makes a
gold piece for each one who comes to see her.

BARLOWE
Well, good work for you then. Here's another gold piece for keeping a sharp eye.

BOY
Thanks, sire!

Camera cuts to party entering the Jovial Juggler Inn, and follows party in the doors to
show the INT.

INT camera pan from side view of room from door to the bar side showing a wide variety
of patrons with a visible set of Flaming Fist mercenaries at one table. Party makes their
way to the Flaming Fist table.
BARLOWE
My name is Barlowe, and these are my compatriots. So, what sort of bounty is the
Flaming Fist offering, and more importantly, why?

LIEUTENANT VAI
Right to the jugular, huh? What the people know is that Baldur's Gate is closed until the
trouble plaguing the trade routes is resolved. What adventurer's are being told in
confidence is that entry to the Gate is denied until the bandit attacks along the roadway
have been stopped. I left the Gate with my contingent two weeks ago, and have been
bombarded by the mayor of every town between here and the Gate for martial
detachments to protect the citizenry. Without access to the Gate, fresh men and supplies
are impossible. Hence, I am paying 10 gold pieces per bandit scalp until the Gate re-
opens. Interested?

IMOEN
Don't know about the rest, but here's my answer.

Imoen tosses a pouch with a dozen scalps on the table in front of Lt. Vai, and grins.
Barlowe looks over his shoulder at Imoen not very amused. He returns his eyes to Lt.
Vai.

BARLOWE
As you can see, we've already encountered your bandits. Plus here's some more news
that might turn your meal upside down in that armor.

Lt. Vai looks over the letters, and takes on a grim demeanor. She puts the letters down.

LIEUTENANT VAI
So, I presume you're the ones who cleared the troubles in the Nashkel mines, recently.

BARLOWE
Mostly, but as the saying goes, "things change".

LIEUTENANT VAI
Well, to me, you're good news with a solid hit. Here's 120 gold pieces for this pouch. It's
evident that you will proceed on your path then. When you eliminate the bandit threat on
the roadway, take whatever evidence you gather to Baldur's Gate to show the threat is
gone. After they acknowledge your work, have them send a messenger here to inform
me that we may return. I will speak with Duke Eltan regarding a proper reward.

BARLOWE
Well, then LT, you have a deal. We'll rest here tonight, and continue our progress in the
morning.
The LT acknowledges Barlowe's statement. The party proceeds to the Innkeep, and pay
for rooms. Time lapses show the group eating at a table, Imoen talking with Dynaheir,
Minsc arm wrestling with another burly patron, and then the party heads for their rooms.
Camera does a downward spiraling zoom to Barlowe's eyes as he lays in his bed. His
eyes can be seen moving rapidly, and randomly as though he is looking over a great
many things. Entire screen dissolves out, and back in with Barlowe sinking within the
ground. He is frantically grasping the edges looking for something to free himself with.
When the ground finally engulfs him, he falls through the darkness like a star
plummeting to the earth.

When he comes to rest, he surveys a dimly lit cavern, and acts quite unnerved. He notices
the ore wagon, and recognizes he is in the Nashkel mines. As he goes to confirm reality,
his hand passes through the wagon. He effortlessly passes through wall and floor until
reaching the bloated figure of Mulahey in no better shape than he had been left. A bone
dagger floats before Mulahey spinning in the air awaiting a hand to grasp it. Barlowe
steps between Mulahey & the blade, and looks him squarely in the eyes. The apparition’s
grimace is one of fury & anger to which many foul curses would be ringing out through
the cavern could it speak.

Barlowe circles the dagger, and stops opposite of it from Mulahey. Barlowe looks to the
apparition.

BARLOWE
Let Death come claim its prize. I need nothing from him.

The dagger suddenly centers as though to target the apparition, and crashes to the floor
echoing throughout the chamber. The apparition's expression changes to that of a great
overwhelming sigh, and moves past the dagger. Barlowe watches bewildered as Mulahey
passes through him, and into the darkness. Then, Barlowe notices a shimmering, bright
light emanating from his chest as though he had been stabbed with a dagger. As the hole
in his chest closes, Barlowe appears quite calm, and sure of himself. When Barlowe
turns to leave the cavern, an angry, rage-filled scream erupts from the darkness from
behind the dagger. Barlowe spins to see the bone dagger launch straight at his heart.
Upon impact, Barlowe springs from his bedding with daggers in his hands, and sweat
rolling over his face. As he wipes his eyes, a disapproving voice echoes.

BHAAL ESSENCE
You... WILL... Learn.

Camera fades from Barlowe's bewildered, glistening expression to a wider shot showing
seated acrosst his bed. His back is against the wall, arms crossed over his knees with a
dagger held loosely in each hand, and head rested upon his arms. The sound of a rooster
can be heard signaling the coming dawn. Barlowe begins to stir gripping his daggers
firmly, and starts to stretch slowly seeming as though he hadn't been to sleep at all.
Camera cuts to party assembling at a table near the foot of the staircase. Barlowe
addresses the group.
BARLOWE
Well, now, we have a larger goal to achieve. Our first step will be to find the Feldpost's
Inn, and interrogate Tranzig to see if there's more of a trail from him to Tazok. Thanks to
Mayor Ghastkill, word of the events at the mines is spreading quickly.

KHALID
Quite so. Yet, using this to our advantage is w-worth considering as a possible weapon.

JAHEIRA
Really, my husband? Is grass not made of blades? Do stars not shoot? Nature be well
armed, and demands such of her servants.

KHALID
Please J-Jaheira, you needn't be so... so...

JAHEIRA
Insufferable?

KHALID
Yes, that's definitely it.

DYNAHEIR
As adorable as that sounded, Khalid has a good point.

BARLOWE
Yes, he does. We approach Tranzig as bounty hunters willing to hunt down... us.
(snicker) As silly as it sounds, it may just work. (tense pause) Otherwise, there's plan B.
(cleans fingernail with tip of dagger)

Camera zooms in on the dagger, and screen blackens. Camera cuts to the business sign
for the Feldpost's Inn. Camera pulls back to show the party climbing the steps of the
establishment, and entering. Camera cuts to showing the party standing in the doorway.
A loud, obnoxious man can be heard yelling at another patron.

MARL
I told you ignorant, freakish adventurers to get out! Now!

ADVENTURER #1
Lookey here ye flippin' dingbat! Our money is as good as anybody else's, and we's a
mind to spend it here!

MARL
Keep yer filthy dungeon money, and let me send you to d'em gods you consort with.
Marl begins to fight with the two adventurers while the party makes their way to the
innkeeper.

BARLOWE
Innkeep, can you tell me where Tranzig is staying?

INNKEEP
Does ye have business with him?

JAHEIRA
Aye that we do.

INNKEEP
Good news to me that louse has a few tabs down here to pay. He's on the next floor to
the left of the stairs.

BARLOWE
Thanks,

Party makes their way to the steps as the sound of the fight near an end. Camera cuts to
Tranzig reading a letter on the same parchment as Tazok's other letters. The party enters
the room, and causes Tranzig a startle from his packing a knapsack.

TRANZIG
WHAT are you doing in here? Can't you see I'm in a hurry to leave this place?

BARLOWE
Sorry to interrupt you. We heard word of a bounty being held on someone, and you were
the person to see.

TRANZIG
Really? And where did you get my name?

KHALID
Oh, a... a very reliable source; her name is Neira. If she'd cashed in on it, let us kn-know,
and we'll be on our way.

TRANZIG
Neira, huh? Well, I haven't heard back from her group, one way or another. However, I
only represent a party interested in having that bounty filled. (hesitant pause) It'll take
me a few days to get payment if you can show proof that the bounty has been satisfied.

JAHEIRA
And if we wanted to meet this 'interested' party, then what?

TRANZIG (angered)
That's not likely because he'd have seen you directly himself, already. If ya know what's
good for you, you'll get outta my face in 5 seconds. Ya may not know about it, but I have
magic skills, which I'll use if I have to.

IMOEN
(chuckle) You're a queer fellow!

TRANZIG
You've got 3 seconds, or I'll blast ya to kingdom come!

BARLOWE
Wielding magic?! We can't suspend our disbelief that much. Surrender now, and we
won't hurt you much at all.

TRANZIG
I warned ya, now you pay the price!!

Tranzig casts a spell causing a rainbow aura to envelope him. Minsc and Barlowe strike
Tranzig with their fists knocking him back against a dresser drawer. Dynaheir hurls seven
glowing orbs at him leaving him quite brutalized.

TRANZIG (panicked)
By the gods!! I yield. (gasp) I'm a messenger for a man-beast named Tazok. I ferry
messages between him and a fat mage named Mulahey. I meet with Tazok in Peldsvale
or Larswood, east of the Friendly Arm Inn. He pays me well, and I keep my yap shut.
Can I go now?

BARLOWE
Where can we find Tazok now?

TRANZIG
His camp is always moving through the Woods of Sharp Teeth. Controlling two groups
of bandits, I don't know how much luck you'll have finding him directly. Can I get outta
here now?

Barlowe motions for the group to leave the room. Tranzig turns his back to the party, and
quaffs a potion off the dresser. Camera shows only Barlowe remained in the room with
Tranzig, who still has his back to Barlowe. Barlowe pulls his sword out quietly, and
stealthily approaches Tranzig for a backstab.

BARLOWE
Can't let you live. You might warn this 'Tazok'. Can't have that.

Barlowe lays the freshly dead Tranzig on the floor, and wipes his sword off on the
garments of the deceased. Barlowe takes the coin pouch from Tranzig, views the letter
from Tazok, and drops it on the floor. Barlowe joins the party outside the room, and
visits the Innkeep.

BARLOWE
Sorry Innkeep, it seems we got here too late.

Innkeep (irate)
Damnable deadbeats! If it t'weren't bad enuff with Marl coping an attitude with every
adventurer who comes in, now I have wannabe mages skipping out on their bill.

BARLOWE
Well, sir, I think you better check this one. It's a mess of a different kind. Have a better
ten-day.

Party exits Feldpost's Inn, and heads north towards the Friendly Arm Inn.

Camera sweeps over the party, and out into the midday sky. Camera moves at a swift
pace over the forestry between Beregost, and the Friendly Arm Inn with time lapses to
show sunset thru sunrise transition. Camera swings into forest, and zooms to the party
sitting 'round a campfire. Imoen and Dynaheir are talking with each other whilst Khalid
is sitting with Jaheira in his arms enjoying the fire. Barlowe is sitting to one side
sharpening his daggers. Minsc sits at a different point cleaning, and sharpening his
weapons in a flashy ritual of motion, liquids, and fire. Camera pans back to Barlowe who
looks up from his dagger, and observes Minsc for a moment as he sets down the weapon
shining with a sharp edge.

BARLOWE
Wow, Minsc, that's quite a lot of effort for sharpening a blade.

MINSC
Well, since Boo found me after my injury, it is the only way I can remember of
sharpening my weapons. Aahhh, (leans his head to one side), yes... yes, Boo, you are
quite right. (chuckle) Rasheman is a wintry place far north of Baldur's Gate, and many
rituals are to keep the body limber out in the cold. Boo, he reminded me that was one of
the first tales I told him, and my promise to show him the snow capped mountains.

BARLOWE
Your... uh, rodent, seems quite knowledgeable with a good recollection. Does he help
you in battle?

MINSC
(hearty laugh) You noticed our teamwork with da gnolls earlier. (another hearty laugh)
Yes, Boo lets me know when they try to flank me, but Boo relies on my strength for he
can only maim by snatching at their eyes. After which, he must avoid them... as a
distraction until I let them know what it feels like to get da boot like a squeaky wheel.
(chuckle, leans head to one side) Hmmm, oh yes. Right you are, Boo. Dynaheir, it is
nearly time for you to rest for the night.

DYNAHEIR
Thank thee, Minsc. So, Imoen, dost thou understand inner and outer energies?

IMOEN
Yeah, I've got a hang of it... but, (hushed voice) how long has Minsc been like that?

DYNAHEIR
Since he began his dejemma 2 seasons ago, I was beginning my departure from my
sisterhood to show I had mastered the skills of which we discussed. An unknown group
tried to have me killed with hired thugs. Minsc had leapt from an overhang along the
mountainside path above upon two of de scoundrels, but slammed his head acrosst a
boulder hidden beneath de snow. He recovered quickly, but started asking for directions
staggering somewhat in de snow. One of de thugs sprang up from de snow, and
screamed "Boo!" at him. Minsc's attention snapped to him, and proceeded to pound dem
to a pulp ranting, "Right you are, Boo! You point! I punch!" (Visual scene can depict
the actual events with Dynaheir narrating) He asked me afterwards if I were a witch
seeking glory in the name of justice. I conceded, and received his devoted service as my
bodyguard.

IMOEN
Wow... that's a long time to be journeying together, and a wonderful way to begin your
quest. It's like some of the stories I got to read in Candlekeep. Ultimately, what is the
goal of your quest?

DYNAHEIR
Well, it has multiple facets. Dost thou know of the Time of Troubles, and the Nether
Scrolls?

IMOEN
Yes, I know a little thanks to my former home.

DYNAHEIR
The Nether Scrolls hold a secret to manipulating unknown energies, and crafting
whatever thy chooses. During the Time of Troubles, t'is said that some of the mortal
gods had embued thru a ritual some of der essence to these scrolls as well as a scant few
others. I seek to confirm dis, find dese scrolls, and harness der power into a weapon for
good. Yet, I fear others may know of dis, and seek to add my knowledge to ders as I
have made no written work on dese matters.

IMOEN
I truly hope we can help you on our journey. Your goals are truly wondrous, Dynaheir.

DYNAHEIR
Thank thee, Imoen, and your friends as well.

IMOEN
(giggle) Well, it's best we get some rest. Good night, Dynaheir.

DYNAHEIR
Sleep well, Imoen.

Minsc begins the first watch as sentry circling the encampment. Camera fades to black.
Camera cuts to daytime view of the forest line outside of the Friendly Arm Inn. Camera
zooms and sweeps past the Inn. Camera angles in direction of the Woods of Sharp Teeth.
Camera swings in behind the party as the reach the apex of a summit to see a battle in
progress. The conflict consists of an armored figure swinging two axes battling 5 bandits
in leather armor. Barlowe reacts towards them as the armor is similar to what he recalled
of Gorion's murderer. The party races after Barlowe towards the battle, and stops short
when they hear the feminine battle cries of this armored warrior.

SHAR-TEEL
Die You Damnable Excuse Of Men!! You shan't have another day of life!

The armored amazon goes into a berserk frenzy killing the bandits quite graphically
slicing them up. She turns to the ensemble watching in mixed expressions (Dynaheir &
Khalid- shocked, Jaheira & Imoen- excited support, Minsc- arms crossed with approving
nods, and Barlowe- neutral)

SHAR-TEEL
(breathing heavy with anger still in her eyes)Soo, I see you have some wits to have
women with you. What brings you here?

MINSC
Ahhh, we're adventurers hunting a great evil, which lurks within dese woods. (Leans his
head to one side) Boo, commends your axe work. And, I must say I agree with him
completely.

SHAR-TEEL
(scoffing laugh) You, great buffoon... I was speaking to your women. You and those like
are only good to feel the flat of my boot!

MINSC
Why, you...

DYNAHIER
(touching Minsc's arm) Calm yourself, Minsc. We travel together as a group fighting for
justice. May we know thine name, and why thine battle had began?

SHAR-TEEL
My name is Shar-Teel. Those vile men attempted to coerce me into their ranks, or take
mine life for the steel, which I wear & swing (brandishes a blood-covered axe).

BARLOWE
I caused the group to approach you because your armor is very much like that of the
murderer of my father.

Shar-Teel looks over Barlowe, and moves to one side of him.

SHAR-TEEL
You came with a blood lust, then, to avenge the cruelest act. Kill the murderer of your
parents. True?

BARLOWE
Very true.

SHAR-TEEL
That is a cause of which I believe in fiercely. (slams her axes into the nearest bandit
body) I will swing my blades in that cause if you can defeat me unarmed.

BARLOWE
(sarcastically)Why must I do that?

SHAR-TEEL
Because I will not serve a man especially one of whom I can defeat, and this armor I
wear was molded as you see by me from a member of the group who violated my family
such as yours. We seek to destroy the same group, or as you have said, person.

BARLOWE
So, instead of running into each other along the way, you wish this contest to join forces.
Correct?

SHAR-TEEL
(evil-grin) Yes, that will work. You follow my rule if I win, and I will follow yours... if
you happen to succeed.

BARLOWE
(laughs) I guess we'll see then. Won't we?

Barlowe lays down 3 daggers, 2 swords, and a set of prayer beads. He steps before Shar-
Teel, who prepares to rush him.

BARLOWE
Ready?
Shar-Teel charges at Barlowe, who swings his cloak off his shoulders into Shar-Teels
face. Then, kicks her ironclad bottom with his foot knocking her to the ground. Shar-
Teel rolls acrosst the ground to her knees, and pulls the cloak off her face. She screams
with a feral intensity, and charges after Barlowe. Barlowe and Shar-Teel exchange a few
punches with Barlowe appearing to take the worst of the damage. Shar-Teel grabs
Barlowe in a bear-hug hold, and begins to scream as she applies pressure.

SHAR-TEEL
Yield to me!! Yield, Barlowe!

Barlowe is arched backwards under the pressure, and fades for a moment in her grip. He,
then musters his resilience, and grabs her face with one hand. His hand begins to glow an
eerie red. Barlowe appears to be gaining strength, and holds Shar-Teel head in his hands.
Shar-Teels screams out in pain, and appears to be getting exhausted. The onlookers
cannot tell if it was her actions, or Barlowe's grip which has depleted her so. She sags at
the knees, and releases Barlowe, who now queries her.

BARLOWE
Do you yield Shar-Teel?

SHAR-TEEL
(exhausted)No... no... I cannot y-yield. I wil-l not...

Shar-Teel passes out, and falls to the ground at Barlowe's feet. Barlowe motions to the
others she is okay. Barlowe ties her hands with the prayer beads.

BARLOWE
Okay, Minsc. Would you carry her until she comes to? She is a mighty fighter, but I feel
she really needs to know that she was beaten before we start tracking Tazok.

MINSC
Right you are, Barlowe. Boo thinks she has a lot of spunk just misguided in calling
Minsc, a buffoon.

The group back tracks to the forest area on the other side of the summit, and makes a
small base to await Shar-Teel's recovery. Time lapse shows Imoen & Dynaheir
practicing a few spells, Minsc leaving the area, Khalid & Jaheira maintaining their
weapons, and then Minsc returning with burlap of water. Barlowe splashes some water
on Shar-Teel's tattooed face awaking her abruptly.

BARLOWE
Wake up, sleepy head!

SHAR-TEEL
(scream) No! I won't... By the god's!! I am bound?!
BARLOWE
Well, let's call it my secret, and your loss. Besides, I don't think you'd want to be left
laying there with those other bodies to be some animal's meal, or worse be bound by
buddies of those bandits.

SHAR-TEEL
(clenching her fists)THEN, I am bound to follow your rule as you've bested me, and will
seek the death of those responsible of our past wrongs. (holds her arms out to be untied)

BARLOWE
Alrighty, then. Minsc, can you check the forest up ahead, and see if you can find the trail
of those bandits?

MINSC
Aye that I can. Plus, I think Boo likes the forest.

Barlowe motions for Shar-Teel not to say anything, and lets Minsc run off into the
horizon. Time lapse shows Minsc looking over the area where the bandits' bodies lay,
spot tracks leading off to the distance, and follow the trail into the forest. Camera cuts to
the camp base, and have Minsc returning just before sunset.

MINSC
Barlowe, the trail headed towards the east, and then went due north to where I found a
semi-permanent camp. I've made a subtle trail back to here straight from there to which
we can follow in the morn.

BARLOWE
Excellent. You... and Boo, get some rest.

MINSC
Aye, Boo thanks you, and said he'll make himself a small nest where he can keep an ear
out for trouble.

BARLOWE
Shar-Teel, did any others see you traveling through here?

SHAR-TEEL
Only those at the Friendly Arm know I am traveling, but none knew where to.

BARLOWE
Good. Now, it's time to play a little possum.

Camera fades away into Barlowe's grin. Camera fades in from the light of dawn peeking
over the treetops, and pans down to show a party of warriors dressed as the messenger
from the Nashkel mines moving through the forest. These warriors make their way to the
clearing where the bodies of their comrades lie. Barlowe and the party await their sounds
of discontent, and head to their location at a normal pace. The warriors stop their
discussion at the appearance of the group at the top of the summit.

RAEMON
Stand and deliver strangers! Who are you?

BARLOWE
I am Hyperion, and these are my comrades. It appears you have had a grievous loss of
men... in a brutal massacre.

RAEMON
What skill you have for the obvious. Are you deserving of our swords for this?

BARLOWE
Nay, we had nothing to do with this. BUT, is our swords & magic something of us to
you in light of their demise?

RAEMON
Hmmm, 7 strong with weapons & magic is worth much more than 5 dead fools, but the
choice is not mine to make. (uneasy pause) Follow us closely to the one who will make
the decision final. Stray from us, and we shall hunt you down in force to place your
heads upon a pike.

The entourage makes their way into the forest. Camera swings to an overhead view of
the forest, and fades out & in to the party arriving at the camp. Raemon motions for the
party to remain beside the campfire. They watch as pair of gnolls takes an apparent
prisoner to a holding area. The guy stops for a moment to look at the party, and quickly
receives a smack acrosst the shoulder & neck from one of the gnolls. What appears from
the distance as a minotaur steps out of the main tent with Raemon. A hobgoblin and
human approach him engaging in a brief discussion. The hobgoblin enters the tent, while
the human remains on the deck outside it. As the minotaur-like figure approaches the
campfire, it becomes apparent he is an ogrillon, not a minotaur, wearing a horned helm,
and uses the appearance to intimidate the weak willed & timid.

TAZOK
I am Tazok. My human lieutenant on the deck will assign you to a leader and an
observer. If you do not follow their direction, you will be put to the mines as slaves, or
killed where you stand. I have a trip to make this eve, and shan't return for a week or
two. Raemon, take them to a set of bunks, and post a guard over them until Taugosz
sends leads for them. Ardenor will be gathering his demi's to sweep the coastal roadway
for Barlowe, and his companions.

RAEMON
Very well, sire. (Tazok leaves heading to the west side of the encampment) Consider
yourselves lucky that he chose to accept your group, Hyperion.
BARLOWE
Well, it's safe to say he's not blind or narrow-minded with having sufficient arms to do
battle. (pause) Who's this Barlowe, guy, Tazok mentioned?

RAEMON
I know only that higher ups want him dead for interfering with their plans, and other
reasons beyond my station to know.

Raemon signals for a hobgoblin and gnoll to stand guard over the party's tent. The group
settles in a little bit looking out the doorway to see if the guards pace the entrance as well
as other movement. After a few moments, Barlowe and Minsc use daggers to make little
peepholes thru the tent to give them sight to the areas around them.

SHAR-TEEL
Alright, little man, your cloak-n-dagger tactic has gotten us inside their base. Now what?

BARLOWE
Well, Tazok's troops are settling in for their grub. We'll take out these guards when the
others bunk down for the night, and search the main tent. If we get lucky, there will be
directions of some sort to where this mine of theirs is at. Then, we'll torch this place
giving any militia looking for these guys a serious lookey here.

JAHEIRA
Not to seem out of place, oh, mighty authority figure, but may I take steps prior to your
'glorious' bonfire to ensure the blaze remains within the confines of this camp.

BARLOWE
Alright, as you said, it is nature's house, and we're doing an autumn cleaning.

Time lapses show the conclusion of sunset, the contingents of human and demi-human
beasts consuming their meals, and they’re retiring to bed. We watch sentries begin their
walk of the perimeter. Camera cuts to Barlowe preparing two daggers with poison. He
motions for Imoen and Shar-Teel to pair up to get the gnoll handing Imoen the dagger.

BARLOWE
Be careful, Immy. You've got one shot at this.

IMOEN
Right, stab through neck aiming for vocal chords, and tongue to keep them muffled.
Gotcha.

BARLOWE
Positions of the sentries?

JAHEIRA
Moving away from entrance to tent, and approaching Khalid's point of view.
DYNAHEIR
The sentry is 10 paces from leaving my view.

BARLOWE
Give us a 3 count Dynaheir as he approaches Minsc's view.

DYNAHEIR
Aye.

Camera cuts to EXT view panning back to show the sentry walking out of Dynaheir's
view. Barlowe, Shar-Teel, and Imoen make their motions quickly burying the daggers in
the respective necks, and pulling the bodies within the tent. There is a time lapse to show
the one sentry return into view, noticing the guards are missing, and looks into the tent.
Camera cuts to INT view showing Shar-Teel swinging her axe decapitating the sentry
with the body falling to the ground, and no sign of the skull.

IMOEN
I'm 'really' glad you're on our side. <giggle>

SHAR-TEEL
Be glad we have the same goal, little sister. For some matters in life & death, there is an
odd side to it.

Camera cuts to party sneaking out of the tent, and splitting into two groups. Barlowe,
Shar-Teel, and Minsc head after the other sentry, while rest move to the opposite
perimeter, and begin making preparations to keep the bonfire from spreading to the
forest. Camera follows Dynaheir, Imoen, Jaheira, and Khalid. Khalid stands watch over
the approach from the camp area. Jaheira casts a spell summoning a wood nymph, and
has a dialogue in Elvish asking for a treeant. The nymph disappears in a flash. Camera
streaks to Barlowe, Minsc, and Shar-Teel disposing of the body of the other sentry. As
they gather themselves, a faint, creaking and dragging sound can be heard.

SHAR-TEEL
By the burning hells, what is making that sound?

BARLOWE
Haven't got a clue. Minsc?

Minsc places a hand upon the ground and looks over the landscape. He abruptly tilts his
head to one shoulder.

MINSC
Ah, Boo, you are so clever. Comrades look at the trees around the camp. I agree with Boo
that our Druid has summoned the tree people.
As the trio look over the landscape, they watch as the trees move out and away from the
camp forming a circle around the camp leaving a distinct circle of dirt as a gap measure.
Barlowe looks at Shar-Teel who is equally amused at the sight.

BARLOWE
Remind me not to get Jaheira angry with me. (chuckle)

SHAR-TEEL
She is a woman of her word, and now to the main tent.

Camera cuts to the main tent. The party assembles outside, pull out their weapons, and
hide them within their cloaks 'n' clothing as possible. They enter the tent, and find several
persons inside. At a central table, sit three persons with two archers beyond them to either
side of an apparent throne, and a sixth man held within a cage of magics next to a large
iron chest.

ARDENOR
Whoever you are, prepare to die for no one but us is permitted in here.

BARLOWE
Not even agents from Zhentil Keep sent to bring new information to Tazok?

The three at the table look at each other somewhat bewildered. Ardenor stands up, and
motions for the archers to relax their weapons.

ARDENOR
Is that so? Then, hand me the message, and await us outside.

BARLOWE
Sorry, but the message is to be hand delivered to Tazok.

ARDENOR
Enough games, messenger. Tell me whom the message is from, and I will tell you if you
can deliver to Tazok.

Barlowe looks at the others, and returns his eyes to Ardenor.

BARLOWE
The message is from Barlowe of Candlekeep.

As Ardenor's mouth hangs open in a gasp, Barlowe places a dagger in his throat dropping
him upon his back. Barlowe, Khalid, Minsc, and Shar-Teel take their weapons to the
remaining conspirators while Imoen and Jaheira place a sling bullet in one eye of each of
the archers. Dynaheir hurls chromatic orbs at each of the archers paralyzing them. The
group quickly cuts down their enemies, and then, sees to freeing the imprisoned man. As
the man is released, he has a very somber look.
ENDER SAI
Is it time, now?

BARLOWE
Time for what?

ENDER SAI
My execution of course... wait. I don't smell the stench of Tazok on you. Were you
looking for me, or just someone who's got it in for Tazok?

JAHEIRA
Actually, we have a debt of justice to those Tazok serves. (Casts a healing spell on Ender)

BARLOWE
Who are you that Tazok would have you executed?

ENDER SAI
My name is Ender Sai, pilferer of information. I was hired to gather information for a
group in Baldur's Gate. I made my way to key documents when Tazok's men captured
me.

BARLOWE
So, who...

ENDER SAI
Before you go too far, I didn't tell Tazok who my employer was, and I won't tell you
either. However, I'm pretty sure you've noticed the two mercenary groups here, the Black
Talon, and Chill. They both think they're working for Zhentil Keep. I know better than
that. I don't wear soft sole shoes just for sneaking around quietly. I likes to know whose
feet I'm steppin' on. The Iron Throne is the only feet I've been tromping, and are behind
this. I'm sure you'll find the documents you need in one of these chests. (pause) Thanks
milady for mending my wounds.

JAHEIRA
You're welcome, Ender.

ENDER SAI
When you get Tazok & the Iron Throne, tell 'em Ender Sai sends his coldest farewells.
With no further adieu, I'm out of here.

Ender takes his nearby dagger, slits a seam at the back of the tent, and departs. Camera
pans back showing the party going through containers finding gold, jewels, and a few
collections of documents. Camera zooms in on Imoen handing Barlowe a document. The
group gathers around Barlowe.
BARLOWE
Well, it would seem Tazok went west to the Cloakwood Forest, and on to Baldur's Gate
from there. They must have a portal in, or near these mines in order to enter with the Gate
being closed per Officer Vai.

SHAR-TEEL
Then, off we stride to cut down the Iron Throne with a firey hand.

DYNAHEIR
Shan't we free those imprisoned as slaves here before we engulf this place in flames?

BARLOWE (looks over the group)

You, Minsc, Khalid, and Jaheira make your way to the slave pens, then. Take some of the
weapons from here, and have them leave as a group quietly towards the Friendly Arm
Inn. Minsc can show them to the trail he made to get them started. Imoen, Shar-Teel, and
I shall spread the oil from the barrels outside around the camp like a spider web. We'll
light it once you're clear with the slaves. We'll meet in the 'new' tree line beyond the slave
pen.

The group agrees on the plan of action, and moves out of the tent. Camera flashes
between the slaves being freed, and the oil being poured on the ground & wood legs of
the tents until the group reunites at the trees looking in at the slave pens. Barlowe and
Minsc light two arrows with oil, and flame. They fire their arrows into the oil streams,
while Dynaheir casts a fireball into the main tent spreading firey debris over the
encampment.

Camera swings to overhead view of the conflagration, and then flashes to the various
bunk tents showing the bandits springing out into the chaos about them. The party moves
off into the darkness of the forest, and makes their way to the west. Camera cuts to a
mountain view overlooking the Friendly Arm Inn, and pulls back to show the party
moving single file along a pathway. As the last person walks into view, camera swings
over their shoulder to show the approach to the Cloakwood Forest. The party makes their
way to the edge of a cliff overlooking the forest below, and is startled by a large beast
swooping past with a cow in its grasp.

IMOEN
T'is most unnatural thing there. I thought we were going to the Cloakwood Forest not the
Dragonspine Mountains.

MINSC
(chuckle) We are little miss. Boo says that is not a dragon at all. Dragons do not have
barbed spikes on their tales, which makes that a Wyvern. (tilts his head to one side)
Hmmm, yes.... Yes, I remembered that, but good that you do too, Boo. Wyverns are not
only dangerous by their size, but the barb secretes a poison. Very deadly.

BARLOWE
(after looking over the valley) Jaheira, as druid, can you summon a winged creature that
might tell us of where these mines are, or possibly search for it?

JAHEIRA
Aye, which I can. (Elvish dialogue) Spirits of Mother Earth... I call upon thee to send me
a great owl, or one of its cousins to aid me with their eyes. I humbly beseech thee to aid
me for the good of your mountains & vales.

After a few moments, a giant, grey owl lands before Jaheira, who speaks with it for a few
moments in Elvish. The owl chirps back for a few moments, and takes flight.

JAHEIRA
There has been a great deal of activity in the forest with Shadow Druids, and bandits
scuffling about. The great owl has not seen the mines, but will search an old area where
dwarves once lived. However, it will take some time before he returns. ( she develops a
distant look staring off into the valley)

BARLOWE
Good... What's wrong Jaheira?

JAHEIRA
( still staring off in the distance) Shadow Druids... They are druidic elite-ists who have
honed techniques for battle. They are to be admired, and feared for they walk without a
trace killing to protect the forests in dire times. I will ask the great owl when he returns
to carry a message to the Harpers to speak with Shade of the Moonwatchers Clan
regarding their presence here. They will warn us mystically if we need fear them.

BARLOWE
Okay, then. ( uneasy pause) Let's make a camp here with no fire. Hopefully, the owl
will bring good news soon.

Camera cuts to the great owl soaring high in the sky with the clouds as a background.
What the owl sees is shown to us. A huge dying oak tree has activity around it with
workers wearing blackened leather armor. A hunting cabin is seen with an aristocrat
having words with another in blackened leather armor. A group of tasloi is shown
feasting off their kill of a cow. A great wyvern with hatchlings is seen entering an
underground cave. A river is followed a distance to a camp with a wooden fence created
from sharp pointed logs buried within the ground, and rests in an area of land isolated by
the river which seems to lead north to the sea thru the mountains. Camera cuts to the
party watching the long shadows of dusk beginning to form. The great owl returns, and
describes its flight to Jaheira. She ties a bundle to the owl's leg, and bids it carry the
message. The owl departs in a great swoosh of air.

JAHEIRA
The great owl will deliver the message to a Harper's base east of Baldur's gate. The
mines have been fortified, and lie at the farthest point of the valley.
BARLOWE
Good. With night coming, we'll remain here, and head out in the morn as it looks to be a
couple days to get across this valley.

Camera shows daylight creeping into the encampment, and a faint magical dweomer
comes into view. It is an elderly man in stately robes standing next to Jaheira and Khalid.
As the party begins to awaken. The magical image addresses Jaheira.

ENTILLUS FULSOM
Jaheira... We have yet to hear from Shade Telsin Leafsong, but fellow Harpers have
reported some decent arising in the ranks of the Moonwatchers' over Shade Aëlsin
Leafsong, his sister the Great Druid of the Dawntreaders Clan, permitting human rangers
to join their ranks. We do not know who the leader of these who would object the
Dawntreaders actions is. Travel cautiously.

JAHEIRA
We shall, Entillus. Send word to Seniyad, my Great Druid. He will aid as he can.

ENTILLUS FULSOM
It will be done.

BARLOWE
So, what does that mean to us?

JAHEIRA
It means we will be treading through an open battlefield to reach the other side. We have
a group of Elvin druids with the fighting skill of rangers beating war drums.

BARLOWE
Great. (He looks out into the valley, and takes a deep breath) Well, we've got no choice,
but to move forward. Dynaheir, do you know of ANY magic, which could help us?

DYNAHEIR
(looks into her pouch, and shuffles a few scrolls) I have a scroll or two, which may aid
us. Thou must remember that these can be quite draining upon me.

BARLOWE
I think we're all ears.

DYNAHEIR
Hmmm, I have a scroll of (another word for clairvoyance), and one for the door of spirits.
It shall take some preparation, but thine needs can be met with these.

JAHEIRA
Elaborate for us, Dynaheir. Please?
DYNAHEIR
The first spell will allow me to find a place between here, and the other side with no one
present to disturb. The other will allow me to walk through a doorway to reach that point
unseen without mystical aid. I can take two of ye with me at a time.

BARLOWE
Perfect. Then, Minsc and I will go on your first trip to fortify the location a bit while you
bring the others.

MINSC
What about Boo?

BARLOWE
(snaps)What about Boo, Minsc?

DYNAHEIR
(calming Minsc)Don't worry Minsc. Boo can make the journey holding onto thou collar.
It will be a little rough, but he is strong & forever thine friend.

MINSC
(a little agitated)Yes, Minsc & Boo are adventurers. Let us adventure to the unknown.

Barlowe returns his look to the valley before him, and notices a stream of smoke start to
climb above the trees. Dynaheir makes her preparations to cast the first spell. A puff of
smoke occurs as she casts the spell, and the smokey shape of an eye forms in the air, and
crystallizes floating off into the valley. Dynaheir sees a great deal of activity around a
great oak, which has been turned into an abode of sorts. The participants of the activities
appear to be elves. She spots the river, and follows it a distance to a bridge, which looks
quite clear of activity. She follows to her furthest point, and sees another bridge with
activities beyond it being vaguely man-sized.

DYNAHEIR
I see two bridges along the route we are to take. I will take us to the first as it bears no
signs of activity.

BARLOWE
How long will it take for you to recover afterwards?

DYNAHEIR
It will be for some time. However, Minsc can carry me as needed.

Here's the next installment of script.

BARLOWE
Alright, let's do it.
Dynaheir reads from a pristine scroll, which begins to glow brighter as she reads. As she
completes the spell both she and the scroll are engulfed in the light of mystical energies.
The scroll passes thru Dynaheir's hands, floats to a spot near the cliff side, and forms a
shimmering rectangular sheet. Dynaheir moves to before the door, and raises her hands
out for Minsc & Barlowe to take hold.

DYNAHEIR
Now, mind what thou shall see, and keep a firm hold of my hand for where thou may exit
is a complete unknown.

The trio passes thru the orifice, and pause on the other side to the bewildering shimmers,
eddys, & currents of energy surrounding them. Barlowe looks back at the door-shaped
window to where they were, and sees a ghostly image of the others awaiting Dynaheir’s
return. Barlowe looks at Dynaheir who resembles the negative reflection of a howling
banshee with twinkling stars for eyes.

DYNAHEIR
This way.

Dynaheir leads them through the sea of lights & color to their destination. As they exit
the realm, Barlowe and Minsc begin looking over the scenery confirming none other is
present.

BARLOWE
What happened to you in there? You looked... looked like some evil, colorless
apparition.

DYNAHEIR
Do not worry, Barlowe. T'is merely an effect of the first spell. Mystical energies
broaden mine senses, and allowed me to reach this point without fail. Else wise, we
might have become lost walking through there, and exit where anything else might stand.
At worst there, thou would be found on the ground unconscious wherever thoust exited.

BARLOWE
Uhm, okay, then. Off for the others. Bring Khalid and Shar-Teel next.

DYNAHEIR
As you wish.

Dynaheir disappears into the mystical path. Minsc, and Barlowe are facing each other
looking in opposite directions. A man in blackened leather armor steps out of the foliage,
and approaches the pair.

MINSC
Barlowe, a stranger comes this way. Boo, be ready to go for the eyeballs.
Barlowe turns around to face the stranger, and takes a cautionary stance to pull his
weapon if needed. Minsc sets his two handed sword into the ground before him awaiting
their visitor.

SHADOW DRUID
Greetings travelers, I would know if you are emissaries of the foul entity known as the
Iron Throne.

MINSC
(hearty laugh) Nah, stranger, me thinks the Iron Throne is learning to fear the sound of
our footsteps. What do you know of them?

BARLOWE
Better yet... what do you know of the activities in these woods, and with whom are your
allegiances?

SHADOW DRUID
My allegiance is with Mother Nature, and protecting these woods. Since you are an
enemy of mine enemy, have this ring as a token of acknowledging your position. (offers
a silver ring with a black opal for an adornment)

BARLOWE
(cautiously accepts the ring, but holds it within his hand) Thank you. Uhm, your name
is?

SHADOW DRUID
My name is unimportant, but my position is grey strider. I take my leave of you now.
Enjoy thy travels.

Barlowe gestures farewell, and then, looks at the ring laying in his palm.

Barlowe looks to Minsc, and offers it to him.

BARLOWE
Here, Minsc, you're the ranger, and should bear whatever item they recognize a position
for.

Minsc looks Barlowe squarely in the eyes, and accepts the ring without placing it upon
his finger.

MINSC
You are right, Barlowe. This is commoradory, and Minsc shall wear this proudly.

Dynaheir returns through the passage with Khalid & Shar-Teel as Minsc places the ring
upon his finger. Minsc quickly goes through a series of painful expressions, which
appear quite draining of him. His eyes roll back in his head, and he falls to the ground.
Dynaheir rushes to his side, and tries to wake him.

DYNAHEIR
Minsc?! Wake up, Minsc! Barlowe, what has happened?

MINSC
(Eyes open with a distant look) (grunts in a very deranged fashion, and begins to move
away from Dynaheir very frightened)

BARLOWE
What we thought was a druid for this forest spoke with us regarding the Iron Throne, and
offered that ring on his hand as a token of apparently having the same enemy. Take it off
of him.

Dynaheir tries to remove the ring, but finds that it has bound itself to Minsc.

DYNAHEIR
It's a cursed item. I cannot remove it.

KHALID
Return quickly for J-Jaheira may be able to help him.

Dynaheir quickly runs into the portal. A few moments later, she returns with Jaheira &
Imoen. Khalid and Shar Teel corral Minsc against a tree off the road while Barlowe is
watching for aggressors with his bow. Jaheira hurries over to Minsc speaking the lines to
a lullaby in Elvish. Minsc begins to calm down as she approaches him. Jaheira begins
speaking a remove curse spell, and removes the ring from Minsc's finger. Minsc reacts as
if snapping out of a mental fog.

MINSC
Who wants some? Who... who, uhm, what happened?

DYNAHEIR
Thou is fine now, Minsc.

BARLOWE
I'm sorry Minsc, but we got duped by that stranger earlier. I can only presume he was a
Shadow Druid, and gave me a cursed ring. Jaheira, I truly hope your Harper friends deal
with these guys before our next meeting because I predict a bloody affair if it happens.

JAHEIRA
Yes, oh omni-present authority figure...

KHALID
J-Jaheira... remember patience.
JAHEIRA
(heavy exhale) Yes, my husband. Barlowe, everyone makes mistakes. You must learn as
the experience of us have learned about being deceived, and improve ourselves to reach a
balance within our lives. Else wise, we are but pawns of the gods doomed to the
suffering predicted by Alaundo. What do you wish done with this ring?

BARLOWE
(looks sternly at Jaheira) I'll keep it. (uneasy pause) If I have seen anything from this, it
is opportunities swing both ways. (places ring in a pink pouch, and places it in his belt)

DYNAHEIR
Very well, Barlowe. We should follow this side of the river to the next fork, and head
east towards the mining compound.

Camera pulls back to show the river heading off into the woods with the mountains far
off in the background. Musical piece begins as we have scenes switch from showing the
party speaking with a young man near a shallow point in the river, a skirmish between the
party & an entourage of giant spiders, ettercaps, and phase spiders. The music reaches a
crescendo, and concludes with an apparent noble having words with a man similar to the
Shadow Druid who bestowed the cursed ring to Barlowe.

ALDETH SASHENSTAR
I don't give a damn what group you represent! I am Lord Aldeth of Baldur's Gate! This is
my hunting lodge, and you can kiss Cyric flaming arse for all I care about your demands.

The Shadow Druid turns his attention from Sashenstar to the party. As Sashenstar sees
the party, Aldeth placates the party's assistance.

ALDETH SASHENSTAR
Hoe there, adventurers. I need your aid in the name of Baldur's Gate. This buffoon is
trying to force me an' my guests of a hunting trip to relinquish my place to them.

BARLOWE
(approaches the druid, and holds the ring discolored compared to its first appearance.) Do
you recognize this?

SHADOW DRUID
No, I do not. I am here to move these people or inform them of their pending death.

JAHEIRA
As druid, the balance is not served by murdering these people. Where is your Great
Druid, or leader?

SHADOW DRUID
My master resides with the Great Oak, and plans for our saving of these woods.
BARLOWE
(closes his hand) Since you do not recognize it, send for him to come here for I have
property of his to offer in trade.

The Shadow Druid gives him an indignant look, and departs into the woods. Barlowe
approaches Sashenstar.

ALDETH SASHENSTAR
My good fellow, I am quite glad of your arrival, and offer my cabin as a place for you to
rest whence this business is done. I was almost afraid that I might not return to the Gate
in one piece. Next time, I think I will bring a contingent of Flaming Fists to clear such
dangerous wretches from these woods.

BARLOWE
Well, mi'lord, I think some of those 'wretches' will be dealt with, and not through the
Flaming Fist. (looks towards Jaheira)

JAHEIRA
Aye, in the end, he is quite right, Lord Aldeth.

ALDETH SASHENSTAR
Good, very good, then... I shall retire to the cabin with my compatriots, and await your
current resolution. Good luck to you all.

Sashenstar enters the cabin, and a few moments later smoke rises from the fireplace
chimney. Time-lapse shows the party members entering, and leaving the cabin. Shar-
Teel spars with Minsc in hand-to-hand combat showing him some moves, and being
taught some as well. Dynaheir, and Imoen are going over casting some spells. Jaheira
stands near the edge of the clearing communicating with some of the denizens of these
woods. Barlowe and Khalid synchopatically pace the walkway before the cabin. Jaheira
holds a bird in her hands, and places a message on its leg. As it rises into the winds,
several men exit the forest approaching the cabin.

AMARANDE
Who is it that holds property of mine? Aahh, I sense a member of Seniiyad's grove here.

JAHEIRA
(steps before Amarande holding her quarterstaff)It is I, Jaheira, of Seniiyad's grove. Why
do I sense such egotistical arrogance from a druid? Who are you?

AMARANDE
I am Amarande, Shadow Arch-druid. (Elvish language) Join our cause, or be crushed
with these humans.

JAHEIRA
(Elvish language) You are the deserters of the Moonwatchers. Why do you object human
rangers aiding our cause to protect the woods? There is much to be gained for the
balance with them in concert than an eventual discord of collisions.

AMARANDE
(Elvish language) Save your platitudes, Jaheira. We are set in our course, and shan't be
dissuaded.

BARLOWE
(steps between Jaheira & Amarande) Sooo, sorry to interrupt this, but I'm the one you're
looking for.

AMARANDE
Hand it to me, and I may consider allowing you to leave here alive. (holds his bare hand
out)

Barlowe grabs Amarande's wrist with his free hand, and slides the ring on his finger.
Then, slings Amarande over his hip to smacking the ground flat on his back. Barlowe
pulls his sword, and places it at Amarande's throat.

BARLOWE (addressing the remaining Shadow Druids)

Say a word in your language, and he dies. Who is leading the movement against the
Dawntreader's Great Druid?

None of them say a word. Barlowe uses the razor sharp edge of the sword to start
shaving hair from Amarande's head. Still, he hears nothing from the group.

BARLOWE
Well, I think the bunch of you will drop your weapons, then. NOW!

Barlowe places the blade against Amarande's chin, and starts a small incision. The
shadow druids put down a considerable number of weapons.

BARLOWE
Now that I have your attention, you will take this guy to the town of your choice
preferably the furthest from these woods. Death has knocked on your door, and chosen
to let you learn from your mistake. Jaheira, please direct them to whom they should
speak.

JAHEIRA
Death has knocked? I was just kidding with the 'omnipresent authority figure' before.
(smirk)

Speaking in Elvish, Jaheira directs the Elvin druids to Shade Telsin Leafsong regarding
their actions, and should reconsider telling him who the leaders of their separatist groups
are. They collect their enfeebled leader, and head to the east. The party enters the cabin,
and time lapse to nightfall. Camera cuts to INT showing Barlowe gettin comfortable in
his bedding, and drifting off to sleep. The screen fills with a mist, and clears to Barlowe
walking by the battles of the party, which have not been seen before. Barlowe observes as
the ogrillon fall, then the hobgoblins, and brigands alike. Barlowe walks past Tazok's
lieutenants, and approaches Tazok's tent. Yet, as he nears the steps, Barlowe's hair shows
signs of a gusting wind, and suddenly he is propelled from the ground high into the
morning sun. Barlowe starts to mimic the motion of a sparrow diving upward, but soon
realizes he is more like a catapult stone hurled into the distance. Barlowe braces himself
to perish against the ground, but once again penetrates it as walking acrosst a room.
When Barlowe comes to rest his feet upon solid ground, he finds himself in a different
cavern with something off in the dark. He moves toward it to find it is a statue of himself
in the finest detail. Barlowe begins to survey the statue when his attention is drawn away.

BHAAL ESSENCE
Such pride undeserved, great predator, when your whole being is borrowed. Credit where
it is due, and dues where payment is demanded.

A bone dagger streaks from the darkness passing Barlowe, and striking the statue square
cracking it. Barlowe grabs his chest where the statue was struck, and falls to the ground
in staggering pain.

BHAAL ESSENCE
You were made as you are, and can also be broken.

Barlowe looks to his hand, and sees it begin to flake off into dust glittering upon a breeze
into the dark. He springs out of bed, shocked, and overwhelmed. He hears the voice echo
unto him.

BHAAL ESSENCE
You... WILL... Learn.

Barlowe is acting quite frantic waking Imoen.

BARLOWE
Can you hear it? Can you hear that voice, Imoen?

IMOEN
Whatcha want, Barlowe? <yawn> A voice, huh? You're a queer fellow to be shaking me
awake like that.

BARLOWE
Well, I gotta tell somebody about these... dreams, I've been having. You've been around
me longer than anyone here. So, it might as well be you.

IMOEN
Well, let me wake up a bit here<yawn>, and then, start from the first dream.
Cut to camera angle, and time fades as Barlowe makes gestures of describing each dream
he had while he paces in front of Imoen.<background music to build to a medium
climax> As he reaches the end of his stories...

BARLOWE
The pain was like I had been killed, and was watching myself dissolve into sparkling
dust. I heard the voice say, "You were made as you are, and can also be broken. You...
WILL... Learn." I have no idea of what it means by that, but I've found myself with a new
'talent' after each dream.

IMOEN
Well, right now, I wish we could get into Candlekeep. I'd wager some hard gold that we
could find that dagger you described in the library, and track it to its origin. But, we
haven't come acrosst any place with a rare enuff book to get in there.

BARLOWE
If you're sure we can get answers from there, then, Baldur's Gate is where we need to go.
It's the only place left to look for a valuable enough book to enter Candlekeep. This is
really pissin' me off being made to feel like a mere chess pawn.

Camera cuts to the mid-day sun shining down on a fortified area, which is encompassed
by the river, and has a single bridge as a point of entry. Camera pulls back into the forest
to show the party looking into the clearing. Two groups of armed men exit the area, and
head in separate directions as an apparent patrol of the grounds.

BARLOWE
Dynaheir, Imoen, Minsc, and Shar-teel sneak up on those headed south, and dispense
with them as quietly as possible. Jaheira, and Khalid, we'll go after the ones to the north.
We'll meet there in the woods just before the bridge. Then, we'll have a bit of a fire show
to get the others above ground out in the open.

JAHEIRA
Barlowe, must we kill all of them? There must be another way to achieve our goals
without murdering possible innocents.

BARLOWE
To coin a term from one of those books I'm sure you've read, there is no mystic spell, or
single act, which can change the alignment of an individual permanently. As such, we
determine who is in our way, level them faster than a sinking millstone, and let the
innocent walk away. Let's get to it.

Camera flashes between the actions of the party with musical piece in background.
(Body Count comes to mind) Camera flashes to the arrival point looking through the trees
into the gate area beyond the bridge. The party gathers within the foliage, and makes a
few gestures. Shar-Teel escorts Dynaheir into the clearing. Dynaheir begins casting a
spell. As she goes through the motions, Shar-Teel deflects, and smashes the arrows fired
at them until the spell is complete. A great cloud forms over the encampment, and begins
to shower the area with ice. Dynaheir casts a few fireballs into the torrent. The rest of
the party engages those who exit the fortification with missile and melee weapon alike
until only the panicked are seen fleeing the area.
Then, the three leaders of the contingent step out of the conflagration rather battered, but
they charge forward to continue the battle. Khalid, Minsc, and Shar-Teel rush forward to
engage them while the rest continue with their missile weapons. As the first sounds of
melee ring out, Barlowe, Dynaheir, Imoen, and Jaheira move into the fortification, and
secure the outer area. Camera shows different angles of each pair of combatants until
Khalid, Minsc, and Shar-Teel are the only ones standing. Camera cuts to INT of mine
with a musical piece heard pre-dominantly. The party is shown with bloodied apparel,
and weapons reaching an old miner near a great metal door. The miner points at a
keyhole, and then, gestures further down the mine corridor. Camera shows the party
making their way to a staircase, and descending it. The party emerges into a foyer area,
and overwhelms the guards posted there. A wizard steps forth into the hallway.

DAEVORN
It seems the masters were quite right to fear your persistence. Are you mercenary, blind
seeker of vengeance, or a mere, stumbling fool?

Before anyone can respond Daevorn slams a vial to the floor, which causes a cascading
cloud of smoke to rise up, and engulf him. The cloud lingers in place as though it were a
shield for the wizard. Barlowe motions for Minsc & Shar Teel to hurl one of the bodies
down the hall into the cloud. As the body enters the cloud, it halts as impacting
something quite immovable. After the body strikes the floor, fiery explosions occur in
response, and emerging from the cloud comes a Battle Horror brandishing a flaming
sword. Jaheira summons a fire elemental while Dynaheir hurls magical missiles in
concert with Imoen's sling bullets. Minsc & Shar Teel withdraw as the fire elemental
advances to engage the Horror. The party splits up moving through the chambers looking
for Daevorn.

Barlowe moves alone through the maze of rooms, and comes upon an apparent bedroom
where talk can be discerned from the distance. Barlowe moves stealthily to the room,
and peers in he spies Daevorn commanding over what could only be his apprentice.
Barlowe quietly advances behind Daevorn as he speaks.

DAEVORN
What a slow, and perilous conundrum we have Stefan. Such a well thought plan of
action and deceit begins unraveling like an old sweater.

STEFAN
(still packing a travel case with back to Daevorn) Yes, master, but to where shall we go?
This has been an excellent, if not somewhat confined, shelter.

DAEVORN
We shall...

Barlowe clasps his hand over Daevorn's mouth as he plunges his sword deep into him.
Barlowe lays the lifeless body upon a chair against the wall keeping an eye on Stefan
who is still busy loading the luggage.

STEFAN
And, master? (pauses his action) Master?

Jaheira & Khalid enter the room behind Barlowe as Stefan starts to turn around slowly.

BARLOWE
(cleaning his sword with Daevorn's robe) Guess what, Stefan? It would seem your
outcome depends on how talkative you feel, and let's exercise some honesty. Shall we?

JAHEIRA
(looking agitated with Barlowe) Stefan, do you have any letters from the deceased's
employer?

Stefan moves to a strong box, and unlocks it setting it before the trio.

STEFAN
Please don't hurt me. Here is every document Daevorn received on this matter.

Barlowe places his sword acrosst Stefan's collarbone, and looks down into the
assemblage of papers. Jaheira pulls out some of the letters, and begins skimming through
them. After a few moments, the rest of the party arrives in the room.

JAHEIRA
Reiltar and Sarevok... have you met them, Stefan?

STEFAN
Uh, no mistress, I have not. I only leave this floor to procure food, and spell components
from the Friendly Arm & its forest area. Not as hazardous as the Cloakwood ya know.
May I leave now?

BARLOWE
(moving his sword to parallel with the side of Stefan's face) Hmmm, tell me, Stefan.
What have you learned today?

STEFAN
(nervously) The value of knowledge can save one's life?

BARLOWE
(laughs) That's a good one. (stern voice) But, no, that's not it. The master chooses to
accept an apprentice, but the apprentice must choose the master carefully. For by folly or
Mystra's contempt, you may face the same fate as the master for joy or for ill. (releases
Stefan) Now, be gone, and mind yourself.

Stefan gives a nervous bow, and quickly departs.

Jaheira rises with two letters in her hands. She appears pensive, and addresses Barlowe.

JAHEIRA
Well, these are the two most relevant ones. First, this letter is from Reiltar initiating the
project as Yeslick described to us on the way down here, when we freed him & the
slaves. This is from his son, Sarevok, warning of our impending arrival. They both
appear to be in Baldur's Gate, but until we get there, it's uncertain for sure.

BARLOWE
Mixed news that is, but it confirms we're heading in the right direction. Let's return this
place to the watery grave it once was.

Camera cuts to party standing with the old miner at the great metal door. The miner casts
a dweomer placing a mystical mouth on the wall, and unlocks the door. The mouth
begins counting backwards from thirty. With numbers echoing in the background, scenes
fade showing the group make their way out of the mine. As the voice reaches the word
one, it casts a spell with the screen cutting to black. The sound of a door opening can be
heard with the ominous sound of rushing water. The roaring water subsides to swishing
water, and camera fades in showing the water level being very near the topmost edge of
the metal door.

Camera fades to EXT of mines pulling back into forest showing Edwin peering into the
clearing as the party exits it heading towards Baldur's Gate.

EDWIN
So, you found the wench after all, simean. Yet, you permit her to journey with you.
Why? Why? Oh, why must simpletons think they are crafty, when their bones have not
an ounce of it.

As the party moves out of sight, Edwin steps into the clearing, and begins casting a series
of spells. Edwin sits upon the ground, and watches as a contingent forms before him of
ghasts, ghouls, skeletal hounds, and skeletons. When all of the creatures have appeared,
Edwin rises.

EDWIN
Hear me, my army of death! Seek the woman in purple, who walks yonder way! Bring
me her head within the day! Kill any who stand in your way! (pause) Onward!

Camera angles showing the creatures move en masse towards the mountains with the sun
casting long shadows to the east. As the time lapses to nightfall with the landscape still
being shown, a single scream can be heard from Dynaheir. Followed by...
MINSC
Dynaheir!! My Witch! You... SHALL not... HARM HER!! RARGH!

Camera cuts to daytime looking at the opposite side of the mountain. Barlowe, Imoen,
Jaheira, Khalid, and Shar Teel come running out of the forest appearing quite winded.
They slow to look behind them, and stop shortly afterwards as nothing emerges from the
tree line. Imoen falls to her knees crying.

IMOEN
(sob) By the gods, (sob) I can't believe (sob) Minsc would (sob) could do that.

JAHEIRA
(consoling Imoen in her arms) There, there, child... (pats/rubs her back) Minsc was a
ranger. Rangers live by their oaths, and die by them. If Mother Nature favors them, they
will return to us in time. (looks Imoen in the face) Now, dry those tears, and calm
yourself, Imoen. Do not loose faith in our quest, and put the skills you've learned from
Dynaheir to use when we need them.

SHAR TEEL
Yes, he was quite brave in his act even for a buffoon.

Khalid approaches Barlowe who moved farthest to the east staring at the building tops of
Baldur's Gate peaking over the horizon. Khalid places his hand on Barlowe's shoulder.

KHALID
Barlowe, are you al-alright?

BARLOWE
(moving his shoulder from under Khalid's hand) I'm okay, but this fuels more questions.
Why were those creatures after Dynaheir, and who sent them? Why does the Iron Throne
want me dead? Surely, it wasn't to get me involved in their demise, and prevent a plan of
their own creation. As such, Dynaheir's knowledge of a lost set of scrolls should mean
nothing unless the scrolls have been found, and paying for her information is far better
than death not to mention easier. (looking Khalid squarely in the eyes) What is to be
learned from all of the death I have seen, and the blood upon my hands?

KHALID
I would say it is learning the d-d-difference between death and m-m-murder. Minsc
chose to die for his goal to save Dynaheir, b-b-but because of those g-g-ghastly creatures,
knowing for certain is difficult. Yet, he did th-this as a selfless act to p-p-protect. J-J-
Jaheira and I presume Stefan's master d-d-died by your hand b-b-because there was no
alternative, but murder nonetheless. C-c-could you have gotten the information from
Daevorn, himself? Probably, but he w-w-would not have been as sheepish as-as Stefan
not to interfere later.
BARLOWE
(turns, and looks to the horizon) Then, I am a great predator, 'but' my will is my own. I
will see Gorion avenged.

SHAR TEEL
(approaching arm's distance from Khalid) Be careful, Barlowe. For woman or man,
vengeance is a cold dish indeed.

Camera pans over Barlowe's shoulder into overlooking the terrain ahead. A puff of
smoke can be seen, but not as a campfire. Then, a faint echo of an explosion can be
heard.

BARLOWE
Shar Teel, come with me to check that out for friend or foe. Khalid, get Jaheira and
Imoen, and follow quickly & quietly.

KHALID
Aye.

Barlowe and Shar Teel run thru the woods until the sounds of battle are quite clear. They
can see trees that have been tossed about, damaged, and cinged by fire. They take to the
shrubbery, and move to view the combatants. They see a figure in a dark cloak
brandishing a mace & shield with an air elemental injured by a fireball, and two skeletons
battling a wizard and two fighters in the garb of the Black Talon.

BARLOWE
Well, we know one side is no friend of ours.

SHAR TEEL
So, do we attack, or wait further?

Barlowe motions for Shar Teel to wait. The wizard advances with his staff against the
cloaked figure. The wizard makes a gesture, and the cloaked figure is hurled into a tree.
As the figure impacts the ground, the dark elf, Viconia, is revealed. The wizard is taken
aback apparently not knowing he had been attacking a drow.

BARLOWE
(stands up with bow) Viconia! (fires arrow at wizard)

Shar Teel enters the fray as the air elemental perishes, and a skeleton defeated. The
wizard is struck in the shoulder by the arrow, and begins his retreat. Viconia hurls her
mace into his knees toppling him, and pulls out her sling. Khalid, Jaheira, and Imoen
arrive. Imoen uses her sling against the wizard. Khalid engages the second fighter as he
vanquishes the second skeleton. Jaheira pursues the wizard into the woods as Barlowe &
Viconia target each of the fighters. The fighters are dispatched quickly. Jaheira and
Imoen return with the wizard’s spell book, and letters. Viconia pulls her hood forward as
to hide her from the sunlight.
VICONIA
T'is a pleasure to receive your aid, and pleasant wonder to be remembered. Barlowe, I
believe. Correct?

BARLOWE
(offering his hand) Yes, it is.

VICONIA
I see your companions have changed some, and seen a bigger picture for the world.

IMOEN
Don' cha go too far, Viconia. T'is more of a my enemy's enemy limerick, if ya know
what I mean.

VICONIA
Indeed.

BARLOWE
Why were they attacking you?

VICONIA
Actually, I initiated the attack on them. I had started to establish a trade of healing
potions & such with the farming and fishing villages along the coast from here to just
outside of Baldur's Gate view. These men started trailing me for reasons unknown to me.
They started rumors in the nearby village before I arrived there to snap the transactions.
When I arrived, the people declined, and these brigands made themselves visible to me. I
cursed them in the common tongue as you say. They followed after me for some distance
from there with a second wizard and two additional fighters. I summoned aid, and
retaliated. A fireball from the wizard you dispatched destroyed three other skeletons, and
badly injured my aerial servant. (visual portrayal of these scenes optional) The rumor
was that I was a drow peddling potions with charm spells to have my take of the town.

SHAR TEEL
(hearty laugh) Quite the shock to those ignorant fools to find they were speaking some
truth.

VICONIA
Quite right, but my fledgling livelihood in this accursed light has been brought to an
abrupt end.

BARLOWE
Well, would you journey with us?

Silence falls over the group in a confused awe over Barlowe's question. After a few
moments, Viconia pulls her hood back a little.
VICONIA
Why do you ask?

BARLOWE
Healing skills are always needed as well as skills to combat ghastly creatures. As druid,
Jaheira's skills are tasked heavily with four of us. Having you along allows us to be more
effective without worry of not being able to heal injuries quickly.

IMOEN
Oh, wow! Look who's on a roll again?

VICONIA
(little laugh) Very well, I will accompany you for as long as I can. (pulls her hood
forward again)

Camera sweeps to the treetops, and coasts over the trees to grand view of Baldur's Gate.
From a landscape view, the drawbridge can be seen lowering, and torches being lit as
dusk approaches. Camera sweeps into the clearing on the continent side of the bridge.
Elminster is seen walking the bridge headed away from the Gate. The party emerges
from the forest path to meet him in the clearing.

ELMINSTER
Good eve to thee, young one. What a marvelous happenstance that we should again cross
paths, especially in such a grand city as this. Ahhh, I see by thine eyes that thou've no
time for my wry banter. T'is true, our meeting was no accident, though I do honestly take
pleasure in seeing thee again.

BARLOWE
It is good to see you again. Beyond idle chatter, what brings you here?

ELMINSTER
Oh, all citizens of the Sword Coast eventually pass through Baldur's Gate, and knew thou
wouldst as well. Forgive my continued meddling, but I believe it is warranted, especially
considering the pressures thou art no doubt confronting. My pestering of thee certainly
pales in comparison to the influence thou've felt from others, including thine own self.
Gorion raised thee as best he could, but t'is hard indeed to overcome what is bred in the
bone. Much more so in this case, I would imagine.

BARLOWE
What do you know of Gorion?

ELMINSTER
He was long my friend, and we talked often, though less after he settled down with thee.
He was quite the traveler in his day, though he never regretted his new role as foster
father. He felt a stable childhood would better prepare thee for... well... the problems that
would eventually come. He cared deeply for thee. I hope this was not lost on you.
BARLOWE
He was a good man, though I would prefer to walk my own path. Live my life as I will,
and choose as I want.

ELMINSTER
I was not suggesting that thou should do otherwise. Whatever the motives, independence
is always a wise course to follow. My worry is that thy lineage is harder to escape than
most. Thou've bad blood in thee, though Gorion did what he could to tech thee well and
true. Thou've hungry blood within the as well, and it will let thee go without a fight. For
better or worse, what's bred in the bone will be dealt with in time. I trust thou've the will
to face what is within thee.

BARLOWE
I will conquer all that oppose, whether from within or afar.

ELMINSTER
An attitude that will suffice, I suppose. Striving to be free or refusing to be dominated;
six of one or a half dozen of another. This difference is unimportant for now, though
some time in the future such brash traits may prove to be a weakness. We shall see. For
now, I offer basic advice, and a few names. Scar of the Flaming Fist is a good man, and
well worth trusting. His superior, Duke Eltan, is also a good sort. Both are to be
believed when they speak. I take my leave, and wish thee well.

BARLOWE
Farewell Elminster.

The party continues onto the bridge, and approaches the guard. There is an exchange
observed from a distance, and a second guard is called forth. The party follows him into
Baldur's Gate. Camera makes panoramic sweeps of the buildings between the outer wall
and inner wall showing the Harbor Master's Building, the Iron Throne Tower, the Seven
Suns Trading Coster, and the Flaming Fist headquarters & barracks. Camera angles over
party entering the Flaming Fist headquarters.

Camera follows the party thru the compound to a staircase, and into an office area. The
guard whispers in Scars ear, and leaves.

SCAR
First off, let me introduce myself. I am Scar second in command of the Flaming Fist.
Though it is not necessary for you to reveal your names. Please answer me this. Are you
the group that was involved with the fiasco at the Nashkel Mines?

BARLOWE
Yes, that was us, mostly.
SCAR
Well, I'll have to say, you've made quite the commotion up here in Baldur's Gate. I can't
really put my finger on a single source, but there have been many strange happenings
going on within the city. It's been getting harder and harder for me to put trust in
someone. I need outsiders to do some investigations with no connections to anyone
within the city. Would you be interested in working for me in such a capacity?

BARLOWE
Well, after shutting down the bandit raids, we'll do it if the pay is good.

SCAR
Alright then, what I'm about to tell you must be held in the strictest confidence. Do you
understand? (physical acknowledgement) I need you to begin an investigation of the
Seven Suns trading coster. Their leadership has been acting strange of late. They've
been selling off valuable assets, and neglecting many of their more profitable trading
ventures. Considering the importance that the trading coster holds over the economy of
the city, the Grand Dukes are noticeably upset. I've gone to talk to the coster's head,
Jhasso. He rudely rebuffed me, telling me to mind my own business, I’ve known Jhasso
for many years, and this isn't his usual behavior. I can't start up an official investigation
as there is no real reason for doing so, and why I need you.

BARLOWE
Very well, but there's something you need to know first. We have documentation
regarding recent events implicating that the Iron Throne is behind this. Our incursions at
the Nashkel mines, and a hidden mine in the Cloakwood forest have shown us a lot
regarding their goals and methods. Look over these documents for it does not bode well
for the future of this region.

Barlowe hands Scar the collection of documents. He browses over them, and sets them
down

SCAR
Well, these shed some new light on things. Since your resolution of the bandit attacks at
large, I want you to use stealth in your investigations, and break into the Seven Suns
compound to find a connection between these documents & the trading coster. Once you
have the proof, return here, and I'll pay you 2,000 gold for this favor.

BARLOWE
Alright, you've got a deal.

Camera cuts to EXT of the Flaming Fist compound. The torch lighters are moving about
lighting the street torches. Music plays in background as the scenes of different party
members speaking with different townspeople fade thru. Camera zooms in to a torch
flame, and time lapses it to half its size. Camera zooms out to show the Seven Suns
compound front doors, and sweeps to the side of the building where the party has
gathered.

JAHEIRA
From those I've spoken with, there is a labyrinth of a sewer system beneath the city, and
has a connection to each building.

They concur on entering the sewers, and pull open a grate to enter.

Camera sweeps down the ladder way into blackness. Camera fades in to viewing a door
from within a room. The sounds of hands tinkering with the door can be heard as though
someone were trying to pick the lock.

BARLOWE
Damn it! I need new tools for this.

IMOEN
Here let me try.

A swooshing sound is echoes through the door, and several locks can be heard opening.
The door opens allowing Imoen to step in with Barlowe close by her side followed by the
others. Barlowe listens to a nearby door for any activity. Hearing none checks the door
finding it unlocked.

BARLOWE
Immy, was your spell suppose to do that?

IMOEN
Do what?

BARLOWE
(small chuckle) Never mind.

The sound of a door is heard, and steps echo through a staircase. The party slips into the
room, and awaits further activity. A voice echoes out thru the hallways.

DOPPLEGANGER
Sssoo, Jhasssso, time to ansswer more questionss.

JHASSO
(groggy) Why, you damnable beast? You are squandering my fortune. (gasp) Doing
things my true friends know are unbelievable of me. (gasp) It is, but a matter of time
before you're stopped. (gasp) I'll not answer any of your questions. (gasp) Torture me as
you wish.

DOPPLEGANGER
Heheheheh, yesss, but time isss in our favor. For sssoon, none of it will madder.

The doppleganger steps to pull the whip from the wall, and notices the door to the sewers
is ajar. It moves thru the hallway towards the door, and stops taking a deep breath.

DOPPLEGANGER
(deep sniffs) Hmmmm, flessshiess... I smell flessshiess down here.

Barlowe flings the door wide open striking the doppleganger hard forcing it backwards.
SharTeel and Khalid charge the creature with their weapons, and quickly slay it. Barlowe
walks to Jhasso's cell door while SharTeel separates the head from the body placing it in
a water burlap tying it closed.

BARLOWE
Are you Jhasso?

JHASSO
What kind of game are you shapeshifter scum trying to pull? (gasp) I not fall for that trick
no matter what torture you inflict I'll not cry in pain nor give a piece of information to
you at all.

BARLOWE
You don't understand. We're not shapeshifters, but hirelings of Scar to investigate this
coster. It's good that we found you. Can you tell us what has been going on here?

JHASSO
The creatures, the shapeshifters, must have started infiltrating my coster by replacing the
lower personnel until they captured me. Their leader took my face, and has been running
my business very badly. If you're here to clear these creatures from my building,
proceed. If not, I'll have the Flaming Fist remove them. It'll takes weeks to get their
stench out of the building.

SharTeel hands Jhasso the burlap.

BARLOWE
Go directly to Scar through that door there, follow our markings on the wall to get out,
and give him this. Let him know we will be gathering more information, and shall see
him soon.

JHASSO
As you wish, please know that I will leave a reward of my own with Scar to give to you.

Camera pulls back, and fades out to black. Camera cuts to EXT of Seven Suns
compound, and follows the party from there to the Flaming Fist compound. Camera cuts
to INT of Flaming Fist compound, and to Scar's office.
SCAR
Here is the gold I promised as wages, and an additional 1,000 from Jhasso for his rescue.
I have a contingent checking the remaining members of the Seven Suns to weed out any
remaining dopplegangers. However, the information you've provided shows no clear-cut
connection with the Iron Throne. Do you wish to pursue any other investigations as I
have a few, which are as yet unsolved?

BARLOWE
No... no thank you. We wish to find out more regarding the Iron Throne if at all possible
as they've made attempts at my life. I want to know why, and bring these events to an
end.

SCAR
Very well, I will arrange for an audience with Duke Eltan at his earliest convenience.
Until then, enjoy the novelty and grandeur that is Baldur's Gate.

Camera fades with musical piece playing in background thru time lapses of the party
mingling with people outside the Flaming Fist compound, moving around the temple of
Umberlee with her priestess making daily offering, and being approached by a Flaming
Fist mercenary of whom they follow towards the west of the city. (Tiax can be heard
ranting in the background)

Camera cuts to an office of some grandeur, but efficiently arranged. The door opens with
Scar showing in the party. The Duke rises from his desk, and greets the party.

DUKE ELTAN
I am Duke Eltan, and command the forces, which protect Baldur's Gate. Scar has
informed me of your actions on our behalf, and suspicions of the Iron Throne. I do not
share your dislike of the Iron Throne, but the activities of recent time demands indiscreet
intelligence gathering to allow me action.

BARLOWE
Of what activities do you refer to, Duke Eltan?

DUKE ELTAN
Entar Silvershield has passed away in the course of the night. This afternoon, the Grand
Dukes made this public knowledge, and announced the availability of his post. We
received a single petition for it from Sarevok.

BARLOWE
Sarevok? He couldn't be serious.

DUKE ELTAN
Yes, he could. With the documents you provided Scar, I need more than his want of your
death to prevent him from ascending to such an influential post if he has designs against
the well being of the city. Hence, my need of your services to gather concrete evidence.
The door opens abruptly with a Flaming Fist messenger handing a note to Duke Eltan.
Eltan returns to his chair, and looks over the paper. He sets it upon his desk.

DUKE ELTAN
Tymora appears to favor you, Barlowe. This note comes from the entrance to the Gate.
It seems Reiltar & Sarevok are taking an entourage to Candlekeep on some business, and
plan to be gone for the week. This is an opportunity for you to infiltrate their
headquarters, and find the evidence needed. What says you, Barlowe?

BARLOWE
You have a deal for the same compensation as before.

DUKE ELTAN
Very well, return to me with any information, which you find.

Camera cuts to sweeping view of the Iron Throne tower circling it from top to bottom.
The party approaches the gates to the compound with Barlowe in the lead. All stop a few
paces from the gates except Barlowe, who continues to advance.

KHALID
B-b-barlowe, what are your plans?

JAHEIRA
Yes, Barlowe, do you plan to just stroll right in, and ask for their confessions?

Barlowe stops, and turns around to address the group.

BARLOWE
In the tomes of heroes and infidels, villains and saints, have you not seen a universal
flaw? (none reply) They assigned or labeled everything as being black or white in
essence. There was no consideration whatsoever for grey. As such, isn't the simplest act
to be what we are?

IMOEN
Chalk up another one for him. You plan to walk in, offer us as the adventurers of which
we are, and get accepted to replace the scum of whom we've cut down.

BARLOWE
Exactly, and turn this into a battle of words instead of steel. Do you approve, Jaheira?

JAHEIRA
Indeed, quite a novel plan you have. Onward then.
Camera sweeps overhead, and enters the tower with the party. Camera angles as the
party looks over the foyer in which the stand. The doors open revealing a distraught
merchant exiting a lobby area.

DEPARTING MERCHANT
If you must ask questions, do so quickly for I am leaving, and shall probably not return.

JAHEIRA
Pray what disturbs you so that you would abandon you position?

DEPARTING MERCHANT
Sarevok's acolytes, and new merchant brought into the Iron Throne's fold here. The
acolytes have setup for a diabolic event on the fifth floor I’m sure, and the new merchants
have these eerie ritual chants behind closed doors several times a day. Too secretive for
my liking regardless of what Sarevok says is Sembian practices. Good business tactics
attract and keep people. Sarevok's actions have nothing to do with good business. So, if
you don't mind, I'm out of here.

As the merchant exits the building, the party resumes their trek into the building. When
they near the center of the lobby an apparent guard approaches them.

LEVEL 1 GUARD
Hold it right there. Who are you, and where are you headed?

BARLOWE
We're new recruits. Received a message on Reiltar's departure that we should report
here.

LEVEL 1 GUARD
New recruits, huh? Well, the gods know we need some. Take that staircase to the third
floor, and seek the training captain. He will see to your induction.

BARLOWE
Thank you very much.

The party ascends the staircase to the next floor. They move from the staircase noting an
office at the end of the hall. A guard approaches them.

LEVEL 2 GUARD
Hold it right there. Who are you, and where are you headed?

BARLOWE
We're new recruits, and are suppose to see the person in the office there. Then, report to
the training captain on the third floor.

LEVEL 1 GUARD
Really? Who gave you that order?

BARLOWE
Sarevok did through the messenger he sent to the Mermaid Pub to fetch us for duty. A
queer fellow is he if you ask me to interrupt a good mug of ale.

LEVEL 1 GUARD
(chuckle) That may be, but I wouldn't say that too much around here. He might send his
acolytes upon you to dispense his temper, or worse put on his ghastly armor to exercise
on you himself.

The party continues to the office. As they enter it, a bookish fellow turns to address
them.

BOOKKEEPER
Emissary Tar?

IMOEN
Yes, I'm Emissary tar, and these are my escorts.

BOOKKEEPER
Please to meet you, Madame. I trust you found your way here equitably.

IMOEN
Yes, I did. Is there anything further you have for my 'meeting' with Reiltar?

BOOKKEEPER
Yes.. Yes, here are the documents as amended per your prior discussion. I must regret
that Reiltar cannot be present himself, but He & Sarevok have informed their associates
of their parameters. They await you on the fifth floor.

IMOEN
(shuffling thru papers) Hmmm, yes... yes. Do you have any further numbers on your
available iron, and time for deliveries?

BOOKKEEPER
Hmmm, (looks about desk) not here, but I'm sure I can get it for you. However, this
shouldn't delay your meeting.

IMOEN
No, it won't, but do trot off to get that to my offices. Would you?

BOOKKEEPER
Right away, ma'am.
After the bookkeeper leaves, they quickly look over the desk not finding anything
remarkable. They exit the office, gesture to the guard, and proceed to the third floor.

As the party enters the third floor, they watch an apparent guard walk away from a heavy
set women dressed in very stately apparel. She moves towards the party.

EMISSARY TAR
Well, I've never met so rude of a captain in my life. Can you tell me where Reiltar is?
I'm to meet with him at this unseemly time regarding the contracts being drafted between
the Grand Dukes and the Iron Throne.

BARLOWE
Excuse me, ma'am, but you are?

EMISSARY TAR
By the gods, save your curtseys. I am Emissary Tar. Please be so kind as to admit that
you don't know what's going on, or answer the question.

BARLOWE
Well, ma, uh, Emissary, I know Reiltar has left the city, and feel that you are in some
form of danger here.

JAHEIRA
Quite so, Emissary. It would be best if you simply left the building without identifying
yourself any further, and request the Dukes procure Reiltar to appear in person.

EMISSARY TAR
Is this true?

IMOEN
If you don't mind me suggesting, speak with Duke Eltan regarding Reiltar's departure
might be better for you.

EMISSARY TAR
Duke Eltan? I can do that easily enough. Thank you for saving me the time, and further
frustration. Good evening.

The party observes as Emissary Tar heads down the staircase. They turn, and head up the
staircase to the next floor. They observe a library room to one side, and a bar with a
variety of ales, meads, and ciders. A burly bartender occupies the room with a few
scattered patrons. The party continues to the next floor. They emerge to find 4 men with
differing types of armor, and a woman with her back to them resembling Emissary Tar.

GALDORN
Excuse me, but this is a private meeting. Who are you?
IMOEN
(stepping to one side) I am Emissary Tar, and these are my escorts.

GALDORN
That's absurd. This is Emissary Tar, and we were just finishing up business.

IMOEN
Really? Then, how can 'she' be concluding business without these? (holds up papers in
left hand)

EMISSARY TAR 2
(turns around to look at Imoen) How many Emissary Tar's did you want? One is enough.
Don't you think?

IMOEN
I couldn't agree more. (hurls a dagger with right hand into Emissary Tar 2's throat)

The emissary grasps the dagger in her throat, and pulls it out changing into a
doppleganger.

DOPPLEGANGER
(gasp) I'll (gasp) feast from (gasp) your skull, (gasp) primate.

Jaheira strikes the doppleganger with a sweeping blow knocking it to one side. Barlowe
engages (thief1) with sword and dagger. Khalid charges (fighter1) bashing him with his
shield, and proceeds with his sword from there. Viconia begins summoning an aerial
servant. Shar Teel charges to Galdorn. Imoen flings bullets at (assassin1)

The assassin hurls a vial at Viconia, which bursts upon her cloak dissolving gradually.
Viconia fails her spell, and quickly removes her cloak cursing the assassin as the acid
consumes it. Galdorn pauses his advance towards SharTeel.

GALDORN
A drow? You have a drow with you, and choose to oppose us?

VICONIA
My pact is with Barlowe, and a friend of his enemy is mine enemy as well.

The thief looks at Barlowe thru their crossed swords, and gloats.

THIEF
Really? Sarevok will pay me well for your head upon a pike.

BARLOWE
None have collected on that bounty, and by my will, none shall.
Barlowe's hands begin to glow an eerie purple as the fury rises in his eyes. Barlowe
punches the thief with the hand wielding a dagger. The thief recoils, and topples to the
floor screaming in agony.

THIEF
What devilry is this?! (moans in further pain) I feel my very soul has been sliced!

BARLOWE
Your pending end calls to you, thief. Meet what the after-life holds for you!

Barlowe drives his sword into the side of the thief, and presses him to the ground. Shar
Teel engages Galdorn with her axes. Viconia charges the assassin with her mace &
shield. Khalid's swings at the fighter driving him back from where they engaged.

Jaheira strikes at the neck wound of the doppleganger to keep it from shape shifting to
protect the wound. The doppleganger manages to grasp her quarterstaff with both its
hands. They engage in a tug of war over it. Suddenly, the doppleganger slams the staff
downward as it raises its knee breaking the staff, and knocking Jaheira backwards to the
floor. Jaheira rolls over springing to her feet. She reaches behind her revealing her pair
of scimitars with the blades extending the length of her arms.

Jaheira resumes her attack upon the doppleganger as it uses the pieces of her staff in
return. After several rapid exchanges of swings, Jaheira makes a spinning move cutting
the doppleganger deep acrosst its mid-section causing it to recoil in pain. As she comes
round again, she slices off one hand, and a third spin removes the creatures head with
both scimitars

Khalid makes several exchanges with the fighter, who manages to topple Khalid against
the wall. As the fighter prepares to bury his two-handed sword into Khalid, Barlowe
hurls his dagger to the hilt in the back of the fighter’s neck. Imoen and Viconia swap
making hits upon the assassin until Viconia severely bashes his skull open with her mace.
Shar Teel knocks the helm from off Galdorn's head, and then lodges her axes within his
shield striping him of it. Galdorn topples Shar Teel by knocking her leg from under her
with his mace. As he prepares to bash her elsewhere, Shar Teel buries her good knee into
his mid-section, grabs his plate mail slinging him over her, and cuts his throat deep with
the spikes of her bracers as she rolls atop him.

Viconia attends to the injury of Shar Teel's leg while Jaheira tends to Khalid's. The rest
check thru the desks, and tables for a few moments.

BARLOWE
Well, the only thing besides doppleganger incursion is Reiltar is very elusive with his
paperwork.

VICONIA
This but adds to the situation. Without a proper cloak, I cannot conceal myself to walk
amongst the surfacers here. It will surely cause some unrest.

BARLOWE
It may, but we haven't much time. We shall proceed to Duke Eltan's, and inform him of
what we have found. (approaches Viconia handing her a vial) Here this is a potion of
invisibility from that thief there. If something does occur out there, round any corner,
and drink it.

VICONIA
Why are you giving this to me?

BARLOWE
As I've implied before, you've proven yourself a being of your word even though we've
only come to know each other slightly better than passing strangers. Thus, I give you a
tool to do what you must, when you must.

VICONIA
(accepting the vial) Very well, jhuluk.

BARLOWE
Okay, let's return to the Duke, and inform him of what we found.

Camera cuts to EXT of the Iron Throne tower. As the party exits the tower, by-standers
move away from them pointing at Viconia. Whispers begin echoing carrying the words
drow, and dark elf. As the group moves away from the compound, a shout rings out
clearly.

ADVENTURER IN CROWD
Kivan! Kivan, come quickly! That she-devil is here!!

Barlowe starts to pull his sword, but is stopped by Jaheira.

JAHEIRA
No, Barlowe, we're in Baldur's Gate. Let the Flaming Fist handle them.

Barlowe looks for Viconia, and finds her gone. He returns his sword to its sheath. He
has an exchange of words with Kivan of a heated nature until the Flaming Fist arrives.
The crowd is broken up, and the party escorted away.

Camera cuts to INT at Duke Eltan's desk where he is reading the paperwork brought to
him by the party. He sets the paperwork down.

DUKE ELTAN
Well, Reiltar is a very shrewd and secretive businessman. It would seem that we will
have to pursue him to Candlekeep, and bring him back regarding the doppleganger
impersonating Emissary Tar. (Eltan pulls a piece of parchment out, writes down
directions, and places his signet upon it) Take this with you to Candlekeep. Try to get the
information from him discreetly. Else wise serve him with this to return here, and answer
to me.

BARLOWE
And the donation to the Keeper of the Portal?

DUKE ELTAN
(walks out of the room and returns) Here is a book from my private collection. This will
satisfy the Keeper. Scar will take you to the docks, and place you upon a boat to get you
swiftly to Candlekeep's shores.

Camera cuts to EXT of Flaming Fist headquarters. The party exits with Scar, and makes
their way towards the docks. The sound of gushing and splashing water is heard for a
few moments. The group stops to survey the boat, and hear a familiar voice.

MINSC
Come now, Boo. Harrowing escapes even in water make for exciting adventure. (pause)
But, the time it takes for your fur to dry lends thought to share the tale with new
comrades. (pause) Right, Boo, that's the spirit!

IMOEN
Minsc? Is that you, Minsc?!

There is a semi-gracious, and warm reunion of Minsc & Dynaheir to the party. The party
boards the ship, and set sail with Scar waving to them from the pier. Camera pulls back
behind Scar revealing two cloaked figures advancing upon him. Camera angles showing
Scar being stabbed from either side, and drug off the pier into an alley nearby. Camera
cuts to oceanside view of Baldur's Gate from the ship. Time-lapse views of the country
side as seen from the ocean down to an anchoring point in sight of Candlekeep.

The party gathers at the side of the ship near the boats to ferry them to the shore. The
captain approaches them.

CAPTAIN
It's been a pleasure carrying on this quick stop near Candlekeep. Mind your time once
you reach the shore. It will soon be nightfall.

BARLOWE
Thank you, captain. This is a homecoming of mixed feelings, and purposes.

Time-lapse shows two boats carry the party from the ship to the shore. The party
disembarks, and watches as the boats begin their return to the ship. Jaheira notes the
position of the sun.
JAHEIRA
Barlowe, we have a few scant hours before sunset.

BARLOWE
Yes, let's make for the keep, and rest at the inn. We can find Reiltar in the morn.

IMOEN
Wait, what about... Oh yeah, I forgot.

BARLOWE
Yes, Gorion's room would only accommodate two, if the monks left it unoccupied.

KHALID
(clearing cough) Well, I'm sure J-Jaheira and I don't mind staying at the inn.

JAHEIRA
Yes, we wish to show proper respect to our friend, and mentor.

The party moves into the forest, and begin their climb to the summit. Camera slowly
zooms to eye level of the keep with time fading to dusk. The party enters the clearing
before the keep, and is met by the Keeper of the Portal.

KEEPER OF THE PORTAL

Ho, there travelers... you must have with you a tome of great rarity or value as penance to
enter these walls. Why, is that Imoen? And Barlowe?

Imoen runs up to the Keeper, and gives him a hug.

IMOEN
How've you been? Did Windthrop throw a tizzy when he realized I had left the keep?

KEEPER OF THE PORTAL

Aye, that he did. You know he never wants to loose his audience of his tales of grandeur.
However, our rules are very strict, and I cannot permit your group in without the proper
penance.

BARLOWE
T'is not a problem, Keeper. ( hands him the tome from Duke Eltan)

The keeper inspects the book, and casts a dweomer on it. He has an expression of proper
acknowledgement.

KEEPER OF THE PORTAL

Yes, this is a well-kept, and valuable book, Barlowe. (holds the book before the gates,
and begins speaking in Elvish) Oghma, hear my voice, accept this tome within your
library, and grant entry to these friends come home.
The book disappears in a flash, and wisp of smoke. Then, the gate can be heard
arthritically lowering to permit entry. The party moves into the keep. Camera sweeps
over the walls of Candlekeep, and swings 'round the library to the inn as night settles in.
Camera cuts to Imoen telling Windthrop the adventures she and Barlowe have
experienced in their absence. Barlowe sits near the fireplace staring off into the flames.
The remainder is helping themselves to a meal. Camera angles to the flames where faces
can be dimly seen within of those who've died during Barlowe's quest. They begin
mouthing words. As Barlowe begins to hear the faint chanting, he is snatched from the
experience.

IMOEN
Hey you, bedroom is that way.

BARLOWE
(somewhat groggy) Oh, right... I knew that. How's Windthrop?

IMOEN
He's okay, glad that I didn't let me friend down, and try to go it all alone. Even got some
news from him. Sarevok didn't enter the keep with Reiltar the other day.

BARLOWE
Damn it. He's got to be the key to all of this. But, where is he?

IMOEN
T'is something most unnatural here still. You know how the monks are strictly tea
toaddlers?

BARLOWE
Yeah, so?

IMOEN
Windthrop told me, a couple of ‘em have come in ordering ales and meads. They've been
puttin' 'em away like gladiators in a death match.

BARLOWE
Really? Shapeshifters?

IMOEN
Seems like it.

BARLOWE
Just great... we'll look into that first come morning, and find Reiltar later. If Sarevok has
been replaced by a doppleganger, this shifts suspicion a little, but leaves many questions
falling out of the change purse.
IMOEN
I've done had a'nuff of this for today. Let's get some sleep.

Camera cuts to downward view of Barlowe laying in a fetal position under blankets.
Camera spiral zooms down to him with a mist enveloping him. Barlowe is approaching
the library courtyard. Camera zooms into his face. Barlowe's face fades to the visage of a
boy of a few seasons in age. A young boy hurrying to keep step with Gorion, who walks
briskly thru the library's courtyard, where Ulraunt awaits him. Young Barlowe sits at the
edge of the fountain, and plays with making ripples in the water. The yelling of a fierce
debate can be heard as if the door were wide open. A great black raven swoops over the
top of Barlowe, and perches on the wall to peer down at him. Barlowe looks at the bird
noticing the 'skeletal' claws of the bird. As young Barlowe makes eye contact with the
bird, he is suddenly frightened, and can only look at the bird through its reflection.

Ulraunt storms out of the door quite red in the face, and stops to look at young Barlowe.
Ulraunt yells back at Gorion,

ULRAUNT
"Very well, both of you can stay! But, mark my words that boy will be the death of
you!"

Ulraunt continues off. Gorion steps out as the ghost of which he has now become.
Barlowe looks at his hands, and sees he is returned to normal. When he looks back into
the waters of the fountain, he sees himself with the same black eyes as the raven. The
image mocks him,

BHAAL ESSENCE
"Like father, like child".

A great rumbling can be heard. Then, a massive wave of red comes over the walls of
Candlekeep. A wild, uncontrollable monstrosity of blood becomes this wave sweeping
all through the keep. Barlowe runs for the opposite side of the keep leaping obstacles
trying to keep from being smashed beneath it. Barlowe grabs a large shield, scales a
fence, leaps to the wall, launches back on top of the wave. As Barlowe lands upon the
shield, the wave seems not so much of a single entity, but a collage of eddys, whirlpools,
and tides. Barlowe begins to navigate atop the wave with the shield. He appears to begin
surfing on the shield when a curling wave bashes him off the shield as if angered by his
enjoyment of the encounter. He awakens exhilarated.

Camera shows EXT of the inn. The party exits with Barlowe in the lead heading towards
the library. Upon entering the courtyard, Barlowe pauses at the fountain, which he
recalls from his dream, and continues on. Camera sweeps along the courtyard following
the party to the doorway in. Camera swoops over the party into the library swinging
around the statue of Alaundo, which greets all who enter, and pans back behind a glass &
wood case holding the scrollwork of his first prophecies. As the party advance inward,
they are approached by a person in dark robes with symbols of Ohgma decorating the
front.

COORDINATOR FIRST FLOOR

Well, bless my eyes. Barlowe, it has been an age since you've entered these doors
willingly. Plus, you’ve been quite the pragmatist squelching the troubles in the Nashkel
mines.

BARLOWE
You've heard?

COORDINATOR FIRST FLOOR

Of course we heard, it may take some time, but news makes it way here if you keep your
ear open.

BARLOWE
Well, (awkward pause) I guess so. But to the matter at hand, have you noticed anything
weird going on the past few days? Have you met a man named, Reiltar?

COORDINATOR FIRST FLOOR

Reiltar? Yes, I met him the other day. He's quite influential, but I hardly call him a
merchant the way he was dressed. However, he has been having meetings with other
unmerchant-like fellows since he's been here. Yet, that would garner being weird.

BARLOWE
Are you certain?

COORDINATOR FIRST FLOOR

Hmmm, let me think. (pause) Well, come to think of it. There is the sage, Koveras, who
happened to arrive later the same day as Reiltar. He came in here this morning while I
was putting away some tomes left at the reading tables. I heard him saying the
prophecies of Alaundo. I didn't think it odd until a caught a glimpse of him between
returning tomes to the shelves. He was holding an unopened book, and reciting the
words with his eyes closed. His voice reached the end of the prophecy, and stopped. I
turned around to find him gone. Yes, quite odd indeed.

BARLOWE
Did he leave the building?

COORDINATOR FIRST FLOOR

No, I don't recall hearing the doors open again until you arrived.

BARLOWE
Get the Gatewarden, quickly. There is trouble afoot, and sinister deeds to come.

COORDINATOR FIRST FLOOR

Very well, as you wish.

The party moves thru the first floor of the library looking for someone who isn't part of
the cloister. As they & turn towards the staircase, three men in military apparel storm
down the stairs.

SEMBIAN GENERAL
Damned, Reiltar. Negotiates with us as gruffly as he can for two days, and disappears
out of the blue. We'll waste no further time here.

The three exit the building. The party heads up the stairs, and begin searching the second
floor. Barlowe is approached by a hulking figure of a man dressed in the garb of a priest.

KOVERAS
Hmmm, are you the foster child of Gorion?

BARLOWE
Rightly, that's none of your damned business.

KOVERAS
Pardon me, but I meant no offense. I am Koveras, a sage from the east. I merely wish to
return his property to you. The monks have told me of his passing. I tallied here to see if
you would return. (holds out a handsome ring for Barlowe to take)

BARLOWE
You have yet to earn any consideration from me, Koveras. Since the monks knew
Gorion well, bequeath it to one of them to give it to his heir.

KOVERAS
True, but one of them pointed you out for me. I wished to give it to you in person, but if
you refuse, I will do as you say.

Koveras turns to leave Barlowe, but is given pause.

BARLOWE
Why are you in Candlekeep besides being messenger boy for a ring?

KOVERAS
(with his back to Barlowe still) Research. This library holds all of Alaundo's prophecies.
I was comparing them with documents of my own clergy concerning certain issues. If
you are no binding to Gorion, I must tend my business elsewhere.

Barlowe looks around the room, and spots Jessup at the far end of the room. Barlowe
approaches him.

BARLOWE
Jessup, did you tell Koveras who I was?

JESSUP
Koveras, who? I was sitting here minding my business. Oh, I wish the day would pass
more quickly.

BARLOWE
(pensive) You didn't talk to that guy in the robes, who just walked out of here?

JESSUP
T'was oblivious to me. Is there anything I can help you with?

BARLOWE
(canny look in his eye) Dying to have a mug of ale, Jessup? Which is your favorite?

JESSUP
Ohhhh, I like the dwarven ale. It goes down quick, and keeps the tummy warm.
(snicker)

Barlowe deftly pulls out a dagger, and raises it to Jessup's throat.

BARLOWE
Enough games, who... what are you, shapeshifter?

Jessup looks squarely at Barlowe, and grins. In a flash, squid-like appendages erupt from
Jessup's face knocking Barlowe to the floor, and rendering him a bit dizzy. Jessup stands
up, and begins to change shape. It becomes Barlowe in appearance.

JESSUP
I am doppleganger. I mirror whatever I wish, whatever I need, whenever I want, or need
to. A curse to some, but a handy gift to me. (changes shape back to Jessup) But, I don't
need to be you just yet. Master has plans for you. (giggle)

IMOEN
You just gotta love sideshow freaks. (fires an arrow between Jessup's eyes)

Jessup falls to the floor, changes back into a doppleganger, and spits out its last words.

DOPPLEGANGER
(sluggish) What to do now, pri-i-mate?

Barlowe returns to his feet, and stands over the doppleganger's body. He looks to Imoen.

BARLOWE
Timely shot, Immy.
As Imoen nods, the Gatewarden enters the room with guards at his side. He addresses
Barlowe and Imoen both.

GATEWARDEN
Your party is under arrest for murder most foul.

BARLOWE
You must be kidding. We killed a creature, which has replaced Jessup, and have no clue
whether the real Jessup is alive or dead.

GATEWARDEN
(observing the doppleganger body) Be that as it may, I am charging you with the murder
of Reiltar, and his escorts. Three men foully murdered. This ring was found at the scene
in the clutch of Reiltar, himself. Word has spread quickly of your efforts against the Iron
Throne. Please come quietly. Do not disgrace yourself further in Gorion's memory.

BARLOWE
What proof do you have in that ring?

GATEWARDEN
Did Gorion take his earthly belongings with him the day you left save the mass of tomes,
and furniture, which still resides in your old rooms? Did you not bury him in the forest,
and keep his items of worth with you? The ring bears his emblem on its inset along with
that of this keep as his efforts succeeded in the founding of this keep. This ring is known
well to the elders of this keep. Now, come quietly. You will have the chance to defend
yourself before Ulraunt.

BARLOWE
It seems we have no other choice.

Camera fades to black. The sounds of an iron door opening, closing, and being locked
echo profoundly. Camera fades to wide view of the iron cells of Candlekeep. The party
members pace, fidget, and sit as is their want. A door is heading opening, and footsteps
approach. Ulraunt enters with quite the scowl upon his face.

ULRAUNT
I warned Gorion these events would happen, and now you bring disgrace to his memory
for faulting to such a cruel, and vicious. Therefore, I have summarily found you guilty of
the crime, and will have you taken to Baldur's Gate for sentencing. May Oghma, and the
gods of light have mercy on your soul.

BARLOWE
Now, wait just a damn minute...

Ulraunt ignores Barlowe, and storms out of the area. An exchange of words is heard in
the outer room. A door is heard opening, and after a long pause, closed again. The door
to the area opens again, and Tethtoril enters. He moves cautiously, and a bit on the edgy
side with his hand movement.

BARLOWE
Tethtoril, I am glad to see you. What...

TETHTORIL
Yes, be still child. We do not have much time. I've looked through the documents in
your possession, and do not believe you committed this crime. Gorion was very fond of
you, and would have given his life readily to protect you.

BARLOWE
And, what do you mean to do about it?

TETHTORIL
I have gathered your equipment into this bag of holding, procured hooded cloaks for you
all, and will free you from this cage momentarily.

IMOEN
Most excellent!

BARLOWE
Do you know where Koveras lives in the east, Tethtoril? Finding him is the only way to
clear our names.

TETHTORIL
I know of no Koveras, but from your notes, it is Sarevok spelled backwards.

The party looks on in stunned silence. Tethtoril hands Barlowe the bag of holding, and
moves to one side of the room away from the entryway.

TETHTORIL
I will teleport you to the catacomb entrance beneath the keep. Mind that you do not
disturb anything for it would be a dire end indeed.

JAHEIRA
If you can teleport us, why not beyond the walls?

TETHTORIL
As only priests and mages trained within these walls are taught this, I must acknowledge
the protections, which are in place here. When Alaundo died, the gods of light were
petitioned by the Lore masters of Oghma, bards, and mages dedicated to knowledge for a
way to protect this library, and... Tomb of Alaundo. The protections of this place would
tear apart any trying to portal into, or out of this place. No, the catacombs are your only
exit of this place. Prepare yourselves.
Tethtoril makes grand gestures with his hands, and begins his casting. The party
disappears in a flash from their cells, and appears at a librarian's desk with bookshelves
lining two of the walls. Doors dominate the other walls here with a large, wrought iron
key hanging next to one. Barlowe tries the key within the door unlocking it, and
confirming the path into the catacombs. Time-lapse follows the party thru the crypt of
Alaundo to a cavernous area dominated by a canal of water leading away from the crypt.
As the party follows the canal, they come upon three men in varying types of armor with
no insignias of distinct.

Barlowe signals for everyone to move normally. The men then notice their approach, and
seem happy to see them. One addresses them before they get near them.

DIARMID
Hey, good to see you blokes. It's about damn time. Now, we can get out of this damp
place.

BARLOWE
How so?

DIARMID
Sarevok sent us here to let you know not to wait for him here, and to travel on to Baldur's
Gate. Barlowe wouldn't allow himself to be goaded into wearing a cursed ring. So,
Sarevok had shapeshifters impersonate him and his group leaving behind a particular ring
Sarevok obtained elsewhere. With Barlowe about to be executed for the murders of
Reiltar, Brunos, and Thaladorn, Sarevok can take over Baldur's Gate as well. Can we go
now, Prat?

BARLOWE
Thanks, but my name isn't Prat.

GORDOLAN
Did he say, his name "isn't" Prat?

DIARMID
By the Nine Hells, run guys!! If Sarevok finds out, we'll wish we'd never been born!
Run!

Jaheira places her hand on Barlowe's shoulder as to give him a moment of pause.

JAHEIRA
Sarevok really puts a scare into his followers. Doesn't he?

BARLOWE
(crosses his arms with a small chuckle) Yeah, that he does, but I have yet to hear why he
does that.
IMOEN
Come on, Barlowe. By now, haven't you figured out the difference between having a
cynical streak, and a cruel streak the size of Baldur's Gate?

BARLOWE
Okay, Imoen, I get the point. Just don't start on a lesser of two evils binge. Okay?

IMOEN
Gotcha.

Camera sweeps into the cavern ceiling thru earth to overlooking the trees to Baldur's
Gate. Camera swings down to the shoreline just south of the Gate. The party is talking
to a fisherman, and his child. They continue up the shoreline a little farther, and
Dynaheir casts the spells for her dimensional portal into Baldur's Gate. Camera cuts to
the party being assembled in the basement area of the Seven Suns coster.

JAHEIRA
So, do we go upstairs, and speak with Jhasso? Or do we try to sneak around the town
with hoods pulled forward?

BARLOWE
Well, the hood thing worked fine with one person, but not seven. They'd think us stage
actors, and want a mini-performance. No, we'll talk to Jhasso, and decide what to do
from there.

Camera cuts to Jhasso's office. Barlowe, Imoen, and Jaheira stand before a large wood
desk with Jhasso's chair back facing them. After a few moments, Jhasso turns around.

JHASSO
As you've given me no reason not to trust you, I have to bring you some bad news from
your week's departure. Scar was murdered shortly after you departed. Duke Eltan began
an immediate investigation, and fell ill soon after. It appears according to his physician,
Rashad, he has the same affliction as Entar did. If it were a natural ailment, I fear it will
impact the entire city drastically with such a long time to symptoms appearing. However,
both of them being poisoned is a different matter altogether.

BARLOWE
From what you said, Sarevok has been working his plans for several months to a year. I
can see why he didn't enter Candlekeep sooner because Gorion would have spotted his
dopplegangers from his age of adventure.

JHASSO
Even so, another man has been appointed in Scar's place since Eltan has fallen ill.
Angelo is his name, and word has it curries Sarevok's favor. This will make the Flaming
Fist unreceptive to your efforts.
JAHEIRA
However, with the Gatewarden aware of the shapeshifters now, there will be no more
substitutions occurring there, and the Flaming Fist has cleared the costers while Scar
lived.

IMOEN
Shouldn't we rescue Duke Eltan, or at least see if he is truly ill?

BARLOWE
Yes, it appears we'll have to do exactly that, Immy.

JHASSO
Well, all I can suggest is searching Sarevok's new residence in the Iron Throne tower. If
he is truly working these designs from months to years, he must have personal notations
of it, and now would be the time to move them to his point of power until succeeding in
becoming a Grand Duke.

BARLOWE
Well, we'll lie low until nightfall when we can be less conspicuous.

Camera pans thru to outside the window of Jhasso's office noting the position of the sun.
Camera swings to looking down on the city, and slowly zooms unto the Iron Throne
tower with nightfall coming at equal pace. Camera finds each party member standing at
different points of the block about the front of the tower. The doors of the tower are
flung open by a figure. The voices echo loudly as the screaming of two women over the
fate of Sarevok continues.

CYNTHANDRIA
Mark my words, Tamoka!! If you interfere with Sarevok, I will personally offer your
heart up as sacrifice to him. Do you hear me?!

Tamoka spins on a heel, and fires an arrow into the door level with Cynthandria's head.

TAMOKA
Woman, you know nothing about him beyond your avarice for power. Next time, I may
use a spell, or a crafted arrow. BUT, IT WON'T MISS!

Tamoka walks away from the tower gates. Barlowe hand signals Imoen, and Jaheira to
follow her. Barlowe gathers the others, and check the sewers below the Iron Throne
tower. Camera fades off into light of a full moon, and dissolves into a darker side of
Baldur's Gate with Tamoka standing before the party. Tamoka begins to pace before
them as she talks.

TAMOKA
As I told your two... friends, I was with Sarevok the night he killed Gorion, but he is
caught up in some madness. I know that he loves me, but he has a hunger now urging
him on. He is completely swept up in it that he would call the people of Baldur's Gate, or
any who would follow him to a blood bath of a war.

BARLOWE
Well, let's start from the beginning, and have it as a summation because we don't have
much time.

TAMOKA
A summary then, Sarevok wishes to install himself as a new deity claiming the title, Lord
of Murder. Everything, and everyone is a pawn to him now even I his first love. I have
heeded his wishes in my love for him.

Shar Teel
Wait a minute, you mean, he claims to be a Child of Bhaal?

TAMOKA
Yes... quite so. He put a lot of time into researching the prophecies, and has displayed
several terrifying talents. Yet, I know the man I love is still within him buried in this
bloodlust. If you can vanquish whatever has a hold of him, I beg you to return him to me
alive.

DYNAHEIR
I feel thoust pain, but what if yon love is lost to the beast within him?

JAHEIRA
Yes, what if our only choice is to kill him? Then, what?

Tamoka stops pacing, and looks away from the group for a few moments. She turns, and
addresses them.

TAMOKA
Then, you must do what is best for Baldur's Gate, but I sincerely ask that you try.

BARLOWE
I will not swear to our actions, but I can say we will make the effort to save Sarevok.
Otherwise, his fate will be sealed by the actions he takes for our reaction cannot falter.

TAMOKA
Very well, I will tell you what I can.

The eight of them gather to listen to Tamoka. After a few moments, they break their
encirclement.

BARLOWE
Dynaheir, do you have an invisibility spell, which could conceal 3 or 4 people.
DYNAHEIR
Probably, but for what purpose.

BARLOWE
I need you, Minsc, and Shar Teel to enter the Flaming Fist compound, and check on
Duke Eltan . If he is being poisoned, I'll wager the doctor is a shapeshifter. In which
case, we need him out of there to revive, and regain his strength thwarting the need for
Sarevok to fill a position until proper time. We don't have much lite left. Here's the bag
of holding. It should hold him making it easier to escape with him. Just remember not to
tie the bag close to allow for him to breath in there.

JAHEIRA
What about the rest of us?

BARLOWE
We're going to take on Tamoka's lesser at the Iron Throne tower, and see if Sarevok
chronicled his actions. We'll meet back in the sewers near the Iron Throne.

TAMOKA
What of me, Barlowe?

BARLOWE
Hmmm, well, could you create a distraction near the Flaming Fist compound to bring
some of the guards out?

TAMOKA
(pauses a moment) Yes, I believe I could. I could get Tiax riled up over Duke Eltan, and
let the guards restrain him. He'll put up quite a commotion when the first guards engage
him. This will give them some time to act.

BARLOWE
Very well, then, we're off. Good luck to us all.

They concur on the well wishing, and proceed on their journeys through the dark
shadows of Baldur's Gate. Musical piece begins enhancing the scenes alternating
between what is happening in the Iron Throne and the Flaming Fist compound.

SCENE 1- Barlowe's group strolls into the Iron Throne claiming to be Diamird.

SCENE 2- Tamoka speaks with Tiax telling him his rule is being challenged by Duke
Eltan in the Flaming Fist compound.

SCENE 3- Barlowe's group makes it unchallenged to the fourth floor. Barlowe has
words with the bartender, and procures a drink for the group.
SCENE 4- Flaming Fist guards at the doors to their compound are confronted by Tiax.
He shouts that he is the new Grand Duke wishing to inspect his seat of power within.

SCENE 5- Barlowe's group makes their way to the fifth floor, and hears a voice from a
hallway before them.

SCENE 6- Additional mercenaries come out of the compound leaving the doors wide
open. As the mercenaries clear the door, it soon closes upon its own apparent power.

SCENE 7- Two ogres emerge from the hallway in puffs of smoke advancing to attack
Barlowe, Imoen, Jaheira, and Khalid.

The music reaches a credenza, and drops out with Dynaheir, Minsc, and Shar Teel noting
their invisibility is wearing off in the staircase to Duke Eltan's Floor. They pause for a
moment.

MINSC
Hmmm, yes, Boo, I will ask. Now, what do we do, Dynaheir?

SHAR TEEL
Well, Duke Eltan is sick as far as the city knows. So, play physician from Rasheman,
and bluff the guard into leaving.

DYNAHEIR
Truly? Thou would have me deceive the guard?

SHAR TEEL
Hey, Imoen did worse, but it's for the better cause in the end. Right?

DYNAHEIR
Very well...

They continue onto the floor, and address the guard.

DYNAHEIR
I am here to speak with thy Duke, and his physician.

FLAMING FIST GUARD

Really, uhm, are you another physician?

DYNAHEIR
(a little fidgety) Yes, I am from Rasheman, and wish to aid thy Duke if possible.

FLAMING FIST GUARD

Well, his physician has been with him since yesterday, but I haven't heard him do
anything beyond giving him water. Rashad gives me the creeps in the worst way.
SHAR TEEL
How so?

FLAMING FIST GUARD

It feels like he's trying to watch me more than anything else, and tries to hide his stares
from me. It led me to closing the door here.

DYNAHEIR
Dost thou feel threatened by him? Is there nothing thou can do regarding him?

FLAMING FIST GUARD

All I can do is desert my post, and return home to my family.

SHAR TEEL
Then, why don't you head to your bunk, and take a few days off. We'll have our talk with
Rashad. If at all possible, Duke Eltan can speak with you himself in a few days.

FLAMING FIST GUARD

You think I should?

MINSC
Well, if you cannot muster your bravery to bring steel on steel, yes. A warrior cannot
battle without his heart in defending his charge. Right, Boo?

FLAMING FIST GUARD

Very well, I shall. Please do help Duke Eltan. Angelo does not inspire us as Scar did.

DYNAHEIR
We shall give our best efforts.

As the guard walks down the staircase, camera fades to the fifth floor of the Iron Throne
tower. Two ogres are advancing to attack the group with spiked clubs.

Jaheira and Khalid move to one side of the floor. Barlowe and Imoen move to the other.
Jaheira and Khalid exchange attacking the ogre with deflecting the ogre's swing slowly
cutting away at him with scimitar and long sword. Barlowe takes a parrying position
blocking the spiked club downward while jabbing the ogre with his dagger. Imoen fires
arrows at the beast. Cynthandria incites the ogres as though she was standing by them,
but cannot be seen.

CYNTHANDRIA
Come now, (ogre 1 name), and (ogre 2 name)! You're servants of the great Sarevok!
You know how he rewards failure! Kill them! Kill them all!
Ogre 2 makes a fierce backhand swing driving spikes through Khalid's shield into the
arm. Khalid lets out a terrifying scream. Jaheira reacts quickly.

JAHEIRA
My Khalid!! Die you foul beast! (drives both scimitars into the ogres exposed neck)

A sling bullet forcing her to roll away from the ogre, and Khalid, who tries to remove his
arm from the spikes, strikes Jaheira. As Jaheira regains her feet, she casts a spell purging
invisibility around her in Elvish, revealing Cynthandria, and allowing Jaheira to take the
fight to her. Camera cuts to Duke Eltan's room where Rashad adds a silvery powder to a
glass of water, and takes it to Duke Eltan. Dynaheir and Minsc open the door farthest
from the bed.

DYNAHEIR
Good evening, Rashad, I believe it is.

RASHAD
(setting glass down) It is, and you are?

DYNAHEIR
I am Dynaheir from Rasheman, and was queried by the other Grand Dukes to join thine
efforts in aiding Duke Eltan to good health.

RASHAD
Why was I not informed before your arrival, my dear?

DYNAHEIR
Time of course my dear, physician, is why. Healing requires due haste, and proper steps.

RASHAD
I do not need your assistance in this.

DYNAHEIR
Why not? What of thy oaths to Grumbar and Lathandar to care for the sick? Dost thy
words mean nothing if not to allow me to try where thoust have failed?

RASHAD
No, primate, I've made no such oath. (begins change into a doppleganger)

DYNAHEIR
Now, Shar Teel!

Shar Teel kicks open the door nearest the bed, and buries both her axes into the neck of
the doppleganger. The creature remains standing, but is in considerable pain. It hurls
Shar Teel to the other side of the room, and placates removing the axes. Minsc buries his
two-handed into its skull splitting the skull a little. Before the doppleganger can recover
from the latest pains, Minsc moves the creature sideways with leverage of the sword, and
throws the creature thru the doorway freeing the axes. Minsc quickly scoops up the axes,
and finishes off the skull of the creature into bloody pieces upon the floor. Shar Teel is
slow to rise, and appears to have re-injured her leg with blood making its path clear. She
tears a strip of cloth from a curtain to bandage it. Dynaheir approaches Duke Eltan.

DUKE ELTAN
(heavy, difficult breathing) Who are you? (gasp) Whom do you serve?

DYNAHEIR
I am Dynaheir of Rasheman, and share duties with Barlowe of Candlekeep.

DUKE ELTAN
Barlowe? (gasp) By Tymora, (gasp) he is an unstoppable (gasp) adventurer. (deep
breathes) You must (gasp) get me (gasp) out of here (gasp) before Angelo returns. (gasp)
He will finish (gasp) that creature’s efforts (gasp) as sure as the sun (gasp) rises.

DYNAHEIR
Where can we take thee my lord?

DUKE ELTAN
The Harbor (gasp) master's office... (deep breath) He is (gasp) my friend (gasp) and will
(gasp) spirit me (gasp) to a place (gasp) of safekeeping. (deep breath)

DYNAHEIR
Minsc, come take care of the Duke.

Dynaheir looks into her pouches, and gathers the items she needs for the invisibility
spells. Yet, she comes to a dreadful realization.

DYNAHEIR
No, this cannot be.

SHAR TEEL
What's wrong?

DYNAHEIR
I have only enough components to cast the spell two more times.

They look at Minsc, who has finished placing Eltan within the bag of holding, and ties it
around his neck resulting in a deep rasping breath being heard.

MINSC
Yes, Boo, it is warm and tickly. Move to the other side, and hold on for the ride.

SHAR TEEL
(shakes her head laughing) You agreed to him protecting you?

DYNAHEIR
(smiles) Yes, and he has been true to keeping mine safety.

SHAR TEEL
Then, cast the spells on the two of you. I will create your diversion.

Minsc approaches Shar Teel to return her axes. She motions for him to keep them, and
removes his sword from his back.

SHAR TEEL
Consider them a gift, Minsc. I wish you to bury those axes into Sarevok as you did that
creature, and I will use your sword to clear the way to save the Duke.

Shar Teel begins swinging the sword in the lobby way near the staircase. She makes short
thrusts, swings with two hands swirling her body in a circle, and makes a few more
gestures with one hand. As she brings her routine to an end, she favors her injured leg a
little, and develops a wicked grin upon her face.

SHAR TEEL
I like your sword, Minsc. A bastard sword feels right to wade into a room full of ignorant
bastards following Angelo blindly.

Before Dynaheir or Minsc can say a word, Shar Teel heads down the staircase. Camera
cuts to the room below where two mercenaries hold Tiax with his hands chained behind
his back kicking in the air before Angelo. Angelo has his back to the staircase as he
muses over what to do with Tiax

ANGELO
Yes, you are quite the fury, gnome, and might make for a pleasant distraction in Amn.

TIAX
My name is Tiax, and Tiax rules over all he sees!! Even you, woman!

Angelo turns to see Shar Teel standing at the bottom of the staircase. She has the sword
resting on its tip with both her hands resting upon the pommel's end. She has a laughing
sneer on her face as Angelo responds to her presence.

ANGELO
Who are you, and how did you arrive so deep into my headquarters as to be a new face
before me?

SHAR TEEL
(scoffing laugh) You claim to rule here as yonder Tiax claims to rule all. No man or
gnome here shall rule over me! Kneel before me, OR draw steel to meet your maker.
(raises her sword before her)

ANGELO
Guards, toss that millstone of a gnome to the wall, and send this woman to her grave.

The two guards look at each other pausing for a moment. They toss Tiax to the side, and
draw their swords to engage Shar Teel. Shar Teel steps heading between the guards,
swings her sword knocking one guard's swing away throwing him off balance, and avoids
the other guard' swing. She kicks the off-balance guard to kissing the stone floor beyond
the practice carpet. There is a rapid exchange of swings between Shar Teel and the
standing guard. Camera pulls back to observe their movements further.

TIAX
Swing for the belt lassie! Swing for the belt!

Shar Teel retreats from the guard a step, spins on her good knee, and swings as Tiax said.
The guard's pants fall to his ankles forcing him to hold his swing in embarrassment. Shar
Teel continues her spin sweeping the guard off his feet with her other leg. As he hits the
carpet, the door to the hallway leading to the entrance opens revealing two guards with
their backs to the room. They slowly look over their shoulders with a puzzled look on
their faces.

ANGELO
Don't stand there looking stupid! Get in here, and be certain this woman dies!

Shar Teel buries her sword into the guard upon the carpet. Angelo picks up Tiax by the
scruff of his collar, and walks through the doorway in the opposite direction. Shar Teel
screams charging towards the two guards entering the room. Camera cuts to Barlowe
swinging his sword to deflect the spiked club swung at him. Camera pans back to show
Ogre 1 with arrows protruding from his biceps and armor. Barlowe swings with his
dagger, but is unable to reach a vital area.

BARLOWE
Imoen... (duck rolls to avoid another swing of the club) ... go for the eyes like Minsc tells
Boo.

Imoen pulls two arrows from her quiver with an interceding finger, lines up the arrows,
and takes her shot at the right moment. Ogre 1 drops his club in pain, and begins
grasping to remove the arrows from his eyes. Barlowe charges at Ogre 1, leaps into a flip
through the air, and plants both his feet into the ogre's chest knocking the beast
backwards. Ogre 1 tumbles backwards into the grand conference table, falls back upon
it, and smashes it to the floor. Barlowe leaps again sword first into the ogre's neck, and
makes certain the beast is dead.
IMOEN
Guess you can learn something from Minsc and Boo. (giggle)

Barlowe and Imoen's attention is drawn to the hallway by a scream as Jaheira severs
Cynthandria's mace-bearing hand from her arm. Cynthandria crouches against the wall
trying to stay the flow of blood.

JAHEIRA
NOW, that I have your undivided attention, do you know if Sarevok kept writings of his
activities, and where they may be found? (places scimitar blade against Cynthandria's
throat)

CYNTHANDRIA
(looking up the scimitar to Jaheira) My life is forfeit with this failure. Yes. Yes, Sarevok
kept a diary in that office, bottom-most drawer of the desk.

With her other scimitar, Jaheira moves the mace away from the hand, and addresses
Cynthandria.

JAHEIRA
Your coming death may be true, but not by me. Unless you'd rather I take you before
Sarevok, and the Grand Dukes to confess before them all?

Cynthandria picks up her severed hand, and runs from the floor. Camera pans in behind
Barlowe, Imoen, and Jaheira opening the door to the office. Freeze frame of them in the
doorway with desk in foreground spins off screen into upward look from the sewers to
the coming dawn. Camera swings back into a sewer tunnel viewing the remaining party
members reunion.

DYNAHEIR
Duke Eltan is safe with his friend, the Harbor Master of Baldur's Gate, but at a terrible
cost. Angelo had the Flaming Fist mercenaries, who follow his lead murder Shar Teel.

Barlowe covers his mouth with a hand, moves his fingers to making a fist, and rests his
fist upon his chin. Barlowe returns his hands to his sides, and queries Dynaheir.

BARLOWE
How and why did it happen?

DYNAHEIR
I checked mine supplies after reaching Duke Eltan. I lacked enough components to cast
the spell three times more. Shar Teel sacrificed her life to allow us to escape there. She
bade Minsc swear to see Sarevok's death with her axes.

Barlowe takes a few steps away from the group, and stares down the sewer tunnel before
him. After a few moments, he turns around, and addresses the group.
BARLOWE
If Sarevok's power cannot be broken without his death, Shar Teel shall be honored when
his threat ends.

MINSC
Minsc does not wish to break his promise to Shar Teel... (leans his head to one side) uhm,
but, nor do I wish to turn my back on the promise to Tamoko as Boo reminds me. T'is a
worry-some thing placing my honor within such evil hands, BUT if evil doth not turn,
Minsc shall break it.

DYNAHEIR
Duke Eltan gave this for thine eyes to skim.

BARLOWE
(after skimming letter) Seems there are more than dopplegangers for assassins here.
Hidden in these sewers are two more in a place called the Undercellar.

The party pauses as the town crier's shouts can be heard.

TOWN CRIER
Hear Ye! Hear YE! Invitations have been sent to noble and merchant alike! Invitation
to a feast for the coronation of the incoming Grand Duke! Hear Ye! Hear YE!
Invitations have been sent out!

As the crier continues his run, the party resumes their discussion. Barlowe holds the
letter before him.

BARLOWE
Well, we best get a move on. The remaining Grand Dukes are in serious danger, and all
of the Flaming Fist's mercenaries are watching closely for us now.

JAHEIRA
Then, let us not linger here further. The crampness and structures of cities rake at me to
see greener fields soon.

A musical piece begins as the party heads off down a tunnel. Flashes of the party
encountering kobolds, a carrion crawler, an Ogre Mage, and reaching a fine bronze door
flow acrosst the screen. Music fades as the sound of merry makers echo from beyond the
door.

IMOEN
Sounds like a serious party at 100 paces (giggle)

BARLOWE
(looking stern) Well, then Immy, wanna see if your fingers have forgotten the workings
of a lock?

IMOEN
Ha, of course. Step aside; let li'l miss (looking at the sewer remnants on her hands)
sticky, god awful, fingers thru.

Imoen wipes her fingers usably clean on the door, pulls her tools from her pouch, and
begin working the door lock. Camera cuts to the other side of the door where two guards
facing each other stand before a doorway to where the sounds of merry making, and more
can be heard. The door opens with Imoen stepping thru.

IMOEN
Tadda!! Welcome to the Undercellar. (notices the guards who've turned to face them)
Right oh! Damn it! Catch that key before... Too late. Sorry 'bout that. (The party
moves completely within the room) That was the only key given to me.

UNDERCELLAR GUARD 1
Given to you by whom?

BARLOWE
Sarevok, of course. He does have OTHER friends here. Right?

UNDERCELLAR GUARD 2
Yes, he does. A rowdy, spell casting pair, they are. They have most of the music playing
behind us.

UNDERCELLAR GUARD 1
Rather nasty pair, they are if you ask me. Have been partying like this for a few days,
now. Keep poppin' potions to keep 'em going.

BARLOWE
Hmmm, must've spent a lot of gold here. Wouldn't you say?

UNDERCELLAR GUARD 1
Yep, but that's rule number four. When the gold is gone, you best be too.

JAHEIRA
What're the first three rules?

UNDERCELLAR GUARD 2
Number 3 is When the Courtesan agrees to whatever you wish, you stop when she says
stop.

UNDERCELLAR GUARD 1
Number 2 is No roughhousing the courtesans unless they wish it.
UNDERCELLAR GUARD 2
Number 1 is the scrying magics decide who gets thrown out for fighting, and there best
be none.

The party moves into the corridor at the end of which can be seen a towering, white
fountain of water flowing level to level. At its base can be seen a collage of courtesans,
apparent nobility, and two merry makers frolicking about with their magics apparent.
One appears to be a man of moderate build with his details blurred to the eye. The
second is similarly blurred, but appears to be a nude woman dancing along the edge of
the bottom layer of the fountain.

As the party moves down the corridor, sound can be heard ranging from deep slumber to
the thralls of ecstasy. Barlowe signals everyone to split into different rooms, which are
empty. A courtesan approaches Barlowe in the doorway.

COURTESAN
Arh, here I'm a little cutie 'magning how nice a tootsie ya have hidin' in that leather
armor. What's your interest, sweetie?

BARLOWE
A little news first about those two, are they favored here, or just accepted?

COURTESAN
Slythe is too stuck on 'imself, and doesn't curry towards us lest Krystin insults his
manhood, if'n ya know what I mean. We, girls, know Krystin is the partier, and has a
bloodlust in their work. A few of the girls have a distant crush on him, but daren't say a
whisper for Krystin has no slight 'gainst slitting a girls throat to dump her in the sewers.
So, let's hear 'bout you. Hmmm?

BARLOWE
(moves his back to Slythe & Krystin, and pulls courtesan close to him) What happens
when a fight happens?

COURTESAN
All not involved move away, and let what happens happen. If the one who started wins,
he's barred from here mystically. Never seen it happen though. If the loser wins, he has
the run of the bully's possessions, and gets to sleep here as much as he'd like for the
week. Why, you thinking of work before play? (gives him a little pinch on the cheek)

BARLOWE
(small chuckle) Yeah, sort of, is Slythe easy to stir into a fight?

COURTESAN
Easy as blowing a feather over, just tell him to pipe down, and he'll be in your face
lickety split. Do I have to wait further to hear your desires?
BARLOWE
I'll definitely be resting here tonight. So, you'll have all night to find out. (kisses her on
the cheek)

COURTESAN
(blushing) All righty, I just love you romantic types.

Barlowe goes through his pack and finds a pair of gloves. He coats a spot on each with
poison, and positions it in his belt to not get any on his hands, or anyone in passing. He
steps out into the hallway, and moves to the fountain area. The rest of the party follows
in staggered paces.

BARLOWE
Hey, musicians, how about something for a belly dance or two.

SLYTHE
Can't ya see we're partying here?

BARLOWE
Shut UP, you! I'm talking to the musicians not some potion freak, who’s forgotten what
the human touch is all about.

A blurred figure is suddenly standing before Barlowe, and gives him a shove.

SLYTHE
No, you shut up when I'm talking to you. Ain't that right, Krystin?

KRYSTIN
Yeah, sure Slythe whatever you say.

BARLOWE
How many days have...

SLYTHE
(shoves Barlowe again) Hey now, you don't listen very well do ya?

KRYSTIN
Oh, go on Slythe. Teach 'em a thing or two.

Barlowe snatches out his gloves smacking Slythe one way, but finds his wrist caught on
the return swing.

SLYTHE
(grunt) Challenging me are ya? Trying to be a bit chivalrous, are we?
KRYSTIN
Why not, Slythe? You haven't had a good... what am I talkin' 'bout? You've never been
good at anythin' 'cept being BAD.

BARLOWE
Right you are. Since weapons don't prove much, have at it with hand-to-hand, gloves
permitted but no gauntlets?

SLYTHE
Fine wit' me.

Barlowe puts on the gloves, and notes that the poison remains on only one glove. As
soon he raises his hands, Barlowe is knocked to the floor.

SLYTHE
Tag! You're it.

They spar a bit with Barlowe receiving most of the hits. Then, Slythe starts to become
visible, and discernible.

SLYTHE
(slight moan) Somethin's (gasp) not quite (gasp) right here.

BARLOWE
Feeling a little winded, blowhard? (punches Slythe squarely with the poisoned glove on
the nose)

KRYSTIN
(seeing Slythe fall) Slythe, deary, are you all right? (Slythe begins to convulse on the
floor, and shortly dies) No!

Krystin hurls a flaming arrow at Barlowe toppling him to the floor. Barlowe notices the
scrying magics animating things acrosst the ceiling as he skims the ceiling returning his
eyes to the fountain area.

BARLOWE
Jaheira!! I could use a little help here!

Jaheira casts her spell to purge invisibility. Dynaheir casts a Remove Magic spell.
Krystin becomes clearly visible standing on the fountain quite naked. As she prepares to
jump from the fountain towards her clothes, Imoen stops her cold with an arrow dropping
her to the floor quite dead.

IMOEN
How uncouth of her not to think of sparing everyone else. Shall we retire for some rest?
Jaheira heals Barlowe of most his injuries, and returns to Khalid's side. An Undercellar
guard hands Slythe and Krystin's possessions to Barlowe. Barlowe returns to the room
where he had been, and looks through their items. He finds an open invitation to the
coronation, and Sarevok’s directions to assassinate the Grand Dukes, Belt and Liia
turning Baldur's gate over to Sarevok. Barlowe goes to each of the other's chambers
informing them of the plan for tomorrow. Upon his return, the courtesan is quite
aggressive with him.

COURTESAN
Come now, the night has come to the city above. Tell me what perks your interests.
What perks your body? (she begins removing his apparel)

BARLOWE
(suddenly feeling uncomfortable) Well, there is so much I haven't had the opportunity, or
inspiration (pause) to try.

COURTESAN
(purrs like a kitten) MMMmmm, music to my ears.

Camera pulls back from chamber into corridor, and curtain slides closed into a freeze
frame. Freeze frame dissolves to overhead look of Barlowe laying with courtesan
underneath a blanket with both sound asleep. Room fills with mist, and camera dives
through it into blackness. Camera cuts to a place of mists where Barlowe is standing
with a quite determined look on his face. Abruptly, screams can be heard of fear, then of
anger. The sounds of a mob forming evolve, but Barlowe stands calmly in the mists. A
voice sounds off through the mists.

BHAAL ESSENCE
Surely, by now, you realize what you are? What is bred in your bones? (ominous
musical piece crafts a mood of intimidation with the mob an echo behind it) Come now,
and accept that you are more fearsome than any beast you have faced.

The mist moves with a mind of its own allowing a kobold to charge at Barlowe. Barlowe
grapples with the beast, and flings it off into the mist. An orc emerges with sword in
hand. Barlowe meets the orc's swing grabbing its hands, grapples again with it, disarms
it claiming the sword, and hurls the orc into a different part of the mist. An ogre steps out
of the mist towering over Barlowe, and pauses for a moment giving a horrid growl
flexing the muscles it bears. Without hesitation, Barlowe hurls the sword into the ogre's
throat toppling it backwards into the mists.

There is a sudden silence. The mists swirl into the shape of a horrible creature. The
creature steps out of the dark mists, reveals they are standing atop the Iron Throne tower,
and stands before Barlowe in its presence of evil. It addresses Barlowe.

BHAAL ESSENCE
Can you not see how much more powerful you can become by accepting what is in your
bones, and join with me?

BARLOWE
(in a firm voice) No. It is YOU who WILL learn. (the creature shrinks a little in size) I
AM more than the sum of my experiences. (the creature shrinks again) My skills... my
talents are mine to do with AS I choose. (Barlowe can now look the creature in its face) I
will not be a pawn to a dead god's designs. (the creature cowers from him almost as to
leave)

BHAAL ESSENCE
Hmmm, maybe so. Your choice is unique (uneasy pause) BUT, my offer has received
acceptance elsewhere.

The creature moves off the tower laughing into the darkness, which now envelops
Barlowe.

Camera cuts to the party entering the Ducal Palace. Barlowe, alone, has his hood pulled
forward. Barlowe hands the invitation to the Flaming Fist mercenary playing usher to
these proceedings. In spite of the announcements of the town crier, few merchants and
noblemen are present for this proceeding as the party enters at the back of the throne
room. Barlowe signals for the party to move through the people present to the upper
deck. Camera swings overhead, and moves to the table hosting four chairs behind it with
a staircase beyond. Trumpets herald the approach of the Dukes. Belt leads the way down
the staircase followed by Duchess Liia Jannath, with a pair of Flaming Fist mercenaries.
After the Dukes are seated, Sarevok makes his way down the staircase followed by
Angelo with two more mercenaries behind him. The four mercenaries descend from the
platform, and line up before the Dukes facing the crowd. Sarevok and Angelo remain on
the platform standing a distance from Liia's right. Duke Belt rises to address the
audience.

DUKE BELT
Now that all have arrived, it is time to begin the ceremony we have gathered here for.

Duchess Liia
As all of you know, this is a special occasion for Baldur's Gate. It is time for a new
person to join the ranks of The Grand Dukes. I do not wish to downplay the recent loss
of Entar Silvershield, but this is not the time for grief.

DUKE BELT
The votes have been tallied from all of the landowners, and were nearly unanimous.

NOBLEMAN 1
What of Dukes Eltan, has his condition improved at all? If he dies, who will replace
him?
NOBELMAN 2
What of the rumors that Amn is mobilizing for war? Are we preparing for them?

NOBLEMAN 3
With our iron shortage, how will we defend ourselves? Who will provide us with iron?

NOBLEMAN 1
What of the Zhentarim? I hear they may be somehow involved.

NOBLEMAN 2
I believe Shadow Thieves poisoned Eltan. They're obviously trying to kill our leaders.

DUKE BELT
All of your questions will be answered in good time. You need not worry.

NOBLEMAN 1
Entar was obviously killed by Shadow Thieves; agents of Amn. If it isn't obvious to the
rest of you, it's obvious to me. Amn wants war.

DUCHESS LIIA
The evidence we have on Entar's murder resembles the work of the Shadow Thieves,
but...

NOBLEMAN 3
Resembles! That's ridiculous; the signature left behind on the body WAS the mark of the
Shadow Thieves. Are you blind and stupid, woman?!

Duchess Liia
If I MAY continue, the mark was blatantly left behind, and may have been left there to
mislead us all.

NOBLEMAN 2
Who would want to mislead us?

DUKE BELT
If I may interject something before the degenerates into senseless bickering, we are here
to welcome our new Grand Duke. Perhaps we should move on to doing that now?
Introducing the new Grand Duke, Sarevok Anchev.

SAREVOK
I am honored to be here before such a respected assemblage. I accept the responsibilities
of my new position, and know I have many of them. I would like to address the question,
which have been raised. The rumors about Amn's mobilization for war is absolutely true
as are the rumors of their Zhentarum cohorts. But do not worry; we are not bereft of a
defense. Although the recent Zhentish attempt at depriving us of the most valuable war
resource, iron, has weakened us. It has not crippled us. With my father's recent murder, I
have inherited control of the western branch of the Iron Throne. They have stock piled a
great deal iron, which appears to be enough to meet all of our needs. I will give this to
the city to do, as you will. Unfortunately, our greatest military leader lies on his
deathbed, a grievous blow to the city. To insure the Flaming Fist is well led, I will be
assuming control of the mercenary regiment with permission of its current steward,
Angelo.

DUKE BELT
Wait one moment that is not in your power to decide.

NOBLEMAN 3
Shut up! Let Sarevok speak!

SAREVOK
Instead of waiting for war to come to us, we shall take it to them. With the Flaming Fist,
we can easily take the town of Nashkel, and quickly fortify the mountain pass through the
Cloud Peaks. (notices the party's movement reaching the front) What?! Who dares
interrupt me?

Three noblemen, and three merchants transform into dopplegangers. Two leap upon the
platform to attack Belt and Liia. The rest engage the guards at the fore. Barlowe and
Minsc charge up the stairs to protect Belt and Liia. The rest aid the guards beset upon by
the dopplegangers.

Duke Belt calls for more guards who come down the staircase, and from the lobby.
Barlowe dives into the doppleganger nearest Liia tackling it to the floor. Minsc leaps into
the air brandishing both axes, and drives them thru the doppleganger's shoulders.
Barlowe and his adversary begin to roll about, and fall from the platform to the floor
below. With the axes wedged within the creature, Minsc pulls the creature away from
Duke Belt, in a great show of strength, lifts the creature off its feet, and slams it upon the
floor freeing the axes. Minsc, then, beheads the creature with a final blow. The upstairs’
guards stand two fold between Liia and Sarevok insuring the dopplegangers do not come
within reach of the Duchess.

SAREVOK
Angelo! These men and women are wanted for multiple counts of murder. Kill them
along with these creatures.

DUKE BELT
No! Destroy these creatures, but do not harm these people. I will hear their words first.

Barlowe kills the creature beneath him, and responds to Duke Belt.

BARLOWE
Here read this! (tosses Sarevok's diary to Duke Belt) That is Sarevok's journal of his
plans for reaching his post, trying to kill you, killing Entar, and nearly killing Eltan, who
has been spirited away to recover properly.

DUKE BELT
Very well, but if this is not as you say, there is severe punishment for such false
accusations.

SAREVOK
Don't read that document. Since I know you're too stupid to take my advice, I'll simply
take your head instead.

MINSC
Butt kicking for goodness! (hurls an axe at Sarevok)

Sarevok avoids the axe, watches it slice into Angelo's skull, and drop him to the floor.
Sarevok shoves a guard into Liia spoiling her spell, advances to the stairs, and leaps over
the mass of bodies. An apparent wizard meets him.

SAREVOK
You and I are not finished yet, Barlowe. You can run if you choose, but you cannot hide
forever. I will kill you just as I killed Gorion. You're only peace will be to kill me first.
Away with us, Winski!

A shimmering rectangle door opens, closes upon Sarevok & Winski like a mouth, and
disappears in a flash. The conflagration ends with the dopplegangers, and the Dukes
approach Barlowe with Minsc.

DUKE BELT
Lucky you managed to attend this debacle of a coronation. I can use the power of my
deity to divine where they have escaped. (casts spell) They've gone to the maze of the
thieves’ guild, and are tearing out a wall section to enter a stone passage, which leads
further beyond my ability to see.

BARLOWE
No clue as to where it may lead.

DUKE BELT
None except that I can dimension fold your group there. You will have to make your
way back after dealing with Sarevok.

The party gathers around Barlowe, and concurs to pursue Sarevok. Duke Belt cast the
spell, which delivers them to the corridor dug through solid rock. The party ventures
forth. The tunnel leads a short distance, and at its exit, the party finds Winski on the
ground with a broken neck.
BARLOWE
Jaheira, would you please check if there be a creature of nature here of whom we may ask
of this place?

JAHEIRA
I will try, Barlowe.

Jaheira casts her spell, and a few moments later a large bat arrives in response. Jaheira
speaks with it in Elvish, and learns of many things. She concludes her conversation, and
let's the bat return to its home in the dark corners of this place.

JAHEIRA
The bat saw a great deal on her way here.

BARLOWE
Her?

JAHEIRA
Nature is a balance, Barlowe. Not all creatures who answer my call are male in gender.
However, there is a group of six along this pathway, which leads through this forgotten
city. The rooftop there (points to the red shingles protruding over the roofless stone
walls) is a restored Temple to Bhaal, the former Lord of Murder.

BARLOWE
Then, it's safe to presume Sarevok went there. Dynaheir and Imoen, do you think the two
of you can bring down a fire and ice storm to handle our host's representatives?

They concur, and move to within range of casting the spells without being seen. They
begin casting their spells. Camera cuts to the detachment awaiting the party.

RAHVIN
All right fellows, let's get this right the first time. Many others have died to Barlowe's
cunning, and strength of comrades. That ends here. Gorf and Haseo be ready with your
bows. Shaldrissa and Carston have a few choice spells ready to stop them in their steps.
Wudei prepare a few of your arrows with poison.

The spells take effect bringing down shades of ice, and bursts of fire. This group is
leveled to the ground. Shortly afterwards, Barlowe's group arrives to the devastation.
Only one is barely alive, Rahvin. Barlowe approaches him.

RAHVIN
How can (gasp) this be? My Lord (gasp) Sarevok has not (gasp) ascended to god-hood.
(gasp) How could you? (bloody cough)

BARLOWE
The how's and the why's are beyond you now. Suffice it to say t'was a natural instinct
that brought you to your doom.

The party continues to the Temple of Bhaal. They open its rusted iron gate, and move
through the courtyard to the main door. AS they open the door, the floor mural stands
out with the picture of a skull being held by three claw-like fingers in a gold circle at the
center of a red carpet. A voice sounds out.

SAREVOK
Yes, you could be none other than my brother. There is no other with an equal of
determination, persistence, and sheer hate to follow me here.

BARLOWE
Tell me, DEAR brother, have you fallen into his clutches?

SAREVOK
Fallen? Far from it, I have risen higher than you could imagine. I need but a war on a
grand scale to ascend, and challenge Cyric for the post of our father. It will be a glorious
day bathed in blood.

BARLOWE
What if that position should be left empty? What if I choose to fill that spot, or destroy it
myself?

SAREVOK
You?! Quite brash of you to say, but NO! You lived that bumbling, sheltered life in
Candlekeep. Bumbled about in the real world until my bounties for your head flushed
you out to seek me. You have not the power to defeat me. BUT, if you think your heart
is blacker than mine, you must kill me to prove it! Semaj and Tazok reveal yourselves!
Let us crush these fools now!

Sarevok steps down from the podium with Tazok and Semaj moving in from either side.
Imoen and Dynaheir release a flurry of magic missiles upon Tazok and Semaj. They are
injured, but respond as is their skills. Semaj casts stoneskin while Tazok advances with
his halberd. Khalid charges Tazok with sword and shield while Jaheira goes after Semaj
with her scimitars. Minsc and Barlowe advance on Sarevok weapons drawn.

Minsc swings his axes at Sarevok first. Sarevok keeps pace with Minsc's swings until
Barlowe adds his swing. Sarevok begins an evil chuckle, uses his sword to bat both axes
to one side throwing Minsc off balance, and grabs Barlowe by the scruff of his cloak.

SAREVOK
Now you fall to meet our father.

Sarevok hurls Barlowe behind Semaj. Barlowe hits the ground hard, but rolls over. At
the point he would normally stand up, the floor drops beneath him revealing an
unfathomable drop. Barlowe reacts instinctively catching one edge of the orifice, and
hangs by one hand. Minsc recovers himself, and resumes his attack against Sarevok.

Khalid makes step in stabs with his sword blocking the halberd swings away with his
shield. Dynaheir exhausts her projectile spells, and begins using her sling against Tazok.
Jaheira forces Semaj to use his quarterstaff preventing him from casting spells. Imoen
ducks off into the shadows setting off a firey trap, which she avoids. The camera shows
the ongoing fights from Imoen's perspective for a few moments, and pulls back to shows
Imoen pulling her sword moving through the shadows. Camera pans over to Tazok
battling Khalid revealing the bloodied areas of his legs (quadriceps). Tazok buries his
halberd into Khalid's shield without injuring Khalid. Khalid pulls his shield with the
halberd away from Tazok, and cuts off his left hand. Khalid releases his shield allowing
the weight of the halberd carry it to the floor. Khalid spins around grasping his sword
with both hands, and drives it through Tazok's leather armor aiming for his heart. Tazok
is mortally wounded, and slouches to his knees falling over with Khalid's sword still in
him. Semaj begins a tactical retreat from Jaheira using his quarterstaff, and suddenly
stops moving. Jaheira notes Imoen's hand as Semaj begins to fall revealing Imoen
standing behind him with her bloodied sword.

Barlowe hurls his sword into the ceiling, and then, grasps the edge with both hands to
pull himself up. Seeing Tazok and Semaj still battling the others, Barlowe climbs a
statue to recover his sword. He sees Tazok fall, observes Imoen moving in to make her
backstab, and notices Sarevok and Minsc are evenly matched. Barlowe recovers his
sword, and looks down to see Imoen cast a multi-colored orb are Sarevok, which has no
apparent effect. Barlowe positions himself to plunge upon Sarevok. Sarevok kicks at an
opportune moment knocking Minsc backwards upon the floor, and prepares to drive his
sword into Minsc. Barlowe drops upon Sarevok driving his sword between the helmet
and the armor, but is direly wounded by the horns of the helmet. Sarevok sinks to his
knees under the impact of the strike.

SAREVOK
I am... am... defeated. (falls forward under Barlowe's weight)

They quickly pull Barlowe from off Sarevok, and try to measure his injuries.

BARLOWE
Immy, (gasp) I can't (gasp) heal these (gasp) wounds.

JAHEIRA
Be still, Barlowe. (tends to his wounds)

Sarevok rolls over with his last bit of strength.

SAREVOK
To the blackest...(cough)
Minsc buries the axes in his chest ceasing his final words. After a few moments, Minsc
and Khalid help Barlowe up, and aid him to walk slowly. The party moves away from
Sarevok to leave, and exits camera frame. Camera pulls in on Sarevok peering at his face
through the nightmarish helm. In slow motion, golden sparkles form. Camera pulls back
as they stream from Sarevok's body forming a cloud above him. The cloud moves
through the temple delving through a crack, plummeting down an eerie, mystical tunnel,
and hovering around a figurine of Sarevok in his armor. The figurine begins to crumble,
and flake apart falling into a pile of rubble. The golden cloud flakes off downward
through a spiraling column of figurines being consumed in a great forge at the bottom.
The Bhaal Essence voice can be heard laughing.

BHAAL ESSENCE
And so your journey begins, great predator. (laughs as picture fades into symbol upon
the temple floor)