Baldur's Gate / ToTSC
It reminds me when I installed Baldur's Gate 1 long time ago and started playing. How much time I have spent exploring all locations only for some walking in mysterius woods where my inexperienced PC would end quickly his rising career of Bhaalspawn (though he wasn't aware of course of this small implication of his fate) .
The same situation was with my last campaign - young Manveru, Duke Telcontar, one of higher among the Harpers, the last hope of destroying Alaundo's prophecy, mighty hero of long list of places and Jaheira's beloved one that was totally innocent this time. Tabula rasa one could say that was filled by the story and his character like his diary with the time of course. It was new adventure. These were amusing travells through endless woods, grasslands and dungeons . Withtime he found his true heritage and defeated his brother Sarevok. He won with his friends : Jaheira and Khalid , Minsc and Dynaheir and always present Imoen as well (but BG1 was only begining , it is more like prologue to the core of the story - BG2, regardless one of the best games ever , where I have spent a lot of time)
Baldur's Gate 2 Shadows of Amn
Yet as we all know the fate of Child of Bhaal became much darker than anyone could imagine. With Irenicus's schemes it changed lives of all Manveru's companions that joined him later or were with him form the begining to the last moments (Jaheira/Imoen).
Soon all his companions started to fear him and his heritage, even Jaheira that found in him her lost balance and defender. Then he started to be cautious of his actions - even as he was true neutral - fighting with his own divinity fearing that he could loose himself even if he win over Joneleth ("You will suffer , you will all suffer") Irenicus. That was done in time and it was end of some part of his life and his companions : Imoen, Aerie, Jan Jansen and Keldorn, and lovers : Jaheira
(What do I thing about this ?- simply the main part of the story, where occurs the most events of the sage where NPCs are finally much deeper, they have their characters, react more realistic on the PCs actions)
Trone of Bhaal
Then he became almost demi-god, his companions as well and the tool of prophecy that must not be fulfilled, but still everything depends on his own actions. No one could stop his walk through the realms , seeking way to finish it once and for all - even Demogorgon died when he was obviusly sure that he *will* destroy *weak* mortal. And finally the last challenge came with all his companions : Jaheira, Imoen, Aerie, Keldorn and his brother with paid debt. Treacherous Mellisan was weakened and thus destroyed in the hardest and last fight of this sage. Then was only Manveru and his own choice. He felt he had the power to become god of goodness to destroy his evil taint, And in this moment when his mortality was weak and he has heard as whisper the voices of his companions commenting his situation with one exception, Jaheira was pensive and sad when she said that it is end of their quest. He said these sacramental words but maybe more important is that she did it as well that changed everything. Manveru did not became a god that even good would be very unhappy and lonely divinity in the pantheon and it was real end ........
After that most of his companions were scattered :
Keldorn died on the battle...........
Sarevok died probably in his crazy attack on the hells themselves
Aerie found her peace among gnomes.
Imoen in Candlekeep becoming Elminster's ally and founder of the next thieves guild.........
And finally these two : Jaheira and our hero
Manveru fought many monsters, negotiated not always peacefully between sides to maintain balance as it was according to his new responsibilities as the Harper and vassal of Queen Ziranda of Tethyr.
The years following the Bhaalspawn saga were kind to Jaheira. They couldn't be called peaceful at the begining, by any means, but her relationship with Manveru weathered it all. Theirs was an unshakable union, and while duty or adventure might separate them for even years a time, they always returned to one another. Her friends would marvel at how secure in this Jaheira seemed to be, especially considering her initial reluctance, but she would chuckle when thinking back on those first cautious days. After all, she and Manveru had literally been to the hells and back, and when the gods themselves couldn't separate the two, what were simple months and miles going to do? She lived long and well. Finally they settled in Formen Elenost, Manveru's domain. They have also came back to Suldanesselar. The power of elven light remained in the walls of the "nothern star" (Formen Elenost) that became famous because of the dynasty of the faithful half-elven Dukes and the wisdom that could be found within hospitable borders of the Laurelad.
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As you can see I have changed the end
, I intend to do it even in my game somaybe in the future , when I will forget my current wisdom about this story I will enjoy it even more when it will be more according to my own preferences.. I have also this mentioned Elenost duchy nearly completed...... available as some add-on to ToB in future.(though the mentioned custom ending will be only mine.........
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