~ A Hall of Fame Campaign for NWN2 by Alex "Hugie" Hugon ~

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[ Download Chapter One ]

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"The High Forest is like any other place in the Realms, really, full of obscure mysteries for the discerning to uncover and ancient treasure for the enterprising to claim.  And, of course, there's no shortage of monsters.  But then, when is there ever a shortage of monsters?" 

-Khelben "The Blackstaff" Arunsun

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Overheard rumors in backwater inns are without a doubt the leading cause of unexplained adventurer "disappearances" all across Faerun.  In your case, the inn was a seedy one on the outskirts of Secomber, and the rumor originated from the mouth of a crusty one-eyed dwarf with breath that reminded you of a flatulent ghast.  Between long sips of the ale you bought him, your new friend told you of an enormous crystal structure that had reportedly been glimpsed high up in the Star Mounts, the soaring range of peaks which juts up from the center of the legendary High Forest.   When you asked him to elaborate, the dwarf hiccupped once, gently lay his head on the table, and--to your dismay--commenced snoring contentedly.  None of the inn's other motley assortment of patrons were able or willing to shed any further light on this intriguing rumor, and when you finally retired for the night, your sleep was a troubled one.  Curiosity was eating away at you, tugging mercilessly on something deep down inside...and this time, you suspected there wasn't an accidentally-swallowed piece of shuriken involved.

The next morning found you heading north, against your better judgment.  North, towards the High Forest--and the Star Mounts, with their peaks concealed by an ever-present blanket of dark, swirling clouds.  You cannot say what it was about this rumor of mysterious crystals which so appealed to your sense of adventure; in hindsight, it must have been Fate at work.  What is certain is that no amount of training or planning could have prepared you for what awaited atop the highest of those mist-clad mountains, or for the logic-defying journey on which you were soon destined to embark.
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