FIRST: This post is long-winded and meant only for the bored and/or very patient reader. It was inspired by a brief exchange I've had with @CaptRory, starting here.
SECOND: It's got ALL the spoilers, so if you're not familiar with the ending(s) of BG2:ToB, you're better off just skipping this one.
THIRD: There has already been a lot of discussions about what could be done with BG3 (or BGNext as the folks in Beamdog call it) in terms of plot, rules and everything else. I decided to start a new one instead of casting Raise Dead on old threads as that may be a better move.
FOURTH: Of course the game has a long way to go and possibly still relies on how well BG2:EE will do saleswise. Also, whatever decisions are made will most likely not rely on the suggestions and/or speculation of a few fans.
However, I still think it's an interesting exercise to imagine how some of us would handle a third installment of the Bhaalspawn saga. I'll start with my own long-winded version (did I mention this is going to be a long post? Yeah), starting with the following assumptions:
1) The game will use the next version of D&D rules (D&D Next, or 5e) and thus, whatever changes the 4e version of the Forgotten Realms brought continue to be considered canon, specially the Spellplague. It's not the framework I'd prefer to have, but it's the most likely scenario, so that's what I'm going with.
2) This is a new adventure on a new version of the system (not to mention on a new engine), and thus you are back to Level 1. However, the game will assume you are the same character from the previous game (Gorion's ward from Candlekeep, the bhaalspawn). How can that be possible, you ask? Read on.
3) Just as BG2 made some assumptions about your BG1 character (that you were a hero and travelled with Imoen, Jaheira, Khalid, Minsc and Dynaheir), BG3 will also assume that you ascended to godhood (even though that's but one of the possible endings).
The prologue cutscene states your time as a new member of the Faerun's pantheon didn't last for too long. Cyric (who killed Bhaal in the first place and wasn't too fond of you in ToB), with the aid of one or more gods, successfuly struck against you. However, due to the interference of opposing gods (or any somewhat plausible explanation that doesn't spit on the face of FR lore), you were not killed, but stripped of your divinity, made mortal again and sent back to the Prime Plane, where your followers are now scattered and being persecuted.
There is an insurgence of Evil going on. If you are of good alignment, you must stop it, lest everything you fought for on your previous incarnation is now undone. If you are of evil alignment, you are *very* pissed off and you must not only reclaim your power, but also exact vengeance on those who have done you and followers wrong.
Your return to mortality will not go unnoticed. As soon as you begin your new life, the rumours start to spread. It won't be long before the assassination attemps will begin. You will need to choose your allies carefully. Perhaps you could find some old friends, people who can be trusted.
Not long after you start looking, a familiar face greets you. A now middle-aged Imoen, stripped of her arcane powers after the spellplague, and thus no longer an archmage, has come to your aid. Will you take her as your trusted sidekick once more?
Now, I know some of you might be groaning at Imoen coming back, specially like this, so feel free to disregard that last paragraph. But I think a prologue such as this certainly allows some old NPCs to return, if those events don't happen too many years after your ascension. It'd also contribute for a more BG-esque feel to the story.
Anyway, I'll write more as more ideas come to my mind. Please feel free to contribute with your own ideas and opinions, even if you think this is absolute crap - in that case, tell me what tell us what would be your take, if you've got the time and/or patience.
SECOND: It's got ALL the spoilers, so if you're not familiar with the ending(s) of BG2:ToB, you're better off just skipping this one.
THIRD: There has already been a lot of discussions about what could be done with BG3 (or BGNext as the folks in Beamdog call it) in terms of plot, rules and everything else. I decided to start a new one instead of casting Raise Dead on old threads as that may be a better move.
FOURTH: Of course the game has a long way to go and possibly still relies on how well BG2:EE will do saleswise. Also, whatever decisions are made will most likely not rely on the suggestions and/or speculation of a few fans.
However, I still think it's an interesting exercise to imagine how some of us would handle a third installment of the Bhaalspawn saga. I'll start with my own long-winded version (did I mention this is going to be a long post? Yeah), starting with the following assumptions:
1) The game will use the next version of D&D rules (D&D Next, or 5e) and thus, whatever changes the 4e version of the Forgotten Realms brought continue to be considered canon, specially the Spellplague. It's not the framework I'd prefer to have, but it's the most likely scenario, so that's what I'm going with.
2) This is a new adventure on a new version of the system (not to mention on a new engine), and thus you are back to Level 1. However, the game will assume you are the same character from the previous game (Gorion's ward from Candlekeep, the bhaalspawn). How can that be possible, you ask? Read on.
3) Just as BG2 made some assumptions about your BG1 character (that you were a hero and travelled with Imoen, Jaheira, Khalid, Minsc and Dynaheir), BG3 will also assume that you ascended to godhood (even though that's but one of the possible endings).
The prologue cutscene states your time as a new member of the Faerun's pantheon didn't last for too long. Cyric (who killed Bhaal in the first place and wasn't too fond of you in ToB), with the aid of one or more gods, successfuly struck against you. However, due to the interference of opposing gods (or any somewhat plausible explanation that doesn't spit on the face of FR lore), you were not killed, but stripped of your divinity, made mortal again and sent back to the Prime Plane, where your followers are now scattered and being persecuted.
There is an insurgence of Evil going on. If you are of good alignment, you must stop it, lest everything you fought for on your previous incarnation is now undone. If you are of evil alignment, you are *very* pissed off and you must not only reclaim your power, but also exact vengeance on those who have done you and followers wrong.
Your return to mortality will not go unnoticed. As soon as you begin your new life, the rumours start to spread. It won't be long before the assassination attemps will begin. You will need to choose your allies carefully. Perhaps you could find some old friends, people who can be trusted.
Not long after you start looking, a familiar face greets you. A now middle-aged Imoen, stripped of her arcane powers after the spellplague, and thus no longer an archmage, has come to your aid. Will you take her as your trusted sidekick once more?
Now, I know some of you might be groaning at Imoen coming back, specially like this, so feel free to disregard that last paragraph. But I think a prologue such as this certainly allows some old NPCs to return, if those events don't happen too many years after your ascension. It'd also contribute for a more BG-esque feel to the story.
Anyway, I'll write more as more ideas come to my mind. Please feel free to contribute with your own ideas and opinions, even if you think this is absolute crap - in that case, tell me what tell us what would be your take, if you've got the time and/or patience.