Baldur's Gate Baldur's Gate 3 Pre-Release Thread [EARLY ACCESS RELEASED, GO TO NEW THREAD]

[Joseph Stalin]

Within the last issue of Infernal Tides, the latest comic series featuring Minsc (which I recommend reading, since it seems to be a direct prequel to the events of Baldur's Gate III, including both Hell and, to a lesser degree, Illithids), the aforementioned ranger has his memory wiped by swimming in the river Styx. Is this a sneaky way of preparing him for the game, so that he doesn't remember clearly the events of the previous two titles, thus dodging any questions about what is canon and not in regards to the series?

That will also explain why he's level 1 again when he joins your party!

Didn't Larian already confirm that only the potential origin characters will be party members?

Pretty much, quote from AMA

Will all possible companions be available as Origin character options or will there be companions available only as NPCs?

Swen: We are trying to make all characters with backstory available as origin characters. Other than that, you will be able to recruit generic mercenaries and customize these. We’re also planning to allow you to build a custom party from the character creation screen though that most likely won’t be present in early access from the get go.

It's why I doubt that he will be a companion if he was Larian would have probably revealed that already. He will a camp follower like Volo.

Are permanent camp followers, in the style of Dragon Age: Origins, already confirmed? If so, that is good news indeed. Also your quote is less definitive than I thought, and doesn't completely rule out the possibility of having other party members. The two people from the previous entries that are confirmed to be alive and well are Minsc and Coran. We are basically guaranteed to meet the latter, since he is an influential noble within the city of Baldur's Gate.

 

[Gargaune]

Within the last issue of Infernal Tides, the latest comic series featuring Minsc (which I recommend reading, since it seems to be a direct prequel to the events of Baldur's Gate III, including both Hell and, to a lesser degree, Illithids), the aforementioned ranger has his memory wiped by swimming in the river Styx. Is this a sneaky way of preparing him for the game, so that he doesn't remember clearly the events of the previous two titles, thus dodging any questions about what is canon and not in regards to the series?

Or maybe they intend to merge the BG and PST brands together - Minsc as TNO's, erm, low wisdom incarnation.

 

[Joseph Stalin]

Within the last issue of Infernal Tides, the latest comic series featuring Minsc (which I recommend reading, since it seems to be a direct prequel to the events of Baldur's Gate III, including both Hell and, to a lesser degree, Illithids), the aforementioned ranger has his memory wiped by swimming in the river Styx. Is this a sneaky way of preparing him for the game, so that he doesn't remember clearly the events of the previous two titles, thus dodging any questions about what is canon and not in regards to the series?

Or maybe they intend to merge the BG and PST brands together - Minsc as TNO's, erm, low wisdom incarnation.

Now that you mention it... the last few issues do take place on the battlefields of the Blood War, so technically The Nameless One could be somewhere out there... unless of course the item descriptions in Baldur's Gate II are canon, and the "Evil" ending is canon.

 

[rusty_shackleford]

Minsc showing up one way or another (either being referenced or outright appearing in person) was honestly to be expected, but now I can't help but wonder if the entire comic was created just to provide an official™ canon explanation for him to appear in the game.

No, the comic series started in 2014, and I doubt development of Baldur's Gate III began this early. One thing I can say is that there are very few references to Minsc's previous adventures. What is a blessing, however, is that his comic series confirms the terrible novels to be non-canon.

On the less popular (probably) side, they also confirm the "Enhanced Editions" to be the authoritative versions of the games, since Minsc mistaking a different elven wild mage for Neera is a plot point.

They're definitely canon to some degree as the two BG tabletop campaigns have confirmed.

 

[Joseph Stalin]

Minsc showing up one way or another (either being referenced or outright appearing in person) was honestly to be expected, but now I can't help but wonder if the entire comic was created just to provide an official™ canon explanation for him to appear in the game.

No, the comic series started in 2014, and I doubt development of Baldur's Gate III began this early. One thing I can say is that there are very few references to Minsc's previous adventures. What is a blessing, however, is that his comic series confirms the terrible novels to be non-canon.

On the less popular (probably) side, they also confirm the "Enhanced Editions" to be the authoritative versions of the games, since Minsc mistaking a different elven wild mage for Neera is a plot point.

They're definitely canon to some degree as the two BG tabletop campaigns have confirmed.

No, they aren't. If you want proof, write to Wizards of the Coast and ask - this is what I did a couple of months ago, and they've replied on that same day, so you won't have to wait long. They flat out stated that the novels aren't canon. And the tabletop campaign ("A Murder in Baldur's Gate", since "Descent into Avernus" merely states that one of the members of the city's nobility is rumoured to be a Bhaalspawn) is in no way, shape or form compatible with the novels. The name "Abdel Adrian" was the default name of a pre-generated character in the first game, so even that isn't taken from the novel series.

 

[Lacrymas]

We've already talked about this, the only new info is this "having amnesia" thing. Which practically confirms the already obvious suspicions Minsc will unfortunately be in the game. Why do people like this literal retard? Who are those people?

 

[Joseph Stalin]

We've already talked about this, the only new info is this "having amnesia" thing. Which practically confirms the already obvious suspicions Minsc will unfortunately be in the game. Why do people like this literal retard? Who are those people?

Minsc is the walking embodiment of the idea that goodness, true kindness, is simple and uncomplicated. You don't need to achieve lofty goals or bring about great changes to the world - just do the best you can. There's even a conversation between Jaheira and Cernd, where the latter points this out.

As to the "we've already talked about it" - in the last two issues an entire city has been pulled into Hell due to a botched contract with a Devil. I "think" someone from Larian mentioned this will be connected to the plot of the game itself.

 

[Elex]

I mean bhaal is back as a god so it's clear that bhaalspawn are no more around.
Bhaal plan was successful he managed to resurrect himself he won: this is how the Bhaal saga is ended Bhaal is back.
Bhaalspawn have exausted their reason to exist. Now is time for bhaal of complete is plan.

The comic just follow the module story, bg3 is connected to the module.

 

[Thac0]

We've already talked about this, the only new info is this "having amnesia" thing. Which practically confirms the already obvious suspicions Minsc will unfortunately be in the game. Why do people like this literal retard? Who are those people?

Me! Me!
Minsk is fine as a fighter for chaotic good parties since I dislike having lawfull characters in that. Coran is ugly, so if I want more frontline next to Jaheira and Khalid in BG1 as a chaotic good mage Minsk usually ends up in my party. His retardiation is not that overblown and his dynamic with his witch is cool. BG 2 has more sensible options for fighters which arent lawfull or evil, so I usually rotate him out there. He has some cute dialogue where he pronounces Aerie his new witch. On my current run I replaced him with Sarevok at the beginning of Throne of Bhaal

Spoiler

since you can change Sarevoks alignment

Id rather have a retard in my party than a lawfulll stupid hero.

 

[Lacrymas]

Minsc is the walking embodiment of the idea that goodness, true kindness, is simple and uncomplicated.

Casual cruelty and apathy are also simple and uncomplicated ;d

 

[Joseph Stalin]

Minsc is the walking embodiment of the idea that goodness, true kindness, is simple and uncomplicated.

Casual cruelty and apathy are also simple and uncomplicated ;d

And that's what Montaron is for.

 

[rusty_shackleford]

Minsc showing up one way or another (either being referenced or outright appearing in person) was honestly to be expected, but now I can't help but wonder if the entire comic was created just to provide an official™ canon explanation for him to appear in the game.

No, the comic series started in 2014, and I doubt development of Baldur's Gate III began this early. One thing I can say is that there are very few references to Minsc's previous adventures. What is a blessing, however, is that his comic series confirms the terrible novels to be non-canon.

On the less popular (probably) side, they also confirm the "Enhanced Editions" to be the authoritative versions of the games, since Minsc mistaking a different elven wild mage for Neera is a plot point.

They're definitely canon to some degree as the two BG tabletop campaigns have confirmed.

No, they aren't. If you want proof, write to Wizards of the Coast and ask - this is what I did a couple of months ago, and they've replied on that same day, so you won't have to wait long. They flat out stated that the novels aren't canon. And the tabletop campaign ("A Murder in Baldur's Gate", since "Descent into Avernus" merely states that one of the members of the city's mobility is rumoured to be a Bhaalspawn) is in no way, shape or form compatible with the novels. The name "Abdel Adrian" was the default name of a pre-generated character in the first game, so even that isn't taken from the novel series.

nope, this is canon and you must deal with it

First of all, they were far from hideous and not the slightest bit malformed. In fact, Imoen found Phaere quite compelling. The drow's skin didn't glow-it dim just the opposite. The blackness of it seemed to draw light into it, never to escape. Phaere's face was long and regal with a pronounced chin and cheekbones. Her nose was small and turned gently upward. Her eyes were big, almond-shaped, and a sparkling violet color Imoen couldn't stop staring at. Her white hair smelled as clean as it looked-even from a distance-and it cascaded down her long neck, over her tight shoulders, and down her slim back nearly to her waist.

Her body was hard from long hours of daily training. Phaere was at least two inches shorter than Imoen, but Imoen knew the drow woman could kill her with her bare hands. Imoen was attracted to her ears as well. They were perfectly shaped, symmetrical, and pointed, the tips peeking out from under her hair. Phaere's hands were lithe and smooth. There was no hint of blemish or imperfection on her at all, and the low-cut, backless robe showed enough of her to make that all the more impressive.

Imoen looked at her own hand and marveled at the deep black color.

"I've had a bath run for you," Phaere said, her voice low and intimate now.

Phaere slipped closer to Imoen in the bath, sending warm waves lapping against the soft underside of Imoen's chin.

"They have some grudge against one of the surface elves," Phaere said, obviously growing bored with the conversation. "I make this elf think the great drow invasion has finally come, and in all the chaos that follows, Bodhi and Irenicus do whatever it is they've set out to do. In exchange, I get power enough to ascend to the highest position in Ust Natha."

"A good bargain," Imoen said.

When Phaere had mentioned Bodhi and Irenicus by name, another chill ran down her spine. When Phaere touched her, a sensation of an entirely different nature followed.

The spider was brown with irregular blotches of black and white spattered across its spherical body and eight armored legs.It was about as big around as Jaheira's thumb—not the biggest spider in Faerun, but it felt like it to Jaheira.She let out an embarrassingly impish yelp as the thing dropped on her shoulder.She jumped, and that served only to startle the spider, which proceeded toward the closest dark shelter it could find—Jaheira's modest but well-rounded cleavage.She patted at her hardened leather bustier and said, "Oh for Mielikki's sake," in a shrill, scared voice."Damn it.damn it."Abdel turned around and flinched away from a slender branch that almost caught him in the eye.The brush and trees were thick.He couldn't see Jaheira's face but could see her swatting at something.The half-elf woman took a step backward and yipped again.Abdel shouldered his way through the vegetation to her and asked, "What is it?"Jaheira didn't answer him at first.She just proceeded to remove her leather armor."What are you doing?" Abdel asked again, dumbfounded.Jaheira managed to say "Spider," and sort of hop-stepped in place as she got her bustier off.Her undershirt was loose, and she started to shake it.She made a rather convincing Calishite dancing girl.Abdel smiled in spite of his worry, still not sure what was going on."Are you all right back there?" Xan called from somewhere in the thick vegetation."I think Jaheira's run afoul of a—" Abdel started, then was interrupted by a pained yelp from Jaheira."Oh gods," she cried, "it bit me—it's biting me!"A tear burst from her eye, and Abdel stopped smiling.She was trying to pull her blouse off, and he helped her.The fabric tore away with an echoing sound, and Abdel swatted the spider from between Jaheira's exposed breasts before either of them realized what he was doing.The spider jumped nimbly onto Abdel's right hand, and the sellsword slapped it with his left, leaving only a crinkling of legs in a brown spot."It went right—" Jaheira started to say.Abdel looked up at her, naked from the waist up, and his mouth came open.He'd never seen anything so—She clapped her hands across her chest and turned away.Even through her shoulder—length hair Abdel could see her neck blush bright red."I'm sorry," he said."It's—""What's going on back there?" Xan asked.Abdel heard the elf approaching.Even Xan couldn't be quiet in this trailless mass of weed and tree."It's all right," Jaheira called, and the footfalls stopped.Abdel realized he was still holding Jaheira's torn blouse.He held it out to her bashfully.She paused, turning her head slightly toward him, but he couldn't see her eyes

 

[Joseph Stalin]

I mean bhaal is back as a god so it's clear that bhaalspawn are no more around.
Bhaal plan was successful he managed to resurrect himself he won: this is how the Bhaal saga is ended Bhaal is back.
Bhaalspawn have exausted their reason to exist. Now is time for bhaal of complete is plan.

The comic just follow the module story, bg3 is connected to the module.

Bhaal is ressurected, that is correct, but whether this means all of the Bhaalspawn are dead remains to be seen. After all, at least one that we know of is unaccounted for - Imoen. And the Bhaalspawn are biologically immortal, so old age definitely did not claim her.

 

[Tacgnol]

nope, this is canon and you must deal with it *Terrible novelisation*

I'd somehow managed to repress the memory of that god awful novelisation, you've brought it all flooding back now.

Thanks.

 

[Joseph Stalin]

Oh, so this is what's known as "trolling", correct? Fortunately - no, the novels are not canon. If you want the lazy man's proof just look at the very existence of the Minsc comics and his countenance. It's the character from the games, not the novel (Baldur's Gate II only) where he is a very minor, and very different, character - a redhead who was captured by Irenicus, and later became a barkeep at the "Copper Coronet". Not to mention Coran being a canon companion of CHARNAME - he isn't even mentioned in any of the novels.

Just looked up the Forgotten Realms Wiki, and even there the article about Abdel Adrian simply presents him as a canon CHARNAME - a Neutral Human Male of an undetermined class. Any information connected to the novels have been removed and/or relegated to the footnotes.

 

[The_Mask]

No, the comic series started in 2014, and I doubt development of Baldur's Gate III began this early. One thing I can say is that there are very few references to Minsc's previous adventures. What is a blessing, however, is that his comic series confirms the terrible novels to be non-canon.

On the less popular (probably) side, they also confirm the "Enhanced Editions" to be the authoritative versions of the games, since Minsc mistaking a different elven wild mage for Neera is a plot point.

Please don't use that word again, especially when it comes to the games of old. We have someone else here that uses the same terminology and it triggers my PTSD.

 

[Joseph Stalin]

No, the comic series started in 2014, and I doubt development of Baldur's Gate III began this early. One thing I can say is that there are very few references to Minsc's previous adventures. What is a blessing, however, is that his comic series confirms the terrible novels to be non-canon.

On the less popular (probably) side, they also confirm the "Enhanced Editions" to be the authoritative versions of the games, since Minsc mistaking a different elven wild mage for Neera is a plot point.

Please don't use that word again, especially when it comes to the games of old. We have someone else here that uses the same terminology and it triggers my PTSD.

Oh, I know whom you're referring to. I've been lurking on the Codex for the better part of two years. So let me reiterate.

The "Enhanced Editions" are the authoritative versions of both games, as established by the IP holder, Wizards of the Coast, and the creator of the setting, Ed Greenwood.

 

[Thac0]

No, the comic series started in 2014, and I doubt development of Baldur's Gate III began this early. One thing I can say is that there are very few references to Minsc's previous adventures. What is a blessing, however, is that his comic series confirms the terrible novels to be non-canon.

On the less popular (probably) side, they also confirm the "Enhanced Editions" to be the authoritative versions of the games, since Minsc mistaking a different elven wild mage for Neera is a plot point.

Please don't use that word again, especially when it comes to the games of old. We have someone else here that uses the same terminology and it triggers my PTSD.

Oh, I know whom you're referring to. I've been lurking on the Codex for the better part of two years. So let me reiterate.

The "Enhanced Editions" are the authoritative versions of both games, as established by the IP holder, Wizards of the Coast, and the creator of the setting, Ed Greenwood.

Lilura alt

 

[Joseph Stalin]

No, the comic series started in 2014, and I doubt development of Baldur's Gate III began this early. One thing I can say is that there are very few references to Minsc's previous adventures. What is a blessing, however, is that his comic series confirms the terrible novels to be non-canon.

On the less popular (probably) side, they also confirm the "Enhanced Editions" to be the authoritative versions of the games, since Minsc mistaking a different elven wild mage for Neera is a plot point.

Please don't use that word again, especially when it comes to the games of old. We have someone else here that uses the same terminology and it triggers my PTSD.

Oh, I know whom you're referring to. I've been lurking on the Codex for the better part of two years. So let me reiterate.

The "Enhanced Editions" are the authoritative versions of both games, as established by the IP holder, Wizards of the Coast, and the creator of the setting, Ed Greenwood.

Lilura alt

Don't say that name, otherwise he'll arrive, presaged by a nebulous cloud of shilling and obvious signs of an untreated mental illness.

 

[fantadomat]

No, the comic series started in 2014, and I doubt development of Baldur's Gate III began this early. One thing I can say is that there are very few references to Minsc's previous adventures. What is a blessing, however, is that his comic series confirms the terrible novels to be non-canon.

On the less popular (probably) side, they also confirm the "Enhanced Editions" to be the authoritative versions of the games, since Minsc mistaking a different elven wild mage for Neera is a plot point.

Please don't use that word again, especially when it comes to the games of old. We have someone else here that uses the same terminology and it triggers my PTSD.

Oh, I know whom you're referring to. I've been lurking on the Codex for the better part of two years. So let me reiterate.

The "Enhanced Editions" are the authoritative versions of both games, as established by the IP holder, Wizards of the Coast, and the creator of the setting, Ed Greenwood.

Lilura alt

Don't say that name, otherwise he'll arrive, presaged by a nebulous cloud of shilling.

Joined: Thursday


The retard clearly either doesn't know who lilura is or doesn't know the meaning of shilling.

 

[Thac0]

Joined: Thursday


The retard clearly either doesn't know who lilura is or doesn't know the meaning of shilling.

50/50, he is either really deep in the codex lore and uses the popular disrespect of Lilura as trans, or he is a lying faggot.
Anyway funny that you came to her defense if it is the first case.

 

[Joseph Stalin]

Joined: Thursday


The retard clearly either doesn't know who lilura is or doesn't know the meaning of shilling.

50/50, he is either really deep in the codex lore and uses the popular disrespect of Lilura as trans, or he is a lying faggot.
Anyway funny that you came to her defense if it is the first case.

Your assumptions that he is a female are quite bold. I wouldn't go that far. At least now I know he has at least one groupie. And the answer is #1. As for Fantadomat - as Lilura would say, into the iggy bin he goes.

 

[Infinitron]

Auraculum, that's you isn't it?

 

[Joseph Stalin]

Auraculum, that's you isn't it?

Never heard of the guy. He DOES have a sexy name, though.

 

[fantadomat]

Joined: Thursday


The retard clearly either doesn't know who lilura is or doesn't know the meaning of shilling.

50/50, he is either really deep in the codex lore and uses the popular disrespect of Lilura as trans, or he is a lying faggot.
Anyway funny that you came to her defense if it is the first case.

Muh it is not really white knighting,had plenty banter with her for that. It was just the last thing a codexer could say about lilura,the chick plays like 10 games and hates everything else lol. While shilling is all about marketing/hyping nu games for gibz. The retard was clearly larping as codexian lurker or being a retard that doesn't know the meaning of a shill.