Completed Let's solo Baldur's Gate 2 on Insane (feat. The Codex)

[Wayward Son]

Ok, I will admit that now the delay is getting bigger only because I am stuck playing The Witcher 3. Sorry, I guess?

They have been called. This transgression will not be forgotten.

 

[Unkillable Cat]

 

[MicoSelva]

'k

Next week, then?

 

[Baron Dupek]

At least it's good to hear you're alive, one of the previous posts here sounds like you were going to lost the roof above your head. Or just corporate life which is alien concept for me.
Now seriously - dump Twitcher3, it's borin game and overrated.

 

[MicoSelva]

It is looking good, I have 450 screenshots already (some will be cut, obviously), and even some video footage.

 

[MicoSelva]

Last time on Let's Insane Solo Baldur's Gate 2:

It's time to get ready for some SERIOUS MAYHEM.

Update #112: Final Countdown

Update #112

Alright, what the fuck?

Is this where I think this is?

Well, damn...

character sheet update

I feel kind of the same, but somewhat different.

Looks most of everything is in its place.

Is this a dream? A new game plus?

Are you even with me, player?

I hope that fucker did not lose our save files again.

And where is my stuff!?

Yeah, ok, that's mine.

These too.

And this.

Uh, what? Yeah, it's a robe, but what happened to all the abilities?

Ah, the old reliable. I would be surprised if you were missing.

Maybe my robe does not work any more, but it still seems to be worth something. That should allow me to buy replacements for my missing gear. Largely inferior replacements, but still.

Uh, fuck it, I will just steal everything instead.

Also, what's up with that cat description.

I feel much better with a sword in my hands.

Let's see if I find who I expect to find in here.

Boy, are you and you one HP in for a surprise...

WTF am I seeing? What are these numbers?

I am glad you asked!

You're here! What in the nine hells is going on? Tell me, now!

Well, it's kind of a long story... But since you asked...

Long Story

Back in 2013, when I was still young and handsome, and soon after Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition was released, I tried to make a side-story about you dealing with The Black Pits adventure.

It ended poorly. The game crashed when I tried to import a BG2 character file into it (we were around Update #12 back then, so relatively early).

So, instead I created a party based on notable RPG Codex members and put them through the Beamdog arena trials.

Here is a link to that thread. if anyone is interested.

But since I now own a legitimate copy of the Enhanced Edition...

(Fun Fact: the most prominent reason for all the delays in this thread is that my job also got an Enhanced Edition recently - and not in a good way.)

I have decided to check whether years and years of patches and other enhancements changed something for the better.

And to my surprise...

...They have!

No crashes any more.

Even better: importing a completely broken, end-of-ToB character file? No problem.

Also, they have added this interesting difficulty level...

Fuck you. So that's why Shank had over 100 HP!

Well, yes, either that, or he got mixed up with that other Shank.

Anyway, retreading Black pits would be pointless (not to mention how boring that module is in the first place), but I thought it would be cool if we tested this new difficulty. So, how about that?

I really don't...

You are not scared, are you?

FUCK YOU, LET'S DO THIS! I WILL ANNIHILATE EVERYTHING IN MY WAY!

tl;dr: We are going to play BG1EE using the new Legacy of Bhaal difficulty level, but if you did not read the Long Story spoiler tag above, what are you even doing in this thread?

LoL @ plot spoiler in the difficulty name. I guess being a bhaalspawn in BG has reached 'I am your father' and 'soylent green is people' levels of fake-secret.










Special Update #03: Enhanced Memories

New chapter title cards are nice, if completely unnecessary. They write into Beamdog's trend of replacing some stuff just for replacing sake.

This brings back a lot of memories.

You have no idea.

Well, it is unplanned and unexpected, just not in the way they mean it.

Oh yeah, about that...

FYI, in-built screenshot feature does not capture these in-engine cutscenes. I had to use FRAPS to get them.

No promises here.

Listen, Gorion, if we are attacked, and by 'if' I mean 'when', just let me deal with everything, ok?

I don't need any explanations, I need you to get out of my way when shit hits the fan.

Oh, I am prepared. Trust me.

Fuuuuuuuuuck! Stupid cutscene!

You've killed my father, Sarevok! Again! I'll hunt you down and kill you! Again!

It is really hard to say no to a pretty girl, when she is forcing herself on you...

But a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.

WTF happened to the map?

Ok, that's better.

For some reason the ugly map filter is the default and you need to uncheck 'Area map Background' checkbox to see the classic map. Why, Beamdog, why?

Let's move on.

The journey was short and uneventful.

Just like all your sex encounters.

Nice. How long have you waited to use that one?

Not as long as you for your next sex encounter.

How many of these do you have ready?

More than-

On second thought, do not answer that. Let us move on.

Wolves! Holy shit, I missed those. All my recent random encounters have been taken from the deepest pits of the bestiary.

Our readers can note the monochrome filter automatically applied when the game is paused - this can be turned off, but I decided to leave it in, to annoy everyone, hyuk, hyuk, hyuk!

(Actually, I only discovered the option to turn it off much later.)

Oh, I forgot we're playing on the HP bloat difficulty.

Looks like my immunity to normal and +1 weapons is just fine, meaning this fight just turned into a SLAUGHTER.

Wait, I won't even get any XP from this, will I?

No, you are way over the cap anyway.

Fuck the wolves then, I'm leaving.

Stop following me!

Oh, shit, they can do map transitions too!

WHAT!? FUCK YOU, PEASANT MAGE BOY! I COULD ANNIHILATE YOU AND THIS WHOLE FOREST!

You could... if the game engine allowed it. And it does not.

SHOW YOUR FUCKING WARES!

Eventually we manage to display Thalantyr's inventory.

Looks like I can't afford anything, and stealing is not an option too. Would my Use Any Item work here anyway for archmagi robes?

I do not think so. All HLAs are out, as far as I know. Why would you want any of these robes, though? You have Vecna's.

Oh, it didn't work, so I sold it.

Uhm... Actually, I think it works just fine in this game, only the description is screwed up. Too bad you sold it.

Fucking wolves and skeletons, get out of my way!

I love Thalantyr's 'If I ignore them, they will go away eventually' approach.

We finally manage to cut our way out of High Hedge and move to Beregost.

And who the fuck are you?

How did I even get involved in this.

Such foul language.

Guards! Guards! Oh, who am I kidding...

Shit, I was hoping to interrupt his spellcasting.

THREE flame arrows? This guy is level 15+? What madness is this!

My life is actually in danger here. Did not expect that. The mage must die. Now.

FFS, so many HP.

And the stupid bitch got herself killed. Just great.

Aaaand everybody's dead. This just keep happening for some reason.

Hey, she had some useful stuff.

I guess it is better to have a +1 weapon, than not have it.

Also, gem bags are awesome for keeping gems and even moreso for rings and amulets.

Let's see if I can buy something cool.

Still not enough money, and I can't steal from him either.

Since I am in a town, let's use the opportunity and get some real rest in an actual bed!

Royal, obviously. I will not settle for anything less!

Nine days of royal service for eight pieces of gold, not a bad deal at all.

Alright then, let's go to Nashkel.

The night is dark and full of terrors, but that's ok, since I am the worst of them all.

You cannot completely avoid combat in Baldur's Gate...

...But you can avoid quite a lot of it, using stealth.

Evening, officers.

Alright, that was easy.

Don't mind me, just passing through.

Psst, watch out for the hobgoblin patrol up ahead.

Aaaand, we're here.

Hey, they removed the kobold menace spoiler from Nashkel intro screen.

Remember how we forgot to talk to him previously, and had to backtrack here from Nashkel mines?

Don't remind me.

Ability to highlight POIs has its perks (you can even toggle the highlight switch to work constantly).

I like how the armor class bonuses (boni?) are included in the description.

Also, I believe Beamdog fixed the bug of ankheg armor not being usable together with rings of protection - now it is properly treated as a non-magical armor.

Better late than never, I guess.

Alright, let's move.

No worries, you will not see me ever again. Unless I will be replaying this game once more for some reason.

In we go.

That's what she said.

Who exactly?

Uhm... Let's just go.

Poor guy, in all my Baldur's Gate playthroughs (and there were a lot of them... more than I would like to admit) I have never seen him live through this scene.

I guess there's a first time for everything.

Uh, yeah. Looks like the HP bloat affects everyone and everything and has some side effects.

Ok, HOW are they immune to death spell?

If that mage in Beregost was level 15+, these kobolds must be similarly upgraded.

That's some serious BULLSHIT.

Fuck, I can't be assed to fight every single kobold I encounter.

This is going to take forever!

DIE!

I guess it was naïve of me expecting cloud kill to work any better than death spell.

Hey, at least they are taking damage.

Yes, except, I am taking that damage too, but unlike them I wasn't graced with 150 bonus HP.

FFS.

Fuck off! I'm leaving!

FUCK YOUR AREA TRANSISTIONS!

Alright, I'm fed up with this.

Taste my godlike powers!

Oh yeah!

It is kind of bizarre to be using level 10 spells against kobolds.

Yeah, but it works GREAT!

Too bad energy blades run out so fast.

Luckily arrows are a renewable resource in this mine.

AAAAAAH! Fuuuuuuck!

Oh, look, spiders, unlike kobolds, can actually hurt you.

Yeah, I've noticed!

Die, arachnid!

Fuck yes, I survived!

Yeah, I didn't forget about those.

If anyone asks, you didn't see anything.

Shit, they've noticed me.

Oh, crap. I forgot weapons break so easily in this game.

Good thing I got that dead girls's staff.

Xedoc? Are you ok?

Our simulacrum died immediately after being summoned - I have never seen that before.

Fine, I will summon someone reliable then.

Reliable and not-dead.

What?

What ineed. Is it possible the option to talk Mulahey down was always here and I just missed it every time? Or maybe this is a new addition in this version of the game?

Be that as it may, he flipped out the moment we touched the chest, so the point is moot.

I should have expected that.

Whoever Mordenkainen was, I would gladly shake his hand.

(He was actually a wizard player character created by Gary Gygax, if anyone is curious.)

That's actually kinda cool.

You don't want to know how long this took.

Mulahey's letters mention Tranzig in Beregost and I always thought you had to go there and deal with before unlocking Bandit Camp, but recently (after this playthrough) I read you can actually ignore him and go straight towards the camp. Can any of our noble readers confirm or debunk this rumour?

Remember that stupid rule I had to explore every area and kill every enemy before we could move on?

Yeah, it sounds like something devised in a different lifetime, by someone with much more free time than me.

(We actually travelled to Nashkel first, and even got killed by Nimbul (due to a combo of low HP and high-level magic missile spam). Upon reloading, I remembered we do not have to go there at all, so the Nimbul episode was cut due to time constraints.)

We decide to rest before dealing with Tranzig, and get a dream.

These dreams were kind of cool, I prefer them to the later, pseudo-interactive ones with Irenicus.

Although I would take any kind of dreams over literally nothing in Throne of Bhaal.

This game was not meant to be soloed, which can be recognised by the constant usage of royal 'we' by our hero.

I thought I was speaking for both of us, the way you do too.

Whatever explanation works, I am fine with it.

No casting!

And he's dead. Which is weird. Isn't he supposed to surrender at some point?

My guess is, he surrenders when his HP get below a fixed threshold, like 10, which does not really work in this world of hundreds of HP and double-digit damage.

Double Digit Damage would be a cool music band name, though.

This is the letter I mentioned earlier, the one I always thought unlocks Bandit Camp on the map.

Swiftly moving on!

And on!

(Literally nothing happened on the previous map, we have just ran through it.)

Wow, I have never travelled so fast before!

Shit, I knew the good run won't last forever.

Luckily, we can just leave.

Ok, let's try that again.

Exactly the people I was looking for.

Awwww, he likes me!

Next time: Has The Codex finally found people that he fits in with, and a place he could call home, or will he just kill everyone and move on, as always? Is this even a real question? Nope! But still, tune in next time to find out what happens!

 

[Wayward Son]

So.... Are you starting this over again, or what? I swear to fuck if you are then,

 

[Baron Dupek]

just some teasery to make us busy then continue twitcher3 playthorugha
srsly that game is waste of life and time

 

[Krivol]

Can't you just kill Melissana ? You don't even try to show a new content (it's a solo playthrough and 99% of a new content is connected with new NPC's) . Or maybe you are planning to show us some tranny dialogue in Dragonspear? May be interesting (also fights in Dragonspear are considered to be quite difficult compared to vanilla BG1 and BG2)

 

[MicoSelva]

Can't you just kill Melissana ?

I have not been able to do it so far. Actually this BGEE playthrough took me less time than all my attempts to defeat her combined (lol).

If I do not make it over the weekend, I will ask for tips, but I still have a few ideas I want to try out.

You don't even try to show a new content (it's a solo playthrough and 99% of a new content is connected with new NPC's) . Or maybe you are planning to show us some tranny dialogue in Dragonspear? May be interesting (also fights in Dragonspear are considered to be quite difficult compared to vanilla BG1 and BG2)

Nah, I have not played Dragonspear and I do not want to do a blind solo run. I will play through it someday, properly, with a party, like RPG gods intended, and if I like it enough, maybe I will let's play it later, but that is a large IF a big MAYBE and a significant LATER.

EDIT:
Expect next update tomorrow, btw.

 

[MicoSelva]

Last time on Let's Insane Solo Baldur's Gate 2:

Casting Abi-Dalizm Horrid Wilting on kobolds in Nashkel Mines - something you have never seen before! (I hope.)

Special Update #03B: Enhanced Memories, part II

Update #03B

Bandit Camp greets us with this static image replacement for the original CGI animation. I do not mind replacing BG's not-that-good in-game movies with images - if they are well made. This one... could have been better.

Self-deprecation humor. My favourite kind.

I would never have guessed.

Why are my lines listed attributed to 'Raiken'?

Well, the game probably still needs a couple of patches. It has not even been four years since release after all.

Hobgoblins are pretty chill around these parts.

Not wasting any time, our hero barges into the bandit leaders' tent.

Hi, I'm selling these fine ankheg armors.

There are no problems that cannot be solved by a little bit of horrid wilting.

And some helping of brosword.

I wonder what a symbol of fear would look like.

Pirates got that covered a long time ago:

Alright, wise-guy, a stun symbol then?

Um... How about this:

Yeah, that works I guess.

Since everybody is now stunned and craven, I shall commit the slaughter.

I love that sword.

It's almost like I don't even have to do anything.

Mwahahahahahaha!

This was supposed to be the screenshot depicting Britik's death. I must have deleted the wrong one.

Sweet, I was looking forward to this!

Wait, are you not proficient only short in bows, though.

Crap. You're right.

I also did not forget about this.

Hey, I forgot these were here! Nice find.

I believe this is the first instance when Sarevok's name is mentioned.

Nimbul? I must have missed him.

Explaining the plot for people who do not read found documents in their RPGs.

Since I'm not TOO keen on fighting through the whole camp, I will just leave everyone wondering what happened in here.

And since I have to pass through here anyway, I might as well get a good night's sleep.

Uhm, no, not interested.

Why did I like this mechanic again?

Oh, I remember this quest.

I think the ring always drops from the last group of hobgoblins. I may be wrong, though.

Waiting for someone, bro? Trust me, they ain't coming!

I'll take one of these.

Ah, nothing like the feeling of being able to afford good stuff by spending money taken from other people.

Honestly, English narrator for these dreams has nothing on the Polish one.

Also, since this dream is rather uninteresting, I will just spoiler tag it and move on.

the dream

Time for a forest hike.

Obviously, I would prefer to avoid actually meeting anyone here.

Success!

Oh yeah, I probably should try and get that sword.

Our over-the top trap skills allow us to detect and disarm these.

Wasn't that always possible, even with regular skill level from BG1?

Uhm... No?

Citation needed.

The bad news is I cannot detect traps and do stealth boogie at the same time, so this part is going to be pretty annoying.

Let's try and not stir the spider's nest.

Crap, I triggered one. Saving throws, I am counting on you.

Well, that did not go as planned.

Whoever devised this staff and its random one point of damage should be whipped. And not in a kinky way!

Ah, here's the lair.

Hey, they changed this dialogue from almost to actually naming Irenicus. That is a nice touch.

Looks like sword spiders, unlike regular giant spiders, can't hurt me.

That is a bit weird indeed.

Just in case there are regular spiders here too...

Wait, these can't hurt me either?

I am officially lost, but I don't care enough to be bothered.

I love the smell of burning spider in the morning!...

...Actually, I don't, it's a pretty awful smell.

Come to daddy.

Not as impressive as the first time I've found it, but I will take anything over that damn stick.

Stop whining and just carry him to the nearest cleric, FFS.

20 hours between these two areas? That is a very unreasonable number!

Oh, fuck you!

Hey, it's Aloth.

Eldoth.

Yeah, that guy.

Not one of the most fondly remembered BG companions, but recruiting him is the only way to also get Skie Silvershield, if someone really wants a spoiled princess in the party.

Allow one annoying character in the party, and get another one free!

Moving on.

No. Just no.

Finally!

Yeah, better guard that bridge or someone might slip by.

These guys were a pretty significant difficulty spike back in the day.

I think I've been noticed.

Let's see if I remember the way.

Damn, I'm good.

And now through the secret door...

It is actually quite cool to sneak around like that.

Yeah, too bad this is not a quest-based game and you really need that combat XP.

No, I don't.

Well, ok, YOU do not need it, but someone playing the game from start to finish in a typical way, definitely does.

A whole party would not be able to sneak around anyway, though. Unless it was a party of thieves and rangers, or mages with invisibility.

That... would actually be interesting to try.

Well, it was nice while it lasted.

It's about to get pretty hot in there, bros!

Warned you.

How's the ventilation system down here?

Not that good, eh?

Nightmare on Elm Street!

I forgot about that stupid rule of yours.

I think it's safe to move through now.

NOW it is safe?

Well, you know. I don't have to kill everyone, just the ones who've seen me.

At ease, gentlemen. There is absolutely no emergency to be concerned about.

That is a somewhat excessive number of guards for one slave-prisoner.

Game log says this is the right level.

This should be HILARIOUS.

Feeding time!

Ok, this should be hilarious IN A MOMENT.

Was this door always here?

Did you seriously call this place your 'lair'?

Ah, shit. His teleport spam will completely ruin my planned hakeashar hilarity.

HHHHHHUUUUNGGGERRR!

This guy always cracks me up.

Tenser's transformation: the easiest way not to die when you are low on HP.

That statement is false.

It is true in some specific circumstances. Like, now.

I have to admit, I expected more hilarity from Davaeorn trying to deal with hakeashar. Also, such multi-vowel names should be banned.

Thanks, tldr.

This screen popped up the moment Davaeorn died, giving me no chance to get a proper deathshot.

Do we have anything else to do here?

Oh yeah, my robe.

Aside from robe of Vecna, were there actually any better ones than this in the second game?

I do not think so?

We'll see how resistant to thieving that place really is.

Quest hints. I like that.

We decide to rest before moving on, and get another dream.

OBJECTION! My pride is well-deserved.

Why don't you come here and try to break me, fucker? Yeah, I thought so.

Our hero certainly got comfortable with Davaeorn quarters.

That much time and nobody came down here to check up on him? I guess that is one disadvantage to authority by intimidation.

Bless the maker of this elevator.

Don't mind me.

How the fuck did that happen...

That Kysus guy is a mage, isn't he?

Yup.

And a mage means spells.

And spells mean damage.

Die already! Fucking HP bloat!

That's right! And stay dead!

Here is the thing: we can either drink a healing potion, or just wait and see, maybe that acid arrow will not kill you.

I opt for the potion.

Oh, I am sorry if you thought this was going to be a democratic decision. Because it is not.

See? Everything is fine.

I fucking hate you.

I want a hot meal and a clean bed.

My guess is the one on the left is called 'Hotmeal' and the one on the right 'Cleanbed'.

Ha ha.

I haven't even made that much progress.

Oh, come on!

Almost there...

Finally!

G'day.

Let's see how many ankhegs jump me.

Turns out I'm too light-footed for their senses.

You should have done something about the smell too.

This is not the best moment to fail a stealth check.

Exactly what I meant.

Never heard of it, I swear.

Ah, finally, best RPG city ever.

Well, except Sigil.

Also, Athkatla.

And maybe Novigrad.

Still, a pretty damn fine RPG city.

Indeed.

What about Defiance Bay?

Nah, that place was pretty disappointing, unfortunately.

They'll never know what hit'em.

Ok, not the smoothest entry ever, but bear with me.

It's just that my skill shows where it counts, mmkay?

Sure it does.

Did people use the ASAP abbreviation in the medieval times?

This is fantasyland, not actual medieval setting, you know.

Same shit.

That sneaky bastard!

I guess children of Bhaal have that in common. That, and craving for bloody murders.

I prefer to call it 'heroism'.

This should be enough to move us to the next stage.

No time for you, Scar, I'm here to see Eltan.

Oh, FFS!

Let's not keep him waiting, then!

2000 gold. Wow. Such riches, etc.

Yeah, ok, will do.

Next time: our not-so-epic miniseries will conclude, but not without our hero dying a few times first.

I don't like the sound of that.

 

[MicoSelva]

What do you think, bros?

 

[JoKa]

1. of course - The Codex has to take its rightful place among the most prestigious.

 

[Unkillable Cat]

Both.

 

[Wayward Son]

1

 

[Baron Dupek]

First one.
No doubt here.

 

[hoverdog]

1.

 

[Azira]

Both.

This

 

[Storyfag]

1, obviously

 

[ERYFKRAD]

2. Gods are weak and mortals get laid more.*



*-CHA score dependent.

 

[Storyfag]

2. Gods are weak and mortals get laid more.*



*-CHA score dependent.

Zeus begs to disagree

 

[ERYFKRAD]

Zeus begs to disagree

Oh yeah.

 

[Wayward Son]

2. Gods are weak and mortals get laid more.*



*-CHA score dependent.

Mr KRAD, Rick Riordan and the Greek Pantheon Association are on the other line.

 

[ERYFKRAD]

Rick Riordan

Who the zog is this bloke.

 

[Baron Dupek]

The name sounds p. Gothic-like, maybe someone from Water Mages?