# Down, Down, Down By the River: Let's Play Baldur's Gate 3

**URL:** <https://www.lp.zone/t/down-down-down-by-the-river-lets-play-baldurs-gate-3/4340>\
**Category:** Completed Let's Plays\
**Tags:** screenshot\
**Created:** [May 13, 2025, 1:45am UTC](https://www.lp.zone/t/down-down-down-by-the-river-lets-play-baldurs-gate-3/4340 "2025-05-13T01:45:13Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 16

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Timrod](https://www.lp.zone/user_avatar/www.lp.zone/timrod/32/85274_2.png) [@Timrod](https://www.lp.zone/u/Timrod)\
**Post date:** [August 5, 2025, 1:45am UTC](https://www.lp.zone/t/down-down-down-by-the-river-lets-play-baldurs-gate-3/4340/16 "2025-08-05T01:45:29Z")

</div>

![Update 8](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/3/a3c66bfb3a3a0fa4d1b3c155a196e2e389d2ceca.png)

> **Summary**
>
> ![Neutral](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/7/072f3f6924ef2b8542c96355c10cfe283dc515e7.png): I’m not sure what the etiquette is on the second half of what was originally one update should be. Oh well.
> 
> ![Laugh](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/3/13b9aeb51c11df1ada0103b058cad4bb56672d39.png): Welcome to the second half of Update 8!
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 11-53-19-211](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/5/959812ed350e24fc1ec9c437ea1e2d2ecc76438c.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Waukeen’s Rest is a short walk away from the first group of gnolls. It is a timed event that starts as soon as you get close enough.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): This spot is part of Wyll’s sidequest, but due to the game being buggy it’s unlikely you’ll see the cutscenes for it.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): (What a cozy-looking inn. I’m sure I could take Halsin here, maybe have a drink..)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 11-53-38-842](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/3/6/36865ecb5c3e2fdfb514d712299d102502c0cc6f.jpeg)
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): Gods damnit, of course it’s on fire! This must be the inn Volo was trying poorly to sing about back in the goblin camp.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 11-53-40-488](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/d/ed315d165fd0f1033b491986b2b5066926e15b40.jpeg)
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): (They’re trying to get that door open. Maybe some of the wine is still salvageable.)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 11-53-42-857](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/d/a/da817a02feb615cecbdcb1487f7be174776ae725.jpeg)
> 
> > Gauntlet Yeva: "Keep pushing. Duke Ravengard could be inside! On count of three. One… Two..
> 
> ![Wyll](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/4/1404d59f45f6c1e93ecc06393524e857979105a9.png): “Ravengard? He’s here?”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 11-53-52-069](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/4/8/4849885f4e37169c9caab21624c4a7edb3fe2b58.jpeg)
> 
> > Gauntlet Yeva: Yes! Now make yourself useful. Push, damn it, push!
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 11-53-57-188](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/7/7707bac65070e53a7b14558e422a16626025299a.jpeg)
> 
> > 1. You heard her, Wyll. Get in there.
> > 2. [STRENGTH] Step in and help.
> > 3. [BARD] [PERFORMANCE] WE CAN DO IT! PUT YOUR BACKS INTO IT! PUSH!
> > 4. You seem to have things in hand by yourself.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “WE CAN DO IT! FUCK THAT DOOR UP! THE WINE MIGHT STILL BE OKAY!"
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 11-54-04-215](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/6/963ff35bec03b6c3ff58c338b1ffa0c696767f9c.jpeg)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 11-54-11-438](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/f/2f2e9aefb1eb0919af6b9d898f129f3fb0e881c2.jpeg)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 11-54-14-361](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/5/75c40cf9456d3a78df26642b71fdf902124d15e0.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Pollux cheers so hard he smashes the door down.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 11-54-17-806](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/e/0e5ae4619f1bf916db64f7af1d7bf18c98ba8ebb.jpeg)
> 
> > Gauntlet Yeva: “Inside! Hurry! We don’t have much time!”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 11-54-47-865](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/b/2bed0e92c198520d1c252cf82aa4186641bf1bf5.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): There are two people trapped in the building on the second floor, and from the moment we kick the door in we have only a handful of turns to save them both.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): However, there’s also a TON of food on the bottom floor, and we want to grab it all for later.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): There’s bread! And meat! Maybe I can grab a couple of benches and turn one of those old ruins near the grove into a makeshift tavern..
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 11-55-59-200](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/d/0/d0cc6d92351f86b4bbc6107b0f8462c394038222.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Astarion uses his insane amount of movement to dash from the entrance all the way to the second floor in one turn.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): He has run over 50 meters in 6 seconds, which would put him on pace with a world champion sprinter.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-02-13-662](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/4/b40faab712050c5eee450565871e15ed3c148edb.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The intact door is a trap - there is a chest in there, but you can get it after a long rest when the inn burns down. If you open it, it explodes.
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): You know, I really shouldn’t have opened that door, but there’s treasure inside.
> 
> ![Neutral](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/7/072f3f6924ef2b8542c96355c10cfe283dc515e7.png): Shouldn’t we have some kind of warning about checking doors for heat to avoid backdrafts?
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): You’re a dragon. Aren’t you fireproof?
> 
> ![Neutral](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/7/072f3f6924ef2b8542c96355c10cfe283dc515e7.png): Part dragon, and I mean.. yes, but..
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): So? No problem. You can’t catch fire, I can’t catch fire, we’re set.
> 
> ![Neutral](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/7/072f3f6924ef2b8542c96355c10cfe283dc515e7.png): What about The Shape?
> 
> ![Neutral](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/2/920c330318eced6905b296393a14585378b1d11a.png): I run into burning buildings all the time for all kinds of reasons. My wife tells me I really should stop doing that and let the fireproof types handle it.
> 
> ![Callie](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/5/657cf56b9526b2a9b08ba33c65995a212ccde99e.png): I’ve dated the incarnation of fire on several occasions.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Remind me to never be in a burning building with any of you.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-02-49-363](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/d/2d62c013ea46858411f6581f0d36e2c315c07bda.jpeg)
> 
> ![Callie](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/5/657cf56b9526b2a9b08ba33c65995a212ccde99e.png): Someone definitely got slapped for that. “Hamarhraft” is dwarven for “thunder thighs”, if memory serves.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 11-56-28-302](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/5/05fe1cd4e82061a8c5d28a189cffe38974d79ed8.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Karlach busts through the wall, jumps inside, and then busts down a second wall to get to the first rescue target.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 11-59-20-020](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/a/aa61ed81cc8bf1c33eda7440b865a0e67550e475.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): This is the fastest path to save the first target, though you have plenty of time to get there if you don’t have someone who can jump that high.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-05-55-825](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/2/72ccee4bf2ff2722208fe58dd4cb5a720b3959fe.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The second target is across the hall, and is why we brought Karlach up here instead of having Astarion go in.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-06-13-529](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/c/1c36237ab7694cce90310897f1c85f5700b7e956.jpeg)
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/a/1a0e4a9d845ae150e27e13a102dcbe9451bbb391.png): “The fire - hurry! Get this thing off of me!”
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Benryn is really just fluff - you don’t get anything for saving him apart from the satisfaction of doing so.
> 
> > 1. [STRENGTH] Brace yourself to lift the wreckage.
> > 2. [INVESTIGATION] Find leverage to shift the beam.
> > 3. Leave.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The strength check is a DC 10. The investigation check is DC 15. There’s also a hidden check specifically for bards. I’ll show that off in bonus content.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-06-24-592](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/e/9e9bef02300836e9523c521f013f70b9faa2645e.jpeg)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-06-34-856](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/5/c50d34a86da0fe9968f842ad1c485fa3bdec2b76.jpeg)
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/a/1a0e4a9d845ae150e27e13a102dcbe9451bbb391.png): “Thank you.. now how the hell do we get out of here?”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-06-43-811](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/f/b/fb580a23bdca07d7091c8a1be92c56bdd5b2bb29.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Benryn temporarily joins the party and starts off knocked down. You can run him all the way downstairs and out the front door, or..
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-06-58-140](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/0/10ff3c37d0461529d11b112798cdb182906f2d7d.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): There’s a broken door right behind him that Karlach can break, which he can escape through automatically once he gets up.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-10-22-698](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/0/90d18c6a6f7d050d3ef171ee49840c67e0d3bfe8.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Wyll gets an inspiration, and then the game breaks a bit. Because Wyll isn’t out in the courtyard yet, the game acts as if he’s not there.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-10-29-982](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/8/1/814f3dbf5f98d320162d27d3d5b192d25a2d2109.jpeg)
> 
> ![Florrick](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/d/6d3490c63233f7ad8680b43ab79e7d5e4af51597.png): “Fresh air, at last. Your boldness is a blessing - I’m in your debt.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-10-36-174](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/3/9/391eed6c2415c0b199b9758e637e9d772f64bb0d.jpeg)
> 
> Gauntlet Yeva: Counsellor - are you all right?!
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-10-41-863](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/1/71ce73e1170c80a505e12b6521c6f2813a9f1a84.jpeg)
> 
> ![Florrick](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/d/6d3490c63233f7ad8680b43ab79e7d5e4af51597.png): “It takes more than mere fire to break me, Yeva. Now listen close, fist: duty calls. Drow have taken Grand Duke Ulder Ravengard - westward, if my eyes and ears can be believed.”
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Ravengard is one of the only characters from Descent to Avernus that shows up in BG3.
> 
> ![Florrick](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/d/6d3490c63233f7ad8680b43ab79e7d5e4af51597.png): “Gauntlet - report to the manip and send for reinforcements. We must find the Duke.”
> 
> Gauntlet Neva: “On your command, Counsellor.”
> 
> ![Florrick](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/d/6d3490c63233f7ad8680b43ab79e7d5e4af51597.png): “The rest of you - count the dead. Take word of their sacrifice to the city.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-10-52-540](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/f/4/f48499f6a3fb7a103ca70d18d8d9bd235f848d67.jpeg)
> 
> ![Florrick](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/d/6d3490c63233f7ad8680b43ab79e7d5e4af51597.png): “And you - I must ask again for your aid. Please - rescue Ravengard from his drow captors. The Council will reward you for your effort. May I trust you’ll see it through?”
> 
> > 1. Why entrust this to me? You have others at your command.
> > 2. The Absolute’s cult is based at Moonrise Towers. That’s where they’ll have taken the Duke.
> > 3. Who is this Duke Ravengard?
> > 4. [BALDURIAN] Ravengard’s a champion to the people of Baldur’s Gate.
> > 5. [BALDURIAN] I owe no fealty to some Upper City toff.
> > 6. I’ll rescue Duke Ravengard. You have my word.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “The Absolute’s cult is based at Moonrise Towers. That’s where they’ll have taken the Duke.”
> 
> ![Florrick](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/d/6d3490c63233f7ad8680b43ab79e7d5e4af51597.png): “Moonrise Towers? Along the old road? That place is cursed. Few could survive there… unless darker forces are at work.”
> 
> ![Florrick](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/d/6d3490c63233f7ad8680b43ab79e7d5e4af51597.png): “This was no random attack. The Grand Duke was their target.”
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): We get the same options as before, so I won’t repeat them.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “I’ll search for Duke Ravengard.”
> 
> ![Florrick](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/d/6d3490c63233f7ad8680b43ab79e7d5e4af51597.png): “Thank you. And should your courage falter, remember the Duke’s generosity. Approach the Towers with care - the land itself has been swallowed in shadow.”
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Florrick has revealed Act 2’s gimmick. We could go there through judicious application of explosives, but I’m going to save that for an optional update.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The reason is that getting through that location with explosives is also how we’re going to pull off that glitch I’ve been talking about.
> 
> ![Florrick](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/d/6d3490c63233f7ad8680b43ab79e7d5e4af51597.png): “I will seek reinforcements and join you when I can. Fist: to work.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-11-28-340](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/b/7b216d113f766f765d2d8d580946bdb0a4f995c1.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): For saving Florrick, we get a choice of one of three weapons. These are part of the same set as Astarion’s boots and the Watersparker boots we found in Minthara’s room.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): They all have the same gimmick: they give you lightning charges when they do damage. The staff is the best option.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The reason is that the lightning charges proc off every hit of multi-hit spells, and that’s what Lyselle is going to be using when we fight Ethel.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-13-03-824](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/4/6/46514faf93937266ee8e6dd67e14305eb2b78cfa.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The game does something weird here. Even though Wyll is in the party the whole time, it acts as if we’re talking to him in camp after the fact.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Even the game is like “Why are you using Wyll?”
> 
> > Narrator: Wyll’s brows furrow as your minds connect. He sees the burning embers of Waukeen’s Rest, then Florrick’s face as she tells you of Ravengard’s abduction.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-13-14-607](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/3/1/31e0729b0de1761f25c71a20c5941db3e35fc5e9.jpeg)
> 
> ![Wyll](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/4/1404d59f45f6c1e93ecc06393524e857979105a9.png): “Hells - Ulder Ravengard’s been taken?”
> 
> > 1. Yes - drow set fire to the inn and stole away with the Duke.
> > 2. You must know the man, judging by the concern in your voice.
> > 3. Counsellor Florrick seems to think so. I’m not so sure he wasn’t burned in that blaze.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Yes - drow set fire to the inn and stole away with the Duke.”
> 
> ![Wyll](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/4/1404d59f45f6c1e93ecc06393524e857979105a9.png): “Then we need to seek him out and get him to safety. You see – Grand Duke Ravengard is my father. I know I haven’t said. Our relation was no matter of pride, not least for him.”
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): I’m going to cut the conversation here, because it goes back over what Florrick already told us.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-13-54-753](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/8/c8e7984151240fe1c94f6a14b2c7061f5f8d857d.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): We get an inspiration for Pollux. Before we go off to the Zhentarim base, we can go talk to Benryn. He’s in a room to the left of the fountain.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-20-42-812](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/4/b4fa9eb88dfbc1ec0f2db5ff531ebad984e8af40.jpeg)
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/a/1a0e4a9d845ae150e27e13a102dcbe9451bbb391.png): “Miri, no.. gods, no, no, no! You should’ve stayed.. you should’ve been with me.”
> 
> > 1. How did you two get separated?
> > 2. It wouldn’t have made a difference.
> > 3. Leave.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “How did you two get separated?”
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/a/1a0e4a9d845ae150e27e13a102dcbe9451bbb391.png): “I was in our room. We had a fight. If I’d just kept my mouth shut about that bloody dowry, she’d.. she’d still be here.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 12-20-57-074](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/a/ba96de67c3ed3f42225eecb420ce871917101812.jpeg)
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/a/1a0e4a9d845ae150e27e13a102dcbe9451bbb391.png): “It’s for her sister’s wedding. I made a stupid joke about keeping it. We argued about it for hours. Then she took the dowry and left. She said I’d never see her again. She was right.”
> 
> > 1. This isn’t on you. There was no way you could’ve known.
> > 2. Count your blessings. At least you’re still alive.
> > 3. Leave.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “This isn’t on you. There was no way you could have known.”
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/a/1a0e4a9d845ae150e27e13a102dcbe9451bbb391.png): “I’m sorry, Miri. I’m so sorry. Please, just go. I need a moment with her.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 21-01-08-367](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/7/b7beea0838806e79e30c1317624af43587273ade.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Using Speak with Dead on the corpse tells you the ring is in the barn, which is right next to the Zhentarim base.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 19-12-10-984](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/4/8/48e48d8f78b7d147c4404d9aa71b880400a3501b.jpeg)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 19-13-12-289](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/2/b2f2c043a404df97e1d4dcda5ee1bcd590a1ca78.jpeg)
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/a/1a0e4a9d845ae150e27e13a102dcbe9451bbb391.png): “I know this doesn’t change anything, but it helps. Thank you. I’d need some time alone with her.. to say goodbye.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 19-13-15-723](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/a/9a8c5ee2287dadd62b91dcaa4b90401aad28cb5a.jpeg)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 19-15-42-715](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/6/561a4fce08ac07a3d056f04d783f9e5cd36811fe.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The Zhentarim base is directly across from the barn.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 19-15-48-252](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/d/bd675a355ffdc0e2c9af9e9413a5b317f2d5172a.jpeg)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): That’s a lot of explosive barrels.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 19-15-59-185](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/a/cac66decdee50d2f8c4e4343a708e38a55034fff.jpeg)
> 
> > Narrator: You spot a man crouching between the shelves - just as he spots you.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): If you don’t have the password, there’s a few other way past this: rogues have a unique interaction, or you can use a dexterity or intimidation check.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Little serpent, long shadow!”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 19-16-04-991](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/3/4/34928ad19caa271c7732835e47a1a508366fe6f0.jpeg)
> 
> > Salazon: Helm’s orbs. Thought you were Flaming Fist. Down you go, then. They’ll be on us soon, so if you’re looking to trade you’d best be quick. Entrance is hidden behind the wardrobe - here’s the key.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 19-16-12-811](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/d/cd15e3daf92683142d73d0eab9e88dfcbcc49593.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): We can grab all of these barrels with no objections, so of course we do. By the end of this update, a full third of our camp inventory will be explosives.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 19-18-45-517](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/c/ccb302a346c9971b2c75ebd5e6a0e51537b6049c.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The basement has a warp, and we are going to exploit the hell out of it.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 19-19-01-321](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/f/2f0d0addbd80a72ac6087efd25f45216ef4f74b9.jpeg)
> 
> > Zaryn: “That’s far enough. What’s your business down here? Answer honestly, and maybe we’ll kill you clean.”
> 
> ![Rugan](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/c/5c01eebfbc1ea9c3c1f4fbee9a4fe143f9519400.png): “Hold on. That’s the lad who saved us from the gnolls. Let him in.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 19-19-12-763](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/4/2/42212539734c4f357d148266fb99e78788cf6123.jpeg)
> 
> > Zaryn: “You revealed our location? That tongue of yours gets any looser, Rugan, I’ll cut it out. Come down, then. Seems you’re a friend of the family.”
> 
> > Zaryn: “I owe you one for saving my people. The Zhentarim look out for their own - even if it’s Rugan. That’s worth some coin. And my thanks.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 20-13-30-648](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/9/79fc9553490dbf8fd99db455d97334d4db7cff76.jpeg)
> 
> > Zaryn: "Our trader can show you some of our more exotic items now, but don’t delay. This place is likely to be rubble soon.
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): Rubble? What are you planning to do?
> 
> Zaryn: “Someone kidnapped a duke - right on our bloody doorstep. The Flaming Fist will need someone to blame. I don’t plan on it being us.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 20-13-36-692](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/d/4/d47ddcaeb33a7285d9ab6a8717b06f8dab0e163f.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): We get a few hundred gold and a heavy crossbow, which Astarion can use because of that Fighter level. It’s a slight upgrade to his longbow.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): If you steal the chest from Rugan and he’s still alive, this scene goes very differently. You don’t get the crossbow or the gold, and you have to kill Rugan.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 19-21-32-665](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/a/0ae31eaa3763501f045f72f0b5f367b06ff6368f.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The Zhentarim have rigged this place to blow, and we’re going to steal the vast majority of these barrels.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 19-21-26-243](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/4/64459e3b5ce0667d0810930ab67ed483696d931f.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Even though there are a bunch of people down here, there’s plenty of room to steal them when they’re not looking.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The trick to stealing them is that the guards will alert under one of two circumstances. The first is that they see you stealing one of the barrels. The second is if they see a barrel missing and you’re anywhere nearby.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): We can avoid the first by being in stealth, and the second by immediately mashing the “return to camp” button and waiting a couple of minutes for the guards to get out of search mode.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 20-07-52-650](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/f/7/f73320e8a88975b816c047619772c10dcc15942d.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The back part of the cave has oil barrels strewn about. There are guards on patrol but they don’t generally get in the way.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 20-11-05-414](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/9/792372953aff45fb9f69dd6e050a8cfc32836774.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The back of the cave has two locked gates, both of which are DC 20. One strategy would be equipping Astarion with the necklace that lets him cast Guidance we found a few updates ago.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The other is burning a couple of thieves tools.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 20-15-44-472](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/0/60c05014515ef90dc6071fb6ee8982bfc1530013.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Both gates have locked and trapped chests in them. The traps are only DC 10, so Astarion will make it unless he rolls a 1. If you really want to be safe though, you can pick up the chest and send it to camp.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): This chest has a pair of gloves that make summons resistant to everything but psychic damage, but they have to make a will save each turn to not go insane.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): If you’re a dedicated summoner wizard, this item is top-tier for you because most summons are immune to madness. Of course, you have to plan for it and give Shovel to someone else.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 20-18-10-972](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/f/2f4551af0dfc1690c8e9ce810124fb7202f0576e.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The other gate is on the other side of the rear of the cave, and is right near a button that turns all the traps in the cave on.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): That WOULD be useful if we planned on killing everyone, but we don’t want to do that.
> 
> ![Talking](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/3/53017e1a9856c0105d78bba69b728eeb67809c9f.png): I’m surprised Mara doesn’t have anything to say about that.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 20-18-41-011](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/4/9/49d8132e390cf14f8492e7345c08f5677d71e1e6.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): This gate has two chests. They’ve got gold and a piece of infernal iron in them.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 20-28-35-374](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/4/4/44ac3c35ed05232b1adff8aa7e530f4d49f18c0f.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): What we’re actually here for (apart from the explosives) is this guy. He’s part of a quest in Act 3.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Ideally, we wouldn’t talk to him before talking to the trader, but I’ll do it just to show the dialog.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 20-28-39-613](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/f/cf76bc70720a5dc068fc54f89fadf5fae8ef1122.jpeg)
> 
> ![Oscar](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/e/aece852796b5da6c04e6004a4ff1b7bcdd4344bc.png): “You! Zarys may have welcomed you, but I can see you’re not one of her thugs. You need to buy me.”
> 
> > 1. Why are you selling yourself?
> > 2. I don’t need a servant.
> > 3. Sure - how much do you cost?
> > 4. Maybe. But you don’t look very expensive.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “I’m taken, sorry. Sell yourself to someone else.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 20-28-46-298](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/f/4/f4c732e1ace1a499ba855064b20b38dd47b2ffcc.jpeg)
> 
> ![Oscar](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/e/aece852796b5da6c04e6004a4ff1b7bcdd4344bc.png): “Selling mys- I am not some lower city coinlad offering you a tumble. I am an artist, and my patron will reward you for your service - tenfold whatever ransom you pay, I guarantee it.”
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): He’s one of those bots who can and will spam the shit out of you if someone so much as mentions the word “commission” within ten words of your username.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Who is your patron?”
> 
> ![Oscar](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/e/aece852796b5da6c04e6004a4ff1b7bcdd4344bc.png): “As far as you’re concerned, she may as well be the Coinmaiden herself. But there will be time for questions later. Please, speak to Brem - I need to see the sun again.”
> 
> ![Callie](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/5/657cf56b9526b2a9b08ba33c65995a212ccde99e.png): “Coinmaiden” is one of the titles of Waukeen, who is a goddess of trade in the Forgotten Realms setting.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 20-30-16-420](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/a/7a4531128b17696422b2cbec8134a3f3854f0abc.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Brem is a Zhentarim standing next to Oskar who offers to sell him for 1000 gold but can be talked down to 600.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Alternatively, if you talk to Brem BEFORE talking to Oskar, you can get him for free with a higher check - DC 20.
> 
> ![Oscar](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/e/aece852796b5da6c04e6004a4ff1b7bcdd4344bc.png): “I can’t say I’ve ever been bought before - how much did I fetch? No, don’t tell me. There is nothing as depressing as learning one’s true value. Well, you should at least know what you’ve paid for. I am the Oskar Fevras, at your service.”
> 
> > 1. I’ve never heard of you.
> > 2. [BARD] I am the Pollux, at yours.
> > 3. My slaves do not speak unless spoken to.
> > 4. Excellent. When will I get my reward?
> > 5. What will you do with your freedom?
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): This is how we know this is a 2014 5E game and not a 2024 5E game, because 2024 5E expressly scrubbed any mention of slavery.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “I am the Pollux, at yours.”
> 
> ![Oscar](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/e/aece852796b5da6c04e6004a4ff1b7bcdd4344bc.png): “A genuine pleasure. I’m in your debt - as is my patron. My betrothed, I should say. Assuming Lady Jannath still wishes to marry after our little.. falling out.”
> 
> > Narrator: You recall a recent scandal - a patriar of Baldur’s Gate who wished to marry a commoner.
> 
> > 1. You’re Lady Jannath’s runaway groom?
> > 2. What happened?
> > 3. I don’t care about your love life - I just want my reward.
> > 4. [BARD] Ah, patrons dallying with their dashing artisans. A tale as old as art itself.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “You’re Lady Jannath’s runaway groom?”
> 
> ![Oscar](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/e/aece852796b5da6c04e6004a4ff1b7bcdd4344bc.png): “I did not run away - a date was never set. There were.. complications. Before my fame, my patron, there was.. another woman. One I planned to spend my life with.”
> 
> ![Oscar](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/e/aece852796b5da6c04e6004a4ff1b7bcdd4344bc.png): “But when Lady Jannath offered me a future, well.. it felt only right to mention my past. Right, but unwise. I was forced to retreat into the countryside. To paint, and clear my head. To choose, I suppose.”
> 
> > 1. A truly horrifying dilemma.
> > 2. [BARD] I must know how this tragic tale ends. What option did you choose?
> > 3. All I care about is getting paid.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “I must know how this tragic tale ends. What option did you choose?”
> 
> ![Oscar](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/e/aece852796b5da6c04e6004a4ff1b7bcdd4344bc.png): “Hm? Oh, absolutely none. Fame and wealth suit me very well, no doubt. And yet I think of that first love, and.. I hesitate. Likely I’m going mad.”
> 
> ![Oscar](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/e/aece852796b5da6c04e6004a4ff1b7bcdd4344bc.png): “Regardless! We have more immediate concerns - your reward once I’ve returned to the city, for one. Say - I don’t suppose you could spare some coin, could you? Ease the discomforts of the road some?”
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): We could give him 200 gold, but you get the quest regardless of whether you do, so we won’t.
> 
> ![Oscar](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/e/aece852796b5da6c04e6004a4ff1b7bcdd4344bc.png): “I suppose I can endure the walk sober. Suffering has become an old friend, after all. Until Baldur’s Gate, then!”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 20-03-55-405](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/d/0/d0dee02765c339f50f5cc1ab02bcb3e99817846d.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Doing this gets us enough EXP for everyone to hit 5th level. Let’s arrange the party before we go fight Ethel.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-27 20-27-15-746](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/9/0928ff9693e6f035e8156ab18575f4648f76208c.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Pollux gets his 3rd-level spells.. most of which aren’t very good. This is why we’re still College of Swords. There are ways to get good spells, but Pollux can’t get that until 6th level at earliest.
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/1/b191cf23b1a131a6fe2e94e3d2f357565478d86a.png) - Essentially a better Grease. Creates an area that reduces movement through it by 75% and DOES NOT PROVIDE A SAVE.
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/f/cf2be777261e085f3bd2b4218a794973f21f904d.png) - Creates an area where anything in it must save or be nauseated, which renders them unable to do anything but move.
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/8/4/8498f9ec410c8bbdff43bcd940ba67a08b929d4c.png) - Makes a magic land mine that can blow up in a variety of flavors. Can be placed directly under an enemy to detonate instantly. Dex save for half damage.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Plant Growth is probably your best choice here. Glyph of Warding is okay, but it has too big of a damage range to be reliable.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-35-02-692](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/c/cc30f15796fb452a445eccb144595afd921512d0.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Astarion finally gets a feat and his ability score increase.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-35-17-257](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/4/5/4592dc59ff07ee6af7b76985fe88511ed1720402.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Karlach gets a second attack per round.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-05-53-099](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/3/23b31a84542bc25b1c21ddf45b3ba2da05c1e351.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Lyselle is coming with us for Ethel. She gets re-specced into one of the only truly good Charisma builds in the game: the “Sor-Lock”.
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/b/6b0cd372e51702ba4fe4f3ef9abfc4606ba8b495.png)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Eldritch Blast becomes viable at 5th level, because it now fires two beams that do 1d10 unblockable force damage each.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): It has a lot of upsides over using hand crossbows: you don’t need a dexterity investment, it’s extremely easy to get (Bards don’t even need a level dip) and it doesn’t require equipment to be decent.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The downside is that it won’t do as much damage as a dedicated hand crossbow build, and it doesn’t get any damage bonuses unless you have 3 levels in warlock.. or a specific piece of equipment we can’t get yet.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Pollux could get access to it if he was a College of Lore bard, and I’ll switch him to that at 6th level.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-07-17-336](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/f/f/ff6ef7d324e51cd9d79f4ac7db7735e9c39fe566.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The reason the “Sor-Lock” build is so powerful is that you can apply metamagic to Eldritch Blast and sacrifice all your spell slots for more metamagic. Alternatively, you can just use your spells and have Eldritch Blast for backup.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): There’s one other thing we need to do before we fight Ethel, and that is (on a separate save, of course) long resting to get a specific camp scene.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 23-15-38-850](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/8/98c30409ed9260007f443e27b82079e34753ab26.jpeg)
> 
> > Narrator: You don’t rest well, flitting between dreams and nightmares. Maybe you break your meditation because you know something is wrong. Or maybe you just get lucky.
> 
> ![Callie](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/5/657cf56b9526b2a9b08ba33c65995a212ccde99e.png): Elves can’t sleep, so they meditate instead.
> 
> ![Neutral](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/2/920c330318eced6905b296393a14585378b1d11a.png): Sure looks like he’s sleeping.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 23-15-45-997](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/3/032901c1f322a5888677c911e4467c10b69acdeb.jpeg)
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Begone, bringer of toxic yaoi! The power of boyfriends compels you! The power of boyfriends compels you!”
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “No no - it’s not what it looks like, I swear! I wasn’t going to hurt you! I just needed - well, blood.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 23-16-04-877](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/f/ef706ed9bbf2c79eceb4e9de7cba9759106f1434.jpeg)
> 
> > Narrator: There, in dim firelight, you see him for what he really is: a vampire. A salve to sanguine hunger.
> 
> > 1. How long since you killed someone? Days? Hours?
> > 2. [MELEE ATTACK] Pick up a stake and lunge at the monster.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): We could kill Astarion here if we wanted to.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “How long since you killed someone? Days? Hours?”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 23-16-06-818](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/4/14ec44af0750f7d752ab63111cd2e80a4ad8f8e1.jpeg)
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “I’ve never killed anyone! Well, not for food. I feed on animals. Boars, deer, kobolds - whatever I can get.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 23-16-10-531](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/d/f/df7e6583d477ad1c58ba664a9ce377b28355ec32.jpeg)
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “But it’s not enough. Not if I have to fight. I feel so weak. If I just had a little blood, I could think clearer. Fight better. _Please._”
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): I looked it up because I was morbidly curious, and there is not a single Hazbin/BG3 crossover fic despite Astarion and Angel Dust being, at their core, the same character.
> 
> > Narrator: A strange sensation courses through you, and your companion’s mind unfolds, secrets half-revealed.
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “At best, I was sure you’d say no. More likely, you’d ram a stake through my ribs. No, I needed you to trust me. And you _can_ trust me.”
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): (How’d he know?)
> 
> > 1. I do. I believe you.
> > 2. You tried to _bite me_. How can I trust you?
> > 3. Leave. If I ever see you again, I’ll kill you.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “You tried to _bite me_. How can I trust you?”
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “Because we don’t have a choice! Not if we’re going to save ourselves from these worms. I need you alive. You need me strong.”
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “Please. Only a taste, I swear. I’ll be well, you’ll be fine, and everything can go back to normal.”
> 
> > 1. Fine. But not a drop more than you need.
> > 2. All right, but go too far and I’ll drive a stake through your chest.
> > 3. Are you mad? No!
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): We’re going to let him feed, if only because it is REALLY hard to keep Astarion’s morale up if you’re not a villain.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Really, the best thing you can do (assuming you’re not a hardcore Astarion fan) is perma-bench him early on and replace him with a hireling.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Fine. But not a drop more than you need.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 23-16-42-305](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/5/c5a194001992a80c31b1dacc55793976ff7c1ec3.jpeg)
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “Really? I - of course. Not one drop more. Let’s make ourselves comfortable, shall we?”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 23-16-48-597](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/9/29028b0994c0d46875b3eab6f49736da91577e65.jpeg)
> 
> > Narrator: It’s like a shard of ice into your neck - a quick, sharp pain that fades to throbbing numbness. Your breath catches, your pulse quickens.
> 
> > 1. [PERSUASION] That’s enough.
> > 2. [STRENGTH] Push him back.
> > 3. [MELEE ATTACK] Grab the stake and drive it into his heart.
> > 4. Let him continue.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): If you pick option 4, or you fail the checks (they’re DC 5) your character dies. There is an alternate scene if he kills you.
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “Mhh? Oh, of course.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 23-17-01-539](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/4/5/456a40e2af1978ee1cdb0f09c4ed1e23d804e596.jpeg)
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “That - that was amazing. My mind is finally clear. I feel strong. I feel.. happy!”
> 
> > 1. I’m looking forward to seeing you fight.
> > 2. I don’t. That felt wrong.
> > 3. [MELEE ATTACK] His guard’s down - grab the stake and drive it into his heart.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Yes, it gives us the old Undertale “stab Toriel after she steps out of the way” option.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “I’m looking forward to seeing you fight.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 23-17-13-655](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/6/1619387f4eb1adf420dcc79b600a6ec1af4a102f.jpeg)
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “Shouldn’t take long. So many people need killing. Now, if you’ll excuse me, you’re invigorating, but I need something more filling.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 23-17-17-710](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/b/bbe825c5a353dd57f66e4ce457b95c1a0eab0b65.jpeg)
> 
> > Narrator: You watch as he stalks towards the forest. Stronger. More confident. Ready to hunt.
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): Ready to top.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 23-17-29-623](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/8/7/87a148d02f6d2c35e88660f93edaebcbdbf25941.jpeg)
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png):“Good morning. How do you feel?”
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): You might ask why Astarion is still in his old armor - the reason is because I had to load an old save to get this scene to play.
> 
> > 1. I’m fine, I just feel a little woozy.
> > 2. My neck hurts, how do you think I feel?
> > 3. I feel awful. We won’t be doing that again.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “I’m fine, I just feel a little woozy.”
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “It’ll pass. Just be glad I’m not a ‘true’ vampire. A bite from them and you might wake up as a vampire spawn, like my good self. All of a vampire’s hunger, but few of their powers.”
> 
> > 1. Is that how you can stand in the sun? Because you’re not a ‘true’ vampire?
> > 2. Any other drawbacks I should know about?
> > 3. Pity. I thought you’d be more powerful.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Is that how you can stand in the sun? Because you’re not a ‘true’ vampire?”
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “Oh no, I should be cinders in this light. I hadn’t seen the sun for two hundred years before we crashed here. Someone - or something - wants me alive. They’ve changed the rules.”
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “Standing in the sun, wading through a river, wandering into homes without an invitation - they’re all perfectly mundane activities now. As for my other quirks - well, we can figure those out in time.”
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): There’s more to the scene, but it’s just the party going “We accept you, Astarion!” and then a repeat of his intro scene, which we’ve already done.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): However, there is one relevant line I need to show.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 23-18-52-668](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/a/baced1201738eb433f722d08a795eee083108c2f.jpeg)
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “People think the biggest threat to a vampire is a cleric with a stake. It’s not. The biggest threat to a vampire is another vampire. They’re scheming, paranoid, power-hungry beasts.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-29-36-078](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/a/aa6e4b55fc7521de71623b6cfad56870010891ec.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Back in Ethel’s swamp, we can see a couple of redcaps wandering around. These will be disguised as sheep if you don’t see through the illusion.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): If you don’t deal with them prior to engaging Ethel, she summons them on top of you.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Ethel’s a bad fanfiction, and this LP has one rule: fanfiction gets exterminated.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-32-58-142](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/1/718dadf12946a45ebebc2998fbb7110243ddf17f.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The redcaps are a continuance of the “enemy who isn’t a threat until they get to melee range” theme, and so we kill them from range. The swamp is incredibly bad for them because they’re small (lower movespeed) and most of it is difficult terrain (which halves their speed).
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-36-03-181](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/c/ac2d05ae8451979062982908da1c52a8144686a0.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Behind the redcaps, the two guys we talked to earlier are both dead. The path to Ethel is on the right, but if we take the left..
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-36-26-482](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/4/2494c648f22c048ac1f50a2972f85e123ade0ad1.jpeg)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-36-33-778](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/2/22fdaaf813b7ba6f87caa3fb13512820559e1d86.jpeg)
> 
> ![Gandrel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/2/b233f03b846629fe1868545e3429fdc20cd79758.png): “Ah, stranger. Forgive the aroma.”
> 
> > Narrator: You catch a waft of something foul - metallic and sickly-sweet.
> 
> ![Gandrel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/2/b233f03b846629fe1868545e3429fdc20cd79758.png): “Powdered iron-vine. An old hunter’s trick - most monsters will think twice before making a meal of me.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-36-48-590](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/f/f/ff0e79b205015f7cda0cb6ff4658a064a84f4a13.jpeg)
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “You’re a monster hunter? I’m surprised - I thought all Gur were vagrant cut-throats.”
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): If he was a Monster Hunter, the framerate would tank to single digits on all but the most powerful of hardware.
> 
> > 1. _Say nothing._
> > 2. Pardon, but who - or what - is a Gur?
> > 3. I knew you were a jackass, but a racist? I’m shocked.
> > 4. Ignore the elf. He talks too much.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): I’ll answer question 2 for you. The Gur are a race that originate from an extended-universe novel published in 1995. They are never mentioned again until 5E.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): They are essentially Faerun’s equivalent of the Roma. This guy I think is only in the game because of The Witcher.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “…”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-36-57-917](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/3/4/34348251db30c7b04c403a82d80c403528708f70.jpeg)
> 
> ![Gandrel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/2/b233f03b846629fe1868545e3429fdc20cd79758.png): “And more! We steal chickens, curse your crops, seduce your daughters - the list goes on. I wish I had half the power settled folk think my people possess. Alas, I am a simple wanderer.”
> 
> ![Gandrel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/2/b233f03b846629fe1868545e3429fdc20cd79758.png): “A simple wanderer and monster hunter. But I’m no witchdoctor or cut-throat.”
> 
> > 1. So what monster are you hunting?
> > 2. If I were a cut-throat, I wouldn’t admit it either.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “So what monster are you hunting?”
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “Something terrifying, no doubt. Dragon? Cyclops? Kobold?”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-37-16-774](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/3/c/3ce7bc983a12f99f680efec7079bb4dabb0e5469.jpeg)
> 
> ![Gandrel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/2/b233f03b846629fe1868545e3429fdc20cd79758.png): “Nothing so dramatic. I’m hunting for a vampire spawn.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-37-18-276](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/d/bdc7e9cce6a20e7aeb56361d6c15e23c13cd5a8a.jpeg)
> 
> ![Gandrel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/2/b233f03b846629fe1868545e3429fdc20cd79758.png): “I fear he’s gone to ground. I hope the hag of these lands can help me flush him out, if I can afford her blood price.”
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “A vampire spawn? Why?”
> 
> > 1. Say nothing.
> > 2. You’re asking why a monster hunter would hunt a monster?
> > 3. Are you all right?
> 
> ![Gandrel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/2/b233f03b846629fe1868545e3429fdc20cd79758.png): “It is a sacred mission from the head of my tribe. She sent me here to capture the beast and return it to her.”
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “Capture? And bring it where?”
> 
> ![Gandrel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/2/b233f03b846629fe1868545e3429fdc20cd79758.png): “Baldur’s Gate. My people wait for me there.”
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): We already know from Astarion’s intro that Cazador, the vampire who owns him, lives in Baldur’s Gate.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-37-46-042](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/3/93f4c7ddd1981c224e3d85b867cfd2b4b9c8211a.jpeg)
> 
> > Narrator: Under all the smiles, you can feel Astarion’s tension. He’s coiled like a spring, hand inching towards his weapon."
> 
> > 1. _Cough and give Astarion a warning look._
> > 2. How do you capture a vampire, exactly?
> > 3. [To Astarion] You’re asking a lot of questions.
> > 4. Say nothing.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): If we say nothing, and because this is on a save that hasn’t seen the cutscene with Astarion trying to feed off Pollux, Astarion will automatically kill Gandrel.
> 
> ![Neutral](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/2/920c330318eced6905b296393a14585378b1d11a.png): And only villains do that.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): _“Don’t kill him!”_
> 
> ![Gandrel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/2/b233f03b846629fe1868545e3429fdc20cd79758.png): “Is your friend ill? I have some tea that might help..”
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “No, no, I’m quite well. We should go, but you have fun tracking your monster.”
> 
> > 1. Why not join us? We could use a monster hunter.
> > 2. Safe travels. And good luck.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Safe travels. And good luck.”
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): (Good luck talking to the hag after we liberate her head from her shoulders.)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-38-06-873](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/8/0/8044ff8743de5864976ecb1a6ca85f7999fc79ab.jpeg)
> 
> ![Gandrel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/2/b233f03b846629fe1868545e3429fdc20cd79758.png): “Thank you. Treating with a hag, I need all the luck I can get. May your road be kind.”
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): We could kill Gandrel, but there’s no real need to. If you know that Astarion is a vampire, you can sell him out and he is permanently lost.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): If you DO kill him, you can find out using Speak with Dead why he’s really here, especially if the person casting Speak with Dead is Astarion.
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “Who sent you? Was it Cazador?”
> 
> ![Gandrel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/2/b233f03b846629fe1868545e3429fdc20cd79758.png): “No.. Ulma.. leader of my tribe…”
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “What were you going to do to me?”
> 
> ![Gandrel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/2/b233f03b846629fe1868545e3429fdc20cd79758.png): “Capture.. return.. Baldur’s Gate…”
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “Why did you need me alive? Why not destroy me?”
> 
> ![Gandrel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/2/b233f03b846629fe1868545e3429fdc20cd79758.png): “Our children.. you know.. where they are…”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-38-54-835](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/4/7/47d22ab58a22a35284c022ef7fac68c60237f2b4.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): We’re at Ethel’s front door. Tactician mode: on.
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): I’m not even going to bother with this one. It’s a scripted fight that will always go exactly the same way.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-38-59-954](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/9/c9a948c92e3db8120735938c2d82c800280568df.jpeg)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-39-07-188](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/0/90e6dac047c330a3000595e074e81688c916f48f.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): She starts in her disguise. We have to knock her out of it to do anything. First order of business is to go into stealth and spread the party out.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-54-29-539](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/8/7/87f7ba7733bb0caf5c63b1b8b2d3a2143de8d79a.jpeg)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): On tonight’s episode, the writer’s thinly disguised feeder fetish. Ethel’s a freak.
> 
> ![Ethel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/3/a3183992e1b56a550262d52430f54f91d45854a3.png): “I don’t want a crumb left on that plate, girl.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-54-37-936](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/f/9f3870ee8427ed693b0a4724201d94578e493f1b.jpeg)
> 
> ![Mayrina](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/5/e5a1ab512e2323040c6fab40e6d3819c6cef2c1e.png): “Auntie Ethel, please. One more bite and this pie is gonna come back up to say hello.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-54-41-029](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/3/4/34e2cdfe680a63fbc80977f033e929b33cf9c549.jpeg)
> 
> ![Ethel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/3/a3183992e1b56a550262d52430f54f91d45854a3.png): “Don’t make me get the wooden spoon. You’re eating for two, so get to it!”
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): At this point, we should probably just skip the cutscene and kill her.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-54-48-465](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/f/9f9e3185871cdabb02f52f3d31c4d29f222c3769.jpeg)
> 
> ![Ethel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/3/a3183992e1b56a550262d52430f54f91d45854a3.png): “If it isn’t the cheekiest pup of them all… you’d best have one hell of an apology for me young man.”
> 
> > 1. You must have mistaken me for someone else.
> > 2. [BARD] I appear to have forgotten my apology. How about a poem instead?
> > 3. _Attack._
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): "Sure. Here’s one. Ahem.
> 
> ♫ You will beg for death ♫  
> ♫ A curse on your last breath ♫  
> ♫ As I insert my knife, rip your heart from your chest ♫  
> ♫ Send you to hell like I sent all the rest ♫"
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-55-40-728](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/d/a/da5e94e47d790fd8ea2a1e8fc38ff5c7776358f3.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): She’ll try to bargain with you because she’s a “dealmaker” villain like every other villain in this game. Villain writing is not this game’s strong suit.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Ideally, you hate the villain because they’re an asshole. I hate her because she’s a poorly written fanfiction that shits all over the rules.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Anyway, she’ll demand one of your character’s eyes to cure the parasite. It’s obvious she has no intention of actually doing that.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-39-38-330](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/3/7/37080312588ec8fd1ab4bba064abe51af8ea80d1.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Ethel will always start the fight the same way if she can - by throwing a firebomb. It’s possible to pickpocket her to stop her doing that.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-02 20-27-11-639](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/7/077867f16e077434796a07dbf575c44bd62acb7e.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): On her next turn, she teleports behind her fireplace and runs to her lair. She does all of this in one turn and will immediately aggro if you try to get in there before engaging her.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): We could set up a one-turn kill by making her wet and then casting Lightning Bolt, but that’s not worth doing.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-02 20-30-54-410](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/d/cd2d8eeb2209c4e54e391529746c69cb16c9b78b.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Chasing her into her lair is worth 140 EXP (7 owlbears).
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-44-00-664](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/8/985874e13c318daec46734ef04c7b9dea97f1153.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Before we go in any further, her house is full of healing potions and food. None of it’s poisoned for some reason.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-45-27-646](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/4/6/46783810c0f7050f844caa5c1182b372dd8c0d07.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Her lair is divided into three areas. The first is pure fluff.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-45-32-048](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/8/28f025d225aebc65b23d95e74eb73f6ef86ac475.jpeg)
> 
> ![Ethel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/3/a3183992e1b56a550262d52430f54f91d45854a3.png): “You are as thick as they come, sweetness. This is my personal play house. And you don’t have an invite. Get. Out.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-46-39-145](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/c/9ce8c8cb6181c6f3b888de541f30ed5cd5048351.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): This is a hall of her ironic victims. The only two that really matter are this guy..
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-47-24-218](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/b/6b2efd32577a9c12c05fb3bfb3d04a2d8522a2b9.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): And this guy going insane in a corner. We’ll find out what their deal is later.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-47-36-378](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/e/5ef7310b44b7aa92752ffc4b747565f2946eab5f.jpeg)
> 
> > Narrator: You feel crushing waves of fear as the presence within the door recoils. It can’t let people through. Not again!
> 
> > 1. What happened the last time you opened?
> > 2. Come on, open up!
> > 3. No time to chat. I’m here to kill the hag.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): I’m gonna abridge this part because it’s kinda gory. The door is some guy Ethel turned into a door, because she’s evil.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-48-31-008](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/d/8/d8cde313a96af16364b2f4349206c6042f38ba96.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Oh, and then she jumpscares you.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-49-43-847](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/4/24369d30f05eb5dc876012f3132e8181e1d085c1.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): The door is an illusion, but even if you know it’s an illusion it’s still glitchy. You have to move the camera like this and then walk into the void.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-49-54-899](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/3/a32cc8161cc36b132a4d89d6584077065205752c.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): The next room is another ironic victim room, where four people in masks walk around going insane. Sneak attach them, they die.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-07-29 21-51-57-745](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/e/be54ffb1682bd00ded7df86814438dac0833760e.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): One of them (the halfling) can be saved, as long as you knock her out instead of killing her. Technically, the best solution would be to not engage the enemies at all.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-02 20-38-01-806](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/f/4/f464a11925d3600afce3c4bb31796523f7d39aaa.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): This waterfall is our next destination.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-02 20-38-23-164](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/3/2315af5e959a4dba055ce4dd1da32b03b1520982.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): If you wear the masks Ethel has lying around (do not do this, they’re cursed) you can bypass the gas traps. Or..
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-02 20-56-32-075](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/c/7ca1717433f3e66abefca695ac429f8d09da6314.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): You can use a trick dating back to Divinity: Original Sin and put something heavy over the vent.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-02 20-57-05-985](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/c/6cc81a3089f94ef236c2b7c6b8c57c5a8533f226.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): This plus some jumping gets us past all the traps with a total of 2 damage taken. There are land mines in the gas that are disguised as flowers, but you can bypass them pretty easily.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-02 20-58-35-869](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a12d7697cf270829bdb0ee7630172dd9ac25a4ea.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Finally, we’re at her boss room. Mayrina is in a cage, which Ethel is going to spend her first turn lighting on fire.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): If you’re fast enough, you can throw a bottle of water at the cage to make it wet, and then immediately begin combat to bypass this.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-14-33-794](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/3/631e59fe34dae4d15828d90bee966ee6845d19f9.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): It’s pretty obvious where Ethel is based on the sight lines, but we need to let the cutscene play out or the fight glitches and we lose out on a pretty big reward.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-14-36-225](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/8/4/84962aa393997f3421f627683df1bd911e79c934.jpeg)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-14-39-799](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/4/b44483d5e1634599bdbfeec9763319a885e65552.jpeg)
> 
> ![Ethel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/3/a3183992e1b56a550262d52430f54f91d45854a3.png): “You come to my house, interfere in my business, and now have the _gall_ to face me in the heart of my lair? You petulant bollocks.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-14-52-743](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/8/4/84900dd5febd21059e6f3dfa0383de987a9cdc47.jpeg)
> 
> ![Ethel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/3/a3183992e1b56a550262d52430f54f91d45854a3.png): “I’ll rip your spine out your arsehole! I’ll use your blood to spice my stew. I’ll keep you alive until I’ve sucked the marrow from your bones! And then I’ll bring you back and do it all over again.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-15-14-358](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/4/b4306dacb8b4b0ca61bc5cb9b3e16fd45f0805fa.jpeg)
> 
> ![Mayrina](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/5/e5a1ab512e2323040c6fab40e6d3819c6cef2c1e.png): “Stop it! PLEASE. Let me go!”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-15-48-295](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/d/7dfbd11d51ba1a463d10e52021ee8725fa8a0374.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): After throwing her firebomb, Ethel does one of two things. If you left any of the masked people alive, she summons them. If not, she clones herself five times.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): This cloning spell kind of goes against all the rules of monster design. Typically, in the tabletop game, enemies do not have spells the players do not have access to. A spell like this is something that doesn’t even exist in the tabletop game.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): There’s a couple of ways we can tell which is the real one. The clones have a different colored outfit on, but the main way is that the real Ethel will always be first in the initiative order.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-02 21-00-51-547](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/7/172b103ed020433259c76b59cdcd7b20b8425662.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Of course, the only reason we care which one is the real one is because the clones, in violation of all basic design principles of the tabletop game, can cast spells.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): This is something that straight up doesn’t exist in the real game, and for very good reason.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-16-54-597](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/d/bd583a0859a4f0bdd2cacdaf9bf0b0a1396de371.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Oh, and the clones have the same armor class Ethel does. Just in case there was any question as to whether the developers had completely tossed the rules out the window.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): The solution on balanced and tactician is to use Magic Missile, which always hits. If it’s upcast as a 2nd-level spell, it’ll hit four of the clones at once.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): On Honor Mode, the developers throw out the last of their attachment to the rules and dive straight into AO3.
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/f/8/f8c9c61bd7096295c1953339e6a84f5dbb35e053.png)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Honor Mode gives her a legendary action which procs any time someone casts a spell. This immediately refreshes all of her clones and potentially spawns even more.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-18-39-149](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/5/757d82dd1a2554b60fddf7e1a146fcd18e2e0f90.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Regardless of difficulty, the first and most important thing to do is get everyone (except your caster) into melee range. This is because Ethel’s AI doesn’t care about taking attacks of opportunity, giving you plenty of space for free attacks if she switches targets.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-19-18-946](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/7/c7267e3296e4df90bfddd4730e1bb9f9945dec6b.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Once all her clones are dead, Ethel will summon a second wave - only this time she makes herself invisible.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Of course, if you have people in melee range at all times, you can see where she ends up from the buff text.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-19-58-569](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/f/3/f31678a97ca345399eaedc60d6899b4853895f3f.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Once she goes below 20% HP, Ethel will start begging for her life. If you can, you want to get her HP into the single digits before she does this.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-20-55-069](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/4/6/46ee4407dd37d3e4957649b8399170e3e1fd1d32.jpeg)
> 
> ![Ethel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/3/a3183992e1b56a550262d52430f54f91d45854a3.png): “Wait! Argh. Wait just a tick. Killing me is a waste of time. I’ll find a way to return. Always have, always will.”
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Have I mentioned that Ethel, in addition to being a shitty fanfic, is also a lich?
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): What gets me about her though isn’t the bad writing. It isn’t the fact that she’s the D&D equivalent of one of those six-species sparkle furries. It’s the fact that she cheats and is still incredibly easy to kill.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): I mean, there’s no challenge to it. Do you know her gimmick? Congrats, you win. It’s like going to a Counter-Strike tournament with an aimbot and losing.
> 
> ![Ethel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/3/a3183992e1b56a550262d52430f54f91d45854a3.png): “But it’s.. unpleasant. So how about we be civilized about this, hmm? I have something you _want_.”
> 
> > 1. What I want is Mayrina - free and alive.
> > 2. Go on…
> > 3. Indeed. I’ll take your head and stick it on a pike.
> > 4. Hah! This should be good.
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “Go on..”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-21-35-408](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/9/69a9e5c25d32b7e911ff9d8334ee2f48a801bb01.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): She offers us +1 to any ability score. This bonus can go beyond the normal maximum of 20. We’re taking the deal.
> 
> ![Ethel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/3/a3183992e1b56a550262d52430f54f91d45854a3.png): “Just let me keep the girl and her babe.”
> 
> ![Karlach](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/6/c66d3403c6a78811014cc85dad63e39e8a943bfa.png): “Please! She’s dreaming if she thinks we’d leave Mayrina here.”
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): “Of course we’ll take it. And by it, I mean the girl AND the power.”
> 
> ![Karlach](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/6/c66d3403c6a78811014cc85dad63e39e8a943bfa.png): (Psst.. where the hells is Pollux?)
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): (Oh no. The last time we left him alone..)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): You can either go back into combat, take the offer.. or you can make a Deception (or Intimidation) check to get both.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): If you’re a fighter, you get advantage on the intimidate check.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-21-51-402](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/4/5441c5c1993c09bec732fc86398520d3454476b7.jpeg)
> 
> ![Ethel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/3/a3183992e1b56a550262d52430f54f91d45854a3.png): “You greedy little bollocks! Fine. Here!”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-21-59-474](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/3/9/398e902c191bca8b8dde396c174405b215a6e2e2.jpeg)
> 
> ![Neutral](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/7/072f3f6924ef2b8542c96355c10cfe283dc515e7.png): That’s disgusting.
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): The only thing you’re going to get by eating that is a venereal disease.
> 
> ![DIS-Honor Mode](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/4/c/4cd745c69ec056bdf96643fa51faaf32e69fc2dd.png)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): You may have noticed that Pollux is nowhere to be seen. I wonder where he could be?
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 14-13-28-935](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/7/778a2cca87bc167cc7807b779de4595e46ab11c9.jpeg)
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): (Pant.. pant..) Who would have thought the hag would have a trap door leading to some kind of alternate dimension?
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): At least I picked up this odd staff on the way out. Too bad I couldn’t read anything in the user manual but the pictures.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 14-13-39-367](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/a/1aa1394b0825ce84fca82ee4c66a2e1d9296af8d.jpeg)
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): Oh, there’s Astarion! And the hag! What was I supposed to do with this again? I think you point this end at the target, and then put this bit to your eye, and then..
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 14-13-41-804](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/f/3/f3d92be599e92c8864448ca353fe0aff550768fc.jpeg)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-22-35-301](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/7/67437e6ab570045f7e335b4a23dab5f3a6ca7872.jpeg)
> 
> ![Ethel](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/3/a3183992e1b56a550262d52430f54f91d45854a3.png): “Blah blah blah arse, blah blah shitcunt.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 14-13-44-108](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/6/e607211ecc1e263dd8af9b2c42ba9a72ada44192.jpeg)
> 
> ![Astarion](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/215771b344a4c9c37a272a9b8a531481ea4bd7e8.png): You could have given us some warning. Her head is GONE, and I mean GONE. There’s a void where it used to be. I could have eaten the rest of that hair..
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): Here’s a brief explanation of how that went down. You may have noticed that Pollux wasn’t in combat that entire time.
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): That’s because Pollux was hiding in the gas room. As soon as someone makes the deal with Ethel, you’re guaranteed the hair, but you don’t get the experience for killing her.
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): If you manage to get her health low enough, you can have your out of combat party member sneak up and kill her while she’s still in dialog. This gets you the experience in addition to everything else.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-23-10-080](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/a/9a3056eff3fc884fbf0c7f761b6d78ffd6e69096.jpeg)
> 
> ![Mayrina](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/5/e5a1ab512e2323040c6fab40e6d3819c6cef2c1e.png): “I’m so stupid. How could I have trusted her? I almost gave that monster my _child_.”
> 
> > 1. Why the hells would you even consider that?
> > 2. That would have been foolish.
> > 3. Less crying, more gold please.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The background is green because Ethel got a poison cloud off on this recording and Mayrina is standing in front of it.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Why the hells would you even consider that?”
> 
> ![Mayrina](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/5/e5a1ab512e2323040c6fab40e6d3819c6cef2c1e.png): “That’s what she wanted - my baby. And gods, I was going to do it - for _him_. My husband. She was going to bring him back. Bring Connor back to life.”
> 
> > 1. Your husband must have meant a great deal to you.
> > 2. What would have happened to your child?
> > 3. You’d have sacrificed a new life for a lost life? Pure selfishness.
> > 4. Let me know when you’re done whining.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Your husband must have meant a great deal to you.”
> 
> ![Mayrina](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/5/e5a1ab512e2323040c6fab40e6d3819c6cef2c1e.png): “Connor would have done anything to save me - I had to do the same. I just wanted everything back - back the way it was.”
> 
> > 1. Ethel saw you were vulnerable. She took advantage.
> > 2. That doesn’t excuse the deal you made.
> > 3. I shouldn’t have helped you.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Ethel saw you were vulnerable. She took advantage.”
> 
> ![Mayrina](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/5/e5a1ab512e2323040c6fab40e6d3819c6cef2c1e.png): “It’s my own fault for letting her.”
> 
> ![Mayrina](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/5/e5a1ab512e2323040c6fab40e6d3819c6cef2c1e.png): “I should take my husband home. His coffin is just upstairs. A decent burial is the least I can give him. Thank you. I don’t think there’s anyone else who would have saved me.”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-24-05-256](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/7/b79ddb846413eb1bbd9fa307cd7e269b8c03b985.jpeg)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-24-10-775](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/7/77a8b8505efbcdc372757aa38417bd4050798103.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The back door in the boss arena leads to a storeroom. There’s not a lot of particularly interesting stuff in here, except..
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-25-13-823](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/6258127b4d1e1e28974f03bc8a907b1151f14ba8.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): This wand right here, which we need to take to Mayrina.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 11-25-04-475](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/0/90aee45428e40f93fe00659f9cd3cabd3595482a.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Oh, and this fairy ring. The fairy ring is one of three entrances to the second half of Act 1. We’re not going to take it just yet.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 13-33-25-931](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/3/638b9cd41e0bf11a21fa0a082e21a72196e8a7db.jpeg)
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/a/ea6ead948bf54d01af544116a06e3749797fc48e.png): “Ungh… me head… Oh no. No. Why ain’t I petrified?”
> 
> > 1. The hag is dead.
> > 2. Because I saved you. You’re welcome.
> > 3. You don’t sound pleased. Would you rather be a statue?
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/a/ea6ead948bf54d01af544116a06e3749797fc48e.png): “_What?!_ How.. how am I still breathin’? I’ve the Bite..”
> 
> > 1. What’s ‘the Bite’ exactly?
> > 2. Are you sick or something?
> > 3. You struck a deal with the hag, didn’t you?
> 
> ![Talking](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/3/53017e1a9856c0105d78bba69b728eeb67809c9f.png): Obviously he struck a deal, or why would he be here?
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “What’s ‘the Bite’ exactly?”
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/a/ea6ead948bf54d01af544116a06e3749797fc48e.png): “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Yer insides.. end up on the outside. Petrification stops the spread. I was on death’s door. But now I feel.. I feel _great_. How?”
> 
> > 1. [ARCANA] Look for remnants of the hag’s magic.
> > 2. [MEDICINE] Examine him for signs of Ladauger’s Bite.
> > 3. [BARD] In the tales, hags always cook up their victim’s misery first, then sell them false hope.
> > 4. No time for questions. Get out of here while you still can.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “In the tales, hags always cook up their victim’s misery first, then sell them false hope.”
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/a/ea6ead948bf54d01af544116a06e3749797fc48e.png): “That double-crossing, filthy, lying hag. She _made_ me sick. And then trapped me in stone for kicks.”
> 
> > 1. I’m sorry this happened to you.
> > 2. How long were you trapped like this?
> > 3. I’m almost impressed - that’s evil, even by a hag’s standards.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “How long were you trapped like this?”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 13-34-15-254](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/b/7ba6c7695829b37d2c56f6f7ca533a5323b70b15.jpeg)
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/a/ea6ead948bf54d01af544116a06e3749797fc48e.png): “I-I don’t know. Days? Years? My kids were only babes when I left. The stones know how old they are now.”
> 
> > 1. Focus on the positive. At least now you’ll see them again.
> > 2. Hopefully they’ve grown. Children are disgusting.
> > 3. Listen, I have places to be.
> 
> ![Talking](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/3/53017e1a9856c0105d78bba69b728eeb67809c9f.png): Knowing this setting, they’re probably dead.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Focus on the positive. At least now you’ll see them again.”
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/a/ea6ead948bf54d01af544116a06e3749797fc48e.png): “Only 'cause of you. I.. I ain’t go no way to repay you.”
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Oh, don’t worry about that. The hag had these magic staves that make people’s heads explode and.. hey, where’d it go?”
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/a/ea6ead948bf54d01af544116a06e3749797fc48e.png): “N, what you’ve done for me and mine today won’t be forgotten. _Thank you._”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 13-35-18-129](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/c/5c1bf7a9d7afe1a7ab45264be6af03aea3d0c013.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): This guy is also no longer going insane. The talking door is gone, too.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 13-35-39-616](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/f/bf36677243ea7d8d77a7ca129076d4511a28aa5a.jpeg)
> 
> > Lorin: I asked the hag to help me see what the future would hold. Got what I wished for, too.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 13-35-43-031](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/9/19ec7216f74bd69e7c12fe37ac5dc7251c1260f7.jpeg)
> 
> > Lorin: I saw my future self - a corpse, rotten with maggots. And everyone around me dead. Putrid and dead.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): And now that we’ve done that part, I’ll abbreviate the end of Mayrina’s quest.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 22-34-19-304](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/a/2ac8b85596f84c451bf1e3b8d2d50f65e8ba3444.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): If you took the wand from Ethel’s room, you’re given the choice of either giving it to Mayrina, destroying it, or not telling her about it.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): You want to keep it and not tell her, because there’s a reward for doing so.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 22-35-03-920](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/f/7f60b2d79d37e772666dc3cfe3913ea0dc9f8adb.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The wand summons her husband as a zombie. If you keep the wand, you get the summon permanently.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 22-47-23-809](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/d/a/dabc8d7b6356c575640f33738ab200f6837709af.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Tactician mode is back on. The spider is in a room just past where we found the boots way back when we did the goblin village.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 22-47-27-990](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b86947a5b76acbe337653ded409c9c339692798.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): This fight is VERY different on tactician compared to balanced. On balanced, you want to bring Wyll, specced for knockback on Eldritch Blast.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 22-50-20-621](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/0/701abbebc5a2f9f41a065918ac95b1428ba8fb83.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): You might notice there’s a giant hole in the middle of the arena. On tactician, that hole does not matter. We can’t use it.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 23-05-18-101](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/e/ce225828f6cc34e3181ab60d158d39d4ff7a63e3.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): The spider has three groups of eggs hidden on the map, and will hatch them when combat starts. There is an achievement for not letting her do this.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): On honor mode, this is practically a requirement to do this fight - though on honor mode, you’d probably skip this until the point of no return in Act 2.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 23-06-56-562](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/f/d/fd2e3228fac2ad58898bb7954f3d2bdf65bd3529.jpeg)
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): The other two egg groups are right next to Astarion in the picture (just outside of the spider’s visual range when patrolling) and right next to the spider.
> 
> ![AdamMascot](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/7/576d2733033ca9337b9b782503cc30bbe4c4c680.png): Unfortunately, you can’t AOE the eggs without destroying the web bridge in between where the spider is and where Astarion is, which will alert the smaller spiders on the lower level.
> 
> ![HARD-core Tactics](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/0/b04aef906dfceeedd1b55163ac2814b7584df974.png)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): There’s one spot where the spider has limited vision _and_ which is close enough to hit the spider from, and that’s where Astarion is.
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/f/5f9a17cb4dd7c32ec7dd8012b13d3b6b8446069f.png)
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/e/ce75832fde2b1416d2a3eb5e9eea7319df0ced96.png)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): Most of the spider’s damage is poison, and we have poison resistance potions. Not that it’ll matter much, since the spider’s only getting one hit off before it dies.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 20-07-27-187](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/e/be12bfe0679dc3b880fd272c08d1a469db1caed9.jpeg)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 20-08-07-937](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/4/14bb892d2c5427c72b10a4fb51941ba23ce93421.jpeg)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): The spider won’t ever walk on this particular web bridge, so we need to force it to walk on that bridge.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 20-07-00-609](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/2/72f2df3b991b27ee1f45a5caada71b3aad1f1f9c.jpeg)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): To that end, we dismantle the barricade we used on the ettercaps earlier and use it to block off this platform.
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): This is to confuse the spider’s pathfinding. It won’t work once we begin combat for real because the spider can teleport.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 20-08-35-316](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/6/b640840222c5b8e5a85ab812098a644b184aac40.jpeg)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): Lyselle casts Minor Illusion on the web bridge. Minor Illusion is a cantrip, and the spider will walk onto the bridge to chase after it.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 20-08-40-619](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/8/4/845cbdefc036628dda8f7935add986a20fe5522a.jpeg)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): This is when we spring the trap. Astarion destroys the bridge and the spider takes a ton of fall damage, on top of going prone AND being surprised.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 20-10-09-376](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/4/d/4d104794feb8e6d02c096f9e3a47e7253ff62ab6.jpeg)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): Meanwhile, Karlach and Pollux go to the lower level to kill the smaller spiders. We want them as far away from the big spider as possible.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 20-12-19-181](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/5/8/5810ba0e2da50986c8185fc7f1336ff816a9fdd9.jpeg)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): By the end of Astarion’s first non-surprise turn, the spider is at half health.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 20-12-51-994](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/e/2e07ff63c012e8c1b9e93bb24512d6429355d914.jpeg)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): At half health, the spider uses a bonus action to activate her rage mode, which increases damage and lowers her armor. On tactician, she also gets an extra attack.
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): Rage mode also makes the spider resistant to physical damage.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 20-12-54-191](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/9/3/93a175ec09354af053fadb0b7d4cb8e85a7a3e5c.jpeg)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): The rest of her turn is wasted trying to teleport to Astarion.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 20-15-32-614](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/8/d/8d82d85cc029681d1a514be4ec9fdb84247bd67b.jpeg)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): Because we have to rest anyway, Lyselle blows a spell to teleport up to here. Astarion disengages, climbs down, and hides.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 20-16-02-457](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/2/1/213137ef22124546be912adbc87a4c1519edafe9.jpeg)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): The spider sees Lyselle, and because the spider thinks it can kill her in one turn with melee, it wastes a turn dashing to her instead of spitting poison.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 20-16-36-450](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/8/1/81d9cf5011b8ef68d3a7565ffa2c3c0f90bfe17b.jpeg)
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): Of course, this lets us drop it off a second bridge. Even if it hadn’t died from the fall, it would have died from one more round of attacks with height advantage.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): That’s 12.5 owlbears of experience.
> 
> ![Main](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/6/2/62fdf1eebdcc617c4614092e879fc8e56f73b505.png): The reason this method is preferable is that dropping the spider through the center hole gets you no EXP. Dropping it off the edges gets you EXP, but no loot.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The center hole is the second of three entrances to the second half of Act 2. You need Feather Fall to survive the drop.
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/8/5/85ff33aba482a030ee05c89986d88ba66d6175a0.png)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): On honor mode, attacking any of the other spiders causes the main spider to hit you with poison that does up to 80 total damage. This includes the babies that hatch from the eggs.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 21-00-46-112](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/d/2/d2c7d3043f8eae8d6f31fb18ce8b66fbabaa1cd2.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Our reward is a robe that improves poison damage. There is one good poison spell and it’s a 5th-level.
> 
> ![Bonus Content](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/d/1/d129a719f8cbc3b307237cc3b447e5a9e0e57a80.png)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Let’s pretend we brought Pollux, with his negative strength modifier, to save Benryn. He gets a new option.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 21-04-52-083](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/c/a/ca46bcbe066b6ad1e50e804dc0249ba4acf6d193.jpeg)
> 
> > 1. [BARD] [PERFORMANCE] Pretend the beam is too heavy to lift.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 21-05-07-576](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/2/a22a5c2ffb57ae76aad795993794a141b018e086.jpeg)
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “The worst part is I’m not even performing!”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 21-05-22-450](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/e/1/e149d41a6add7fd9533612b4da3318da9e6a72e7.jpeg)
> 
> > Benryn: “Oh gods, keep trying! My wife, Miri, she’ll need my help!”
> > 
> > 1. [STRENGTH] Actually try to shift the beam.
> > 2. [BARD] [DECEPTION] It’s stuck fast. I’ll help your wife. Where is she?
> > 3. Leave.
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Hold on.. I think I had it backwards! What if this beam.. was actually really light?”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 21-05-44-502](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/5/a54e2e7de0794717206e75f6effe2cc339e6d5e5.jpeg)
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-04 21-05-45-118](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/7/1/7173b052265aa5091e400dc3f4457f546e79da8e.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Pollux straight up lifts the beam, which not even Karlach could do, and drops it. Boyfriends have made him strong.
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 14-08-59-555](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/f/b/fbfd2751778be38e6119d00b8f05a7f02e7ab5dc.jpeg)
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Who would have thought the witch would have a portal to.. what did they call it again? Aff-ghan-ih-stahn?”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 14-09-28-899](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/8/3/835bd1aad22d4d90f56c200e5d01b0298e63a0a0.jpeg)
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “Okay.. pointy green bit goes toward the enemy, wait for the glowing thing to start beeping.. got it!”
> 
> ![bandicam 2025-08-03 14-09-43-537](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/1/6/1679c11328ac578022db332546dbde7cbd456039.jpeg)
> 
> ![Pollux](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/b/0b5d04865877d2541c946a11dc925fd1e89d4acb.png): “That was certainly a much larger explosion than I expected. Lyselle, we’re going to need to scrape Astarion off the floor!”
> 
> ![image](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/9/a946ee035fdbd4c8709919d1df8dd0ca5b566e3d.jpeg)
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): The gun mods were made by Palmaman33 on Nexusmods. They are NOT Patch 8 compatible, and I deleted them as soon as I got the footage.
> 
> ![CasualTalk](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/a/1/a121ca0eb0ce81aabfce4c4d1058b2815584bea6.png): Next time will be a short update showcasing that DIS-Honor Mode glitch I was talking about. Then we’ll resolve the druid grove quest and head to the second half of Act 1.
> 
> [![LP Index](https://d1f06i8bb2eer3.cloudfront.net/original/3X/b/9/b9b7da5bb0bf5630cc13d5c83eda8a4685c6f198.png)](https://www.lp.zone/t/down-down-down-by-the-river-lets-play-baldurs-gate-3/4340)

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