Baldur's Gate 3 - Part 22 - So Nere And Yet So Far

Baldur’s Gate 3 - Part 22 - So Nere And Yet So Far

Storyline

The party continues exploring Grim Forge, an ancient and mysterious forge built by gnomes centuries ago. The forge is guarded by a powerful magma construct, a protector conjured by Yali’s eye, which should not be disturbed without proper knowledge.

Key events and developments include:

• Tensions arise between dwarves and the Absolute cult, with many dwarves in debt and hostile towards Nia, a key antagonist.
• The player considers forming a temporary alliance with the dwarves to take down Nia, who owes them money.
• The party encounters a scrying eye, a magical scout that is ethereal and resistant to most damage but vulnerable to thunder spells.
• Captured Iron Hand gnomes, including their leader Walbrin, are rescued from Moonrise Towers, a cult stronghold.
• The story hints at a larger conflict involving the cult, ancient explosives created by the gnomes, and the mysterious Moonrise Towers.
• After defeating Nia and his forces, the party negotiates the release of gnome slaves and prepares for the next steps involving the forge and Moonrise Towers.

Gameplay Highlights

• Exploration of the Grim Forge area, discovering hidden chests, traps, and levers controlling platforms.
• Use of jumping and positioning to navigate the environment and access loot.
• Combat tactics include:
  • Strategic use of ranged and melee attacks.
  • Employing spells such as Tides of Chaos, Bless, and Searing Smite.
  • Utilizing environmental hazards like lava pits to dispatch enemies.
  • Coordinating with allied dwarves in battle.
• Interaction with NPCs to gather information, form alliances, and avoid unnecessary fights.
• Stealth and assassination tactics to eliminate the scrying eye unnoticed.
• Inventory management and looting, acquiring special weapons, rings, and magical items like a spider’s lyre and enchanted boots.
• Careful management of party resources, including spell slots and rage charges, especially before major fights.

Strategies and Key Tips

• Do not rush into the forge without understanding its workings and consulting the gnomes for guidance.
• Collect all molds and raw materials before attempting to craft anything at the forge.
• Use deception and persuasion to gain allies or avoid conflict, particularly with dwarves and cult members.
• Target the scrying eye with thunder-based attacks due to its vulnerabilities.
• Exploit environmental advantages, such as pushing enemies into lava, to conserve resources.
• Prioritize healing and buffing spells during combat to maintain party survivability.
• Avoid stealing indiscriminately; some areas consider looting their property a crime punishable by death.
• Take rests before major battles to restore resources and improve chances of success.
• Explore thoroughly to find hidden treasures, secret passages, and additional quest clues.

Items and Loot Highlights

• Sword of Screams: A weapon dealing psychic damage with weakening strike abilities.
• Broken Moon Lantern: A magical item requiring repair, possibly involving pixie dust.
• Spider’s Lyre: A musical instrument capable of charming and entertaining.
• Boots that prevent being webbed, entangled, or snared.
• Rings with magical effects, including invisibility and thunder wave spells.
• Various enchanted weapons and silver cutlery valuable for trade.

NPCs and Factions

• Nia: Main antagonist, a dwarf leader allied with the Absolute cult.
• Dwarves: Divided loyalties; many resent the Absolute and are willing to ally against Nia.
• Iron Hand Gnomes: Captured slaves with knowledge about the forge and explosives.
• The Absolute Cult: Antagonistic faction controlling Moonrise Towers and enslaving gnomes.
• Brethar: A dwarf leader allied with the player to take down Nia.
• Spider Cult (Lol): Religious faction worshipping the Spider Queen, potential allies against other dwarves.

---

Featured Gamer / Source

• John from Many A True Nerd