The Further Adventures of Basch fon Ronsenburg

Steelday, 2:11 PM: Oofala apparently watched my victory from his post. He made a brief comment about how he thought he might have to stop in and help me, though somehow I doubt had it come to that he would prove he had the mettle. As he suspected Freeport is involved in the corruption. There is little time to waste, I will have no time to report what i have learned back to Murrar. Oofala bade me to seek out the goblin leader High Chieftan Grexx atop his tree house deep in the heart of the invasion.

I set out eat towars the tree house which I could see in the distance from Oofala’s camp. I had to evade quite a number of defiled goblins, tainted soldiers and moraks on the way, but eventually the tree house lay before me. Two guards Gonk and Durg guarded the ramp, but as I explained my intention of helping them in thier plight, gave me permisssion to pass and seek audience witht he High Chieftan. As I reached the top of the outpost, the once mighty High Chieftan practically grovelled at my feet, he was so glad to finally have some aid. After some questioning it turns out there is a goblin prophecy regarding a “Great Balancing” and a hero who would come to save the goblins from ruins. Apparently, Grexx seems to think that I am the hero of whom the legend speaks. He informed me the evil fog seemes to issue from a nearby cave. I told him I would investigate it post-haste!

The cave was a short walk from the treehouse. As soon as I stepped inside I was set upon by a group of three tainted sapswill warriors. After dispatching them I noticed the necromancer Vith L’Tar at the back of the cave. Alas, she was warding herself with some sort of magic, and I could not yet reach her. Looking around the cave further, I noticed more of the totems similar to the ones I had found on Sapswill Hill. As I destroyed the first totem, the necromancer cried out in anger, and summoned a defiled mage and scout to do her dirty work. I ran them through easily and continued to destroy a second totem. This time she sent a defiled scout and a soldier, again I defeated them with ease and moved on to a third totem. More of the same until I at last destroyed the fourth and final totem breaking the ward over the necromancer. Once vulnerable she desperatly summened two defiled priests and a spectral bat to her aid, but it was in vain weakened from her contstant spellcasting, the group fell easily. I took her staff as proof of my deed, and left the cave to report back to Grexx.

Grexx babled a bit about the prophecy and promised to rebuild in my honor. I was humbled to say the least, and just paid my respects, hoping he would stop making such a fuss about it.

At long last I would be able to return to Murrar with word of what had transpired, and a promise that at least for a short time the colony would be safe from Freeport’s wrath. Murrar was pleased and presented me with a Qeynosian Crusader’s greatsword. He also swore to tell the queen herself about my deeds, so it sounds like I should at least be nicely welcomed when I finally reached the city proper. Murrar told me to speak with Captain Varlos on the dock when I was ready to leave the island.

As I sat in the local inn awaiting the next morning, and my ship to Qeynos, there were still rumors of things going on around the colony. The necromancer’s spells were taking thier time dissapating, and a few of the colonists still seemed to need someone looking for soem quick work to help them out. I had then all of a sudden remembered my promise to Deianeira that I would return when my other task had been completed. It looked like it was not yet time for me to leave the island.

I woke the next morning, and instead of heading to the docks as originally planned, I quickly made my way to Deianeia. She thanked me for returning, but then bade me whisper while she tried to listen to the silence. Wondering how one could listen to silence I prodded her, quietly, for more information. Her explantation sounded like she was talking in circles, and really didn’t clear anything up for me. I think she sensed my confusion, as she went on to explain how she was born in Freeport but betrayed her home to live and Qeynos and work for the Queen. Apparently the other more “purebred” citizens tend to avoid her and whisper behind her back about her “evilness” and now she is even beginning to doubt her goddness herself, since she claims she can sense evil and therefore must be evil as they say. I asked her to elaborate more and as it turns out the nearby forest still seemes to have a slight taint over it despite the necromancer’s demise. She seemed to think there was a simple solution, and asked me to try to disperse more of the toxic crawlers I had fought before.

I only killed about four spiders when i discovered a scrap of paper among them. The scrap was difficult to read, but I was able to make out the words ” The toxic crawlers will be useful to cover our… the totem…”. I decided I should kepp killing the spiders and hopefully find a few more scraps that might help me better understand this puzzle. I almost immediately found another piece of the parchment, now it seemed the meessage read ” The toxic crawlers will be useful to cover our tracks. Leave the totem in the eastern rocks…”
I walked over the the rockpile at the east end of the forest, hoping to find either the totem the parchment was reffering to, or at least another piece of the parchment that would finsih off the mystery. I found the latter, digging under a rock and moving aside some rather large spider webs.

I pieced the parchment together and it revealed the second part of the message to say “Leave the toem in the eastern rocks beneath Direspike”. I looked up from the parchemtn wondering what Direspike could be, only to find I was quickly answered. A extremely large venemous spiker glared at me, poison dripping from its mandibles. Though caught off guard, I was able to slay the foul beast. As it fell I heard the totem break underneath it, unfortunately this did nothing to clear the taint from the forest. I retuned to Daianeira to break the bad news.

Steelday, 3:26 AM: I have arrived at Oofala’s camp. Oofala seems to enjoy being a wizard, he also seems pretty sure of himself claiming he will someday be the greatest one in all of Qeynos. I humoured him a little and told him I wanted to be as great as he was someday. He didn’t really agree that that would ever happen, but he “put it behind him” since he needed me to help him. I ignored his delusions of grandeur, and asked him what needed to be done. Since he needed to stay and guard the camp, he wanted me to scout out the village and check out the source of a mysterious fog which had consumed the other goblins and turned them into zombies. He belives the source of the fog is some totems that showed up in the village just before the fog. He though perhaps if I destroyed the totems, it may save the village, or at least give us a good idea of where the blight was coming from.

I had remembered seeing these totems when I had scouted the Sapswill Hill for the lost scout earlier on, so I went straight there and began to clear them away. I had to cut my way though a number of undead goblins and skeletons to get to the totems, but was finally able to destroy the three that made up the edges of the fog. Still with the totems destroyed the fog did not seem to dissipate, so I returned to Sorcerer Oofala to see if he had any ideas what I should do next.

So after the Sorcerer told me to go destoy these totems, now he is lecturing me beacuse what I did apparently has incurred the wrath of an evil champion called The Dark Blademaster! He wanted me to return to the camp and fix what I started. Incensed that I was getting the blame for something I was ordered to do, and wondering why this Sorcerer didn’t just take care of it himself if he was so “great”, I questioned his orders. He gave me some excuse about how his task was to guard the camp, but agreed that of course because he was so great if his task had been to take out the Blademaster it would be done already. Thinking he was entirely full of… well for lack of a nicer word, excrement, I begrudgingly returned to the camp. I decided not to let one Sorcerer with a bad attitude sway me from my task, especially when all the others I had met had been pleasant and helpful.

As soon as I reached the foot of the hill the Blademaster attacked. He was tougher than the previous foes, but I still dispatched him with relative ease. A few of the undead goblins joined in the fray, but I was able to take them out and finish my task. I took the Bladmaster’s shield after he fell, as it was better than my own.

*Writer’s Note: Baasch is now level 7, he has recieved the area attack “Divine Circle” and recieved the rank “Undead Hunter”*

Windday 5:30AM: I woke early today to see if I could get a little bit extra training in. Already I am feeling stronger, but I’m still far from being able to return to Dalmasca and face the forces of Archadia. As I leave the inn, Murrar seems to want my atention. He has finished examining those samples I gave him, some sort of poisonous mist has attached itself to the tissues controlling the animals. He suspects Necromancy is at work here and would like me to investigate further.

He belives this whole ordeal stinks of the goblin leader High Cheiftan Grexx, he want’s me to head over to the Cheiftan’s treehouse far on the other side of the island, and confront him. However, before I can do that I will have to break through the defenses of the goblin village which blocks the way to that area. A Cleric named Mara’Vaen is stationed on the path to the village, he said I should speak with her.

I found her at the entrance to Dead Canyon, just beyond Sunset Meadow, and still far from goblin territory. Murrar had sent her word I was on my way, so she was expecting me and immediately set me upon the task of gathering up some lost souls in the canyon below. Iwas not to try and dispatch of the souls, but rather to see if I could lead them back to Mara’Vaen. She thought perhaps if I hurried, there may still be time to ressurect the fallen heroes.

I taunted the spirit of a lost scout to get its attention, and though it tried to attack me I ran just ahead of it not attacking back. The spirit followed as I thought it might and upon reaching Mara’Vaen she was indeeed able to ressurect the scout. Upon awakening the scout was a little confused, but I suppose that is to be expected when one is called back from the brink of death. I set out to see if I could rescue a couple more of these spirits, I brought back two more scouts before Mara’Vaen stopped me. I had done more than expected on this issue, so since I had proven myself she now wanted me to tackle something a little tougher.

A long time ago on there had been a species of dire wolf on the island called Moraks. The island had been ridden of this species to make it safer for the colonists who lived there, however the Necromantic forces at work were pulling the Moraks back from the grave and they were on the prowl once more. She wanted me to scout the path between her outpost and the goblin village, taking out any Moraks on the way and insure there is a clear path for the scouts to move ahead.

Right away I found a group of three of them barking at the base of a tree. I looked up and thought I saw a man hiding in the branches, so I went to his aide. After defeating the Moraks, I helped him down. He turned out to be one of the scouts but had gotten lost before being chased up the tree. He had lost most of his armor in his flight from the looks of him. I told him what I was doing out here and told him I would come back to let him know when the coast was clear.

I killed enough Moraks to clear the road, and for good measure a few more to convince the lost scout that the area was safe for travel.

He was not returning to Mara’Vaen’s encampment, but instead was supposed to be scouting ahead at the village, but when he had agreed to his task had no idea that the Moraks were wolves. In childhood he had recieved a very bad bite from a dog, and was now afraid for his life. As I was not afraid of them I told him I would check the areas on the way to the camp and insure his safe passage.

I investigated both the Abandoned Village and Sapswill hill, while there were some Moraks as well as plenty of goblins, I was able to clear a path against one of the far walls for him to travel to the next camp at the far edge of the village.

I returned to tell him that he could make it safely if he hurried, but alas he was still so petrified, and poorly prepared for a journey having lost his armor, that he could hardly move. He entrusted me to finish his mission. He was sent ahead to attempt to treaty with the goblins in exchange for information. A gift was to be presented to one of the Soothsayers at Grexx’s compound, The Last Stand. I left him to the safety of his tree and went forth to deliver the gift.

*Writer’s Note: Baasch is now level 6, he has recieved the intercept spell “Intervene”*

It was probably a good thing that I had agreed to go in the scouts stead. Already the path I had cleared was swarming with Moraks again. I had to fight a number of them as well as several goblins and skeletons, before I finally reached The Last Stand. I climbed the spiraling walkway and delivered the gift to the Soothsayer.

Goblins like things, lots of things, especially free things, so the Soothsayer practically danced for joy at the diplomatic gift. He gave me some torn pants, so as to not seem ungrateful, yet not really give away anything of value, and asked if I would follow tradition and greet the other goblins in and near the outpost. As he still hadn’t told me the information I was looking for, it would have been in vain to refuse. I went from goblin to goblin introducing myself to as many as I could find. After consorting with the lesser ranks, I ended my act of diplomacy by paying my respects to the High Cheiftan himself. He presented me with a protective emblem to wear around my neck, a gift given to all diplomats, and it was of my opinion that at least the main clan had no ill will towards the Qeynosians. The ones that had been attacking were obviously under the same spell affecting the animals.

I returned to Mara’Vaen to let her know what I had learned. She was glad for my news, allthough she had recieved word of similar reports from some of the other scouts just before my return. She presented me with some pauldrons for my efforts, and told me more details about what I had previously worked out. The goblin village had been attacked, the survivors were the goblins I had met at the High Chieftans treehouse and also a small group seeking refuge with a Sorcerer Oofala at the camp at the far end of the village, the same camp I had tried clearing a path to for the lost scout! Too bad I hadn’t known to check in over there when I went by it, but no matter at least I would know where to find it, as Mara’Vaen wished me to go there and speak with Oofala.

Burnday 9:26AM: After I returned to Haggus, he asked me to do him another favor. A platoon of his soldiers set out for Sunset Meadow just beyond the barricade, and never returned. He asked if I could see if I could locate any of his men.

It didn’t take me long, in fact I found one just beyond Haggus’ sight, unfortunately all I found was his remains. The body had been defiled, and as I came upon it the stinking corpse rose up and attacked. I felt badly having to slay the corpse of one of my new found countrymen, but I had dealt with zombies before and leaving it be would only further the danger to the other “more lively” recruits. I reported back to Haggus and he thanked me for the news, and hinted that one day he wished I would join the Qeynos Guard so he may fight alongside me. He did not have anything else he wanted at that moment, so told me if I was looking for some other way to help, that I should probably seek out Murrar again.

Murrar read my notes on the events which had transpired at Haggus’ outpost. He was disturbed, and mentioned that the animals were also showing signs that some sort of tainting or disturbance was occurring. He handed me a set of bracers, and asked if I would check up on a hunter named Predator Sha’dur whom he sent to take some samples from the wildlife in the Tainted Forest. I agreed, and bade him leave.

I found Sha’dur past Sunset Meadow and near the arch leading into the Tainted Forest. While he was attempting to get the samples, he had been attacked by goblins called sapswill tappers. He managed to escape but lost his bow and arrow in the process, and wondered if I could help him get them back. As I was considerably better armed than he at that particular moment, I agreed.

The tappers were easy to find, as they all seemed to be scrounging about the nearby trees. I dispatched of two or three of them, before finding the one that had stolen Sha’durs bow. Upon finding it, I returned to him as quickly as possible.

In my haste I forgot that he had also lost the arrows. When I returned to him he was rather unhappy I had overlooked this fact, as his bow would be useless without them. He thought maybe he could Fletch some arrows of his own, but would need some sticks from the nearby spider den. Again, as he had no way to defend himself should the spiders attack, I offered to go in his stead. I felt it was the least I could do, considering my oversight.

I tried to sneak quietly past the spiders to the piles of sticks, but I was seen by one. As soon as I had killed it, another seemed to hear the noise and set upon me. I had killed at least a half dozen or so until the way was clear and I could grab the sticks. Moving swiftly I snatched them and made haste out of the den before any more spiders could attack.

Sha’dur was ecstatic when I returned. Apparently I had inspired him that even in the darkest times, not all hope is lost. He gave me the few sample he had gotten before he was attacked by the goblins and had me rush them back to Murrar. A woman named Deianeira who was nearby tried to get my attention as I was leaving. I explained to her the pressing situation, and promised I would return to her as soon as I found myself without a task.

Murrar was satisfied with my work, and offered me a coif to protect my head, as well as explaining he left some reward for me with the local banker, Bogfoot. Lastly he showed me a new fighting technique, which he called a Heroic Opportunity. It was basically a way to use the attacks I already knew in a way that would cause either extra damage to my enemies, or extra protection for myself. He asked if I would return in a little while, after he had time to review the samples. So I thought I would go check what he left with the banker for me.

*Writer’s Note: Baasch is now level 5, he has leaned the kick spell “Kick”, and the Heroic Oppurtunity “Fighting Chance”*.

Burnday 11:14 AM: I slept much later than originally intended. The escape from Nalbina obviously took more out of me that I had originally anticipated. Upon waking I hear several adventurers chatting about an interesting item which one could get from local crabs. Before I head over to Hayl McGuinness, I think I will check it out. I swing my blade a few times, I am rusty, but know it will come back to me. Nonetheless, a few crabs should be no trouble.

While heading to the beach I notice a pile of feathers under the trees. I remember one of the other adventurers mentioning that there was a woman named Paula Marx who was a collector of such things; shells and feathers and the like. So I picked up a feather, which turned out to be from a falcon, and put it into one of my pouches. Later on the beach I also found a mussel shell.

*Writer’s Note: Baasch has started the collection quests “Feather collection” and “Shell collection”

I arrive at the beach, apparently the crabs here grow quite large! I aim my arrow and miss my mark, so much for an easy fight! I unsheathe my sword and fell the creature with a few blows. Alas, the crab has not the rare item for which I am searching.

*Writers Note: Baasch has now obtained level 2, and received the disruption spell “Judgement“*.

I slice through another crab, and then a third, until finally after quite a few I am able to fashion some crab parts into a carapace chest plate that is slightly stronger than the one given to me by Murrar. I change into my new armour. While doing so I also notice two more shells on the beach: clam and abalone. I add them to the shell collection, then continue to slay the crabs.

*Writers Note: Baasch has now obtained level 3, and received the heal spell “Prayer of Healing” as well as looting the Treasured armor “Crab Carapace Chestplate” from a treasure chest.

Finally after quite a few more crabs have been slaughtered I find an unusual bone shard. As I inspect the bone shard I notice there are some etchings on it, and it appears as if it is a broken part of a greater whole. Perhaps if I kill more crabs, I will find the remaining pieces.

*Writers Note: Baasch has now obtained level 4, and received the offensive stance spell “Wrath Stance” as well as the defensive stance spell ”Knight’s Stance“. He has also accepted the quest “A Sandy Bone Shard“.*

 The plan is working, the crabs seemed to have more of the token pieces on them, I collect five more making six in all, and can see it forms some sort of medallion. Now if only I could glue them together.

While looking around the beach to see if anyone had any idea where to find an adhesive, I notice a gnome, Ebik Wobblecog, attempting to get my attention. Ebik tells me he is waiting for a boat to take him to Qeynos. When I asked what his business was, he replied that he was meeting up with his father, who went on ahead to deliver some important news to the city. He did not take Ebik along, for fear their ship might not make the trip. I asked him if he knew what the news was, but as it turns out Ebik’s father did not tell him; or if he did Ebik was so distracted by his father’s ship he couldn’t pay attention. I was curious how an ordinary ship could be such a distraction to a gnome, but as it turns out, typical of gnomes; it was no ordinary ship. In fact this particular ship sailed under the water! Or.. not so typical of gnomes as it turns out, in fact the underwater nature of the ship was not due to some great invention, in fact it was quite by accident, a victim of the Wobblecog family curse of miscalculation. Before I could respond that I didn’t have time to hear the rest of this story (which was turning out to be quite a long one) he began telling it to me.

Some time ago in Ak’Anon, a gnomish king held a contest to make a clockwork version of himself. The two main rivalries of the contest were Ebik’s ancestor Tizik and the notorious evil tinkerer Meldrath. Wobblecog’s invention won the contest, but not without it’s price: Meldrath cursed Wobblecog’s family with a curse of miscalculation. The Wobblecog family, though genetically blessed in tinkering, from that day forward had much difficulty in completing their inventions; mainly due to fumbling some small portion of the creative process.

He claims they thought they had finally overcome the curse with the inventions of Ebik’s father’s ship, but alas though it seemed more complete than their previous inventions, and certainly wasn’t lacking in the grandeur department; it too had it’s flaw. The heavy iron it was made of caused the ship to sink! In a moment of foresight however, Ebik’s father encapsulated the boat in a water tight seal, which allowed the boat to sail to it’s destination without drowning it’s occupants. There was some more technical explanation of how this was accomplished, but to be honest I didn’t understand a word of it. Ebik was left behind to collect the extra parts.. only just as he was telling me this, he realizes he has misplaced them. He doesn’t want to leave the dock, for fear of missing the boat, but he also cannot arrive in Qeynos without the parts to repair his father’s ship. I offered to help him out, and he let me know what parts he was looking for, but unfortunately not where he lost them. Hopefully they’ll turn up while I’m doing some other things.

*Writers Note: Baasch has accepted the quest “Ebik’s Missing Parts“.*

Looking to my left I see a fisherman gutting his catch which he calls a triggerfish. A strange ooze comes out of the wounds that seems sticky enough to hold. I dive into the bitter ocean and use my sword as a spear to catch some of these fish. While swimming around in the ocean I see a large metal part on the sea floor. I had to fight off a sawtooth shark to get to it, but it turned out to be the copper-coated springer belonging to Ebik.

All in all, it takes six of the triggerfish altogether to make enough glue, but I finally get the medallion to stay together. I can now read the symbols, and it seems to indicate the item has some protective value. I decided I might make a necklace out of it, but I would need to find a cord. I had no idea where to look, so I decided to go visit Hayl as I had promised, hoping maybe he could give me more information.

He did not know where I could find a cord, but did provide me with some tips and tricks to use in battle. I tried the new moves out on a sparring partner, and returned to Murrar Shar, whom I had met the day before to see if he could provide any more information.

Murrar was interested to hear that I had taken his advice and trained with Hayl. He gave me some gauntlets for my trouble, and asked me to speak with a Sergeant named Haggus through the same archway that Hayl had been near. Hopefully, this Haggus knows where I can find a cord!

*Writers Note: Baasch has now completed the quest “The Art of Combat (Queen’s Colony)” awarding him the “Qeynosian Plated Gauntlets” and started the quest “A Presence of Evil”

Haggus is in charge of a barricade that keeps goblins which he called sapswill invaders and other foul creatures out of the welcoming area. He asked for my help in taking a few of them out, and informed me that one of them probably had the cord I was looking for. Eager to kill the proverbial “two birds with one stone” I sallied forward and quickly dispatched a sapswill invader whom provided me with a cord.

*Writers Note: Baasch has now completed the quest “A Sandy Bone Shard” awarding him the “Scrimshaw Token“. As a result he has obtained level 5, recieved the spell “Penitent Kick“, and the Heroic Opportunity “Fighting Chance“.

I quickly fastened the cord to the medallion and put on my new necklace.I then dispatched two more sapswill invaders and returned to Haggus.

*Writers Note: more than two years may elapse in Everquest gametime, even though the premise of the story is that Basch only spent two years there. This is due to the fact that Everquest time passes approximately one minute in game for each second in real time. Baasch is level 1, he is beginning his journey with the sword attack “Faith Strike”, a standard melee attack, the taunt spell “Clarion”, an human inate aggro reducing spell “Diplomacy”, the sprint ability, and the ranged attack ability. He has recieved the quest “Welcome to Norrath” by entering the game for the first time.*

Windsday, 11:05 AM: I have just arrived far from the City of Dalmasca, and further still from the reach of Archadia’s eyes on a small island called Queen’s Colony in a land called Norrath. My head is still reeling from my narrow escape from Vayne in Nalbina, and even moreso by Noah’s betrayal. While we haven’t always seen eye to eye, I never thought he would go so far… but enough! I should not concentrate on the past right now. I need to find food and shelter, and concentrate on the task at hand. If I am to return to Dalmasca and defend my honour, I must seek refuge in this far off land and hone my skills.

They say this island is a welcome land for refugees, and it appears an emissary named Murrar Shar is attempting to get my attention. I hail him, and he responds “Welcome, Baasch, I have been anticipating your arrival. Your skills are greatly needed here at Queen’s Colony”. I panic a bit inside upon hearing his words. Had the rumours of my betrayal reached this far? I forced myself to keep a level head, and as another refugee hailed him he responded in same. So it was not that he had heard of me after all, but simply a matter of standard greeting to lift the refugees spirits. Still I proceeded with caution and asked of him, “Who are you?”
“I am Murrar Shar, a General of the Royal Antonican Guard and Protector of Queen Antonia Bayle”. A General to the Queen, I thought, he could prove useful later if I find myself in need of allies, but for now let me continue to lie low and show no signs of my former sovereignty. I continued my conversation,
“What is the purpose of this colony?”
“The Queen’s Colony was established as a training ground for prospective citizens of Qeynos. Our great city needs valiant defenders.”

The training ground function of the colony would suit me perfectly. I felt some guilt about swearing my allegience to the City of Qeynos, but in my heart I knew it was what needed to be done so I could once again swear my allegience to an even greater cause. If I was going to swear by her, I thought perhaps it was wise to lern about my new homeland, i asked Murrar Shar to tell me more about Qeynos.

He proudly answered me “Qeynos is a grand city that stands on the western shores of the continent of Karan. It is a place where truth and justice are valued above all else. It is ruled by the brave and noble Queen Antonia Bayle. Our kingdom is a bright light that stands above the dark empire of Freeport”. I asked him to ellaborate on the Freeport empire, “Freeport is a city of cruelty and malice, governed by its selfish overlord, Lucan D’Lere. He is a dangerous madman who seeks to conquer Norrath and hold us all in his iron grip. Beware his lies, Baasch”.

So it seemed that perhaps I would not have it so easy after all. Although exiled from Dalmasca, I was still a Knight and it is my duty to help fight injustice by any means. Qeynos it seems was not without her own troubles, her plight against Freeport reminded me of Dalmasca’s own plight, and this Lucan D’Lere of Vayne Solidor. So I swore at that moment to protect her as I would any kingdom who upholds the ideals of peace. I asked Murrar how I might serve my new colony. He warned me of the perils that awaited me, but as always my resolve was strong and I assured him I was willing to learn whatever it was he had to teach me.

He instructed me to visit a trainer called Hayl McGuinness, northwest of here and near an archway. He wrote the name down in this very journal, so I would not forget. Murrar also provided me with some basic armour and provisions; a chestguard, a pair of leggings, sabatons to protect my feet, a torch, some bread and water, a broadsword, a buckler, a bow and arrow, and lastly a backpack to help me on my way. I thanked him heartily, and bade him farewell. I decided before going to the trainer, that I should probably get some rest. So it seems that I will start my adventures tomorrow.

*Writer’s Note: Baasch has completed the quest “Welcome to Norrath” by speaking to Murrar Shar, and has accepted the quest “The Art of Combat (Queen’s Colony)”.*

Here I am at the Everquest 2 character creation screen. While Basch will never look exactly as he does in Final Fantasy XII, I am going to attempt to get as close as possible based on the Square-Enix artwork above.

The first problem I am having is he’s going to have a bulkier build than I really would like him to. Unfortunately humans on Everquest 2 are stockier than Final Fantasy humes, of whom even the most macho characters still have small builds which they just bulk up with outrageous armour. Other than that there are probably going to be minor discrepancies in hair area as stubble really isn’t a choice but I don’t want him to be clean shaven either. I think I will go with the “Jesus” look, as this is supposed to be taking place while he is in exile and Everquest 2 has a decent full beard for humans.

Unfortunately I am going to have to put an extra A in his name, because some other person made a level 2 character with the name Basch on my server weeks ago and then never played it again, but apparently doesn’t have the courtesy to delete it and free up the name so other people can use it (*ahem*). It was either that or play on another server, but I would really like him to be able to share inventory with my other characters and also group with my husbands characters and my guild if necessary to further his plotline better.

So here we are the Everquest-ized Ba(a)sch Fon Ronsenburg (set to Role Playing mode):

The first thing that had to be determined, what class should Basch be?

In Final Fantasy XII there really isn’t a predestined class for him, as all characters in that game can be customized to fit the player, though his higher hit point pool and lower mist point pool lend him to be more on the fighter side.

I also wanted him to be able to use at least a sword and a bow and arrow, and wear at least leather armour, but preferably metal (such as chain or plate) since that particular combo is how we see him in the opening sequence CGI (even though later in the game he switches to the incredibly awkward leather potholder vest with shorts).

Of course I also wanted him to have magic, because of the indication during the opening CGI and the Final Fantasy system of Quickenings is that he at least has some proficiency in this area, even if his mist pool doesn’t allow him to go full tilt in the magic direction.

Then of course there were the matters of both the fact in Final Fantasy that he was a Knight, and that during he opening CGI we see he has skills in Chocobo riding. While there are no Chocobos in Everquest 2 there are horses and other mounts our hero could ride (though if I ever feel inspired, perhaps Basch will someday have adventures in the land of Final Fantasy XI as well).

So the final decision has come down to the fact that I will play him as a Paladin. He will be strong enough to hold his own in a fight. He will be able to wear/wield almost all the major armor and weapons in the game. He will be able to cast minor spells such as heal, smites, and revival spells. And if I’m in a hurry to get him a horse there is a cheap Paladin fun spell he can get around level 20 until he has gained enough money to buy a proper mount (hoping for a Mistrunner because they have sweet armour and the glowing eyes, but that requires crazy amounts of status, so we’ll have to see).

Originally I wanted to start him in Kelethin, but because he’s human I am stuck in Qeynos.

Basch Fon Ronsenburg is a character from the Square-Enix video game Final Fantasy XII. If you’ve come here you possibly already knew that, but for those that don’t know but want to read this anyways I am going to try to keep this as spoiler free as possible.

Backstory: Basch was once a Captain in the Dalmascan Order of Knights. Dalmasca was invaded by the opposing kingdom of Archadia. In order to save what was left of his kingdom, King Raminas traveled to the city of Nabudis to sign conditions of surrender and treaty with Archadia.

Rumor began circulating that the treaty signing was simply a setup for Archadia to kill the king and takeover Dalmasca anyways, so the Order of Knights and an army of Dalmascan soldiers were sent out to try and intercept the king at the signing and insure his safety. The group was ambushed, a young soldier named Reks stayed to fend off the Archadian soldiers, while Captain Basch went ahead. By the time Reks had defeated his foes and arrived at the Great Hall, King Raminas as well as all the Dalmascan soldiers were dead. All except Captain Basch who proceeded to stab Reks in the gut and leave him to die. While Reks was slowly fading Basch was seized by the Archadians, and explained to them that he had indeed killed the king who he considered a traitor who was going to sell Dalmasca to the Archadians.

Reks lived long enough to return to Dalmasca and report what he had seen, but died soon afterward leaving his younger brother Vaan alone and with a huge chip on his shoulder regarding Archadia and Basch. Marquis Halim Ondore IV, leader of the sky city of Bhujerba and apparently quasi-historian on the side, reported in his memoirs that Basch had been executed soon after the preceding events. Eventually after all this you begin the game as Vaan, Reks younger brother, and through a series of events discover that Basch is not quite as dead as previously believed, and not only that but there may be more to the story. This is where I leave the story set forth in Final Fantasy XII and leave it up to you to find out what happens if you are so inclined to play that game.

Premise: I am taking a side-step to the Final Fantasy story to explain what may have occurred during the 2-year period between Basch’s reported execution, and the discovery of his whereabouts by Vaan and his party in the Nalbina Dungeons. A fan-fiction if you will in some manner, assisted by a second video game Everquest 2, in which I have created a Basch character to play, under the premise that the land of Norrath is where Basch has spent his time trying to regroup and regain his strength knowing that he would one day have to fight again to reclaim Dalmasca from the Archadian Empire.

Additional Notes: Do not expect this to be canon! This should be obvious simply by the premise, as Basch really wasn’t anywhere those 2 years except being help captive. This is an alternate scenario and will not feature any other characters Friend or Foe from the world of Final Fantasy XII. It will feature both non-player characters and possibly player-characters (assuming he meets any along his journey) from the world of Everquest 2.

Disclaimers/Copyrights, Etc.: Basch Fon Ronsenburg is property of Square-Enix, used without permission. All other items property of Sony, also used without permission. All entities used for fun, and not for profit. If the preceding companies do not wish me to continue to use said properties, please notify via ishtarandromeda@gmail.com so I may cease and desist this blog/fanfiction. All other writing in this blog copyright to me Tonya P. Taylor unless directly quoted from one of the previous sources. Do not quote any portion of this blog without my consent. Photos may be borrowed, but must be download and hosted on users server and not direct-linked.