Mfw The Brain Squid Is Bothering Me About The Worm In My Skull Again (He's Backseat-gaming).

Mfw the brain squid is bothering me about the worm in my skull again (He's backseat-gaming😔). 

I might've added the BG3 Art Book to my dnd assets stash

It' 100% does not have things like the 5e players' handbook + 5e’s character sheet, several gm guides, critical role's explorer's guide to wildmount, baldur's gate and waterdeep city encounters, 101 potions and their effects, volo's guide to monsters, both of xanathar's guides, a bunch of other encounters, one shots, and class builds

In no way are there any pdf’s relating to any wizard who may or may not be residing on any coast

(Edit that I’ve moved the folder to the new link above! So if you catch a different version of this post that link won’t work anymore!)

Isn’t it weird that mind flayers are controlled by an Elder Brain.

A brain, the sole thing in mind flayer’s diet.

It’s like if we shared a hive mind, the epicentre of which is a gargantuan Overlord grilled chicken.

Praise be Overlord Chicken

gale experience after patch 6.

Into the Vault

A missing scene for Gale between getting the book of Karsus and asking Tav to support his bid for godhood.

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Every step they took towards the vault of Karsus felt weighed down with lead. Like the floor grasped every footfall and resisting their release. Gale had barrelled ahead of the group at every intersection, barely waiting for others to comprehend the protective puzzle magic, let alone stopping to explain them as he so often did. Astarion had lost his patience with Gale more on this outing than any other Tav could recall. 

“I'm sorry, but what in the literal Hells was that?” Astarion snapped, skillfully disarming another fire trap that Gale had set off in his haste. “At this rate, you’ll burn out your eyes before you even lay them on this book.”

Gale barely acknowledged the retort, waving his hand dismissively as he regarded the remaining doors. Mentally constructing the path to the Karsus vault. Astarion shot Tav a look of disapproval, though whether it was regarding the situation itself or her general choices, it was hard to tell. Before she could even muster a returning glance of ‘sorry’, Gale was through the next door. Three very frustrating rooms later, the door to the vault of Karsus slid open, and a worn unimpressive book sat on the pedestal. Tav was first to it, through great effort. Her hands glided over the soft leather and twice rebound spine. Gale breathed out in wonderment at the book in her hands

“If the crown atop the elder brain was truly forged by Karsus himself, this book will confirm it. All we have to do is turn the page…” An unsettling light glinted in Gale’s eyes as he regarded the book in her hands as though attempting to read it through the closed cover. Under his gaze, Tav could hold her tongue no longer. She looked at him imploringly, softening her eyes as she tried to meet his. Hoping to convey her sincerity.

“I'm not sure I want you delving into this…Gale. I understand the importance of knowing more about the crown but I don’t think-” Gale cut in, frustrated. 

“And since when have we sought to avoid trouble, eh? Come now, the knowledge lurking between those pages could help us greatly. Don't be a hindrance after being such a great help.” Tav’s eyebrows shot up, and after a pause, she silently released the book into Gale’s waiting hands.

“There, that wasn’t so difficult,” Gale absent-mindedly remarked, already thumbing through the pages. From Karlach and Astarion, respectively, came a quiet gasp and a low hiss. Tav took a moment to gather herself before gesturing to the other companions. 

“We’ll be heading back then; come join us when you’re ready.” Gale nodded in recognition without looking up, and with that, Tav headed for the door. 

*⟺*

Gale wasn’t certain how many hours had passed by the time he surfaced from Karsus’s journal. Much of the journal was written in some kind of cipher that had demanded the utmost focus to even begin to decode. He mulled over particularly tricky passages as he passed through the portals to return to street-level. He’d spent the better part of the day specifically translating the reforging technique into a bound journal for later scrutiny. He walked mindlessly through the streets lit by the mid-afternoon sun, somehow finding his way to the Elfsong Taven. His feet carried him while his thoughts drifted, and soon he arrived at their shared floor. Compared to their previous accommodations the tavern felt like a palace, though a conspicuously empty palace presently. Gale resisted the urge to slink back to his bunk to continue his work; he already had much to tell Tav about the journal. He scanned the richly decorated floor for her, spotting Karlach and Astarion lounging on the couches in the common area, though Tav remained unseen. 

“Ah, Karsus’s heir apparent graces us with his presence…” Astarion moved his hand in a mock salute. Gale was unsurprised by the attitude but could have sworn he caught the edge of something else in his voice.

“Where has our illustrious leader run off to? Hm?” Gale directed his question to Karlach hoping to get an actual answer out of the pair. Karlach looked at him curiously before giving him a sad sort of smile. 

“She and the rest of the gang headed to the House of Grief…”

Gale nodded thoughtfully, he’d stayed behind at camp before but typically they discussed it beforehand. He wondered if he’d perhaps spent too long in the vault.

“I see; I presume she did not wish to disturb my studies.” Karlach and Astarion shared a look, an air of apprehension hanging between the two of them. Gale had no interest in parsing the meaning, not when the pull of the journal was so strong. “And in light of that, I shall return to it. Perhaps I will have it entirely transcribed by her return.” he strode back to his nook and sat down to write. As the day wore on, and the sun sunk below the window, casting long shadows on the walls of the inn, there was still no sight of Tav or any of their compatriots. Gale set upon preparing a meal for them so at the very least, they could fill their stomachs after their lengthy absence. It also served as an excellent distraction from the growing concern nestling itself in Gale’s stomach. As the pot came to a boil in the fireplace, the door to the floor flew open. Wyll and Lae’zel dragged themselves into the room, the exhaustion etched as deeply as the dirt and blood on their faces. Jahiera appeared from the wings to attend to their injuries as Gale watched the door for the rest of their motley crew. The door yawned wide but remained empty. Wyll called over his shoulder to Gale as Jahiera wrapped one of his cuts.

“Tav and Shadowheart headed to a Selunite Shrine. Shadowheart showed great bravery today, but the cost of the day is weighing on her heart. She asked for Tav’s support.” Gale gave him a warm smile, nodding to indicate his understanding and hoping that his smile had remained unlaced with the now full-grown anxiety gnawing at his insides. Gale did not linger after dinner, instead opting to return to his bunk and the comfort of his research. Within moments he had settled into his make-shift desk and the assurance of routine. A hushed and urgent discussion floated over the hastily placed divider between his bunk and Astarion’s. Though almost no conversations had been truly private in camp, the ambient sounds of the night or the echoes of caves and temples had provided some cover to those wishing to have covert discussions. But within the walls of the inn, the city’s noises were muffled, which in turn served to amplify the nearer sounds. 

“-withstand this any longer; it has eclipsed from amusing to quite sad.”

“Tav would not want us to stick our noses in their business.”

“Normally, I would agree but this is going to impact me, or us I suppose. Especially if it blows up in our faces, more specifically if he does.”

Under normal circumstances, it was possible that Gale would have simply buried his nose into his book harder, but the uncertainty of the day and the clear indication they were discussing him caused him to lean ever so slightly towards the noise. Astarion’s whisper had gotten even quieter, causing Gale to inch closer to the pair.

“I mean, have we considered that he could have dissolved their little bond by even pursuing this, and that is without even considering how he spoke to her like she was a particularly incompetent shopkeeper.”

“Tav wouldn’t just-”

“But it wouldn’t be her, would it? It would be him.”

Gale had heard more than enough. As usual, Astarion did not understand. That much was clear. He parted the separating dividers, startling Karlach, while Astarion looked utterly unsurprised.

“Perhaps leave stealth to the professionals, darling.” Astarion looked rather bored as he regarded Gale’s rapidly heating face.

“It is hardly reasonable to accuse me of sneaking around my own bunk. Besides, it is rather poorer form to discuss that of which you have no knowledge of.” Karlach had the good graces to look vaguely ashamed while Astarion continued to regard him coolly. Astarion’s silence only served to incense Gale further.

“Furthermore, perhaps I was a touch surly, but she, unlike you, understands everything that rides upon this and what it could mean for us.  Tav is everything to me, and I certainly wouldn’t speak to her in a manner…what did you describe it as? An incompetent shopkeep?" 

Karlach cut in. 

“She knows you love her, Gale, but I don’t think you’re understanding how it came across…” Gale looked unimpressed by the assertion, as Karlach considered her opinions.

“Maybe we can use the squidy connection to show you what we mean? From our side I mean,”

Gale considered it carefully; it seemed a waste to turn down an opportunity to prove Astarion wrong…

“Certainly.” No sooner had the words left his mouth, the scene in the vault unfolded in his mind. This time the focus being Tav not the book, he watched apprehension and worry swim across Tav's features as they crossed the threshold. Her attempt to appeal to him, his refusal and dismissal. Her crestfallen face as they had left the room. Gale felt like a well placed arrow had skewered him through the chest. He hadn’t ruined their bond had he? It certainly seemed he had. He jerked back, severing the connection. A cold sweat formed on his brow.

“So like we were saying…” Karlach began.

“No I see now, I must explain my behavior to her. If I can convey the gravity of the opportunities that this crown can grant us, she'll understand my rush and thoughtlessness. I've already translated the first part of the reforging so I can explain how near and realistic this goal could be for us…That I never meant to…” The words tumbled from Gale's mouth as he ran an unsteady hand through his hair. Karlach once again attempted to interject only to be cut short by the inn's door's opening. The silver sheen of Shadowheart's hair caught the light as she stepped quietly into the room. Gale held his breath, awaiting Tav's appearance after what now felt like an age. Only to once again be met with absence. A panicked thought rocketed through his mind, perhaps his actions had caused her to abandon the camp as a whole, he could hardly fault her. He suppressed the rising panic as the room's occupants crowded in on Shadowheart. Karlach pulled her into a hug, while Wyll rested a soothing hand on her back. Her eyes were red from crying. Gale stayed silent, uncertain if he could offer meaningful words of comfort or if they were even desired from him. Soon the crowd dispersed, leaving Gale hovering uncomfortably near the door. Perhaps his unsteady posture and sour look highlighted his agitation because he soon found himself face-to-face with Jaheria. 

“The cub headed for the bath, wizard.” Jahiera’s voice seemed so far away, only just reaching Gale's ears. He nodded curtly and stepped out the door.

"Tav?" He approached the chosen bathing room's door and glanced about for any sign of their companions. "May I come in?" after a moment, he heard the shift of a lock. Taking a deep breath to center himself, he pushed into the room. 

Steam obscured much of the room as Gale watched the mage hand that had opened the door dissipate. Tav's back was to him, the bubbles now sparse, floating on the surface of the water. Her usually voluminous hair slicked back off her face and down her back. Had it been a more amicable day, Gale would have been struck by how elegant she looked while simply lounging in the tub. His heart ached greatly as an unspoken worry settled into his chest that perhaps this would be the last time he saw her in such a casually intimate state. 

He walked around to face her, nervously fiddling with his hands. "Ah the benefits of a soak does wonders for the soul. A clean body can clear the mind of worries. How did your foray fair my-" He stopped himself, his words caught in his throat as their eyes met. " My...dear..." He finished, his heart sinking. For the first time, she was unreadable to him, though her displeasure was clear enough. She didn't look angry, instead seeming demoralized. Immediately, a hundred scenarios buzzed through Gale's mind. The scene in the vault, alongside a dozen other moments he should have been more courteous or helpful. Actions he could have taken in the days prior that could have avoided this fracture. She stood from the tub and dismissed the water with her hand. Gale turned away as she dressed, awaiting her answer. 

“It went well; Shadowheart will need a lot of support over the next couple of days.” She wrung out her hair over the tub, watching Gale carefully. 

“It has been brought to my attention that I have not behaved in a manner befitting a wizard of my caliber, and certainly not one who requested your continued faith in him. I do not fault you for giving me a wide berth, given my conduct.” He searched her eyes for understanding, while certain he would see brewing repudiation.

“I did not avoid you intentionally. I wouldn’t ignore you to punish you, I thought you knew that.” The disappointed hurt he’d seen flash across her face in the vault had returned in full force. Her concessions only deepened his unease. Of course, she’d be kind in her rejection of him, patient and understanding as she severed their ties. Gale deepened his breathing, attempting to reclaim the feeling of stability that was sliding through his fingers. 

“Yes, yes, of course. I apologize for suggesting otherwise. I cannot express my remorse over my behavior in the vault, but I must impress upon you that this is no passing whim, trust me. If I can obtain that crown, it will affect us all. It is not a decision I'll take lightly. It's our future that I'm thinking of - we can't rely on anyone else to protect or cure us. That has been shown time and time again. All I ask of you, singularly, is a night to prove all I can be to you, please.” Once again, the words spilled from his mouth with a speed rivaling even the fastest rogue. He bit down, hoping that perhaps his teeth could slow the flow and desperation. The look on her face carved into his heart with such breathless skill he wondered if he’d be willing to trade the orb’s pain for this.

“Please. Let me show you all that I can give you with your support and belief.”

Tav drew in a shaky breath and nodded slowly. Gale only just restrained himself from sweeping her into his arms; she’d gifted him both forgiveness and the chance to demonstrate all he could accomplish in her presence. He would ensure he could live up to that unspoken promise. 

“Words alone are not enough. Permit me to show you. Please, close your eyes a moment.”

Ooooo I wanna make a comic so bad but idk how but I'm trying to cook here