Post/Author/DateTime	Post
GM_Shaundakul 07-14-07, 02:48 AM	If any of you would be so kind, I would really appreciate a synopsis of what has gone on with Bhaal since his "demise" during the Time of Troubles. I know it's the plotline for the Baldur's Gate game(s?), but was it (the whole Bhaalspawn thing) also published in novels, or anything else? If so, you could just point me in that direction, but if any of you are feeling generous and wordy, a nice synopsis of how that whole thing turned out and now stands up to "present day" would be MONDO appreciated!! :D
Old Sage 07-14-07, 04:41 AM	There were novels based on events in the game -- Baldur's Gate (http://www.candlekeep.com/bookshelf/novels/21525.htm), Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn (http://www.candlekeep.com/bookshelf/novels/21569.htm), Baldur's Guide II: Throne of Bhaal (http://www.candlekeep.com/bookshelf/novels/21985.htm). The characters from the novels were stat’d up in DRAGON #262 for 2e and there is the Bhaalspawn template for 3e in DRAGON #288. There is also the sourcebook Ed wrote that complements the novels -- Volo's Guide to Baldur's Gate II. And the bits in Power of Faerūn and Lost Empires of Faerūn.
Zanan 07-14-07, 07:39 AM	Dragon 322 features the "Deathstalker of Bhaal" PrC, one of rogue/cleric "assassins" who try to gather enough essence etc. to resurrect him. Via the "Servant of the Fallen" feat described in Champions of Ruin or Lost Empires, you can still tap on him with regards to divine spells.
GM_Shaundakul 07-14-07, 02:56 PM	Many thanks for the assistance thus far. Since I'm a little too pressed for time to read 3 novels (dang it), is anyone familiar enough with them to give me a short (or LONG if you prefer :P ) "Cliff Notes" breakdown of of the general storyline (especially the ending - with "Spoiler" alerts of course ;) )? Sort of the "major points"? I do know that Bhaal foresaw his demise and copulated with various folk, creating the Bhaalspawn, but not much in the way of what happened after that.
Mirtek 07-14-07, 06:37 PM	I do know that Bhaal foresaw his demise and copulated with various folk, creating the Bhaalspawn, but not much in the way of what happened after that. Spoiler: The Bhaalspawn fought and the last remaining Bhaalspawn choose to deny his father's essence and what remained of Bhaal through his spawn evaporated throughout the multiverse, Bhaal's plan for rebirth having failed
Zanan 07-15-07, 05:17 PM	@ Mirtek ... that is reciting the novel content, right? The Deathstalker PrC and his mentioning in Lost Empires of Faerūn was published after that, so it seems that not everything in those novels has become canon after all.
Zsych 07-16-07, 06:09 AM	I'm just shocked at a character choosing to give up his chance at divinity.
Zanan 07-16-07, 08:36 AM	I'm just shocked at a character choosing to give up his chance at divinity. Well, that was a day and age when novel characters did a lot of "strange" ... or say psychologically-stressed decisions one would hardly expect of a hero/-ine. These days, they are sometimes also psychologically-stressed, but more often than not tend to make the right decisions.
Mirtek 07-16-07, 01:14 PM	@ Mirtek ... that is reciting the novel content, right? The Deathstalker PrC and his mentioning in Lost Empires of Faerūn was published after that, so it seems that not everything in those novels has become canon after all. Actually the deathstalker neither contradicts nor supports this. They're just the last faithful priests of Bhaal who somehow still gain spells (without servant of the fallen). The article introducing this PrC even suggest that maybe Set or Cyric are secretly granting their powers.
Bonzai 07-16-07, 02:50 PM	There could still be some surviving Bhaalspawn. Also keep in mind to that when a diety dies in the realms, his essence scattered across the realm. So while Bhaals original plan failed, there is still enough wiggle room to bring him back if you choose to do so.
GM_Shaundakul 07-18-07, 12:57 AM	Hmmm ...... Wow. Just to kick an idea around, what if ... it was actually Bane granting those spells and powers? And what if he were doing so as part of his own plan to bring back Bhaal? :incog: After all, it was Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul who were the original mortal companions who attained Jergal's portfolio waaaayy back when ... My, but Bane DOES despise the "upstart" Cyric, especially compared to one he's known for eons (Bhaal) ... And my oh my but BHAAL most CERTAINLY hates the Dark Sun as well ... And why would the god of tyranny turn down what would essentially be a god-cohort?!? Other than to take his portfolio for himself of course, but then: On one hand it seems if he could do that solo, then he would've by now, and On the other hand, what point is there to tyranny if you don't have subjects to lord it over - and who better to have as a subject than a god, to demonstrate your supremacy? Bane paraphrased: "Look biotch - I returned you. I own you. You get your portfolio back, we both get to see Cyric destroyed, and through you I become the most feared power in existence. That, or I can send ya back ..." :devil: Then too is Bane's (by way of his Zhentarim followers) little issue on Faerun with the Shadovar of Shade ... (though I haven't for some reason finished the Return of the Archwizards books, so I don't exactly know the final disposition of the city of Shade). But it seems to me anyway that this could easily have Bane written all over it. Good thought for my campaign, anyway ... P.S. WotC, don't forget to send me my royalty checks when you publish it... :cool: :P No seriously - send them. ;)
Vasyek 07-18-07, 04:15 AM	Just to kick an idea around, what if ... it was actually Bane granting those spells and powers? And what if he were doing so as part of his own plan to bring back Bhaal? :incog: After all, it was Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul who were the original mortal companions who attained Jergal's portfolio waaaayy back when ... It's a thought, but Bane as their 'original' patron would suggest that they have only been thus empowered for the past few years, in essence coming into play after the the major developments in the of the bhaalspawn saga as they stand have already come and gone. I haven't seen the prc myself, so I have no idea how well this would tie in to the class and its written history. As a workaround, it could be that this was something Xvim had in the works in his brief tenure as a god and Bane seized the reins once he was calling the shots again. On the other hand, it could be that they have not one mysterious patron but many. Perhaps it began with Set trying to make headway into the Faerunian pantheon, or as an extension of Cyric's furtive sponsorship of various holdouts of the Three, which has been a noted practice of his since he ascended in the first place, but however it began there are at least those three deities (Bane, Cyric, and Set) who'd want to manipulate and scrutinize these lingering fanatics for their own ends. As such, wherever it started, the Deathstalkers themselves may be divided amongst themselves without even realizing it, with different groups inadvertently fulfilling the decrees of the three gods who are each trying to assert their own claim as 'Bhaal' and whatever ends they intend to pursue through the charade. Bane could be making considerable headway in this direction, being the contender with perhaps the greatest insight into the deceased's temperament and goals and especially if his efforts are supported by those within the Faerunian pantheon who would see Cyric denied of further influence and adherents, such as Mask and possibly Bhaal's former subordinates Loviatar and Talona, while not relishing the prospect of facing a new rival in Set should he successfully commandeer the operation. In the case of the latter two, however, the possibility for further divisions and intrigue exists in the relative autonomy they've enjoyed over the decade or so in which neither Bane nor Bhaal was around to leash them. As such, they could be rather furtive and opportunistic in lending their helping hand, perhaps even attempting to play both or all sides in the hopes of seizing Bhaal's legacy for themselves. Their involvement, and/or Mask's, could spark Shar's interest as well, and while I doubt she'd involve herself too closely with the event, she could easily have a subset of the deathstalkers dancing to her tune to better ensure that however the matter progresses, it will do so on her terms.
Andyr 07-18-07, 10:47 AM	Hmmm ...... Just to kick an idea around, what if ... it was actually Bane granting those spells and powers? And what if he were doing so as part of his own plan to bring back Bhaal? :incog: After all, it was Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul who were the original mortal companions who attained Jergal's portfolio waaaayy back when ... Or perhaps it is Jergal. Jergal may have forseen the demise of the Dusk aspect of the sun millennia in advance, gifting most of his divine power to Bane, Bhaal and Myrkul so he could go 'backstage' for a while. (Granted, this doesn't explain why he'd give away many of his other portfolios.) He is such an ancient deity with knowledge of the fates of all beings that he doubtless has many tricks up his sleeve. Following the turmoil of the Time of Troubles, perhaps he is about to attempt a resurgence in power. Maybe Bane's resurrection was secretly fuelled by Jergal, to cement an alliance between these powers. Perhaps Jergal saved Myrkul from death, and that is how he is able to remain as a sentience in the Crown of Horns, to be restored as a minion of Jergal (or drained of power) when the time comes. Alternatively Myrkul's existence in the crown could be some form of purgatory, sitting there waiting for be reclaimed by Jergal. Jergal could be granting Bhaal's remaining faithful their spells in secret, to draw back some of the worship of death to him. And with Kelemvor, a novice to divinity, as the current Lord of the Dead it is likely that Jergal will be able to exert a lot of influence over him, subtly manipulating him to his own ends. Perhaps when the time comes, Jergal will give the signal for Bane to launch a devastating attack on Kelemvor. Jergal will then use the channeled power of Bhaal, and perhaps that or Myrkul, to finish off the weakened Kelemvor and thereby regain a large portion of his old power. Jergal was an ally of Amaunator, who appears to be enjoying an imminent reapparance (or merge with Lathander), so perhaps Lathander is in on it too. This could even be the second Dawn Cataclysm. With Lathander taking on Amaunator's aspect as the High Sun, and Jergal returning as Lord of Dusk, the circle will have been completed and the state of the Sun back to where it was during the Netherese Empire. This might appeal to Lathander's renewal portfolio, with the relegated Lord of the Dead being renewed to his former power. Assuming Lathander's merge/rebirth as Amaunator gives him a more Lawful aspect (which Amaunator and Jergal had), he might allow the alliance with Bane to have another greater deity of Law on his side. Following the resurgence of Jergal, the deities would then attack their mutual foes, the obvious target being Cyric, who may be reduced to a power of chaos and illusions (unless Bane wants the latter as a step along the road to dominion over magic). They could probably enlist the help of Mask, who'd be after lies and intrigue. Lathander wins: a cycle of the multiverse has been restored, he will have assumed the Highsun aspect of the sun, and will be in the process of reforming the pantheon to his desires. His foe Cyric will have been strongly weakened, and he will be more powerful which might allow him to subsume Horus-Re when the Faerunian and Mulhorandi pantheons come into conflict. Jergal wins: he escaped the first demise of the Dusk portfolio and will have regained much of his ancient power. He will also have two greater deities (Bane and Lathander/Amaunator) for allies, with the former in his debt because of his resurrection. Bane wins: he was returned from the dead, and with Cyric's power reduced he will be able to assume total control over the Zhentarim. The losers would be Kelemvor and Cyric, who wouldn't necessarily have to be destroyed (just demoted) and aren't particularly popular deities anyway. ;-) I guess Jergal could then make Bhaal and Myrkul into demigods in his service, rather than consuming them, which would please those fans (like me) who like them. ... I think I have just come up with my next campaign idea!
Mad Mage 07-23-07, 03:42 PM	Don't forget, according to the 2nd Edition deity sourcebook Faiths & Avatars... (highlight for spoiler) Some of Bhaal's essence inhabits the black waters in the area he was slain.
captaincarot 07-29-07, 07:21 AM	am i completely wrong in thinking that he's still floating around as some sort of red mist which can take control of people and drive them to murder through madness?
Andyr 07-31-07, 01:01 PM	I think that was one of his forms during the Time of Troubles.
Mad_Mickelson 08-05-07, 09:36 AM	Don't forget, according to the 2nd Edition deity sourcebook Faiths & Avatars... (highlight for spoiler) Some of Bhaal's essence inhabits the black waters in the area he was slain. Do we know the location of said slaying???
Andyr 08-05-07, 11:03 AM	Boareskyr Bridge (over the Winding Water, between Scornubel and Waterdeep).
Mad Mage 08-05-07, 11:11 PM	Boareskyr Bridge (over the Winding Water, between Scornubel and Waterdeep). That's it. Pardon the lack of any editing or whatever. Couldn't spell it correctly, and did have the will to look it up due to how busy I've been, lately.