Thanks to @JuliusBorisov, I have an idea of how to make this long list work without making too many posts that could damage the forums.
"Sea of Swords" of the Paths of Darkness series ends sometime in the Winter of 1370 DR
"Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn" game version ends sometime in the Spring of 1370 DR
"BALDUR'S GATE 2 (part 2): THRONE OF BHAAL" game and novel (The game was developed by BioWare as an expansion story to Shadows of Amn, the Enhanced Edition version is made by Overhaul Games of Beamdog) (Novel version written by Drew Karpyshyn) (Release date (Original): June 22nd, 2001, (Novel): 2001, (Enhanced Edition version released inside BG2:EE), (In-universe date of game: 1370 DR (sometime during the first year of the Sothillisian War), (Novel): 1368 DR???))
Game story synopsis: Not long after saving the elven city Suldanessellar from the vengeful wrath of Jon Irenicus, Gorion's Ward and his/her companions are once again pulled into another adventure. This time, Gorion's Ward must contend with more of his/her siblings, other children of Bhaal, especially five Bhaalspawn that are so powerful, the gods themselves fear their strength, collectively known as The Five. This bloodshed between siblings in the nation of Tethyr, south from Amn, is all for competing for the right to ascend to godhood, becoming Bhaal's successor... Or so they think. Can Gorion's Ward escape his/her destiny? Or will he/she embrace it?
Fun fact: Confusing, isn't it? Why is the novel version of Throne of Bhaal set in 1368 DR? I'll explain, because I've read it (with a grain of salt). The prologue of the ToB novel is set in 1368 DR, but after the prologue ends, the author somehow forgot to make it clear that the rest of the story takes place in the "present day", therefore the continuity of the Baldur's Gate novelization series is seriously thrown out of order, Throne of Bhaal is before Shadows of Amn even though it should be the other way around, because in the novel Jaheira gets killed by Abazigal, and Imoen gets killed off by Sendai, and in the Shadows of Amn novel, Jaheira and Imoen are alive and healthy, except for Jaheira, because she had been recently brought back from the dead from getting killed by Sarevok at the end of the first Baldur's Gate novel. Another reason why the Baldur's Gate games are more canon. The only lore contradiction the Throne of Bhaal game makes is a tavern bartender NPC telling you a rumor that Sythillis or Sothillis, the ogre mage leading the Sothillisian War against the southern regions of Amn is a Bhaalspawn and crossed paths with Bhaalspawn fire giant Yaga Shura and got killed by him. Again, that is just a tavern rumor in the ToB game, and rumors are not always true. Truthfully, the game was wrong about Sythillis/Sothillis, he was NOT a Bhaalspawn, and he and Yaga Shura never crossed paths because Sythillis/Sothillis lived to see the year 1374, holding the city Murann, which is directly west from Trademeet captive even after the war ended.
Fun fact #2: Viekang, the guy who teleports away with a flash of lightning every time he gets scared survived Yaga Shura's attack on Saradush because of Gorion's Ward, and because he is a Bhaalspawn, he lived on for 100 years even though he is human (being a Bhaalsapwn guarantees near longevity for races with normally short lifespans), and he becomes one of the last living Bhaalspawn in the 5th Edition time frame during the events of the Murder in Baldur's Gate tabletop adventure game as the assassin who attempts to kill Abdel Adrian, the alleged hero of Baldur's Gate. Again, there is no way Abdel and Gorion's Ward are the same character, especially after the way Siege of Dragonspear ended. If Abdel were revealed to the people of Baldur's Gate to be a Bhaalspawn and accused of murdering a Grand Duke's child, he would NEVER be treated with love and respect during Murder in Baldur's Gate, even after stopping Grand Duke Valarken's coup 100 years later, let alone be elected as Grand Duke. In the games, Gorion's Ward falls from grace in the eyes of Baldur's Gate and Saradush despite his/her heroics, even the Thayans during Neera's TOB side quest know Gorion's Ward as the "fallen hero of Baldur's Gate". The Grand Dukes would instead appoint Abdel as the hero of Baldur's Gate even if he was not involved in any of the events in the Baldur's Gate games. In other words, Gorion's Ward's reputation falls and is eventually forgotten by history as time passes, while Abdel is considered by many to be the true hero (when he really isn't).
Game: https://www.baldursgateii.com/
Novel: https://www.amazon.com/Baldurs-Gate...mp;psc=1&refRID=EYX31T1W8WNSR4VX01VB
"The Magehound" 1st book of the Counselors & Kings Trilogy (Written by Elaine Cunningham) ((Release date: April 1st, 2000), (In-universe date of novel: 1370 DR))
Story synopsis: Some are born with magic. Some without. Matteo, un-magical counselor to the mighty of Halruaa, has devoted his life to the truth - until he finds that he may have a hidden spark of magic after all. Now, with only a street waif for a companion, he's on the run from the mysterious Cabal. In the dismal Swamp of Akhlaur, Matteo will seek his own truth while battling a creature out of his nightmares.
But something even worse is on his trail: a relentless persecutor of magic. The Magehound.
https://www.amazon.com/Magehound-Fo...;qid=1562646051&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"The Sea Devil's Eye" of The Threat from the Sea Trilogy also ends in 1370 DR
"Sea of Fallen Stars" (a sourcebook tabletop game campaign expansion) (By Steven E. Schend) (1370 DR)
Story synopsis: For years beyond measure, folk of Faerûn have sailed and swum the Inner Sea from the Lake of Dragons to the Alamber Sea, but few believed there was more here than a vast expanse of blue water filled with fish, a few sea monsters, and ever-present pirates. Come, take another look and discover new worlds above and beneath the sea. Once you enter the Sea of Fallen Stars, you may never want to go home again.
Atop the Waves: Examine life on the Inner Sea from the major ports and common superstitions to the goings-on in the Pirate Isles.
Beneath the Seas: Discover the worlds within the Sea! Visit Serôs, an ancient land. Meet the enigmatic shalarin, a magical sea people from unknown oceans. Join the mysterious Dukars, magical defenders of the depths.
Myth Nantar, City of Destinies: Wrapped in a magical mythal, the elven city of Myth Nantar is the perfect place to make the transition to the world under the waves or to begin a complete aquatic campaign.
Fun fact: The events of this tabletop game include and overlap some of the events from "Under Fallen Stars" and "The Sea Devil's Eye", this game is set after those novels, revealing some spoilers of plot elements from those novels, so before playing this game, read the novels first.
https://www.amazon.com/FALLEN-STARS...;qid=1562646148&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"The Wyrmskull Throne" Tabletop adventure game (By Steven E. Schend and Thomas M. Reid) (1370 DR, alongside the "Sea of Fallen Stars" tabletop adventure, but can be a stand-alone game story)
Story synopsis: The Wyrmskull Throne - the ruling seat of the great dwarven nation of Shanatar - has been lost for five millenia. Now, rumors have surfaced that it has been found, and there are sinister parties that will stop at nothing to claim it. But the path to finding the throne is long and twisted, leading from a small village in the remotest regions of Tethyr to the bottom of the ocean! Those who follow it had best be prepared for the strange and wondrous - as well as enemies on every side - for it is no journey for the faint of heart.
https://www.amazon.com/WYRMSKULL-TH...p;s=books&qid=1298747714&sr=8-1#
"The City of Ravens" of The Cities series (Written by Richard Baker) (1370 DR)
Story synopsis: The City of Ravens. For the first time, Jack Ravenwild's designs exceed his talents. His ambitions plunge him into the middle of a plot to destroy the city, a noble quest to find a lost hoard, and a conspiracy to seize the reins of power through the nobility's Game of Masks. Worse yet, Jack must choose between a life of freedom and saving the city he doesn't even know he loves.
https://www.amazon.com/City-Ravens-...;qid=1562646173&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"Calimport" sourcebook (By Steven E. Schend) (1370 DR)
https://www.amazon.com/Calimport-Ad...;qid=1565024515&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"Beyond the High Road" (Written by Troy Denning) (1370 DR)
Story synopsis: The Seer Alaundo prophesied that seven scourges would sweep Cormyr away in ruin. For centuries the royal family has stood watch against that day and devoted their lives to the protection of the realm.
But in a time when their ancient guardians slumber and their most loyal servants disappear, when a terrible evil prepares to sweep down upon their home...
Who will protect the royal family?
https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-High-...;qid=1562646212&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"The Thousand Orcs" of The Hunter's Blades Trilogy (Written by R.A. Salvatore) (1370 DR)
Story synopsis: One dark elf. Two enchanted blades. One unknown enemy. And a horde of invaders.
It's been a long time since Drizzt Do'Urden has had to fight alone. When a ravaging mob of vicious orcs overruns the North and his friends are washed away in its evil tide, he must take matters into his own deadly hands.
https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Orc...;qid=1562646254&s=gateway&sr=8-3
"The Lone Drow" of The Hunter's Blades Trilogy (By R.A. Salvatore) (1370 DR)
Story synopsis: Alone on the battlefield. Surrounded by death. Cornered by enemies. And ready to die.
Drizzt Do'Urden has become the Hunter, the bane of the orc hordes still ravaging the North. Cut off, alone, convinced that everyone and everything he ever valued has been destroyed, all that's left is to kill, and kill, and kill until there are no enemies left. But there are a lot of enemies, and even the Hunter is just one lone drow.
https://www.amazon.com/Lone-Drow-Hu...mp;psc=1&refRID=08BCYP6Y4FGCZZCR9F6X
"The Vilhon Reach" tabletop accessory book (By Jim Butler) (1370 DR)
https://www.amazon.com/Vilhon-Advanced-Dungeons-Dragons-Forgotten/dp/0786904003
"The Two Swords" of The Hunter's Blades Trilogy (starts in 1370 DR after "The Lone Drow" ends)
Story synopsis: Drow stalk the shadows. Trolls infest the marshes. Orcs rule the mountains. And time is running out. Mithral Hall is under siege. Nesmé is overrun, and even powerful Silverymoon braces for war. Through it all, Drizzt has fought alone, but as the conflict draws to a bloody conclusion, the hunter will have to find allies both new and old, or die along with the rest of the civilized North.
https://www.amazon.com/Two-Swords-H...mp;psc=1&refRID=YFP9K7MWWACZJZPMBAN4
"The Jewel of Turmish" of The Cities series (Written by Mel Odom) (1370 DR)
Story synopsis: Alaghôn – The Jewel of Turmish Preserving the balance of nature is a way of life for Haarn Brightoak, no matter what the cost, but even his dedication to the customs of the druid is put to the test when a long-dead evil returns to the world of the living. As this vile creature gathers its undead army, Haarn must decide if he will compromise his way of life to defend the city that has never welcomed him.
https://www.amazon.com/Jewel-Turmis...;qid=1562646426&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"The City of Splendors: A Waterdeep Story" of The Cities series (Written by Elaine Cunningham and Ed Greenwood) (story begins in 1370 DR)
Story synopsis: In the streets of Waterdeep, conspiracies run like water through the gutters, bubbling beneath the seeming calm of the city's life. As a band of young, foppish lords discovers there is a dark side to the city they all love, a sinister mage and his son seek to create perverted creatures to further their twisted ends.
And across it sprawls the great city itself: brawling, drinking, laughing, living life to the fullest.
Even in the face of death.
https://www.amazon.com/City-Splendors-Forgotten-Realms-Cities/dp/0786940042/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Forgotten+Realms+City+of+splendors:+A+Waterdeep+Story&qid=1562646536&s=gateway&sr=8-3
"Empires of the Shining Sea" boxed adventure set (By Steven E. Schend and Dale Donovan) (1370 DR)
https://www.amazon.com/Calimport-Ad...;qid=1565024515&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"Lands of Intrigue" boxed set (By Steven E. Schend) (1370 DR)
Fun fact: I use this boxed set and Volo's Guide to Baldur's Gate 2 as references to more accurate D&D lore in my Baldur's Gate 2 fan fiction.
https://www.amazon.com/LANDS-INTRIG...;qid=1565024992&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"For Duty & Deity" tabletop adventure game (By Dale Donovan) (Marpenoth "October" to Nightal "December" 1370 DR)
Story synopsis: For over a decade, mystery has surrounded the fate of the lost goddess of trade and wealth, Waukeen. The Golden Lady disappeared during the Time of Troubles and has not been heard from since. Now, in Marpenoth in the Year of the Tankard (1370 DR), a young prophet suffers from disturbing, divine visions that reveal a beautiful, golden-tressed woman imprisoned on a far plane of existence by some great evil.
The leader of Waukeen's church believes that these visions mean Waukeen is alive but trapped in the deadly and dangerous Abyss. A party of adventurers is dedicated to peeling back the mystery of the Golden Lady's fate. Their route takes them to the plane-spanning Infinite Staircase and beyond, to the Abyss, the home of the demonic tanar'ri. The heroes must brave the dangers of the Abyss and rescue the lost goddess from the clutches of one of the most brilliant and dangerous of all Abyssal lords.
Fun fact: This adventure is very important to the D&D lore because it involves the rescue of Waukeen, the goddess known as the Merchant's Friend, who has been absent ever since the Time of Troubles. Because of her absence, clerics that worship her could only cast Level 1 and 2 clerical spells. In Baldur's Gate 2 Shadows of Amn, during Mazzy's personal side quest about curing her poisoned sister, the head cleric of Waukeen in Trademeet named Overgold says that several of his fellow clerics have given up on worshiping Waukeen because of her absence, not knowing whether she is dead or captured by someone. The latter was the answer.
https://www.amazon.com/Duty-Deity-A...;qid=1562646580&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"Living Forever" (The Best of the Realms, Book II Story XIV) (1370 DR)
"Temple Hill" of The Cities series (By Drew Karpyshyn) (story begins in 1370 DR)
https://www.amazon.com/Temple-Hill-...;qid=1562646635&s=gateway&sr=8-3
"A Tall Tale" (Realms of the Dragons II Story VI) (By J.L. Collins) (1370 DR)
"Chase the Dark" (Realms of War Story X) (By Jaleigh Johnson) (1370 DR during the Sothillisian War)
"Bones and Stones" (Realms of War Story XI) (By R.A. Salvatore) (1370 DR)
"Song of Chaos" (Halls of Stormweather Story II) ends. (1370 DR)
https://www.amazon.com/Halls-Stormw...;qid=1562646685&s=gateway&sr=8-2
"Night School" (Halls of Stormweather Story III) (Written by Clayton Emery) (begins in 1370 DR)
"The Price" (Halls of Stormweather Story IV) (Written by Voronica Whitney-Robinson) (begins in 1370 DR)
"Thirty Days" (Halls of Stormweather Story V) (Written by Dave Gross) (begins in 1370 DR)
"Resurrection" (Halls of Stormweather Story VI) (Written by Paul Kemp) (begins in 1370 DR)
"Skin Deep" (Halls of Stormweather Story VII) (Written by Lisa Smedman) (begins in 1370 DR)
"The Floodgate", 2nd book of the Counselors & Kings Trilogy (By Elaine Cunningham) (1371 DR)
Story synopsis: After a fight, some warriors seek to return home. Others seek revenge.
The battle of Akhlaur's Swamp is over, and its heroes part ways. One becomes a wizard's apprentice and tries to unravel her mysterious lineage. Another hero returns to his queen, only to find that all is not as it was.
Hidden from them both, the Magehound broods. She cannot forgive those who drove her from power, and she will stop at nothing to be avenged. Her bitterness ensures that Akhlaur's Swamp was only the beginning for them all.
https://www.amazon.com/Floodgate-Fo...;qid=1562646757&s=gateway&sr=8-2
"The Wizardwar" 3rd book of the Counselors & Kings Trilogy (By Elaine Cunningham) (1371 DR)
Story synopsis: Defeat breeds anger. Hatred breeds revenge.
Once again, the counselors of Halruaa have beaten back an attack by the wizard Akhlaur. Once more, the kingdom has been saved from its enemies.
But victory comes at a terrible price. The aged king is weakened, his powers diminished. His chief counselor Matteo is torn between his duty and his heart. Tzigone, the hero of the battle of Akhlaur's Swamp, has been hurled into a dark world from which she may never escape. And at the edge of time, Akhlaur and his ally, the Magehound, plot their final revenge.
https://www.amazon.com/Wizardwar-Fo...mp;psc=1&refRID=PS8JN0KSEC9K4Q6B16N7
"The Two Swords" end in 1371 DR
"Comrades at Odds" (Realms of the Elves Story V and The Collected Stories: The Legend Of Drizzt) (By R.A. Salvatore) (1371 DR)
Story synopsis: Tos'un Armgo finds himself without any allies since his three drow companions are all dead and he has become an enemy of King Obould Many-Arrows because of Kaer'lic Suun Wett's attempt to kill the orc while Obould and Drizzt Do'Urden were fighting. Tos'un knows that he cannot survive the journey back through the Underdark alone. Feeling helpless on the surface world, he lets out his rage by attacking orcs with the powerful sentient blade Khazid'hea.
Meanwhile Drizzt Do'Urden and Innovindil search for the body of Ellifain Tuuserail, the moon elf girl that Drizzt saved from being killed during the drow raiding party during the Homeland novel, but she eventually grew up wanting revenge, believing Drizzt along with his brethren killed her mother and friends, and crossed paths with Drizzt again in Sea of Swords, dueling against him and resulting in a draw. Ellifain died while Drizzt was healed even though he tried to beg Bruenor to heal her first. However, they find that the orc hordes have not yet disbanded after the (so Drizzt and Innovindil believe) death of King Obould. Upon inspection, the two elves find that the orcs are building a gate upon a trail further fortifying the orc kingdom. Realizing there is nothing they can do, they continue their journey objective.
Fun fact: This story takes place not long after "The Two Swords"
"Evermeet: Island of Elves" ends in 1371 DR
"Death of the Dragon" (Written by Ed Greenwood and Troy Denning) (1371 DR)
Story synopsis: Seven scourges—five long gone, one of the day, and one soon to come—open the door no man can close. Out come the armies of the dead and the legions of the devil made by itself, to sweep all Cormyr away in ruin, unless those long dead rise to stand against them.
—The Prophecies of Alaundo
The realm has endured a thousand years and more.
For all that time, an Obarskyr has sat upon the Purple Throne.
But under the tearing talons of dark magic, fell foes, and a dragon more vicious than any ever encountered, how much longer can the royal family of Cormyr endure?
Or the kingdom herself?
https://www.amazon.com/Death-Dragon...;qid=1562646862&s=gateway&sr=8-4
"Night School" (Halls of Stormweather Story III) (ends in 1371 DR)
"The Price" (Halls of Stormweather Story IV) (ends in 1371 DR)
"Thirty Days" (Halls of Stormweather Story V) (ends in 1371 DR)
"Waylaid" (Realms of the Dragons Story VIII) (By Thomas M. Reid) (Marpenoth "October" 1371 DR)
"Resurrection" (Halls of Stormweather Story VI) (ends in 1371 DR)
"Skin Deep" (Halls of Stormweather Story VII) (ends in 1371 DR)
"Shadow's Witness" of Sembia: Gateway to the Realms series (Written by Paul S. Kemp) (1371 DR)
Story synopsis: Erevis Cale, loyal servant to the Uskevren family, can't keep his secret any longer. From the nobles in their towers to the gangs in the streets, in the city of Selgaunt power belongs to the bold and no one's position is certain. When a thieves' guild attempts to eradicate a rival organization, something unspeakable breaks free—and it's hungry.
With Selgaunt in chaos, Erevis Cale must return to the shadowy life he left behind, to protect the family that has made him one of their own from the horrors of the Abyss.
https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Witness-Sembia-Gateway-Realms-ebook/dp/B006AV0C06/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Forgotten+Realms+Shadow's+witness&qid=1562646910&s=audible&sr=1-1-catcorr
"The Summoning" of the Return of the Archwizards Trilogy (Written by Troy Denning) (story starts in 1371 DR)
Story synopsis: From the depths of the Demiplane of Shadow comes a new magic so mysterious it confounds even the Chosen of Mystra.
From beneath the dune seas of Anauroch escapes one of Toril's most powerful and ancient evils—the phaerimm.
From Evereska, the last elven refuge on comes word of invasion.
From nowhere appears a group of enigmatic sorcerers determined to destroy the phaerimm and save Evereska... for purposes known only to themselves.
https://www.amazon.com/Summoning-Fo...;qid=1562646939&s=audible&sr=1-1
"Into the Dragon's Lair" 3rd edition tabletop adventure game (By Sean K. Reynolds and Steve Miller) (1371 DR, a few months after Death of the Dragon)
Story synopsis: Great Riches Await – And Great Danger!
As war-ravaged Cormyr tries to rebuild, a host of eager seekers—expert adventurers, hardened mercenaries, scheming wizards, misguided patriots, covetous rivals, and more—scramble to find the dragon's treasure.
Will your band of heroes venture across the dangerous landscape of the Forest Kingdom to secure Cormyr's future, or will they seek the hoard for themselves?
Fun fact: This tabletop adventure takes place after The Goblin War of 1370-1371 DR, so Cormyr in this game is still in bad shape after the war.
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Dragons-Lair-Dungeons-Forgotten/dp/0786916346/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Forgotten+Realms+Into+The+dragon's+Lair&qid=1562647032&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"Black Wolf" of Sembia: Gateway to the Realms series (Written by Dave Gross) (story begins in 1371 DR)
Story synopsis: Talbot Uskevren's problems are his own business.
The second son of Thamalon Uskevren would like nothing more than to be free—free to pursue a life in the theater, free to socialize with whomever he wishes, free to keep to himself in his tallhouse in the city.
But everything changes when a hunting accident leaves Tal infected with lycanthropy. All those wishes and most of Tal's problems are suddenly insignificant compared to controlling the dangerous beast within him. The priests of two gods keep offering him answers—for a price—and every night he delays may cost more lives than his family and friends have to offer.
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Wolf-F...;qid=1562646964&s=audible&sr=1-1
"City of Splendors: A Waterdeep Novel" ends in 1371 DR)
"The Long Road Home" (The Best of the Realms, Book II Story XV) (1371 DR)
"Sea of Swords" of the Paths of Darkness series ends sometime in the Winter of 1370 DR
"Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn" game version ends sometime in the Spring of 1370 DR
"BALDUR'S GATE 2 (part 2): THRONE OF BHAAL" game and novel (The game was developed by BioWare as an expansion story to Shadows of Amn, the Enhanced Edition version is made by Overhaul Games of Beamdog) (Novel version written by Drew Karpyshyn) (Release date (Original): June 22nd, 2001, (Novel): 2001, (Enhanced Edition version released inside BG2:EE), (In-universe date of game: 1370 DR (sometime during the first year of the Sothillisian War), (Novel): 1368 DR???))
Game story synopsis: Not long after saving the elven city Suldanessellar from the vengeful wrath of Jon Irenicus, Gorion's Ward and his/her companions are once again pulled into another adventure. This time, Gorion's Ward must contend with more of his/her siblings, other children of Bhaal, especially five Bhaalspawn that are so powerful, the gods themselves fear their strength, collectively known as The Five. This bloodshed between siblings in the nation of Tethyr, south from Amn, is all for competing for the right to ascend to godhood, becoming Bhaal's successor... Or so they think. Can Gorion's Ward escape his/her destiny? Or will he/she embrace it?
Fun fact: Confusing, isn't it? Why is the novel version of Throne of Bhaal set in 1368 DR? I'll explain, because I've read it (with a grain of salt). The prologue of the ToB novel is set in 1368 DR, but after the prologue ends, the author somehow forgot to make it clear that the rest of the story takes place in the "present day", therefore the continuity of the Baldur's Gate novelization series is seriously thrown out of order, Throne of Bhaal is before Shadows of Amn even though it should be the other way around, because in the novel Jaheira gets killed by Abazigal, and Imoen gets killed off by Sendai, and in the Shadows of Amn novel, Jaheira and Imoen are alive and healthy, except for Jaheira, because she had been recently brought back from the dead from getting killed by Sarevok at the end of the first Baldur's Gate novel. Another reason why the Baldur's Gate games are more canon. The only lore contradiction the Throne of Bhaal game makes is a tavern bartender NPC telling you a rumor that Sythillis or Sothillis, the ogre mage leading the Sothillisian War against the southern regions of Amn is a Bhaalspawn and crossed paths with Bhaalspawn fire giant Yaga Shura and got killed by him. Again, that is just a tavern rumor in the ToB game, and rumors are not always true. Truthfully, the game was wrong about Sythillis/Sothillis, he was NOT a Bhaalspawn, and he and Yaga Shura never crossed paths because Sythillis/Sothillis lived to see the year 1374, holding the city Murann, which is directly west from Trademeet captive even after the war ended.
Fun fact #2: Viekang, the guy who teleports away with a flash of lightning every time he gets scared survived Yaga Shura's attack on Saradush because of Gorion's Ward, and because he is a Bhaalspawn, he lived on for 100 years even though he is human (being a Bhaalsapwn guarantees near longevity for races with normally short lifespans), and he becomes one of the last living Bhaalspawn in the 5th Edition time frame during the events of the Murder in Baldur's Gate tabletop adventure game as the assassin who attempts to kill Abdel Adrian, the alleged hero of Baldur's Gate. Again, there is no way Abdel and Gorion's Ward are the same character, especially after the way Siege of Dragonspear ended. If Abdel were revealed to the people of Baldur's Gate to be a Bhaalspawn and accused of murdering a Grand Duke's child, he would NEVER be treated with love and respect during Murder in Baldur's Gate, even after stopping Grand Duke Valarken's coup 100 years later, let alone be elected as Grand Duke. In the games, Gorion's Ward falls from grace in the eyes of Baldur's Gate and Saradush despite his/her heroics, even the Thayans during Neera's TOB side quest know Gorion's Ward as the "fallen hero of Baldur's Gate". The Grand Dukes would instead appoint Abdel as the hero of Baldur's Gate even if he was not involved in any of the events in the Baldur's Gate games. In other words, Gorion's Ward's reputation falls and is eventually forgotten by history as time passes, while Abdel is considered by many to be the true hero (when he really isn't).
Game: https://www.baldursgateii.com/
Novel: https://www.amazon.com/Baldurs-Gate...mp;psc=1&refRID=EYX31T1W8WNSR4VX01VB
"The Magehound" 1st book of the Counselors & Kings Trilogy (Written by Elaine Cunningham) ((Release date: April 1st, 2000), (In-universe date of novel: 1370 DR))
Story synopsis: Some are born with magic. Some without. Matteo, un-magical counselor to the mighty of Halruaa, has devoted his life to the truth - until he finds that he may have a hidden spark of magic after all. Now, with only a street waif for a companion, he's on the run from the mysterious Cabal. In the dismal Swamp of Akhlaur, Matteo will seek his own truth while battling a creature out of his nightmares.
But something even worse is on his trail: a relentless persecutor of magic. The Magehound.
https://www.amazon.com/Magehound-Fo...;qid=1562646051&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"The Sea Devil's Eye" of The Threat from the Sea Trilogy also ends in 1370 DR
"Sea of Fallen Stars" (a sourcebook tabletop game campaign expansion) (By Steven E. Schend) (1370 DR)
Story synopsis: For years beyond measure, folk of Faerûn have sailed and swum the Inner Sea from the Lake of Dragons to the Alamber Sea, but few believed there was more here than a vast expanse of blue water filled with fish, a few sea monsters, and ever-present pirates. Come, take another look and discover new worlds above and beneath the sea. Once you enter the Sea of Fallen Stars, you may never want to go home again.
Atop the Waves: Examine life on the Inner Sea from the major ports and common superstitions to the goings-on in the Pirate Isles.
Beneath the Seas: Discover the worlds within the Sea! Visit Serôs, an ancient land. Meet the enigmatic shalarin, a magical sea people from unknown oceans. Join the mysterious Dukars, magical defenders of the depths.
Myth Nantar, City of Destinies: Wrapped in a magical mythal, the elven city of Myth Nantar is the perfect place to make the transition to the world under the waves or to begin a complete aquatic campaign.
Fun fact: The events of this tabletop game include and overlap some of the events from "Under Fallen Stars" and "The Sea Devil's Eye", this game is set after those novels, revealing some spoilers of plot elements from those novels, so before playing this game, read the novels first.
https://www.amazon.com/FALLEN-STARS...;qid=1562646148&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"The Wyrmskull Throne" Tabletop adventure game (By Steven E. Schend and Thomas M. Reid) (1370 DR, alongside the "Sea of Fallen Stars" tabletop adventure, but can be a stand-alone game story)
Story synopsis: The Wyrmskull Throne - the ruling seat of the great dwarven nation of Shanatar - has been lost for five millenia. Now, rumors have surfaced that it has been found, and there are sinister parties that will stop at nothing to claim it. But the path to finding the throne is long and twisted, leading from a small village in the remotest regions of Tethyr to the bottom of the ocean! Those who follow it had best be prepared for the strange and wondrous - as well as enemies on every side - for it is no journey for the faint of heart.
https://www.amazon.com/WYRMSKULL-TH...p;s=books&qid=1298747714&sr=8-1#
"The City of Ravens" of The Cities series (Written by Richard Baker) (1370 DR)
Story synopsis: The City of Ravens. For the first time, Jack Ravenwild's designs exceed his talents. His ambitions plunge him into the middle of a plot to destroy the city, a noble quest to find a lost hoard, and a conspiracy to seize the reins of power through the nobility's Game of Masks. Worse yet, Jack must choose between a life of freedom and saving the city he doesn't even know he loves.
https://www.amazon.com/City-Ravens-...;qid=1562646173&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"Calimport" sourcebook (By Steven E. Schend) (1370 DR)
https://www.amazon.com/Calimport-Ad...;qid=1565024515&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"Beyond the High Road" (Written by Troy Denning) (1370 DR)
Story synopsis: The Seer Alaundo prophesied that seven scourges would sweep Cormyr away in ruin. For centuries the royal family has stood watch against that day and devoted their lives to the protection of the realm.
But in a time when their ancient guardians slumber and their most loyal servants disappear, when a terrible evil prepares to sweep down upon their home...
Who will protect the royal family?
https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-High-...;qid=1562646212&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"The Thousand Orcs" of The Hunter's Blades Trilogy (Written by R.A. Salvatore) (1370 DR)
Story synopsis: One dark elf. Two enchanted blades. One unknown enemy. And a horde of invaders.
It's been a long time since Drizzt Do'Urden has had to fight alone. When a ravaging mob of vicious orcs overruns the North and his friends are washed away in its evil tide, he must take matters into his own deadly hands.
https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Orc...;qid=1562646254&s=gateway&sr=8-3
"The Lone Drow" of The Hunter's Blades Trilogy (By R.A. Salvatore) (1370 DR)
Story synopsis: Alone on the battlefield. Surrounded by death. Cornered by enemies. And ready to die.
Drizzt Do'Urden has become the Hunter, the bane of the orc hordes still ravaging the North. Cut off, alone, convinced that everyone and everything he ever valued has been destroyed, all that's left is to kill, and kill, and kill until there are no enemies left. But there are a lot of enemies, and even the Hunter is just one lone drow.
https://www.amazon.com/Lone-Drow-Hu...mp;psc=1&refRID=08BCYP6Y4FGCZZCR9F6X
"The Vilhon Reach" tabletop accessory book (By Jim Butler) (1370 DR)
https://www.amazon.com/Vilhon-Advanced-Dungeons-Dragons-Forgotten/dp/0786904003
"The Two Swords" of The Hunter's Blades Trilogy (starts in 1370 DR after "The Lone Drow" ends)
Story synopsis: Drow stalk the shadows. Trolls infest the marshes. Orcs rule the mountains. And time is running out. Mithral Hall is under siege. Nesmé is overrun, and even powerful Silverymoon braces for war. Through it all, Drizzt has fought alone, but as the conflict draws to a bloody conclusion, the hunter will have to find allies both new and old, or die along with the rest of the civilized North.
https://www.amazon.com/Two-Swords-H...mp;psc=1&refRID=YFP9K7MWWACZJZPMBAN4
"The Jewel of Turmish" of The Cities series (Written by Mel Odom) (1370 DR)
Story synopsis: Alaghôn – The Jewel of Turmish Preserving the balance of nature is a way of life for Haarn Brightoak, no matter what the cost, but even his dedication to the customs of the druid is put to the test when a long-dead evil returns to the world of the living. As this vile creature gathers its undead army, Haarn must decide if he will compromise his way of life to defend the city that has never welcomed him.
https://www.amazon.com/Jewel-Turmis...;qid=1562646426&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"The City of Splendors: A Waterdeep Story" of The Cities series (Written by Elaine Cunningham and Ed Greenwood) (story begins in 1370 DR)
Story synopsis: In the streets of Waterdeep, conspiracies run like water through the gutters, bubbling beneath the seeming calm of the city's life. As a band of young, foppish lords discovers there is a dark side to the city they all love, a sinister mage and his son seek to create perverted creatures to further their twisted ends.
And across it sprawls the great city itself: brawling, drinking, laughing, living life to the fullest.
Even in the face of death.
https://www.amazon.com/City-Splendors-Forgotten-Realms-Cities/dp/0786940042/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Forgotten+Realms+City+of+splendors:+A+Waterdeep+Story&qid=1562646536&s=gateway&sr=8-3
"Empires of the Shining Sea" boxed adventure set (By Steven E. Schend and Dale Donovan) (1370 DR)
https://www.amazon.com/Calimport-Ad...;qid=1565024515&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"Lands of Intrigue" boxed set (By Steven E. Schend) (1370 DR)
Fun fact: I use this boxed set and Volo's Guide to Baldur's Gate 2 as references to more accurate D&D lore in my Baldur's Gate 2 fan fiction.
https://www.amazon.com/LANDS-INTRIG...;qid=1565024992&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"For Duty & Deity" tabletop adventure game (By Dale Donovan) (Marpenoth "October" to Nightal "December" 1370 DR)
Story synopsis: For over a decade, mystery has surrounded the fate of the lost goddess of trade and wealth, Waukeen. The Golden Lady disappeared during the Time of Troubles and has not been heard from since. Now, in Marpenoth in the Year of the Tankard (1370 DR), a young prophet suffers from disturbing, divine visions that reveal a beautiful, golden-tressed woman imprisoned on a far plane of existence by some great evil.
The leader of Waukeen's church believes that these visions mean Waukeen is alive but trapped in the deadly and dangerous Abyss. A party of adventurers is dedicated to peeling back the mystery of the Golden Lady's fate. Their route takes them to the plane-spanning Infinite Staircase and beyond, to the Abyss, the home of the demonic tanar'ri. The heroes must brave the dangers of the Abyss and rescue the lost goddess from the clutches of one of the most brilliant and dangerous of all Abyssal lords.
Fun fact: This adventure is very important to the D&D lore because it involves the rescue of Waukeen, the goddess known as the Merchant's Friend, who has been absent ever since the Time of Troubles. Because of her absence, clerics that worship her could only cast Level 1 and 2 clerical spells. In Baldur's Gate 2 Shadows of Amn, during Mazzy's personal side quest about curing her poisoned sister, the head cleric of Waukeen in Trademeet named Overgold says that several of his fellow clerics have given up on worshiping Waukeen because of her absence, not knowing whether she is dead or captured by someone. The latter was the answer.
https://www.amazon.com/Duty-Deity-A...;qid=1562646580&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"Living Forever" (The Best of the Realms, Book II Story XIV) (1370 DR)
"Temple Hill" of The Cities series (By Drew Karpyshyn) (story begins in 1370 DR)
https://www.amazon.com/Temple-Hill-...;qid=1562646635&s=gateway&sr=8-3
"A Tall Tale" (Realms of the Dragons II Story VI) (By J.L. Collins) (1370 DR)
"Chase the Dark" (Realms of War Story X) (By Jaleigh Johnson) (1370 DR during the Sothillisian War)
"Bones and Stones" (Realms of War Story XI) (By R.A. Salvatore) (1370 DR)
"Song of Chaos" (Halls of Stormweather Story II) ends. (1370 DR)
https://www.amazon.com/Halls-Stormw...;qid=1562646685&s=gateway&sr=8-2
"Night School" (Halls of Stormweather Story III) (Written by Clayton Emery) (begins in 1370 DR)
"The Price" (Halls of Stormweather Story IV) (Written by Voronica Whitney-Robinson) (begins in 1370 DR)
"Thirty Days" (Halls of Stormweather Story V) (Written by Dave Gross) (begins in 1370 DR)
"Resurrection" (Halls of Stormweather Story VI) (Written by Paul Kemp) (begins in 1370 DR)
"Skin Deep" (Halls of Stormweather Story VII) (Written by Lisa Smedman) (begins in 1370 DR)
"The Floodgate", 2nd book of the Counselors & Kings Trilogy (By Elaine Cunningham) (1371 DR)
Story synopsis: After a fight, some warriors seek to return home. Others seek revenge.
The battle of Akhlaur's Swamp is over, and its heroes part ways. One becomes a wizard's apprentice and tries to unravel her mysterious lineage. Another hero returns to his queen, only to find that all is not as it was.
Hidden from them both, the Magehound broods. She cannot forgive those who drove her from power, and she will stop at nothing to be avenged. Her bitterness ensures that Akhlaur's Swamp was only the beginning for them all.
https://www.amazon.com/Floodgate-Fo...;qid=1562646757&s=gateway&sr=8-2
"The Wizardwar" 3rd book of the Counselors & Kings Trilogy (By Elaine Cunningham) (1371 DR)
Story synopsis: Defeat breeds anger. Hatred breeds revenge.
Once again, the counselors of Halruaa have beaten back an attack by the wizard Akhlaur. Once more, the kingdom has been saved from its enemies.
But victory comes at a terrible price. The aged king is weakened, his powers diminished. His chief counselor Matteo is torn between his duty and his heart. Tzigone, the hero of the battle of Akhlaur's Swamp, has been hurled into a dark world from which she may never escape. And at the edge of time, Akhlaur and his ally, the Magehound, plot their final revenge.
https://www.amazon.com/Wizardwar-Fo...mp;psc=1&refRID=PS8JN0KSEC9K4Q6B16N7
"The Two Swords" end in 1371 DR
"Comrades at Odds" (Realms of the Elves Story V and The Collected Stories: The Legend Of Drizzt) (By R.A. Salvatore) (1371 DR)
Story synopsis: Tos'un Armgo finds himself without any allies since his three drow companions are all dead and he has become an enemy of King Obould Many-Arrows because of Kaer'lic Suun Wett's attempt to kill the orc while Obould and Drizzt Do'Urden were fighting. Tos'un knows that he cannot survive the journey back through the Underdark alone. Feeling helpless on the surface world, he lets out his rage by attacking orcs with the powerful sentient blade Khazid'hea.
Meanwhile Drizzt Do'Urden and Innovindil search for the body of Ellifain Tuuserail, the moon elf girl that Drizzt saved from being killed during the drow raiding party during the Homeland novel, but she eventually grew up wanting revenge, believing Drizzt along with his brethren killed her mother and friends, and crossed paths with Drizzt again in Sea of Swords, dueling against him and resulting in a draw. Ellifain died while Drizzt was healed even though he tried to beg Bruenor to heal her first. However, they find that the orc hordes have not yet disbanded after the (so Drizzt and Innovindil believe) death of King Obould. Upon inspection, the two elves find that the orcs are building a gate upon a trail further fortifying the orc kingdom. Realizing there is nothing they can do, they continue their journey objective.
Fun fact: This story takes place not long after "The Two Swords"
"Evermeet: Island of Elves" ends in 1371 DR
"Death of the Dragon" (Written by Ed Greenwood and Troy Denning) (1371 DR)
Story synopsis: Seven scourges—five long gone, one of the day, and one soon to come—open the door no man can close. Out come the armies of the dead and the legions of the devil made by itself, to sweep all Cormyr away in ruin, unless those long dead rise to stand against them.
—The Prophecies of Alaundo
The realm has endured a thousand years and more.
For all that time, an Obarskyr has sat upon the Purple Throne.
But under the tearing talons of dark magic, fell foes, and a dragon more vicious than any ever encountered, how much longer can the royal family of Cormyr endure?
Or the kingdom herself?
https://www.amazon.com/Death-Dragon...;qid=1562646862&s=gateway&sr=8-4
"Night School" (Halls of Stormweather Story III) (ends in 1371 DR)
"The Price" (Halls of Stormweather Story IV) (ends in 1371 DR)
"Thirty Days" (Halls of Stormweather Story V) (ends in 1371 DR)
"Waylaid" (Realms of the Dragons Story VIII) (By Thomas M. Reid) (Marpenoth "October" 1371 DR)
"Resurrection" (Halls of Stormweather Story VI) (ends in 1371 DR)
"Skin Deep" (Halls of Stormweather Story VII) (ends in 1371 DR)
"Shadow's Witness" of Sembia: Gateway to the Realms series (Written by Paul S. Kemp) (1371 DR)
Story synopsis: Erevis Cale, loyal servant to the Uskevren family, can't keep his secret any longer. From the nobles in their towers to the gangs in the streets, in the city of Selgaunt power belongs to the bold and no one's position is certain. When a thieves' guild attempts to eradicate a rival organization, something unspeakable breaks free—and it's hungry.
With Selgaunt in chaos, Erevis Cale must return to the shadowy life he left behind, to protect the family that has made him one of their own from the horrors of the Abyss.
https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Witness-Sembia-Gateway-Realms-ebook/dp/B006AV0C06/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Forgotten+Realms+Shadow's+witness&qid=1562646910&s=audible&sr=1-1-catcorr
"The Summoning" of the Return of the Archwizards Trilogy (Written by Troy Denning) (story starts in 1371 DR)
Story synopsis: From the depths of the Demiplane of Shadow comes a new magic so mysterious it confounds even the Chosen of Mystra.
From beneath the dune seas of Anauroch escapes one of Toril's most powerful and ancient evils—the phaerimm.
From Evereska, the last elven refuge on comes word of invasion.
From nowhere appears a group of enigmatic sorcerers determined to destroy the phaerimm and save Evereska... for purposes known only to themselves.
https://www.amazon.com/Summoning-Fo...;qid=1562646939&s=audible&sr=1-1
"Into the Dragon's Lair" 3rd edition tabletop adventure game (By Sean K. Reynolds and Steve Miller) (1371 DR, a few months after Death of the Dragon)
Story synopsis: Great Riches Await – And Great Danger!
As war-ravaged Cormyr tries to rebuild, a host of eager seekers—expert adventurers, hardened mercenaries, scheming wizards, misguided patriots, covetous rivals, and more—scramble to find the dragon's treasure.
Will your band of heroes venture across the dangerous landscape of the Forest Kingdom to secure Cormyr's future, or will they seek the hoard for themselves?
Fun fact: This tabletop adventure takes place after The Goblin War of 1370-1371 DR, so Cormyr in this game is still in bad shape after the war.
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Dragons-Lair-Dungeons-Forgotten/dp/0786916346/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Forgotten+Realms+Into+The+dragon's+Lair&qid=1562647032&s=gateway&sr=8-1
"Black Wolf" of Sembia: Gateway to the Realms series (Written by Dave Gross) (story begins in 1371 DR)
Story synopsis: Talbot Uskevren's problems are his own business.
The second son of Thamalon Uskevren would like nothing more than to be free—free to pursue a life in the theater, free to socialize with whomever he wishes, free to keep to himself in his tallhouse in the city.
But everything changes when a hunting accident leaves Tal infected with lycanthropy. All those wishes and most of Tal's problems are suddenly insignificant compared to controlling the dangerous beast within him. The priests of two gods keep offering him answers—for a price—and every night he delays may cost more lives than his family and friends have to offer.
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Wolf-F...;qid=1562646964&s=audible&sr=1-1
"City of Splendors: A Waterdeep Novel" ends in 1371 DR)
"The Long Road Home" (The Best of the Realms, Book II Story XV) (1371 DR)
...that I was eager to use for a BG1 playthrough, but only seemed to be appropriate for a barb.
I was also intent on RPing my playthrough more diligently than I had ever done before, so I chose stats and proficiencies based primarily on what I felt best matched the character's portrait and concept moreso than what I though would be the most efficient. For example,
1. I made my character a human, because that's what the portrait depicts - even though literally any other race would've probably been more beneficial.
2. She specializes in halberds, because that's what the picture appears to show her wielding (although I think that it's actually a 2-handed battle axe, but of course those don't exist in BG). I was initially very uncomfortable with this choice, because I felt that it would've been more beneficial to wield a one-handed weapon with either a shield, or (if also using a 2-handed ranged weapon) points in single weapon style, to offset the barb's armor restrictions.
3. Rather than maxing all her combat-oriented stats, I gave her 18/11 str (comparable to respectably strong characters like Kivan and Ajantis, but below hulking brutes like Minsc, Dorn, and Shar-Teel), 17 dext (athletic, but just below a master thief like Imoen), and only 15 con (the minimum amount that will still grant a bonus). The con stat is significant, since it undermines the fact that the barb is typically supposed to have an unusually high number of HPs to help offset the armor restrictions. I'm also playing on core rules and basically just accepting the first random HP roll that I get when leveling up, which further exacerbates the HP issue.
A lot of people seem to believe that a barbarian is supposed to fill a specific role - namely, tanking - and they come to be disappointed when they don't live up to their expectations for that role. However, the barbarian is probably most effective if you treat it as a versatile, but unconventional class with a lot of offbeat strengths and weaknesses. They aren't intended to be played in the same manner as a conventional warrior - their main strength is that they're able to do things that other, conventional characters typically can't do. Depending on your point of view, this may be either a selling point or a turn-off for playing as a barb.
For example, because the barbarian's rage grants a substantial strength bonus (unlike the berserker's rage), you can use it to break open locked chests or doors in situations where you either don't have a thief, or your thief's skills aren't sufficient to get the job done. In my case, I used my barbarian's rage a few times during the transitional period after dualing Imoen to a mage and waiting for Shar-Teel to progress as a thief.
You can also use the barbarian rage to break open that locked chest on the second floor of Wnthrop's Inn and access that very valuable gem (although I didn't do that in my current playthrough, since I'm RPing a good-aligned character who doesn't steal, plus I've also found that getting access to that much gold so early in the game can make the rest of the game seem too easy afterward).
In the early stages of my playthrough, when none of my party members had access to any armor greater than split mail, I used my barbarian largely as a front-line tank, since all of my party members were basically equally vulnerable and unprotected. However, once I started getting ahold of heavier armor, and also more powerful NPCs like Dorn and Kagain had joined my party, my barb settled into the role of an archer and flanker - either sharpshooting from long range with composite longbows, or marching into battle behind my frontline tank(s) once they had engaged and preoccupied the enemy. It was here that I found that the (purely coincidental) choice to specialize in halberds was perfectly suited for my character, since it allowed her to stand directly behind my tank(s) and then "reach" over them with the halberd to do hefty amounts of damage.
I typically try to keep my barbarian rage in reserve (especially since you will never get more than two uses a day in BG1) until mage battles. If I see that I've failed to interrupt a mage's spellcasting with ranged weapons, I will quickly "rage" my barbarian and then send her rushing among the mages (this is where the extra movement rate comes in handy) to do some up-close damage. This is especially useful in situations where an enemy mage casts spells from scripts rather than a spellbook, which makes their casting un-interruptable - like Bassilus or Mulahey.
For example, during the (normally very difficult) battle with the Amazon bounty hunters, while the rest of my party stood at long range and fired missile weapons, I sent my enraged barbarian rushing among the Amazons as their spellcasters prepared to cast. Within mere seconds, she had chunked both of their spellcasters before either of them had gotten a chance to cast even a single spell - and then proceeded to kill a third one of them as well.
So for those of you who also play as barbarians, what advice do you have on the best ways to use a barb?
