In the final days of 2023, I embarked on a whirlwind journey through the world of Faerûn inBaldur’s Gate 3yet again. The catch? I had just two weeks to travel the intricacies of the game, bringing my character, Serenity, through a fast-paced adventure that would rival any epic tale … though in a far messier manner.
It Started Out Normal Enough
Serenity, adark-skinned, nonbinaryhuman, emerged as my avatar in this digital odyssey, initially appearing as a familiar figure frommy past playthroughs. Little did I know, this time would be different — a unique journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.
The focal point of my rush through Faerûn was a newfound romance with Gale, the enigmatic mage from Waterdeep. Previous attempts at this liaison had faltered due to Gale’s ‘slow burn’ approach, but I was determined to make it work this time. As a Fighter, I envisioned myself as Gale’s knight in shining armor, ready to face the challenges ahead.
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However, practicality demanded versatility. I decided to dip into the Cleric class, transforming Serenity into a Light Cleric to counter the dark forces and hasten our progress. Even Shadowheart, a companion with her own burdensome narrative, underwent the transformation to lighten our collective load. Time was of the essence in this expansive game that typically took me three weeks to complete.
The conundrum was apparent — how do you rush through a game without sacrificing the richness of its storytelling? Skipping dialogue became a necessary evil, especially in places like Emerald’s Grove, where I had previously saved the inhabitants in multiple playthroughs. The familiar faces of the townsfolk would have to wait for another cycle.
Let’s Hurry This Up!
To expedite battles, I adopted a cheeky strategy, stockpiling explosive barrels during exploration and strategically placing them in combat scenarios. Watching enemies succumb to fiery explosions brought a smirk to my face, knowing I had sliced off precious hours from the game. Even formidable foes like the hag fell victim to my time-saving antics, albeit with unintended consequences.
Regrettably, the consequences of my explosive strategy unfolded in a tragic twist. Mayrina, the woman captured by the hag, bore the brunt of an explosion that proved too intense. The blast knocked her out of her chair, and I received a proverbial quest update signaling her demise. This turn of events meant the hag’s vile plan to claim her baby was thwarted, but the cost was high. Mayrina’s fate was sealed, and with it, the lives of her ill-fated brothers who sought her rescue.
I learned later that the key to saving them involved a Ranger option, persuading the brothers to abandon their ill-fated rescue mission. Unfortunately, lacking a Ranger in my party, I had no means to execute this alternative and had to grapple with the repercussions of a rushed decision. In the fast-paced world of Faerûn, sacrifices were inevitable, and Mayrina’s tragic end served as a somber reminder of the unpredictable consequences that could unfold in the wake of my expedited journey.
Cheese tactics unfolded seamlessly at the goblin camp, employing a speed run strategy and leveraging Karlach’s broken build. Armed with a specially equippedReturning Pike, I unleashed destruction from a secure vantage point.
Perched high above the ruins of the old temple, I strategically attacked the goblins from the rafters, their confusion evident as they searched in vain for the unseen assailant. Remaining out of their sight, I exploited the advantage of elevated ground, striking with precision and slipping away undetected. Adding to my clandestine approach, I had poisoned the wine that the goblins in the central part of the area were drinking from, observing from the shadows as they succumbed to the effects. Swiftly, I slinked away with enough time to evade any potential discovery.
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Navigating the goblin camp was surprisingly facilitated by the carelessness of half the soldiers on duty, who were inebriated and fast asleep. This provided an easy route to higher ground, where I could rain down destruction with impunity. The barrels of wine became perfect instruments of chaos, the ensuing flames a testament to the effectiveness of my carefully orchestrated plan. In this calculated dance of shadows and deception, I ensured the goblin camp became a mere footnote in my expedited journey.
Charisma Through Save-Scumming
In the Shadow-Cursed Lands of Act 2, charisma checks become paramount. Attempting to persuade Kethric Thorm’s twisted family members to meet their demise required meticulous save-scumming. Restarting conversations until achieving the desired outcome became the norm, as my fighter’s strength clashed with a lackluster charisma.
Particularly harrowing is the encounter with Thisobald Thorm, whose already deformed body underwent a grotesque transformation during the persuasion attempts. The scene unfolded amid a nightmarish ballet of save-scumming, navigating Constitution saves against thresholds of 14, 16, and 18, alongside a formidable Sleight of Hand check at 18. Even for a Fighter class, the checks proved arduous, compelling me to resort to unconventional tactics for success. The results saw Thisobald succumb to the effects of the poisonous sludge, resulting in a stomach-churning, explosive demise.
Amid the chaos, an unexpected decision presented itself in Act 3 — eating the Tadpole. The repercussions transformed Serenity’s appearance into a grotesque testament to the cost of gaining power. The sacrifice of physical beauty was a small price to pay for the approval of Gale, who remained steadfast in his affections.
As grotesque as Serenity’s transformation was, it came with newfound abilities. The Black Hole power, a manifestation of the corrupted tadpole’s influence, allowed me to wield a hellish vortex that sucked all enemies within an area into its unforgiving grasp. This formidable ability became a strategic tool in battle, with many vortexes strategically centered on the edges of elevated terrain. The result was a macabre spectacle, enemies plummeting to their demise as the vortex consumed them.
Becoming The Gods Of Geometry
The pinnacle of this rushed odyssey was the poetic culmination of Serenity’s romance with Gale. The choice between swimming with him in the stars or making love on a bed had a profound impact on their shared destiny. The stars became our canvas, and in the cosmic ballet of geometry, Gale and Serenity’s love transcended the digital realm.
As they twirled amid the constellations, a decision took root — they would become powerful gods together. In this ethereal dance, their love wove through the stars, forging a celestial bond that echoed through the cosmos. The cosmic beauty of their union, a radiant blend of mortal and divine essence, painted streaks of stardust across the vast expanse of the heavens. Each pirouette was a testament to the harmonious convergence of two souls, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of their transcendent love.
The astral waltz continued, casting ripples through the universe as time itself bowed to their connection. Serenity and Gale, now entwined in the cosmic narrative, created a new constellation; a symbol of their extraordinary union and a reminder that even in the digital realm, some connections transcend time and space.
In the end, Gale ascended to become the God of Ambition, crafting a realm for humanity to surpass the limitations imposed by other deities. Serenity had not just rushed through the game but had crafted a legend, leaving an indelible mark on Faerûn.
The half-illithid look that had marred their visage magically dissipated, leaving behind the restored countenance that mirrored the resilience of their journey. Reconnecting with friends, a now silvery Gale, having ascended to godhood, approached Serenity. In a moment of cosmic significance, Gale inquired if they were prepared to ascend to the realm of the gods. The game left this celestial destination open-ended, but Serenity, influenced by the beautifully messy nature of their story, chose to become the goddess of impatience. It was a fitting testament to the impulsive, yet enchanting, essence that defined their transcendent journey.
