Part 16

After Andrus finishes talking, Dosia arrives and offers her healing abilities, which are costly to her and should be used only in extreme circumstances.

Andrus informs you that Crusaders, with trolls leading, have breached the west path. You can choose squads to assist; the archers with fire arrows are recommended.

Return to Andrus and heal as needed. The next battle is against mages up the center road; Stysich and his wizard slayers are recommended.

Return to Andrus again and heal. The next battle involves Crusader footsoldiers breaking through the east road; Brother Deepvein is recommended for assistance.

Return to Andrus once more. She informs you the center lane is clear and you should attack the remaining Crusade forces. Proceed to the north end of the center lane to confront the last Crusaders in their camp. Any unused squads will automatically follow you.

Marshal Nederlok arrives and informs you the Crusade advance has been turned into a retreat back to Dragonspear Castle. You should go there immediately after gathering what you need from the camp.

After Nederlok leaves, Ophyllis appears. He lost your money to a Crusader and, before dying, gives you his short sword +2.

Searching the camp reveals everyone is gone. Rest and then head to Dragonspear Castle for the 20,000xp quest.

After a narration and a (cutscene (a non-interactive cinematic the game plays automatically)) showing a failing assault on the gate, Torsin De Lancie asks if you accomplished the tasks in the Underground River. If you planted the barrel of bwoosh, he gives a command word, the gates explode, he casts haste on nearby forces, and the charge into the castle begins.

Inside the gates is a tough battle. Work toward the inner gates, then go up instead of through them. Adras Ashatiel appears with several others and commands her forces to stand down. She challenges you to single combat. Winning this fight results in the Crusaders surrendering. She is a skilled fighter/mage and rewards 5,000xp, an adventurer's robe, a golden girdle, a cloak +1, bracers AC5, a ring [free action], a small shield +2, potions [2 extra healing], a wand [frost, 5], and a mace +2.

Go to the inner gates where Caelar appears on the wall, stating her intent. She teleports away after opening a door in the basement to lead an assault on Avernus. A (cutscene) starts as Phossey Dugdeep approaches the inner doors and blows them open, causing damage to anyone nearby.

Enter the inner keep. You can talk to De Lancie, though it's unnecessary. He can inform you that the Flaming Fist, led by Duncan, has entered the castle to hunt Caelar, that the Underground River is warded to prevent her escape, and that the only apparent way into the castle is through the roof.

Go south and east to steps leading up to the roof. Another set of steps takes you to a room near the castle entrance where Dosia is available for healing. Enter the castle.

Dragonspear Castle First Floor (BD4100): Go west to find Belegarm. Continue west to a small round room with two chests containing potions [5 extra healing, 2 storm giant strength, 2 clarity] and arrows [40 +3, 40 ice, 40 acid +1].

Return east to a doorway south into a long chamber running east-west. Another doorway is in the south wall to the west, even though the stairs down to the basement are visible to the east.

This is another long chamber running east-west with several bookshelves containing spells [enchanted weapon, protection from fire, resist fear; protection from fire, protection from poison, chaotic commands, free action].

A small round room to the west has a crate and chest containing potions [5 fire resistance, magic protection, magic shielding] and 50,000gp, 18,476gp, and a note from Ophyllis. Ignore the table to the east, which has a scroll [cursed foolishness].

Go through the eastern doorway in the north wall and down the steps.

Dragonspear Castle Basement (BD4300): Move forward and open the unlocked gate, then go north to the room with the portal doors. Bence Duncan waits with two mercenaries and a mage. Caelar passed through the doors, and the mage detects a strange magical aura behind them.

If asked, the mage senses alteration and illusion magic tinged with evil. You can choose to take the lead entering the doors, have Duncan lead, or take time to prepare.

Once you enter the doors, Caelar confronts you. Hephernaan appears, casts a spell that immobilizes everyone, including Caelar, and strikes you for one point of damage. He then opens a portal to the Nine Hells intending to release devils and goes through it.

Caelar, realizing she was used and the danger to the realms, takes the crusaders with her through the portal. Follow her for a 20,000xp quest.

Avernus (BD4400): Move north and across a stone arch to see Darnus, a Crusader Sargeant, and a Crusader Elite being attacked by abishai, lemures, imps, and hellcats, led by Illaruel. Rescue them, talk to Darnus to find out where Caelar went, and get Illaruel's scroll to read it.

Spectacles note: You will see the spectral figure of Idyletia, a deva. Do not bring her here, as it will result in an unnecessary battle.

Go east and up some stairs to the entrance to the tower Darnus referred to.