A Land Far Away

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF

25 October 2004 - 1 February 2009


When I joined ALFA in 2004, I decided to have my first player character be a paladin of Torm. I wanted him to be intelligent, diplomatic, virtuous, loyal, and most importantly: self sufficient. Having heard many horror stories of short-lived PCs, I wanted mine to be someone who could not only survive the trials of a first level character but who could also grow and strengthen as a person over time.

So, Kalev D'Kalas was born. Little did I know how well we would get to know each other over the course of an imaginary lifetime.

In August of 2007 I was faced with the problem of an increasingly time-consuming real life, at the same time NWN1 servers were slowly going offline one after the other as players migrated to NWN2 or other games. Having not played on a regular schedule for months due to RL demands, I decided to bring Kalev's journey to an end and step away from the ALFA community for a while.

I rejoined the community as an active player near the end of 2008 and Kalev enjoyed a brief comeback while I was without a computer able to play NWN2. In February of 2009 I retired him permanently shortly before the Shadowdale server closed its doors.

Just before my return to the player base, I came across my collection of screenshots taken over the course of Kalev's travels and thought it might be neat to post them here; if for no other reason than to bring up fond memories every once in a while when I browse through. Besides, if other players happen to find pictures of adventures long-since-forgotten, perhaps even recall them with a smile, sigh, or chuckle, then all the better.

What I plan to do is post screenshots in segmented groups on an irregular basis and include blurbs with as much as I can recall of each group's contents. There are 390 screenshots in total so I won't be embedding the full images in each post; instead I'll use thumbnails which I hope will prevent long page load times.

Unfortunately, my memory of player names, character names, and event specifics is prone to failure since a lot of these happened a long time ago. So, if you happen to see any incorrect or missing information in my blurbs, please don't hesitate to message me with the corrections and I'll edit the information with acknowledgments to the contributor.

I hope you enjoy.

While Kalev started out in Baldur's Gate, I couldn't find any screenshots taken during those initial weeks. A pity since he met more than one PC there who would be off-and-on influences over the course of his life. Perhaps the most important being Sir Hialmar, who led Kalev to the Noble Order of the Third Circle.

These first four screenshots take place in Waterdeep roughly two months after Kalev's arrival in the City of Splendors. He had just passed the tests required to be a Third Circle Squire, though that did not make him any less of a target to the city’s population of undesirables.

Lorini Maca was a recurring nemesis in Kalev's life for quite some time. They first met when she tricked Kalev into following her for seemingly benign reasons, then tried to mug him near the Safehaven Inn and failed. From that point forward she would try to get the better of him whenever they met. For Lorini, I think it was always a matter of pride. She was a meticulous planner and Kalev continuously upset her calculations. For Kalev's part, he found her methods and personality reprehensible but couldn't bring himself to strike her down while there remained the possibility she could redeem herself. Sadly, the potential of their conflict was never fully realized, but it certainly made for fun encounters while it lasted.



This next screenshot was taken during my first visit to The Long Road server. Kalev met Merissa Miller there while she was taking part in the heated election for mayor of Red Larch. He was on hand to observe that evening's candidate debates.



Kalev was also introduced to Narimer Jarinson and the Long Road Wayfarers during that visit. The below picture shows the first of many expeditions he joined them on.



The next three screenshots are the only ones I have of the Neverwinter server. Kalev and Merissa initially traveled there just to visit and explore the Jewel of the North, instead they ended up getting involved in the trial of an uncovered surface drow [PC Name?] and her subsequent execution. Not the most pleasant way to have met Lord Nasher, but it certainly made the visit memorable.



The last set of screenshots for this segment are of another adventure shared with the Long Road Wayfarers. I can't recall what we were after or why, but by all appearances it was a foreboding journey.




Edit: Character Lorini Maca identified in first group of photos. Thank you PensivesWetness.

This segment begins with another trial involving a surface-dwelling drow. I believe Ar'zitel was eventually found innocent of any direct wrongdoing, but had strict restrictions placed on her movements within the city. Either that or she was exiled, I can't quite remember. Still, Kalev had an odd habit of getting involved with the drow race. Something we'll see more of later.



The Third Circle Tower chapel quickly became a regular source of comfort and contemplation in a city filled with so many intrigues and perils. Some of my screenshots were taken simply for artistic value, this is one of them.



Another adventure with the Wayfarers. I think this one had to do with some sort of contract being arranged with Llorkh. The hostility of the region towards followers of Torm made it so Kalev had to travel incognito. Hence, the lack of Third Circle armour or any overt indications of his faith. Traveling in secret rankled him, but was necessary for the greater good. This was also my first visit to the Loudwater server, later renamed Savage Frontier.



Shortly after our return, guess who should I happen to come across in Triboar? Lorini had begun collecting allies of her own, though they were a shady bunch. The spectators to our duel were a combination of those allies and Long Road Wayfarers. This was the last battle fought between Kalev and Lorini because it was the last time we encountered each other in game, unfortunately bringing our conflict/rivalry to an end.




A standard Wayfarer patrol turns sinister when the body of a local farmer is found.



After a long period spent in Red Larch and the surrounding region working with the Wayfarers, Kalev received word from the Third Circle that allies in the Dalelands had requested aid from the order and he was to leave immediately to provide it.

He booked passage on a merchant ship traveling from Waterdeep to Baldur's Gate; there he would be able to follow the trade caravans east. While aboard, the captain made it his personal mission to see that the young paladin earned his keep by either manning the helm or providing basic healing services to the crew.

Yet another in a list of firsts, this was Kalev's first visit to Shadowdale. Thankfully, he came across a band of travelers early on who were able to guide him along the unfamiliar roads. They welcomed his company quickly enough; however, it wasn't long before they had problems of their own to deal with.



Regardless, the journey was well spent seeing new sights and meeting new people. Before you can ask, no, Kalev isn't in his underwear. Those just happened to be the only spare set of clothes he had on this trip and I didn’t realize just how much they look like underwear on him.



Once in Shadowdale, it didn't take long before the locals had Kalev embroiled in the intrigues and ongoing events of the land. What had originally been planned as a month-long expedition became at least twice that. In that time, Kalev was able to aid the Third Circle associate he'd been sent to help, tour one of the most talked about villages in Faerûn, and meet the legendary Storm Silverhand.



Finally, it came time to head home and report the outcome of Kalev's assignment to the Third Circle. He was accompanied for most of the journey by the same group he met on the way to Shadowdale. Our route took us through Northern Cormyr and the city of Arabel, it would be the one and only time Kalev ever visited those two servers.



This last set is a nice collection of scenic wilderness and locale shots taken in the Baldur's Gate server. I think they were originally taken to make up for the lack of screenshots from when Kalev was first created. However, in retrospect, it was also the last view of wilderness Kalev would see before his life took an exciting, but perilous, turn.

After reporting the successful outcome of his mission in Shadowdale, Kalev enjoyed nearly a full day's rest before being summoned for a new assignment. This time, however, the task was of a personal nature. A close friend of Sir Trisdur - the order's senior recruiter and liaison to the Lords of Waterdeep at the time - had gone missing under strange circumstances and the evidence trail led to Skullport. Yup, Skullport; home to exiles, thugs, monsters, practitioners of the dark arts, and worse.

Before Kalev could set out on this new mission, he had to disguise himself like he did during the expedition to Llorkh. Unfortunately, he had to purchase the disguise away from prying eyes and that meant from outside Waterdeep. On the way back it was difficult to hide in a land where folk knew his face and recognized his name.



Thankfully, in Skullport few people care who a newcomer might be. Kalev began his search for Sir Trisdur's lost friend discreetly using the guise of Jared, a mercenary seeking a man who owed him coin. All ties to his former life were left behind and even his devotions to Torm had to wait for moments of complete privacy.




Of course, it turned out the best source of information in Skullport was more willing to guide Kalev/Jared to his doom out in the caverns of the Underdark rather than honour a fair trade.



Either fate or Torm must have been on his side because he was found by the most unlikely of rescue parties, a group of drow rebels. They led Kalev - under guard of course - to a place few beings from the surface have ever been fortunate enough to see. It was here he met another of the infamous Seven Sisters.



This was the point where Kalev's experience in Skullport changed from being a tense game of wits with the local denizens to a true adventure full of intrigue and suspense.



Over the weeks that followed, Kalev continued the search for Sir Trisdur's missing friend. Little information turned up, even with the help of the Eilistraeen rebels. Skullport is a place where secrets can be lost forever. However, he was able to repay the efforts of the Eilistraeens by aiding them when and where he could. Helping the rebels had the added benefit of preserving Kalev's sanity and sense of identity throughout the horrors and cruelties he witnessed in the Lands Below.



Finally, the inevitable day came where Kalev/Jared outlived his usefulness to the locals of Skullport. It was only with the help of his Eilistraeen friends that he survived what was intended to be a lethal trap, set where he found the body of the man he'd been searching for. Escaping to the rebels' refuge, he said heartfelt goodbyes to the drow who had become friends and trusted allies over the course of his stay. Qilué’s magic then spirited him back to the streets of Waterdeep.





Looking through this segment I realize there are a few screenshots that'll probably raise eyebrows from players who came to know Kalev later on. Oh well, lol.

Following his return from Skullport, Kalev was afforded a period of relative rest where he was able to go about his own business. In that time he did all the things a PC is best at: meeting new people, meeting new enemies, and generally getting into trouble.

While these screenshots don't have the same level of flair featured in the last segment (hey, any trip to the Underdark is a hard act to follow), there are some meaningful moments that wrapped up old plots or set the stage for new ones.

Kalev runs into Merissa Miller and Soppi Widenbottle for the first time since his return.



Mysterious agents draw Kalev into an ambush. He later learned that the agents were hired by a Skullport slaver whose stock had been freed by Kalev/Jared and the Eilistraeens weeks before. How they were able to track him to the surface was never determined, though after they were slain no others followed.



A strange newcomer, Euridice Pallide, strikes up a conversation at the Safehaven. What is it about black robes cut in a bizarre style that just screams "evil sorceress"?



Loxaceles Minxmar approached Kalev one day asking for a sparring match. An unusual request, considering he isn't any authority on combat styles. Loxy thought otherwise though.

With blades dulled by edge-guards, the sparring session went on for several hours before mutual exhaustion brought it to an end. Kalev found Loxy to be a good soul and this first encounter set the stage for many more to come over the course of their friendship.

Is it just me, or do a lot of female PCs seem to want to pick fights with Kalev? Is it something about the holier-than-thou attitude? Nah…..women love the attitude.




The final group of screenshots for this segment were taken in the Long Road region. This was the reclamation of Merissa's son, tainted by infernal powers, which saw the taint removed (or suppressed) and the child returned to his mother's keeping.

This was also the last time Kalev saw Merissa. Following the cleansing of her son she went into hiding to raise him in a place protected from the influence of the lower planes.





Edit: Character Euridice Pallide identified in third group of photos. Thank you dergon darkhelm.

This segment features two extraordinary events and one preliminary event leading up to the greatest expedition of Kalev's lifetime. Each took place in Waterdeep and should, hopefully, bring back fond memories to the old regulars.

We begin with the outstanding production of 'Tooting in the Trees', directed by and featuring the half-orc bard Regor Neistremmah. What made the show particularly impressive was the turnout. This was easily the largest PC event turnout I ever had the good fortune to be a part of. Every individual you see in the below screenshots (save for one) is a player.

As for the play itself, it was nothing short of brilliant in both writing and execution. The level of coordination between the actors was impressive and the performance in general was - in the most shining example of the term - a good time had by all.




Following a series of dark and malicious disturbances afflicting the Safehaven Inn, three paladins came together and implored their patron gods to protect the refuge of Waterdeep's adventurers. Together, Talias Dallenthur, Gwen [Last Name?], and Kalev D'Kalas became conduits of divine power and a magical barrier surrounded the inn, barring those with evil in their hearts from passage. It was later called one of the greatest displays of divine power in Waterdeep since the Time of Troubles.





Finally, after hearing increasing reports that placed the forces of Zhentil Keep and the followers of Cyric at an advantage in the ongoing Loudwater War, Kalev rallied the Knights of the Third Circle and was given the honour of leading the battalion personally as a full Knight of Torm.





Stay tuned for a very special screenshot segment. Coming up next.

This entry will be larger than usual because it focuses entirely on one of the longest and most immersive campaigns ever run: the Loudwater War.

Unfortunately, these screenshots only cover the final third of the campaign. I think there are older threads somewhere in the Library with journal entries from key players in the war when it was still active. I recommend you look them up if you have the time or interest.

After arriving in the Savage Frontier, Kalev made contact with the resistance army fortified in Shining Falls. The Third Circle Knights were assigned as a heavy infantry division within the "Irregulars" - combatants not native to Loudwater who had come to fight for the Loudwater cause.



Once the extra food and supplies brought along were issued to those in need, the Irregulars helped the Third Circle Knights set up a base of operations within Shining Falls. Kalev then met with Kit Gyrfalcon, an old friend from his days with the Long Road Wayfarers, and was introduced to the Red Knight contingent.




Several weeks later, there was a break in the fighting and Kalev was sent south with an escort of volunteers. They were to ask the Lords of Waterdeep for additional aid in the war effort. The negotiations went better than expected; the Lords Alliance was concerned over the strength of the Beast Horde assailing Loudwater and planned to send an expeditionary force of their own to the region. However, the leader of the Horde somehow caught wind of these negotiations. Shortly before Kalev and his companions made their way back to Shining Falls, a force of Horde soldiers assaulted the gates of Waterdeep as a warning.



Upon his return, Kalev discovered that Kio, a local bard, was being held by the Red Knights for unusual behaviour. While suspicions ranged from espionage for the Horde to plain madness, hard evidence was difficult to come by and Kio was released a few days later.



In the days leading up to the final battle, large portions of Loudwater proper were reclaimed by the resistance forces. We knew the Horde was pulling back only to regroup for a greater, concentrated attack, but that wouldn't dissuade the Irregulars from making full use of the walls and towers left behind. Any fortifications that could be used against the Horde were gladly taken and jealously guarded. This meant increased patrols and planning for the inevitable battle.




Finally, the day came when the forces of the Beast Horde stood arrayed against the remaining defenders of Loudwater. Shining Falls had been abandoned by its original halfling inhabitants and a questionable treaty of mutual defence had been entered into between the representatives of Loudwater and the remaining Zhentarim forces – a situation that didn't sit well with Kalev but extra swords were extra swords.

We knew that this battle would be all or nothing. Either the Horde would be routed for the final time here on this field, or the defenders would spend their last moments taking as many beasts with them as possible. The Knights of the Third Circle stood with the Red Knights, though Kit Gyrfalcon was nowhere to be found. Kalev and Sir Hialmar stood together as the first volleys of burning pitch were launched by siege engines on each side. The final assault had begun.










When the final push came, we knew we wouldn't hold against the sheer number of enemies stampeding towards us. What we didn't expect was a magical wall of earth-shattering force to rip through the ranks of the Horde. Once the blinding light faded, we saw a scorched, barren field where the Horde had once been. Barren, save for the apparition of a large creature obscured in heavy armour. Identifying itself as the Beast Lord, it told the defenders that through the actions and death of Sir Kit Gyrfalcon, the Horde would leave the Savage Frontier in peace - for now.

While there were scattered celebrations following the Horde's disappearance, too many had seen their looming death to take solace in anything other than solitude or the bottom of an ale mug.

Once recovery seemed to be underway, Kalev began to lead his Third Circle Knights back to Waterdeep. Making camp for the last time in Llorkh, now occupied by Lords Alliance forces, Kalev said farewell to his surviving friends and allies and wished them well in the slow reconstruction of Loudwater.




Kalev had seen and experienced many terrible things in his time away from Waterdeep. Few who knew him before the war would recognize him now.

Kalev entered the familiar walls of Waterdeep with his battalion to find that news of the war's victory had already reached the City of Splendours. The returning Knights were met by an honour guard of Waterdhavian soldiers who escorted them to the Third Circle tower where Lord Piergeiron the Paladinson, Khelben Blackstaff, and various other city officials thanked them for their efforts and bestowed various medals and awards. The gesture was appreciated by the returning Knights but seemed hollow in the face of the losses they had suffered.

Soppi Widenbottle was there as well to welcome Kalev home and offer her advice and counsel.




Perhaps one of the most unfortunate outcomes of the war, from Kalev's perspective, was his newfound status as a "Hero of Loudwater". He didn't want anything to do with the title but it remained all the same. As a result, he found himself coming to the attention of the city's nobles, adventurers, and even the Lords of Waterdeep.





Among those three groups, Kalev could stand the nobles the least. Thankfully, he had old friends like Gaeden von Tharin - now a Magister of the Waterdhavian Watch - to rescue him from the endless litany of social events and intrigues the nobles tried to get him involved in.

One such diversion led Gaeden, Kalev, and a third adventurer [PC Name?] to the Rat Hills on a vermin-clearing exercise. This gave Kalev the opportunity to use an unusual sword given to him by another adventurer.








Yeah, I know, it's a lightsaber. Joke all you want, lol, we had a good time with some tense and funny moments along the way.

A strange newcomer [PC Name?] strikes up a conversation at the Safehaven. What is it about black robes cut in a bizarre style that just screams "evil sorceress"?

Is that Euridice Pallide? or maybe Triel incognito? or maybe Ash?