bhaalble - Tumblr blog

[bhaalble]

anyways Ive been on a massive bg3 break waiting for the discourse cycle to tire out. In that time Ive experienced an abrupt Gale Awakening I apologize Gale Boys and Girls I was not familiar with your game

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Well anon I've got great news for you

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would you be cool with someone else writing the durgetash chastity belt idea?

My sole demand is to tag me in that when you're done because I desperately want to read it. Go nuts

[bhaalble]

"Just for while you're in Moonrise" Gortash said "Let's give you a reason not to dawdle with the General." Gortash said. All fun and games until Durge wakes up on the nautiloid with no memory and a chastity belt on

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Anyways. This is Emerald Gist, nee Guthmere. Wife of Livius Gist, recent wizard's apprentice. Age 42. Occupation, one of the wide variety of ornaments to society Baldur's Gate nobility likes to keep and discard after they've aged out of being a ballroom belle (which, in fairness. She was never really that either). On discovering her husband of 19 years was sleeping around with her friends and in the process of trying to move forward with a divorce, Emerald decided to do the mature thing and try to contact a devil.

The game plan was. 1. Acquire enough of a magical education to know left from right about the hells and not embarrass yourself in front of the diabolist. 2. Get pregnant by a devil, have a tiefling baby, and bring public shame on the Gist house so bad that they never recover from it. 3. ????. 4. Profit!

She was on her way to start making that deal when a large tentacle smacked her upside the head. Now she's here, scrambling back to the city as fast as she can before Livius can have her declared legally dead and move forward without so much as a financial settlement. Journey featuring colorful characters such as

-Her vampire worstie who's the first to discover she's a lesbian ("How else to explain her not being attracted to ME?")

-The wizard trying his best to believe she's not the worst person ever (despite all evidence to the contrary)

-The cleric projecting all her mommy issues directly onto the least maternal woman on earth

-Love at first sight with the most murderous drow paladin in the world

-An erstwhile contract for power with the devil she was originally supposed to sire a kid by who's MUCH more interested in whatever the hell is wrong with her now

-An eye from a hag who respects the morally bankrupt magic baby grind when she sees it.

Finally devised an "evil" character I like playing enough to get to Act 2 and god Minthara is not at all what I was expecting (/pos) I'm genuinely obsessed. With all my Morrigan loving heart I love incredibly selfish women with such fragile fragile hearts.

[bhaalble]

Finally devised an "evil" character I like playing enough to get to Act 2 and god Minthara is not at all what I was expecting (/pos) I'm genuinely obsessed. With all my Morrigan loving heart I love incredibly selfish women with such fragile fragile hearts.

[bhaalble]

i do enjoy "living weapon" characters but specifically living weapons who did in fact do absolutely horrific things which at least a part of them enjoyed and thought was good and right at the time, and that no amount of not knowing any better or guilt they feel in hindsight will ever make up for. i love living weapons who are "irredeemable", and no it's not their fault that they were made that way or pointed in the directions they were by the hand that wielded them, and yes they are victims, but so were their victims. living weapons who some people will never be able to forgive, but who still wake up every day and try to do better than what's expected of them. a sword that uses its blade to cut wheat to make bread for the people who once lived in fear of its arc falling on their heads.

[bhaalble]

While I'm on my script doctor shit: I want to talk about Karlach.

Karlach's not dealing with the same level of narrative neglect/hasty rewrite fingerprints that Wyll is. As a standalone entity, her arc works. I Am Not Immune To Weeping at the Post-Gortash Fight Scene etc etc. But it does feel oddly discordant with the other companion quests. Karlach doesn't really experience any moral evolution or make meaningful decisions. When we meet her she's a kindhearted friendly hero, and she will be that regardless of whether she dies in Faerun or goes back to Avernus. She's incredibly likeable while she does that, and I also don't want to come across like I think her writing is shallow. But in a game where all the companion quests follow a pretty intentional pattern regarding the cycle of abuse, it sticks out like a sore thumb to me that the resolution of the Gortash plot doesn't really impact her character arc one way or the other.

As always I feel compelled to point out that this isn't me going "actually she's secretly a bad person and the game won't admit it". This is more me attempting to mine some more in-depth conflict, using the existing arc as a template. With that in mind, these are the changes I would make:

-Make the use of Soul Coins MUCH MORE of a character point. With how much attention is drawn to acquiring these things for the first time and a special dialogue choice for whether or not you'll have her use them, it feels very much like a dropped thread that it doesn't really go anywhere storywise. Leveraged correctly I think this could've been the chance to show a crack in Karlach's persona. She's your big loveable attack dog who's been having the worst decade, yeah. But she's also a survivor, who's not only been deployed into an endless conflict but who also hasn't had a single person she can trust other than herself. I think you could make more of a thing about how the conditions she lived in in Avernus forced her to make her peace with occasionally stepping on other people, even some innocents, so she could live to fight another day. There's shades of this in some of her conversations with the tiefling refugees already, she mentions to Dammon that she felt like she couldn't really do anything for Elturel. Push into that guilt, and with it, that denial. Have ten years spent with devils maybe just maybe given her a slightly more removed view of the value of a life that isn't her own?

-Whether the player feeds her Soul Coins or not I think it should be specified by Dammon that her routine use of them during her time in Avernus has sped up her engine breakdown by putting it into almost permanent overdrive. Its a damnation of Zariel (who probably knew what the coins were doing, but didn't care) and a startling moment for Karlach, that there are consequences for being cavalier with the souls of others. High Approval Karlach either asks to stop taking them (if the player has been giving them) or thanks the player for encouraging her to hold off. Low Approval Karlach will ask to keep taking them on the grounds of "in for a penny in for a pound", arguing that they can't afford to lose the advantages the player has seen it gives them (if they have been giving them) or becoming frustrated that the player is judging her and what she's had to do to survive (if they haven't).

-Make the reveal that the Steel Watch run off infernal iron MUCH MORE emotional for Karlach, as she realizes she was an experimental run for Gortash to do this. Double down on this when the player discovers that they have corpses inside them (also, put this reveal before the Steel Watch foundry quest can be completed). Its both horrifying on a gut level to find out the stupid evil reason for all her suffering...but also she can't help but feel culpable for LIVING. If she hadn't been strong enough to survive it the experiment might've ended there. Its not true but it is one of the worst thoughts you can have when you've just found out you're going to die anyways.

-I would make the relationship between Karlach and Gortash much more mutual and much more (initially) positive relationship. Have him be genuinely glad to see her, genuinely impressed that she survived the hells. Its what he always liked about her, her grit, her ability to face down impossible odds and come out the victor. Compliments that would've made her happy back in the day and now feel like a punch to the gut. Its all build-up, though, to the Choice which will define Karlach's route.

-By virtue of his experiments Gortash has gotten very good at working with Infernal Iron. And he believes he can fix Karlach's heart, in exchange for her basically taking up a more elevated version of her old job. He could use a bodyguard powered by hellfire and with a strong understanding of devils. Its also, just good optics for his man of the people image to have his right hand be some outer city kid elevated to greatness. He makes a lot of promises in that moment: she won't die. She'll get a chance to have a LIFE back, but now a life with all the power and security she could ask for. More than that, they could change things in this city. Give its residents better lives, improve things for all the little Karlachs out there. And after that...who knows? The Hells might be ripe for some conquest back. Gods know they've both got old scores to settle

-She takes time to think about it, and talk with the player. In addition to all the other hang-ups she might have this is where the Steel Watch comes up again, with her feeling like she's poisoned by that knowledge. A player trying to persuade her into taking the deal can point out, in the end its not so different from soul coins. Why draw the line now. If this Persuasion check is passed she can note that at least they could afford to be choosier with their victims, putting the worst baddies to use for the protection of everyone. That wouldn't be so bad....would it?

-You meet Gortash for a final time. If persuaded by the player to not take the deal (or if left to choose for herself with High Approval) Karlach will kill him where he stands. His soul rises in the form of Bane's Chosen and you have a proper boss fight. If persuaded to take it (or left to her own devices on Low Approval) Karlach will take the deal. This will mean losing Karlach from the party (with the exception of the House of Hope mission where she will appear Jaheira style) as she will be busy protecting Gortash. The player gains custom armor from Gortash and an assembly of Steel Watchers they can summon in the Final Battle.

-If she doesn't take the deal her endings play out pretty similarly to how they do in canon, either dying or returning to Avernus. This time, however, its with a new lease on life (or death). She's gotten to choose to be better than the things that dropped her here. She's still scared, still angry. But she's also proven something to herself. That Zariel and Gortash and them were wrong about her, and that she is much more than the mindless weapon they wanted to turn her into.

-If she takes the deal it unlocks a new ending for Gortash. Rather than come to the Elder Brain himself he will instead give you his Netherstone as a show of good faith, trusting you to take the chance to subdue the Elder Brain for your mutual rule.

-If the Player subdues the Elder Brain you and Gortash move it back underground, pretending to have defeated it and using the fear created by the mind flayer outbreak to rule the populace. Karlach in the Epilogue talks to you about how the two of you are making massive moves in the city. She seems to be trying very hard to convince herself at least most of the changes are positive....from a certain point of view.

-If the Player destroys the Elder Brain, Gortash skips town and takes Karlach with him rather than face his disgrace. In the Epilogue Karlach says he's starting to rebuild in another city state, "not tellin you where, though. Don't really think I want to have to fight you if you decide to come smash this one too....even though I'd definitely win." She seems extremely worn down in this ending and trying to cover it up. Gortash lost a LOT of favor with Bane having his plans blow up in his face like that and its made him. Snippy. Still, "its a living. And it probably wouldn't even be that if it weren't for him." The player can hint that it may be time for her to start moving on to a better environment, and she says only if she can find someone to do a more permanent fix for Ol' Rusty. Gortash still has to do check-ups almost monthly to keep her stable.

-She still keeps in touch with Dammon, though....who knows. He might have some new thoughts after seeing all the blueprints Gortash has drawn up....

[bhaalble]

Extremely excited to finally post my commision by @vahingoniloinenlapsi!!!! From left to right is my friend Al's Tav H'soka, Ascended Astarion, and my Tav Orroros. They were an absolute delight to work with and did sooooo fucking good with the prompt I've been staring at it for ages ever since. Thank you again!!!!!!

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I'm at this point 88% sure Godey is that friend Cazador reached out to that Vellioth killed as punishment. Sort of sweet in its way you reunite with each other in the afterlife and decide to be absolute nightmares together

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I have been thinking on the prayer for forgiveness that broke us all, and an alternate interpretation of Durge's self-flagellation came to me - it may have more to do with Durge's desperation for Bhaal's approval (and fear of his disapproval) than Bhaal actually giving much of a damn.

While Bhaal doesn't necessarily like the fact that his property is "admiring" one of his old frenemy's pawns, I don't know that he's that emotionally invested either. Durge is encouraged to take lovers (no matter if you get the bad bad ending or the good bad ending, Durge's "duty" involves making more Bhaalspawn, and biology isn't an obstacle). Durge is also permitted to gild their cage, it seems. You're only forced to kill your lover as a punishment, Bhaal doesn't like your stupid mushy feelings or any of your friends, but he's happy to have something to hold over their head. If Durge has things they want and love, Bhaal has things to threaten and break if they struggle against the leash.

Canonically Bhaal "encouraged the pursuit of personal wealth and hobbies" amongst his followers, as long as they don't put their desires before his and it doesn't interfere with their obligations to him. If you fuck around for too long without making the decision to spare/kill Isobel, Sceleritas drops in with "It is rather loathly of Sceleritas to disrupt your romp, but I cannot allow the Master to forget duty, and keep carousing like this." So Durge is allowed to go "carousing", technically.

Even when you meet Gortash, unlike Orin (who you get a whole vision directing you to kill) and with Ketheric (who has the Urge hissing and spitting venom), the Urge is rather quiet. The only opinion Bhaal has on this is the reminder that there will be no ruling the world with Gortash because that would conflict with his plans for you.

It's entirely possible that Bhaal really doesn't care enough about Durge as long as they're doing what they're supposed to, and is either wholly indifferent or at worst merely irritated by the concept of durgetash. Meanwhile the possibility of their father's disapproval or the slightest hint of it is enough to turn Durge into a nervous wreck. So they overcompensate; they're in a state of penitence every night - they're good, they're loyal, they're obedient, they put Father first above all things. Please don't hurt me. Please don't take away the things I love yet. Please still love me.

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There's a possibility to me that Gortash and Durge may have broken into the House of Hope looking for the Crown of Karsus only to find out he never had it. May have gotten the tip off about where to look next from the Archivist. Raphael doesn't seem to know who comes and goes in this place unless you actually TAKE something. Fun little in-law adventure for Durge I guess!

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NO OK. WHAT WAS HE UP TO. This line leaves it ambiguous to me as to whether they asked about the House of Hope or actually went there but. If they went there what for!!! What did you take!!! And if they were just asking: why not just ask about Mephistar directly why bring up the House of Hope at all its not like Helsik has a particular connection to the House of Hope

The hottest boys you know are up at night pondering why Gortash was writing Helsik about getting into the House of Hope just before he died

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Also while I'm being a bitch: I actively dislike the theory that Cazador was grooming Astarion to be his successor because I think its such a fundamental misread of Cazador's actions. You can MAYBE make an argument for Vellioth having an interest in seeing if Cazador could develop enough hatred to supplant him Sith Lord style but Astarion has always been intended to be disposed of by Cazador. Cazador has ZERO plans for being replaced he is in fact taking steps to ensure that can never happen by transcending the limits of his kind. Astarion has been carrying that contract on his back for as long as he's been a spawn the plan was ALWAYS that he die for Cazador's path to glory. There is no shared joyful laughter when Astarion kills him like there was with Vellioth just whimpers and pleas about his place. What reason does he have to put on an act there.

[bhaalble]

ok but what if they went full on "shadowheart has intrusive thoughts urging her to be good despite shar's teachings" and actually explored it. like a counterpoint to bhaalspawn. like yeah its bad and sucks when you're driven to do horrible shit by an evil god. but what if you're driven by a good goddess? is it better? is she justified bc evil goddess kindnapped you and trained you for evil? But loss of agency is still loss of agency. Yeah, those are evil teachings, but you BELIEVE them, and you're not changing your beliefs when you do good, you're succumbing to your nature. Are you good if you're driven to do good, but by instinct, not choice? Would this push you to the opposite just to feel in control OR would you learn to rely on this and off-load all responsibility for moral decisions on it, like jedi on the force? and with bhaalspawn you know what is right thing to do in theory. but like. is it right to fight for your agency if you fighting "good"? how do you explain your conflict to people. who could understand you. could be a lot of fun to explore

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Its not world-ending shit but I am. Slightly 😬 at the amount of retroactive tinkering going on with BG3. Fanservice can be a bit of a slippery slope in my experience. Its not that I think any of the specific changes made are bad in and of themselves. There are many I like quite a bit, equippable Orin armor, the epilogue, setting His Majesty officially as a hairless cat. There's also a bit of a Schrodingers bug situation imo. Are the new Lae'zel dismissal lines "new" or were they just not triggering because of a bug? Did they redub Astarion saying "this is important devil", or is was the wrong audio file always being pulled from?

But I think at a certain point: you made the product you made. Outside of basic playability fixes I think its fine to let the criticisms stand on their own, let players take the lead on mods, and save something for the definitive edition this game is almost certainly getting in a few years time. I also think creating an environment where people firmly believe they can invoke changes on the source material by just getting enough people to @ the studio on twitter is an environment that opens up both your staff and your fan to harassment. Interpretation is already a bit of a bloodsport in fandom. The goal for many people is to have the read or the headcanon that becomes popular enough it "might as well" be canon, meaning you can weaponize it against other people with divergent reads. This becomes about ten times worse if your headcanon has a shot at becoming ACTUAL canon. The worst thing you can do in that scenario is give people someone to tattle to, because the stakes of the game will then become "the CREATORS like MY idea best which means you should stop having your own". We're already seeing it happen with the voice actors, with Neil being treated like word of god on basically any given Astarion argument. Imagine how much worse this gets when it slips into the actual played experience of the game. You'll functionally be creating distinct generations of players, each with a different experience of the game depending on WHEN they played. At which point: who gets to be More Canon?

Again I don't want to sound like I'm doomsaying "they made the alien a little less rude so artistic integrity is basically DEAD". Entirely possible this is the full extent of it, in which case all these changes functionally just become Odd Trivia points for the future. I guess just consider this Ex-Homestuck trauma speaking. Having an extremely fandom facing dev team can be an incredibly double-edged sword

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as much as i love the drama of gortash not knowing durge is alive until they're basically in the city, i think a funny alternative is him finding out as early as act 1 that they're alive and repeatedly sending cultists and mercenaries to drag them home and then, in true durge fashion, they just end up killing whatever grunts gortash sent